mintchocolove

[mintchocolove]

Before you go

They meet you one last time before they leave to follow their destiny, as if fate had given them something to return to afterward.

Pairing: OT7 x f!reader Instead of yn I'm going to use Eunjin as the readers name, but each Eunjin is different. I'll take recomendations. English is not my first language so please be kind.

Lee Heeseung - Late-night harmony

One week before I-Land starts, Favorite, 2020

Heeseung was pissed at himself. I-LAND was less than a week away, and even now, he couldn’t stop messing up his performance. Not everyone was rooting for him, he knew that. Many trainees had been denied the chance to participate in the reality show, and they were mad at him.

News and rumors traveled fast in the building, and he wasn’t surprised that many believed the show had been created solely to guarantee his debut. The pressure was becoming unbearable, making him want to cry. His feet moved on instinct, only stopping when he found himself in front of practice room A-16. Once again, music drifted from inside—but this time, it was accompanied by a soft voice.

His hand moved to the door handle, pushing it open gently as the voice sang the lines to “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars. A smile tugged at his lips as he caught sight of the girl inside, her back to him. She wore a bright orange sweater with purple bows—instantly recognizable. It was the same girl from the end of last year.

Suddenly, the song stopped, and Heeseung locked eyes with you through the mirror. You looked almost scared to see him standing there. But he didn’t want you to run away again like last time—his mouth acted before his brain could catch up.

“Your voice is good. Want to sing together?”

You froze, beginning to gather your things immediately, then looked up at him like you’d just heard a ghost whisper in your ear. You seemed to be searching his face for any sign that he was joking. Instead of saying more, Heeseung walked into the room and stopped in front of you, waiting.

“Sure… yeah, that…” you let out a breath and smiled, gesturing to the floor beside you. “That would be good.”

And gods, he thought, if your voice was good when you were singing, it was even better when you were just talking. His cheeks warmed with a blush, slightly embarrassed, as you grabbed your phone and opened Spotify, glaring at it like it had personally offended you.

“You choose. I’ve been having a crisis over this for the past hour.”

If it was possible, his smile grew wider. Heeseung took the phone from your hands, scrolling through songs before settling on one. You grinned at his choice, whispering how much you loved that track.

Time passed quickly. You sang together, sitting side by side, and the tension in your shoulders eased. Heeseung no longer felt the pressure that had been eating away at him all day.

After a few songs, you decided to get a snack from the vending machine down the hall. You walked quietly beside each other, and Heeseung finally took in your clothes—the hideous sweater, the mismatched Converse. You definitely had a unique style. And it made him smile.

“My name’s Eunjin, by the way,” you said, not looking at him, too focused on deciding between cookies or chips. “Sorry I ran away last time. You kinda scared the shit out of me.”

This time, he couldn’t hold it in. A laugh burst out of him, loud and genuine. You turned to him, startled, your cheeks now a deep shade of red.

“Sorry for scaring you. I’m Heeseung.”

Your eyes softened as you looked at him, then turned back to the machine, shrugging as you pressed the button for chocolate cookies.

“Yeah… you’re well known in the building.” Stepping aside so he could pick his snack, you stared at his face, still boyish under the soft hallway lights. “I heard about the reality show. I bet you’ll do well, Heeseung. Don’t pay attention to the jealous trainees. Just do your best every time.”

His heart skipped a beat. He looked at you, studying every line of your face. His eyes stung unexpectedly with tears. It wasn’t that your words were the grandest encouragement he’d ever received, but somehow, coming from you, a near stranger who seemed to believe in him anyway, they meant everything.

“Then root for me while I’m there. If I debut, I’ll treat you to dinner.”

You smiled, nodding before whispering your reply. That night, when Heeseung arrived home, his phone buzzed with a message. He wasn’t surprised to see it was from you: “Lee Heeseung, I was rooting for you anyway.”

Park Jongseong - Bookstore browsing

One month before I-Land starts, Manga, 2020

Jay had not rested well last night, even as he walked around school with his hands shoved in his pockets, he wasn’t entirely paying attention. His eyebrows were knitted together as he tried to remember the lyrics of “The 7th Sense”. It had been happening a lot these days, maybe he really did need to rest. With a sigh, he started heading toward the library.

The library was silent and almost empty, except for a few students sitting near a window, apparently too focused to notice him. His eyes drifted to the second floor, and since he couldn’t see anyone from where he stood, he started climbing the stairs. The second floor was indeed deserted; the chairs and tables were perfectly in place. This was where the fantasy books and manga were kept, so it wasn’t surprising that not many people came up here.

