shanghai-lu

[shanghai-lu]

mon amour!! 🥺 omg i wasn’t expecting a reply anytime soon but here you are! thank you so much! im happy to know you’re doing good and maybe i��ll be dropping by more often now since you’ve been so sweet about this 😔 (im feeling so soft rn its insane HHHH)

i don’t really know if its just me or there’s a lack of hype for this album? i mean we’re literally two weeks away from its release date tho 👁️👄👁️ but anw!! the song sounds really goood!!! first love is the kind of song that you would hear in neozone idk it just gives me that neozone vibes! but first love slaps fr 😔 i love it!! and i haven’t watch all of the current relay cams, got stuck at jaems!! oop ahsdfghk 😭 boy is looking like 15 all over again without make-up and that dark hair im so in love with 😔 he won’t go away in my head i hate him 💔

im doing good, love!! just having a bit of a crisis bc there’s this fic i want to write that’s just going on inside my head but i can’t really put into words <///333 tho i’ll try to outline and work on it today wooo wish me luck 🤡

and oh no, social skills? just wanted you to know that im the president of poor social skills club 🤩 you’re not alone!! 💔 tbh, i know THAT feeeling!! i cant believe we have the same trait omg HHHHH introverts really had it rough, huh? asdkdkfk!! but i know you can do it, my lu! i’m super excited about it, got really hooked with the title! would you be okay tagging me when you release it? 🥺

Stahpp I'M soft😫🥰 Rainie your asks like literally make my day all ✨ sparkle sparkle sparkle✨~~~~ odhdidjdj gosh you're so sweet!!

I feel the same? Like I haven't seen much promotion or mass hype for it? But maybe it's because it's just a Japanese version, and not an entirely new concept or track list?

But completely agree, First Love is as NeoZone as they get! 💚

Jaemins relay cam just aiyshdkdieb with that dark hair????? Is it just me or is barefaced the best look on any member😏?

How you feel about your fic is exactly how I'm feeling about mine, you put that frustration onto words!!😫Bb I hope you are able to get it outlined at least and that you get some creative juices flowing and going and that it comes out the way you envisioned!!💖 Know you have my full luv and support and I'm cheering you on and rooting for you!💚 Xoxoxoxoxo please tag me when you upload?💝💝💝💝🥺

Miss President of the Poor Social Skills Club, permission to join as an official member?😭 Us introverts have to stick together *high fives*🥰

My lovely Rainie, I'd be SO honoured to tag you!😱 I have no idea if I'm going to get it done anytime soon, but I'll do my best and focus on your well wishes and support!! It really really makes a difference!

I was curious what your bias list in NCT was? Would you mind sharing with me😊?

*thousand hugs and kisses*

[shanghai-lu]

Overpriced Shower Gel ~ Jung Jaehyun

For: 정재현 - NCT

Mood: Fluff / Wholesome

Type: Drabble

Word count: no idea ╮(. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)╭

Life is tough. Some days, even a warm shower sounds like too much effort. The weight of the world on your shoulders can't possibly be washed away by any amount of hot water. The steam can't make sense of anxious thoughts or worries, nor can the scent of overpriced shower gel replenish the strength to make it through another day.

"But you'll sleep so much better."

And with that, Jaehyun pushed me into the bathroom.

Even though the shower didn't fix anything, admittedly, it was worth it. The world's weight wasn't lifted, but the muscles bearing the brunt felt considerably less stiff.

Leaving the bathroom in pajamas, hair still dripping wet, I flopped face down onto the bed with mind, soul and eyes pleading desperately for some rest.

"Yah hey you're not finished yet!" Jaehyun poked my back. I merely groaned in response. He pulled on my hand. "Sleeping with wet hair isn't good for you darling." Groaning again, I lay near paralyzed by exhaustion.

"This is for your own good, okay?" Before I could process what he meant, he started tickling all my weak spots. Let this be known, it's entirely possible to weaponise the Tickle - as a form of pure torture it is able to make the most miserable person jump and run and scream in protest under the false pretense of enjoyment.

