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[kerokerokook]

the rebound girl: chapter three

pairing: nerd pro-gamer jeongguk x reader

word count: 20.7k

a/n: so sorry for not updating for like almost two months atp. had some personal stuff and with genocide that is happening in gaza, i personally felt like it wasn't appropriate for me to post. please continue to support in any way you can whether that's with uplifting voices, going to protests, boycotting and donating. the smallest action can make a difference.

just a heads up, i won't keep a update schedule which i apologize for but i will do my best to be consistent :)

also i write this authors note, the golden concert finished and we got the enlistment notice for vminkookjoon. it's fine everything is fine they sooner they leave the sooner they come back hahaha :( (i'm crying as we speak)

warnings for this chapter: kissing, lots of ass grabbing, oc is down baaaaad, and so is jk tbh, oral (fem and male receiving), two orgasms for you, 69 position, some very light spanking and praise. jk drinks it like water. some slight dom/sub undertones (jk is a switch but not in this chapter :o)

other tags: a good chunk of angst, slut shaming, spreading of fake rumors, finally oc backstory on the nickname!!, mentions of marijuana, jeongguk asks the girls how to eat cat 8-) and he is once again green flag obvi

fic masterlist

song for chapter: seven by jungkook ft. latto and slut! by taylor swift

enjoy!

-mal <3

You wake up surrounded by warmth. The streams of sunlight coming in from your window thanks to your slightly parted curtains bathe your skin in gold, along with the thick duvet thrown over your body, and the thick arms wrapped around your waist. 

For a second, you forget everything that happened last night. 

The way you were panicking and how it escalated to kissing, touching, marking; how your lips wrapped around his thick and long length and how Jeongguk’s fingers pushed you past the edge. You can’t believe it. That one of your childhood best friends is lying in bed next to you right now.  A man who made you feel so good that you want another taste. 

You cringe at your thoughts. You’re really starting to sound like Mrs. Robinson right now. 

Turning your body in his grasp, you face Jeongguk who has been hugging you from behind. His cheek is pressed into the soft pillow, puffed up a bit so his lips look extra pouty. His eyes are peacefully shut, body raising with his breath, and his shirt is all ruffled from him moving around so his collarbones are slightly exposed. You can see the marks you left on him, vibrant and pretty against his honey colored skin. 

Without thinking, your hand picks up to gently glide over the surface. The skin feels the same but internally, you feel waves of smug, almost masculine, pride at the sight of them. As if you’ve branded the guy to be yours. 

Your cup his right cheek, smoothing underneath his eye with your thumb. There’s a little tug with the thin skin, slightly sagging with a lack of sleep, but he looks so beautiful and peaceful like this. Jeongguk has amazing eyebrows; full, dark and perfectly shaped. You run your thumb over thick short hairs before pushing some of the hair messily strewn over his forehead out of the way. Strands silky and smelling of his shampoo.  

As another finger goes to trace his earrings like the pieces of a wind chime, Jeongguk stirs. A soft whine barely leaves him before he’s tugging you closer so that your head is tucked into the crook of his neck. 

His arms wind around you tightly, squeezing you just a bit and forcing a laugh out of you. 

“Hey,” you call, feeling like a boa constrictor has coiled itself around you. 

Jeongguk murmurs under his breath. “Five more minutes.” 

“But I can’t breathe.”

“Figure it out.” 

“Jeongguk,” you giggled, playing with a lock of dark hair that was all fluffy without a brush, tugging slightly to get him further out of sleep.  “Cmon, you’re already half awake.” 

There’s a fullness in your bladder. You need to pee and fix your hair and brush your teeth and make yourself look presentable before Jeongguk can actually take a good look at you. And breakfast too. You’re hungry. 

“Which means I’m also half asleep.” 

“Hmm but you’re responding in full sentences.” 

“Ugh,” he rolls over and away from you, something you instantly regret. “Okay, fine. I’m awake.”

His hair is a birds nest on top of his head, sticking up all over the place, but a thought crosses your mind of Jeongguk with a perm. A perm and longer hair, framing his face in a shaggy 90s style, and your insides turn to mush. 

Anything would probably suit him with a face like that. 

And his body is absolute perfection. You get the urge to reach under the covers, under the fabric of his shirt and feel his stomach once more. Like you’re confirming the presence of steel cut abs and wide shoulders and squishable pecs. 

“Sleep okay?” You ask him, turning on your side to watch his chest expand and recede with his breathing. 

Jeongguk nods, rubbing one of his eyes. “Like a baby. You?” His head turns to face you and he’s got this dreamy, half-awake, smile on his lips that makes you melt. 

“Same.”

You want to kiss his cheek and snuggle into the warmth of his chest. Jeongguk was so comfortable to sleep next to you and his body, while taut, is huggable like a giant teddy bear. He didn’t mind you clinging to him at first, slowly turning away when it got too hot or you wanted to change positions. It was honestly some of the best sleep you’ve gotten. 

Carefully peeling the covers off, you stretch your arms up to crack all of the tightened areas. 

“I’ll put out a disposable toothbrush for you and,” you turn around to find Jeongguk slowly sitting up, looking cute with your patterned sheets underneath him, “then we can talk about breakfast. Are you a savory or sweet kind of guy?”

Jeongguk’s eyes flutter upwards in thought, lips quirking to one side. “Hmmm, I usually have savory but I’ll try sweet.”

“Awesome. Waffles?”

“Hell yeah.” 

The rest of your morning is pretty simple after that. Almost as if Jeongguk never slept over. You do your regular routine and leave the bathroom to him. You feed Snowball and give her as much attention and love as she desires. She’s chirpy in the morning and the minute Jeongguk emerges from the bathroom, you’re forgotten news. 

She trots over to him, fluffy tail bouncing, and flops onto her side as Jeongguk pets her side and scratches her cheeks and under her neck. 

You can’t help but stare at the scene with a warm gooey smile on your face. Jeongguk has always loved animals and seeing him interact with them is such a soft, sweet, beautiful moment. 

Going back to the kitchen cabinets, you pull out your waffle maker and make a few with the batch you’ve prepared. Some with chocolate chips sprinkled inside. Knowing Jeongguk, you put out some chopped fruit, bacon, and make some fluffy eggs. You want him to be full and happy when he leaves. 

Plus, you like doing stuff like this; cooking for people and making them happy.  It’s fun. 

Jeongguk strolls into the room, humming a song under his breath and pausing when he sees the spread you’ve put out for the two of you. Looking like a continental buffet at a hotel. Your head turns and you smile as he stares down at the steaming plates. 

“Wait…I should’ve helped you. I’m sorry,” he pouts, twisting his fingers at the base of his stomach. 

The stove is turned off when you walk closer to him. Droplets of water cascade down his neck and you can see the bright wine colored hickeys you left on him last night on his honey skin. The sight is delectable. You want to mark him again, mark him even more, but also don’t want to get too hasty with how much you touch him. It was a one-off after all. 

You wave it off. “Let me do this for you,” chiding, you push him to take his plate over to the coffee table/desk thing you’ve got then grab yours. “Now let’s. Do you want coffee later?” 

He shakes his head, hair swishing with his movements. “Trying to cut back on that. It’s worsening my anxiety.” 

You pause. “I didn’t know you had anxiety.” The air sizzles in silence, the only noise cutting through being the sound of your plate hitting the surface of your table. Snowball chomps on the pellets of her food. Your backs collide with the edge of your bed, shoulders brushing, knees inches apart with your legs crossed over each other, and all you can smell is Jeongguk. 

His cheeks get pinker, pursing his lips while starting on his food. “Yeah. I was diagnosed in high school. Working out helped a lot with it and same with gaming and sketching but the more I drink coffee, the more anxious I get.” 

“Oh… I’m sorry.” You wilt next to him. 

You know how bad it can get. You’ve seen your friends struggle with it, having attacks before a large test or getting fidgety in public spaces. It’s terrible. 

“S’ok. I’m doing a lot better than before.” You watch out of the corner of your eye as Jeongguk eats. He’s nonchalant about it which calms you. “Taehyung tried to get me into smoking weed with him but I feel like that would worsen it.” 

Snickering, you start eating too. The image of a relaxed Taehyung and a paranoid Jeongguk, when it’s usually the complete opposite, is sort of hilarious. 

“Yeah,” you laugh. “Weed is either amazing for people with anxiety or it will literally give you a panic attack. Especially if you smoke too much.” Thinking back to your first year of college, when you decided to go crazy by smoking a joint and from a pipe and then from a bong, while in the middle of a forest on a camping trip. 

Safe to say, you thought someone was going to come out of the bushes and beat your ass for smoking underage. Jeongyeon had to take you back to the dorms and help you calm down. It was bad. 

But it was a learning lesson and you know to pace yourself with weed now. Unlike your friends, you don’t do it as often. It’s great when you’re plastered though or if you want to really enjoy a meal. 

Jeongguk laughs with you. Then his eyes focus on something and you stop halfway when bringing the fork of food to your mouth. Raising an eyebrow in question, he just reaches over to tuck your hair out of face and behind your ear. 

“You can say no but,” he exhales, fixating on the way your lips pout just a bit as you chew, “I really want to kiss you right now. Can I?” 

Then your stomach flips. 

He’s such a good guy, you think. You aren’t used to being around good guys. 

Probably because deep down you think you’ll ruin them or you don’t deserve them but hey, you’re no therapist. 

Jeongguk is too good. He’s too sweet and you just know that whatever brew of emotions that is bubbling up in you screams trouble but you simply can’t hold yourself back. Not when he looks this cute and soft and pretty in your room, asking politely to do your hair for you, eating the food you made him after a night of passion. 

Swallowing whatever was in your mouth, you drop your fork on the plate and get up on your knees. Jeongguk’s reaction is comical. His eyes widen like he’s going to get yelled at, hands jumping to his sides but that is far from the truth. 

Instead, you settle on his lap, wrists crossed behind his neck to toy with the back of his soft hair. 

“Wh–did I–” he doesn’t even get to finish. You kiss Jeongguk briefly on the nose. 

His eyes blink largely at you, bouncing down to your lips in a silent plea, and who are you to say no to someone like Jeongguk who asked so kindly? Leaning back down, gently connecting your lips with his in a soft slow kiss. He meets your movements, smooth lips kissing you back wetly while his hands move to your hips. 

You don’t mean to get lost in the kiss but it’s quite hard. Jeongguk is really good at kissing and his body's so warm against yours. Pressing closer, you try to lick into his mouth to deepen the kiss but Jeongguk’s hands slip down and grip your ass harshly. 

Gasping, you pull away. An unexpected action from him since he was so careful and gentle with you last night but you liked it. 

The sheer thought of him getting rougher with you has you wet. 

You decide to finally answer his question. “You can do whatever you want with me.”

“Whatever I want?” He teases back. 

“Mhmm.”

Jeongguk pushes some hair out of your eyes. “Giving me all of that power is a bit dangerous, you know?” And even though he’s joking and you know that, you take it literally, wanting him to know this before he leaves. 

Because it’s the wholehearted truth. 

“I trust you, though. I trust you a lot.” 

Jeongguk isn’t going to treat you like most of the men in your life. He won’t discard you for someone better, stringing you along with kind words just to get you to do what they want, and leave you broken hearted. He simply isn’t that kind of guy. He’s sweet and patient and attentive. The kind of guy you should be going after. 

Sadly it’s taken you this long to realize it and this much hurt for you to change but it’s a start. 

His eyes glimmer at you from your spot. You almost don’t want to get up because of how breathtaking his eyes look reflecting the stars hidden by the light. 

“I know you won’t hurt me,” you continue, enamored. “So do what you want and if I don’t like it, I’ll tell you, okay?” Cupping his round, soft cheeks in your hands, you wait for nod. A slow, sure, steady one to cement this declaration right then and there. 

Just as you lean down for another searing kiss, your phone starts blaring from your bed. The alarm you forgot to switch off. Fuck. 

With a groan, you press the off button and your normal phone lock screen shows a notification from your mother. Still on Jeongguk’s lap, you press on it to read her text. 

mom 

stopping by in thirty

wanted to drop off some kimchi before i go back home

Fuck, you forgot. Your mom had an offsite trip for work in Incheon and before going back to your apartment, she wanted to give you some food for the weekend since your apartment was in between. 

There’s no way she’ll let it slide that Jeongguk slept the night and your mom is no idiot. With all of the hickeys on his neck and the awkward we-wanna-fuck tension that is ever building between you two after last night’s taste, you’ll be getting grilled till you’re on your deathbed.  

Quickly, you send her a thumbs up and toss your phone onto your bed, then look down at Jeongguk’s confused, cute face. “My mom is coming over in thirty minutes. Do you think we can finish by then?”

“F-finish what?” 

You’re confused for a whole second until you remember you’re on his lap and you were just making out with him. A soft giggle leaves your lips before you press another kiss to his nose and a quick kiss to his pouty lips. 

“Finish eating.” Finger trailing along the soft cut of Jeongguk’s jawline, flicking the hanging hoops in his ears. “Sorry baby, we’ll have to reschedule the other thing.” 

The pet name flies out once more but you’re less upset about it. Jeongguk doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, his reddened ears tell you quite the opposite. 

You try to get up once more but Jeongguk’s arms wind tightly around you. With a soft thud, your ass hits his lap again. He isn’t hard and his sweatpants are thicker than you remember it to be so you don’t feel anything. But the action still surprises you. 

“You can still stay here and eat with me.” He demands petulantly. Big eyes, the roundest nose, cutest cheeks, and all of those moles scattered across his face like stars in the sky. 

And how can you say no? 

Breakfast is finished with you perched on his lap delicately, back against Jeongguk’s chest, while watching some random children’s cartoons that happened to be playing this early. It’s comfortable, almost intimate to be eating this close to each other and not have it be sexual. You had fully expected things to get raunchy today, especially when you were kissing, and usually when you stay over with a hookup, morning sex is promised. 

Considering the extraneous variables, that can’t happen today, so you imagined Jeongguk would drop the closeness and go back to being platonic to you. Having him do the opposite is surprising. 

You really like it. 

Jeongguk’s chest is warm, broad, firm with muscle, and he smells like a mixture of his own scent and your skincare products. His arms fit snugly around you, like you can melt into his touch without another thought. You love the way he feels. So much so that tearing apart to let him leave is borderline painful. 

Snowball has it especially rough. She rubs her head against Jeongguk’s calf, purring and trilling fyr him to stay and pet her when he’s posted by the door. 

“I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry,” Jeongguk coos, tugging at her cheeks and smoothing over the area. 

You want to cry at the visual. 

The walk down is silent. Your keys jingle in your hands, shoes tapping on the linoleum floor, and Jeongguk doesn’t say much until the elevator takes the two of you to the lobby and outside your apartment building. It’s a slightly overcast day out. The sun peeks through the clouds and happens to land right on Jeongguk, illuminating him like an angel. 

“So uh… I’ll see you on Monday, yeah?”

You nod slowly. “See you.”

Fuck it, you think, stepping off the platform leading into the lobby and wrapping Jeongguk in a quick hug. Arms around his neck, hugging him close to your body and giving him a firm squeeze. 

Jeongguk returns it quickly, like a reflex. It’s soft, warm, and just what you needed before letting him go. 

Just before your arms slip, you kiss the mole on his neck once, and slowly push off. You really don’t want to. You feel so safe whenever he touches you and smiles at you but you really don’t have any other choice. 

“Bye noona.”

“Bye.” 

Jeongguk’s departure is quick, waving bye as he crosses the street to get to the subway station further down the block. But you still feel the lingering ghost of his lips and touch on your skin. Almost like you’re savoring it for one more second. 

And you’re so caught up that you don’t even notice the camera aimed at you that’s been snapping pictures for the past ten minutes. 

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The day had been weird the moment your foot stepped onto campus. 

Being the esteemed rebound girl meant that people looked at you. Mostly men but you still got glances, sexual ones or judgy ones or interested ones. Not that you’re bragging, you never warranted them in the first place as they always come with negative intentions, but the glances you were getting today felt different. People were whispering, more than usual, and it was starting to bother you.

The first thing you did was check to see if you were wearing pants. Which you were so we can count accidental nudity off the list. 

 Then you rushed to the bathroom to check if you accidentally sat on a chocolate bar or bled through your jeans or your bra is showing through your shirt or there’s a line of toilet paper stuck to your shoe. 

It has to be a physical issue. Otherwise people would be reacting like this, right?

But you didn’t find anything on you. Not even a smudge of mascara. 

 It’s weird because you’re dressed rather simply. A black hoodie with some light wash jeans since you were in the middle of your period and didn’t want to deal with putting in effort today. What the fuck is everyone’s problem then? 

Looking down, you walk as fast as you can from class to class, barely talking to anyone besides your  friends and only if absolutely necessary. In between classes you have your earbuds in and you avoid any eye contact. Even during discussions, you sit in the back and draw in the margins, not even bothering to listen and contemplating leaving early. A group of girls that you recognize to be from Juri’s group are being especially nasty, giggling whenever you look in their general vicinity. 

This is starting to get really annoying. 

With a half a mind to ask them what’s so fucking funny, discussion ends early and you have a lunch date with the rest of your friends so you bolt out of there, slamming your lunch tray down on the table with much confusion from your two friends. You explain it to them while eating in hopes that they can crack the code too. 

“Maybe they think you’re pretty,” Nayeon tries. 

“I didn’t even put foundation on. I highly doubt they think I’m pretty,” you mumble the last bit, crossing your arms over the table and resting your forehead on them. “They’re laughing at me.”

Like a fly buzzing by your ear, their giggles irritate you beyond comprehension.  

Embarrassing. That’s the best way to describe the surface of how you feel. Embarrassed and paranoid and scared because of how everyone seems to be in on a joke except for you. 

For a second, you go back to the insecure teenager in high school who just wanted someone around. Who wanted love and affection and popularity because who fucking doesn’t at that age?  Only for all of those popular cool kids to be making fun of you, laughing at your expense, and reminding you of everything you were insecure about. This feels just like that. 

“Do you think Wooshik did something?”

You look up, scanning the cafeteria for a mop of black hair and he’s chilling with his new girl who he’s been absolutely obsessed with judging by his expression. He looks like he’s having the time of his life ever since you two ended your little spat.

Wooshik is petty but only when he’s been slighted. If he’s happy then he’s pretty harmless. So there’s no way it’s him. 

“Nah. There has to be something else.” You start picking at the skin on the side of your thumb, where it’s gotten a bit dry thanks to the change in weather. 

The cafeteria is loud today, more people opting to stay inside rather than walk around for a restaurant to eat at since it’s bound to start raining any time soon. It feels like millions of people crowd in every pocket of space available yet your brain fixates on the eyes trained on you. Like they are all pointing, laughing, guffawing at whatever joke they are making at your expense. You start to sweat, feeling cornered in your spot. 

You should be used to this being the college’s rebound girl but everyone’s disdain for you has never been so apparent. People stuck to their occasional disapproving looks and maybe, there was a low comment when news of you hooking up with another person circled the campus but it’s never been this bad before. 

All of the worst possible outcomes form inside your head. Did someone sneak into your house and take nude photos of you? Maybe someone from your high school came and told some bullshit story? 

What else could the reason be?

“Hey guys.” Jeongguk smiles, setting down a cup of instant noodles and pulling you out of your spiral. “Taehyung and Jimin are in the bathroom but they’ll be here soon.” Gently, he plops next to you and the scent of him is enough to calm you down. 

Familiar, sweet and soft as always. 

And he looks great in a navy blue Nike hoodie and black jeans, oversized as always, but you’re one of the few people that knows what he looks like underneath all of those clothes. 

So much honey toned skin; a chiseled stomach and chest; defined arms and legs; gorgeous, truly gorgeous. 

Jeongyeon furrows her eyebrows at him. “Why aren’t you eating the cafeteria food?” She asks with concern. 

