keizethemoment

[keizethemoment]

— 30 days, 30 dates

Sypnosis: Alaina (You) wakes up each morning with no memory of the day before while Joshua’s face changes every day, a curse that began on his twentieth birthday. They were once deeply in love—until an accident stole Alaina’s ability to remember. Now, at 25, Joshua has spent every single day introducing himself, making her fall in love with him all over again, behind a different face each time. But even love this deep can grow weary. With a heavy heart, Joshua gives himself 30 more days to love her in silence, one last time before he lets her go.

Pairing: Joshua x f!reader

Genre: fluff, angst

Wc: 3.4k

A/N: This is written in a Third POV and It is inspired by the movie ‘Beauty Inside’ and ‘50 dates’. I'm a flawed writer so please tell me if I made mistakes in my writing. Nonetheless, I hope you guys enjoy !

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Joshua woke up and glanced at his reflection. Today, he had the face of a handsome stranger. With a quiet breath, he made up a new name and prepared to meet Alaina once again.

Elsewhere, Alaina was already awake. Yesterday was gone from her mind. Her cousin gently filled in the gaps, reminding her of who she was, though carefully leaving Joshua out. Some truths, he believed, were best kept quiet.

Later that day, Alaina walked into a cozy little café. It was famous, and though she didn’t remember, it had always been her favorite. The taste of her pastry felt warm and familiar, like discovering joy for the first time. At the next table, a man sat reading, completely absorbed.

Her eyes drifted to him. There was something captivating about the way he focused, so lost in the pages. Who is he? she wondered. And what could be so fascinating in that book?

“A penny for your thoughts, miss?” he said, looking up with a kind smile.

Alaina blushed instantly. To her, it felt like love at first sight. To Joshua, it was love all over again—for the hundredth time.

“Nothing,” she said softly, unable to meet his gaze.

He chuckled, the sound gentle and familiar. “What’s your name?”

Joshua wished, just for a moment, that he could forget too. Maybe then he could fall for her again, truly as if it were the first time.

“A-Alaina Castillo. Yours?” she asked, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Josh Huang” he replied, offering his hand. She took it with a smile.

She’s fallen again, and I have to let her go again.. he thought, his heart aching.

...

That night, Joshua lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The day had been beautiful, but it left him feeling empty. He longed to be remembered, to share memories, anniversaries, a life. But with her memory and his ever-changing face, it felt impossible.

Tears escaped his eyes as he thought of the past, when things were simple and love didn’t feel like something slipping through his fingers every single day.

He woke up to find himself in a new body once again. But this time, it was different—he had become a woman. Staring at the unfamiliar reflection, Joshua sighed and began planning how to approach Alaina. He settled on a name: Jane Kwon.

Their seats in the café happened to be side by side.

“Hello, I’m Jane Kwon,” Joshua said, offering a warm smile.

Alaina looked surprised by the sudden introduction but returned the smile politely. “Hi, Jane. Nice to meet you, I’m Alaina.”

Hearing her name again felt like being brought back to day one. Joshua swallowed the ache in his chest.

“What a pretty name for a pretty girl,” he said with a gentle laugh.

They spent the morning talking, their conversation stretching well into the afternoon, neither of them eager to leave.

“I’ve seen you here quite a few times,” Joshua said. “What is it about this café that keeps you coming back?”

“You have?” Alaina tilted her head. Joshua nodded.

“I didn’t know that,” she admitted with a soft chuckle. “I just think the place is lovely... and it’s close to home.”

“Did you notice me in this café?” he asked, his voice careful.

She gave a small, sad smile. “No... I forget everything each day.”

Joshua nodded silently, listening.

“I wish I didn’t,” she continued. “I’d love to remember the places I visit. I want to see the world without forgetting it all the next morning. I feel bad for my cousin, he has to remind me every day who I am. I wish I could remember everyone I meet, too.”

A quiet sorrow rose in Joshua's chest. I wish you remembered me too, he thought.

“I don’t want to be a burden. I want to live freely, without needing to be reminded of everything. I think I’d be okay... don’t you think?” she asked, glancing at him.

Joshua quickly wiped away a tear. “Yeah... I think that would be better for you.”

Before he could say more, Alaina’s phone rang. She answered quickly, her expression shifting.