"Jae! No! Stop! Please!!" I barely managed to plead through the laughter. Rolling over onto my back, away from where he stood at the side of the bed, I realised it was a mistake as soon as I did so. Jaehyun climbed on top, straddling my waist, pinning me down beneath him. Immobilised, I lay helpless as he continued his torture, tickling everywhere he could.

"I'm not stopping until you agree to at least dry your hair."

"Fine! Fine! Please, I'll get up! Please!" He knew exactly which places to target, such that tears streamed down my face as I laughed like I hadn't laughed in days.

"Promise?"

"Promise, I swear!"

He stopped and grinned, pleased with his accomplishment. He took my face between his hands, slightly squishing my cheeks and smiling to himself before climbing off and grabbing the hairdryer from the dresser, as I took a moment to recover from the tears and breathlessness.

"I'll do it. You just sit and try not to fall asleep again", he teased as he plugged the dryer into the wall next to the bed. Scrambling together the energy, I scooted over to the edge, sitting cross legged on the covers with my back to him.

Jae started combing through the tangled mess of hair. He ran his fingers through the strands as the warm air tickled my back. The droning rhythmic hum of the hairdryer, his soft petting, and the admittedly comforting smell of overpriced shower gel came together to create a bubble of warmth and comfort.

The world fell away into the back of my mind. Closing my eyes, I lost track of time until the dryer was unplugged and he proudly announced my hair was done. Smiling sleepily, sad the moment had to end, I turned around and stretched up to thank him with a kiss on his cheek. He smiled back, with those dimples that pleaded to be poked and adored.

Sure, life is tough. And a warm shower doesn't fix anything. But it does give us a moment for ourselves. A moment to forget the world, forget the thoughts and worries. A chance to appreciate overpriced shower gel. And above all, as Jae rightfully said, it definitely makes us sleep so much better...

Xx

This was a very impromptu 3am spur-of-the-moment short thingy that has not been proofread so I hope you were able to bare with me! (｡・//ε//・｡)

If I made a few errors with grammar or spelling, feel free to correct me~ Also, if you need credit for the photos used please let me know :)

I wish you a lovely lovely lovely day!

- Lu ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

[shanghai-lu]

my lovely lu! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧ dropping by because i received a notification from tumblr the other day that you’re back! and i got excited like 💞��✨🌸💓 i was actually about to drop an ask that time but contemplated a lil bit bc i dont want to be a bother AAACK 😖 but shyness will get me nowhere that’s why i am here now! (hope you don’t mind, this is my 2nd time here oh would you look at that? 🥳)

have you listen to nct 127’s first love? they just released it today, it is the 3rd track from their upcoming 2nd japanese album loveholic. and honestly i haven’t heard the song yet bc i have no idea they are going to release it today 012721 😖 (maybe after this 😗✌️) im very much excited for this album bc we’ll be able to hear kick it jap ver!!! isn’t that crazy? 🥺

anw, how have you been? seems like you’re busy but i hope you’re doing well, mon amour! stay healthy and safe wherever you are. alsooo i just saw that you have an upcoming work, i can’t wait to see it!!! (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

Nwahhhh my lovely Rainie!!♡(> ਊ <)♡

Boo you can drop an ask 💖24 - 7 - 365 - ∞💖 I don't mind if you send a million asks I'll answer every single one!~~(っ˘з(˘⌣˘ )

I had no idea they were going to release anything either! I've now had a chance to listen to it and oh my I luved it! It is madness that we get a Japanese version of kick it and it's ~chefs kiss~ Have you had a chance to listen to it yet? Oh and did you see the relay camera event thingy that's going on at the moment?? Jaes was ... 100000% wholesome comfort content ʕノ♡ᴥ♡ʔノ ︵ ┻━┻ like ajshidblkab 😫💖😫💖

I've been alright, thank you so much for asking Rainie!! I hope you are staying warm, healthy and safe wherever you may be as well, and for your loved ones too! 💚💚💚💚 How have you been? Staying hydrated? Hopefully not too stressed?

About my ~work in progress~ smh I'm struggling to get it to flow because it's a bunch of dialogue and my lack of social skills are making it soooo difficult to get the conversation to feel natural and like 💫real💫, you know what I mean? But hopefully I will be able to finish it in the next week (*﹏*;)

You're the best honestly♥╣[-_-]╠♥!! Mwah mwah mwah!!

