#Captive Audience AU

[dxwnxdusk]

“...Would you look at this...So much for the 'great sage' am I right?”

The rattle of chains that echo through the frigid area. He’d never had thought he’d get such a sight. Such negative energy that flourished in the chamber. The “Macaque...” that’s hissed from the other is tainted. Raw. Rugged. Almost breathless as the edges of his lips curl upwards, fangs brushing over his own lips as they show in all their glory. He can feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins. What an absolute treat that he’d found. Sure he was more than aware she more than likely allowed him to find this. Despite the fact he was meant to be able to handle the dead of winter, even he felt a faint chill being in here. He could only imagine how the other was fairing from the way a cold mist lurked around his frame, how lips were parted enough he could see the edges of the other’s top fangs with each shuddering inhale. His lungs quaking in his chest. A faint crackle with each movement. This was a place of holding. Only the most extreme measures could hold this being after all. Even with half gas in the tank this being was still very much a threat to him. While he certainly did not pull this stunt off. It felt oh so wonderful to see the other suffer. His heart might just very well explode from glee. Threatening to tear him apart as he makes his way forward, false golden eyes staring over the other as a whisper-like chuckle escapes him.

“You should see the look on your face.” The unbridled rage, the way the other twitches with residual pain when his claw seizes his jaw and forces the king to gaze at him directly. The way the other’s claws curl so tightly into fists as he struggles against the ivory blue chains that keep him restrained. How the whispers crawl now and again, searching for another point of weakness in the king’s frame. To invade. To indulge themselves. What an absolute symphony.

“Of course you would send them after such. You knew this would happen. Not quite like this however quite clearly. Oh how the mighty have truly fallen so far from grace~” Poisoned words. Nothing more. He could indulge in this all he wanted but at the end of the day he’d been sent down here for a reason. A very real threat hung over his head, one much more worse than what Wukong could dish out if at all in this state. The whispers chant for a moment. A part of him deep inside writhes. The future screams at him of many scenario’s, the past weeps for the present. Yet the present cheers. A thirst for revenge that his entire being writhes for as he releases his grasp. Slowly checking the stability of the chains while that scarlet gold gaze lingers on him. Something in his heart mourns for a moment. An unspoken apology.

                                                                           B r e a k                h i m

A few heartbeats pass of silence, the king trying to pull the chains far enough to turn to Dusk and then—unbelievable agony. Fire-like pain lanced along his spine and spread through his system like a quick-acting poison and for a few rigidly tense moments, he felt as though he couldn’t breathe. Vision swimming, head ringing and unable to hear anything except the overzealous yells in his own voice, Dawn believed death would be nicer in his delirious-from-pain state-of-mind.

And then, as quickly as it all came, it ended. Form flopping listlessly to the floor, hands balled up into tight fists, Dawn  inhaled deeply, striving to regulate his pulse rate so he avoided blacking out. Whole body tingling, like suffering from full-body pins and needles, he remained flat-out on the floor, regaining his shattered composure in slithers. It doesn’t come. Claws dig deep into his hair and pull his head back. Lips parting open as the pressure builds again. A choked noise as Scarlet Gold meets Milky White and Pale Violet. The king’s legs kick, pitifully as those eyes gaze down at him. Pitifully pulling at chains. “You took something from me.” Is the words he hears before a haunting scream tears from the king. A choked sob as blood splatters against dark black tiles. A raw noise that invoked too many emotions as the figure beneath the warrior writhes. Claws dragging against the tile before his body goes lax. A scarlet gold eye rolls into the back of his head as dust kicks up with the faint echoing thud.

The drip of blood. Painfully slow as it trails down his claws as there’s the faint sound of a cloak tearing. The sound of blood hitting tile floors stops for now. Teeth bared as he curses himself for shaking. Even as her magic swiftly crawls across the king and he watches as the cracks in flesh begin glowing, pale white socket staring back at him as the other remains closed. The slow twitch before lips ever slightly open. He’s never felt so disgusted by himself before. He was sick of this. So sick. The past screams at him. The present regrets. The future weeps. He was no warrior anymore. He could hear the strain of a heartbeat on the other side of the world. That beating hope. Frail. It would probably shatter soon. He wipes his claw on the edges of the new cloth, brushing over segments of armor underneath as he slowly gazes away. What feels like hours had only been maybe half an hour at best. Fuck. A claw runs through his fur, a faint tremble. Was this really what he’d become?                                                                The kid was going to need a miracle.

[total-drama-brainrot]

Total Drama Psycho Noah AU, after the 'London Adventure' and the truth being revealed, Chris then decides to make this a reward challenge... The reward is that EVERYONE gets to be in First Class, with NOAH... Chris and Noah are curious to see, who will be brave enough to actually enter First Class, after learning about Noah's insanity... How would Courtney + Gwen + Duncan reacts to seeing the video of Noah's insane side showing? 😈 Would Alejandro and Noah still be friends? 😈

Listen, as much as this idea is so fucking funny to me, I really don't think it'd work from a storytelling perspective.

Though (not to push any agendas here, but-) if Chris were to hypothetically have the remaining contestants go against Noah in an enclosed space, in a sort of predator-vs-prey scenario, it'd probably play out something like The Beast chapter in Slay The Princess... without the "eating them alive" aspect, of course.

(Heavy Content Warning for that link, by the way. There's a lot of violence/gore/body horror, among other stuff, by virtue of it being a horror game.)

Maybe he'd lock everyone in the First Class cabin and turn off all of the room's electronics, so the only source of light in the cabin would be the wavering moonlight from whatever tiny windows are dotted around. Noah would use the cover of darkness to his advantage and toy with his competitors in a similar vein to how the Ripper had in their challenge that day, darting silently through the shadows to 'capture' his castmates, picking them off one by one.

It'd be a fun game of cat-and-mouse for Noah. For the others? It'd be a living nightmare. They wouldn't have the luxury of knowing that Noah wouldn't really hurt them, and the bloodlust they'd seen on that screen would be terrifying to watch but downright petrifying to experience first hand. They would be genuinely fearing for their lives, in a way that Chris hadn't been able to prompt since the early days of Island, and the host would love it.

Not that he would do that. And not that Noah would actually attack anyone either. (Without reason to, of course.)

But you are right about one thing; if this AU were to become a fully-fledged story, the London challenge would have to be a reward, just to keep Noah in the competition. Because he literally snapped Zeke's arms like chopsticks- his team would vote him out in a heartbeat just by virtue of him being so dangerous.

Which means the whole of Team Chris (plus Duncan) would be sharing a poorly-lit, structurally unsound cabin with someone they're terrified of.

...Owen notwithstanding, since Owen's a sweetheart and he knows Noah.

But the others would be immediately on guard around him. Noah, knowing there's no reason to keep up his ruse of sarcastic apathy, would probably relish in their fear- he enjoys tormenting people, after all, especially when that torment is purely psychological. So he'd carry on playing the 'unhinged, bloodthirsty sociopath' just to watch the others squirm.

He'd probably make a huge show of still having the Ripper's knife, tucked safely in the sleeve of his white undershirt, and comment that he and Duncan could be 'knife buddies' or something. If only to see how the punk's pierced face would drain of all colour at the prospect of Noah having a sharp object. (Duncan would absently rub at the puncture scars on his hand, to Noah's delight.)

But it'd eventually get boring, I imagine, so Noah would do something to reassure his teammates that he's not some ethics-devoid monster hellbent on destruction. Because having your teammates be in a state of constant paranoia around you would get annoying after a while, and it'd impact their performance in the competition (which Noah isn't really all that concerned with, but Owen is, so Noah doesn't want to do anything to jeopardise their chances of winning challenges).

So he'd drop the exaggeration of his more violent traits, and intentionally show off the unharmful aspects of himself- namely by koala-clinging to Owen and acting 'normally' like they'd done before the London challenge, and/or by approaching Tyler to ask how he was feeling after being stretched on the rack and sheepishly apologise for leaving him behind (showing empathy and remorse, to humanise himself n front of his teammates).

He's insane, not heartless.

As for Alejandro...? I have no idea. Would he even want to risk approaching Noah to find out if their shared comradery was all a ruse? Would whatever tentative trust he had in Noah be completely shattered by the reveal? Or would he be so engulfed by his need to win the competition that he only views this new development as a boon, since now Noah can be more of a physical asset for their team?

It'd probably be a mix of all of these. Alejandro would be left off-footed by the reveal of p!Noah's 'true self' (however much of his 'true self' he's willing to show to others) but I imagine he'd be quick to ally himself with the guy who can break bones like they're chalk and deceive a whole cast of people for two and a half seasons, regardless of any personal misgivings.

[hashketchum2]

fresh lore? fresh lore.

on today's episode — the multi-generational grudge between team rocket and the ketchum family.

[my-thoughts-and-junk]

Literally there should be more stanley pines x reader fic where the reader is the dude stan locked up in the display in little gift shop of horrors

[stxnekxng]

@takeachanceontoday

It's a sputtering rasp. His body aches, it protests. He'd managed to get the map to the kid, he'd managed to get a clone out to speak the words for him. The kid would manage. He had faith. Because if he could fight still...so could the kid. But being so drowned in the darkness, the faint light only from the edges of the door, peeking in. His stomach aches, if he focused too much on it he's sure he'd feel bile shortly soon. Willing his mind away from the horrid feeling sourcing in the depths of his gut to focus on the other sensation that's tormenting him. The chill almost akin to sub zero that left frost over his body. A body that was pressed against the bars. A body that protested against being awake. A gaze down to his fingers allows him to feel the way they're slowly growing stiff. It was only a matter of time. His fight was a loosing one, but he was going to buy as much time as he could. Not for his sake. He wasn't going to be strong for his sake. He'd be strong for them.

The click of the door answers it for him as the static builds in his ears. The vile voice that echoes ever slightly as the door swings open. A cool fog that rolls in accompanied by a low noise that builds in the depths of his chest as he pushes himself up. But it's no use as pale blue flames ignite from the torches across his prison. The rattle of chains before ivory pale ones erupt out of the glowing sigil below his feet, a cry of anger passing through his lips as he's pulled to his knees, tail lashing behind him.

"-I doubt you want this fate?"

Arms pull tight against the chains, head whipping around to try and gaze through the fog. He can't make out the figure besides her but he can't help the agitation at the fact he's being shown off in this state. A choked inhale as a cold blossoms in the depths of his chest, his vision flickers and his fur stands on edge. Until his shimmering gold flickers outwards and banishes her from him once more. His arms shake, but he is unaware of who has seen his predicament.

[chosocutegf]

~ nothing the matter with a kiss ~

. band au!Choso x fem!reader

. summary: you go to a concert with your friend, not expecting the bass guitarist to kiss you in front of the whole arena

. cw: fingering (f!receiving), cunningulus, p in v, hand job (m!receiving), unprotected sex

. wc: 5.2k

. got inspired by Ross Lynch kissing his fan the other day while singing “A Kiss” (ˊ̥̥̥̥̥ ³ ˋ̥̥̥̥̥)

How long has it been since you last went to a concert? Too long and now, you weren’t no longer used to the sweaty and murky atmosphere all around you. After being forced by your friend to get in line since early in the morning to get the best view, now you found yourself pressed against the iron bars just under the stage while people all around you screamed and danced to the pre-songs.

You liked the band that was about to perform, but to stay under the stage? It was a firm no for you. Your friend next to you was hopping up and down, screaming, and talking to everyone around you about the songs they expected the band to perform. You groaned as you were forced against the bars for the nth time, and your friend turned to face you. “Aren’t you excited? You are finally gonna see them!,” she screamed, gripping your arm before starting to jump up and down and looking at you so excitedly. As if she wasn’t the one who couldn’t stop dancing around while talking about the songs.

You nodded at her, and thanked the heaven when the person who was opening the concert came on stage, and the entire arena went black, distracting your friend from annoying you. People started to cheer around you, but many of them were still distracted from what was coming next.

The space around you was big, the biggest you have ever seen, and it was packed of people. Some of them had headbands over their forehead who pictured the four members to the band: Gojo Satoru, Geto Suguru, Shoko Ieiri, and Kamo Choso. Others had t-shirts about them and you couldn’t help yourself from searching Choso’s face on every merch.

When mayhem broke loose, you were soon drawn out of your thoughts. The individual on stage has just completed singing their songs and called the band to the stage. Everyone surrounding you began to shout at the top of their voices and bounce around you, holding their phones up in the air to capture the moment the four band members appeared on stage.

Someone you didn’t recognised silenced everyone from the stage and your breath hitched. You felt everyone around you do the same, while some of them tried to catch sight of who was on the black stage.

And hell broke free when the lights were turned on and the first note was sung.

Your friend began to scream, and you couldn't help but join in, raising your hands in the air and cheering for the four individuals on the platform. When you saw them all so close together, you couldn't help but notice how beautiful they were. How could they seem like Greek gods who just happened to be on stage with a few instruments?

On the left side of the stage, the one farthest from you and your friend, there was Shoko with his electric guitar. Her brown hair was unbound as she nodded her head to the rhythm of the song, her beautiful face serious while she glanced at the audience before bringing her gaze back on her guitar.

Satoru was the main vocalist, and you could see why everyone was on their feet for him: his white hair and blue eyes could captivate anyone, but what really made him stand out was his enticing attitude.

On the center of the stage, behind, Suguru was playing the drums and… wow. It should be illegal to be that handsome and be around freely. He had a smirk on his lips, which made you skip a heartbeat, wishing he could look at you that way. His dark hair was unbound while he held his drumsticks with his strong muscular arms and rolled them between his fingers. He sure seemed like he knew how to use them.

But your screaming stopped when you looked up to the right side of the stage, and you gaze met with the bass player, Choso. You felt as if you had been drawn into another dimension by his black eyes, which were looking directly at you. It only lasted a second, but as he looked away, you believe he winked at you and the corner of his lips were slightly tugged upwards. Your jaw opened, and you took him in completely: he had his normal ponytails, and purple makeup was on his eyes, emphasizing his aloof appearance. And you might have fainted when you saw that he was wearing a sleeveless jacket with nothing underneath. You caught a peek of his toned abs, and your eyes widened when you noticed his long, slender fingers leisurely playing the bass.

As the concert went on, you kept cheering for the band even if most of your enthusiasm was towards Choso, from which you couldn’t look away. And you couldn’t really understand if you were dreaming, or was just hallucination when you caught him glance at you too many times before he quickly looked away. And as they played, he started to get bolder and would go around the stage, playing with his band members and sometimes singing at the same microphone of Gojo, enjoying the loud screams that followed the act.

When they announced that their concert was coming to an end, you felt disappointed and joined the crowd when they started to cheer for the band to sing one last song, in particular their most famous one. You felt yourself head over heels to hear it and, of course, it wasn’t really because Choso had a bigger part in it, no.

You screamed and raised your arms over your head, holding your phone to film Choso as he sang, before he screamed just over the music, “who wants a kiss?”. You screamed again and raised your hand, just as everyone else did, because who could hurt to be a little delusional? You laughed as you observed him and, just like all the people around you, everyone was taking it as a joke. However, he pointed towards your direction, smirking, “you want one?,” he asked you, his voice reverberating all around the arena, and you nodded, thinking that he was surely referring to another person around you. You laughed with your friend, but your eyes widened when you saw him remove his bass from his shoulder and jump down the stage.

You looked around to see if someone was waiting for him, but you surely weren’t expecting to see him walking towards you with that sexy smirk and all sweaty. Everyone was screaming around you and reaching towards him with their hands when he stopped in front of you, and you looked up at him awestruck. He was smiling at you, and he nodded, asking for permission with a soft “yeah?”. And before both of you could change your mind, you nodded.

Time stopped when he held your face between his hands and leaned closer to you, placing his lips against yours. You couldn’t hear anything else, or see when the only thing you could focus on was him, and the softness of his lips against yours. He smelled of sandalwood and citrus, with a hint of sweat, and you thought that no one has never smelled better than him.

The kiss lasted a few seconds and when he pulled back, the world came around again and you heard everyone screaming around you, looking at you two with wide eyes. Choso was smiling at you before he let you go and went back to the stage, putting back his bass around his shoulders.

Gojo was joking about the kiss and the way Choso stole the attention of the audience from him, while Shoko and Suguru laughed. As they went on with the song, your friend was tugging you and telling you about how lucky you were, but your gaze was fixed only on Choso and the way he still kept glancing at you. There was a faint blush on his cheeks and he laughed to himself as he finished to sing the song.

When the concert ended, everyone came up to you to ask how was the kiss, but you couldn’t really put your head around what happened. Was it really possible for something like this to happen? And why Choso choose you in particular? Your head was full of question as your friend pulled you out of the arena.

When you were outside, you took a deep breath, finally having a breath of fresh air. “Let’s smoke before going home,” she told you before taking your hand and tugging you towards a more secluded spot where the smoke wouldn’t annoy anyone.

Both of you had cigarettes between your lips, when you realised you didn’t have a lighter. Your friend went to ask to people around if they had one, but no one seemed to smoke. You sweared under your breath and were currently discussing with your friend when you heard someone call you from behind. “Hey!,” you heard, and both you and your friend turned around to see a bodyguard standing just outside a door. You shared a glance with your friend before looking back at the man, and pointing at yourself, confused. “Yeah, you… you’re the one Choso kissed, right?,” he asked you at which you blushed slightly, before nodding, “yea,” you answered, looking around you and making sure no one was listening to you.

The bodyguard pointed with his thumb towards the iron door, “come,” he said briefly. Your eyes widened at his words and you looked at your friend, both of you thinking to run away from the creepy man. You removed your cigarette from your lips, the same Choso kissed, before smiling embarrassed at the bodyguard, “we were actually going away… sorry,” you said before taking a step back and tugging your friend with you. You saw the bodyguard getting annoyed from your act, and let out a sigh, “Choso asked for you, girl,” he explained, a hit of exasperation in his voice.

But luck kissed you once, and who could assure you that he was saying the truth? So you glanced at your friend again and you were ready to run away, when you saw a familiar head pop up from the iron door. All the breath was sucked away from your lungs when you met Choso’s eyes, and you almost dropped your cigarette at the sight of his grin. The bodyguard immediately got alarmed and tried to push Choso inside, scared that someone was gonna see him outside, “get inside, Choso,” the man told the musician. The latter laughed and nodded at you, “come inside to have a chat?,” he asked you before the bodyguard closed the door behind him, leaving you to wonder if it was real or just a mirage.

You realised it wasn’t a dream when you found yourself in the backstage, your friend next to you and the bodyguard guiding you to the sitting area, after searching you for any weapons. As if, you thought.

“Sit here,” the man said, pointing to the couch and waiting for you two to sit before he left. You heard people scurrying around, putting away stuff and screaming some orders when you felt the couch dip to your free side. When you turned to see who was, your eyes widened at the sight of Gojo. “So… I guess you really enjoyed the kiss? Didn’t know Cho had such courage in him,” he told you, chuckling at the sight of your shocked face. When you took too long to answer, Gojo leaned back against the couch and looked at you with a smirk, “guess you really bewitched him, mh? By the way, what is your name, pretty?”. You blushed at the pet name before your friend tended her hand towards the singer and smiled at him charmingly, introducing themselves.

Gojo was handsome and you were really happy to see him, but—

“You came,” a relieved voice said behind you, and you didn’t have to turn around to know that it was Choso. However, your head whipped towards him in a second and you felt your cheeks burn at the sight of him, his hair unbound and changed into comfier clothes. “Want to smoke?,” he asked you, nodding towards a door nearby while taking out a pack of cigarettes. The movement made your stomach tighten from both arousal and excitement, and you nodded at him before raising from the couch.

You followed him to the room and you felt your heart in your throat when he closed the door behind you two, and you realised you were finally alone with him. The room was small, with a couch on the left side and a large mirror in front of you, as well as a door on the right. His bass sat on the box next to the couch, with his clothes strewn on top of it. You turned around to look at him, and you realised how much taller he was than you, so you had to bend your head back to see him. His eyes, with their beauty, drew you in. Choso held a cigarette in front of you and lowered his head to the side, smirking. "Want a cigarette?" he murmured softly.

You sighed, attempting to relax as you nodded, chuckled softly, and took the cigarette from his palm. "Thank you," you muttered, and your breath hitched when Choso placed his cigarette to his lips before raising his lighter and holding it to yours. You took a drag from your cigarette and slowly blew the smoke out, mesmerised by the way he lit and drew from his.

You took a step back, having to put some space between you two, and looked around, the cigarette clasped between your fingers. "So we can smoke here?," you asked Choso, glancing at him before taking a seat on the sofa. He nodded and followed you, opening a nearby window and sitting close to you. If he was nervous like you, he didn't show it.

You noticed how close he sat next to you as he turned to gaze at you and the smoke from his lips lightly hit your face. "I'll make up an excuse," he said, smirking. You chuckled and shook your head, taking another drag from the cigarette before looking away. "I don't think it's fair that you know my name but I don't know yours," he said, a teasing tone in his voice. When you returned your gaze to him, you observed something else in his eyes, right above his nose tattoo: curiosity or... lust?

You smirked at his comments, running the cigarette filter across your lower lip and noting how Choso watched the movement. "Who said I know your name?," you questioned, lifting your brow in challenge before taking a drag. Choso's laugh was so deep you could feel it in your core. You couldn't help but assume that there was some tension between you two, which was getting you addicted.

"You don't?," he said, continuing with your joke and clicking his tongue in mock displeasure. He shrugged and said, "My apologies… My name is Choso." You chewed your lower lip silently as you watched him bring the cigarette to his lips and take a blow, and when he met your gaze, you murmured, "y/n".

He smiled at you and nodded before repeating your name, as if he was tasting how it sounded on his lips, “y/n… I really like that, it suits you,” he added. You chuckled and leaned back against the cushion, noticing how soon after Choso draped an arm behind the couch, just where your head was resting. Your breath hitched at the proximity between you two, and you felt your cheeks heat up when his thigh brushed against yours. You could feel his heat seeping through your clothes as if he was touching your bare skin, and in that moment, you found yourself wishing he really was caressing you that way. “Yeah? And how can you say that it suits me when you don’t even know me?,” you asked him, tilting your head to the side and blowing softly the smoke over his face.

He laughed again and shook his head, before playfully tugging your hair with the hand that was behind your head. You yelped before laughing, and tried to swat his hand away. “It just looks like it… it sounds like a fierce name,” he explained, taking a last drag from the cigarette before putting it out in the ashtray at the feet of the couch. “For a fiery person like you… who was about to run away from my bodyguard,” he continued, smiling and slightly tilting his head towards you.

You chuckled softly at his words and shrugged before putting out your cigarette, “wasn’t sure he was really inviting me because of you or because he wanted to harass me and my friend,” you answered him, raising your brows to him, waiting for him to answer back. He shook his head, letting out a breathy chuckle before raising his free hand up in the air, “fair point, guess it could’ve been easily misunderstood”.

You bit your bottom lip and glanced at him, your heart rate rising as he looked at you. The faint lights in the room reflected in his eyes, making them even more gorgeous. Your glance fell to his lips, and your thoughts returned to when he kissed you in front of everyone. In that instant, he was able to obliterate everything else with the simple touch of his lips on yours, and he appeared to have experience, so you wondered how things would be with him if you deepened them.

“Did you enjoy the kiss?,” he asked after a few moments, snapping you out of your trance. His gaze lingered on your lips with what looked like hunger in his eyes, before meeting yours. You nodded slightly and swallowed the lump in your throat. Was it you or the room was getting hotter? “Yeah… I did, even if it was a little bit unexpected,” you murmured, biting your bottom lip.

Choso watched the movement, and you could see his lips part before his Adam's apple moved and he returned your gaze. "Sorry about that, I couldn't hold myself back when you looked so beautiful in the middle of the audience," he stated, drawing closer to you till you could feel his breath gently hitting your lips, "It's like you were calling out for me to do that".

Your breath caught as he spoke; did he feel the tension in the room as well? Because you had to press your thighs together, your core becoming wetter as he hungrily looked at you. "So it's only fair that I repay the favor, no?" you muttered, looking up into his eyes, and when you saw your lust reflected in them, you leaned in and kissed him.

His lips tasted even better than before, and they felt like heaven against yours. You let out a soft hum before leaning even closer, and Choso pushed you towards him with his hand behind your shoulder, bringing you closer. His other hand sneaked over your thigh while his lips traced the seal of yours, asking for permission. When you opened your mouth, his tongue was quick to find yours and tasted like cigarettes and mint. You sighed softly as you laced a hand behind his neck, holding him tight while you explored his mouth as if it were your final act. The hand that was on your thigh quickly moved to your waist and your back, drawing you closer.

“Come here, baby,” he murmured against your lips, pulling back to let you both breathe while he guided you to straddle his lap. When you felt his muscular thighs under your core, you let out a soft whine and arched your back as Choso put his hands on your lower back, pushing you closer until your chest pressed against his. His lips instantly met yours in a devouring kiss, as your arms curled around his neck and your fingers played with his dark hair.

He slid a hand under your shirt, and hummed when he felt your soft skin under his touch, drawing little circles on the spot without going further. “Can I?,” he asked softly against your mouth, and when you nodded and arched your back against his hands, he groaned. “Yes, please,” you moaned just before he leaned down and attached his mouth to your neck, leaving wet kisses along the column of your throat. He slid both hands under your shirt, quickly pulling it over your head and throwing it in another spot in the room. "Oh, fuck, princess," he moaned, pulling back from your neck to glance down at your bra-clad breasts before cupping them with his hands. You whined and pleaded to him to go further. You could feel your pussy dripping into your panties, and you couldn't wait to feel Choso against you.

You lowered your hands to his chest and tugged on his t-shirt while looking at him, and when he nodded, you helped him in removing it. You licked your lips at the sight of his toned chest and stomach, tracing every muscle until you found his happy trail, which vanished beneath his pants. Your pussy throbbed at the sight, and you mewled before grinding your hips down on his thighs, causing him to smirk. He reached behind you and unclasped your bra, allowing it to fall down.

