#but apparently today is the day i don't have the willpower to not

[unforth]

Danmei and Baihe C Novels and Manhua Officially Licensed in English

Things are getting licensed fast enough that keeping a list like this up-to-date is basically impossible, but I saw someone asking in the tags so I figured I'd try. All titles are danmei unless otherwise noted (very little baihe is licensed so far). I've included Chinese titles and linked novelupdates for each title when I was able to find them, but sometimes publishers change the original titles so much that I can't track them down, apologies.

Basically: this is everything I know of as of April 12, 2024. There might be more. I tried.

For the latest danmei news, Danmeinews.com is a great resources.

Note that some of this information was sourced from this Carrd, last updated in March 2023.

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Seven Seas:

The full list of danmei novels licensed by Seven Seas is here. The full list of danmei manhua licensed by Seven Seas is here.

These titles are in various stages of publication, from "entire series released" to "license literally announced less than a week ago." As far as I know, all Seven Seas titles are available world-wide, through major distributors and libraries, and in e-book and print formats.

Mo Xiang Tong Xiu titles:

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System (Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong).

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Mo Dao Zu Shi)

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Mo Dao Zu Shi) manhua

Heaven Official's Blessing (Tian Guan Ci Fu)

Meatbun Doesn't Eat Meat titles:

Case File Compendium (Bing an Ben)

The Husky and His White Cat Shizun (Erha he Ta de Bai Mao Shizun)

Remnants of Filth (Yuwu)

Meng Xi Shi titles:

Thousand Autumns (Qian Qiu)

Peerless (Wushuang)

priest titles:

Guardian (Zhenhun)

Stars of Chaos (Sha Po Lang)

Other titles:

Ballad of Sword and Wine (Qiang Jin Jiu) by Tang Jiuqing

I Ship My Rival x Me (Wo Kele Duijia x Wo de CP) manhua by PEPA

Run Wild (Saye) by Wu Zhe

The Disabled Tyrant's Beloved Pet Fish (Canji Baojun de Zhangxin Yu Chong) by Xue Shan Fei Hu

You've Got Mail: The Perils of Pigeon Post (Fei Ge Jiao You Xu Jin Shen) by Blackegg

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Rosmei:

Rosmei licenses are Singapore distribution rights only. There is a list of international partners organizing group orders here. I've personally placed my orders through Yiggybean, as discussed in reply to this ask.

These titles are only being released as print editions.

Eta: titles that weren't originally on JJWXC (of which there are several here) WILL have e-book editions.

Ning Yuan titles:

BAIHE: At the World's Mercy by Ning Yuan

BAIHE (I think???) The Creator's Grace by Ning Yuan

priest titles:

Coins of Destiny (Liu Yao)

The Defectives (Can Ci Pin)

Drowning Sorrows in Raging Fire (Lie Huo Jiao Chou)

Other titles:

Albert from Earth by Jie Mo Jun

The Bat (Bian Fu) by Feng Nong

Breaking Through the Clouds (Po Yun) by Huai Shang

Don't You Like Me (Ni Shi Bushi Xihuan Wo) by Lv Tian Yi

The Earth is Online (Diqiu Shangxian) by Mo Chen Huan

Everyone Loves the Cannon Fodder (Chuan Cheng Wan Ren Mi de Paohui Zhuma) by Qie Zai Shan Yang

Global Examination (Qianqiu Gao Kao) by Mu Su Li

Gold Class Enforcers (Jinpai Dashou) by Pao Pao Xue Er

How to Survive as a Villain (Chuanyue Cheng Fanpai Yao Ruhe Huming) by Yi Yi Yi Yi

Kaleidoscope of Death (Siwang Wanhuatong) by Xi Zi Xu

The Killer of Killers (Sha Qing) by Wu Yi

Nan Chan by Tang Jiuqing

Obsessed (Ki Ma) by Wu Chen Shui

Wine and Gun (Jiu yu Qiang) by Mengye Mengye

Wow, You Guys are Really Good at Gaming (Nimen Nansheng Da Youxi Hao Lihai O~) by Yi Xiu Luo

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Peach Flower House:

Peach Flower House titles are primarily for sale through their website and through some distributors, such as Amazon.com. Whether titles are e-book only, print only, or both varies by title.

Da Feng Gua Guo:

The Imperial Uncle (Huang Shu)

Peach Blossom Debt (Taohua Zhai)

Other Titles:

Golden Terrace (Huang Jin Tai) by Cang Wu Bin Bai

In the Dark (Zai Hei An Zhong) by Jin Shisi Chai

Little Mushroom (Xiao Mogu) by Shisi

University of the Underworld by Ziloi

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Via Lactea:

The full list of danmei novels licensed by Via Lactea is here.

Via Lactea titles are primarily for sale through their website and through some distributors, such as Amazon.com. All titles are either print-only or e-book + print. Only a handful have actually been released, the rest are licensed and presumably in progress.

Jing Shui Bian titles:

Salad Days (Jing Jiu)

Silent Hearts (Mo Mai)

Other Titles:

Dawning (Liming Zhihou) by ICE

Euthanasia by Feng Su Jun

Falling (Luo Chi) by Yu Cheng

Psycho (Feng Zi) by Xiao Yao Zi

Limerence (Wo Xichen Ni Nan Pengyou Henjiule) by Jiang Zi Bei

Lip and Sword (Chun Qiang) by Jin Shisi Chai

The Missing Piece (Maoheshenli) by Kun Yi Wei Lou

Raising Myself in 2006 by Qing Lv

Rose and Renaissance (Wo Zhi Xihuan Ni de Renshe [Yule Quan]) by Zhi Chu

Killing Show (Sha Lu Xiu) by Fox

Soul Vibration (Linghun Saodong) by Dr.solo

To Rule in a Turbulent World (Luan Shi Wei Wang) by Gu Xuerou

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Monogatari Novels:

It is unclear to me if Monogatari Novel titles are available for world-wide distribution, but there are group orders being organized or I think they can be ordered directly from their webpage; they are based in Spain. These titles can also be ordered from at least some major retailers. Note that there has been some controversy about Monogatari Novels.

BAIHE: A Clear and Muddy Loss of Love (Jing Wei Qing Shang) by Please Don't Laugh

BAIHE: Female General and Eldest Princess (NuJiangjun he Zhang Gongzhu) by Please Don't Laugh

How to Survive as a Villain (Chuan Yue Cheng Fanpai Yao Ru He Huo Ming) manhua by Yi Yi Yi Yi

The Legendary Master's Wife (Chuanshuo Zhi Zhu de Furen) by Yin Ya

The Silent Concubine (Ya Nu) by Qiang Tang

BAIHE: Soulmate manhua by Wenzhi Lizi

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Aloha Comics:

A tiny, Hawaii-based press focusing on manhua. Titles appear to primarily be available through Diamond Comics. There are also pre-orders on Yiggybean. All of these are pre-orders, though the earliest are coming out by the end of April 2024 (about two weeks after when I'm posting this).