“I’m sorry, Jane,” she said. “My cousin’s looking for me. He sounds worried—I should go.”

Joshua, nodded with a soft smile. “Of course. Don’t keep him waiting.”

As she walked away, her words echoed in his mind. I want to live freely. I don’t want to be a burden.

That night, Joshua lay awake, heart tangled in thought. Was it time to let her go? Her wishes were clear, and his presence; constant but invisible, was beginning to feel like a chain around them both.

He made a quiet decision. Thirty more days. He would love her, even as a stranger, for thirty more mornings. And then he would let her go.

It’s for the best... right?

The next day arrived, and Joshua finally returned to his original gender. He came up with a fake name, eager to see Alaina again.

“Hi, I'm Jones,” he introduced himself for what felt like the hundredth time. Today, he appeared as a sharp-featured young man with a fox like gaze and a confident air. The other girls in the café swooned over him, which only made Alaina wonder: Why is he talking to me?

“I'm Alaina. Nice to meet you,” she said politely. For Joshua, it was just another chance to spend time with her. They talked and lingered in the café until evening.

“Thank you, Jones. hope I won't forget you” Alaina said with a smile.

I hope you won’t either, Joshua thought silently.

“I'll walk you home” he offered, but Alaina gently declined.

“My cousin's picking me up. It's alright. Please get home safe,” she replied.

Joshua simply nodded and headed home. “Twenty-nine days left” he whispered to himself as he lay in bed. Each day followed the same pattern; waking in a new body, returning to the café, and spending fleeting moments with her

“Hello, im Jisoo”

again.

“I like your dress, I'm Shua”

again..

“The coffee's nice right? John by the way”

again...

“It's raining, do you need an umbrella? I'm Joshi”

For Joshua, every day felt like starting over. For Alaina, it felt like stepping into a new chapter of life. Joshua thought it would be just another routine day until Alaina didn’t show up at the café. It was unusual.

“Hello, Alastor. Sorry for bothering you, have you seen Alaina?” Joshua asked, calling her cousin.

“She’s not here. Isn’t she in the café?” Alaster replied.

Joshua froze, anxiety tightening in his chest. What if she ran away?

Without wasting another second, he dashed out of the café, searching every place she might have gone.

“Excuse me, have you seen this girl?” he asked strangers on the street, showing her photo. Each one shook their head.

After hours of searching, he finally found her. Alone at an amusement park, drifting quietly among the crowds. He ran straight to her, grabbing her by the arm.

“I’m so glad you’re safe. Please don’t disappear like that again” he said, breathless with relief.

Alaina blinked in confusion. “Who are you?”

Joshua froze. He’d forgotten—she didn’t remember him today.

“I’m Joseph your cousin’s friend” he lied quickly.

“Oh, so you know me?” she asked.

He nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah. Hey, do you want to try the rides?”

“I would love to, but I don’t have enough money,” she replied with a slight pout.

“No problem,” Joshua said gently. “Pick any ride you want. It’s on me. Let’s make new memories, shall we?”

They started with the carousel. Alaina giggled the entire time, while Joshua watched her with soft eyes. What a beautiful sight, he thought. Later, they braved the extreme rides, and Alaina clung to his arm, laughing and screaming. Joshua hadn’t felt this happy in years, it was almost like she remembered everything.

“Thank you, Joseph. I had so much fun,” she said, smiling.

“I’m just glad you’re happy” Joshua replied.

As they wandered the park, Alaina looked up at him. “So, how do you know my cousin?”

Joshua hesitated. He didn’t want to lie again, not anymore. But he had been lying to her for months. She won’t remember tomorrow anyway, right?

“Actually,” he began, “I’m your boyfriend. But... you forget me every day. I know how crazy this sounds, but I wake up with a different face and body each day. I come to the café and hope to see you. I always try to talk to you, get to know you again. I asked your cousin not to mention me, it would’ve been too confusing for you.”

Alaina stared at him in shock. “So.. do I fall in love with you every time?”

He nodded, cheeks flushing. “Yeah.”

She tilted her head. “How can I tell it’s really you?”

“I always use a name that’s close to mine—Joseph, Joshi, Shua, something like that,” he explained.

“Wait... so Joseph isn’t your real name? What is it?”

“Joshua Hong,” he said quietly.