His breath faltered and you bit your lower lip when he reached to cup your breasts in his big hands and roll your nipples under his thumbs. “Such pretty tits, doll,” he murmured, before he tugged you closer and latched his mouth to your left nipple. “Need you, Cho,” you moaned at the feeling, pushing his head closer and threading your fingers through his hair. He swirled his tongue around your nipple while rubbing the other with his thumb and index finger, then reversed positions and placed his mouth on the other nipple.

You could feel his boner pushing right where you needed him, so you reached down with a hand and rubbed his shaft slowly over his pants. He groaned on your nipple, and you gazed down at him with a faint smirk, clenching around nothing as he looked up at you with hungry eyes, your nipple and his mouth connected by a line of saliva. "Let me take care of you first, baby," he said softly, changing your position so that your back was against the couch and he was kneeling between your legs.

He smirked at you when he noticed your flushed cheeks before beginning to unbutton your pants. He was fast to pull them away, leaving you only in your panties. You bit your bottom lip as you propped up on your elbows and stared at him, his attention fixated between your thighs. You were certain there was a damp area on them right above your hole.

He rubbed a thumb across your pussy lips and groaned when he felt your wetness seeping through the material, “fuck, baby… you’re so wet,” he murmured before rubbing circles just over your clit. You moaned and arched your back, trying to grind your hips against his hand. “Bet you got wet when you saw me on the stage, uh?,” he teased, letting out a breathless chuckle before looking at you. When you didn’t answer, he licked his lips and asked, “cat got your tongue, pretty girl? Tell me if this is okay for you, mh? Or I’ll stop”.

You shook your head at his words and pouted, “it’s okay, please… don’t stop,” you whined. He smirked at you, “good girl,” before he slowly tugged your panties down, and sweared under his breath at the sight of your bare glistening cunt. “Pretty face with a pretty pussy,” he said, leaning down and inhaling your scent with a groan. Before you could react, he sticked his tongue out and licked from your hole to your clit, where he stopped and left a kiss. “Oh, god… Choso, so good,” you whined, trying to grind your hips against his face even if he was holding you down with a hand. He smirked against your sensitive flesh and looked up at you, “yeah? You like this?,” he asked, and chuckled when he saw you nodding.

He went back to suck on your clit, before moving to your hole and sliding his tongue inside. You moaned at the feeling, and he reveled in the sound, pressing his tongue harder inside you and sucking all your juices in his mouth. Soon after, he added his calloused finger and rubbed your clit slowly before he switched his tongue and fingers, kissing your clit as he inserted a finger inside you, slowly pumping it inside of you. You threw your head back, mewling from the pleasure before you brought your hands to his hair, tugging his face closer to your cunt.

At the stimulation of another finger added inside you, you were fast to cum and clench around his finger. You moaned his name, and arched your back, your body stiffing as you ground your hips against his face. Choso stayed there until he felt the last waves of pleasure wear off, then he raised on top of you, smiling down at the sight of your glazed eyes. His mouth was glistening with your fluids as you placed your arms around his neck and leaned down, allowing you to taste yourself on his lips. You let out a whimper in his mouth before feeling his chest press against yours and bringing your hand down to scratch his toned back.

He groaned against your lips before he pulled back and rested his forehead against yours. “Let me make you feel good too,” feeling his breath against your lips, before moving your hand to clasp his cock over his pants. You noticed him closing his eyes and moaning, his hips involuntarily pressing against your hands. He shook his head and moved away from you, crouching between your legs and studying how your hand was rubbing him over his clothes, “don’t know how much I’m gonna last if you touch me,” he breathed, before he smirked and threaded a hand through his hair. “Then fuck me,” you said, his gaze darkening at your words before standing up from the couch and removing his pants. You propped yourself up on your elbows and gasped when you saw the size of him, before glancing between your legs wondering if it would fit.

“Don’t worry, baby, we will make it fit, mh?,” he told you, grinning as he placed himself back between your legs, and you saw his cock throb against his stomach as he observed you spread out on the couch, waiting for him. He positioned your legs over his thighs, and you brought your hand closer, wrapped it around his cock. Choso groaned at the feeling, looking down at how your fingers were stroking him so gently, a feeling so different from what he usually did to himself. “You like my cock, princess?,” he asked you, and you nodded humming, “yeah…”.

He let out a breathy chuckle and his cock throbbed in your hand before you guided him closer, “wait”. You looked up at him and Choso furrowed his brows, waiting for you to go on, “you have a condom?”. He loosed a breath and shook his head, biting his lower lip as he glance down at his cock between your legs and back up to meet your gaze. “I’ll make sure to come out,” he murmured, and you looked at his needy eyes then down at his throbbing cock under your hand, before nodding. He smiled at you and leaned down to peck your lips, before letting you guide his cock to your cunt.

Both your breath hitched when his tip brushed against your clit, and he felt your wetness against his bare length. “Fuck…” he moaned breathless and he wrapped a calloused hand around yours, guiding his cock to slap against your pussy lips before moving down to your hole. There, you removed your hand and moaned as he started to push inside, making you feel every inch of him. You felt your eyes get teary at his girth and you gripped his wrists, trying to hold yourself onto something. He glanced at you and started to rub your clit, “relax, princess,” he murmured, taking your hand and bringing it to his lips, kissing the back softly.

You started to breathe and relax, pain changing quickly into pleasure as you let your upper body fall back on the couch, moaning as he came to a hilt, his hips flushed against yours. “Baby, you’re so tight, you’re squeezing me,” he whined, biting his lower lip while he closed his eyes, trying to hold back from coming in that moment. After a few moments, he started to thrust inside of you, his pace increasing with the time after feeling your walls relaxing around him and taking him better.

He brought his hands to hold your hips while he filled you to the brim, his cock dragging against your walls perfectly, making you feel every inch of him. You looked up at him and moaned when you saw his fucked out face, looking down at you through half lidded eyes. He went faster, slamming within you with force and getting deeper as he went on. You reached up and pulled him down, connecting your lips in a sloppy kiss, moaning together in each other’s mouth.

“Turn around, pretty, let me take you from behind,” he said breathless against your lips, before pulling back and sliding out of you, guiding you to raise on your knees and hold to the couch, while Choso stood behind you. He caressed your asscheeks gently, “such a beautiful sight,” he said under his breath, before slapping a cheek and observing how the skin rippled under his touch. You gasped and arched your back, glancing back at him with needy eyes, “please, Cho”.

He smirked at your words, and held your hips tightly before guiding his cock back to your hole, “if you ask so nicely,” he answered, before thrusting back inside you with a single movement. You screamed at the feeling and arched your back, holding tightly on the couch while he set a punishing pace, filling you up and drilling inside you so hard that you could feel him to your stomach. Your head dropped down and you moaned, feeling yourself getting closer when his hand slipped under you and rubbed your clit. His cock throbbed inside of you when he felt your walls tightening around him, “I’m close, baby… fuck”. You gasped at his words and pulled your hips back, meeting his thrusts as he rubbed your clit harder, your eyes rolling back to your skull as your orgasm poured over you. Your body convulsed, and your walls drained his cock dry.

Choso remembered to pull back in the heat of the moment, swearing as he did so. He stroked his cock quickly, his gaze locked on your pussy and the gaping hole. He finished shortly after with a groan, spewing cum all over his palm and your ass. He groaned and embraced you as you collapsed on the couch before lying down next to you. You smiled at him as Choso wrapped his arms around you and kissed your forehead, then closed your eyes and leaned against him.

“So… can I have your number, y/n?”

(m.list)

[felmonth]

(Edited and slightly better developed! Will be updated until further notice)

Hey, neighbors! I am alive! XD

AAAAH! I finally managed to finish Tom's sheet, but for Au "Actors," the author of this AU is @frillsand. I've been wanting to create drawings related to this AU for a while now, and there are still comics that I want to share.

Wally won my heart -cries- 😭💘, of course, haha. I'll be sharing with you all the comics that come to mind regarding this AU.

WARNING: Before proceeding, this may contain sensitive content, you have been warned. I hope you enjoy the extended blog and the extra mini-comic to lighten the mood.

Well without anything else to say about it...let's start with Tom Unlucky, the stylist!!

Tom Actor's Story:

In a town called "Titirilquén," Thompson (Tom) Lucky grew up alongside his mother and brother Jack Lucky. They depended on each other for everything. They didn't own a television, but they would find TVs on in stores where mostly there were news and interviews with celebrities. Both of them dreamed of becoming actors inspired by the experiences shared by those celebrities on television. Their school further fueled their interests, as it offered a theater subject and a variety of art-related courses.

At school, Jack exhibited a captivating personality in his school theater performances, earning admiration from everyone. However, Jack felt uncomfortable because nobody paid attention to his brother, who was also improving with each performance and costume. Therefore, Jack decided to involve his brother in everything to make him stand out just like himself...

Over time, the school grants Jack a special scholarship that involves working in one of the largest studios in Titirilquen despite being very young. This news greatly delights Jack, so he mentions it to his brother about this opportunity to become what they wanted to be at that time. Unfortunately, those who gave Jack the opportunity were very disappointed when he brought Tom to work with him, so they reluctantly accepted Tom only because Jack requested it.

When Jack was not around Tom, they assigned him different tasks than what an actor should do, completely deviating from the agenda that Tom had planned for the week. This led him to become overloaded with tasks, but he didn't complain because he thought it had to happen when living the life of an actor.

Jack and Tom were the first young actors in the Titirilquén studio. They initially performed in a few presentations for a museum, and then the director decided to create a program with them. Both did their best until they became somewhat more known thanks to the news in their town, and Tom was no longer as ignored as when he first joined. They reached a broader audience, leading them to want to learn more about the people in their town. So, they started learning sign language and refining their voices for musical sections to begin a small program aimed at families.

Both were directed by the same assistant, "Ron," but due to unforeseen circumstances, he had to retire because he had to move to another country for another job opportunity where he could earn more money to support his family. They had a new assistant, a woman named "Cherry," and from this moment, problems arose. The new assistant was serious and easily stressed when the director had to tell her what to do. As a result, she left the job of directing to the two young actors.

This assistant was starting to have too many problems with the brothers, she envied that both brothers mentioned the previous assistant's actions. However, they did not say this with bad intentions but rather so that he could do his job well, since the director was demanding regarding what should be on the schedule of both brothers. Over time, the work environment between them improved, but something was missing in the assistant's life, the brothers did not say many things to her or chat with her, but instead spoke only among themselves.

One day, Cherry overheard a conversation between the two brothers about the previous assistant. Cherry misinterpreted this as a threat to her job and felt worthless to both brothers. He decided to come up with a plan with his fellow students. The plan was to put one of the brothers in a problematic situation so that she could do something to help them and get recognition for it because according to her, the brothers did not value her.

The chosen target was Tom, as Cherry considered him weak and incapable. After finishing his singing section of the show, Tom left the studio to take a break and have a drink.

He noticed that his co-workers near a restaurant were calling him to chat, Tom without noticing any suspicion in them, approached them with great joy, because he admired what his co-workers were doing in the studio.

And being recognized and starting a conversation by them was a great joy for Tom, since he always lived underestimated as just a simple doll who cannot stand out among humans.

Unfortunately, there were ulterior motives. While they were talking to Tom normally, they took him behind the studio, which looked like an alley, and there a cruel scare developed. These coworkers mentioned negative things when they entered the alley and Tom felt uncomfortable by his coworkers' sudden mood swings. He tried to back away, but was easily caught. While saying negative things, they gradually destroyed parts of his body, including arms, legs, wrists, and fingers. They showed no concern for the little puppet's screams and fear because, to them, he was just a doll that couldn't feel pain, or so they claimed, they made fun of him for being too dramatic when he screamed.

When this situation came to an end, the group of companions left, leaving him alone, Tom remained on the ground, crying without understanding how the situation took such a sudden turn. Just a few moments ago everything was fine and now he was helpless on the ground, motionless. He could only see the cotton sticking out of his body and his limbs outside his body, he could only move his head at the moment, he felt completely useless. He prayed that his brother would find him and help him, but then Cherry appeared, pretending to be worried about Tom. She helped him in this terrible situation and took him to the emergency tailoring service.

Now, with Tom recovered, he was mentally depressed and shattered. He looked at his stitched-up body and felt very insecure about venturing into the streets inhabited by humans. He didn't want to go through a similar situation again, so his only support rested on Cherry.

Tom was immensely grateful to her for helping him in this terrible and stressful situation. After a few long minutes of silence, he told his assistant that he didn't want to continue his acting career. This surprised Cherry, but she said nothing and just listened, offering ideas. She felt quite good about helping Tom in these moments of stress. She informed the director about this decision, and of course, he was very concerned and saddened, especially when Tom requested not to inform his brother.

When Tom was discharged on the same day as the accident, he didn't want to go home because a thought crossed his mind: he had always depended on his brother and was only causing him problems. So, with a heavy heart, he decided to distance himself from his brother. The assistant supported all of Tom's ideas, including the idea of complete separation. She was happy that Tom depended on her, so she found him a job outside the country without consulting him.

From Jack's perspective, after the accident, he found it strange that his brother didn't appear on the show. He asked the director why there were sudden changes in the program and why his brother wasn't there. The director decided to be tough with him, saying they hired him and not his brother. He gave Jack new rules for the new direction of the show. Jack was devastated by this news. He considered quitting his job but thought better of it; he wanted to see his brother at home.

When he arrived home, there were no traces of his brother or his belongings. He tried calling him, but there was no phone coverage. In his desperation, he contacted the authorities to inquire about his brother, but they only started working after at least two days of being missing.

This situation was stressful for Jack and his mother. They were very worried and considered various possibilities of what might have happened. Tom decided not to tell them anything when offered a call by the authorities and declared that he wouldn't return home. His family was concerned because they heard a weak voice through the phone, but it was all they could do as the studio was too secretive with the information.

Both brothers remained separated for a long time. For Jack, nothing was the same without Tom, and the show looked depressing. Despite this, he maintained a forced smile for his audience. Children asked a lot about his brother, leading him into deep depression.

Tom, moved to another country, working in a new studio as a stylist. He adopted a fearful, anxious, and panicked attitude, afraid of everyone. To distract himself, he overloaded himself with work, trying to maintain composure by breathing deeply. He couldn't stop thinking about his family, and he knew what he was doing wasn't healthy, but he wanted to stay away for a while.

Well, that's roughly the story. It's long, but I feel that now it's better understood than before. Thanks for staying to read and loving Tom Actor! -cries-

Curious facts about Titirilquén today:

Lately, I've been hooked on a series called "31 minutos," so I included some things from that series. I highly recommend it, it's in Spanish, but there are English subtitles available. Titirilquén is from that show.

Titirilquén doesn't have hospitals because literally no one gets sick there. However, there are places like Mrs. Juanita's service, who takes care of the damaged puppets in this town.

Titirilquén was a town of only puppets but tired of being anonymous and as an unknown town, they decided to include people in their town, building a civilization, the negative of the town only benefits the humans that its own puppet inhabitants.

Facts about Tom:

(Jack's data was deleted to create his respective sheet)

He is 27 years old now.

He speak spanish but he learned English thanks to Cherry.

He is very naive, and that works against him, as he decides to trust everyone.

He has a puppet friend in this studio and his name is Lulu but he affectionately calls him "Wolfy"

When he first arrived at the studio, the studio people confused him with Wally, so since that day, some just call him "Pink Wally." (This is due to his height, skin tone and hair shape, so Tom changed his look to messier hair to not look like Wally)

Tom is a very good worker, but he always hides after finishing his work and doesn't get distracted by anything while working. If a human talks to him, he ignores them, but if it's a puppet, he takes time to chat.

Despite hiding, he is found by children, most of whom are human.

He misses being an actor but is very afraid.

Alongside his brother, they worked on a children's educational program called "Sing until Counting to 3." They taught children songs that included sign language. However, when they leave, the program is completely forgotten by the director.

Tom and Jack are not the same height, Jack has to bend down to hug and talk to him.

Tom usually wears makeup, always in pink or fuchsia, which is his favorite color.

Tom often sees little due to his poor eyesight, so he sometimes needs glasses to see clearly, but he usually doesn't use them because he finds them unnecessary.

Tom has fallen in love with Cherry due to her concern for him (friend, realize...).

As you can see, Tom is afraid of humans, and you rarely find him crying in studio places where people don't live, or even paranoid. If you find him in this situation, make him feel comfortable because he is completely unstable at that moment.

People consider him strange and curious because he often hides and is fearful, and they don't understand why he behaves like that. (It doesn't mean he avoids bad situations with the studio's humans; some of them respect the puppets, while others decide to hate them.)

Tom in this Au has a human brother, in the style of muppet protagonists. His name is Jack Lucky and they are both very close and have achieved many things together by working as a team. Jack is very attentive to his puppet brother, caring for him and trying to understand him as best he can.

Will Tom manage to become an actor again? Will his life improve? Will his brother Jack locate him after a long time? Will Tom continue to call himself unfortunate? Find out in the next episode... *Felmonth bids farewell to the viewers watching the video.*

NOW, COMIC! YAY!!

Title: "First unlucky day"

Reference movie: "White Chicks"

I don't know what Janet's design is like, I didn't find any reference, so I made it with what I found.

And well that was all, I hope you liked everything, I did the best I could and as always if there are questions ask without problems.

Bye byeeee!

Extra: It is assumed that in this unplanned part, Wally told Tom "Consider yourself unlucky for working with me from now on." (No canon for me xD but extra)

Bye uwu)/💐

[wh0reforcoriolanussnow]

a singer!reader where she writes a super sexy song and the fans are going crazy because she's never written a song like that. she goes to some talk shows bc she has to promote the album of the song, and they ask her about it and if its about her boyfriend tom blyth!!!!

Never be like you || Tom Blyth x singer!reader

A/n: lowkey need Gracie to do a cover for this song bc I feel like her voice would suit it sm and I wanna see her do this type of vibe!!

Warnings: fem!reader, swearing

Wc: 719

Tom Blyth x singer!reader au masterlist

“Our next guest, is a Grammy nominee for best new artist, performing her single never be like you for the first time, please welcome Y/n Abrams!” Jimmy Fallon announces as the crowd erupts in cheers. You take the stage, the crowd hushed in anticipation. The spotlight illuminates you, clad in a sultry ensemble that's a departure from your usual style

“What I would do, to take away, this fear of being loved, allegiance to the pain,” Your fingers wrap around the mic as you close your eyes. “Now I’m fucked up, and I’m missing you, He’ll never be like you,” The atmosphere shifted, and you began to sing the sultry lyrics in a way that surprised even your most dedicated fans. The audience was captivated, and whispers of amazement spread like wildfire.

“I’m only human, can’t you see? I made, I made a mistake, please just look me in my face, tell me everything’s okay,” Your hands, usually strumming a guitar, were instead in your hair as you tilt your head back almost in a sexual manner. The crowd, initially unsure how to react, soon becomes entranced by your unexpected venture into this new style.

The song's sensual undertones echoed through the venue, and you felt an electrifying connection with the audience. This style of song was something you’ve never done before. That’s why you really enjoyed producing it. It brought you out of your comfort zone; a deliberate choice to express a different side of yourself.

"How do I make you wanna stay? hate sleeping on my own, missing the way you taste," your voice, rich and alluring, wraps around the lyrics with a sensuality that catches everyone off guard.

"Stop looking at me with those eyes," a smile naturally played on your lips as you delivered that line, intentionally fixing your gaze on the camera, fully aware of Tom's watchful eyes. The lyrics, tailored to hit home with your boyfriend, spoke directly to his captivating deep blue eyes – the kind that always left you spellbound, and no amount of time together could diminish the flutter of nerves they induced.

"like I could disappear and you wouldn't care why, now I'm fucked up and I'm missing you, he'll never be like you," Backstage, Tom can't tear his eyes away. The way you command the stage, blending vulnerability with a newfound confidence, stirs something within him.

He had heard snippets of the song before its release, but experiencing it live brings a visceral intensity he hadn't anticipated. The lyrics, once a private exchange, now echo through the venue, leaving everyone captivated.

As the performance concludes, the audience erupts into applause, their astonishment turning into admiration. Tom approached with a grin, desire in his eyes, expressing his awe at your unexpected and alluring rendition. "That was incredible," he whispers, pulling you into a passionate embrace.

Word spreads like wildfire. Fans, accustomed to your previous style, can't believe the transformation. Social media buzzes with speculation, theories swirling that the song must be about someone special.

In a promotional interview, the host, with a sly grin, asks the question on everyone's mind. "Rumors are circulating that the inspiration behind your latest single is none other than your boyfriend, Tom Blyth. Care to shed some light on that?"

A coy smile played on your lips as you glance at the crowd, then back to the interviewer. "My supporters sure are smart, huh?" You giggle softly to yourself. "But, yes, it is about Tom."

"It's quite different to my usual style, but it was very fun to compose," You smile. The revelation sends shockwaves through your fanbase. Speculation turns into fervent curiosity, and they dissect the lyrics for clues about your relationship with Tom. Social media explodes, and you find yourself at the center of a newfound spotlight.

Tom, for his part, embraces the attention with good humor. During his interviews for "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," fans playfully tease him about being the muse behind your provocative song. He takes it all in stride, admitting with a smile that he's flattered by the attention.

"So, Tom, we've all heard your girlfriend's new song 'Never be like you' and everyone knows it's about you. What are your thoughts on it?" the interviewer inquired, a playful glint in their eyes.

Tom chuckled nervously, a light blush creeping up his cheeks. "Well, it's certainly an interesting experience," he replied with a sheepish smile. "I'm flattered, to be honest. My girl is incredibly talented, and she expresses herself very well through her music, something I admire,"

As he spoke, his castmates, Rachel and Hunter, couldn't help but interject with mischievous grins. "Oh, come on, Tom! 'Interesting experience'? That song is steamy!" Rachel teased, eliciting laughter from Hunter.

Tom rolled his eyes, feigning annoyance. "Alright, alright. Maybe 'interesting' is an understatement. But seriously, I'm incredibly proud of her. She was worried her new style of music not being a hit, but she nailed it."

The banter continued, but beneath the teasing, there was a genuine camaraderie. Tom's supportive words reflected not only his admiration for his girlfriend's artistic expression but also his pride in you.

As your relationship becomes a public fascination, the dynamics of your performances shift. Fans attend your shows not just for your music but to catch glimpses of the chemistry they've read about online. The narrative surrounding your love story becomes intertwined with your artistic identity.

Tom's become a regular at your shows, grinning from ear to ear as he watches you own the stage. Your private affair has gone all public, and now it's like you and him are this dynamic duo everyone's rooting for. The crazy twist in your music style? It's like you cracked open a whole new world for yourself, and at the same time, it's made you and Tom this inseparable couple in the eyes of your fans.

[dxwnxdusk]

You know shits real when Hari and Kia decimate me in my inbox.

[lovetei]

I have been obsessed with Cell Block Tango recently, I always love stuff with the brothers reacting to Mc performing soo...

Could you write headcanons or a drabble about the brothers (Mammon, Leviathan and Beelzebub especially) reacting to mc performing Cell Block Tango?? Thanks!!! ^^

I love cell block Tango 🙈

And I hope you don't mind but I made this like the first part of the Idol AU

--------------------------------------------------

IDOL!MC: If you had been there, if you had seen it! I bet ya, you would have done the same!

Warnings: Suggestive themes, fake personality, foul language, back stage work, dark side of idol industry

Links: Masterlist

----------------- <- IDOL AU -> -----------------

You ended up taking the request on

You mean, it's hundreds of millions for just some short performance plus the birthday is private

Earning that would take months if you decided to keep your head high and refuse

And it benefits you so why not just accept right?

You'll earn hundreds of millions

And you'll increase your popularity among the socialites

"Who are the guests?" I asked as my make up artist add the final touches "The seven avatars, the prince of hell is together with his butler, the exchange students excluding the young angel, the heir of the greatest noble clan, mephistopheles, the reaper and some other nobles."

The make up artist smiled at you and signaled to leave after she's done with your make up "Damn this shit down to the dirtiest ring of hell." You cussed out as you slammed your hand to the table.

"Karasu." You called your assistants name "I can do this right?" You asked as you looked back at him with pure fear and hatred on your eyes that just makes his stomach feel butterflies "Of course..." He answered with such a love sick look.

You looked back at the mirror when suddenly hands appeared from your behind and crept itself up to your oh so precious face, pulling the corners of your lips upward to force a smile out.

"Smile now, dearest." You saw Karasu smiling through the mirror "The show is about to start." He reminded "Give them a good look of this now." He said as his hands fall from your lips to your neck and to your sides before squeezing your waist.

Inside the grand hall though, the greatest of the great are waiting for this so called monster that got almost everyone captivated.

The lower nobles are on the floor sitting on their assigned seats in a circular table.

And the higher ups are on the internal balconies.

A total of thirteen balconies sorrounding the whole hall with Levi sitting on the middle one.

And at the middle there sits a large circular platform where you will perform at and it's surrounded with some glass to prevent the audience from coming up the stage.

Lucifer is intrigued. His dear brother, Leviathan, have never asked for anything until now. He never even wanted to host a celebration for his birthday.

So when they had dinner and Levi decided to discuss this matter to everyone, they all dropped silent. The funds for this event is also extremely high as it only happens sometimes.

And he even requested a gift? "And what could you possibly want?" He asked with a smirk displayed on his face. He loved every moment on his life whenever one of his brothers show this much pride.

"Ah..." He mumbled knowingly after he made Asmodeus show him a picture of this idol Leviathan specifically asked for to perform on his birthday.

The first songs started off as innocent, not until the lights in the room turned red "Hmm?" Diavolo muttered as he noticed how the glass sorrounding the platform changed and got replaced by bars.

"How can I get them to perform for me, Lucifer?" Oh... So this idol is the currently the apple of everyone eyes?

"Slip some change and I can assure you this demon will be dancing on your lap by the end of the night." He even teased.

"And for the last performance..!" The deep voice of the host announced "The cell block Tango!" He added before red lights appeared and your silhouette is the only thing they can see.