All these titles are manhua!

Day Off by Qing Cai

Here U Are by DJUN

Link Click by Li Haoling and Haoliners (not technically danmei!)

Nirvana in Fire (Lang Ya Bang) by Hai Yan (not technically danmei!)

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Chaleuria:

As far as I can tell, Chaleuria has not updated their webpage since April 2023, so the current status of in-progress titles is unknown. All titles are digital and/or e-book, and I'm not sure how to purchase them as I haven't tried.

Complete Guide to the Use and Care of a Personal Assistant (Zhuli Shiyong Zhinan) by Why Radiance

Deep in the Act (Ru Xi) by Tongzi

Fake Slackers (Wei Zhuang Xue Zha) by Mu Gua Huang (no longer available)

From Body to Love (Leng Yan E Nan: Xian Shenhou Ai) by Wan Wan Yi Xia

Interstellar Power Couple (Xingji Qiangli Lianyin) by Kun Cheng Xiongmao (no longer available)

Intoxicated Friends (Zui Qing Zhi Pengyou) by Ye Shu Ying

The Long Chase for the President's Spouse (Zongcai Zhui Fu Lu Manman) by Three Thousand Crow Language

Reborn into a Hamster for 233 Days (Chong Shengcheng Cangshu de 233 Tian) by Yi Shu

Records of the Dragon Follower (Cong Long Ji) by Yueren Ge

Urban Tales of Demons and Spirits (Dushi Yaogui Lu) by Qie Er

World Hopping: Avenge Our Love (Ni Wufa Yuliao de Fenshou, Wo Du Neng Gei Ni Song Shang) by Xiaomao Bu Ai Jiao (no longer available)

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Honorable Mentions:

There are a handful of titles I know of that are official translations of C Novels, where the C Novels aren't danmei or baihe but are often treated as adjacent within fandom (as in: I've seen people shipping characters from them, lol). I've included two above under the entry for titles from Aloha Comics (Link Click and Nirvana in Fire) and here are a couple others I currently know of:

The Grave Robbers' Chronicles (Daomu Biji) by Nanpai Sanshu (six volumes are available in English from Things Asian Press

The Legend of the Condor Heroes (She Diao Yingxiong Chuan) by Jin Yong from St. Martin's Press

Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguo Yanyi), attributed to Luo Guanzhong, available in multiple translations

The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants (Zonglie Xiayi Chuan), attributed to Shi Yukun, there are two translations to English listed at the linked Wikipedia page

Note that to the best of my knowledge both of these are considered very substandard translations. I've personally read the official DMBJ translations and... yeah... and I've heard the LOCH translation is also mediocre.

I will add to the "Honorable Mentions" list if I find any other more mainstream titles with official translations.

Please don't come at me for including a couple classics. The characters shippable, what can I do? I've written fic for Romance of the Three Kingdoms...

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A handful of other licenses are mentioned on the Carrd I linked at the beginning of this post; I have no idea the status of those titles and wasn't able to find information on them while putting together this post other than what was listed on that Carrd, so I've omitted them.

As a final note, I've personally purchased from every printer on this list EXCEPT Monogatari Novels (I'm holding off because of the controversy and will see how things play out) and Chaleuria (which I vaguely knew existed but nothing beyond that).

Seven Seas translation varies but the editing is general strong and the editions are sturdy and nice. Extras that have come with final volumes are lovely. I am buying literally everything they publish except for You've Got Mail, due to information about the author that was shared with me that the author is a transphobe. Note that Kinnporsche by Daemi is not danmei as it's Thai (and I've heard unsavory things about the author - I don't have a link for that as the information was shared with me on Discord, and I encourage you to do your own research rather than taking my word for it). No judgement if you make a different choice than me, to be clear, I'm just sharing the information I have and why I personally am not buying the books). Note that Seven Seas isn't without controversy, especially for treating their contractors poorly resulting in them unionizing. Some people have also been unhappy with the fidelity of their translations compared to the original Chinese (I've been satisfied personally but ymmv).

Peach Flower House has inconsistent inconsistent editing quality, but the books are very readable, and I'm excited that they're working with translators such as E. Danglars. I haven't bought any of their special editions so can't speak to their extras, but I've bought all their print translations and will continue to do so going forward.

I just got my first title from Via Lactea last week and finished reading it on Sunday, and the translation read very well and there were minimal errors. It also came with a bundle of cute extras, which I wasn't expecting and pleased, and writing this post has caused me to cave and spend $150 to buy the rest of their books. Thank you, tax refund. (Should I spend this money? No. Did I anyway? ...)

No Rosmei titles have actually shipped yet, so I can't speak to their quality, though the previews they've shared on social media (as outlined here, for example) read decently and I'm optimistic. The cover art is also lovely, and they've been communicative and responsive, for example they've already issued a statement related to a recent controversy over perceived poor marketing for At the World's Mercy.

Tl:dr, the above is absolutely everything I personally know about mlm and wlw Chinese novels and manhua that have been licensed for English publication. I hope it helps someone.

Now go forth, and buy some books!

[angelwonie]

HIS SMILE || kim mingyu

PAIRING: mingyu x fem!reader

WORD COUNT: 20.5k

GENRE(S): smut, fluff, slowburn, fake dating!au

SUMMARY: falling in love with your fake boyfriend isn't a good idea, and it's even worse if that fake boyfriend happens to be Kim Mingyu. but you just can't help it — he's got the prettiest smile you've ever seen.

WARNINGS: smut [unprotected sex, oral (f receiving), praise, size kink(!), overstimulation, fingering, manhandling, light dumbification] mingyu is strong...

“Oh, poor Y/N, you probably still haven't gotten yourself a boyfriend, have you?”

You can feel yourself tensing up at the words said by your colleague, Karina, her lips formed in a smile that completely contradicts the way she just spoke to you. She's acting as if it's just an innocent question, something she asked because she's genuinely curious – though you both know she said it to humiliate you, or maybe just to make you envy her for getting a loving boyfriend before you did. Either way, she's really getting on your nerves, and from what you can glimpse to the left, your best friend isn't very amused, either. 

“No, of course she hasn't. With all the college work, I doubt she has the time,” One of your other colleagues defends you, sensing the tense atmosphere, and you send her a thankful smile. 

