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sanjoongie · 1 year ago

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𝔻𝕒𝕪 𝕋𝕨𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕪-𝕆𝕟𝕖: 𝔸𝕡𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕔𝕤/𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕞

🥀Pairing: Alien! Hunter! Kim Hongjoong x Pilot! Human! Reader (f)

🥀Genre: Smut

🥀Rating: 18+, Minors Do not Interact

🥀Au: Sci-fi Medley au by the lovely @stardragongalaxy and me, sci fi au, space au, alien au, Alien (ridley scott) au

🥀Trope: established relationship, mated pair

🥀Summary: Hongjoong accidentally scratches you with his poisonous tail, and the results because of your mating and Seonghwa's genetically-spiced saliva, are pleasurable for the both of you

🥀Kinks: aphrodisiac, overstim, oviposition (alien eggs are in the reader), oral (f), fingering (f), penetrative sex with no barrier

🥀Word Count: 2,063

🥀Betas: @mejuii

🥀Day Twenty: Soft sub-dom/ Roleplay 🥀Mini Masterlist 🥀Day Twenty-Two: Double Penetration

You were lying in your bed with Hongjoong curled around you, when you felt a light prick on your arm. It stirred you out of your sleep to blink blearily at what pulled you from your sleep. Your hand touched your arm first and the feeling of wetness yanked you out of your sleepy state.

Your hand was covered in some red but gold as well. The only time you had ever seen a gold fluid was when Seonghwa had been grievously injured. Hongjoong’s tail was curled around you, the other half of his body bracing your head on his stomach, in complete protection mode.

“Joong!” You murmured, looking to wake up the alien hunter.

Hongjoong’s eyes snapped open immediately and his eyes narrowed down where your hand was cupping your arm. “Shit,” he cursed.

“Did you sting me?” You said in alarm. “Am I poisoned?”

Hongjoong struggled upwards, but kept you in his arms. “We have the anecdote, don’t worry, I’ll just call for Woo…young..” The words died in his mouth as his nostrils flared and his eyes blew wide open.

“Hongjoong?”

Hongjoong snarled and growled in the Alien Language and you thought you caught a bit of ‘mate’ and ‘heat’ but it didn’t make sense. Perhaps it was a symptom of being poisoned?

“Should I get Wooyoung?” You prompted him, sweating a little. You felt… different.

Hongjoong carefully, softly pinned you against the bed and whispered. “Why would you need him, darling, when you have me?”

Your nipples tightened suddenly and your lower half became a puddle of wetness. “Wha..what’s happening, Joong?”

Hongjoong swallowed over and over. “My poison transformed into something else when it entered your bloodstream.” His hand wandered over your extended stomach, but it seemed like he was attempting to distract himself.

“Is it harmful to the eggs?” You demanded.

Hongjoong smiled slowly, more of a smirk than anything else. Why did you feel like you were being hunted even though you were already in Hongjoong’s embrace? “Noooooo,” he said, “More like…” Hongjoong grumbled in his native tongue again, “makes you fuckable?”

“Fuckable?” You chewed over the word in an attempt to solve this current puzzle.

Meanwhile, Hongjoong was whispering to himself how he was going to treat you well. His hands moved lower and when he found how soaking wet you were, he groaned softly. He pushed one finger into you, a few knuckles deep and you moaned at the feeling. You didn’t need any prep? Wait a damn minute…

“Is your poison an aphrodisiac to me?!” You demanded in disbelief.

“Yesssssss,” Hongjoong hissed, “That’s the human word.” Then his head descended and you couldn't see him over your stomach.

“Ho-hongjoong, wait, explain to me--oh fuck!” You cried out as Hongjoong’s tongue snaked out and licked the slick from your cunt.

“So full you can’t move. So ripe for the picking,” Hongjoong teased.

“Maybe we should get someone else,” You giggled nervously.

In response, Hongjoong gently bit your thigh with his double row of teeth. “No. You are mine. I am responsible. I will take care of you.”

You weren’t sure if the aphrodisiac was in full force, or if Hongjoong’s bite triggered it, or perhaps even his words, but any hesitation fell away. You felt heavy and hot and you needed release immediately.

“Joongie,” You whimpered.

“I’ve got you, Sun, don’t worry.” Hongjoong reassured you with his pet name for you. You were like the sun, always pulling others towards you, always with multiple people revolving around you.

Hongjoong feasted on your lower half. Not being able to see him only added to the stimulation. You pushed yourself up on your elbows so you could see. Hongjoong tended to unhinge his jaw in order to save your skin from his teeth and it was very hot to watch. Instead, Hongjoong pressed you down with the flat of his tail. “Rest. Let me take care of you,” he insisted.

You clawed at the sheets below you, needing something to hold on to. “Fuck--Joong, your tongue feels so good. Eat me up.”

You felt the press of his teeth on your mound and you squealed at the slight fear-pleasure of Hongjoong eating you. His tongue swirled around your clit, however, almost winding around the swollen piece of flesh. He had you coming in mere minutes, whimpering in happiness but not feeding your need nearly enough.

Next, he added another finger inside of you and began a scissoring motion to stretch you out. You attempted to buck up into the feeling but you felt the eggs move a bit uncomfortably around in your womb and you whimpered. “Joongie! It’s--!”

Hongjoong languidly slurped up some of your cum with his tongue, teasing your over sensitive clit. “I won’t stop until you say so, Sun.”

There were so many good sensations at once but you didn’t tell him to stop. Your body still felt heavy with lust and you needed more. “Want me to finger fuck you?” Hongjoong crooned softly.

You nodded, not registering that Hongjoong couldn't quite see you. “Use your words.”

You growled in Xenothian, the word for ‘please’ and Hongjoong’s muffled groans only added to the pleasure he was giving your pussy currently. “It’s hot when you speak my tongue,” he paused to say to you.

Hongjoong’s fingers found the spot inside of you that was sure to have you seeing stars quickly and you cried out. “Hhhnnnnn, so good, feels so good when you fuck me with your fingers,” You said with a coarse voice, “Wanna come again, Joongie, please.”

“You’re driving me wild, Sun,” Hongjoong snarled. “You smell so good, so delicious, so wound up like this. Tell me how much you need me. Only me.”

“Hongjoong,” You whined, “Lick my clitty again while you fuck me with your fingers. Wanna come undone for you. I want you all. I want everything.”

Hongjoong snarled, his tail, albeit carefully, wrapping around your leg possessively. His tongue went to town again, flickering up and down on your clit. You whimpered at the overstimulation but also embraced the warmth it gave you. You could feel the way Hongjoong’s fingers were working in and out of you. Your climax was approaching again.

“Come for me again, Sun. I’ll pleasure you until you can’t take anymore. I’ll take care of you completely,” Hongjoong encouraged you.

Your second climax hit you like a ton of bricks. You gasped and felt like every pore on your body was sweating. You rode the wave of your pleasure for a while, and Hongjoong kept his fingers inside of you, enjoying the feeling of your squishy walls squeezing around them. He let you have a moment to breathe, not wanting to tip the pleasure of overstim too far over the edge.

Eventually he climbed up beside your body and kissed your forehead. “You’re so good for me,” he praised you. “Ready for more?”

You nodded tiredly. “I need more, Joong.”

Hongjoong tenderly helped you move so that you were laying on your side. He began to play with your swollen tits, nipples sensitive and still tight from the aphrodisiac. “I hear that human’s suckle their young from their breasts. But I’ve seen you--” Hongjoong twisted your nipple suddenly and you arched your back for him “--let the others suck on them. Do you like when they lick your nipples, Sun?”

You could sense the trap Hongjoong was slowly winding around you. He was possessive tonight, and wouldn’t tolerate mentions of anyone else other than him. “No, Joongie, I only like when you--” You cried out again, as Hongjoong pulled your nipple outwards, stretching your tits as far as they could go. “--when you play with them.”

“We must be careful with the brood inside of you,” Hongjoong murmured against the skin behind your ear. “But I will fuck you well, Sun, don’t you worry.”

The idea of Hongjoong’s cock inside of you made your body get even more excited. If you could move around, you would have crawled on top of Hongjoong already. But your limited mobility put you at a disadvantage even though it seemed to turn Hongjoong on.

Hongjoong’s tail wrapped around your leg again, this time to spread your legs, so he could get a good angle to push himself into you. “Hongjoong, give me a kiss please,” You whimpered.

Hongjoong turned your head and kissed you deeply. His tongue ran over the roof of your mouth and you sighed into the kiss. Kissing Hongjoong was like kissing a cloud sometimes. The softness of the kiss coupled with the harsh way he was tugging and pinching your nipples only lit your body on fire even more. You whined into his mouth and he chuckled.

“I’ve already given you my tongue and my fingers?” He smirked, “Do you really need my cock inside of you that badly?”

“Please, Hongjoong, please,” You begged, “I don’t think this ends until you come inside of me.”

“Mmm,” Hongjoong hummed against your lips. He gently bit your lower lip and tugged on it. “Isn’t that a nice thought.”

“Hongjoong, I will shout so loudly for San, you know he’s probably got his head pressed up against the wall to listen to us--”

The rest of your words were cut off as Hongjoong thrusted into you with one swift motion. Your breathing sped up and your heart rate increased, and you had never felt so happy being stuffed of someone’s cock in your entire life, at this moment.

“You. Will. Not. Call. For. San.” Each word was punctuated with a careful thrust, cautious of the eggs inside of you.

You groaned softly. “Joongie!”

“I don’t think I can last very long,” Hongjoong admitted. “I don’t think I’m MEANT to last very long. Something in the coating of your juices. I think it’s a never ending cycle of aphrodisiacs. Oh fuck--” Hongjoong whined, hips rubbing against your ass.

Hongjoong snarled and growled in your ear in Xenothian. You were beyond fucked out at this point and couldn't even focus on the actual contents of what he was saying to you. But you could tell from his tone that he was telling you in all the ways he loved you and was happy that you were in his life, like this. Hongjoong was hesitant to give his heart to you but when he did, he did so wholeheartedly.

“Scream my name when you come, Sun. I want the whole ship to know exactly who is giving you this pleasure,” Hongjoong commanded in English.

You whined through your third climax. Your lower half throbbed and you almost blacked out from the intense pleasure. Hongjoong came soon after, grunting as he released inside of you. He pulled his cock out of you, letting it rest on your inner thigh and you felt him continue to trickle out onto the skin there.

“I can't leave myself inside of you,” he admitted, “I'll have to fuck you again. I think we should give you a break.”

The heat your body had felt, the weight of needing sexual release, finally broke and you felt your body relax. You were beyond satisfied and a little thrill ran through you at the thought of everything that had just happened. Hongjoong’s poisonous tail was an aphrodisiac for you; thinking of the other uses for it almost made you excited all over again.

Hongjoong cuddled into your shoulder, pulling you tight against his body. His arms slid over yours and his talons intertwined your fingers. “Thank you, Joongie,” You said to him. “You sure know how to make a girl feel beautiful.”

“I will always do whats best for you and the brood, Sun.”

***

“What happened here?!” Wooyoung shouted, appearing in your room for his turn to guard you in the morning. “It smells like blood and sex. How dare you leave me out of it!”

“Help me to the bath, Woo,” You beckoned him closer. “I need to clean this wound and--”

Hongjoong snarled lightly when Wooyoung came closer to the bed. “Mine,” he said in Xenothian.

“Mine too,” Wooyoung growled back.

Hongjoong opened one eye but the hand on your breasts tightened, making you whimper. At this point, you could just concede that Hongjoong was going to enjoy overstimulating you to the highest degree no matter what. And you were happy to have him in that regard.

🥀Day Twenty: Soft sub-dom/ Roleplay 🥀Mini Masterlist 🥀Day Twenty-Two: Double Penetration

#joongfryefff24 #kvanity #kwritersworldnet #pirateeznet #cultofdionysusnet #mfu-net #ateez smut #kim hongjoong smut #atz smut #hongjoong smut #kim hongjoong x reader #topaz's work #ღatz #sci-fi medley

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jnginlov · 11 months ago

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i have a ko-fi

hi lovs i have a ko-fi now so if you really like my work, please consider giving me a tip. i might start doing commissioned work over there at some point too

#ko fi #ateez x reader #stray kids x reader #kpop fanfic #ateez fanfic #stray kids fanfic #atz fanfic #atz x reader #skz x reader #skz fanfic #tip jar

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thebeautifulduoart · 11 months ago

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I MADE AN AD!

So, as stated in the video, I got upgraded into the JET Program, meaning I will be moving to Japan in the next coming months! This is my third time applying for the program and to get in has been a dream come true! However, I do need help with startup costs so I set up a Ko-Fi for donations and starting art commissions for the first time! Furthermore, I'm selling my ATEEZ ticket since I obviously can't go anymore! Please take the time to donate even as little as $5, it would really help me soooo much! If you do want a commission, pls DM me here, on Twitter, or Instagram and we can discuss there! Thank you for your time and pls share this video with your friends!

https://ko-fi.com/thebeautifulduo

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minkieater · 6 months ago

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when another member walks in on you ateez ot8 x fem!reader

silly little thing i wrote between clients today

smut below the cut! mdni ↓ dom/sub dynamics, exhibitionism, oral sex, p in v lol, lmk if i missed anything !!

hongjoong ☄️

“shut up slut, they’ll hear you. i bet you want that, don’t you?” he had your face buried in your mattress, drool slipping from your mouth, your ass up in the air where he was relentlessly drilling into you.

you moaned, you had stopped caring about your volume long ago, they would hear hongjoong’s thrusts before your moans anyhow. you clenched around him, only making him hiss out and reach over to push your head impossibly farther into the mattress.

you pissed him off— you got a little too close to wooyoung, talked for a little too long and hongjoong was livid.

“you want him to hear you, don’t you? want him to hear all the pretty sounds you make? showing off, huh? attention whore,” his words were venom, his lips inches from your ear with how he bent over you, foot planted on the mattress beside your shoulder.

“are you guys oka— oh shit, i’m so sorry,” hongjoong lets go of your head only for the two of you to snap your faces up to the intruder, hongjoong stilling inside of you.

“what the fuck?” was all hongjoong could get out, a stunned wooyoung in the doorway, his jaw on the floor at the sight in front of him. “wooyoung! get out!”

“it didn’t sound like you were fucking! i got scared,” you heard wooyoung yell as he closed the door behind him, leaving hongjoong to pick right back up where he left off.

“don’t think i missed how you clenched around me, whore.”

seonghwa 🫧

seonghwa had you on your knees while he sat on the bed, leaned back on one arm with the other around your ponytail, guiding you up and down his length.

in a black tank top and gray sweatpants he looked so fucking sexy in the living room, you couldn’t help but pull him into his bedroom for a minute alone — you needed to taste him, show him how much he affected you.

“fuck, you’re so good at that,” his words were quiet, a low rasp to his voice as he tugged on your hair a little harder. your mouth slipped off of him with a pop, batting your eyelashes up at him with a knowingly coy smile.

he groaned, a little louder this time, his head falling back. “don’t look at me like that or your throat’s getting fucked.”

you giggled, mouth attaching to him again, bobbing your head up and down a little faster now. he bucked his hips up little by little, using more force with each stroke and you took him proudly, small gags and noises of nasty wetness leaving your lips.

the door opened without either of you noticing, only catching a head of brown hair leaving seonghwa’s bedroom with a shriek of surprise. this wasn’t the first time yeosang had walked in on you, but it still made you laugh every damn time.

you looked up to seonghwa with a giggle on your lips after popping off him again, seonghwa wearing a smile himself.

“how many times do you think we’ll scar him before he stops coming in here?” seonghwa asks, letting go of your ponytail.

“if he was going to catch on, he would’ve by now,” you readjusted yourself on your knees during the pause, shaking your head before bringing your focus back on his delicious length before you. “you said something about fucking my throat right?”

yunho 🧍🏻‍♂️

you and yunho had been waiting for a day alone for weeks. for too long had you been silenced in the hours from one to three, his fingers clamped over your lips or stuffed between them in an attempt to keep you quiet. comeback season was busy, and when there was time off everyone lazed around the dorms and didn’t fucking leave.

now, on your third consecutive day off, the dorms were empty and yunho took advantage. he had your hands pinned under your back with a belt he had just taken off, hips snapping into you so hard the sound was sure to be heard outside.

“sloppy little cunt sucking me right the fuck in,” he hissed, hips cracking into your thighs, his fingers keeping you still.

you were wailing at this point, tears streaming down your face, begging for reprieve while also thinking if he stopped you’d die.

“don’t stop,” you repeated, a mantra on your tongue, from your hips being slanted upward his cock was hitting that spongy spot in your walls that drove you fucking insane.

you were so close, mere thrusts away from hitting your peak, and the door busted open, an out of breath mingi stood at the door.

“the rest of the guys are walking in right behind me,” mingi’s words were panicked in a warning, but yunho didn’t stop. he ignored his friend, knowing you were so close, wanting your high to crash over you so he could follow.

you screamed — mingi couldn’t move. yunho fucked you through it, thrusts only quickening to meet his own end, until he doubled on top of you with two large hands landing right beside your head.

yunho turned to look at mingi, a smirk playing on his lips with heaving breaths, “enjoyed the show?”

yeosang 👥

everyday yeosang woke you up the same way: his fingers or his head between your thighs until you were creaming around him, then he replaced it with his cock. it wasn’t a good morning until you had at least one, if not two orgasms.

this morning he was greedy— it seemed he didn’t want to let you go. you came on his face once, his fingers a second time, and he was working you up to a third on his lap. if yeosang could do anything it was last, his stamina was like no other, he could go for hours if you let him.

you had your knees planted on the mattress beside his hips, his cock hitting your cervix continuously as you grind your hips back and forth against him, your nails clawing at his shoulders. his head was leaning against the headboard, leaving his throat open to you, where you licked and sucked pretty little bruises across the base of his neck, little whines leaving his throat.

“yes, baby, ‘m so close,” he croaked out, his voice raspy and deep, his abs clenching with every grind of your hips.

“cum for me then yeo, fill me up,” your hand moved from his shoulder to wrap your fingers around his neck, pulling him towards you to connect your chest to his.

your mornings weren’t usually so filthy, never downright nasty, bringing your skin to touch his brought a sense of intimacy back to your morning.

his head fell onto your shoulder with a groan, filling you up just as you told him to, thighs twitching beneath you. you moaned at the feeling, letting your head rest atop his, bringing your hands to tangle in his hair.

“you guys awake yet?” seonghwa popped into your room, making you twist your body around to look at him, eyes wide.

“definitely awake,” he pulled his lips into a line, bidding you a singular nod before closing the door again. a huff of amusement left your lips as you looked back down to the boy laying on your shoulder, patting his head, giving him a moment to come back before you’d take your morning shower together.

san 🚪

san couldn’t wait. you were at your favorite club, both tipsy and horny, dancing to the beat of the song before san’s fingers dipped below your dress. you looked up to him with wide eyes, met with a filthy smirk and a pair of dimples that ushered you towards the men’s bathroom.

“san, anyone could walk in,” you were uneasy, san was never so impatient that he needed you then and there. he’d never portrayed signs of exhibitionism before today, your sex life had always been private — you liked it that way, yet the hunger in his eyes and the spark left in the wake of his fingers on your skin made you excited.

“let them see how good i fuck you then,” he hummed, fingers flipping up your dress, plunging into your core that was so wet he slipped in. the squelch of his fingers was deafening, you thanked god the bathroom was empty.

he stuffed you into a stall, fingers still curling into you before he slipped your panties to the side, replacing his fingers with his cock. the pace he set was brutal, your hands bracing the wall above the toilet as he fucked into you from behind, hips slapping into your ass.

you fought to keep your moans inside, pointless as the sound of skin slapping would overpower them anyway. san groaned, “knew you’d be wet, naughty girl. you were basically begging me to fuck you on the dance floor for everyone to see.”

a whine escaped you, nails clawing against the tile of the wall. he slipped a hand around your hips, coming between your legs, rubbing your clit at a pace he knew would have you coming in seconds

“fuck, san, harder please,” you breathed out, head dipping below your arms, hanging between them.

he listened, quickening his pace, fucking you somehow harder than he was before. his fingers worked in a quick rhythm, making the pit in your stomach grow until you were overflowing on his dick.

“yeah, that’s it, baby. cum all over my cock,” he was drunk off your pussy, words slurring together, keeping his pace on your clit to ride you through it.

when you were twitching from overstimulation he emptied himself inside you, head falling to the center of your spine. there was nothing but the sound of heavy breaths in the public restroom, you and san catching your breath and your sanity before he flipped your dress back down and zippered himself back up.

when you left the stall, jongho was washing his hands at the sink, barely giving you a glance as you stepped into view.

“how long have you been in here?” san asked, a pink rising to his cheeks, looking like a completely different person than he had moments ago.

“unfortunately, long enough. broke the seal so i had no choice,” jongho shrugs as he grabs paper towels, drying off his palms. “make sure you two wash your hands.”

mingi 🫶

the say my name stage always fucked you up, it never failed. being on stage period always fucked mingi up, that never failed either. it was safe to say that your post-show routine was always fucking backstage, it happened every stop, every show, you lost count of how many dressing rooms in foreign countries you’ve been fucked within an inch of your life in.

what was abnormal was mingi not waiting until the show was over. always professional, mingi waited until everyone was no longer sprinting around backstage with mini-fans and makeup brushes to touch up the eight boys before they had to head back out onstage.

as he came off the stage, his walk was fast paced, precise. it would’ve scared you if you didn’t know what it meant. his fingers hooked around your arm, dragged you further backstage, and had you in a random closet in a stadium completely foreign to you.

he was quick to split you open, granted say my name was within their first set so you were already dripping by the time he made it between your legs.

“always so ready for me,” he mumbled out, zeroed in on your center but eyes still not fully clear. in his post performance haze he was always rougher, selfish, not a care in the world for you. it was your favorite.

“put it in,” you barked out, hips bucking toward him and he was sheathed within seconds. giving you no time to get used to the stretch you wheezed, head lolling onto his shoulder, and he let loose.

he fucked you stupid, you joined him in whatever haze his brain was under as he pounded into you, hips clapping into the silence of the dark storage room. you heard footsteps outside but mingi made no moves to halt his thrusts, only focused on one thing, getting the two of you off before he had to go back onstage.

“are you fucking?” yunho’s voice wasn’t clear until he had the door open, light cascading into the storage room, yours and mingi’s necks snapping to look at the intruder.

he was smirking — he knew what he was walking into yet he did it anyway. you and mingi both smiled cheshire grins as yunho stepped inside the storage room, quickly slamming the door shut behind him.

“why didn’t you invite me?”

wooyoung 🐈‍⬛

wooyoung had you splayed out on the bed, legs bent up with his head between them. eating you out was adjacent to your meditation time, as he calls it, it's his favorite way to wind down. after a long day, after a short day, during his day, it didn’t matter when. wooyoung was always down to eat you out, eager even — he is a man not above begging.

your chin was shot back, eyes screwed tight, wooyoung had made you cum on his tongue twice so far and he was nowhere near finished.

after eating you through your second orgasm his licks had slowed down, easing up his pressure, making his tongue soft and pliable instead of hard and pointed.

soft moans left your lips, he knew by now how to work you through overstimulation, lazily licking at your clit until your moans turned to whines once more.

“taste so fucking good, could eat this pussy all night,” his eyes were fully closed, he was in a dream. between your legs was his happy place, he’d die there a happy man, he’d admitted it more than once. more than ten times, at least.

when he noticed your breaths getting shorter and your moans shifting to a higher pitch he was sharp with his movements, picking up his pace, licking up your folds and sucking on your clit with swollen lips.

hongjoong bounced through the door, “hey wooyo, you- jesus fucking christ!”

your legs snapped shut, closing over wooyoung’s head and he pried himself out of your cage with painted fingertips, jumping up to face hongjoong at the door.

“what?” wooyoung asked, palm swiping at his chin.

“i’m scarred,” hongjoong muttered, voice horrified with hands covering his eyes. your hands fled for the blankets, pulling them over your body with a speed you weren’t expecting to have to use.

“what do you want, joong?” wooyoung asked, rushed yet still casual, sitting on his knees. his abdomen was clenched, muscles on display as he twisted backward, you didn’t even care that hongjoong was in the room.

“i was going to ask if you had a spare pair of headphones,” his voice was barely above a squeak, hands still covering his eyes.

“oh, yeah i do, here, they’re my sony 1000MX—”

“i don’t give a fuck wooyoung, give them to me so i can leave.”

jongho 🧸

you were hanging out with jongho in the dance practice room as he practiced the same routine again, the fifth time tonight.

he groaned in frustration after missing a step again, the same step he’s missed the past four times he’s gone through the routine. his hands cover his face, dragging down his cheeks.

you get up from your spot on the floor, making your way in front of him, grabbing his hands to hold in yours.

“why don’t you stop for the night?” you tilt your head, nothing but warmth in your eyes as you stare into his, cold and irritated.

“i need to get this fucking right,” his lips are pursed, his eyebrows are knit together as he barks, “i need to clear my head.”

within minutes he had you on your hands and knees atop the hardwood floor, bodies facing the mirror that spread across the wall, forcing you to watch yourself as he fucked you stupid.

“see that?” he smirked at you through the mirror, fingers tight on your hips, “nothing but a cocksleeve whenever i want it, so willing for me.”

his words were cool and calm, almost a threat on his lips as he abused your core. your eyebrows were tangled and your mouth hung open, knees and palms burning from the pressure against the harsh wood.

“yes, just for you,” you manage to choke out between thrusts, body jolting forward with each thrust.

“that’s right baby,” he nods, his smile turning villainous, only fucking into you harder as he spits, “such a fucking whore, letting me fuck you in public like this.”

you nod, eyes screwed shut, “d-don’t fucking stop.”

his chuckle is deep, his thrusts losing their rhythm, “you want it? want me to fill this filthy pussy up?”

the door to the practice room opens, san strolls inside with a smile on his face before he sees the two of you — he shrieked. “what the fuck!?”

jongho stilled, laying himself atop your body, trying to cover you as best he could. his words come out nervous, “get the fuck out!”

san slips back out of the door, then peeks his head back in, “wait, when are you gonna be done? i want to practice.”

“san!”

masterlist

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velvetvisionsaurora · 5 days ago

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Alpha ATEEZ x Assistant Omega Reader

Warnings: omega reader, alpha ateez, scenting, heats, ruts, slow burn, eventual smut, forced command, more to come!

When Y/n accepts a position as assistant to alpha K-pop group ATEEZ, she's prepared with professional skills and scent blockers to hide her omega status. What she's not prepared for is the immediate, inexplicable connection she feels with all eight members—a resonance that defies her careful boundaries.

As Y/n becomes eerily attuned to their needs, her suppressed omega nature begins to emerge: purring for the first time in years, responding to alpha growls, feeling safe in ways she never has before. When a protective incident reveals the depth of the members' attachment to her, Y/n must confront the possibility that what binds them together is something ancient and profound.

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Masterlist Ko-Fi☕️

Chapter 13: Omega Eyes

Yunho had abandoned his gaming session entirely, drawn downstairs by the lingering memory of your purr and chirp, and the irresistible pull of whatever was happening to your omega. Now he sat at the kitchen table, methodically eating the cookies you'd brought him while watching you move around the kitchen with an expression of pure fascination.

You were beautiful like this—completely in your element, humming softly as you flitted from stove to counter to sink with an efficiency that spoke of deep omega satisfaction. Every movement was purposeful yet graceful, your entire being radiating contentment as you prepared what appeared to be enough food to feed an army.

Yunho had been sitting there for nearly an hour, mesmerized by the transformation he was witnessing. This wasn't the professional assistant who carefully managed their schedules and maintained polite boundaries. This was your omega in full domestic mode, nesting and providing with an instinctual drive that was both beautiful and deeply moving to watch.

The sound of the front door opening barely registered until he heard Hongjoong's voice in the hallway, followed by Seonghwa's lower tones. The two had been at the studio working on final touches for their next promotional appearance, but they were home earlier than expected.

"Yunho?" Hongjoong's voice carried a note of confusion as he entered the kitchen and found the younger alpha sitting motionless at the table. "What are you doing?"

"Where’s Y/n? You were supposed to—" Seonghwa began, then stopped abruptly as he followed Hongjoong into the room.

Yunho simply pointed toward where you were standing at the stove, stirring something that smelled absolutely incredible. "Look," he said softly, his voice filled with wonder.

Both alphas turned to follow his gaze, taking in the sight of you moving around the kitchen with that same graceful efficiency Yunho had been watching. At first glance, it might have seemed like simple dinner preparation, but there was something different about your energy, something that made both experienced alphas take notice.

"Her eyes..." Seonghwa breathed, his own gaze sharpening as he focused on your face.

Yunho nodded slowly, never taking his eyes off you. "She's been like this for an hour. Maybe longer."

Hongjoong frowned, studying your movements with growing confusion. "What do you mean, her eyes? What's—"

His question was cut off as you turned to check something in the oven, giving him a clear view of your face for the first time. Hongjoong's words died in his throat as he caught sight of what the others had already noticed.

Your eyes held a soft, dim purple hue that seemed to glow from within—subtle but unmistakable to anyone who knew what to look for. Omega eyes. The equivalent of an alpha's golden glow, appearing when an omega's instincts took over and they surrendered to their natural drives.

"Oh," Hongjoong said quietly, the single word carrying a wealth of understanding and something that might have been awe.

All three alphas stood transfixed, watching as you moved through your domestic tasks with that telltale purple shimmer in your gaze. It was beautiful and rare—many omegas never felt safe enough to let their instincts take over so completely, especially not around unfamiliar alphas. The fact that you were doing so here, in their space, was both a gift and a sign of incredible trust.

The moment was broken when you finally noticed their presence. Your face lit up with a genuine smile that made all three alphas' breath catch simultaneously.

"You're home!" you said, your voice carrying a warmth and enthusiasm that seemed to fill the entire kitchen. Without hesitation, you moved toward them, picking up another plate of cookies from the counter as you approached.