[shanghai-lu]

Hiii <3 it's your secret Santa! I thought I'd answer the questions you gave me while also revealing myself. Its been really nice speaking to you and i hope we can continue to be friends!

For my MX bias, it's Jooheon! He's my ult actually, along with Jungwoo. I'd have to say my fave track is shine forever

Honestly, I would jump yangyang (as u can tell by my URL 😭), but i would pick Ten, Renjun and Yuta because they seem like they would do a lot of damage. Ten is just wild and yuta is a Quadruple scorpio... Insanity. As for most attractive imo

1. Xiaojun!

2. Winwin

3. Jungwoo

4. Jisung

5. Ten

They all kind of have the delicate flower boy look that I adore!!

Also ☠️ i don't know if i gave myself away before because i was trying to send an ask and accidentally hit follow 😭. At least that will be memorable. I wish you happy holidays and a great day!!

Omw yay!! Hiiii🥺🥺

It's been so nice speaking to you as well and I appreciate all the effort you've put in, and also the fun and creative questions you've asked which have made me giggle and smile!🤭✨ It'd be an honour to have you as a friend and mutual!

The pictures I've seen of Jooheon have all given me very "daddy" vibes?🤭👀 I don't know him or MX so well but damn I need to get into that boat because 😍!

Can I join your crew to jump YangYang😤 and omg Yuta and Ten asdjskjd ✨Reckless chaos✨

Xiaojuns middle name is "bias wrecker" because that man just pulls the rug out from under my list of "most attractive personally" everytime he breathsss 😤😤😤😤

And don't worry you didn't give anything away! I hope you had an amazing, lovely and memorable day spent with your most special people~~💚🎄

I've so enjoyed getting to know you and want to thank you again for adding fun and ✨spice✨ and all things nice to my holiday this year! That piece you wrote.... It put such a fat grin on my face.. the ending left me rolling around and fangirling at Jungwoo and all the little things I've mentioned that you sprinkled throughout! You're so so talented, I can't wait to read more of what you wrote!! (What is your secret to writing such immaculate flowing and natural fun dialogue like I was blown away you're a genius also your descriptive writing of the tattoos and scenery good laawwddd~~~)

Thank you so much for being my secret Santa! 🎄💚💖

- Lu ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

[shanghai-lu]

Ty <33 I took your advice of just downing a drink and managed to get quite a bit of the collab piece done. Also, I just finished writing your present and I'm really excited to give it to you, I want time to hurry up. Hopefully you'll like it!

Yeah, honestly, Winwin's looks are a killer and he could get away with anything, possibly even murder. I have like 3 monsta x albums and a vinyl ☠️ i don't really spent money on merch but since Theyre my ults , I bite the bullet and get them And they're pretty worth it imo.

Last question before, probably, the reveal, and it's the hardest one so far. In your opinion, putting this here so people don't attack you (and if they do i will bark @ them and bite off their arm). What are your top 5 members in terms of attractiveness, nothing to do with personality, just looks. And which three neos would you pick to jump someone with?

- ss

I'm so happy you got some of the collab done!!~~✨Now there's a little less stress on your shoulders hopefully 💚

Omw I'm so excited for the reveal! Time, will you pretty please hurry up? And there's no doubt whatsoever that I'll love whatever you've written!!!💚

Who in Monsta X is your bias? What's your favourite track of theirs? Oh and which photo card did you get? 🥺

In my humble personal opinion, going with what I'm personally attracted to most in terms of appearance alone, excluding personality,

Jaehyun (this man will be the death of me)

Lucas

Sungchan

Jaemin (I don't know the Dream unit well, but everytime I see this man on my timeline I have to take a moment to appreciate)

Doyoung (have you seen this man's Instagram??)

And the 3 Neos I'd jump someone with would be Hendery, Lucas and Xiaojun. I would not have the guts so I'd probably be the look out and get away driver, Lucas would be the muscle, and Hendery and Xiaojun can get riled and fired up when they get into the right mood so they'd have the guts to go through with something risky idk?