“Then why not just introduce yourself with that?”

Joshua paused. “Well, if I show up one day as a girl, or just completely different, wouldn’t that be weird? The café staff might think something’s up.”

“Why does that matter?” Alaina asked, eyes serious. “Do you really want to keep hiding behind different versions of yourself forever? Don’t you want to just... be you?”

Joshua stared at her, surprised. He had expected confusion or fear—but instead, she was concerned. Kind. Understanding in a way he hadn’t dared hope for.

“Hm. I’ll try,” he said with a small smile.

“Okay, I hope you do” Alaina replied, smiling.

Joshua looked at her, heart full, and smiled quietly to himself.

When Joshua finally got home, the days had blurred together. He had completely forgotten about his 30-day countdown—until he glanced at the calendar. Fifteen days left.

Should I keep doing this? he wondered.

He shook the thought away and muttered to himself, “Let’s just keep going.”

Another week passed, and though the days looked the same, something had changed. Alaina had grown more vibrant around him. She was warmer, lighter. She even started asking him out; inviting him on walks, offering to pay for snacks, planning little dates.

Joshua was a bit taken aback by her sudden shift, but deep down, he was happy. Happier than he’d been in a long time.

“The beach?” he blinked, puzzled when she brought it up. “Why would you take a stranger to the beach?”

“Why not?” Alaina grinned. “I found this spot about thirty minutes away. Feels like the perfect place to unwind. And honestly? Going to the beach with a stranger, kinda sounds like a memory worth making.”

Joshua chuckled. “Alright, whatever you say.”

They gathered their things and hit the road, the soft sound of IV of Spades playing through the car speakers. Neither of them said much—but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that made room for thoughts and contentment.

When they reached the beach, Alaina spread out a blanket on the sand and set up an umbrella for shade. The sun was gentle, the wind just right.

“Let’s swim!” she said suddenly, grabbing Joshua’s hand.

He laughed and followed her into the water. The two splashed around like carefree kids, chasing and teasing each other. In those moments, it felt like the world had melted away, like they were the only two people that existed.

Eventually, exhaustion caught up to them. They sat side by side near the shoreline, letting the tide lap at their legs.

“I think I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” Alaina whispered, gazing at the sunset.

“Nope, that’s me” Joshua replied with a grin, earning a soft chuckle from her.

He turned to look at her—really look at her. There was a smudge of sand on her cheek, and he gently brushed it away before tucking a damp strand of hair behind her ear.

“Prettier” he said simply.

Alaina blushed, her smile faltering just enough to show how much the moment meant to him.

“What made you decide to make memories with a stranger here?” Joshua asked.

“I just felt like coming here... with someone special,” Alaina replied softly.

Her words made Joshua ask, “Someone special?”

Alaina quickly covered her mouth. “I was just joking,” she said with a nervous laugh. “I just think it would be fun.. even if I might forget about it.”

Joshua gave a quiet nod. The two of them sat in silence, watching the sun sink slowly into the sea. Alaina rested her head on his shoulder, and before long, she drifted off to sleep. Joshua didn’t move. He simply watched the waves and the fading sky, content to let her rest.

Her phone buzzed he saw her cousin was calling. Joshua turned it off to let her sleep. Seeing that his own phone was about to die, he picked up hers and took a few photos of her peacefully sleeping, hoping she’d remember this moment someday.

While browsing through the pictures he took in her gallery, he noticed a pinned video. Curiosity got the better of him.

The video began to play and what he saw made his breath catch.

On the screen, Alaina was speaking directly to the camera. “His face might change every day, but remember his name is something related to the name Joshua. Please take care of him. Take him to walks, parks, beaches... anywhere. I just want to make him happy.”

Joshua's eyes welled with tears as he watched. He looked down at her sleeping face, peaceful and unaware. Leaning close, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I’m sorry” he whispered, brushing her cheek.

He carried her home while she slept and explained everything to her cousin. Before leaving, he deleted the video, hoping she’d never have to remember it.

Another day came and he was hesitant to meet her, what if he would forget about the deal he made? He looked at the calendar and saw that it was the last day. He forced himself to get up and put on a nice suit. It's the last day after all. However as he was getting ready he felt guilty, he envisioned his life with her for years and he's just gonna let her go like this. He just shrugged off the feeling and went to the café. ‘It's for the better’ He muttered.