"Is this an unreleased song..?" Levi asked himself as he eyed all of your curves before shifting uncomfortably on his seat.

You decided this, with the short span of time given to you to prepare you still managed to create a song that will be the dark horse of the night and that song is this.

Gladly, the performance ended nicely.

--------------------------------------------------

LUCIFER

His face is not showing any signs of discontentment

Instead, it's showing interest

On you specifically

Who would have thought that Leviathan knew someone like you?

He can't help but smirk at the sight of your silhouette in the red light.

Who would have thought that a mere doll like you would catch his attention?

And maybe if you play nice, he might even give you what you want.

MAMMON

He swore to himself that you'll actually be the first demon to ever have him throwing money for you

The way you would look at him from down the stage and wink at him is enough signal

Maybe after the show he'll come and meet you backstage?

Ask for a small private performance if possible

LEVIATHAN

He knew that this was the right and wrong move at the same time

Introducing someone like you will surely peak their interest

But that interest will have you included in their business, in his business

So now, he just sit quietly in his seat as he heard the butler open the door and say "MC have come to you and asked for a private audience..."

He just smirked as he looked down at the people in the hall "Send them in." Is what he replied.

SATAN

The way you have kept eye contact with him as you did a part of the routine

The way he would follow your movements as he tilted his head signaled that you have had him interested in you

He may not have you now, but he'll make sure to have his hands in you

Maybe even more?

ASMODEUS

It sure is not his first time seeing you

Everything going on in the trending list is watched by Asmodeus

And you sure caught his eyes

A young demon being the first idol in Devildom?

What a surprise.

Maybe he'll invite you for a collab or an interview later on after this event

Then maybe you can visit his room once the job is finished?

BEELZEBUB

Who is this demon?

Your face is not that familiar...

So he looked around and saw everyone else captivated

Even Belphie

So when he looked back at you

He finally felt something strange

He should meet you back stage to ask you what you did to make him feel that way...

BELPHEGOR

He's chuckling

He's intrigued

All he can say is that you better make sure what you're getting yourself in

Because the moment he got his hands on you

Those chains and bars won't be props attached to you anymore.

[eva-kl0ndaik]

GUYS, GUYS, I JUST CLEANED THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE NEW EVENT, AND MY GOD, I HAD AN IDEA FOR THE PLOT OF 'self aware au'. God, I love this update too much. Let's start the show

It's all over... The tree bark is cracking more and more. Black tentacles and blue scary eyes peek out everywhere looking at the cookie.

No... Everything should have been wrong... The Baker was here... But the Baker was silent, like the dead, leaving the cookie at such a difficult hour.

Laughter was heard as the huge figure of Shadow Milk Cookie loomed over the heroes, laughing at them and their grief. He's free... He's finally free. He is not in the suffocating cage in which he slowly went mad all these years, but in freedom. It's so good to breathe~

"Ah, my dear, dear audience! The long-running show is about to begin! Everyone's favorite joker... Shadow Milk Cookie!"

The cookies look at the huge figure in fear, not knowing what to do. This dead atmosphere of fear is interrupted only by a thunderous voice and the laughter of a free captive. He looked at them without a single drop of pity, laughing at them...

And suddenly...

A ringing laugh echoed throughout the kingdom along with Shadow Milk Cookie's voice. The voice laughed gently, making fun of his antics. Their wonderful Baker laughed at them...

Shadow Milk Cookie looked up at the sky in shock, not knowing where the sound was coming from.

“Who is this?...” He turned to the other livers, who were looking at the sky in despair

Pure Vanilla Cookie defended the other cookies with her body and responded. "The baker... Our creator... They laughs..."

You, our dear Player, have been laughing since the appearance of the new character and their design. What can I say, his clown design is good.

“What an interesting turn of events!” The player laughed, pointing at the screen.

Shadow Milk Cookie looks up at the sky with her eyes wide open.

“If you like it so much, I’ll put on a special show for you~”

[yournameloveskpop]

Circus Freak

Paring: Hyunjin x Reader

Style:circus AU, NSFW, Romeo & Juliet, friendship, romance

Warning: toxic family, smut, forbidden romance

Word count: 21.307

In the vibrant heart of a city that never sleeps, where skyscrapers stretched towards the heavens and the buzz of daily life never ceased, there lay a realm where the extraordinary was commonplace, and the word 'impossible' was simply a hurdle to be leaped over. This realm thrived under the colorful expanse of a circus tent, a place where our tale begins to take shape.

Amidst this whirlwind of activity, Y/N, a young woman whose curiosity knew no bounds and whose spirit rebelled against convention, found herself drawn to the magnetic pull of the circus. Her farther, firm in his beliefs and viewing the circus folk as nothing more than societal outliers, frowned upon her fascination. He saw these performers as mere entertainers, far removed from the respectable circles they aspired to be part of. Yet, Y/N looked beyond societal labels, seeing in the circus a celebration of diversity, a testament to the strength found in difference.

"I just don't see what you find so enthralling about it, Y/N," her father sighed one evening, the topic of the circus surfacing yet again at the dinner table.

"It's not just entertainment, dad. It's art. It's people being true to who they are, despite what the world expects of them. It's...it's freedom," Y/N replied, her eyes alight with passion.

Her words hung in the air, challenging the silence of her normally unyielding parents. It was a battle of wills she had fought time and again, yet this time, something shifted. Perhaps it was the unwavering conviction in Y/N's voice, or maybe the simple weariness of constant denial, but eventually, her farther's stern facade cracked.

"Fine," he conceded with a heavy sigh, her decision laced with reluctance. "You may go to the circus. But," he added, a finger raised in warning, "you will be accompanied by guards at all times."

Though the condition dampened her spirits, Y/N's heart soared with the victory. The thought of finally stepping into the world that had captivated her dreams filled her with a joy she could scarcely contain. As Y/N crossed the threshold into the grand tent, her pulse quickened with the thrill of anticipation.

She made her way to a seat right at the front, eager to lose herself entirely in the spectacle that was about to begin. The air buzzed with an electric charge, a blend of excitement and awe tangible among the gathering crowd as the seats filled to capacity. Then, as the lights began to fade, a hush fell over the audience, the collective breath held in suspense, only to be broken by a burst of applause when the ringmaster, known affectionately as Bang Chan, stepped into the limelight to greet the assembled throng.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to a night of wonders," Bang Chan boomed, his voice enveloping the tent in warmth and excitement. "Prepare to be amazed, to laugh, and maybe even to cry as we take you on a journey like no other."

Sitting there, Y/N couldn't help but feel a connection to his words, a sense of belonging that had eluded her elsewhere. The show kicked off with a stunning performance of song and dance, a showcase of the hard work and raw talent of the circus performers.

The lyrics, "Welcome to my home," followed by "Feeling good right now," seemed to speak directly to Y/N, echoing the essence of the circus's inviting spirit. Here, in this space, was a vibrant celebration of diversity and creativity, an open invitation to cast aside one's troubles at the door and immerse oneself in the enchantment of the present moment.

"Doesn't this just make you feel alive?" whispered the person seated next to Y/N, caught up in the magic of the performance.

Y/N turned, offering a smile. "It really does. It's like stepping into another world where anything's possible," she replied, her voice tinged with wonder.

And as the performance unfolded, Y/N felt a deep resonance with the circus's message of unity and the joy of being one's authentic self. As the evening's performances unfolded, each act painted a new stroke of wonder on the canvas of Y/N's imagination. The acrobats twisted and soared through the air with a grace that defied gravity, and the jugglers wove patterns of light and color that dazzled the eyes.

But amidst the array of talents, it was the magic segment that ensnared Y/N's heart. Shrouded in an aura of mystery, the magician, introduced by Bang Chan as Hyunjin, was more than a mere performer; he was a master of illusion and narrative, crafting stories of intrigue and enchantment with his every move.

During a particularly mesmerizing trick, their eyes locked—a moment that seemed to freeze time itself. Y/N felt an unspoken connection, a pull towards the magician that she couldn't rationalize. Hyunjin's gaze was intense, revealing a depth of experiences, his scar a silent narrative of his past struggles, his eyes a window to his soul.

"Seems like the magician has cast a spell on you," the person seated next to Y/N quipped, noticing the intensity of their exchange.

Y/N chuckled nervously, her focus still locked on Hyunjin. "It's like he's weaving magic just for me," she whispered back, enchanted.

Then, as if to prove the shared connection, Hyunjin executed his next trick with a flourish, materializing a bouquet of flowers seemingly from the ether. Striding towards Y/N, he presented them with a confident smirk, his eyes twinkling with a mix of challenge and charm. "For you, mademoiselle," he said, his voice carrying a hint of playfulness that matched his expression.

"Thank you," Y/N responded, accepting the bouquet, her voice a mix of surprise and delight. Their eyes met again, a silent conversation passing between them, a moment of mutual recognition that transcended the physical space they occupied. The guards, ever watchful, shifted uncomfortably at this interaction, yet their presence felt miles away to Y/N, lost as she was in the magic of the moment.

As the night progressed, with each act weaving its own magic, Y/N found her thoughts returning to Hyunjin. There was something about him that transcended his illusions, something that embodied the spirit of the circus itself—resilience, the beauty in embracing one's flaws, and the boldness to live authentically amidst judgment. As the final echoes of applause faded and the crowd began to filter out into the night, Y/N found herself rooted to the spot, her heart and mind abuzz with the electrifying performances and the enigmatic figure of the magician, Hyunjin. The guards, ever vigilant, nudged her gently, their voices a stark reminder of the world outside the circus tent.

"Miss Y/N, it's time we head back. Your parents will be expecting you," one guard mentioned, his tone polite yet firm.

Y/N sighed, a sense of reality piercing the magical bubble she had been in. "I know, I just... wish this night could last forever," she replied, her gaze lingering on the now-dimming stage.

As they escorted her away from the tent, a part of her rebelled against the idea that this magical evening was just a fleeting moment in time. She felt an undeniable pull, a sense that her journey with the circus—and with Hyunjin—was far from over. In the days that followed, that pull became a magnetic force, drawing Y/N back to the circus grounds time and again. Each visit was a chance to immerse herself in the world she had become so enchanted with, and, more specifically, to witness Hyunjin weave his magic. With every performance, every secretive exchange of glances between them, the connection they shared seemed to deepen, blossoming silently yet powerfully in the shared glimmers of recognition and intrigue under the kaleidoscopic circus lights.

"It's like you're part of the act, the way you both look at each other," a fellow audience member whispered to Y/N during one of her visits, having noticed the unspoken communication between her and Hyunjin.

Y/N could only smile, her heart fluttering at the thought. "Maybe in another life," she whispered back, her eyes fixed on Hyunjin, who seemed to perform with an extra spark of intensity whenever their eyes met.

As Hyunjin's act reached its zenith, he sought to introduce a new element that would captivate his audience further. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced with a flourish, his voice booming yet inviting, "for my next act, I require the assistance of one daring volunteer from among you. Who will join me in creating magic tonight?"

A forest of hands immediately sprang up, a sea of eager faces, predominantly female, each vying for the magician's attention. Amidst the sea of enthusiasm, Y/N, with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, timidly raised her hand as well. Her action, however, did not go unnoticed by the guard seated to her left. With a swift motion, he clasped her wrist, his expression stern. His look was a silent reminder of her parents' expectations and the potential repercussions of her involvement in the circus acts. Y/N's excitement quickly turned to disappointment, her frown deep and evident. This subtle exchange did not escape Hyunjin's keen observation. Making his way through the throng of hands and hopeful faces, he approached Y/N with a purposeful grace. As he stood before her, he bent slightly, bringing himself face to face with her, their eyes locking in a silent conversation.

"Do you wish to be part of this next enchantment?" he inquired softly, his gaze intense yet inviting, cutting through the din of the circus around them.

Y/N, momentarily lost in the depth of his gaze, found her voice, her nod barely perceptible. "Yes, I'd... I'd like that very much," she managed to whisper, her voice a mix of awe and determination.

Hyunjin's smile broadened, a spark of excitement flickering in his eyes. He extended his hand towards her, a gesture of invitation and challenge. "Then come, let us weave magic together," he beckoned, his tone laced with an irresistible charm.

With a moment's hesitation, Y/N reached out, her fingers slipping into his with an electric touch. As he gently pulled her up, she rose to her feet, a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. The guard, sensing the futility of resisting this moment and perhaps wary of causing a scene, reluctantly released her wrist, allowing her to step into the spotlight.

As Y/N moved into the circle, the audience's anticipation palpable in the air, Hyunjin addressed her with a conspiratorial whisper, "Fear not, for tonight, you are the key to unlocking wonders yet unseen."

"What must I do?" Y/N asked, her voice steadier now, empowered by Hyunjin's confidence in her.

"Just trust in the magic, follow my lead, and together, we'll astound them all," Hyunjin replied, his eyes twinkling with the promise of the extraordinary.

Turning to face the audience, Hyunjin announced, "With the courage of my esteemed assistant, we shall embark on a journey beyond the bounds of the imaginable." The crowd leaned in, their excitement a tangible force in the air.

Hyunjin then guided Y/N through the intricacies of the trick, their movements synchronized in a dance of illusion and reality. Each gesture, each word from Hyunjin, served to draw Y/N deeper into the world of magic, her initial nervousness replaced by a burgeoning sense of wonder and belonging. The trick unfolded with a series of unexpected twists and turns, each more breathtaking than the last, culminating in a finale that drew gasps and applause from the captivated audience. Y/N, at the heart of the spectacle, felt a profound connection not only to Hyunjin but to the very essence of the circus itself. It was a moment of transformation, of crossing a threshold from spectator to participant in the circus's magical tapestry.

As the applause thundered around them, Hyunjin turned to Y/N, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared triumph. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd, "for daring to embrace the magic."

Y/N, overwhelmed by the experience and the unexpected journey she had embarked on, could only nod, her heart full. "Thank you, for making me a part of it," she replied, her voice tinged with gratitude and wonder.

After the exhilarating show, the heart of the circus, its main acts—Hyunjin, Jeongin (I.N), Seungmin, Felix, Jisung (Han), Chanbin, Minho (Lee Know), and the ringmaster Bang Chan—drifted through the backstage area towards their communal campsite, a place they called home. Each member of this tight-knit family bore physical reminders of their tumultuous pasts. Bang Chan sported a prosthetic arm, a testament to resilience. Seungmin's face was marked by a burn on the right side, a stark reminder of his history. Jisung wore an eyepatch, concealing the void left by his left eye. Minho moved gracefully on a prosthetic leg, Chanbin bore a scar that ran down his chest, Felix's eyes—one hazel, one dark brown—shone with a unique light, Jeongin's demeanor oscillated between childlike innocence and unsettling intensity, and Hyunjin, with his scarred visage and blind left eye, completed this ensemble of survivors. These were the originals, the founding members of the circus, each one a story of triumph over adversity. Once outcasts and strays who sought refuge in the streets, they now stood as pillars of a vibrant community that thrived on joy, laughter, and the sheer magic of performance. Their circus had grown beyond their wildest dreams, yet their mission remained unchanged: to spread happiness, for in the smiles of their audience, they found their own strength magnified. As they made their way back, the air was filled with the buzz of post-show excitement and the anticipation of a well-deserved rest day ahead. This break from the rigors of performance offered them a precious moment to either hone their crafts or simply unwind, a necessary pause in their otherwise relentless schedule.

Chanbin, ever the spirited member of the group, approached Hyunjin with a playful energy, slapping him on the back in a gesture of camaraderie. "Hyunjin, that was a stellar act tonight! You really outdid yourself with that new trick," he exclaimed, his voice echoing the sentiment of admiration felt by all.

Hyunjin, still riding the high of the performance, turned to Chanbin with a smile. "Thanks, Chanbin. It felt different tonight, more... electric. I think we reached new heights together," he replied, his enthusiasm infectious.

Jisung, always observant, sidled up to the duo, his curiosity piqued by the connection he had noticed between Hyunjin and a particular audience member. "Speaking of tonight's act," Jisung began, his tone teasing yet pointed, "that girl you chose as your assistant—she's become quite the regular, hasn't she? Seems particularly captivated by your performances."

Hyunjin's expression softened at the mention of Y/N, a mix of intrigue and fondness playing across his features. "Yeah, she has been coming to a lot of shows lately. There's something about her... It's like she sees right through the illusion to the heart of the magic," he mused, his thoughts drifting to the moments they had shared on stage.

The conversation caught the interest of the others, who gathered around, eager to chime in with their observations and jests. Felix, with his ever-present smile, nudged Hyunjin gently. "Sounds like someone's got a fan—or maybe something a bit more?" he teased, winking.

Hyunjin chuckled, brushing off the implication while not entirely dismissing it. "Let's just say, our paths seem uniquely intertwined," he conceded, his gaze distant, as if contemplating the depth of that connection.

BangChan, the de facto leader and elder brother figure, clapped his hands together, drawing the group's attention. "Alright, team, let's not get ahead of ourselves. We've got a day off tomorrow, and I say we make the most of it. Some rest, some practice, and maybe even a little bit of fun. We've earned it," he declared, his voice imbued with a warmth that resonated with each member.

Nods and murmurs of agreement rippled through the group, each member already envisioning how they would spend their well-deserved break. The camaraderie and mutual respect among them were palpable, a bond forged through shared experiences, both triumphant and tragic. As they dispersed, heading towards the showers and then to their respective quarters, the night was alive with the promise of rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. For in the world of the circus, every day brought new challenges, new audiences to enchant, and new stories to weave into the rich tapestry of their collective journey.

Hyunjin lingered for a moment longer, his mind still on Y/N, her presence at the shows, and the undeniable spark that seemed to ignite between them with each performance. It was a curious thing, this feeling, something he has never felt before in his life, and for some reason it scared him. Y/N's steps echoed in the quiet night, her mind replaying the melodies of Lee Know's song, a sweet remnant of her recent adventure. As she approached her home, the shadows seemed to dance, blending the magical world of the circus with the stark reality of her impending reception. The guards, ever-present yet unobtrusive, melted away as she reached her door, signaling her return to a different kind of performance. Crossing he threshold, she was immediately enveloped by a tension so thick it almost pushed her back out. Her parents stood like guardians of a different realm, their faces etched with worry and disapproval.

"Good evening," Y/N ventured, her voice a soft attempt to bridge the gap widening between them.

Her father's eyes met hers, a storm brewing in their depths. Without a word, he turned away, his silence louder than any reprimand.

Her mother sighed, a delicate frown marring her features. "We were worried, Y/N. This... obsession with the circus. It's not healthy."

Y/N's heart sank, but she fought to keep her voice steady. "But, Mom, the circus is magical. It's not just an obsession; it's a passion. You should have seen what happened tonight!"

Her father, unable to contain his disapproval, finally spoke. "What happened tonight? What new spectacle has caught your fancy now?"

"It's not just spectacle," Y/N replied, her voice gaining strength. "It's about the stories, the art, the connection. Tonight, I wasn't just watching; I was a part of something bigger. Isn't that what life is about? Finding your place in the world?"

Her mother exchanged a glance with her father, her eyes reflecting a war between support and concern. "Being part of something bigger doesn't mean losing yourself, Y/N. We just want you to be safe, to think about your future."

"But I am thinking about my future," Y/N insisted. "A future where I'm free to love what I love, to be who I want to be. The circus shows me that world. Can't you see?" In the midst of their heated debate, Y/N tried to convey her exhilaration, "But you don't see! The circus, it's...it's magical. And Hyunjin, he—"

Her father cut her off, his voice sharp and cold. "Magical? You call fraternizing with those...those performers magical? It's reckless, Y/N. You're throwing away everything we've worked for, for what? A moment's thrill?"

"Reckless? No, Dad, it's about being alive, being part of something truly extraordinary. Hyunjin and the others, they're not just performers; they're artists, they're—"

Her father's temper flared, "Artists? They're outcasts! And now you, assisting on stage? It's disgraceful! You're a part of this family, not some...some circus act!"

Y/N's resolve hardened against her father's scorn. "Disgraceful? Because they dare to be different? They've shown me what real courage is, what it means to embrace who you are. Why can't you respect that?"

Her mother, trying to keep the peace, interjected weakly, "Y/N, please understand. Your father is just concerned about—"

"Concerned?" Y/N's voice cracked with emotion. "Or ashamed? Ashamed that I might find my place among people he deems unworthy?"

Her father stood, imposing and unyielding. "Ashamed? Yes, ashamed that my daughter is blinded by this...this fantasy. You think they're your friends? They're using you, making a fool out of you and, by extension, us."

Y/N, her voice trembling with both anger and passion, shot back, "They've accepted me for who I am, something I've never felt here, in this house of judgment. Hyunjin, he sees me, not as a fool, but as someone capable of being part of their world, their magic."

"Enough!" Her father's voice thundered, silencing the room. "Your defiance only proves your immaturity. You will cease this nonsense. No more circus. That's final. If you continue to defy us, the consequences will be severe."

Y/N, her patience shattered and her voice cold with disdain, turned at the foot of the stairs. "Keep your judgments and your so-called wisdom to yourselves. I'd rather be a 'disgrace' out there living my truth than spend another moment suffocating under your narrow-minded pretense of a life."

Without waiting for a retort, she stormed up the stairs, her steps a defiant drumbeat against their traditional values. After Y/N's scathing words cut through the tension, she spun on her heel, the force of her departure leaving a palpable void. She didn't look back as she ascended the stairs, each step echoing her resolve and the rift it had caused. In the immediate aftermath, her mother, without a moment's hesitation, sprang into action. Ignoring the stifling silence and the stern gaze of her husband, she hurried after Y/N. Her heart pounded with a mixture of fear, determination, and a desperate need to mend what had just been broken.

"Y/N!" she called out, her voice a blend of worry and urgency as she climbed the stairs. She reached Y/N's door just as it was about to close, pushing it gently open to bridge the physical and emotional distance between them. "Please, can we talk? Just you and me."

Y/N, standing in the middle of her sanctuary, her emotions a whirlwind, faced her mother. The anger still simmered, but the presence of her mother, showing concern and a willingness to listen, tempered it slightly.

"Why?" Y/N's voice was a mix of defiance and vulnerability. "So you can tell me again how wrong I am? How I should just give up on everything I love?"

Her mother stepped inside, closing the door behind her, a symbolic gesture to shut out the world and its judgments. "No, not to tell you you're wrong. I... I came to say I'm sorry. Sorry that we've made you feel this way, that we haven't tried to understand. Tell me about the circus, about why it means so much to you. Help me see, Y/N."

This was the first time Y/N felt her mother truly reaching out, not as an enforcer of her father's rules, but as a parent trying to connect with her child's passion.

"It's where I feel like I belong, Mom," Y/N began, her voice softening. "It's not just about the performances. It's about the people, the freedom, the acceptance. They've shown me that it's okay to be different, that it's okay to dream big."

Her mother nodded, taking a tentative step closer. "I see. I've never looked at it that way. Maybe... maybe we've been too quick to judge. Tell me more, please. I want to understand."

As Y/N spoke, the walls between them began to crumble, not completely, but enough to let the light of understanding shine through. For the first time in a long time, Y/N felt heard, and her mother, though still worried, began to grasp the depth of her daughter's dreams.

The next day Hyunjin woke up feeling awake and refreshed. The sounds of the circus crew were faint outside his tent, going about their day seeing as they all had it off. He stretched, his body filled with an energy that only a good night's sleep could provide. The circus was quiet, a rare day off for everyone, and the calm was as refreshing as the sleep had been. He swapped his usual stage attire for something more casual and made his way out, eager for the day ahead.

As he stepped out, Bang Chan, the ring leader, and Chanbin, the lion tamer, were there to greet him with warm smiles. "Morning, Hyunjin! Sleep well?" Bang Chan asked, his voice carrying the easy authority of someone born to lead.

"Like a log," Hyunjin responded, grinning. "Ready to tackle the day off?"

Chanbin chuckled, "As ready as one can be. Let's grab some breakfast. I'm starving."

The trio walked towards the communal tent, where the rest of the crew was gathering for the morning meal. The smell of breakfast filled the air, a comforting blend of coffee, eggs, and fresh bread.

Inside, Jisung and Jeongin were already at a table, deep in conversation, while Felix, Seungmin, and Minho were in line for food. Felix spotted them joining the queue and flashed his signature bright smile. "Morning, guys! How did everyone sleep?"

"Great, thanks," Hyunjin said, his mind drifting momentarily to the volunteer from last night's show. "Actually, I kept thinking about the girl who helped with the magic act. She seemed so captivated by everything."

"Oh, her!" Felix's eyes lit up with recognition. "She's been here a few times, hasn't she? Always looks like she's seeing magic for the first time."

Chanbin, overhearing the conversation, added, "Did you notice the bodyguards trying to stop her from joining you on stage, Hyunjin? Wonder why she needs two of them."

Bang Chan leaned in, curiosity piqued. "Bodyguards, you say? That's unusual for a circus audience. Maybe she's someone important, or perhaps there's more to her story."

Hyunjin nodded, thoughtful. "Yeah, there's something about her. Last night felt... different. Like there was a real connection, not just the usual volunteer interaction."

The group pondered this as they moved along the line, filling their plates. The mystery of the girl and her evident fascination with the circus sparked a lively debate among them, each offering theories and observations.

"Perhaps she's seeking escape, something we all can relate to," Seungmin suggested, joining the conversation. "The circus is another world, after all."

"True," Minho agreed. "We've all found refuge under this big top. Maybe she's just like us, drawn to the magic, the freedom."

They settled down to eat, the conversation shifted to plans for the day off, but Hyunjin's thoughts remained on the girl. There was a story there, he was sure, and he found himself eager to discover it. Y/N's heart was set on a day of freedom, a brief respite from the watchful eyes that constantly hovered over her life. The idea of spending a day out with Maya, her closest friend, without the omnipresent shadow of her bodyguards felt like a breath of fresh air. With a plan in mind and a hopeful heart, she tiptoed through the lavish corridors of her home, each step calculated to avoid detection.