How about you??💚✨

Hope you have a good Christmas eve, if you're celebrating and if not hope you just have an extra good day!🎄

[shanghai-lu]

Collabs are fun to do because there's other work with similar themes, but I'm so dumb and I literally left them to the last minute and I don't write anything that's 'short' 😭😭😭. It really is your own idiocy that does u over

Action films are super cool, I really like ones where it mixes with sci fi too. Like Tau for example, it's a nice concept honestly. Spiderman: into the spiderverse is 😳 bc i tend to gravitate towards animated stuff as well.

Jaehyun in a spy film? Brb I'm getting someone to fund that vision like rn bc i need to see it. I would go for something with Winwin (since hes expressed interest in acting) and having him act as criminal/serial killer just to see how well he would do in it w his flower boy image (maybe like VIP but a bit less graphic ☠️)

Do you listen to any other kpop groups? And do you have any physical albums of any group, if so, what pc did you get?

- ss

Don't worry too much! Get some coffee (or your personal go-to drink), put on some music and take it one paragraph at a time~ in sure you'll get it done in no time!✨

But yeah.. everyone's their own worst enemy. I too have procrastinated some work and now I have to either rush it off or ask for a deadline extension and neither are favourable options 😭 why do we do this to ourselves??😑

I tend to gravitate to live, not animated, but that Spiderman Into the spider verse might change that because it was brilliant 🥺

Jaehyun as a James Bond figure... I'll join you to pitch the idea to investors ASAP

And omgoodness WinWin as a serial killer or criminal????? I'm in love with the concept???? And don't even mention the way his flower pretty boy smile and laugh would contrast with his criminal lawless side????

I listen to any song I find good tbh but a few artists that feature often is EXO and Red Velvet. And actually I don't own any Kpop merch except a bracelet I got from a friend who is a huge BTS fan that has "Army" letters that dangle from the chain😊💜💚 How about you?

[shanghai-lu]

Im probably going to try and finish up some writing that's due soon for Collabs but other than that, nothing really ☠️☠️

I don't think I've seen any stories for it here on tumblr, but if I find any, I'll be sure to let you know! You give me really sweet vibes actually, I enjoy talking to you 💚💚. I'm thinking fluff and something super cute with jungwoo, just to match it w ur blog.

Omg... Those guys would be so fun to go out with actually. And to a wine farm? I don't think I've ever seen one irl so that would definitely be interesting. 4 me i think probably ten, xiaojun and taeyong And we go to a local fair to hang around and go out rides. (Tae and jun give me Scardy cat vibes so It would be really fun to see if we could persuade them to go on rides).

Do you have any favourite books and films? What kind of film do you typically like and you could have any neo in a movie you directed, what would the film be about and who?

- ss

How is it doing collabs? Is it difficult working with other people on those types of projects?

Oh my gosh you're so sweet too and I do a lil happy dance everytime I get the inbox notification from you because I enjoy talking to you as well! 🥰

Fluff + cute + Jungwoo can literally never go wrong 🤭

Omw yess those 3 at an amusement park sounds like a blast, and such an interesting mix? I've never been to an amusement park before, but I imagine going on the rides with them and watching their expressions would be hilarious!🎡

I tend to gravitate towards action movies, like "Pacific Rim" , "Spiderman: Into the spider verse" , "Tazza" and the James Bond series with Daniel Craig. But I'm a complete hopeless romantic so I love love love movies like the movies "Youth" , "So Young 2: Never Gone" and "Us and them".

If I could direct a movie I'd have Jaehyun as the protagonist and it'd be a spy or gangster/mobster (something along the lines of Tazza) because that shot of him in that suit in Kick It just.... No words

How about you?