He sat beside her and, this time, introduced himself with his real name.

“I’m Alaina Castillo. What brought you here?” she asked, her eyes curious.

“Just the cozy atmosphere and the coffee. What about you?” Joshua replied with a smile.

“Same as you” she said, and he nodded gently.

They spent hours talking about their favorite things; books, music, the little joys in life. As the evening grew darker and the city lights began to flicker on, Joshua found the courage to ask the question he'd been holding in.

“Alaina, would you like to have dinner with me today?”

“Of course” she replied with a bright, genuine smile.

Wanting it to be special, Joshua chose a restaurant they had once dreamed of visiting together back in high school. He remembered every detail she loved.

“Pick anything you like” he said, handing her the menu.

“I’ll have the Crab and Shrimp Étouffée and Fettuccine Alfredo” she said without hesitation.

Joshua chuckled quietly to himself. She may forget many things, but her taste hasn’t changed. She’s still the same girl who loves pasta and seafood.

“I’ll get the same. Looks like we still have the same taste” he said with a warm smile.

“My cousin made me shrimp when I woke up today. It was amazing!” she said excitedly. Matheo looked at her with soft admiration as she continued.

“And not only that, he cooked pasta too! It was so good. I just wish I could remember it clearly... It’d be such a waste to forget something that delicious.”

He chuckled gently, listening to her with full attention, nodding along to everything she shared—even the parts that didn’t quite add up. He didn’t care. He just wanted to hear her voice and see her smile.

The waiter soon arrived with their food. “Here you go, ma’am and sir. Please enjoy” he said, placing the dishes in front of them.

Alaina's eyes lit up at the sight. She had talked so much, and now it was clear she was starving.

“Eat well, Alaina” Joshua said kindly, and she nodded before diving in with joy.

By the time they finished, Joshua noticed traces of sauce on her face. Smiling, he reached for a tissue and gently wiped the corner of her mouth. Her cheeks turned a soft shade of red.

After their meal, full and content, they stepped outside and began to walk together, letting the cool evening breeze wrap around them like a gentle memory.

“Thank you for the dinner, Joshua” Alaina said with a gentle smile, her voice soft beneath the weight of the night.

Joshua watched her closely, memorizing the curve of her smile, the light in her eyes. He knew this would be the last time, and he didn’t want to waste a moment more.

“I love you, Alai—”

Before he could finish, she spoke.

“You won’t leave me... right?” she asked, her voice fragile, eyes filled with something between hope and fear.

Joshua froze.

She had found the deleted video in her phone’s trash, she knew. And now, on the last day, she was asking him the one question he didn’t know how to answer.

A heavy silence passed between them before he finally sighed.

“I’m sorry, Alaina.”

“Why?” she whispered, her voice cracking as tears welled in her eyes.

“I love you... but we can’t keep doing this. You forget everything, and I—my face changes every day. We start over again and again, and I’m always the only one who remembers.”

“But what’s wrong with that?” she said quickly, desperate. “You could remind me. Every day. I wouldn’t mind.”

Joshua looked down, unable to meet her eyes.

“I’m tired, Alaina. This has been going on for so long. I want to be loved by someone who remembers me, someone I don’t have to keep proving I exist to. I want to stop living in circles.”

He swallowed hard, biting his lip, trying to hold himself together.

“You don’t know how much it hurts, watching you forget everything we’ve shared, every single day. Just this once… I want to be selfish.”

Alaina didn’t move. She stood there as if frozen, tears falling freely, smudging her makeup. Her hands trembled at her sides.

“I... I’m sorry” she whispered, her head lowering as her voice broke.

“I love you, Joshua.”

Joshua stepped closer, eyes shimmering with pain. “I love you so much, Alaina. And I’m sorry.”

And with those words, they stood in silence, two hearts breaking quietly under the weight of love that time could never hold still.