He considered falling asleep at one of the tables. He only had two classes left, and one of them was P.E.—missing them wouldn’t be the end of the world, and he could get some rest. Finally giving in to the temptation, he sank into one of the chairs farthest from the entrance and took off his jacket to use as a pillow. The manga section was just in front of him, so chances were slim that anyone would come to bother him.

His mind drifted off quickly, falling asleep without paying much attention to his surroundings. He didn’t know how much time had passed when the sound of movement stirred him awake.

There was a girl standing on top of a chair, reaching for a manga with a slight frown, standing on tiptoe. Jay watched as the chair wobbled slightly, his body moving before he could think, just in time to stop the chair (and the girl) from falling.

“God, that was close.”

He looked up and met your eyes, you looked startled, a shaky breath escaping your lips as your trembling gaze landed on him. “Can you help me down?” you asked softly.

He nodded immediately, finally exhaling a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Once you were safely on the ground, you bowed politely. “Thank you, if it weren’t for you, I probably would’ve fallen.”

He nodded absentmindedly, glancing up at the shelf you had been reaching for. The Attack on Titan collection stared back at him. “What volume were you trying to get? I’ll help.”

Your eyes widened slightly, and you murmured that you were looking for volume two—if it wasn’t too much trouble. Less than a minute later, the manga was in your hands, and Jay was putting the chair back in its place, not noticing that you were following him. When he turned around, you were standing there again, facing him.

“I’m sorry if this sounds rude, but… have we met before?”

He almost joked that you were in the same school, so it was likely. But there was something oddly familiar in your face, the way your eyes looked at him with quiet curiosity.

Then it hit him. You were Soyeon’s friend, the one who had been at his cousin’s wedding, smiling politely but looking a little out of place in the middle of the party.

“You’re Eunjin” he said, more like a statement than a question.

Your eyes lit up, a smile spreading across your lips, revealing braces. “Yes! How do you know that?” He smiled as well, walking back to the table he’d been sleeping on while you followed. “Wait, I do know you! You’re Soyeon’s cousin, Jay, right?”

He nodded, and you looked oddly pleased with yourself, your smile widening as you sat across from him. “She said you went to the same school, but I didn’t see you after that day.”

“You were looking for me?” he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice. You blushed, muttering something about how you weren’t. “I’m joking, Eunjin. Why don’t you tell me about the manga?”

Your face lit up at that, and you launched into an explanation, telling him you were rereading the series for an art project inspired by it. You talked for what felt like hours, and when you finally parted ways at the school entrance, Jay stood there for a moment, watching your back.

Then, suddenly, you turned around and jogged back to him, eyes lowered to your shoes as you pulled out your phone. “Could I have your number, Jay?”

You parted ways with a big smile on your face—and his heart felt lighter, his mind more at ease, even if he had only napped for half an hour. He was already looking forward to talking to you again.

Sim Jaeyun - Coffee shop

Four months before I-Land starts, Cold days, 2020

Jake tugged his scarf a little higher around his neck as a gust of wind slapped his face, his cheeks already red from the cold. Seoul winters were brutal, nothing like the ones back home in Australia. He exhaled, watching the fog of his breath disappear into the busy street, and pushed open the door of a coffee shop he’d stumbled across during a walk meant to clear his mind.

The warmth inside greeted him instantly, along with the soft sound of indie music and the hum of hushed conversations. He stomped the snow off his boots and looked around. The place was small but cozy; brick walls, warm lighting, and shelves filled with mismatched mugs and books.

He ordered a caramel latte and made his way to a corner table by the window, unwrapping his scarf and pulling out his sketchpad. He wasn’t the best artist, but lately, he’d found that doodling helped with the nerves. Practices were getting more intense—more pressure, more eyes watching. The weight of what if I don’t make it? had been sitting on his chest all week.

He was halfway through drawing a messy-looking tiger wearing sunglasses when a familiar voice made him freeze. “Jake?”

He looked up instantly, blinking in surprise. The girl in front of him had a black beanie pulled low, a thick puffer jacket engulfing her frame, and a steaming cup in one hand. But the face—and that smile—he recognized instantly. A grin spread across his own face. “Eunjin?”

She grinned, her nose red from the cold. “I thought it was you! I almost didn’t say anything because I wasn’t sure. Wow.” The familiar accent almost made him tear up; he missed having someone to speak English with.

He stood up quickly, warmth flooding him despite the chill outside. “Wow, yeah,” he laughed softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “What are the odds?”

“I know, right?” She rocked on her heels before glancing around, eyeing his table. “Mind if I sit with you?” He nodded immediately, pulling out the chair in front of him. She smiled and plopped down, setting her drink on the table.