[shanghai-lu]

Tumblr sucks ass. I sent in an ask a few days ago, I promise I haven't been ignoring you </3. I've been good actually! Just got 3 weeks off from going to school so I'm chilling.you? I'm gonna bother you more to make up for lost time. Also yes, I do have some work you can read, but ofc I'll only reveal myself on dec 25 so you can see it then haha. Speaking of writing, what sort of think would you like me to write for you? And member? I just can't guarentee that it'll be under 2k - ss 1/2

My favourite fantasy tropes are anythign to do with fairies and magic, I love exploring those things and magic realism is also super appealing honestly. I love unwilling hero stories too, where they accidentally become someone who has to do somerthign and are reluctant but warm up to it. Okay, the q, if you had to pick a trio of neo's to hang around with for the day, what would you do and who would they be ? <3 (also, 4got to add, i'll write u anything u want apart from smut ! ) - ss 2/2

My inbox has been spazzing it seems, of saw these 2 asks, and when I came back to answer them they were gone?? Then reappeared today?? Wth😭

3 weeks off from school sounds amazing! I hope you enjoy it~😊 what're you planning on keeping yourself busy with?

You can write me anything! Probably Jungwoo as we both have him as a common bias?💚 Are you feeling more angst or fluff🤔?

Do you have any unwilling hero stories to recommend? I'm always up for exploring a new trope like that 🥺

Oh and the question! Hhmmm.... I think I'd pick Jaehyun, Jungwoo and Lucas and we'd go pick strawberries and then visit the market with live music and food stalls at this amazing wine farm I went to as a kid🍓

How about you?

[shanghai-lu]

Did my ask not for through ? :( - ss

I didn't get anything in my inbox so I think Tumblr ate the post😭

Have you been okay?~

[shanghai-lu]

Probably my fave thing about him is his ability to fit in with any group he's with. He just seems like an easy going person who's not hard to get along w.

Oh!! I love fluff and angst time, though I'm a baby and I can't do just angst by itself bc I don't like unhappy endings ☠️.

I do read ff actually! I write it too and my favourite to read is fantasy and soulmate AU's. I might be cheesy for that but I love the idea of them, its so cute! How about your least favourite tropes to read? Even in normal prose, what are some things youre not fond of?

- ss

He sounds like a great friend to have!!

Hehehe baby🤭 I completely get that, angst by itself with a sad ending.... I'm too baby for that too😣 like those scenarios where they have a fight and it ends with them not making up? I can't😭

Do you have some ff posted that I could read one day?(・∀・)~~~

Oh and soulmate AU's are some of my favourite too! I love the idea of having a "my ~person~", like that someone who's made for you, just idk I'm sahftt for that(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧ I read a really good one once where soulmates where connected by a red string, or had a tattoo of the time of meeting, or heard the music the other one was listening too - writers come up with so many unique and interesting ways and I love it when they come up with something I haven't heard of before!

Do you have some favourite fantasy types?

I don't like tropes like "unpopular girl suddenly becomes every hot jocks crush", especially in a high school or college AU. I don't like the "she's not like other girls" trope either. Also the childhood friends to lovers thing... I don't know why but I can't bring myself to enjoy those no matter how well it's written (╯ರ ~ ರ)╯︵ ┻━┻

[shanghai-lu]

oh no that's completely fine if you don't know! It is hard to get a grasp on them when you don't know them irl or just haven't been into them for a long time. I think i'm pretty similar to ten actually, i like to play around with people and i find it really fun to be ... not annoying, but kind of just very present and joking. I think i'd get along w kunhang the most! I noticed you're a writer so, who is ur fave member to write and what genre do u like reading/ the most? - ss

Oohh Ten! His art always surprises me just how good he is!

Kunhang I still have to get to know a bit more, what's your favourite thing about him?

I only got into writing a few months ago after reading some stuff on here. I prefer a good balance of fluff and angst, nothing too cheesy though (｡◕‿◕｡) I write whatever scenario I come up with on my head before going to bed each evening, and that's usually some story or fluff scenario!

Do you read fanfiction? And if so, what's your favourite?

[shanghai-lu]

The 7th sense is an insane debut, I've yet to see anything else as random tbh, probably just bc its so hard to do well and to pull off. My favorite title tracks are probably . 1. Boss 2. Take off. 3. Chain 4. Simon says and 5. Regular chinese ver (is that a title Track ☠️?). And overall per unit. 1. Domino (wayv.) 2. Boss (U), 3. Go (dream) 4. Sun & moon (127).