“Right,” Karina says, a hint of amusement that very much pisses you off visible in her eyes. Her smile is so fake, it makes you want to throw up. “I’m glad I have my boyfriend, though, he's so lovely. Last night, when I came home, he'd prepared me homemade dinner and–”

You're growing more and more annoyed by the second when suddenly, Karina's monologue is cut off by your best friend's voice. And that relief that washes over you when Karina stops talking is wiped away the moment you hear what your friend has to say. 

“Y/N does have a boyfriend, actually.”

What. The. Actual. Fuck. What did she just say? Did you hear her right? Judging by your friends’ mouths that are hanging open, you probably did. And you surely look just as confused as them, because in all honesty, you do not have a boyfriend and one look in your best friend’s direction tells you she's already regretting her not thought-through actions. 

“What?” Karina asks finally, this time her tone much more unamused. Is her voice quivering? “You’re joking, right?”

One look at her scandalized expression is enough to make you realize that you can't back out now. Not if you don't want to see her condescending smile every day for the next twenty years. So just grin at them, sending your best friend a sideways glare as she starts rambling about your nonexistent boyfriend.

“Oh, we're not joking,” She assures them, and it takes all of your willpower to stop yourself from hitting her right then and there. “He’s handsome as hell and so kind. Oh, and he's really, really tall.”

“Oh my god, show us a picture, Y/N!” One of your colleagues exclaims and you're suddenly very aware that all of their attention is on you.

“A– A picture?” You look at your friend frantically, but apparently, this is the extent of her helpfulness, because she's looking everywhere but at you. Traitorous bitch. Why’d she spew so much nonsense if she isn't even going to take responsibility for it? “Right, let me find one real quick.”

This is bad. Really bad. And what makes it even worse, is that today, of all days, when you open your phone with trembling hands, the last picture in your camera roll isn’t a photo of you with any of your close friends like it usually is. It could’ve been Soonyoung or even Wonwoo, and just like that, you could’ve introduced one of them as your super handsome boyfriend. But no, fate clearly isn’t on your side today.

No, today, of all days, the last picture in your camera roll is of you and the one and only Kim Mingyu – a guy known on campus for both his looks and his outgoing personality. He's got all the girls swooning over him, and until recently, you've been all but silently admiring him when you're in school – letting your eyes fan over his frame when he plays soccer or resting your gaze on him for a little too long during an otherwise boring lecture. You finally got the chance to talk to him for the first time no earlier than yesterday, but only after making sure there’s enough alcohol in your system to flirt with him shamelessly. 

“Maybe you should give me your number,” You’d said as you were getting ready to leave, batting your eyelashes up at him. “You know, just so I don’t forget who to call when I need someone to change a lightbulb in my apartment.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason?” He’d asked, raising an eyebrow in amusement and handing you your phone back, this time with his number in it.

“Of course I am,” You responded, mimicking his facial expression. “We should take a picture together, too.”

“Why? So you won’t forget my face?”

You smiled at his playful tone – or maybe simply at the sound of his voice. “No. So that you won’t forget mine.”

He chuckled – a sound you still haven’t forgotten even though you were drunk as hell when hearing it – and let you click a few photos, putting his arm around your shoulder as if he really was your boyfriend. And then, when you were looking through the pictures, you felt his eyes on you again – this time different from when you were talking earlier, more intense somehow. Meeting that gaze of his, you were almost worried your knees would give out from underneath you, but someway, you managed to stand on your feet long enough for you to see his lips forming into a small, yet sincere smile and for his arm to leave your shoulder, instead caressing your cheek.

For a moment, you were certain he was going to kiss you – with the way he was leaning forwards slowly, stroking your skin and making your heart beat faster than ever before. And just when you thought he was going to connect his lips to yours, he placed them dangerously close to your jaw instead, his voice low and distracting in your ear.

“I wouldn’t be able to forget such a pretty face even if I wanted to, sweetheart.”

Blame it on the alcohol, but his words quite literally made you go insane and you went home with a giddy smile on your face, happy with how things were going. Now, though, you're putting all of that at risk. 

Honestly, it's kind of your own fault. If you hadn’t decided to have a photoshoot with him while in your drunken state, you wouldn’t have ended up in this situation, with your phone clutched tightly in your hand, ah’s and oh’s leaving the mouths of your so-called friends as they look at the picture you’re showing them. A picture of you and Kim Mingyu, someone who is definitely not your boyfriend. 

“Your boyfriend’s really handsome, Y/N, I’m so jealous!”

Oh, God. This is truly the worst possible outcome of this whole situation, isn’t it? How does one go from finally piquing a handsome guy’s interest to lying about being in a relationship with him in less than 24 hours? 

“Oh, and by the way, Y/N, me and Karina are planning to go to her boyfriend’s soccer game this weekend. You and your boyfriend should come, too.”

You're thrown off guard by your colleague's question – they've never really invited you to things like that before. Guess you're much more interesting now that you have a tall, kind and handsome boyfriend. Correction: now that you're pretending to have a tall, kind and handsome boyfriend. Your friend is looking at you like she wants you to say no – even she is well aware that you're in a screwed-up position right now – but if you tell them you can't make it, you know that you'll be giving Karina exactly what she wants. And there's no way you're going to let her find out about this lie.

“Oh my god, really? We’d love to,” You say, mustering up a smile that turns real when you see the way Karina’s jaw is clenching. 

“See you on Saturday, then.”

—

Okay, so it did feel amazing to see the look on Karina’s face when you told her you have a boyfriend, but you didn’t exactly think it through when you agreed to bring him to the soccer game on Saturday. Because that means that now, you can’t keep this a secret from Mingyu anymore – you have to ask him to get involved. Which is why already an hour after you leave the cafe with your colleagues, you’re calling Kim Mingyu, asking him if he has ten minutes to spare.

“It’s urgent,” You practically beg him on the phone. 

“You missed me that much?” You can almost hear the smirk that’s planted onto his face, and it makes your heart skip a beat in your chest. Only once, though, before you realize you’re probably going to lose all chances of dating him soon enough. “Alright, I’ll be there in five minutes.”

And so here you are – sitting by a small table outside of a cafe, right across from Kim Mingyu. You're kind of just staring at him, stalling, because you're not sure how to tell him why you asked him to come. To your defense, it is a little embarrassing that you're here to ask him to be your fake boyfriend for a day. Much to your surprise, he's not saying anything, either, his eyes on you as you sit in silence. You can't really tell from his gaze whether he's amused or annoyed, but when the waiter brings you your drinks and you hand him his coffee, there is a small smile tugging at his lips and he tilts his head to the side. He's probably expecting you to speak now. 