“I was at a makeup store down the street,” she said. “Thought I’d grab something warm before heading back to the dorm. I didn’t expect to run into my airplane buddy.”

Jake chuckled, the memory warming him. “That flight feels like it was a year ago.”

Eunjin nodded, muttering something about her hands still being cold before looking at him again. “How’s training?” Jake blinked, surprised she knew. Had they talked about that on the plane? He certainly couldn’t remember. At his confused look, Eunjin smiled.

“You said you were here for an audition,” she reminded him, eyes twinkling. “I guessed you made it in. I did too—not idol stuff yet, but I’m getting there, I guess.”

“That’s amazing,” he said, leaning in a little.

The conversation flowed from there, both opening up about how they were feeling these days, the pressure of not being enough, of falling behind. After a few minutes, Jake felt his hands tremble as he looked down at them.

“I want it so bad, you know? But I wonder if wanting it is enough.”

“You’re here,” she said, tilting her head. “That already means something.”

Her words settled something in him, soft and grounding. They sat in silence for a few moments, sipping their drinks, the city muffled by the foggy window beside them. Then Eunjin reached over and tapped the sketchpad.

“Your cat’s got swag, I’ll give you that,” she teased, grinning.

Jake snorted and rolled his eyes, but he was smiling for the first time in days. “It was supposed to be a tiger, actually.”

They talked for almost an hour, sharing stories of their dorms, their daily routines, and how much they both missed their moms’ cooking. When she finally stood up to leave, Jake felt the familiar tug of hesitation he’d had at the airport months ago.

“Hey, wait…” he said, reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out his phone. “Let me get your number this time.”

Eunjin smiled, pulling out her own phone. “Took you long enough.”

They exchanged numbers and stood outside together for a while, the cold biting at their fingers as they awkwardly lingered before saying goodbye. As she walked away down the snow-covered street, Jake looked down at her name now saved in his contacts.

Maybe Seoul’s winter wasn’t so cold after all.

Park Sunghoon - Ice rink

One week before I-Land starts, One last dance, 2020

Sunghoon pushed the door open slowly, letting the cold air hit him like a familiar embrace. The same scent of resin, polish, and faint sweat lingered in the air. He knew it too well. Tightening the scarf around his neck, he let out a breath, watching it fog briefly in front of him.

This place had been a second home for years, early mornings, late nights, bruised shins, and blistered feet. But in a week, it would all be behind him. I-LAND was calling, and skating would become just a chapter in his story.

Still, he laced up his skates, needing one last glide. Just one. He whispered it to himself as the ice creaked under his weight. The floodlights were dimmed, and the playlist that usually echoed through the speakers had long ended.

There was another skater on the far side of the rink, moving slowly, lost in thought. Sunghoon let the silence carry him, his body moving on autopilot; a quiet loop, a small jump. Nothing special, just a goodbye.

Then came the sound of another pair of skates scraping the ice. He turned instinctively, blinking through the low light. A slim figure in a black hoodie was gliding toward his side of the rink, her long ponytail swaying gently as she moved.

“Sam Eunjin?” he called, voice cracking just slightly. He wasn’t sure she had heard him until she turned, startled, then slowed to a stop. Her face lit up with recognition, cheeks pink from the cold.

“Park Sunghoon” she said, skating closer with the grace of someone who had practiced most of her life. “Didn’t think anyone else came this late.”

Sunghoon looked around, rubbing the back of his neck, suddenly aware of how awkward he probably looked. “Just… needed one last skate.”

She smiled at that, a sad kind of understanding in her eyes. He hadn’t noticed it before, but her gaze spoke more than her words, filled with emotion, sparkling under the soft lights. “Same.”

They stood in silence for a moment, the only sound coming from the blades beneath their feet. “I heard from the coaches you're retiring,” she said after a beat, glancing over.

He nodded slowly. “And you?” he asked, skating in sync beside her as they traced a wide loop around the rink.

She shook her head. “I got a role in a drama. Not a huge part, but… enough to finally make the switch.”

There was a pause, heavier than it should’ve been. Her voice trembled slightly when she spoke again, eyes drifting across the empty bleachers. “Feels weird, doesn’t it? All those years of routines, music, medals, and then just—”

“Gone,” he finished for her.

They circled the rink in silence for a while. It was peaceful, two people giving a quiet farewell to a version of themselves they weren’t sure they’d miss yet.

“I used to think you hated me, you ran away everytime as kids” she teased after a moment, smiling as they both slowed to a stop at the center of the rink.

“I’ve never been good with girls, I get nervous” he admitted, lips tugging into a half-smile. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, quietly, Eunjin stepped back and gave a small bow.