Who do you think you're most and least similar to? And who do u think u would u get along with n why?

- ss

Oh yessss I so vibe with your lists!!

Agreed! The 7th sense was a ridiculous debut. Risky for all the right reasons. And such a banger as well, honestly ground braking!

I have no idea who I'm similar to, I don't have a good gauge of my own persona and it's difficult to do so for the members as well :( I think I feel I relate to Jaehyun, with his professionalism and perfectionism and unbotheredness. I also relate to Doyoung a lot, probably the most I think! I haven't had the time to get to know each member fully yet, so maybe I'll know with more time~ I think I'd get along with Lucas well and Jungwoo because they probably get along with everybody and they're so fun but also chilled ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

Who do you think you're similar to, and who you'd get along with well?

[shanghai-lu]

Omg yeah, Woo has a way of just making you smile even if he doesn't do anything that's outlandish. He's my bias bc I just thought he was super cute and seemed nice enough.

But jaehyun getting u into nct 👁👁 he really does have that magnetic pull. What would you say your top 5 title tracks from them are (all units) and best song overall for each unit individually?

- ss

Good question! Hhmm I had to take a long moment to think for this one...

I think my top title tracks are (apologies of these aren't all title tracks, sometimes their discography confuses me~)

The 7th sense

Make a wish

Regular

Cherry Bomb

Black on Black

And best songs overall would be

The 7th sense (I'm obsessed with this song)

Neo got my back - intro (I feel like I could rob a bank to this song)

Make a wish- English version

Nectar

Baby don't like it

Outro dream routine

This list probably changes a few times, but 7th sense will always stay my no 1 ⊂(´･◡･⊂ )∘˚˳° What's your favourites of theirs? And title tracks?

Jaehyun really has that magnetic pull... Idk there's something about him that is ~✧irresistible✧~ You can't see him for the first time and go on with your life normally..

Jungwoo reminds me of a baby bear tbh so cute and funny like you said!!

💚💚

[shanghai-lu]

hey there, lovely lu! i just saw your recent post and actually surprised that you are also a babyzen! im a new fan of nct too and it hasn’t been long since i joined this platform, just like you i was offered a warm welcome here which actually surprised me,, a lot of ppl here are really nice 🥺

anw, i just like to say that i love your writing!! your jaehyun fics are really cool and my favorite is ‘insecurities’ 💖 im hoping to see your future works! have a lovely day! stay safe and warm. 💓

Ohhh my gosh hii Rainie!

I know right? People on this platform so far have been so welcoming and supportive and kind, I really have a lot of admiration and respect for our fellow NCTzens on here!

And I'm so so happy you like my writing!! It means the world to me!! (•́ ‿ ,•̀) Writing Insecurities really helped me work through some of my own, even if it's just a short drabble, and I hope it helps others find even just a teeny bit of comfort as it did for me~

I'm currently working on another piece, but it's taking a while(*・～・*)

I'm looking forward to reading your works as well as I see you're a fellow writer(つ✧ω✧)つ

Thank you so much for your message and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful wonderful day! 💚💚💚

~ Lu ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

[shanghai-lu]

Don't worry about it! We all have stuff going on. You can just call me ... Hmm.. Ss or santa if you want, I'm not too bothered. We have Jungwoo in common as a bias! If it's okay, could I know how you got into NCT and what in particular you like about Jungwoo/any other bias you have ? 💚

- ss

I was a BTS and fan for 2 years, dabbling in EXO and Got7, and then I saw a Jaehyun GIF and my heart just... ~Boom~ became an NCTzen⊂(´･◡･⊂ )∘˚˳°

My bias list includes Jaehyun, Lucas, Doyoung and Jungwoo! I like Jungwoo because he makes me laugh and he's just such a good person and he's sort of like my happy place, you know?

Why's he your bias? 💚

~ Lu ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

[shanghai-lu]

Hi angel💚💚 How is your day going? I'm here as your secret santa and i'm v excited to talk to you!! <3

Hiiii I'm not sure if my ask went through, if it didn't, hey <3 I'm your secret santa and its nice to meet you! Cant wait to start talking to you. How has ur day been so far?

