joooooniecore

[joooooniecore]

After all this time - Chapter 11

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: oh no a cliffhanger! i had to okay. its not because i hate everyone who is reading this story but there has been a lot thats going on in my life currently. i have been planning a move out of my childhood home as y'all know and so i am unable to really sit down and write it properly. now i am not someone who puts half ass efforts in writing and calls it a day. i want the angst to really stand out so i will be writing it in the next chapter, in a better way because we all deserve an angsty passionate confession after the torture of 10 chapters. so please wait a little more. i might even post the final chanpter before the next monday. thank you for always supporting. i really love the comments you guys put under the stories. i love y'all so so much!!

--- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @chezsofia @ppaia @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara @cheolliesvt @seungcheolsblackcard @alohacrispyrn @minhui896 @callmemadhatter @xxluvzrrrx

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 | chapter 6 | chapter 7 | chapter 8 | chapter 9 | chapter 10 | chapter 11 | chapter 12(finale)>>

You woke up from the constant ringing of your phone. The ringtone annoying you as you fumbled a bit before finally reaching your phone that was on the bedstand.

“Hello?”, you mumbled into the receiver, your eyes still closed.

“___? Are you still sleeping?”, came Jihyun’s voice.

“Yes. Why?”, you said as you slightly opened your eyes to check the time. It was almost afternoon.

“Oh my god! I overslept!”, you panicked a little before sitting up and then realizing that you don’t have office.

“Calm down young lady!”, came Jihyun’s voice with a giggle.

“Yeah. Sorry. What happened?”, you finally asked Jihyun.

“Just asking whether you would come to the party or not”, Jihyun finally said.

“Party? Seungcheol’s house?”, you asked, eyes widened by the news.

“Yes.”, Jihyun said.

“You guys have returned back, right?”, you asked, finally settling down.

“Yes, just returned.”, Jihyun said.

“Quite a bold picture you posted there by the way.”, Jihyun giggled a little as she teased you.

“Yeah. It was Jeonghan’s idea and Steven was mischievous enough to play along.”, you said with a sigh.

You weren’t really sure if you did a good thing by putting up a picture of your hand beside his on the dinner table but it was a great idea of proving to the world that you have moved on. You are not normally someone who goes around proving people things but the way Maya had reacted needed to be tamed so you did what you could do. Showed her that you don’t really need Mingyu anymore, which was an absolute lie.

“Mingyu was fuming when he saw it.”, Jihyun’s voice cut through the thoughts in your head.

“Huh? What?”, you asked dumbfoundedly.

“Yes. I saw him seeing the picture, grinding his teeth and then closing his phone before a frustrated sigh.”, Jihyun explained in such a casual voice that you almost beleieved she was joking.

“You are joking right?”, you asked.

“No. You can ask Jeonghan too. He was with me.”, she said.

“When did this happen?”, you were too curious to know.

“Today morning. When we were waiting for the flight at the airport. He sat a little away from everyone. Me and Jeonghan were loitering when we saw him check the picture.”, Jihyun explained the whole incident.

“So basically, you both were spying on him.”, you rolled your eyes but smiled fondly.

“Sort of but hey at least you got the information.”, Jihyun laughed which made you laugh too.

You both talked for another half an hour about what you both will wear and then decided to meet outside of Seungkwan’s house, before driving to Seungcheol’s house.

The rest of the afternoon went along fast, as you freshened up, and decided on which dress to wear.

Unbeknownst to you, a phone rang somewhere in another part of the same city you live in.

“Hello?”

“Seungcheol hyung, it’s me. Mingyu.”, Mingyu’s voice came out more strained than he tried.

“Yes Mingyu-ah, what’s up?”, asked Seungcheol as soon as he heard the difference in the younger’s voice.

“I-I broke up with her. I did it.”, his voice was shaking but he was determined to not cry.

“What? Oh. Are you okay?”, Seungcheol was now fully attentive of every exhale that came out of Mingyu’s mouth.

“Yes. I mean, can you meet me?”, Mingyu asked, the tremor in is voice evident.

“Yes of course. Where are you?”, asked Seungcheol as he grabbed his keys.

“Very close actually. I am in the ___ café, near your house.”, there was some shuffling on the other side.

“Yes, okay wait.”, Seungcheol dashed out of his door and within a few minutes was in front of the cozy café.

He quickly got in and searched around a bit before his eyes landed on the slouched figure at the farthest corner of the room. He passed through several rows in the busy café and was finally standing right in front of the younger.

“Mingyu.”, he finally said as he saw the younger raise his head in a slow manner.

“Hyung.”, his eyes were watery as he tried to control his tears.

“I did the correct thing, right?”, Mingyu asked as soon as Seungcheol settled down.

“Yes. She was cheating on you Gyu.”, Seungcheol softly mumbled as he tried to sooth the heartbroken boy.

“Even I know that. But we have been together for so long. I think I got used to her presence.”, Mingyu explained after taking a deep breath.

“I know. I understand that. It’s completely normal to feel this heartbroken even if the relationship meant nothing during the ends.”, hearing Seungcheol say that calmed Mingyu down a bit.

He really wanted to forget about this. All his life he has stopped himself from feeling guilty for never confessing to ___ and he used to make himself believe that Maya was the one for him but now seeing how she sucked the life out of him was tough to watch. He really wanted to scold his younger self for not choosing ___.

“I doesn’t matter anymore.”, Mingyu finally said in a small voice.

“What do you mean?”, Seungcheol asked, a little confused.

“Didn’t you see ___ Instagram story?”, Mingyu asked as he took out his phone and showed him the screenshot.

“I don’t think you should believe everything you see.”, Seungcheol tried to explain without giving away the fact that it was all a stunt.

“I will come off as desperate if I confess now.”, Mingyu’s shoulders slumped even lower if that was possible.

“What’s the worst that can happen? She says no. But at least you will be able to get over the thing.”, Seungcheol said.

“Are you sure? Should I really confess?”, asked Mingyu.

“Listen, your friendship with her is anyways ruined after the stunt Maya pulled. I just want you to get this over with. Talk with her. She is far more intelligent than all of us. I just know that she will understand.”, Seungcheol was trying so hard to not spill the truth but Jeonghan had warned him. He was in no way allowed to tell Mingyu that the date meant nothing to ___.

 “Okay. I will talk with her today at the party.”, Mingyu seemed to look determined. Seungcheol heaved a sigh of relief as he patter Mingyu’s back and ordered coffee for both of them.

The evening came earlier than intended. You were almost ready as you slipped into the sage green dress that you have saved for this occasion. Your cheeks burned red when you remembered how Mingyu had paid for this one. It was a bold move, to wear the dress someone else’s boyfriend bought for you but you were feeling rebellious today so you decided to show up in this one and make Mingyu regret every decision he has ever made.

The makeup was subtle, your bold red lips making a statement. You decided to leave your hair as it is, the soft waves cascading down up to your waist in a dramatic fashion. You wore your diamond earrings. You had the exact color heels to go with the dress which made you extremely excited. After finally getting all dolled up you decided to call Jihyun.

“Are you ready?”, you asked as soon as the call got connected.

“Yes. I am almost out of the door.”, Jihyun said as she screamed for Vernon to get moving.

You giggled as you ended the call and decided to head out too. The walk to Seungkwan’s place was short but it took you a bit more time since you were wearing pointed heels and the weather was cold.

You reached within fifteen minutes as you rung the bell to his apartment.

“Oh my god you look gorgeous.”, Seungkwan gasped as soon as he opened the door.

You laughed a bit as you entered the warm apartment.

“I am shivering.”, you confessed.

“That can’t be it. We need shots.”, Seungkwan dramatically commented as he rushed inside to bring out a shot glass and some vodka.

“What? Before the party?”, you laughed as you settled down on the couch.

“Yes. At least one shot. You will be warm and not that drunk.”, Seungkwan explained as he poured you a shot.

You chugged it in one go, your face crinkling from the strong taste as you laughed along with Seungkwan.

“Wow that was intense.”, you said as you kept the glass on the coffee table.

“Let me prepare one for Jihyun too.”, he excitedly commented.

After taking a few shots, you, Jihyun and Seungkwan were finally ready to go to the party.

Your heart was beating fast because you knew you were going to see Mingyu and Maya there. Every minute of it felt like running away, going to your home, lying in the cozy blankets and watching sappy romance movies till midnight.

Seungkwan might have noticed your discomfort as he pulled you right towards him in the cramped space of the hired car.

“Don’t plan on running away. This is a party of your close friend, not Maya’s.”, Seungkwan reminds as you huff a bit for you have been caught red handed.

Running away felt like the best option but all your life you have ran away from problems. Fights and quarrels have always scared you, as they give you panic attacks, so running away has always been your plan A. But now you have to be strong, and face the consequences. You can’t avoid Mingyu forever, even if that means making him realize what kind of shit person he has been dating.

“I won’t.”, you said with an assuring smile.

The party was going on in full swing. Seungcheol has invited some of his colleagues too and your group of friends. He has always been a very shy person when it came to making friends, so it makes you happy when you see him surrounded by friends that he has chosen.

“Happy New Year’s Eve Cheol!”, you screamed over the music as you hugged the man in front of you.

Seungcheol beamed, his dimples making an appearance as he engulfed you in a warm hug. The hug not only felt celebratory but also a gentle reminder that he is always here with you and that you can stop running away from your problems. You gently smiled as you detached yourself from him before stumbling into Jeonghan.

He was looking extra pretty with a shimmery top and white leather pants.

“Now you look like a piece of art sir.”, you smiled as you threw yourself into your office best friend’s arms.

“Don’t even start. You look gorgeous as fuck. If I were straight, I would have proposed you right here.”, Jeonghan giggled.

You enjoyed the compliments as it made you feel a little bit more comfortable in the way you were dressed. You have always been a little less comfortable in your skin whenever you dressed in something out of your comfort zone but your friends never failed to push away your insecurities.

You got introduced to some of Seungcheol’s colleagues including a man named Dokyeom and he was the bubbliest person you have ever met. He was all lame jokes and giggles which was entertaining to watch.

“Hyung has said a lot about you.”, he said.

“All good things I believe?”, you asked back with a smirk.

“Yeah mostly.”, he said with a wide smile.

“Are you enjoying the drinks?”, he asked again, leaning a little closer for you to hear clearly but maintaining a respectful distance.

“Yes, a little. I am not planning on getting drunk tonight.”, you mumbled.

“Planning to finally confess?”, Dokyeom said with a silly smirk.

“Even you know about that?! Great!”, you said with a huff as heat crawled up your neck because of embarrassment.

“I love talking about love. So, it’s kind of adorable.”, he laughed and you smiled along with him. It was easier to smile around him as he was just silly.

“I think the man of the hour is here.”, Dokyeom said as he rushed away from you before you could question his statement.

You turned around only to meet your eyes with Mingyu. He was looking extremely handsome. With a maroon red shirt, the first three buttons unbuttoned and jeans. His hair was shorter than you remember and was styled perfectly. His eyes met yours. You have known him for the longest time and you saw the flicker of something unknown in his eyes. You tried to avoid his gaze, acting like you haven’t noticed him but he was approaching you, with steady steps and a determined face.

“Happy new year’s eve, ____.”, he said as soon as he was right in front of you.

“Same to you.”, you said as you averted his eyes and tried to involuntarily search for Maya. You have no wish to again listen to her rude remarks.

“She isn’t here. We broke up.”, Mingyu said as he minimized the distance even more.

“What? Why?”, you asked, clearly shocked.

“For you.”, he whispered as he dipped his head right beside your right ear, a trail of goosebumps breaking out in the skin of your neck.

“You don’t get to say that now Mingyu!”, you could almost feel yourself getting enraged.

You have waited so many years for him to realize how toxic Maya is. You have waited for the response of your letters. You have waited for some kind of apology. You have waited for him for ages. And now, after you have decided to move on, he is standing here with that stupid smirk on his face as if he has done you a favour by breaking up with his long-term girlfriend.

“What?”, Mingyu dumbfoundedly looked at you and that made you even more angry.

“I need some air.”, you said as you yanked your hand off his grip and walked out into the balcony, unbeknownst to the fact that Mingyu was already following you.

click <<here>> to go to chapter 12(finale)!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any. also do like and comment!! it gives me motivation to write better.<3

[joooooniecore]

New plot idea

Plot: best friends to lovers where the reader is a tattoo artist who has had a crush on her best friend for years now and now he wants her to do a tattoo about something specific but the angle is weird so she has to sit on his lap.

ARE YOU GETTING WHAT I AM SAYING?

(got this idea from an instagram reel i saw a few days back)

Now the main question.

[joooooniecore]

helllloo!! I saw your update in the latest chapter and I just wanted to wish you luck on your new journey especially in another new city (just like yn and the crew) and I hope you’re taking care of yourself everyday <3 if you need to take a break that’s totally fine as long as you come back stronger than ever 🩷🩵

honestly speaking, i needed this. i have been a wreck since the past few days and the thought of packing and sorting things is causing me so much anxiety. i am also working on the next chapter and i am hoping to finish it by monday. thank you for your sweet words. i will tattoo this message tbh! T^T *sobs dramatically*

[joooooniecore]

After all this time - Chapter 10

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: hello everyone, i hope you all are doing well. this week has been mentally crazy for me. i am currently packing up my entire life to shift to a new city for my further studies and the entire thing has been a mess. i am still trying to stay calm and do the things i love(which includes writing stories). i haven't been able to open my laptop much but slowly everything is falling into place. i hope you all are doing good mentally. and if not, my dms are always open for you guys to rant about anything. i will be the listener you guys need (an elder sister if you may think like that). this story is coming to an end, i hope mingyu finally realizes what he is missing out on. there might be another bonus chapter from mingyu's perspective. i am working on it. love y'all!<3

--- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara @cheolliesvt @seungcheolsblackcard @alohacrispyrn @minhui896 @callmemadhatter @xxluvzrrrx

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 | chapter 6 | chapter 7 | chapter 8 | chapter 9 | chapter 10>>

The return to your home was uneventful. Seungkwan and Jihyun had called you a few times and you assured them that you were fine. They were understanding as they realized that you needed to do this. Seungcheol had called you a few minutes after you reached home to make sure you had food. Jeonghan sent you funny memes and pictures of Seungkwan who was lying down on your bed all upset and that made you smile fondly.

As for that one person, he did call. At least ten times but you were arrogant enough to not pick up the calls. He even texted you but you were too much of a coward to face him after what you have done. To love Mingyu, you had to distance yourself and you don’t mind that at all. You were always fine alone, and you would be fine now too.

You rested a little and then decided to watch some movies. Your friends were returning the day after tomorrow so you didn’t have anyone to hang out with which was sad. Then you decided to visit your family in the evening. It has been a while since you had dinner with them. Normally you stay so busy that you never find time to meet them. You do take out time to call your siblings once in a while but they are also grown up now and have their own worries to handle.

“Hello? Mom?”, you said as soon as the call connected.

“Hello! How have you been?”, your mom’s warm voice filled your ears as you smiled in relief.

“I am great. How are you?”, you asked as you tried to unpack your suitcase.

“I am always fine. Anyways, how is Prague?”, she asked enthusiastically.

“It was great. The place was beautiful.”, you answered earnestly.

“Was? You are back home? Weren’t you supposed to return on 30th?”, she asked as her voice carried confusion.

“Ahh yes. I came back early.”, your voice turned a little smaller.

“Why? Did something happen? Are you sick?”, she gasped as worry seeped through her words.

“I am fine mom. I had to take care of something.”, you tried to calm her down.

“Oh okay. That’s good. I mean, you are okay right?”, she asked again, clearly unsure.

“I am. Also, I might visit you for lunch tomorrow. Is that fine?”, you ask hesitantly.

“Of course! Your siblings would be so happy.”, she said with a short laugh.

“Yes. Don’t inform them. I will surprise them with some Christmas gifts.”, you said.

Your mother swore secrecy as you both laughed. The call ended on a happy note and the knot in your chest loosened a bit. You promised yourself that you were going to be just fine. You have once taken care of your broken heart, and you would gladly do it again.

The rest of the evening went by in a blur as you unpack your suitcases and do laundry. The house has been a mess since you were gone for almost a week and so you take your time in cleaning everything minutely. Dusting the surfaces properly, and making sure that every corner is clean. You have always been a clean freak and a clean space always cleared your mind. Cleaning actually helped you clear the clutter inside your head. It was like a coping mechanism for you for when you are in distress.

You decided to order some sushi from the nearby restaurant as you had no energy in you to make something for dinner, plus you didn’t even have any groceries left. The order came quick, and you sat down in front of your television to enjoy the meal and watch some movies.

Halfway through your dinner, your phone rang. It was Jeonghan.

“Hello?”, you said as soon as you picked up the call.

“Hey. Having sushi again?”, Jeonghan’s voice came through the static.

“H-How did you know?”, you asked with shock on your face.

“You always eat sushi when you feel low.”, his soft voice filled your ears. It made you tear up a little. Even though Jeonghan has known you for not more than three years, he gets you more than many people you have met. He has seen you cry over boys, office stress and quarrels with other people.

“Yeah. I guess you are right.”, you said with a sad smile.

“You know you can share, right?”, he asked next.

“I don’t know where to start. I just feel very embarrassed and it might have been a spur of the moment kind of decision but I needed this.”, you finally said.

“I know and that’s why I didn’t stop you.”, Jeonghan tried to calm you down.

“Seungkwan called me a while back.”, you said after a while.

“What did he say?”, Jeonghan asked as you could hear rustling which clearly meant that he changed his position and is now lying down.

“Same thing as yours. That he trusts me with decisions I make for myself.”, you sighed.

“It’s true though. I have seen you. You are capable enough to make right decisions, boss.”, Jeonghan teased which made you chuckle. Sometimes you really forget that you are his boss.

“Ugh stop calling me that.”, you rolled your eyes.

“What? Boss? But you are. That proves how capable and strong you are, ____.”, Jeonghan explained.

This made you a little bit more confident in yourself. You have never really been confident with the way you are. Even though you push through with all your willpower, you always feel like you are never enough. Might be close second, but never first. This thought has always haunted you. Being the second best. The achievements you have accomplished might look great, but for you they felt like duties you needed to fulfil.

“Stop downplaying what you have rightfully earned.”, Jeonghan steady voice cut through the cloud of doubts that were staring to form over your head.

“I know.”, you said with a sad smile.

“Also, I think there is some tension going on between Maya and Mingyu.”, Jeonghan whispered.

“Huh?? Really?”, you dumbfoundedly asked.

“Yes. They aren’t making much eye contact.”, Jeonghan informed, keeping his voice low.

“I hope they don’t ruin the relationship because of me.”, you said even though a tiny part of you hoped for it.

“I hope they do.”, Jeonghan’s cut-throat reply made you giggle.

“Ya! Don’t say that!”, you still managed to say.

“What? I am being real. She doesn’t deserve him. All she does is use him like a credit card.”, Jeonghan said matter-of-factly.

“T-That’s not true.”, you tried to reason.

“I am very observant ____. I have seen them. She doesn’t care.”, Jeonghan said.

“Whatever. I don’t want to think much about them.”, you finally said.

“Has he contacted you?”, Jeonghan asked again.

“Yes, he has. I am ignoring the texts.”, you replied.

“I see. You know what you should do?”, Jeonghan’s voice carried a hint of mischief that scared you a tad bit.

“W-What?”, you stuttered.

“You should go on a date tomorrow with that guy from office.”, Jeonghan suggested.

“Why- Why would I?”, you asked.

“Because you need to. Trust me. Maybe never go on a second one but go on this one and click an anonymous picture.”, Jeonghan’s plan finally made sense to you.

“I am not going to try to making him jealous, Jeonghan.”, you snapped at him.

“You have to! Trust me this one time.”, Jeonghan nagged.

“The last time I trusted you, we got stranded on an island.”, you reminded him.

“That was one time! And it wasn’t an abandoned island. It was Jeju.”, he said with a pout.

“Same thing.”, you rolled your eyes.

“So, will you, do it?”, Jeonghan asked with a smugness in his voice.

“Fine. I will.”, you grumbled and he cheered. You laughed a little because who could stay mad at Jeonghan, right?

The call ended and you decided to shoot a text to Steven, the guy who asked you out before you went on that trip.

You

Hey! Are we still on for that date?

Steven

Hi! Yes of course. I am glad you texted.

You smiled a little and typed another message.

You

Listen, I am not very sure about how this will turn out.

Steven

I know. I am okay with it. I just want to hang out.

That helped you relax as you asked him about the place and time.

Steven

I can make a reservation at the _____ hotel. Say 7?

You

That would be great! Meet you soon!

Steven

<3

The conversation came to an ended as you kept your phone on the bedside table and decided to get some sleep. You had to get up early and wrap all the gifts you bought for your siblings before lunch and then come home and get ready for the date. It was going to be a long day.

The next morning came earlier than you wanted it to come. You woke up, a little more refreshed and decided to keep that energy level stable for the rest of the day. After cleaning and making some morning coffee, you sat down with the gifts to wrap them up.

The morning was beautiful, as the sun glistened through the snow that has collected outside your window pane. The apartment calm, and the hum of the refrigerator was the only source of music that kept your mind off the things that has happened lately. You sat there, aimlessly wrapping gifts as you blankly stared at the colorful wrapping paper.

“This is so pathetic.”, you whispered to yourself.

Your phone’s ring brought you out of your thoughts and you reached for the sofa where it was kept. It was Mingyu. Again.

He has tried to call you for hundred times and it was almost exhausting. You wanted to erase everything and here he was being so consistent. You heard yourself exhale a disgruntled sigh and finally picked up the call.

“Hello?”, you said as soon as the call connected.

“___? A-Are you okay?”, Mingyu’s feeble voice was heard on the other side.

You almost felt guilty for leaving but didn’t let that affect your voice, “Yes, I am. Why?”

“You abruptly left and it worried me.”, Mingyu said, voice a little stronger this time.

“Well, you can see I am fine. I just needed to be back home.”, you snarled back even though you didn’t mean to be mad at him.

“You should have at least informed me!”, Mingyu’s voice was laced with frustration.

“Inform what? Oh, Mingyu I hate the way your girlfriend humiliates me and so I am leaving?”, you were furious now.

“I-That’s-not…”, Mingyu stammered and all you could do was roll your eyes.

“I seriously don’t have time for this Mingyu. I will contact you when I have cleared my head.”, you said with finality in your voice and Mingyu simply ended the call, the cut of static beeping in your ears.

Your heart was thumping faster as you took deep breath to calm yourself down. The day mellow, the sky clear but everything that was happening in your life was foggy and gloomy. You wanted to move on from this trip. The feelings, the emotions and the snarky comments. All of it. All you wanted to remember was the happy memories you made there.

The gifts were soon wrapped up as you put them all in a bag and got ready to have lunch at your parents’ house. You hired a taxi and gave the driver directions before laying back on the seat and taking the view in.

It took almost an hour before you saw the similar neighbourhood through the window. You sat up and brushed the back of your head a little to manage the tousled-up hair. The car came to a halt near your house as you paid the fare and got down.

“Have a good day ma’am.”, said the driver to which you bowed and wished him the same.

You rung the doorbell and the door was flung open by your mother.

“Oh my darling child.”, she said as she hugged you tight. You melted in her embrace as you giggled like a teenage girl.

“Hey mom, how have you been?”, you said with a warm smile.

“I am great. Your sisters are still asleep.”, she said with a mischievous glint in her eyes as she ushered you in.

You looked around the house and mentally felt happy for how your mom has decorated it in her own way. You never had a good relation with your father. He was a man of bad temper, and no idea of how to become a family. For the most part of your childhood, he was aloof and only came home on vacations. He would start arguments with mom and never really was present during the biggest milestones of your life. When you became a teenager, he left. He was tired of your family and moved on but your mom didn’t. She tried so hard to win him back but all in vain. He left your mom with three daughters to keep alive and that’s when you decided to start earning.

You were merely 18 but you did small jobs here and there along with your education to start supporting your family. Your mom even took a job at a local bakery and that’s how you all survived. When you went off to college, you would do assignments of other students to earn money and send a portion of that back home. Mingyu was the only one who knew about your state back home and would sometimes help you with work. Most of the times you would refuse but he was persistent enough to stay with you.

You kept your bag full of gifts on the sofa as you sat there while your mother went to the rooms to wake your sisters up. From the whispers you realised that the youngest was awake as she unknowingly got down the staircase and into the sitting area. Her eyes wandered a bit as they settled on you and she squealed.