Joshua turned his back to her, and in that moment, it felt like he was walking away from the only world he had ever known. Leaving her behind, sobbing, wasn’t just painful, it was devastating. Alaina felt her chest cave in, as though her heart was being pulled apart piece by piece, but Joshua felt it too. That night, neither of them found peace. They fell asleep under different roofs but with the same ache, their hearts heavy with words left unsaid. By morning, Alaina woke up with no memory of what had broken her the night before. Still, something felt wrong. There was a quiet emptiness pressing against her ribs, a silence that clung to her. She checked her phone, but there was nothing, no video, no reminder, just the stillness. She had deleted the last piece of him, because if forgetting was what he needed, it was the only thing she could give. Later, she found herself at the café, sitting by the window with a cup of coffee that tasted dull. Something felt missing, someone maybe, but the image wouldn't come. There was only the hollow sense of absence, like trying to recall a dream already gone. Meanwhile, Joshua stayed in his room, curled under his blanket, the day moving past him unnoticed. In all the strange years he had lived, never had the weight of loss felt this complete. He told himself it was for the best, that the pain would fade. After all, he wouldn't have to watch her forget him anymore. But as the hours passed and the silence grew deeper, he realized freedom meant nothing without the light he had lost.

Not all lovers are meant to last, no matter how fiercely the heart clings, no matter how much hardships you both went through. When love becomes a weight too heavy to bear, let it go—gently. Keep a piece of your heart for yourself. In time, love will find you again.

[keizethemoment]

𖢲 ׁׁ 🐻‍❄️ ִֶָ ﹙﹠﹚

○ ׁׁ 🍑 ִֶָ ﹙+﹚

[keizethemoment]

10/10 must read if you love seongje in whc1 ! The story is worded out perfectly

✘☙Romantic Solitude❧✘

Pairings: Geum Seongje x Reader(Yunji)

cw: 3.1k words (yes, I was desperate.)

A/N: listen to Call Out My Name by The Weeknd while reading this ;)

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　

︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹

The air in Kanghak High School hangs thick and heavy. Every corner holds a potential ambush, every glance a challenge or a dismissal. You were just like a ghost, a shadow hugging the edges, hoping to remain unseen. Your uniform is neat, your gaze fixed on the worn covers of the book clutched in your hands.

You. A shy, quiet, the kind of 'loser' who is easy to overlook. And that’s exactly how you like it. Your life exists between the pages of novels and the lonely, cavernous rooms of your parents’ mansion. They provide the privilege that affords you a place in this brutal school, Their indifference makes you feel completely alone.

Your routine is a carefully constructed defense: arrive early, jot down notes, find an empty corner in the library or a deserted classroom, read until the bell, attend classes keeping your head down, leave immediately. Avoid eye contact. Avoid crowds. Avoid them.

They are the Union, The leaders of the school’s social and physical environment..

And he is their leader, Geum Seongje.

You’ve seen him, of course. Everyone has. He’s impossible to miss. Broad-shouldered even under the loose uniform jacket, a face that could be handsome if not for the permanent set of his jaw, his smile. And the cold, calculating glint in his eyes. His reputation precedes him like a wave of fear – brutal, efficient, utterly merciless.

Today, your carefully constructed peace shatters.

You’re in the library, nestled in a back corner, lost in a scene where the finally confesses his tormented feelings. The world outside the pages has vanished. That’s your gift, or maybe your curse – total immersion.

The worn pages of your romance novel trembled in your hands. You huddled deeper into the corner of the Kanghak High School library, This place is a peaceful escape from the hectic life at school.

Another stolen moment, another page turned, another fictional love affair devoured. Your heart fluttered as the characters confessed their undying devotion. You, Yunji, the shy, bookish girl who blended into the background like a misplaced comma.

A shadow fell across your book. You flinched, startled, and looked up.

Geum Seongje.

Your breath caught in your throat. You scrambled to close the book, the lurid cover suddenly feeling like an open confession of your most embarrassing secret.

"What are you reading?" His voice was a low rumble, He was undeniably teasing you, his lips curling into a mischievous smirk that danced across his face, revealing a playful glint in his eyes.

You stammered, "N-nothing. Just… studying."

He didn't seem convinced. He reached out, his fingers, calloused and violent, brushing against your hand as he plucked the book from your grasp.

Your heart hammered against your ribs like a trapped bird.

He examined the cover, a slow smile spreading across his lips. The smile didn't reach his eyes. "Romance, huh? You seem like the type." he laughed. This is so embarrassing.

He knew. He knew the kind of stories you lost yourself in, the fantasies that entertained your sleepless nights. Shame burned in your cheeks.

