#Vendor Relationship Management

[simplifyworkforce]

Streamlining Temporary Hiring with Vendor Management and Direct Sourcing

In a time of rapid change and growing demand for agility, businesses are increasingly turning to temporary workforce solutions to meet short-term needs without long-term commitments. But managing a high volume of temporary workers—while ensuring quality, compliance, and cost control—requires more than spreadsheets and manual processes. The answer lies in combining temporary workforce management software, a strong vendor management solution, and a modern direct sourcing recruitment strategy.

The Rise of Temporary Workforce Management Software

As contract-based roles and project-based hiring increase, organizations need purpose-built platforms to manage everything from job requests to onboarding, compliance, timesheets, and payments. This is where temporary workforce management software plays a crucial role.

Key features include:

Centralized worker profiles and job tracking

Automated onboarding and document collection

Time and attendance tracking

Payroll integration

Compliance and performance reporting

By digitizing these tasks, companies can reduce administrative burden, improve hiring accuracy, and gain visibility into workforce operations.

The Role of Vendor Management Solutions

When companies rely on multiple staffing vendors to fulfill temporary roles, managing those relationships becomes complex. A vendor management solution (VMS) helps companies standardize and streamline the process of working with multiple suppliers.

Benefits of a vendor management solution:

Track vendor performance and fill rates

Automate job requisitions and candidate submissions

Manage rate cards and billing in one platform

Ensure compliance with labor and tax regulations

Optimize vendor usage with data-driven insights

Together with workforce software, a VMS helps align vendor performance with company goals—ensuring the best talent is sourced efficiently and compliantly.

Direct Sourcing Recruitment: Build Your Own Talent Network

Direct sourcing recruitment enables organizations to create their own talent pools—contractors and freelancers who can be redeployed quickly for future roles. Rather than relying solely on vendors, businesses can engage candidates directly using branded career portals, talent CRMs, and AI-matching tools.

Why direct sourcing works:

Reduced time-to-fill and lower costs

Stronger employer branding among contingent workers

More control over talent quality and fit

Reuse of trusted, pre-vetted workers for future roles

Integrating direct sourcing with your VMS and workforce software enables a flexible, efficient hiring ecosystem that leverages both agency and direct-sourced talent.

Final Thoughts

Success in today’s workforce depends on speed, control, and flexibility. By combining temporary workforce management software, a smart vendor management solution, and a proactive direct sourcing recruitment strategy, organizations can optimize their temporary hiring process end-to-end.

This integrated approach ensures you hire the right people, from the right sources, at the right time—while staying compliant and efficient.

[freelogomakeronline]

Everyone knows that relationships are key to personal and professional success. Whether it’s nurturing connections with customers or collaborating with colleagues, the ability to build and maintain strong relationships is crucial for achieving goals and producing growth. Discover the power of Vendor Relationship Management (VRM). Learn how nurturing relationships impact your brand. Let's go!

[goodoldbandit]

Reimagining Infrastructure Operations Priorities for 2025.

Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo. skm.stayingalive.in Transforming IT from Reactive Fixers to Strategic Innovators Discover a fresh take on Infrastructure Operations Priorities for 2025—where IT shifts from reactive tasks to proactive innovation. A New Dawn in IT Operations Setting the Stage for a Bold Future The world of IT is changing. Today, infrastructure and operations…

[digitalmarketing6669]

Unlock Business Success in 2024 with IT Vendor Management Mastery

[smebusinessguid]

Mastering Vendor Relationships for Business Growth

In the realm of procurement, maintaining a steady and cost-effective supply of quality materials is paramount. To achieve this, businesses must cultivate a robust and dependable network of vendors. Relying on a single supplier, particularly for critical materials or services, is risky. Any disruption at the supplier's end could jeopardize business continuity. Therefore, companies typically engage multiple vendors, dividing orders strategically among them to mitigate risks.

A diverse supplier base not only reduces dependency but also enhances negotiation power, ensuring competitive pricing and favorable terms. However, building and maintaining such a network requires continuous effort. The purchasing department must not only nurture existing vendor relationships but also proactively seek new suppliers. This vigilance helps companies adapt to market changes and technological advancements.

If you are looking for a partner who helps you to manage your business growth then, Sanjay Shah is a well-known management consultant in India 

Exploring industry events, exhibitions, and conferences is essential for staying informed about the latest trends in the supply industry. These events often showcase new machinery, technologies, alternative raw materials, and innovative processes. They provide an excellent opportunity to discover new suppliers who can offer competitive advantages or unique products.

In addition to physical events, the internet has become a valuable tool for sourcing new vendors. Online directories, industry portals, and marketplace websites are convenient resources for identifying potential suppliers. These platforms allow businesses to search for vendors based on specific criteria, such as location, product type, or service quality.

Industry directories, magazines, and publications also serve as useful resources. They often feature advertisements or articles about emerging suppliers or innovative products. Subscribing to these publications helps businesses stay informed about potential new partners in the supply chain.

Once a reliable set of vendors is established, it is crucial to continually evaluate their performance. Regular assessments should consider various factors, including efficiency, product quality, pricing, credit terms, and overall ease of doing business. This evaluation process helps ensure that the company is working with the best possible suppliers and can identify areas for improvement.

Maintaining strong communication with vendors is another key aspect of effective vendor management. Regular interaction fosters healthy relationships, ensuring that both parties are aligned in their goals and expectations. This on-going dialogue can also help resolve issues promptly, preventing minor problems from escalating into major disruptions.

In conclusion, effective vendor management and the development of new supplier relationships are critical to a company's success. By diversifying the supplier base, staying informed about industry trends, and maintaining open communication, businesses can safeguard against supply chain disruptions and secure a competitive edge in the market. The purchase department plays a vital role in this process, continuously striving to balance cost, quality, and reliability in its vendor relationships.

[pathquestsolutions]

Managing Vendor Relationships with Accounts Payable Automation

Vendor management is a cornerstone of your business operations because it ensures that you get the products and services you need to keep your systems moving and customers happy. But sometimes, managing vendor relationships can be easier said than done. Here are some common obstacles that damage interactions with third-party providers and how Accounts Payable Automation can help solidify productive vendor relationships.

The Key to Strong Vendor Relationships: Keeping the Lines of Communication Open

When you keep the lines of communication open, you help eliminate miscommunications that can strain the relationship. It’s best to always provide too much information, as opposed to not quite enough. In many situations, this involves enhancing the visibility between your vendor and your processes. With accounts payable automation, you can quickly surface important information regarding each vendor you do business with, making it easier to communicate key information.

For more information read our blog at https://pathquest.com/knowledge-center/blogs/managing-vendor-relationships-with-accounts-payable-automation/

[cannabisbusinessexecutive]

Tips for Streamlining Wholesale Purchasing for Cannabis Dispensaries and Retail Operations

By Claudia Post As the cannabis industry grows increasingly competitive, lean and smart operating is critical to the success of any dispensary business. In the end, it doesn’t matter how great your sales might be if your operating expenses are through the roof. Streamlining your wholesale purchasing is a great way to reduce costs and maintain liquidity in your dispensary. The process of…

[acid-ixx]

why can't we return to what we once were?

reblogs and interactions are encouraged and appreciated.

— masterlist !

i know my main trope for the neglected reader series is how never, for once, bruce had ever held them in his arms, but i've been thinking of something which pains me where what if you were never truly neglected as a child, only that, your family's affection for you slowly faded over time?

what if bruce was a good father — always was, you thought to yourself even if it's been years since he last picked you up personally from school — and yet he's slowly been distancing himself from you from the overabundance of his workload, managing both wayne enterprises and his double life as batman?

a pile of tasks, of missions, all stacked up to the point he just couldn't pick a time of his day to schedule at least an hour with his so-called 'treasure', you?

what if the longer you've grown, the more their memories of spending time with you in the manor's garden, buying ice cream from the vendors off the side of the streets, or even quick runs to the grocery store with dick, him buying you your favorite treats, whilst carrying your small, younger form in his all became all but a fading memory?

what if they became too busy after you became older? believing you needed space, and yet all you received is an ever diverging relationship with each individual, a silent excuse, a mutter under their breath that they have things to prioritize, work more important than the time they spent with you all those years ago?

time so precious to you, time you realized you never cherished back in those golden days, where dick and tim would drop anything they're doing just to play board games with you back when you were freshly taken into bruce's arms.

time so slow, now, now that bruce looks at you with those sorry eyes, a gentle promise that feels like empty excuses that he'll be back soon, he'll find time for you.

and he'll cradle you, temporarily, time passing by oh-so quickly when he's with you, time you wish would just stop if it means being with your father for just a longer moment. he holds your sunken cheeks that he never truly gazed at, with calloused hands rubbing softly against the sleepless bags dipping below your eyes. and yet unlike last time, he never looks at you.

unlike last time, he doesn't cherish his hold, doesn't notice the finer details of starvation and utter desperation creeping deep inside your body.

the hasty goodbye hugs feel emptier than the presence of heartache which looms over your hallowed out chest.

his back turned on you as he entered through the hole behind the grandfather clock makes you wish you never hoped for his time in the first place.

their guidance is what led you to your growth, and yet it's what stunted you, forced you to cling into past memories, nostalgic laughter, dick's ridiculous attempts to make you laugh, to distract you from the trauma of watching your mother die. tim's awkward smile churned at you, and yet you once felt his care in the way he'd offer you his favorite energy drinks whilst alfred would snatch it away from his hands, scolding him for tempting a child to drink something unhealthy.

it once felt like the warm kisses of the sun, it once felt like a dream the longer you rest in your empty bed, in your quiet room.

a room once filled with laughter, a room which used to hold quiet sessions with bruce, where he'd read you your favorite bedtime stories, where dick would crash in after another fight with your father, where it used to be tim's favorite napping spot.

bruce loved you enough back then, to even adorn you with gleaming pearl earrings in one of the galas he'd take you with. he used to hold you in just one arm, carrying you off to the tables filled with desserts every time you point at it. he laughs heartily with the fellow rich, tells them of stories of your tantrums, of your achievements, wins their hearts with memories of you he recalls.