Unfortunately, her father, ever vigilant, caught a glimpse of her attempting to slip away. His voice, firm and unyielding, halted her in her tracks. "Y/N, where do you think you're going?"

Caught off guard, Y/N turned, offering a smile that she hoped would disarm. "Just out with Maya, Dad. Nothing major."

Her father, however, was not swayed. "You know the rules, Y/N. If you're going out, you're taking a bodyguard. I won't have you wandering the streets unprotected."

Y/N's heart sank. "But Dad, can't I just—"

"No buts," he interjected. "It's not open for discussion. You can have your freedom, but safety comes first."

Resigned, Y/N nodded, unable to argue further without risking further confinement. As she met Maya outside, her friend's immediate eye roll at the sight of the trailing bodyguard said it all.

"I'm so sorry, Maya. Dad saw me sneaking out," Y/N explained, her frustration evident.

Maya, ever the supportive friend, shrugged it off with a smile. "It's no big deal. Let's not let it ruin our day. We've got shopping to do!"

Meanwhile, Hyunjin, craving a similar escape, ventured into the city with a different purpose. He was on a mission to gather pieces for a new costume, something to invigorate his next performance. With a cap pulled low and a mask concealing half his face, he navigated the bustling streets incognito. The fame of the circus and its founding members made anonymity a precious commodity, and his scar, a reminder of his unique journey, was something he preferred to keep hidden from the prying eyes of the public. Despite the circus's celebration of diversity, his own insecurities whispered too loudly on days like this. Y/N and Maya, immersed in their day out, found themselves weaving stories and sharing laughter, the bodyguard momentarily forgotten in the joy of their reunion. It was Maya who, with a mischievous glint in her eye, suggested a daring escape.

"Ready to lose your shadow?" Maya whispered conspiratorially.

Y/N, caught up in the thrill, nodded eagerly. "What's the plan?"

"Follow me and keep up," Maya said, pulling her into the throng of a crowded marketplace.

With practiced ease, they darted and dodged through the mass of people, their laughter mingling with the hum of the city. Just when they thought they had outmaneuvered the guard, they ducked into a shop, hiding among the racks of clothes. Peering out, they watched him pass by, oblivious to their trickery. Seizing their moment of freedom, they dashed in the opposite direction, only for Y/N to collide with a stranger. Stumbling back, she found herself looking up into the partially concealed face of a man who, despite the mask and cap, radiated a familiar warmth.

"Sorry, I didn't see you there," Y/N apologized, her heart skipping a beat as she took in the stranger's appearance. There was something about him, a presence that felt oddly comforting yet exhilarating.

"No harm done," the stranger replied, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "But you should be more careful. The streets can be unpredictable."

Y/N, still caught in the stranger's gaze, nodded, unaware that the collision was not just with any passerby but with Hyunjin himself, out on his own quest for freedom and inspiration.

As Maya joined Y/N's side, a puzzled look crossed her face. "Do we know you?" she asked, eyeing the stranger curiously.

Hyunjin, realizing the potential for recognition, weighed his options. To reveal himself could mean drawing attention they all sought to avoid, yet the intrigue in their eyes was hard to dismiss.

"Let's just say I'm a fan of unexpected meetings," Hyunjin said, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "Perhaps the city has its way of bringing people together."

I apologize for not meeting your expectations earlier. Let's rewrite the part according to your detailed description and requirements.

Hyunjin, stepping away from the unexpected encounter, felt a whirlwind of emotions. The brief moment with Y/N, the girl who had become a staple in the audience of his performances, left him both thrilled and unnerved. Her presence had always been a highlight of his act, their eyes locking in a silent communication amidst the magic he conjured. Now, having bumped into her, the familiarity of those feelings surged with a new intensity, mingling with the fear of the unknown emotions she stirred within him. He remembered her vividly, each night she attended, watching with an untainted sense of wonder that fueled his passion on stage. As he disappeared into a shop, hoping to find pieces that would add to his mesmerizing performances, his face flushed with a heat that had little to do with the summer air. Underneath his mask, his cheeks burned with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

Back at the cafe, Y/N sat across from Maya, her mind racing. "It was Hyunjin, wasn't it?" Maya asked, breaking the silence that had fallen between them.

"Yes," Y/N whispered, almost to herself. "I recognized him... it's hard not to. But I didn't want to say anything right there."

Maya, sipping her coffee, nearly choked on her drink. "I can't believe you've been going to the circus," she exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and admiration. "And your parents actually let you?"

Y/N laughed softly, the sound tinged with a hint of defiance. "It took a lot of convincing, and the condition was the bodyguards. But it was worth it, every single time."

Maya shook her head, her initial surprise giving way to envy. "I'm jealous, you know. Those tickets aren't cheap."

Y/N acknowledged the privilege that allowed her these escapes with a shy smile. "I know, but the circus is more than just a show. It's a world of its own, where magic feels real, and for a few hours, I can be part of that magic."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, with Y/N sharing stories of the circus's enchantment and the performers who had captivated her. Maya listened intently, drawn into the vivid picture Y/N painted with her words.

"Hey, you should come with me next time," Y/N suggested, her eyes sparkling with the idea. "I'll get tickets for us. It's an experience you won't forget."

Maya's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? I'd love to. But are you sure? Those tickets..."

"Don't worry about it," Y/N interrupted, her tone full of conviction. "It's on me. I want you to see it, to feel what I feel when I'm there."

As they planned their next adventure, Y/N felt a renewed sense of purpose. Sharing her passion for the circus with Maya not only deepened their friendship but also reinforced her own love for the magical world she had discovered. Meanwhile, Hyunjin, hidden behind the racks of a quaint shop, allowed himself to dream bigger for his next act, inspired by the brief encounter with Y/N. The chance meeting reminded him of the impact his performances had on the audience, fueling his desire to create something even more spectacular. He pondered over fabrics and designs, each choice now infused with the possibility of seeing Y/N in the crowd again, her eyes filled with the same wonder that had first drawn him to her.

As Y/N and Maya, bubbling with anticipation, made their way through the bustling streets back to Y/N's opulent home, their recent escape from the watchful eyes of the bodyguard became a cherished memory, a shared adventure that bonded them even closer. After a brief stop at Maya's to collect her overnight essentials, they prepared for an evening that promised to be unforgettable. Y/N, seated at her desk, navigated the circus's website with practiced ease. She selected front-row tickets, sparing no expense for the perfect view, and, with a resigned sigh, added tickets for the guards. Their presence was a necessary concession to her father's strict rules, a shadow over her otherwise unbridled enthusiasm. The evening of the circus arrived with a flurry of excitement. Y/N and Maya dressed with care, choosing outfits that mirrored the magic they were about to witness. As they stepped outside, the guards, ever present, nodded in acknowledgment, a silent promise of protection.

The drive to the circus was filled with chatter, Maya's excitement palpable as she peppered Y/N with questions. "What's your favorite act?" "How does it feel to be so close to the magic?" Y/N answered each query with a warmth in her heart, thrilled to share this part of her world with her friend.

Upon arrival, the circus grounds buzzed with energy, the air electric with anticipation. As they approached the entrance, Bang Chan, the charismatic ringmaster, greeted guests with a wide, welcoming smile. His eyes lit up in recognition at the sight of Y/N.

"Back again, I see?" he remarked, his voice tinged with amusement.

Y/N's smile broadened, her excitement uncontainable. "Wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Bang Chan, intrigued by her frequent visits, leaned in slightly. "Might I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Y/N," she responded, a flush of pride coloring her cheeks at the personal interest from the ringmaster himself.

"Y/N," he repeated, nodding with a genuine smile. "Well, you're in for a treat tonight. We've expanded the show—more acts, more magic. It's going to be a night to remember."

Maya, standing beside Y/N, looked on in awe, the reality of the circus's allure unfolding before her. "This is amazing, Y/N. I can't believe I'm here," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

As they handed their tickets to Bang Chan, he offered them a conspiratorial wink. "Enjoy the show, and keep an eye out for the surprises we have in store."

Stepping into the circus tent, the transformation was immediate. The outside world, with all its rules and restrictions, faded away, leaving only the promise of enchantment. The front-row seats offered an unobstructed view of the ring, where performers were beginning to gather, their costumes a kaleidoscope of color and fantasy.

As the lights dimmed, the crowd hushed, the anticipation reaching its peak. Bang Chan's voice, rich and inviting, filled the space. "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to a night where the impossible becomes possible, where dreams take flight, and magic reigns supreme. Prepare to be amazed!"

Y/N glanced at Maya, her heart swelling at her friend's captivated expression. This was the magic she had longed to share, a world where wonders never ceased, and for a few precious hours, anything was possible.

The show unfolded with breathtaking spectacle, each act surpassing the last in thrill and wonder. Hyunjin's magic act was a highlight, his new costume catching the light in a mesmerizing dance. Y/N's gaze found his, a silent acknowledgment passing between them, a connection that seemed to transcend the boundaries of the circus ring. As the final act drew to a close, the audience erupted into applause, a standing ovation for the performers who had made the impossible real. Y/N and Maya joined in, their applause heartfelt, their spirits lifted by the magic they had witnessed.

After the show, as the crowd began to disperse, Y/N felt a gentle tug on her arm. Maya, her eyes alight with excitement, leaned in. "Y/N, this was incredible. Thank you for bringing me. I've never felt so alive!"

Y/N smiled, her own heart full. "I'm glad you loved it. The circus has a way of doing that—making you feel alive."

Y/N and Maya, still riding the high of the circus's magic, made their way out of the large tent, their senses alight with the vibrant energy of the evening. As they stepped into the cool night air, they noticed a crowd gathering nearby, curiosity drawing them closer.

"What's going on?" Maya asked, craning her neck to see over the heads in front of them.

Y/N, equally intrigued, tiptoed slightly. "Looks like they're handing out something. Let's check it out."

As they approached, they realized it was Felix and Jeongin from the circus, their vibrant personalities impossible to miss. Jeongin, with a childlike enthusiasm, bounced on the balls of his feet, his laughter infectious as he handed out flyers.

"Hey, look! It's Felix and Jeongin," Maya pointed out, her voice tinged with excitement.

Y/N smiled, her interest piqued. "Let's go get a flyer."

They made their way through the crowd, reaching the front where Felix and Jeongin stood. Jeongin's smile widened upon seeing them approach, "Hello there! Did you enjoy the show?" he asked, his voice bubbling with genuine interest.

Felix, standing beside him, offered his own warm greeting. "Yeah, did you like it? It's always great to see new faces and regulars alike," he said, his dual-colored eyes twinkling under the lights.

Maya, eager to respond, nodded vigorously. "It was amazing, my first time here! And Y/N's told me so much about it."

Y/N, feeling a connection to the circus stronger than ever, chimed in. "Yes, I loved it, as always. I heard you're doing an open day? Could we get some flyers? We'd love to come."

Felix glanced at the dwindling stack of flyers in his hand, then back at Y/N and Maya. "Sure, how many would you need?"

"Four, please. One for me, one for Maya, and two for our... companions," Y/N said, gesturing subtly towards the guards who stood a respectful distance away.

Felix's eyes followed her gesture, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze as he looked back at her. Jeongin, ever the straightforward one, didn't hesitate to voice his thoughts. "Why do you have guards? If you don't mind me asking."

Y/N sighed, a shadow crossing her features for a moment. "My dad... he's just very protective. Wants to make sure I'm safe, that's all."

Jeongin and Felix exchanged a look, the atmosphere tinged with a newfound understanding. "That must be tough, having to be followed around like that," Felix said, his voice soft with empathy.

"Yeah, it has its moments," Y/N admitted, the brief sadness in her eyes speaking volumes. "But it's worth it for experiences like these. The circus... it's like a different world, one where I feel free, even if just for a little while."

Jeongin, brightening at her words, handed over the flyers with a grin. "Well, we're glad you feel that way. This open day is going to be something special. You'll get to see behind the scenes, meet more of us, and really get a feel for what makes this place so magical."

"Thank you," Maya said, taking her flyer with a smile. "We're really looking forward to it."

As they turned to leave, Felix called out, "Hey, we'll see you there, then! And don't worry, it'll be a day where you can forget about those guards for a bit and just enjoy."

Y/N and Maya walked away, flyers in hand, their spirits lifted by the promise of another day filled with the circus's enchantment. The open day offered a glimpse into a world Y/N had only begun to explore, a chance to deepen her connection with the place that had captured her heart.

"Imagine getting to go behind the scenes," Maya mused, her voice alive with anticipation. "What do you think we'll see?"

Y/N's thoughts wandered to the performers they'd met, the acts they'd witnessed, and the magic that permeated the very air of the circus. "I think we'll see dreams being built," she said, a smile playing on her lips. "And maybe, just maybe, we'll learn a little bit about what it takes to make magic real."

On the eagerly awaited open day, Y/N and Maya held their leaflets tightly, their excitement barely contained as they approached the entrance of the circus. The vibrant atmosphere was palpable, with performers from various acts mingling with the guests, showcasing snippets of their talents.

Bang Chan, the esteemed ringmaster, greeted them at the entrance. His recognition of Y/N was immediate, and his welcoming smile put them at ease. "Ah, our regular visitor and her friend! Welcome to the open day," he said, extending his prosthetic hand to collect their leaflets. The guards, ever present, handed theirs over as well, their stoic expressions in stark contrast to the festive environment.

Y/N, her hands briefly entwined in a gesture of gratitude, thanked Bang Chan. "We're really excited to be here. Thank you for having us."

With a nod, Bang Chan ushered them through the gates, where the circus opened up into a world of wonder. Their first encounter was with Lee Know, the singer and a key performer, who was adjusting his prosthetic leg. Noticing their approach, he quickly finished and stood, greeting them with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that, didn't notice you there. Ready for a little tour?"

As they ventured deeper into the circus, Lee Know introduced them to the vibrant cast of characters that made up their unique family. First on the tour was Chanbin, the lion tamer, who was in the midst of a feeding session with a baby cub, its mother lying calmly by his side.

"Isn't she beautiful?" Chanbin said, gesturing towards the lioness. "Don't worry, they're quite used to people. The little one's a handful, though."

Next, they met Felix and Jeongin, the clowns, who were in the middle of their act. Jeongin, with his boundless energy, attempted a magic trick that ended in a comical display of twigs and a few flower petals instead of the intended bouquet. His laughter, infectious and bright, filled the air as he presented his accidental creation to Y/N. "A little bit of nature for you," he joked, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Felix, meanwhile, juggled skillfully while balancing on a unicycle, his concentration unbroken by the giggles and applause from the onlookers. "Always practice, never a dull moment!" he called out, catching his props with a flourish.

Wandering the park area on stilts was Seungmin, the acrobat, alongside Jisung. Their towering presence drew a crowd as they moved gracefully among the guests, engaging in light conversation and sharing laughs. "It's all about balance," Seungmin explained, his voice carrying down from his elevated position. "And a bit of courage, I suppose."

The highlight of their tour was the visit to Hyunjin, who had attracted a significant crowd with his enchanting magic. Lee Know, seeing the interest in Y/N and Maya's eyes, led them to the front. "Let's get a better view," he whispered, guiding them closer.

Hyunjin's performance was mesmerizing, his subtle tricks weaving a spell over the audience. Y/N and Maya, now front and center, watched in awe as he manipulated light and shadow, his movements fluid and precise.

After the demonstration, Hyunjin addressed the crowd, his gaze lingering on Y/N and Maya. "Thank you for joining us today. Magic isn't just about the tricks; it's about the connection we share in these moments."

As the tour concluded, Y/N and Maya thanked Lee Know for the incredible experience. "This was beyond anything we could've imagined," Y/N said, her voice full of emotion. "Thank you for showing us the heart of the circus."

Maya nodded in agreement. "It's been an eye-opening day. The talent, the passion... it's all so inspiring."

As Y/N and Maya lingered at the circus, their day was filled with the mesmerizing performances of the original cast and the other talented performers. Their attention was caught by Jeongin, who was taking a well-deserved break. Sensing their gaze, he waved them over with a friendly smile.

"Hey there!" Jeongin greeted as they approached, his eyes landing on Y/N. "I've noticed you around quite a bit. What brings you back so often?" he inquired, curiosity lighting up his face.

Y/N, feeling a bit on the spot but warmed by his interest, replied, "It's the freedom here, the way everyone is so open and expressive. It's truly inspiring."

Jeongin's smile grew at her words, his eyes sparkling with gratitude. "That's really kind of you to say. Thank you! It means a lot to us that our message resonates with you."

Maya, not one to shy away from deeper conversations, chimed in, "We've also noticed the scars that each of the main eight performers carries. It seems like you all have been through quite a lot."

For a moment, Jeongin's usual jovial demeanor faded, replaced by a more reflective expression. "Yes," he admitted, his smile tinged with sadness. "We've all had our share of struggles. But we found each other when we were just kids, on the streets. Bang Chan brought us together, made us a family. We're not alone anymore; we're brothers."

Intrigued by their origin story, Maya asked, "How did the idea of starting a circus come about? It's remarkable how you've turned your pasts into something so beautiful and uplifting."

It was at this point that Hyunjin joined the conversation, his arrival unnoticed until he spoke. "The circus was Bang Chan's dream," he explained, his gaze briefly meeting Maya's before settling on Y/N, causing an unmistakable flutter in her heart. "He saw it as a way for us to channel our experiences into something positive, to create a place where not only could we be free but also spread joy and wonder."

Y/N, moved by their stories, cast a sidelong glance at the guards her father insisted accompany her. It was a silent reminder of the constraints she lived under, a stark contrast to the freedom she yearned for.

Hyunjin and Jeongin noticed the direction of her gaze, their expressions shifting as they took in the sight of the two guards standing a short distance away. "It seems you're not entirely free yourself," Hyunjin observed, his tone gentle yet filled with understanding.

Y/N sighed, a mix of frustration and resignation in her voice. "My dad is... protective. He means well, but sometimes it feels like I'm more of a prisoner than a daughter."

Jeongin, ever the optimist, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, at least you get to escape to our little world of magic from time to time, right?"

Hyunjin nodded, adding, "And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll find a way to bridge your world with ours. Freedom comes in many forms, and sometimes, it's about finding the right moment to seize it."

Their conversation deepened as they discussed the themes of freedom and resilience that ran through the circus's ethos. Y/N and Maya listened intently as Jeongin and Hyunjin shared more about their lives, the formation of the circus, and the bonds that held them together.

As the open day drew to a close, Y/N and Maya knew they were leaving with much more than they had come for. Not only had they witnessed the spectacle of the circus, but they had also gained insights into the lives of those who made it possible. The stories of hardship and triumph, of finding family in the most unlikely places, resonated deeply with them.

Before parting ways, Hyunjin offered one last piece of advice. "Keep seeking freedom, Y/N. It's out there, and sometimes, it finds you when you least expect it."

With heartfelt thanks, Y/N and Maya bid farewell to Jeongin and Hyunjin, their hearts full of new dreams and aspirations. Hyunjin and Jeongin stood side by side, their eyes following Y/N and Maya as they navigated through the departing crowd. There was a reflective silence between the two performers, a rare moment of introspection in the aftermath of their heartfelt conversation.

Jeongin, ever observant, caught Hyunjin's lingering gaze on Y/N. A mischievous grin spread across his face, breaking the solemn mood. "You seem quite taken with our regular visitor," he teased, nudging Hyunjin playfully.

Hyunjin, caught off guard, stumbled over his words momentarily before regaining his composure. "It's not like that. It's just... refreshing to meet someone who sees beyond the spectacle, who understands the heart of what we do," he defended, though his cheeks betrayed him with a hint of color.

Jeongin's laughter filled the air, light and carefree. "Oh, I get it. She sees the magic behind the magic. That's special, isn't it?"

Hyunjin nodded, his gaze still fixed on the distance Y/N and Maya had disappeared into. "Yeah, it is. Most people come for the thrills, the laughs, and the awe. But Y/N and Maya, they looked deeper. They saw us."

The two performers turned back to face the now-emptying circus grounds, the energy of the open day lingering like a warm afterglow. "It's strange, isn't it?" Jeongin mused. "We started this circus to hide in plain sight, to use our performances as a shield. And now, we find ourselves hoping to be truly seen."

Hyunjin sighed, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Maybe it's time we let the world in a little more. Y/N reminded us that our stories, as dark as they may be, have the power to connect, to inspire... maybe even to heal."

Jeongin's eyes twinkled with a newfound determination. "Let's do it. Let's weave more of our truth into the tapestry of our performances. Who knows how many more Y/Ns and her friend are out there, looking for a piece of magic they can relate to?"

The decision settled between them like a silent pact, an agreement to open up their world a little wider, to share not just the spectacle of the circus but the soul behind it.

As they began to make their way back to the performers' quarters, Jeongin's voice echoed back to Hyunjin. "So, when are you going to invite Y/N back for a private tour? I'm sure she'd love to learn even more about the magic we create."

Hyunjin laughed, shaking his head at Jeongin's teasing. "We'll see. For now, let's focus on our next show. We have stories to tell, and I want them to be unforgettable."

The conversation faded into the night as the two performers disappeared behind the curtain, their spirits lifted by the promise of new beginnings. The open day had brought unexpected revelations and connections, bridging worlds that once seemed so distant. For Hyunjin and Jeongin, it was a reminder that behind every act, every trick, and every performance, there was a human story waiting to be told, and perhaps, waiting to be understood.

.

As Y/N and Maya stepped through the front door of Y/N's home, the familiar sound of raised voices greeted them. The living room was a battleground of words, with Y/N's mother and father locked in yet another argument about Y/N's future. Their voices clashed, each trying to drown out the other with their own version of reason, but neither willing to concede.

The lightness in Y/N's heart from the day's adventure quickly dimmed, the joyous echoes of the circus fading into the background. Maya, sensing her friend's discomfort, gave her sleeve a gentle tug, signaling a silent retreat to the sanctuary of Y/N's bedroom.

Y/N hesitated, the argument in the living room pulling at her attention. Her mother's voice, filled with passion, broke through, advocating for Y/N to have more freedom. "She needs to explore, to live! You can't keep her under lock and key forever," her mother argued, her frustration palpable.

Her father's rebuttal was immediate, his tone laced with the conviction of his overprotectiveness. "She has all the freedom she needs! The guards are for her safety, nothing more."

Y/N's heart ached at the words. To her father, freedom was a concept bounded by the presence of guards, a shadowed existence that felt more like a gilded cage than true liberty.

"Having someone watch over me every moment isn't freedom, Dad," Y/N whispered to herself, the words barely audible even in the quiet of the hallway.

Maya's gentle pull on her arm brought her back to the moment. With a resigned sigh, Y/N allowed her friend to lead her away from the heated exchange, up the stairs to the relative peace of her bedroom.

Once inside, Maya closed the door softly behind them, the muffled sounds of the argument below fading into a distant rumble.

She turned to Y/N, her expression a mix of concern and support. "I'm sorry, Y/N. It must be tough, feeling caught in the middle like this."

Y/N sank onto her bed, the events of the day colliding with the reality of her home life. "It's exhausting," she admitted. "I just wish they could see eye to eye, for once. My mom understands... She knows how much I crave real freedom, the kind we felt today at the circus."

Maya sat beside her, offering a comforting presence. "Your mom's right, you know. You deserve to explore, to find your own path. But maybe... maybe there's a way to help your dad see that too."

Y/N looked at Maya, hope flickering in her eyes. "How? He's so set in his ways. I've tried talking to him, but it always ends up in an argument."

"Maybe it's not about talking to him... not directly, at least," Maya mused. "What if we showed him? What if he could see firsthand what freedom means to you, how it changes you for the better?"

Y/N considered Maya's words, a plan slowly taking shape in her mind. "You mean like bringing him to the circus? Letting him see the magic, the joy it brings?"

"Exactly," Maya said, her voice growing excited. "He needs to understand that freedom isn't just about physical safety. It's about feeling alive, about connecting with something larger than yourself. And what better place to experience that than the circus?"

The idea was daring, perhaps even a little daunting, but Y/N felt a spark of determination ignite within her. "It's worth a try," she agreed, her mind racing with possibilities. "But we'll need to be careful, plan it just right."

The rest of the evening was spent in whispered conversations, plotting and planning how to bridge the gap between Y/N's worlds. They discussed every detail, from how to approach her mother with the idea to selecting the perfect circus performance that might captivate her father's heart. As night deepened, Y/N and Maya's plans grew more concrete, their strategy a blend of hope and daring. The challenge ahead was formidable, but for the first time in a long while, Y/N felt a flicker of optimism. The morning air was crisp and filled with the anticipation of freedom as Y/N and Maya readied themselves for a day out, unencumbered by the watchful eyes of Y/N's usual companions—the guards. As they were about to step through the door, Y/N's mother approached, her presence commanding the room.

"Girls, wait a moment," she called out, her voice carrying a mix of authority and excitement. The guard, already positioned by the door in his usual stance of vigilance, turned towards her, a questioning look in his eyes.

Y/N and Maya paused, an unspoken question hanging between them. Y/N's mother addressed the guard directly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll be needing you today for something else. The girls will be fine on their own."

The guard, clearly caught off guard by the sudden change in plans, glanced between Y/N, Maya, and her mother, his training clashing with the direct order from a family member. "But sir," he started, referring to Y/N's father's previous instructions, "he was quite clear about—"

"Things have changed for today," Y/N's mother interjected firmly, cutting off any objections. "I require your assistance elsewhere. Please, trust me on this."

With a hesitant nod, the guard acquiesced, the confusion evident on his face but the respect for her authority overriding his concerns. He left, casting one last unsure look at Y/N and Maya before disappearing down the hall.

Y/N stood there, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. "Mom, what just happened? How did you...?" she stammered, her voice a cocktail of shock and disbelief.

Her mother turned to her, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth, a spark of rebellion in her eyes. "After last night's discussion, it became clear to me that something needed to change. Your father and I had quite the talk after you went to bed."

Maya, witnessing the exchange, nudged Y/N with a grin. "Looks like you're officially off the leash, huh?"