"I made cookies," you announced proudly, holding out the plate. The purple in your eyes shimmered brighter as you offered them the fruits of your domestic labor.

Hongjoong accepted a cookie with slightly shaking hands, his alpha responding powerfully to the sight of an omega presenting food she'd made specifically for her pack. "They smell incredible," he managed, his voice rougher than usual.

Seonghwa took one as well, his own hands not entirely steady as he processed what he was witnessing. "Thank you, little one. This is... you've been busy today."

You beamed at their acceptance, that purple glow intensifying with pleasure at their praise. "There's dinner too," you said eagerly, gesturing toward the stove where multiple pots were simmering. "And I did the laundry, and cleaned the living room, and—"

"You've been taking care of us," Yunho interrupted softly, finally finding his voice again. The way he said it—with such reverence and gratitude—made your omega practically purr with satisfaction.

"Of course," you replied, as if there could be no other possible response. The simplicity of your answer, the matter-of-fact way you accepted the role of caretaker, sent a collective shiver of alpha satisfaction through all three men.

Hongjoong bit into his cookie and had to suppress a groan of pleasure at the taste. "These are perfect," he said, and the way your eyes brightened at the compliment was almost blinding.

You let out a purr at the praise, causing a groan from Yunho and blush from Hongjoong.

Seonghwa was studying you with that intense focus he brought to understanding the people he cared about. "How long have your eyes been like this?" he asked gently.

You blinked, confusion flickering across your features. "Like what?"

"Purple," Yunho supplied helpfully. "They're glowing purple."

Your hand flew to your face instinctively, as if you could somehow feel the change in your eyes. "They are?"

"It's beautiful," Hongjoong assured you quickly, recognizing the note of uncertainty in your voice. "It means your omega is content. Safe. Happy."

The explanation seemed to reassure you, your smile returning full force. "I do feel happy," you admitted. "Today has been... good. Really good."

"Even after yesterday?" Seonghwa asked carefully, his protective instincts clearly still on high alert.

Your expression softened as you looked at him. "Especially after yesterday. Because now I don't have to hide anymore. I can just... be."

The honesty in your words hit all three alphas like a physical force. To know that you felt safe enough, comfortable enough, to let your omega instincts take control completely—it was a level of trust that none of them took lightly.

"And this is you just being?" Hongjoong asked, gesturing toward the evidence of your afternoon's domestic spree.

You nodded enthusiastically. "I wanted to take care of you. All of you. Because you've been taking care of me, and it felt... right. Natural."

Yunho made a soft sound that might have been a whine, his alpha clearly overwhelmed by your sweetness. "You don't have to take care of us, Tulip. That's not your job."

"I’m your assistant so technically it is my job. But now it doesn’t feel like a job," you corrected him gently, your purple-tinged eyes warm with affection. "It's what I want to do. What feels good to do."

The distinction was important, and all three alphas recognized it. This wasn't about obligation or traditional omega roles—this was about genuine care, freely given, born from your own desires rather than external expectations.

"Well," Seonghwa said, his voice slightly hoarse with emotion, "we're incredibly grateful. All of this—" he gestured around the immaculate kitchen, toward the delicious smells emanating from the stove, "—it's amazing."

You let out a purr of satisfaction again, this time, the sound making all three alphas go slightly rigid with the force of their response. The combination of your glowing purple eyes, your obvious contentment, and that perfect omega sound created a moment of such pure rightness that none of them wanted it to end.

"Should I call the others for dinner?" you asked, already moving toward the hallway as if the thought of your alphas not being properly fed was unacceptable.

"In a few minutes," Hongjoong said quickly, catching your hand gently as you passed. "Let us just... appreciate this for a moment."

You tilted your head curiously, but allowed him to guide you back toward them. Standing there surrounded by three of your alphas, your eyes glowing with omega contentment, offering cookies you'd made with your own hands—it was a picture of domestic bliss that none of them had realized they'd been craving.

And judging by the way your omega was practically radiating satisfaction, it was exactly what you'd been craving too.

---

As Hongjoong and Seonghwa went upstairs to change out of their studio clothes, you returned to your cooking with renewed energy, chattering happily with Yunho who had moved closer to the kitchen island to keep you company. The purple glow had faded from your eyes, returning them to their normal color, but the contentment radiating from your omega remained strong.

"The sauce smells incredible," Yunho commented, leaning over your shoulder to peek at the pot you were stirring. His proximity sent a pleasant warmth through you, and when his hand came to rest lightly on your lower back, you found yourself leaning slightly into the touch.

"It's my mom's recipe," you replied, unconsciously tilting your head to give him better access as his thumb traced small, soothing circles against your spine. "She taught me that the secret is adding the gochujang slowly, letting each bit dissolve completely before adding more."

"Smart woman," Yunho murmured, his hand trailing up to squeeze your shoulder gently. "You'll have to teach me sometime."

The casual touches continued as you worked—his fingers brushing yours when he handed you ingredients, his palm settling on your hip when he moved around you to reach something, a soft kiss pressed to your temple when you successfully flipped the pajeon without breaking it.

"Perfect," he praised softly, his lips lingering near your ear. The combination of his warm breath and gentle approval made your omega purr with satisfaction.

You were so absorbed in cooking and Yunho's attentions that you barely noticed the sound of the front door opening again. It wasn't until you heard Wooyoung's dramatic gasp that you looked up to find four more members crowding into the kitchen doorway.

"What is that incredible smell?" Wooyoung demanded, his eyes wide as he took in the spread of dishes covering every available surface. "Tulip, did you cook all of this?"

San was already moving toward the stove, his expression one of pure amazement. "This looks like a feast. How long have you been cooking?"

"Most of the afternoon," you admitted, ducking your head shyly as their praise washed over you. Your omega practically glowed with pride at their obvious appreciation.

Mingi appeared at your other side, his tall frame creating a warm shield as he peered over your shoulder at the kimchi jjigae bubbling away. "You made kimchi jjigae from scratch?" His voice held a note of awe that made your chest flutter with happiness.

"And pajeon," Jongho added, pointing to the golden pancakes keeping warm in the oven. "And what's that?"

"Bulgogi," you replied, gesturing to the beautifully caramelized beef. "And banchan—pickled radish, seasoned spinach, bean sprouts..."

"You made banchan too?" Yeosang's quiet voice held a wonder that was somehow more affecting than the others' more vocal appreciation. "When did you have time for all this?"

"I just... wanted to," you said simply, the honest admission making several of the alphas make soft sounds of appreciation. "It felt good to cook for you all."

Wooyoung moved to stand behind you, his arms wrapping around your waist as he pressed his face into your neck—not quite scenting, since your blocker was still in place, but seeking that closeness anyway. "You're amazing," he murmured against your skin. "Absolutely amazing."

"The luckiest pack in Seoul," San agreed fervently, earning nods from the others.

Yunho's hand found the small of your back again, his touch possessive and gentle as he guided you toward the dining table. "Come on, you've been working all day. Let us help serve everything."

"Oh no, I can—" you started to protest, but found yourself surrounded by eight determined alphas who had apparently decided that your cooking duties were officially over.

"Absolutely not," Seonghwa said firmly, appearing in fresh clothes with damp hair that suggested a quick shower. "You've done more than enough. We're taking care of the rest."

Watching them work together to transfer your carefully prepared dishes to the table filled you with a warmth that had nothing to do with the temperature of the kitchen. Your omega hummed with contentment at the sight of your alphas enjoying the fruits of your labor, their obvious pleasure and gratitude more rewarding than any praise you'd ever received.

And when Yunho pulled out your chair for you with a soft kiss to your temple and a whispered "thank you for taking care of us," you realized that this—being surrounded by alphas who appreciated your care while cherishing you in return—was exactly where you belonged.

---

You finished eating before the rest of them, your omega satisfied by watching your alphas enjoy the meal you'd prepared. Unable to sit still while they continued eating, you quietly began clearing some of the empty serving dishes and storing leftovers, moving around the table with practiced efficiency.

Jongho was the next to finish, setting down his chopsticks with a satisfied sigh. He'd barely started to stand, his plate in hand, when you appeared in front of him as if from nowhere, your hand extended expectantly.

"I can take this to the kitchen," he protested gently, but you simply wiggled your fingers at him, waiting.

Surprised by your insistence but unable to resist your determined expression, Jongho reluctantly placed his plate in your waiting hands. The moment he did, you reached up with your free hand and gently tapped his nose with your finger—a soft, affectionate boop that was followed by the most delighted chirp any of them had ever heard.

Jongho stood frozen as you practically skipped away to the kitchen, his hand unconsciously rising to touch his nose where you'd booped him.

"That..." he said slowly, his voice filled with wonder, "was the cutest thing I have ever seen."

Wooyoung was practically vibrating in his seat, his earlier satisfied calm replaced by excited, dramatic energy. "How—how do I get her to do that? What did you do? How can I make that happen again?" His eyes tracked your movements like a predator watching prey, though his expression was purely adoring.

Most of the others sat frozen in various states of shock, processing what they'd just witnessed. The casual affection, the omega sounds, the pure contentment radiating from your every movement—it was almost too much adorable stimulation for their alpha brains to handle.

Yunho, however, was smiling broadly, looking remarkably pleased with himself. "She did that earlier when I thanked her for the cookies," he said smugly. "Made the most beautiful purr and chirp I've ever heard."

"You didn't tell us about the nose boop!" San accused, his own eyes following your figure as you bustled around the kitchen.

"She didn't do the nose boop for me," Yunho admitted, though he didn't look particularly upset about it. "That was just for Jongho."

"Why just me?" Jongho asked, still touching his nose with an expression of bewildered delight.

"Because you're the baby," Wooyoung declared dramatically. "She's got omega instincts to take care of the youngest pack member!"

But Mingi wasn't participating in the playful analysis. His eyes tracked your every movement with an intensity that was different from the others—more focused, more predatory. His hands gripped his chopsticks so tightly his knuckles were white, and his eyes kept flashing between their normal brown and that telltale alpha gold.

Yeosang, ever observant, noticed first. "Mingi," he said quietly, his voice carefully controlled in the way that suggested he was trying to stay calm. "When is your rut due?"

The question landed like a bomb in the middle of the dining room. All conversation stopped as seven pairs of eyes fixed on Mingi, who had gone very still.

"Next week," Mingi said roughly, his voice strained. "Maybe... maybe a few days."

Hongjoong's expression immediately shifted to leader mode, his alpha instincts recognizing the potential complication. "How long have you been in pre-rut?"

"Since yesterday," Mingi admitted, his eyes flashing gold again as you bent to load dishes into the dishwasher. "Since the incident at the radio station. My alpha's been... restless."

The others exchanged worried glances. A protective alpha in pre-rut, around an omega, whose omega sounds were triggering every instinct they possessed—it was a situation that required careful handling.

"Mingi," Seonghwa said gently, "maybe you should—"

He was cut off as you returned to the dining room, completely oblivious to the tension that had descended over the table. Your satisfied omega energy filled the space as you began collecting more dishes, humming softly under your breath.

Mingi's breathing became noticeably more labored as you moved around the table, his alpha responding to your presence with an intensity that was becoming harder to control. When you reached for his plate, your fingers accidentally brushing his, he jerked back as if burned.

"Sorry," you said softly, concerned by his reaction. "I didn't mean to startle you."

The gentle care in your voice, the worried expression on your face, the way you instinctively moved closer to check on him—it was everything Mingi's pre-rut alpha could want and everything he needed to avoid.

"It's fine," he managed through gritted teeth, his hands clenching into fists to keep from reaching for you. "I'm fine."

But judging by the way his eyes blazed gold and his entire body vibrated with barely controlled alpha energy, fine was the last thing Mingi was.

---

After dinner, you'd settled into the living room with Wooyoung and Yeosang, some of the members went to their rooms, Yunho had taken Mingi for a walk to ‘clear his head’ he had told you.

The conversation between the three of you had been animated and thoughtful, your omega still riding the high of having successfully cared for your pack, when Wooyoung's attention had suddenly shifted to something else entirely.

"You know," he said, settling closer to you on the couch with that mischievous glint in his eyes that usually meant trouble, "I've been thinking about that adorable little chirp you made for Jongho earlier."

You felt heat rise to your cheeks immediately. "Wooyoung—"

"It was the cutest sound I've ever heard," he continued, completely ignoring your warning tone. "Like a little bird. A happy little Tulip bird."

Yeosang, who had been quietly reading in his chair, looked up with an expression of mild exasperation. "Wooyoung, leave her alone."

"I'm not bothering her!" Wooyoung protested, though his grin suggested otherwise. "I'm just... appreciating her omega sounds. They're beautiful."

"They're involuntary," you said firmly, trying to sink deeper into the couch cushions. "I can't just make them on command."

"But what if you could?" Wooyoung asked hopefully, leaning forward with obvious excitement. "What if I did something really nice for you, and you got so happy that you just couldn't help but chirp?"

"That's not how it works," Yeosang said dryly, not looking up from his book. "You can't manipulate omega responses like that."

"I'm not manipulating!" Wooyoung said indignantly. "I'm providing excellent alpha services that naturally result in omega satisfaction!"

You couldn't help but laugh at his ridiculous logic. "Alpha services?"

"Yes!" he said triumphantly, apparently taking your laughter as encouragement. "Like... bringing you snacks! Do you want snacks? I could bring you the most amazing snacks, and then maybe you'd be so grateful and happy that you'd chirp for me too."

"You're not a vending machine," Yeosang observed, turning a page with deliberate calm. "And she's not a pet that performs tricks for treats."

"I never said she was a pet!" Wooyoung protested. "I said she was a beautiful omega who makes the most adorable sounds when she's happy, and I want to make her happy so I can hear them again. That's completely different!"

"It's really not," Yeosang replied flatly.

"What if I sang for you?" Wooyoung suggested, apparently undeterred by Yeosang's logic. "I have a very nice voice. Very soothing. Omega-approved."

"Your voice is not omega-approved," Yeosang said with a slight smirk. "I've heard you sing in the shower. It's traumatic."

"Excuse me!" Wooyoung gasped in mock offense. "My shower singing is a masterpiece of vocal artistry!"

"It's a masterpiece of something," Yeosang agreed mildly.

You were laughing openly now at their banter, which only seemed to encourage Wooyoung further.

"See? She's happy!" he pointed out eagerly. "Surely that's worth at least a little chirp? Just a tiny one?"

"Wooyoung," you said, still giggling, "I can't just chirp on demand. It's not something I control."

"But what triggers it?" he asked with genuine curiosity. "Is it specific types of happiness? Gratitude? Alpha approval? I need to understand the mechanics here."

"There are no mechanics," Yeosang said patiently. "It's instinctual. Emotional. You can't engineer it."

"But Jongho got one just for letting her take his plate," Wooyoung argued. "That's such a simple thing! I do nice things for her all the time!"

"Maybe it's because he didn't expect anything in return," you suggested gently. "He just accepted my help naturally."

Wooyoung considered this seriously. "So if I act completely natural and don't expect a chirp, I might get one?"

"That defeats the purpose of acting natural," Yeosang pointed out with exaggerated patience. "You can't consciously try to be unconscious about it."

"This is very complicated," Wooyoung said with a dramatic sigh. "Being an alpha is hard work. All these omega intricacies to navigate."

"You're overthinking it," you said with fond amusement. "Just be yourself, Wooyoung. The sounds happen when they happen."

"But I want them to happen now," he said with endearing honesty. "Your omega sounds make my alpha very happy. It's like... confirmation that you're content and safe and pleased with us."

The sincere admission beneath his playful demeanor made your heart flutter. Before you could respond, though, something shifted in the air around you. Wooyoung was leaning forward, gesticulating enthusiastically as he made a point about alpha-omega dynamics, when suddenly his scent hit you like a physical force.

Bergamot and ginger, bright and spicy and utterly intoxicating, flooded your senses with an intensity that made your head spin. Your blocker was failing again.

Your blocker was failing again.

"I'll be right back," you said abruptly, standing so quickly that both alphas looked at you with concern.

"Tulip? Are you okay?" Wooyoung asked, half-rising from his seat.

"Fine! Just need to—bathroom," you managed, already backing toward the door. "Be right back!"

You practically ran to the guesthouse, your heart hammering as Wooyoung's scent lingered in your system despite the distance. In your bathroom, you fumbled for the scent blocker behind your ear, peeling it off with shaking fingers. The adhesive came away easily—too easily.

Grabbing a fresh blocker from your supply, you paused before applying it, finally taking the time to read the fine print on the packaging that you'd never bothered with before. Your eyes scanned the text until you found what you were looking for:

*Warning: Effectiveness may be compromised when omega approaches heat cycle. Increased pheromone production may overwhelm blocking capabilities. Consult your physician if...*

Heat cycle. You weren't due for another month, but omega cycles could be irregular, especially under stress. Yesterday's traumatic revelation, the awakening of your omega instincts, being surrounded by eight alphas who were openly acknowledging you as pack—it could easily have triggered an early cycle.

The sound of your front door opening made you freeze.

"Y/n?" Hongjoong's voice called from the main room. "I knocked but there was no answer. You ran off so quickly, I wanted to make sure—"

You emerged from the bathroom, fresh blocker in hand, so wrapped up in your internal panic you hadn’t realized you hadn’t applied it. "I'm okay," you started to say, looking up to meet his concerned gaze. "I just needed to—"

But Hongjoong had gone completely still in your doorway, his entire body rigid with tension. His eyes were fixed on you with an intensity that made your breath catch, and as you watched, they began to glow that familiar molten gold.

It was becoming a common occurrence recently, but something about this felt different. More intense. More—

The wave of his scent hit you like a tsunami.

Sandalwood and ocean breeze, but stronger than you'd ever experienced it, pure and unfiltered and so perfectly right that your knees nearly buckled. Without your blocker in place, without any barrier between you and his alpha pheromones, the full force of his scent crashed over you and triggered something primal and immediate in your omega.

Your eyes blazed bright purple in response, matching the gold of his gaze as your body went completely rigid. Dimly, you registered the unused blocker falling from your nerveless fingers to clatter on the floor, but you couldn't move to retrieve it. Couldn't move at all.

Because Hongjoong's scent was wrapping around you like a living thing, calling to something deep in your omega that recognized him on a level beyond conscious thought. And from the way his pupils had blown wide, from the way his breathing had gone ragged, you knew he was experiencing the same overwhelming recognition.

He was smelling your scent for the first time too. Jasmine and vanilla, sweet and warm and utterly omega, filling the small space of the guesthouse until it was all either of you could breathe.

The moment stretched between you, loaded with a recognition that went beyond attraction, beyond the connection you'd all been feeling. This was something deeper, something cellular and undeniable.

"Mate," you whispered, the word falling from your lips without conscious thought.

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edenesth · 5 months ago

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The Paradox of Us

Pairing: Seonghwa x fem!reader

AU: non-idol au

Word Count: 8.1k

Summary: Relationships are rarely as simple as they seem. It becomes heartbreakingly complicated when two souls, bound by a love that still burns bright, come to realise that sometimes, love alone may not be enough to keep them together.

A/N: Seonghwa's 踊り子 (odoriko) cover has been on repeat since the moment it came out. I couldn't get it out of my mind and just knew I'd never forgive myself if I didn't write anything inspired by it.

ATEEZ MASTERLIST

"I don't love you."

Strangely, those words would have been easier to bear. But instead, you heard the ones that shattered you in ways you never thought possible: "I love you so much... but we can't go on like this anymore."

The ache was unbearable, as if your heart was tearing itself apart with every replay of his broken voice in your mind. You would have preferred if he had said his love had faded, that the spark was gone. At least then, you could grieve, accept, and move forward. But no—he still loved you. Deeply. And that cruel truth left you stuck in a purgatory of emotions, unable to let go.

Yet, you understood him. You always did. And perhaps that was the most painful part of all—knowing he was right. You had felt it too, this growing divide neither of you could bridge. But you hadn't been brave enough to say it aloud, to admit that love wasn't enough to hold together two people who simply weren't meant to be.

So, he said it for you. And now, all you had was the emptiness of what could have been, and the love that would never quite fade.

"It'll be alright, sweetie. Time heals everything," your mother murmured, her hand gently rubbing your back as you blinked away tears and refused to meet her gaze. Her tone was soft, even comforting, but you couldn't stand it—not when she sat there pretending she hadn't played a pivotal role in this heartbreak. You could almost feel her satisfaction simmering beneath the surface, hidden behind her facade of concern. After all, hadn't she always believed he would never measure up? That he was never good enough for you?

You hated it—hated her.

Hated how she had turned your relationship with him into a battlefield, her disapproval so loud, so ever-present, that it became impossible for him to feel at home in your life. How dare she sit beside you now, feigning sorrow, when her constant criticisms had planted the seed of doubt that grew into the conclusion you dreaded? How dare she, of all people, offer comfort when she had made you believe that love—your greatest love—wasn't enough?

Her words echoed in your mind, the ones she'd repeated time and time again: "Love and compatibility aren't the same. Love is powerful, yes, but relationships are more than just feelings—they require shared values, aligned goals, and practical compatibility." She had said it so often that it became a mantra, one you tried to ignore until it became impossible.

And then there was him.

You hated him too—hated him for giving in, for not fighting harder, for agreeing with everyone else. For being too selfless, too considerate, too good. He'd always told you, "Family comes first. Everything else—including me—comes second." You hated that he meant it. Hated that he let you go because he believed it was the right thing to do, the thing that would hurt the least.

But most of all, you hated yourself.

Hated yourself for knowing, deep down, that they were all right. That maybe love really wasn't enough. You hated yourself for being too afraid to defy them, too afraid to risk it all for him. While he was brave enough to let you go, and your mother was relentless in her convictions, you had been the coward. You let everyone else make the choice for you because you couldn't bear to make it yourself.

And now, you were left with nothing but the bitter aftertaste of what-ifs and the haunting ache of knowing you had lost not because you didn't love enough, but because you hadn't been brave enough to fight for that love.

"The right person will come along," she said softly. You pressed your eyes shut, swallowing the lump rising in your throat. Without another word, you pushed yourself up from the dining chair, leaving your barely touched meal behind, and headed to your room.

Before you could step through the door, her voice followed you, cutting through the air like a knife. "You'll thank me one day when you meet a man who can give you all the things that boy never could."

Your fists clenched as you slammed the door shut behind you. Sliding down to the floor with your back against the wood, you let her words fester. Maybe she was right. You weren't getting any younger. Around you, friends and cousins were all settling down with partners your mother would call 'suitable.' And you hated it—hated that, in her eyes, Seonghwa could never be that person for you.

But then, the thought struck: you were your mother's daughter. How much of this was truly her fault? At some point, hadn't you begun to believe her? Slowly, insidiously, her words had taken root in your mind. You did this. To him, to yourself.

You remembered watching others build their perfect, storybook lives with partners who ticked every box society demanded. And you wondered—quietly at first, then louder—if you and Seonghwa could ever achieve the same. Could he be that for you? Could you be that for him?

It wasn't fair. Not to him, not to you. You hated yourself for the way doubt crept in, for how your mother's voice echoed in your head, pointing out the cracks and differences you had tried so hard to ignore. You hated yourself for wishing things could be different, for swallowing those thoughts because you loved him too much to ask him to change. He was who he was—his own person.

How could you ask him to mould himself into someone your mother would approve of? Someone society deemed 'right' for you? And if he did, would he even be the man you fell in love with?

It was those questions, those doubts, that began to live rent-free in your mind. Bit by bit, they widened the gap between you. And Seonghwa wasn't blind. He saw it. He felt it.

"You deserve someone better—someone who can give you so much more," he had said that final night, his voice breaking under the weight of goodbye.

It was your fault—your doubts, your actions, your silence. They had pushed him to that conclusion. And now, as the door behind you trembled with your suppressed sobs, you wondered: How dare you blame your mother for what you had done to him? To yourself?

How dare you?

"Gaming at San's place next, you coming?" Wooyoung asked, tossing a napkin onto the table as everyone scrambled to leave. The ridiculous game they'd invented—where the last one to leave had to pay the bill—had everyone laughing and darting for the exit.

Seonghwa's smile barely touched his lips as he shook his head and reached for his wallet. "Go on with them. I'll cover it."

The younger man hesitated, glancing at him before blurting out, "Dude, you can't always give in like this. Your poor financial planning skills are exactly why she left you."

The table fell silent, the air suddenly heavy. Wooyoung's grin faltered as he realised what he'd said, too late to take it back. Seonghwa didn't flinch outwardly, but the words sliced deep because they were true. Partly, at least.

It wasn't like he made much, not compared to the rest of his friends with their steady corporate jobs. And yet, he wasn't careful with what little he had. You had always been the one saving, planning, building a future he could barely contribute to. People his age were buying cars, investing in property, making strides toward a stable life. But he wasn't like them. He had chased his passion as a figurine crafter—a dream that didn't come with a steady paycheck—and he'd known the risks. Your mother was right: you deserved someone who could offer you the stability he never could.

"Hey, man," Wooyoung said quickly, guilt colouring his tone. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. I got the bill already, so don't worry about it. Just come with us tonight, yeah? Relax a little."

But the eldest only gave a faint shake of his head. The apology didn't soften the truth of the remark. He was the reason things fell apart. Not because he didn't love you enough—he loved you too much—but because love wasn't enough.

He'd failed you. Failed to provide the kind of life you deserved. He couldn't believe you'd even agreed to be with him in the first place, so different were your worlds. Your family background, your education, your values, your ambitions—they all set you apart. He had nothing to offer someone like you. And yet, he had been selfish enough to hold on, to want you despite knowing he could never measure up.

He should have worked harder. Should have tried to step up and be the man you needed. But he hadn't, because deep down, he knew he couldn't. Perhaps he had always known it wouldn't last. That one day, you'd wake up and realise the same.

You didn't leave right away. You stayed longer than he deserved. And when you finally began pulling away, when the signs became impossible to ignore, he had to let go. It wasn't courage that made him end it—it was inevitability.

"Come with us, hyung," Wooyoung tried again, his voice gentler this time.

But Seonghwa shook his head once more. "You guys go ahead without me. I... I have somewhere to be."

It was a lie, and they all knew it. He had nowhere to be. Nowhere that mattered, at least. Just his empty apartment, where the echoes of your absence would greet him like old, familiar ghosts.

He didn't care if they saw through the lie. What mattered was that he deserved this—the loneliness, the self-pity, the regret. He had almost broken you apart from your family because he was selfish enough to believe his love was enough. He had almost stolen your future because he couldn't face the truth.

But now, it was over. You had given him the courage to do what was right in the end. He was grateful for that. Grateful you'd started pulling away. Grateful you'd given him the signs. Grateful you'd broken his heart with the words he couldn't bear to say himself.

It's time.

Time to stop pretending.

Time to let you go.

Time to let the misery end.

Yes, let it all go. Let the misery end.

He repeated the words in his head like a chant as he drove, gripping the steering wheel tighter with each mile. The familiar streets blurred past him, their lights shimmering in his tear-filled eyes. He swiped at his face with his sleeve, but the tears kept coming, warm and unrelenting. He hated himself for it. Hated that, even now, he could almost see you sitting beside him, your laughter echoing faintly in his memory.

These night drives had been your sanctuary. Just you and him, wrapped in the quiet of the world, as if nothing else mattered. Not the expectations, not the disapproving glances, not the relentless whispers about how you two didn't belong together. It had always been just you and him against everything.

But now, it was just him.

He didn't dare glance at the passenger seat. He couldn't bear the sight of its emptiness, couldn't face the truth of your absence. His mind played cruel tricks on him, filling the silence with phantom conversations, fleeting glimpses of your smile.

Everything around him reminded him of you. The way the streetlights hit the pavement, the faint smell of your favourite perfume lingering in his car, the songs on the radio you'd sing along to when you thought he wasn't paying attention. He wanted to escape it, but he knew going home would only make it worse.

Home.

The word felt hollow now. How could it be home when you weren't there? Every corner of that apartment held traces of you—the books you'd stacked neatly on the shelf, the coffee mug you always left on the counter, the sheets that still carried the faintest scent of your shampoo. He knew he should let those remnants go, pack them away, make it easier to move on. But the thought of erasing you felt like losing you all over again.

As the weight of it all pressed down on him, he slowed the car and pulled over to the side of the road. His hands trembled as he rested his forehead against the steering wheel, the cool leather grounding him for just a moment.

Is this hurting you too?

He wondered if you were struggling as much as he was. Part of him selfishly hoped you were, that you missed him the way he missed you. But another part—the part that loved you more than he loved himself—hoped you were finding peace. Hoped you were happier without him, that his decision to let you go had given you the chance to find the stability, the life, you deserved.

Clutching a hand to his chest, he finally let the tears fall freely. The ache in his heart felt unbearable, like a piece of him had been ripped away and might never grow back. Would he ever be okay again? Would he ever know happiness without you?

He didn't know.

He wasn't sure he wanted to. But he told himself, over and over, that this was the right thing to do. It didn't matter if he was happy. It didn't matter if he felt whole again. All that mattered was you. And as he sat there, broken and lost, he prayed you were finding the happiness he couldn't give you, even if it meant he would never find it again.

It's okay... she'll find the right person now.

The right person. Who even decided what that meant? Who had the authority to label someone as right or wrong for you?

Maybe it was the lingering ache for Park Seonghwa, the way his name still carried the weight of memories you hadn't yet learned to let go. Or maybe it was the frustration bubbling inside you, resentment toward your parents for tricking you into meeting this man—the son of your father's business partner—the one they couldn't stop praising.

Jung Yunho, the perfect man, as they called him. He was everything they'd ever wanted for you, a textbook example of stability, charm, and success. But the problem wasn't him. It was you. You weren't ready, not yet. Maybe not ever. Years had passed since the breakup, but the ghost of what you had with Seonghwa still clung to you, a shadow that even time couldn't chase away.

"Hey," Yunho's voice pulled you back from your spiralling thoughts. His gaze, warm and sincere, met yours as he leaned in slightly. "You feeling alright?"

Caught off guard, you glanced down at your untouched plate of steak and managed a small nod. "I'm fine, don't worry about me."