it once made you smile so widely it nearly hurt your cheeks, once made you forget what happened in that boxed up apartment, of your mother's corpse, replaced with genuine joy that your presence was held up like a trophy; that you meant something in this big, intimidating world.

now, even rebelling during the galas, masking your desperation for their attention with atrocious behavior. pretending to be all ditzy if it meant to steal your father's gaze for just a second, maybe your new brothers and sisters too— and yet all you're met with is judgement, barely disguised contempt for your inappropriate acts— tim's embarrassed wince, damian — the new youngest member — tsking.

where was it? where was once the light giggles at your clumsiness? where was once dick's gentle scolding and bruce's fuzzing over you?

they say things change. you know it's true, you should've believed it was, but you cling to hope so blindly, so eminently stupid that you think the world revolved around you, that you think you hold even an ember to the burning flames surrounding your weak demeanor.

they are heroes, you are not.

they hold double lives, you do not.

they are family, and sometimes, you feel like you are not.

not part of it, at least, not anymore.

and you don't know when it started, don't know why it feels like you're slowly slipping away from them, or rather, like it's them who throws you out of their circle.

but what you do know, what you always noticed, was that it hurts you all the same.

the same searing pain, the familiar ache against your chest once you've realized that they've always had time. that bruce always had time for the newer people living in the manor. he was always there for cass' ballet recitals, he was always there for duke even during his day shifts, he was always there for damian's football, for dick whom he'll drive away to bludhaven to care for if anything happens, for jason who works in the crime alley, for barbara constantly looming in the batcave, for alfred, for steph, for everyone but you.

just you.

the mundane little child who he used to easily pick up with just one arm, the kid whom he knew he cherished back then, who he proudly showed off to everyone during galas, who he used to match clothes with, watch movies with, helped silence their cries with hushed comfort, held them close to his chest.

to his heart which was always closed off, open just for you to hear the paced heartbeats if it meant help calming yours.

to his heart that held no more space for you after all these years.

seemingly forgetting you, seemingly rendering you restless, broken with all these questions on why, just why did this happen? just what caused all this sudden anguish, this sudden silence, this aching pain.

pain which held you in a vice grip, pain which forced you to smile at alfred as you pretending like all these— these attempts at restoring past memories never once hurt you, never once made you doubt if all the love they once had given you was all false.

pretenses, lies, deceit and manipulation which almost made you believe: that you're the problem, that they hate you, that your inherent choice, your eminent mistake at not choosing the vigilante life is what led you to your downfall; to this neverending pain.

and you almost believed, almost succumbed to the same paths if you were confident enough to believe in yourself.

after all, all you wanted was their presence.

all you wanted was to be cradled, no matter how childish you'd be called, no matter what it takes—

you cling to that hope that maybe, just maybe, they'd hold you once more.

maybe, just maybe, dick would swarm you in a pile of blankets like last time, bring home some junk food exclusive to bludhaven. that tim would sleep in your room, rest his head against your shoulder for just a sliver of rest. that bruce would just fucking hold you, console you when the tears become too heavy, when the weight of the world becomes too restricting against you.

maybe you wouldn't be alone anymore.

because after all, even if the hands that cradled you were calloused, blistering skin, scabbed and sullied. even if it held the weight of gotham's expectations for their saviors. even if it were stained with blood, and years of heavy combat.

even if it were unfamiliar now, even if you'll never know what it'd feel like anymore—

— it was still the same hands which cradled you all along.

and you could only hope it would cradle you once more.

you could only hope they care just enough to find you once you leave for an entirely different country, once you permanently erase traces which leads back to you.

you, just the mundane, useless child you once were.

a/n: wow, sorry for suddenly disappearing teehee <3 two things: i think i forgot how to properly write angst and i temporarily lost interest in the fandom (it felt too suffocating at some point), hence the sudden silence. everything felt utterly boring for me and i started to fixate on 10 other fandoms whilst trying to restore my love for this one. but hey! lookie here, a little concept i decided to post. it's my sorry attempt at regaining the spark of writing, and i'd rather not force myself to write for chapter 6 or else i'd end up losing more of my fixation for dc comics 😭

[blueivyy99]

Sylus? No ... Skye?

Sylus x NonMC

summary: you didn't know that your lovely sweetheart is the most wanted man in all of Linkon. you knew him as Skye. one year with him was bliss, then suddenly he ghosted you.

tags: fluff, angst, sylus as skye, non mc reader more tags to follow

taglist: @animegamerfox @lazypostfandomer @mentaltrouble2201

note: ACKKK new series hiii! Hope you enjoy this

Masterlist

"How is my darling?"

Destiny cafe is particularly busy during this time of the day. Chatters from friends and the sound of the coffee grinder fills the place. So when you heard a familiar voice talking in your direction, you tear your gaze away from your laptop and looked at them. It's your very adorable boyfriend -- Skye. You immediately shoot him a smile. He's finally here.

"You're just in time. I'm actually loading up my cart for skincare products. Come and help me choose."

He groaned before plopping to your side and looked at your screen. That made you giggle. He doesn't really like doing all of these and in his own words he can "just help pay for it" but he tolerates you anyway.

"Sweetie, didn't we just bought some a few months back?" he asked while still scrolling through different brands of facial masks looking for the ones you two already tried and tested.

"Months. It's been months, Skye. We already went through all of them. We only have a week's worth."

"Fine. Go and check out this one. I like the scent."

Your afternoon went on like that. Nothing new. Just a fun and light moment with your long term boyfriend. It has been a blissful year since you two got in a relationship and so far, he did nothing but make you smile. Although he is stubborn at times and makes your head ache with his sudden disappearances, you didn't question him for it. You wanted to, but it seemed like he isn't ready to tell you where he goes and as an apology when he returns he gives you a bouquet of peonies.

Skye tells you that he is just a lowly fruit vendor whose income depends on how his fruits sell and that he got lucky supplying a few bigshots costumers here in Linkon, but sometimes it's hard to believe that. His motorbike collection alone is enough to pay for your year's worth of salary and so far he used at least five different big bikes around you. Not to mention his cars that's another puzzle that you cannot wrap your head around.

And the way he spoils you is out of this world! You're not one to police someone's spending habits but if Skye is telling the truth and he is just living off of his fruits, then he should start cutting back on the amount he spends on you.

"Skye, if you ever think of paying for this, I'm telling you now: don't." you said trying to be stern. "Let me cover it this time."

He raised a brow at you, "What kind of boyfriend am I if I let my lady pay for the things she loves?"

When he is like this it's so easy to just give in and do what he wants especially when he looks so offended that you don't want him to pay for you. It might no be obvious to him, but he has this little pout whenever he doesn't get his way and his eyes looks so disappointed that it makes your heart clench.

But no. You will not be swayed.

"You will be a responsible boyfriend who will be mindful of his spending habits so he can maintain his lifestyle." you answered him looking directly in his eyes. "You have been spending wayyyy too much on me, baby. It feels like for a week alone, you already managed to gift me an entire month's worth of my salary."

"Fruit sold so well it's fair that my lady gets her share."

There he is again. Using his charm and sweet words to get to you.

"I love that you had such a provider mindset, that's very husband material of you." you said emphasizing your last phrase because you know you get him to listen to you when that kind of topic is brought up. "BUT you have to spend wisely. It's not everyday that you will sell well. What if a competitor comes and you lose all your costumers, then what? I would happily provide for us, but if we can avoid being broke then by all means let's avoid it."

Skye knows you and your history. You didn't come from a rich background and you had to work your entire high school until college just to finish studying so you know hard work and how important it is to be mindful of your purchases and seeing Skye just burn his finances like it doesn't hurt his pockets is something that you would just watch.

"What I'm saying is, you need to save up for your future. You never know what might happen."

He took your hand and laced it with his, bringing it up his lips and kissed it.

"Don't worry about that 'kay? I'm not spending more than what I can lose. We won't go broke." he said and smirked, "But I think I would spend more on you. I like it when you get so ... wifey. Makes me wanna put a ring on you."

You blushed hard. Feigning irritation, you took your hand back and crossed your arm.

"Well, I won't marry someone who doesn't care about our finances."

"Hey! Don't say that!" He made you face him but you won't budge.

He sighed defeatedly when you didn't speak further. "Fine. I would spend less."

You smiled and finally looked at him. "Promise?"

"Promise." he looked like a kicked puppy it's adorable. You kissed his cheeks to mend his broken heart.

"Love 'ya. Keep that up I might propose to you myself."

He was wide eyed when you said that.

"Don't you dare, sweetie. Let me do the proposing." he said.

"If you are gonna spend a couple of thousand dollars on it, then I would say no." you stuck your tongue out just to piss him off.

He chuckled at you and your childish antics, "A man don't kiss and tell about the prices of their gifts, sweetheart. You wouldn't know."

You just pinched his ears lightly careful not to hurt him. "Take me seriously, Skye. Don't spend too much on me. Save some for yourself."

"I know, baby. I hear you. I will try, okay?"

You nodded your head. That's good enough to hear for now.

==

You walked out of the cafe planning to chill in your home and watch movies when Skye received a phone call from his shop assistant Luke. He answered it while keeping his hand on your waist to guide you to the front seat of his car.

"Hello?" He shut the door to his side and started driving putting Luke in speaker mode.

"Boss Man, we're on our way to deliver watermelons. The client wants to meet you. It's important."

You can hear Skye grumbling under his breath. He hates it when these kind of things happen especially when his time with you gets cut short. You two only see each other once or twice a week and it really pisses him off when he can't spend it like he intended to. You took his free hand and held him nodding for him to go.

"But -"

"Do it. Visit me tomorrow or the next day. Just text me and I will take a day off." you said. You really missed him too but his business needs him and you won't be the one to cause it's downfall.

He just sighed and answered Luke, "I'll be there. I will just take Y/N home."

"Copy boss!"

==

He pulled up in front of your apartment. You can see that he hesitates to leave because he doesn’t even look at you and he has that little pout on his lips again. When Skye is like this, you really want to kiss him silly.

“Skye,”

“I don’t want to go.”