Hi omw hiiii!!~~~

I've been distracted for a bit with work and uni and planning stuffies so I didn't see the message sooner I'm sorry(*＾3＾)/～♡

I'm so excited to talk to you as well! I haven't been an NCT fan for long, but I've been welcomed so nicely since joining and so I was so excited for this to meet a few fellow NCT fans through this event! ⊂((・▽・))⊃

So lovely Secret Santa, is there a nickname I can use to call you? Or is secret Santa alright? Oh and who's your bias/es?? ～(���ˆДˆ)つ｡☆

~ Lu ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

[shanghai-lu]

Late Night Strolls ~ Jung Jaehyun

For:  정재현 - NCT

Type: Drabble / Scenario 

Mood: Fluff / Wholesome

Word count: 1505

[ I rewrote the original one as I wasn’t completely happy with it, and I opted to try something different and push myself with the redone one ~ (●^◡^●) ]

During your holiday to Italy together, summer had been in full swing, making the hot days nearly unbearable outside, so you and Jaehyun decided a late-night walk sounded like exactly what you needed.

He held your hand as the two of you walked lazily down the cobblestone streets. The cool breeze ruffling through the leaves of the trees lining the sidewalks, and playing gently with your hair, goosebumps appearing on your arms, but you don’t mind it.

A few people pass you - couples, families, and groups of friends - all making the most of the beautiful evening, cast in a warm orange glow from the streetlights. The moon sat high, stars twinkling brightly as the neighbourhood, with its quaint restaurants and buskers filling the air with the smell of wine and the sound of laughter and chatter, took its time going to bed. 

Soft jazz played from a balcony a few buildings away. Jaehyun hummed along, now swaying your entwined hands slowly back and forth as you continue your stroll. You walk through the neighbourhood for a long while, away from the crowds and restaurants and into the quieter streets of the antique, picturesque district.

“Wait.” he stopped suddenly, looking around him puzzled. 

“I think we took a weird turn somewhere...” he trailed off, turning to look at the buildings and streets behind him, then ahead of you two, still holding your hand. 

He was right. You had been so busy enjoying the cool evening that you didn’t focus on your last couple of turns. This part of the neighbourhood, if you were lucky enough to still be in the same neighbourhood, was sparsely lit, empty, just the moonlight bouncing off the windows of the old stone buildings. 

“And we left our phones on charge back at the guesthouse...”, you add with a slight whine, frustrated at yourselves, and now also attempting to analyse the buildings around you for any sign of familiarity. “Should we try and trace back?” 

He takes a moment to think about it, subconsciously tightening his hold on your hand. “I-I think so. Yeah. Let's try that. I think we took 2 lefts and a right... no wait… 2 lefts and 2 rights…wait no one left...one right?...right?...” He bit his bottom lip, frowning, a lost look in his eyes, as he tries to remember. 

You knew it was a serious situation, lost in an unfamiliar city at well past midnight, but a part of you couldn’t help but just be happy to be with him like this. Just the two of you, exploring and adventuring together, seeing each other in a different context outside your normal daily routine.

“Don’t worry, let’s just turn back and take it one turn at a time, okay?”, you smile calmly in an attempt to keep your own growing panic and nerves hidden and start walking in the direction from which you came, lightly tugging on him to follow. He smiles weakly, clearly a bit panicked as well, and so pulls you in closer to him, steps in sync.

After a few corners, you think you know where to go next as you step to take the turn to one direction, but Jaehyun steps to take the other.

"This way."

"No, it’s this way."

"It’s this way. I feel it."

"You feel it?"

He nods and tries to pull you to follow him. But you stand firm, sure it was the other way. You don't recognise any of the buildings or objects in that direction.

"Jae, I really think it's this way. Look, I don't remember seeing those benches lined like that. We would've had to walk past them. I would've remembered having to get out of their way."

He sighs, scrutinising both directions again. He remembered benches. You didn't.

After looking at both roads repeatedly, you also start to question if you didn’t remember any benches. Truthfully, you weren’t all that focused on your surroundings before. You could easily have been oblivious to any obstacles.