Y/N's mother continued, "Your father isn't thrilled, but we've agreed that you'll have a month to prove you can handle yourself without constant supervision. It's your chance to show him you're more than capable of managing your own safety."

Y/N, overwhelmed by the sudden shift in her reality, hugged her mother tightly. "Thank you, Mom. I won't let you down, I promise."

Her mother hugged her back, then stepped away, her gaze serious yet supportive. "I know you won't, darling. Just remember, with freedom comes responsibility. Make wise choices."

As they stepped out into the morning light, the absence of the guards felt surreal to Y/N. The world seemed wider, brighter, filled with possibilities that were previously clouded by the shadows of surveillance.

"Can you believe this, Maya?" Y/N asked, her voice a mix of elation and apprehension. "A whole month of freedom. It feels like I can finally breathe."

Maya linked her arm with Y/N's, sharing in her friend's newfound liberation. "Let's make the most of it. Starting with a shopping trip that doesn't involve sneaking around our own shadows."

They entered, the familiar jingle of the doorbell was like music to their ears, but it was the sight of Hyunjin and Felix that truly caught their attention. The unexpected encounter sent a thrill through Y/N, their eyes meeting across the room.

As Y/N and Maya placed their order, a silent exchange of glances between Y/N and Hyunjin sparked a flutter of anticipation. Maya, ever the keen observer, nudged Y/N playfully. "Looks like someone's happy to see you," she teased, her voice low but filled with mirth.

Encouraged by Felix's subtle prompting, Hyunjin approached them, his heart racing with a cocktail of nerves and eagerness. Adjusting his mask to partially conceal his scar, he offered a greeting that bridged the distance between them.

"Hey, didn't expect to run into you here," he said, his voice carrying a hint of warmth and uncertainty.

Y/N, caught in the unexpected moment, responded with a smile. "Yeah, it's a nice surprise," she managed, her heart echoing Hyunjin's nervousness.

Noticing the absence of Y/N's guards, Felix chimed in with a cheerful grin. "Looks like you're enjoying a bit of freedom today. Care to join us?" His eyes sparkled with the offer, inviting them into their world outside the circus.

Agreeing, they took their drinks and joined Felix and Hyunjin at their table, the arrangement of seats placing Y/N directly across from Hyunjin, and Maya opposite Felix. In a gesture of casual politeness, Felix placed his cap on the table's corner.

Hyunjin, with a hesitant motion, slid his mask just under his chin, exposing his scar to the ordinary world beyond the circus tent. It was a rare show of openness, one that he reserved for the stage or the safety of the circus family. Yet, here he was, revealing his vulnerabilities to Y/N in a setting far removed from the spotlights and applause. Felix, ever the conversationalist, took a moment from savoring his drink to delve into a topic that had piqued his interest since their arrival.

"So, how does it feel? Not having the guards shadowing your every move?" Felix inquired, his gaze fixed on Y/N, genuinely curious about her newfound freedom.

Y/N paused, allowing herself to truly consider the question. "It feels... liberating," she began, her voice laced with a sense of relief and wonder. "There's this lightness I hadn't realized I was missing until now. To move freely, without constant surveillance—it's like taking a deep breath after being underwater for too long."

Felix nodded, absorbing her words, then turned his attention to Maya. "And what about you? Did your family ever consider guards?" he asked, keen to understand the dynamics that shaped their experiences.

Maya chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, nothing like that. My family's protective, sure, but not to the extent of Y/N's. I guess I've always taken my freedom for granted. Seeing what Y/N's been through, it does make me feel a bit guilty for not appreciating it more," she admitted, her tone tinged with empathy.

The conversation veered into the territory of parental protection, with Felix sharing his thoughts on the delicate balance between safeguarding loved ones and allowing them the space to grow. "It's a tricky line to walk," he mused. "Wanting to keep someone safe while also giving them the freedom to explore and make their own mistakes."

As Felix and Maya engaged in a lively discussion on various topics ranging from their favorite music to places they'd love to visit, Hyunjin found himself more attuned to Y/N, his gaze frequently drifting her way. Each time their eyes met, a wave of warmth washed over him, her shy smile sending his heart racing.

Y/N, for her part, felt a flutter of excitement each time she caught Hyunjin looking at her. There was something about the way he saw her—not as someone to be shielded and kept at arm's length, but as a person, vibrant and full of life. His attention made her feel seen, truly seen, in a way she hadn't experienced before.

At one point, amidst the chatter, Hyunjin seized a quiet moment to express his admiration. "You know, Y/N, there's something about you," he began, his voice soft but earnest. "Even with all the restrictions you've faced, you've managed to retain this... purity, this innocence. It's refreshing."

Y/N blushed at his words, a mix of bashfulness and delight swirling within her. "Thank you, Hyunjin. It's strange, but being here with you all, I feel like I'm finally getting a chance to just be myself. To let my guard down and not worry about who's watching."

Hyunjin smiled, his eyes conveying a depth of understanding. "That's all any of us can hope for, isn't it? To be ourselves, without fear or restraint. You shine, Y/N, especially now, free from those shadows."

As the hours slipped by, their conversation meandered through dreams and aspirations, fears and joys, each revelation drawing them closer. The café became a sanctuary where they could share pieces of themselves, building connections that transcended the ordinary. As they stepped out into the bustling streets, the atmosphere of the café lingering like a warm embrace, Y/N and Maya shared a moment of silent understanding. The encounters of the day had woven a thread of connection that felt both exhilarating and comforting.

"Today was something special, wasn't it?" Maya mused, her arm linked with Y/N's as they navigated the lively city around them. The freedom that Y/N experienced, unburdened by the watchful eyes of her guards, added a lightness to their steps.

"It really was," Y/N agreed, her mind replaying the conversations, the laughter, and the shared moments of vulnerability. The café had become a crucible for friendships that felt as if they'd been simmering for ages.

Maya, unable to contain her curiosity, let out a soft giggle. "You know, Hyunjin seemed... particularly interested in you. Did you notice the way he was looking at you?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Y/N felt her cheeks warm at the mention. "I might have noticed," she confessed, a shy smile playing on her lips. "There's just something about him. His perspective on life, his passion for the circus... it resonates with me. And, well, it doesn't hurt that he's quite handsome."

Maya nudged her playfully. "Quite handsome? That's an understatement! But I get it; it's more than just looks. You two seemed to really connect on a deeper level."

Y/N nodded, her heart still fluttering at the thought. "Yeah, we did. It's funny how you can meet someone and just instantly feel a bond, isn't it? His views, his dreams... they align with mine in a way I didn't expect. And being able to share that, even for a short while, felt... freeing."

The conversation drifted to dreams and aspirations, to the paths they wished to carve out for themselves. "What do you think the future holds?" Maya asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and hope.

Y/N pondered the question, the possibilities unfolding like a roadmap in her mind. "I hope it's filled with more days like today. Freedom to explore, to connect, to really live. And maybe... just maybe, to find out where these new friendships might lead."

As the sun began to dip below the skyline, casting a golden hue over the city, Y/N and Maya's steps took them closer to home. The promise of tomorrow, of future encounters, and the potential for something more with Hyunjin filled Y/N with a sense of anticipation she hadn't felt before.

"Let's make a pact," Maya suggested, squeezing Y/N's arm gently. "To always pursue this feeling of freedom, to keep exploring and opening our hearts to new experiences. Who knows where it might lead us?"

Y/N smiled, her heart full. "I'm in," she said, the pact sealing a promise not just to each other, but to themselves.

To chase the freedom they'd tasted today, to nurture the connections they'd made, and to embrace whatever adventures lay on the horizon. As Hyunjin and Felix made their way back to the circus, a quietness had settled over Hyunjin, a reflective silence that wasn't lost on Felix. The usually vibrant streets they walked through seemed to mirror Hyunjin's introspective mood, prompting Felix to break the silence between them.

"Hey," Felix began, his voice tinged with concern, nudging Hyunjin gently. "You've been awfully quiet. This isn't like you. What's on your mind?"

Hyunjin let out a sigh, his thoughts swirling with images of Y/N, their interactions both at the circus and the café playing on repeat in his mind. "It's just... ever since that first performance, when I chose her from the crowd and gave her those flowers, I haven't been able to stop thinking about her," he admitted, his voice low.

Felix raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile creeping onto his face. "Ah, so it's Y/N that's got you all tangled up in thoughts, huh? I noticed the way you two were today. There's something special there, isn't there?"

Hyunjin couldn't help but smile at the memory of their recent encounter, the ease of their conversation, and the undeniable connection he felt. "Yeah, there is. It's strange, Felix. I've met countless people through the circus, but with Y/N, it's different. There's this... genuine curiosity and understanding. And today, without the guards around, it was like seeing her in a new light."

Felix chuckled, clapping Hyunjin on the back. "I saw that. You two were in your little world. But, Hyunjin, this is good, isn't it? It's rare to find someone who resonates with you on such a level."

Hyunjin nodded, a mix of apprehension and excitement in his heart. "It is good. I just don't know what to do next. I mean, her father is so protective, and then there's the circus. Our worlds are so different."

"True, our worlds are different," Felix agreed, his tone turning thoughtful. "But isn't that the beauty of it? The circus has always been about bringing together the unlikely, about creating magic from the unexpected. Maybe it's not about the differences in your worlds, but about what you bring to each other's lives."

Hyunjin considered Felix's words, the wisdom in them clear. "You're right, Felix. I've been so caught up in how different our lives are that I almost forgot the essence of what we do—connecting with people, no matter where they come from."

Felix smiled, his eyes alight with encouragement. "Exactly. So, what are you going to do about it? You can't let this connection just fade into a 'what if,' Hyunjin."

Hyunjin took a deep breath, a newfound resolve taking shape. "I'm going to see her again. I want to explore this connection, see where it might lead. I can't promise it'll be easy, but I have to try."

As they reached the circus, the air filled with the familiar sounds and smells of their otherworldly home, both performers knew they were stepping back into their roles, but with a slight shift in their perspectives. For Hyunjin, the encounter with Y/N had opened up a realm of possibilities, a chance to bridge the gap between the grandeur of the circus and the simplicity of genuine human connection.

Felix, seeing the determination in Hyunjin's eyes, clapped him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit! Remember, the circus isn't just about the acts we perform; it's about the lives we touch. And maybe, just maybe, it's about the hearts we connect with along the way."

With the circus tents rising before them, both performers felt a renewed sense of purpose. For Hyunjin, it was the promise of pursuing something real, something beyond the sparkle and spectacle. The excitement in the air was palpable as Y/N stepped outside, the setting sun casting long shadows on the ground. Maya, brimming with enthusiasm, awaited her arrival. But before they could revel in their anticipation, Y/N's father's stern voice sliced through the evening calm.

"Y/N, remember to be careful," he called out, his tone as cold and sharp as ever. "And I expect you straight home after the show. No dallying."

Y/N nodded, a tight smile on her face. "I will, Dad. I promise," she responded, her voice carrying a mix of reassurance and the slightest hint of defiance. With a final glance back, she joined Maya, and they set off for the circus, the promise of an unforgettable night ahead.

Upon their arrival, Bang Chan greeted them with his characteristic warmth, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Y/N sans her usual entourage. "Ah, Y/N! Flying solo tonight?" he remarked with a grin, taking their tickets.

"It feels strange but good," Y/N admitted, her smile genuine. "It's a new kind of freedom."

Bang Chan nodded, understandingly. "Enjoy the show, you two. It's going to be a special one."

They found their seats at the front, the anticipation building as the circus came to life around them. The comedy act with Jeongin and Felix was a hit, their clown-like costumes barely concealing the talent and charisma that had the audience in stitches. Felix's occasional glances toward Maya didn't go unnoticed by Y/N, who leaned over to whisper, "Looks like someone's got a fan."

Maya blushed, her eyes flitting between Felix and the stage. "Do you think so? He's really funny... and kind of cute."

Y/N giggled, nodding. "Definitely. There's something there, I can tell."

The laughter and light-hearted banter continued until Jeongin, in his boundless energy, approached Y/N and invited her onto the stage. The spontaneity of the moment, the thrill of being part of the act, was exhilarating.

Lee Know's performance followed, his new song touching hearts and drawing tears with its beauty and emotional depth. Y/N found herself moved by the music, the lyrics resonating with a part of her that yearned for adventure and connection.

But it was Hyunjin's act that captivated her entirely. The ring of fire, his all-black attire, and the way he commanded the flames—it was mesmerizing. His gaze found hers during the performance, a smirk playing on his lips, sending a shiver down her spine. Y/N's heart raced, her cheeks flushed with a warmth that was new and thrilling.

As the act concluded, the audience erupted in applause, the performers backstage joining in the celebration of Hyunjin's triumph. Backstage, the camaraderie was palpable, Felix nudging Hyunjin with a knowing grin, "Did you see Y/N's reaction? She was completely spellbound."

Hyunjin, unable to hide his smile, peered past the curtain, catching Y/N animatedly discussing the performance with Maya. It was a sight that warmed his heart, the connection between them undeniable.

As the audience began to disperse, Y/N and Maya made their way toward the exit, only for Y/N to feel a gentle yet firm hand on her waist. Startled, she turned to find Hyunjin standing close behind her, his presence sending her heart into a flutter.

"Come with me," he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur, inviting her backstage. Y/N, caught off guard by his closeness and the unexpected invitation, could only nod, her cheeks aflame.

Meanwhile, Felix approached Maya with a casual ease, "How about joining us backstage? I think you've earned a closer look at how the magic happens."

As they ventured backstage, the vibrant life behind the circus unfolded before Y/N and Maya, a world unseen by the audience. Hyunjin, with a subtle touch, guided Y/N through the bustling area, his hand resting lightly on her waist, a gesture of guidance rather than possession. They were shown the intricacies of circus life: the large field dotted with tents, each serving a unique purpose—from dining to sleeping quarters. Y/N's eyes widened in awe; this nomadic lifestyle was new to her, every detail fascinating.

"It's like a whole other world back here," Y/N remarked, her voice filled with wonder.

Hyunjin smiled at her reaction. "It's our world, one we're proud to call home. Every tent has a story, every face a journey."

Unnoticed by Y/N, Felix had subtly drawn Maya aside, offering them a moment of privacy. It was only when Hyunjin stopped outside a particularly cozy-looking tent that Y/N realized they were alone. Her heart skipped a beat, not just from the thrill of the new environment but from the proximity to Hyunjin.

Hyunjin leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Do you trust me?" he asked, his eyes— one scarred and the other a deep brown—locking onto hers with an intensity that took her breath away.

Without hesitation, Y/N nodded again. There was something in his gaze that made her feel safe, even here, on the edge of the unknown.

He smiled, a genuine, heartwarming smile, and gently pulled back the tent flap. "Come on, then. Let's escape the cold for a bit."

The tent was surprisingly cozy, filled with warm blankets and soft lights that cast a golden glow on everything. Hyunjin looked different here, the shadows playing off his costume, giving him an almost mystical appearance.

"Y/N," he called softly, bringing her attention back to him. She turned, finding him closer than she expected, his presence overwhelming in the best way.

"Yes?" Her reply came out as more of a whisper, her heart racing as he stepped even closer.

For a moment, they just looked at each other, the world outside fading away. Then, with a tenderness that made her heart swell, Hyunjin cupped her cheeks in his hands. Y/N's eyes fluttered closed, lost in the sensation, then opened again to meet his gaze, her own drifting to his lips, whispering his name in anticipation. The moment their lips met, Y/N felt a surge of emotion, a mix of nervousness and excitement. She responded instinctively, her hands finding their way to his shirt, clutching it for grounding as the kiss deepened. It was a discovery for both of them, exploring a connection they hadn't dared to acknowledge until now. Her soft moan was a testament to the intensity of their feelings, a silent plea for more of this newfound affection. In the intimate cocoon of Hyunjin's tent, the world outside ceased to exist, replaced by a realm of newfound emotions and unspoken promises. The connection between Hyunjin and Y/N deepened with each shared breath, their earlier conversations and laughter giving way to a silence filled with anticipation and desire. Hyunjin's hands, once cradling Y/N's face with tender care, now rested on her waist, drawing her closer, sealing the space between them. Y/N, responding to the unspoken invitation, wrapped her arms around his neck, their lips meeting in a kiss that spoke of longing, discovery, and a fearless dive into the depths of their connection.

'If my father knew about this...' Y/N's thought trailed off, lost in the whirlwind of emotions Hyunjin stirred within her. Yet, the fear of her father's wrath paled in comparison to the magnetic pull she felt towards Hyunjin. In that moment, her need for him eclipsed all else.

Breaking the kiss, Hyunjin gazed into her eyes, a silent conversation passing between them. The intensity in his gaze sent shivers through her, a testament to the gravity of what was unfolding. It was her turn now, her response fueled by an urgency that matched his own, their kisses growing more passionate, more insistent.

Hyunjin's groan vibrated through them, a sound that heightened the electricity in the air. Gently, he laid Y/N down, his body hovering over hers, a protective and yet vulnerable gesture. The world narrowed down to the space they shared, every touch, every breath, amplifying the connection that tethered them together.

As Hyunjin's lips found her neck, Y/N trembled, the sensation igniting sparks along her skin. His hands, both gentle and urgent, pulled her closer, their bodies speaking a language older than words. In that moment, Y/N felt seen, understood, and cherished.

"Are you okay?" Hyunjin's voice, soft and concerned, broke through the haze of her arousal.

"Yes," Y/N breathed, her voice a whisper of trust and desire. "I want this, Hyunjin. I want you."

Their conversation became a symphony of sighs and murmurs, each word, each touch, weaving a deeper connection. Hyunjin moved with a reverence that belied the passion simmering beneath the surface, each movement deliberate, each pause filled with the weight of unspoken promises. The heat between them built, a crescendo of sensation and emotion that threatened to overwhelm yet felt achingly right. Y/N clung to Hyunjin, her grip a testament to the intensity of her feelings, the novelty of the experience etching itself into her memory. As they moved together, lost in the moment, their voices filled the tent, a testament to the depth of their connection. Hyunjin's movements quickened, each kiss, each touch, pushing them closer to the edge of something profound. Y/N's soft cry, a mixture of surprise and delight, melded with Hyunjin's restrained curse, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. The world outside, with its rules and judgments, faded into insignificance, replaced by the undeniable truth of their connection. When the moment came, it was with a sense of completion, a shared breath that spoke of unity and discovery. Hyunjin's movement, a gentle caress, served as a soft epilogue to their symphony of sighs and whispers. Laying beside Y/N, he wrapped an arm around her, a silent vow of protection and care.

"Thank you for trusting me," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"Thank you for showing me your world," Y/N replied, her own voice laced with gratitude.

After sharing a moment of quiet intimacy, Y/N and Hyunjin were gently pulled back to reality by the distant sound of their friends' voices. Felix and Maya's muffled calls seemed to echo through the thick fabric of the tent, a reminder of the world waiting outside their secluded haven.

Hyunjin's hand paused in its tender motion along Y/N's arms, and they shared a look of amused surprise before breaking into soft laughter. "Sounds like we've been missed," Hyunjin whispered, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

"Yeah, I guess it's time to face the music," Y/N replied, her voice a mix of reluctance and anticipation for rejoining their friends.

With a mutual understanding, they began to ready themselves to leave the tent. Hyunjin stood first, offering Y/N a hand to help her up. "Let me help you," he said, as they navigated the small space with an ease born of newfound closeness.

As they stepped out into the cooler night air, they found Felix and Maya waiting with their backs to the tent, engrossed in their own conversation. Hyunjin and Y/N exchanged a glance, a silent agreement to try and act as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, despite the residual glow of their shared moment.

"Hey, you two," Felix called out, turning around with a grin. "We were starting to think you'd run off to join another circus."

Maya laughed, linking her arm with Y/N's. "Did you enjoy the grand tour?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"It was... enlightening," Y/N managed to say, her cheeks warming at the memory of the evening's more personal moments.

Hyunjin cleared his throat, stepping forward. "It was our pleasure to show you around."

Felix nodded in agreement, then pulled out his phone. "Let me get you a taxi. It's getting late, and we wouldn't want to keep you out too long."

The taxi arrived shortly, and after heartfelt goodbyes, Y/N and Maya climbed inside, leaving the circus and its enchantment behind. As the car pulled away, Felix turned to Hyunjin, the smirk on his face impossible to miss.

He clapped Hyunjin on the shoulder, "Seems like you've cast quite the spell tonight," he remarked, a hint of brotherly teasing in his voice.

Hyunjin simply smiled, a look of contentment on his face. "Tonight was special," he admitted, his thoughts lingering on Y/N's smile and the promise of what might lie ahead.

As they parted ways for the night, each carrying their own thoughts and feelings about the evening, the magic of the circus seemed to linger in the air, a reminder of the connections made and the moments shared.

The ride back was filled with whispered conversations and shared laughter, Maya playfully nudging Y/N. "So, a different kind of magic, huh?" she teased, her voice low enough for only Y/N to hear.

Y/N's response was a mix of embarrassment and happiness. "Let's just say the circus has more wonders than I ever imagined," she whispered back, her gaze lost in the memories of the night.

.

Hyunjin awoke with the lingering warmth of the previous night's memories, a gentle smile curving his lips. As he rose from his bed, a newfound sense of self-assurance enveloped him. Standing before the mirror, he regarded his reflection with fresh eyes. The scar across his left eye, once a source of insecurity, now seemed to him a mark of his unique story, one that Y/N had seen beauty in.

"She saw beyond it," Hyunjin mused aloud, the realization that Y/N accepted him wholly bringing a light to his eyes that hadn't been there before.

Dressing quickly, he stepped out, ready to face the day, only to encounter Seungmin, Minho, and Bang Chan waiting outside. Bang Chan's eyebrow arched inquisitively, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "So, Hyunjin, how was your evening with our favorite audience member?" he teased, the amusement clear in his voice.

Hyunjin's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, the unexpected question catching him off guard. Seungmin and Minho couldn't contain their laughter at Hyunjin's embarrassment, further adding to the playful atmosphere.

Seungmin, trying to catch his breath between laughs, managed to say, "Felix might have mentioned something about a backstage tour last night. Spill the details, Hyunjin!"

Hyunjin, now thoroughly embarrassed but also filled with the happiness of shared moments, tried to deflect. "It was nothing out of the ordinary, just showing them around, you know?"

Minho, still chuckling, nudged Hyunjin playfully. "Come on, you can tell us more. We're your brothers, aren't we? Was it magical?"

Bang Chan, always the leader, stepped in with a smile. "Alright, let's give Hyunjin a break. But, it's good to see you happy, Hyunjin. This place... it's not just about the performances we put on. It's about the connections we make, the lives we touch."

Hyunjin, feeling the support and camaraderie of his friends, nodded, a genuine smile returning to his face. "Thanks, guys. Last night was special, not just because of the tour. It was... it felt right, being with Y/N, showing her our world."

The group shared a moment of understanding, recognizing the significance of Hyunjin's words. Seungmin clapped Hyunjin on the shoulder, "Well, we're happy for you. Who knows, maybe there's more magic to come."

As they continued with their morning routines, the conversation shifted to the day's performances, but Hyunjin's thoughts remained with Y/N. As Y/N floated through the house, her steps light and her heart full, the melody of her humming filled the air, a sweet testament to her blissful state. The memory of the previous night with Hyunjin played on repeat in her mind, bringing a radiant smile to her face that she couldn't contain.

The household staff—cleaners, chefs, and guards—all paused in their duties to watch her, a rare sight of such unbridled joy. They exchanged knowing looks, attributing her happiness to the newfound freedom she'd been granted, unaware of the true source of her elation.

Even the family butler, usually so reserved and stoic, couldn't help but crack a smile at the sight of Y/N's happiness. It was as if her joy was infectious, spreading warmth throughout the grand, often too-silent, house.

Her mother, entering the living room, found herself momentarily taken aback by the scene. Watching her daughter twirl and dance around the room, she felt a surge of affection and a deep gratitude for seeing Y/N so genuinely happy. With a tender smile, she called out to her daughter, her voice soft yet clear. "Y/N, my dear, what has gotten into you today?"

Y/N came to a graceful stop, her smile unwavering as she faced her mother. "Oh, Mom," she sighed, her eyes sparkling with the remnants of last night's magic. "It's just been a wonderful couple of days."

Her mother walked closer, intrigued and delighted by her daughter's demeanor. "This wouldn't have anything to do with your visit to the circus, would it?" she teased gently, a twinkle in her own eye.

Y/N blushed, the mention of the circus bringing back a flood of vivid memories. "Maybe," she admitted, her voice a whisper of excitement. "There's just something about that place... and the people there. It's like they've shown me a whole new world."

Her mother took her hands, leading her to sit on one of the plush sofas in the room. "Tell me everything, Y/N. Who is 'they'? And what has made you see the world so differently?" Her curiosity was piqued, not just by her daughter's joy, but by the hint of something deeper, a connection perhaps yet unspoken.

Y/N, taking a deep breath, began to recount her experiences at the circus, from the breathtaking performances to the magical behind-the-scenes tour. She spoke of Hyunjin with a warmth and fondness that couldn't be masked, detailing their shared moments with a shy enthusiasm.

As Y/N spoke, her mother listened intently, absorbing every detail. It was clear that this wasn't just a fleeting moment of happiness; something significant had touched her daughter's heart. "Hyunjin sounds like a remarkable young man," her mother observed, her words thoughtful, encouraging Y/N to open up further.

Y/N's voice trembled with excitement as she recounted her experiences, her mother's attentive gaze encouraging her to open up more than she ever had before.

"Mom, Hyunjin... he's just incredible. The way he performs, it's like he's telling a story, inviting us into his world," Y/N shared, her hands animatedly moving in the air.

Her mother, intrigued, leaned in. "It sounds like he's quite the performer. And it seems like he's made a special impression on you?"

Blushing, Y/N nodded. "Yes, but it's more than that. He's kind, genuine, and... he sees the world in such a unique way. It's refreshing."

Seeing her daughter so vibrant, her mother couldn't help but smile. "I'm happy for you, Y/N. It's beautiful to see you so passionate about something...someone."