But he didn't look convinced. Instead, his lips curved into a soft, reassuring smile—the kind that could probably disarm anyone, just not you. "How could I not, when such a pretty lady is sulking before me?" he teased gently. Before you could reply, he reached across the table, taking your plate without hesitation. "Here, let me help you."

With careful precision, he began cutting the steak into neat, bite-sized pieces. The gesture was so thoughtful, so kind, and yet it left you feeling hollow. It wasn't the act itself—it was the way it lacked the weight of familiarity.

Seonghwa used to do the same thing, but it had always been different with him. He'd grumble playfully about how you'd never learn to do it yourself, though he never minded doing it for you. His hands were smaller, more delicate, and you'd always find yourself staring at the faint scars from his crafts. Yunho's hands, while steady and practised, didn't hold the same history.

"All done," Yunho said cheerfully, sliding the plate back to you. "Now you have no excuse not to eat."

You forced a polite smile, murmuring a quiet "thank you" as you picked up your fork. Yunho didn't seem to notice the distant look in your eyes, or perhaps he was kind enough not to point it out.

He was wonderful. Thoughtful, patient, and sincere. By all accounts, he was the right person. But as you sat there, forcing yourself to chew, you couldn't help but wonder:

What if the right person wasn't the one who checked all the boxes? What if they were the one who didn't, but still felt like home?

The rest of the night crawled by like a snail, every passing second stretching unbearably long. You shifted in your seat, wishing you were anywhere but here. Yunho was a great guy—attentive, charming, and genuinely kind. But that only made it worse. He deserved someone who could meet his enthusiasm with equal fervour, someone who didn't have her mind wandering to someone else entirely.

You sighed quietly, pushing your barely touched drink to the side. What the hell was wrong with you? This was what you'd agreed to, wasn't it? This was what you'd sacrificed so much for. Years ago, you walked away from the love of your life because it felt like the right thing to do, to pursue the kind of stability and compatibility everyone insisted was more important than love alone. And now here it was, right in front of you.

The right person.

Yet, as you glanced at Jung Yunho's radiant smile, so effortlessly warm, the thought of spending the rest of your life with him felt less like the happy ending you'd envisioned and more like a cage. A beautiful, gilded cage that offered everything a woman could ever ask for—security, stability, admiration. Everything except the one thing your heart still longed for.

All you could ever find inside yourself was the same man you'd tried so hard to let go of.

Park Seonghwa.

Your chest tightened at the thought of him, your mind betraying you with memories you'd worked so hard to bury. You wondered how he was doing, though it wasn't as if you hadn't heard. Mutual friends kept you updated more than you cared to admit, their words painting glimpses of a life that no longer included you.

You'd heard he was finally making progress with his work, his passion—the very thing you'd once defended but later doubted. He'd opened a small store, modest but filled with so much of himself. It sold various collectable art pieces: action figures, miniatures for tabletop games, and custom character figurines crafted with meticulous care. Fans of Star Wars and Animal Crossing flocked to him, drawn to the detail and love that radiated from every piece he touched.

And you were proud of him. God, you were so proud of him.

He'd stayed true to himself, despite all the judgement, all the whispers about how he'd never make it, how he'd never be good enough. He'd proved them wrong. He'd built something meaningful, something entirely his own. You were happy for him, truly, but beneath that happiness lay an ache you couldn't ignore. You regretted not being there to witness it, to cheer for him when he finally achieved what he'd always dreamed of.

But maybe that wasn't what he wanted. For all you knew, he'd moved on, found someone who stayed by his side through all the highs and lows. Someone who loved him openly and without reservation, who didn't make him feel like he'd never measure up.

Or maybe he hadn't. Maybe he'd sworn off love entirely after the way things ended between you two.

Either way, you couldn't blame him. You wouldn't blame him. Not after the pain you'd both endured.

Yunho's voice broke through your thoughts, snapping you back to the present. "Is... everything okay? You've been quiet tonight." His concern was genuine, his eyes soft with worry, but you couldn't bring yourself to meet his gaze.

"I'm fine," you lied, forcing a smile that didn't reach your eyes.

But deep down, you knew you weren't fine. And you didn't know if you ever would be.

"How much for that one?"

The tiny voice drew Seonghwa's attention, and he glanced down at the little girl standing on tiptoes, her small finger pointing eagerly at the figurine encased behind the counter. It was the only one displayed under glass, like a prized treasure—and in a way, it was.

He hummed, his eyes softening as he turned to look at the figure in question. The Kuromi figurine sat proudly on the top shelf, right next to the LED sign that glowed softly with his store's name: Star Mars. The design was intricate, every detail was carefully crafted with love and precision.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," he said gently, crouching slightly to meet her gaze. "That one's not for sale. It's reserved for someone very special."

The little girl pouted, her lips forming a perfect curve of disappointment, and his heart melted a little. But no amount of adorable pouting—or even persuasive whining—could ever convince him to sell it.

That Kuromi figurine wasn't just a piece of art; it was a promise, a memory frozen in time. It was one of the first figurines he'd perfected, the culmination of years of practice and the relentless pursuit of his passion. He'd made it as a gift for you—his favourite girl.

It still is yours, if only you wanted it.

The child's father stepped forward, lifting her into his arms as he gave Seonghwa an apologetic bow. "Don't worry about her, Mr Park. I'll convince her to go with the Isabelle one instead."

Seonghwa chuckled softly, standing upright as he waved off the father's concern. "No problem at all. Isabelle's a great choice," he said, though his eyes lingered briefly on the Kuromi figurine.

As the father and daughter moved on to browse the other displays, Seonghwa found himself lost in thought. He didn't display that piece out of pride or for show—it was there because it reminded him of you. Of the nights you'd spend sitting cross-legged on the floor of his studio, playfully teasing him about his obsession with getting every detail just right.

"She looks like you," he'd said when he showed it to you for the first time. You'd laughed, brushing it off, but the glint of affection in your eyes told him you secretly loved the comparison.

He'd planned to give it to you on your birthday, but the timing never felt right. And then, before he knew it, you were gone.

The bell above the door jingled, the familiar sound slicing through the haze of his thoughts and yanking him back to the present. He straightened up, plastering on the polite smile he reserved for customers, though the weight in his chest never eased.

"Good evening! Welcome to…" His voice faltered mid-sentence, the words catching in his throat as his entire world screeched to a halt.

There you were.

It had been years, but time seemed to melt away the moment his eyes landed on you. You stood there in the soft glow of his store lights, more beautiful than he remembered—if that were even possible. Your silk dress shimmered gently with each subtle movement, an elegant coat draped effortlessly over your shoulders. The once long hair he used to run his fingers through was now cropped to your shoulders, framing your face in a way that made you look older, wiser—but still you.

Even after all this time, his heart betrayed him. It thundered in his chest, each beat screaming your name. He clenched his fist tightly at his side, willing himself to stay rooted where he stood. Every fibre of his being ached to run to you, to close the distance, but he couldn't. He shouldn't.

Slowly, shakily, he mustered a smile, though it felt like his heart might burst from the sheer force of its racing. Then, to his astonishment—and heartbreak—you returned it. A soft, familiar curve of your lips that nearly undid him.

But then, it fell apart.

The moment shattered as a tall, striking man stepped in behind you. He moved with easy confidence, his presence commanding attention as if the universe itself had tilted slightly to make room for him. Without hesitation, his hand found its way to your shoulder, resting there with an ease that spoke of familiarity.

"See anything you like?" the man asked, his deep voice carrying the warmth of intimacy as he looked down at you.

You blinked, startled, as if shaken from a dream. "Oh… I was just…" Your voice trailed off as your gaze flicked back to your ex-boyfriend, lingering for a moment longer than it should have.

Seonghwa's smile faltered, but he quickly schooled his expression, burying the ache that clawed at his chest. He nodded politely, forcing himself to focus on the customer standing in front of him—the both of you.

The Kuromi figurine sat silently on its shelf, bathed in soft light, waiting for a moment that might never come. The air inside the store suddenly felt stifling. Seonghwa stood behind the counter, his hands gripping its edge like it was the only thing keeping him grounded.

"Welcome to Star Mars," he said, his voice steady but his smile trembling under the weight of emotions. He forced it wider, hoping it would mask the whirlwind within. "It's been a while. How have you been?" His heart clenched as the words left his mouth. He wanted to sound casual, as though you were just another customer, but he couldn't. You weren't just anyone. You never had been.

You gave him a hesitant smile, one that didn't quite reach your eyes. "I've been good. How about you?"

Before he could answer, the man beside you—tall, broad-shouldered, and exuding warmth—stepped forward, his curiosity evident. "Oh, you two know each other? What a small world!" His voice was friendly, his smile sincere, and Seonghwa's chest tightened further.

He should feel relief. This man, presumably your boyfriend—or worse, your fiancé—seemed perfect for you. He was everything Seonghwa had wanted for you when he stepped away, believing he could never give you the life you deserved. And yet, it felt like the ground was crumbling beneath him.

You cleared your throat, shifting uncomfortably. "Yes, this is Seonghwa. He's... an old friend of mine."

Old friend. The words landed like a punch to his stomach, but he kept his composure.

The man extended a hand toward him, his smile unwavering. "I'm Yunho. It's nice to meet you! Next time my nieces and nephews need new toys, I'll know who to come to."

Seonghwa took his hand, shaking it firmly while managing a polite smile. "Nice to meet you too." His gaze flickered back to you, catching the way you avoided meeting his eyes.

As if on cue, Yunho's phone buzzed in his pocket, and he excused himself, stepping outside to take the call. For the first time since you'd entered, the air felt heavy with unspoken words.

You turned back to your ex, your eyes meeting his briefly before dropping to the counter. "Congratulations... Seonghwa," you whispered, his name falling from your lips like a fragile memory. "It's good to see how far you've come."

He nodded slowly, his smile softer now, though the ache in his eyes remained. "Thank you. And... congratulations to you as well," he said, glancing toward the window where Yunho stood. "He seems amazing."

The kindness in his tone made it hurt even more.

"No," you blurted, shaking your head. "He's not... we're just... friends. I don't..." Your words faltered, your voice trembling. "I'm not with anyone."

His brows lifted in surprise, but he stayed silent, his lips pressed into a thin line. You wished he'd say something, anything, but the way his eyes softened, brimming with a mix of emotions—relief, hesitation, and something deeper—was answer enough.

Your breath hitched when your gaze landed on the figurine behind him. Kuromi. Encased in glass, displayed on the highest shelf. You remembered the countless hours he'd spent perfecting it, the way he'd proudly shown you the finished piece.

He still kept it.

Before you could find the courage to ask why, Yunho reappeared, his presence cutting through the tension like a blade. "Hey, sorry to cut your little catch-up session short, but something urgent came up at work, and I—"

Seonghwa straightened, his polite smile snapping back into place. "Of course, don't let me keep you."

Your heart sank as he turned to you, bowing slightly. "It was nice seeing you again."

You forced a smile, though your chest ached with everything left unsaid. "It was nice seeing you too."

As you followed Yunho out, you couldn't resist glancing back one last time. Your eyes met Seonghwa's, and in that fleeting moment, it felt as though a thousand words passed between you.

Regret. Longing. Love.

The bell above the door jingled again as you stepped out, your heart heavy with the weight of the encounter. Yunho was quiet as he drove, his hands steady on the wheel. The silence between you felt thick, almost suffocating, but you didn't know what to say. How could you explain the whirlwind of emotions raging inside you without sounding selfish or ungrateful?

"It's him, isn't it?" Yunho's voice broke through your thoughts, soft but resolute.

Your head snapped toward him, your heart pounding in panic. "What… what do you mean?" you stammered, the guilt already clawing its way to the surface.

He sighed, pulling the car to a gentle stop in front of your home. Turning to face you, he gave you a small, knowing smile. "The man from the store. Park Seonghwa, right? He's the one you've been thinking about all night. Tell me if I'm wrong."

Your breath caught, your hands fumbling with the seatbelt as you tried to come up with a response. But the look in his eyes told you that lying wasn't an option. "I…" You paused, finally managing to unfasten the seatbelt, but your words seemed caught in your throat. "I'm sorry, Yunho. I didn't mean for this to happen."

He leaned back with a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "You don't have to apologise. If anything, I should be the one saying sorry. I knew from the beginning that you weren't exactly thrilled about this arrangement, but I still went along with it, hoping… I don't know, that maybe something would change."

You felt tears sting your eyes, and you turned away, unable to meet his gaze. "You deserve better than this," you whispered, your voice trembling.

"Hey." He reached out, his hand covering yours with a comforting warmth. "Look at me."

Reluctantly, you turned back to him, your vision blurred with unshed tears.

"You don't owe me anything," he said gently. "This… whatever this was supposed to be, it wouldn't have worked if both of us weren't fully in it. And that's okay. You know why?"

You shook your head, your voice barely audible. "Why?"

"Because this decision—choosing who you want to be with—it's for you, not for your parents, not for me, and certainly not for anyone else. It should never be about what people think or what they want. It's your life. Live it for yourself."

His words struck you like a bolt of lightning, unravelling years of self-doubt and regret. He was right. How had you allowed yourself to be swept up in everyone else's expectations, losing sight of what truly mattered to you?

You sat back in your seat, letting his words sink in, feeling a strange mix of guilt and liberation. After a long moment, you nodded, your voice steadier now. "Thank you, Yunho. For everything."

He smiled, his eyes kind and understanding. "Go on," he said, tilting his head toward your house. "And don't let fear hold you back this time."

As you stepped out of the car, his words echoed in your mind, igniting a spark of courage you hadn't felt in years.

You turned back, watching as Yunho drove away, his figure disappearing into the night. And for the first time in a long time, you felt a sliver of clarity.

It wasn't too late. You still had a choice to make. And this time, you'd make it for yourself.

The shop was quiet now, save for the soft hum of the ceiling fan and the occasional rustle of paper as Seonghwa meticulously wrapped the Isabelle and Grogu figurines the pair of father and daughter finally agreed on getting. His movements were precise, his focus seemingly sharp, but his mind was elsewhere—stuck on the brief yet piercing encounter that had just walked out of his life again.

"That Kuromi one… it's for the pretty lady earlier, isn't it?"

The father's voice broke through Seonghwa's haze, and his hands froze briefly before resuming their task. He didn't look up, focusing instead on folding the edges of the wrapping paper with unnecessary care. "You might be right," he said after a pause, his voice quieter than intended. "But it doesn't matter if it is."

The man tilted his head, a subtle frown forming as he cradled his daughter closer. "And why's that? It clearly still means a lot to you both."

Seonghwa finally glanced up, forcing a polite smile, though it faltered almost immediately. "You saw it yourself... she's with someone else. Someone better." The words tasted bitter as they left his mouth, laced with a resignation he didn't quite believe in.

The man sighed, shifting the little girl in his arms so she could hold her new Grogu figurine. He regarded your ex with a look that felt far too knowing. "I also saw how she looked at you," he said softly. "And she didn't look like someone who's better off."

Seonghwa blinked, caught off guard, but the customer wasn't finished. His gaze drifted toward the cute purple figurine that was not for sale, and for a moment, his expression softened into something fragile—something etched with pain.

"You know," he began, his voice dropping to a near whisper, "my wife used to love Sanrio too. She had this little Cinnamoroll keychain she carried everywhere." He chuckled faintly, the sound bittersweet. "I always thought I'd have more time to make her smile, to give her the little things that made her happy. But time doesn't wait for anyone. One day, it was just… gone."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, and Seonghwa felt something tighten in his chest.

The man glanced at him then, his eyes filled with a quiet intensity that seemed to pierce through Seonghwa's carefully built walls. "I don't know what's between you and her, Mr Park. But I do know this: regret is a heavy thing to carry. Don't let it weigh you down, not if you can still do something about it."

He gave Seonghwa a small, sad smile, the kind of smile that spoke of lessons learned too late, before taking the bag of purchased items. "Sometimes, all it takes is one step in the right direction. Don't let the chance slip away."

And then he was gone, the bell above the door jingling faintly as father and daughter disappeared into the night.

Seonghwa stood motionless behind the counter, his gaze drifting back to the Kuromi figurine in its glass case. The light reflected off it, casting faint shadows on the shelf behind it. It was meant for you. It had always been for you.

The father's words replayed in his mind, unrelenting in their simplicity and truth. He leaned against the counter, his eyes fixed on the figurine made just for you, but his thoughts were elsewhere—back to you, back to all the moments that had led to this one.

Back then, he'd convinced himself he was doing the right thing, letting you go so you could find the happiness he didn't think he could give you. He thought he was being selfless, noble even, sacrificing his own heart so you could find someone better—someone who deserved you. But now, the cracks in that logic were glaringly obvious. What had any of this accomplished? Neither of you had found happiness in the way he'd hoped.

The truth was harsh: he hadn't even tried. He hadn't fought to be better for you, to grow into someone worthy of your love. Instead, he'd accepted the version of himself the world seemed to see—a man with dreams too small and ambitions too impractical. He'd let himself believe that you deserved someone like Yunho, someone who fit the mould of what your parents and society thought was 'right.'

But things were different now. He wasn't that man anymore. He'd worked hard, not for anyone else but for himself. Every step he'd taken to build his store, every figurine he'd crafted with his own hands, every small milestone he'd achieved—it was proof that he could create something meaningful. And if he could do that, maybe he could create a life with you.

His heart clenched at the thought of you with Yunho, not because he doubted the man's worth, but because he knew Yunho could never hold your heart the way he still did. Yunho was everything society said you should want—stable, charming, perfect on paper. But love wasn't about paper. Love was about the way you used to light up whenever he showed you his newest creation, about the quiet nights you'd spent talking about everything and nothing, about the way your hand had always felt right in his.

Suddenly, the idea of the 'right person' seemed so absurd. There was no such thing. The right person wasn't someone who ticked all the boxes. The right person was the one you chose to love, again and again, flaws and all.

And you had chosen him once.

The real question now was whether you still would.

He straightened, his resolve hardening like molten metal cooling into steel. What kind of love was it if he could stand by and watch you settle for less than what you deserved? Not less in status or wealth, but less in the kind of happiness that made life worth living. What kind of love let you spend the rest of your days with someone who could never truly make your heart race?

Seonghwa wouldn't let that happen—not if he could help it.

His gaze lingered on the Kuromi figurine one last time before he moved toward the back room. He needed to think, to plan, to figure out how to tell you everything he should have said years ago.

If there was even the slightest chance that you still felt the same way, he would take it. Because this time, he wasn't letting fear or pride or anyone else's expectations get in the way.

This time, he was going to fight for you.

"Well...? Aren't you going to ask me how it went?" you asked, your voice sharp, as you stepped into the house. Your mother flinched, bowing her head slightly, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her apron. She hesitated for a moment before coming up to you slowly, her eyes brimming with guilt.

"Yunho called," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "He said he wishes not to force you."

A bitter laugh escaped your lips, devoid of any humour. "Of course, it took an outsider's words for you to finally see how exhausting this has been for me," you said, your tone cutting. "All this talk about marriage, about finding the right man... who is it really for? Who am I doing this for, hm? Is it for my own happiness? Or... oh, right." You smiled grimly. "It never was about my happiness, was it? It was about keeping up appearances, about pleasing everyone but me."

Your mother's face crumpled as her gaze fell to the floor. The weight of your words hung heavy in the air, thick with unspoken truths.

Your father, who had been sitting silently at the dining table, let out a long, weary sigh. He leaned forward, clasping his hands together as though trying to steady himself. "We thought we were doing what was best for you," he said, his voice low, burdened with regret. "We thought... if we guided you toward someone like Yunho, we were ensuring a future where you'd be safe, secure."

"Safe?" you repeated, your voice breaking. "From what? From being myself? From choosing the person who actually makes me happy? You never trusted me to make my own decisions. You never thought I was capable of knowing what I want, what I need."

Your mother reached for your hand, her touch tentative. "It wasn't like that," she said, though her voice wavered. "We were scared. Scared that you'd make a mistake, scared that you'd regret it later, scared that—"

"You mean you were scared," you interrupted, pulling your hand back. "Scared of what people would say. Scared of what the neighbours, the relatives, society would think. But you never stopped to ask me what I thought. What I felt."

Tears glistened in her eyes now, spilling over as she shook her head. "You're right," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You're absolutely right. We were selfish. We thought we knew better, but we didn't. We never meant to hurt you, but we see now that we did. We hurt you by not listening, by not trusting you."

Your father stood, his movements deliberate, his face sombre. "If he's the one you want, if he's the one who makes you happy, then we'll support you. No more pushing, no more trying to control your life. It's your choice. It always should've been your choice."

For a moment, the room fell silent. The tension that had loomed for so long finally began to dissipate, leaving behind a tentative sense of relief.

You inhaled shakily, the weight in your chest lifting just a little. It wasn't a perfect resolution—there was still so much to work through—but this was a start. A start you'd been longing for. "Thank you," you said softly, the words fragile but sincere. "Thank you for finally understanding."

And as your mother pulled you into a trembling embrace, you allowed yourself to hope that things could finally change. She smiled softly, brushing a hand against your cheek as if to assure you it was okay now. Your father stood behind her, his expression a mixture of pride and something deeper—perhaps the weight of finally letting go.

They exchanged a glance before your father nodded toward the door. "Go," he said quietly, his voice firm but warm. "Go where your heart tells you to. We'll always be here."

You blinked, stunned by their words, and for a moment, you couldn't move. But then, the weight in your chest lifted, replaced by an urgency that made your pulse race. Without another word, you turned and rushed out, barely remembering to grab your keys on the way.

Your car roared to life as you sped through the streets, your destination clear as day in your mind. Star Mars. The silly name you'd suggested in passing all those years ago, never imagining he'd actually use it. Your heart pounded harder with every turn, a mix of hope and fear swirling in your chest. Would he still want you after all this time? Did it matter? Even if he didn't, you needed him to know. You needed to tell him how you felt—how you still felt.

Parking haphazardly in front of his store, you didn't waste a second before bolting toward it. But as you reached the doors, your heart sank. The store was dark, the lights off, the doors locked. "Closed" hung starkly on the door, though the shops around it buzzed with life.

You froze, staring through the glass, confusion and dread pooling in your stomach. It's not even closing time yet... Had seeing you earlier bothered him that much? Had you pushed him away again, without even realising it?

Slumping against the door, you bit back tears, the overwhelming sense of missed chances clawing at your chest. Sure, you could come back another day. But you'd already lost so much time, wasted so many years pretending you didn't want this, pretending you didn't love him. You didn't want to waste another second.

Your gaze drifted inside the store, scanning the shelves. Your breath caught when you noticed something was missing. The Kuromi figurine—the one you'd lingered on earlier—was gone. You frowned, stepping closer to the glass. It had been there before. Where had it gone?

"Looking for this?"

The familiar voice made you spin around so fast you nearly stumbled. There he was, standing just a few feet away, the Kuromi figurine clutched in his hand, still encased in its protective plastic.

Your breath hitched as tears filled your eyes. "You took her off the shelf?" you asked, your voice trembling with emotion as you took a tentative step toward him. "Where were you planning to take her?"

He smiled softly, though his eyes glistened with unshed tears of his own. "I was going to take her to her rightful owner," he murmured, his voice steady but tender.

Your heart stopped at his words, and you whispered shakily, "Was? So you're not taking her anymore?"

He shook his head slowly. "No."

"Why not?"

He hesitated, the weight of years of longing and regret pressing against his chest. But then, the words of the customer from earlier echoed in his mind. Don't wait until it's too late. He looked at you—really looked at you—and knew, without a doubt, that this moment was the answer he'd been waiting for.

Taking a careful step forward, he reached for your hand, his fingers brushing softly against yours. His breath hitched when your fingers instinctively curled around his, holding on as though letting go would shatter everything.

"Because you're already here," he murmured, his voice trembling with unspoken emotion.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, your heart felt whole again. The ache of countless nights spent longing for him, convinced you'd never feel his love again, melted away. Here he was—right in front of you—just like all those years ago. Yet, it felt different now. It felt... right. Because this time, neither of you would let fear or doubt stand in the way. This time, you were both ready to fight for it, to grow, to compromise, and to hold on.

"Hwa, I... I need to tell you something," you began, your voice shaking, each word heavy with the weight of years spent in silence. Your eyes searched his, desperate to convey everything your heart had been screaming in his absence. But before you could say more, he smiled—a small, trembling curve of his lips that held every ounce of love and pain he'd been holding back.

His eyes glistened as he leaned in, his forehead gently meeting yours, grounding you, binding you in a way that no words ever could. The moment felt infinite, a pause in time where your souls met in unspoken understanding.

"I love you too," he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion, raw and honest. Before you could process the words, his lips found yours, soft and warm, carrying all the unspoken promises, all the years of longing, all the love you thought you'd lost.

The world blurred and softened around you—the hum of the street and the glow of the city lights dissolving into nothingness. All that remained was him, the familiar scent of his cologne, the steady warmth of his hands cradling your face, the way his heart seemed to beat in perfect rhythm with yours.

In that kiss, you felt everything: the heartbreak, the yearning, the hope, and, most of all, the love that had endured time, separation, and pain. It was as if every broken piece of your heart was mending, every crack filled with the warmth of his love.

When you finally pulled apart, your foreheads remained pressed together, your breaths mingling in the quiet night. His thumb brushed away a tear you hadn't realised had fallen, his touch tender and sure.

"This time," he murmured, his voice steady but full of emotion, "I'm not letting you go."

And you knew—you both knew—that this time, nothing would keep you apart.

Istg, this wasn't meant to be so long. I wasn't even sure I wanted to give it a happy ending at first, but then I just kept getting carried away and voila. I swear I am working on Yunho's chapter of By Order of the Black Pirates bit by bit hehe just had to get this out of my system first.

As always, thank you for reading and hope y'all liked this one! Do let me know your thoughts! <3

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@aurasblue @marievllr-abg @itsvxlentine @minghaoslatina @huachengsbestie01

@evidive @weedforthoughtz @minkiflwr @cheolliehugs @ho3-for-yunho

@the-kpop-simp @itstheghostofmypast @vantediary @green-agent @skzline

@sharksandminhos @writingwieny @heyitsmetonid @tinyteezer @hollxe1

@pandabur666 @vampzity @tournesol155 @lilactangerine @oddracha

@haven-cove @idfkeddieishot @vic0921 @vnessalau @apriecotte

@bangtannie7 @vtyb23 @khjoongie98 @scuzmunkie @anxiousskylar

@bunny4yungi @zl-world @quailbagutte @astudyoftimeywimeystuff

#edenesth #ateez #ateez fanfic #ateez fanfiction #park seonghwa #ateez seonghwa #non idol au #exes to lovers #seonghwa x reader #seonghwa x you #ateez angst #ateez oneshot #seonghwa angst #seonghwa imagines #seonghwa oneshot #ateez fic

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ateezscupid · 4 months ago

Note

I need yungi x reader after concert smut jsjsj

ATEEZ MASTERLIST / REQUEST yungi noticed you out of everyone in the crowd ♡

Yunho and Mingi lounged backstage, their energy still buzzing from the concert. The air had the scent of sweat, hairspray, and the faint smell of burnt rubber from the fire effects. Yunho leaned against the cool metal of his locker, his chest rising and falling in deep, steady breaths as he tried to calm his racing heart. Mingi sat on the floor, legs stretched out, sipping water from a plastic bottle.

You came out of the storage closet with two towels, one for Yunho and one for Mingi, to help them cool down. You had been their stylist for months now, and the bond you shared had grown stronger with each performance. As you approached, you could feel the tension in the air thicken. The chemistry between the two of them was palpable, a dance of unspoken desires and playful glances.

"You guys are really fucking sweaty so here," you said, tossing them the towels with a laugh.

Yunho caught his with a grin and began wiping his forehead. "Thanks," he murmured, his eyes lingering on you for a beat longer than usual.

You forced yourself to ignore that, glancing at Mingi. "So? Was it a good performance at least?"

Mingi nodded, a tired smile on his face. "It was amazing. The crowd was wild tonight."

You couldn't help but agree. The atmosphere during their performance had been amazing. As you watched them wipe down their faces and necks, you felt a familiar stirring in your stomach. Being around these two, especially post-concert, was always a rollercoaster of emotions.

"Uh, so," you clear your throat, trying to shake off the butterflies fluttering around in your stomach, "What's the plan for the night?"

Yunho looked at you, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Well, I was thinking of a little celebration, just us." He threw his towel around his neck and stepped closer.

"I- You- Wait, us? Three?" you stuttered, feeling the heat rise in your cheeks as the implication of his words settled in.

Mingi chuckled, standing up and taking a step closer as well. "Yeah, just us. It's not every day we have a show like that." He wrapped the towel around his neck and took your hand, pulling you gently closer to the both of them.

Your heart was racing now, and your mind was spinning with possibilities. You had always felt a pull towards both of them, but you never thought anything would come of it. You were their stylist, after all, and crossing that professional line was risky.

"Uh, I- s-sure, yeah." You managed to squeak out, the room suddenly feeling much hotter than the post-concert heat could explain.

Mingi glanced at Yunho, then the dressing room in the back. "That dressing room is empty. How about we go in there?"

Yunho nodded in agreement, his gaze never leaving yours. You took a deep breath and allowed them to lead you into the room, the door clicking shut behind you. The space was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the flickering bulbs of the vanity mirror. The walls were plastered with posters and polaroids from past performances, creating a collage of memories.

Mingi reached out and switched on the fan, the whirring sound filling the quiet space as the cool air circulated around you. You felt your heart pounding in your chest, the anticipation building. You had fantasized about moments like this, but never dared to believe they could become a reality.

"So…w-why'd you want to be in her-"

"Stop acting dumb," Yunho said with a smirk, cutting you off. "You know why."

Mingi stepped closer, his hand resting gently on your shoulder. "We've noticed how much you care for us, how much you put into every detail of our performances."

You nodded, swallowing hard. "It's my job," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.

Yunho took a step closer, his hand reaching up to tuck a stray hair behind your ear. "It's more than that," he murmured, his eyes searching yours. "You always give us extra attention, staying up late to fix our outfits, making sure we look perfect."