“Oh my god, ____ what are you doing here?”, she was in shock but still rushed to you and hugged you with so much force that you both fell on the sofa. Your another sister came out hearing the commotion and saw you both hugging.

“Ahhhhhh puppy pile.”, she said and before you could say no, she has also jumped on top of you both. The three of you giggled as you tried to catch your breath.

“How have you both been?”, you said with a soft smile.

“We have been good.”, said the youngest.

“I come bearing presents.”, you said and they both clapped enthusiastically. You got a very beautiful piece of jewelry for your middle sister and a dress for the youngest. You even bough an expensive purse for your mother.

“This is yours, mom.”, you said with a radiant smile as your mother huffed with fake annoyance.

“You didn’t have to.”, your mom said but you could see how happy she was when she saw the gift.

“I wanted to.”, you said with a smile.

“Okay girls, let’s have lunch!”, your mom said enthusiastically as the table was already set.

The three of you washed your hands and sat down to eat. The food was delicious. Your eyes almost teared up when you ate homecooked meal after so long. No matter where you go, how many beautiful places you see or how much good food you eat, you will always return to your mom’s embrace and her food. It was your comfort. Your safe place.

“How was the trip?”, your middle sister asked.

“It was great!”, you said with a smile.

“Do you have pictures?”, she asked again.

“I don’t have the pictures I clicked but Jihyun sent me some so I can show you that.”, you said as you fished out your phone from your pocket.

“There you go.”, you handed the phone to your siblings.

They scrolled through the pictures for few minutes, gasping at the monuments once in a while which made you laugh. Then the youngest finally spoke.

“Who is he?”, she asked as she showed you a picture.

It was a picture of you and Mingyu, working in the kitchen side by side. You had no idea that Jihyun has clicked this picture. In the picture Mingyu was looking at you, his eyes sparkling with some sort of mischief and you were laughing, your head thrown back as you clutched your chest. His lips were also daring to burst into fits of laughter and it was captured perfectly. In that exact moment.

“That’s Mingyu, my college friend.”, you answered, keeping a straight face.

“He is so handsome.”, said the middle one which made you chuckle.

“Oh my beloved sister has a crush?”, you teased but she just waved you off.

“No. He is handsome for you.”, she finally said and you looked at her in shock.

“Yah! He is just a friend.”, you told her as you saw the youngest get up to eat some candies.

“He is not your boyfriend?”, she asked with a shocked face and honestly it confused you.

“W-Why would you think that?”, you asked.

“Look at him. He is in love with you.”, she said as she gave you the phone for you to have a closer look at the picture. It still felt normal to you.

“I-I don’t see it.”, you stammered again.

“I see it.”

“You turn eighteen and become what? A love detector?”, you teased her but she was being serious.

“I am serious ____.”, she said.

“Well, jokes on you, he has a girlfriend.”, you said with a bitter smile.

“Oh.”, she said, her face clearly disappointed.

“Maybe I read it wrong.”, she finally said and all you could do was pat her back as if that someone comforted you too.

The sun was setting down as you decided to head back home. You needed to freshen up and get ready for a date.

“I think I will take my leave.”, you said finally and then got up to pack your things. Your mom has even packed you some dessert that she has made while your sisters gave you hugs and kisses. You promised to visit more often from now on.

While you were getting ready to head out, your middle sister came running and said, “I don’t know how I guessed it wrong but you should talk with him.”

She was still stuck on that picture of you and Mingyu. You gave her a sad smile and said, “I can’t promise you but I will try.”, and she simply nodded before hugging you tight.

You got home without any traffic which was a relief. You got into your apartment quickly, tossing your bag on the sofa before heading in to take a shower. After you have cleaned up, you decided to wear a dress that wouldn’t be too flashy but also not too casual for a date. You weren’t sure what this date would mean for you. It didn’t seem like something that could benefit you but you have promised to meet him and you weren’t someone who would back down.

You called Jihyun to calm your nerves.

“Hello?”, Jihyun’s voice was heard on the other side.

“Hey, are you busy?”, you asked.

“No. Just packing.”, she said as you heard some shuffling.

“I am very nervous.”, you said finally.

“About the date? Don’t be. We are not saying you to marry him.”, she said in a comforting voice.

“I know but it feels like I am leading him on.”, you sounded defeated.

“You are allowed to go on dates, ____. It’s completely legal. Go on this date, refresh your mind and just tell him that you didn’t feel the spark. It’s not a big deal.”, she firmly stated and who were you to defy her?

“Fine. Can I call you after the date ends?”, you asked and got a hum of affirmation from the other side.

You finished getting ready as you applied some simple makeup, gold jewelry and your favourite pair of black heels. You looked into the mirror one last time before heading out of the door. You had asked Steven to wait at the restaurant itself because you needed some time alone in the hired taxi to ease your mind.

The ride was short as you reached the venue and paid the driver. The place was elegant but with a modern touch to it. You looked around a bit and finally decided to get inside. Steven was already waiting for you at the front so you smiled when you saw him.

“Am I late?”, you asked.

“No. I was early.”, he said with an easy smile.

After settling down on the table and decided to order immediately, Steven called the waiter to take the order. He took suggestions from you on what you want to eat and ordered accordingly. After the waiter was gone, you both sat in silence for a few minutes before you decided to speak first.

“I am not accustomed to this kind of setting, I am sorry.”, you said with a smile.

“I realized that. It’s fine.”, he assured you.

“If I am being honest, then we could just talk like friends. No need to look into this romantically.”, he said again and that somehow calmed you down a bit.

“It’s a little pathetic though.”, you chuckled.

The conversation then flowed from favourite color to hobbies to aspirations. You told him stories about your teenage life and he told you stories about his hometown. Laughter and giggles were exchanged as the food was served. The warmth of the food eased you even more as you teased him for eating too slow.

“You are a fun person after all.”, he finally said which made you roll your eyes playfully.

“Why? Do I look boring?”, you asked.

“No. Just scary.”, he said.

“What?”, you said as you giggled.

“Yes. I was shit scared to ask you.”, Steven said.

“I just don’t date.”, you finally said.

“Oh, and why is that?”, Steven asked.

“Just know that I haven’t moved on from someone.”, you said truthfully.

“An ex?”, he said with his nose scrunched up.

“Worse. Friend.”, you said with a dramatic sigh.

“Wow the plot thickens. Can I see a picture?”, he asked and you obliged, showing him a picture of Mingyu.

“I understand you. He is a fine man.”, he said and your eyes went wide.

“What? Just because I am straight doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate beauty.”, he laughed and it made you smile too.

“So will you confess?”, he asked after some time.

“Never.”

“Why?”

“Because it feels like it’s too late.”, you said.

“It’s never late. Wanna make him jealous?”, he asked with a mischievous spark in his eyes.

“Why do you sound like Jeonghan?”, you asked.

“I sit beside him in office, his personality has affected me.”, he laughed.

You both decided upon clicked a picture of just your hand resting on top of his on the candle lit dinner table. You put that on your Instagram story with a romantic song without thinking much about it.

“Well, that seemed like a successful date to me.”, Steven said as he drove you back home.

“You don’t mind that I didn’t reciprocate?”, you asked.

“No. I am a very social person. I just wanted to know you. You seemed very closed off during office hours which is not wrong but this felt like a good thing.”, he said and it somehow eased you.

“Yes. I promise to stay in touch.”, you said and he gave you a finger salute before he drove off.

click <<here>> to go to chapter 11!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any. also do like and comment!! it gives me motivation to write better.<3

[joooooniecore]

After all this time - Chapter 9

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: i hear some insane fight incoming. this might seem like a rash decision from y/n's side but she did what she had to. and i am sure the comeback will be boss like. she gave her own peace more importance than anything else and i am glad i wrote it in this way. afterall, we all need some spice in the plot. lets see how this one goes down. only two chapters left!

--- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara @cheolliesvt @seungcheolsblackcard @alohacrispyrn @minhui896 @callmemadhatter @xxluvzrrrx

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 | chapter 6 | chapter 7 | chapter 8 | chapter 9 | chapter 10>>

The next day was solo trip day. Each one of your friends have planned their own ways to spend the day. You were determined to visit the museum in the Prague Castle. You have always found museums interesting. Walking through rows of history and living the past as if you were a part of it. It was the quietness in these places that you yearned the most. Your life has always been chaotic. From learning how to live yourself to finding a meaning in life. You have always been the responsible elder daughter, trying to earn for your family and being the mediator when there are fights. So, in the stillness of certain moments, you found peace.

“I will return before lunch.”, you informed Seungcheol as you checked your purse one last time to make sure that you had everything.

“Don’t be late, young lady.”, Seungcheol said with a teasing glint.

“Yeah of course dad.”, you rolled your eyes but still laughed when Seungcheol gave you a disgusted side eye.

“Yah only I can call him that.”, Jeonghan screamed from somewhere in the kitchen.

“I never wanted to know that.”, Seungkwan said with an audible groan as you stifled a laugh.

“I will be leaving now. Bye.”, you finally said as you wore your shoes and were immediately out of the door.

The sun was up and shining bright. A contrast to the amount of snow that fell last night. It was a beautiful scenery as the white snow sparkled beneath the sunlight like diamonds. You took in the surroundings as you decided to take a tram to the castle – the easiest way there. The tram was mostly empty as you took a seat and listened to music on your earphones. It was the day after Christmas and most of the people were at home, taking a slower morning than usual.

After reaching the destination you decided to get some tickets only for the museum. The tourists were scarce as you easily went through the entire process of getting tickets and security checks before you entered the beautiful gallery of the Convent of St. George, a beautiful building that now houses the National Gallery's collection of Czech art.

You started exploring the building bit by bit, taking in the beautiful architecture and the walls filled with artifacts that signify a rich history of Czech Republic. It was beautiful. The exhibition halls going on and on as you found yourself getting lost in the impressive array of art.

There were several gothic and even modern pieces. The paintings holding so much more than what is just perceived by the human eye. Artists have given their entire life making these masterpieces and you loved every minute of it. You found it beautiful that someone as humane as you can make something you could never have imagined. This just proves how abundant we humans can think if we try.

As you explored the hallways, you almost felt lonely. You sat down on one of the benches and started thinking about everything that went through over the past couple of days. You rarely journal but you always carry one with you. It has been your companion since you started living alone. You thought about the way your friends always care for you. You thought about the way you were able to make Jeonghan fall in love again. You thought about the way Jihyun and Seungkwan has always been there through thick and thin. You thought about the little stories, the endless giggles and the insanely cringey jokes. It was all that was there. The dynamic you shared with them. And then unwillingly your mind went to the one person you swore you would never think of. Mingyu.

He has always been there, though a little farther than you wanted. You must have been foolish for never confessing in the most normal way. Instead, you wrote a letter that he never responded to. He never even talked about the letter and went along his day as if it didn’t matter. You have always found it sickening. Mingyu has been a little nonchalant but this degree of nonchalance has always made you annoyed. You really wanted him to at least reject you on your face or even write a letter back but no, he didn’t. He ignored as if that might have made everything go back to normal. And then dated Maya, which you don’t exactly regret. You almost feel offended that Maya was brutal enough to date someone you loved. Maybe you still do.

You don’t want it to affect the way you see him now. It has been ages and probably a joke among them both. You have done something childish and egoistic once but now is not the time to confess. Even if Mingyu breaks up with her, it would never be your place to be in his life. Mingyu has always been so delightful. He is tall, handsome, talented, intelligent and high status. He can be with anyone he wants and that would never be you.

As you walk out of the history of the museum, you somehow leave a piece of you behind. A piece you never want to return to. A piece that you want to bury deep inside you. You have always thought that you have moved on from Mingyu but guess that is not the case. And now instead of avoiding the concept, you have decided to embrace it and love him from afar. Maybe move on. Maybe be his friend again. Because no matter what, you will always need him in your life in some kind of way.

You stood outside of the building for what felt like hours before you decided to eat some street food and then return to the house. It was almost lunch time and Seungkwan would have your head if you don’t return on time. You know that Jeonghan will be in the market with Seungcheol. Seungkwan definitely doing some sport activity. Chan has his own work to do when we are not bothering him and Vernon, well he will simply be at home. Jihyun has decided to visit someone she knows. You didn’t have any idea about Mingyu and Maya. Probably on a couple’s day out and you seriously didn’t want to think about it.

You returned home after a while and found the house empty. You slowly walked in calling out Seungkwan’s name followed by Jihyun’s but no one responded. They probably hadn’t returned and it made you snort. You were going to scold them now. The thought made you extremely happy. As you sat down on one of the dining chairs, there was a shuffle somewhere and you looked up to find Maya standing there.

“You are early.”, she said as she settled in one of the chairs.

You hummed in response as you didn’t know how to talk with her about anything.

“Vernon is upstairs though.”, Maya said as she stared at you.

“I see.”, you said as you felt uneasy.

“You think this is a joke, right?”, Maya said in almost an accusing tone.

“W-What?”, you looked at her wide-eyed.

“You being here. Trying to win him back.”, Maya said with a scoff.

“I am not trying to win anyone back.”, you gritted your teeth.

“You are. You have always been like that.”, Maya accused as if it was supposed to hurt you.

“I don’t know what is in your head, but I don’t want him back.”, you said in your commanding tone. The tone you only use when you are leading a group.

“But you do love him still, don’t you?”, Maya said with an obvious smirk.

“I-I don’t.”, you hated that you stammered as you visibly saw the way Maya gave a triumphant smile.

“I know you do. You have always been like that. Sappy and annoying.”, she said with a smirk.

“It doesn’t change anything. I don’t want him back.”, you said and it almost felt like you are assuring yourself.

“He doesn’t want you either. And I will make sure that he never does.”, Maya threatened.

“Do as you please. I have nothing to lose.”, you snarled back as she got up and left you alone to replay whatever happened. You really thought she was here to clear everything out. Honestly, you would have given her a second chance as you all were a bunch of immature kids back then and misunderstandings can always be fixed. But Maya definitely never thought it that way. She has decided to hate you and nothing can change that.

As you sat there, a little shaken, you heard the front door open and Seungkwan barged in along with Mingyu. They were huffing and breathing heavily which meant that they both have gone on the trekking thing. You quickly wiped your tears as you greeted them with a smile.

“You are late.”, you said with a playful smirk.

“I knew you would say that when I checked the time.”, Seungkwan laughed as he sat down.

“I will get some water.”, you said as you got up and bought two glasses and a jug filled with water and placed it in front of the two men.

“So how was the trek?”, you asked enthusiastically.

“It was beautiful. The trek itself was hectic but once we reached the top, the scenic beauty was insane.”, Mingyu explained excitedly.

“Did you click pictures?”, you carefully asked, as you felt a guilt seep in.

“I did! Wait I will show you.”, he said as he got the camera out of his backpack and handed it to you.

“Right now?”, you questioned and Mingyu just shrugged as he placed the camera in your hands.

You shakily turned it on as you scrolled through all the pictures he has taken of the scenery. Seungkwan was long gone to torment Vernon and through the corner of your eye you saw Seungcheol enter the door followed by Jeonghan. Your eyes never left the pictures as you felt your heart stutter. Mingyu was an awesome photographer and the pictures explained that very well. The way he has captured the beauty of nature was insanely good. The only thing that bothered you was how nonchalantly he allowed you to see the raw pictures. Mingyu never allows that.

You scrolled through the pictures of today before you found yourself scrolling through all the pictures of the trip. There were the monuments he captured, your friends laughing, the food that you guys ate and a very cute picture of Seungcheol and Jeonghan. As you scrolled further, you stopped on a picture of you. It was a candid. You were laughing about something Jihyun has said and he has captured the moment mid-laugh. Your eyes were sparkling with pure joy and you have never seen yourself this radiant. Your cheeks red as you tried to control your laugh from being too loud. Then you scrolled further and found more pictures of only you. You were wandering around the castle and there were pictures of you in every place you visited with them.

You peeled your eyes off the camera to look at Mingyu and you saw him already looking at you with an unreadable expression. It was as if he knew you would scroll further on the camera. He knew you would find the pictures and yet he allowed you to handle the camera. A silent confession that he trusts you. He has never allowed anyone to ever see the raw pictures and this here was Mingyu’s way of saying you that you still matter to him.

It felt overwhelming as you slowly handed the camera back and complimented his photography which he appreciated with a smile. You didn’t know what to say so you just stood up and with a soft ‘excuse me’, left the room to clear your mind.

The rest of the afternoon went in a haze as you sat down for lunch and quickly ate it before going to your room to rest a little. Your legs were tired from all the walking so you needed to rest before your friends decided that you weren’t allowed to sleep. You lied down in bed as you decided to read a book to clear your mind. A lot had happened today and you were not sure if you trusted yourself to make the right decision. Maya has been vocal about how much she hated the closeness of you and Mingyu and Mingyu? He was silent but, in the silence, he has loudly proclaimed that he always trusted you and that you mattered to him which was a huge thing.

“You are thinking too hard.”, a soft airy voice brought you out of your thoughts.

You sat up to find Jeonghan sitting on his bed as he looked at you intently.

“I am so confused Jeonghan.”, you said with a sigh as you got up and sat beside him. Jeonghan was known to give the best hugs as he wrapped his arm around you and patted your back warmly like you were his kid.

“Aigo is my friend sad?”, Jeonghan said with a teasing lilt as you rolled your eyes.

“What’s wrong?”, Jeonghan finally asked.

And the dam broke. You told him about everything. Every little conversation, every little thing that you noticed. You told him about what Maya has said to you and what Mingyu has silently shown you. You were almost desperate to know answers and Jeonghan was great at giving solutions.

“Wow. That’s a lot.”, Jeonghan finally said as he softly smiled.

“I know. I feel suffocated.”, you said with teary eyes.

“I think I need to punch Maya.”, Jeonghan grumbled and you stifled a laugh.

“It’s not required Jeonghan-ah.”, you assured him as you wiped your own tears.

“But seriously, if Mingyu is willing to be your friend then why not?”, Jeonghan asked.

“Because it isn’t that easy. Can’t you see? I can never be his friend.”, you said with an exasperated sigh.

“I know. Maybe give it some time? See how he reacts once we get back home. Maybe it is the close proximity that’s making him say these kinds of things. You never know.”, Jeonghan stated.

“Okay. I will give it time. I won’t think about it for the rest of two days.”, you said with a sad smile and Jeonghan somehow understood the turmoil inside your mind.

“Don’t worry. If he tries to be an asshole, I will make Seungcheol punch him.”, Jeonghan teased and all you could do was laugh. Jeonghan always had a way to make you giggle even in the tensest situations. Sometimes you felt glad to work with him in office because he even made the boring corporate life a tad bit better.

As the sun set down, and the evening settled in, there was a distinct knock on the door of your room. You got up to open the door and found Chan standing there.

“What is it Chan-ah?”, you asked.

“Everyone is gathering in the backyard to start a bonfire. They asked me to bring you there.”, Chan informed.

“Okay hold up.”, you said as you slipped into your jacket and followed Chan out of your room and then out of the house, circling the entire plot to the backyard. There were no direct doors that led to the bonfire area so one has to go around the house to reach there. The air was a little chilly but the snow has subsided and the warm glow of the bonfire almost called you in. As you reached there, you were quite impressed by the bonfire that they have created. It was bright and huge and gave off warmth that made you want to snuggle in.

Beside the campfire, there was a grilling machine and Seungcheol was grilling some meat to serve. There were even marshmallows and chocolate to enjoy. A couple of beer bottles and other drinks from which one could choose.

“This is like the whole package.”, you couldn’t help but say.

“It is!”, Jeonghan said with a soft smile as he patted the seat in between him and Jihyun. You quickly sat there, allowing the warmth of your friends’ body to make you feel all happy.

“Who made the bonfire?”, you asked.

“Mingyu did.”, Seungcheol replied as he grilled meat.

You almost mentally scolded yourself for being this enthusiastic. Of course, Mingyu has built the bonfire. He was always good at stuffs like this and now you needed to compliment him or it would feel weird.

“It’s nice.”, you said without maintaining eye contact with the man who was sitting right across from you.

The conversation stretched along as you soon found yourself laughing and enjoying the time with your friends. Seungkwan would do something silly and everyone would laugh. It was as if you were content with the way things were and didn’t want to return to your life back home. You all decided to have dinner right there and then enjoy the marshmallows as dessert. The beer bottles were brought out next as everyone laughed and bickered. Chan sang a song very much off tune and Seungkwan almost tried to give him vocal lessons. Vernon shared an embarrassing story about Jihyun and you mentally made sure you would tease her later about it.

“Let’s play truth or dare.”, someone threw in the suggestion and you all seem to agree.

The games began; light-hearted and fun questions were thrown. The dares were ridiculous but funny as you all toppled over laughing, half-drunk with beer and half-drunk with happiness.

“It’s ____’s turn!”, you heard Chan scream and you rolled your eyes.

“Go on. Truth!”, you said but realized that it was a big mistake because Maya was the one to ask you a question.

“Is there anyone in this circle you had a crush on?”, she asked and you stiffened. You knew she was going to pull this move.

“Yeah. Seungcheol.”, you nonchalantly replied because it was the truth.

“Huh?? What?”, Seungcheol looked at you wide eyed.

“Don’t worry lover boy, it was way back. Probably only for a few weeks when I first met you.”, you explained.

“What happened then?”, Seungcheol asked.

“You opened your mouth.”, you said with a straight face but burst out laughing when you saw the way Seungcheol glared at you.

“This is gold.”, Jeonghan said as he laughed along with you.

The game continued and after a few more spins, it again settled between you and Maya.

“Did you have a crush in college?”, Maya asked and Seungkwan visible groaned.

“Why are you being so persistent?”, Seungkwan asked.

“It’s just for the game.”, she said nonchalantly.

You were not going to give in so easily. You knew what she wanted you to say and probably embarrass you in front of everyone. She might have tried to seed the thought of you as a villain in Mingyu’s head, but you somehow knew that Mingyu wasn’t going to hate you ever again. This push and pull game had taken enough toil on you and you would never again allow Maya to step on you like that.

“You really are persistent huh? Fine. It was Mingyu. I had the fattest crush on him in college. Satisfied?”, you snapped back

You saw the way Mingyu’s eyes widened. You saw the way he looked into your eyes as if trying to find if you spoke the truth or not. You felt the silence that fell on the entire group as the truth came out of your mouth. You saw the way Seungkwan gasped. You saw the way Jihyun looked at you in an almost horrified way. You felt the way Jeonghan’s hand on your shoulder tightened. But worst of all, you saw the way Mingyu’s eyes felt betrayed and that was what broke you. You realized the way he never wanted to lose you for something as strong as feelings and now that it was out, he will distance himself.

“You are pathetic.”, Maya said and that was it for you. You got up and left the place. You needed to calm down.

You heard Mingyu scold Maya probably for being insensitive but you didn’t care. You heard Seungkwan yell for you but you didn’t dare look back as you speed walked around the house and into your room before locking the door. No one came to knock on your door and you assumed that Jeonghan has slept with Seungcheol. At this point, you didn’t care.

Around 3 am, you got up because you were unable to fall asleep. After shuffling around the room for a bit, you decided to do something extremely insane. You packed your bags quickly. It was something you needed to do. You needed to prove Maya that you were done with her bullshit. You are strong enough to ruin her and so you decided to leave. You sat up quickly and checked the flight status. There was in fact an early flight for the next morning. You packed everything quickly and decided to at least inform Seungkwan before leaving.

You lied down for a bit and then got up at 5 am, freshened up and slowly walked to Jeonghan and Seungcheol’s room first. You softly knocked and hoped for them to wake up. The door opened with a soft click and Seungcheol looked at you with a shocked expression.

“You are leaving?”, he softly asked and all you could do was nod. You saw Seungcheol’s expression soften and you somehow knew that you needed to go away to fix this thing.

“I will wake him up, come in.”, he ushered you in as you sat on the edge of the bed where Jeonghan was sleeping peacefully.

“Jeonghan, wake up.”, Seungcheol softly nudged him and your heart melted at the sight. Jeonghan has always been the mischievous one who always shows off how he is unbothered. His partners took advantage of this and behaved harshly with him from time to time. But the way Seungcheol was so gentle and soft with him, made you extremely happy and you were sure that they both have found something unique in this bond.