“One last time?” she offered. “Just for fun?”

Sunghoon hesitated, then bowed too, a smile finally reaching his eyes. “You lead.”

They moved by instinct—no choreography, no music. Their skates glided across the ice like they had for years, two quiet souls saying goodbye not just to the rink, but to the people they had been within it.

When they finally slowed to a stop again, both breathless and smiling, it felt like something had lifted.

“Thank you, for skating with me,” Eunjin said softly as they sat side by side, unlacing their skates. The silence was no longer heavy, but warm. Outside, snow had begun to fall. Like a curtain closing on a long-awaited final scene.

“Thank you,” he said back. “For letting me.”

“Hey,” Sunghoon said as they stepped out into the night. “When your drama airs… text me. I want to watch it.”

She looked up at him, a small laugh escaping. Her eyes were full of emotion—so much that he wanted to drown in them. “Only if you debut.”

And with that, they parted ways again, their steps light despite the weight of goodbye. Maybe their paths had only crossed briefly, like lines etched in ice, sharp, fleeting, and beautiful in their impermanence. But they both hoped they would cross again.

Kim Sunoo - Convenience store

Two weeks before I-Land starts, Rainy day shelter, 2020

It was raining the kind of rain that clung to your clothes no matter how fast you ran. Sunoo pulled the hood of his school jacket tighter around his face, clutching his bag to his chest as he hurried down the street. His clothes were already soaked, and the cold had crept into his bones.

He didn’t even know where he was going, really. Just... walking or running. Anywhere that wasn’t a dance studio, a classroom, or a cramped practice room. Anywhere he could just be Kim Sunoo for five minutes, not “trainee Kim Sunoo”

A neon glow appeared through the foggy blur of rain ahead: a small convenience store, buzzing quietly against the gray. Without hesitation, he darted toward it, the bell above the door chiming as he stepped into the warmth.

He shook out his hair and rubbed his arms, slowly pacing down one of the aisles, letting his breathing slow. “Still craving ice cream in this weather?” a voice said, lightly teasing. Sunoo turned, blinking in surprise.

There she was — a yellow backpack hanging heavily from her shoulder, the same one from that tiny ice cream shop weeks ago. Her bangs clung to her forehead from the rain, but her expression was bright.

“You” he said without thinking, his tone sounding almost accusing as she stepped closer, her smile widening.

“Me,” she replied, mirroring his tone with a light laugh. “I’m Eunjin, by the way.”

“Sunoo” He let out a small laugh, his shoulders relaxing a bit. “Didn’t expect to run into you again.”

“Same. I guess fate just wants us to keep meeting near frozen desserts” she replied, glancing toward the freezer section. “Though I think they don’t have many flavors here, right?”

Sunoo made a face, and Eunjin laughed, then reached into her backpack and pulled out a small, half-wet hand towel. She walked over and gently tossed it toward him. “You look like a drowned cat.”

“Wow. Flattering.” He dabbed at his face with the towel, suppressing a grin. His mood had definitely improved. “Thanks. I really needed that today.”

She tilted her head. “Bad day?”

Sunoo hesitated. He wasn’t sure how much to say. But her voice didn’t feel judgmental, and there was something comforting in the way she just stood there — as if they were picking up an old conversation instead of meeting for the second time. “Just… tired, I guess.”

She nodded, and they ended up in front of the warm drink machine, both choosing hot chocolate. They paid in silence, then sat at the small tables near the entrance, watching the rain blur the world outside.

“I’ve been thinking about you” Eunjin said suddenly.

Sunoo blinked. “Really?”

“Well, not obsessively,” she added quickly, cheeks turning pink. Sunoo noticed that she didn’t seem to have a filter — and somehow, that made him smile. “Just… sometimes.”

He looked down at his cup, embarrassed but smiling. “That day was weirdly important. I didn’t even realize it until later.”

She glanced at him, curious, so he continued. “Because everything feels temporary right now,” he admitted. “I keep meeting people, or seeing places, and wondering if it’s the last time before things change. That day, it felt like a small moment I got to keep.”

Eunjin was quiet for a moment. The rain softened slightly outside. “That’s kind of nice, she finally said. “Sad, but nice.”

They both sipped their drinks in silence again, this time a little more comfortably, like a secret moment neither of them knew they needed. Eventually, Eunjin glanced at the time. “I should head out before it gets too dark.”

“Wait,” Sunoo said before he could stop himself. “Do you want to—” She looked back at him, eyebrows raised, a lopsided smile tugging at her lips.