Mingi's hand slid down your arm, his fingers lightly brushing against your skin, sending shivers down your spine. "We just wanted to show you how much we appreciate you," he said softly. "How much we…desire you."

"Oh my god," you exhale, your eyes darting between the two of them. Yunho's touch sends a warm jolt through your body, and you feel yourself leaning into it despite the butterflies in your stomach.

Mingi's hand moves to your waist, gently pulling you closer to him. His eyes are dark and intense, and you can feel his breath against your cheek as he whispers, "We've wanted this for a long time."

Yunho's hand slides around to the small of your back, his thumb tracing small circles on your skin as he leans in, his voice low and seductive. "We've talked about it, you know," he says, his eyes never leaving yours. "How amazing it would be."

You tried to speak but everything was bubbling in your throat, making words impossible. You felt Yunho's hand at the base of your neck, gently turning your head towards him, and before you could think, his lips were on yours. They were soft and warm, and you melted into the kiss, feeling his tongue slip in to dance with yours. His other hand slid down to your waist, pulling you closer so that your bodies were flush together.

Mingi's hand on your waist tightened, his thumb making small circles on the bare skin above your shirt. He leaned in and kissed your neck, sending waves of pleasure through your body. You moaned into Yunho's mouth, your hands finding their way to his chest, feeling the muscles beneath his sweaty shirt.

Breaking away from the kiss, you looked up at Yunho, his eyes dark with lust. "I-I don't know if we should do this," you murmured, trying to gather your thoughts.

Mingi's hand slid around to the front of your shirt, his thumb grazing your collarbone. "Why not?" he whispered, his breath warm against your ear. "We're all adults, and we all know what we want."

Yunho's hand had moved down to your hips, his thumbs tracing the waistband of your pants, and you could feel his hardness pressing into your stomach. The thought of turning them down was fading fast. You looked at Mingi, his eyes filled with desire, and you knew that you couldn't resist.

With a shaky breath, you leaned back into the kiss, your hands roaming over Yunho's chest and back as you gave in to the passion. Mingi's kisses grew more insistent, moving down your neck to the collar of your shirt. His hand slipped beneath the fabric, his fingers playing with the clasp of your bra. The tension was unbearable, the three of you tangled together in a dance of need.

Yunho broke away, his eyes searching yours for consent. You nodded, unable to find the words to express how much you wanted this. He smirked, his hands moving to the buttons of your shirt, deftly unbuttoning them one by one. The cool air of the room hit your hot skin as he pushed the fabric off your shoulders, revealing your bra. He leaned in, his breath hot on your skin as he kissed along the exposed line of your neck.

"Oh my god," you breathe out, the sound of fabric rustling as Yunho's shirt hits the floor. The room is a cocoon of heat, the fan's breeze brushing against your skin doing little to cool the fire that has ignited within you. You feel Mingi's hands at the zipper of your skirt, the slow descent of the material releasing the tension of the moment.

"You're so beautiful," Mingi murmurs, his eyes tracing the path of your curves as your skirt pools around your ankles. You step out of it, standing before them in just your bra and panties, feeling both vulnerable and powerful.

Yunho's fingers trace the edges of your bra, his eyes locked on yours. "May I?" he asks, his voice husky. You nod, your breath hitching as he unclips it, the fabric falling away to reveal your bare chest.

Mingi's gaze lingers on your breasts before he leans in to kiss you again, his tongue flicking against your bottom lip. His hands roam your body, exploring every inch of your exposed skin. You can feel his hardness pressing against you, and the need to touch him becomes overwhelming. You reach down to unbuckle his belt, feeling the heat radiating from his body as you do so.

"So needy," he growled.

As you unbutton his pants, Yunho's hand slides up your thigh, his fingertips grazing the lace of your panties. You gasp into Mingi's mouth, the sensation making your knees weak. He takes this as an invitation and slides his hand under the fabric, his touch making you wet and desperate for more.

Yunho's hand joins Mingi's, their fingers teasing and exploring, making you squirm between them. Your own hands are busy with their shirts, pushing them over their heads to reveal their toned bodies. The smell of their cologne and sweat mixes with the scent of arousal in the air.

Mingi kisses his way down your neck to your chest, taking a nipple into his mouth. You arch your back, the pleasure shooting through you. Yunho kisses down your spine, his hands sliding to the back of your panties and pulling them down. The cool air on your exposed skin sends goosebumps racing down your legs.

You're standing in the middle of the dressing room, both of them worshiping your body with their mouths and hands. The only sounds are the muffled moans and the steady beat of the fan. You can't believe this is happening, but you don't want it to stop.

"Take them off," Yunho commands, his voice low and authoritative. You obey, stepping out of your underwear, leaving you completely bare before them. They look at you with hunger, and you feel your body respond, eager for what's to come.

Mingi picks you up, his strong arms wrapping around your waist as he carries you to the couch in the corner of the room. He sets you down gently, kneeling before you as he kisses up your inner thighs. You're panting, your hands fisting in his hair as he brings his mouth closer to where you need him most.

Yunho stands before you, unbuttoning his pants and letting them fall to the floor. He's already hard, and the sight of him makes you wetter. He climbs onto the couch, his hand reaching for yours, guiding it to his cock.

As Mingi's tongue meets your clit, you let out a cry that's muffled by Yunho's kiss. His hand is in your hair, holding you in place as you explore his body with your mouth. The sensation of Mingi's mouth on you and Yunho's hand guiding yours is almost too much to handle.

"Who woulda thought our stylist was such a whore?" Mingi murmured, his breath hot against your skin as he teased your folds with his tongue. His words should have stung, but instead, they sent a thrill through you, making you wetter.

Yunho's hand tightened in your hair, guiding you to take more of him into your mouth. You felt his cock pulse under your touch, the taste of him making your mouth water. His thumb stroked your cheek as he watched Mingi's mouth work on you, his eyes filled with lust.

The tension grew as Mingi's tongue swirled around your clit, his fingers sliding into you, stretching and curling. You could feel yourself getting closer to the edge, the pressure building with each stroke.

"So pretty with your mouth all full like this," Yunho murmured, his eyes dark with desire as he watched you take him in deeper. You moaned around his cock, the vibration making him shiver. Mingi's tongue flicked against your clit, his pace increasing, and you felt yourself getting closer to the brink of ecstasy.

"Are you close?" Yunho chuckles, watching your face contort with pleasure as Mingi's tongue works magic on you.

You nod, unable to form words as you feel your climax approaching. Mingi's fingers speed up, pushing deep inside you, and you moan around Yunho's cock.

"Good girl," Mingi whispers, his voice a gentle rumble against your skin as he feels your body tighten around his fingers. He increases the pressure, his tongue circling your clit as you squirm, lost in the sensations he's creating. You can't believe you're here, with two of your celebrity crushes, about to come undone by their skilled hands and mouths.

Yunho's grip on your hair tightens, his hips thrusting gently as he feels your mouth suck him deeper. He groans in pleasure, his eyes never leaving yours as he watches you give in to the moment. You can feel his cock pulsing in your mouth, and the thought of making him come sends another jolt of arousal through your body.

Mingi's fingers are like a maestro, conducting an orchestra of sensations that have your legs trembling. You're so close, and you know it's only a matter of seconds before you shatter into a million pieces. His tongue presses down on your clit, and you moan around Yunho's length, the vibration sending you spiraling over the edge.

"She's so pretty when she cums," Mingi murmured, his tongue still working your clit as your body convulsed with pleasure. You whimpered around Yunho's cock, the waves of your orgasm crashing over you like a tidal wave.

Yunho's eyes were intense, his jaw clenched as he watched you come apart for them. "Swallow," he ordered, his own climax approaching. You nodded, feeling the warmth of his seed fill your mouth. You obeyed, swallowing with a gulp, the salty taste lingering on your tongue.

"So pretty," Mingi echoed, his voice filled with satisfaction as he watched the tremors of your orgasm subside. He kissed up your stomach, his lips meeting Yunho's, sharing the taste of your pleasure. The two of them pulled back, their eyes on you as you caught your breath.

Yunho's hand gently caressed your cheek, his thumb brushing away the beads of sweat that had formed. "Our turn," he whispered, his eyes dark with lust as he leaned in to kiss you again. You could feel the heat of his desire, his breath hot against your lips. You nodded, your body still pulsing with the aftershocks of your climax.

Mingi stood up, his own erection obvious against his thigh. He pulled you to the edge of the couch, his hands sliding around your waist as he positioned himself between your legs. Yunho kissed down your neck, his hand reaching to stroke your still sensitive nipples, sending jolts of pleasure through your body.

Mingi's eyes met yours as he lined himself up with your wet entrance. You gasped as he pushed inside, filling you in one slow, deliberate motion. His eyes never left yours as he began to move, his strokes long and deep. You felt your body respond immediately, the pleasure building again, even as the aftershocks of your first orgasm still danced across your nerves.

"O-Oh my-" you panted as Mingi began to move, his cock sliding in and out of you with a delicious rhythm. His eyes never left yours, the intensity of his gaze making you feel seen and desired in a way you never had before. Yunho's mouth traveled down your body, his kisses leaving a trail of fire that made you arch your back and press into Mingi's thrusts.

"T-Too big-" you reached for Yunho's shoulder, your eyes widening with a mix of pleasure and shock as Mingi filled you completely. His strokes grew more insistent, the sound of skin slapping against skin echoing in the small room.

"You can take it," Yunho whispered in your ear, his hand moving down to play with your clit. The dual sensations of Mingi inside you and Yunho's touch on your clit was too much, and you threw your head back, letting out a moan that was equal parts pleasure and surprise.

"F-FUCK-!" You wince, your eyes watering as Mingi stretches you open wider than you've ever felt. You're so tight, so slick around him, and it feels incredible. He grunts, his hips rolling into you, his abs flexing as he holds your gaze, his eyes never leaving yours.

Yunho's hand on your clit is a symphony of sensations, his thumb flicking and pressing, syncing perfectly with Mingi's deep, claiming thrusts. The two of them are relentless, their movements in sync, their breathing heavy in the quiet of the room. You're sandwiched between them, a maelstrom of pleasure building inside you once more.

"Fuck, you're so tight," Mingi groans, his eyes never leaving yours as he picks up the pace. You bite your lip, trying to hold back the moans that want to spill out of you. You can feel his cock hit that perfect spot with every thrust, the friction making your toes curl.

"Good girl, takin' me so good, princess. You're gonna make me cum," Mingi's voice was strained with lust as he pumped into you, his hands gripping your hips tightly. You could feel his muscles tense and his breath hitch as he approached his climax. Yunho's hand never left your clit, his movements becoming more urgent as he watched Mingi claim you, the sight of it driving him wild.

The room was a haze of pleasure, the three of you lost in the moment, the scent of sweat and arousal filling the air. The only sounds were the slaps of skin, the heavy breaths, and the occasional moan that slipped from your lips. You could feel your body tightening again, the orgasm building like a storm within you.

Mingi's hand slammed against the couch cushion as he pushed deeper, his eyes glazed with lust. "I'm gonna cum," he grunted, his movements becoming more erratic. You nodded, your eyes fluttering closed as you felt yourself getting closer to the edge once more.

Yunho's hand moved to your breast, pinching and rolling your nipple as Mingi's pace grew even faster. The combination of sensations was overwhelming, and you could feel yourself getting closer to the precipice of another orgasm.

"Cum for us," Yunho whispered, his breath hot against your ear. His hand slipped away from your clit, and you felt the loss like a pang in your core. But before you could protest, he slid his fingers into your mouth, coating them with your juices before moving back to your chest, using your own wetness to slick over your sensitive nipples.

Mingi's strokes grew deeper and more demanding, his cock swelling inside you, the pressure building. You could feel his need, his desire to mark you as his, and it only served to increase your own. You moaned around the fingers in your mouth, the taste of yourself mixing with the salt on Yunho's skin.

"Do it," you whispered, your eyes finding Mingi's again. He took it as permission, his movements growing more frenzied as he neared his peak. His eyes locked with yours, he gave a final, powerful thrust before stilling, his warmth flooding you as he came, his head thrown back in ecstasy.

"Mmmh!" you gasped, your eyes widening as Mingi's cock pulsed inside you, the sensation sending a fresh wave of pleasure through your body. His chest was heaving against yours, his breaths coming in harsh pants as he pulled out, a trail of cum connecting the two of you.

Yunho wasted no time, his hand sliding down to guide himself into your still quivering pussy, the head of his cock nudging at your entrance. He pushed in, filling you completely, the feeling making you whimper with pleasure. His movements were slower, more deliberate than Mingi's, his eyes never leaving yours as he began to move.

You felt like you were in a daze, your body still reeling from the intense climax you had just experienced. But as Yunho's cock slid in and out of you, the pleasure began to build again, a gentle warmth spreading through your core. His hands roamed your body, his fingers tracing every curve, every dip, as if memorizing your form.

Mingi didn't move away, instead, he kissed along your jaw, his hand moving to your clit, taking over where his mouth had been. His touch was gentle, tender, as if savoring every second of the moment. You could feel his cock growing hard again, pressing against your thigh as he watched Yunho fuck you.

"Cmon baby, be loud," Yunho urged, his voice gruff and thick with need as he thrust into you, his eyes never leaving yours. The feeling of being filled by him was incredible, his size stretching you deliciously. Mingi's gentle touch on your clit was the perfect contrast, sending sparks of pleasure through your body.

You moaned, your hips bucking to meet Yunho's rhythm. The combination of his deep strokes and Mingi's deft fingertips had you spiraling again, your body a live wire of sensation. The room was a symphony of moans and gasps, the sound of flesh on flesh echoing in the enclosed space.

Yunho leaned in, his teeth grazing your earlobe as he whispered, "You're so fucking perfect. You make me feel like I'm gonna lose my mind." His words sent a shiver down your spine, and you tightened around him, eager to bring him closer to his own release.

Mingi kissed his way down your neck, his breath hot on your skin. "You're so tight around him," he murmured, his eyes locked on where their bodies joined. His hand moved to your ass, his fingers digging in as he encouraged you to ride Yunho's cock faster.

You felt the tension building, your muscles tensing as the pleasure grew. Yunho's hand found yours, his grip tight as he guided your hand to his chest. You felt his heart racing, matching the tempo of your own. His strokes grew deeper, more urgent, and you knew he was close.

"I'm gonna cum," Yunho groaned, his eyes squeezing shut for a brief moment before snapping open again, staring into yours with an intensity that stole your breath. You felt yourself tighten even more around him, your body eager to feel him release inside you.

Mingi's thumb circled your clit faster, his other hand moving to cup your breast, his fingers playing with your nipple. "Do it, baby, come for us," he whispered, his voice thick with lust. The dual sensations of Yunho's cock and Mingi's touch was too much, and with a keening cry, you shattered around them, your body convulsing with pleasure.

Yunho's eyes widened as he watched you come, his own orgasm crashing into him. He thrust deep one last time, his cock pulsing inside you as he emptied himself into you. "Ah, fuck," he grunted, his body shuddering with the force of his climax.

For a moment, the room was still, the only sounds the harsh breaths of three people lost in the aftermath of passion. Yunho's chest heaved against yours, his heart pounding in time with yours. He leaned in, kissing you gently, his tongue tracing the line of your lips before delving in for a deep, lingering kiss.

Mingi's hand slowly slid away from your clit, and he leaned back, watching you with a satisfied smile. "You're amazing," he murmured, his eyes sparkling with lust.

You felt a blush spread across your cheeks, the reality of what had just happened finally setting in. You had just had sex with both of them, your idols, your friends. The thrill of the moment was intoxicating, leaving you lightheaded and giddy.

Yunho pulled out, his cock glistening with your juices. He leaned back, his hand caressing your cheek, his eyes never leaving yours. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Mingi leaned in, his thumb swiping at the corner of your mouth. "This isn't the last time,"

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luvt0kki · 2 years ago

Text

𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

ot8!Ateez x f!reader

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧ 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ୨୧⋆ ˚｡⋆ (luvt0kki full masterlist)

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧ taglist ୨୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

sci-fi/futuristic space AU

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲

- ship design | members rooms

synopsis : Former Noble turned space pirate, Wooyoung was now part of one of the most revered and hunted group of pirates of the galaxy. Sure he’s only known them for six months but there’s only so much you could do in a ship when you travel from one planet to the next. The ship was their home, his home…and the members of this crew were friends that he felt he was fated to meet.

But he hasn’t met one person of the crew…and he didn’t know that.

cw: n$fw, smut, MINORS DO NOT INTERACT eventual smut, slow burn, lots of teasing, mentions of assassination, thievery, space pirate stuff?, violence, alcohol, clubbing, parties, fembodied reader, polyamory, some fluff, relationships , intergalactic stuff? Spaceship things yes yes, traveling the galaxy, dark pasts, Former Prince! Yeosang , Former Noble!Wooyoung, Assassin!San and yuh space pirate roles better to read to get a grip on each characters roles || REMINDER : my works do not represent the irl members in any way, this is purely a work of FICTION.

001 | not everyone gets that privilege

002 | earned it

003 | on this ship

004 | burning desire 005 | the morning after

INTERLUDE | opening sequence

006 |

007 |

008 |

????

Epilogue

DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR OTHERWISE REPURPOSE ANY OF MY WORK HERE. I DO NOT NOR WILL ALLOW IT.

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kwanisms · 7 months ago

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Kinktober 「10:23」 — k.yeosang

» ateez menu | yeosang menu | kinktober masterlist «

➮ reaper!Yeosang × fem!Reader wc: 2.3k summary: When an aneurysm in her brain ruptures, killing Y/N, she is faced with a reaper who has come to collect her soul but she might have just discovered a way to cheat death. genres/themes/au: mild angst, smut; supernatural, horror, thriller; non idol au, monster idol au warnings: adult dialogue, female reader, supernatural and horror themes, major character death mentions of: death, afterlife, slight religious panic; sexual content (18+ mdni), see smut warnings under the cut! taglist has been moved to reblogs join my taglists! kinktober taglist is CLOSED! Strikethrough means I cannot tag you. MINORS WILL BE BLACKLISTED & BLOCKED. AGELESS BLOGS WILL ALSO BE BLOCKED.

a/n: i don’t have much to say about this lol Yeosang is hot, him as a reaper is a concept. Id’ fuck him if it meant I could escape my fate lmao. Thank you for reading! If you liked it, please consider reblogging or supporting my writing through my ko-fi, linked on my pinned post! As always, this is a work of fiction and all characters are not reflective of their respective irl counterparts. for entertainment purposes only.

smut warnings: teratophilia (aka monsterfucking), corruption kink (f receiving), cock worship (m receiving), dom!Yeosang, sub!Reader, unprotected sex (don’t. do. this), oral (m receiving), handjob (m receiving), use of pet names (babe, sweetheart, etc.), and that should be all but as always, let me know if I missed some! kinks: Corruption kink + cock worship dialogue prompt: ❛❛ Have you never been touched like this before? ❜❜

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No one is ever ready for death. No matter how prepared one thinks they are, it still catches everyone off guard. But while you can prepare for the death of a loved one or a pet, no one really tells you how to prepare with your own demise.

You were now faced with this as you stared at your corpse, collapsed and crumpled on the floor of your living room. You didn’t even know what happened. One minute you were sitting there watching television and then you got up and then it all went black and you came to like this, standing there, staring at your body.

“What the fuck, man?”

You walked over, kneeling beside your body and reached out to touch it.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” a voice said from behind you, causing you to jump and turn quickly to see a man standing behind you. He wore a plain black suit, a gray waistcoat over a white button up shirt and a black tie. He had light colored blondish hair with bangs swept back to show his forehead. His eyes were a piercing gray color and he wore a stoic expression.

“Wh-who are you?” you asked, your voice soft as you stared at him. You watched as he tilted his head, giving you a quizzical stare. “I’m Yeosang,” he said simply. “Okay, Yeosang,” you said as you slowly stood up straight. “What are you doing in my apartment?” Yeosang narrowed his steely eyes before responding. “You’re dead,” he stated.

Rolling your eyes you scoffed. “Well, no shit, Sherlock,” you snapped. “What does my being dead have to do with you being here?” Yeosang stuck his hands in his pockets as he stared back at you. “Because it’s my job,” he answered. ‘Job?’ you wondered to yourself. ‘What job?’

“What do you mean by job?” you asked, voicing the question that plagued your thoughts. Yeosang stared at you silently for a moment before he finally spoke. “My job is to escort the dead to the afterlife,” he explained. “You’ve passed and now it’s time to ferry your soul to the afterlife.”

“I’m a reaper.”

Your eyes widened as he spoke. He took a few steps forward, putting him only a couple paces away, he removed his hands from his pockets, holding one of them out, palm facing up. You watched as a dark ball of mist appeared, starting to swirl slowly. It gained momentum, swirling faster and faster, the center becoming more and more dense. A small bolt of electricity crackled and just like that a scythe appeared. He caught it with one hand, grabbing the lower part of the handle with the other and held it firmly.

“Whoa,” you said, eyeing the sharp, pointed end of the curved blade. “That’s a pretty big sickle you got there. What’re you gonna do with it?” you said softly as he approached you. “It’s a scythe,” he corrected you. “And I’m going to kill you.”

You stared at him, holding his gaze for a moment. “Buddy,” you started, glancing down at the scythe. “I hate to break it to you, but I’m already dead.” Yeosang glanced down at the body on the floor and back to your soul. “I know that,” he said, sounding equal parts confused. “Then what do you mean kill me?” Yeosang stood back up, moving the scythe to rest the bottom of the staff on the floor.

“When you die,” he said, gesturing at your body lying on the floor. “You get assigned a reaper,” he continued. “And that reaper comes to take your soul to pass on. Most of the time, souls have unfinished business, this is how you get ghosts.”

You stared blankly at him as explained. “You have no unfinished business,” he added. “You are completely ready to pass on.” Your brows furrowed. “No the fuck I’m not,” you retorted. “I didn’t even want to die. I simply got up from the couch. How the hell did that kill me?” you asked incredulously as you gestured at your body.

Yeosang walked over, passing you to slowly kneel down, inspecting your corpse. “Aneurysm,” he said softly. He looked up at you. “A blood vessel in your brain ruptured. It’s usually preventable,” he continued as he got up. “But if it ruptures, only immediate medical treatment can save you,” he added, walking towards you, placing a hand on your shoulder. “You’ve been dead for too long.”

You looked down at his hand on your shoulder, surprised you could even feel anything. “You’re touching me,” you whispered. He glanced at his hand and then pulled it away. “My apologies,” he said. “It was meant to be reassuring.” He started to walk back to the spot he’d been standing before but you grabbed his hand, catching him off guard. “How am I touching you?” you asked, looking up from his hand to his eyes.

“Because we’re the same,” he answered, sounding surprised. “We’re both specters.” You glanced back at your body. “Is there no chance of pleading for my life with you?” you asked, turning back to look at him. “Well,” he started, pulling his hand from your grasp and running his fingers through his hair.

“Yes,” he replied. “Technically you could be returned to life,” he added. “Even with the ruptured aneurysm?” you asked. Yeosang shrugged. “By restoring life to you, it would reverse the rupture but the aneurysm would still be there.” You glanced at your body then around your apartment. “So if I return to life, will I forget all this?” you asked, turning to look at him once more.

He shrugged. “Maybe?” he said, sounding uncertain. “I’ve never restored someone to life before,” he replied. “I just know it’s possible. But I can’t just go around reversing death and granting people more time. You have to make a bargain,” he added. “A bargain?” you asked, perking up.

“Yes,” he answered. “What kind of bargain?” Yeosang hesitated. “I uh… don’t know. I’ve never done it before. Do you have any reason why you absolutely cannot pass on?” He stared at you blankly as he waited for your answer. Did you have anything holding you back? You had no children, no pets, no one relied on you to care for them. All you knew was that you weren’t ready. Wasn’t that reason enough?

You looked back at him. “I…” you trailed off, voice breaking before clearing your throat and trying again. “I’ve barely even lived,” you started softly. “I’ve never even left the country. I’m… not ready to go.” Yeosang’s stoic expression softened at the sound of your wavering voice. He wasn’t supposed to do this. He wasn’t supposed to give second chances but there was something in your voice and he couldn’t help but feel a little bad for you.

“Alright,” he said, snapping his fingers. You jumped slightly in shock when the scythe in his hands disappeared in a black mist that quickly dissipated. “If you can convince me, I will give you a second chance at life.” The moment the words left his lips, a look of pure joy came over your face. “Oh, really?” you exclaimed. Yeosang nodded before holding up a hand. “But you have to convince me.”

“Not a problem,” you said, moving to stand in front of him.

Yeosang watched as you lowered yourself to your knees. He’d seen this act before. He was no stranger to people begging on their knees but what he hadn’t expected was for your hand to move up his thigh, palm resting over his crotch. His breath caught in his throat. “Wh-what are you doing?” he choked out as you started to palm over his cock.

“You said to convince you,” you answered with a shrug as you continued. Yeosang’s cheeks burned as he could feel himself starting to grow hard under your touch. “I didn’t mean…” he trailed off as your hand gently cupped his growing erection, squeezing slightly. His eyes fluttered shut, a soft gasp leaving his lips. “Have you never been touched like this before?” you asked suddenly.

He looked down to meet your gaze. There was a hint of amusement in the semi smirk you had on your face. Yeosang shook his head. “N-no,” he stammered. You looked up at him, your smile widening as you continued to stroke him over his pants. “Let me change that then,” you said softly, moving your hands up, fingers working to undo the clasp and zipper of his pants.

Yeosang let out a groan as your hand slipped into his pants, grasping his semi hard cock, pulling it free and starting to stroke him slowly. “I.. f-fuck,” he moaned, head falling back as you took the head of his cock into your mouth, tongue swirling around before pulling back with a slight popping sound. “Has anyone ever told you that you have a really pretty cock?” you asked, hand gliding over the shaft faster.

“N-no,” Yeosang gasped, unable to form a proper sentence. “Well, you do,” you whispered, giving the tip a slow lick. “Probably the best looking cock I’ve ever seen.” Yeosang’s cheeks burned, a tinge of pink to them as you took his cock back into your mouth. He groaned as the tip of his cock reached the back of your mouth, nearly crossing into your throat.

“Holy hell,” he gasped as you pulled back, his hips bucking forward to chase the feeling of your warm mouth. You chuckled as you pulled back, hand moving up to the head of his cock. “I still can’t believe you’ve never done this before,” you said softly, watching as he looked down at you through heavy lidded eyes. “I don’t have the —” he let out a hiss as you gave the tip of his cock a lick, grinning at his reaction.

“I don’t often get the chance to engage in — oh god!” he groaned loudly, head falling back as your mouth enveloped his cock once more. His hand moved to the back of your head, fingers slipping between locks of your hair. “D-don’t stop,” he gasped as your head bobbed faster, the wet sound of his cockhead hitting the back of your throat.

You knew he was close when you felt his cock twitch in your mouth and you quickly stopped, pulling his cock from your mouth. “As much as I’d like for you to cum in my mouth,” you started, stroking him slowly. “I think it’s only fair that you get a taste of what you’re missing,” you said softly. “What are you – yah!” Yeosang started before being tugged down to his knees. You pushed him back onto the wooden floor, quickly ridding yourself of your pants before climbing over his lap.

“On your back, sweetheart,” you said softly, pushing against his chest. He leaned back as you moved, settling over his cock. You reached down, grabbing him and lining the tip with your slit before slowly sinking down on him, letting out a moan as his cock stretched you, your cunt greedily sucking him in. Yeosang let out a guttural moan, eyes rolling to the back of his head as you settled, his cock fully inside you. “I knew it,” you said with a soft chuckle.

“Knew what?” the reaper asked, raising his head. “That your cock would feel even better inside me than it did in my hand,” you replied, leaning over to place your hands on the floor on either side of his head as you lifted your hips. His hands gripped your waist tightly as you lowered yourself back down, his cock sliding back into you, making both of you moan loudly.

“I’m going to enjoy this,” you said with a crooked grin. Yeosang looked up at you through half opened eyes, his hair starting to stick to his forehead. “I don’t care if you finish what you started,” he said, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. “I just need you to move,” he added, trying to move your hips along, a hint of impatience in his voice.

“Do that and you can consider our deal fulfilled.”

You chuckled lightly as you leaned over to press a quick kiss to his lips. “Oh come on,” you said with a smirk. “We’re only just getting started, babe.” You lifted your hips again, sinking back down and setting a steady pace, keeping your eyes on his face as his brows knitted together, his face contorting in pleasure as your walls clenched around his cock, hugging it tightly.

Each drag of his cock had you groaning as you felt the tension begin to build in your lower belly. “F-fuck,” you cursed, your thighs starting to burn. “I need a second,” you said breathlessly. Yeosang let out an impatient noise, almost a whine as he tried to buck up into you.

“My thighs burn. Just let me have a second,” you chuckled but let out a yelp as he sat up, knocking you onto your back as he grabbed your hips and started thrusting into you harshly. Each snap of your hips had you crying out as he slammed into you repeatedly. “Fuck, shit, calm down!” you gasped as you felt your orgasm approaching rapidly. “M’gonna —”

You didn’t have time to warn him as you came, your cunt convulsing around his cock and spurring his own climax. You could feel his hot cum gush out of him, coating your walls as he pumped you full. After one final thrust, he let out a moan he’d been holding back, collapsing on top of you as you both tried to regain control of your breathing.

“So… our deal is fulfilled?” you finally panted as you stared up at the ceiling of your apartment. “Yes,” Yeosang said as he lifted his head. “On one condition,” he added, his gaze meeting yours. “You let me come visit you from time to time cause that was amazing.” A smile crossed your face as you reached up, running your fingers through his hair. “Can I fuck you when I’m back in my body?” you asked curiously. He shrugged, staring down at your lips. “No idea,” he answered.

“Only one way to find out.”

©️ kwanisms 2024 | all works on this blog are protected under copyright. Do not repost, continue, or translate my works. All graphics made by me.