“Hmm, what?”, Jeonghan groggily answered as he slowly opened his eyes to find you sitting there. He quickly sat up.

“Y-You? What? Where are you going?”, Jeonghan asked with a puzzled look.

“Home. I need to.”, you softly said as you placed your hand on his.

“Did you book a flight?”, he asked and you knew that he got his answer. You nodded and smiled.

“Okay. Text me when you reach airport. Call me before the flight takes off and call me when you get in the taxi back to your apartment.”, he strictly commanded which warmed your heart.

“I will.”, you said with a wet laugh as he engulfed you in a hug. You got up and was again embraced in a warm hug by Seungcheol.

“You two are truly acting like my parents.”, you chuckled.

“Good. Someone has to.”, Seungcheol grumbled before he helped you with your suitcases. He took the key of Chan’s car off the hook and walked out of the door along with you.

“Did you inform Seungkwan and Jihyun?”, he asked as he pushed your suitcases into the boot of the car. You didn’t even resist against him driving you to the airport because you knew that Seungcheol won’t listen.

“I texted them and asked them to call me when they wake up. Even texted them the flight details.”, you answered honestly as you sat inside the car.

“This feels like a bad decision.”, Seungcheol grumbled but still buckled in.

“I have to.”, you softly said and Seungcheol nodded.

“Did you text Mingyu too?”, he finally asked as the car was out of the garage and on the dirt road that led to the main highway.

“No. I don’t want to.”, you said with a sigh.

“I hope that idiot understands the hint.”, Seungcheol grumbled and all you could do was laugh softly.

Your flight was at 8 and you had to reach the airport by 6. It took almost two and half hours to reach the airport. Seungcheol helped you put all the luggage in the carrier and waited there till you have checked in and were waving at him from inside. Somehow his presence was enough to give you strength to get through the security check and to the main waiting lobby of the airport.

This was not a goodbye. This was what you needed to do. You needed to put a stop on the way she tried to put you down, mock you. Your friends would understand you. They have known you for ages. You were confident enough about this.

The only thing you hoped was for Mingyu to understand. He has always been someone who understood you without you even saying a word. And even after all these years, you somehow trusted him for understanding the way your mind works. If he really wants to stay in touch with you after everything, then you won’t turn him down. But even after all that, you knew you have to move on. Mingyu might become your friend but you are not sure if he would ever have the love that you have for him.

click <<here>> to go to chapter 10!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any. also do like and comment!! it gives me motivation to write better.<3

[joooooniecore]

After all this time - Chapter 8

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: apologies for not posting last week everyone. in short, i had a horrible week as i got sick twice and then lost my prescribed glasses (i am very blind), hence was unable to look at the screen and do work. i will be posting chapter 9 on monday(30th june). so enjoy this short chapter. the story is almost ending so i hope you are enjoying this. love y'all!<3

--- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara @cheolliesvt @seungcheolsblackcard @alohacrispyrn @minhui896 @callmemadhatter @xxluvzrrrx

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 | chapter 6 | chapter 7 | chapter 8>>

It was Christmas. A day filled with warmth and coziness. You have woken up pretty early and decided to spend the day in the nearby shopping mall. The others didn’t have any solid plans so few of them were going to rest – clearly from the hungover while a few of you decided to visit the Wenceslas square to get some shopping done. This place had beautiful clothing items that you have been eyeing for quite a long time. You have seen the local females wear such beautiful clothing that it almost tempted you to ask them the store names.

After breakfast you announced your plan to the rest of the group and Jihyun was ever so willing to tag along. She threatened Vernon to come with her because she needed to buy some clothes herself. Vernon being the ever so gentle elder brother, agreed. Seungkwan wanted to go but he needed to get some work done along with Chan so he stayed behind.

Seungcheol was the only one who didn’t feel hungover but he still refused because he wanted to take care of Jeonghan who was definitely hungover.

“I need one more person. The Chwe siblings are a menace. Please.”, you almost begged as Jihyun smirked beside you.

“I will go then.”, Mingyu’s groggy voice filled the room.

Your eyes went wide. You weren’t sure if it was a good idea to take him along. Maya would put the house on fire if she finds this out. Mingyu on the other hand seemed nonchalant about it.

“A...Are you sure?”, Jihyun asked for you.

“Yeah. If you are worried about Maya then don’t. She is too hungover to wake before 3.”, Mingyu said without even looking up from the sink where he was washing the dishes.

You dumbfoundedly stared at his back before deciding to take a shower and get dressed. The ride to the square was not long, almost a walking distance. You got dressed up warm and met the rest of the group on the front porch of the house.

After reaching the place, you decided to first walk around a little, trying to take in the shops and areas. There were food areas and even designer shops. The place was all flashy and rich. You and Jihyun kept giggling as you saw all the beautiful things and pretty clothes.

“Let’s go to that shop. I love the coats in there.”, Jihyun pulled you in the shop.

The coats were beautiful as you ran your fingers through the soft fabric of them.

“You should try the blue one.”, Jihyun said as she pointed at a royal blue coat placed on a mannequin.

“Okay.”, you softly said as you asked the employee to let you try it.

The coat was extremely warm and cozy and you almost closed your eyes in satisfaction as it slipped over your body. The waist was snatched which gave your body a perfect shape. The royal blue color looked beautiful against your tan skin as you looked at yourself in the mirror.

“You look beautiful in this ma’am.”, the lady said.

You bashfully nodded as you saw Mingyu and Vernon enter the shop through the corner of your eye. Mingyu couldn’t see that you were able to see him so you blatantly stared at him through the mirror and saw how his expression changed.

Mingyu’s eyes went wide and then softened. A smooth smile playing on his lips as he slowly took you in. Your cheeks turned red but you didn’t let it affect the way your face looked. You observed the way he heaved a sigh as he shook his head and walked towards you and Jihyun.

You quickly turned away from the mirror and started opening the buttons to take off the coat.

“Are you buying this?”, Mingyu said as he approached you.

“Uhm I am not sure.”, you doubtfully stated as you have already seen the price tag.

“Come on ____. Buy it!”, Jihyun started nagging.

“Doesn’t she look good in this Mingyu?”, Jihyun went along asking.

You knew what your friend was doing and you somehow hated every moment of it. You hated how your cheeks reddened when Mingyu checked you up and down. You hated the way his eyes smoothly glided over your entire body. Suddenly the coat felt too warm to be on your skin. And most of all, you hated that you can’t show your emotions openly, because Mingyu has a girlfriend and that made you feel extremely guilty.

“Fine I will buy it.”, you said with an eye roll as you walked up to the payment desk.

Jihyun also chose a smaller coat as she paid for her one. Then you both decided to move to the other shops. Most of them sold winter wear and it was not logical to buy so many winter clothes as it might make your suitcase even more heavy.

There are already ample winter stores in Korea so you decided to look for some good summer clothes or even evening dresses.

There was this one shop that was selling elegant dresses and Jihyun almost begged Vernon to buy her one. He compiled and all four of you were inside the beautiful shop.

“Hello. Welcome you beautiful ladies.”, the lady greeted as she welcomed you in.

“I am the owner of this shop and all the designs here are made by me.”, she informed as she allowed you both to wander.

“Really? That’s incredible.”, you beamed surprisingly.

There were several dresses and you helped Jihyun to find her perfect one. After searching for a few minutes your eyes caught on a hot pink dress. Jihyun’s a sucker for pink and you knew she would love it.

“Try this one.”, you said as soon as she peeked out of the changing room.

Her eyes twinkled as she took the hot pink cocktail dress in. It had a halter top which showed the perfect amount of skin to make it look sexy. The dress was dazzling and short – a perfect dress for new year.

“This is gorgeous. Wait!”, she squealed as she closed the doors again.

The dress fitted her like glove as she twirled in front of you. You were giggling as you fanned yourself dramatically.

“Perfect dress for you.”, you said to her.

“And what about you?”, Mingyu asked as soon as you both got out of the dressing room and Jihyun has left your side to make Vernon pay for it.

“Me? I already purchased a coat. Not exactly budget friendly.”, you said with a chuckle.

“Come on. You need to buy one.”, Mingyu nagged.

“I can buy plenty when I get back home.”, you tried to reason.

“I know but you should. I am paying.”, Mingyu declared and didn’t take no for an answer. He pushed you towards an array of dresses even deeper inside the shop.

You unwillingly went through the rows and rows of pretty dresses trying to find something that was cheap.

“Don’t try to buy something cheap.”, Mingyu suddenly spoke which made you flinch.

“I-I wasn’t.”, you grumbled like a child who was just caught doing something wrong.

“I know your habits like the back of my hand.”, Mingyu whispered right beside your ear before walking to a different direction to look at few dresses himself.

“Stupid big man.”, you mumbled as your eyes fell on the perfect dress.

It was a sage green strapless dress. A short length one to be precise. The color was beautiful. You have always found the soft green color amazing. It almost feels calming to the eyes. When you pulled out the dress, the first thing that caught your attention was a big bow in the front, on one side of it. That made it look even more adorable. Your eyes sparkled as you decided to try it on.

The dress felt amazing on your skin. The soft satin fabric hugged your curves perfectly as it gave you the little sexy minx look. You clicked a few pictures before coming out of the dressing room to possibly call Jihyun to show her the dress for approval.

You came face to face with Mingyu as soon as you came out. He was leaning against the nearby wall, waiting for you to come out. You couldn’t help but blush as you saw him lazily walk up to you.

“Does this look good?”, you asked shyly.

“It does. You look beautiful.”, Mingyu said with a big smile.

The butterflies dare to come out of your belly when Mingyu racked his eyes over your entire body but you stayed still as if moving an inch would make you crumble to the floor. Just on time Jihyun came in and gasped when she saw you.

“You look beautiful.”, she whispered as she hugged you tight.

“Thanks.”, you smiled.

After shopping, the four of you decided to eat something before heading back home. There were several restaurants and most of them looked extremely good. After checking the reviews online, you all decided on one and went inside to eat.

“Did he pay for the dress?”, Jihyun asked once you all were back home.

You both were currently seated in your room as you decided to get some packing done. There were two more days left of your trip and you needed to make sure that you have packed everything well. Tomorrow was solo day so you decided on a comfier outfit with normal running shoes because you were planning to check the museum of the Prague castle out. Last time you went there as a group, you didn’t get time to do so. You have already looked the booking procedure online and also downloaded a guide so that you don’t get lost.

“Yes, he did.”, you said as you packed things you didn’t need anymore.

“Ooooh, I hear spice.”, Jeonghan’s teasing voice filled the room as he came inside after spending time with Seungcheol.

“Shut up Jeonghan.”, you grumbled as you sat on the bed.

“But it seems that he has distanced himself a little from Maya.”, Jeonghan stated.

“Huh? Why?”, you couldn’t help but ask.

“I don’t know but Seungcheol does. He won’t tell me because it’s a bro code or something. But what I feel is that Maya is cheating or has led him to such a point that he doesn’t care about her anymore.”, Jeonghan shrugged.

“I see. Did you see them now?”, Jihyun asked.

“Yes. I saw Maya sitting in the balcony of her room when I went down to the lawn and then when I came in, Mingyu was seated on the couch.”, Jeonghan said as he lied down on his bed.

“That’s weird.”, Jihyun said as she thought deeply.

“Let’s not make a fuss about it guys.”, you said with a sigh.

“He would tell us when he wants to.”, you said as you shooed Jihyun out of your room and decided to take a short nap.

In the evening everyone decided to watch some crappy Christmas movie. You sat beside Chan as Seungkwan sat in front of you on the floor. He was constantly pinching you whenever a cringy scene was shown on the screen.

Jeonghan sat on the love seat with Seungcheol and you really didn’t want to know what they both were doing there. Your eyes wandered to Jihyun and Vernon as they were mostly gossiping and not paying much attention to the movie. Jihyun was sitting on the right side of Seungkwan and Vernon on left. Seungkwan himself was not paying much heed to the movie even though he did react to the giddy romance scenes.

You then involuntarily looked at Mingyu. He was beside you but at a distance. There was the armrest of both the sofas separating the two of you. Sometime along the duration of the movie, your hands did brush his as he kept his hand on the armrest at the same time as you. You didn’t know why but none of you decided to move away and hence you could feel his burning hot skin against yours which somehow increased your heart rate but also calmed you down. Maya herself wasn’t paying much attention as she was continuously on her phone texting someone. You couldn’t see who as your mind was foggy just from a single touch.

The dinner time soon came as you and Seungkwan prepared some ramyeon while Mingyu friend some chicken and roasted a few pieces of pork. The three of you peacefully worked side by side like old times as once in a while someone would crack a lame joke and the rest two would laugh out loud.

“You guys seem in your element.”, Seungcheol commented as he entered the kitchen to get some water.

You turned around to smile at him and that’s when you noticed Maya glaring at you. You didn’t want it to ruin your night so you ignored it. She has ruined your self-confidence a lot in the past and now after so many years, you wouldn’t allow her to affect you in the same way. You weren’t flirting with Mingyu, nor were you being touchy with him. Seungkwan was in the middle and you have decided to maintain a good distance when she was around.

And despite that she was glaring which made no sense. She could see the respectable distance and if she was really bothered by the way you laughed along with Mingyu when Seungkwan cracked a joke, then so be it. You have never been someone who stole someone else’s boyfriend and you won’t let her prove otherwise.

After dinner you decided to read a little and then go to bed. The living room was dead quiet as you lied down on the couch and read a book. You have always loved reading in the dead of the night. The pages flew by as you enjoyed the soft silence.

Your mind is always running so silent nights like this always brought you peace. You found the chaos fun but you also craved for some sort of peace. The book was interesting and you weren’t exactly sleepy to go to bed early. The snow was falling outside and the sound almost fell like a calming tune.

“You are still awake?”, came a gentle whisper that made you look up from the couch.

There stood Mingyu in all his glory. Somehow, he has ditched his t-shirt and that made it even more difficult to peel your eyes away from him. He stood there; half of his body illuminated by the soft glow of the kitchen light. You didn’t turn on any lights as you brought your reading light with you. It clamped to the book and gave you enough light to read perfectly even in the darkness.

“Yeah. Decided to read a little.”, you said as you sat up.

“You also like the quietness?”, Mingyu said as he sat beside you. His fresh cologne immediately hitting your nose. His body felt warm against the blanket you were wrapped in.

“Yes, I do.”, you quietly replied as you closed the book.

“I remember that. You used to go to the university library at odd times.”, Mingyu reminisced.

“Yeah. I remember you had to bring me back to the dorm once because it started pouring.”, you laughed as you recalled a memory.

“I miss the old days.”, Mingyu confessed and somehow you felt it too. You both had been inseparable in college and yet you never got the courage to confess. It was so messy that you almost died of guilt when you distanced yourself from him.

“Yeah, those days were easier. No stress of life.”, you laughed a little as you subtly scooted away from him.

“I hope we can again become friends.”, Mingyu spoke as he looked at you and you could see the feelings in his eyes. He was looking sternly as if he meant every inch of what he said. It was serious for him and you almost felt him move a little closer.

“W-We can be. We can catch up after we get back home.”, you stammered as you looked anywhere but him.

“Yea catch up….We can do that.”, Mingyu said almost in a hypnotised tone.

“Don’t leave me again, ____.”, Mingyu finally stated as he stood up and went to his room.

You released a sigh you didn’t know you were holding in as you tried to calm down your thumping heart. Mingyu was too close for your liking and the way his eyes bored down on yours, you couldn’t even move as if pinned in place by his sharp gaze.

Mingyu always had a way to make you shy and giddy and even after all these years, you can’t help but imagine how life would have been if you would just have confessed like a normal person. The ego was too much back then and now the time had gone. It was too late to make him yours so you settle your heart on being his friend again.

click <<here>> to go to chapter 9!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any. also do like and comment!! it gives me motivation to write better.<3

[joooooniecore]

After all this time - Chapter 7

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: this chapter isn’t a progress to the story. it is more of like mingyu’s point of view throughout this trip in short. this chapter includes incidents from the start of the journey till christmas eve. it's kind of a filler chapter. i might post chapter 8 before monday because i have already edited it too. let's see. thank you to everyone who is showing love to my story. i am so glad for the comments. the ideas, the guesses you guys are making truly are good. the comments always make me laugh and smile. thank you for supporting me. on days i feel like i am drowning, your comments save me. i love you all!<3

--- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara @cheolliesvt @seungcheolsblackcard @alohacrispyrn @minhui896 @callmemadhatter @xxluvzrrrx

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 | chapter 6 | chapter 7 | chapter 8>>

The moment Mingyu heard your name come out of Seungkwan’s mouth, his heart started racing. It has been ages since he last saw you. You were his ride or die in college. The person he allowed to be in his inner circle. The person he allowed himself to share his secrets and hobbies with. The salt to his pepper. The person he was once immensely in love with.

Mingyu was certainly left heartbroken when you decided to suddenly ghost him. He had tried many times to strike a conversation but you seemed to ignore him. He was lonely, and Maya resolved the loneliness. He got attached to her and made her, his anchor.

Now, hearing your name and also the possibility of meeting you, was causing a storm inside him. He thought he was over you. He thought that if he really met you in future, he wouldn’t feel anything towards you but he was definitely wrong. He dreaded this trip but seeing his friends being so excited about it, he finally gave in.

The day he again met you for the first time at Seungkwan’s place, he couldn’t take his eyes off you. You were wearing a sweatshirt too big for you, with your hair tied up in a bun and glasses on your nose. Your soft flushed cheeks in the winter cold, the way your eyes went wide when you saw him and he bathed in that attention of yours. He knew that you were as flustered as he was after not talking for so long. You were looking as gorgeous as ever. You were so engrossed in sorting out Seungkwan’s belongings, a visible pout on your face which only happened when you are doing something very attentively. He adored you and that scared him.

 Mingyu greeted you as normally as he could but the desperation seemingly seeped through his words.

He was this close to asking you about the reasons that made you ghost him, but Maya’s call ruined the moment. He saw your face fall, as you created some distance and he felt guilty for almost sabotaging his relationship. That night he had a fight with Maya and at this point he was just used to it. The relationship with Maya was all flowers and happy rainbows for the first year only. She was great in making him forget about you. But as the years went by, she seemed to get more desperate and greedier. Mingyu knew that she was with him for the generational wealth that he might attain someday but, in his mind, he was sure that he will more likely give it away to some orphanage.

The trip itself was pure torture. He saw you being all giggly and happy and it made his insides flip. He really thought he was over the feeling but every time you talked or even entered the room, his eyes would immediately follow you, trying to grasp in every move you make. To him, you were the most beautiful. The prettiest girl he has ever seen. If in college he fell for your youthful charms, then now he was in love with the way you held your ground. It’s the way you always stand ready to help someone, and that made his heart flutter.

He tried to strike a conversation many times, but you politely created distance. Even Maya showed annoyance when he tried to talk with you and he had no idea why. He was sure that there seemed to happen a fight between you both in college but that still doesn’t explain the fact why Maya was seemingly scared when he tried to talk with you.

That night when he saw you sitting alone in the dining area, he couldn’t control his legs as they took him to where you sat. The dimly lit bulb gave you such a soft delicate glow, that it mesmerized him as he walked towards you.

“Can’t sleep?”, Mingyu whispered in the softest voice so as to not startle you.

You looked at him, with half lidded eyes and he was surely a goner. Sucking his teeth, he decided to get a cup of tea himself as the urge to spend more time with you won over his rational thoughts. The tea being served helped as a reminder that he was just here as a friend and nothing more. He watched you slowly take sips as you closed your eyes in satisfaction. His pupils dilated as he took every little detail of you in.

Without giving it much thought, Mingyu shifted closer to you, softly dragging the chair so as to not make noise. He visibly saw you flinch as he kept his hand on top of yours. The warmth of your skin seeping through his as he basked in your presence.

“You know I missed you right?”, he said sounding almost desperate for some kind of reassurance.

“I hated how you distanced yourself.”, was what he told next, embracing you in a friendly side hug. Suddenly the distance seemed so less as he stared into your brown wide eyes which were now widened with shock. He saw you create distance and he allowed it. He saw you stand up, abandoning your half-finished tea and he allowed it. He allowed himself to let you go like every other time. He knew you will never be his and he will always be a coward in a toxic relationship. His life was way too complicated and he never wanted your life to be part of that complex web of emotions.

As he saw you walk towards your room, he simply smiled at himself. He was stupidly in love and he had no idea how to move on from this feeling.

The first seed of doubt took its home in his mind when he entered his room in the evening and saw Maya talking with someone on call, standing in the balcony that they got with this bedroom. She was giggling and laughing as she talked. At first, he thought it was one of her friends and decided to ignore it as he sat on the bed, scrolling mindlessly through his phone. The soft click of the balcony door notified him that she was done with her call. It wasn’t supposed to be a case of doubt but the moment Maya entered the room and saw Mingyu, she visibly flinched.

“When did you come back?”, she asked as her eyes looked anywhere but him.

“A few minutes ago. You were on call so I didn’t bother you.”, he nonchalantly replied.

Maya murmured something along the lines that she didn’t hear him enter and that created a doubt in his head. Why would she have to stay on guard about him entering their shared room? But Mingyu allowed it to slide off his mind as he decided to read some article he found online.

The next seed of doubt took its place when they all went to the Prague Astronomical Clock. Mingyu was busy clicking pictures when he saw Maya approach him to check the photos that he has clicked which he politely refused. He saw Maya retract as she sat on a bench, scrolling on her phone. He sighed in relief.

He hated showing the raw pictures he clicked to anyone. It was a pet peeve he had. A few moments later he heard Maya’s phone ring and when he looked at her, she was already walking to the opposite direction, laughing and giggling with the person on call.

The final blow was a day before the Christmas Eve. In the morning, they went to the market nearby to buy gifts for their loved ones. He wandered off the streets along with Maya who pointed at every pretty item, demanding him to buy it for her. He tried to refuse some of them while the others he bought for her. He was constantly getting frustrated by the fact that she was always on phone and always chatting with someone. He didn’t want to act like a controlling boyfriend so he ignored it as they hopped from shop to shop.

He even stayed silent when Maya decided to belittle you. He saw the way your face became pale and your eyes became strict, as you walked out of the shop.

“Why would you say her that?”, he asked once you were out of sight.

“She deserved it. Trust me.”, said Maya in her arrogant voice.

“I don’t think so.”, said Mingyu trying to stand his ground.

“Why are you being so soft about her again?”, Maya snapped.

“Well, she is our friend after all!”, said Mingyu, his voice sounding frustrated.

“You are seriously being pathetic Kim Mingyu. Are you seriously defending a girl who didn’t even resonate your love back?”, Maya commented wickedly and Mingyu decided to stay silent. He decided to get some batteries for his camera and Maya told him that she will wait outside the shop.

Maya was never really into the concept of photography. Yes, she did love getting her pictures clicked but she never understood how that can be someone’s passion. When Mingyu decided to become a professional photographer as his side business, Maya was disappointed. She really wanted him to take a position in his dad’s company. But Mingyu had other plans. He never really wanted to continue the legacy and his father was okay with it. His father never really forced him to do something against his will and so when he started his own business, his dad was the biggest shareholder in it.

It took Mingyu some time to find the correct batteries and when he got out of the shop, he saw Maya again talking with someone. Realizing that Maya is unknown of his presence, he decided to stand there and listen.

“Yes. Yes. He has no idea that we will meet.”, said Maya and Mingyu’s blood ran cold.

The other person on the call seemed to ask her few things which she answered in this honey dipped voice that gave Mingyu the ick.

“Yes, baby I will meet you there.”, she finally said as she ended the call.

Mingyu rushed inside the shop to take a breather and then came out as if nothing happened. He held Maya’s hand and guided her to where all the friends were supposed to meet.

The rest of the day went in a blur and in the evening, for the first time he decided to talk in your favour. He told in front of everyone how great you were in photography which left your friends in shock. Mingyu didn’t even care about Maya being upset at this point. He was so pissed off by what he heard that he was ready to break up with her the moment this trip comes to an end.

His attraction for Maya was already fading and this was the last nail in the coffin. But he needed proofs. He needed evidence of her cheating because she was a great manipulator. She will find out a way to prove that he was just doubting her for no reason.

He finally got a chance to prove himself when Maya talked about a party at a bar for Christmas Eve. Apparently, she came to know about it from a friend who lives here. She was acting all casual about it as the rest of the group agreed but he had plans. He needed to catch her red handed. He decided to approach Seungcheol and take him in this plan.