He cleared his throat. “I mean… do you want to meet again? Just, you know, in case we keep ending up in the same weather.”

Eunjin smiled. “I’d like that.” She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a crumpled receipt, scribbling her phone number with a blue pen.

“Text me next time you need someone to rescue you from bad weather or bad flavors” she said, handing it to him with a grin.

Sunoo took it like it was something precious. “I will” he said, and meant it.

She stepped out into the rain, pink umbrella snapping open, her yellow backpack bouncing with every step until she disappeared into the blur of city lights and drizzle. This time, he wasn’t going to let the moment slip away.

Yang Jungwon - Amusement park

One month before I-Land starts, Pretty smiles, 2020

The amusement park was loud, messy, full of laughing children and overpriced snacks — not the kind of place someone with a secret folded tightly in his chest should be. Jungwon was supposed to be resting — whatever that meant when your world was about to flip upside down. Only the company knew. He carried the truth quietly, like a note slipped between pages, waiting to be opened.

So he wandered. One last walk through the city. His feet brought him to the amusement park before he even realized where he was going. And that’s when he saw her.

Eunjin.

She stood in line for ice cream, laughing at something Minhyuk had said. The late afternoon sun caught in her hair, making it shimmer like something from a memory. Jungwon watched from a distance, wondering — not for the first time — if her smiles were always that soft. If she ever frowned in a way that wasn’t playful or tired. If she’d ever thought about him since the skateboard accident.

Because he had. Maybe too often.

He waited until she stepped away from the vendor, two cones in hand. Minhyuk turned, his sticky fingers pointing in Jungwon’s direction.

“Hyung!” Minhyuk called, his voice far too familiar for someone he’d only met once. He waved enthusiastically, nearly spilling his cup.

Eunjin followed the boy’s line of sight. Their eyes met. And just like that, Jungwon couldn’t breathe.

“Oh,” she said softly to herself, the word barely carried by the breeze.

Then she smiled — slow and warm, the way a smile should feel. Jungwon stepped forward, brushing imaginary dust from his jeans, trying to steady himself. “Didn’t think I’d see you here,” he said once they reached him.

Her smile grew and she leaned down to whisper something to Minhyuk, who nodded and took off running toward the playground. “You look tired,” she said, stepping up beside him.

“I’ve been busy,” Jungwon answered, gaze drifting to the crowd bustling around them, everyone unaware of how strange the world felt right now. He was going to miss this. All of it.

They found a shaded bench beneath a tall tree. Eunjin sat beside him not too close. The air between them buzzed with the quiet static of things unsaid.

“I’m going away soon,” he said suddenly. He didn’t know why he said it. Maybe he just wanted her to know. Even if they weren’t close. Even if she didn’t know him, not really.

“For long?” she asked, her voice low.

“It’s… complicated.” He fiddled with his hands in his lap. She nodded. Like she understood. Maybe she didn’t. But she didn’t ask questions. That meant more to him than she probably realized.

“I’ll miss this,” Jungwon murmured. “Not the park, exactly. Just… days like this. Normal days.”

“Yeah,” Eunjin replied. “Those are rare.”

He turned toward her, really looking.

There were faint shadows beneath her eyes, like she carried too much for someone her age. But her smile was kind. And there was something open about her — not loud, but like a window left ajar. He noticed a freckle near her jawline he hadn’t seen before. And when she smiled, it reached all the way to her eyes.

“You have a really nice smile,” he blurted. His ears immediately turned hot. He could feel them reddening. Eunjin blinked, surprised, then laughed — soft and bright, her eyes crinkling as she did.

“Thanks,” she said. “Yours isn’t bad either. The dimples make you look… cute.”

He looked away, chewing on the inside of his cheek, smiling to himself.

Life was moving. And in a month, Jungwon might be on a screen somewhere… or nowhere at all. “I probably won’t have a phone for a while,” he said, suddenly. “But I’d really like to talk to you before that happens.”

Eunjin tilted her head. “I have your number from last time,” she admitted, her tone sheepish. “But I never called because it felt awkward to say I just wanted to see you again.”

Jungwon stared at her, surprised. His ears somehow managed to get hotter. “Call me,” he said. His voice was quiet. “Please.”

A whistle blew in the distance, signaling the next parade. Music bloomed in the air, grand and glittering. Minhyuk darted toward them again, grabbing Eunjin’s wrist with sticky fingers. “Come on, they’re throwing candy!”

Jungwon watched her get pulled away, her laughter like a ribbon trailing in the air. She looked back at him before the crowd swallowed her whole. And smiled. Her lips parted as she shouted over the music “I will call you, Jungwon!”