“Tsk.” He turned off the engine and went out to open the door for you. “I will be back as soon as I can, okay? I love you.”

You gave him a sweet kiss on the lips. You need your fill for when you wait on him.

“I love you too.”

You watched his car leave. Feeling hollow on your chest.

You went inside hopeful that he will see you in two days tops.

But then a week had passed and no message from him. You tried to call but it only rings.

It made you worry and you don’t know any way to reach him.

If you had known that it would be the last time you would see him after a very long time, would you have let him go?

note: how was itttt? i hope you enjoy. this will be at least 3-4 parts only. love you!!! reacts, comments and reblogs are much much welcome 🤗

[draconic-desire]

🔶 Rex Dracorum 🔶

Yandere Zhongli x Reader

At this year’s Lantern Rite, you happen to cross paths with a dragon, much to the chagrin of the one who holds you in the palm of his hand. The result has you trapped between them.

Warnings: Very brief mention of nsfw at the end, implied kidnapping, forced relationship, yandere behavior. Basically my version of what would have happened if Zhongli and Neuvillette actually met at the Rite…

Despite the contract irrevocably binding you to the Lord of Geo, its progenitor allows you a surprising number of freedoms.

Sometimes, you can pretend like he didn’t steal your life away with a simple signature. That he didn’t back you into a corner, making you decide between two evils: to be his wife and mate, or watch as everything and everyone you ever cherished suffer the wrath of the rock.

Why me?, you would plead aloud, desperate for any loophole, any escape from your contract. Why a mortal geologist with only a few mora to her name?

You’re one of the few who appreciates the rock over the gem, my precious lapis, he’d reply cryptically. Always riddles and non-answers, layered statements garnished with polished words.

If you could reverse time, you would have refused his invitation for tea that first time. Little did you know that each of those subsequent meetings, each time you spent listening to his fantastical tales shared between steaming cups, you were digging your grave a foot deeper, his hold on you constricting an inch further.

Perhaps if you had rejected him outright, he would have viewed you not as a unique mineral, but as another insignificant pebble in a sea of endless, colorless sediment. As no more than the dirt beneath his boot.

Instead, you must seek refuge from him and his stifling, suffocating presence in the times between the cracks, like now, as you take in the transformed Liyue Harbor, adorned with lights and colors brighter than any precious stone.

Hailing from Liyue, the Lantern Rite has always been a time of celebration and reflection for you and your family. Now it represents one of the only times the invisible shackles are lifted from your frame.

Although Zhongli does initially insist on walking you through the harbor, arms interlocked as he parades you around while monologuing about Liyue’s rich history, he permits you to venture off on your own and explore while he entertains his associates or work clients during the day. Although you know there are constantly eyes on you, usually a certain grumbling yaksha, this precious time almost feels like normal.

Today, you’ve decided on a stroll through Qiaoyang Village. The quiet, leisurely existence that its inhabitants have adopted fills you with a rare tranquility. Walking at a slow pace among the many street vendors, the scent of tea leaves, fresh mint and spices, permeates your nose, beckoning you forward. Your tea stocks at home are getting a bit low, you mentally remark, and having some of your own gives you an excuse to occasionally opt out of the times Zhongli wants to drag you out again.

Your mind set, you turn to find yourself a fraction of a second from running straight into a wall of boxes.

No—looking down, you spot a pair of black and gold boots, leading up to black trousers and elegant blue robes. A pair of matching gloves holds the boxes in place. There’s actually a person carrying all of those parcels.

Due to the boxes obscuring their view, they notice you too late—with startlingly quick reflexes, they manage to avoid running into you, but given their sudden halt mid-step, the boxes in their arms go toppling to the ground.

You gasp at your stupidity and immediately drop to your knees to maintain the stranger’s fallen goods. Embarrassed at your carelessness, you stumble over your words. “I-I’m sorry! I didn’t see you—”

A gloved hand rests on your own scrambling fingers, calming your frantic attempt to organize the items. “No apologies necessary. I am the one at fault for not being more alert.”

Turning to face the stranger, who is now crouching beside you, the air in your lungs extinguishes as your eyes lock.

Undoubtedly, this man is one of the most handsome individuals you’ve ever laid eyes on.

Long, silver hair cascades around his sharp, defined features: almond eyes with striking lilac irises, high cheekbones and full lips, a tall, muscular frame clearly sculpted with subtle muscle. His attire—sapphire robes, adorned with lighter accents and intricate whirls of ocean blues—is clearly of expensive taste and sophistication. The jabot and dewdrop pendant around his neck suggest he’s Fontainian, perhaps associated with the court there.

You must look like a gaping fish out of water, for the man helps you to your feet with a kind smile. “I must have given you quite the startle. Are you feeling alright?”

His deep baritone rings through you, similar yet so unlike the proud voice of the Geo Archon you’ve grown accustomed to. Blinking twice, you regain your bearings and pray to the Seven—excluding one in particular, who would be very unhappy with you—that the man didn’t notice you gawking at him. “Ah, yes, I’m fine. Again, I’m very sorry for being so distracted. If any of your items are damaged, I’m more than happy to pay for replacements.”

“That is quite generous of you, but I can assure you that won’t be necessary. You see, these boxes merely contain tea, nothing more.” To prove his claim, he bends down to retrieve a box that opened when it landed, revealing simple, sealed bags of leaves.

Your shoulders sag in relief. It truly seems like no damage was done. “Well, at least let me help you wrap them up together. I know a trick that will make carrying them all much easier.”

The white-haired male nods, followed by a subtle smile. “That’s very kind of you. I accept your proposal.”

After a quick stop at another stall to buy twine, you start to work on binding the boxes together. You count more than ten in total—who needs that much tea, anyway? The amount of it is almost comical, but you can’t bring yourself to actually poke fun of the man. Not when he’s looking at you with such an endearing smile. Like he’s seeing you, not just the wife of the Lord of Geo.

Your face heats. “So,” you start, trying to focus on your knots and ties and not the stranger’s eyes boring into you, “can I ask why you’re carrying so much tea?”

“Well, I originally was transporting some goods back to Fontaine for my friends and colleagues, but I decided to partake myself. It was buy ten boxes get half off,” he replies, as calmly as if he were stating an obvious fact.

You can’t help it. A giggle escapes your lips as you quirk your head to the side. The innocence with which this man admitted to being scammed endears you greatly, and you can’t help but play along with him. “You know, that’s a pretty good deal.”

He smiles, then, a subtle thing paired with a tinge of pink along his cheeks. “I thought so, too.”

Your smile grows in tandem. Speaking to others, especially other men, without your husband hovering above the conversation is quite rare for you these days—though you have no doubt you’ll be questioned about it later once Xiao reports the encounter to him, if he hasn’t already—

A hand rests on your shoulder, the landing a bit too heavy and the grip a bit too tight. “Ah, my beautiful wife. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

The sound of Zhongli’s voice sends a jump through your bones. Archons, you knew you were being followed, but you’ve never been located and corralled this quickly. A flame of indignation, which has long since dimmed from an inferno to a mere flicker, sparks in your chest. You’re rightly upset that your time has been cut short, and even before you learned this interesting and undeniably attractive foreigner’s name.

You look up at Zhongli and open your mouth to explain the situation, that you were merely helping the other man secure his absurd amount of tea boxes, but the words die in your throat.

The Lord of Geo’s amber gaze is sharp and deadly as stone, directed at the other man. His jaw tightens and he grinds out, “Neuvillette.”

The silver-haired man’s eyes narrow as his gaze roams from the hand on your shoulder to meet Zhongli’s glower. “Rex.”

Your brow furrows in confusion as you glance back and forth between the two men who look two moments away from ripping each other to ribbons. It’s obvious they know each other, and the name Neuvillette rings a bell of recognition in your mind. But what really concerns you is the term by which Neuvillette called Zhongli. To your knowledge, no one refers to your captor as Rex Lapis except Xiao, who knows of his draconic—

Oh. Oh.

The realization slams into you with a wave of clarity as your head slowly turns toward the other man. The silver, slitted pupils, the shimmering blue horns and pointed ears, the aura of power and hydro around him…

Horrified, your mouth falls open as you truly take in this man, Neuvillette.

No, not a man. The restored leader of Fontaine, the Hydro Sovereign.

You’ve been casually conversing with not only a dragon, but also the Chief Justice of the Region of Justice. One of the original powerhouses of Teyvat, from which the Seven gained their gnoses. And, given the death of the Hydro Archon, there is currently only one in existence restored to their full power.

“Shit,” you breathe, a bit too loudly. Purple and gold irises snap to you in sync, one filled with thinly veiled concern and questioning and the other with building anger and possession.

On cue, Zhongli snakes his arms around your waist, pulling you taut against his side. You swear you feel the hint of claws digging into your skin through the fabric of your dress, the remnants of his exuvia form.

“I had hoped to avoid meeting you here,” Zhongli states, eyes roaming over the scene, the scattered tea boxes, the twine in your hand, as he pieces together the situation, “but my wife is too kind for her own good sometimes.”

Neuvillette’s eyes browse over your form, examining your tense muscles and downtrodden eyes, the arms that remain at your sides. He’s seen cases just like this time and time again in court, but even so, it doesn’t take a legal profession to ascertain that you’re not particularly fond of your husband. And given Morax’s propensity for contracts, Neuvillette’s senses immediately go on alert.

The Chief Justice clears his throat. “Not at all. I think it quite generous of her to have dedicated her time to making my travels easier.” He tries to give you a reassuring smile, but you’re too focused on Zhongli who, despite his collected demeanor, you realize is a thread away from snapping.

Just what kind of battle between dragons have you gotten yourself into the middle of?

“Is that so? Perhaps she took pity on an old man such as yourself. I hear it can be difficult to carry so much after you’ve departed from your prime.”

“Old man?” Neuvillette barks a laugh, but quickly coughs and regains his composure. “Quite ironic coming from you, Rex. Besides, I feel quite reinvigorated these days. One can only assume it’s due to the balances of power returning to their rightful due.”

Zhongli flashes a hint of his canines, the only giveaway to his building rage. “Rightful is quite a biased term. We wouldn’t want to start a war now, would we?”