“Hyung, can I talk to you for a second?”, asked Mingyu as soon as Seungcheol opened his room’s door.

It was in the afternoon after they came home from the long tour of the palace. Mingyu was actually fucked because of how you were dressed in the morning. The short black dress drove him crazy as he couldn’t help but click your pictures in each of the locations. In the cathedral too, he was pushed against you by a crowd but he willingly stayed there, enjoying holding you close.

You seemed so mesmerized by the interior that you completely ignored when the guide told everyone to look up at the ceiling. Your eyes sparkled as you saw the tinted window panes and the main central region. Seeing how you stared in confusion at what the guide just said, Mingyu closed the distance, for his own selfish needs and dipped his head too close to your nape, taking your flowery perfume in.

“She told us to look up, silly.”, he whispered in his deep hoarse voice as he couldn’t help himself from getting close to you.

He saw the blush visibly creep up your cheeks as you nodded bashfully and looked up at the ceiling, beyond amazed at the beautiful patterns. As you admired the beautiful architecture of the cathedral, he took his time to admire you.

Maya was as usual chatting on her phone all day and barely gave him attention which somehow felt like a relief to him. The moment he heard Seungcheol talk about confessing, his heart decided to kill itself. He didn’t know that you had someone in your life and that almost left him heartbroken. He wasn’t sure if he should have asked for Seungcheol’s help, but he was the only one in this group who thought logically.

Seungcheol quirked his eyebrows as if questioning his intentions but gave in and allowed the larger male to enter his room. Mingyu sat on the bed beside Seungcheol.

“What is it?”, Seungcheol asked.

“I-I just firstly don’t tell anyone okay?”, begged Mingyu, clearly not wanting to ruin the vacation for anyone else.

Seungcheol nodded his head as he promised to keep his mouth shut.

“I think. No, I am sure Maya is cheating on me.”, Mingyu finally said as he waited for the aftermath.

Seungcheol’s eyes went wide in shock as he held Mingyu by his shoulders and ask, “What? Are you sure about it?”

Mingyu sighed, “Yes hyung. I am sure. I heard her talk to someone on call about the exact same party we are going to and she thinks that I don’t know that they both will meet there.”

Seungcheol gasped as he stared at Mingyu in shock, “Are you okay?”

“Huh? Oh yeah. I am fine. I just need to catch her red handed and then it...”, Mingyu’s blabbering was stopped when Seungcheol raised a hand to shut his mouth.

“I meant. Are you feeling fine? Your girlfriend is cheating on you. If you feel sad, you can share the frustration.”, Seungcheol explained.

Mingyu stared at the older man in shock. In the fog of trying to catch her red handed, he had almost forgotten to even register this feeling. Of course he was upset. He wanted to punch a wall but the thought of finally breaking up with her felt more like a relief than a sad thought. Mingyu was honestly tired of the everyday fights and the constant nagging of doing better for her.

Maya was always downplaying his achievements. She always nagged him to buy things and when he declined compiling to her requests, she would blackmail him. Till now Mingyu was weak, he didn’t want to cause any issue in their relationship but after seeing you here, his mind was always occupied by you and so letting Maya go was easy.

“Yes. I am fine. Don’t tell anyone but I am actually relieved. I was tired of the everyday fights and naggings. She always had something to say about me and always pointed some kind of flaw in the relationship. We have had broken up in the past but every time she somehow manipulates her way back into my life. I am tired. Please just help me with this.”, Mingyu practically begged Seungcheol.

“I will help you. What do I need to do?”, asked Seungcheol.

Mingyu’s eyes brightened. He sat up straight and spoke, “We will go to the party early along with Maya. Then me and you will get out to get a breather and as far as I know her, she will try to meet her partner when we do it. I will enter in and will most probably catch her red handed.”

“Do you really want to cause a scene there? We still have four more days left.”, said Seungcheol.

“Oh. No, I don’t want that. What should I do hyung?”, whined Mingyu.

“Aish this kid. Okay how about this? We act like we are going out but we don’t. I know the places in that club. I used to study here. I will keep you hidden from her while she goes to meet that man and we can click some pictures and videos and you can use them in future as you please.”, explained Seungcheol.

“Wow. You are a genius hyung.”, complimented Mingyu.

Seungcheol gave a hearty laugh as he patted Mingyu’s back. They stayed in silence for a bit and then Seungcheol decided to speak, “Do you like ____?”

The question made Mingyu stiffen. He had no idea how Seungcheol concluded that but here it was. Seungcheol was intelligent, he knew that but he didn’t know how the older man would know about this.

“I- Why would you ask that?”, Mingyu tried to deflect the subject.

“Come on Mingyu. I am not a kid. I can see the way your eyes travel to find her in a crowded room. I saw you take glances at her even when Maya was actively talking with you.”, Seungcheol said as he shrugged his shoulders.

“Fine. Yes, I love her. I have loved her since college. I thought I was over it but then I saw her again and I realized that I am fucked. I know she likes someone else though.”, chuckled Mingyu bitterly.

Seungcheol stayed silent as he created even more panic in Mingyu’s mind.

“Does she know about my feelings?”, asked Mingyu, clearly scared of the answer.

“I don’t think so. She is pretty much dumb.”, chuckled Seungcheol to which Mingyu nodded.

The conversation ended with Mingyu talking about you and Seungcheol happily listening to him being in love.

The night came soon as everyone got dressed and were off to the party. Maya was extremely enthusiastic about it the whole ride and that caused Mingyu to only shift uncomfortably. He awkwardly laughed and allowed his hand to go around Maya’s waist when she kept her head on his shoulder. It felt like a pit in his stomach. He was heartbroken, mad and extremely furious. He promised himself to keep his calm.

Everyone soon arrived and despite him being trying to keep an eye on his so-called girlfriend, he couldn’t resist but try to find you as the others entered the room. The moment his eyes fell on you, the world stopped around him. He could no longer hear the music or see anyone as his eyes zeroed on your approaching figure. In the short red dress, that sinfully accentuated your curves as it fell perfectly right above your knees. Your hair in its natural wavey form made him go feral. Just when he thought he was done ogling, you turned around to say something to Seungkwan and he saw the backless dress in its full glamour.

Mingyu had this carnal urge to just ignore everything and grab you by the waist to kiss you right then and there. You were looking gorgeous and tonight it felt even more irresistible. He was controlling himself. He grabbed the edge of the table too harshly which caused Seungcheol to swat his hand away before he hurts himself.

“Huh? What hyung?”, Mingyu asked, clearly flustered.

“I can smell your hormones Mingyu. Calm down.”, Seungcheol teased him with a smirk.

“God I am such a foolish man.”, Mingyu groaned as he hid his face in his palm.

He heard Seungcheol chuckle before he sipped his drink to calm his nerves down.

Before he could decipher anything else, a lot of things happened. Maya excused herself to go to the washroom and Seungkwan pulled you to the dance floor before he could even greet you. He groaned again as he pulled Seungcheol along with him to follow Maya. He felt like he was breaking Maya’s trust by being suspicious. Even though he was mentally done with this relationship, he still somehow wanted all this to be a false alarm. He was a very diligent man and he hated being used for his loyalty. Every thought came crashing down when Seungcheol pulled him behind one of the cabinets and pointed towards the corner of the hallway.

“Sorry dude but you need to look.”, Seungcheol whispered.

Mingyu’s eyes followed the elder’s fingers and saw Maya wrapped around another dude, as they kissed. His blood ran cold. He wanted to run there, and catch her red handed. The urge to see the shock on Maya’s face was too much but a grip on his shoulder stopped him. Seungcheol somehow knew his thoughts and he just silently agreed and snapped pictures and made a few videos before walking back to where his friends were seated.

The moment he walked past the dance floor, his eyes fell on you. But this time his eyes were aggressive. His jaw hardened as he saw some guy trying to get handsy with you which you were clearly saying no to. He couldn’t control himself as he walked up to the guy, towering over his height by a lot of inches as he glared. The guy was a total coward as he scurried away without even putting up a fight.

Mingyu took you out in the fresh air, and asked you about the trip. He sat in silence beside you, as the city dazzled around the entire arena. Mingyu always felt calm in your presence. Your mere presence was enough to make him feel at peace. Mingyu was always a busy kid and you were always there to make him enjoy the leisure.

After mustering a lot of courage, he finally asked you about something that has been bothering him for ages. He really wanted to know the reason you and Maya ended the friendship. You became so closed off after that, that he never found a chance to ask you.

You explained, clearly trying to sound respectful. He wanted to tell you the truth. He wanted to show you the pictures so that you could console him. He wanted you to talk about Maya with the anger that you clearly tried to suppress. The truth left him in shambles. Maya has always been a liar through and through. He has no idea how many things she has lied about but he wants to fix it all. He wants this trip to end soon so that he can start afresh.

He didn’t say much as you said every single detail. He just wanted to become friends with you again and you seemed to agree. Maybe someday he will actually be brave enough to confess.

click <<here>> to go to chapter 8!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any. also do like and comment!! it gives me motivation to write better.<3

[joooooniecore]

hello! I have been loving “After All This Time”!! sorry also my comments are a bit unhinged but that’s just how good the story is!

Could I please be added to the taglist?

Thank you!!

ofcourse love and it's okay, the comments make me laugh!<3

[joooooniecore]

After all this time - Chapter 6

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: sorry for not posting this chapter on time. i was severely sick and couldn't get out of bed for five days straight, hence couldn't edit this thing and post it. i hope you like this chapter. this is a long chapter as i wanted to keep the palace tour in one chapter only. did you feel the willingness of mingyu to be friends again? kinda frustrating to not know what he thinks right? well no worries, you will love the next chapter. anyways, thank you to everyone who reached out to see why i delayed the post. i love yall!<3

--- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara @cheolliesvt @seungcheolsblackcard @alohacrispyrn @lilylikesthat

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 | chapter 6 | chapter 7>>

The next morning, luckily you woke up right on time. You had set an alarm for 6 o’ clock because you wanted to have a slow morning just for yourself. You got out of your heavy blanket, a bit unwillingly and decided to freshen up first and then dress up well. You love winter fashion and you have brought some good clothes but you were too tired to dress up since the last two or three days. Now that you have time for your own, you decided to dress up like you always do.

You decided to wear a short black velvet dress, with a body warmer below. You paired it with thick stockings and black boots. Throwing a long black overcoat over the outfit, you stood in front of the mirror admiring yourself. Normally a person wouldn’t want to wear boots to a tour of a castle but the boots you own were extremely comfortable and actually didn’t hurt a bit. After putting on some light makeup, you decided to get out of your room and get some breakfast.

You kept the coat on the sofa and decided to get yourself a bowl of cereals. You were not in a mood to make something so this was the easiest way out. The microwave dinged indicating that the milk was warmed up. You chose a cereal and sat on the table, taking bites as you scrolled through your emails.

By the time you were done with your breakfast, you saw the others slowly approaching the dining area. You gave a radiant smile to Chan as he greeted you back with a soft ‘good morning’.

Seungcheol came in next as he grumbled about having to wake up this early. He poured himself some coffee and sat beside you on the sofa, slowly sipping it. You on the other hand opened the book you were reading and skimmed through the pages, clearly trying to not get bothered by Maya.

“Are you trying to ignore Maya?”, whispered Seungcheol.

“Kind of.”, you answered awkwardly.

“Good. She deserves that. I would have punched her face but I don’t think you would like that.”, Seungcheol joked as he flexed his muscles.

This made you laugh as you patted his back and promised to bring him with you whenever you needed a bodyguard.

Soon everyone was done with breakfast as Seungkwan announced that it was finally time to go. You got up, fixing your dress as you wore your coat and the boots that were waiting for you in front of the main door. As soon as you got out of the bungalow, you could feel a pair of eyes on you. You looked up to see Mingyu quickly turn towards Maya and walk up to the front gate. You stared in confusion but decided to ignore it and started walking out.

Chan informed everyone of a tram that was available nearby. One can take the tram and it will take them straight to the Prague Castle. You guys decided on taking the tram as it was cheaper and easier means of transport. The journey to the castle was nothing eventful, as everyone got separated in the tram, to find a seat. You sat beside Seungkwan and stared out of the window, taking in the beautiful scenery of the city. You always loved transport systems as it allowed you to drown in your own thoughts.

After what felt like half an hour, you reached the destination. Everyone got down from the tram and after asking for directions, the nine of you finally stood in front of the prestigious Prague castle. The word ‘beautiful’ would have been an understatement. The castle was beyond words. It was massive and magnificent. The details that were carved on the stones made you stare at it in awe. You have only read about castles in story books that looked this magical. You took a good ten minutes to soak it all in. You wished to stay in this castle forever but that would be weird right?

Seungkwan’s voice brought you out of your thoughts as you walked up to where he was.

“This is our guide and she will help us tour this entire palace.”, explained Seungkwan.

The guide was a small petite middle-aged woman who looked like she knew things about this place that no one knows of. She was dressed in a formal attire and spoke English very well. You greeted her with a with a warm smile and internally thanked Seungkwan for choosing a woman. It’s a weird concept of yours but you always feel lighter when touring a place with a woman guide. It helps you communicate easily and ask various questions that might get annoying at some point.

Walking through the gates of the magical castle, the woman-guide spoke first, “Welcome to the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world and a treasure trove of Czech history and architecture. My name is Elinor and I will be your guide for the day.”

Her voice was extremely professional but also captivating. It was warm and deep and didn’t have an annoying shrill to it.

“How long does it normally take for this tour?”, Chan asked.

“Uhm up to 3 hours. It also depends on how quick you guys walk.”, joked the guide which made everyone laugh a bit.

As you walked through the gates, you could see the history and the talent of the artisans from that age. You always get shocked at how skilled these people were in make something this massive and also detailed.

“As we enter the castle grounds, we find ourselves in the picturesque Hradčany Square. The square is surrounded by stunning Baroque architecture, including the impressive St. Vitus Cathedral, which we'll explore later. Let’s take a moment to admire the square's tranquil atmosphere and the beautiful buildings that surround us.”, said Elinor as she guided your group to the area.

You looked around, taking it all in. It was beautiful. The architecture was to die for and the beautiful buildings surrounding the square gave it almost a heavenly look.

“This is amazing.”, said Jeonghan as he stared at the Cathedral.

Everyone nodded, as if hypnotized by the beauty of this place.

You decided to click some pictures of the place, as Mingyu did the same. You both almost made it look like a competition to click the best pictures.

“I think I will click better.”, spoke Mingyu suddenly to which you gave a smirk as if silently challenging him into a photography competition.

“Ugh why do they need so many pictures?”, you heard Maya speak.

You decided to ignore her as you attempted to click more perfect shots. You were more of a candid photographer. You loved clicking pictures of people, who have no idea they are being clicked. If someone told you to click a picture of them, that’s when you get awkward and wobbly. Right now, clicking the pictures of the intricate designs, seemed so much better.

“Let them. They enjoy it.”, Jihyun strictly spoke, which you could hear perfectly from the distance. You acted like you were too engrossed in clicking pictures so that you could eavesdrop what the conversation was getting at.

“They are best friends, right?”, you could hear Elinor ask, clearly out of curiosity.

Seungkwan laughed and said, “Yeah kind of. They were partners in photography in college. The best team anyone could ever get.”

You couldn’t see Maya’s face but you knew she was bubbling with anger. You decided to end her misery as you walked out of the corner acting completely oblivious of the conversation.

“I am done clicking.”, you declared. Just then you heard Mingyu approaching too, signaling that he was done too.

The guide gently smiled as she guided you guys to the entrance of the massive cathedral.

“We'll now enter the breathtaking St. Vitus Cathedral, the spiritual heart of the Czech Republic. This magnificent Gothic cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete and features stunning stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and the final resting place of many Czech saints and rulers.”, said Elinor as the nine of you entered the closed area of the cathedral.

The inside was even more spectacular. The glass windows, the high ceilings and the beautiful designs. Even if the lighting was low, you could feel the rich architecture. You were so in awe that you almost missed what Elinor said next. The room was dimly lit so you couldn’t even see properly the faces of your friends. You stared in confusion as you suddenly felt a presence behind you.

 “She told us to look up, silly.”, came a deep voice close to your ear. You looked first at the owner of the voice, Mingyu who was grinning as he pointed towards the ceiling.

Then you looked up, craning your neck, and saw the most beautiful ceiling you have ever seen. The details, though too far away to capture with naked eye, were so beautiful. Amidst all this you could still feel Mingyu’s presence behind you as he almost pressed himself against your back. The inside of the cathedral was a bit crowded which explained the minimal distance between you both but it still didn’t help your thumping heart from calming down.

You were too scared to break this spell and decided to selfishly bask in the warmth of his body against yours, even if it didn’t mean a thing to him.

Elinor’s voice made you flinch as you created distance between you and Mingyu and walked up behind her to follow the group out of the cathedral and into a different location. The inside of the cathedral was too dimly lit to click a good picture on your camera. It was an old model and didn’t have much good features to click in the dark.

“I will send you the pictures I clicked inside the cathedral.”, Mingyu said as he walked up to you and quickly joined the group. You gave a small nod as you continued to walk.

You were actually getting scared of the bold attempts that Mingyu made to talk with you. You have no idea why he was suddenly having this urge to talk with you and be friends with you again. You were honestly scared about Maya being jealous and spilling the beans about your feelings for Mingyu which would complicate the situation more so you decided to maintain a respectable distance even though he was being all friendly.

“Next, we'll visit the Old Royal Palace, a complex of buildings that served as the residence of Czech rulers for centuries. We'll explore the palace's grand halls, including the impressive Vladislav Hall, with its unique ribbed vaulting and stunning Gothic architecture. This is where the Czech coronation ceremonies took place, and you can almost hear the echoes of history within these walls.”, explained Elinor as your group got inside the main attraction of this area, the palace.

You quickly took out your camera to click some good pictures of the architecture. You were always intrigued by how artisans pulled such beautiful pieces off even at a time when there were no high - defined machines. You snapped pictures of the details on the walls, ceilings and even pillars. The coronation ceremony arena was even more beautiful as you felt like a princess walking down the area.

You silently clicked pictures of all your friends as they loitered in the area. You were great at secretly clicking pictures of people and you got some pretty good snaps of Jeonghan and Seungcheol being snuggled together. Jihyun looked extra gorgeous in the soft pastel shirt she wore and you couldn’t resist but snap a lot of her pictures. Seungkwan who was adoringly looking at an oblivious Vernon was your next subject of pictures. Then you snapped pictures of Chan who was busy admiring the details and looked cool in the soft glow of the palace walls.

Your camera slowly panned to Mingyu, who was weirdly not with Maya anymore as he kept on snapping pictures of the place. You glanced around to find Maya talking on her phone and concluded that it was the reason why she was not clinging to him.

You hesitated a bit before snapping a few pictures of Mingyu who was so engrossed in clicking pictures himself. He looked extremely handsome in jeans and shirt. The black leather jacket made him look so put together and classy. A sunglass took its place over his eyes once he was done clicking and that gave him almost a boyish look. Mingyu was tall and that itself was an accessory and you almost forgot that you were surrounded by other people.

“I can see you drooling.”, Seungcheol’s voice startled you as your cheeks flushed and you ducked your head to hide the embarrassment.

“Why are you here to torture me?”, you glared at him to which he gave a hearty laugh to simply annoy you more.

“Why don’t you just confess?”, asked Seungcheol.

“Are you crazy? He has a girlfriend for fuck’s sake.”, you whisper yelled as your eyes went wide.

“Yeah, well you confess, he rejects, you get eternal peace.”, he explained casually.

“You are seriously lucky that my best friend likes you or else you would have been ten feet under the ground.”, you glared at him, this time in a murderous way.

He threw his hands up in the air, as a sign of surrender and said, “Sorry ma’am. No need to confess anything.”

“Who’s confessing and what?”, came a voice from behind as you both turned to find Mingyu standing there, dumbfoundedly.

Seungcheol smirked and you could see the wheels turning inside his head. Before you could stop him, he spoke, “Our friend ____ here has a crush on someone.”

Seungcheol ran away from the scene before you could even hit him and you stood there awkwardly under Mingyu’s scrutinizing eyes.

“Y-You like someone?”, asked Mingyu and you couldn’t understand why he was so shocked.

“Kind of yeah. It’s not a big deal.”, you said, wanting this conversation to end.

“Do I know the person? Is it a college friend?”, he asked next which made you internally groan.

“Listen, it’s nothing important. Don’t worry about it. I will confess to that person when the time feels right.”, you replied, suddenly feeling a bit bold.

You could see something wash over Mingyu, as he gave a small smile and walked up to Maya. You couldn’t decipher what happened and decided to ignore it and enjoy the trip. The rest of the walk in the castle was all calm as Mingyu seemed to maintain a distance from you and you decided to not get bothered by it as it was somehow good for your heart.

“We'll now visit the Basilica of St. George, one of the oldest churches in the Czech Republic. This beautiful Romanesque Basilica features stunning frescoes, intricate stone carvings.”, Elinor spoke, like a recitation as you entered the church.

At this point your head was completely empty as you simply decided to wander and enjoy the history with your own eyes rather than clicking pictures. You clung to Jihyun as you both giggled and scanned the place. Jihyun asked you to pose in front of a beautiful mural and she clicked few pictures of your outfit which you were glad for.

The guide quickly ushered your group out of the church, murmuring something about the shortage of time and took you to this place called ‘Golden Lane’.

“This is the Golden Lane, a picturesque street lined with tiny, colourful houses that date back to the 16th century. These houses were once home to the castle's goldsmiths, and today they're filled with quaint shops, cafes, and museums.”, Elinor explained but her voice seemed to be just in the background as you stared in awe at the lane.

Your eyes sparkled as you took in the beautiful colours of the houses. Suddenly you heard the soft click of shutter as you turned to find Mingyu pointing his camera at you. You gave him a questioning look to which he just shrugged his shoulders and started clicking pictures of the streets.

After the street tour was over, Elinor spoke, “Now we have only the art museum left. If you guys are interested in that then I can take you there.”

You all looked at each other, clearly tired from all the walking. You wanted to visit the museum but seeing how tired everyone was, you decided to not bring up the topic. You secretly decided to visit it when you come out for your solo trip day.

“I think we will head back home, if that is, okay?”, said Seungkwan politely.

Elinor showed no sign of annoyance as she quickly guided your group out of the castle area and near the front gate. You guys thanked her for the amazing service and she was kind enough to give you her card to contact her whenever you guys visit again.

After the tour, everyone was hungry so the decision to eat lunch was immediate. Chan again knew a great place near the palace which served great Czech dishes and took you guys there. The food was delicious as usual and the nine of you devoured everything that was ordered. After lunch, everyone hopped on a return tram back to the bungalow.

The afternoon went by in the glimpse of an eye. Everyone went to their respective rooms to rest or do whatever they liked till the sun went completely down and Chan called everyone into the living room to drink some hot chocolate and cookies that he made.

While enjoying the hot drinks and chocolaty heaven, Maya decided to suddenly speak up.

“We should go to the old town square in the evening.”, said Maya enthusiastically.

“Huh? All of a sudden?”, asked Seungkwan, clearly not buying it.

You guys weren’t accustomed to this place and so you weren’t sure it was a good idea to roam a busy place on such an eventful evening.

“Yes! Also, I have a friend who lives here and she was able to give me information about a bar that is celebrating Christmas Eve in full swing today.” explained Maya.

Seeing how everyone went silent, Maya decided to speak again, “Come on guys. It will be fun. It’s Christmas eve after all! Right babe?”

She finished off the sentence and clung to Mingyu to get his validation on the topic.

“Yeah. It’s Christmas Eve after all.”, said Mingyu hesitantly and Seungcheol agreed along with him.

Everyone nodded their heads and decided to get dressed before the outing.

You weren’t exactly willing to go because you felt weird dressing up but Jeonghan was ready to drag you out of your comfort zone. Chan was able to search up about the bar from his contacts and it was a very expensive one. The bar Maya selected also had an in-built heater so covering up wasn’t much needed. Chan was even kind enough to hire a taxi just so that the ladies can dress well.

“Chan is a gentleman.”, said Jeonghan as he rummaged through your suitcase for something fitting.

You nodded your head absentmindedly as you went through the pictures you clicked today.

“You didn’t bring anything sexy! Goddamit!”, yelled Jeonghan out of frustration.