“Ah, I'm not super hungry. I had a big breakfast,” Jeongguk waves off, showing the ⅔ full cup of ramen he had. “I’m probably gonna go home early too since I have a League of Legends match with my team soon.” 

You nod in response, half-listening. Jeongguk had explained his gaming league thing to you a few days ago. He used to be on a team for fun but he’s currently trying to join a semi-professional one for fun since he isn’t in any clubs or organizations on campus. Not that Jeongguk is particularly interested in those but, these gaming leagues have been calling out to him for a while.

Anyways, this game is supposed to serve as kind of an audition and if he does well enough, he’s in. You silently hope for his success. 

Then there’s a gentle nudge at your side. “How’d you do on the physics quiz?” Jeongguk asks, taking some steaming noodles to his mouth with a pair of perfectly split chopsticks. 

“100%.” You beamed. It was a shock to you when you saw the score online but mostly relieving. 

“Yay, that’s great.” Jeongguk held out a palm for a high-five which you reciprocated, wishing you could just kiss him. The way he smiles so brightly was enough to get you to forget about all of the eyes on you, almost increasing when you started interacting with him. “Knew you could do it.”

“Well I’d have to thank my tutor.”   

His eyes roll. “Sure but I barely did anything. You knew most of it already.” 

Nayeon and Jeongyeon laugh at the face you make, then prompt Jeongguk to try to get him to start tutoring them. When he asks what subject, they just say all of them, which makes him cutely blush for some reason. He’s a deadly mix of cute, adorable, sweet, hot and sexy and you cannot handle when each of those characteristics hit you in one go. 

You almost start to tease him about it when a set of two drop harshly onto the table’s bench with an air of annoyance around them. Suddenly, all of the bright happiness floats away. 

“Jeongguk, have you been lying to me?” Taehyung asks point blank with a hurt expression on his face. Jeongguk’s smile begins to fade. 

“About what? You know I was just joking when I said your orange hair looked funny–”

The brunette’s frown deepens. “Not about that. I mean about the girl who supposedly dumped you? And who the fuck is RG anyways?” Taehyung asks with a shake of his head, coffee colored tufts swishing in the wind.   

RG?

“What?” Jeongguk’s chin pulls back.Your panic is instant. “What are you talking about?”

Jimin cuts in with an annoyed groan. “Some guy in the bathroom was telling us about a rumor going around that this older girl dumped you and now you’re sleeping with someone else to get back at her.” Your stomach drops. No, this can’t be happening. “Apparently it was posted on some forum called–”

“GossipLeaks,” Jeongyeon supplies. The younger three look at her in confusion while Nayeon cringes. “It's this depraved site where losers with no social skills sit and refresh the page for drama from every department to fill the void inside of them instead of getting a job. Usually a person will upload a picture or start a thread and people will exchange gossip, start gossip, discuss gossip or talk shit until their fingers start bleeding. It’s hell on earth.” 

You hate that fucking site so much. It played a huge role in creating your reputation after all. 

Almost every single person on campus is there. Nayeon went slightly viral when she dumped her situationship for Jeongyeon by throwing a smoothie over his head after he said something rude to her. Someone threatened to leak their ex’s nudes to the website because they were cheated on.  Incels crowd on so they can hate on women while others live for the gossip, scrolling relentlessly to point and laugh even though their lives aren’t anything to be proud of. 

It has yet to be taken down since nothing bad is actually exchanged besides harsh words but the site is barely moderated. Not as much as it should be. 

Anyone who crosses a line has the potential to be sued but since most college students are broke, the possibility is rare. Sounds amazing, right? 

Now poor Jeongguk is at the receiving end. You can’t believe someone is lying about sleeping with him and about him rebounding with someone else. Jeongguk hasn’t even had sex before and (as far as you know) you’re the only person who has touched him. Who could do something like this?

“Show me the post,” he asks, resting his elbows on the table’s surface.  

Jimin searches it up on his phone and then places the device down, scrolling through the threads with a small pointer finger and clicking on one, then turning it towards you two. 

The pictures take a second to load but reading the post header was enough to make your mouth run dry. 

RG’s newest conquest: some loser 2nd year that was brutally dumped by Social Sciences student representative Kim Juri over the summer.

Oh great, Juri spread the rumor. Now you have the perfect reason to manifest her getting shit on by a bird. 

“Wh–” you can’t even finish your sentence. The pictures load and it’s even worse than you imagined. 

First is the two of you standing outside of your apartment building. There’s a breath of distance between your bodies and you’re laughing at something he said. His face crinkles as well, the dimples on his cheeks pop out. It looks friendly but it can easily be misconstrued. 

And the second one is of the two of you hugging, squished together like you’re trying to become one whole person, and that seals the deal. 

Your heart drops to the heels of your feet. You’re RG. Of course you’re fucking RG. Rebound Girl = RG. It’s practically part of your identity.

Suddenly, everything is making sense. The people laughing, staring at you; it’s another scandal all over again only this time, you roped in someone you actually cared about instead of someone broken hearted you decided to sleep with a few times. Now his name is soured by the stench of your bad decisions. 

You want to cry. You didn’t–you couldn’t drag Jeongguk or anyone else for the matter into your mess. 

It was always your problem to handle on your own. It was always your cross to bear. The guys you fucked never mattered once it was all said and done. Most of the time, they got street cred or they were praised while you were the dirty slut so it wasn’t like you could feel bad for them. They were always painted as the winners. But you’re terrified of what this could do for Jeongguk. 

Would he get harassed? Made fun of for giving in easily? Would he lose his chances of finding someone he actually likes this year? 

Would he want nothing to do with you afterwards?

You begin to panic, spiraling deep into the depths of your self-hating brain. How could you miss someone snapping a picture of you two in broad daylight? You should’ve done better. 

This is the worst possible thing you could imagine coming out of hanging with Jeongguk is that he would become privy to the mess that is your social life. A small part of your brain even considered this, especially after Jeongguk rejected Juri but you let it go and now you’re pissed because you should’ve been smarter. 

You should’ve pushed him away, studied on your own that night. No, you should’ve been more careful. 

You should’ve never thought you could openly hang out with him and not suffer the consequences. What were you thinking?

Once everyone has read the post, Jimin takes his phone back and continues scrolling through. No one says anything for a moment, then:

“Guys, don’t believe a word that comes out of Kim Juri’s lying mouth. She hates us,” Nayeon motions to you, her and Jeongyeon, “and she’ll do anything to make other people follow suit. Trust me.” She stresses, even abandoning her meal to reiterate. Jeongyeon nods animatedly. But the problem is much deeper than that. 

You wanted to be friends but she never entertained the idea after you got labeled as the rebound girl. Constantly tormenting you, throwing your promiscuity in your face, and denying your efforts to reconcile. 

At some point, you grew some humility and dropped the idea of you and Juri ever getting along. You’re a girl's girl but you also don’t hate yourself to desperately pine over some mean girl’s approval. 

So, now things have turned out like this.  

This is so annoyingly unfair. It's tiring  living like this, pretending like you aren’t bothered and that taking the high ground will benefit you. All you do is let Juri get away because you know deep down that fighting back has no point. 

“What a loser,” Jimin curses, turning to you with that apologetic look on his soft features. 

Taehyung does the same. “Yeah, she must have a lot of free time on her hands if this is all she does.” 

You return their kind words with a weak but meaningful smile. It doesn’t make the storm brewing up inside of you go away. It just makes things worse. Because yes, Juri is a loser but she’s only a loser in your eyes. Everyone else sees her as the complete opposite. People will always be on her side. She’s done great PR to make you look like a dick-thirsty, back-stabbing bitch. There’s no way anyone would support you. 

At the least, you’d have your two friends but Jeongguk and Jimin and Taehyung don’t need to be dragged into this war with Juri. Let them have fun, mess around, and be normal college kids while you take the heat. It’s always been that way after all. 

Jeongyeon snorts. “She’ll get some karma in return for all of this. I can just feel it.” 

There’s a slight lull in the conversation. You feel like the boys are doing their best to hold back from asking the question, the one that you really don’t want them to, while your friends are doing their best to maintain the light composure that was just there. 

It’s coming. That question. You know it is. 

Those words were blatantly on the screen and they aren’t idiots. They’re probably connecting the dots as you sit here and panic about it and you simply cannot handle those words coming from their mouths. Especially Jeongguk’s. 

Considering you watched him grow up, he’s the last person you’d want to know about being the rebound girl. 

Jeongguk’s mouth opens. You can practically see the cogs and wheels in his brain turn and that’s it for you.  

Immediately, you get up from your spot. They all look at you, concerned and confused. There’s a heavy layer of pity that now disgusts you too much for you to stay. 

“I should go,” you mumble, grabbing your things as quickly as possible. 

All of their faces morph into shock. “What?” The three boys say at the same time. 

“Babe, no, it’s fine.” Jeongyeon tries but you’ve already finished your food and your phone and bag are slung over your shoulder. 

A single touch grazes the back of your hand. “Noona, you don’t have to–”

You shake your head and dip your eyes down, refusing to be reasonable. 

“I’ll talk to you guys later. Bye.” 

This is for the best. 

Put some distance between you and Jeongguk, let the rumor die down a little, and then maybe you can hang out with him in private. Obviously no more kissing or hooking up so you’ll have to force whatever is growing inside of you to die off but you can do that. Yeah, no problem.  

Then Jeongguk can find a girl he really likes and be with her without the implications of whatever went on between the two of you looming over his head and ruining his chances. 

You turn and exit the cafeteria before anyone can stop you, taking long strides and putting a surgical mask over your face to block out your features. You even draw your hood up and shove earbuds in so you wouldn’t have to hear anymore whispers. 

Although the effort is futile; all your brain does is repeat the same words over and over again. 

Slut. 

Whore. 

Rebound girl. 

They’re starting to become synonymous with your name. Maybe you should stop pretending like you’re anything different and just accept the name for what it is. Maybe Junho was right after all. Seojoon too. 

Maybe you’re good for nothing else but a fun romp every once in a while. A tight hole and a soft wet mouth, pliant for any man who gives you attention because you’re so desperate for it, desperate for love. 

You always thought that you were hardwired wrong by always believing men when they tell you that they’re broken and beg for you to lick their wounds. That you simply just never learn from your mistakes no matter how intense they get because of that idiotic faulty screw in your skull that wants you to give this guy the benefit of the doubt. 

But maybe, you’re simply an awful person. 

Maybe you don’t actually care about the guys. You just have some shitty savior complex turned into a hunger for hurting men. Maybe you’re an awful person who deserves this. 

Before you can stop it, tears stream down your cheeks, rolling down your neck and underneath your hoodie as you walk as fast as you can towards the subway station. That tightness in your chest worsening as the very last bits of strength you were holding onto crumble into nothing. 

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The hangout was extremely impromptu. 

Jeongguk hadn’t seen you for the rest of the week and he was starting to get worried. You had responded to his texts in short, curt words, saying you were sick and that your professors were emailing you PDFs of classwork so there was no need to pick up anything. When he offered to bring some soup, you declined once more saying your mom was already bringing some and since then, he hasn’t found another excuse to come see you. 

It hurt. It hurt watching you get hurt, it hurt watching you hold back tears as you ran off to hide your hurt and it fucking hurts watching you pretend like everything is okay when it’s not. 

Jeongguk doesn’t care about the rumor. So what if people were staring and he got teased every now and then? It’s not true so it didn’t matter. 

But he realized, seeing your reaction, that the two of you were getting treated differently. 

While everyone was praising him for getting laid by “rebound girl,” and other girls began debating his potential in bed, you were getting vilified beyond anything. He heard girls in his class degrade you, calling you a slut, a whore, saying that you’d sleep with anyone if it gave you enough attention. Jeongguk would glare in their direction, scaring them off, but the whispers still swirled around him. 

After that, he wanted that stupid website to be filled with malware and be destroyed. Hell, he’d do it himself if that wasn’t a cybercrime. This whole thing has been blown way out of proportion. 

And, holy shit, the things men have been saying to him… 

It’s honestly disgusting. 

Ayyy, get it Jeon!

Knew you were a fucking stallion behind that nerdy look you got goin on.

Did she suck you off? I heard she’s really good with her mouth.

Someone came up to him and expressed regret that Jeongguk was the first and only second year to get with rebound girl, claiming he wanted to be the first but because you’re so picky, he couldn’t. Jeongguk had almost punched him but Taehyung held him back, reminding him that he could lose his scholarship too if he stooped too low. 

He hates this and he hates that you have to go through something like this. 

For the past few days, all Jeongguk could think about was how strong you were. He doesn’t know how you got this nickname, why it’s such a big deal to everyone around you, but he wished it never happened. Thanks to this rumor, you had to grow a thick skin so that you could simply be you and not have to worry about other people but unfortunately, misogyny is rampant. It made you become strong, become resilient, and he wishes that it wasn’t because of that. 

Jeongguk thought up some kind of plan to get Juri to take the post down or to publicly clear the air but he also didn’t want to play the white knight, trampling all over a situation that barely involved him. Stepping on your toes by trying to solve this could only hurt you further. 

So all he could do was wait. 

Wait for you to text back, wait for you to reappear. 

Jeongguk grows antsy and he tries to distract himself from worrying. School isn’t helping one bit so he plays games and goes to the gym as much as he can. And when that doesn’t work well–

Thankfully, his friends are an interesting bunch which brings him back to the reason why this whole hang out started. 

Nayeon and Jeongyeon were walking over with Jimin while Taehyung was hounding Jeongguk at the campus entrance over something he absolutely hates doing: buying weed. 

“C’mon, he’s literally giving it to you for free!” Taehyung whined, showing the text on Jeongguk’s phone to him like he hasn’t already read it, eyes rolling at his friends’ desperation. 

Let’s get one thing clear: Jeongguk has no problem with weed. He almost had an edible once by complete accident but he spit the rest out the minute his cousin told him that the gummy was laced with contraband so the effect didn’t do much for him. Being friends with these two dipshits means that the smell constantly follows him and he’s used to dealing with their giggly asses every now and then. Taehyung has a bong hidden in his apartment while Jimin aptly had a bright pink pipe patterned with cats all over it but he dropped it and loudly sobbed when the thing cracked in half. 

He isn’t a goody-two shoes but, speaking candidly, he’s never really felt the need to do it. 

It’s the same with alcohol. Jeongguk doesn’t get the urge to sit down with a beer and crack one open after a long day nor does he ever want to get shitfaced for fun. He needs to have complete control over himself and everything he does and everything he says because he gets the feeling that he’d be the type to tell someone his PIN number when inebriated or irritate everyone with his antics which is probably related to his anxiety but whatever. So nothing about the practice is relaxing to him. Getting drunk or high can actually make Jeongguk really fucking nervous but his peers disagree. 

Especially Taehyung who is a staunch believer that smoking weed is the best way to calm down and that food tastes better when high. Jeongguk is a bit curious about that last bit. 

But back to the begging. To make a long fucking story short: Jeongguk knows a dealer. 

Not voluntarily. A seedy 3rd year who he also tutored over the summer made sure to let Jeongguk know that he would give him some free shit he wanted as payback for all of the help passing Chemistry. Never did he think he’d take the guy up on his offer until now. 

Taehyung filled everyone in on the backstory and now Jeongguk has four people begging him like dogs wanting a treat. He pinches the bridge of his nose, sighing in irritation. 

“What if I get caught?” He asked; the most important question. 

Jimin countered back. “You won’t. He’s literally going to hand you a regular-ass bag and no one will suspect a thing. We can take it from you as soon as you get back here and smoke some today,” he offered, met with cheers of approval.  

Jeongguk’s chest twists. He wishes you were here to help. You were still nowhere to be found and he misses you so much. You’d probably laugh that cute laugh of yours, egg Jeongguk on with the rest of them but have concern in your pretty eyes to let him know that this wasn’t peer pressure. That he could say no and it wouldn’t be a bad thing. 

Unfortunately, he has to face this alone. 

Jeongguk gives the two girls a surprised look. “Did you two already finish your tin of edibles?” 

“Nah, we’re gonna save that for midterms so we can get zonked and watch Shark Tale while eating fried chicken.”  Jeongyeon answers, tugging  Nayeon close. 

“Awww,” Taehyung pouted. “Can we do that?” Turning to his boyfriend and gently gripping the sleeve of his shirt. 

Jimin winked at the younger. “Whatever you want baby,” then turned to the other, “but only if Einstein over here can grow some balls and say yes.” Taehyung directs his puckered lips towards him, batting his eyelashes like a cartoon character. 

Jeongguk is a weak man. He can be a people pleaser but only to those who he loves. His sisters, you and his two best friends fall into that category. 

Because one pout from Taehyung and he folds, like the weak man he is. 

“Fuck, fine. I’ll ask,” he unlocks his phone and texts the dude. “But only once! Just go to your trusted guy after this, okay?”

Taehyung and Jimin salute him. “Yes sir!” 

Jeongguk texts the guy to hand it over to him after his last class after lunch, who was more than happy to supply the guy who helped him pass his summer classes. In fact, he looked proud, jabbing Jeongguk with his pointy elbow and saying that he’s finally pulling that stick out of his ass. Whatever, Jeongguk is not that uptight. He can have fun in lots of other ways!

But  Jimin was right. The smell is barely there and the bag itself looks inconspicuous. His curiosity took over him to peek inside while walking with the others. There was a silver tin, a bag of powdered weed, a pack of peach ring edibles and two brownies. 

“Fuck, this is so much,” Jeongyeon marvels at the bag as they reach the outside of ana apartment building, pulling out the silver tin and gasping when it opens up to a set of rolled joints. “Oh my, he gave you pre-rolled joints! We’re hitting these right now.” 

Which is how Jeongguk found himself in Nayeon's studio apartment. Sitting around a coffee table with the spiked food and her TV playing Sailor Moon. He did his best to not think about how her room looked a lot like yours with all of the cute stuffed animals and posters and how her little pomeranian dog yapped happily whenever he gave it attention. The bed that he’s leaning against reminds him of the same bed where the two of you laid while your lips and hands and tongue made him feel things he’s never felt before. 

Jeongguk can’t stop thinking about you. It takes all of his restraint not to shoot you a text, not to associate everything he sees with memories of you and that night in particular. 

But he should stop so he idiotically doesn’t pop a boner with everyone else around. Thinking of you usually does that for him. 

So he focuses on the clouds of smoke blown right in front of his face as Nayeon starts on the joint. She coughs just a bit, then passes it to Jeongyeon who takes two indulgent puffs and then passes it to Taehyung and then Jimin.  Their eyes glaze over, tension from the long school day disappearing as the drugs take their effect. 

“You wanna try it?” Jimin asks, holding the flamed stick towards Jeongguk. He stares down at it, then up at his friends’ reddened eyes. 

Does he?

Everyone else seems so relaxed and Jeongguk could use some relaxation. Besides, it won’t kill him to take one hit. He’s surrounded by seasoned potheads so they’ll know what to do. It’ll be fine. Everything is fine. Maybe he’ll stop fretting over you and relax. Clear his brain for once.

Carefully, he places the tip between his lips and Taehyung explains the process. Inhale, hold it for a bit, exhale slowly. It’s supposed to burn at first and then it’ll get better. He coughs like a motherfucker and his throat might as well be on fire. But he drinks some water, tries again, and it’s a lot easier. 

Weed has a particular taste that Jeongguk doesn’t mind. The smoke is somewhat bitter on his tongue and then earthy. He feels nothing then, five minutes later, he gets this lightness in his chest and head. Or a fuzziness is more like it.  He’s almost sleepy and really hungry. Jeongguk begins devouring a packet of chocolate covered pretzels and then scarfing down two slices of pizza right after eating lunch only two hours ago. Those two things have never tasted so good before. 

Jeongguk also finds that weed makes him giggly. Like really giggly. 