And that smile — wide and real and full of promise — stayed with him long, long after she vanished into the crowd.

Nishimura Riki - Bus stop

One month before I-Land starts, Umbrella, 2020

The rain had been steady since early afternoon, not heavy enough to cancel anything, but persistent in that moody, drizzling way that clings to your clothes and makes the city feel smaller. Ni-ki’s sneakers left damp prints on the sidewalk as he neared the bus stop, hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets. He didn’t mind the rain, really—it gave him an excuse to slow down, listen to music, and pretend the world was quieter than it really was.

The stop was nearly empty. Just an older man with a briefcase and...

His steps faltered. Her.

She sat beneath the narrow awning, a pale pink umbrella closed and leaning against her knee. Even from behind, he recognized her. Same baby blue hoodie. She was staring at the bus schedule taped to the pole like she was trying to will it into making sense.

He hesitated. Debated pretending he hadn’t seen her. But before he could decide, she turned and their eyes met. For a split second, neither of them said anything.

Then her eyes widened slightly, like the memory had clicked into place. “Ni-ki?”

He pulled out one earbud and gave a small nod, a shy smile breaking across his face. His Korean was still a little rough. “Eunjin.”

“Twice in one city,” she said, standing to brush off the bench beside her with a napkin. “That’s either luck or fate.”

“I vote luck,” he replied, sitting beside her with a murmured thanks. “Fate sounds too romantic.”

Eunjin laughed softly, glancing at him from the corner of her eye while tugging at her hoodie sleeve. “Maybe I like romantic.”

He gave her a scandalized look, and she laughed again, light and warm. The silence that followed wasn’t awkward; it settled between them like something familiar. Rain tapped steadily on the metal roof above them. She stared at the road, her foot tapping to a rhythm only she could hear.

“You’re out late,” he said eventually. “Were you at school?”

“Drama club practice.” She turned slightly; cheeks pink. “I want to be an actress. I mean—someday. Right now, it’s just school plays and getting stage fright in front of twenty people.”

“You want to be famous?”

She shrugged, eyes lifting toward the gray sky. “I want to be seen. Heard. I want to play someone else and still be me inside it, you know?”

He nodded slowly. “I dance. Kind of the same, I guess.”

She grinned. “What kind of dance?”

“Mostly hip hop. A little contemporary.” He toyed with the edge of his sleeve. “I’m training full time now. Not sure if I’m allowed to say more.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “Secret agent vibes?”

He laughed quietly. Just then, the bus pulled up with a screech and a hiss of steam. They both stood. Ni-ki noticed it before she said anything, her umbrella was broken, one rib bent uselessly out of shape.

She stared at it and groaned. “Of course.”

He held out his own umbrella—one of those plain black ones the company probably bought in bulk. “We can share.”

She blinked, surprised for just a second before her expression softened. She stepped in beside him, and for a moment, he forgot about the cold. They sat together on the nearly empty bus, still a little damp from the rain. Eunjin leaned her cheek against the back of the seat, watching the raindrops slide down the window.

“I almost didn’t go to the store that day,” she said suddenly and Ni-ki looked at her.

“But I was craving something sweet,” she added. “Funny how one decision can make you meet someone.”

He smiled faintly. “I was too scared to ask the manager for help.”

They rode in silence again, but this time it felt full. Just before her stop, she reached into her pocket, pulled out her phone, and placed it gently in his hands. Then she took his and started typing something into it.

“Put your number there. I’m giving you mine,” she said. “Just in case you need a translator.”

Ni-ki did as told, and when the bus doors closed behind her and she waved from the sidewalk, he looked down at the contact’s name she’d left:

Eunjin 🎮

The bench beside him was empty now, but somehow, he still felt warm.

If you read this, thanks. I accept requests.

[mintchocolove]

°▪︎☆First-time meeting

You met them all in a unique way,like destiny had everything ready for you.

Pairing: OT7 x f!reader

Instead of yn I'm going to use Eunjin as the readers name, sorry if it's uncomfortable. I'll take recommendations. English is not my first language so please be kind.

♡ Lee Heeseung - Practice room

Before I-Land, new trainee, 2019

To be fair, Heeseung didn't even want to be there. He had been dancing earlier and still had some things to do, but he just couldn't think straight. He was upset; earlier, he listened to other trainees talk about him and laugh at him. He didn't get it—they all acted like he was some kind of genius, yet still joked about him not being able to debut.