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sanjoongie · 1 year ago

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𝔻𝕖𝕔.𝟚𝟜- 𝕄𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕠𝕖

A Sci-Fi Medley Chapter~ Holiday Special

The Cast~ Yeosang, Jongho- Predators Yunho, San, Mingi- Furyans Hongjoong, Wooyoung- Alien (Hunter status) Seonghwa- Alien (Queen status) Ot8 x captain/pilot! Reader

ღMy submission for 25 Tips for Surviving the Holidays Event held by @kvanity-main ღPairing: Park Seonghwa x Reader (f) ღGenre: sci fi au, aliens au, predator au, riddick au, established relationship trope, poly trope ღWord Count: 1,434 ღWarnings: kissing, slight bdsm with Seonghwa's tail, mentions of Seonghwa potentially laying eggs 😵 ღRated: 18+ MDNI, fluff, suggestive ღSummary: You decide to hang mistletoe over the door to the captain's quarters and are pleasantly surprised when Seonghwa becomes obsessed with it. ღDedication: @stardragongalaxy thank you for encouraging me to write this soft piece for myself 💞 thank you @downtoamagicalland for beta-ing, she knows exactly what this piece means to me 😭 ღA/N: this takes place shortly after all the aliens have found a home on the captain's ship. They are new to their lives with each other and are learning. Takes place before Jongho/Yeosang’s chapter and Hwa's egg laying (someday i'll get a timeline posted)

ღNetwork tag: @monsterfvckersunited ღdivider by @cafekitsune

"What is it?" Seonghwa looked up to the hanging piece of greenery that was above the entryway to the captain's quarters.

You smiled happily and crooked your finger. "Come meet me under it?"

Seonghwa moved cautiously, his eyes glancing up towards the mistletoe and then back to you. "Not trick?"

You shook your head. You couldn't help but find Seonghwa's rudimentary Common Tongue still cute. "It's not a trick Seonghwa, I promise, you'll like it."

Once Seonghwa stood in front of you, still towering above you with his tail swooshing behind him nervously, you explained. “Us humans put mistletoe above the doorway for opportunities or reasons to kiss each other.”

Seonghwa’s eyes zeroed in on you immediately. “Kiss?”

Your smile grew bigger. “Yeah. If two people meet beneath it, they must kiss.”

Seonghwa leaned forward and pecked your lips and you couldn't help but giggle. “See, no trick.”

You were about to step away when Seonghwa’s claws carefully slid through your hair and cupped the back of your head. He deepened the kiss and you sighed into his mouth, happy to oblige. You stood on your tippy-toes and wrapped your arms behind Seonghwa’s neck.

“Get a room!” San called from down the hallway.

“That is her room, you idiot,” Jongho replied.

“Well, get in it then!” San insisted.

“Does he not understand the mistletoe?” Yeosang drawled.

“I do too!--ohhhhhh,” San let out the last word, “Now I get it.”

Seonghwa released you finally, eyes looking up at the mistletoe again. His eyes shone, curious and happy. He sounded out the word “mistletoe” and looked pleased when you informed him his Common Tongue was getting better.

Over the course of the next couple days, the various aliens showed up. Jongho made you squeak as he gruffly pulled you to his chest and kissed you breathless. Mingi stared at the mistletoe like it was going to jump at him but still received his kiss with a happy smile. Wooyoung screeched as he ran down the hallway, only to throw himself around you and give you a throaty kiss that had you dazed for a few minutes after, then cackled and shouted at Hongjoong that he kissed you before him. Hongjoong approached you slowly after, held your face in place with one hand, carefully slotted his lips between yours and then left with a swish of his tail. Yunho was curiously studying the mistletoe, but when his hands moved to touch it, you slapped it, fearful of any allergies or bad reactions. That got you flat on your back, Yunho’s warrior instinct reacting too quickly. He pecked your lips and then helped you up, his ears slightly red. Yeosang let you come to him, kissing the corner of his lips tenderly first and then receiving a proper kiss. He nodded like everything made sense and then went on his merry way. San had a cheeky grin on his face, almost boyish in his approach, but none of that was in his kiss, which was messy and had you wiping your lips afterwards.

But Seonghwa was the one that was enamored with the tradition. He found all manner of reasons to be in front of your room. He had questions about the flight pattern the ship was taking, he stumbled through vocabulary questions, he offered you food to eat, the list went on. But each encounter always ended up with the both of you under the door and Seonghwa waiting for his kiss.

Seonghwa had alternative motives for all the kisses, that perhaps only Hongjoong and Wooyoung would have understood. Seonghwa knew it was a matter of time before he went through the cycle of wanting to lay eggs. His body would prepare for it, especially since his feelings for you seem to soar beyond his heart’s expectations. Seonghwa was connecting with you, had been connecting with you, on a level that was only reserved for mates. So he needed to prepare your body for his needs. His saliva had a genetic code within that adapted bodies to alien’s needs. There had been situations in his ancestor’s pasts where genetic adaptation was either required for survival or for improvement, but this time, it was for his heart’s needs. He wanted you to carry his eggs.

If the result was more reason to kiss his mate, Seonghwa couldn't necessarily complain.

Next place of attack caught you off guard. You were in the cargo bay with a tablet, keeping track of the stock you had, when you heard some bells jingling. You cocked your head to listen better and you heard it again. You were about to turn around to see what manner of mischief the aliens were up now but time was not on your side.

A long tail wrapped itself around you, effectively making you drop your tablet in surprise and trap your arms against your body. It didn't have a distinct tip so you knew it was Seonghwa and not Hongjoong or Wooyoung. There was a surprise hanging above you from his tail, however. Green mistletoe, with bright red berries and some bells.

“Kiss?” Seonghwa wondered behind you.

“Seonghwa!” You couldn't help the way your heart skipped a beat.

“Please?” Seonghwa whined. When you nodded, he tilted your head to look back at him and he kissed you. This time, it was almost like he wanted to crawl in your mouth, completely invading and taking control.

When the kiss ended, you were panting. “Hwa,” You murmured. Seonghwa loosened his tail so you could turn into his embrace but still kept it around you, mistletoe jingling merrily above you both still. “We can’t continue to stand out here if you’re going to kiss me like that.”

Seonghwa looked up towards a vent opening and back down to you hopefully. “I don’t think so, mister,” You scolded him. “We will walk to another room. You damn aliens and your vents.”

It was easy to pull Seonghwa into one of the containment cells. Seonghwa had been injured when you first met him on this ship and you had helped nurse him back to health in this room. So Seonghwa somewhat found comfort in this particular room. Since it was the beginning of your history with Seonghwa, it only made sense that you pull the alien into this room.

Seonghwa was on top of you as soon as you laid down on the small bed where once you had nursed him back to health. It was like he was addicted to your lips. The small jingles of the bell on his tail sounded softly as his tail continued to move behind him, a clear indication that he was enjoying his kisses.

“Captain?” Seonghwa wondered between peppering kisses along your jaw and down your neck.

“Mmm?” You barely were able to lift your mind from the lust-filled cloud that was your thoughts right now.

“Mate?” Seonghwa asked, having made it to your collarbones now, sucking a love bite.

“That’s what we’re here for, Hwa,” You couldn't help but laugh.

Seonghwa raised his head and shook it, clearly frustrated with his limited vocabulary. He growled and snarled, not out of anger, but in his own language. He shook his hair out of his face and tried again. “My mate?”

One of your hands, that had been previously on the small of his back urging him against you, fluttered up to hold onto his arm. You’re not sure if your heart is beating properly right now. “Are you asking me to be your mate?”

Seonghwa shook his head again, this time a charming crooked smile pulling at his lips. He tapped his heart and then tapped yours with a claw. “Now. Mate.”

You felt tears fill the corner of your eyes. It’s not that you had hoped love would bloom after you had nursed Seonghwa from his injuries when you found him on this crashed ship with the Furyans. But you had fallen for the Alien Queen, who was so fiercely protective of you. The fact that he already felt the tug between your two hearts meant the world to you, despite having anatomically two different hearts.

“You’re right,” You half laughed and half cried, “How silly of me. We’re already mates, aren’t we?”

Seonghwa’s tail jingled merrily over you both once again and you both leaned into a kiss. “Mine,” he snarled against your lips.

You sighed happily, “I’m yours, Seonghwa.” You entangled your hands in his hair and deepened the kiss, feeling your heart beat in happiness. Guess it was a good idea to hang mistletoe after all.

All Posts | Dual Courtship

Taglist: @hijirikaww @starlitmark @k-pop-ology

#kchristmas #kvanity #kwritersworldnet #pirateeznet #cultofdionysusnet #sci-fi medley #ateez smut #park seonghwa smut #seonghwa smut #atz smut #ateez x reader #park seonghwa x reader #poly!teez #topaz's work #ღatz

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honeyhotteoks · 7 months ago

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˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. 　　　. 　　˚　　　　*　　　　✦　　　.　　.　　　✦　˚ 　　　　

♡ chai · she/her · nsfw · mdni ➺ my faq + fic masterlists for atz, svt, + lnds ➺ my fic recommendations ➺ my answered asks + answered anons ➺ my updates tag + my thoughts tag + my writing advice ➺ my current anon list ➺ my tip jar on ko-fi ➺ my twitter + my ao3

♡ more ~ ➺ writer of self insert fic, primarily for ateez ➺ yunho ult bias and it shows iykyk ➺ slow to respond and interact ➺ no posting schedules or taglists ➺ no fic requests ₊⊹⁀➴ currently ~ this night together (omegaverse yungi x reader) please don't message and ask when the next chapter of a work is coming or when i will post book 2 of aurora. as soon as things are ready, i post them otherwise they are being worked on. i do not abandon works, i'm just slow ♡

#honeyhotteoks updates #just updating my pinned post with some cleaner details!#links alllllll up above #honeyhotteoks

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moonlitcelestial · 1 month ago

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Chapter 22

Beyond the Lens - Logbook Videographer!Reader x OT8 Ateez

W/C 11,915

🎥 Series Masterlist 🎥

☽ Masterlist ☾

Inspiration Pictures

Pinterest Board Masterlist

Previous Chapter (Chapter 21)

Disclaimer: This story is purely a work of fiction. It is not meant to assume or mock anything about Ateez, Atiny, or anything relating to what I do not know about being a videographer. This story will follow several of the events that Ateez have done in the past year for Golden Hour Part 2, that being said I will not be able to include everything.

Contains she/her pronouns.

The logo in the center is mine. Please do not reuse or copy.

I strongly recommend looking at the inspiration pictures and the Pinterest boards linked above (which will be updating as the story goes on).

General Warnings: cussing, conflict, angst, fluff, and obliviousness.

CHAPTER WARNINGS - None, let me know if I should add any.

Let me know what you think! <3 Moonie

☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

You finally landed in Paris, after being in a plane for upwards of 10 hours you were absolutely exhausted and stiff. Most of your time was spent rotating between sleeping, watching shows, catching up on some of the editing you could with the shotty Wi-Fi, and switching between listening to your most current audiobook and your favorite playlist. As soon as you landed you started moving to get your bags. Thankfully you had been in one of the first rows so you got off the plane quickly. When you got out and into the main portion of the airport you pulled out your phone to message everyone that you made it safely to Paris. They rapidly fired responses back to you shortly after. You knew it was early in the morning for them because of the time difference so you told them to get back to bed.

When you got out of the airport after grabbing your bag from the baggage claim you made your way out to get a cab. You finally flagged one down after a few minutes and the little old man was smiling at you, after a little while you safely made it to your hotel. Checking in was a breeze as this was a hotel you had frequented when you came up here. The older woman had recognized you and already had some of the things ready as you made it up to her counter. You thanked her with your very limited French and she giggled at your thick accent.

Your room was the perfect size for you as always. You took off your Beyond the Lens Studios baseball cap, threw it on the bed, and ruffled your hair out before you started to unpack your things. First you hung your clothes so they wouldn't wrinkle too badly, then you got your computer set up on the desk on the far side of the room right next to the door to the balcony. At one point you found a stray Jjongrami and Hetmongi, those sneaky bastards; you set the two of them up by the pillows on your bed. When you had those things set up you started getting more of your smaller things out, plugging in your cameras and all of the chargers for your electronics. You changed out of your airport outfit and into the blue space sleep set you brought. Flopping yourself into bed you sent off another message that you were in and settled at your hotel and that you would update them as you could throughout tomorrow.

While you were sprawled across the bed you checked your emails and some of your socials. There were several confirming the schedules of the shoots you were participating in. You shot off responses stating that you just landed and got settled and that you would be there at the requested meeting time. There was something that you were CC’d in from Aurora but that could wait until tomorrow. You responded to some of the other emails you had before getting on your socials. In the end you were watching edits and all sorts of things until your brain had slowed enough that you could get to sleep. With heavy lidded eyes you took off your glasses and plugged in your phone. Shortly thereafter you fell into a dreamless and restless sleep.

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

You woke up freely which generally meant early as hell. With a groan you moved to grab your phone. It had been lit up with several messages from everyone back in Seoul. They were already into their afternoon while you were just waking up. Forrest had updated you on the filming he was taking over for you with the Ateez boys. Willow told you about all of the things she was doing to keep you updated on the progress of the edits for the first logbook Beyond the Lens was in charge of as well as the other things you have filmed for them. She was nearly finished with her part and would be sending it back to you soon for final edits, sadly you would have to hang onto it until they debuted the music. Aurora was messaging you about the project you and her collaborated on giving you a general rundown of everything including the CC’d email. The boys had been giving you little updates on how everything was going throughout their day. Some of them had taken to sending you ridiculous selfies and odd blurry pictures of some of the other boys. You smiled and responded to all of them with a blurry selfie of you with the covers pulled up to just under your eyes the Jjongrami and Hetmongi next to either side of your head. The responses were immediate, most of them protesting that you brought only those two, the team was rolling as they watched the chaos. You had to explain that you hadn't packed them and the two in question were smug as they admitted to sneaking them into your suitcase. San and Wooyoung had sent a selfie together saying the real thing was better. You responded by telling them if they wanted to be that way you would buy plane tickets for Yeosang to come up here; you left Hongjoong out of it because he already was coming up here. They immediately stopped their ranting and instead sent good mornings and a few other stray pictures. You rolled your eyes at them and couldn't stop smiling.

Despite the initial chaos it felt like you were finally a part of a family, one that loved you as much as you loved them. You layed in bed for a little bit before you decided to get up and start getting ready. You threw on your cropped tank top, comfy shorts and one of your zip up hoodies as well as a few of the necklaces and rings you brought with you. When you finished getting dressed you grabbed your small backpack and put one of your cameras in it along with your essentials for going out on the town. Today was going to be a jet lag recovery day, you always planned a day into your schedule so you could adjust so you would be at your best when you were working. It also was the day you had been anticipating for weeks, something that you were extremely excited about.

As soon as you were ready you headed down for breakfast in the lobby. With a wave to the front desk people you started piling your plate high with some of the breakfast foods they had. In all honesty the food here was one of your favorite parts of the trip. As you sat down in the back corner of the dining room you brought out your phone and took a picture of your breakfast to send out to the Never-ending Nonsense group chat formerly known as the Ministry of Chaos. The name changed as soon as the boys Forrest and Aurora started arguing in the chat about something you can't even recall now. You dug into the breakfast and watched people as you ate. It was almost too quiet, the chaos from the boys was missing. It was weird how much the few days of chaos seemed to have ingrained itself into your mornings. Just as you were finishing up you were met with multiple vibrations of your phone. You checked it and your heart warmed with more cute responses of your favorite people.

After you finished your breakfast you started to make your way over to your first and most likely only stop for today. On the way you got sidetracked and decided to go into a small shop to grab some snacks for throughout the day. You snagged some danishes, croissants, a couple of donuts and macarons. As soon as you got to your destination you couldn't stop smiling. One of your acquaintances owned the shop you stood in front of; Midnight Inkworks. She must have seen you because shortly after the door opened with a cute ding. Aurélie was standing there with a large smile on her face as she peaked at you. Her tan skin and black hair was gorgeous as always. The colorful tattoos and silver piercings stood out against her darker outfit; very similar to your own. While she peeked out the door she was just about a head shorter than you. It always cracked you up how short she was compared to you. You laughed at her and started stepping toward the open door. As soon as you passed the threshold she hugged you.

“Long time no see dear,” You hugged her back and started chatting with her as she started asking her normal questions. You fell into conversation easily with her, the two of you had found common ground the first time you came here for the moon tarot card piece on your hip. She was thoroughly impressed with you because you sat through it in one sitting; she had said you were one of the best clients she had after the fact.

You set down the bag of snacks you procured while she pulled out the design you had been working on together. When you laid eyes on it your jaw dropped. It was absolutely perfect. This was the first time you got to see the finished product, the two of you had been shooting it back and forth working on it together for the past few weeks. The last time you saw it it was still fairly raw and unpolished, she had taken your visions and drawings and made them into a masterpiece. The sword through the middle was beautifully detailed with stipple shading. The yin and yang koi looked absolutely amazing with the small amount of shading she added to your initial drawings. The small flowers she added made the entire piece come together. (Tattoo it’s the last one) It was going to look perfect on the back of your left leg. You turned around so she could place the stencil. Before she did she took the first of several before pictures. After she placed it you stepped away from her and took a look at it in the large mirror and absolutely fell in love with the way it flowed.

Aurélie brought you over to her chair and made you stand there for a second set of before pictures. When she was satisfied with the amount of them she started her work.

You got to watch as her partner came in and had several clients throughout the morning, each time they left with large smiles on their faces. The two of them were the reason this business was constantly busy. They both were amazing artists with the kindest souls; even if they could be intimidating at first with their multiple sets of piercings and tattoos. You saw through them immediately because you were almost one in the same. People were always too quick to judge but if they truly got to know the people behind the ink they would realize that they were some of the best people you could have at your side.

There were only a couple of times you took a break for her and for you. At one point she sat in front of you while you snacked on some of the small pastries you brought. She asked you about how life was going in Seoul and how you were doing in the photography business. You filled her in about your old company and how you got Beyond the Lens. Throughout the story she was telling you how proud she was of you as she was once in a similar situation; which is how she ended up having a very successful tattoo shop. She also asked if you had any luck in the dating pool; to which you told her yes without giving too many details. You talked about all of the qualities of the different boys making it seem like it was one person you were discussing instead of eight. She was absolutely swooning at the mention of how you were treated.

While you were laying on your stomach in the chair you kept up with messaging everyone so none of them would get suspicious. Thankfully every time one of them asked how you were doing you could give a short noncommittal answer and then ask them what they were up to. Which generally resulted in a flurry of a bunch of different messages with everyone’s replies.

Before too long the constant chatter of a couple of other people, the buzzing of the tattoo gun, and the soft lofi music lulled you into a light sleep. Apparently you hadn’t gotten enough last night; like always.

You were awoken with light pats on your arms. Aurélie was squatting in front of you with a large smile on her face. The first time you fell asleep in her chair she panicked, almost calling the medics. After talking her off that ledge you told her that you fell asleep for most of your tattoos especially the large ones; which is what most of your body was covered with. This time was no different, “You're done doll, it came out amazing if I do say so myself.”

She helped you stand and you turned to look over your shoulder at the large tattoo spanning from your thigh just under your butt down to your calf and to your achilles. The way she made the koi fall on either side of the bend of your knee made it look perfect. You couldn't stop smiling and immediately lunged at her to give her a hug. The two of you laughed and you praised her talent while you rocked back and forth in her arms.

You separated from her and put your hands on her shoulders. “You are a saint, it looks absolutely magnificent. It is better than I imagined it being, I can't wait to show everyone back home!”

“I'm glad you like it Y/n! Let's get some after pictures!” You nodded at her and let her stage you for the several pictures she was going to take for her profiles. After she had enough pictures you pulled out your camera from your backpack and took one over your shoulder with her standing proudly in the mirror. Then came the large clear bandage to keep it from drying out for the next couple of days. When the two of you were finished you made your way over to the register as she was half assed explaining the aftercare to you; she knew you already knew what she was telling you anyway. When you got to the register you pulled your cash out and handed it over to her, making sure to tip generously. She had tried to give some of it back but you were already halfway out the door. You waved to her and stepped out of the store as she was protesting the amount; she was worth it for the work she did. By the time you got out of the shop it was already close to two, you had been in there for just about six hours. You decided to head back to the hotel to possibly get some of your work done.

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

When you stepped into the hotel you were met with the smiling face of the front desk receptionist. She watched you as you passed and went to the elevator. You unlocked your door and as soon as you stepped in you were met with the overwhelming scent of roses. Peeking around the room you spotted the bouquet of beautiful deep red almost black roses on the desk next to your laptop. You approached the desk and looked over the roses, there was a small note attached.

Our Treasure,

We are happy you made it safe and sound.

With love, your Pirates

How in the fuck did he even know where you were? You pulled your computer forward and turned it on so it could get booted up. While it was booting up you opened the balcony door so the fresh air could get into the room. Before you got too into work you decided to call the boys, it was getting late in Seoul and it felt odd not having them around.

You pulled up facetime on your Mac and clicked into the 9 Makes 1 Team group chat to start a group call with them. When it started ringing you moved over to the horizontal monitor on the left side of your laptop to see which projects you could help with in the Beyond the Lens Cloud. There were still some photos that needed editing for one of the shoots you were helping Willow with. You clicked into a few of them and brought them into Photoshop on your vertical screen which was on the right. While you were in the middle of adjusting the brightness of the first photo you heard the call ping alerting you someone had joined. Glancing over you realized Wooyoung was the first and only one to answer the call so far.

“Noona! Hi! How is the city of love?”

“Hi Woo, it's beautiful as always. It was absolutely gorgeous outside so I went out for a bit of a trip around the area and visited some shops.” You hadn't quite looked at him just yet, when you had the picture to a spot you wanted it to be you fully looked over.

“Did you get anything interesting?” He was watching you with a cute small smile. You grabbed one of the pastries you had leftover from earlier today and showed it to him before taking a large bite.

“That looks really good!” You covered the bottom half of your face and you nodded while Wooyoung laughed at you and your chipmunk cheeks. Yunho and Mingi popped up onto your screen next. The two of them looked slightly out of breath like they had just been dancing. They both waved at you as they took large drinks of water.

“Hi Princess! How are you? Is jet lag kicking your butt?”

“I’m doing really well. It was but I got a decent amount of sleep on the plane and took a nap earlier today so I’m good to go.”

“Yuyu took one too, he was worn out from being up so early.” Yunho lightly smacked Mingi for revealing that bit of information. You and Wooyoung laughed at the two who started to lightly bicker. Hongjoong popped onto the screen and immediately clocked the twin towers bickering, he shook his head with a click of his tongue.

“Hi Shutterbug, what are you up to?” He was looking at something beyond his phone, from what you could tell he had his phone propped up against his monitors in the studio. Sometimes you forget how similar you were to him. Workaholics at their finest.

“I think I am doing just about the same thing as you, talking to our loves while piecing some work together.” You started clicking around to see the before and after your quick edits. They looked good but there was still something you wanted to do to bring the focus to the model in the middle. There were a couple of clicks that came through his call as well. The two of you looked back at your respective devices at the same time which prompted a giggle from you and Wooyoung who was just watching everything. Mingi and Yunho’s bickering match paused hearing the two of you laughing. Hongjoong smiled at you before looking back up and speaking to someone. Shortly after, Yeosang popped into your view on Hongjoong’s call.

“Hi Sangie! Having fun recording?” He gave you a small wave before looking at Hongjoong and taking a step back. He motioned violently that he wasn't, you could tell it was in a joking manner. Hongjoong was watching him from the reflection in the monitor. He turned around quickly in his chair and Yeosang froze. Your eyes widened just like Yeosang’s did as he stood up deliberately slowly and murmured something that the microphone on Hongjoong’s phone couldn't quite pick up. Yeosang turned beet red and his mouth was in a tight line trying to suppress what you could assume was a smile. You could only imagine what he had said to him. You looked at Wooyoung’s little box and he was watching it with a sly grin. Mingi and Yunho were doing the same. San popped up behind Mingi and Yunho and startled them, they must not have been paying attention.

“Hi Sannie!”

“Hi Y/n-nie” He gave you a small wave and kissed Mingi and Yunho on the cheeks before squeezing himself between the two of them. You looked back to your right screen and a lightbulb went off, you knew exactly what you needed to do to get the picture where you were imagining it. A smile and a noise of triumph left you before you started furiously clicking around in Photoshop to adjust the things you needed. When you zoomed back out from the picture you clapped your hands, it came out perfect. You saved it quickly and sent off the several saved versions to Willow and put them into the cloud under the correct file. When you focused back on the laptop screen you realized that you were being watched by all eight of your boyfriends; even Hongjoong had looked away from his computer to watch you. When Seonghwa and Jongho had gotten there you had no idea. You felt the heat rush to your face as you tried to suppress your bashful smile.

“You're cute.” the words fell from the maknae’s lips before he could think anything of them. You crossed your arms with a small huff.

“You're one to talk, Aegiya (baby). I have to repress the urge to squish your cheeks any time I am in your presence” The responding laughter at your muttered phrase made the smile you were suppressing finally slip free. With a quick glance you saw that he was suppressing a smile and his face may have been just a little red. He was also rolling his eyes at you and the rest of your boys. The teasing of the maknae never stopped.

Your afternoon consisted of most of the boys chattering with you while you listened and worked. For the most part you have been productive until someone demanded your attention away from your photos. The first time it was Wooyoung, when he finally got your attention he made several aegyo faces at you. You rolled your eyes at him and continued your work with a smile. A while later the second time was Jongho who had taken you into one of the practice rooms with him. He serenaded all of you while he practiced. You had stopped all together to watch him while he sang, the smile never left your face. The third and final time was when Mingi, Yunho, and Yeosang had demanded that you watch them practice next. As soon as the music started you were absolutely a blushing mess as they started the choreography to Wake Up. When they finished they picked up the phone and took you with them to head back home. Most of the other boys did the same within the next 30 minutes. San had sent you pictures of the giants as soon as he made it to your house. There was also a video of Toothless screaming at him while he stood in the kitchen which made you laugh.

As it got later they slowly trickled out of the video call to go to bed. You had given them warm goodnights as they left. The only one that was there now was Hongjoong, he looked absolutely exhausted but you knew his mind was flowing with creative ideas and that he wouldn't stop any time soon. A little while later you glanced down and saw that it was just about 6 p.m. where you were, which meant it was almost 1a.m. there in Seoul.

“Joongie, you should probably go home to sleep some time soon.” He was in the middle of putting something together when you spoke. The only indication that he had heard you was the quick flicker of his eyes to his phone and then to something behind it. He opened his mouth like he was going to speak but as soon as the track he was working on started playing he muted himself. You tilted your head at him but after a minute of not being able to hear him shook your head and continued working on the last couple of photos in the album. You continued like this for a while before your stomach rumbled.

“Joongie, I know you can hear me. If I have to I will call someone to go pick you up and drag your ass home if you continue much longer. I know it is nearly 2 a.m. there.” He looked down at his phone and then to the computers behind it, the dark circles under his eyes were fairly prominent. He leaned forward like he was going to unmute himself and started speaking, not even glancing at you on his screen. You tried to get his attention to let him know he was still muted, you spoke, you waved your hands in front of your camera but nothing was working.

After a few more minutes of this continuing you decided to get up and go to your room’s phone. You called down and ordered yourself some room service for dinner. When you finished you looked back at your screen to see him still talking, but now you could see someone in the frame. That’s why, he was talking to someone and most likely deafened you. You made your way to the bathroom in the hotel room and looked at the back of your left leg. There were a couple of spots under the wrap that had blood on them but other than that it looked amazing. You ran your hand over the wrap that was on it, there was a slight twinge of pain as you made your way toward the back of your knee. It honestly surprised you that Hongjoong hadn't seen it when you were on the room phone. There was a small knock on the door to your room. You smiled widely at the man as he rolled the cart into your room.

“Thank you!” He sat the dinner on your dresser as the desk was full of electronics.

“Of course, have a great evening.” He nodded to you and started back out the door. You followed him and closed the door to the room. The food smelled absolutely divine. With quick steps you moved to the desk to push your computer back so you had enough room to eat; taking special care to avoid the roses. When it was situated at a good place you grabbed the tray of food and sat down to eat. Hongjoong was bopping to something while you ate. You just watched him quietly. He was so in his element but he really needed to go to sleep.

“Joongie, I don't know if you can hear me but I think you should go home, you have other schedules tomorrow morning and a packed full week. You need sleep if you're going to survive it without making yourself sick.” He was looking at something off the screen. You continued to watch him while you finished your meal, he had been completely silent and you had no idea if he could hear you anyway. With a sigh you decided to just hang up the call, “Please take care of yourself.” you whispered. Maybe if the light changed and you disappeared he would finally realize what time it is.

When you were completely finished with your food you took the plate and placed it outside the door. You decided to grab your camera and go sit on the balcony. The air was warm as you stepped outside from the open sliding door. You lifted your camera up and started taking pictures of miscellaneous things. First it was the small flower shop across the way, then it was the couple standing in front of it smiling at each other while they picked out flowers for a bouquet. You turned to look at the beautiful one that was sitting on the corner of your desk. With a small smile you turned back to look over the city, your eyes caught on the Eiffel tower. Your body moved before your mind registered, your camera came up to your face and you had taken off your glasses and set them on top of your head before snapping the picture. Most of the time you had the camera close enough to your face that you didn't need your glasses, it was either that or you smacked into them while moving quickly. You watched as the photo popped up and quickly disappeared. It went on like this for what felt like a few seconds, it could have been an hour for all you know. There was no concept of time to you when you were taking pictures. You followed the streets and captured the genuine interactions of the couples coming out of the restaurants with large smiles. You almost wished at least one of your boys was here right now so you could do the same.

A vibration came from beside you on the chair you tossed your phone into. You picked it up and held it extremely close to your face to see Hongjoong calling you. With a light roll of your eyes you answered the facetime call and put your glasses back to their normal place. He was pouting on the other end, before you could greet him he spoke. “You left.”