He spent two minutes laughing at the way his toes looked with his toe socks on. Then about how long Taehyung’s fingers are in comparison to Jimin’s, then about the word duty (hilarious) to the point of tears springing from his eyes. Then Jeongyeon wanted to paint his nails which Jeongguk was all for and he chose a metallic midnight blue which she skilfully painted before starting on the others. Taehyung got maroon and Jimin got lilac.

Afterwards, the conversation lulled and their stomachs were full. Most of them were on the brink of falling asleep until Jimin proposed they all play a game. 

It was basically the game Hot Takes but without any cards with prompts and dividing up into teams. Basically each person had to share a “hot take,” or an opinion/commentary that’s uncommon or meant to start a debate. 

Which is a great game to play when the entire gang is not sober. 

Taehyung started off with a simple one: people who don’t like pineapple on pizza are immature babies. This sparked quite the argument to the point where Jeongyeon was questioning their friendship before the timer went off. Then she shared hers. 

Men who don’t like cats are red flags. This is factually true though. No one really disagreed so they moved on. 

Then Jimin went. His was: Men who refuse to listen to female artists are also raging red flags. Very much true. No debate there. 

Then Jeongguk: Vanilla is the worst ice cream flavor.  It tastes like a candle. Like nothing. Jeongguk hates tasteless things. Some agreed with him, Jimin glared at him from the side but his cheeks were puffed with food so he’s nowhere near as intimidating as he’d think.

Then came Nayeon. She cleared her throat, then popped a green tea kit kat in her mouth. “As someone who has hooked up with both men and women, I can surely say that men don’t know how to give head.” She says confidently. 

Silence rings in the air for a moment. Jeongyeon is sitting smug next to her girlfriend, while Jimin and Taehyung look confused. 

And Jeongguk…well, he’s a bit confused too.

“Excuse you, I give great head,” Jimin places a hand on his chest, offended. “Have you seen these luscious lips? And I don’t have a gag reflex!”

Nayeon rolls her eyes. “Okay, well I don’t know how it goes for men but I’m talking about going down on women. They suck at it and most women agree.” Her arms cross over her chest confidently. 

Jeongguk immediately thinks about you. He wants to know if you would agree. 

Taehyung rests his head on Jeongguk’s shoulder. “How so?”

“They don’t do the right things. Porn has rotted their brains to thinking that moaning into it and moving their tongue around you is enough when it isn’t. You can’t just wiggle it around and expect me to scream and come like a paid actress.” Nayeon huffs. “I used to think something was wrong with me until,” she trails off, pink dusting her cheeks and it’s clear what she meant. Jeongyeon’s shoulders grow even higher with confidence. “A-and you can’t even tell them that it doesn’t feel good because then you bruise their ego and they’ll never do it again.”

Hearing that, Jeongguk begins to panic. 

Is he like that? Did he not listen to you that night? 

Fuck, he’s so selfish. Did you even enjoy it when he touched you? Did he even ask?

No You definitely felt something, he felt you coming, but was it good? Was he being selfish?

Oh god. Oh godgodgodgod. 

“Honestly, they should take note from us,” Jeongyeon pulls Nayeon close. “I’ve never gotten complaints.” She looks cutely proud. 

Taehyung pipes up. “I think us gays are just better at sex,” he feigns nonchalance while everyone hollers and toasts to their perfect, idealistic, amazing sex lives. 

Everyone but Jeongguk. 

All he does is think

That night when he got hard, he had no idea things would escalate to where they did but he’s so glad because he loved every second of it. From kissing, to your teasing tone, to your mouth around him, to his fingers inside of you and all the way until you came; it was perfect. Since then, Jeongguk has thought about another opportunity way more than he’d like to admit. He’s more confident now and he wants to try more things. 

Gone is the first time insecurity. Jeongguk wants to take control, watch you shake and cry and beg for more. He wants you to feel good. That, in and of itself, is hot to him. 

But he also wants to do well. Jeongguk doesn’t want to be like the guys Nayeon was talking about. 

He knows the best way would be to directly ask you what you like but you aren’t here right now and Jeongguk knows he’ll chicken out when you’re all spread out underneath him and pretty all because he wants to impress you. 

Besides, he’s relied on porn this far and if Nayeon says it’s a bad example, then he needs to learn. 

Might as well take advantage of having two people who know how to please women and understand the basics. 

Sober Jeongguk would never. Sober Jeongguk would worry himself into a panic attack and then use the internet instead of an actual person but sober Jeongguk isn’t here at the moment.

At some point, Jimin and Taehyung fall asleep on top of each other with their hands half inside the pizza box and that’s when he gains the courage to go talk to your friends.

Meekly, he slinks over to the kitchen where Nayeon and Jeongyeon are standing. Their backs pressed against the counter while the kettle boils some water for ramen. They’re laughing about something until Nayeon makes eye contact with him and kindly raises a brow.

“What’s up?”

He wasn’t so nervous at first but looking at her, Jeongguk is now getting nervous. “Um, so–uh– about the-the game we were playing,” he wipes his sweaty hands on his pants. “I wanted to–and please feel free to tell me to fuck off if you’re uncomfortable, I’m not trying to be weird or anything, but–”

“Spit it out, kid,” Jeongyeon teases, poking the dimple in his cheek and making him flinch. 

Jeongguk exhales shakily, trying to slow his heart rate down some more. 

“Are all guys really that bad when they…um, when they, you know…” He circles his hands so they can fill in the blank and thankfully, the two pick up what he’s saying. Nayeon laughs at his stuttery behavior. 

“Well, I’m sure there are some guys out there that are great at eating girls out but not the ones I’ve met.” She takes a joint that was resting on a tray on the counter top, inhaling deeply, and then offers it to Jeongguk who accepts. “They just don’t know what they’re doing and they have no interest in learning, unlike women. Sex is an individual thing for them. Their pleasure and their feelings only.” Locks of honey blonde float in the air with the gentle breeze from the open kitchen window. “Why do you ask? Plan on doing it?”

He blushes, holding the smoke in for a few seconds before releasing it. “Y-yeah,” avoiding their eyes because this is so goddamn embarrassing what is he doing and it’s you he’s talking about. But they don’t have to know that. “I want her to feel good and you said that women are better at it. So I wanna learn how.”

Jeongguk wants you to feel good. 

Ever since he first touched you, he can’t get it out of his head. The noises you make, the way your legs twitch and your hips rise when you’re just about to come is so fucking hot. Jeongguk can’t imagine how much sexier you’d sound with your legs wrapped around his head or seated on his face as you come over and over and over again. Wet and sobbing and spent on top of him just like you deserve.  

But, he needs to gain some understanding before he does anything. 

Jeongyeon smiles. Jeongguk is unsure if they know he’s talking about you or if they’re assuming he’s got some other girl on the side that he wants to please but he can’t worry about that right now. Golden advice is being poured into his ears like fresh ambrosia from the gods themselves. 

“Alright, all you have to do is…”

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“Are you almost home?” You hear your mom’s voice pour from the speakers in your earbuds. 

Looking down the end of the street, you see your apartment building, so you bring the microphone close to your lips to speak. “Yeah, like ten seconds away.” Thank god too, your arms were hurting from carrying your tote bag and the packaged food your mom sent you away with. 

After Tuesday, when you were publicly humiliated,  you didn’t go back to school. Walking home in the rain without an umbrella gave you a slight cold and that combined with the pain you felt emotionally, resulted in you needing to go home for two days. There’s something about being doted on, eating home-cooked food, and the comfort of a parent that makes all sicknesses feel like nothing. Thankfully, she lives a 30 minute train ride from here on the opposite side of Seoul.  

It was nice. You didn’t tell your mom about what had gone down. Just gave her a basic run down as to why you got sick and not much else. 

Oh and you did tell her that you and Jeongguk reconnected but that’s about it. There’s no telling how your mother would react if she found out the two of you hooked up. You’re close with her but not that close. 

But now that you’re feeling better, you;ll probably call him and explain yourself. Then put an end to hooking up for good so you don’t repeat this mistake. 

“Make sure you carry that mini umbrella in your bag. I keep on telling you and you never listened to me,” she lectures, making you groan. 

“I know, I know, you were right,” your tone is light so she can tell you’re just messing with her. “I’ll put one in my bag as soon as I get home, okay?”

“Okay,” she sighs. The sound of the doorbell rings  in the background. “Oh shoot, okay. I have to go darling, the repairman is here to fix the washing machine. Bye! Stay safe! Eat the soup!” 

You reach the front of your apartment building anyways so no need to call. “Bye mom,” you mumble back, opening the front door and then walking to the elevators because you are too exhausted for the stairs. To use them, you scan the sensor on your keys and press the up button. 

It’s quiet in this lobby. No music, no group of people giggling or talking about their plans. It’s a Saturday evening and this building, filled with college students, is pin drop silent. 

You hate it because it leaves you alone with your tired, buzzing brain who has not been kind to you these past few days. 

Ever since that cursed post on GossipLeaks, you’ve been regretting the day you ever let a man into your life romantically. The day you had sex for the first time has been the catalyst in all of this. No peace, no happiness, just slut shaming and pain. 

Honestly, what’s the most annoying part about all of this is that your body count isn’t that high. 

Not that any number of hookups should warrant this kind of treatment.  It’s no one’s business and shaming people for having healthy consensual sex is so lame. 

Leaving Jeongguk out because you didn’t sleep with him, you’ve fucked about 30 guys. That’s over the course of almost four years since you had sex for the first time in high school.  It’s not that bad. There are guys on this campus bragging about their count being in the 200s yet not a single word of criticism or judgment is thrown their way. They’re praised and seen as gods. 

But when you have some fun casual sex every once in a while, suddenly you’re a harlot and you deserve nothing. Yeah, that sounds fair.

Switching the song on your playlist to 505 by the Arctic Monkeys, you exit the elevator to your floor and pull your keys out from the pocket of your hoodie. It’s dinner time and your mom packed your favorite. 

You open the door to find Snowball yowling at you for attention. You had Nayeon and Jeongyeon take care of her while you were back home.  She’s usually pretty okay with them but some days she simply needs to have you around. Today must’ve been one of those days.  Cooing, you set your bag on the ground and reach towards her to scratch the side of her face and pinch her cheeks. 

“Sorry baby, I’m home now, okay?” Snowball purrs in response. You pick her up and cuddle with her in your lap for a little bit until she’s had enough attention for now. 

To compensate for your absence, you got some treats too and the little ball of fur happily eats up the salmon treats while you put the food away. 

Then you light up a candle, open your windows to let the stuffy air out and begin on a few simple chores. Mainly putting the dry dishes back in the cupboard, cleaning the cat litter, some laundry and finally taking out the trash. 

You always enjoy doing these kinds of things, especially after a long few days of eating garbage and wallowing in your sick sadness. It feels nice to have fresh sheets and an empty trash can (you do the others daily already). Like a reset, a new start, which is just what you needed. 

Although, part of you feels bad for avoiding your friends for so long. 

Let’s be honest, you were embarrassed beyond anything and then the rain actually gave you a cold so some time away was 100% necessary. However, you wish you didn’t storm out without much of an explanation. You were just so embarrassed and sad and you didn’t want to cry in front of people who were clearly laughing at your demise. 

Bolting was the best choice but now that you’ve had your space, you really just want to explain yourself to the three of them, specifically Jeongguk who is directly affected by shit like this. 

While boys have it infinitely easier because they aren’t ostracized for their sexual activity, he must be uncomfortable with all of the questions being thrown his way. Maybe you’ll call him over the weekend for coffee and let him know or you could actually just facetime him so you won’t have to leave your house. Whatever, you’ll figure it out later. 

Before depositing the bags of trash to the large bins outside the apartment building, you take a quick shower, changing into a freshly washed set of clothes that are still warm from the dryer. 

Smelling like fresh laundry and the flowery scent of your lotion, you hum a song under your lips while taking the three bags outside to the bins. You think nothing of it. It’s around 8pm, most people are out right now, either going back home or leaving it. Tons of bodies are expected. 

Quickly, you round to the back of the building, dump the bags, and just as you turn the corner, your eyes meet that special pair. 

Big, sparkly, innocent when they want to be, salacious at times, but endearing nonetheless.  

“Jeongguk,” you exhale. 

He looks good, great, actually. The wind has tousled his hair around, making it look like he styled it to be messy and fluffy. Jeongguk has mastered an effortless look with a dark blue windbreaker, black cargos and white chunky sneakers. You can even see some rings on his fingers that match the ones hanging from his earlobes. 

Jeongguk turns at the sound of your voice and immediately rushes over to you. “Noona,” his eyes soften immediately, “Are you feeling better?” He asks, delicately holding you away with two hands on either side of your arms.

His touch is warm, even through the thick material of your hoodie. Makes your stomach flip. 

“Yeah, lots.” You giggle barely, patting his arm softly. “What are you doing here?” Jeongguk removes his hold on you, shoving them into the pockets of his jacket. 

“I had a meeting with my league captain’s place two blocks from here and I was going to catch the train using the station near your place.” 

“Oh.” You open your mouth to say something but his stomach rumbles loudly and Jeongguk covers the area up with his arms in embarrassment, making you smile. “Hungry?” He blinks at you widely and cutely. 

“Yeah but only if you’re okay with it. I know,” he looks to the side awkwardly, “I know you wanted space and all so it’s cool if not. I can get Subway or something.”

As kind as it is for Jeongguk to respect this boundary that you haven’t verbally admitted is already somewhat gone, you’d feel bad letting him walk around on an empty stomach. 

“I’m cool with it. My mom packed way too much anyways.”  You shrug to make him more likely to say yes. Thankfully, it works.

Jeongguk scratches the back of his neck, sniffling from the cold once and then nodding. So you beckon him to walk next to you, back inside your apartment building and inside the elevator. 

The conversation is brief and minimal, mainly asking about his week and how his meeting with his league went. You get brief responses in return which make you think he’s either annoyed with you or simply too hungry for chit chat. It’s slightly annoying that you don’t have the courage to be forthright and ask him how he’s feeling as if you didn’t have this man’s dick in your mouth a week ago. 

Come on, you think as the elevator doors part. What’s the worst that he could say?

“Yeah, I am annoyed because you left for three days and I haven’t heard from you since.”

Well, you had a reason and a valid one at that. Besides, Jeongguk wouldn’t be annoyed over something so understandable. 

The keys unlock the front door and you hold it open for Jeongguk, who slips his sneakers off and is immediately met by a curious Snowball. The moment she recognizes him, she headbuts her head into his calf, purring loudly. 

“Hi baby,” he coos, petting her after plopping on the ground. You watch from halfway to the kitchen, a smile instantly forming on your lips as Snowball practically melts under his touch. 

“She missed you,” you muse. “Looks like you’re the favorite.” 

Jeongguk snorts. “Doubt it,” he looks up at you through his lashes, flashing the one deep dimple he has on his cheek along with the various creases in his skin. 

Your heart flutters immediately. 

“I’ll reheat the food.”

There’s a comfortable silence that resumes among the two of you. Jeongguk moves to the coffee table, leans against the edge of your bed and pets a purring Snowball while you tinker in the kitchen. He turns on the TV, watches a replay of some Mnet performance and hums along softly. You bring the steaming dishes out along with rice and chopsticks, settling a comfortable distance from the younger and eating. 

He doesn’t say a word. You change the channel to the k-drama you were just binging during the train ride that you’ve watched maybe 900 times and Jeongguk doesn’t say anything. 

Your eyes well up at the romantic scenes and you bury your feelings into green tea Kit-Kats and tea. Jeongguk doesn’t say anything. 

He doesn’t say a single word until the food is all done, the drama rolls the credits and Snowball has moved to a corner far away to sleep. Then Jeongguk gains the courage to ask you. 

“Do you…do you want to talk about it?” Jeongguk asks meekly. 

At first, you had no idea what he meant. Then it hits. 

Of course he’d want some answers. It’s his name that’s attached to your stupid label. Not like you can keep Jeongguk in the dark forever, right?

You had prepared yourself for this so you weren’t as uncomfortable but when the time hits, you sort of want to crawl into a ball and die. 

You sigh, keeping your eyes on the half-finished bag of Kit-Kats. “No… yes… sort of.”

 The thing is, only two people know the full story: Nayeon and Jeongyeon. Your mom knows about high school but those two have every detail. 

Usually, you wouldn’t be so keen on spilling this out to anyone but the look on Jeongguk’s face is genuine concern and he isn’t some sleazy hookup you met at a bar. Jeongguk actually cares about you. He won’t use this against you or shame you. He’s asking because he cares.  So it should be okay.

Besides, it gets tiring holding all of this in from your mom and adding on each shitty story to the pile. It’s close to overflowing inside of you and you need to let some out. 

Jeongguk is trustworthy. He knows you. So you decide to start from the beginning of all of this. 

“My track record with guys isn’t exactly clean,” you start, staring at the Hello Kitty pattern on your socks. “The first guy I slept with only did it as a bet because he knew I really liked him.” There’s a drop in your stomach at the mere mention of Seojoon. His gentle laughter and rough hands and how he barely even flinched when he saw how much you were crying when you found out. “He told me we were dating and that he was in love with me. I stupidly believed him and let him take my virginity because I wanted him so bad that I didn’t even see the red flags. Then I saw him making out with another girl and… it sort of broke me.” 

Back then, you were quite the target. You were poor, your clothes and books were cheap, you didn’t have the newest phone or the nicest stationery and other classmates loved to point that out about you. All you wanted was to be accepted, to have friends, and fall in love. 

Everyone seems to romanticize teenage love but they never seem to talk about how difficult teenage loneliness is either. 

Seeing couples or hearing people talk about love like it was so easy made you want to scream into the void. Why couldn’t you have that? You wanted it so bad but why wasn’t it coming to you? Were you not lovable? Not worthy of a crush?

Seojoon was supposed to be your chance at teenage love only for him to hurt you the most. 

That summer break, you swore you were going to die alone. The empty loneliness began to consume you. All you wanted was for someone to care about you and instead you got ridiculed. For having feelings. It was awful and you never cared about love again. 

Some part of your brain is convinced that men are incapable of feeling love. Look at your dad, leaving without a second word, and look at Seojoon. You loved them and they burned you. 

“Then, I started college and I decided that I wouldn’t let another guy manipulate me like that ever again. I was going to stay single for a while which was fine because my department got along. We weren’t super close but it was cordial, especially us first year girls. We’d get snacks, do homework, bake together and gossip a lot. Mostly the latter because all of us were kind of obsessed with this older guy, Junho.” You explain, imagining his honey sweet smile and eyes. “He was a class representative for the Econ department with a reputation for dating around and all of the girls, aside from Jeongyeon, used to dream that one day, he’d pick one of us and we’d get our happy ever after.”

It was fun. He was sort of like the department’s prince charming or It-Boy. Girls would flock around him, sometimes you included, just to get a glimpse of the Junho. 

Jeongguk rests his chin on his knees that are folded up to his chest, staring intently at you as you continue to speak. “The thing is, Junho was actually really nice even though he was a total fuck boy. He just had a quality about him that made everyone like him. He was sociable and easy to talk to and cute but I never made a move. I was perfectly okay with finding him attractive from a distance because in my head, he was just this guy I thought was cute. That’s all I allowed myself to feel while the other girls kissed his cheek and asked for photos when they could.” 

You knew that was for the better anyways. 

Guys like Junho were a lot like Seojoon. Their egos were nice and fluffed to the point where they saw girls as expendable. If one said no, there’s a high chance one will just because they’re so blessed in genetics. Back then, you didn’t want to suffer the pain you felt because of Seojoon so you kept a distance and smiled as the other girls were living the dream. 