“I wasn’t exactly planning to wear a mini dress in freezing cold Jeonghan.”, you snapped back jokingly.

He looked at you, eyes gleaming with something that you were scared of. He gave a gentle smile as he stood up suddenly and rummaged through his own bag and brought out a wrapped box.

“What is that?”, you asked out of curiosity.

“I was supposed to give you this at night for Christmas but here you go. I bought this dress for you from a store back home.”, he said as he handed the box over to you.

You giggled a bit as you unwrapped the present and inside was the most gorgeous and sexy red dress you have ever seen.

It had a simple front, with rhinestones cascading down . It would end just above your knee. The back was the statement piece itself. A low dip back cut ran down the entire length of the dress just up to the hip area. Rhinestone attached ribbons going criss cross along the entire back and tying into a bow on the lower back. The dress was beautiful, bold and so gorgeous. 

“Are you sure this would suit me?”, you asked, a bit nervous for wearing something this bold.

“You would look breathtaking in this. Mingyu would be begging on his knees.”, joked Jeonghan.

You rolled your eyes and got inside the washroom to change and do your makeup. Jeonghan was right. The dress fitted you like a glove. Your curves accentuated due to the silk fabric of the dress. It made you look sexy and even more attractive. You decided to go for a simple make up look so that it doesn’t draw the attention away from the dress. Letting your hair fall, in its natural way made you look gorgeous. You never really kept your hair open but on such rare occasions, you wanted your waist length hair to have its moment.

As you came out of the washroom, Jeonghan fell on his knees, exaggerating his reaction. You laughed as you twirled to give him a show. Jeonghan stood up and went out of the room to call Seungkwan and Jihyun in.

“Oh my god! You look so fucking good what the hell?”, was what Seungkwan screamed as soon as he entered the room to see you.

Jihyun hugged you tight saying if she had a chance, she would date you.

After mustering courage, you decided to wear the black boots and the coat that you wore in the morning. You wrapped the coat around your waist as you wanted to show your outfit when you reach the bar.

As you came out of your room, Chan explained that Seungcheol, Vernon, Mingyu and Maya were already on their way to the bar and it was just them five here now. After getting ready completely, you guys got into the hired taxi and drove to the place.

The bar was beautiful. It had the classy look, like most of the places in the city. It almost looked like a sophisticated royal party but the neon lights and music gave it a modern look.

As soon as the five of you entered, Chan quickly spotted the rest of the people and joined them. Jihyun was quick enough to order few drinks. You decided to not get much drunk as you ordered a cocktail and decided to nurture it for most of the night. The others decided to go for some strong shots. Seungcheol also backed off from drinking as he was going to make sure everyone reaches home safe.

The night went along as everyone became tipsy and swayed to the music blasting through the speakers. Out of the corner of your eye you saw Maya leave and before you could see where she went, Jihyun and Seungkwan dragged you on the dance floor.

You allowed the songs to flow through your body as you swinged from side to side while bumping playfully into Seungkwan and Jihyun. The three of you giggled drunkenly as the music made everything else tune out from your mind. Suddenly you noticed a presence behind you, touching your exposed back and you flinched. Turning around you saw a man trying to get close to you. Jihyun and Seungkwan were no were to be found as you realized that you got lost in the crowd for a bit.

“Hey babe, wanna dance?”, he asked clearly trying to flirt.

“No thank you.”, you replied politely. The man furrowed his eyebrows and insisted one more time, not budging from the spot. You panicked a bit trying to create a distance and distanced yourself before looking towards the table everyone sat earlier to find Seungcheol. He knew how to handle these situations. Panic rushed through your veins as you saw that no one was there around you that you knew of.

A strong hand grabbed your wrist as you flinched, trying to get away from the smell of alcohol mixed with sweat that attacked your nose. The man smirked as he tried to pull you closer. You are not a weak woman and knew how to hold your ground but at that moment your brain was too foggy to even register how to escape. As a single tear escaped your eye, you suddenly felt the grip loosen and leave your hand.

You looked up to see Mingyu standing there, glaring at the man who was trying to force himself on you. Mingyu was way taller than the man and that made him drop his strong demeanour and scurry away to escape the probable chance of getting beaten up.

Mingyu approached you and gently held onto your shoulders trying to ground you. He slowly bent forward and gently whispered in your ear, “Are you okay?”

You simply nodded, not sure if you still have your voice. Mingyu looked around a bit and when he was unable to find the rest of the friends, he decided to again ask you, “Do you want to go out for a bit?”

The idea of getting some fresh air instantly made you calm. You nodded and Mingyu quickly grabbed your hand, trying to make both of you pass the heavy crowd and out into the fresh chilly air of Prague night. The Old Town Square was itself breathtaking as lights twinkled in every nook and corner. All the shops were illuminated for Christmas Eve and it almost looked magical against the soft snow. You sat on a nearby bench trying to take a breather. Even if it was almost late at night, the area was bustling with people which made you extremely happy.

Mingyu sat beside you as he sighed, “Are you seriously okay now?”

“Yes. I am fine. I was actually terrified. Thank you for saving me.”, you answered shyly.

“Come on. That’s what friends are here for right?”, Mingyu said as he bumped his shoulder against yours.

Friends. Yeah, you both were friends after all. Only friends.

“How are you liking this trip so far?”, you asked, trying to fill the silence.

“Oh. I am loving it. I am actually finding myself through this trip. I don’t know how to explain that but it is so.”, Mingyu said, a soft smile playing on his lips.

“Uhm, can I ask you something?”, asked Mingyu, clearly hesitant.

You nodded your head and internally prayed for him to not ask something awkward.

“Why did you and Maya ended the friendship?”, he asked and you mentally slapped yourself.

“Oh. Uh it was some sort of misunderstanding. I clearly don’t remember it now after so many years.”, you partially lied as she was still his girlfriend.

“No. Don’t lie to me. I know you. You are not someone who ends friendships just because of childish misunderstandings. Don’t stop from answering me just because I am her boyfriend. Tell me. I am very curious.”, he sternly replied.

Mingyu had always been great at reading you. He could read right past your lies and made-up stories. He could see right past the fallacy you create for you.

“Wow okay. I mean I seriously don’t remember much detail but it was I believe a fight over a disagreement. Oh yes. She was dating this one boy in college and we went to a party together and the next day she suddenly came up to me and said that I was trying to steal her man. I was flabbergasted and tried to reason it but she showed me all these blurry pictures of me hugging the guy and I seriously didn’t remember much about that night as I was super drunk. I actually felt guilty because maybe I seriously crossed the line because I was drunk.”

“Then? So did you really do it unknowingly?”, Mingyu asked out of curiosity.

“I don’t think so I should say you this.”, you answered apologetically.

“Please.”, Mingyu pleaded, his eyes glistening under the soft street light.

“She framed me. That is all I can say. I don’t know much details myself but another friend told me. And I was so tired of trying to be better for other people that I never asked her about it again. I just left.”, you answered sadly.

Mingyu nodded clearly not sure what to say. You patted his back in a gesture that it was fine that he has nothing to say. Mingyu had a habit of guilt tripping himself when he realizes that he was unable to help someone and you could tell that he was blaming himself at that very moment.

“There was nothing you could do Mingyu. I distanced myself and I never told you about it.”, you said as you correctly read his mind.

“How? Okay fine. Stop reading my mind.”, he chuckled sadly.

“Wanna head back inside now?”, he asked after a long pause.

“Yes. Let’s do that.”

As you both entered the loud chatter of the club, your mind was a little bit clearer than before and your heart felt lighter somehow. You never really wanted to ruin the friendship you and Mingyu shared and this was the moment you realized that maybe it is your overthinking that is making you distance yourself from him.

The loud music welcomed you both as you walked up to the table all your friends were seated at. Jihyun got up and hugged you as he heard what happened from Chan. Apparently Mingyu had texted him in detail what happened and where you both were. Maya was still not at the table and you quickly gazed around to find her standing near the bar. You sat beside Jihyun and she ordered another cocktail for you to enjoy the rest of the night with.

click <<here>> to go to chapter 7!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any. also do like and comment!! it gives me motivation to write better.<3

[joooooniecore]

when is the next chapter for after all this time coming??

It was supposed to be posted yesterday and I am so sorry! I have been bedridden for almost 5 days now and I was unable to even lift a finger and proof read it. I will post it tomorrow! Thanks for waiting!<3 T_T

[joooooniecore]

After all this time: Chapter 5

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: we are halfway through the fanfic! the next chapter is a long ass one and also my exams are getting over by next monday so i am going to work faster on this fic!! i hope you are enjoying this. i know there is no tension between them because come on, he is in a relationship and no matter how toxic maya is, we don't support cheating here. the slow burn will be there, the self control but i will surely add an igniting ending!! love yall. keep sharing, commenting and supporting me!

--- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara @cheolliesvt @seungcheolsblackcard @alohacrispyrn @lilylikesthat

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 | chapter 6>>

You couldn't sleep at all. It was around 1 am when you got out of bed and decided to have some tea to calm your nerves. You were feeling extremely jittery and it wasn't helping you. You had an early schedule the next day and you weren't even able to sleep. Slowly shuffling towards the kitchen, you put the electric kettle on its holder and switched it on.

The soft hum of the kettle filled the dead silent of the night as you sat on the table waiting for it to boil the water.

"Why are you awake?", came a soft voice.

You turned your head to see Mingyu standing there in a tank top and grey sweatpants. Your breath hitched as your cheeks flushed red. You explained to him that you weren't able to sleep so you came out for tea.

He added another cup for himself and sat beside you. He was so close to you as you could feel the warmth of his presence. He gently placed his hand over yours on the coffee table. You stared at him wide-eyed waiting for him to say something.

"You know I missed you right?", said Mingyu, clearly unsure of how you would react.

You nodded your head, clearly not trusting your voice that was already choked up with tears.

The bubbling sound of water bought both of you out of your stance as Mingyu voluntarily got up to take out two cups and fill them with tea. He placed one in front of you before taking the exact seat he was before. So close. Yet so far. Mingyu slowly sipped on the tea as you did the same with your quivering hands and a heart you weren’t trusting.

‘He just missed our friendship’, you tried to tell yourself as you were sure Mingyu would never really have romantic feelings for you. The haze of thoughts was suddenly cleared as you felt a warm presence, too close to you. With one sharp turn, your shoulders were not even inches apart from each other. Mingyu was looking intently at you as if trying to find some sort of answer even you were unaware of.

He suddenly shifted closer to you as he embraced you in a side hug and whispered huskily into your ear, "I still have no clue why you distanced yourself."

The skin-to-skin contact felt like an electric shock as you quickly created some sort of distance, not far enough but far enough to avoid him from hearing your thumping heart. He was looking at you with so much determination that you almost felt like it meant something.

The soft dim light of the kitchen did no level of illumination other than the right sides of both of your faces. You could now see the soft brown color of Mingyu’s eyes, the way they were almost searching for something in your eyes. His honey tan skin glistened in the warm light as the muscles rippled under the thin fabric of the tank top.  Mingyu was attractive, you have known that always. The closeness made you inspect him more. The way he clenched his jaws, and the way his nostrils flared as he waited for you to say something.

The sudden realization of close proximity dawned on you as you quickly created a distance trying to control your racing heart. The tea long forgotten as you couldn’t even speak a single word.

��I..I think I should sleep.”, you mumbled as you shifted your chair away.

Mingyu’s hands seemed to reach out to you for a mere fraction of second but he soon retracted his hands giving you the time to walk away. You gave him a small smile and whispered a soft ‘goodnight’ before walking into your room.

“Gosh I wish I could move on.”, whispered someone unbeknownst to you in the calmness of the night.

The next day started with a blast. Seungkwan was the one who woke you up. It happens so that you overslept. He informs you about everyone being ready and already gone for the day to the old town square place. They were planning to wander the shops today and buy gifts and souvenirs for their loved ones. Seungkwan was the only one who stayed behind because he wanted to give you some time to rest.

“Wow you had a rough night I believe.”, chuckled Seungkwan.

“Why do you say that?”, you asked, clearly confused.

“Jeonghan woke up in the middle of the night and saw you talking with Mingyu.”, explained Seungkwan.

“And then in the morning I saw the tea cups in the sink. You should be glad I cleaned them before anyone saw.”, he sassed his way to your suitcase to choose an outfit for you.

"What did you both talk about?", Seungkwan asked suddenly, clearly interested.

You were a bit embarrassed but filled him in with all the details of the previous night. Seungkwan listened, his eyes going wide in shock as he gasped now and then to everything you said. 

"So, what do you think about it?", you finally ask him, desperate to know his conclusion. 

"I think he misses the friendship you both had.", Seungkwan stated which made you feel a tad bit guilty. 

"I am joking woman. He is clearly in love with you!", Seungkwan teased.

You glared and shook your head, in a definite no and said, "You are getting too ahead of yourself Kwan. He is devoted to Maya and I am nowhere close to how perfect she is."

Even though Maya was arrogant and probably a cruel woman, she was well dressed. She was the perfect definition of a sophisticated high-class lady and you had always admired her for that. She knew how to carry herself and how to make everyone in the room fall to her knees. You were never like that up until now. You are professional and sophisticated only in your job world but when it comes to your friends, you are just you. Maya had the potential of being Mingyu's girlfriend and you knew that for the longest time. She was rich and so was he and they looked good together as that one rich couple so you knew you never stood a chance. 

You could say Seungkwan hated the way you looked at yourself but it was the truth. Without saying anything more, you took the chosen outfit and went to the shared bathroom to freshen up. After half an hour you were finally ready for the day. You got out of your room and saw Seungkwan chatting with someone on the porch. The other person was hidden behind the pillar so you couldn’t see who it was. Not bothering to intervene, you went to the kitchen and made yourself a sandwich from the ingredients that were left after everyone ate.

Chewing the sandwich, and nurturing a cup of coffee you, you sat on the dinner table to quickly finish your breakfast.

“Are you seriously eating leftover food?”, came a deep voice from behind.

You whipped your head to see Seungcheol glaring at you. You gave a sweet smile trying to ease the situation but all you got was his annoyed and disgusted face. You finished breakfast, and were ready to go. After wearing your shoes, you walk up to Seungkwan who was apparently talking with Vernon in an animated way. Your eyes met Seungcheol’s as you both shared a knowing smile before deciding to walk to the old town road. It wasn’t that far and the snow has subsided from the roads.

After a quick walk of 15 minutes, you could finally see Jihyun tormenting Chan into buying something for her as Jeonghan just laughed at the situation. Mingyu and Maya were nowhere to be found and that somehow made you a bit sad. The night’s conversation flowed through your head as you tried to maintain your composure.

Jihyun ran up to you hugging you, high fiving Vernon and then took you to where Jeonghan was standing, with a croissant and a cup of hot chocolate in his hand.

“Since when did you start spending money on store brought drinks?”, you teased as you sat beside Jeonghan.

Jeonghan was famous for always making his own drinks. Whether it is coffee or hot chocolate. He was never a fan of soda water so the only thing he buys from a shop are alcoholic drinks.

“Uhm…Seungcheol bought it for me before he left to pick you guys from the house.”, Jeonghan blushed.

“Aww do I see love in the air?”, you wiggled your eyebrows in a very cringey and teasing manner. After receiving a smack from Jeonghan, you finally decide to roam the shops and buy something for your friends. You decided to venture alone as you wanted the gifts to be a surprise.

Numerous shops lined the sides of the path. It was clearly a busy street as tourists flooded the area trying to find the perfect piece that would remind them of this trip in future. You walked across the cloth shops, not exactly wanting to buy anything from there. Your legs took you to a bunch of jewelry shops and you decided to buy something from there.

One of the shops looked extra good to you as you entered through the small entrance and your eyes settled on a poster.

“MAKE A CUSTOMIZED BRACELET ALL BY YOURSELF”

This piqued your interest as you walked up to the lady sitting there and asked, “Is the customized bracelet option still available?”

The old lady smiled and nodded, ushering you deeper into the shop to a small room which has shelfs covering all the three walls and each section is filled with different kinds of trinkets used to make bracelets.

She walked with small steps and brought out a chair for you to sit. Then she gave you a booklet that had all the different kind of designs that you could try from. Your eyes soon settled on a pink bracelet that looked extra beautiful with ‘my melody’ trinkets on. The details made you immediately think of Jeonghan. You decided to go for that design.

The lady nodded and bought out a box that had the necessary things to make the bracelets. She slowly guided you through the entire process and after an hour or so you were finally done. Your back got a bit cramped up from sitting in the same position but the bracelet looked so pretty that you forgot all about your pain.

The shop was also selling some good coffee mugs and you decided to get one with a funny message on for Seungcheol. You happily skipped out of the shop after having paid the necessary amount and then decided to visit some other shops.

The next shop you saw were selling head wears. You decided to select headbands for Seungkwan and Chan and a beanie for Vernon. Some of them had Prague emblems on them and you decided to go with them even though it looked kind of tacky. The emblems would remind them of this trip you all took together. Vernon is normally very quiet and you won’t know he is there until he speaks. Even if he is extremely introverted, he has taken care of you on days when you stayed at Jihyun’s all heartbroken. He has helped you with many projects that you couldn’t finish because of how mentally tired you were.

Your walk took you to a rather small lane, that had several vintage looking shops on all sides. The soft musty fragrance of old books and vintage items felt like heaven to you. You wandered off to several shops, trying to see if anything piqued your interest. You entered a shop selling several vintage items and saw this set of paint brushes. The packaging was made out of cloth that wrapped the set and had intricate details on it. The shopkeeper opened the wrapped cloth to show the most beautiful set of paintbrushes you have ever seen. They were made of wood, and there were small carvings on it that looked so delicate.

It was a bit pricey but you still decided to buy it after bargaining a bit. You knew Jihyun liked painting and this would have been a perfect gift for her. Your eyes also went up to the vintage camera straps that hung in the corner of the shelves. You decided to buy a good one for Mingyu, unsure if you would ever give him that or not.

Entering into another vintage jewelry shop, you saw Mingyu and Maya in the distance. The shop was huge with multiple counters and they were facing a different direction as yours. At first you had the urge to just walk out and find a different shop but the collection here was beautiful. You could hear Maya’s voice in the distance nagging Mingyu to buy her something. You rolled your eyes unknowingly and asked the woman on the counter to show you some chunky rings. You weren’t someone who wore a lot of dainty jewelry. You always liked a bit of vintage looking chunky things and this shop had abundant of them.

The staff member showed you many rings, but nothing caught your eye. The lady could see you getting impatient and anxious as nothing seemed to impress you. You hated disappointing people so you decided to settle on a ring, unwillingly.

“No. Don’t buy it if you don’t like it.”, came the commanding voice of the lady.

You stared at her wide eyed and then blushed a little. “I am sorry I wasted your time.”, you confessed bashfully.

She softly smiled, as if not bothered at all and told you to wait a bit. She came out with a much different looking box and spoke again, “This is a very expensive vintage ring. We rarely show it to anyone. It is completely fine if you don’t want to buy it but I felt like you look like someone who should own this ring.”

She slowly opened the box and you held your breath somehow waiting for a climax. The ring was beyond beautiful. It had a big central blue stone that glistened in the light from the sun. The sides had gorgeous details that could only be made by talented artisans. The ring was a fine example of exclusive craftsmanship. Small white stones surrounded the big stone and made it look even more beautiful.

Your hands became all sweaty, as you wiped them against your pants and took the ring from the lady’s hands.

“It gorgeous.”, you whispered still in awe that you were holding something this beautiful.

The lady smiled and nodded, clearly pleased by your reaction. The price tag on the box was what caught your attention finally as you hurriedly kept it back.

“Wow that’s expensive.”, you laughed awkwardly.

She nodded and was about to close the box when a voice came from behind you.

“That’s a beautiful ring. How much is it?”, said Maya, standing beside you as Mingyu lingered behind her.

The lady’s expression changed as she curtly replied, “Sorry madam. This is not for sale.”

Maya pouted and said, “Then why were you showing it to her?”

“She was interested in the history of rings and so I showed her this ring. It’s part of our heritage so it remains in the lockers.”, she replied and swiftly went inside to keep it back.

“Makes sense. You can never afford a ring that expensive. Right?”, Maya snickered.

Your face showed how disappointed you were after seeing the price. But you didn’t show it. You simply gave a curt nod and bought the ring you initially decided upon and left the shop as quickly as possible.

The walk back to the initial point was easier than you thought. By now you had memorized all the nooks and corners of the street and you soon saw Seungkwan walking to the same place as you were going along with Vernon. You raised an eyebrow at him and he mouthed a ‘later’ before running towards you and hugging you. The others soon came and re-grouped. Then lunch was planned. Chan knew this good restaurant on the same street that made some great food. Mingyu and Maya arrived at last and hurriedly joined everyone.

“What were you both doing?”, you heard Chan ask Mingyu as everyone walked towards the restaurant.

“Ah yes. I needed to buy some camera batteries so I asked Maya to come along with me.”, explained Mingyu.

Chan nodded and dropped the conversation as the restaurant came in view.

After having a delightful lunch, all thanks to Chan, everyone was more than ready to go back to the bungalow and rest a bit. The next day was going to be an early rise so you just wanted to rest your legs a bit and get a good night sleep. After reaching home, you told Seungkwan, Jihyun and Jeonghan about what happened with you at the jewelry shop. Seungkwan gave the most dramatic gasp as he cursed Maya out.

“Wow she is still a bitch.”, commented Jihyun.

Jeonghan who was listening to this for the first time could only roll his eyes and give you insanely evil ideas of how to get back to her.

“No Jeonghan. I won’t throw her off the roof of the castle.”, you said, laughing out loud.

Jeonghan shrugged his shoulders as if he has done it a dozen of times which you would believe actually.

“Now ignore my life and let us hear about Seungkwan.”, you wiggled your eyebrows towards him.

Jihyun stifled a laugh as she said, “Yeah. I see you being cozy with my brother.”

Seungkwan rolled his eyes, acting all annoyed even though his flushed cheeks gave it away.

“I was just trying to be friends with him.”, he said trying to act unbothered.

“I hope you become his best friend then Seungkwannie.”, you teased that received a good laugh from everyone but Seungkwan.

Just then Jeonghan’s phone dinged with a message and he quickly hid his phone away.

“Excuse me? Who is that?”, Jihyun asked.

“Oh uhm no one special.”, Jeonghan stated, a little flushed. You have never seen Jeonghan blush like this and you immediately knew who it was.

“Hannie. Is it Seungcheol texting you?”, you asked, clearly amused by this.

Jeonghan blushed even more as he slowly nodded, “H-he…I mean we planned to go on an ice-cream date in the evening.”

Now it was Seungkwan’s turn to tease. You simple looked at them with a soft smile as you found yourself being extremely happy of the fact that your old best friends are getting comfortable with your new best friend. It was great. The perfect circle of people you wanted and you wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Dinner was soon served and everyone ate in silence. Nothing that interesting was exchanged. You clearly avoided Maya and Mingyu. You were too tired to go through that bullshit again so you decided to stick close to Seungcheol and Jeonghan as you teased them both about their little dates. Seungcheol held both your hands with his one hand and gave you a good jab on your back which made you scream in pain but also laugh.

Seungkwan announced about the early plans and how he has already hired a guide. It was a three-hour tour and everyone was asked to leave the house at least by 9 am. Some of them groaned, clearly not thrilled by the idea of waking early on a cold winter morning but the urge to get to see the beautiful city made them nod affirmatively when Seungkwan talked about the plan.

You silently stared at your friends and how they were joking and teasing each other. You were going to be fine. You were glad of your friends. Even though you would never stop loving Mingyu, you were just glad to exist in this small bubble of yours. 

click <<here>> to go to chapter 6!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any. also do like and comment!! it gives me motivation to write better.<3

[joooooniecore]

SEVENTEEN - THUNDER | SCOUPS

[joooooniecore]

After all this time: Chapter 4

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: wohoo! fourth chapter and the day one tour was a partial slay? can you feel the toxicity of the relationship mingyu is in? i hope he realizes it soon. toxic relationships are hard to get over from because you get so dependent on the person who is hurting you and even if people think that it can't be that hard to breakup, it is. toxicity is like addiction and its hard to leave that behind. anywaysssss, i hope you enjoy this chapter. hoping to make more progress soon!

--- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara @cheolliesvt @seungcheolsblackcard @alohacrispyrn @lilylikesthat

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 >>

The morning sun glistened through the window curtains and created streaks of heavenly glow beside your bed. The light woke you up as you took your phone to check the time. It was almost 11 o’clock. You nuzzled a bit into your warm blanket, mentally preparing yourself to wake up. Finally, after laying there awake for a minute or two you decided to freshen up and head to the kitchen to eat something.

The fresh morning air welcomed you as you softly padded towards the open area in the front porch. You had already asked Chan last night about the front door’s lock and he was kind enough to show you where the keys were kept. You stood there, taking the chilly morning air in, along with warm sunlight and then decided to make some coffee.

The kitchen was very perfectly organized and you easily found all the ingredients. As you stirred your cup, you heard some shuffling behind you. You turned back to find Mingyu entering the sitting area. His hair dishevelled from sleeping and his cheeks were all puffy. You giggled a bit at how cute he looked and decided to admire him a bit. It was clear that he has not noticed you yet as he slowly walked towards the front porch to do the exact same thing you did a few moments ago. You sat on the small coffee table as you enjoyed your coffee and checked your messages and mails. Your cousin brother was planning to start a business and you were handling the technical part of it hence you needed to check your mails at least once a day for updates.

“Oh, you are awake?”, came a startled voice.

You looked up to see Mingyu standing there.

“Yes. Good morning.”, you answered with a soft smile.

Mingyu smiled back as he hurried to the kitchen to make some coffee for himself too.

He settled beside you, checking his phone and drinking the coffee. After what felt like hours, Mingyu spoke first.

“I heard you are doing a corporate job.”

You nodded your head subconsciously and said, “Yeah. It’s closer to my home.”

“You left photography?”, came Mingyu’s second question.

“Is this some kind of interrogation? Have I done a felony?”, you joked trying to ease the situation.

Mingyu playfully glared at you and then laughed, “No. I just saw you hold your camera very awkwardly yesterday when Jihyun asked you to click her pictures on the front porch.”

You blushed, clearly embarrassed. You remember how you fumbled a bit with the camera since you haven’t clicked a single picture over the last three years.

“Whatever. You are no professional yourself.”, you sassed.

Mingyu rolled his eyes and took out a card, pushing it towards you. You took it curiously. Your eyes went wide as you shifted your gaze to Mingyu and then back to the card.

“You are a professional photographer?”, you asked, clearly shocked.

“Yeah. That’s my side business. I have my own business too.”, Mingyu announced proudly.

You congratulated him heartily, and again focused on the coffee in front of you. You both fell in a comfortable silence as you scrolled through your phone and Mingyu did the same. Another soft click made you both turn your head towards the doorway and you saw Seungcheol slowly entering the kitchen. He whispered a soft good morning and patted your head before he went to make coffee for himself.

“Do you like him?”, Mingyu lowly whispered just when Seungcheol was out of the hearing zone.

“Who? Cheol?”, you looked at him with pure shock.

“Yeah. You both seem very cozy.”, Mingyu said with a strange expression on his face.

“Oh my god no! I-I don’t like him.”, you chuckled awkwardly.

“Oh. I thought- never mind.”, was all Mingyu said before you both heard the rest of your friends filling in one by one, leaving you with no chance to ask him about what he was going to say.

After everyone started filling in, Mingyu abruptly got up and volunteered to make pancakes for everyone. You decided to wash all the coffee mugs and help out in the kitchen. You love pancakes and you love it the most when it was made from scratch. Mingyu listed out the ingredients as you and Jeonghan collected everything and brought it to Mingyu.

A few moments later you saw Maya come down and sit. She rolled her eyes after looking between you and Mingyu and started talking with Chan. She was asking about the bars and malls in the nearby area and saying how she wanted to go to shopping.

“Girlie is fuming.”, whispered Jihyun as she stifled a laugh.

“Huh?”, you answered, clearly startled by her sudden presence. Turning your head, you saw Maya acting all nonchalant about you helping Mingyu but also glaring at him once or twice. It felt like a pit in the depth of your stomach. You could see how she hated you and that suddenly made you feel sick. You always thought of her as your best friend and even after she did all this, you didn’t actually blame her and just kept blaming yourself for being a fool.

Seeing her distinctly hate your presence made you want to run away. You were brought out of your thoughts when Mingyu asked you to bring in some eggs. You hurriedly went out of kitchen to the storage area. In the meantime, you also took a breather as it was too much for you. You hated tense situations and it acted like a flight response for you whenever you found yourself in a state of panic.

You decided to tune everyone out as you helped Mingyu in making pancakes.

“You seem a bit tense.”, came Mingyu’s deep voice from behind you as he he squeezed your shoulder to bring you out of your thoughts

“I-I am fine. Just tired I guess.”, you stammered a little from the sudden contact as you looked anywhere but him.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to share it with me. Just know that I am still your friend.”, Mingyu assured, his eyes holding a sad emotion.

You felt guilty for ignoring him for this long over such a minor issue. Yes, you still loved him. Yes, you hated how he never chose you. Yes, you hated how he is dating your ex best friend. But after all he was Mingyu. The guy who helped you break out of your shell in college. The guy who was always there when you needed a shoulder to cry on. He was your first friend in college and you are glad you can still talk with him. That’s all the assurance you needed. You beamed at him and silently promised yourself to not let a single emotion guide you throughout this trip.

After breakfast, everyone went to their respective rooms to get ready for the day. You all were going to visit the old town square which is also home to the Prague Astronomical Clock. You have always had a keen interest for architecture and seeing something that you have always seen in pictures made you extremely excited. You got inside your room and quickly whipped out your camera to make sure you have enough charged batteries. You kept your phone on the table for charging and decided to get dressed. Rummaging through your suitcase you decided upon a pair of jeans and a soft green sweater. You topped it up with your puffer jacket, a woollen cap and some gloves. You decided to go with your boots as you were sure it snowed last night.

After getting dressed you decided to just apply some moisturizer and lip balm. It was extremely cold outside so you were going to cover your face anyways. Keeping the makeup aside to wear at night. You picked up your small travel bag which held essentials like earphones, your phone, wallet and your identity proofs. As soon as you got out of your room, you saw Jeonghan approaching you.

“I am done. You should get dressed now.”, you said to him.

Jeonghan nodded as he got inside and closed the door. You sat on the living room sofa, reading the book that you picked up a few days ago as you waited for everyone to get dressed. You had showered in the morning and that’s why you were the first one to get ready. After almost half an hour, you heard a door open and close somewhere. You turned over your shoulder to see Jihyun approaching where you were sitting. She sat beside you with a disgruntled sigh.

“What’s wrong Jihyun-ah?”, you asked.

“You don’t get to ask me that.”, she replied in a grumpy tone.

You were shocked and nagged her again about what was bothering her until she spoke up.

“I am on the same floor as Mingyu and Maya.”, she confessed.

Your eyes went wide and your cheeks flushed. Your mind went to the things she heard and you turned away from her and focused on the book, “I don’t want to hear it.”

“It’s not what you think. They both quarrel a lot and that’s the cause of my headache.”, explained Jihyun.

You stared at her again and urged her to continue.

“You see my room is just beside theirs. Seungkwan and Chan live on the opposite side of the same corridor so they can’t hear anything. They quarrel almost every night.”, said Jihyun.

She looked around a bit to see if anyone was coming down and continued, “It’s mostly her asking him to buy something expensive and that’s what causes argument. She gets mad and blackmails him by saying she would leave him and he agrees to buy her anything.”

Your eyes went wide. You have never imagined their relationship to be like that. As far as you know Mingyu, he was always so strong willed and did exactly what he wanted to do. You still remember the time he accidently fixed a date on your birthday and when he realized what he had done, he didn’t even hesitate before cancelling it and postponing it. Seeing Mingyu this helpless made you feel guilty about it. You had no idea why he was so loyal and devoted to Maya.

Soon everyone started filling in the living room. Seungkwan explained everyone the route to the town square. It was less than 2 kilometers but the cold and snow made you all rethink decisions. Finally, Chan came to rescue and said that there are many small cars that can take anyone to the place at a very cheap price.

After hiring two cars, everyone settled in and the journey of day one began.

It took you guys just a bit over half an hour to reach the place. The car dropped you just in front of the Old Town Square and everyone decided to first visit the main attraction. You took out your phone and opened the file that Seungkwan has forwarded you which explained all the historical places in detail. Seungkwan wasn’t a fan of hiring guides so he decided to research himself.

The file loaded and the first thing you saw was ‘The Prague Astronomical Clock’, written in italics and bolded.

The Prague Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as the Orloj. Located in the heart of Prague's Old Town Square, this medieval masterpiece is a symphony of art, astronomy, and engineering.

As you stand before the clock, you're met with a kaleidoscope of colours and intricate details. The clock's face is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, with a complex system of gears, dials, and sculptures.

Every hour, on the hour, the clock comes alive. A procession of 12 apostles, intricately carved from wood, emerge from the clock's doors, accompanied by the tolling of bells and the chiming of a tiny organ. It's as if the clock is sharing a secret with the world.

Above the clock face, a parade of saints and prophets, crafted by the skilled hands of medieval artisans, gaze out upon the square. Their faces, worn by time, seem to hold a deep wisdom, as if they've witnessed centuries of human history unfold.

At night, the clock is bathed in a warm, golden light, as if the stars themselves have descended upon the square. The clock's mechanisms, though centuries old, continue to tick away with precision, a testament to the ingenuity of its creators.

As you gaze upon the Prague Astronomical Clock, you can't help but feel a sense of connection to the past, to the artisans who crafted this masterpiece, and to the countless generations who've marvelled at its beauty. It's a reminder that, even in the midst of a bustling city, beauty, art, and tradition can still be found.

After reading about the clock, you decided to stand directly in front of the structure. Your eyes scanned the gigantic hands of the clock. You used your camera to zoom in and see the intricate details. It was a beautiful clock. It almost looked magical and in the winter day light, the golden details sparkled like they had magic stored in them.

You clicked a few pictures of the clock itself, trying to zoom in to capture the intricate details. You were in awe at how the clock chimed with perfect precision even though it was centuries old. Your eyes soon shifted from the clock to the surroundings. You soaked it all in as you felt like you have travelled back to medieval times.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Jeonghan sitting beside Seungcheol on a small bench that overlooked the clock. They were talking and giggling about something that you couldn’t decipher. Jeonghan had a shy look on his face and that made you stifle a laugh. You were damn sure that Seungcheol was flirting endlessly with him. You have always known Jeonghan as the one who can easily lure men. He has that flirty, charismatic nature that makes men fall on their knees. On the contrary, right now he was a blushing mess which means Seungcheol was able to overpower and you are going to tease him for this forever.

You turned your attention back to your surroundings. Every direction you looked at, there were beautiful examples of architectural intelligence. You stared in awe, eyes sparkling with excitement as you took it all in. After noticing how everyone has wandered off to do their own kind of exploring, you decided to use your camera and get some good shots. You always loved photography and you officially learned all the titbits of it when you were in college. Actually, that was where you first noticed Kim Mingyu.

You both bonded over the same hobby and decided to help each other during the class and also in field activities. Most of the times you both were each other’s subject of photos because that saved time and energy. You hated conversing with people and requesting them to do things for you so when Mingyu volunteered to be your model for various photography projects, you agreed. After you both stopped talking, you left photography. Your camera long forgotten sat in your storage room for a huge amount of time. Life moved on and you soon got submerged in the corporate world with no time to spare for your hobbies.

It was Jihyun who begged you to bring out your camera for this trip. You were a bit reluctant but her constant nagging made you finally agree to it. You were actually glad that she forced you to bring your camera but she won’t know about that. It’s too bad for her ego.

After clicking a few snaps of the surrounding places, you decided to get some snaps of the old shops and houses that bordered the gravelled streets on both sides. The old shops gave it an almost eighteenth century look which amazed you. The shutter went on quite a few times as you smiled to yourself while checking the results.

“Show me the pictures you clicked babe!”, came a shrilling voice from behind you which ruined your peace.

You slowly turned back to see Maya nagging Mingyu to show the pictures he has clicked. You noticed he has also brought his camera, a much better model than yours. They were standing only a few feet away from you so you could clearly see the stickers that adorned his professional camera. Your eyes zeroed on them as you saw Jihyun approaching you with a smile.

“What’s going on there?”, you asked as soon as she stood beside you.

“Ugh it’s nothing. Mingyu was snapping pictures and she wanted to see them but Mingyu isn’t willing because he doesn’t show the raw pictures to anyone.”, explained Jihyun.

It took you back to your photography assignment days. Mingyu would never show the raw pictures to anyone. He always believed that he should be the first to see them on the laptop screen and then after deleting the unwanted ones, he would edit them to show everyone. He hated showing his camera or even handing his camera to anyone.

You hated how you clearly remembered his habits as you looked at him. Mingyu pulled the camera out of Maya’s hands and with one swift motion removed the batteries leaving her with no way to turn on the device. You chuckled a bit. Secretly happy that Mingyu didn’t let go of this petty habit of his.

You knew he went to the market area because he looked at Seungkwan and said so. You were close enough to hear it too. Maya on the other hand looked deranged as she glared a bit at Mingyu and walked off to explore the shops that lined the path.

After what felt like an hour or more, you all were ready to leave and go back to the bungalow. Everyone gathered in front of the clock and that’s when you realized that Mingyu hasn’t returned yet. Seungkwan asked Maya to call him which she did and soon found out that his phone was switched off. A panic ran down everyone’s face.

“I am sure he is fine. He is a big guy.”, explained Maya as she busied herself with her phone.

That didn’t help the panic that you felt. You knew this place was huge with several nooks and corners and it was impossible to find one’s way back if they got lost. Every street and every lane looked the same from what you have seen.

Seungcheol came out with a plan. He asked everyone to share their location with the others and then decided to go separate ways to find Mingyu.

“I don’t think so I can walk that much.”, Maya said in a fake cute voice.

Jeonghan rolled his eyes at that and said in a sickeningly sweet voice, “Then why don’t you sit on that bench while we find him.”

She quickly agreed to that and settled herself on the bench. Everyone else went according to plan as you separated ways and searched for Mingyu. You had seen the lane he used when he got mad at Maya and you followed the same path hoping for your instincts to take you where he was.

Passing through a narrow alley, you were met with a large market place. There were many shops lined around the palace area. The huge stairs of the palace came into view as you walked more towards it. You searched almost every shop that caught your eye. After searching for more than fifteen minutes, you decided to sit a bit before continuing.

As your eyes seemed to not stop scanning the place, the top of the palace stairs attracted you. It gave a beautiful overview of the entire area. You had watched many videos where people went to the top and shot great pictures. You at last decided to do the same, hoping to get some good pictures and also overviewing the city might help you find Mingyu.

As you hurried up the stairs, you looked at how the city’s landscape was getting clearer. The trees were now not in view and what was left was a beautiful example of architecture. The markets and monuments looked so tiny as if they were just toys. As you reached the top, you took out your camera to click some pictures of the scene.

You walked a bit backwards as you tried to capture the entire thing in one single frame. You bumped into someone and you were quick enough to turn your head and apologize. The person apologized too and you recognized the voice immediately.

“Mingyu?”, you asked.

Mingyu looked up from the bow and his eyes widened. He surged forward and hugged you tight. The warmth of Mingyu’s embrace melted you. You involuntarily hugged him back as you basked in the warmth of his strong arms. His grip was no joke and the way his hands encircled your waist, made you feel dizzy. You weren’t exactly a tiny skinny girl and honestly were more on the chubbier side. You felt so safe in his embrace that it almost made you want to stay there forever. You soon realized that he hugged you because he was scared. He was trembling a bit and was just relieved to see a known face.

“Oh my god I thought I lost you guys.”, explained Mingyu as he ended the hug.

“Why is your phone switched off?”, you asked, clearly missing the warmth of the hug.

“The battery drained while I was trying to call you guys.”, said Mingyu in a frustrated tone.

You patted his back as you assured him that you will take him back to the others quickly. You were great with directions and you clearly remembered the path you came by. You both quickly clicked a few more pictures and decided to head down to the group.

In the meantime, you informed the others to meet where Maya was seated as you guided Mingyu to the same place.

“Maya didn’t come with you guys to search for me?”, asked Mingyu in a small voice.

You felt guilty for saying the truth but you were in no place to lie to him, “Her legs were hurting so she decided to sit and wait.”

Mingyu nodded slowly and you could clearly see how his entire face dropped and his eyes became sad. You hated seeing Mingyu like this but you weren’t sure of how to sooth him. You had decided to break the friendship yourself, hence you have no right to act like his friend or say anything about the decisions he made. You just silently hoped for him to realize how toxic Maya was and how he deserved someone who loved him for himself. It’s not just for your own selfish need. Before every feeling you had, you cared for Mingyu a lot. He was a great friend and you can’t see him this exhausted.

The whole way back to where the group was, Mingyu explained to you the pictures he has clicked. He seemed so happy when he talked about photography. You were glad to still see him being this passionate about it. Normally when someone turns a hobby into their career, they lose interest in it but that wasn’t the case with Mingyu. He still loved photography like he used to and that made you happy. You teased him about how he still hated showing the raw pictures he clicked and he gave out an embarrassed chuckle.

“It’s just the pictures I clicked today are very close to my heart and I want to keep them for my personal collection.”, explained Mingyu.

You knew about this personal collection of his. He had once promised to show you the folder on your birthday but unfortunate events happened and your friendship broke just a week before your birthday. You were devastated and you never enjoyed birthday the way you used to.

After reuniting with everyone, Seungkwan hired taxis and led everyone back to the bungalow. Chan was quick enough to make some hot chocolate as soon as you all came out to the living room after freshening up. You wrapped yourself in a cozy blanket that you brought with you on the trip and sat on the single sofa, cocooning yourself as you took the cup of hot chocolate in one hand and your phone in the other. 

Everyone chatted around you as they talked about all the things they saw. You talked about one or two things and even showed them the pictures you have clicked. If it were some other days, Mingyu would have stayed silent but you were shocked when he gushed about the pictures you clicked and even complimented you saying how you have not lost your talent. 

He changed his seats and sat beside you to show you some good editing apps. You were a bit hesitant at first because you were not willing to be the cause that will create a rift in his relationship but he was so enthusiastic about it that you gave in. Jihyun soon came to your rescue as she also talked and listened to him so that you don't feel awkward under the constant glare of his so-called girlfriend.

"I am shocked you still click pictures.", commented Maya.

She hasn't spoken to you yet on this entire trip so you flinched a little when you heard her speaking directly to you.

"Yeah. It just stuck with me I guess.", you replied, trying to maintain your nonchalant posture.

"I remember you hating the photography classes when you first joined.", she said clearly trying to make you confess something absurd.

"Well yeah. I took it because I had a gap in my schedule but then I liked it.", you answered with same intensity. 

Anyone could see the tension that palpated between you both. Maya was once the person who held every little secret of yours. She knew about things that no one else knew of and now it seemed like she was using them against you. She knew you joined photography class out of a sudden rash decision and then stayed there just to get close with Mingyu. She knew that you started learning more about photography just to impress Mingyu and she was using this to embarrass you. 

"I think it’s great you love photography.", exclaimed Seungkwan suddenly. 

You smiled at him and realized how he was saving the situation. "Thank you Kwannie.", you answered.

"I remember when she won the photography competition in final year.", added Jihyun with pride. 

"Oh yes I remember it too.", Mingyu spoke softly. 

You were shocked. The competition took place off campus and the winner announcement was done in a small festival in the town hall. Not many people you knew attended it. It was only attended by participants and some of their friends, and other people of the town. You don't remember seeing Mingyu there. You assumed that he was probably busy with something so you never bothered yourself with it and focused on the competition. 

"You were there?", you asked, clearly shocked.

"Ah yes. I couldn't participate as I was out of town but I made sure to visit the festival to see who the winner was. I was glad it was you and not some random junior.", he chuckled.

Your eyes went wide. Your cheeks flushed a bit as your nuzzled more into your blanket and gave him a soft smile. The sound of shuffling made everyone turn their heads to find Maya has left the place. 

You audibly heard Mingyu groan as he hurried behind her to their room. The door slammed shut and it was all dead silence after that. 

click <<here>> to go to chapter 5!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any.<3

[joooooniecore]

Writing the final one or two chapters of 'After all this time'. It almost feels nostalgic because I know it will be over soon. Might add some angsty confession if I can time it correctly.

After All This Time master-list (for those who haven't read it)

[joooooniecore]

After all this time: Chapter 3

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: wohoo! third chapter and they have finally reached the bungalow! so excited for the touring of the place! also, can you feel the tension? mingyu is a little bit of an idiot isn't he? anyways i hope you enjoy this!! --- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @whoa-jo @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 >>

By the time, you reached the bungalow, it was evening. Chan went forward and made some sitting arrangements in the living room for everyone to cool off before they go to their respective rooms.

The interior of the bungalow was exquisite. It was two-storied. The first floor included a large living room, which one can directly enter through the main door. The living room is decorated with a three-person sofa, which can easily fit four people and some cushioned chairs. A television was set on the mantle, surrounded with small Christmas trinkets and candles. An unused fireplace was on the left side of the room, right across a small bookshelf. The wooden shelf was laden with mostly classic books and some old magazines. The soft warm tones of the walls added to the coziness of the area.

The living room led towards a small kitchen area. You settled your bags near the sofa as you decided to wander a bit. Chan was sweet enough to give you a room tour. Being someone who was always intrigued by architecture, you loved looking into interiors of houses. Chan took you to the kitchen and explained how he used to get up on chairs to reach for snacks in the higher cabinets when he was a kid. You chuckled as you took the room in.

It was much smaller as compared to how enormous the house was. It was mostly covered in cabinets, a simple stove on the landing and some other electronic appliances situated in small nooks.

“The kitchen was built just a few years back.”, said Chan.

“When was the bungalow built?”, you asked, clearly curious about it.

“This was merely a house back when it was first built by my great grandfather. Through generations it got renovated into a bungalow but the details of the original house were kept intact for the sake of memories.”, explained Chan.

That made so much sense when you look into the other sections of the house. It looked like a mansion built in the eighteenth century but the house itself didn’t look that old. It was made to look old by putting in elements that are from the olden times.

The conversation ended with you settling on the couch to discuss the room distributions.

You sat on the farthest corner of the couch, squished between Seungkwan and Seungcheol.

“How are you feeling?”, asked Seungcheol.

“Better now.”, you softly mumbled as Seungcheol gave you a warm smile.

Your eyes betrayed you again as you continuously shifted them to Mingyu animatedly chatting with Maya. You were trying to get used to this but the old wounds were prickling to cause pain again.

“Don’t think about it.”, Seungcheol’s voice brought you out of your thoughts. He patted your head as he engulfed you in a side hug, assuring you that everything will be fine. You could feel the eyes of someone on you but you decided to ignore it and give your full attention to your friend.

“Not to belittle your emotions or anything but umm is Jeonghan your friend?”, Seungcheol asked bashfully.

Your lips curved up into a smirk as you giggled a bit.

“He is my colleague. Why?”, you asked wiggling your eyebrows.

Seungcheol fumbled a bit with the drawstrings of his hoodie as he spoke, “He is umm decent looking.”

You laughed a bit and decided to tease a bit more, “Just decent looking?”

Seungcheol hit your arm as you both chuckled and decided to focus on the discussion.

The only thing you didn’t notice this time around was how a pair of eyes cautiously watching you get cozy with Seungcheol and somehow against his own wishes, hated every second of it.

“There are in total 5 bedrooms in this bungalow.”, stated Chan.

Seungkwan nodded his head, calculating something and spoke, “Well we first send off the couple to the master bedroom.”

Maya clapped excitedly as she spoke, “Look babe we got the master bedroom.”

Mingyu smiled a bit and kissed her on the forehead.

Jihyun spoke next, “I think I will share a room with my brother.”

Seungkwan nodded and announced that he will share a room on the upper floor with Chan.

“I think I will share a room with ____.”, stated Jeonghan as he looked at you. You nodded excitedly high-fiving him.

Seungcheol gladly took the single room that was left.

And that was how it all settled. There was a single room and a double room on the same floor as the kitchen. You, Jeonghan and Seungcheol took these rooms. The rest of your friends were in the upper floor. It was somewhat a relief to you because you were not prepared to hear Mingyu with Maya all night in these thin paper-like walls. You carried your luggage to the room designated and settled everything in the wall cabinets.