Neuvillette’s eyes glint like a sword ready for battle. “And you would know quite a bit about inciting wars, wouldn’t you, Rex?”

Dear Archons, you need to stop this before these two lunge at each other’s throats.

“Zhongli,” you try to placate with a soft voice, the name and tone you know he so adores from you, “I believe that Neu—uh, the Chief Justice was on his way back to Fontaine. I only wanted to help him wrap up his purchases correctly for the journey. If we assist him together, then we can head to the Pavilion for tea after, yes?” Part of you is disgusted at yourself for having to grovel, but you can’t allow two immensely powerful draconic beings to brawl over tea in the middle of the village.

Though you have an strong inkling that the argument isn’t over tea.

Your suggestion lands. Zhongli’s muscles relax as he peers down at you, those immovable, amber eyes softening slightly as he drinks you in. The roaming hands across your back and waist, however, hint that you’ll be getting an earful in private. Though of the likely punishments he has in store for you, that’s the least of your worries.

With a single snap of his fingers, Zhongli uses the power of geo to bind Neuvillette’s parcels together. “There. Consider the issue resolved. My wife and I have matters to attend to.”

Zhongli quickly begins to pull you away, and you think you hear a growl over your shoulder from Neuvillette’s direction. “Careful, Rex. I would be most displeased to have to take one of your contracts to court. In the face of the law, they aren’t as omnipotent as you believe them to be.”

You wince, the statement hitting a bit too close to home. Zhongli, on the other hand, goes as still as stone. “That sounds awfully like a threat, Neuvillette.”

“A mere warning. It is of your own fault to read too deeply into it.”

Neuvillette then turns his attention to you, placing a single tea box into your shaking hands. You have no clue when he separated it from the rest.

Leaning in, his voice drops, low enough to be directed to you, yet you know Zhongli hears it clearly. “You are more than welcome to Fontaine. I will see to your accommodations personally, if you so choose to visit. I believe a spirit like yours would be greatly appreciated in our nation.”

All you can do is shake your head forlornly. Never in a million lifetimes will Zhongli allow it, not even before this encounter. You’ll have to settle for seeing Fontaine through your dreams alone.

Straightening with a frown but understanding the position you must be in, of the contract that binds you to the Geo Archon, Neuvillette lets the matter drop. He turns to leave, but not before throwing over his shoulder, “And her name isn’t wife, Rex. It’s…”

You swallow thickly. “(Y/n),” you finish, a mere breath.

Neuvillette gives you a final smile in return. “My offer will always stand, (Y/n). Happy Lantern Rite.”

Moments after he’s out of sight, Zhongli dips his nose into the crook of your neck, breathing in your scent and rubbing his over your skin. “You stink of that other male…but I know how to amend that.”

Needless to say, you did not make it to tea that afternoon.

It wasn’t until that night when Zhongli was asleep, clawed limbs and scaly tail entangled with your naked form, that you deem it safe to open the tea box Neuvillette gifted to you.

Core pounding, you grimace as you stand, the many possessive and claiming bite marks and bruises across your skin even worse than usual. He didn’t lie about wiping any scent of the other dragon away, if the past few hours of nonstop sex were any indication.

You make your way to the kitchen trash, where Zhongli had immediately disposed of it upon arriving home. Heart pounding, you lift the lid.

A shimmering blue vision reflects in your pupils.

[simplifyworkforce]

Smart Hiring: How Contingent Workers and VMS Are Redefining Recruitment

In today's dynamic business landscape, agility in workforce planning is essential. Companies are increasingly turning to contingent workers—freelancers, contractors, and temporary staff—to stay flexible and competitive. But hiring and managing this flexible talent requires a smart strategy. That’s where a Vendor Management System (VMS) and efficient sourcing in recruitment play a critical role.

What is a Contingent Worker?

A contingent worker is someone hired on a temporary or contract basis, not as a full-time employee. This workforce includes freelancers, independent contractors, and agency-supplied talent. They offer organizations a cost-effective way to fill skill gaps, manage workloads, or execute short-term projects without long-term commitments.

Why the Shift Toward Contingent Talent?

Flexibility: Companies can scale teams up or down based on project demands.

Specialized Skills: Access to niche talent for short-term needs.

Cost Efficiency: Reduced overhead compared to full-time hires.

The Role of a Vendor Management System (VMS)

A Vendor Management System is a cloud-based platform that helps organizations manage external workforce procurement—from sourcing to onboarding and performance tracking.

Key Benefits of a VMS:

Centralized Talent Pool: Streamlines interactions with multiple staffing vendors.

Real-Time Insights: Monitor performance, costs, and compliance.

Automation: Speeds up vendor onboarding and payment cycles.

Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all contractors meet legal and policy standards.

Smart Sourcing in Recruitment

Recruiters must now focus on sourcing both permanent and contingent talent. With competition for top-tier contract workers increasing, smart sourcing means:

Using AI-powered tools to screen and shortlist candidates quickly.

Leveraging talent pools and referrals for specialized roles.

Partnering with staffing agencies through your VMS to access quality talent fast.

Bringing It All Together

An effective contingent workforce strategy combines:

A scalable talent sourcing plan

A robust VMS to streamline processes

Clear policies for onboarding and compliance

When executed well, this approach reduces time-to-hire, controls costs, and keeps businesses agile in a changing market.

Conclusion

As the nature of work evolves, so must recruitment strategies. Leveraging contingent workers through a vendor management system enables smarter sourcing in recruitment, empowering businesses to respond to market demands efficiently and strategically.

[makeitmingi]

When Flowers Bloom In The Dark [Chapter 20]

Genre: Romance, Mafia!AU, Violence, Angst, Slow burn

Pairing: Hongjoong x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Florist!Reader, Mafioso!Hongjoong, Mafioso!Seonghwa, Mafioso!Yunho, Mafioso!Yeosang, Mafioso!San, Mafioso!Mingi, Mafioso!Wooyoung, Mafioso!Jongho

Summary: When you appeared and wept at his mother's funeral, Hongjoong found himself wanting to find out more about you. A regular girl, who owns a flower shop in his territory and has a relationship with the mother that he hasn't spoken to in years, why hasn't he ever noticed you before?

[Warning(s): 18+ for violence, use of weapons, smoking, alcohol consumption, slight gore, gang affiliation, tattoos and character deaths. Minors DNI. This is a work of fiction and does not represent the Ateez members in real life.]

Word count: 3.3K

"Sorry, sir. This is a private event for listed vendors only." The guard came up to you and Jihoon.

"Oh, he's with me." You explained to the guard.

"Apologies, miss. But we only have you listed under the florist teams. As this event has tight security and many high profiled guests attending, I cannot allow someone to be here without being checked." The guard said.

"Of course. We understand." Jihoon cut in. He glanced behind the guard and saw Hongjoong standing there, watching the entire exchange with a smirk on his face.

"Actually, are you done? I can head back with you." Jihoon turned to you.

"Oh... I'm not really done yet. Plus, the event is organised by someone I know. You've met him, Hongjoong..." You informed.

"I see. It's fine, I'll see you tomorrow or something. Let us know when you're heading back." Jihoon patted your head. You nodded with an apologetic smile and waved as he headed off.

"Hongjoong, if she finds out, she's not going to be happy." Seonghwa said as Hongjoong watched Jihoon leave with a proud smile.

"Then she won't find out, Hwa." Hongjoong shot his best friend a pointed look and walked away.

"If only I could take (y/n) to the gala with me. Have her on my arm." Mingi said absentmindedly, not realising Hongjoong was standing behind him.

"Mingi." San coughed. Mingi blinked in confusion and turned around to see Hongjoong standing there with a threateningly stoic expression on his face. He reached up to slap the back of Mingi's head and walked over to Yunho, who was discussing things with the venue's manager.

"You're dead." San whistled.

"Not surprising but enlighten me. Why is Mingi hyung dead?" Jongho asked with a snicker, having heard what San said to the taller. Mingi rolled his eyes with a low groan.

"He said he wants to take (y/n) as his date to the gala. Right in front of Hongjoong hyung." San chuckled.

"Goodbye, Mingi hyung." Jongho waved.

"It's not my fault he stood behind me. Besides, he's so protective and possessive of her but he would never admit it or act on his feelings." Mingi scoffed.

"Those that are done can go to the prep rooms." Seonghwa said, calling the younger boys.

"You guys, go first." Hongjoong told everyone. They watched as he jogged to where you were, starting a conversation with you.

"He should just ask her to come with him tonight." Yeosang tilted his head.

"He did. He got rejected. This isn't (y/n)'s scene and Hongjoong hyung doesn't want to make her even more uncomfortable. You should have seen their reactions when they found out that (y/n) was the florist for the gala." Yunho informed.

"Oh, yikes. Okay, let's leave them then." Wooyoung winced as they headed to the rooms where they were going to get dressed and prepare themselves for the gala.

"You did this... Didn't you?" Mingi asked his best friend as they walked side by side.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Yunho replied with a glint in his eyes.

"As your best friend, I have to tell you that you're one scary man, Jeong Yunho." Mingi shivered. Yunho burst out laughing, slinging his arm around Mingi's shoulders.

"I am great! I should open a matchmaking service." Yunho joked.

"That's if Hongjoong hyung and (y/n) doesn't kill you first." Mingi raised his eyebrows.

"Hongjoong hyung, I'm not scared of. (y/n) on the other hand... I don't know her well enough to know if she actually has the ability to kill me. But I'm sure they'll thank me soon." Yunho's eyes widened.

"Sure..." Mingi chuckled as they entered the presidential suite, where they will all be getting ready. San and Jongho were already laying in one of the big beds, lounging lazily while Seonghwa and Yeosang were discussing something in front of their iPads. Wooyoung looked like he was scolding someone on the phone.

"The outfits are here." Yunho announced, pulling the clothing rack in that was delivered to them.

"Check through to make sure it's okay." Seonghwa said to everyone. They took turns, unzipping the fabrics and making sure that all their clothing items were there.