The mention of someone brought a hint of concern to Y/N's voice. "But, Mom, what about Dad? You know how he feels about the circus, and if he finds out about Hyunjin..."

Her mother sighed, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. "We'll deal with your father together. The most important thing is your happiness, Y/N. We can't live our lives based on fear."

"But how can we convince him? He's never going to understand," Y/N's worry was palpable, her newfound joy shadowed by the prospect of her father's disapproval.

Her mother reached out, taking Y/N's hands in hers. "Let me worry about your father. Maybe it's time he saw the circus through your eyes. Perhaps if he understands what it means to you, he might see things differently."

Y/N looked up, hope mingling with surprise. "You think that could work? That he might actually listen?"

"It's worth a try. And I'll be right there with you. We'll show him that the circus, that Hyunjin, has brought you something special — joy, inspiration. Things every parent wants for their child," her mother said firmly, her resolve clear.

Y/N felt a weight lift off her shoulders, her mother's support giving her strength. "Thank you, Mom. For believing in me, for standing by me."

They shared a warm embrace, the morning light wrapping around them like a cocoon of hope and love. "Together, we'll face whatever comes. Your dreams are worth fighting for," her mother whispered.

As the anticipation built, Hyunjin found himself scanning the crowd for a familiar face, his heart skipping a beat at the thought of seeing Y/N again. After the closeness they'd shared, every moment away from her felt like an eternity. He adjusted his magician's attire, trying to calm the flutter in his stomach.

Chanbin noticed Hyunjin's unease and clapped him on the back, a smirk on his face. "Nervous, are we? She'll be here, don't worry," he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Meanwhile, Y/N and her family were making their way to the circus, a mix of excitement and apprehension in the air. Y/N's mother, beaming with support, squeezed her hand reassuringly, while her father's presence loomed quietly, his skepticism a silent shadow.

As they approached the entrance, Y/N's grip on the tickets tightened, her excitement tempered by the weight of what this night meant. Bang Chan's eyes sparkled with recognition as he saw Y/N, but his usual warm greeting was tempered by the sight of her parents.

"Welcome," he said, his voice carrying a professional edge, as he collected their tickets.

Finding their seats at the front, Y/N took a deep breath, her mother's excitement infectious, her father's indifference a challenge she hoped to overcome by the night's end. The lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of the show, and Bang Chan's voice filled the tent, welcoming the audience to a world of wonder.

The opening act was a vibrant display of song and dance, the main eight performers taking the stage with an energy that was both infectious and inspiring. As they sang "Welcome to my home," their unique scars were displayed not as flaws but as badges of honor, a testament to their resilience and spirit. Seungmin's burn, I.N's playful yet intense demeanor, Felix's captivating eyes, Jisung's mysterious eyepatch, Lee Know's graceful movements despite his prosthetic leg, Bang Chan's strength despite his prosthetic arm, Chanbin's chest scar, and Hyunjin's scarred and blind left eye — each performer shone, their differences making the performance all the more beautiful.

From the stage, Hyunjin's gaze found Y/N, a subtle acknowledgment passing between them. He noted the older couple with her, their presence making him cautious in his expressions of recognition. While Y/N and her mother were caught up in the magic of the performance, her father remained impassive, his expression unreadable.

During a brief interlude, Y/N leaned over to her mother, whispering excitedly, "This is it, Mom. This is the magic I was telling you about."

Her mother, equally captivated, whispered back, "It's incredible, Y/N. I see it now, the joy, the passion. It's all so...real."

Her father, overhearing the exchange, remained silent, his gaze fixed on the stage, the performers' energy challenging his preconceptions. As the show continued, each act unfolding with more spectacle and wonder, Y/N felt a mix of emotions. Pride for the performers she'd come to admire, hope for her mother's newfound appreciation, and a lingering concern for her father's reaction.

The show unfolded with an array of stunning performances, each unique and captivating. Y/N leaned toward her mother, whispering with excitement, "Mom, look, this one's new. I haven't seen it before!"

Her mother smiled, equally engrossed. "It's wonderful, Y/N. Every act is a surprise."

On stage, Jeongin, in his comedic clown act with Felix, tried once again to summon a bouquet of flowers. Instead, a bundle of twigs with a few petals appeared in his hands. He approached a lady in the front row, presenting the twigs with a theatrical bow and a wide, infectious smile. The audience chuckled as Felix quipped a witty remark and playfully bonked Jeongin on the head with a juggling club, their chemistry undeniable. Lee Know then took the stage, his voice carrying a beautiful melody, accompanied by dancers and acrobats. The performance was mesmerizing, drawing applause and admiration from the crowd. Chanbin's lion taming act followed, as impressive as ever, demonstrating an incredible bond and command over the majestic animal. Seungmin and Jisung showcased their acrobatic skills, performing a unique dance that combined ground movements and aerial feats, leaving the audience spellbound. Then it was time for Hyunjin's magic act. Darker and more intense than usual, it captivated everyone, drawing them into a world of mystery and intrigue. After performing a classic flower summoning trick that always pleased the crowd, Hyunjin prepared for something more interactive. He sought a volunteer, and as numerous hands shot up, whispers of his attractiveness and talent filled the air. Y/N, heart racing, timidly raised her hand. Hyunjin's eyes scanned the eager audience before playfully gesturing to the raised hands and finally settling on Y/N. A hush fell over the crowd as he approached her, offering a bow and an outstretched hand. Y/N, with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, took his hand and stood.

Her father's and mother's breaths hitched, the tension palpable. Hyunjin, sensing their concern, turned to assure them with a confident smile, "She's in good hands, I promise."

Leading Y/N into the center of the circle, Hyunjin prepared for the trick, the audience watching in anticipation. Y/N's mother leaned over to her husband, whispering, "See? It's all in good fun. She's safe with him."

Her father, still rigid, nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on Y/N and Hyunjin. The magic trick unfolded, with Hyunjin guiding Y/N through each step, their interaction seamless and filled with light-hearted banter that put everyone at ease, even her father.

As the act concluded to resounding applause, Y/N returned to her seat, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "That was incredible, Y/N!" her mother exclaimed, hugging her. As the final act of the circus came to a close, the vibrant energy of the evening began to wane, replaced by a quiet sense of anticipation. Y/N glanced between her mother, whose eyes sparkled with a revived passion for the performing arts, and her father, whose expression remained a stoic mask, giving nothing away.

Walking back to the car, Y/N tried to gauge her father's thoughts. "Did you enjoy the show, Dad?" she ventured, hoping for some sign of approval.

Her father remained silent until they were safely ensconced in their car, driving away from the circus. It was her mother who broke the silence first, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "Oh, Y/N, that was simply wonderful! It reminded me of my days in the theater. The passion, the creativity... it's all so inspiring!"

Y/N smiled, warmed by her mother's words, but the cold silence from her father chilled the air. As they arrived home, the tension was palpable. Y/N lingered, waiting for her father to speak.

Finally, he broke the silence, his voice stern and final. "I did not approve of what I saw tonight. That place...it's not right for you, Y/N."

Her heart sank. "But Dad, the circus is amazing! It's full of art and beauty and..."

He cut her off sharply. "It has corrupted your judgment. It's childish and a bad influence. Those performers...they're not the sort of people we associate with. They're...different."

Y/N's mother interjected, trying to mediate. "Dear, maybe we should talk about this calmly. Y/N has found something she truly loves..."

Her father was unyielding. "No. I've made up my mind. Starting tomorrow, the guards will be back by your side, Y/N. You are no longer allowed to visit the circus or see that magician. This nonsense ends now."

Y/N felt as if the ground had been pulled from under her. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Dad, please...you don't understand. Hyunjin, the circus, they've shown me so much. It's not what you think."

“Enough!" His voice boomed, echoing through the hall, causing the household staff to glance their way, worry etched on their faces.

Her mother reached out, a soothing hand on Y/N's shoulder, but the damage was done. "Go to your room, Y/N," her father ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Heartbroken, Y/N fled, the echo of her father's decree haunting her. As she reached her sanctuary, tears streamed down her face, the magic of the evening tarnished by her father's words. In her room, Y/N felt a world away from the joy and acceptance she'd experienced at the circus. The thought of never seeing Hyunjin again, of never being part of that magical world, filled her with despair.

Her mother soon knocked gently on her door. "Y/N? Can I come in?"

Y/N wiped her tears. "Yes, Mom."

Her mother entered, sitting beside her on the bed. "I'm so sorry, Y/N. I'll talk to him, I promise. We'll find a way through this."

Y/N's world had grown smaller, each day bleeding into the next under the watchful eyes of her guards. Her heart, once alight with dreams of the circus and whispers of love, now felt heavy with unshed tears and words left unsaid.

"I just... I love him, Mom," Y/N sobbed into her mother's embrace, the confession spilling from her in a desperate whisper. Her mother, her heart breaking for her daughter, held her tight, offering silent strength and understanding.

Maya, ever the loyal friend, tried to pierce the veil of Y/N's isolation with her presence. But the sight of the guards, a constant reminder of Y/N's shackles, dimmed her usual vibrant spirit. "We'll find a way through this," she murmured, wrapping an arm around Y/N, though the path forward seemed obscured by shadows.

Hyunjin, on the other side of the city, felt a void where Y/N's presence used to be. "Has anyone seen her? It's been weeks," he asked, his voice echoing the confusion and hurt that had taken residence in his heart. The performers, too, felt the absence of their bright, regular audience member. "Y/N always said her father was protective, but this...," Felix trailed off, the situation leaving a bitter taste.

As Y/N retreated further into her isolation, Maya's attempts to bridge the gap were met with a door closed by fear and a father's decree. Y/N's world narrowed to the confines of her room, her spirit dimming with each passing day. Then, a day came when laughter, so rare in their home, drew Y/N from her solitude. Curiosity leading her, she found her father in the company of strangers — the Choi family. The introduction to Soobin, a young man who seemed as out of place as she felt, was punctuated by an awkward politeness.

It was the mention of marriage by Mrs. Choi that sliced through the polite façade, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. "Marriage?" Y/N echoed, her voice a mix of disbelief and rising panic. Soobin's sigh, laden with resignation, mirrored her own turmoil.

Her father, oblivious to her shock, beamed with pride. "Yes, marriage. It's high time you settled down, Y/N. The Choi family is respectable, and Soobin here is a fine young man."

Y/N's mother, caught off guard, shot her husband a look of surprise and concern. "But this is so sudden. Y/N, we haven't discussed..."

"We've made the decision for her best interest," her father interrupted, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Maya, who had managed to slip in unnoticed, exchanged a worried glance with Y/N. "Y/N, you can't let them do this to you," she whispered urgently.

Y/N, her mind racing, felt trapped. The thought of a life dictated by her father's will, devoid of the love and freedom she yearned for, tightened around her heart like a vice.

As the room swirled around her, Y/N's thoughts flew to Hyunjin, to the magic and love she'd found in his presence. In that moment, amidst the talk of arranged marriages and futures not her own, Y/N realized the true cost of her silence.

"I won't do this," Y/N found her voice, her resolve hardening. "I won't marry someone I don't love. My heart... it belongs to someone else."

The room's atmosphere was thick with tension as Y/N stood defiantly, her declaration not just a plea for her love but a staunch defense of her freedom. Her father, face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment, rebuked her sharply. "Y/N, silence!" he demanded, the room falling deathly quiet at his command. "In front of our guests, you speak of such nonsense? You will marry into the Choi family, and that's final. Forget this magician and his circus. It's for your own good."

Soobin, up until now a silent observer of the unfolding family drama, showed a spark of interest at the mention of the circus. "The circus?" he inquired, an intrigued look crossing his features.

His parents, momentarily distracted from the confrontation, lit up at the mention. "Oh, we've always adored the circus," Soobin's mother said, her tone suddenly lively. "Such a fascinating world of talent and dreams."

"And Felix," Soobin's father added with a smile, "he's a remarkable performer there. Met Soobin after a show, and they've been friends since."

At the mention of Felix, Maya's face flushed a deep shade of red, her eyes darting between Soobin and Y/N. "You know Felix?" she blurted out, her voice tinged with a mixture of surprise and something akin to excitement.

Soobin nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yes, our friendship formed in the most unexpected of places. His passion for the circus, his art... it's truly inspiring. It's a world where creativity and passion flourish."

Seizing the momentary shift in the conversation, Y/N turned to her parents, her voice imbued with a mixture of hope and desperation. "See? The circus isn't just frivolity. It's about dedication, artistry... it's where I feel most alive. Hyunjin, Felix, and everyone there, they're not just performers; they're family."

Her mother, visibly moved by Y/N's passionate defense, sought to mediate. "Perhaps we've been too quick to judge," she said softly, her gaze pleading with her husband.

Y/N's father, however, remained unmoved, his face a mask of disapproval. "Y/N, your involvement with the circus and this magician... it's not the future we envisioned for you."

Soobin, sensing an opportunity to ease the tension, offered a thoughtful suggestion. "Understanding and seeing are two different things. Maybe there's merit in experiencing the world Y/N speaks of so fondly."

The room grew silent, the idea hanging in the balance. Y/N's father, after a tense pause, shook his head. "Our decision stands. Y/N, your future lies with the Choi family. This discussion is over."

Y/N, her heart sinking, looked between her parents, the finality in her father's voice dashing any hope of reconciliation. "But I love him," she whispered, a last desperate plea.

Her father's response was cold, uncompromising. "Your feelings for this... magician are irrelevant. You'll see, in time, this is for the best."

Maya, standing beside Y/N, squeezed her friend's hand in silent support. The mention of Felix had briefly illuminated a path to understanding, but Y/N's father's decision cast a long shadow over their hopes.

In the quiet aftermath of the day, the [Last Name] residence stood imposingly under the waning sun. Maya, with a determined stride, was the first to exit, her mind racing with plans and worries. Inside, Y/N retreated to the solace of her room, a sanctuary from the storm brewing in her life.

Mrs. [Last Name], after ensuring the Choi family was well on their way, turned to Soobin with a plea that carried the weight of a mother's love and desperation. "Soobin," she began, her voice steady yet imbued with urgency, "I need your help. My daughter... she's being forced into a life she doesn't want. She loves someone else—Hyunjin. We need to get her out, to give her the freedom to be with the one she truly loves. Can I count on you?"

Soobin, a mixture of surprise and empathy shadowing his features, nodded solemnly. "Mrs. [Last Name], I had no idea. Of course, you can count on me. It's clear Y/N and Hyunjin mean a lot to each other. I'll do whatever I can to help."

Unbeknownst to them, Maya, who had lingered near the entrance, overheard the conversation. Stepping forward, her resolve shone brightly. "I'm here too. Y/N is my best friend, and I'll do anything to help her be happy."

Mr. and Mrs. Choi, having paused at the doorstep, turned at Maya's declaration. Their expressions softened, regret coloring their features. "We came under the impression that Y/N was aware and agreeable to this arrangement," Mr. Choi admitted, his voice laced with disappointment. "To hear this...it's not something we can support. Love should be the foundation of marriage, not obligation."

Mrs. Choi added, "Our son deserves happiness, but not at the cost of another's freedom. We stand with Y/N in her choice."

With a newfound alliance formed under the most unexpected circumstances, Maya and Soobin wasted no time. They made their way to the circus, hoping against hope to find Hyunjin and rally the support they desperately needed. The circus, usually bustling with life and laughter, stood silent, its gates locked on the performers' day off. Yet, fortune favored them as Bang Chan and Felix, deep in conversation, were spotted near the entrance.

Felix's eyes lit up at the sight of Soobin, and even more so at Maya's presence. A hint of color crept into his cheeks, his usual composure slipping slightly. "Soobin, Maya," he greeted, curiosity piqued. "What brings you here, especially today?"

"It's about Y/N," Maya stated, the urgency in her voice cutting through the evening air.

At the mention of Y/N's name, a silent understanding passed between Bang Chan and Felix. Without hesitation, they ushered Maya and Soobin inside, into the heart of the silent circus. As they entered, the main eight performers, momentarily pausing their private endeavours, gathered around. The arrival of outsiders, especially under such unusual circumstances, piqued their interest.

Soobin, with a gravity that belied his years, shared Y/N's plight. "Her father's intentions have worsened. He's forcing her into a marriage she doesn't want. We've tried reasoning with him, but it's futile. Even Mrs. [Last Name]'s attempts have been rebuffed. Our last resort is to help Y/N escape, to be with Hyunjin."

The performers exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Bang Chan, ever the leader, stepped forward. "This is more than a call for help; it's a call to arms for us. Y/N is one of our own, through her love for Hyunjin and the circus. We will stand by her, do whatever it takes."

Felix, looking from Maya to Soobin, then back to the gathered performers, said, "We need a plan, something foolproof. Her father cannot know until it's too late for him to intervene."

Jeongin, always the creative thinker, suggested, "What if we create a diversion? Not the circus, but something else that demands his attention away from Y/N?"

Seungmin, the strategist, added, "We could fabricate an event, something prestigious enough that he wouldn't dare miss. That would give us the window we need."

Hyunjin, who had been quiet, his thoughts on Y/N, finally spoke up. "Thank you, all of you. But we need to ensure Y/N's safety above all. Where can she go where her father won't find her?"

Chanbin, known for his resourcefulness, had an answer. "I know a place, a safe house. It's secluded and secure. Perfect for Y/N until things settle down."

In the quiet of the early morning, the [Last Name] household was a hive of silent activity. Y/N's mother, complicit in the plan to help her daughter escape, moved through the house with a calm urgency. She quietly packed Y/N's belongings, whispering words of encouragement.

"We must be quick, darling. Everything will be alright," she assured Y/N, who nodded, her heart racing with a mix of fear and anticipation.

Outside, Maya and Soobin waited anxiously, keeping a lookout for any signs of trouble. Inside, the circus performers, Jeongin, Jisung, and Lee Know, had disguised themselves as new staff members, blending seamlessly with the household's daily operations. Their presence, unknown to Y/N's father, was crucial for the plan's success. Y/N's father, absorbed in his work, remained oblivious to the unfolding escape. Y/N's mother took this opportunity to engage him, drawing his attention away from the rest of the house.

"Darling, could you review these documents for me? I need your expertise," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

As Y/N made her way through the house, her heart skipped a beat when she spotted Hyunjin. The weeks of separation had been a dull ache in her heart, and now, seeing him, the floodgates opened. She ran to him, her emotions overwhelming her.

"Hyunjin!" she cried out, throwing her arms around him.

Hyunjin held her tightly, a mix of joy and urgency in his voice. "I've missed you so much, Y/N. But we need to move quickly," he said, glancing around for any signs of discovery.

Their reunion was cut short by the realization that Y/N's father had discovered the deception. His voice, thunderous and filled with anger, echoed through the house. "Y/N! What is the meaning of this? Return here at once!"

Y/N clung to Hyunjin, her resolve hardening. "No, Father. I'm leaving. With Hyunjin," she declared, her voice steady despite the shaking of her hands.

Her mother, hearing the commotion, rushed to intervene, placing herself between her husband and the escaping group. "Please, understand. Y/N deserves to choose her own path, her own happiness," she pleaded, her eyes filled with tears.

Y/N's father, faced with his wife's opposition, grew even more incensed. "This is madness! You're both blinded by this... this fantasy! She belongs here, with her family, not with some street performers!"

Y/N, taking a deep breath, stepped forward, her mother's presence giving her strength. "No, Father. For once, listen. I love Hyunjin, and the circus is where I found my true self. I won't live a life chosen by anyone else. This is my choice, my future."

The confrontation reached its peak, with Y/N's father unable to breach the united front of his wife and daughter. His voice, though loud and commanding, was powerless against Y/N's determined stance.

Outside, Maya and Soobin heard the commotion and prepared to intervene, but it was clear that Y/N had taken control of her destiny. With one last look at her father, Y/N turned, her hand in Hyunjin's, and together with the others, they made their escape. The household staff, who had silently supported Y/N's choice, watched as the group disappeared into the early morning light. Their silent prayers followed the young woman who dared to choose love over duty.

As the car drove away, Y/N looked back at the only home she had ever known, now a symbol of her past. Ahead lay the uncertain road to freedom and the promise of a future with Hyunjin by her side.

Her mother's last words echoed in her heart, "Be brave, my love. Be happy."

The journey to the safe house was tense, with every passing moment filled with the fear of pursuit. But as the miles widened between Y/N and her former life, a sense of relief began to settle in. Hyunjin, his arm around her shoulders, offered silent support, his presence a constant reassurance. Upon their arrival at the secluded safe house, Y/N felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The danger was not over, but for the first time in a long while, she dared to hope for a future where her choices defined her life.

Inside, the group gathered, a makeshift family brought together by a shared goal. "We did it," Hyunjin whispered, his eyes meeting Y/N's. "Together."

Y/N, her gaze steady, nodded. "Together," she echoed, her voice a testament to the journey ahead. "No matter what comes next, we face it together."

The dust of turmoil settled into a quiet calm as Y/N began a new chapter of her life under the protective wing of Maya and the Choi family. Their home became her sanctuary, a place where laughter and warmth replaced the shadows of her past. The Choi family, wielding their considerable influence and resources, erected an impenetrable barrier against Y/N's father, ensuring that neither he nor his old-world dictates could reach her again. Hyunjin, though physically apart, remained a steadfast presence in Y/N's life. His tent in The Circus, now not just a home but a symbol of resilience, beckoned her with the promise of visits filled with joy and the magic of the circus life they both cherished. In the background, a battle of a different kind was being fought — one that would liberate not just Y/N but her mother as well. The Choi family, acting as silent guardians, facilitated the severance of ties that had long bound Y/N's mother to a life of silent acquiescence. The divorce proceedings, though steeped in legality, were underscored by a fight for dignity and self-determination. The day the divorce was finalized felt like a collective exhale. Y/N, her mother, Maya, Soobin, and his parents gathered in the Choi's expansive living room, a space that had become a courtroom of sorts. Y/N's father, a man who had wielded control like a weapon, now appeared diminished, the reality of his situation settling in as he looked over the divorce papers.

"Is this what you want?" he asked Y/N's mother, his voice devoid of its usual command.

"Yes," she replied, her voice steady, her hands unshaking as she met his gaze. "It's time we both found freedom from this prison we've called a marriage."

Y/N watched as her mother spoke her truth, a swell of pride and admiration blooming within her. The room was thick with tension as Y/N's father looked from the papers to Soobin's parents, searching for an ally but finding none.

Soobin's father, a man of few words but immense presence, finally spoke. "It's done. Sign the papers. It's time everyone moved forward."

With a resigned sigh, Y/N's father signed the documents, each stroke of his pen severing the chains that had bound Y/N and her mother to a life of suffocation and despair.

As the pen was set down, a palpable sense of relief washed over the room. Y/N's mother, tears glistening in her eyes, reached for Y/N, embracing her tightly. "We're free, my love. Truly free," she whispered, her voice a mix of joy and liberation.

Y/N, her own eyes moist with tears, nodded. "Together, Mom. We have a whole new life ahead of us."

The group gathered closer, a circle of support and shared triumph. Maya, always the voice of optimism, chimed in, "This is just the beginning. There's so much more to come, so many more adventures to have."

Hyunjin, joining them later that day, brought with him the air of the circus — a reminder of the life that awaited them. "We're going to make so many more memories," he promised, taking Y/N's hand in his.

Y/N's mother, looking around at the faces of those who had become her family by choice, felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you," she said, addressing everyone. "For fighting not just for Y/N, but for me too. For giving us both the chance to live our lives on our own terms."

The Choi family, Maya, Soobin, and especially Hyunjin, had become her champions, her protectors, and her friends. In their company, Y/N and her mother found not just safety but a sense of belonging.

As the evening wore on, filled with plans for the future and stories of the past, Y/N realized that this was more than just an ending. It was a beginning — a chance to redefine herself away from the shadows of expectation and into the light of self-discovery. The golden hues of dusk melted into the twilight, Y/N, Maya, Y/N's mother, and the Choi family approached the grand tent of The Circus, a beacon of joy and wonder that had become a second home to them over the years. The anticipation in the air was palpable, each step carrying them closer to an evening filled with magic and spectacle. Bang Chan, ever the charismatic leader, stood by the entrance, his presence as inviting as the warm glow emanating from within the tent. His eyes lit up at the sight of the approaching group, his arms spread wide in a gesture of welcome.

"Ah, the stars of the evening have arrived!" he exclaimed, his voice booming with genuine warmth. "I hope you're all ready for a show unlike any other!"

As they neared, Bang Chan's gaze softened upon Y/N, noticing the grace with which she navigated her surroundings, a radiant smile playing on her lips. The sight of her, more luminous than ever with her burgeoning baby bump, filled him with a sense of pride.

"Look at you, Y/N! Glowing and absolutely flying through life!" he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Let's get you seated comfortably, shall we?"

Inside, the tent was alive with an electric buzz, the air thick with the scent of popcorn and the melodious strains of music that promised an unforgettable night. The group made their way to the front row, the seats reserved for them offering an unobstructed view of the spectacle about to unfold. The show was a masterpiece of light, sound, and skill, each act surpassing the last in thrill and wonder. Acrobats soared through the air with the grace of birds in flight, jugglers wove patterns of light with their flaming torches, and clowns brought laughter and lightness, reminding every one of the joy in simplicity. As the final act drew to a close and the audience began to disperse, carrying with them the magic of the evening, the main performers of The Circus emerged from behind the curtains, their faces alight with the joy of having shared their world.

Hyunjin was the first to reach Y/N, his eyes shining with an emotion so profound it seemed to light up the space around them. He knelt before her, his hands gently caressing her baby bump, a silent conversation of love and anticipation passing between them.

Leaning forward, he planted a tender kiss on her forehead, whispering, "You're amazing, you know that? I can't wait to meet our little miracle."

Y/N, her eyes misting over with emotion, smiled, her hand coming to rest atop his. "Every day with you is a miracle, Hyunjin. I can't believe how far we've come."