He didn't say anything more, just handed the book back to you. As he turned to leave, he paused, his shoulder blocking the sunlight.

"See you around, Yunji."

The way he said your name, like a secret promise, made your skin crawl. It wasn't a friendly farewell; it was a claim.

The suggestiveness, the sheer audacity of the implied comparison, makes your breath catch. You just stare at him, wide-eyed.

The tension in the air doesn't dissipate immediately; it lingers. You watch his retreating back, the way his shoulders shift under the uniform jacket. Shit, even his back looks good. Only when he’s gone do you dare exhale. Your heart is still racing.

The encounter is brief, maybe two minutes at most, but it lodges itself in your mind. Why did he approach you? Why the questions? How does he know your name?

For the rest of the day, you find yourself constantly scanning the hallways, anticipating another encounter. Every shadow seems to lengthen, taking on his form. You jump at sudden noises. You’re walking down a crowded hallway between classes, your book once again your shield. The usual chaotic energy of the school is intensified here – shouts, laughter, shoving.

Suddenly, the crowd parts like the Red Sea. Seongje is coming towards you, his minions trailing behind him like a dark cloud. He doesn’t shift from his path. He walks straight through, demanding space with his presence.

You freeze. Instinct tells you to step aside, press yourself against the lockers, disappear. But you’re caught in his direct line.

He reaches you. His gaze, cool and possessive, locks onto yours. He doesn't stop or slow down. His shoulder brushes yours as he passes, a deliberate, almost gentle contact in the midst of the hallway's rough and tumble.

It’s just a touch, fleeting and seemingly accidental, but it feels like a brand. His touch lingers on your skin for a moment, electric and unnerving. He doesn't look back. He just keeps walking, leaving you trembling slightly against the lockers, the hallway noise washing over you as you try to regain your composure.

He’s marking you. That’s what it feels like. A quiet, public declaration of interest that you never wanted.

The small interactions don't stop. They become a new, scary pattern in your school life.. He doesn't corner you again in the library, but you catch his eye from across the cafeteria, a long, assessing stare that makes you drop your fork. You would see him lean against the wall near your classroom door, watching you as you leave, his arms crossed, that unreadable expression on his face. He doesn't speak, doesn't approach. He just is there, a constant, looming presence.

It’s psychological warfare. He’s letting you know he sees you. He’s letting you know he's interested. And in the world of Kanghak, the Union leader's interest in a 'loser' like you isn't flattering; it's an intro to trouble.

One afternoon, as you're hurrying towards the school gate, desperate to escape the oppressive atmosphere, a voice calls out your name.

"Yunji."

It's Seongje. He's leaning against his motorcycle, parked near the school gates, a picture of casual menace. His minions are scattered nearby, keeping a respectful distance, their eyes on him, periodically sweeping over the other students hurrying past. Everyone gives him a wide space.

You stop, your heart sinking. There’s no ignoring him here.

He pushes himself off the bike, walking towards you with that predatory stride. "Where are you rushing off to?" He asks with a smirk, a cig between his teeth.

"Home," you say, your voice quiet. You grip your bookbag strap tightly.

He stops a few feet away, close enough that you can feel the heat radiating off him. His eyes travel over you, lingering on your face, then moving down your body in a way that makes you acutely aware of your skin beneath your clothes. It's the 'pervert' gaze you’ve heard whispers about, though directed at you now, the intensity of it making you feel exposed and vulnerable.

"Home," he repeats, eyes dropping to the ground, his voice dropping slightly, becoming more intimate, more private, despite the public setting.

"Such a boring place." He steps closer, reaching out. Your instinct is to recoil, but you hold still, frozen by fear and a strange, morbid curiosity.

He doesn't touch you. Instead, his fingers lightly brush your hair, pushing a stray strand behind your ear. The gesture is deceptively gentle, but his eyes are still hard, possessive.

He lets his hand drop, but his fingers linger near your face for a moment too long before falling away.

The message is clear: I see you. I want your attention. I want you out here, where I can reach you.

He takes another step closer, closing the remaining distance. He’s right in front of you now, your personal space completely obliterated. You have to tilt your head back slightly to look at him. His gaze holds yours, intense, demanding.