So you clear your throat and open your mouth, ready to tell him everything. Only you never get that far, because suddenly he's the one speaking.

“You’re different today.”

“What?” You ask, dumbfounded. 

“You’re different than yesterday,” He says, smiling softly – as if more to himself than to you. “More nervous.”

Yeah, that's because there's no alcohol in my system, and you're ridiculously handsome, dumbass, you want to say. 

“I’m not nervous,” You say instead.

“Really? You look nervous,” He grins wider, pointing at the way you're fiddling with the rings on your fingers. Hearing him point it out, you stop immediately. Seeing your reaction, he adds: “Don’t worry, it's cute.”

And a wink. He’s winking at you. You hate him. So much. You hate him, and his stupid flirting, and his stupid smile, because right now, you're trying to ask him for a favour, and here he is, making you feel like there are thousands of butterflies swarming in your stomach. And you can't even look him in the eye, because you're sure that if you did, he would be able to see right through you and how you feel like you're about to faint. But then again, you can’t exactly blame him when you’re the one who told everyone he was your boyfriend.

“Um, okay, so either way,” You start, voice already trembling. “What I wanted to say is that I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend and go to a soccer game with me this weekend.”

As expected, Mingyu’s initial reaction is a very shocked ‘can you repeat that, please?’ and when you do, he raises his eyebrows, opening his mouth to say something. But you don’t let him, because you’re already utterly embarrassed and you just want to get this over with as fast as possible. So you let the words stream out of your mouth, and you explain everything – from how annoying Karina is to how truly sorry you are for dragging him into this whole mess. 

“And I’m really, really sorry, but it’s just like I can’t tell them it was a lie, because they’ll totally-”

You’re babbling and babbling, looking everywhere but Mingyu’s eyes as he interrupts you.

“Okay.”

Your head tilts upwards to look at him instinctively and you’re met with the sight of him resting his chin on his hand, his pearly teeth on display as he grins. “What?”

“Okay, I’ll be your boyfriend.”

“You’ll…”

“I’ll pretend to be your boyfriend so that your friends won’t find out you lied,” He repeats, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world, before he leans closer to you over the table – an act that makes you pull back with heat rising to your cheeks. “But only on one condition. You have to pay for my meals for as long as we’re dating.”

“Fake dating,” You clear your throat and correct him as he leans back in his chair again, and he only smiles in response, which your heart apparently takes as a sign to start beating like crazy. Why the fuck is his smile so alluring? God really does have his favorites, doesn’t he? If he’s going to keep looking at you like that, this whole fake-dating might end pretty quickly with a heart failure. “Yeah, okay, I suppose that’s fair, since I only need you as my boyfriend until this Saturday.”

“Only until this Saturday?” He pouts and a smile creeps onto your features, despite your attempts at holding it back. “Alright, then, I’ll see you around, Y/N.” 

And he walks off, leaving you feeling a little too excited for someone who needs to pretend they’re dating Kim Mingyu.

—

Soccer. You know absolutely nothing about it, despite having ‘accidentally’ lost your way to the dorm and walked past the soccer field to watch Mingyu play countless times before. That’s why you tried doing research this morning – only that you were so uninterested that all you managed to memorize was that there are 11 players on each team. Way to go, Y/N. Now you’ll definitely impress Mingyu and fool everyone into thinking you’re dating someone who plays soccer. 

“You okay?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, I’m fine,” You say as you see Mingyu’s worried expression. He's really cute when he's looking at you like that – like he cares for real, not just pretend. And that's probably what possesses you to tell him, of all people, why you're nervous. “Just a little stressed, because I know absolutely nothing about soccer, and I’m scared our relationship won’t seem believable.”

Why did you just say that? You literally wanted to impress him by pretending to be a soccer expert and now, you're straight up telling him you're clueless? Wow, you are doing a great job at making this whole thing more awkward than it already is.

“Why wouldn’t it?” Mingyu doesn't seem to mind what you told him though, looking more confused than annoyed. “Look, I’ve been watching my teacher explain algebra over and over again, but that doesn’t mean I get it.”

His words have you snorting with laughter and you can see his shoulders loosen up as he smiles. The look he's giving you is making something turn in your stomach – two days ago, you hadn't talked to him before, and suddenly, he's gazing at you as if you're the most interesting thing in the world. Is this how he gets all the girls to fall for him? If so, you totally understand them. 

“Besides, you don’t need to like all the things I like for me to like you.”

Okay, um, he didn't need to say it like that. You can't stop your head from whipping around to look at him again, heart beating quicker and quicker, so loudly you fear he might hear it. It's like everything is in slow motion – your body's burning up and he's smiling, unaware of how affected you are by what he said. And he looks stunning, with his hair falling onto his forehead, hands buried in the pockets of his jacket and a cap on his head. You hate caps. They're ugly and are only worn by middle schoolers. But Mingyu wears one, and somehow, it only makes your heart beat harder against your chest. 

You chuckle nervously to hide your flustered state, hoping to god you didn't stare at him in silence for too long. “Right, uh, we should get to our seats maybe.”

“Sure,” He smiles again (maybe they should ban smiling from now on, it's proven to cause heart palpitations) and puts his arm around your shoulders. Upon seeing your caught off guard expression, he adds: “We’re dating, remember?”

It's not like he's letting you forget, though. 

The seats Karina reserved are somewhere in the back, but since the stadium is huge and the seats are high up, you can pretty much see everything without much trouble. This is something Mingyu notices right away, completely discarding the idea of introducing himself first in order to praise your colleagues for their seat choice.

“Wow, these seats are great,” He says, gaining everyone's attention. From the corner of your eye, you can glimpse the way some of your friends’ mouths drop open. “Whoever picked them out must know their stuff.”

You can see the way Karina's face lights up at Mingyu’s words and it makes you want to throw up. Not only because she's getting on your nerves, but also because you feel a sting in your chest at the fact that Mingyu praised her. You have no right to feel that way – you're not dating him for real, after all – but it hurts just a little bit after what he said earlier. ‘Besides, you don’t need to like all the things I like for me to like you’. What a load of bullshit. 

“Aww, thank you,” You'd almost forgotten how fake her overly sweet voice sounds. “You must be Y/N’s boyfriend. I'm Karina, her friend since high school.”