"Did we manage to surprise you this time?" he asked with a cheeky grin.

"You always do," Y/N replied, her laughter mingling with his. "Though I'm starting to think the baby's going to be a circus performer the way it's kicking right now."

Felix, not to be outdone in the enthusiasm department, swept Maya into a celebratory embrace, his energy boundless. "Did you see that triple flip? I did that just for you," he boasted, setting her down with a flourish.

Maya rolled her eyes, her smile betraying her amusement. "Show-off. I'm more impressed you didn't land on your face this time."

The banter continued, light and full of warmth, as they recounted the night's highlights and shared laughs over the mishaps that only they could see. It was a gathering of individuals who had become family, not by blood but by bonds forged in the fires of adversity and triumph. The tent, now empty save for their group, felt like a world apart, a secret place where the trials of the past dissolved into the hope of the future. As they gathered in a circle, sharing stories and laughter, the sense of family and belonging was overwhelming.

Y/N's mother, looking around at the faces of those who had become her chosen family, felt a surge of gratitude. "I never imagined life could be this beautiful," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "To see my daughter so happy, so in love, about to start her own family... it's more than I ever dared hope for."

Bang Chan, observing the scene, felt a deep sense of fulfillment. "This is what it's all about," he mused aloud. "Creating a space where everyone can find happiness, where love and magic thrive. Y/N, your journey, your courage... it's inspired us all."

As the evening drew to a close, the group made their way out of the tent, the stars overhead shining brightly, as if in celebration of the love and life that flourished beneath them. The Circus, with its wonders and joys, stood as a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the magic that exists when hearts are open and dreams are pursued with courage.

Walking hand in hand, Y/N and Hyunjin paused, looking back at the tent that symbolized so much more than just entertainment. It was a reminder of their journey, of battles fought and won, and of the beauty that awaits when darkness is overcome with light.

"Here's to new beginnings," Hyunjin said, his voice filled with hope.

"And to a future filled with love, laughter, and magic," Y/N added, her heart full.

And with that, they stepped out into the night, the stars overhead shining down on them like spotlights, illuminating the path forward. The circus behind them was more than a place of entertainment; it was a reminder of resilience, of laughter in the face of darkness, and of the unwavering belief that, no matter what, the show must go on. Together, they walked into the future, a future where fear had no hold, where love bound them tighter than any performance could, and where happiness was not just an act in a circus but the reality they lived every day.

.

[doobea]

DAYTIME SHOOTING STAR - REO MIKAGE

synopsis: Being a college student sucks. Having a crush on your best friend also sucks. Your best friend having a crush on your other best friend is . . . kinda the worst. In which, Reo is hopelessly in love with you but you’re hard crushing on Nagi.

-> MASTERLIST. -> PLAYLIST.

contents: reo centric, second lead syndrome feat. fem!reader & reo, heavy narration in beginning as per usual whoops, also in an au where bluelock never happened LOL, starts from past -> present day, unnamed love interest for nagi, a small aquarium date (?), mentions of high school sports festival, i watched like two eps of haikyuu idk anything abt volleyball, first part written due to nagi's lil trivia facts hehe word count: 3.5K a/n: are u guys familiar with the mythology behind the summer triangle? based off of an old Chinese legend hehe... its also been translated over to a few other asian lores too under diff names ...

DENEB -> prev. -> next.

“Nice receive!”

A low whistle flew out of Reo's mouth as he watched the volleyball soar into the air, high enough that it almost touched their gym's ceiling. Sounds of sneakers and shot calls echoed throughout the court as the timer entered its final minute. The game was heading into their match point, players and audience members alike were holding their breaths as the volleyball descended over to the red team—Nagi’s team.

A spike, followed by a block, and another failed spike. For an intermediate volleyball match, most of these players were exceptionally talented. But it doesn’t surprise Reo that much, after all, half of the students probably paid for expensive sporting lessons either in their free time or were forced by their parents.

Reo flinched when your arm smacked his shoulder, most likely out of stress and anticipation. “Reo!” You gasped again, nearly jumping out of the bleachers when another spike was blocked.

Reo knew what the outcome would be, despite everyone’s evident tensed body language. He didn’t even have to pay close attention to know that the red team would win in the end.

He tipped his head to the side and caught you staring at something with focus. He followed your gaze and—oh. There was a lot happening on the volleyball court but it’s no mistake that you’re attention was honed in on Nagi. 

The way the other male effortlessly blocked and spiked back against the opposing team nearly made everyone in the bleachers silent. Soon, the whistles went out and the players switched sides for the next set.

Just three days before the sports festival, Nagi was complaining to everyone in homeroom about having to participate in their annual volleyball tournament. He was chosen due to his ridiculous height and tried to think of excuses to get out of it. Apparently, saying he was planning to be sick wasn’t a good enough excuse for the coaches. 

And now, somehow with no training and interest in the sport, Nagi had captivated nearly everyone in the gym. You were definitely staring—no, gawking—you were definitely gawking at his best friend and Reo felt the heat spreading across his face. He doesn’t know why that bothered him so much. 

You held your breath as Nagi lazily waved toward your area and shyly waved back. “Has he always been like this?”

“Been like what?”

“Good at like… everything?”

Reo found himself scoffing without realizing it. “Sure, if you count sleeping in class and not eating vegetables to be a good thing.” And then he paused, wondering why he was even badmouthing one of his only friends. 

Reo flushed. He wondered if maybe he should ask about Nagi, about what’s going on between the two of you. He was torn though—was it his business? Maybe that was a question better saved for Nagi. He found himself in a place where he was trying to make an effort, finally, to learn what was going on with his friends’ lives, but he didn’t know what he could and couldn’t say, or ask. It’s a very weird place to be in.

Then something red and flashy on your lap caught his eye. It was a bracelet, a makeshift one. He reached over and took it from you, not that you minded, the three of you had been close friends for a while now ever since the party incident. 

Skinship wasn’t a foreign concept to Reo and Nagi, having to often greet each other with arms slinging across each other’s shoulders, occasional piggyback rides, and comfortable enough to share some of their own clothes. In the beginning, you were reserved and quieter, not because you were shy—Reo was taken aback when he first heard you rant for about an hour straight about one classmate—but because of the harassment you’ve faced. Reo doesn’t like using his status to get his way with things, but hanging around him did help lessen the treatment. It had reached a point where the other students stopped gossiping about you and they were actually talking to you. Talking in a way to get closer to Reo, which might not be the ideal ending but it was definitely better.

Reo held the bracelet in his hand, inspecting the little charms that clung to it. There were cats, kanji characters for ‘good luck’ and ‘victory’, and a singular volleyball. Had you forgotten to give it to Nagi?

“He said it would’ve gotten in the way,” You explained with a dip in your tone.

For some reason, that made him ticked off. It was such a Nagi thing to say but you went out of your way to make this for him. Reo was quick to claim the bracelet as his own, adjusting the band on his wrist. 

“Well, clearly he didn’t need it to win anyway.” Reo joked, smiling when he saw your lips tugging up again. “I still have to complete my relay runs after this, so—” He dangled the bracelet in front of you, charms swinging side to side, and grinned. “—cheer on for me, yeah?”

You cocked your head, shoulder nudging against his, and Reo already sensed the incoming tease. “Not as good enough as Nagi?”

And there it was again, the weird feeling in his chest. It was accompanied by a bitter taste in his mouth. 

Reo wafted his hand, nudging back with slightly more force to indicate his annoyance. His hand eventually settled on your other shoulder and he tugged you close, much to your surprise. “Maybe, maybe not. I just don’t want Nagi stealing all the good luck away from me.”

You frowned but it only lasted for a few seconds before you laughed. “You have all the luck in the world, Reo. I don’t think you need anymore.”

He shook his head. He was probably tensed, his jaw set, shoulders squared, and back straight. Reo didn’t dare lift his eyes away from the volleyball court as Nagi scored the next point. “No, I definitely need it.”

“Hey, hey, hey!”

The sound of your voice stirs Reo from his bed. He groans and rubs his eyes, sitting up and face immediately getting hit by the waking sunlight. His vision is slightly disoriented but it’s obvious that you’re standing in his room, dressed up for some reason, and looking oddly… pissed? Reo is sure he hasn’t done anything recently to upset you that much. 

Your hands are folded across your chest, cheeks puffed out. “Did you forget about today already?”

He runs a hand through his hair and yawns. “Good morning to you too and…” Reo stares at his phone by his bedside. “It’s Sunday?” The statement is pretty obvious and he’s positive it’s not the right answer you’re looking for. 

“You promised that we would go to the aquarium together a week ago.” 

Ah, right. He did say that on the way back to the apartment that night. It was more or less on a whim of other string of ideas Reo threw out to cheer you up. A two-hour long unlimited shopping spree? You weren’t interested in the slightest. An aquarium visit though? You looked at him as if he was the one to put stars up in the night sky. 

“Give me 15 minutes and I’ll be ready.” Reo gets up and starts making the bed. After, he picks out a simple white button-up and a pair of fitted trousers. When he realizes that you’re still standing in his room, Reo throws a small look over his shoulder. “Is Nagi out there?”

“No, he’s actually out right now.” You try to school your expression into neutrality, but there is a very clear shadow across your face. He almost regrets asking you that question because of how bothered you look right now. “I bumped into him on the way in and it looked like he was going somewhere.”

“Going where?” It’s a rhetorical question but you somehow even looked even more annoyed.

An eye roll. “Did you bump your head or something, Reo? Isn’t he like your best friend and roommate?”

No, and yes. While he didn’t quite bump his head into anything, Reo’s mind has been ebbing between a state of reminiscing and autopilot for the last few days. Nagi’s been doing the same, though a bit of a better job at it since he’s… Nagi. 

“He hasn’t told me anything,” Reo finally says. 

“Oh,” You bite your lip, and a low hum falls out of your lips as you turn on your heel, walking out of his room. “Well, let me know when you’re ready. I’ll be out in the kitchen.” Your annoyed mood from earlier quickly dissipated into something more mild.

Reo changes into his outfit without much thought. He applies a small bit of his favorite cologne that you like, not too strong but not too subtle, with just enough hints of woody and citrus undertones. You said it reminds you of home one time and he’s always made sure to have enough refills around for special occasions. 

This is supposed to be one of them but Reo can’t help but feel uncomfortable. Even with Nagi rejecting your feelings, Reo still feels like he’s treading in between something. Just thinking about it makes his mind ache. Slowly, he feels himself creeping back into that place where he can’t think, can’t concentrate, can’t do anything but feel numb and worn thin. But today’s about you, a promise that he made to cheer you up. He shakes off the thoughts when he meets up with you, his phone out with the rideshare app ready.

Every time you hang around him, he learns something new about you. For example, this morning you confessed that you were able to get into the apartment because apparently Nagi made you a spare key earlier on in the year. You’ve hardly ever snuck your way in and, for the moments you did, you loved to misplace Reo’s belongings. Which explains why for a week straight back in the fall semester his toothbrush appeared in random places — in the air fryer, cereal box, and his pencil case.

And, today, Reo learns that you like jellyfish. Like a lot. Add starfish and sea turtles to the list too but, overall, jellyfish takes the cake. The exhibit isn’t even that big, maybe the size of a small studio apartment at best, but you two have been waddling back and forth between the space for maybe twenty minutes. And Reo feels like he’s about to lose his mind.

“Aren’t they so cute?” Your face is practically pressed up against the warped glass, eyes never leaving a particular white baby jellyfish—if baby jellyfish are even a thing, Reo doesn’t really know how they reproduce. 

He blinks and then eventually nods. “If you think so.”

He doesn’t mind watching them float around again but kinda wishes to look at the other animals, like puffins and otters. Now those are cute. 

You seem to pick up on his tone and scrunch your nose in disapproval. Your face looks way out of proportion from where he stands, the warped glass isn’t making your expression more threatening than what you’re willing to put out. 

“Reo Mikage, you’re supposed to be cheering me up today, right?” You sigh, eyeing him wearily.

“Right…” He says slowly.

“So at least pretend that these jellyfish are the most adorable thing on earth for now, okay?”

“Fine, fine.” Reo mimics your movements, his hands and face close to the tank on the opposite side. Yet, instead of fixating on the jellyfish, his gaze drifts to your face, observing the small movements and tugging on your lips as you fondly gaze at them. A smile involuntarily plays on his lips. Even if this is more of a friend date, he can at least cherish this little moment.

“See? I told you they’re cute.” You grin and Reo’s heart does an evil flip. 

“Yeah, they're cute,” he concedes, flushing red because is he talking about the animals or something else?

Reo entertains the moment for just a few minutes longer until you finally agree to check out other areas of the aquarium. You’re now rambling about the lifespan of a fish that he forgets the name of. He’s unsure why but his brain fizzles out again.

He stops walking, hands stuffed deep into his pocket as he stares hard at the ground. Reo feels a little creeping flush of shame overtaking his cheeks. “It’s okay if you want to use me as a distraction from Nagi.” 

Your reaction is immediate; you nearly lose your footing, as if his words are acting as a powerful force. “Woah, another joke?” You’re laughing but your eyebrows are furrowed. 

Reo stiffens a little, suddenly realizing the reality of his situation. The tension between the two of you is almost tangible, hanging in the air like a delicate thread that could either break or strengthen. “I’m saying you can rely on me, you know that?” 

You blink, chewing at your lips over his suggestion. “What are you even saying right now?”

“I think sometimes you’re an idiot and I know you’re still stuck on having feelings for him. But, no matter what happens, I’ll make sure that you’re happy. I’ll be by your side.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m a bigger idiot.”

Reo's admission hangs in the air. He watches you blink, trying to process the weight of his words. This is a side of him that he rarely omits.

You take a step closer, gaze meeting his. “Reo, you're not an idiot. And you don't have to do this for me. I can't just use you as a distraction. It wouldn't be fair to you.”

Reo shakes his head. “I'm not saying you should use me. I'm saying I want to be there for you.” Maybe... maybe he’ll be more than just a distraction.

“Don’t you have feelings for someone else too?” You ask, your voice soft and tender.

He laughs, and it’s the half-bitterness that’s driving him. “Yeah, but you’re important—both you and Nagi. So, let me be your distraction.”

You shy away at his persistence, huffing out your cheeks and pouting. “You're relentless, you know that?”

He shrugs, appearing to be nonchalant but his stomach is doing flips again. He knows he shouldn’t push this further. It’s too early, he’s sure your mind is a mess, but he feels his selfishness setting in. “Call it what you want but I'm serious about this. I don’t need an immediate answer right now.”

Reo stares at the tank next to him, it’s a large one filled with manta rays and small fish alike. He’s half-staring at the passing scenery, half trying to get out of the stupid recesses of his mind. He huddles closer to the wall, goosebumps littering his arms from the cool air from above and his restless thoughts. You’re silent, most likely still processing the outrageous offer he placed on the table, but you don’t seem too offended by it. He takes that as a good sign.

“Let’s check out the gift shop.” Reo sighs out, but slowly straightens up. His palms are sweaty, and the cold air is working against him, making his movements slow and clumsy. “Plushies are on me.”

You arrive back at their place, hands full with a giant stuffed puffin and a basket of weirdly shaped whale cookies. The day's events are still swirling in your mind. Reo dropped you off without much to think. He’s currently out running a quick errand for his dad, something about picking up an order of a luxury brand you’re unfamiliar with. The apartment is quiet, the only sound being the faint hum from the refrigerator. As you step inside, you notice that Nagi is sitting on the couch, engrossed in his phone.

The basket crinkles when you walk in and Nagi looks up in your direction. “Wanna have a seat?” Nagi suggests, his tone easy as always.

You attempt to take a steady breath, but it catches in your throat, anxiety tightening your lungs. You’ve been avoiding him for a few days at this point.

“Sure,” You try to sound casual. There’s an urge to retreat but you tell yourself that mending the friendship is more important. It’s not like you have to walk on eggshells around one of your only friends forever.

You watch as he breaks his attention away from the device as you sit on the far end of the couch. A moment of pause follows and stretches before you two—you, tense, hands firm and folded in your lap, and Nagi, loose, openly observing. 

Finally, you break the silence, and carefully pick your words, debating if they’re even worth saying. "You don’t need to tell me if you don’t want to, but was there any reason why?"

“Nothing wrong with you,” Nagi rubs the back of his neck, his gaze momentarily averted. “There’s someone else I have in mind.”

Before you can say anything else, your words dissolve in your throat and warm tears fog your vision. 

You quickly snap your head away from Nagi, sleeves wiping your eyes. You definitely weren’t expecting this to happen. “I told myself that I wouldn’t cry… I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s gotten into me.” An attempt at a laugh emerges, but it only comes out as small sniffles. What were you even expecting from this?

Nagi stays quiet, grey eyes inspecting your features, and, for a fleeting moment, it seems like he might reach out, but he refrains. Maybe it's just your imagination; Nagi’s always been bad at consolidating with these types of feelings anyway.

“Hey, you gonna be okay?”

You nod numbly, feeling more exhausted than ever. It’s a bit pathetic almost and also embarrassing. “Yeah, guess the feelings are still pretty raw.” You say slowly.

“Sorry,” And Nagi wiggles a bit in his seat. Before Nagi turns away, he attempts to lighten up the mood, and asks, “Do you think you can grab something for me? It’s in Reo’s room, a game he borrowed a while back, I'm too tired to get it right now.”

It’s a small lie but at least it’s somewhat of a distraction. Makes things a little bit easier to handle.

Unlike Nagi’s bedroom, Reo keeps his belongings uniform in their respective places. There isn’t a dirty clothes pile in the corner of the room, all of his awards and trophies from his finance clubs and intramural sports are proudly displayed in a glass case, not a single speck of dust coats the furnitures’ surface, and even the floor felt somewhat cleaner compared to the rest of the apartment. 

Reo seems to have everything figured out in life and it’s overwhelming at times.

The game Nagi asked for is neatly stacked on a shelf, surrounded by books and other meticulously arranged items. You grab the game and turn to leave when your eyes catch a glint of something on the nightstand. Red and shiny underneath his stacked pile of watches. It's the bracelet you made nearly two years ago.

You pick it up, memories flooding back. It surprises you that Reo managed to keep it in almost perfect condition after all this time. You’d figured that it would’ve ended up in the trash after the relay. 

You walk out with both items in hand and find Nagi waiting in the living room, looking a bit worn out but still with a hint of a smile. You hand him the game, and he thanks you with a grateful nod. As you join him on the couch, you absentmindedly play with the jewelry in hand.

Nagi glances at the bracelet in your hands, his eyes lingering on it for a moment before he comments, “Looks nice.”

You nod, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “Yeah, I made it a while back during the sports festival in high school. It's funny; I found it in his room just now.”

A hint of curiosity lights up Nagi's eyes, “He kept it all this time?”

You nod again and look down at the bracelet, fingers running over the charms. “Sometimes, I can't figure him out.”

There's a pause in the conversation, both of you lost in your thoughts. There’s no point in telling Nagi what happened earlier, making things more awkward isn’t what you need right now. Then he huffs and sinks into the couch even further, if that was even possible.

“You know,” Nagi drawls out, eyes now laced back to his phone. “I always thought you would’ve had a crush on him instead.”

Your eyebrows shoot up at Nagi's unexpected comment. It's a casual observation, but there's a playful glint in his eyes that suggests there might be more to it. 

“Why would you think that?” You ask, genuinely curious.

Nagi shrugs, a nonchalant expression on his face. “He’s always there for you, making sure that you're okay.”

You roll your eyes, not missing the teasing tone in his voice. “That's what friends are for.”

Nagi chuckles, his gaze shifting back to his phone. “If you say so.”

TAGLIST - OPEN

@celestair @kitorin @popponn @yoisami @anurst @katsukiiishoe @yuzurins @vitaniangel-blog @kunikame @miwafei @astruoise @faeroow @wooasecret @limerence-lu @jaynawayna @iloveblogging2 @futuristicxie @rinlvr @au-ghosttype @wavetokio

[stars-and-the-min]

☆ the wrong way to hard launch (7) | OP81

summary : oscar's girlfriend is a walking pr problem for literally everyone (including herself) social media au

pairing : oscar piastri x zhou!fem!singer!oc

a/n switch out one shitty ex for a slightly less shitty one

masterlist | last part | part 7 | next part

ARTICLE

Revisiting 'Twelve More Days' : How Empty Bottles Spun Their Signature Sound on its Head on Tour April 12, 2024 · Written by Catherine Moore

Almost halfway through the Asian leg of their world tour, it's finally time to talk about what the pandemic-era rock band Empty Bottles has been up to. For greener artists, it's the cookie-cutter way to stick to a genre that has previously worked and give the masses what they want but instead, Empty Bottles have taken their 2022 sophomore sensation 'Twelve More Days' and tweaked the songs for their world tour.

Long-time fans of the Sydney-born band are familiar with the classic rock elements that brought Empty Bottles into the spotlight; claiming influence from fellow Sydneysiders 5 Seconds of Summer, Arctic Monkeys and other croony rock artists, so it was a rather big surprise for critics and fans alike when the album opened with a much softer, hypnotising approach.

The even bigger surprise was the creative and musical approach they took with their tour. As noted by various critics back during the album release, 'Twelve More Days' had a not-so-subtle jazz flavour to their sound, and the band seems to have embraced the jazz-rock sound by opening their tour with a speakeasy-style set, complete with the band decked out in snazzy 1930s reminiscent suits and frontwoman Selina Bui in glittery minidresses, opera gloves and a thematic vintage ribbon microphone.

Despite close to three years since she last performed in front of a live audience, Bui took to the stage like a fish to water, instantly entrancing her audience with her universally acknowledged rich sirenic vocals, drawing in the attention and sending the venue back to a 1930s speakeasy. Strangely, she performs this part of the show without her trusty guitar, leaving the grunt work on the other lead guitarist, talented Lukas Zhang, who delivers without a hiccup with no twin guitar to help cover any mistakes.

Quite a few of the sophomore album's songs are given a jazz-rock twist that nobody could have predicted. Other already jazz-influenced songs - namely deluxe track number 13 'money talks' and track 6 'typo' - have been breathed to life, as well as a couple of songs from the band's debut album 'overtime'.

Empty Bottles then returns after a brief intermission with their award-winning pop-rock sound, spending the rest of the set in much more familiar-looking leather jackets and t-shirts and a guitar returned to Bui's hand. Bui, very well known for having an interesting sense of humour, made the choice of returning to the stage with the fitting song choice of 'do you remember me?'. One thing you have to give the 22-year-old is that she really does know how to pick her moments, and the now-iconic first chords of the cocky, energetic track are enough to send the crowd screaming.

The exploration into the many subgenres of what is considered rock 'n' roll has always been a very fuzzy point of conversation, and it's been an honour seeing Empty Bottles have fun playing jump rope over that line. What makes this tour such a raving success is their perfect balance of experimentation and keeping to what is tried and true for them; the classic, hard-hitting, no-nonsense, inane-lyricism rock coupled magnetically with Bui's captivating execution on stage.

Would you find me at one of their shows again? Absolutely, there was truly nothing more thrilling than the first moments you see Selina Bui walk onto stage with her infamous cheshire cat smile. What did I personally think about the sound change? I was pleasantly surprised at how seamlessly they've adjusted the songs to fit the jazz-rock genre, I also believe that they have found the perfect sound to complement Selina Bui's voice. It's uncanny how it just clicked that she was born to sing the soft, almost lullaby-like, calming songs. If they were to release another album with a similar soft sound, I would happily eat it up.

Empty Bottles wrap up the Asian leg of the tour in Bangkok, Thailand later this month and then shortly begin the European leg in Sofia, Bulgaria.

INSTAGRAM

cameliazzz

liked by aidan_ebass and 122,394 others

cameliazzz life lately 🐾 tagged: selinabui

aidan_ebass Yes ma'am 🫡 ↳ selinabui @aidan_ebass i'm dying u are such an old man ↳ lukaszhang @ selinabui he's like barely a year older than you??

cami.png the hottest drummer ever 💜💜💜

conangray a little commotion for the drummer pls and thank you ↳ cameliazzz @ conangray stop i'm blushing 🙈

TWITTER

fiona🩷 @fififorlina · 4h i mean we can all thank tommy for one thing and that's for twelve more days lmao ↳ lina bui x2 grammy winner @urdaisea · 3h i forget that not all empty bottles fans have read this article but i think they all should: Why 'Twelve More Days' isn't a Break-Up Album, it's a Healing One

emme @flowersforcami · 1h yes twelve more days is full of t*mmy slander BUT remember that all the band members have writing credits and they ALL helped write songs so basically what i'm trying to say is that twelve more days is actually the rest of the band roasting the shit out of lina's ex ↳ emme @flowersforcami · 1h every one of those bitches rocked up to the studio and went for blood. that is a universally hated man in their group chat.

amie <3 @mieflrs · 2h it's been 3 years, i think it's time to admit that keeping tabs is absolutely not about thomas fucking howard ↳ amie <3 @mieflrs · 2h i don't care how delusional u are, where in those 3 minutes 54 seconds did you hear a single line that sounds like anything like that sorry excuse of a man??? now a certain japanese-american singer who is exceptionally hot playing the guitar on the other hand... ↳ lukas 🔛🔝 @lukiepookie28 · 2h yes i agree it's not about t*mmy but it's also not about CHRISTOPHER like WTF R U ON???

oscalina real ?! @ emptyginbottles · 32m we're in an oscalina drought and it's plain to see not all of us are coping well

MESSAGES

from the phone of selina bui

INSTAGRAM

selinabui

liked by chrisyamada, oscarpiastri and 279,384 others

selinabui now he's thinkin' 'bout me every night, oh is it that sweet? i guess so

amelia_belrose pop!lina perhaps 🫣

oscarpiastri Didn't need to call me out like that ↳ selinabui @ oscarpiastri don't tell me u miss me already

sabrinacarpenter she's working late coz she's a singer

lukaszhang woman you hate coffee what are you on ↳ selinabui @lukaszhang why are u even here

MESSAGES

from the phone of selina bui

TWITTER

Yamada Updates @chrisyamadanews · 2h 🚨| Chris spotted at the Empty Bottles 'Twelve More Days' Tour in Seoul Night 2

Yamada Updates @chrisyamadanews · 32m 🚨| CHRIS ONSTAGE WITH EMPTY BOTTLES!!!