“You were in the middle of something, I tried talking to you but you had me deafened and you were muted.”

“I'm sorry Shutterbug, Maddox came into the room and was asking me a bunch of questions about the track I was working on.”

“That’s okay Songbird, I just figured I would be one less distraction you had to worry about while you were working, even though the both of you should be asleep because it is nearing” you tapped your phone which showed it was about 7:30 pm here, “2:30 am. You especially because I know you have a schedule tomorrow morning and then a flight here soon thereafter.” he rubbed the back of his neck with a small sheepish smile.

“I’m heading home now, I promise.” He flipped the camera and showed the back of one of the company vans. You nodded to him and flipped your camera to show the city, more specifically the Eiffel tower.

“Wahh, you've got a great view of everything! I love that you can see the tower without being too close to it.” He was leaning in close to his phone as he inspected the view. The wonder on his face was almost comical. You took a screenshot of him with a small smile.

“That’s why I chose this hotel forever ago. Every time I come here I use this hotel, I've been here enough that some of the long term staff recognize me at this point.” You flipped the camera to focus back on yourself. He moved away from the screen slightly and you smiled at him.

“Now that is a breathtaking view.” Your smile turned bashful and you could feel the heat creep up the back of your neck. When he saw that you were blushing his smile widened. The simplicity of the compliment made your heart flutter in your chest; it really didn't take much to make you blush like a schoolgirl talking to her crush.

“Joongie, I have a question for you.” He nodded at you indicating he was listening as he got out of the vehicle.

“How did you know where to send the bouquet you got me?” A small laugh left him at your question.

”Magic.” You rolled your eyes at his answer. Of course he wouldn't tell you, you should have known.

“Stalker.” There was a small snort of laughter that came from him as he walked in a door. You watched as he brought the phone up to his face and peered into your soul. All you could see was his eyes and forehead for just a brief second. He took you with him as he made his way through the darkness of the dorm. He changed out of your view and ended up carrying you to the bathroom and set it down on the counter while he brushed his teeth. It was so domestic, something that despite the several days they had spent at your house you haven't seen.

“Shutterbug, you're staring,” you straightened slightly, zoning back in and looked everywhere but the phone in your hand. What you didn't see was he was watching you too. You moved and settled yourself on the seat your phone was previously on. When you looked back at the phone he was laying in bed. The small smile that graced his face was beautiful.

“Stay with me?” You nodded at him as he settled. His small whisper showed how tired he was. You watched as his eyes slowly started to droop as soon as he was completely comfortable. There was just a little movement behind him that caught your eye. An arm moved around him and pulled him closer; you may or may not have wished that was you. There was a small sigh as the two of them got comfortable with each other. Hongjoong’s eyes had finally fallen closed and his breathing was just beginning to even out. The phone started tilting and before you knew it you were looking at the ceiling of his room. You stayed just a little longer making sure he was actually asleep before you hung up.

The warm air had kept you comfortable as you basked in the quiet, the only noise was the bustling city below you. For as much as you loved the chaos, you also loved the quiet. It may have felt odd before but now as you were sitting in the quiet you realized how much you almost missed it. The same quiet that sometimes destroys you. You sat there for a while just watching the sky change. Mother nature was always the best artist; you grabbed the camera from around your neck and started adjusting the settings to be able to capture the beauty. When you were finally satisfied that it looked good you took several shots.

Something overtook you then, the want to take more pictures. Your body was moving before you completely realized. You had slipped on your shoes, put on your Beyond the Lens ballcap and started making your way to the first floor. As soon as you stepped off the elevator you heard the laughter and clinking of glasses from the restaurant to your right. With a small smile you walked out to the street. The hustle and bustle almost overtook you but knowing how the flow worked here worked to your advantage. Falling into the rhythm of foot traffic you made your way wandering wherever you could. There was music coming from somewhere and you paused to listen for where it was coming from. When you found the source of the music you had completely stopped and watched the people dancing to the violin and piano. Everything was alive with joy, the people dancing, the crowd and the musicians. The warm lighting was perfectly shining to create soft shadows from the people scattered around. You lifted your camera and started taking pictures of the beautiful moment. The people were all smiling while you took pictures, you captured the genuine love in their gazes. You started garnering more and more attention as you took more pictures. This made you happy that you were wearing the hat that had your company logo, your personal photography social, and the QR code that brought people to your website.

While you moved expertly through the crowd the smile didn't leave your face. This, this is what you are meant to do. You are meant to capture people’s favorite memories. You moved toward the people playing the violins and piano. You took several action shots of the three of them, there aren't many people that would ever think of capturing the people that were creating the moments for others. That’s where you always wandered, someone needed to take care of the people taking care of others. As you were taking pictures the pianist glanced at you with a large smile, it was the perfect opportunity to capture his picture. With a quick movement of your fingers your camera shuttered. You tipped your hat to him before wandering over the duo playing the violins together. A man and a woman who were smiling at each other as they played. You captured the moment from several different angles before they caught sight of you. When they did they slightly bowed as they kept playing. Just like the pianist their fingers were moving quickly over their instrument.

You needed to move fast if you could capture the picture you wanted to. Gently you moved through the crowd to some of the chairs at a nearby cafe. You grabbed it and set it up so you could stand over the crowd that was laughing and clapping. Just as you were getting up onto the chair the end of the song was nearing, your movements were quick and precise as you brought the camera up above you. With a quick flip of the viewfinder you held and adjusted it to get the best angle. This was going to be either an amazing shot, or a blurry one. You took the chance anyway. Holding your finger over the button you let the shutter do its job. The musicians finished the piece with a flourish. You came off the chair and clapped along with the rest of the people.

There were a few of the couples that had seen you approaching you. You smiled at them while they approached. When they asked about where they could find the pictures you told them about your socials and the website QR code. There was a general spiel that you started spewing without thinking.

“We are a photography and videography business based in Seoul, South Korea. We travel all over the world for our clients and when we visit anywhere we always make a point of getting some more genuine pictures instead of the posed ones we always see. We do this not for the clout or money but for the people beyond the lens. We want to be able to make your memories come to life through our pictures. It will take a little while before I can get the pictures up but I promise it'll be within the next couple of weeks.” The couples listened to you while you spoke, the most rewarding thing was being able to show some of them their pictures. The gasps and general excitement that flowed from them made your heart happy. You took off your hat and offered the back of it so they could get the link to your website. When they had dissipated you slid one of your business cards to the man still sitting at the piano chatting with a couple of people. You did the same by dropping one in the violin cases for the violinists who were standing near a table talking animatedly with some people.

After you had made it away from the crowd you meandered around. Somehow you ended up in front of the Eiffel tower. You took a seat and just watched the people mill by you, some were dressed casually some were dressed to the nines. There was a couple that you saw standing together just looking everything over. You quickly got up, a gut feeling was telling you that you needed to capture the moment. When you got close enough the man separated himself from the woman. You knelt and brought the camera up to your face as quickly as you could; smacking into your glasses in the process. After a moment’s hesitation so you could recover you started snapping the pictures as he knelt in front of her.

Her hands flew to her mouth in shock, the man was grinning so widely as he held a box out in front of him with a gorgeous ring. The tower was perfectly behind them from this angle, the lights twinkling like starlight just like the ring in the box. You watched in real time as she nodded and threw herself into his arms. The both of them tumbled to the ground in a fit of giggles, she was laying on top of him just smiling while he slid the ring on her finger. You continued getting pictures intermittently as you approached the couple. They had gotten up by the time you finally got to them. They shared a sweet kiss while they held hands, you took one more picture.

You got closer to them and they both acknowledged you. “Hi, I’m so sorry for interrupting your absolutely beautiful moment, congratulations by the way. I just so happened to be nearby when I saw the two of you and felt the need to capture some pictures for you.” The woman squealed and looked over to her now fiance who was staring at you gaping. You let out a small chuckle at the two of them and moved forward to show them some of the pictures you captured of their life changing moment. The woman’s enthusiasm reminded you of San and Wooyoung. She was bouncing around excitedly and every once in a while she would smack her partner’s shoulder lightly when a picture came out particularly good. You stood there for a couple of minutes showing them the pictures, in the end you exchanged emails with the woman and gave her one of your business cards. They both thanked you several times before you parted ways.

There was a perpetual smile on your face the entire way back to the hotel. As soon as you walked in there was a younger woman who greeted you as you passed. In the elevator you hummed to yourself a tune that had no name. When you stepped into your room you started getting changed and plugged in your camera so it would be charged for the first of many shoots tomorrow. You pulled out your favorite all black suit and hung it on the back of the bathroom door for tomorrow. After doing your nighttime routine you got under the covers and cuddled down grabbing the two small plushies and squishing them as close to you as you could. Your mind took a little while to shut down but as soon as it did you were brought into a dreamless sleep.

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

Your alarm woke you up, you smacked around blindly and grabbed it before turning off the offensive sound and getting up. Trudging your way to the bathroom you checked your messages. Most of them stayed fairly consistent with yesterday but this time there were more pictures of the boys being professional from the team. With a light smile you saved all of the pictures you could. You did your morning routine and made quick work of light makeup. When you were done fixing yourself up to look at least somewhat professional you made your way over to your cameras and started packing everything up for the day. Before you left you grabbed your glasses chain and put it around your neck before attaching it to your glasses then you clipped your name tag to your blazer. You and the team had these made so people would recognize you and put a face to the name. Yours was a black name tag with white text; the other’s had colors corresponding with their alias’ Aurora with white, Forrest with gold, and Willow with purple. On your way out of your room you snatched your sunglasses and settled them over your normal glasses. You walked out of the hotel after grabbing a small breakfast to take on the road with you. Thankfully hailing a cab was fairly quick, you gave her the address and were there within thirty minutes.

You walked into the building closest to the bridge and immediately the woman at the front desk greeted you and asked for your credentials so you could get back to where everyone was. Once you got all of the things sorted and had a photographer’s pass you made your way back. When you walked in it was absolute chaos, the models were sitting at their stations with makeup artists surrounding each of them. The stylists were surrounding the racks of clothes and there were people running around trying to cater to everyone’s every whim. The chaos from your boys seemed to pale in comparison to this. You were approached by someone who held an air of confidence among the chaos. It was an older woman holding a clipboard, one that you recognized as the manager. She was beaming at you while she walked.

“Onyx, wonderful to see you again. We are preparing for the initial shoots and then the show later. We are going to be taking the pictures on the bridge so once you get everything taken care of here we can head outside. Let me show you where you can get yourself set up.” You nodded to the woman and followed her through the crowd of people. You and her weaved through it with expert precision having done this many times. When you got into the makeshift studio you relished in the quieter nature of the room. She smiled at you and left you to get yourself set up. First the harness, then the extra lens holders, and finally your cameras. You made your way back out of the room and were met with her standing there speaking to someone. When she realized you were ready she led you back to the large room everyone was in. she already knew how you ran things so she let you take the lead. You grabbed a chair and stood on top of it and put your middle finger and thumb into your mouth to let out a loud whistle. Some people gasped and others completely froze at the high pitched noise. Perfect.

“Alright everyone, my name is Onyx. I am the designated head photographer for today. I will be relying on all of you to help me make this go smoothly. I know all of you are stressed for the show later tonight, so if we can make this as quick and seamless as possible you will have less on your plate to worry about as the clocks tick down. I know that there is a tentative schedule all of you have for the shoot. That being said, I am going to be relying on all of you to help me through this process. Stylists, I am relying on you to have each model ready for me as we finish the shoots and get approval of the pictures. If there are group shots it will be your job to coordinate them with each other. Makeup artists, I would like a few of you on hand just in case we need touch ups. The reason I request only a few is because I need all the room I can get without having to worry about tripping over people. Staff, I will be counting on you to keep everything in a decent order, I will need you to be bringing out the models as they are finished among other things like keeping everyone on schedule. While I know that is a monumental task considering how many people we have here I know you can do it. Models, pre-show jitters are normal, in my years of working in this industry I have seen them in even the most experienced models. Do not forget you are the stars of the show today, I know this is stressful so I will try to make it as easy on you as I can.” Your voice carried over the large room and as you spoke each of the groups you spoke to were smiling and nodding along with you. Some of the crowd was whispering amongst themselves as you spoke to them, hopefully to create their gameplan.

“All of that being said, I look forward to working with all of you. Let's make this a memorable shoot and kick ass on the runway together!” You held up your fist in a fighting motion like you had almost every other time you had photographed someone in Seoul, it was an unconscious habit at this point. There were cheers from some of the people as you stepped down off the chair. You made your way out and past the large group of people with the manager. The first model appeared shortly after and you gave him a smile. You gave light instructions to each model as they came through. When they finally got into the flow you smiled and joked with them; something you found made them loosen up a little. When you did this it made for the best pictures.

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

Most of your day consisted of getting the pictures taken care of. Throughout the entire thing the miscellaneous staff kept you informed of the time and some of them even brought you things to snack on between the models. At one point between models you had gotten too warm so you ended up taking off your blazer, after adjusting your nametag and harness, and threw it over your shoulder. The woman who had become like your assistant gently took it from you shortly after. Some of the people gaped at your tattoos, most of the models had come closer to inspect them as you waited for the approval of their shots. It was endearing how they were fascinated by you, most of them expressed the want for a tattoo but they couldn't because it was a one way ticket out of their industry.

When the final pictures got approval everyone started celebrating, yourself included. It had been a fast paced eight hours, but this is what you loved. Most of the models were laughing and celebrating having enough time to be able to relax before the chaos of show time started. You made your way away from the large crowd of people toward the back of the large bridge. When you were finally far enough away you pulled out your bluetooth headphones and hooked one of them up to your phone. You grabbed your phone out of your vest pocket and clicked on one of the members you knew you could just bask in the quiet with.

After a couple of rings Yeosang appeared on the screen. “Hi Y/n-nie!”

“Hi my Sangie, how are things back home?”

“They’ve been hectic. Joongie-hyung is trying to cram lots of things in before he leaves.” There was a lingering exhaustion in his gaze. “How are things in Paris?”

“It's also been hectic, I just finished an eight hour shoot for Louis Vuitton and then I have their runway show at eight. I wanted to at least see one of you today, and you are okay with just being in the quiet so I thought of you.” He nodded with a small smile. The two of you just sat there with each other, soaking in the moment of peace between your hectic schedules. In the background you could hear some of the other boys rustling around. His eyes flickered to who you could assume was Jongho by the sound of his voice. Just a second later the man in question appeared on the screen.

“Hi Sojunghan,” you tilted your head at him.

“It means precious,” Yeosang was quick to come to your rescue. The flush that came to your face was instant at the realization of what Jongho just called you. You thought he would have been more reserved with nicknames. He had just proven you so absolutely and utterly wrong.

“Hi, Aegiya (baby), how are you?” The small smile on his face widened just slightly at your term of endearment. Yeosang was looking back and forth between the two of you as you just looked at each other for a second.

“I’m surviving the chaos of the rest of the children around here.” Yeosang let out a noise of complaint and you laughed at the irony of his complaint. Of course he was ‘suffering’ through the childishness of the other boys. You shook your head at the two of them. Jongho was snickering at his own joke as he leaned back with an arm around Yeosang.

“Onyx, we are about to order some food for the staff, do you want anything?” The woman that approached was someone you had worked with in the past; you just couldn't for the life of you remember her name.

“I'd love some,” you gave her your order and she took it down in her phone before offering a small wave goodbye.

You turned back to your phone, Seonghwa had joined the two sitting in the frame. You smiled at him and gave him a slight wave. He returned the gesture and continued to look at something beyond your field of view. The three boys were just chatting quietly while you watched them. Being in their presence, although not physically, brought you a calm in the middle of the chaos. There were several voices that echoed toward you, with a glance you saw several of the staff coming your way. They probably wanted to escape for a little while too.

“Loves, I think I should probably go. It is getting close to the chaos starting back up before the show.” the three of them whipped their heads to look down at Yeosang’s phone as you spoke. There was a slight pout on Seonghwa’s lips when he realized what you said.

“Okay our treasure, good luck with everything. We can't wait to hear about it when you get back.” Seonghwa was the first to speak up after his exaggerated pout. The other two boys echoed something similar before you hung up the call. You stood up and slid the phone into your vest pocket before getting up and making your way back to where the main portion of people were hanging out. As you were walking you procured a couple of the younger models. They had asked you several questions about how things worked and what you did in the field. You animatedly answered them, happy to be able to talk to someone about your interests. The other models rotated in and out of the conversation as you walked telling you that they had fun and that you did an amazing job. When the food finally got here you sat in a large circle of stylists and makeup artists and ate.

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

It had been about an hour before people started showing up. You were led to where you would be taking pictures of the celebrities that were showing up. When you got into it the moments blurred by. You recognized several of the people you got to take pictures of. They were all kind to you, especially the ones who recognized you from your work in Seoul. BamBam and Jackson Wang in particular were a couple of the people that gave you some of the most dazzling smiles before they gave you quick hugs and left you with a pat on the shoulder.

When everyone had finally trickled in you had to bust your ass to get out to the opposite side of the bridge. You passed some of the models on the way and gave them a large smile and thumbs up. At this point you were practically running to make sure you got to where you needed to be on time, your cameras were in your hands as you were moving. Some of the people you passed cheered you on, there was a shout of that's my friend from someone that had a very thick Korean accent. You didn't have time to look and see who it was but you had to guess it was BamBam. When you finally skidded to a halt you were met with some of the other photographers lined up. There was a space in the middle for you held by a couple of the staff members. As soon as you got yourself planted there the music started and Pharrell Williams made his appearance. Your brain was already moving your hands to get your long shot lens. When it was connected you started getting the shots.

Your night consisted of much of the same thing. This was one of the times you had been happy to have two cameras on you. When the models were walking you used the long range, when they were closer you used the closer range. You expertly flipped between the two while the models walked. Amid some of the shots you took off your glasses and let them hang from the small star and moon chain around your neck. You moved with some of the models as you were getting their pictures. One of your favorite moments was when all of the models walked in a large group, it gave you some of the best shots from the night. Some of the people were blurred while you focused on one in particular, it gave it a sense of movement that you always loved to capture in pictures. There were a couple of times you directed some of the other photographers so they could get some more sideline shots. They surprisingly listened well. Generally there was a power struggle when a woman, who was obviously younger than most of the other photographers, was bossing people around. The camera crew that was filming above you was a well oiled machine, you didn't even have to worry about them.

When the show came to an end you lingered and took more pictures. At one point someone was yelling your name through the crowd. It confused most of the photographers in the group that didn't know you well enough. The staff had been laughing at the confusion before BamBam and Jackson appeared in front of you. A large smile appeared on your face as they approached you at a quick pace. You gladly accepted their hugs.

“You've grown from the little shy photographer from forever ago.” You rolled your eyes at Jackson. BamBam was just standing there nodding along with him. You were happy to have people that you knew here. Crowds of this size generally freaked you out a little bit, but knowing that someone you knew and appreciated was here eased your mind a little.

“You did amazing! I can't believe you were heading this whole thing! Y/n-nie, I am so happy for you. It's awesome watching someone that is like a little sister to me doing such big things.”

“Yah, I’m only a few months younger than you.” you were smiling the entire time you interacted with the two men. They had stuck by you while you were making your rounds. After a while a lot of the crowd had cleared. Some of the other photographers said their goodbyes while others continued to take pictures; your time was officially over as the show was over. You had been walking toward the building your things were in while talking animatedly. There had been a couple of people that looked at you weird as they passed, they must have been confused as to why you were speaking Korean. Oh well. BamBam had insisted on getting a picture with you and Jackson before you had to part ways. You posed with the pair holding up your camera and a finger heart. They continued taking pictures, both rotating doing some sort of cute poses while you laughed at them. You smiled as you watched them leave, they had unknowingly provided you with a little calm amongst the storm. Your phone pinged and it was a message with the pictures you just took with BamBam and Jackson. Your smile grew as you saved the pictures.

Quickly and methodically you packed your things up and made your way out. Several of the models and other people stopped you and thanked you for making the day go so well. Most of the staff gave you waves as you passed. Even Bernard Arnault stopped you and thanked you for your services. In the time that you worked with Louis Vuitton you had only met him a handful of times. You were smiling ear to ear and offered him a polite bow out of habit. He chuckled at you and gave you a small pat on the head before he was called over by some other people. Finally you made it outside and far enough away from the event that you could hail a cab. When you did it was fairly quiet on the ride over, you could feel your shoulders slump as more time went on. As you walked into the hotel you could feel the exhaustion of the day physically weighing on you. When you finally made it to your room you gently set your bag on the chair in front of the desk and plugged everything in. Muscle memory took over for you at that moment. You checked your phone and realized that most of the boys had sent you goodnight messages. You sent a couple of pictures BamBam had taken with the caption “Look who I ran into!” Before plugging in your phone and flopping into the bed. You fell into memory lane, a good one this time.

Today was one of the longest days you have had in a long time. You wouldn't trade it for the world. This opportunity was huge for your little on the rise company.

You had gotten many opportunities in college to intern with your professors, which gave you connections with JYPE, BigHit, Pledis, and Dreamcatcher Company. You were integrated on the idol side but you also knew that if you wanted to excel in the field you would have to be well rounded. You had come out of college and immediately chosen your old company for their rap sheet within the fashion and idol worlds not knowing it was going to be a shitty place to work in. Your extensive portfolio had impressed them and they almost immediately hired you after your initial interview. You excelled there because of the freelance work you did, and with the help of the professors that personally vouched for your skills. It also may have been because they could barely keep anyone on their teams.

That's where you came in, your attitude was different. You didn't tolerate too much bullshit, you helped where you could and you made it so they were not competing with each other. That company thrived while you were there and sometimes you wondered what happened. If you had to guess they lost a lot of their business when your team left. You didn't have many things you were thankful for with that company, but the opportunities they gave you was one of the few. Those thoughts led you into sleep, a small smile gracing your face.

★☆☽ O ☾☆★

You were awoken by your phone vibrating incessantly on the bedside table. You reached for it and squinted at the name. San? You sat up and answered the facetime call, the look on his face was worrying. He was wide eyed and ramrod straight. The first words out of your mouth were “Are you okay, is everyone okay?”

“I think there is someone in the house.” It felt like a bucket of ice water was poured over your head as the words left his mouth. You were definitely awake now. You grabbed your glasses and quickly put them on your face, almost stabbing yourself in the eye in the process.

“Where are you at right now?”

“I'm in your room with the giants, we were cuddling before I had to get up like we have been for the past couple of days and then I heard someone shuffling around on the first floor.”

“Fuck, okay. I need you to go close and lock the door.” You watched as he got up out of the bed, this was the first time you noticed that he had been shirtless. Now is not the fucking time for admiring your beautiful boyfriend. You heard the soft click of your door closing and the lock turning.

“Okay, there is a bat in my closet. I want you to grab it and hang out while I figure out what the hell is going on okay.” He nodded at you while you clicked out of the facetime app and got into the cat cams you had all over the living room and kitchen. When you looked through all of them you spotted the culprit. Your mother. For fucks sake, you told her that someone was watching your children, generally that means you don’t need to show up. You clicked back into the facetime app and saw him sitting on your bed with the bat next to him. He looked like he was in the middle of debating his life choices.

“Sannie, everything is okay, the person downstairs is my mom. I guess she decided she needed to come check on the giants even though I told her someone was taking care of them.” His shoulders sagged and you heard a heavy breath leave him.

“Jagi, this is not how I wanted to meet your mother.” You let out a laugh at his frazzled state.

“I know Sannie, it's not how I wanted it to go either. But here's what we are going to do. You're going to put on a shirt and we can go downstairs and scare the shit out of her like she did to you. Don't worry, she's pretty chill.” He gave you a questioning look before nodding, he set the phone down on your bed while he moved around the room. Beans was investigating San’s phone as you cooed at her. She had gotten up fairly close and you took a screenshot of her while you waited. A minute or two later San had gently relocated Beans and grabbed his phone. You smiled at him and he matched it.

“Before you start going to scare her, are you okay with me telling her you're my boyfriend and then telling her about the rest later?”

“Yeah, I'm okay with that Y/n-nie. This really is not how I expected my morning to go,” he muttered while walking toward the door. He was being silent as a cat while he made his way through your house, he had you looking out the back camera. You caught sight of your mother looking in the cat treehouse for the giants. San’s simple greeting to your mother elicited a scream from her, she leapt back and whipped around. Your laughter rang through your hotel room and you slapped a hand over your own mouth. You had neighbors that most likely wouldn't like being woken up by your giggles. You watched with amusement as she sized San up, she greeted him and looked into the camera. Your view moved to San’s pretty face as he approached her and handed her the phone.

“Hi mom, having a fun drop in?” She shook her head at you and fixed you with one of the most motherly glares she could muster.

“You are just like your grandmother I swear. You even got him into it.” Your grin widened, that was the ultimate compliment.

“Yeah well you scared him first so we are even. Mom, this is San, my boyfriend.” She gaped at you, her gaze flickered between the two of you several times before she settled it back on you.

“Boyfriend? You haven't told me about a boyfriend.”

“It’s fairly new, I wanted to be able to introduce you in person but since you decided to make a drop by visit you moved it up.” Her face turned just a little red at your comment. Serves her right, she should have just left well enough alone.

“It’s wonderful to meet you,” You could just picture the polite man he was being. The small bow that he had most likely just given her was stuck in your head. You could also see the smile on his face clear as day, even if you couldn't physically see him, his dimples on full display.

“Likewise San, when Y/n gets back we will have to go out to dinner to get to know each other better. I’m sorry that we had to meet like this and that I scared you. I just wanted to see the grand kitties and wasn't expecting anyone here.”

“I look forward to that,” She had transferred the phone back over to him after giving you a knowing look. The smile on his face was exactly how you pictured it as they chattered while he walked her to the door. Honestly, you couldn't have thought of a better one of your boyfriends to meet your mother first. While you absolutely loved the other boys they could be a little too chaotic, San had perfect manners and it really showed here. As soon as they had parted ways San looked fully at you. You were grinning already at him. He seemed to have recovered from the shock of everything. You heard the deep breath he let out like he had been holding it the entire time she was in his presence.

“You did good Sannie, I’m sorry she just popped in.”

“That's okay jagi, I’m sorry for waking you up in the middle of the night.” You shook your head at him.

“I would rather you have called me than you scaring yourself shitless, and then scaring my mother shitless with your shirtlessness while you walked around my house.” That was a damn tongue twister. San was laughing at you while he made his way back to your room.

“Jagi, you should go back to bed, I can see how tired you are.” You took stock in your body and felt the exhaustion pulling at you, you could feel your eyes drooping without you even noticing it.

“Alright, I love you Sannie, I hope your day goes a little better than this morning has.”

“I love you too, jagi. Have a good day when you actually wake up for it.” You smiled at him before he hung up the call. When he did you set your phone on the bedside table and cuddled back down into your comforter. You would have never expected your mother meeting one of the boys like that, but life had a weird way of taking the reins. A little while later when your body had gotten rid of the little bit of adrenaline in your system you fell into sleep.

☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Next Chapter (Chapter 23)

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justbelievinginmagic · 5 months ago

Text

MIRAGE - part 1: paradigm shift.

pairing(s): ot8 ateez x reader, focus on hongjoong x reader & wooyoung x reader series summary: Your life aboard the airship, the Illusion, with the Ateez Crew wasn't any fantasy. As rebels against the Android Guardians, as no-good pirates to society, life was full of running, lying, and fighting. It wasn't the dream life you had imagined when you had met the charming young Kim Hongjoong in the port of Aurora years ago. When an enemy unexplainably caught up to the airship, you made a choice that shattered the universe, sending you hurtling back to a time before the Android Guardians, before the Illusion, and even before Ateez. warnings/tags: for mature audiences!, inspired by Illusion MV, inspired by Ateez's lore, inspired by the Treasure Albums, Pirate AU, Sci-Fi / Technopunk vibes, Dystopian AU, Time Travel AU, 3rd person POV, fem!reader, use of YN, polyteez, too much sci fi universe lore, violence, gore, mature topics, angst, fluff, weaponry (they're pirates), death, blood, canon divergent Cromer, canon divergent Android Guardians, distant love, strained love, obsession, magic, very lightly edited lol, let me know if there are more tags needed. word count: 8.6 k -> next chapter series masterlist

Somewhere high above the smog-covered, tech-invested cities, a floating ship soared through the clouds. Pastel-blue and soft-purple skies encompassed it as it sailed under, around, and above cotton-candy clouds. Wind rustled the large white sails, tickling over YN’s arms as she walked across the deck of the ship. A shadow cast over the main deck, shielding them from the bright star of a sun. A damp chill clung as the cloud dispersed lightly through the sails.

It felt like a perfect day. It had been a long time since they sailed throughout the clouds rather than above them. Too often than not, Hongjoong ordered them to sail above the clouds, away from sight. But when they sailed through soft cotton-candy clouds like this, it threw her back to the beginning of it all.

Memories of the mischievous then-sailor Hongjoong, a younger and more naïve man with his soft-feathered brown mullet, flickered to the surface. The way he had met her on the stacked upon stacked docks of Aurora. Aurora was once a beautiful port with its sherbert pebbled shores. But even when he and her met, those shores had become faded with pollution. The skies were still pastel soft despite the layer of smog that grew from the air-ships and few remaining water-ships that found their home there. But that day… his face could’ve rivaled the sparkling sun; it was so bright. He smiled so sweetly as he introduced himself boldly, stepping into her way on the busy docks.

“I’m Kim Hongjoong.”

And she had been so wary, despite his good looks, despite his near-glowing smile. She hadnt shaken the hand outstretched to her, instead glanced at it and back at his coy smile. Her arms crossed. His smile grew.

“No need to be careful. I can tell we are going to be good friends.” He proclaimed, hand dropping. “Will you be my friend?” he added, stepping forward, as if he knew the answer.

It was an arrogant statement, and it had her pushing past him to fall into the crowds once more.

She had seen him day after day. Each day he’d chime out a different nickname.

“Hello, Star.”

“Hi again, my Horizon.”