Friend is a bit of an overstatement, for sure. All the two of you had in common in high school was crushing on the same guy. Which is, by the way, the guy who’s sitting next to Karina right now, fingers interlaced with hers. Seungcheol – someone you wasted three years of your life obsessing over, only for him to end up with Karina in the end. And you don’t realize how much of a grudge you still hold against him for choosing her over you before Mingyu finishes introducing himself, and it’s Seungcheol’s turn to smile in your direction. 

“Nice to finally meet you, I’m Seungcheol,” He tells your fake boyfriend, before his eyes land on your frame and you feel yourself tense up. “Hey, Y/N, long time no see.”

“Yeah, I guess,” You say with a forced smile, unwillingly taking a step back when he leans forward and holding your breath until you realize he’s just going to shake Mingyu’s hand. Sighing in relief as he sits back down, you silently curse yourself for acting so nervous around him. Still, you can’t help the way it’s like a blunt knife boring into your chest when you lock eyes with the man who cut off all contact with you the moment he met Karina. 

Lost in thought, you almost miss the way Mingyu’s grip tightens on your shoulders. Almost. 

You turn to send him an inquiring look, but he either doesn’t notice or he just brushes it off, and takes you to your assigned seats. He plops down between you and Seungcheol – deliberately or not, you don’t know, but it sure makes you feel more at ease and you relax in his grip. That’s when you realize he still hasn’t let go of your shoulders, and you’re suddenly very aware of how close he is. There’s still space between your bodies, but his knee is brushing over yours and you can smell his cologne clearly. It’s expensive, probably, but it’s not a strong or bold scent. Still, it’s a distinctive aroma – you’ve never smelt it before and yet, you’d have no problem recognizing it after today. 

The soccer game is boring, to say the least. You find yourself almost drifting off to sleep multiple times, and each time, you remind yourself that you’re sitting next to Kim Mingyu and he’ll most definitely be disgusted if you fall asleep and drool onto his shoulder. But even though you stay awake, you give up on watching the game about halfway, opting for looking at Mingyu instead. 

He’s much more entertaining than some random people kicking a ball, anyway. Besides, his expressions pretty much mirror the whole game. You can tell when his favorite team scores a goal by the way he grins from ear to ear, laughing to himself, and you can tell when a good player misses, because he scrunches his nose up and has this disappointed look in his eyes. That disappointment is so bleak that it has you thinking that whoever does something to make him look at them like that is just, plainly put, a bad person. Silently, you hope he’ll never look at you that way.

“You’re quite invested in this game,” You lean over to Mingyu, raising your voice a little so that he’ll hear you through the noise of cheering people.

“Well, of course I am,” He tears his gaze away from the game to look at you, but only for a moment, before he’s watching the players run across the field with excitement-filled eyes. “This game determines who gets to play in the finale.”

“Ah, I see,” You say and Mingyu doesn’t miss how you smile to yourself, lowering your head as you push your hair away from your face. It’s to no avail, though, because it keeps falling down anyway. He smiles to himself, too, at the scene, but looks away before your eyes can meet, seemingly focused on the game again. 

By the time the soccer game is finished, you’re pretty much bored to death – especially since for the past ten minutes, Mingyu has only been talking to Karina and her boyfriend. And for some reason, that makes you really mad. What can they say that’s so interesting? Maybe he should pretend to be Karina’s boyfriend instead, if he likes her so goddamn much. No, Y/N, what the hell? Fake dating has nothing to do with liking. It’s not like Mingyu is here because he likes you. No, he’s pretending to be your boyfriend, because… because, well, because you begged him to. And because you’re paying for his meals.

Still, it kind of angers you that Mingyu has the decency to smile like that at other people than you – since you’ve already been more exposed to heart problems because of that smile, shouldn’t it be reserved for only you? 

“I’m leaving,” You tell them, eager to get home and still caught up in that sense of betrayal – something you don’t really have a right to feel in this situation. But it’s not like you can control your emotions. “Bye.”

Locking eyes with Mingyu for a moment, you sigh before turning around to leave just as your colleagues eagerly say something you can’t quite pick up to your so-called boyfriend. You hear their goodbyes faintly in the background as you start walking down the stairs to the exit, starting to feel a little stupid for just walking away like that – if you didn’t, you could have left together with Mingyu. But he doesn’t seem to mind staying and talking to Karina, so why should you care? You’re starting to think he only agreed to fake date you because of this. 

“Hey, Y/N, wait up!” You hear a voice that undoubtedly belongs to none other than Kim Mingyu and it has you smiling before you can even turn around. God, you’re really starting to feel like those butterflies swarming in your stomach aren’t just from you being nervous about lying to your colleagues. 

You’re feeling so giddy that you don’t really look where you’re putting your feet as you turn around, which results in your foot slipping off of the stair step and you fall onto the stairs with a wince that leaves your mouth in response to the sharp pain that cruises through your ankle. You want to cry out for Mingyu, but before you can even gather your thoughts enough to do that, he’s already by your side, his dark eyes open wide as they scan your face.

“Are you okay?” He asks, but before you get to reply, his hands cup your face, squishing your cheeks together as he tilts your head to one side, then the other, studying you intently enough for heat to rise to your face. Jeez, why are you thinking about the fact that he’s touching you when you literally just fell down the stairs? You seriously need to get your shit together. 

“You’re not,” He decides finally, reaching out to wrap his arms around your waist, and you look up at him in disbelief, prompting him to add: “I’ll carry you.”

He doesn’t wait for an answer or anything, just lifts you up with one arm under your knees and the other under your back like it’s the easiest thing in the world. You think you can hear Karina shout something in the background, but you’re not sure, easily distracted by the feeling of warmth radiating off his body that is now closer to you than it’s been ever before. He’s just your fake boyfriend, but that doesn’t make the loud beating of your heart any less real from where you’re looking up at his focused face, thinking about whether he’s also feeling that small spark of electricity in his body when he touches you. 

“But I think I can walk, though,” You mumble against his shoulder, and mentally curse yourself for feeling your heart speed up when he looks down on you, his nose less than two centimeters from your own. His breath lands on your face, at which you turn away from him, just to calm your racing heart a little bit. 

“Why would you walk when I can carry you?” 

His tone is genuinely confused and you start to think that he must be completely oblivious to the many feelings that stir up inside of you when he starts walking through the alley leading back to the dorms. Words like that are enough to make someone fall in love and yet, he's just saying them like it's something obvious – like it's obvious that since you've hurt your ankle, he has to carry you back home. Even though you can walk. Even though you could take a cab. Even though he's not your boyfriend. 

He continues walking like nothing happened – because, as you've finally figured out, he probably doesn't think anything did happen – and you keep your head on his shoulder, feeling pretty miserable as you smell the scent of his shampoo clearly. You’re almost by the dorms when he suddenly stops, putting you down on a bench and telling you he’ll be right back before disappearing into some store, which you soon understand is a pharmacy. 