You sigh, lifting your hand up in defeat muttering “Okay, okay you win, you win but you better be right.”

Jaehyun smiles, turning you to face him completely, stepping closer and wrapping his arm around your waist. He leaned down to give a quick kiss on your cheek.

“And what if I’m wrong, mhh? You going to punish me?” he teases playfully, holding you even closer. You turn your head in an attempt to hide your efforts to supress a grin and pray he can’t feel your racing heart. “Mmh? Mh? Mh?” he repeats teasingly, leaning in closer to your lips each time. Still with your face turned to the side, you feel yourself about to give in to him completely, as you usually do. When he gets into these playful moods, you always find yourself feeling nervous, overthinking how to keep up with his games and teasing, never knowing what the right way to respond would be.

“No kisses.” You blurt out, just as his lips are about to graze yours. He pulls back, slightly confused.

“No kisses?”

“Yeah, if you’re wrong then no kisses.” You slowly turn to face him with a small smirk. A spark of unfamiliar confidence mixed with competitiveness rests in your chest. Jaehyun was clearly rubbing off on you.

“For how long?” he asks cautiously.

“Mmhh….” You feign having to contemplate. “As long as it takes for us to get back home.”

He catches on that you’re trying your hand at toying with him and it causes a massive grin on his handsome face. He looks off to the side, trying to reel in his thoughts and hide the effect its had on him, and you are fully aware. You rarely tease, or take the lead, never having the assurance to do so, usually just going along with everything. But there’s something about the atmosphere of the evening, the uncertain circumstances giving you a dose of adrenaline.

“Actually, make hugs and any form of physical affection off limits too.” You taunt as you pull out of his embrace and your hand out of his grip on it, backing away from him. He laughs, shaking his head before reaching out a hand for you but you dodge him by taking quick steps backwards. A playful, competitive glint shimmers in his brown eyes. He strides towards you with determination, but you turn around and start running down the dimly lit cobblestone street, giggling but trying not to make too much noise to not wake the residents.

The scene plays out in slow motion in your mind. You look back and find him laughing while chasing you, hot on your heels. You sprint forward, but there is no chance that you could ever outrun him, but you’re going to make him work for it a little.

You run as fast as you can down to the end of the long street, wind whipping around you, through your hair, your side stinging, but just as you're about to turn a corner you’re yanked back by an arm wrapped around your middle, pulling your back into a hard chest, lifting you slightly off the ground with the motion. You can hear his heavy breathing behind your ear and feel his heart racing just like yours. You tilt your head back to rest it against him, closing your eyes and focusing on calming the burn in your lungs. The run had warmed you up, the cold breeze now fresh relief against your flushed face. He kisses you on your jaw repeatedly.

“So mean.” He mutters with a smile. “And surprisingly fast.”

You scoff lightly. His innocent kisses trail down, wet, soft, to your naked shoulder, and you hum happily.

Hands back to being entangled, the two of you continue your stroll. At another crossroads, you remembered square windows, while he remembered rounder ones. This time he’s the one to give in.

After every disagreement about which way to go, the loser would get a soft, warm kiss, either on the forehead, or cheek, nose, or lips as a sort of compensation.

As much as you liked getting kissed at nearly every corner, you tried, really tried, to find your way back to the guesthouse but in the end a friendly local, just arriving home themselves, had to give you directions, albeit it took a few minutes through all the broken English and very broken Italian. And to be fair, you took quite a few wrong turns in your absent-minded wandering and playful, light-hearted bickering about which way was home, and ended up on nearly the opposite side of the neighbourhood.

With a clear path in mind of how to get home, you both calm down, the nerves of feeling lost completely gone, and the calmness of the night settling in again. Still holding your hand lovingly, rubbing small circles on the back with his thumb, he leans down to whisper with a happy smirk "We should get lost together more often."

Xx

I have never been to Italy, and so have very limited knowledge of the architecture, weather and landscape of the cities and villages there, so please excuse any inaccuracies on that part. (´∩｡• ᵕ •｡∩`)

If I made a few errors with grammar or spelling, feel free to correct me~ Also, if you need credit for the photos used please let me know :)

Hope you have a lovely day!

- Lu ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