“At some point, one girl he was messing around with absolutely rejected him in front of everyone and you could tell it hurt because he actually liked her.  He didn’t show up at school for a few days and when he did, he wasn’t the old Junho. Instead, he was standoffish and quiet. Girls still wanted him but the interest changed from wanting to pin him down with commitment to healing his broken heart.” You stare at your fingernails, chipped nail polish revealing your pink nail beds. “I still kept my distance. I mean, what happened sucks but I wasn’t going to worry about it.” That’s what happens when you treat girls like shit. “Until I found him buying soju at a convenience store one night.”

A big mistake. 

Jeongguk’s expression doesn’t change one bit and you’re glad for that. It makes you think he isn’t judging you in his head.  

“He says hi and asks if he can talk to me and even though I wanted to say no, I couldn’t. I was starving and I wanted to eat at the store but I couldn’t disrespect him by rejecting him unless I wanted to get mauled the next day at school,” you explain. The seniority was insane. Still is. “So Junho and I ate together and then he just started trauma dumping on me about his failed relationship.”

Going on and on about how he was such a good guy and she was the first girl he ever really liked and that she was different and that she could change him for the better. Looking at it now, that was a sack of shit but nineteen year old you was eating up every word. 

Especially when he started hitting deep. 

 “He was crying on my shoulder and I just felt so bad. I mean, sure, Junho was a player but I know what it feels like to want someone so bad and almost be punished for it. So I tried to console him by giving some basic ass advice like it’ll stick around if it’s meant to be. I don’t even think he was listening,” a sardonic laugh leaves you at what comes next. At how idiotic you were. “I guess halfway through my spiel he realized I was a girl with boobs who was a inches away from him and his primitive man brain just connected these imaginary dots. Since I had sympathy for him, I must want to console him even further with sex. So he asked if he could kiss me.” 

Jeongguk doesn’t say anything but his chin tucks in and that’s enough of a reaction for you to continue. 

“And you wanna know what I said? Yes.” You laugh again at your utter stupidity. “Not only because I was attracted to him but because I actually felt so sorry for him that I was willing to be his one-way ticket to happiness. I didn’t want him to feel worthless anymore, not like I did when Seojoon rejected me.” White hot shame burns your skin, your insides, all throughout your body. “I wanted to give him the fraction of attention I wished someone could’ve given me back then. I thought it would maybe soothe some of my old wounds too, maybe we…we both could move on from this.” It sounds so illogical right now but back then, it made complete sense. “We slept together one night and the next morning, after leaving me in his bed without another word, Junho tells everyone.”

It started with his chummy friend group, typically bragging after getting laid and getting his ego boosted. Like how every rumor or story passes around and Junho made sure to leave in the juicy details. 

“He said I was the best rebound lay he’s ever had and that I made sure to make him feel like a king again,” you roll your eyes. All you did was blow him before letting him put it in. That should not constitute this much embellishment. “His friends told their friends who told other people and somehow the entire school knew I slept with him. That day, I walked onto campus and guys who never gave me the time of day before were suddenly so interested in me.” Which you didn’t mind but it did get annoying when they would look everywhere but your face. “I didn’t think anything else would happen. Only, I forgot how the girls would react.”

Remember, Junho was the It-Boy. Everyone wanted him and if you got to sleep with him, you were either harassed and slut-shamed or praised. It depended on how Junho reacted. Now, you didn’t hurt him so you thought you were in the clear but that rule ended up changing. 

Because now all the guys wanted you and some girls didn’t like that. 

“They were annoyed that I got with him first without consulting them. Thinking I wanted all of this attention and I wanted to be the first girl from our year to sleep with them like this was some kind of competition when that couldn’t be the farthest from the truth. I explained myself and I told them it was a one time thing and I was only trying to comfort him but it didn’t matter. They made their decision. My fate was sealed. I became rebound girl.” It took one simple night for your entire college life to be ruined. “Guys would come to me, complain about their broken hearts, manage to get to me because I’m easy and I always manage to convince myself that they mean no harm when they always do, sleep with me, then tell the entire school the next day. Rinse and repeat.  I’m an idiot,” you exhale, hiding your face in your hands. 

It’s such a painful sensation to want to cry but no tears come out. You want to scream, shout into the sky about how frustrating this entire thing is but you don’t have the energy. 

All you feel is exhaustion. Accepting this fate is your only option. You dug this grave, now go lie in it alone, like you deserve. 

“I should’ve known. I should’ve been smart enough to stop after the first person but I keep on giving these guys the benefit of the doubt and trusting them when they actually say they want me when–I just–ugh, I’m so–”

Then something warm gently scoots across your back and your nose is filled with the scent of cotton and floral notes. The arm curls around you, cupping your shoulder as the other one rounds your front and Jeongguk is hugging you. 

Okay and maybe the position is awkward and maybe you’re about as red as a tomato with anger but this hug is just what you needed. 

Throughout the week, all you did was blame yourself and convince yourself to keep some distance from Jeongguk. You didn’t want to ruin his reputation or bring him into your mess with this weird love triangle with Juri because he simply didn’t deserve that just for being your friend and letting you suck him off once. But your heart simply wasn’t in it. You didn’t want to leave the one person that reminds you of your childhood and feels like home. 

“You’re not an idiot,” Jeongguk says.

You sigh. “You don’t have to–”

Jeongguk interrupts you. “No,” he presses firmly. “So what if you slept with that Junho guy? What does it matter to everyone else?” He huffs cutely with his thick brows all furrowed and lips slightly pouty. “Why do they get to shame you when there are tons of other college students doing the same thing? Why are you the only one in the wrong?”

Jeongguk is right. Lots of people have lots of sex. Guys are on the higher side but there are people out there having regular hookups. You get chastised for it. 

But at the same time…

“I allowed this to happen, Jeongguk.”

Even if those guys tried to get to you with their sob stories, you still said yes at the end of the day. You played into this reputation. Aren’t you at fault too? 

“You didn’t allow anything, though.” He sighs, turning more to you, hands cupping your cheeks to get you to meet his gaze, thumbs tracing the skin under your eyes. “Noona. This isn’t your fault. Please don’t blame yourself for this.”

“It feels like it. No matter what I do, people will always see me as some big bad slut. How can I not believe it?” It’s your turn to sigh, gently pushing Jeongguk’s hold off your face and turning to the side. “Have people been treating you differently?”

Is it as bad as you think? Are girls refusing to talk to him? Boys usually never get the kind of treatment you do but you can’t help but panic. 

Jeongguk waves it off. “No,” his eyes roll heavily and it doesn’t soothe you. “Like there are a few comments here and there but it’s all praise.” 

Momentarily, you are relieved that he isn’t being ridiculed for sleeping with you. At least, you think, at the very least boys will always get away with their promiscuity. You can count on that. 

“Still. Being associated with me in that way is just no good, Guk,” you remind him, even though pushing him away is the last thing you want. You want him close, to feel his touch, to kiss his lips and be with him. There’s a fire brewing inside you and it hasn’t been quenched since the first time you got to kiss him. All it does is ask for more chances. 

To kill that flame would take a lot from you and you already don’t have much to give. 

Jeongguk links your fingers together and rests them on his outstretched thigh, searching your eyes to gain your attention. “I don’t care about a bunch of random people and their opinion. It’s not going to stop me from seeing you. Not them and not that Juri girl, okay?”

Fucking Juri. 

She spearheaded all of that hatred towards you when Junho spilled the beans on you sleeping with him. She was the one behind the scenes telling all of the other girls in your grade just how awful and back-stabbing you were. You hadn’t even wronged her. Sure, she liked Junho just as much as everyone else did but you still had yet to hit her where she was really sensitive. 

 “Juri never liked me. The first time we met, she had this impression with the way I dressed or if some guy looked at me too long. As if she could already tell I was the type of girl to seduce every guy in my vicinity.” It didn't matter what you wore, some guys just stared because the way society oversexualizes everything about a woman. You weren’t a person to them, you were an object with tits and a nice ass. “When the rumor got out, it was like her first impression was confirmed and she was telling everyone else how awful I was.” It just gets worse and worse delving into this topic and while Jeongguk hasn’t been scared off just yet, this might be it. You sigh, avoiding his eyes for your conjoined hands to comfort you. “After Junho there was this other guy, I think his name was Sunghoon, and he was best friends with Junho. Juri had a massive thing for him, even more than whatever she felt for Junho, but I didn’t know because we were never friends.” 

No one knew but Juri’s circle. It was a secret crush after all. 

“Sunghoon heard about me from Junho and wanted to sleep with me too. I was already upset about Junho telling everyone so I ended up rejecting him since it was too soon but he still told everyone we did it anyway. Of course, everyone believed him no matter what I said. My reputation was set in stone.” You feel Jeongguk squeeze your hand tightly when your voice wobbles slightly. You swallowed down any pain you felt inside. “Juri was furious and now all of the other girls had perfect reason to hate me because I apparently stole her man. I tried to tell her that I didn’t know and that I’m sorry and that it wasn’t even true but she didn’t want to hear it.” 

Part of you doesn’t want to blame her. You know what it feels like when the guy you like chooses another girl. It hurts more than anything else, digs at your insecurities, begs the question if you are loveable or some ugly beast. 

But Juri was never kind to you to begin with. She isn’t a girl’s girl, she’s someone who will do anything for male validation. Even if it means losing all of her friends. 

So you know what? You don’t need someone like that in your life. 

Nayeon and Jeongyeon would never do something like that. 

“Did anyone else lie about having sex with you?”

A sad scoff leaves your lips. “You wanna know what the actual number is?” Jeongguk nods. “30. But ask anyone in our school, they’ll easily say 300 or some shit. Most guys have lied.”

Not like anyone will fact check. Junho did enough embellishment so all of the other guys could simply say your name and they’d believe it. 

That’s what reputation is. A label attached to a person so powerful that it does things on its own. And you had a reputation for being a slut who fixes broken men. 

Jeongguk groans, breaking you out of your train of thought. “This is so frustrating.” Your head turns, finds genuine anger on his boyish features. “All of those guys came to you. Junho and that Sunghoon guy and Seojoon all came to you and made you think they needed to have sex with you to feel good,” Jeongguk stresses. “And then you get punished for being a victim to their games.”

A man can be promiscuous all he wants but a woman has to remain pure. Not for her own sake but for the sake of men. Whenever women put themselves first, they’re bullied into silence. They aren’t supposed to act like men. They’re supposed to be proper, beacons of purity and grace. 

Well, who fucking made that rule? 

Why can’t men be the beacons of purity? Why do they get to slut around and get away with it? 

Why are you the spawn of Satan for even looking at a guy while there are boys at your university who have actually slept with over 100 women. 

“People suck,” is all you can say back. You’re just one person. There’s no way you can change the way society has been structured for years on end, right? A twinge of despair sits heavily in your chest as you’re consistently met with the reality of your situation. 

 “They do. And you know what?”Slowly, you look back up into Jeongguk’s sparkly bright eyes. He’s got the beginnings of a smile on his lips and you swear your stomach rushes with butterflies. “It’s their loss. Because they are missing out on getting to know a beautiful, kind, smart, accomplished and hardworking woman.”

You soften immediately. Sure, you’ve been called beautiful before but never the others. After being sexualized for years on end, no one else ever saw your worth beyond that so you had to tell yourself. Sometimes it worked, sometimes your insecurities got the best of you. But you know that you’re hardworking and smart and kind. 

It’s different coming from Jeongguk. 

He’s saying it for you, not to benefit himself later on. It’s real, not a blanket statement. There’s no promise that you’ll blow him and he won’t go around telling people that you did because he isn’t like that. 

He’s a man who genuinely likes you for you. Not your body or your reputation. 

Your legs uncurl and you’re inching closer to him. It’s an automatic response. You don’t even think to try to hold it back because you don’t want to and you shouldn’t have to. It’s safe in your apartment and no one will call you anything here. You get on your knees and swing one leg over his lap once more, inviting the soft scent of him as your face buries in the crook of his neck, arms wound around his shoulders. 

Jeongguk is warm and his hands are back on your hips innocently. The touch isn’t sexual at all and it’s just what you needed. 

Jeongguk’s chin rests on your shoulder as he starts speaking once more. “And you know what? Someone got caught fucking in the teachers lounge two days ago and it’s all everyone is talking about. No one has mentioned this story at all so don’t worry about it. I’m the least affected by this. I want to know if you’ll be okay.”

You smile against his skin, hopes he can feel you do that. 

“I will.” 

This rumor will pass, someday, certainly. But then, you refuse to be photographed with a man in any sort of context. All hookups will have to leave at 3am or something. 

Speaking of….

“You wanna stay the night?” You pull your head out, fingers twisting with the strands at the back of his head. “It’s getting late and I don’t want you to take the subway right now.” You live in a safe area but still. And you want him around but only if he’s interested. “I could call you a cab too, if you want?”

“No, I’ll stay. I just don’t have any sleepwear.” He looks down at his cargo pants with a slight pout. God, he’s adorable. 

“I have sweatpants,” you offer. Or Jeongguk could also sleep in his boxers. 

Unlike some people, you can control yourself. 

“There’s a high chance they won’t fit.”

Right. Boy has huge thighs. Muscular and toned. You can feel them underneath your legs and the brief thought of riding them until you cum all over him passes through your mind like a cheetah. Now is simply not the time to be horny. 

Seriously, your cycle of terror finished two days ago. You have to relax. You just said you could control yourself. 

Still, you let one of your hands slither down from where they were hanging behind Jeongguk’s neck to the planes of his chest, stopping right where his beating heart should be. It thumps soundly beneath your fingertips while allowing you to feel up the firm peaks of his chest that you so desperately want to squeeze like anything. 

“Speaking from experience?” You smirk. 

Jeongguk’s face dulls, pinching your side in retaliation. You yelp. “Look when you live with two sisters, laundry gets mixed up and I’ve had a lot of sweatpants barely go up my legs until I started running my clothes alone.” 

Giggling, you flick under his chin. 

Although, the thought of him doing his own laundry is also hot and–holy fuck, bro, get it together. 

You tap his chest once. “Fine, I’ll get you a pair.” You sigh, waiting for Jeongguk’s hold on your waist to loosen so you can get up, which he allows you to do. 

Except, sitting on your knees for so long left them sore and lacking in blood flow so by the time Jeongguk also gets up, your legs almost give out, resulting in you collapsing against his chest for balance and your hands landing right on his chest. 

“Sorry,” you exhale with some laughter. Jeongguk’s hands first curl around your elbows, warm and comforting, and then down to your hips. “Gimme a sec. I literally can’t feel my legs so I’ll have to hold onto you for a–ah!” 

Jeongguk uses the hold he has on you to lift you up, twine your legs around his waist with a little bounce in his movement. Your hands clutch at his body when you feel your feet lift off the ground, fear subsiding when he looks up at you with glimmering eyes. 

Staring back, it’s obvious why women like him, why Juri was so upset when he rejected her. Jeongguk is so attractive it’s insane. From every angle, he manages to look perfect. Like an angel. 

“I like it better this way,” he grins. 

Doesn’t help that he’s sweet like candy on the inside too. 

The blush on your cheeks must make you look like a tomato but you don’t care. The way Jeongguk looks at you, holds you, has your entire body covered in goosebumps. Fluttering inside your tummy, screaming at you to pin him down against that mattress and show him all of the things that you like too. 

But all you do is playfully roll your eyes. “You nearly gave me a heart attack,” you pretend to scold. 

“You like it.” 

Fuck, he’s smirking and he’s right. You did like it. There’s something to be said about being manhandled and tossed around like some ragdoll. You’ve always been the submissive one in sex so the thought of Jeongguk bending your body to his will calls for a rush of arousal. 

That coupled with the cocky look on his face. It’s fucking Niagara Falls down there. 

“Just move, Jeon. Unless you want to sleep in the pants you’re already wearing.” 

Jeongguk moves a hand up to salute you, still keeping a strong grip on the back of your thighs. You bite back a gasp when he subconsciously squeezes the mass to make sure his hold doesn’t falter. 

You’re already throbbing. Both from the act of strength and the confidence wavering off him. When Jeongguk first touched you, he was so hesitant but now he’s reached a point where he can hold you without fear that he’s crossing a boundary. Thanks to the conversation you had at the beginning of the week and you’re glad about it. He’s one of the only guys you genuinely trust. 

And currently, he’s the only guy you want to pin you down on your bed

Directing him to the chest of clothes, Jeongguk walks the two of you forward. Then sets you down in front of it.  You could’ve easily gotten up but, you know, why do that? 

With a still fuzzy brain, shaking fingers curl around the drawer’s metal handle. You pull open the first drawer of your dresser without much thought. Jeongguk is hovering behind you with curious eyes, allowing you to get drunk on the scent of him and the warmth of his body. 

But being on cloud nine makes you forget that the drawer you opened just so happens to be your lingerie drawer. 

And you pause. Like a dog getting caught doing something they weren’t supposed to be doing. 

The contents are neatly packed. Lacy and skimpy, in multiple colors. No one should own this much lingerie but you love it. The confidence a nice set gives you and the way some react make spending all of that money online worth it. You feel powerful and you’ve had some great fucks in some of these sets. 

However, this is not how you planned on showing Jeongguk your collection. 

Yeah, let’s add this to the list of porno plots that you thought happened to no one but  happened to you because you are experiencing bouts of embarrassment and bad luck at the moment. You might as well change your name and move to Switzerland to herd sheep now. 

Jeongguk pauses behind you too. The hands that were on your hips, steading you for no reason, feel slightly detached.

Causing you to panic. 

The drawer slams shut. “S-sorry! Wrong one.” You go to the 2nd one and pull out a large gray pair, pushing it into Jeongguk’s chest without another word. 

Oh my god. Ohmygodohmygodhohmygod. 

You should’ve actually thought this through! Instead of letting the lightness from Jeongguk picking you up dictate your every move like an idiot. Now what will he think? 

Sidestepping him, you don’t even want to imagine what could be going on in Jeongguk’s head. A desperate ploy to sleep with him after complaining about the way men treat you? Trying to gain his sympathy just to get him in bed? Sounds hypocritical, right? 

You should go. You should check on the dishes or make some tea or–

“Noona,” Jeongguk stops you with a soft hand on your wrist. “It’s okay,” his voice is firm and sure, causing you to slowly turn your neck to face him. 

His lips are set neutral, a little pouty like always. But his expression seems to be calm. 

“You don’t have to apologize or anything.” You watch his Adam’s apple bob when he swallows. “Honestly, it was…” he trails off, the redness becoming more obvious on his cheeks and ears. 

Oh. 

Any rigidness in your body begins to melt and you feel that previous fluttering in your belly return, pushing you to take a step closer. “Did you like them?” You ask, boldly. 

Gone is the fear that you’ve pushed him away, reaffirmed your reputation or behaved like the very assholes who gave it to you because he doesn’t believe in that. He likes you and trusts you and you have no reason to panic when things like this happen. Jeongguk won’t call you a slut. 

He cuts contact, looks to the side, and you see the briefest nodding on his head. Your smile grows tenfold. How cute. 

“Oh, I see.” Abandoning any plans of running from him, palms flat on the firmness of his chest that you so desperately want to sink your teeth into. The light hitting the top of his head illuminates his skin, making him all golden, and you don’t think you can handle your wetness any longer. Jeongguk is just that good looking. “Do you wanna pick one out?” 

His eyes flash up to you. “What?”

“Pick one for me to wear.” 

Jeongguk’s boy brain seems to put the pieces together slowly, realizing what you want to happen, what you’re greenlighting that he’s been thinking about for a few days now. 

You take initiative by going back to your dresser, tugging Jeongguk along, and opening the drawer all over again. Now Jeongguk can actually look at it instead of relying on the five second glimpse he got before. Sees all of the lace and mesh cut outs, sees the box of condoms in the corner, some lube. Thankfully, you’ve hidden any sex toys so you won’t have to deal with that. 

While him finding lingerie was pretty tame in retrospect, Jeongguk finding that 7 inch vibrator you’ve got would be the end of you. 