The room was of decent size. There were two single beds on either side of the room with two different cabinets for clothing and a single desk. Chan had once told that when no one stays in the house, it is mostly rented out to students who study in the nearby universities. The room was designed to fit two students and just their necessities. At those times a caretaker stays in the house to keep an eye on the tenants but since they have Chan with them, no one was required.

You settled your things on your bed as Jeonghan went to the attached washroom to freshen up. You decided to snoop a little and check the books in the living room. You have always loved reading books and the big shelf had caught your attention from the very beginning. Walking up to the shelf, there were many books that intrigued you. The classics were all organized in chronological order which did something to your highly organized brain. You picked up a book and decided to read it.

It was titled ‘Agua Viva’ and mostly talked about life. The book was short but was so difficult to get into as there were many things that made you read twice.

The book was written in an odd way. There weren’t any chapters that divided the paragraphs. It was just endless writing and felt like a personal diary of someone. The author went along saying about every aspect of her life in such poetic style. The way she compared daily mundane things to poetic approaches made you even more interested in the book. You kept on reading it, letting yourself tune out every noise, every thought.

“You love books, right?”, came a voice from behind as you turned your head to find Jeonghan standing there. His wet hair signified that he has probably washed it. Jeonghan has neck-length black hair which suits him so well. You have asked him many times to get a perm but he loves his hair the way it is.

You nodded as you patted the empty space beside you, asking him to settle down.

“No. You need to shower first.”, he scolded.

You groaned but eventually stood up, keeping the book on the coffee table and said, “Yes mom.”, as you ran off before he could say something. As you walked towards your room, you saw Mingyu get down the stairs and giving you a gentle smile. You awkwardly returned it back but before he could further speak, you dashed into your room and closed the door. You heard some murmuring, most probably Mingyu chatting with Jeonghan and you went to take a shower.

After taking a long shower and wearing some comfortable clothes, it was finally dinner time. Since everyone was tired, Chan ordered some food from the nearby restaurant and you all sat in the living area once again. The soft warm light of the fireplace illuminated the entire area as everyone sat cozily, pressed against each other. You decided to sit between Jeonghan and Seungkwan. The moment you sat down, you swung your hands around Seungkwan’s back and laid your head on his shoulder.

“What’s gotten into you?”, he asked with a disgruntled sigh even though you could feel him sit straight so that you don’t strain your neck.

You both could hear Maya whine about something cutely as Mingyu tried to calm her down by saying something along the lines that he will do it.

Seungkwan subtly rolled his eyes as he whispered, “I hate her.”

You chuckled as you shushed him. Before you could say something, Jeonghan spoke, “Who are we hating?”

You sat up startled, “Why is your hearing so good?”

Jeonghan smirked as he spoke, “I am just a sucker for gossips.”

You sighed and spoke, “It’s a long story. I will tell you after dinner when we go to our room.”

As everyone devoured the food that was ordered, Seungkwan discussed about the plan for the next day’s sight-seeing. It was your first day in the beautiful place and you were extremely excited about it.

Seungcheol grumbled a bit saying how he was extremely jet-lagged and wasn’t sure if he could wake up early. Jihyun and Chan also whined about the same issue as you giggled seeing how distraught Seungkwan looked. Even though Seungkwan acts mad, you knew very well that he was tired too. He was just such a sucker for planning and plotting that he gives up his health for making others’ trip better.

You pat Seungkwan’s back as you whispered, “Let’s plan the first sight-seeing in the afternoon.”

Seungkwan thinks about it for a while taking big bites of his food and then said, “Okay. Let’s do an afternoon plan.”

Everyone cheered and hugged each other dramatically as if they got a bonus or something. Seungkwan menacingly looked at them and then pouted while looking at you. You giggled a bit pulling him in a hug.

The dinner went along smoothly after that. Everyone talking about this and that. You ignored the couple for most of it, engaging in a conversation with Chan and Seungcheol. You asked about the books on the shelf and he mentioned that they were mostly of his father’s and grandfather’s but there were few books that are owned by him. You nodded as you asked for his permission to keep the book you were reading a while ago for the length of the trip. He laughed and agreed.

After the dinner, you helped Chan and Seungcheol clean up the things. Laughing and joking about everything that happened today as you cleared out the dishes, and threw the trash. Catching up with Seungcheol felt nice as you haven’t seen him in ages. A soft cling of metal made you look behind you as you saw Mingyu enter the kitchen area to throw a can in the dustbin. He looked between you and Seungcheol and gave a soft smile which both of you returned back.

“Do you guys need any kind of help?”, Mingyu asked with his eyes fixed on you.

“No, we are done here.”, Chan answered before you could even open your mouth.

You just smiled at him and shook your head, assuring him that you were actually done with cleaning everything. Mingyu then stood there for a while and spoke again.

“I bought the celsius drinks. It’s in the fridge.”, Mingyu’s voice made you again look at him.

“Y-You packed them in your suitcase?”, you dumbly asked.

“Yes. I saw they were selling them outside of the airport and so I packed few in the bag.”, Mingyu explained with a shrug.

“Oh. That’s good.”, you said with a smile.

“They are still your favourite right?”, Mingyu finally asked.

Your heart stuttered despite you trying to calm yourself down. Mingyu has always had this annoying habit of remembering details about people around him. He has a great memory and would actually remember things you have mentioned to him barely once or twice. The fact that you almost survived on Celsius in college, obviously didn’t slip away from his mind.

“Y-Yeah they are.”, was all you could say.

That earned you a full watt smile from Minyu, as his canines made an appearance, giving him that boyish look that made your heart beat faster. He finally said goodbye as he walked up to his room. You didn’t know you were staring at his back as he left.

Seungcheol poked your sides a bit and whispered, “You are going to combust at this rate.”

Your cheeks flushed red as you glared at him and said, “It’s nothing.”

Seungcheol said teasingly, “You know I am a great observer.”

“That doesn’t help me in any way.”, you grumbled.

“Just so you know, I think he wants you in his life again. Maybe as a friend only but he does.”, Seungcheol softly explains.

“It’s not that easy.”, you said with a sigh.

“I know but you saw the way he smiled like a goddamn golden retriever when you confirmed that it was indeed your favourite drink.”, Seungcheol painfully pointed out.

“He is like that with Maya too.”, you tried to reason.

“He is not. Just so you know, Maya doesn’t like carbonated drinks.”, Seungcheol rolled his eyes.

“How do you know that?”, you looked at him.

“She was whining about it in the airport. Her voice is very hard to miss.”, Seungcheol said with a disgruntled sigh which made you laugh out loud.

“I can prove you in many ways that he wants your attention.”, Seungcheol was now smirking. You rolled your eyes as you decided to call it a day.

You weren’t exactly ready to explain everything to Jeonghan so you decided to tip toe into your shared room. You were sure that Jeonghan has definitely fallen asleep by now as you slowly opened the door, trying to not make any noise.

“Why are you entering like a thief?”, Jeonghan’s voice startled you as you fully entered the room.

“Why are you not sleeping?”, you asked.

“Because you will give me gossips!”, he said excitedly as if it’s such an obvious thing.

“Weren’t you dying to sleep while eating?”, you teased.

“Oh. That. No, I just wanted to lay my head on Seungcheol’s shoulder.”

You laughed out loud seeing how bold he is. You missed this side of Jeonghan. The side that left everyone speechless. Jeonghan always had this flirty and mischievous personality which you loved. You became friends with him just because he was that persistent. You weren’t someone who showed your light-hearted side to office colleagues but Jeonghan was different. He would nag you forever if you don’t listen to him and you were glad, he was like this. After he went into a relationship, you missed this side of him as he became more civil and calmer. The things that happened in his life over the past few years were enough to traumatize even a mentally strong person hence seeing him being his own self again, somehow made you emotional.

“Now speak woman!”, Jeonghan’s voice brought you back to the present time as you settled on his bed.

“I was in love with Mingyu in college.”, you said.

“Wow geez woman. Give me some plot to warm into.”, chuckled Jeonghan.

You glared at him as you spoke, “And Maya was my best friend in the initial years of college.”

The situation finally clicked in his brain as he spoke, “Wow that’s some cruel shit. How did that happen?”

You sighed as you said, “I have no idea. I actually decided to confess to him halfway through our college years. He was a good friend of mine and I knew how he loved grand gestures. So, I wrote him seven letters and Maya gave those to him but he never responded to them or even asked me about it. He was just ignorant or probably didn’t want to do anything with me.”

Jeonghan nodded and asked you to continue.

“I was planning to confess to him on his birthday which didn’t happen as I wasn’t even invited. After that a fight broke between me and Maya because of some other reasons and she distanced herself from me and became friends with Mingyu. They would hang out together and even walk to college together. I decided to ignore him too and that was when I met Jihyun and Seungkwan.”

Till date you perfectly remember the day you bumped into Seungkwan and Jihyun. You were in the engineering segment of the college hence you always stayed in the left wing of the campus. That particular day you woke up extremely cranky and decided to go to class a bit late. The morning classes weren’t of much importance so you took your sweet time getting dressed and decided to catch the third class of the day.

When you finally reached the classroom, your eyes couldn’t fail but notice how Mingyu and Maya were snuggled in the farthest corner of the room, probably giggling about something. You decided to ignore them as much as possible as your gut twisted into something very ugly. You felt like collapsing then and there but you steadied yourself and took seat in the front rows of the room. The class soon started and everything else turned blurry. You took notes, answered the professor correctly and even got appreciated for your good performance. You were always proud of how well you did in the subjects because that was something you could control unlike the other things happening in your life.

After class you decided to try the coffee shop in the right wing of the campus which was mostly for business and other such field students. You were in no mood of coming face to face with those two similar people so you entered the coffee shop all across the campus and took a seat. After getting your order, you decided to work a bit on your upcoming projects.

“Excuse me, is there anyone sitting with you?”, came a soft voice which clearly startled you.

You looked up to find a girl, dressed in a soft pink shirt and dark trousers. Her shoulder length hair was all tousled as if she has run up here. She waited for you to answer the previous question as she clutched onto her books.

“No. You can sit with me.”, you gave a soft smile seeing how bewildered the girl looked.

“Oh! Yes, thank you. I owe you lot!”, the girl fumbled with words as she sat in front of you and settled all her things on the table.

“Its fine. You look like you are in a hurry.”, you commented.

Her skin flushed as she ducked her head a bit and spoke, “This café remains packed during this hour and I really wanted to drink my favourite coffee and get some work done.”

You laughed a bit finding the reason legit and said, “I am ____ by the way.”

The girl stared at you a bit and said, “Oh of course! I forgot to introduce myself. I am Jihyun, from the business department, final year.”

You acknowledged the information and said, “I am from the engineering department, also final year.”

You both chatted for a bit and for the first time in a while you felt like you belonged somewhere and that someone actually talked with you, not out of pity or selfish needs. Jihyun found you extremely charming and decided to invite you on a shopping spree with her friend Seungkwan. You have had heard about him from Mingyu, clearly remembering that they were childhood friends. You hesitated a bit, not wanting to stay in contact with Mingyu in any way and also the fact that you rarely got out of your dorm for such trips. Eventually you gave in and decided to show up. And probably that’s the best decision you have ever made.

Seungkwan soon became your emotional support system and you shared everything with them. Even if he was close to Mingyu, he never brought him to any of your gatherings and also never told him anything you talked about.

Jeonghan smiled after hearing the entire story of your friendship. You beamed at the memories but then the negative ones came back you. Giving a sad smile you continued speaking.

“After we graduated, I heard from someone that they both were dating and that was it.”

Jeonghan nodded and said, “That sucks honestly but you should have at least communicated with him. He was your friend after all.”

“I was embarrassed Jeonghan. He had read my letters and did nothing about it. It seemed like I was desperate for his attention which I wasn’t. I have my own dignity.”

“So now we hate her right?”, he asked.

“Seungkwan does. Apparently, he doesn’t like her vibes.”, you said, air quoting the ‘vibes’.

Jeonghan chuckled and spoke, “Well neither do I. She has such a bitch face.”

You laughed after hearing that. You had always seen Jeonghan talk shit about people and every time it seemed to amuse you. Jeonghan has such gentle facial features, with almond eyes and soft cheeks that seeing him cuss someone out was a very entertaining sight. People often tried to take advantage of him thinking he is naïve from the way he looks. But deep down only you know what an intelligent evil menace Yoon Jeonghan is and you love it. You love your office best friend a lot.

The night soon fell as everyone settled in their rooms and went into deep slumber. You lied down in bed; eyes open wide as you tried to process everything that happened today. You were damn sure that you were over him after all these years but clearly that wasn’t the case. At that very moment you promised yourself that you are going to show them that it doesn’t bother you and that you are not the same girl who begged to have friends in her life once.

click <<here>> to go to chapter 4!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any.<3

[joooooniecore]

After all this time: Chapter 2

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: hi! here is the second chapter of the fanfic. i hope you are enjoying this fic. i have already planned the ending and it makes me so happy. also extremely glad to everyone who commented to be on my tag list. it is truly an honor as a writer to have people who eagerly wait for the things i write. --- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @whoa-jo @mingyuisthevictimofsvt @tokitosun @iarayara

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

<< chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 >>

The rest of the week went down in a blur as the group planned excitedly about the upcoming trip. The city of Prague is huge, with rich culture and a number of historical places. The medieval castles are all over the place. You had always been someone who loves history and touring castles, or even museums. You were actually extremely excited for this trip despite the people you were going with. You went through every article about the places the group planned to visit and stared in awe at the amazing architecture.

Seungkwan has diligently planned to visit the main attractions of Mala Strana and has also given a day off from group activities so that one can go around on their own. Despite loving group activities, which gives you less to think about, you love your alone time. You have searched a bit about the place, and the sites Seungkwan has decided. You didn’t really think much about your solo day as you decided to let the flow take the wheel for once. The countdown begins as Friday arrives. Your last day in office before holidays began.

You were working in your cabin, checking and updating anything that required your attention. You wanted to finish as much as possible so that once you come back, you are not over-burdened with work. A distinct knock on your cabin’s door made you involuntarily say “Come in.”

The door creaked open and you saw Steven, one of your colleagues from another department entering. You sat up straight, eyes glued on him as he stood in front of you.

“Do you need anything Steven?”, you asked finding this peculiar.

“Yes. I uhm wanted to ask you something.”, he finally spoke as he stepped into your cubicle.

“Of course. What is it?”, you asked as you stared at him.

“I was thinking if you would like to go on a date with me after the holidays began.”, came his next statement.

You were shocked. You took a good look in his direction. You have never really expected someone to be this straightforward with such an offer, provided how stiff you are when working with colleagues. A blush crept up your cheeks as you have never been asked out so directly for a date. You thought for a while, as you believed in fair chance.

“Well, I would like to think about it. I am actually leaving on a trip this Sunday so I would like to keep in touch and meet if I feel comfortable after I return.”, you answered confidently despite the shyness. You have always been someone who spoke what was on your mind. You were not going to lead him on before sorting your feelings about Mingyu but you needed to move on so you gladly accepted his number and promised to stay in touch.

Steven was sweet enough to not argue. He was actually into casually dating and wouldn’t really mind if you can’t meet. He was simply glad to know you better which was actually very understanding on his part.

Saturday went by in chaos as you tried to pack your suitcases as compactly as you could. You have decided to bring in a good amount of pantsuits and few dresses. You weren’t planning to pack a large amount of clothes because you can always buy new things if you pack less. You have seen some good places near the bungalow that you were excited to visit for shopping.

After everything was packed, you decided to visit Seungkwan and see if he needed any help with packing. Seungkwan’s housing complex is at a walking distance from your place hence you wrap yourself in a coat and walk up to his building.

Your soft knock is answered by a frantic Seungkwan who is extremely glad that you were there. He ushered you in and explained all the things he was planning to take, which was a lot. You went through all the outfits and were able to omit some. You folded all the clothes and placed them cleanly in the suitcase, leaving space for skincare and toiletries.

Seungkwan was extremely pleased to see that you have taken care of most of the mess that was there in the living room. After you both have settled down on the couch, Seungkwan handed you a cold drink to relax as he switched on the TV, flipping through channels to see what was on.

The sound of the doorbell made you both sit up as you saw Seungkwan fumble a bit, clearly hesitant to answer the door.

“Who is it Kwannie?”, you asked.

“Umm please don’t be mad. I needed some items from the store and because of how busy I was, I asked Mingyu to bring them for me.”, Seungkwan answered guiltily.

Your mind went blurry and your body went into a flight response but you were strong enough to calm yourself down and smile at him.

“It’s okay. I need to get used to him being around. Go open the door.”, you answered softly.

Many thoughts ran inside your mind. This was the first time in the last seven years or so that you were going to be face to face with him and the thought was suffocating you. You thought you were over that childish puppy love phase but the moment you thought about seeing him, your mind started hyperventilating.

You could hear the giggles from where you sat, as the footsteps grew closer. Taking a deep breath, you turned around, only to make eye contact with none other than Kim Mingyu.

Mingyu had grown up, clearly. He wasn’t the lanky dude you met in college. He was buff, a little too much for your own good. He was now muscular, with perfect tan skin and great fashion sense apparently. His smile was the same, charming and swoon worthy. The small canines would show themselves when he smiled widely, something that always made your knees go weak. You weakly waved at him as he approached the couch, a heavy grocery bag in his hand.

“Oh my god! It has been such a long time since I last saw you!”, Mingyu said as he sat down beside you, engulfing you in a side hug.

You awkwardly giggled and said, “Yeah. Sorry for not staying in touch. Life was hard back then.”

Mingyu nodded happily as he took out a beer from the bag and took a sip. He didn’t seem like he was doubting you which was a relief. It wasn’t awkward. Mingyu had always been good at holding conversations and even though in the back of your head you knew that he has seen the letter, you can’t help but laugh when he animatedly explained to you and Seungkwan how some random dude pushed him when he was picking up the grocery bag.

He asked you about your life updates and you gladly filled him in with all the important events, omitting certain things that you were not comfortable sharing. The conversation went on for another hour as you all laughed and drank. The room warm, your mind fuzzy and your heart contented. You actually felt at home after a very long time. Isolation never did you good but you could feel the tingling sensation in your heart every time Mingyu stared at you for too long. You desperately wanted to be over him but he was making it so hard.

Mingyu’s phone rang, bursting in through the laughs and giggles. You peeked a bit to see who it was and you instantly regretted that. Your ex-best friend’s name popped up on the screen with a red heart beside it. Your face turned dull, as you swallowed the lump in your throat. The churning sensation in your gut was enough to make you realize your actual position in his life. He wasn’t meant to be yours and it will never happen.

He blushed a bit and answered the call clearly telling her to calm down because he was just at Seungkwan’s house. From the look on his face, you could say that she was mad and that gave you the ick. The way he softly calmed her down by saying sweet words made you want to run out of the apartment and never look back. Seungkwan could feel you growing uncomfortable so he gently tapped Mingyu and mouthed “you should head back to your place”.

Mingyu gave an apologetic bow as he hurried out of the door, closing it behind him.

“You still love him?”, Seungkwan asked after a while. The silence from your side felt suffocating but you knew that you didn’t have to answer that question. It was painfully obvious.

“I guess I do.”, you chuckled bitterly. All these years you have come peace with the fact that it was just a stupid crush and you would be fine when you see him someday but no. He still made you feel giddy. His laugh still spilled butterflies in your stomach. He still made you feel seen, cherished and important. It’s the way Mingyu never changed. He has always been a great friend who gave you importance and the feelings you harboured never helped the situation.

“I think I should go home. Get some rest.”, you said with a soft smile and Seungkwan softly patted your back.

“Yeah. I will talk with you in the morning.”, he said as he hugged you tight. The embrace somewhat erasing the pain that you suddenly felt.

The next morning you woke up quite early. You needed to take a shower and pack the rest of the items before time. After shower, you got dressed in the comfiest set of clothes and checked everything before heading out of the door. The plan was to board the flight first and then have breakfast in the airport itself. You were going to travel with Seungkwan, Chan, Seungcheol and Jeonghan while the rest will go in a separate car. The meeting point was Seungkwan’s house. You reached there fifteen minutes before time and waited on a nearby bench till everyone arrived.

You didn’t have too much luggage. One suitcase and one handbag which had the essentials. You always believed in the concept of packing less as it gave you a chance to buy things from the places you went to. After waiting for a few minutes, you saw Jeonghan approaching the building in quite a confused manner. You waved at him and his confused face turned into a happy smile as he came running towards you.

“I really thought I got the address wrong.”, laughed Jeonghan as he settled beside you.

You chuckled and started chatting with him till the rest arrived.

Out of nowhere you saw Jeonghan freeze, his eyes going wide and a soft blush covered his ears and cheeks. You didn’t understand why he was so stunned and you traced his line of sight, only to see Seungcheol getting out of his car. He was dressed in a simple black tee and some denim pants. A gold chain hung around his neck as he bends down to pick up the wallet that accidently fell. He looked up at you and happily waved, dimples and all.

“W-Who is that?”, asked a flustered Jeonghan.

You were having too much fun with this as you stifled a laugh and asked back, “Does our little Jeonghannie has a crush now?”

Jeonghan grumbled some incoherent words which amused you even more. You finally whispered to him about Seungcheol and how you knew him through Seungkwan.

“Is he umm like straight?”, asked Jeonghan clearly stuttering.

“He is bi.”, you answered with a smirk as he hit your shoulder.

You met Seungcheol after you graduated. He was Seungkwan’s hometown friend who had just shifted in the city back then. It would be a lie if you said that you never had a crush on him but eventually that attraction faded as your heart was set on Mingyu. Seungcheol soon became one of your good friends even though you both rarely met. You both would share memes online and sometimes even play games. He might look intimidating and charming but the man is clumsy as hell and pouts like there is no tomorrow if you don’t listen to him.

Seungcheol approached where you both sat and explained how he had to take care of his dog and drop her off at his parent’s house. You introduced your office colleague to Seungcheol and for the first time since you have met Seungcheol, you saw him stutter while introducing himself. Seungcheol is a charmer, and can easily talk to anyone. He has is way of impressing a person but watching him stammer as he clumsily shook hands with Jeonghan was a delight to watch. You were actually glad that Jeonghan got someone who could distract him from the nasty breakup he went through but you were also scared that this bond might end up like a rebound.

Shaking those thoughts away you looked towards Seungkwan’s building as you saw him approaching along with Chan. You all shared familiar smiles as the hired car arrived. It was a big car as you all could fit comfortably along with all the luggage.

Mingyu was supposed to arrive along with his girlfriend Maya in a separate car and Jihyun was going to arrive with her brother Vernon.

You all reached airport first and decided to check in and wait for the rest of the people to arrive. After everyone has arrived, the proceedings were soon done as your group walked to the waiting area. You saw Mingyu sit in the farthest corner along with Maya as the others sat around you chattering loudly.

Out of the corner of your eye you saw Jeonghan sitting beside Seungcheol and giving him the gooey eyes that he always gives to someone he likes. You rolled your eyes playfully and your own eyes involuntarily went to Mingyu as you could hear him softly talk to Maya.

As time went by, your heart started beating faster. You hated how it affected you. You desperately wanted to move on from this stupid college crush but every time your eyes went to the couple, your heart sank and your gut felt weird. You were feeling too anxious so you decided to take a break and go for a walk around the waiting area for some fresh air. As you sped walked, you felt a presence behind you. It was Jihyun.

“Goddamn woman, why are you jogging in an airport?”, laughed Jihyun but immediately stopped as she saw your face.

“Are you having a panic attack?”, asked Jihyun, concern laced in her voice as she supported you by your shoulder.

“I- no- I mean-”, you stuttered as your knees gave in and you sat on a nearby chair. The cool metal giving you some sort of relief.

Jihyun helped you calm down as she slowly coaxed you with distracting stories until you felt a bit better. She grabbed a water bottle and you gulped down most of it. Jihyun’s eyes were full of concern as she sat beside you without asking a single question. You felt guilty for being like this. You hated when people worried about you and seeing Jihyun this distraught made you hate yourself a bit more.

“It’s Mingyu.”, you finally said. You knew she would have guessed but you felt the urge to explain yourself.

Jihyun nodded, gently engulfing you in a hug as she stayed like that for what felt like eternity. The announcement of the plane’s arrival startled you as both of you quickly reached the area your friends were at. Seungkwan gave you a questioning look but you mouthed a “later” before you took your handbag and followed the others.