"You need a ride?" His lips curl into a smirk, and his voice drops to a sultry whisper, laced with a possessiveness that sends a shiver down your spine.

You pause, the invitation hanging in the air like a thick fog. Should I accept this offer? A wave of exhaustion washes over you, making the idea of surrendering to his charm all the more tempting.

He raises a hand again, this time letting his fingers trace the line of your jaw, his touch surprisingly light, almost feather-like, yet sending jolts of pure dread through you. You feel trapped, cornered, even here, on the edge of the school grounds. Yet part of you wants more.

His thumb moves slightly, just barely brushing your lips. You can feel the rough skin, the calluses from countless fights, surprisingly gentle against your soft skin. It's an incredibly intimate gesture, made all the more disturbing by the predatory look in his eyes.

"You're pretty when you blush," he says, his gaze fixed on your face. "Like you're hiding something." His voice drops further, becoming a low, unsettling purr. "I like secrets, Yunji. Especially when I'm the only one who gets to uncover them."

His eyes move down again, lingering on your chest, then back up to your face. The 'pervert' aspect isn't just in his gaze; it's in the way he uses his power, his position, to make you feel vulnerable, to assert his creepy dominance, wrapping his desire in layers of threat and possession.

He leans in closer until his breath brushes your ear. "Don't run away anymore," he whispers, his voice a low growl that sends shivers down your spine. "I don't like it when you try to hide from me."

He straightens up abruptly, the intimacy of the moment snapping. He gives you one last, lingering look, that possessive spark bright in his eyes.

"Will you take the offer or not?" he says, his voice back to that casual tone, but the underlying threat remains.

You remain rooted to the spot, trembling. The scent of him seems to linger in the air. You touch your jaw where he touched you, your lips where his thumb brushed. It feels unreal, a scene ripped from a dark, twisted romance novel, but terrifyingly real.

You cleared your throat. “I-I’ll go with you.” You said with no regrets.

He nods slightly, turning to stride confidently back to his motorcycle. You trail closely behind him, a little girl caught up in the thrill of the moment. The engine roars to life, echoing in the air and sending a thrill down your spine, a powerful reminder of the freedom that awaits on the open road.

He didn't just notice you. He's claimed you. In his own possessive, unsettling way.

You climb onto his motorcycle, the engine purring beneath you as you settle into the plush, leather seat. He carefully places the helmet atop your head, his warm hand gently patting the exterior as if to ensure a secure fit.

“Hold tight.” He says, starting his motorcycle. You wrapped your arms on his waist, heat creeping up in your cheeks.

The wind carries a hint of adventure, brushing through your hair as you secure your arms on his waist, feeling the vibration of the powerful machine ready to roar down the open road.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　

︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹

The school gates feel less like an exit and more like the entrance to a world you've just been forced into. Your heart hammers with fear, but beneath it, a tiny, unsettling knot of something else begins to form – the terrifying realization of a feeling you didn't want to believe in.

The days that follow solidify this new reality. He doesn’t approach you at the gates again, but his presence is a constant pressure. You learn his schedule without trying. He knows where you’ll be. He doesn’t always look at you, sometimes just passing close by, a silent reminder. Other times, his gaze finds you across a crowded room, intense and unyielding, holding you captive for a moment before you manage to look away, heart pounding.

The small interactions evolve. They move from simple presence and intense gazes to more direct, unsettling gestures within the school walls.

One day, you’re sitting alone during lunch break in a deserted corner of the courtyard, trying to lose yourself in your book. You’ve barely taken a bite of your sandwich when a shadow falls over you.

It’s Seongje. He’s alone again.

He doesn't say anything. He just sits down next to you on the stone bench, his presence immediately shrinking your world. He doesn’t smile. His gaze is fixed on you, unwavering.

You stop eating. Your book lies open in your lap, forgotten. The tension stretches, heavy and awkward.

"Why’d you stop eating, hm?" he says tilting his head, his voice a low command.

When did he become such a caring person?

You hesitate, then slowly pick up your sandwich. You can feel his eyes on you as you take a small bite.

"What are you reading today?" he asks, a different tone this time, less like a demand, more… curious? Or perhaps just checking.

You show him the cover without a word. Another historical romance, and passionate, complex relationships.