None of your baby dolls are in here but you don’t think those are Jeongguk’s style. Too much frill and fabric, meant for guys who really desire stereotypical femininity in the girls they fuck and want a little show when fucking. Jeongguk seems a little more straightforward. Likes easy access while still being sexy. So all of your teddys, which are essentially bodysuits or swimsuits made mostly of lace, are in this drawer. His eyes travel all throughout, ignoring the pinks and teals and reds for black and white. 

Inching closer, Jeongguk seems to be deciding on two in particular. Then gently pulls one out by the strap. 

“I like this.” 

Your jaw slackens slightly. It’s crotchless, first of all, and it’s completely see through. Even the cups reveal your nipples without much fabric covering it. There’s a single strip of fabric going down your sternum and there are two identical lace detailing on your sides, completely free where your mons would be. Open right at your entrance. 

Jeongguk picked a much more revealing one. You wonder what on earth he has planned for you but you nod regardless, taking the article of clothing from him and brushing some hair out of his face. 

“Get changed and then wait on the bed for me.” Kissing him briefly on the nose. 

Thankfully, you took an everything shower yesterday. Not that you really care about hair and men who do are weird but this will be your second time hooking up with Jeongguk so you still want to look a certain way for him, just until you talk about preferences some more. 

Jeongguk speed walks to your bathroom, has you giggling at the way he urgently shuts the door. Snowball’s head perks up from her bed and you carefully move her to a different bed in a farther corner so she doesn’t have to bear witness to whatever will happen. She isn’t happy about it, makes an irritated low noise when you hold her but it’s for her own good. 

After patting her a few times to get comfortable in her new bed, Jeongguk emerges with your pants in his hands. 

“They didn’t fit.” 

Not that you’re complaining. 

“Shame, guess your boxers will have to do.” You feign annoyance but the slight bulge in the fabric tells you the opposite. 

Jeongguk’s expression is difficult to judge. He follows your body as you saunter to the bathroom, eyes burning a hole in your back. You purposefully sashay a little, making sure your ass is shown off, that your hair swishes around. You’re dripping in confidence and you didn’t expect yourself to be like this considering the beginning of your run-in with Jeongguk. 

But, he helps bring you back down from that poor state of mind where you let everyone’s words get to you by reminding you just how amazing you are. Confidence is something you always had but it gets buried and Jeongguk just brought it back up. 

At some point, you hope to grow strong enough to never allow stuff like what happened this week to bother you. Even better, that the rumor becomes squashed and you’re no longer rebound girl. 

But that’ll take time and, right now, you’re willing to wait. 

Stripping down, you get ready. Slipping on the lingerie, messing your hair up a bit, adding a touch of lip gloss, and humming Positions by Ariana Grande to get you in the zone. 

Jeongguk should want to devour you. You should want to devour him. 

The door creaks open slowly and your body is halfway out when you speak up. “Close your eyes, Jeongguk!” 

Some rustling is audible. “Huh? Okay!” He calls back in his trademark polite gentle tone. A smile grows on your face right afterwards. 

You got this. 

The door behind you shuts, slightly colder air causing you to be covered in goosebumps but it doesn’t matter. You’ll be warmed up soon. Turning the corner, Jeongguk is seated on the edge of your bed with his legs spread wide (hot), propped up with his hands on the bed on either side of his hips.  

And he’s done you the favor of already taking his shirt off, folded neatly at the foot of your bed. So Jeongguk is just in his boxers. How nice of him. 

A scoff leaves your lips, too quiet for him to pick up, but your footsteps are loud and clear. Jeongguk moves his hands a little and he doesn’t flinch when you sink down onto his warm lap, arms around his neck like they belong. 

“Can I open my eyes now?” Jeongguk hasn't touched you just yet. Honestly, he seems like he’d make the perfect sub with how good he is and how well he listens but you’ve never delved into that. 

You have no idea if you’d totally enjoy it unless it was a teasing back and forth and Jeongguk got the chance to put you in your place too. Get you whining and crying into your sheets until–

Okay, fuck. You’re already soaking wet and bare. You don’t need the scenarios and you haven’t even responded to him. 

Leaning close to his perfect face, you smack a quick kiss on his cheek, right below that scar of his. “Not yet, baby.” You purr, mapping a line down his neck with your lips. Jeongguk has such a nice neck and hickeys look so good on him. The urge to mark him up completely overtakes all rationality (not that you had much to begin with). 

Kissing down to the middle of his neck slowly, your lips suction around his pulse point, digging your teeth in, and you feel Jeongguk stir beneath you. His hips raise slightly, desperate for some kind of friction that you refuse to give. All you can smell is his sweet perfume and feel his soft skin. 

Jeongguk whimpers your name and you can feel your pussy throbbing, surprised that you’re not leaking all over his bare thigh. 

“Fuck,” he groans, thrusting up. Jeongguk’s boxers are so thin so you can feel the defined bulge pressing into your bare mound and you almost falter from how thick and big it feels. 

It’s been a few weeks since you’ve had a dick inside you and you are really craving it. Sure, you have toys that could easily help but Jeongguk is bigger than your biggest one. Suddenly, that 7 inch vibrator simply won’t cut it. 

Clenching around nothing, you pull away from his neck. “You can open your eyes now,” exhaling heavily. 

Jeongguk follows. Your eyes connect and it’s electric. Sizzling tension, blood pumping deep in your veins, breaths mingling. Two seconds go, passing atypically slowly, and then he moves. 

Jeongguk makes the first move connecting your lips, taking you by surprise, but you kiss him back and try to match his vigor. He kisses you with passion and wanton, controlling you like he might never get another chance to taste you. Gets your heart thumping loudly in your chest. 

Especially when his fingers curl around your ass, squeezing roughly to earn a gasp of rapture, and his tongue sneaks in and runs deep along yours. 

Questioning if he was totally a sub? Yeah, you don’t know about that. 

Getting strong switch vibes from him. 

Jeongguk gets up from the bed after wrapping your legs around his waist, turning around and laying you down on the bed. Your lips break apart for a split second but Jeongguk changes the moment your back touches the mattress, as if he can’t live without your kisses. You moan at his eagerness, realizing he has yet to look at your full set yet and is going crazy over just kissing you. 

Fingers wind in his soft silky hair, tongues mingling in your mouth. It’s wet and messy and vulgar, teeth clacking, but you don’t have it in you to care. 

He breaks the kiss again to kiss the corner of your lips, your cheek and then your jaw before pulling away and finally looks down while hovering over you. 

Watching Jeongguk’s expression change is like high art. 

You swear his eyes get darker, a vein on his neck bulges. “Jesus,” he grits. One hand begins at your sternum and slithers down where your breasts threaten to spill out of the flimsy thing. Jeongguk’s thumb traces over your pert nipple, causing you to twitch at the brief stimulation. “You look so fucking hot.” 

“Yeah?” 

Jeongguk nods, sitting up a little so he’s kneeling between your spread legs. “Like a goddess.” His eyes take you in, eating up every inch of skin he can see. “A beautiful, sexy, amazing goddess.” 

You smirk, bending your leg some more to expose more of yourself to him. His gaze dips down to your bare cunt, wet and swollen for him and you swear you see his jaw set. 

“You’re talking like you wanna worship me,” you joke cornily. Honestly, you’re too taken aback by the way Jeongguk is looking at you to cringe but thankfully he doesn’t say anything against it. 

“I think I do.” Is his response. 

Barely processing it, Jeongguk lifts you up by your calves, resting them on his shoulders and leaning down. Your stomach flips, you gasp, trembling slightly as Jeongguk begins to leave hickeys on the soft flesh of your inner thigh along with occasional bite marks. 

Is he going to do what you think he is? Does he even know how? It’s been ages since someone went down on you. Most men simply don’t know how or care to learn. 

You think Jeongguk is the opposite. He isn’t pleasuring you for himself but because he wants you to feel good so if you don’t like something, he’ll fix it. 

But still, eating girls out is apparently something only girls can do properly. Nayeon is a firm believer in that. 

Your head tilts back with each teasing mark making you wetter and wetter. He’s certainly building up the anticipation correctly so you’ll give him a point for that. Soon you’re throbbing so bad from how sexy Jeongguk looks with his dark hair between your thighs and kiss-bruised lips that you almost beg for his mouth on you. 

“Pretty,” Jeongguk growls, reaching closer to your dripping core. “Prettiest pussy I’ve ever seen.” The muscles in his back flex and you can feel them against your calves. “Can I?”

You don’t even hesitate. He’s inches away from you and you don’t think you can go another second without his touch. “Please Guk.” 

He doesn’t waste another second leaning down and licking a fat stripe up your core, making your legs twitch around his head. His tongue is flat and wide starting from your entrance all the way to your clit, tasting you once and groaning immediately after. 

“Shit,” you wince. Fingers getting stuck in Jeongguk’s hair. “Jeongguk.” 

Embarrassingly, you almost grind on his face but Jeongguk keeps a tight hold on your hips as his mouth closes around your clit, sucking the bud a few times like he’s making out with you which has you groaning out. His nose bumps into your outer lips and you imagine that it would feel like heaven to grind back onto the bulbous tip while sitting on his face. Big noses are so hot for that reason in particular. 

Jeongguk pulls back, gets up on his elbows a little to drop a fat blob of spit onto your pussy, watching it mix with your juices as you clench again. This time he notices your neediness and he chuckles darkly. 

“Cute,” lips closing around your clit as he looks up at you. “Want my fingers in you badly, huh?”

“Yes.”

Jeongguk’s lips pull off with a loud pop. “How bad?” Digits tracing your soppy opening. At first you can’t formulate a response when he’s everywhere but the places you need him. So he removes all contact. “How bad do you need my fingers in this needy little pussy?” 

Definitely not a sub. Definitely not a fucking sub–wow, okay. 

“Badly,” grinding up into nothing, hips getting shoved back down. “I–I need you to fill me up. Please. I think about it so much. Your fingers feel so fucking good, Jeongguk. Made me cum so hard.” 

You don’t lie. He’s got long fingers and is definitely the biggest you’ve had, easily reaching spots others have left dormant. You’re glad to fluff his ego on that considering how mind blowing that first orgasm was. 

“I could tell,” he mutters slowly. “You came so fast,” lips closing around your clit again as you whine out. Jeongguk continues speaking. “Like a good girl” 

You can’t even respond to that, can’t even begin to fathom what praise from him does to you or how you must be gushing all over your sheets right now. Jeongguk’s middle finger inches in while his tongue and mouth focus directly on your swollen clit and you lose all ability to formulate a proper sentence. 

Flicking the sensitive bud back and forth at an animalistic pace while his finger slowly pushes in and out of you is where you fucking lose it. Head thrown back, thighs trembling, moaning out garbled versions of his name and breathy swears. 

This is it. Better than anything else you’ve had. This combination floods you with pleasure coiling in the pit of your stomach and your muscles going rigid. 

“Fuck yes–yes, just like that,” you whimper some more, using your grip on Jeongguk’s hair to tug him in further. Big mistake. “Don’t stop—don’t fucking–no, no! Why did you–”

Your leg falls off Jeongguk’s shoulder and flops onto the bed. His nose and lips are shiny but his expression is hard. “Sit  up.” He orders. Jaw set and clenched. 

Part of you really wants to disobey, be brat because that always results in a good time, but you need to come and you need his touch back on you as soon as possible. Meekly, your legs curl in and you slowly sit up, getting on your knees and pouting at him. 

Jeongguk takes the spot you were just laying down on, head meeting your pillow with a slight bounce. He motions for you to come closer then: “Face away from me.”

Oh.

Even better. 

“Gonna have this perfect pussy right in front of me while you suck me off, okay?”

Swinging your leg over, you nod desperately, arching your back a little and leaning down. You’re interrupted with a light smack on your ass, causing you to moan out way too loudly. It almost sounds like a cry of pain but it’s far from that. 

Jeongguk drops the act quickly. Gently reaching for you with soft hands on your hips.  “Noona, are you ok–”

“I’m fine,” you gasp. “Do it again.” You push your ass out some more, bent over his body, staring back at him with tears of desire. “Please Jeongguk.” 

He’s hesitant when he sits back down. You know he doesn’t want to hurt you but the way that the pain sizzled into pleasure coupled with how badly you want his hand print on you is far from hurt. It’s fucking warranted at this point. 

Jeongguk spanks you once more, on the same cheek, and you flop down all limp on top of him. His teeth sink into the flesh of your thigh, spanking the other cheek much harder than before. 

Arousal drips out of you and tracks down your skin. You feel needy and pathetic but in the best way possible. 

“I fucking love your ass so much,” nails dig into the already sore flesh as he praises you lowly. Jeongguk’s arms curl around your back, tugging you close to him as he continues what he was doing to you. Tongue flicking your clit at an insane pace. 

You can’t handle it. Even though his hard cock is inches away from you, you need a second to control yourself as the tingling sensation begins from your toes and starts creeping up. 

Someone must’ve told him this or maybe he’s watched a ton of porn. Guys never eat you out like this. They move their tongue around and moan, thinking it’s enough, and get annoyed when you haven’t come. Some blame it on you and say that you’re the problem when it’s the complete opposite. 

But Jeongguk breaches your entrance with two fingers in tandem with your tongue. Those long digits immediately find that g-spot and it’s fucking over, it’s done. You’re already there. You’re so wet and it’s echoing in your small studio apartment for the both of you to hear. The pleasure building up is rapid and way too fast.

After no action for days, you’re easy. The coil in your stomach gets tighter and tighter as Jeongguk’s fingers pound out of you and his tongue continues to play with that swollen bundle of nerves. 

“C-close, I’m close–I’m gonna–” you feel it, the ball unravels and your legs go out. “I’m cumming!” 

Faster than you’d like to admit. You start shaking, tears streaming down your face. Trying to muffle your noises on his thigh so you don’t get a fucking noise complaint. 

“Good girl. So fucking pretty when you come like that,” his fingers slow down but they don’t pull out just yet. After such a hard orgasm, you would usually need a break but the slow pace just gets you needier. “Can you take another one, gorgeous?” Jeongguk asks. 

Last time he touched you, you couldn't but now you want a second go. Besides, you want to return the favor too. 

“Yeah, I can.” 

With a slow pace and his mouth pressing timid little kisses on your wet thighs, Jeongguk leans back when you pull his boxers down and his length stands in front of you. Leaking and hard and so fucking big. 

Now that you’ve come once, you lose all inhibition. You press a kiss to the wet tip, rounding up saliva in your mouth to lick up all of the cloudy salty precum before sinking down and taking in just the tip. He’s thick so your jaw has to stretch a bit but you definitely don’t mind that. 

“Fuck,” Jeongguk whispers, licking another stripe to clean you up, gets you jolting and him laughing. 

He’s so atypically cocky, something you’ve never found attractive until now. It’s warranted cockiness. Ate you out like a fucking champ and has a dick big enough to make you question whether or not you can take it all. Yeah, Jeongguk can have a bit of an ego. 

But only a bit. 

You fold your thumb into your clenched fist and squeeze lightly to stop your gag reflex for a bit. Allowing you to take almost all of his length into your mouth. Jeongguk’s hips raise a bit to help you so it doesn’t pierce through the back of your throat completely but just until your nose meets the base of his length. 

“Mmh,” he moans, feeling his chest heave against your body. Jeongguk mumbles some more praise, calls you the most prettiest girl, leans forward to get his mouth back on you, and the dance begins again. 

Gently, Jeongguk fucks your mouth while you grind back into his. The pace isn’t fast and hectic like before nor is it any bit graceful but neither of you seem to care. 

Each thrust is awarded with a burst of precum and your thighs shake with every hit against your sensitive spot. The air gets hot and sticky, filled with the scent of sex and adrenaline. The sounds of your wet mouth and wet pussy along with Jeongguk’s whiny noises are noises you could hear for the rest of your life and never get bored of. 

This is all you want. Him and his hands and his mouth and just him. 

This sweet boy who held you so close and listened and makes you cum better than anyone else had. 

Even after the second time, as your arousal drenches his fingers so much they prune as you release and he shoots his load down your throat, it hits you like a punch in the face just how much Jeongguk has ruined you. 

Because after this, no other man will compare.

[skyeslittlecorner]

Tails for all! - Gehenna edition

Other parts: Kings | Tartaros | Hades | Avisos | Nilfheim | Abaddon | Paradise Lost

Sitri

In Ars Goetia he is related to leopards, so let's keep it that way! A white spotted tail, fluffy, mid-calf length. Equal thickness, only the end is a little fluffier.

The fur is white and silky, but when held up to the light it has blue reflections, just like his hair. 

The nobles of Gehenna thought he was a kitten, and he hated it. Leraye tried to shove catnip up his nose. Also, because they spend a lot of time together, Satan has learned to wag his tail like a cat from him.

He uses it for balancing, have you seen his heels? Exactly. 

This.

Sensitiveness 9/10. Have you ever tried holding a cat by its tail? He's usually calm, but pull on him and he'll completely lose his cool. And you lose your hand.

Not suitable for sex, but best for cuddling. He will tickle you if you are naughty. Also, extremely warm. He will wrap it around your cold hands to warm them.

Belial

A beautiful man with a beautiful tail. Do you remember Toothless from How to train a dragon? Similar tail, except the fins are a little smaller.

Not necessarily scales, more like smooth, hard skin. Homogeneous, only when you touch it you feel small bumps.

Like Beelzebub, he can pull a needle from the tip of his tail. Sometimes, when he's bored, he takes vinyl records and a record player and tries to use this sting like a record player needle.

It works great in the water while swimming.

He had Jjyu on his tail for a while, but the little demon made a lot of enemies behind his back (literally).

Sensitiveness 5/10. He will talk to you with his tail if he can't talk to you with his mouth. He will wrap it around your ankle or stroke your cheek. You would create your own secret love language of gestures. And, it's perfect for grinding.

Paimon

Long, strong tail, with a flowy hair like an irish setter.  It looks beautiful, but it is strong enough to break a rib.

It's blonde at the base, but the closer it gets to the end, the more it turns pink. Nobody knows if it's natural or dyed.

A lot of colorful pins and hairbands are attached to it, the back is braided. Smells sweet, as if he washed it with bubblegum shampoo.

He loves using his tail instead of a tripod or hand for selfies.

Sometimes, when fighting arm in arm with Leraye and surrounded by enemies, they can stand with their backs to each other and intertwine with their tails. Just to protect their backs. 

Sensitiveness 4/10. He will stab you with his tail to taunt you or wrap around your waist so you can't escape. And he’d love you to brush it.

Leraye

We all know he's a puppy, so of course he'll get a kangaroo tail. Maybe not exactly, but similar in strength and agility. Longer than his legs, thick at the base like a thigh. Very short bristles, similar to Paimon, blond at the base, the further away, the darker.

When he wanted to get a piercing on his tail, he finally learned not to do it with a gun. Sitri had to help him anyway again, because he can't turn around that much.

His piercing is three spikes, smaller than his horn, on his back, a hand's distance from each other and from the base. Of course, he has teddy bears there.

His shooting position is incomprehensible to others because he leans on his tail to aim better.

He treats that tail like a chair. If his legs were as strong, he would have no problem running.

Sensitiveness 4/10. He likes it when you scratch him, especially in the opposite direction to the bristles. He'll wag that big tail like a dog.

Zagan

He is depicted as a griffin-winged bull. Let his tail be long and silver, with a white ponytail at the end. Similar to a lion's, but much larger.

If he wanted to, he can use his ponytail as a brush, but it is difficult to remove the paint from the long fur.

The silver fur is a little longer on the bottom. Compared to ponytail, it is more slippery.

Paimon really wanted to dye it, and Zagan didn't have the heart to refuse, so for half a year he wore a pink ponytail at the end. (That's why he knows how hard it is to wash it off.) Interestingly, the angels fled even more at the sight of him. It is known that the cuter the demon, the more dangerous it is.