↳ Yamada Updates @chrisyamadanews · 30m this made me break ok, i am so fucking thrown off. WDYM WE GOT SELINA BUI AND CHRISTOPHER YAMADA ON STAGE TOGETHER IN THE YEAR 2024???

mabel @ maplemabel32 · 25m i can't breathe chris and lina??? chris and lina???????? after so long??? CHRISTOPHER AND SELINA???? as in "hello it's chris" "and lina"??? MY BESTIES REUNITED???

june @linafesting · 18m sometimes, i'm convinced lina spins a wheel on how to break the internet today

↳ kat ୨୧ @yamayaps · 2m with all due respect, this stunt was NAUT selina's idea, this was a move that christopher 'no boundaries' yamada suggested

INSTAGRAM

emptybottles_official Olympic Gymnastics Arena

liked by chrisyamada and 334,294 others

emptybottles_official Nowhere as incredible as Seoul! Always special to have @chrisyamada join us on stage. tagged: chrisyamada

chrisyamada someone better return the favor later 👀 ↳ selinabui @chrisyamada u begged me to let u come what are u on ↳ chrisyamada @ selinabui ok maybe i did

pi4str1 ok someone catch me up bc i did not know chris and lina were friends??? ↳ linasgirl4 @pi4str1 it's probably best we don't get into it

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:

taglist @ririyulife @ashy-kit @fionaschicken @namgification @cherry-piee

[covetyou]

jack of all trades

ao3 ⋆ main masterlist ⋆ series masterlist

pairing: Whiskey x f!reader rating: Explicit (18+ only!) warnings: Circus AU, public sex, exhibitionism, unprotected PIV, oral (m receiving), brief fingering, creampie, is it mild bondage if it's part of a circus act?, reader is wearing a dress, optional fluffy ending. word count: 4.5k summary: A trip to the circus goes awry thanks to your meddling not-quite-nephews and a handsome stranger in a cowboy hat. Just how did you come to be bent over this barrel anyway?

A/N: clown!Dieter spawned a P-boy circus AU, and now here we are. I am not sorry.

I have an ex called Jack, so parts of this were disgusting to me, fyi. that name is tainted. fluffy ending came and hit me in the face, these two seemed too into each other to leave it there. totally optional and you can ignore its existence if you want.

divider by @saradika-graphics

follow @covetedfics and turn notifications on for updates on future work

Sticky fingers clasp around your wrist, dragging your arm into the air. Your sort-of-nephews had been up to mischief all evening. What they were raising your hand for, you don't know, so you roll your eyes and play along, waggling your fingers skyward just as a beam of light hits you directly in the face.

Shit.

"Well there now, pretty lady, why don't you come on down here."

Double shit.

The voice of the man you'd spent the past twenty minutes fixated on booms over the speakers. Your not-nephews are cackling, your best friend shooting an apologetic look over their scruffy heads as a beautiful woman covered in sequins prances up the stairs to retrieve you. Before you know it you're being hauled down the steep steps, slender fingers holding you tight.

She glides elegantly over the dust covered arena floor, dragging you behind. You stumble, kicking up dust as you're pulled to the middle of the ring and left face to face with the ringmaster.

He was even more enchanting up close. The whole place was, really, but he commanded the space, dominated it, his smooth voice amplified by a microphone hidden at his hairline. You hadn't been to many circuses - none, actually - but you were fairly sure the black cowboy hat that sat on his head wasn't typical headwear for a man with his job description.

He takes one glance at you, sizing you up, before turning to his captive audience with arms spread wide.

"Looks like we found ourselves a damsel," he announces to the crowd, strutting around the ring, the tools of his trade clattering on a belt slung loosely around his waist beneath his jacket. He'd been a distraction from high up in the stand, but up close he was all consuming. You were grateful for the coat tails covering his ass, restricting your view as his hips swayed with each step.

The sequinned woman is back, tossing the Ringmaster rope threaded with something shiny. The tendons in his broad hands flex as he grips the cord, pulling it firmly and holding it up to be viewed by the crowd. At some point she approaches you too, whispering in your ear. You nod along, unable to hear a thing over the blood rushing in your ears and the distracting thrum between your legs. Standing here shouldn't be doing this to you, least of all in front of so many people, but it is. Fuck, you need to get laid.

The music ramps up, a conversation with the crowd totally missed as you fixate on the man before you. There's a distant toot toot and the ringmaster is hurrying back over to you, skillfully unfurling the rope.

"Hold this, sugar," he tells you, voice echoing over the speakers as he hands you one end of the rope. He begins to wind it around you, his long strides making quick work of each rotation. Soon, the rope is spiralled around your torso, across your hips, and winds down your legs. He tucks one end loosely into the last spiral - a kick of your leg could have the whole thing unravelling in seconds if you wanted it to.

A finger on your chin snaps your eyes to his, his dazzling lopsided smile catching you off guard as chaos erupts around you, and he's turning, quickly pulling his lasso from his belt as a group of clowns rush into the ring, galloping around on hobby horses.

Between the brilliant white lights and the galloping clowns, you don't know what's going on. The crowd seem to love it, loud cheers erupting as the ringmaster starts to swing his lasso. With a skilled flick of his wrist, he throws it, capturing one of the clowns and yanking him to the ground. The clown hits the ground with a drum roll and a crash of cymbals, rolling around before he can scramble back to his feet. The ringmaster does it again, capturing another galloping clown with a well practiced throw, one that grumbles and frowns as he's reeled in.

Every minute of chaos and clowns is another minute of sweet agony for you, stood wrapped in golden rope as you keep your eyes locked on the ringmaster in the cowboy hat. His form is elegant, skilled hands knowing the rope of his lasso better than your own know your own body.

When most of the clowns, and their hobby horses, are on the ground, rolling around with fake groans, he reaches for his whip, fingers clasping tight around the leather wrapped handle as the length snakes to the ground.

A final swing of his arm, and the whip slices through the air. a sonic boom cracks at the end of it, silencing any music and drawing a gasp from your chest. The crowd is stunned, the clowns are still, and you are painfully, unbelievably, wet.

Amazing really, how one flick of the wrist could make the sticky situation between your thighs so much worse.

By the time the clowns have rounded themselves up and hobbled off clasping at themselves in mock agony, the ringmaster is approaching you, winking before bending down to tug at the rope nestled against your leg. You can't help the twitch in your hips, rocking forward toward his face just as he takes in a deep breath. He stills momentarily, cocking his head, before finally freeing the rope, and you, and raising to his full height before you.

If you weren't mortified already, you definitely are when his eyes flick from your own, down to between your legs, and back again with a quirk of his eyebrow and a knowing smirk. Shit. The shuffle of your feet definitely doesn't help matters. This can't go on, you decide, you really need to get laid.

Escorted back to your seat, you spend the rest of the show with your legs clamped together and your jaw tensed, watching as the ringmaster comes and goes, introducing act after act, until they're all taking their final bows. Your resolve is all but gone as you watch him strut out of the ring for the final time.

Traversing crowds of revellers back to the car park, you say your quick goodbyes to your friend, her sons getting irritable now that the sugar high has ended and bed time beckons. You'll see them soon, you promise, and you turn on your heel, disappearing into the crowd once more.

You don't make it to your car.

Instead, you make the trek back to the big top, circling it until you find the crew entrance. Costumed performers are coming and going, staff hauling boxes and costumes to and fro. You wait for an opening and take it, darting into the tent as quickly as you can.

No one pays you any mind, they seem to not care that you definitely do not belong back here as you glance all around, eyes wide like a child in a toy store, making your way deeper and deeper into the backstage tent.

And there he is. The ringmaster in the cowboy hat. All suave smiles and flirty quips as he props himself against a supporting post, one ankle crossed over the other as he leans. There's a group of girls in front of him, all much younger than he is and eating up his every word. It might be sickening if you weren't so jealous of them.

You loiter, waiting for them to leave, wondering how much time you'd have to talk to him as each minute ticks by. It's then that he spots you, eyes connecting with yours as you stand awkwardly in the shadow.

He makes a quick excuse, hurries quick goodbyes, brushes his lips across four sets of knuckles, and then turns on you, making short work of the distance between you.

You don't know it then, but he's been hard, achingly so, since watching you leave the ring and head back to your seat. Every time he'd stepped backstage he adjusted his pants, letting his erection wane a little, only to head back out to your incessant stare, beautiful eyes staring down at him doing nothing but mildly torture him and make him stiffen in his pants. Over and over. Now you were in front of him, a chance dangled before him, ripe for the picking.

He reaches for your hand with his much larger one, clasping it gently. "Rude of me not to properly introduce myself back there. Name's Jack."

You try his name on for size, rolling it around your mouth a little before giving him your own.

"Got a little exciting back there, huh," he says in a low voice, brushing his thumb over his bottom lip, his eyes taking a leisurely meander down your body.

"Uh, yeah," you say, rubbing the back of your neck. "Look, I'm sorry if that made anything awkward I -"

He cuts you off with a laugh. "Woah there, sugar, never said anything about it bein' awkward now. Of course, if you got all some kind of way over the clowns, that'd be a different story," he teases with a wink.

Your eyes widen at the mention of the clowns, and Jack laughs again, revelling in the way he could so easily bring you to stunned silence. You'd barely even looked at the clowns, hardly noticing they were there save for a blur of color as they circled you in the ring.

"So what was it that did it for you?" He questions, a twinkle in his eye. "The whip or the lasso? Or was it my devilishly handsome good looks?" He cocks you that lopsided grin and you roll your eyes.

"You're unbelievable. Do you do this to everyone you tie up out there?"

"Most of 'em don't sneak backstage to find me after the show." Well, fuck, he's got you there.

Your jaw flaps stupidly, uselessly, as your brain fails to connect with any words. "I was just... It was..."

"All of the above then," he laughs. You roll your eyes and bite back a smile - he's got you beat. There's no denying that everything about the man set you on fire, scorching you from the inside out.

"Really I just wanted to... thank you. For the great show. You were incredible. Thanks for picking me to be your damsel."

"Oh, I don't get to pick, sugar." The initial disappointment at finding out he didn't pick you fades quickly. "But I do always like when they pick the pretty ones. Gives me something nice to look at. Something good to think about later, after the show." He doesn't need to say it for you to know exactly what he's talking about.

You consider your next move for barely a second - you'd come to thank him, get his number and maybe askin him for a drink, but now is your chance for something more - before taking a step forward, sliding a hand up his jacket to feign brushing something from his lapel. "That's a shame."

"A shame?"

"A shame that you have to wait until later."

His face lights up, a grin tugging at his lips once more. You're fixated on his plushness of them, watching as they form around each word. "Oh, trust me sugar, I'm thinkin' all sorta things right now."

"Thinkin' and actin' are different things entirely, cowboy."

"Is that what you want," he whispers in your ear as he ghosts a hand down the side of your arm, letting it rest softly on your hip. "You want me to act on all these thoughts?"

"Wouldn't be here if I didn't."

His lips capture yours, hands pulling your hips flush with his while mouth moves against your own. There's no push and pull, no fight, just pure pressure of you both trying to sink yourselves into the one another. You swipe your tongue against his bottom lip, dipping in and tasting the honey sweet softness of his mouth.

You pay the crew no mind - with how the man flirts they've probably seen this before. You're just another in a long list of faces that have found themselves attached to his.

"Ain't got much time 'til the next show," he pants as you still try to lick into his mouth. "If you want what I think you want, we gotta be quick about it." You nod, moaning as his hands explore the plains of your body, massaging your hips one moment, drawing blunt nails down your back the next before bunching your dress against your ass in one large fist.

"You're god damn gorgeous," he whispers, grabbing you around the waist once again and pulling you toward him. He stumbles, moving out from the shadowy place you'd occupied by the tent wall. You expect a quick getaway to a trailer, or a secluded part of the backstage, but your ass quickly collides with something solid.

"Wha-" you say, looking around to the spot he's dragged you. It's more brightly lit than where you were standing before, more exposed. He has you pushed against a barrel, legs parted so he can slot between them.

"Privacy is a luxury of time, sugar, and we got neither. Just say the word and I'll stop."

Saying nothing, you grab his belt, the large buckle glinting in the lamp-light, and tug him toward you claiming his mouth once more. You can be sneaky like this, you think, he can slip inside you as you wrap your legs around him, your skirt covering most of you.

It seems Jack has other ideas.

He spins you around, pushing you firmly against the barrel, the stiffness in his tailored pants pushing against the swell of your ass. His hands snake around you, like the rope had earlier, and grope at the pillowy soft tissue of your chest. People are still milling around, walking past and setting up for the next show, paying you no mind as he fondles you. His face nuzzles into your neck, nipping at the sensitive skin there. You're about to let your head lull back to his shoulder when his hands move from your breasts and push down on your shoulders.

"Oof."

The air is pushed from you with a huff as he bends you over the edge of the barrel, the rim biting into your belly as you hinge over it. He wastes no time in flipping up the edge of your skirt, bunching it at your waist and dragging his hands down over the globes of your ass.

"Think you're wet enough for me to stick it in?" he mumbles into your ear as he rubs at the damp crotch of your panties from behind. You moan into your arm. You'd been wet for most of the show, and he was about to find out.

Before you know it he's rounded on you and is pulling his cock out from his pants, giving you no time to answer. His cock stands stark and heavy, yet even as flushed and full as it is, it looks pale in contrast with the black of his pants and the bright red frame of his jacket. You salivate - wet definitely won't be a problem.

Someone runs past that moment, pulling you sharply you out of it. You're here, bent over a barrel with your dress flipped up, panty-clad ass on display, and cock hanging dangerously close to your face.

What the fuck are you doing.

A light tap on your cheek with the tip of his cock brings you back to him, a sticky drop of precum stringing between the two of you as he brings his cock closer to your lips.

You look up at him, his face shadowed by the brim of his hat.

"Don't pay them no mind, they seen it all," he says, swiping the side of his cock along the seam of your mouth. That's all the reassurance you need to stick out your tongue - the voice that told you you needed to get laid soon preening at the idea of it being here and now. The saliva that had been pooling in your mouth at the sight of it just moments ago works wonders, slicking up his length as he slides it across your tongue, drool seeping from your mouth and dripping down your tongue to fall in wet droplets to the dusty floor below. He teases his tip past your tongue, smiling fondly as you try to capture it in you mouth and suck him in with each swipe.

"That's it, get it wet. Give it some sugar, sugar."

You finally give in, grabbing his slicked length in your fist and pulling the tip into you mouth, sucking on it and swirling your tongue all around his ridge, tasting the precum your spit slicked tongue had already pulled from him. His head falls back as he groans, holding his hat to his head with his palm. You work over him, revelling in his moans as much as he'd revelled in the audiences applause, sliding your lips and hand up and down his cock.

"You're a wild one, ain't you?" he says, looking at you with the same awed expression you'd had plastered on your face during his performance. You suck on his tip one last time, releasing from your tingling lips with a soft pop.

"Uh-huh."

And his lips are back on yours, plundering your mouth, not minding that his own taste is on your tongue, a broad hand smoothing down your back to palm your ass once again. Your hand on his cock tugs, and he gasps into your mouth, a small needy thing that sends wetness trickling into your panties.

"Please," you whisper into his mouth. "Put it in me."

"Yes ma'am," he whispers, cursing as he steps behind you to tug down your panties.

He licks his fingers before swiping his spit slicked digits through your folds. Your hips twitch when they glide back and forth over your clit, before sinking into your pussy with ease. He removes them just as quick, rutting his slicked dick against your pussy instead.

"Damn, darlin', you're soaked."

The head of his spit slicked cock rubs through your glossy folds, teasing over your clit and dipping into your entrance.

"Think you can take it all in one, sugar? Ain't got much time to be wastin' here."

"Give it to me," you pant, pushing your hips back in a desperate attempt to find the tip of his cock again and draw it into you.

You don't need to wait long until he's pushing forward into you again, parting your slick walls with ease and burrowing deep into you. Maybe it had just been so damn long or maybe he was just so damn enchanting, but you never wanted this moment to stop. You're never leaving this god damn barrel. You want to take up home here and let him take root deep inside you.

You were a mess before he pushed into you, and now you're worse, sopping wet and creaming all over his cock as he slides in and out of you, his cock dragging against every ridge and bump inside of you with ease.

"Gonna make a mess of my pants, sugar. Costumin' ain't gonna be best pleased with me but, damn, if this pussy don't just feel too good to give up."

Tinkling organ music starts up as the next audience filters in to the main tent, you can hear the low hum of their voices, excited and eager for the upcoming show. You bite back a whine, the idea of him wearing your mess for an entire show, in front of that audience, too much to bear.

"Think you can come on my cock?" he whispers, draping his body over you as his fingers graze over your clit. The simple action already has you twitching, drenching his cock in yet more slick as he grinds slow and deep into you. You nod. Even with the crew around you, frantically rushing to reorganize props before the next show, you don't think you'll have a problem.

"That's it, gotta be quick now. Shit. You're nearly there already. Got your panties in such a twist you were ready to cream 'em."

You bite into your arm, moaning as his fingers quicken over your slick, engorged nub. His cock is dragging deep now, barely moving as he rocks his hips in the same slow rhythm.

A group of people begin hauling props to a side entrance ahead. You keep your eyes locked on them, their busy hands lifting and moving everything ready for the next performance. Jack's fingers are relentless, and you come undone with a silent scream around his cock, eyes still locked on the strangers in front of you. When your twitches fade, you fall limp against the barrel, Jack pressing a kiss to your neck now damp with your sweat.

"How about that, su-"

"Whiskey!" a voice shouts from nearby, and you jolt up, delirious and cock drunk, Jack's dick still lodged deep inside you. Shit.

Jack pulls back, uncovering you to the people around, people who had been drawn to look at you by the sudden noise. There had been no shame in it before, but now the horny haze was lifting, embarrassment was threatening you, heat flaring in your cheeks.

"Don't shy away from me now, sugar." It wasn't him that was the problem, it was the many people in the bustling backstage that were making you nervous. They paid you no mind before, but now the minutes were ticking down until showtime, they were all looking over, almost expectant, to see if and when their ringmaster would be finished.

"Got five minutes. Wrap this up," you look shyly over your shoulder at a tattoo'd man standing uncomfortably close. Jack keeps rocking into you, grinding deep and slow as he talks to the man.

"Just gonna empty my balls and I'll be right there," he says, so at ease he could have been talking about the weather. The tattoo'd man rolls his eyes, stepping away to start hauling out set pieces for the upcoming show.

"You gonna take it, sugar?"

You take one look at the tattoo'd man - he's still so near, he'd be able to hear everything. Swallowing, you look back at Jack and nod.

"Yeah. I want it."

"Then lemme hear those pretty sounds," and he picks up the pace, hips snapping into yours as you look around at him, eyes locked on him now that he was so ready to blow. Everyone else fizzles away, lost in the dust and low-light. The pounding in your ears and the pounding in your cunt in sync blurs out all other sound, the smell of him still so stark in your nose, even amongst the smell of dirt and cotton candy. A soft moan is all that escapes you, your breaths still ragged from your own orgasm as adrenalin races through you.

Pressure builds in you again. You won't, can't, come again so soon, but fuck if it doesn't feel so good. Large hands grip roughly at the meat of your ass, pulling you back onto him. With every bounce against his pelvis, you feel a deep moan bubbling to the surface until every thrust has a small shriek ripping from your lips.

"Ff- Jack. Oh, Jack."

"That's it. Gonna blow. You ready for it?"

"Yes, yes. Please," you pant, pushing your hips back to meet his every thrust, taking him in so deep you'll be feeling him in your bones for weeks. The harder he fucks, the louder the moans that tear from your throat, earning you looks that go unnoticed from the cast and crew that have gathered to start the show.

He stutters, his hips stilling for a second before shallowly thrusting into you. He lets out a deep groan, lowing soft and long as he releases inside you. You can feel it, the warmth of it seeping through you, drenching your pussy until it's sopping wet.

"Well if I couldn't just get lost in there for days," he murmurs, looking at you with a soft crinkle eyed smile. He bends to kiss you, his cock slipping from you as it quickly softens.

Pulling a handkerchief from an inside pocket, he wipes at the front of his pants, removing as much of your residue from him as he can as you stand, hoisting your panties back up around your hips and flipping down your dress.

"Look even more gorgeous fucked out, sugar. I'll be sad to see this pretty face go." He pulls you in to kiss you, lingering for a fraction before pulling back.

"I bet you say that to all the girls," you say softly, stroking the side of his face and smoothing down a flick in his moustache. His hat has not left his head.

"N - "

"It's showtime people, place please," a voice booms, hands clapping together harshly to get the attention of the crew. Shit.

You don't hide your disappointment, stepping away from Jack to let him get back to work. His whip and lasso are nowhere to be seen, and he still needs to grab them before the show starts. The moment is over, and so is your dry spell, you think, mentally preparing for the walk back to your car.

He's softly tugging you toward him before you can get too far.

"Now... I don't do private shows, but if you stick around, I wouldn't mind a repeat performance."

You can't help the grin that spreads across your face, and neither can he. "I'd like that, cowboy."

You wait, sitting on the barrel he'd fucked you over, stealing kisses between acts, watching as he adjust his pants to hide his stiff cock from the crowd, waiting patiently for another round with your ringmaster.

One day in the not too distant future, after months of travelling, belly heavy and feet swollen, you'll sit at a table laden with food, surrounded by your chosen family, telling the story of how your not-quite-nephews inadvertantly introduced you to the love of your life, the ringmaster in the cowboy hat.

When dinner is finished, you'll stand in the crisp air of the backyard, grateful for the off-season and a chance to settle before the chaos really begins. Large hands will wind around you, just as that rope did many moons ago, gently lifting your belly as a kiss is placed to your cheek.

"You didn't tell 'em the whole story," he'll whisper, placing his cowboy hat on the table.

"Mm, that is a story best kept just between you and me."

"And a few dozen people." You'll laugh into the chill air, clouds of white puffing from your mouth, the memory of the night that started it all so fresh in your mind. You'll turn and look at him fondly, stealing his cowboy hat and placing it on your own head.

"And a few dozen people."

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[rogueddie]

Fake Dating Steddie Fic Rec

Important: READ THE TAGS! Leave a comment and kudos! If I was only allowed read fake dating fics like these, I would die happy 🤞

I Like to See You in the Morning Light

BonitaBreezy

"Wait,” Eddie said, his drug-addled brain catching up suddenly. “Wait! My alibi is that I was having sex with Steve Harrington?”

After it all, Eddie Munson is left to pick up the cracked pieces of his life. Luckily, he has new friends to fall back on.

Words : 27,362 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

you want it straight from the heart (why can't this be love?)

emryses

Steve let out a long sigh. “I’ll do it. I’ll be your fake boyfriend, okay?”

“You could at least sound happier about it,” Robin muttered.

Words : 12,417 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

i’ve got you under my skin

strawberryspence

Steve Harrington has to marry Eddie Munson (also know as the Devil Incarnate), so Eddie won’t get deported back to Canada and for Steve to finally achieve his dream to be a producer.

Or: The Proposal AU Steddie Edition

Words : 49,923 Chapters : 6/6 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

Saying I love you to your best friend, and to the friend that could perhaps be something more

songsformonkeys

Ever since he discovered that he liked girls - and that, generally, girls liked him too - Steve Harrington has not spent a single Valentine's Day alone. 1987 is shaping up to be the first and that really sucks.

Eddie, fed up with listening to Steve's complaining, agrees to be his date for the day.

Words : 5,901 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : General Audiences

AO3 : x

Invitations

nbfutureboy

Steve’s being harassed about his love life, and enlists Eddie’s help over Christmas break to get Dustin off his back. All he has to do is pretend to be Steve’s boyfriend in front of all of his loved ones!

Words : 6,902 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

Let's Be More Than Strangers

DrowningByDegrees

It’s meant to be a one-off favor to Robin, Eddie passing himself off as her boyfriend. Robin gets to hang onto the secret of why she never so much as bats an eyelash at the guys who come into Scoops Ahoy. Eddie gets more ice cream than he knows what to do with and the opportunity to pull one over on the former King of Hawkins High. Unfortunately, it all works just a little too well, and Eddie finds himself continuing to come back.

Words : 19,592 Chapters : 2/2 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

Can we always be friends? (We've got too much love)

sparrow_in_hawkins

Steve offers to be Robin's pretend boyfriend to get the guys at school to leave her alone. She's reluctant at first, until Steve admits that he's not interested in dating girls anymore anyway.

Meanwhile, Eddie's encounters with Steve Harrington had always been brief, but he could never help being captivated by him. Naturally, he doesn't know how to react as Steve starts popping into his life more than ever--probably should do nothing, because Steve has a girlfriend. Right?

Words : 42,525 Chapters : 6/6 Rating : Mature

AO3 : x

i know what you want from me

hyxzw

After two years of getting rejected from college, and totaling nineteen of disappointing his father, Steve Harrington decides to finally reclaim his life by spending the summer kissing Eddie Munson.

Words : 86,788 Chapters : 6/6 Rating : Mature

AO3 : x

A Coat of Paint

songbvrd

Steve agrees to help Eddie paint his trailer, but isn't prepared for the bisexual crisis it sends him spiralling into.

Words : 56,334 Chapters : 13/13 Rating : Explicit

AO3 : x

Two Truths and a Lie About Steve Harrington

endzela

Steve is desperate to find a date for his high school reunion, and his best friend Eddie volunteers to pretend to be his boyfriend. What Eddie doesn't know, however, is that Steve has had a crush on him ever since they became friends in college, and although Steve is not planning on letting him find out about it now, spending a week together in the same room might make things difficult. Especially since Eddie keeps flirting with him at every chance he gets.

Words : 20,057 Chapters : 2/2 Rating : Mature

AO3 : x