So there he was, walking into the building to practice. Maybe that way he could stop thinking about other things and eventually start his homework, he couldn't let his grades fall. He walked to his favorite practice room, A-16. No one ever went there knowing he’d probably be there, so it was definitely a surprise when he heard music coming from the room. He opened the door, and the music became clearer. "Danger" by BTS was playing as someone danced in front of the mirror with perfect movements. Someone Heeseung had never seen before was there, wearing a blue shirt and bright orange pants. Huh, funny choice of clothes he thought to himself as he got a little closer to the center of the room.

Then the person in front of him had suddenly stopped while walking to the music player, cutting off the music letting out an exasperated grunt.

"AHHHHH, I will never get this fucking part!"

He wouldn't lie; he laughed a little. It was interesting to see someone that looked as frustrated as himself. That was when the new trainee finally looked at him, eyes widening while quickly picking up the things on the floor just to out of the room like he was the plague, mumbling something that sounded like a sorry.

"Wait!..." But you were already gone, that made Heeseung smiled to himself; at least his mind had been distracted a little.

♤ Park Jonseong - Family party

Before I-Land, cousin's best friend, 2018

Jay yawned while looking around; the wedding party hadn't started yet, the newlyweds were not even in the venue at the moment, and he wasn't sure why his parents had decided to arrive early. The place was cute though, it was a big house that the couple had reserved especially for the day, it had a beautiful entrance, a big garden, and a beautiful lake to take photos in. All his family was there too, after all, the first grandkid was getting married, it was a big deal indeed.

He looked over to the garden, full of flowers he couldn't get too close to, but the view was pretty enough.

"Spring is a good season to get married" the words came out in a whisper, but his mother had smiled at him while she nodded. One of her hands flew towards his shirt to fix it a little before answering with a calm tone, "It is indeed"

Then he saw something that caught his attention, his cousin Soyeon -only two years younger- was dragging another girl towards the table while she had a big smile on her face. "Mom! Eunjin is there" his aunt had gotten up, saying hi to the girl that seemed a little nervous with all the eyes on her.

"Thanks for inviting me, Mrs. Park" Her voice was sweet, and could've sworn he had heard it before, he just couldn't remember when. Then they both of them locked eyes, staring at each other only for a brief moment before Soyeon spoke again, still bubbly while she held the other girl's hand in her own. "Ah! Eunjin, this is my cousin Jay, he also goes to your school"

The girl had just nodded before turning to Soyeon to continue talking as if nothing had happened. Weird, but he soon got distracted, and without even noticing, he forgot they even saw each other.

◇ Sim Jaeyun - Airplane to Korea

Before I-Land, next to me, 2019

Jake had to be honest with himself at the moment, he was fucking scared of all this. This will be the first time he took a flight alone, even if it wasn't that long. And it probably decided his future so yeah, blame him for being scared all you want.

As he texted a quick message to his mom telling her that he was going to turn off his phone he saw someone sitting next to him. The person had a big black hoodie on but he could see they weren't tall, probably someone his age.

"Hi, if you need me to move just tell me" He felt his voice crack at the last part and he thought that maybe throwing himself off the plane wasn't a bad idea. However he wasn't prepared for the little laugh while the person next to him nodded. He finally could see it was a girl.

"thanks, not everyone is that kind" The girl smiled at him and then her eyes looked down to her hands before offering him one "I'm Eunjin" He took the hand and smiled.

"I'm Jake" They talked for a little while, happy to be sitting next to someone their age, that's how they ended up knowing they were both flying to Korea for an audition. At the end, even if they talked for a while, both fell asleep after eating some snacks.

When the airplane finally arrived in Korea both of them continued talking as they walked out. It wasn't until they had already walked for some minutes that they realized that they'll have to say goodbye. "Um, so I have to go that way" He nodded while smiling "I'm going the other way, see you Eunjin"

The girl smiled at him one last time before they parted ways, it had been just a few minutes when he realized he could've asked for your number. Well, I hope we meet again sometime

♧ Park Sunghoon - Ice rink

Before I-Land, Gold medal, 2015

Finally his turn was over, he could feel the adrenaline dripping out of him, he was tired, his feet screaming for a rest as he slowly made his way towards the entrance of the rink. His mother was standing there, with a big smile on her lips while she offered him a bottle of water.

"you did good Sunghoon" he nodded while walking towards his seat and drinking water "the next presentation is Sam Eunjin, she's your age" To be honest he didn't remember anyone with that name so he just looked to the rink.

The figure in the center was wearing red and gold clothes, a tense posture as someone said her name, age and song. Then the song began, a calm yet strong melody that went well with the choreography that was being performed before his eyes.