He has a protective pattern painted on the back of his tail, near the base, just like on his talismans. He repaints it every morning, it's his little ritual.

Sensitiveness 5/10. He likes petting the underside of the tail the most, where he has longer, soft fur.

Astaroth

Let's go crazy, shall we? There is no more snake demon than him. We know that demons are shapeshifters, and I feel like he would gladly trade his legs for a snake tail. 

Its strands may be a good ten meters long, but no one has been brave enough to measure it. Black scales with a white belly.

He has no tail in his human form, he would feel too uncomfortable with so many limbs. 

From him came the legends not only about Santa Claus, but also about the nagas, i.e. snake-like deities.

Elegant and distinguished and lazy. Like Belial, he likes to swim, especially at noon when the sun warms his scales. You can use him like a mattress or a pontoon.

Sensitiveness 2/10 back, 10/10 belly.  Especially where the human body turns into a snake one. You know what I'm getting at. Along with the tail, of course, come fangs and poison. Don't try to kiss him and don't let it bite you. He'd tangle you in his embrace and wouldn't let you go.

[jaetaimjadore]

EVERYDAY VIGNETTES THAT REMIND ME OF ENHYPEN

Pairing: enhypen x reader

Genre: fluff with a touch of angst

Warnings: some suggestive themes, mentions of sexual tension (nothing explicit whatsoever), mentions of food and alcohol, please let me know if i've missed anything else :)

Word count: 1.08k

a/n: this is just a compilation of the silly little musings running through my head that i just so happen to associate with each enha member, so, really, i thought why not share it with you guys? hehehe. enjoy <33

이희승︱Lee Heeseung

Tired lovers whose heads rest upon each other in the quiet corner of a subway. Lying upside down on the sofa just because you can. Playing with another’s hands. Smiles that find two faces at the same time. Thanking yourself for exercising when you really didn’t feel like it. The shimmering lights of a cityscape at night. Admitting that you made a mistake. Remembering that you’re one in eight billion. The sultry flicker of a gaze between two eyes. Silver cufflinks. Better by Khalid. Admiring someone as they ramble on about the things they love. Sexual tension that blinds everything around it. Black button-ups. Sudden moments of crippling nostalgia. Compulsively slapping a sack of rice at the supermarket. Dedicating a hoop to someone and missing by a mile. The irresistible scent of your best friend’s shampoo. The dream that left you feeling butterflies the entire day.

박종성︱Park Jongseong

Monotone outfits. Your phone falling onto your face when scrolling in bed. Red, hot lipstick stains littered on the smooth skin of a neck. Gold necklaces and gold earrings. The calming reassurance that you tried your best. Pulling off your socks after a long, exhausting day. Waking up to the rain of a thunderstorm. The moment you realise your enemy is actually kind of hot. Eye contact that brings with it an endless wave of goosebumps. Round-rimmed spectacles sitting low on a nose. The bubble of champagne in a glass. The click of shoes on shiny tiles. Gallery visits but the art on the walls isn’t what you're staring at. Fond shakes off the head. The muscle that moves so visibly beneath a fitted shirt. A protective hand finding itself hovering over a lower back. Bumping into a glass door and playing it off cool. When one person cooks dinner and the other washes the dishes. A breathy chuckle that grazes the cusp of an ear.

심재윤︱Jake Sim

Almost losing your balance when the sand under your feet glides back into the ocean. The warmth of skin under a cool duvet. Wet smooches from your dog. That one perfect strand of hair you wish you could keep that way forever. Sudden bursts of inspiration that make you feel like you can conquer the world. Kisses on the temple. Kisses on a smile. Hands squeezing hips. Barely contained laughter. The deep regret of walking away. Jumping up to touch the top of a doorframe. Wholeheartedly believing in the five second rule. “You’re perfect to me” whispered in the early hours of morning. Key smash conversations over text. A silver chain that dangles down onto your lips. The one eye that opens to the dawn of a new day. The brief fluttering in your chest when the carousel horse rises up once again. Cold fingers that caress the skin beneath your shirt.

박성훈︱Park Sunghoon

Sunglasses worn indoors because you forgot to take them off. Messy latte art that means so much more because it’s the effort that truly counts. Loosely intertwined fingers. Long walks during the freezing winter months. Lip bites and hooded eyes in moments of lust. Looking in the mirror and loving what you see. The divine feeling of velvet beneath your fingertips. Staring up at a skyscraper and almost stumbling backwards. Letting someone win because you love them so dearly. Soft lips planted on soft knuckles. Solemn wishes made on stray eyelashes. Throwing your head back in uncontrolled laughter. Red high heels. Refusing to get out of bed on Sunday morning. Gliding your fingers through silky soft hair. Going through with something you swore you’d never do. Cat-walking your entire closet at an ungodly hour of the night. Strong arms guiding you to sit down on a lap.

김선우︱Kim Sunoo

The taste of the colour yellow. When a piece of clothing fits just right. Finding a picture in your camera roll taken by mistake but keeping it because it looks cool. The indescribable happiness of a clear, blue sky. Light academia and dark academia. The one shoulder you know you can lean on. The hoot of an owl. Realising just how close your lips are to your lover's. The desperate longing to run away from reality for a while. Elbow nudges that silently ask if you’re okay. When the raindrop you were rooting for wins its race down the window. Two warm hands cupping your cheeks. Literally Netflix ‘n chilling all night long. Golden hour that highlights the magic in someone’s eyes. Feeling young and fresh even when you’re old and weathered. New year’s resolutions that inspire positive change…even if it's just for a month. Immediately dropping your bags and jumping on the hotel bed. The hug you didn’t realise you needed so badly.

양정원︱Yang Jungwon

That perfume you caught one whiff of and immediately wanted to own. Spontaneously realising the beauty of the world around you. The flying wisps of hair that tickle your forehead on a windy day. Chequered Off The Wall sneakers. Sleeveless jumpers. The innocent brush of lips on lips. The words of wisdom that found you in a time of need. The entire grentperez discography. Safe hands stroking your head. The same hands ruffling your hair. Making snow angels in the winter. The memory from your childhood that fills you with the most happiness. When you can’t decide if you’re feeling hot or cold. Legs that entangle together among the sheets. Wondering if there really are more atoms in the human eye than stars in the universe. Nicholas Sparks movies. Falling in love with a song after hearing it for the first time. Late-night drives with no particular destination in mind. Foreheads that touch as eyes slowly flutter closed.

西村力︱Nishimura Riki

That beautiful pain in your chest when thinking of the one you love. Lifting your feet from the pedals while riding your bike down a hill. Marmalade streaks that paint the sky at dusk. The moment you realise you’ve fallen in love. The warm smile of a random stranger. Knowing your inner child is gradually healing with time. Pulling your hood up when in a particularly rebellious mood. The moment a maths question finally clicks. Pinkie promises that last a lifetime. The sheer agony of dropping the last chip on the ground. When opposites attract. The tickle of a nose in the crook of a neck. Cuddling close during a scary movie. Trying not to crack a smile when the person scolding you stumbles over their words. Watching the tide wash over the initials you’d etched into the sand. The cheesy quote that actually inspired you one day. The familiarity of your own bed after parting with it for so long. Ignoring your friend when your eyes find the person across the room.

© jaetaimjadore, 2023, all rights reserved

[polaroid-petals]

Stranger has the fluffiest hair in headspace, discounting Basil. Silky smooth, it’s light and soft, and it has an earthy aroma much like charcoal. It is slightly wispier than the rest of his ghost body, giving one the impression that it is weightless and eludes gravity, and it follows a slight gradient towards the tips despite being black as the night. On good days, when Stranger is particularly happy and the sun hits him just right, you may find sparkles in his locks that match his starlight-freckled blush.

While his hair doesn't require a lot of attention, Stranger does put in the work to take good care of it. It’s not so rare to find him at the hot springs working in all sorts of creams, balms, and shampoos to give his hair that extra little flair, and it pays off in it being even softer and smoother. It even seems to be immune to getting tangled, but don’t think that’ll keep Stranger from frequently brushing it.

If you ask nicely, you may touch it—just be careful not to stroke his ego alongside his luscious locks.

Unsurprisingly, Stranger quite enjoys anything to do with the hot springs. Nothing goes above a midnight visit to the rocky area where he spends hours simmering his sometimes frigid spectral body in the warm water and seeking out new ways to spoil himself. He's asked the Dreamer to research skin care and hygiene products so that he may improve his routine in the dream, even though it's rather futile as the ephemeral nature of his body means that most smells and products will have wafted off into nothingness only hours after he applied them. His hair seems to be the exception, holding on to its post-washing texture for days despite reclaiming its charcoal smell rather swiftly.

Omori often gets invited to join in on these bodily rituals. He thinks Stranger is stupid for it, but after seeing just how much he enjoys it when Omori assists with all these routines, he grew into the idea of helping out with Stranger's beauty routine a little more. Even if he thinks it's all just a con to get Omori clean.

A ghost can dream, and if his hobbies include softening his skin for a few hours, then who's to stop him?

Omori's hair, on the other hand, is so dark because it's one block of grease. Don't try to brush through it, the hairbrush and your wrist will perish. It's a surprise that his scalp doesn't smell that badly, but you probably don't want to bury your nose in his hair after a long period without any bathing. That boy's scalp is a weapon of mass destruction and could sell for millions on the black market for how much oil you can forage from it.

It's actually airier and fluffier when it's been freshly washed, and Stranger does his best to take Omori to the hot springs at least once a week to keep him clean, but it's an uphill battle against Omori's hair follicles, one that Stranger doesn't always win. That, and he gets bitten if he bothers Omori too much about his hygiene. Still, Stranger is one of the rare people who is allowed to touch Omori's hair, if he really must—and he uses every opportunity he gets to try to pluck the bugs out of his hair.

(The other is Sunny, whose little hairclips and accessories, which he leaves behind in Omori's short locks after a session of playing around with his hair, Omori happily keeps around.)

Surprisingly enough, Omori doesn't absolutely abhor these baths. In fact, the hot springs are one of his favourite areas to hang around, as he is drawn to the heat of the water and the tranquillising effects of the waterfalls clattering on his skinny shoulders. He can easily be bribed to tag along for a relaxing swim, and once he has melted, he'll let Stranger wash his hair and give him a quick go with soap and a sponge while he's at it. Maybe even use a soft brush to untangle his messy mop.

He claims to hate it, but his softened muscles and his mild temper for a few hours afterwards say otherwise. As such, it's one of Stranger's favourite ways to pamper Omori.

[xxsycamore]

🤲 with nicola (piofiore) please? (also it would be nice if reader kissed his pretty curls😖) thank you so much and i loved your valentines day drabbles💕💕💕

Aww that's so cute, anon! 🥹 You're welcome, I'm glad to hear that! Hope you enjoy!

[🤲] 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝙽𝚒𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚊 '𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚒𝚛…

NICOLA:

It is a lazy afternoon, as rare of an occasion as that is for Nicola, being Falzone's underboss. Naturally, he spends it in your presence as the two of you lounge around in a somewhat more secluded spot in the garden, the songbirds and the fresh air making Nicola sleepy. Settling his fedora aside, he flashes you a smile as he lays his head down in your lap like a bossy cat that takes its favorite napping spot not unlike a throne.

Despite your inner squealing, you do your best to be his lap pillow while he relaxes. The idle conversations flow easily in the slow-paced moment of spending time together, neither of you caring much about the delayed replies as there's nowhere to hurry towards and nothing all that important to talk about. It could be that you're still imagining the same fluffy feline from before, but one way or another your hands end up on Nicola's hair.

For a second you think he might be too sleepy to take notice, but nothing is hidden from his sharp senses - neither how nice your caress feels, nor the slight alarm in your body language as you worry whether he likes having his hair played with or not.

Letting out a chuckle and reaching out a hand just above his head to place over yours, silently encouraging you, he gives you the answer you were looking for. In the next second the tranquility is restored and Nicola's voice grows softer as his words turn into sweet nothings aiming straight for your heart. You giggle at the things he says, alternating between curling a strand of hair around your finger and smoothing some of them out, letting go to watch them take their natural unruly form once again. You love his curls so much; their softness, their warm color, the shampoo they smell of. You can't help yourself, so you lean down and press a kiss against his silky curls.

Nicola's cheeks are dusted with a barely noticeable blush once you withdraw and look down at him. You think that he might be just as in love with you as you are with him.

∎Steal My Heart!! - xxsycamore’s 1500 followers celebration event| 💌 event masterlist

[danikamariewrites]

Rockstar!Lucien Headcanons

A/n: thank you to @cursebrkr for coming up with this beautiful concept for Lucien. Please go check out their art it’s amazing! These r totally random and all over the place

Warnings: some nsfw concepts so minors dni (18+ please)

Rockstar Lucien is hot and he knows it. He's tall, muscular, and 100% covered in tattoos

He used to be self conscious about his face scar but then he adopted the “chicks dig scars” mentality and never looked back

that long red hair is just beautiful, he blow drys and styles it for sure!!!! He uses the best shampoo/conditioner so it’s always smooth and silky

He plays the guitar and loves whipping his hair around during his solos

His favorite is an electric guitar but will occasionally play acoustic if you ask him

Definitely has nose a piercing (changes from a stud or hoop depending on his mood) and definitely a tongue piercing too. There's also one that only you and him know about 😉

You guys met at a party after one of his bigger shows. You’re the friend of a daughter of some executive for his record label and you immediately caught his eye. He knew he had to talk to you

When Lucien loves, he loves hard and is very loyal and he just wants the same in return

He’s very cautious about getting close to people because he’s been hurt before and used for his fame. He didn’t want that to happen with you but after talking to you for a few days he knew you weren’t like that

Once he has you, he’s absolutely infatuated with you

On your first date he tries so hard to impress you but it goes terribly. He makes a complete dork of himself and his ‘cool rockstar’ facade slips. You thought it was so cute and endearing, he was surprised he got another date with you

You become Lucien’s muse when writing songs

You go to all the shows you can and even go on tour with him. If it’s a world tour he takes you to all the romantic spots in different countries and always takes you on fun adventures when he’s not busy rehearsing

You never get bored watching him on stage

Lucien makes sure you’re always sitting close to the stage so he can see you while performing. Whenever he sees you he always winks at you and starts dancing very suggestively on stage knowing it turns you on

Lucien is very protective of you

One time he stopped a show when he saw some guy harassing you. He was furious, he almost jumped off the stage but security escorted the guy from the venue before anything else happened

You watched the rest of the show from backstage that night. As soon as he was done Lucien took you straight home. He held you and apologized all night even though you told him over and over that it wasn't his fault

His fans absolutely adore you! If they recognize you at shows they always say hi and some even ask for a picture

You love watching him on stage and going out to parties together but your favorite times with him are when you guys can just relax at home alone

You love lazy days in bed together eating nothing but junk food and watching cartoons

Lucien is a child at heart and will insist you watch 2000s Disney shows (Suite Life of Zack and Cody is his fav)

Lucien has two nice cars and one really beautiful, expensive black motorcycle

When he bought it you weren’t crazy about it at first but when he handed you your own helmet and took you for a ride it changed your mind

You loved when he’d go super fast, it gave you an adrenaline rush

He's not a huge social media person, he only posts if he likes a picture of him from a show or event, or if new music is coming out

He doesn't like the media attention that comes with his job but he sucks it up

Lucien feels bad that you get wrapped up in it since you're a private person as well

He always has ways to bypass the paparazzi when you guys go out, he hates the way they shove cameras in your faces and the stupid questions they ask

He has punched a pap before for almost pushing you into traffic in the city

Some NSFW stuff (18+ from here on!)

Lucien plays guitar so he’s a god with his fingers. He knows exactly what he’s doing down there and can make you cum in seconds

His tongue piercing is also a plus when he goes down on you

It’s one of the metal balls and when he licks your clit the pressure is perfect

His favorite position is when your on top

Lucien loves when you ride him because he can see all of you and after your orgasm hits he pulls you into his chest

His other preferred position is taking you from behind

He loves running his hand down your arched back to squeeze the back of your neck

And he loves how deep he can get from that angle

When he’s in charge sex is usually rough and passionate. Love making is set aside for special occasions though, like if you haven’t seen each other in a long time

He’s always down to try anything unless it’s a no for you, he’d never want to make you uncomfortable

One of his band mates did walk in on you guys once in his dressing room and he never lived it down

[sebsxphia]

bath time with preacher rhett abbott and little!reader.

￫ a/n: a short drabble for the ‘ptolemaea. | the verses.’ universe.

￫ c/w: heavy religious themes, age regression and preacher!rhett abbott.

you loved having baths and showers with rhett on the road, but you loved having bath time with your dada most. he could make the scratchy motel towels soft as a feather. you came into the en-suite of the motel room with your stuffed lamb clutched tightly to your chest.

“need lambie!” you exclaimed with defiance. rhett was swirling the cold water into the hot water, to cool the temperature down just right for his little lamb.

he turned around with a lopsided smile and gladly takes lambie from you. “yeah, little one? c’ mon, they can sit there ‘nd watch.” he sat your stuffed lamb on the sink counter edge to watch over you in the bath. “‘ere you go, sweet baby.” he hoists you to his hip and lets you down gently into the warm water.

bath toys are non existent on the road, but rhett kindly got you children’s shampoo, conditioner, johnson’s baby lotion and spider-man bubbles. but rhett would make the most fun for you with what little he had. he would trace around the spider-man illustration and make up a story. preacher abbott had never seen spider-man and he never would, but that doesn’t mean what he was saying couldn’t be true.

he would ask you, “‘nd, what colour is spidey’s suit, little one?” and, “what does he do, hm, sweet girl? go whoosh! in the sky?” you would giggle and splash the water as rhett told his animated story to keep you entertained.

you let him keep you occupied as he carted his fingertips through your hair and soothingly onto your scalp, washing the shampoo and conditioner in. “who’s my pretty little lamb, hm?”

you bury your face in your hands with excitement. “me, dada! me!”

“yeah, sweet baby.” rhett’s soft smile in response to you getting shy, makes you squeal and splash a little harder than before, but rhett is there to coo at you gently with a hushed tone. “shh… i know, baby, i know. baby’s s’ excited! but daddy’s gotta get you settled for ni’ nights, alright?”

“ok, dada.” you offer him an apologetic, sweet smile, which happily wins him over. he soothes you down gently with light, fluttering kisses placed to your temple, before getting the towel unwrapped and re-wrapped around you.

regardless of your wet body, you clutch little lamb tight to your frame as rhett carefully dries you off and applies the silky smooth baby lotion to areas of your skin that have caught the sun recently. “sleepy little baby.” rhett hushes into your ear, as he hoists you to his hip and carries you gently to the motel bed.

he dresses you in his larger and tattered christian camp t-shirt, before slipping into bed besides you with something slow playing on the motel television, his bracelet still adorned on his wrist. you mumble out a sleepy, “best bath time, dada. thank y’.” as you’re wrapped closely into his bare chest.

[ilguna]

☼ back to december pt2 (Finnick Odair) ☼

summary; you haven't been able to sleep lately, because you can't stop thinking about how you treated Finnick.

warnings; swearing, death mention.

wc; 1.8k

part one.

–

How are you supposed to go out there, knowing that you made a fool of yourself last night?

Seriously, if the situation was flipped, Finnick never would’ve reacted that way. You wouldn’t have found Finnick at your door at midnight, feeling sorry for himself because he treated you badly. And you certainly wouldn’t have watched him shed tears for it. Finnick would just live with it, and leave you to be angry for the rest of your life. Or, at least, until you eventually got over it.

And it’s not that you regret the apology, because it very obviously needed to happen. It was the way you executed it, as if you couldn’t have waited until this morning at breakfast to let him know that you weren’t in fact, heartless. You know that you’re horrible for what you did to him.

It could’ve been done in daylight.