“How’s your day going, Starlight?”

“Have a moment, twilight?”

It was funny that each nickname only made her brow raise until finally she turned on her heel and faced the young man perched on a barrel. He leaned his cheek against his curled knee as he smiled his charming grin her way.

“What does ‘twilight’ even mean as a nickname?” she half-laughed incredulously.

He bit his lower lip as he shifted his head to look at her straight on.

“Have you ever seen twilight from an air-ship?” Hongjoong prompted; he leaned back on the barrel casual.

YN shook her head. She didn’t specialize in ships – despite coming from the port of Aurora. She’d come and go to the traveler ships – the last few oceanliners and the more common air-cruises that docked. And she’d draw for them. Little caricatures or pictures of the shores of Aurora in its prime. Tourist things they could pay a few spare credits for with the hover of their phones and cards. Yet she had never flown in an air-ship and it had been a long time since she sailed on a water-freight.

He smiled. “It’s the most magical time.” He admitted. “There is an energy at twilight. Purple, blue, orange, and pink. That’s how I feel about you. Twilight.”

She laughed a bit.

“Poetic,” she commented.

“Maybe,” his stare hadn’t shifted from her as he smiled, tilting his head. Hongjoong pushed off the barrel to stand in front of her. “But it caught you, didn’t it?”

The smile that came to her lips was like a wild-fire, uncontrollable and bright. His grin grew at its spark.

“I’m Hongjoong,” he reminded, hand outstretched.

“YN.” She finally introduced.

“YN,” he breathed out like he was starstruck. Her hand in his felt electric.

Only a week later, he had taken her by the hand, that same spark going through her bones, as he tugged her along.

“Hold my hand,” he encouraged, excited. “I got to show you something.”

Running between the crowd felt freeing, winding through the multi-leveled docks, they climbed higher and higher until they were at the base of an air-ship. The thing looked new, shiny, and pristine. Its carved name, the Illusion, was freshly shaped on its rear. It reeked of new wood and new linens and new everything.

“An air-ship,” she stated. Her brow raised as she looked up at him.

“Mine,” he insisted. “Ours.”

She had learned in this short time that Hongjoong had dreams of grandeur that accompanied his arrogance. If he wasn’t so charming, it’d be a negative trait. But instead, it filled her with hope.

“Ours?” she repeated, doubtful.

He turned to her with stars in his eyes.

“It will be,” he chimed. “Once you step foot aboard my ship, you’ll never want to leave me.”

“Leave you?” she noted with a raised brow, a chuckle in her voice.

“I said what I said,” he replied coyly. “Let me ask you… will you join me?”

And something in her said to take the leap, to see if he was right. The way the sparkling sunlight up here haloed him made him seem magical, something special. Was she just going to stay here forever in the slums of a slowly polluting city?

She could live with him. Explore the world.

“Aye, captain,” it had been a joke as she took the first step up the gangplank, but it had led to where she was now.

And he was right. She hadn’t wanted to ever leave Hongjoong or the Illusion or the seven other men that had slowly joined them and made a home in her heart… at least not ‘til recently. Her gaze flickered from across the skies to the very man she was remembering. But, in front of her stood a very different Hongjoong. No longer was he a sailor, what stood before her was a pirate king.

Instead of a mullet of natural fluffy brown hair, he had taken to dying it and keeping it short. Between ink black to navy blue to vibrant blondes, he’s tried everything in effort to remain hidden. He sported a ruby-red color now – the shade had been fading like a sunset over the past few weeks until it was a soft honey-pink. His face was obscured by a dark mask, chains interlacing over its front as he leaned across the banister in front of the helm. He looked off onto the horizon, eyes piercing. His fingers, chipped in black paint, tapped out a beat as he stared off. His eyes were tired. When was the last time he slept? She couldn’t remember – and she shared a living quarters with him.

They were hiding once more. It had been weeks since they evaded their attackers, but still he insisted on wearing the mask. He had once ordered them all to do so, but pirates didn’t do well with commands. One by one, they tossed the mask aside in their cabins. He frowned, at least she thought he did (it was hidden by his mask) as he looked over his most-trusted members of his crew. Disappointed.

It wasn’t as if they were in the heavily-monitored cities again. Their ship was thousands of miles up in the sky away from the Android Guardians, away from the Initiative. But he was growing paranoid, she knew it. He was worried about something.

His gaze shifted from the open skies to her, looking her over with his cutlass-sharp brown eyes. Before they flashed away. Almost like if he stared too long, he’d fall into thoughts he didn’t want to think.

He was avoiding her. It was plain and simple. She used to think this was the ultimate freedom. She wasn’t sure what it was anymore. Did he even love her? Did he tire of her? He held a distant sense of responsibility, but he was their captain wasn’t that his role. Is that all he felt for her? He made sure she was safe, made sure she slept, but when was the last time there was affection? YN couldn’t remember.

When it had been just them in this large ship, he had said to her, “Just be my companion, and that’ll be enough.” It didn’t feel that way anymore. Countless nights she had tried to tell him. But he shrugged her off, turning his shoulder as he looked over a pirate map. You have the others, YN. I need to figure this out. Even if the puzzle pieces of her heart were made up of eight, missing one piece still distorted the puzzle’s picture.

Shifting in her chair, one of the many mismatched kitchen chairs that Yeosang or San had hauled up from the galley and placed around a large crate, she let out a sigh. Things had been so different on the ship as of late. Reality was a sour taste to the few years of honeyed fantasy together. Her woe came out in her art. A sketch-book rested on the make-shift table; her own drawings decorated the page. It used to be full of her loves – side profiles of Seonghwa while he cooked, full body sketches of San while he tightened the riggings, shirtless, in the mornings, doodles of Wooyoung posing for her dramatically as they laid in bed. Happy smiles on their faces. It had become more and more full of restless scribbles instead.

Her heart ached. Alone despite the bustling crew around her. Men and women that they had picked up in order to outrun their hunters. It used to be different. It used to be a group decision around a shared dinner as they discussed how they felt about adding a new crew member. The Illusion used to just need the nine members of Ateez.

“You alright, my baby?” The voice that interrupted her thoughts was a gentle one, deep but kind.

The dark-haired man’s plump lips were in a deep pout as he looked down at her. And while he had sharp features, sharp jaw, sharp brows, even a sharp swoop of hair, he was so soft. Mingi had always been a gentle creature – though he was the sharpest long-range shooter that ever flew the skies. Even better than Seonghwa.

With one hand, he pushed his bulky headphones off his ears, so that they rested slung around his neck. Something funky with a lo-fi beat hummed heavily through them. It just fit Mingi so much. He smiled down at her soothingly, a calloused hand raising to caress over her cheek.

This was what made her heart so sad. Because despite her melancholy, her depression Jongho had told her once while they laid alone in his hammock, she did love them. Even now.

She loved the ones she called the true crew of Ateez.

Mingi, her gentle sharpshooter who was shy around the ones he loved and yet confident and deadly around those who threatened them.

Jongho, their brilliant Quartermaster who worked to make sure all parts of the ship were ready for attack, but also taught the crew all he knew so that they would be safe if he wasn’t there to protect them.

Yunho, their hardworking navigator who wouldn’t rest until they were set on a proper course and wouldn’t sleep until all of eight of the Ateez upper-crew were asleep and safe.

Yeosang, her sweet Bosun who oversaw the crew by his spot in the crow’s nest ensuring their freedom was never compromised but also would keep their spirits high with his gentle jokes.

Wooyoung, her rebellious wild Gunner who found a game in anything and loved to tease and sweet-talk each of his lovers until they flushed and fluttered.

Seonghwa, their mother-hen of a First Mate, loyal to a fault but would rather die than see his freedom or his loves stolen from him.

San, their strong Helmsman who could easily control the wheel no matter the weather but would cry if she ever mentioned how she was feeling – ever a sweetheart.

And, of course, Hongjoong, her Captain. Their Captain. Who found them, took them in, and loved them she knew. But he loved one thing even more – treasure.

Mingi’s ringed thumb brushed over her cheek once more, pulling her from her thoughts. “You are day-dreamy, baby,” he rumbled, frowning.

She flashed an apologetic smile.

“Sorry, princess,” she hummed out, nuzzling into his palm.

He pulled away with an embarrassed flush, glancing around. As if the opinions of the faceless crew meant more than her affections. It hadnt been like that before.

“Baby,” he whined lowly.

He used to love being called all sorts of nicknames before they hired their first non-Ateez member. Because that’s what this was – Ateez and crew. Not just the crew, Ateez. She laughed softly, going to grab his hand once more to bring it back to her cheek. His bracelets clanked, and his rings felt cool against her skin. Mingi had always been one to love the reaping of their conquests. A main reason why he’d never fight out against Hongjoong’s crusades. His outfit was modern, sleek on his form; his headphones the newest brand stolen from a billionaire’s mansion they looted.

“Can Yunho only call you that?” she teased. “Princess?”

“You—how – How do you know that?” he whispered close.

“I hear all, babe,” she replied with a chuckle. That was her skill after all. Seeing things from a different perspective; she was often the one to figure out a way of attack. Her plans and observations weren’t what the others thought of in discussions. Observe, analyze, interpret. “I know everything about my loves,” she teased once again, squeezing his hand.

A yawn broke through her – making her shudder. He frowned, the humor of their conversation leaving when it came to their well-being. Mingi loved knowing things, too – or more so, loved eavesdropping. Sometimes she assumed his headphones played no music, and it was just so he could listen into other people’s conversations without them thinking he was paying attention.

“Are you not sleeping well?” he asked.

She offered a sleepy look his way. “Hongjoong’s been up-and-down most nights. He’s paranoid,” she admitted, glancing towards the red head.

Last night, he kept reading a notebook she had never seen, pacing this way and that as his eyes flickered to his Treasure. Not her, of course. He’d bite his lip and go back to his research. A chalkboard behind him – that one held their next destination mapping – now held scribbles of notes she couldn’t decipher. A fanatic’s raving about the Treasure.

Mingi’s brows raised curiously, following her gaze. His Captain showed no emotion; with his steely eyes locked on the horizon and the rest of his face blocked by the dark mask.

“He’s convinced something will happen,” she mumbled, her head shifting to rest against Mingi’s toned stomach. His hand automatically rose to stroke over her head. “With his Treasure.”

Mingi scoffed. Treasure. He didn’t know what was so special about a stupid hourglass. Wooyoung and Yeosang agreed with him, and he bet others did too but… they all knew how Hongjoong acted when it came to the Treasure.

It had taken priority over the last year.

“Go sleep in my cabin; you’re always welcome there,” he told her, scratching her head softly.

“I can nap out here,” she insisted.

They used to do that often, falling asleep on the deck while staring up at the clouds. When was the last time they did just that? She couldn’t remember.

“Seonghwa would hate if you got stepped on,” he commented.

“And you wouldn’t?” she joked.

Mingi shrugged teasingly. She jabbed his stomach. He dodged. Her head lulled to the side as she lost her makeshift standing pillow.

“Go on, pirate princess,” he insisted, gesturing towards the latch towards the lower decks. “I’ll let Captain and Seonghwa know where you are if they ask.”

She nodded slowly. Sleepiness ate at her. Maybe it was just the lack of something in her life. Maybe it was the weather. Maybe it was depression like Jongho thought. Maybe it was just her. She wasn’t sure – all she knew was she had felt wrong for days, weeks, months. Restless, exhausted, unenthusiastic. Unignited.

Maybe sleep was all she needed. So, when she curled up next to Yunho in Mingi’s small cabin covered in any and all music memorabilia he could find, it felt right. He wrapped her up in his long limbs and, while she didn’t feel better, she felt safe. Wasn’t that enough?

The ship rocked violently; the sounds of gunfire and ricochet thundering into the cabin. Jolting from sleep, she sat up in a panic. There was another explosion shuddering the wood of the Illusion. Without much thought, she hoisted herself out of Yunho’s bed; he was gone, bedsheets rumpled. There were records and music tapes scattered on the ground from the rocking and rolling of the fast-sailing ship.

Running throughout the lower decks, all she saw was destruction and chaos. Crew running this way and that. Yelling. Running. Smoke. Climbing higher and higher, she pushed open the main deck’s latch to be hit with pandemonium.

Explosions rang out all about her. Half-awake in her pajamas, the world she knew and loved looked less like a daydream and more like a waking nightmare. Yells cried out; screams of pain pierced the air. Small fires licked at the well-loved, graffitied hull, burning away drawings and memories etched into the yellow-heart and blue mahoe wood. Riggings were hanging limply from the masts; ropes decorated the floor like guts. A few lower crew members laid unresponsive, bloodied. Large chunks of the ship laid scattered about, making the large deck look more like an obstacle course than her home.

Her eyes darted from every unresponsive man she could spot. Not him. Not him. Where were they? Were they okay? Wood shards were flung into the air as she ran across the deck of the air-ship. Ducking behind a large wooden box, one they used often as a makeshift table but now she used as protection against the crash of chaos. Glancing around, she searched for a weapon, something in case the attack came onboard. But there was little weaponry lying about. They’d been alone for two weeks – the threat had been gone. Gunfire rang out, and cannons flashed. Her eyes shut tight as the bright bang blinded her for a moment.

The threat was here.

It could only be one entity.

Coughing through smoke, she tried to spot the highest members of the crew. She finally spotted one among the pandemonium. Ash blond hair was plastered back from his forehead, mussed and sweatied, as he pushed ahead. A cannon ram looked more like a scepter with how he wielded it. Commanding the gunners on how to reload and aim at their enemy. Rushing past the long-line of gunners, Jongho was a vision of strength; fury etched into his brow as he strode past, staring down the enemy ship.

“Fire! Now!” Jongho’s voice cried out. “Fire starboard!”

She stood then, aiming to run to his side before the piercing sound of their cannons went off. Senses burnt like a live-wire; her ears rang and her eyes felt blurred before there was a thud of sneakers beside her, a muscular arm going to press her down against the ground as something whittled through the air above their heads and slammed into the mast beside them. Wood debris rained down over them. YN huffed and puffed, trying to catch the breath that had gotten knocked from her lungs. His arm kept them pressed into the floor.

“YN. There you are – fuck, watch out.”

His breath was hot against her neck, sweat and cinders dripped down his face. Familiar orange blossom and light green apple wafted over her, giving a momentary comfort in the gun-smoke and destruction. Yunho’s hands shifted her against him, tugging her half-underneath him. Protecting her with his form as another cannon-ball whistled overhead. Their gazes met. Panic crossed over his face, ash coating his blue hair and colorful clothes making them look ghastly.

“Who’s attacking?” she asked, trying to shift from her lover’s protective embrace to peer over the hull at the other air-ship. Yunho yanked her back down as another crash of cannon fire rang out. The nearby cannon a fellow crew member utilized throttled back heavily on its wheels as it fired out its deadly weapon. His hand covered her head, over her ears and curling her into his chest. Cursing beneath his breath, he held her closer, wishing he could keep her safe in between his ribs. Beside his hummingbird heart.

“It’s the Guardians!” he told her closely, his voice as breathless as she felt. “Same frigate from Paradise.”

They could hear Seonghwa’s war cry from somewhere across the ship and the always-familiar bang of his rifle. Far from their ship, there was a scream.

“We can’t outfight them,” she told Yunho.

She knew better than anyone – except perhaps Jongho – about their stocks. They were low on ammunition; they hadn’t stopped long enough to restock.

“We need to get out of here. Before they hit the mainsail.”

Glancing upwards, she took in their large white-sailed masts. Three of them stood tall and proud, billowing with air as they guided them in their sail through the skies. Squinting, she could see Yeosang in his sunny-yellow sweater that he loved, high in the crow’s nest. There was a splatter of red across his face as he pulled binoculars away, pointing and yelling down to the crew below.

“Land! Portside!”

“He’s okay,” Yunho reassured. He had just come from climbing between the sails like a spider monkey.

Wreckage showered down over them as a cannon ball struck the mainsail mast with a shattering of wood, but it remained steady. Thankfully, it was a thick sturdy pole. But, before relief could flush through her and Yunho, the ship heaved to the side with a lurch. Yunho scrambled to keep them down against the floorboards. A cry tumbled out of the remaining crew as their shoes slid and their canons followed suit heavily rolling against them. Some sickening crunches were heard. Yunho dug his sneakers into the wood as his hand rose to cup the back of her head, ducking them down to take the brute of the slide – in case anything hit them. His back pushed into the side of the hull while she was cradled into his arms and lanky legs. Their head snapped at the sound of their Captain’s yelling.

“San!” Hongjoong’s sharp voice bit out from somewhere.

“Working on it, Captain,” San grunted out.

She could see between fire and smoke San at the helm; his muscles rippling as he tried to control their ship. He pulled at the wheel, trying to take control of their ship. His teeth gritted as he finally righted their ship and snarled something beneath his breath as he looked back at the attacking air-ship.

Yunho stood quickly, hoisting her forward. His hands lifted her onto her feet easily.

“Get to Hongjoong’s quarters,” he breathed to her, hand on her cheek as he urged her to understand his intent. “Hide!”

As if that’d be any safer, she thought. But Yunho’s rough hands were already onto their next goal – moving from her face to encouraged her to go, go, go, pushing her towards the Captain’s Quarters. There was no room for discussion right now.

“Run,” Yunho said as he reached for a discarded sword, the metal shlinging as it was unsheathed. “Now, YN.”

So, she did. Running around figures and broken riggings, past Jongho who’s gaze flickered to her fearfully until he saw her path ahead. She was going towards the others; she’d be safe there. Stomping up the stairs, she finally caught sight of the large airship attacking them. The frigate overpowered their smaller ship, but it gave her some relief to see flames billowing out of its keel. There was hope that they could outrun them. They were smaller.

Racing up the last few steps up to the quarterdeck, she felt an explosion burst beside her, sending her stumbling. Her ears rung as she was flung into the thick railings of the deck painfully. Her waist ached and she felt like she’s was going to lose her dinner. Dazed, she felt faint for a moment. The ringing and blurred smoke of the ship all she could process. Canon fire rung out again. She blindly crouched, her hand wrapping around the banister of the railing to keep herself steady.

“YN!” she heard San cry out distantly.

Everything felt far away. She tried to shake her head, tried to steady herself. Her face stung and burned uncomfortably, but all she had on her mind was to get to Hongjoong’s quarters. Someone hoisted her back to standing. Large hands held onto her shoulders as they peered into her face. He called her name again, a hand going to cup her face. A grimace graced his face as he came into a non-double vision view.

Wooyoung’s face was covered in smears of soot, hands a dark color from the gun powder he had helped a crew member load into a cannon moments ago. His squid-ink black hair looked grey with ash. Fingers went to the side of her face, prying bits of wood away from her new wound. A large collection of splinters dug into her cheek to her temple in a long gash.

“Are you ok?” he asked fast. His eyes were wide and fearful. “Baby!”

She nodded slowly, dazed, before shaking away her bewilderment. In her adrenaline rush, she truly didn’t feel much pain. It was all so fleeting – hard to distinguish amongst the chaos. Like when you can’t tell if something is burning cold or freezing hot to the touch. Her own hand went to feel the damage, coming away red. Wooyoung flinched at the sight.

“I’ll live; I’m fine. Go,” she encouraged, moving to push him with her hand.

Wooyoung was their best gunner with his accuracy. Her palm had left a bloody hand print on his colorful red-white-blue-yellow graphic tee as she curled her fingers into his fabric near pleading. He hadnt shifted an inch, his face drenched in agony at the sight of her pain.

“Woo, aim for their rudder; slow them down. So, we all can make it out alive.”

His face was stoney, a type of seriousness Wooyoung rarely got. He nodded firmly as he turned to observe their attacker. His hands firmly kept her in place – keeping her grounded. The Guardian’s grand white-painted frigate towered above them, not overtaking them yet. It seemed it wanted to cause more damage than board them as of now. They’d take that blessing.

“Captain,” Wooyoung crowed out instead. “Any orders?”

Their Captain stood on the platform above his quarters. With his honey-red hair, he was easy to spot – even more so with his attire. He wore a vibrant red fur coat that barely stayed on his shoulders as he paced in battle, a white graphic tee, skinny jeans, and black Doc Martins. He wasn’t a picture of a sea-salted, wobbly old pirate. But his face surely held the power of one. His glare could strike someone down as he growled out.

“Prevent them from boarding!” Hongjoong bit out, reaching for his pistol on his hip. He raised it into the air, shooting at the opposing ship’s crew. “Protect the Treasure at all costs.”

The treasure, the treasure, the treasure. That was all he cared for now it felt. Even in the heat of battle, he was one-track minded. Wooyoung hissed through his teeth as he turned back. Wooyoung had been someone she had shared this feeling with before. Hongjoong and his obsession for his treasure. It was like a parasite sucking at his soul. But Wooyoung’s concern only grew as he surveyed the deck. Her head turned to look back at the ship soaring so close by. It was bad.

“Of course, he’d say that,” Wooyoung muttered before he moved away from her.

His hands leaving her arms left her wobbly, and he quickly tried to make up for his failure. He steadied her with both hands.

“You aren’t okay,” he muttered out, pressing her into her spot firmly. His hands went to her jaw, cupping it and directing her gaze.

“We don’t have time to not be okay; we are in a battle!” she replied.

Her head turned to glanced back at Hongjoong, at San. Yeosang was swinging down from the crow’s nest, a dangerous attempt, as Mingi cried up at him to watch out for this and that. They all were not okay – they all were in danger.

And all Hongjoong could think about was treasure.

“Go hide,” Wooyoung warned. “Somewhere, anywhere. Stay alive – this will all be over soon.”

She nodded firmly; Wooyoung returning it. He squeezed her shoulder, risking a kiss to her forehead, before running off. He’d hit their rudder; he had to. He was their best shot.

“Be safe,” she yelled to him, to them, as she continued her journey towards the Captain’s Quarters.

Flinging the stain-glassed French doors open, she ran inside Hongjoong’s room. Turning, she quickly locked them behind her with a flick of a golden lock. The familiar sight of Hongjoong’s sanctuary would be reassuring if there weren’t shattered glass from the exterior windows blown out across the cabin. The drapery around his space used to give it a soft look, now with torn fabrics and destruction, it looked like a mummy of itself. A cannon ball was embedded on the map-covered desk, a large splintering gash through the wooden desk.

Their safe space was half-destroyed; the ship was in ruins; and it sent a wave of fear crippling through her. That this was the end. But no, she couldn’t think of that now. She looked around. Could she hide in the wardrobe? Or the chest by the door? What if something hit it? No, she needed a weapon first.

She rushed further into the space, going towards his king-sized bed alcoved into the wall of the hull. It sheets were still rumpled from last night. Tossing Hongjoong’s pillow aside, she grabbed the pistol he kept hidden there and checked to make sure it was loaded.

Feeling better with the heavy weapon in her palm, she turned back to survey the room only for something to blind her. A light flare flashed over her face, making her flinch back. Her hand rose to cover her eyes.

Follow me. It pulled.

Shining from within Hongjoong’ desk, something caught her eye like a lit-flame, like a burning guiding star. Through a crack in the wood, the thing glimmered and shimmered and she swore it called to her.

Into the light. Into that light. Beyond the light.

The temptation dragged her towards it. Her brows pursed as she felt something burn in her chest. Like a live-wire. Rounding the desk, she crouched down, pulling each drawer open. Some tumbled off of their tracks and onto the messy floor, others hung open lazily. Pearls, music CDs, credit cards. Empty snack bags, glass bottles, wires for computers and gadgets. A laptop covered in stickers, love letters, condoms, keys to the brig. No. No. No.

Find me.

Where was it? Where did he put it?

There was a loud lurch of the ship like a dog yanking on its leach and a horrible tearing sound. Like splintering wood and broken metal. The entire ship trembled and sagged at an angle. Glass, knick-knacks, and maps clattered and rolled towards the door. The desk was screwed into the planks (at the request of Seonghwa, she remembered) and didn’t move an inch. Her hands gripped the desk top. A commotion exploded outside and slowly but surely the ship righted. They weren’t leaning anymore, but they weren’t sailing. But YN couldn’t focus on that.

All she could focus on was that light. Where was it?

Find me.

The light gleamed from within the desk but after tearing out the drawers’ there was nothing within. Her fingers slide over the wood of the desk, carefully searching for a divot, a secret compartment, something. Hongjoong trusted them, obvious by the lack of locks on his drawers. But maybe he had thought ahead. Her Captain often did.

Her nails stuck into a fine line, a thin crevice finally found, on the wall of the desk. With effort, she pulled and tugged at the plank until it popped open to reveal the sparkling artefact. It was almost holy; the way the light sighed at her and hummed. Almost like it was saying hello.

Now, this wasn’t the first time she had seen the Cromer. They all had seen it before, but never before had it shimmered and gleamed like it held glowing stardust. Like something magical was happening.

It wasn’t large, no, it was just large enough to be the size of a small water-bottle. The Cromer was intricate and yet simple in its design. Gold-wrought wire framing held a delicate glass-blown hourglass. Sand forever trickled, not downwards but upwards, as if gravity didn’t exist in its plane. Something magical. Something precious. Something they had still yet to understand beyond it was a treasure that they needed to protect from falling into the wrong hands. That’s what Hongjoong had always said and she never understood why… til now.

There was a clash of blades from the deck, making her jump and look up. A shadow had covered the desk… The sunlight that had poured into the quarters from the blasted windows was gone. No, no… they were being boarded. That was the only reason there would be blades crossed.

She pried the Cromer out of its velveteen holding space. Even touching it felt strange. Like there was an electric hum running up through her veins where it touched her skin. She shoved the hidden compartment closed with a thud, pushing at the drawers to shut as many as could. Already shifting from her crouched position, YN glanced around the room.

She had to hide.

Running towards the large oaken closet, she swung open the doors and shoved herself inside. Pushing jackets and fur coats aside, she nestled herself as far as she could wiggled herself into the closet, cradling the Cromer in her lap and reaching to slam the closet doors shut. One hand wrapped around the glass of the hourglass and the other around Hongjoong’s pistol.

YN shut her eyes, listening closely. Heavy footsteps, clash of swords, gunfire. She heard it all, and it made her stomach curdle.

How did the Android Guardians take them by storm? Everything had been calm waters recently. Itd been weeks since their last port. Yeosang kept careful watch. They were careful of their trails. How did they find them?

There was a loud thud on the doors to the Captain’s Quarters.

“Again!” there was a command muddled by an electronic-processor.

It was the Guardians. Her breath caught in her throat as she twisted further into the closet. From the smallest crack in between the closet doors, she peered into the room, waiting and praying that the doors held up as another BANG made her flinch.

Please, please, please, she repeated silently.

Don’t let them in; keep them safe. Don’t let this happen.

Please, please, please.

Bang, bang, bang.

There was a shatter of glass. A scatter of sea-foam and sunset-pink glass tumbled across the quarter’s floor. The carefully-cared-for colored glass was now nothing but shards of dust.

“Finally,” a voice barked; a strange mixture of robotic and animalistic tones made up his shout.

A clatter of locks chilled her. The clanking of doors shoved open.

She held her breath.

“Get in there,” the sound of flesh hitting flesh made her shut her eyes tightly.

The grunt was one she had heard before. Her eyes flashed open; fear flooded her body. Wooyoung huffed out; there was a jingle. Was he locked up? From her small crack, she couldn’t see much. YN didn’t move a muscle.

“Where is it? Hm?” The nearly inhuman voice croaked.

“Go fuck yourself,” Wooyoung exclaimed out.

A loud thud and low groan made her heart lurch. Wooyoung’s laugh was wet as he heaved and groaned from the floor. He spat blood and saliva out onto the leader’s shoes, the remaining of the spittle staining into the floorboards. He let out a low laugh and, despite him not being in her line of sight, she knew he’d been smiling cruelly. His laugh wasn’t a smidge humorous. He was heaved back onto his knees by the Android Guardian’s followers.

The doors to the Captain’s Quarters were shoved shut with a loud clatter, keeping all noise from the deck out and all noise in the room inside.

“Your emotions don’t suit you,” the invader commented. “Don’t worry that will all be solved soon.”

“I don’t know why you expected me of all people to be obedient,” Wooyoung bit back; his voice sounded strange, gurgled. There was a cracking sound, familiar to her only because Wooyoung loved to crack his neck.

Why did the Guardians drag him to the Quarters and not all of them – or at the very least the Captain or First Mate? Where was Hongjoong? Where was Seonghwa? Was Wooyoung being used as a bargaining chip? They had been caught – that much was clear, but was everyone okay?

Her own injured face stung against one of Seonghwa’s fur jackets; the hairs sticking into her flesh painfully as her wound dried in the air. She’d have to apologize to Seonghwa for ruining one of his favorites. Later. Because there had to be a later… there had to be. She stayed silent, trying to catch a glimpse of Wooyoung without moving. Was he okay?

She instead gained a glance of the Android Guardian leading this attack. He was unnaturally tall, covered in an all-white leathered ensemble. Its overlapping belts and straps felt like they kept his posture too straight. Ever frightening with its entirely covered face, a muzzle-like chainwork wounded over around its mouth. The slight give and take of the fabric indicated his breathing, but she wasn’t sure how he could breathe, let alone see through the thick fabric. No face, no humanity. No emotion. That was the way of the Initiative.

That’s what they wanted from the remains of the world. Why couldn’t they just leave them alone? She missed yesterday so suddenly.

“These games are juvenile, Jung Wooyoung,” the leader spoke once more. “Tell me the location of the device or else the bargain is off.”

There was a deal happening. Hongjoong struck a deal. He always had a plan – even if they couldn’t see all the moving piece of it. She shifted her arms around the Cromer, almost as if it was a comfort object – a long-lost teddy bear to soothe her as she was forced to witness Wooyoung and the Guardians.

Wooyoung snorted. “Order your men to let me go and I’ll gladly help,” he said with vigor. There was a rattling of chains after his words.

The Guardian looked down at him – or she assumed he did as he tilted his head slowly. The all-white figure glanced aside before giving a solid nod. Wooyoung’s body slammed to the floor once more.