“I’ll pay you back,” You tell him the minute he walks out of the store with an elastic bandage in his hand.

“Don’t worry about it,” He says softly, but you wish he didn’t. Can’t he just let you win this one time? It’s like, every time you see him, he proves that he not only doesn’t have any flaws, but also that he has a lot of qualities you didn’t know about before. But what if you don’t want to know about them? It’s enough that he’s making your heart flutter when he’s pretending to be your boyfriend, but now nobody is watching, so why is he like this? Does he want you to fall in love with him?

If he continues acting like this, you fear that might actually happen.

You watch quietly as he kneels down and helps you take off your shoe, wrapping the bandage around it as if he’s done it a million times before. And you don’t say anything, afraid that if you do, you’ll start crying. Not because it hurts when he touches your ankle, but because he looks absolutely beautiful, face illuminated by the setting sun. You’ve seen him play soccer so many times, and each time, you’ve internally screamed about how hot he looked, but this is different. This time, you can’t take your eyes off of him – his brows furrowed in concentration, his tongue darting out to wet his lips, his hair sticking to his sweaty forehead. It’s all so humane, and yet so captivating to watch.

Before you can even stop yourself, your hand is alreading coming up to Mingyu’s face and pushing his bangs away from his face, and it’s not before he looks up that you freeze with your fingers touching his cheek, realizing what you just did.

“Your hair,” You blurt out, immediately pulling your hand back and feeling your body grow hot when you lock eyes with him. “It was in your eyes, so I just… sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?” He tilts his head to the side, and you look down, pushing your own hair out of your face. 

You don’t answer his question – what are you supposed to say? Not even you know why you apologized. Wait, no, you do know. Because you feel like you’re treating something fake as if it’s real. But isn’t that exactly what he’s doing, too? He’s talking to you like he enjoys it, putting a bandage onto your ankle and worrying about whether or not you are hurt. And none of it seems fake when he does it. Oh, you’re definitely going crazy. Good thing this whole arrangement is over now. 

Right. It’s over. With all the stuff that has been going on, you totally forgot that your deal ended right after the soccer game. There’s no reason for you to see Kim Mingyu ever again. You can just cleanse your mind completely, starting tomorrow. 

“Don’t you have any hair ties?”

Mingyu’s voice makes you look up in confusion, only to see him sitting right next to you on the bench. “Sorry?”

“Your hair keeps falling into your face, too,” He points out. “You should put it up.”

“Oh, I don’t really like putting my hair up,”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know, it’s just… I feel like it looks bad on me.”

You feel his gaze on you again, lips pushed in a pout and he looks at you like he’s examining a soccer game. Which partly makes you feel uneasy, but mostly, you’ve grown to enjoy being the center of his attention. Which is dumb. Because he’s just talking to you since you promised to pay for his meals. 

“That makes no sense,” He decides finally with a smile. “It’s common knowledge that if you have a pretty face, you should put it on display for everyone to see, you know.” 

“What kind of bullshit is that?” You scoff, feeling something turn in your stomach. Pretty face. He’s evil for saying it, but you’re the one at fault for feeling like you’re about to float into the air at his words. 

“It’s not bullshit,” He protests. “But it made you smile, so you can think whatever you want. As long as you stop walking around grumpy, because it’s making me feel uneasy.”

“Why is it making you feel uneasy?”

“Because I prefer it when you smile,” He grins, before standing up from the bench. “Come on, we should get going. It’s dark already.” 

One look to the sky is enough to make you realize that it is, in fact, already dark, so you grab Mingyu’s outstretched hand and you let him pick you up, this time placing you on his back instead. You wrap your legs around his waist, resting your chin on his shoulder – justifying it by saying that it’s the last time you can enjoy being this close to him. Which is true, but it still doesn’t justify how you’re drinking in his scent and the sound of his breath as if you’re trying to memorize it.

“Are you sure you can carry me all the way to campus?” 

“Yes, of course,” He says before bringing one arm up to flex his biceps. “I’m a strong boy.”

You chuckle at his antics, taking the opportunity to bury your head in his neck, feeling how goosebumps spread all over his skin when your nose brushes over it. “You’ve been a good fake boyfriend, you know. Thank you for doing this.”

“What?” You hear Mingyu’s confused tone. “Oh, right, I forgot to tell you. Karina asked if you and I wanted to join them for bowling tomorrow.”

You sigh. “And what did you tell her?”

“That we would come,” He says and upon seeing your expression, he’s quick to add: “I mean, what else was I supposed to say? That we’re planning on breaking up tomorrow?”

You sigh miserably, knowing that he’s right. It’s not like he could say anything else. 

“Are you mad?” He asks after a while, and you ponder for a bit on that question.

Are you mad? Yeah, you are. But after some thought, you realize you’re not mad that you’re going bowling or that you have to keep pretending that Mingyu is your boyfriend – you’re mad because this means you no longer have an excuse for the way you feel happy in his company, or the way you’re tightly holding onto his shoulders right now. Because it’s not the last time you get to hear his voice, to feel his touch, to see his face, and yet you’re looking at him as if it is. And you have a feeling you’re starting to figure out exactly why that is.

“No,” You reply finally. “Just tired.”

Yeah. Sleep will fix everything. It has to.

—

Sleep doesn’t fix anything at all.

If anything, it makes everything worse, because you dream about Mingyu and his godforsaken smile that he bestows upon you right before he leans down to press his lips to yours. And that’s when you wake up, feeling more miserable than ever. Now you’re really starting to wonder why the fuck you thought it was a good idea to start fake-dating your crush. 

God, Y/N, get your shit together. Are you really so weak that you can’t spend two hours in Mingyu’s presence before you start dreaming about him? In all honesty, though, it’s not your fault that he looks so pretty when he smiles. And when he doesn’t. 

“Shut the fuck up,” You mumble to yourself as you get up. 

Today is going to be a long day.

“Where are the others?” Is the first thing you ask Mingyu when you arrive at the bowling center, where he’s sitting alone on a chair by the bowling track. Your only solace when you thought about meeting Mingyu again and having to deal with his painfully handsome face, was that the two of you wouldn’t be alone, and yet somehow, you’re the two first to arrive.

“Not here yet,” He says, looking up from his phone and pushing his hair back to look at you. “You walked all the way here?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You shouldn’t be walking long distances when your ankle is hurt,” He points out and you press your lips together into a thin line – it’s 1pm and he’s already making your insides turn to mush. Great. “Sit down at least, if you’re gonna be so stubborn.”