There’s something different about the bravery a person gets when they’re sleep deprived. You suppose you should be grateful that you did talk to him then, because you’re not sure if you would’ve done it this morning. There’s a good chance you would’ve let the whole situation boil for another year longer, and by then, Finnick would be pissed.

Besides that, you were actually able to sleep last night. You felt a little humiliated when you got to your room, but as soon as the lights were off and your head hit the pillow, you were asleep. The guilt that’d been eating you alive evaporated at that moment, and you felt peace.

If you’re feeling that way now, you can’t imagine how you’ll feel once you and Finnick are over this. He’s not the type to forgive easily, and he’s even less the type of person to come back to someone who’s treated him like shit. However, the two of you were friends before you dated, and now that you mentor together every year, he’s going to want to be on some level of understanding again. To make the job easier. That’s it.

Even if that’s as far as you’ll go, you’ll take it. It’s better than nothing.

You throw the blanket off of you, stretching your arms above you as you let out a loud yawn. Regardless of the fact that you don’t want to go out there, you have to. The train should be arriving in District Four anytime now, and you need to be out there and ready when the doors open up.

Besides, this is your last Capitol meal for another year, one awkward breakfast won’t be the end of you.

You make the bed as best as you can, knowing it won’t matter in the end, anyway. They’ll tear the room apart to clean once you’re gone, get rid of the clothes, shampoos and magazines to replace with the latest and the best. By the time you come back next year, it might as well be a whole new train.

From your bag on top of the dresser, you pull out the outfit you’ve had set aside for the past three weeks, waiting for the train ride home. Even though they’re throwing the clothes away, they won’t let you keep them and take them home to continue to be used. You’ve started to pack a bag each time you come so that you have something to wear when you get home, that isn’t the same outfit you left with.

You move to the bathroom, closing the door and starting the shower. You brush your teeth first, not being able to stand the smell each time you breathe out of your mouth. Then you strip and get in the shower, taking your time washing your hair, conditioning, and lathering your body in the Capitol soaps before rinsing it down the drain.

When you’re done, you use the dryers to automatically take any trace of water off of your body. You take your time getting dressed, wanting every crease to be in the right spot. Your hair is silky smooth, allowing it to be easier to style in the mirror. You decide to do it half up and half down, not wanting to deal with it all day.

Once you’re done, you gather your belongings back into your bag, put on your socks and shoes, and then stop in front of your bedroom door to take a few breaths before you leave. 

You have to remind yourself that it’s Finnick. He’s not going to yell at you when you go out there. Hell, he didn’t even do that the night you broke up with him, he was defeated. He thought you were better than that, and this is you proving to him that you can be. You’re not the same person that you were.

There’s a good chance that he’s not going to say anything to you at all. You’ve seen him sit in silence when he could’ve said so much, before. He picks the battles that he knows are worth fighting. If he thinks that a friendship with you is worth it, then he’ll say something. And if he doesn’t, then you won’t push it. You were lucky enough that he even let you speak to him last night.

You leave the bedroom, the door whooshing open in front of you, and closing almost immediately after you’ve stepped out. You travel through several train cars to make it to the main one, where you’ll be leaving in about an hour and a half. You didn’t think you were in the shower for that long, but you must’ve been unintentionally procrastinating.

The moment you step foot into the train car, a pair of eyes are on you. You find Finnick on the couch by the television, watching the live broadcast of the arena right now. It’s on the final five, which means that the games should be over within the next couple of days.

Finnick offers a slight smile, before turning back to the screen. You have to grit your teeth and pinch the skin on your wrist when the butterflies swarm in your stomach. It’s not happening. There’s no chance in hell that Finnick will ever be vulnerable enough to date you again. He’s too smart for that, and you wouldn’t let him, either. He deserves better than that.

You place your bag by the door, before choosing a seat at the dining room table that’ll allow you to see the television. The avoxes move at once, walking away to retrieve the breakfast that you’re several hours late for. At this point, they might as well serve you lunch, but they’re not equipped for that, only breakfast.

Caesar Flickerman is currently talking about how the last four remaining careers decided to split up and take on the arena alone. Two days ago they killed both of your tributes, and last night they went their own ways. You want to be angry that they pulled such a move, but that just means they thought that your tributes would be a threat to them.

It’s a shame, though. You were really excited to have another victor.

The avoxes present french toast, with plenty of options of toppings. It’s all freshly made and cut, not wanting you to eat anything that might’ve gone could. You can imagine that the avoxes will be eating the scraps later, because that’s how they’re treated, despite doing the most work out of anyone.

You take your time eating, because you honestly don’t want to go and sit next to Finnick on the couch. You have a feeling he might make a comment on you watching the television from the dining room table. You wouldn’t put it past him, but then again, you’ve done worse to avoid him before.

Fortunately, the arena gets interesting about ten minutes later, when the girl from District One kills her partner, and then goes completely rogue, hunting down the last three tributes in the arena. She manages to come across the singular Nine girl’s trail, tracking her all the way to the river, where she doesn’t even hesitate to kill her.

The only two tributes left in the arena are the pair from Two.

The train slows down considerably, notifying the two of you that it’s time to go. You get up from the table, which the avoxes had cleaned a while ago, to lessen the load they’d have to do later on. Finnick doesn’t move from the couch, but you get to your feet to grab your bag and be in front of the door when it opens.

Right before he shuts the television off, the One girl has caught onto the trail of her former allies.

The train comes to a hard stop, one that you’ve grown used to over time. You don’t have to hold onto the wall anymore, all you do is position your feet a certain way. Finnick comes over as soon as the air lets out, and the doors slowly slide open, revealing a barren train station.

At the door, you and Finnick turn around to face the team of avoxes that await your goodbyes.

“Thank you for taking care of us.” You say, nodding your head at them.

“Thank you.” Finnick echoes behind you.

After that, the two of you step off of the train and onto the platform. The doors shut once again, and without waiting another second, it takes off in the direction you just came, leaving you here for another year. By then, you’ll have a different pair of tributes that the Capitol will take great pleasure in murdering.

You let out a breath, tucking your hair behind your ears before you go to head down the stairs and onto the dirt pathway that’ll take you back to town.

“(Y/n).” Finnick says, you stop where you stand. “Can we talk for a minute?”

“Yeah, sure.” You turn around to face him, and find that the guard he usually puts up while talking to you, is completely gone.

“I’m glad you showed up last night,” He starts, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I can’t forgive you just yet, though. What you did to me was unfair.”

“I know, Finnick.” You breathe, “And trust me, I am so, so sorry.”

“I can see it.” He says, “Maybe in the future I’ll be able to, but right now I’m not ready. I’ll learn to, if I have to, for the both of us. It won’t be anytime soon.”

“Thank you, Finnick.” You press your lips together.

He nods, ducking his head when he passes you to go down the train station stairs. You don’t follow after him, not right away. You watch him for a while, before you take a seat on the bench to let out a few tears before you face your family back in Victor’s Village.

You knew he wouldn’t forgive you right away, but that’s not why you’re crying. It's a relief—you’re relieved because he wants to fight for a friendship again. And that’s more than you could’ve ever imagined for.

[isonbeauty]

How to take care of your hair after Keratin Treatment

Introduction

You’ve just invested time and money in a keratin treatment, and you’re eager to flaunt your newfound, silky smooth hair. But hold your horses! The secret to long-lasting, luscious locks lies in proper aftercare. Let's dive into the world of post-keratin hair care, busting myths and providing expert tips to keep your hair looking its absolute best.

Understanding Keratin Treatments

Before we dive into aftercare, let's quickly recap what a keratin treatment actually does. Keratin is a protein naturally found in your hair, but over time, external factors like heat styling, pollution, and chemical treatments can deplete it. A keratin treatment replenishes this protein, smoothing the hair cuticle and reducing frizz.

Essential Wait Time for Keratin Hair

One of the most critical aspects of keratin treatment aftercare is the waiting period. This typically lasts 2-3 days, during which you should avoid:Water: This includes washing, swimming, or even getting caught in the rain. Heat styling: Say goodbye to your beloved curling iron and straightener for a few days. Hair ties or clips: These can create creases in your hair.

Washing Your Hair Post-Keratin

Once the waiting period is over, it's time to introduce your hair to its new washing routine.Sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates can strip the keratin from your hair, so opt for sulfate-free options. Cold water: Washing your hair with cold water helps to seal the cuticle and preserve the keratin treatment. Gentle washing: Avoid scrubbing your scalp vigorously. Instead, focus on massaging the shampoo into your hair.

Deep Conditioning

While keratin treatments add a protective layer, your hair still needs deep conditioning. Look for products specifically formulated for keratin-treated hair. These will help maintain moisture balance and prevent dryness.

Heat Styling

Heat styling can gradually break down the keratin treatment, so it's essential to use it sparingly. When you do style, always apply a heat protectant.

Smart Hair Tie and Accessory Picks

Opt for gentle hair ties like scrunchies or silk bands to avoid creating creases. Avoid metal hair clips as they can snag your hair.

Protect Your Hair While Swimming

Chlorine and saltwater can damage your keratin treatment. If you're planning a swim, wet your hair with clean water before entering the pool or ocean. This will help minimize the absorption of harmful chemicals.

Protect Your Hair from the Sun

Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun's harmful rays. Use hair products with SPF or wear a hat when spending extended periods outdoors.

Keep Hair Healthy with Regular Trims

Regular trims are essential for removing split ends and preventing breakage. This will help your hair look its best and maintain the benefits of the keratin treatment.

Professional Touch-Ups

To prolong the effects of your keratin treatment, consider getting professional touch-ups every 2-3 months.

Common Keratin Treatment Myths Debunked

Myth: Keratin treatments damage your hair. Fact: When done by a professional with high-quality products, keratin treatments can actually improve hair health by sealing the cuticle. Myth: You can't curl or style your hair after a keratin treatment. Fact: While it's best to avoid heat styling immediately after the treatment, you can curl or style your hair once it's fully dry. Myth: Keratin treatments are only for straight hair. Fact: Keratin treatments can be used on all hair types, from straight to curly.

FAQ

What is keratin treatment? A keratin treatment is a hair smoothing process that involves applying a keratin-based solution to the hair. Keratin is a natural protein found in hair, and the treatment aims to replenish and strengthen the hair's structure.

How long does a keratin treatment last? The results can last anywhere from 3 to 5 months, depending on hair type and aftercare.

Can I color my hair after a keratin treatment? It's best to wait a few weeks before coloring your hair to allow the keratin to fully bond.

Is keratin treatment safe for pregnant women? While some keratin treatments contain formaldehyde, there are formaldehyde-free options available. It's best to consult with your doctor before undergoing the treatment.

Is keratin treatment good for hair? Keratin treatment can be beneficial for many hair types, especially those prone to frizz or damage. It can smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and add shine. However, it's essential to choose a reputable salon and opt for formaldehyde-free products to minimize potential risks.

Does keratin treatment straighten hair? While keratin treatments can significantly reduce frizz and create a smoother appearance, they don't necessarily result in completely straight hair. The degree of straightening depends on your hair's natural texture and the specific keratin treatment used. Some treatments offer more straightening power than others.

Conclusion

Investing in a keratin treatment is a fantastic way to achieve smoother, healthier hair. By following these aftercare tips, you can extend the life of your treatment and enjoy beautiful hair for months to come. Remember, consistency is key! For more information on our hair care products, visit our products page.

[florafinessesbeauty]

Transform Your Self-Care Routine with DIY Ideas from Florafinessesbeauty YouTube Channel

Introduction to Florafinessesbeauty YouTube Channel

Florafinessesbeauty YouTube Channel is your go-to online spot for elevating your self-care routine without breaking the bank. It's a treasure trove of DIY beauty and wellness ideas that are easy to follow and even better to implement. From homemade face masks using ingredients you can find in your kitchen to self-made soothing bath bombs for that luxe bathing experience, this channel covers it all. The person behind Florafinessesbeauty has a knack for making everything look simple, breaking down seemingly complex beauty rituals into manageable, easy-to-follow steps. Whether you're looking to pamper your skin, upgrade your haircare routine, or find natural alternatives to your beauty essentials, Florafinessesbeauty has you covered. The best part? It's all about using what you have, focusing on natural ingredients, and emphasizing the importance of self-care as a form of self-love and wellness. So, if you're curious about transforming your self-care routine with a DIY twist, diving into the content of the Florafinessesbeauty YouTube Channel is a great start.

The essence of self-care and why it matters

Self-care isn't just about pampering yourself; it's about taking care of your overall well-being. It's making sure you are mentally, physically, and emotionally balanced. Think of it like this: if you don't take care of your car, it won't run properly. The same goes for you. If you ignore your needs, you won't function at your best. The essence of self-care is recognizing that you're important and that your health and happiness matter. It's about giving yourself permission to take time for activities that nourish you. Whether it's a skincare routine, a hobby that relaxes you, or just quiet time to reflect, every bit counts. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it's necessary. So, embrace it with the help of simple DIY ideas and make it a staple in your life.

Top DIY skincare recipes from Florafinessesbeauty

Florafinessesbeauty YouTube channel is your go-to spot for easy, effective DIY skincare recipes. Tired of spending heaps on commercial products? Their channel has got you covered. Let’s dive into some of their top recipes. First up, we have theHoney Lemon Face Mask. All you need is a tablespoon of natural honey and a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Mix it, apply on your face for 15 minutes, and rinse. It's perfect for a glowing complexion. Next, is theCoffee Scrub. Combine ground coffee, brown sugar, and coconut oil. This scrub not only smells amazing but also exfoliates your skin, leaving it silky smooth. Lastly, theOatmeal Calming Mask. Just blend oatmeal, yogurt, and honey. This mix soothes and moisturizes, especially great for sensitive or irritated skin. Florafinessesbeauty makes DIY skincare easy and accessible. Give these recipes a try for some self-care that doesn’t break the bank.

Innovative hair care tips and tricks

Florafinessesbeauty on YouTube is your go-to for shaking up your hair care routine. They keep it simple but effective. For starters, they champion the use of natural oils. Coconut, almond, and argan oil aren't just buzzwords; they're scalp and hair game-changers. A gentle massage with warm oil can hydrate your hair, leading to stronger, shinier locks. Next, they're all about ditching harsh chemicals. Homemade masks come into play here. Ingredients like avocado, honey, and egg can nourish your hair beyond what you thought possible. And guess what? They believe in the power of not overwashing. Yep, too much shampooing can strip away natural oils. They suggest listening to your hair's needs and adjusting. Finally, DIY doesn't mean go it alone. They encourage a community approach, sharing successes and flops. It's all about finding what works for you, making your hair care routine as unique as you are.

Easy and effective DIY makeup tutorials

Florafinessesbeauty on YouTube is a goldmine for anyone looking to up their makeup game without breaking the bank. The channel thrives on easy-to-follow DIY makeup tutorials that cater to both beginners and the more experienced. One popular video teaches viewers how to achieve a flawless base using products you likely already have at home. Another fan favorite shows how to turn everyday items into effective makeup tools. What stands out is the emphasis on using simple techniques to create looks that can range from day-to-day natural to evening glamour. The cost-saving tips sprinkled throughout each tutorial are a bonus, making beauty accessible to all. Dive into Florafinessesbeauty, and you'll find yourself mastering the art of DIY makeup in no time.

Relaxation techniques and mental wellness

Florafinessesbeauty isn't just about outer beauty; it dives deep into boosting your mental wellness through simple relaxation techniques. Let's get right to it. First off, meditation is a big deal on the channel. Short, guided sessions can help calm your mind, pushing stress away. It's like telling your worries, "Not today." Then, there's the art of aromatherapy. Imagine lighting a scented candle or diffusing essential oils; lavender or chamomile scents are champions at easing stress. Breathing exercises come next. Inhale deeply, hold it, and then slowly exhale. Doing this for a few minutes can seriously lower your stress levels. Florafinessesbeauty encourages journaling too. Pouring your thoughts onto paper can be liberating and help clear your mind. Lastly, what about a DIY spa day? From homemade face masks to simple soaking salts for your bath, creating an at-home spa experience is a top tip for unwinding. So, swing by the channel, grab some ideas, and start transforming your self-care routine into a sanctuary of calm and wellness.

DIY body care for ultimate pampering

Florafinessesbeauty on YouTube is your go-to guide for turning your self-care routine into a luxurious spa experience right at home. It's all about embracing DIY body care for that ultimate pampering session. Ditch the expensive spa visits and start with simple ingredients you probably already have.Coffee grounds can be your new best friend, aiming to soften and brighten your skin through a homemade scrub. Mix them withcoconut oil for added moisturization. Then there's the all-naturaloatmeal bath – perfect for soothing irritated skin with just a handful of oats and warm water. And let's not forget aboutface masks made from kitchen staples like honey and yogurt, aimed at nourishing and revitalizing your complexion. The channel emphasizes using these everyday items not just for their ease of access, but because they're often packed with the same beneficial properties as high-end products, without the hefty price tag. Dive into Florafinessesbeauty's DIY tutorials, and you'll not only treat your body right but also discover the joy and simplicity in crafting your pampering essentials.

Incorporating nature into your routine with Florafinessesbeauty

Florafinessesbeauty on YouTube is your go-to for bringing the outdoors inside. Think simple, natural ingredients for your skin and hair. Imagine replacing store-bought products with ones you make from what's in your kitchen or garden. Lemons, honey, aloe vera - these aren't just for your tea or salad; they're skincare heroes. Florafinessesbeauty shows you how. Mix honey with coffee grounds for an exfoliating face scrub. Aloe vera? Perfect for a soothing mask. The idea is not about being fancy; it's about being smart with what nature offers. And the best part? It's kind to your wallet and the earth. By following these DIY tips, you're not just caring for yourself; you're embracing a lifestyle that values simplicity, sustainability, and natural wellbeing.

Building a self-care kit with recommendations from the channel

First up, building a self-care kit is a game-changer. The folks over at Florafinessesbeauty YouTube channel are all about empowering us to take care of ourselves without breaking the bank. They know the importance of feeling good inside and out. So, what goes into a self-care kit? Think of it as putting together a toolbox but for your well-being.

Start with some basics for skin care. Florafinessesbeauty suggests homemade masks and natural moisturizers. They often share recipes using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Next, add in some mental wellness tools. This could be a journal for daily reflections or a list of meditation apps they've reviewed. Don't forget about physical health. Maybe a yoga mat for those morning stretches or a jump rope for quick cardio.

The beauty of this DIY approach? It's tailored by you, for you. Florafinessesbeauty encourages using items that speak to you personally. If a certain scented candle calms your mind, throw it in the kit. Love a particular tea for unwinding? Add that too.

Remember, this kit isn't static. As your needs change, so can your kit. Florafinessesbeauty's continuous flow of ideas means there's always something new to try. Building this self-care kit isn't just about the items; it's about setting up a practice of taking time for yourself. And that's a routine worth investing in.

How to stay motivated and consistent in your self-care journey

Staying motivated and consistent in your self-care journey might seem tough, but it's doable with the right mindset and tricks. Start by setting realistic goals. Don't aim to mimic a two-hour morning routine you saw online if you can barely spare 30 minutes. Keep it simple. Maybe start with a 5-minute meditation or a quick skincare routine. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Did you drink more water today? That’s a win. Connect with a community, like the followers of Florafinessesbeauty. Sharing your progress and seeing others succeed can boost your spirits. Mix it up to keep it fresh. Bored of your current routine? Florafinessesbeauty has tons of DIY ideas to try something new. Lastly, remember why you started. Self-care is not just about looking good but feeling good and taking care of your well-being. Keep these points in mind, and watch your self-care routine transform into a habit you look forward to.

[cosmosalon]

Achieve Silky, Shiny Locks: Premium Keratin Therapy at Lahore's Finest Hair Studio

Are you dreaming of sleek, smooth, and manageable hair that's not just a mere reflection of health but a statement of style and elegance? Look no further, as today we delve into the world of keratin treatments and guide you to the finest establishments for hair care—specifically, the best salon in Lahore.