"wow, she's good right?" The voice of his coach pulled him out of his dazed state, the air he didn't know he was containing coming out of his mouth "yeah, it's good"

"I heard her mother say that she'll probably retire next year" He looked at his mom with wide eyes, not believing what she just said "She wants to be an actress"

If his curiosity wasn't big before, now it was. His eyes darted back to the girl dancing, perfect movements until the end of her routine. Then just as she started skating towards the entrance he felt his chest tightening, he wasn't good with girls so this was his cue to run away. "I'll go to the bathroom"

He vaguely remembers listening to his mom congratulate the girl as he walked away. He remembers watching as she received her gold medal with a smile on her face.

☆ Kim Sunoo - Ice cream shop

Before I-Land, Mint Choco, 2020

Sunoo was tired, school had been awful today and to be honest he really needed an ice cream. It didn't matter that it was January and he was freezing, he really needed something cold to calm his nervousness. He walked for a few minutes before he reached his favorite ice cream shop.

It was a small place that an old couple had and to be honest he liked that it was alone most of the time. He walked inside while looking at his phone and biting his lips, mentally telling himself to stop doing that.

"Ah Eunjin, you're lucky" He looked up from his phone watching a girl in a school uniform paying for an ice cream. The yellow backpack at her feet too big to be real. "That was the last mint chocolate ice cream"

His eyes open wide while he walks fast to reach the counter, receiving a curious look from the girl next to him. "Is that really the last one?" He doesn't even know who he is asking at this point, his voice dripping hope

"Yeah, it was the last one" The voice of the girl sounds surprised while she talks, probably because he approached out of nowhere "Oh" His voice sounds disappointed so he smiles a little while looking at the other flavors, none of them catching his attention

He's about to leave when a hand on his sleeve stops him "You can have it, the ice cream I mean" the girl gives him a smile while holding out the little cone towards him "I'll pick another flavor"

The words can't even leave his lips as the girl makes him hold the ice cream as she orders something new. When she has her new ice cream she smiles at him and walks towards the door of the store "Eat it, you seem to like it more than I do"

♡ Yang Jungwon - Park

Before I-Land, Sorry, 2019

Jungwon can feel himself falling to the floor before his brain even registers what just happened, he lets his hand fly towards his head as he looks around. It's just then that he notices the skateboard at his feet, the one that made him fall.

"Sorry!!" A small voice screams while a little kid approaches him, he looks scared as he stares at Jungwon probably not knowing what to do "It's fine, I'm not hurt" He smiles but the kid looks even more distressed than before, frantically looking around

"My sister should be around here, please follow me" He probably should tell him that it doesn't matter, he didn't get hurt and he was distracted after all but the kid looks one minute away to start crying so he follows with a smile

They reach one of the benches at the park when the kid starts talking again, his voice concerned as he drags Jungwon "Eunjin, I made someone fall, please take a look" The girl in front of them looks up from her book with her eyebrows knit together before letting out a sigh "Minhyuk, I told you to be careful"

Then she stands up and looks at him with a smile that looks a lot like the ones his mom makes when she doesn't know what else to say "Sorry, my brother is learning and is a bit clumsy" The kid next to them nods while the girl extends her hand with her phone held out "Please let'sexchange numbers, if you feel bad call me and we'll pay for the doctor"

"It's fine, I'm not injured" Even if he says that he does put his number and smiles before giving it back to the girl, he then turns to the kid and smiles a little "Be more careful kid"

♤ Nishimura Riki - Convenience store

Before I-Land, I'll help, 2020

The convenience store is not as busy as he thought it would be, probably because it's already late and the part of the city where he's staying is not that busy.

He knows the manager that they send with him is somewhere in the store, so he could probably go and ask him to read and explain the things that he doesn't understand but he's just too shy to ask something like Hey which one is the least spicy?

Probably he looks funny staring at the different packages of noodles in front of him, like trying to understand out of nowhere, he feels someone stand a few feet away from him, in the Japanese section of the store. He looks trying not to seem suspicious, a girl is holding two packages of candy while chewing on her lips. "What does this even mean?"

He knows he shouldn't listen to other people, it's disrespectful but to be honest he also needs help with this. "I uh, I speak Japanese" The girl practically jumps in her place while looking at him and then at the candy in her hands before extending it towards him "Do these have almonds? I'm allergic" He takes a quick glance before shaking his head "They don't"

" Thanks! You saved me" She smiles while turning around before she stops and looks at him "I'll help you too stranger, you seem lost" He laughs looking at the noodles in front of him "I don't want something spicy"

She nodded before looking at the packages, picking one after some seconds, offering it to him before smiling "This should be good, I'm Eunjin by the way" He also smiles "Ni-ki" A phone rings and the girl takes it out and turns around "See you around Ni-ki, thanks again!"