"I'm using this space for my accessories." Wooyoung announced, reserving one of the tables so he could lay his things out.

"I'm gonna nap." Jongho yawned and went back to the bed.

"(y/n)." Hongjoong called.

"Hongjoong, I was about to come look for you. I'm done with the set up if you would like the check." You smiled, packing up the empty boxes and your water spritzer.

"No, I won't check. I trust that you know what you're doing." Hongjoong teased you with a cheeky smile.

"Now that makes me more pressured." You punched his arm. You both strolled around the place, giving Hongjoong a chance to check the floral arrangements. But to be honest, he wasn't even really paying attention to the flowers.

"So, are you thinking of heading back already?" Hongjoong asked.

"I feel like I should stay in case anything goes wrong when the gala starts but if you think I should go home now, I can...?" You looked at him, giggling.

"No! No, no. That's not what I'm saying. You can stay as long as you like." Hongjoong involuntarily raised his voice defensively.

"I'm just kidding, Hongjoong." You smiled.

"We have rooms to rest in until the gala begins, if you'd like to hang out there. It's upstairs." Hongjoong offered. You thought about it, should you be seen hanging out around them?

"Don't worry." Hongjoong said softly, as if he knew your fears. You chewed on your bottom lip but nodded.

"Alright, this way." He gestured and you both headed to the lift.

Hongjoong's right, you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. You're just friends with Hongjoong and you didn't have any ulterior motive in being his friend, you didn't even know he was rich before. He was always known to you as Mrs Kim's son. You were just unfamiliar with all the looks and stares.

"Are you hungry? We usually get food." Hongjoong asked as you both travelled in the lift.

"No thanks, I'm good. But also, don't you guys have like michelin star chefs and all that cooking for the gala tonight? Wouldn't you guys be too full?" You asked.

"We're usually too busy to eat since we're handling other things, networking, greeting people, all that." He explained.

"Also, you've seen the boys eat. They can eat multiple meals in one seating." He added.

"Yes, I have seen that. They do eat a lot." You laughed. Hongjoong led you to the presidential suite and swiped his room card, opening the door for you to enter.

"(y/n)'s here." Hongjoong said to the boys, not announcing your arrival but more of a warning to them.

"Hi again, (y/n)." Yunho waved but his eyes were glued to the screen of the gaming console.

"Hi, Yunho and Yeosang." You chuckled, sitting on the couch behind him and Yeosang, who were challenging each other in some game that looked like street fighter. Yeosang gave you a backwards wave as he focused on trying to beat Yunho.

"(y/n), can I try to change your mind in attending the gala with me tonight?" Wooyoung sat on the couch beside you and slung an arm around your shoulders.

"Are you asking me to be your date?" You raised an eyebrow.

If you saw Hongjoong now, you would have seen him about to burst a blood vessel but he stood behind you, plotting Wooyoung's death.

"Of course, we'll be the next power couple." Wooyoung smirked. You just laughed in reply.

"Thanks for the flattery, Wooyoung. But it's really not my scene. You guys know this rich people world and I don't." You giggled. Despite this, Wooyoung didn't remove his arm from you.

"Don't go touching people without permission." Hongjoong growled and pinched Wooyoung's arm, making him recoil.

"If you're worried about looks, I can get you dress right here, right now. Just say the words." Wooyoung winked.

"Let it rest, Wooyoung ah. Don't make (y/n) feel cornered." Seonghwa said with a chuckle, hiding under the guise that he was caring for you. Actually, he didn't want Hongjoong to have a heart attack or stroke right before the gala just because Wooyoung was deliberately trying to rile him up.

"Here." Hongjoong passed you a glass of sparkling water with a lime wedge, noticing you didn't have anything to drink yet. You received it with a grateful smile.

"Room service is here." Mingi yawned, going to open the door for the staff to enter who pushed in carts of food.

"Wow, that's a lot of food." Your eyes widened.

"Told you. Help yourself, okay?" Hongjoong smiled, taking a plate and handing it to you first before the boys could ravage the food. Since you were not that hungry, you grabbed some fries first.

"Isn't anyone gonna wake San and Jongho?" Yeosang asked as he turned off the game.

"Nope. They snooze, they lose." Yunho stretched his arms, putting a forkful of pasta and a chunk of steak on his plate.

"Let me know what time I should leave for you guys to get ready." You told them.

"Get ready to stay the entire time because we will never tell you to leave, (y/n)." Mingi laughed. You laughed along with him, shaking your head.

You thought they were joking but Mingi was right, the boys all adored you too much to tell you to leave. Usually, they wouldn't care and just speak their minds but with you, even as their friend, they liked having you around with them.

But when the time came, you did excuse yourself, letting the boys change and get ready while you went downstairs.

"Hey, you! I've been trying to talk to you. You didn't mention that you're close friends with the organiser!" The girl from before came up to you with a big grin.

"Honestly, I didn't even know they were the organisers. Both us didn't know." You rubbed the back of your neck.

"You're so lucky, they're all so good looking. And no one dares to approach them because of their status." She giggled.

"We're just friends, I guess I never took into account their status." You shrugged.

"Some of the guests are arriving soon. If you want to observe the event, we can stand over there to remain out of the way." She pointed to the corner.

"Thank you. I just want to make sure the flowers are okay. If there are any that are wilting or drooping, I'll change it." You explained.

"Sure. I have to go help with ushering. See you!" She patted you on the shoulder and ran off.

You tried your best to stay hidden by the corner of the room, watching as guests finally began to stroll in. They were all high society people, you even recognised some celebrities and politicians here. Compared to the simple clothes you were wearing, they were dressed to the nines.

You have never felt so out of place.

"Entering now, let's welcome to organisers of this gala." The announcer said. You turned your head to see the 8 standing there, dressed in their matching purple, velvet outfits.

"Good evening." They walked down the stairs together, the diamonds of their accessories shining under the light of the chandelier.

"Wow." You couldn't help but admire how handsome all of them were. Everyone clapped for them.

They scattered around, with people rushing to greet them and shake their hands. Hongjoong looked so different, confident and charismatic as he greeted people.

"Mr Kim. Nice to see you." An older gentleman approached Hongjoong with a girl by his side, you figured she was his daughter.

"Hongjoong. How are you?" She smiled and pulled Hongjoong into a hug of familiarity.

"I hope you 2 are enjoying the gala so far." Hongjoong smiled back. The girl naturally hugged Hongjoong's arm as he conversed with her and her father.

"She's so pretty." You couldn't help but comment to yourself. She was obviously rich, someone from Hongjoong's world. You tried to ignore the sudden tighteness in your chest, clearing your throat and tearing your eyes away to observe the rest of the gala.

Then you were struck with a reality check. This scene wasn't you, you were not familiar with this. This wasn't your world.

"(y/n), are you alright?" You didn't realise that Jongho had come over to you, noticing the tense look on your face. Blinking to re-focus yourself, you nodded your head.

"Everything looks under control here so I think I'm going to head back." You told him.

"Are you sure? If you're not feeling well, you can rest in the room. We don't mind it." He tried to offer his room card to you.

"No, no. It's fine, Jongho. I'm fine, don't worry, thank you for the offer though. I'll just go home now, see you." You forced a small smile and patted his arm.

"Wait, at least let me arrange for our driver to send you back. It's late and you shouldn't be alone." He protested.

"Thanks but I'd rather walk. Have a nice evening." You said and left before he could insist further.

You and Jongho didn't realise that while talking to business partners, Hongjoong kept his eye on you the entire time. He wasn't even focusing on what the man and his daughter was saying.

"Jongho, is (y/n) okay? Where did she go?" When he was finally able to get away from the very boring conversation, he caught the youngest by the arm. When he saw you leave the ballroom with a slightly grim expression after speaking with Jongho and not returning, he was worried.

"She said she's fine but I'm not sure. I told her that she could go up to the room to rest but she wanted to go home." Jongho explained.

"Did you get the driver to send her back? It's so late." Hongjoong asked, checking his watch to see the time.

"No. I wanted to and insisted but she wanted to go home on her own, she walked away before I could argue further. Hyung, is everything okay?" Jongho blinked.

"Yeah..." Hongjoong replied, absentmindedly.

"I need to-" Hongjoong was cut off by Seonghwa heading over with someone else.

"There he is. Hongjoong, I've been looking for you. This is the new medical director that will be overseeing our new wing at the hospital." Seonghwa smiled as he introduced.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr Kim. Thank you for entrusting me with such a responsibility. I will not let you down." The male bowed.

"Sure." Hongjoong said, not shaking the guy's hand. Seonghwa could tell his best friend's mind was somewhere else.

"Hyung, you go ahead. I'm Choi Jongho, one of the 8 leader seats of the organisation." Jongho cut in front of Hongjoong, shaking the guy's hand on behalf of Hongjoong. Hongjoong patted Jongho on the shoulder and walked away.

"Nice to meet you, Mr Choi." The male bowed with a smile. Even if Hongjoong was the leader, Jongho was just as important. Seonghwa's eyes subtly followed where Hongjoong disappeared to.

"Excuse me." Seonghwa said politely and excused himself, scanning the room to find Hongjoong.

"Hyung, what's wrong?" San asked.

"Nothing. Did you see Hongjoong?" Seonghwa asked back, still looking around for the missing captain but there was just too many people. San shook his head.

"I can't believe he went AWOL." Seonghwa cursed.

"What? I'm sure he is somewhere, hyung. We've all been roped into conversations with people. Maybe he's just occupied." San said.

"No, he's gone." Seonghwa sighed with a shake of his head. Taking his phone out, he sent Hongjoong a quick text before he was soon approached by yet another business partner.

"Yunho sshi, did you see Hongjoong sshi? I've been looking for him since our conversation earlier." A girl came up to the taller.

"No, weren't you with him? Talking with your father." Yunho tilted his head.

"He said he will be right back and just disappeared. He was talking to Jongho sshi about something." The girl said. Yunho nodded and saw the maknae engaged in a conversation with the new medical director. Being taller than the rest, he was able to easily look through the crowd. That was when he noticed someone else missing.