What is a Keratin Treatment? Keratin treatments are a revolutionary process that transforms frizzy, difficult-to-manage hair into straight, glossy, and smooth tresses. Keratin is a protein found naturally in your hair, which the treatment replenishes, resulting in nourished and repaired hair strands. This smoothing remedy coats the outer layer of the hair, sealing in moisture and eliminating frizz.

The Benefits of a Professional Keratin Treatment Before heading to the nearest salon, let's explore the advantages of seeking a professional keratin treatment:

Frizz-Free Living: Say goodbye to uncontrollable hair, regardless of humidity. Ease of Styling: Hair becomes more manageable, saving you valuable time during your morning routine. Enhanced Hair Texture: Enjoy softer and shinier hair. Long-Lasting Results: Effects can last up to six months with proper care.

Choosing the Best Salon in Lahore for Your Keratin Treatment When considering a keratin treatment, it's imperative to select a salon that stands out for its exemplary services and customer satisfaction. The best salon in Lahore should boast the following features:

Expert Stylists: Professionals with extensive training in keratin treatments. High-Quality Products: Salons should use premium, salon-grade keratin formulations. Health and Safety Compliance: Proper ventilation and safety measures to ensure a comfortable experience. Customization: Tailoring the treatment to suit your unique hair type and needs. Positive Testimonials: Glowing reviews and before-and-after photos from satisfied clients.

Integration of the Keratin Treatment Experience Embarking on a keratin treatment journey isn't merely about stepping into any salon; it's about choosing a destination that parallels a sanctuary for haircare. Consider this: before booking your appointment, ensure the establishment's reputation aligns with what you envision as the best salon in Lahore, where the transformation of your locks is guaranteed to be in skilled hands.

Post-Treatment Care Once your treatment is complete, extend the life of your keratinized hair:

Use the Right Products: Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are a must. Avoid Salt Water: Sea bathing can shorten the lifespan of your treatment. Reduce Heat Styling: Let your hair dry naturally or use heat protection when styling.

Conclusion In Lahore and beyond, the pursuit of flawless hair leads to keratin treatments. But remember, the key to unlocking the full potential of this hair therapy lies within the walls of the best salon in Lahore. A place where expertise meets luxury and your hair’s transformation is not just a promise, but a celebration of beauty—in its smoothest, most radiant form.

For those ready to embrace the metamorphosis, embark on this hair journey with confidence. Seek out the crème de la crème of Lahore's salons and prepare to turn heads with your stunningly sleek and smooth hair. After all, isn't it time your hair reflected the true, poised, and dynamic individual you are?

[muiltifandomnerd]

Adventures of Chika Hanabusa: The Restoration of Earth

Disclaimer: This book follows the events of Percy Jackson and Heros of Olympus fanfic, this fanfic will not include Trails of Apollo, The Kane Chronicles, and Magnus Chase.

Chapter 17:First Day of School

Reyna PoV

I woke up in my slumber and I looked at how my hair was tangled mess. The birds are chirping while the mourning is out. I must look presentable, so I quickly get out of bed and go into the shower of the guest bathroom. I took off my sleepwear off my body and turned on the shower. The hot water was very relaxing on my body while I scrubbed my body with soap. I put on a combination of shampoo and conditioner on my hair, so my hair is all smooth and silky. Once I’m done with the shower, I put some eyeliner and makeup on and brush my teeth. I dried my body with a trowel, and I decided to put on a purple knee-length dress that had a black striped pattern. I decided to put on a simple ponytail and black flats. I got out of the guest room and moved to the dining room, and I saw that breakfast had been prepared which was just scrambled eggs and toast. I saw Chika come out of her room and she was wearing short shorts with a floral design shirt along with green sneakers. She looks very surprised with what I'm wearing, and her face suddenly goes red, I do find it amusing that she acts like this around me. I do hope that I didn’t frighten her with my attire.

"You look very nice Reyna, I never expected that you are into feminine stuff," Chika says while she hides her face in her palms.

"I wanted to look presentable for school, is it not our duty to not look our best for our education? After all, we are the next generation." I say with urgency.

"Well not that nice, but then again you can make everything look nice since you are a very attractive woman," Chika says with an upbeat tone while I look shocked. Not many campers back in New Rome ever dare to compliment my physical attributes but it is greatly appreciated by a good friend.

"Thank you for your opinions, and I am surprised with your attire as well. You usually wear floral dresses and skirts a lot. I guess it seems we are switching attires for today." I say with a playful tone, I can be funny. Tsk Jason and Octavian have claimed that my humor skills are lacking.

“Did you just make a joke?” Chika asks back with the same playful tone.

"Yes, I did, I have crafted a well-thought-out joke," I say with pride and Chika shows a warm smile at me. I never knew that Chika had a nice smile, I wish I could see it more often. I worry if I take her for granted, I must pay her back and make her feel appreciated as a friend for it is my duty.

“I’m assuming your father is working on a farm. You might need to finish your breakfast quickly" I say authoritatively. Chika looked at the food and quickly got seated and we were both together at peace, without worry of Death and of monsters lurking in the shadows. We both clean our plates once we have finished the meal, and we head to the bus. The bus is a bit loud, but Chika and I share a seat. The boys kept staring at me and I shot them a glare and they proceeded to look elsewhere.

“I want to ask you something, what did your mom discuss with you on yesterday?” I asked and Chika started looking on the ground and she put her hand on her shoulder nervously.

.

"It's mostly about the whole having the Earth's consciousness inside me. The good news is that she will not bother me for a month." She did a small laugh while rubbing the back of her hair.

“Don’t be afraid to seek comfort from me, we are friends after all. It is terrible that you must bear this burden with sharing the greatest enemy of Olympus.” Chika looked very grateful for what I said and just hugged me out of nowhere. Usually, there are not many people that I let be physically affectionate with me, but I don’t mind her touch. I lend her my strength as she hugs me, she will need it if she must fight the Earth Mother herself.

"I feel a bit stronger than usual, thanks Reyna. I need it." The bus stops at a school building that is named Oakwood High School and there were a lot of students getting off the bus. It does have some paint jobs of white and green colors that are a bit uninspiring, and it keeps showing paintings of oak trees all around the school walls. Chika and I walk towards the main office with a middle-aged blond lady.

“You must be Reyna Avila Ramirez-Arellano, welcome to our school. Here is your schedule for this time being” The middle-aged blond lady gives me the piece of paper that had all of my classes listed:

Period 1: US History (7:30-8:30 am)

Period 2: US Government (8:30- 10:30 am)

Period 3: Lunch (10:45-11:30 am)

Period 4: English (11:45- 1:30 am)

"The good news is that you don't have to take a lot of credits and this is your senior year, It seems that the classes you took in the previous school have transferred successfully, enjoy your last semester of high school." I nodded and Chika at my schedule as we left the office.

"We only have lunch and English together," Chika says.

“It seems that way, speaking of lunch do you have that covered?” I asked with concern, I have heard from many campers that school lunches are inedible.

"Yeah, my mother lent me some leftovers from yesterday. We should be fine if it's just us that are eating together." I chuckle, it seems I have avoided eating garbage for now.

Chika and I went our separate ways, and I found my US history teacher. He was a 30-year-old blond man with blue eyes, he kind of looked like an older version of Jason. What a coincidence, I guess. He was wearing a flannel shirt with a name tag that said Jake Timberlake with black jeans.

All the students came in and were seated at desks. The teacher gave a lecture about the Great Depression for an hour and gave us worksheets that had questions about the Great Depression. I finished it in about 5 minutes while it took everybody else some time and I gave it to the teacher. He seemed proud that I finished before everybody else, and I went to my next period, which was the US government. There is a balding guy who wears a solemn expression, and he wears a name tag that is named Stannis Lockwood. He was wearing a grey dress shirt with jeans. He went over a lecture about the judicial branch and how supreme judges get elected. It is fascinating to know about the judges and why the judicial branch works, sort of like how New Rome has judges that judge the gravity of the crime and pass their sentence.

After everybody leaves the class, the teacher calls me over while everybody else leaves.

“I suppose you are a new student, welcome to my class Ms. Ramirez-Arellano.” Mr. Lockwood says in a serious tone.

“Thank you, your class was enjoyable. I’m very curious about the other branches of the government.”

"I can tell you were paying attention; I'm looking forward to teaching you. Especially the Praetor of New Rome. Look many demigods are teachers including myself. My name Is Stannis Lockwood and I'm the son of Dike, goddess of justice. Now then I want to make sure that you are safe since you are wrong and the Praetor. Don't hesitate if you suspect a monster in this building or that you may need more assistance with this material." Stannis bows before me as if I’m some goddess.

"You don't need to bow to me, I'm just a normal student as of now. I'm glad that you survived through childhood to even be this school's teacher. You should feel proud of this achievement." We both shook hands. It is nice to know that some successful demigods manage to escape Death and now I feel a bit safer that we have help.

I walk to the cafeteria, and I sit next to Chika, there will be many girls who sit around her too. One is a stocky African American girl, another is a blond-haired girl who wearing t t-shirt and biker shorts, and the other is a girl with red hair and freckles.

“Hello everybody this is Reyna; she is my new friend from camp. She’s very cool.” Chika says in excitement while everybody says hello at the same time.

“My name is Aisha, and we could use a new member for the cheer squad since one of us is injured at the moment.” The stocky black girl says while the blond girl looks on in curiosity.

“ My name is Leia and we would love for you to join the volleyball team, you seem very athletic with how toned your arm is. Joining the cheer team will just be a waste of time for you.” The blond girl Leia says.

"My name is Camilla and it's nice that Chika made a new friend. Any friend of hers is a friend of ours." Carmilla holds out her hand and we shake on it. Leia and Aisha have an intense staring contest.

“Look girls I will make my decisions tomorrow, but thanks for the offer.” The girls finally stop staring at each other and Chika gives me some cornbread and chicken to consume. We all eat our lunch while Aisha talks about a new movie called Oppenheimer that is coming out next month. Who would have thought that the scientist who caused the creation of nukes would get his movie? The lunch period was over, and Chika and I moved towards English. The teacher is a blond hair woman with green eyes and she looks to be in her late twenties. She's wearing a pencil skirt and a green top with the name tag saying Sandra Dreyfus and she's passing out a book titled Frankenstein. What's with English teachers making us read outdated books?

“Miss Arellano, can you tell me the themes of the book.” The blond teacher stares at me and Chika looks on nervously on what my response is.

“It’s about how we shouldn’t try to mess with natural forces that we do not understand and how we shouldn't judge others based on appearances," I responded and the teacher looked very impressed.

“That is precisely correct Ramierz-Arellano, this is your first day of class and you process the material very well. Good job.” Chika sighs in relief while I still read the page. This story is tragic, the monster reminds me of Nico. How everybody was afraid of him and how he never asked for the burden of being a son of Hades and even Chika for bearer of Gaia and being a daughter of Demeter. I'm worried that if the other demigods know the truth about Chika, then she will get hunted down by vengeful demigods like how the monster is hunted by civilians. I did have to hear every student reading a page of the book as the instructor requested and it felt like forever, but the bus rang. Chika and I left the classroom, and we went outside to find the bus. We got on the bus, and we shared the same seat.

“I’m curious about why the teacher made us read the book, do you think it has a deeper meaning?" Chika looked down as she was thinking about the answer. Her brown eyes show worry, and she lays her back on the bus seat.

“Honestly you can relate the creature to our struggles as a demigod and the scientist as the gods. Like a lot of us are always hunted down for who we are and how each of us must bear the burden. You with being Praetor, Hyun with betraying camp for the sake of her boyfriend, and me with the Earth. I hope we don’t have the creature ending.”

“I hope so too. The important thing is that we have each other and are not alone.” Chika smiled warmly again while the sunlight reflected on the bus window and the worries were wiped off her face. All I can do is lend Chika my strength and be there for her, she will need my assistance for future hardships. Gaia might try to corrupt her, and I won’t let Gaia, or anyone steal her smile. I will protect her even from other demigods as well, I will not abandon her. That is the promise that I think to myself.

[belladoesmakeup]

Hi guys,

If you have been following my blog for a long time you'll know I tend to colour my hair a lot and I have finally decided to go back to brunette instead of keeping my burgundy hair colour. Since I've been colouring my hair since I was 16 I always prioritise my hair care routine and using hydrating products to keep my hair in a decent condition. As you can imagine dying your hair that long tends to dry your hair out but luckily I have found products to make my hair look more healthy and I want to share them with you today.

This range is designed for people with damaged and dehydrated hair which I think happens to the best of us when you've coloured your hair for a while. The first 2 products from the collection I picked up were the L'Oreal Paris Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Shampoo & Conditioner (with Hyaluronic Acid for Dry Hair £5-7). Both these products are infused with Hyaluronic Acid which weightlessly coats hair to keep it feeling hydrated for up to 72 hours. It honestly transformers your hair giving it volume, shine and taking the dullness away. I've been using these for a couple weeks now and it has made my hair look so healthy and in a much better condition than before by far.

Next up I picked up the L'Oreal Paris Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Hair Mask with Hyaluronic Acid , £7.99. This Hyaluronic hair mask is a great conditioning treatment to help boost & lift hair to add volume, body & shine. Nourishing and conditioning stressed, damaged hair. Products like these are amazing for dry, damaged hair because they honestly give your hair a real hydration boost. Typically I'll use a mask once or twice in a 2 week period.

Lastly I picked up the L'Oréal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Acid 8 Second Wonder Water, £11.99. I love the 8 Second Wonder Water anyway but when I saw a new version in this collection I knew I had to get it. If you have never tried the 8 Sec Wonder let me give you the official description "The ultra-lightweight, silicone-free formula is powered by breakthrough Lamellar Water Technology and infused with a shot of Hyaluronic Acid. It forms a film of care around the fibre to smooth hair and maintain a healthy look. Hair is visibly transformed with an instant and intense feeling of hydration, a glassy shine, and a silky touch. It works wonders in just 8 seconds." I have been using this product for a long time and I honestly think it has saved the ends of my hair because my hair doesn't break as easily now which is amazing in itself.

I love this range and honestly if like me your hair needs some loving you should really try this range out. As always all products mentioned in my blog post are linked above!

Lots of love

Bella x x

[imreadydollparts]

Drugstore Brand Conditioner Test Part 1

So, I got the bright idea to grab one of every travel size conditioner Walmart had to offer and test them out, because I am currently out of conditioner and there’s another big box of ponies on the way.

The Suave I was using worked well enough but I know there are products out there that will do a better job of retexturing synthetic hair. I really just liked the scent.

I got these:

And assigned each a pony with hair that had been cleaned with the same soap.

Then I slathered them in conditioner and waited a while. Not overnight like I usually would, because I’m impatient and it really doesn’t take that long.

After that I rinsed everyone out and took some notes.

My prediction was that the Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine and the Pantene Daily Moisture would do the best, while the Dove MEN + Care would do literally nothing because it wasn’t being let to sit on the hair since it’s a 2-in-1 soap and conditioner.

This is NOT a perfect test because these ponies all started with different hair textures. There’s nothing I could do about that.

Notes:

my comments about the scent in this post refer to hair that is STILL WET

a 10 would be factory fresh hair

ALL products shown here were very easy to rinse out

Starting left to right:

Pantene Moisture Miracle Boost on Cotton Candy

Cotton Candy’s hair feels kind of waxy, though it kind of did before. Because of that I’m redoing that trial on a Skyflier. She’s not ready at this time, but will be when I go back and do the dry hair touch tests.

The lingering scent is light and more perfume like than conditioner like. There’s a hint of musk.

It grabbed the comb a little, which may be the conditioner and may be her hair. Again, I’ll see how Skyflier’s hair fares.

?/10

Herbal Essences Smooth Rose Hips Conditioner on Parasol

Parasol’s hair is improved, but still feels a little bit dry. Better but not great.

The scent is a little stronger than some of the others, but it’s a non-powdery, light floral which I appreciate. I prefer fruit scented products, personally.

Her hair slid through the tines of the comb well.

5/10

TRESemme Rich Moisture on Best Wishes

Her hair is better, but still much drier than I could be satisfied with.

Lingering scent is light and pleasant.

Very smooth when combed.

4/10

OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk on Sundae Best Sherbet

Improved hair texture, but still rather dry. Better but not better enough.

Strong coconut scent. This pony can be smelled at a comfortable holding distance (like if you were playing with her) where the others you need to be closer.

Her hair grabbed the comb a little bit. Neither smooth nor grippy enough to make it difficult.

4/10

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture on Lemon Drop

Decently coated strands that have a much improved, silky feel, but not as much as I expected.

Scent does linger, but is not overwhelming.

Combed perfectly. No grabbing the tines of the comb.

6/10

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine on Medley

The best of the bunch as expected thanks to it’s reputation for leaving residue on hair (bad for real hair, exactly what you want for synthetics), though it does get the same rating as Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture.

Scent is faint.

Combed perfectly.

6/10

Dove Men + Care 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner on Seashell

A surprisingly noticeable improvement to the hair’s texture, however negligible. I could feel that it was better than it had been, but it was still rather bad almost like nothing had been done to it.

Granted, this product was not left to sit on the hair like the others because this is a soap. I figured why not try it just to see, right?

Seashell reeks of old man smell, now. No thank you.

Combs horribly. The strands clung the the tines of my comb and it was like combing straw.

2/10

-

There will be a follow up after their hair has dried and once I can get Skyflier caught up with the Miracle Moisture Boost.

[merrybrides]

5 STEPS TO GET GORGEOUS GLOSSY HAIR FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

Everyone wants gorgeous glossy hair on their wedding day right? Preparation for beautiful bridal hair should start months before the big day.  Aim to start a consistent haircare routine at least three months before the big day, or longer if you have thinning hair. With regular conditioning, overnight oil treatments and a break from heat tools, you can transform your hair to its best possible condition.

1. Oil is your friend

Oil is an essential feature for soft and supple hair. Use natural oils like coconut or almond before you shampoo like a pre-treatment. Set aside time once a week for an overnight treatment, applying oil to your scalp and massaging with fingertips using a circular motion. Apply the remaining oil on your palms to the lengths of your hair. Cover with a towel or shower cap and leave on overnight. The next day, shampoo hair, rinse thoroughly and condition as normal. 

2. Double up on shampoo

I always advise people to have two shampoos in their shower. One for their specific hair type (for colored or highlighted hair for example) plus a regular shampoo for frequent use. Switching between the two ensures that the hair remains glossy and shiny because the hair doesn’t get used to one shampoo, which can cause over cleansing. Using two shampoos also helps to keep your hair at its correct ph balance, which creates beautifully shiny locks.

3. Use a deep conditioning treatment

Shampoo your hair and towel dry, then blow dry to take excess water out. When your hair is about three quarters dry, apply a handful of your favorite conditioner or hair mask to your hair and scalp, massaging it in well (if you have fine and a greasy scalp, just concentrate on the mid lengths and ends). Wrap a soft cotton towel around your hair to keep it warm and leave on for 15-25 minutes. Now rinse off the conditioner and dry hair with low heat, or naturally in the sun.

4. Consider a keratin treatment

If you favor silky straight hair but find that you are prone to frizz, a keratin treatment might be for you. Also known as a keratin blow dry or Brazilian blow dry, it's one of the most effective smoothing treatments for boosting shine and manageability in frizz-prone hair – leaving it sleek and straight. However, proceed with caution and ensure you have a professional consultation if you're thinking about this treatment. It's generally not advised for blonde, highly processed hair.

5. Give your hair a break

If you frequently use hot tool appliances like straightening irons and wands, stop for a while to give your hair time to recover from all this heat damage. Over heating leads to dull hair and breakage to follicles and hair shaft. If you must use these tools, be sure to use a thermal protector spray and keep heat at about 160-190°C.