You nod and do as you’re told, looking everywhere but at Mingyu. Maybe if you don’t look at his face, you can stop this stupid crush from turning into something worse. It’s naive, but it’s better than having your heart flutter at the smallest of things. Like when he ran his fingers through his hair earlier – why the hell did you get goosebumps from that? You must be out of your mind. 

“Do I make you feel uncomfortable or something?” Mingyu asks suddenly, and it makes you really feel bad for acting like that. It’s not like he’s making you feel like this on purpose. “It’s like you don’t want to look at me.”

Oh, you do want to look at him. You just know better than to hurt yourself like that.

You sigh and turn to him, resting your chin on your hand. “Is this better?”

“Much better,” He smiles cheerfully in return. 

“You’re so full of yourself.” 

And rightfully so, you think to yourself as he giggles softly, before opening up a bottle of water and putting it up to his lips. You’re wishing you never turned to look at him again, because the way the sleeves of his shirt have rolled up to reveal his arms should be illegal. You can see the way his muscles flex as he opens the bottle, the way his jaw and neck are on display when he tilts his head backwards to drink. The way his soft lips wrap around the mouth of the bottle has your mind reeling with images of him kissing you like that, and since the vision is making your whole body heat up, you turn your eyes away, searching for something else to focus on.

You find that ‘something’ on the table in front of you – there’s another bottle of water there and you decide it’s a good distraction, so you reach for it. Everything goes well until you’ve tried to open it three times and the cork doesn’t even move an inch. What the fuck?

“You need help with that?”

Mingyu’s looking at you with a hint of amusement in his eyes, hands already taking the bottle from you without waiting for a proper answer. You give up on protesting and silently sit back, watching the veins on his hand become more apparent as he opens the bottle with ease, before handing it back to you with a satisfied grin on his face. It’s obvious in the way he’s looking at you that opening the bottle for you boosted his ego, and it makes you roll your eyes.

“You don’t have to look so happy, you self-obsessed idiot.”

“Who are you calling self-obsessed?” He pouts, suddenly leaning forward and pinching your cheeks – something that makes your heart beating stop for a good five seconds. “I just wanted to help my cute baby out.”

“I’m not your–”

“Oh my god, you two are so freaking cute!” You’re interrupted by a voice that undoubtedly belongs to one of your colleagues who just walked in, Karina and Seungchoel in tow. Taking it as a sign, you pull away from Mingyu, feeling your heart beat so hard that you’re scared it’s going to beat out of your chest. What the hell just happened? “Sorry we’re late, we missed the bus.”

The fact that you’re not alone with Mingy anymore allows you to pull yourself together a bit, and you’re happy to see that he’s leading the conversation without asking you for any input. Soon enough, Karina wants to start bowling, and you’re divided into three groups – Karina with her boyfriend, Mingyu with you, and your two other colleagues with each other. You’ve never bowled before, which makes you extremely nervous – maybe the fact that Mingyu is watching you plays a part in that, too – and as expected, you totally miss the bowling skittles when you let go of the ball. 

You can hear Karina giggle in the background, which makes you sit down, discouraged. Plopping down next to Mingu, you don’t really pay attention to who’s playing, more focused on counting down the time until you can go home, already tired of all this. You’re so lost in your own thoughts that you almost don’t notice Mingyu’s hand that he rests on your upper thigh. Almost. In an instant, you’re turning to look at him in disbelief, but it’s a bad idea, because he was leaning towards you, too, to whisper something in your ear. 

You freeze in your seat, and so does he, the rest of the world suddenly drowned out. The only sound hitting your ears is his breath, and it’s like everything is moving in slow motion – his dark brown eyes staring into yours, large hand brushing over the skin on your thigh, his skin flushing a delicate shade of pink. You can barely register your own nervousness as you look at his lips – usually turned up in a smile, but right now they’re slightly parted, no trace of cockiness to be seen anywhere. Is it bad that you really want him to kiss you right now? It is, and it’s even worse that you can’t even deny it anymore. 

You should pull away, look away, do something – anything. But you can’t. You’re just looking into his eyes like there’s no one else in the room, letting that warm feeling that stirs up inside of your chest grow. 

“What I wanted to say was that you don’t have to get upset over what Karina says or does,” Mingyu finally whispers, licking his lips and clearing his throat as he breaks eye contact. “Her opinion doesn’t matter.”

You nod slowly, wondering why he looked away – is he nervous, like you? Kim Mingyu and ‘nervous’ are words that you’d never place together in a sentence, but now, he really seems a little hesitant, or maybe even shy. You don’t know. Oh, why is he always so hard to figure out? First, he’s flexing his muscles at you and calling you his baby, and then he’s looking away when you lock eyes with him? His middle name should be ‘mixed signals’ at this point.

“Mingyu, it’s your turn.” It’s Seungcheol’s voice that forces you to turn your attention elsewhere, and you’re half-relieved, half-angry as you watch Mingyu rise up from his seat and take the bowling ball into his hands. Your thigh feels kind of cold without his hand resting on it.

As expected, Mingyu is really good at bowling – just as he is good at everything else – and it seems that his usual mood is back, because before he throws the ball, he’s lifting it up with one arm to show everyone how strong he is, and sending you a wink. It’s just for show, but it still sends a spark of electricity through your body. Though that still doesn’t compare to the way you’re basically drooling over him as he bowles. Hey, it’s not your fault that he looks fucking hot in that black shirt that folds up just enough to reveal a centimetre or two of his abs as he jumps up in thriumph. 

What catches your attention, though, is how you’re not the only one shamelessly staring at Mingyu – Karina seems to be just as drawn to him, looking at him as if he’s her next meal or something. What the hell? You’d think that since she’s got a boyfriend, she’d stay away from someone she thinks is your boyfriend. Once a bitch, always a bitch, you think to yourself as you see her smile flirtatiously at Mingyu when he looks at her for a moment. Okay, that’s enough. 

You stand up, pretty much making all of your colleagues look at you with furrowed brows and walk up to Mingyu just as he’s about to pick up another ball. Surprising both him and yourself with your actions, you grab ahold of his arm, pulling him closer to you. 

“We should get going,” You say to everyone, throwing a fake smile Karina’s way before you stomp out of the bowling center, dragging a very confused Mingyu with you.

Once you’ve stepped outside and gotten a breath of fresh air, it dawns on you that your fingers are still wrapped around Mingyu’s biceps – as wrapped around as they can be, anyway, because for them to fit all the way around his arm, your fingers would have to be like five times longer. You retract your hand as you realize you’re touching him, not even sparing him a glance when you start walking home. Maybe it’s because you feel embarrassed for dragging him away like that, or maybe you don’t want him to see how upset you are, but you figure it’s best if you walk away from him. 