"Maybe he's just talking to other business partners. There is a lot to discuss tonight with multiple people." Yunho lied. The girl's cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

"Right, I understand." She cleared her throat and left.

"Jongho ah, did Hongjoong hyung and (y/n) run away together?" Yunho approached the youngest.

"Yeah. She looked upset about something and left to go home. I told Hongjoong hyung and he seemed quite bothered by it. I wouldn't be surprised if he left the party." Jongho sighed.

Hongjoong didn't really know where to go. He didn't want to call you and make you think he was watching you or something.

"Where to go?" He stood in the middle of the street, wondering if he should go to your home or the shop.

"Mister, are you a celebrity?" A couple of girls approached him. Right, he forgot that he was in his gala outfit and wearing God knows how much money worth of white gold and diamonds.

With a frown, Hongjoong ignored the girls and walked away. He walked to your shop, knowing it wouldn't be right for him to just show up at your door step. He wouldn't know how to explain himself if you asked why he was there.

"Hongjoong?" You froze when you opened the front door, intending to water your plants outside, seeing the male there.

"(y/n)." Hongjoong let out a sigh of relief.

"Wha-What are you doing here? Is the gala over? Did something happen?" You blinked, frowning slightly in worry. Hongjoong shook his head and walked towards you.

"Hongjo-" You were cut off when he suddenly pulled you into a tight hug, effectively cutting you off.

"I hate when you're upset. I worry when you're upset." He whispered.

"Upset? I'm not upset. There's nothing to worry about." You stated, unsure of what to do with your hands. Were you supposed to hug him back?

"I know you are. If you weren't, you wouldn't have left." He said. You felt the warmth of his cheek against your own.

"I'm not..." You didn't really know what to say. You were stunned, to be honest, because you didn't think that he would have noticed.

"We shouldn't do this outside. People are staring." You suddenly said. Hongjoong pulled away and nodded. Keeping your gaze down, you walked back into the shop with him in tow. Once you were in and away from public eye, you turned to look at him.

"I'm not upset. I didn't leave because I was upset." You stated, eyes looking everywhere else but him.

"Then?" Hongjoong tilted his head.

"I don't know. I don't know how to explain it because I barely know what I'm feeling. It's not that I won't explain it, it's that I can't." You let out a soft sigh of frustration.

"May I?" He asked softly, holding his hand out to you. You stared at it for a few seconds, hesitating before putting your hand in his.

"(y/n), I... I never expected it and I'm guessing you too. But I like you and not just a friend." Hongjoong said.

"What?" Your head shot up.

"I know you think we're very different and maybe we are. But our worlds don't have to be parallel. Look where we are, we've met somehow. And if you would give me a chance..." He trailed off.

"Hongjoong, I... I don't... I..." You didn't know what to say but your first instinct was to retract your hand.

~

Series masterlist

[ordinary-barbie]

rafechella.

summary: Rafe makes sure your first Coachella is one to remember. A collection of headcanons.

tags: fem!reader, established relationship, language, some suggestive content, guys being creepy (not rafe + friends), mentions of anxiety, lovesick rafey

note: I've had this idea in my brain since Saturday lol but @kittykatinc's recent Coachella request fill did inspire me a lil!

First of all, there's no way in hell Rafe Cameron is camping. He's 100% renting out a place in Palm Springs.

Rafe's crew: you, of course, but also Topper, Kelce, and Sarah.

Y'all would always hang out by the pool before the festival officially started each day. Rafe won't admit it because he gets clowned on enough for being "whipped," but his favorite parts of the day are the times when he gets to chill with you alone, catching a quick poolside nap while everyone else gets up to other shenanigans.

Before y'all started dating, Rafe was not a pop music guy. At all. But after you'd wormed your way into his heart, he found himself checking out some of the artists you loved—and actually enjoying them. He's especially obsessed with Charli, and might have been even more hype for her set than you were.

(He nearly teared up when she brought out Lorde for the girl, so confusing remix but he'll deny it when asked.)

You and Sarah managed to convince the guys to go to Gaga's headlining set and they actually had the time of their lives. Rafe lost his shit when Gaga performed Bad Romance at the end.

You want to take a zillion pictures to commemorate your first ever music festival, and Rafe is your dutiful Instagram boyfriend. He knows all the right angles to make you look your best.

When you beg Rafe to take some couples' shots with you, Rafe is always barking orders at whoever in the group is snapping your photo. Only the best shots of his girl—and don't even think of capturing her with her eyes closed accidentally.

You balk at the food prices, but Rafe casually slides the vendors his card without a worry in the world. On the last day of the festival, you and Rafe separate from the group for lunch and try the famed paella bowls, enjoying each other's company and cuddling together once your bellies are satisfied.

It's definitely harder for you and Rafe to be...intimate with his sister and best friends constantly around, but you find your moments. While the rest of the group checked out the midnight doLab set on Saturday night, you and Rafe, not much for electronic music, went back to the house. (You were self-conscious about being loud but Rafe didn't give one single fuck about what the neighbors thought.)

A drunken man wobbles into you Friday night, spilling his beer down the front of your top. Instead of apologizing, he leers at you and asks you to take your top off.

Rafe sees red. But he's trying to listen to you and get into fewer altercations, so he settles for towering menacingly over the creepy drunk bro, his eyes blazing with rage.

"Apologize to her," Rafe demanded. "Now."

If looks could kill, there would be a dead drunk guy on the premises. The guy stammers his way through an apology and scurries away.

Topper, Kelce, and Sarah just stand there, shocked but impressed. They knew Rafe adored you—it was painfully obvious—but moments like this really showed how much he cared.

If you want to go to a set nobody else is interested in, Rafe is going with you. He refuses to let you wander the festival grounds by yourself. That's how he finds himself at Clairo on Saturday night. Her music isn't 100% his vibe, but seeing you happy is totally worth it.

Whenever the crowds start to make you anxious, Rafe is there to ground you, whether it be rubbing circles on the back of your hand or telling you dumb jokes to get you to laugh. He knows you can get overwhelmed sometimes and always wants to be an anchor for you when you're out and about.

Rafe falls in love with you all over again throughout the weekend. Whether it's Gaga, Charli, Green Day, or Megan thee Stallion, his heart squeezes in his chest seeing your eyes light up and your body sway to the music. You're so happy and entirely in your element listening to live performances, and Rafe finds it utterly endearing.

Before you know it, the festivities are over, and you're all flying back to North Carolina. You nap during the flight home, but Rafe spends the majority of the time just gazing at you, feeling so happy and light inside. He still can't believe how lucky he is that you want to walk through this life with him.

[annua-lunaria]

A lone witch is on her way shopping for parts. As usual, same project, same place, same vendor, different parts. Surely she will manage to make a construct sooner or later. The past has not been kind so far.

As she leaves, a porcelain doll approaches her, cracks all over, with an almost jittering walk. The doll, empty-eyed, clearly drained of a big part of its magic, bumps into the witch, making the freshly bought fabrics scatter on the floor.

The doll apologizes, its voice barely functioning, and tries to clean up the mess it caused. The witch is simply staring, almost in horror at the state it is in.

No witch should ever abandon care for their doll this way, or in any way at all! A crack needs to be fixed, a lack of magic filled, a walk unjittered.

Before the doll even finishes picking up the parts, the witch immobilized it and took it in (yet another sign of carelessness, a witch should not have this be possible for their dolls).

What to do, the witch wonders, or rather, how to do it. Almost every part of this doll is cracked, it’s a miracle it didn’t fall apart ages ago. But should she just replace all the parts? Is it even the same doll?

No, she decides, no doll of Thesseus will be built here, surely, she thinks, surely she can fix it. It will simply take some work.

Slowly, she fills the cracks in, carefully takes the doll apart, first its legs, then its arms, even more carefully its head, she infuses the “glue” with magic, making it almost shine golden. Surely it can’t fall apart now, but this is only an external fix. The core of the doll is still as jittery, as empty, deprived of magic, as broken as before.

But a doll’s core is not simply refilled. It is bound to its witch. She would say “with a heavy heart”, (but that would be a lie,) she replaced the old core with a new one. Freshly made, especially for it, catered exactly to its body, its mind alone. Giving it back to the former owners would be torture, no doll deserves to be treated like this!

As it opens its eyes, freed from the week long immobilization, it recognizes its new owner as such. Its old core discarded, a blank slate, it still does recognize the state it is in. The cracks, while filled, glow bright, making it clear it has been broken before. But not by her. She could never. It knew that.

Even with this new core, the doll seems unwell. It takes care of the witch’s dwelling quite well, even without being asked to, yet any time it makes any mistake, forgets a single corner or almost breaks a single thing, it is waiting for punishment. From its witch? Why would it do that? Even it didn’t know. It was just ingrained into every part of its body. But the punishment never came. It needed to learn that.

The witch, still working on her own construct, conversed with her doll a lot. More than it ever expected to be talked to. About the most benign things. Why would she do that?

She was building a relationship.

Months pass, the doll learns about its witch, the witch about her doll. What it means to be either. What it feels like to be either.

They do feel very alike. Sympathetic.

Very sympathetic, even.

To the point where the witch realizes, she did not buy the parts for her project. It bought them for itself.

And it became, through many, sometimes failed, spells, a soft plushy.

And the plushie’s doll slowly realized, the golden glow on its body is not a glow of being broken. It is the glow of being fixed.

[ariichive]

feeling touch

k. sakusa

in which sakusa's first relationship comes with gentle surprises and a lasting sense of comfort. fluff | first relationship | mentions of assault | gn reader :) | established relationship | timeskip

sakusa was good at reading people. it was a skill that came with being a good volleyball player such as himself. knowing where to hit a spike, finding the perfect spot for a service ace, and understanding his teammates.

the ability even followed him outside of the court. sakusa found himself observing people everywhere. the couple on the train; the girl had a nervous look on her face as she clutched her stomach, often stealing glances at the man busy on his phone. pregnant. sakusa remembers thinking to himself. the same day, he watched a stray dog on the busy streets of japan circling a busy food vendor.

it was no surprise when the dog snatched food from the owners hands and ran off into an alley way, the curses of the owner blending in to the surrounding noise.

yes; this was all natural for him but not for most people. at least, to him in particular.

people did not understand kiyoomi sakusa.

he think it's his whole demeanor. sure, he might not be the most friendly looking, but he was still human with human normal reactions. he remembers one day after a dominant win against a damn good team.

interviewers flocked to him, fans were everywhere; it was overwhelming. there was nothing more he wanted than to go home, where he could relax after a long match and wait for you to come home from work.

home. he kept repeating in his head, making his way through the crowd. he answered questions simply if they were asked. he was almost through the seemingly never-ending pool of people, when a hand circled around his wrist. sakusa immediately turned around, yanking his wrist out their hand with swiftness. with a glare, he took a step back. a girl with a big number 15 on her shirt. oh, a fan.