“Godda—gently,” he scolded, muffled. There was a grunt in his words as he must’ve pushed himself up and stood. She could see the outline of his form now, standing tall. He spat to the side again; blood splattered.

“Better,” Wooyoung replied, raising a brow at the Android Guardian. “It’s in here.”

He smiled a bloody smile at their attacker before walking around him, towards the closet. She could see him in his full glory. Blood stained his shirt, not just his from his rubied mouth but her own blood remained in a handprint across the joyful red-white-blue-and-yellow of his shirt. It didn’t look like it fit in in this scenario. Too joyful and colorful for the destruction and smoke that tumbled in from the creaking fires rattling the ship.

His hair was mussed and sweatied strewn across his forehead like ink spilt across a piece of parchment. She pushed herself closer to the crack, hoping that he’d see her while blocking her from view. In the perfect world, like an old movie scene, he’d see her and smile his boyish smile that made her feel safe. But all that greeted her was furrowed dark brows as he kicked aside rubble.

He hadn’t seen her. He hadn’t! Her stomach turned in worry. Her fingers brushed over the Cromer, fidgeting restlessly. The smooth glass was cold to the touch and clanked just lightly from her fingers. She froze.

The Android Leader twitched. She held her breath, held every cell in her body, held every atom at bay as she waited.

“Fuck, you destroyed this room,” Wooyoung whistled out.

She heard the cannon ball that had been embedded into the desk get pushed off with a heavy thud. YN watched it roll slowly towards the closet; the air-ship was tilting just slightly. It thudded against the closet, rattling the wooden doors. Trapping her inside.

“You gave us no other logical choice,” the Guardian informed.

Wooyoung rolled his eyes. He shifted through the drawers she had half destroyed in her own search. Haphazardly, Wooyoung tossed aside thoughtful gifts that they had given Hongjoong, half-eaten snack bags, Hongjoong’s vape that he had placed deep in his desk after swearing he’d give it up.

“What if you had hit our rudder? Or mainsail? Or what if we had struck your weak spot and you had crushed us?” Wooyoung argued back, pausing to stare at the leader with a condescending tilt of his head. “You wouldn’t have been able to raid us if we had crashed.”

“Good thing that didn’t happen,” the Guardian replied, almost like a parent replying to a child’s outlandish comments. Estranged and detached. “These illogical scenarios are fanciful. No wonder you had a delusion of grandeur.”

Wooyoung’s face twitched and he glared at the figure once more.

“Keep searching.” The Guardian commanded, head nodding to the desk.

Wooyoung obeyed. He tossed aside a polaroid camera with a clank; some stray polaroids were strewn across the deck. There were coins that were pocketed by Wooyoung. He was methodical, taking his time to explore the drawers inside and out, more than she had done.

Was he stalling? She tried to listen to anything happening on the main deck, but it was loudly quiet. The only sounds she heard was the deep breaths in and out the Guardians made to breathe through their thick face-masks, the occasional bellowing of the ship’s wood as it heaved against something, and the very quiet sound of the Cromer’s sand reversing through its hourglass.

Finally, after digging through all of the drawers, slow and methodical, he began to do what she did. Fingers pressed into the wood to find a compartment of sorts.

“This is taking too long,” the Guardian growled out.

Maybe that was the point, she hoped. The more time Wooyoung bought, the more time her loves would fight and hopefully find them.

“Relax, bud,” Wooyoung crowed out, too casual for the situation – but of course he always liked the upper-hand. Loved teasing. Some would say he was arrogant but YN believed him to just be bold.

That boldness grew when there was a clicking sound, the Cromer’s compartment ticking open with a satisfying pop. His grin, bloodied and gruesome, looked like a wolf after a kill. Before he opened the door.

“It’s gone,” Wooyoung breathed, his eyes blinking in disbelief. He licked over his reddened lips and swallowed.

The Cromer warmed close to her chest, and she saw its glow grow. No, no, stop. YN worried the glow would be seen through the cracks in the wardrobe. She hugged it closer, tucking it into her chest.

“Enough of these games,” the leader bit out; there was a flick of his hand and one of the Guardian hooligans rushed forwards seizing Wooyoung by the arms. Hoisting him up with a struggle as a loud shling of his blade made YN’s blood turn cold.

She could see Wooyoung’s head raise just in time for the blade to rest under his chin, sharp and unforgivingly.

“Tell me where the Cromer is now,” the Guardian commanded from aside. She could see red drip from the blade and a grunt leave Wooyoung’s lips.

“Go to hell.” There was a low hum as the Guardian leader’s hand flick once more, signaling something to his captor. A signal he didn’t get to follow through with.

“Don’t hurt him!” she exclaimed out, unable to watch as the blade sliced into Wooyoung’s throat more. She pushed herself out of the closet, firing the pistol at the Guardian that had him. The villain plunked to the floor, freeing Wooyoung who stared at her with wide eyes and a bloodied throat.

“Seize her,” the Android Guardian’s leader commanded. The remaining Guardians rushed forward, their strong hands gripping and groping at her until she was caught beneath their strong hold. She held on tight to the Cromer, refusing to let them pry it from her hand. It hummed and buzzed erratically as if upset. She continued to squabble with her captors, her pistol falling from her hand as she grasped the artefact tightly.

Over their struggle, she could hear Wooyoung crying out, trying to get her to stop or for the Guardians to stop. It wasn’t until the leader unempathetically stated.

“That’s enough.”

Her two captors held her by her arms, simply but strongly. She still struggled, writhing this way and that as she glared up at the Guardian who slowly approached her. He towered over her, leaning down with the blank mask of a face.

“We have another defector aboard. I knew we hadnt collected all of the crew,” the robotic-man commented. His large latex-gloved hand reached out to grasp her chin.

There was a strange noise from his masked face almost like an electronic chirp.

“YN LN.” he hummed. “Yes. We know all about you.”

“Don’t touch her,” Wooyoung snarled out.

He nearly jumped over the desk; his hand grasped the Android Guardian’s bicep firmly. Tugging him away from YN, she had never seen Wooyoung’s face look so dark. His brows shadowed his dark brown eyes, a snarl void of humor or temptation crossing his mouth.

“She’s not part of the bargain. Let her go.”

There was a laugh, too robotic, too unemotional, to feel genuine from the all-white Guardian. The figures, holding her arms, didn’t even shift a smidge, didn’t look at one another for clarity. Just stared ahead – pawns to the Grand Guardian’s command.

“We let you keep the helmsman, the look-out,” the Guardian recalled. “And now her?”

It sounded condescending. Her eyes flashed from the emotionless face to Wooyoung. His eyes flickered from her to the Grand Guardian. There was uncertainty there. He licked his lips.

“This is the problem with you defectors.” The Guardian’s voice rasped out with a metallic edge. “You think you’re always in control. Even when you aren’t.”

In a flash, the leader thrusted his arm into Wooyoung’s torso sending him tumbling to his knees, his hands going to his punched stomach. Wheezing, Wooyoung bared his teeth and watched as the Android Guardian tugged his arm away. The frightening figure approached her, too quick and mechanical to feel unthreatening.

“Give us the Cromer,” he demanded. His fingers curled and uncurled, outstretched.

Protect the Treasure at all costs. Hongjoong’s voice echoed in her head. He had drilled it into her mind, all of their minds. But, at the cost of Wooyoung’s life? At hers?

She glared at their enemy. Her fingers curled around the metal wire around the hourglass of the Cromer.

I know you're afraid. Follow your gut.

The way the metal buzzed and silently hummed in her ear was strange. Familiar and yet foreign as it spoke to only her. The burst of warmth in its metal was reassuring, like holding onto someone’s hand. Reassuring her that this was the right thing to do. The sand trickling inside the Cromer was the only sound in the Captain’s Quarters. Somehow something so gentle and soothing could be loud – even after the chaos that enraptured them moments ago.

“No.” she bit out.

The ship creaked ominously. She grasped the artefact closer to her chest.

Follow your gut.

Hongjoong had told her once long ago that the Cromer was what brought them together; that he had let it guide him to them. The look in his eyes felt distant as he stared at the hourglass. His index finger would stroke the glass like it was their cheek. His friends. His family.

It brought them together and he had to keep it safe to keep them safe. A paranoid take she always thought. He believed if the Cromer was taken away from them – well, it’d be like the sea with no moon. Chaotic, untethered, unnatural. YN had always believed they found one another, not some hourglass.

“How did you use it?” She had asked him one night, wrapped in his arms as he continued to stare off. With his head lost in the clouds, he was loose-lipped. A sigh of fruity-smelling, blue smoke left his lips as he tugged his vape away from his mouth before he replied: “You’re the only one besides me that will know if I tell you. Not even Seonghwa knows… Alright, precious?”

She held it horizontally like had shown her, shifting it so the sand couldn’t flow up or down – freezing the hourglass’s sand. Her eyes shut as she murmured the words he hadn’t dare recite aloud and instead wrote down on an old receipt they had found in his jeans. She didn’t see as recognition flashed over Wooyoung’s bloodied face, eyes widening and his heart dropping.

“YN, don’t—” Wooyoung was barely able to get out as he lunged forward.

“Stop, child!” the Guardian growled out. “Grab it!”

Treasure.

But it was too late. With the spell cast, the artefact had begun to whirl, the metal loops surrounding the hourglass undulating. The glow grew and grew.

It can complete us…

They pushed and shoved and tried to take it from her still, fingers all digging into her skin until… she hoisted the Cromer up into the air and sent it shattering to the ground.

…Or it can destroy us.

There was no Treasure to steal. No artefact to worship. She dove to try to grab the pistol once more, to fire at the Guardians so they could escape, but she was unable to move. Like gravity refused to let her. The shattered remains of the Cromer glinted in a non-existent light; sending a flare out over the figures, blinding them. A wild hurricane wind burst forth around them, blooming from the pile of sand. A tornado of golden sand growing and growing until it consumed her, the Guardians, and Wooyoung.

She couldn’t even yell out for him. Her mouth was full of sand. Her nose, her eyes. It was sharp and burning and hot.

There was a woosh around her, her hair tumbling into the air, her clothes rustling in the hot-blast.

The sound of wind blowing from the horizon.

The warmth of the sun.

The sand vibrating against her skin.

Open your eyes.

The Cromer whispered in her ear, warm and in a voice that nearly sounded like Hongjoong’s.

No, she didn’t want to. It hurt. It burned.

Open your eyes.

When she flickered her eyes open tentative and slow, her breath was stolen. She was no longer in her Captain’s quarters. No longer on the Illusion. No longer was she with her Ateez.

YN was in the shadows of the stacked-upon-stacked docks of Aurora.

We're at the starting point of this long journey.

Will you join us?

#ateez x reader #atz x reader #hongjoong x reader #seonghwa x reader #yunho x reader #yeosang x reader #san x reader #wooyoung x reader #mingi x reader #jongho x reader #ateez scenarios #ateez angst #ateez fanfic #ateez fic #ateez fanfiction #ateez lore au

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velvetvisionsaurora · 7 days ago

Text

Alpha ATEEZ x Assistant Omega Reader

Warnings: omega reader, alpha ateez, scenting, heats, ruts, slow burn, eventual smut, forced command, more to come!

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Masterlist Ko-Fi☕️

Chapter 10: Unveiled

The morning of the radio interview dawned bright and clear, but the atmosphere in the main house was charged with a different kind of energy than usual. As you moved through your morning routine of coordinating schedules and ensuring everyone was prepared, you were acutely aware of the lingering tension from the previous night's revelations with Wooyoung.

In the kitchen, the members gathered for breakfast with their usual chaotic energy, but you caught several meaningful glances exchanged between them. Wooyoung, in particular, seemed to be radiating a smugness that was impossible to miss.

"Someone's in a good mood this morning," San observed, watching as Wooyoung practically bounced around the kitchen with more energy than usual.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Wooyoung replied with a grin that was just shy of being completely inappropriate for the breakfast table. "It's a beautiful day, we have a great interview scheduled, and I had a very... productive evening."

You nearly dropped your tablet, shooting him a warning look that he cheerfully ignored.

"Productive?" Hongjoong raised an eyebrow. "Did you finally organize your room?"

"Oh, I organized something," Wooyoung said with false innocence, winking at you. "Really got to the bottom of some... pressing matters."

"Your laundry?" Yunho suggested helpfully.

"You could say I was handling some very delicate fabrics," Wooyoung continued, his grin widening as you glared at him. "Required a very... hands-on approach."

You kicked him under the table, making him yelp slightly but not deterring his obvious satisfaction.

"Wooyoung," you said through gritted teeth, "maybe focus on your actual breakfast?"

"Oh, I'm very satisfied this morning," he replied, taking an exaggerated bite of his food. "Last night really... filled me up."

This time you aimed for his shin and connected solidly, making him jump.

"Ow! Violent this morning, aren't we, Tulip?" he said, rubbing his leg but still grinning. "I suppose some people get cranky when they don't get enough... rest."

"I got plenty of rest," you hissed, "unlike some people who apparently stayed up all night feeling pleased with themselves."

"Well, when you achieve something special, you want to savor it," he replied smoothly. "Really take time to appreciate the... experience."

Seonghwa was watching this exchange with growing confusion. "Are you two having some kind of coded conversation?"

"Not at all," Wooyoung said brightly. "I'm just expressing my gratitude for... recent opportunities for personal growth."

You stood up abruptly. "I'm going to check the van schedule."

"Don't forget we have that long ride together!" Wooyoung called after you cheerfully. "Plenty of time to discuss... future projects!"

---

The drive to the radio station was, as promised, a trial of your patience. Wooyoung had somehow managed to secure the seat directly behind you and was making the most of his captive audience.

"You know, Tulip," he said conversationally, "I've been reflecting on the importance of being... first to market with innovative ideas."

You turned in your seat to glare at him. "Jung Wooyoung, I swear—"

"What? I'm talking about business strategy!" he said with mock innocence. "Like being the first to... penetrate new markets."

Your eye twitched. "Stop."

"Really establish yourself as a leader in your field," he continued, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Show that you're not afraid to... go deep with your research."

"I will throw you out of this moving van," you threatened.

"So violent! And here I thought you appreciated... thorough work," he replied, leaning forward in his seat. "Attention to detail. Making sure every... need is properly addressed."

Hongjoong, who was sitting next to you, looked between you both with growing suspicion. "Okay, what's really going on here?"

"Nothing!" you said quickly.

"Just discussing professional development," Wooyoung added smoothly. "The importance of... hands-on experience in one's chosen field."

You reached back to swat at him, but he dodged with practiced ease.

"Some people are so ungrateful," he sighed dramatically. "Here I am, trying to share the wisdom I've gained from recent... fieldwork, and you're trying to assault me."

"Recent fieldwork?" Seonghwa asked, his analytical mind clearly trying to piece together the subtext.

"Oh yes, very intensive," Wooyoung continued, ignoring your increasingly exasperated expression. "Really got my hands dirty. Had to work late into the night to achieve the desired... results."

Despite your best efforts to stay annoyed, the corner of your mouth twitched at his absolutely ridiculous metaphors.

"And the satisfaction of a job well done," he continued, warming to his theme. "When you finally... reach that breakthrough moment. Very fulfilling."

"You're impossible," you said, but there was less heat in it now and more amusement.

"I prefer 'dedicated to excellence,'" he replied smoothly. "Always willing to... put in the extra effort to ensure client satisfaction."

You snorted despite yourself. "Client satisfaction?"

"Oh yes, very important in my line of work," he said solemnly. "Making sure all... services are delivered to the highest standard. Really focusing on... performance quality."

This time you couldn't help it—a laugh escaped, which only encouraged him further.

"See? You appreciate good work ethic," he said triumphantly. "The willingness to... go above and beyond. Really exceed expectations."

"You're absolutely ridiculous," you said, shaking your head but unable to stop smiling. "How do you even come up with this stuff?"

"Natural talent," he replied with a grin. "Plus extensive... hands-on training."

You burst out laughing at that one, and Wooyoung looked incredibly pleased with himself.

"There's my Tulip," he said warmly. "Much better than threatening violence. Though I have to say, your... aggressive negotiation style last night was very effective."

"WOOYOUNG!" you exploded again, but you were still laughing despite your embarrassment.

"What?" he asked innocently as the van mercifully pulled up to the radio station. "I'm just appreciating good... project management skills."

You were giggling despite yourself as you all climbed out, while Wooyoung practically bounced alongside you, clearly delighted that he'd managed to make you laugh rather than actually murder him.

"Don't worry, Tulip," he murmured as you walked into the building, his voice dropping to a whisper only you could hear. "I'll try to contain my... professional satisfaction during the interview. But seriously, your laugh is almost as beautiful as your—"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" you threatened, but you were still smiling, and he knew it.

You stood in the observation booth, watching through the soundproof glass as the members settled into their seats around the interviewer's table. The familiar routine of their professional personas sliding into place was always fascinating to observe—the way Hongjoong's shoulders straightened with leadership authority, how Wooyoung's natural charisma seemed to fill the room, the quiet confidence that emanated from each of them.

You adjusted your headset to listen in on the interview, tablet in hand to take notes on any scheduling conflicts or new opportunities that might arise from their conversation. The comeback was going well—better than well, actually. The album had exceeded all expectations, and interviews like this were crucial for maintaining momentum.

"So, ATEEZ, this new album shows incredible growth," the interviewer was saying, his voice carrying clearly through your headphones. "Can you tell us about the creative process behind the title track?"

Hongjoong leaned forward to answer, his voice taking on that professional tone that somehow still managed to convey genuine passion. "We wanted to explore themes of transformation and finding your true self..."

You were so focused on the interview that you didn't notice the approach of the unfamiliar alpha until he was standing directly beside you in the small observation booth.

"Well, hello there," came a smooth voice that immediately set your teeth on edge. "I don't think we've been introduced."

You turned to find a man in his thirties, well-dressed in an expensive suit, with the kind of confident smile that suggested he was used to getting what he wanted. His presence was something sharp and aggressive that made your omega instincts recoil.

"I'm with ATEEZ," you replied politely but coolly, turning back toward the glass in a clear dismissal.

Through the soundproof barrier, you could see several of the members' eyes flick toward the observation booth. Mingi's gaze lingered a moment longer than the others, his expression shifting slightly as he registered the presence of the unfamiliar alpha near you.

"ATEEZ, hmm?" the man continued, either oblivious to or ignoring your obvious discomfort. "Lucky group, having such a beautiful assistant. I'm Lee Dae-Hyun, head of promotions for the station. Perhaps we could discuss some... collaboration opportunities over dinner?"

His tone made it clear that 'collaboration' was not what he had in mind. You kept your eyes fixed on the interview, watching as Yunho answered a question about their choreography while his gaze repeatedly drifted toward the booth.

"I'm not interested," you said firmly, taking a step away from him. "Please, I need to work."

In the studio, you could see the tension building in the members' postures. Wooyoung's usual animated gesturing had become more restrained, his attention clearly divided. San's smile looked forced as he responded to the interviewer's questions.

"Come now," Dae-Hyun said, moving closer despite your obvious rejection. "Don't be like that. A pretty little thing like you shouldn't be wasting time with idol groups. A real alpha could show you so much more."

The condescension in his voice made your skin crawl, but you maintained your professional composure. "I said I'm not interested. Please leave me alone."

Through the glass, Mingi's jaw was visibly clenched, his hands gripping the arms of his chair. Hongjoong was still answering questions with apparent calm, but you could see the subtle signs of his growing agitation—the slight tightening around his eyes, the careful control in his posture.

Dae-Hyun‘s patience seemed to evaporate at your continued rejection. His expression hardened, and suddenly the air in the small booth felt thick with tension that made your skin prickle with warning.

"Look at me," he commanded, his voice taking on that particular alpha authority that cut through conscious resistance like a knife.

The command hit you like a physical force, your body freezing mid-motion as your omega nature responded involuntarily to the alpha order. Your eyes snapped to his against your will, your body going rigid as the command locked you in place. Panic flooded through you as you realized you couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't even look away.

"That's better," Dae-Hyun said with satisfaction, his hand reaching out to touch your face. "Now, you're going to come with me, and we're going to have that dinner conversation. Quietly."

Through the glass, you could see the exact moment the members realized something was wrong. Mingi was halfway out of his chair before anyone could stop him, his face a mask of fury. Yunho and Wooyoung were rising too, their own expressions shifting to something dangerous.

The observation booth door burst open with enough force to rattle the walls. Mingi stormed in like an avenging angel, his eyes blazing gold with alpha rage. Behind him came Yunho and Wooyoung, their own protective instincts clearly triggered.

"Get your fucking hands off her," Mingi snarled, his voice carrying a level of menace you'd never heard from him before.

Dae-Hyun spun around, startled by the sudden interruption, but his grip on the alpha command remained firm. You stood frozen, able to see and hear everything but unable to move or speak.

"This is a private conversation," Dae-Hyun said, trying to regain his composure. "I suggest you return to your interview."

"Like hell," Wooyoung snapped, his usual playfulness nowhere to be seen. "Release her. Now."

Seonghwa appeared in the doorway, taking in the situation with sharp, calculating eyes before immediately positioning himself between you and Dae-Hyun, his protective instincts overriding everything else.

"What's going on here?" came Hongjoong's voice from behind Seonghwa, and you felt the air in the small space change completely.

The leader stepped into the booth with an aura of authority so commanding that it made the aggressive alpha scent from Dae-Hyun seem like a gentle breeze in comparison. Hongjoong's presence filled the room, his calm exterior masking what you could sense was volcanic rage beneath the surface.

You'd never seen him in full alpha pack leader mode before. This wasn't the Hongjoong who made coffee in the morning or stole kisses in empty hallways. This was the alpha who commanded the loyalty of seven other alphas, who could control a room with nothing but his presence.

"I asked you a question," Hongjoong said quietly, his voice carrying a deadly calm that was somehow more terrifying than shouting would have been.

The rest of the members poured into the booth behind him—San, Yeosang, and Jongho—their collective alpha energy so overwhelming that it made the small space feel charged with electricity. Eight pairs of golden eyes fixed on Dae-Hyun with predatory intensity.

Dae-Hyun confidence wavered as he found himself faced with an entire pack of furious alphas. "This is just a misunderstanding—"

"Release the command," Hongjoong said, his voice cutting through Dae-Hyun stammering like a blade. "Now."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Dae-Hyun tried to bluster, but his voice shook slightly.

Hongjoong took a single step forward, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees. When he spoke again, his voice carried an alpha authority that made even your frozen omega shiver in recognition of true power.

"I'm going to ask you one more time," he said, each word precisely enunciated and dripping with barely contained violence. "Release. The. Command."

The threat was clear in every syllable, in the way the other members shifted like a pack ready to tear apart anyone who threatened their own. Dae-Hyun's face went pale as he finally understood the gravity of his situation.

"Fine," he snapped, his own composure cracking. "You’re released."

Immediately, feeling flooded back into your body. You gasped, your knees nearly buckling as the artificial paralysis lifted. Seonghwa's hands steadied you instantly, his touch gentle but protective.

"If you ever," Hongjoong continued, his voice still carrying that terrifying calm, "approach our assistant again, if you so much as look in her direction, we will have a very different conversation. Do I make myself clear?"

Dae-Hyun nodded rapidly, his earlier arrogance completely evaporated. "Crystal clear."

"Good. Now get out."

The man practically fled from the booth, leaving behind only the lingering scent of his fear and the thick atmosphere of alpha protectiveness that surrounded you.

For a moment, no one spoke. The only sound was your ragged breathing as you tried to process what had just happened, what had just been revealed.

"The interview," you finally managed to whisper.

"Fuck the interview," Mingi said roughly, his hands shaking slightly with residual rage. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

"We're leaving," Hongjoong announced, his leader voice brooking no argument. "Now."

---

The ride back to the house was conducted in complete silence. You sat between Seonghwa and Yunho in the first van, but while Yunho's presence felt warm and protective, something had shifted with Seonghwa. He sat rigidly beside you, staring straight ahead with an expression you'd never seen before—intense, focused, almost frozen. When you'd tried to catch his eye after getting in the van, he'd looked right through you as if you weren't there.

Your secret was out. After months of careful concealment, one aggressive alpha had destroyed everything in a matter of minutes. They knew now that you were an omega, vulnerable to alpha commands, hiding behind blockers that couldn't protect you from direct orders.

The house felt different when you all filed through the front door. The members moved with unusual quietness, their earlier protective fury replaced by something you couldn't quite identify. Seonghwa remained eerily silent, positioning himself at the edge of the group rather than his usual protective proximity to you. You made it as far as the living room couch before your legs gave out entirely, the emotional and physical exhaustion finally catching up with you.

You sat there in the heavy silence, seven concerned alpha gazes fixed on you with expressions ranging from concern to confusion to something that might have been hurt, while Seonghwa stood slightly apart, his eyes fixed on some point beyond you, his jaw clenched with an tension you couldn't understand. The weight of their attention, combined with the stress of the incident and Seonghwa's inexplicable distance, finally broke through your careful control.

The tears came suddenly and without warning, great gasping sobs that shook your entire body. "I'm so sorry," you choked out between breaths. "I'm so sorry I ruined the interview. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I'm sorry I lied about what I am."

Through your tears, you saw several of the members start forward, but you held up a hand to stop them. Your eyes instinctively sought out Seonghwa, looking for the comfort and stability he always provided, but he remained motionless at the edge of the group, his gaze fixed somewhere past your shoulder, his expression unreadable.

"I know you probably want to fire me," you continued, the words tumbling out in a rush of panic and regret. "I know this changes everything. I know I should have told you from the beginning that I'm an omega, but I was scared, and I thought I could handle it, and now I've ruined everything—"

"Fire you?" Wooyoung's voice cut through your spiral of self-recrimination, shock evident in every syllable. "You think we want to fire you?"

You looked up through your tears to find seven faces staring at you with expressions of complete bewilderment, while Seonghwa remained frozen in place, his silence more unsettling than any words could have been.

"Why would we fire you?" San asked, sounding genuinely confused.

"Because I lied," you whispered, your eyes darting to Seonghwa again, desperate for some sign of his usual warmth. But he continued to avoid your gaze, his posture rigid and distant. "Because I'm an omega. Because I'm not what you thought you were hiring."

"Y/n," Hongjoong said gently, moving to kneel in front of you, "we don't care that you're an omega. We care that someone tried to hurt you. We care that you felt you couldn't trust us with the truth."

"You're not fired," came from behind Hongjoong, but the voice wasn't Seonghwa's as you'd hoped. Instead, it was Yunho who spoke up firmly. "You're not in trouble. You're not anything except part of our team, and we protect what's ours."

Your eyes kept drifting to Seonghwa, waiting for his characteristic gentle reassurance, but he remained stubbornly silent, his jaw working as if he were fighting some internal battle you couldn't understand.

"But the blockers," you sniffled. "The lying—"

"The blockers are your choice," Yeosang interrupted quietly. "Your safety, your comfort. That's up to you, not us."

"We're just glad you're okay," Jongho added, his young face serious with concern. "When we saw him command you like that..." He shook his head, his hands clenching into fists at the memory.

Yunho moved to sit beside you on the couch, his presence warm and comforting. "You don't have to hide from us anymore," he said softly. "Whatever you are, whoever you are, you're safe here."

You glanced at Seonghwa again, hoping his silence meant he was simply processing, but his continued distance felt like a rejection that cut deeper than any words could have.

"We should have realized," Mingi said, his deep voice rough with self-recrimination. "We should have protected you better."

"You couldn't have known," you protested weakly.

"We could have," Hongjoong said, rising to sit on your other side. "And now we do. Which means things are going to change around here."

Your heart sank, preparing for the inevitable complications. "Change how?"

"Better security protocols," he said firmly. "No more situations where you're alone with strangers. And anyone who thinks they can use alpha commands on our omega is going to learn very quickly how wrong they are."

The possessive edge in his voice when he said 'our omega' sent a shiver through you that had nothing to do with fear. Looking around at their faces—protective, fierce, caring—you realized that perhaps your greatest fear had been unfounded. All except for Seonghwa, who still hadn't looked directly at you, his silence becoming more pronounced and unsettling with each passing moment.

They didn’t want to send you away. If anything, seven of them seemed determined to keep you closer. But Seonghwa’s behavior was a mystery that made your chest ache with uncertainty.

“So,” Wooyoung said, settling on the floor in front of you with his characteristic directness, “now that we all know the truth, can we finally talk about what’s really happening between all of us?”

The question hung in the air, loaded with implications and possibilities. Your secret was out, your omega nature revealed, but instead of the rejection you’d feared, you were surrounded by seven alphas who looked at you like you were something precious to be protected—and one whose silence spoke louder than any words.

“I mean,” Wooyoung continued, his eyes bright with excitement, “we all felt the connection before we even knew you were an omega. And last night, when Tulip and I finally—”

He stopped abruptly, his eyes widening as he realized what he’d almost said. The room went dead silent, seven pairs of alpha eyes snapping to him with laser focus.

“Finally what?” Hongjoong’s voice was dangerously quiet.

Wooyoung’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, his usual quick wit completely abandoning him. “I… we… that is…”

“Wooyoung,” Mingi’s voice carried a warning edge. “What happened last night?”

You felt heat flood your cheeks as every gaze in the room turned between you and Wooyoung, the tension in the air suddenly thick enough to cut with a knife.

“Nothing!” you said quickly, but your flustered state was telling a very different story

“Oh, it wasn’t nothing,” Wooyoung said, his mouth apparently working faster than his brain. “It was definitely some—OW!” He yelped as you kicked him sharply in the shin.

“Shut. Up,” you hissed through gritted teeth.

But the damage was done. The knowing looks, the charged atmosphere between you two all day, Wooyoung’s smug satisfaction—it all suddenly made perfect sense to seven very intelligent alphas.

“Well,” Yunho said slowly, his voice carefully controlled, “this certainly explains the… interesting dynamic you two have had today.”

Maybe, just maybe, the truth would set most of you free. But judging by the various expressions ranging from shock to hurt to something that might have been jealousy on the faces around you, this particular truth was going to complicate things even further.

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