Jihyun stood behind you in line, followed by Mingyu and then the others. Even if you were one person away from him, you could hear his voice and that didn’t help. You couldn’t help but listen to him as he seemed to ask Jihyun something.

“What is wrong with ____?”, asked Mingyu in a hushed tone.

“She overworked a bit so wasn’t feeling well.”, came Jihyun’s reply and you allowed the loud chatters of the crowd to swallow their voices as you focused on getting yourself checked in.

The voices in your head started to disappear as you walked towards the designated airplane. Steps falling a little quicker than everyone around you, as your heart felt a little at ease from the thought of spending time in a place of rich history. You have always loved history, and loved learning about places.

You handed the boarding pass to a kind air hostess as she smiled at you and helped you to your seat. You settled down, taking out your book and your headphones before settling your bag in the storage unit above your head.

Your friends slowly filled in, as you saw most of them sit a bit far away from you. You were on the aisle seat, which is your favourite even though you have to make space for anyone who sits inside. From the corner of your eye, you saw Jeonghan sit beside Chan and that felt like a relief. Chan had always been scared of travelling on plane and you knew Jeonghan would take care of him.

You craned your neck a bit to find Jihyun being seated with Vernon, which is something you thought they have booked because Jihyun also gets quite anxious during travelling. You couldn’t spot the rest of your friends so you decided to not cramp your neck much and settle down.

A few seconds later a soft nudge you as you looked up to see Mingyu.

“Huh?”, you asked, a bit dumbfounded as you pulled out the earphones that was blocking his voice.

Mingyu chuckled a bit before replying, “I said that my seat is beside you.”

He showed you the boarding pass and your eyes went wide. You quickly controlled your reaction and shifted a bit for him to enter. Mingyu being a whopping six foot two, found it a bit difficult but he finally settled in.

“Why are you so tall?”, you asked, slightly annoyed.

Mingyu rolled his eyes and said, “Not my fault you still look like a high school kid.”

You were five foot five. Not that short but he still teases you for it. You stared at him, clearly offended by what he said but decided to ignore it as you focused on your phone again.

“Are you okay now?”, Mingyu asked as he fastened the seat belt.

“Huh? Yeah I am. Why?”, you stammered clumsily.

“You had a panic attack so I was asking.”, Mingyu stated.

“H-How? How did you know that?”, you were embarrassed now.

“I know you like the back of my hand, ___. I know how you look after a panic attack.”, Mingyu answered with a soft smile.

“Oh.”, was all you could say. Your brain malfunctioned. Ofcourse Mingyu knew about your every little thing. You both were once attached to the hip and now all he looks like is a known stranger to you.

“Yeah.”, Mingyu gave a full watt smile as you felt your cheeks heating up. You quickly turned away from him and focused on the song you were listening to.

The announcement of take-off soon boomed in the plane as you fastened your seatbelts. A soft tap on your shoulder made you look towards Mingyu only to see him guiltily staring at you.

“What’s wrong?”, you asked, a bit confused.

He stayed silent for a bit, probably contemplating on what he was going to say and then finally spoke in a bashful tone, “I-I am scared of heights.”

Before the concern could seep into your mind, a laughter bubbled as you stifled it before maintaining the poker face again. He looked at you, and then sat up straight, clearly mad for the way you laughed at him.

“I am sorry.”, you said between giggles as you poked his shoulder to get his attention.

“It was just funny to me to imagine a tall guy like you being scared of heights. You are practically way above ground anyways.”, you joked as you saw him break his character and laugh along with you.

“Nah, but on a serious note, umm can I hold your hand when we take off?”, he finally asked.

Your brain short circuited at the thought of holding his hand but you reminded yourself that he saw you as a friend and was clearly asking for your help because he felt comfortable around you. You nodded your head before your mind could process what was happening.

He immediately laced his fingers with yours, engulfing your hands in a warm grasp. He gave one of his infamous smiles, where his canines would appear and his eyes would twinkle. He pulled your hand closer to his chest while his other hand went up to the seat handle for support. You could feel his heart beat as your hand remained pressed against his chest. The feeling so intimate that it gave you goosebumps.

“The plane won’t take off for another ten minutes.”, you tried to say.

“Yeah, I know. Why?”, Mingyu asked, rather confused.

“We can hold hands then.”, you tried to reason.

“Why? Are you ashamed to hold my hand?”, Mingyu said as he squeezed your hands harder.

“No- I- That’s not what I meant.”, you stammered a little, clearly flustered from the way Mingyu was looking at you intently.

“I like being prepared.”, he said with a smirk as his hand stubbornly remained against yours.

Within ten minutes or so the plane took off, and Mingyu squeezed his eyes shut, the pressure on your hand increasing. When the plane was in air, you lightly tapped on his hand and saw him slowly open his eyes. He was definitely scared of heights by the way he was sweating even in the air-conditioned area. He gently let go of your hand and you immediately missed the warmth, almost thinking of other ways to make him hold your hand again.

“You okay now?”, you asked.

“Yeah. Just my ears are clogged.”, he answered before sitting up straight on his seat.

You took out a pack of gum and offered him one to help with the ear situation before you both went into a comfortable silence. You read your book as you listened to music and he decided to watch a movie on his mobile. The rest of the journey was pleasant as you both talked a bit here and there.

As the journey continued you found yourself dozing off. You closed your book and decided to rest for a bit before the plane finally lands in Prague. Your eyes quickly closed, as your mind went into deep slumber.

You woke up from your nap as you heard the announcement of landing. Your head was on something really hard as you turned your head to see Mingyu’s face. You were lying on his shoulder. Before you could even register, your body bolted up, quickly distancing yourself from him. You just hoped that he didn’t notice as you saw him sleeping too.

“Had a nice sleep?”, you heard Mingyu say with a teasing voice while you were fixing your hair.

“God that is embarrassing.”, you groaned into your palm.

“Why? You used to do that always in college.”, Mingyu said with a frown.

“We were in college. It was different back then.”, you said and hoped that he understood why.

“And sometimes I hope that we never changed.”, he said with a sad smile and before you could answer, the plane was ready to land. The announcement cut you off as Mingyu busied himself in packing his things and you did the same.

He ruffled his hair before fixing it properly and you had to physically control yourself from looking at him. Mingyu was gorgeous and you were falling for it all over again.

The plane landed a few minutes later. You all slowly got down, making sure to take your belongings from the plane. After you all have gathered near the baggage counter, you saw Mingyu shift away from your group and stand beside his girlfriend who seemed to be fuming a bit.

You had no idea what has happened but somewhere you knew that he was clearly asked to distance himself from you. You felt a pit in your stomach as he awkwardly stole glances and then turned around to ignore everyone.

After coming out of the main lobby of the airport, Chan hired three taxis and gave the address of the bungalow which was almost an hour travel. Everyone got into their designated cars, you took the car with Seungkwan and Jeonghan. The cars finally left the airport on the way to Mala Strana.

click <<here>> to go to chapter 3!

✧˖* end notes: posting every monday! do suggest me ideas if you have any.<3

[joooooniecore]

After all this time

Your friends have been successful enough to drag you out of your workaholic routine for a vacation out of country.

The only problem? Your long term crush who actually used to be your best friend is also going there. And he is bringing his girlfriend, your ex-female best friend.

What could go wrong? Right?

✧˖* pairing: ex-bestfriend!mingyu x f!reader

✧˖* chapter count: master-list

✧˖* genre: ex-best friend mingyu, friends to strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, angst, slow-burn, smut.

✧˖* playlist: spotify playlist

✧˖* full work warnings: resurfaced old feelings, toxic relationship(not between the main characters), angst, confusions, resentments, past misunderstandings, a very slow burn

✧˖* explicit warnings: penetration, explicit language, cursing, bodily fluids, praising, body worship.

✧˖* author's note: hi! here is the first chapter of the fanfic. i must confess that it is a little slow burn kind of. the romance isn't present in a very loud sense but you can feel the way the main characters are attracted to each other. i hope this fanfic will be loved by everyone! --- love, artemis.

✧˖* tag-list: @ana-marais98 @hellosighsophy-blog @ppaia @whoa-jo

COMMENT TO BE IN THE TAG-LIST!<3

Chapter 1

It was a soft winter morning. The sun had finally decided to grace the city with its presence. The delicate sun beams glistened through the white curtains of your bedroom. The clock kept ticking without waiting for anyone.

It was a lazy morning, like the ones from your childhood when you used to wake up with your mind relaxed and drag your feet to the breakfast table to find your mother making some delicious pancakes for you. You would buzz towards it like a little bee buzzing towards a flower.

Well, that’s not the case with you anymore. The morning alarm screams annoyingly at 6 am, as you groan in your very comfy little cocoon, second guessing whether you should get moving or ruin your entire career. The alarm negotiates in opposition as you finally give in and bring out your hand to grab the sweater first.

You sleep in thin nightwear since you hate sleeping with layers on. After slipping into the soft woolen cloth, you wear some fuzzy socks as you get out of bed and slowly drag your feet towards your room’s window.

The sun rays were dying to get in as you gently unlatch the window, allowing the fresh morning breeze to make your heart feel a little better. You love the winter mornings, as the soft light plays around on the snowy fields.

The cozy sweaters and soft mittens are what you wait for all year long. And especially Christmas. You love Christmas. It’s the only time of the year when you can dress up as you want, and decorate your small mushy apartment in the most extravagant manner. The salary bonus is an add on.

The door to your bedroom creaks open as you make your way to the shower. You had a long day ahead of you hence you decided to shower before getting breakfast. You were never the kind of girl who worked half-heartedly. Being the over-achiever of your family, you have always loved learning and studying.

Even in college, when your friends were partying and enjoying youth, you were drowning in assignments and pulled all-nighters studying for exams. You were always serious. Always hustling. Never falling back. That didn’t mean you never had fun. You always had good friends who understood that study came first in your life. They would make sure to include you in everything and you being a little soft-hearted for them, would always agree to tag along from time to time.

It was the same when you got a job at this very famous Tech company. You were always inclined towards learning more about technology. You worked diligently and it showed. You soon got a very big promotion upgrading you to a project head within the first three years. It was easy for you. To work hard and tune out everything that was happening around you.

The sharp crackle of metal frame brought you out of your head as you saw the bread was toasted. You took it out, gently laying it on your plate as you scraped some butter to go with it. Then you decided to have some poached eggs too.

Most of the companies around here have already declared Christmas holidays but you still have to go for another week before you get the much-needed break. You loved the concept of holiday. Relaxing by the beach or in mountains with no phone calls to bother you.

Your father, unlike your mother has always nagged you when you would sit idly even as a kid. He used to lecture that if you sat idly in your free time then it would create a demon in your brain who will always force you to sit idly. You knew there wasn’t any such thing but a ten-year-old believed that and turned herself into a workaholic.

You had no friends till you went to college. You had no love life till high school. No crushes or even dates. Boys used to ask you out sometimes but you would decline them with a soft smile and sad eyes. It was a distraction after all and you were too tired to put efforts into taking care of one more person. Your siblings were enough for that.

The apartment keys jingled as you picked up your handbag and lunch box. You slipped into your work shoes and wrapped a black heavy trench coat around yourself, buckling it in tightly. The apartment door’s lock clicked as you were finally out of your apartment. The click clacks of your boots echoed in the empty hallway as you made your way to the building’s elevator.

On your way down the parking lot, you waved to the watchman as he dipped his hat in some sort of countryside salute. Outside the air was extremely chilly as you found yourself wrapping your hands around your torso despite the number of layers you were wearing. You could see the snow that has settled on the pathway as your boots dipped in a bit into the thick layer before you raised them again and walked to the nearby bus stand.

Your office was on the outskirts of the town. It was a new establishment and was made to bring in some development in the town. You have lived in this town since you were born and it was nice knowing that it will evolve into something better.

The idea was first looked down upon by many elderly people but then it did actually do some wonderous updates to the town and was soon accepted. It even employed a lot of people which helped many.

You loved your job. Truly. Though sometimes it did become overwhelming. In the recent few months, it has gotten a bit annoying due to the change in directors. The previous director was this happy old man who actually took care of the employees a lot. He would always give the employees some extra holidays or even organize jam sessions in office on a random Tuesday to let go off the load.

The employees loved him and admired him a lot until he retired. Everyone including you cried a lot at the celebratory dinner of his retirement. The new director is also old, maybe a little younger than the previous one but is extremely grumpy. He is rude, and doesn’t even care about how one gets the job done.

The distant horn of the bus startled you as you hurriedly gathered your things that you have kept on the nearby bench and hoped on. The journey was a short one. The roads were cleared by the town maintenance hence there was no issue and you reached office a bit earlier than your usual time. You got down from the bus and walked up to the gates of the tall building.

The elevators were mostly empty during this time. Only you and a few more employees of some other department were in it. You bowed to them, sharing a similar robotic smile and got down on your floor. You were in the IT department and a project head; hence you had your own office. This was a relief to you as you could have some privacy when you worked.

The biometric lock scanned your ID and the door LED dinged green as you pushed it open and went in. Your office was on the last left corner of a hallway.

As you walked pass many cubicles, you bowed to anyone in your vicinity. You weren’t a rude employee and you actually took your time to greet everyone. It was least you could do because everyone here knew how much you hated bringing office friendships back to your personal life. You never became too friendly with someone. It was always a bow and a soft smile and never a full-on laugh. It was always some mandatory gift giving and never some everyday ‘let’s get lunch together’ thing.

You were friendly but distant and most of the people around respected that. The wooden door to your office room clicked open as you got in and locked it perfectly. You still had two hours before the actual work started, so you would normally check your emails, get work done if any or simply go through your text messages to see if something important is there. It was part of your daily routine.

It was in college that you met your first friend, Jihyun and then Seungkwan. Both of them came into your life in the most unexpected way and sticked around even if you were mostly distant. They would bring you homecooked food and even make you go with them to shopping. They basically made your college life worth thriving.

As you go through your emails, replying back to the necessary ones, there is a soft tap on your door. Startled by who could be here so early your brain malfunctioned a bit before you got up from your very comfortable chair, groaning a bit due to the loss of heat that you had a few minutes ago and unlocked the door.

“I don’t get it.”, Jeonghan whisper-yelled as he pushed you aside and got inside your cabin, locking the door and dragging you with him.

Did you forget to mention him?

Meet Yoon Jeonghan. The only office employee who is allowed in your personal life or more like he made sure you allow him in your personal life. He is as dramatic as he sounds and probably the prettiest man you have ever seen. You sometimes get jealous of him because of the number of men he pulls. He is sassy, quick-witted and extremely charming. Even though he is dramatic, he is the best comfort person.

Startled by his sudden words you allow him to take a seat on the chair you were sitting a few moments ago, as you lift your hips to give yourself some support on the desk.

“Why are you here so early?”, you asked as normally he would come at his usual time.

He grumbled a bit, sipping on the matcha that he had in his hand and said, “I had to come this early because I needed to talk with you about something.”

From the last five years that you have known him, you know for sure that the hell has to break loose for Jeonghan to wake this early in the morning.

“You could have just called or texted me.”, you offered.

“I could, right? Well, who keeps her phone on DND in the morning hour?”, Jeonghan snarled as he smirked.

You blushed red. You do have a habit of doing that to reduce the number of distractions. Your mom has a very annoying habit of calling you at the worst times to say the most random things so you just mute your phone till lunch break. You hit him on the shoulder as if begging him to stop teasing you.

“Fine! What is it oh dear lord Yoon Jeonghan that you needed to say to me?”, you taunted.

Jeonghan’s expression turned a bit grave but he recovered quickly and said in a soft voice, “We broke up.”

The news was enough to shatter whatever playful atmosphere you both had a minute ago. You stared at him wide eyed for a second and then quickly lunged forward to hug him tight.

Jeonghan has always hated dating people. He was as independent as you can imagine and he hated the dependency that came with relationships until last year. That’s when he met this guy Mark at an official event. It was organized by few of the big companies and had many well-known people. Mark is a lawyer and he is pretty famous in the area. He had won many cases and is extremely intelligent. Jeonghan and Mark clicked off instantly and by the end of the week were happily dating.

Since the past few months though something fell a bit off. Jeonghan stayed a bit aloof and was mostly cranky. He would go home early and sometimes even not greet you for two days straight. It was weird to see him crumble like this. He did recover from that feeling and that’s when you knew the divorce of his parents.

It was a bad topic to discuss about so you comforted him instead by taking him on short trips and nudging him to go on more dates with Mark.

“What happened? Why would he do that?”, you asked.

“Well technically I broke up with him. I was back at my hometown for a week for all the proceedings but it ended quicker than I imagined so I decided to surprise him. I got on an early train and went to our shared apartment and umm saw him with a woman.”, Jeonghan spoke in a clear voice but the shaking of his hands gave away how hurt he was.

Jeonghan always had a habit of burying his emotions deep and act playful all the time which is why most of the times you don’t even know how bad the situation is until he opens his mouth to explain.

“He did what?”, you almost yelled. You were fuming. Mark was bi and all but he didn’t seem like someone who would be this cruel. Yes, you did find him weird at times but you would see Jeonghan happy and go along with it.

“He cheated on me and I screamed when I saw it and then we got into a fight.”, said Jeonghan. You allowed him to continue.

“He said that I don’t give him enough time and I always go back to my hometown so he thought that I was probably cheating on him with someone else from my hometown.”, Jeonghan finished the story in one breath. He was clearly affected by it even if he tried to act nonchalant.

You were fuming at this point. You seriously considered murdering Mark.

“I fucking hate him. How can he do this to you?”, you said, clearly in a murderous voice.

Jeonghan chuckled through his teary-eyed voice and said, “Aye don’t ruin your mood for this. I am okay now.”

“Where did you sleep last night then?”, you asked next.

“I slept at my cousin’s place.”

You nodded and he decided to take his leave and not torment you more. You both decided to meet at lunch break and talk shit about Mark. After Jeonghan left, your office cabin went back to its soft eerie silence. You could hear the clattering of the window pane due to the wind.

The pitter patter of soft rain that always happened during this hour in winters. The wheezing sound of the water purifier that acted as a constant reminder of modern setting. You slowly sat down on your desk and decided to finish the rest of the work.

Half an hour later, your phone rang. You startled a bit because of how concentrated you were and turned the screen to see who it was.

Seungkwan’s name glowed. You contemplated a bit before answering the call.

“Why are you not answering my texts?”, Seungkwan yelled as soon as you picked up the call.

“Well hello to you too Kwannie. I am great, how are you?”, you answered in a sarcastic tone.

Seungkwan audibly groaned and said, “ Don’t you dare change the topic. I need answers.”

“I didn’t get time to check I am sorry. Just repeat what you texted to me.”, you finally said. You were too tired to go through probably forty text messages that Seungkwan has sent you over the span of two days.

You could hear some shuffling on the other side as you imagined Seungkwan to find a place to sit in his small apartment before he filled you in with the information.

“We are planning a trip next week.”, he finally said.

You had heard about it a month back and could remember some of the details in the back of your head. The plan was then at its initial stages so you didn’t really care about it. Most of the plans that Seungkwan makes go down the drain when the time comes by. He is very indecisive.

“The one to Prague?”, you asked as you regained some of the information you heard back then.

“Oh, thank heavens you remember some of it. Yes, Prague. My friend actually has relatives there who are willing to give us their bungalow so that we can tour around comfortably.”

You nodded as you asked, “So what is the plan?”

You could practically hear Seungkwan squeal as he explained, “Well we leave the upcoming Monday and return back before New Year’s Eve.”

Seungkwan goes to orphanages near the town on New Year’s Eve hence he planned it in such a way that you guys return before that. Sometimes you just wonder how this menace can he so soft hearted.

“Okay? So do I get a choice whether to go or not?”, you asked, even if you knew the answer.

“Haha! You wish. You are going with us. You need to.”, Seungkwan laughed menacingly.

You shook your head softly and asked, “Who all are going?”

You knew that some of your college classmates are going to be there because Seungkwan is practically friends with everyone. Even if he is the closest to you, he loves being a social butterfly and that shows pretty well.

“Umm so me, Jihyun and you obviously. Chan is going since it’s his relative’s bungalow. Jihyun is bringing her brother Vernon and my friend Seungcheol will go.”

You thought the list was done. There was a long pause before Seungkwan spoke again, voice a bit unsure this time, “M-Mingyu is also going.”

Your mind went blank. A shiver ran down your spine as you took a deep breath. It is quite obvious Mingyu would go. He had always been part of the group. You just decided to omit him from your life when college got over.

Kim Mingyu, same department as yours in college and one of your closest friends. He was extremely charming and intelligent. You both clicked off instantly and stayed the same for two years. He was the first guy you had a crush on.

In the final year of college, you finally decided to confess to him and that ended badly. Hence you are embarrassed to even go close to him now.

“Is he still dating her?”, you asked, a bit unsure.

“Yes, he is. I think he might bring her but I have no idea about that.”, Seungkwan answered.

You really wanted to say no to the trip and stay in your bed all day and watch sappy Christmas movies till it is time to get back to work again. The urge to cut the call and block everyone was too much but you were arrogant too.

It wasn’t Mingyu’s fault that you were this heartbroken. He announced that he was dating someone before you even confessed. It was the embarrassment that you felt when you realized that the sweet talks Mingyu did with you were just out of mere friendliness and you took it the wrong way.

“I will go. Don’t worry. I have a request though?”, you said finally.

“What is it?”, asked Seungkwan.

“I have a friend in office. His name is Jeonghan. He is very dear to me.”, you justified even if it was not required.

“I know Jeonghan. We have met few times when you invite me to your house. He is a sweet guy.”

“Yes, so umm he went through a pretty harsh breakup recently. The guy cheated on him so I want him to have a relaxing break too.”, you stated.

“Of course! The more the merrier. You can discuss with him and let me know if he is willing to donate his share for the trip and I will book another plane ticket for him.”, Seungkwan replied enthusiastically.

You smiled a bit and bid him goodbye. The rest of the day went in a daze. You did discuss about the trip with Jeonghan and he was more than willing to contribute. He loved going out with friends. He was actually grateful and took his time to learn about everyone who will be there on the trip.

It was almost nighttime when you got off work and went back to your apartment. You freshened up and heated some leftover food. You picked up your half-read book, a plate full of pasta and a glass of water before settling on the cozy sofa. After the meal was over you finally decide to check your text messages.

You were added to a group and it was titled ‘Boo-tastic holiday plan’, You giggled at the name and decided to read the chats. It was mostly Seungkwan and Chan bickering over the arrangement of things and the activities and sight-seeing that were to be done. Once in a while Jihyun interrupted both of them and gave logical reasons to make sure no one goes off track during the plan.  

After a while Seungkwan tagged you in the group and asked you to add Jeonghan which you did. Jeonghan was happy and even introduced himself. Everyone welcomed him and the mood shifted to light jokes and several plans.

A soft smile was plastered on your face as you saw your friends enjoying the chat. You always admired them for saving you. You never really had good friends in school. Everyone approached you only when they needed help in studies and hence you grew up extremely aloof.

Your train of thoughts was cut off when a ding came from your phone. It was an unknown number that has texted.

Unknown number

It has been a long time since I saw you.

You hesitated a bit clearly not sure who it was. You checked the account and saw that it was someone from the group Seungkwan added you in.

You

Sorry, who is this? I don’t have the number saved.

Unknown number

Wow now I am stranger? The person who helped you with every assignment is now a stranger huh?

Your eyes bulged open as you correctly guessed who it was. Mingyu was texting you and it increased your heartbeat. You have had zero connections with him since the day you graduated. It was something you needed to do for your mental health.

He was quickly becoming a distraction and you were not ready to mess up your life for him. Even though there were times when you hated him for acting so friendly and flirty with you, you still had a soft spot for the happy boy that he was.

You

Mingyu?

Unknown number

Correct! You do have good memory.

You blushed at the message.

Mingyu

I am so excited to meet you!

You

Me? Huh? Are you gonna kill me or something?

Mingyu

You wish! No, I actually missed you. We used to be best friends in college and then randomly you went poof one day.

“Yeah, right best friends. That’s all I was to him apparently.”, you bitterly chuckled under your breath before replying.

You

Lol yeah sorry. Tough times. I am excited to meet you too.

Mingyu

Yay!^^

You

:)

You kept your phone aside and sighed. This was going to be a long trip.

click <<here>> to go to chapter 2!

✧˖* end notes: i am planning to post every monday as that would help me to keep the pace and not rush things. i hope you all loved it!