"h-hi," the girl spoke in a high-pitched voice. like a dog whistle. sakusa nodded his head in a greeting, eagerly turning around to continue on his way. he wasn't the nicest when it came to fans, but if his fans were really genuine they would understand he did not appreciate being touched.

clearly, this girl was not so genuine.

she grabbed his wrist, again, this time with a bit more force. "w-wait!" sakusa sighed but stopped nonetheless knowing this could go on forever. she squealed when he stopped; his eye twitching. "can we take a picture? please?" sakusa couldn't deny there was a sparkle in her eyes and he feels as if he didn't take a picture her dreams would be absolutely crushed. while he wasn't big on social interactions, he wasn't exactly a monster. "yes, make it quick. please, do not touch me." he managed to mutter out.

the girl quickly stood next to him, a centimeter of distance between them as she whipped out her phone to take a selfie with him next to her. she pressed the button, a 3 second timer starting.

3...

2..

1.

as soon as the timer hit 1, the girl quickly pressed her lips against his cheek.

fear and disgust immediately ran through his body as he shoved the girl, not caring that she ended up on the ground. "never come near me again, you disgusting shit." sakusa meant every word, and he probably would have said more if he wasn't so focused on getting out. pushing throw the crowd, he barely paid attention to the concern looks of bokuto and hinata. if he would've looked back, he'd witness atsumu angrily snatching the phone from the crazed fan.

home. he had to get home.

the journey home was a quick one, he had too much occupying his mind. as soon as he stepped into his safe space, sakusa made a beeline to the shower. a shivering feeling of disgust and guilt taking over him. with the amount of reporters around, you were bound to see the news. he can't believe another persons lips were on him; he could only imagine your reaction. would you be angry? disappointed? disgusted?

sakusa scrubbed harder at his skin.

when he was done in the shower, he still didn't feel clean enough. he had half the mind to go back in, let the burning hot water consume him as a whole. he would have, if it wasn't for the sound of the front door opening. his heartbeat picked up pace, he quickly dried himself and threw on a shirt and sweats. it'll be okay. he reassured himself as he stepped out into the open space of your shared residence.

as he made eye contact with you, he felt a pinch of fear crawl up his spine when you didn't hug him as usual or give him a kiss as a greeting.

you knew.

he felt an apology about to slip out his lips, the guilt weighing on his heart.

"i'm so sorry, omi... atsumu told me what happened."

you said an apology before him, leaving sakusa stunned. why were you apologizing?

noticing his lack of response, you continued. "atsumu told me what happened... i'm so sorry you had to go through that. i understand if you want space to collect yourself, i won't overstep any boundaries."

you understood how dire the situation was; noting how important it was to keep sakusa's feelings in mind. he looked shaken up when you arrived home, so you thought it was best to not add to his discomfort; hence the lack of physical greeting.

sakusa sighed, "..you don't have to apologize. it was my-"

"don't you dare say it was your fault!" you took a hesitant step towards him, and when he didn't move away, you hugged the tall outside hitter; he melted into your arms.

"the only person to blame is that crazy fan, it had nothing to do with you. nobody deserves that to happen to them."

sakusa bathed in the comfort of your words, finally finding the energy to hug you back.

"you're right, love. i'm glad to be home with you."

yeah, you knew this was his way of saying i love you. "i love you too! now let's find something to eat, you must be hungry after that game. ugh, i wish i could've gone! your highlights are trending, the ladies at work..."

he listened to you chatter away, a big smile present on his face.

sakusa wasn't hard to understand, it just took the right people to understand him.

bonus

"whaddya gonna do with this photo?" atsumu stared at the phone of sakusa's fangirl, a look of disgust and hatred taking form. he quickly deleted it as he went to her recently deleted album to ensure it would be gone permanently. he wasn't surprised to see her lock screen was a picture of sakusa, or the number of pictures she had of him in her photos. "oh you're not right in the head," he chuckled mockingly as he stared down at the girl, who tried to get up only to be pushed back down by bokuto. "oops, didn't see you right there." bokuto said almost robotically; everyone knew he was lying as he scratched his neck in boredom.

hinata eventually made his way over. "oooh, a fan?" to any onlooker, it would look like the hyper-orange-haired male had genuine, pure curiosity. but his teammates knew.

"yeah, a fan. huge fan of omi omi, hundreds of pictures of him in her gallery." atsumu said as he slung an arm around hinata's shoulders. he found pleasure in the embarrassed look on her face. she stuttered out lame excuses he didn't bother listening to. "hey, kou, shoyo, since she's such a big fan, why don't we show her an up-close play?"

"hell yeah!" bokuto cheered as he high fives hinata. the obsessed fan could only watch in horror as her phone was tossed to hinata, who bumped it to atsumu, who then set it towards bokuto.

bokuto, feeling a strong sense of defending his friend and teammate, spiked her phone into the floor with a loud cracking sound that echoed throughout the stadium. meian turned a blind eye to his team's antics.

atsumu took out his own phone, taking a selfie. he made sure the crying girl on the ground hovering over her broken phone was in the background.

[sent to (name) 6:48pm]

[seiwas]

₊˚⊹。look my way, you’re what i crave | gojo satoru

wc: 2.6k

summary: you and gojo made a promise to yuuji.

contains: f!reader in mind but no pronouns used, food trip/taste-testing, many food descriptions, a little bit of (playful) jealousy, pouty gojo, yuuji calls reader sensei, established relationship (but no label).

a/n: a small extra scene that takes place some time between col 2.5 and col 3! not a food expert nor am i japanese, so food descriptions are just based off first-hand experience and some research i’ve managed to do! there are some switches in povs (gojo-reader-gojo) but i tried to keep it as distinct as possible! this is also my birthday gift for you, niku @stellamancer!! thank you for sharing this idea with me and for loving the col couple as much as i do!!

collection masterlist: conversations on love 2.5. and my body keeps saying (it's yours) <- you are here -> 03. so this is what it means to be in love + (extended scene) too good to be mine

‘Losing’ isn’t a word in Gojo’s vocabulary. 

If it is, it’s usually addressed to the other party. 

He’s been a winner ever since he was born, two blue eyes and an extra four hidden, holding power that manifests itself only once every few centuries. Some argue that he was born for that reason: to win, without doubt, incontestably. 

And he supposes, most of it is true—which is why he can’t believe the loss he’s feeling right now, standing in front of the Daifuku stall across from you. 

Never in his entire life did Gojo ever anticipate himself losing to anything. But with the way you’d casually nodded off, signaled so nonchalantly that you’d follow him but clearly didn’t—it has his head turning, finding you midbite a singular, shared stick of Yakitori.

He thinks he might have just experienced his first loss. 

And the victor is none other than Itadori Yuuji. 

.

You made a promise to Yuuji. 

Back when he was still up for execution by virtue of being Sukuna’s vessel, you’d laid your confidence in Gojo. 

“Sensei, do you really think it’s possible?” he asks, voice hesitant but eyes tinged with hope. You were discussing the ways his execution could go down—if it even will go down. 

Shoko’s always pointed out that the most dangerous thing about you is hope, and how you hold onto it so deeply that you pass it onto others like a disease, spreading it to seep into skin and bones.

Gojo calls it your hidden technique, the trump card you pull out when everyone’s knocked down, spirits low. It’s what sets you apart, he thinks, how you’re able to survive in a world that serves as an antithesis to the values you hold. 

“If Satoru said to leave it up to him, he’ll find a way,” you answer immediately, like you’ve known it all this time, experienced it first-hand—a memory. Then you add, an affirmation that sounds so close to fact, it reassures him, “he always does.” 

“Let’s go to Osaka and eat all the street food when everything’s done.”  

You made a promise to Yuuji, and here you are now, with Gojo, keeping it. 

The streets of Osaka are bustling, crowded pretty much any time of the year—carts of all sorts of street food lined up with restaurants hidden in every corner. Neon banners and LED signs light up overhead, a twinkling food heaven reflected in Yuuji’s eyes. 

It must be his first time here, you surmise, because he’s looking at every food stall like he’s ready to devour. You glance at Gojo, hands tucked in his pockets with his blindfold sitting snugly on his face. His presence is bright, blending in with the light, and he turns his head to you slightly, flashing you a small smile. 

You tell yourself the warmth you feel is because of the heat radiating from all the vendors’ stoves. 

“Sensei, what do you want to try first?” Yuuji interrupts your train of thought, but you’re sure he doesn’t mean to. He’s just excited, and his energy has always been infectious, spreading to both Gojo and you. 

Gojo isn’t too big a fan of savory things, so you know you’re going to end up having to choose. You take a look around you to survey each stall, before turning back to Yuuji with a plan on how exactly you’re going to eat and conquer. 

.

Gojo watches—the way you zig-zag across the street, following Yuuji as he walks up to each vendor. It’s both amusing and endearing seeing you being just as, if not more, enthralled at all the savory options in front of you. 

Between the two of you, he’s always had the sweet tooth, so it tickles something in him that even when you don’t, your food-tasting game plan still consists of alternating savory-sweet-savory food.

Yuuji’s first pick is of course, Okonomiyaki, an iconic must-have in Osaka. He orders one piece at first, but you insist on two, knowing that the boy is more than capable of finishing a single one on his own. On the frying sheet lie columns of the pancakes–a simple mixture of flour, eggs, and cabbage–fried and coated in flavors bursting of sweet, savory, and smoky. The lady vendor is generous with the toppings and sauce she pours over it, packing the two pancakes in separate plastic containers before handing one to you and the other to Yuuji.