He takes the book from you, your hand freezing as his brushes yours. He examines the cover, then flips through the pages idly. He doesn't seem to be reading the words, just scanning, his expression unreadable.

"Same old," he mutters, closing the book. He doesn't give it back immediately. He holds it, turning it over in his

hands. "Always escaping, huh? Don't you ever want to deal with what's in front of you?"

His eyes lift from the book to meet yours, and the intensity is back, sharper now. "Like me." He smiled widely.

Shit.

The bluntness, the sheer confidence that he is something you should be 'dealing with', is staggering. You feel a wave of heat rise to your cheeks.

"I… I just like the stories," you say softly, trying to explain, to distance yourself from the implication.

He leans forward slightly, his voice dropping. "Or maybe you like the idea of someone chasing after you. Someone who won't give up." He taps the book against his palm.

His interpretation is unsettling, twisting your simple love for reading into something about him, about his purpose. It feels invasive, like he’s looking into the private corners of your mind.

He places the book on the bench between you, but his hand stays on it, resting lightly. "This world is shit, Yunji. Those paper heroes won't protect you."

He pauses, letting the implication hang in the air. Then his voice softens, becoming alarmingly tender, a contrast to his usual roughness and the perverted possessiveness you've felt from him. It’s this switch, this unexpected softness layered over the threat, that is a bit disturbing.

"Maybe you need someone real," he murmurs, his eyes holding yours. "Someone who knows how to handle things. Someone who won't let anyone touch what's theirs." He smirks, poking his cheeks while looking at you.

Theirs. He already thinks of you in terms of possession. The neediness surfaces here, not as weakness, but as a demanding, controlling desire to own you completely. He needs to protect, to control, because in his twisted view, you are already something that belongs to him.

He covers your hand on the bench with his, his fingers warm and strong. The rough calluses are there again, a constant reminder of the violence he is capable of. His thumb strokes the back of your hand, a gesture that should be comforting or romantic in your books, but from him, feels utterly predatory and terrifyingly intimate.

"Let me take care of you," he says, his voice low, a promise and a demand intertwined. "Stop reading about it. Let me show you."

His perversion isn't just sexual; it's a form of 'love' or 'care' that is rooted in dominance, possession, and a complete disregard for your independence or feelings. He sees your vulnerability, your shyness, your escape into fantasy, and it seems to trigger a twisted instinct mixed with a potent desire to dominate and corrupt that innocence. He wants to be your reality, to fill the void left by your neglectful parents, but on his own brutal, possessive terms.

You can feel the blood pounding in your wrist under his touch. You want to pull away, to run, but you’re trapped by his gaze, by his hand holding yours captive on the bench.

"I don't… I don't need anyone to take care of me," you manage, your voice trembling slightly. It’s a lie, perhaps, or at least a desperate refusal to admit the need that makes you so vulnerable.

He smiles slightly, a slow, knowing smile that sends a chill down your spine. "Stop lying, Yunji. You know damn well." His thumb continues to stroke your hand, back and forth, a constant, unnerving contact. "I think you need me."

What a cocky asshole!

He doesn't give you time to respond. He squeezes your hand gently, possessively, then releases it. He stands up, leaving your book on the bench, but taking the silence, the peace, with him.

"Finish your lunch," he says, his tone back to normal, as if the intense, intimate interaction never happened. "Don't want you getting weak, babe." He smirks and winked at you.

He walks away, leaving you alone again, trembling, your hand tingling where his touched it. Your sandwich sits forgotten. Your book lies there, its familiar pages now feeling less like an escape and more like the reason you’ve been targeted.

The small interactions have escalated. They are no longer just glances or brief touches. They are direct confrontations, invasions of your personal space and your attempts at peace.

Seongje isn't just a looming presence anymore. He is a direct threat, a disturbing force that has fixed its sights on you, pulling you from the shadows into the harsh, dangerous light of his world. Yet part of you yearned for it.

You are caught in a story you didn't choose, with a protagonist who is brutal, demanding, and sees you not as a person with your own desires, but as an object for his twisted need and possessive protection. The pages of your romance novels offer no guidance for surviving this.

The school bell rings, a jarring sound that pulls you back to the immediate reality, but you know, with a sinking certainty, that the bell doesn't signal the end of this interaction, only a pause before the next.

Seongje's story with you has only just begun.