You turn back to find Gojo a few steps behind you, so you beckon him closer.

“Let’s share,” you whisper, once he sidles up next to you. The plastic crinkles in your hand as you try to slice a piece, Yuuji’s muffled ‘whoah’ heard from the side. 

You blow on the slice, lips shaped into a small ‘o’; he doesn’t want to stare, not with Yuuji right there and neither of you having made anything official yet—

—but this is really tempting him to kiss you. 

He doesn’t know if you can tell—any hint of his desire concealed by his blindfold, but you shove the slice right to his lips. And while it isn’t graceful at all, with the sauce probably smeared all over his mouth, it’s a good distraction from how much he wants you instead of the food right now. 

The texture of the Okonomiyaki hits right every time, the crunchy and creamy combination providing a great contrast that complements how sweet and savory it is. The bite you take after his has your expression mirroring Yuuji’s, and he takes out his phone to capture this memory.

“Gowo-shunsheh! Tek a shulfeh!” Yuuji shouts, mouth still full as he lifts his fingers up into a peace sign. You grin, ear-to-ear, evidence of your happy tummy; he wants to pinch your cheeks. 

“Okay, copy!” he raises his phone up at an angle, fingers hovering over the volume button as he grips the edges, “ready! 1…2…3… say Okonomiyaki!” 

Only Yuuji shouts it, and when Gojo reviews the photo, you’re halfway through a fallen smile—face contorting into disbelief that he said something that cringey, in typical, loud, Gojo fashion too.

“Hey!” he points out, zooming into your face in the photo, “Again! You’re not smiling!” 

You shoot him a look. 

“We can try it with a .5 this time, the kids love it these days.” he suggests, flipping the phone and gathering you and Yuuji closer. 

He takes two photos: one with flash and one without, and the moment he counts down, you mumble right by his ear to please not say ‘Okonomiyaki’ when you have to smile—he chuckles. 

And he says it again. Both times. 

You expected no less, but at least you tried. 

“You should be our human tripod next time,” you tell him, letting Yuuji go ahead. 

The photos look good, with you tiptoeing as you balance a hand on Gojo’s shoulder, Yuuji at the back with his hands raised, holding the empty plastic that used to house his Okonomiyaki.

“Knew you were just using me,” he pouts, hand reaching behind to rest at your lower back. 

It’s been the subtleties with him this trip, tonight especially. 

“Yep,” you play along, smiling oh-so-sweetly, “I knew those freakishly long arms were good for something.” 

Before he can retort with something cheesy, along the lines of: ‘to hold you’ or ‘to hug you in your sleep’, you move away, catching up to Yuuji. 

Your pick, for Gojo, is Taiyaki. It’s not his favorite thing to eat, but it’s sweet, and is still a good, nostalgic dessert, you’d like to think. Batter is poured all over the fish molds before being filled with the red bean filling. Then, after a few minutes of waiting, it pops out perfectly, ready to be eaten by the three of you. You ask for two again, only because this time, you know Gojo can finish one whole. 

But when his eyes land on the Taiyaki you’re biting from and he realizes very quickly that it isn’t his, he feels a pinch. 

It's a good thing the crunchy outside and soft, full inside of the Taiyaki is enough to make him shrug off the feeling. For now.

As the food trip goes on, you end up in many more stalls—

—a Takoyaki one, where Yuuji’s ‘ooo’s’ and ‘aaa’s’ are heard every time the balls are flipped and formed. The cooking on it is perfect, the pieces of octopus sitting just right with enough bite as flavors of soy and Worcestershire come through in its glaze. Gojo only eats one from the set of six that you ordered, and he wishes he just waited, because now Yuuji is eating half of the last one you couldn't finish. 

—a Kushikatsu one, deep fried beef and vegetables coated in crispy, crunchy breadcrumbs and dipped in Tonkatsu sauce. Yuuji ends up finishing three whole sticks, while you manage to eat one. It’s an animated conversation between the two of you that Gojo can’t seem to insert himself into. A part of him feels a little pathetic now, tailing you both like a dog, but he just wants a little bit more of your attention. 

—a Soba shop (not so much a stall) that serves amazing Cold Soba he definitely isn’t missing out on. Yuuji is practically buzzing, excited for anything noodles; it’s the main reason you’d suggested Osaka in the first place. He ducks in the shop last, Yuuji first with you in the middle, and when you settle in your seat right beside him, he snickers endearingly. Gojo can see everything, you’re reminded of that everyday and in moments like this especially. Right now, it's the way you sigh as soon as you release the top button of your pants immediately.

You pout at him as you’re served an order each, the dipping sauce in small ceramic as the noodles lie in bamboo boxes. It’s refreshing and light, just the right balance of sweet and savory; the buckwheat noodles have a lovely bite to them, not at all mushy. When he glances at you, halfway through your bowl, he can tell that you’re already full. 

But just as he offers to finish yours—

“Sensei, are you going to finish that?” 

—there’s Yuuji.

You shake your head, pushing your bowl towards him; Gojo feels that pinch returning. 

A few good minutes of walking find you on the way to another stall—

—a Yakitori one that Yuuji practically skips to, as if he didn’t just finish a bowl and a half of Cold Soba, three sticks of Kushikatsu, three and a half pieces of Takoyaki, a half of one Taiyaki, and a whole order of Okonomiyaki.

Gojo decides to sit this one out, eyeing the Daifuku stand across the street. He’s gone here plenty of times before, but never with you—and if there's anything he wants you to try out here, it's fresh, special mochi, all soft and delectable, delicate in the way its decorated.

He takes off his blindfold, ruffling his hair. With Yuuji having gone ahead, it’s just the two of you. 

“I’m going to buy Daifuku, there’s a special one I want you to taste,” he whispers excitedly, wiggling his eyebrows. 

The expression on your face is the last thing he was expecting. 

Your eyes are dazed, half-lidded, almost like you’re sleepy, and you blink at him twice before you’re able to fully process what he just said. You could be having a food coma right now, just standing. 

“Oh, okay,” you hum, nodding as you smile, dopey, “I’ll follow.” 

He considers just waiting for a bit, because he wants you to go with him. But you insist and shoo him away, telling him that the Daifuku might run out by the time Yuuji reaches the front of the Yakitori line.

So he goes, and maybe it’s a little petty, and immature, and stupid-silly, but he hates how this entire food trip has felt like a battle for your attention between him and Yuuji. 

Even though he’s probably the only one who feels it.

So it’s one-sided. Definitely. 

And he’s losing. Terribly. 

Each individual piece of Daifuku looks majestic, pink mochi with red bean filling, sliced in the middle to leave room for a whole syrup-glazed strawberry. He orders two boxes to bring back home and an extra two pieces, one for the two of you to share and the other for Yuuji. 

Gojo’s mouth is watering and he really wants to take a bite already, but you aren’t anywhere near him. So when he turns around and spots you, mid-chew on the last few bites your stomach can take from that shared Yakitori stick—he feels that pinch again. Because throughout this trip, all you’d done was split savory food with Yuuji, and all he wanted was a bit more attention, sharing half-bites with you. 

When you finally meet his eyes across the street, signature blue amidst bright reds and neon greens, he’s pouting, and he hopes he’s making it very obvious that he wants (needs) you to go to him. 

Your eyes widen before crossing the street, Yuuji right on your heel. 

“Whoah, Gojo Sensei! That looks good!” Yuuji’s voice booms, earning a few looks.

Gojo holds one Daifuku on each hand, the other two boxes tucked in a plastic bag hanging by his elbow. 

“It’s their special one!” He smiles at Yuuji, handing it over. 

You look at him curiously, head tilted to the side as you watch him closely—how his smile doesn’t really reach his eyes. 

Once Yuuji moves out of earshot, his series of ‘mmm’s’ blending in with the bustle of market chatter, you face Gojo and open your mouth wide, “Aaaah,” 

Gojo doesn’t move for the first few seconds, but you meet in the middle eventually, his hand inching towards feeding you while you move your head closer. He keeps his palm open under your chin, cupping it to serve as a catch tray for any filling that might spill out. 

There’s something about the look of you, half-sleepy and asking to be fed, that makes him feel warm and fuzzy—like that pinching feeling earlier never existed. Like he’d gladly do this everyday if you asked for it. 

The soft, plush exterior of the mochi touches your lips, and you bite, the filling oozing out just enough for you to get a good portion of it. Flavors of red bean and strawberry hit your palate, and the filling doesn’t leak, but the syrup coating the strawberry catches onto your nose when you move away. 

At the tip of your nose is a shiny red spot, glistening under the busy lights. The expression on your face is pleased, content—your head doing that side-to-side sway whenever you like the taste of something. 

“Mmm,” you smile at him, “it’s yummy.” 

And he doesn’t know what it is, if it’s the look you’re giving him, or if it's something in the air tonight, but he feels warm and full and still very much like he wants to kiss you. 

So he decides, damn all the passersby.

He does one quick scan around him, making sure that Yuuji, at the very least, is away from the immediate vicinity. And when it’s all clear, he leans in. 

Gojo kisses you on the nose in the middle of a busy street food road, and his lips are soft, almost feather-light, swooping in quickly before anyone can notice. You’re stunned into silence, but the moment you come to, he’s already swiped the strawberry syrup off you. 

His cheeks are starting to turn pink, the sides of his neck already as red as the signs on the food stalls. And he can tell you feel it too, with the way your sleepiness seems to have faded into what now looks like surprise.

Still cute though.

(Always will be, in his eyes). 

So, ‘losing’ isn’t really a word in Gojo’s vocabulary. 

But if it is, he thinks he’d gladly lose to you. 

(Still not to Yuuji though. He maybe still has to keep an eye out for that one).

thank you notes: to niku for being there always!! from answering my questions, brainstorming together, and just all-around everything!! col wouldn't be what it is now without you!! i love u, i hope i gave your love for food justice, niku!

comments, tags, and reblogs are greatly appreciated ♡