“Hey!” You hear his voice, and not even two seconds later, his fingers are closing around your wrist, forcing you to stop walking. “You okay? What was that about?”

And that’s it for not having this conversation right now, you suppose. You turn around to face him, sighing. 

“Did you really not see how Karina was looking at you?” You ask him and when he furrows his brows in confusion, you groan. “She was totally staring at you for twenty minutes, at least. Like she wanted to eat you or something. Did you really not notice?”

“No,” He shakes his head.

“Wow, you really are ignorant,” You laugh bitterly. Great, so he's probably not even aware that his actions can make someone's heart beat faster, or that the things he does make him seem like he's interested in you. “You’re seriously so unaware of everything.” 

“Well, I’m aware that you’re jealous.”

“Excuse me?” You blink in surprise and he just flashes you a grin before starting to walk down the sidewalk. Does he really not realize he's making you want to rip your hair out? Or maybe he does, and he's just preying on your downfall. Either way, you conclude that you should get rid of him as soon as possible. “Mingyu, wait, you're walking too fast.”

Oh, well. Maybe you're not as strong-willed as you thought.

“It’s not my fault your legs are so short,” He says, but waits for you nevertheless, and adjusts his pace so that he's walking next to you. His hands are in his pockets, a smile on his face and the way his muscles are illuminated by the sunlight has you fighting for your life. “You’re small and cute, though, so I'll forgive you.”

“Do you have a size kink or something?” 

You regret saying that as soon as the words leave your mouth, because now you're not only flustered from when he called you cute, but your mind is also reeling with the thought of him being turned on by you being smaller than him. Which is absolutely wrong of you to think about, since you're not even in a real relationship with the guy. So why are you suddenly feeling a little faint when you look at his strong arms and hands big enough to cover your whole face? And why are you dying to feel them on you?

He's about to reply to your question, when suddenly, you can see his eyes fan to something behind you, and soon enough those arms you were drooling over are grabbing you by your shoulders and he's practically throwing you to the other side of the sidewalk. It's because a car was driving close to the pavement, you realize, and it's such a touching gesture that it makes your heart beat quicker. But you can't even focus on that for too long, because soon enough, you're thinking about the way he basically manhandled you and how badly you want him to do it again. 

Oh. My. Fucking. God. What is wrong with you, Y/N? He's just being a kind person and you're not only developing a crush on him, no, now you're also thinking about fucking him. Talk about the worst fake-dating experience ever.

“Doesn’t he know how to drive or what?” You hear Mingyu mumble and it takes you a second to realize what he's talking about, and another to realize you're staring. Hopefully he didn't notice. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Of course he noticed. 

“Like what?” You decide to play dumb and start walking again. 

“Like that,” He emphasizes. “Like you want to eat me or something.”

He's just teasing you, you realize as soon as he repeats what you'd said earlier about Karina. He probably doesn't even realize just how right he is. And he doesn't need to realize it, either, you think to yourself as you roll your eyes at him to hide your nervousness. Or maybe there's a chance he feels like that, too? He did push you aside so he was the one walking on the dangerous side of the pavement, after all. And he put his hand on your thigh. And smiled at you. And looked at you as if you were the only girl in the world. And–

No. You need to stop doing that to yourself. He's your fake boyfriend, he needs to do these things. But most of these occurrences happened when the two of you were alone.

“What are you doing tomorrow?” Mingyu asks suddenly and you whip your head around to look at him.

“Studying for my math exam at the library with Wonwoo. Why? Did Karina ask for us to go somewhere with her again?”

“No. Why with Wonwoo, though?” 

“Because he’s good at math?” You say, eyeing his clenched jaw cautiously. “Why’re you asking?”

“No reason.”

And then he just walks in silence. Why is he suddenly so quiet? Is he jealous? Is it bad that you hope he is? Probably. But you can't help it. You’re so caught up in imagining a jealous Mingyu that you don’t even realize you’ve arrived at campus before you see the school fountain right in front of you, and the university building behind it. It’s still quite early, and the sun lights up the flower-filled grass in a way that makes it look really magical. You smile to yourself at the sight, and turn to look at Mingyu, but he’s nowhere to be seen. For a second, your smile drops, before you feel a hand on your shoulder and Mingyu’s face is smiling down on you, a small, yellow flower in his hand. He must’ve picked it just now. 

“Boo,” He says softly, and it’s like he casts some sort of spell over you, because suddenly, you can’t seem to tear your eyes away from him, even as his hot breath fans over your face and spreads goosebumps all across your skin. 

“It’s pretty,” You tell him. It’s about the flower, you think to yourself, but it’s really not.

A second passes. Then two. He doesn’t move. He’s just looking at you, his eyes fan over your lips, your nose, then they stare into yours. Deeply. Warmly. Ardently. You don’t want to look away, so you don’t. And neither does he. Six seconds. Seven. He leans in – you can hear him breathe. Or maybe it’s the sound of your own breath? It’s all mixed now, intertwined. Eight, nine, ten. His hand touches your jaw. It burns, but in the best way possible. You don’t want this to end. Fifteen seconds have passed. His fingers tuck something behind your ear. The flower. It’s the flower. Eighteen. Nineteen. A smile that makes you melt.

“Yeah,” He whispers, finger grazing your cheek before he pulls away. “Really pretty.”

And then it’s just complete silence, except for the sound of your heart loudly banging against your chest. Boom. Boom. Boom. You’re in love. 

—

You’ve always felt perfectly content with having a silent, one-sided crush on Kim Mingyu, but now that you’ve gotten a taste of who he is, it’s hard not to wish for something more. Even though you know it’s not going to happen. 

That's what you're thinking about the next day as you sit in the library with Wonwoo, a math book full of things you don't understand in front of you. You've been sitting like this for an hour, and Wonwoo has already filled three pages in his notebook with math assignments, while yours remain empty. Mingyu has been occupying your mind ever since you parted ways yesterday, the way he put the flower in your hair playing on repeat in your thoughts. 

The flower. Oh, you must be crazy, but you could swear that you saw a hint of emotion in his eyes as he looked at you, something that sparked up a hope that you might just have a chance with him. Maybe he has feelings for you, too.

Just as you're thinking about that, your phone buzzes with a message and you pick it up instantly in hopes that it's Mingyu. It's not. 

Hi would u and Mingyu like to come along on a trip w me and Cheol this weekend? We’re going to the seaside resort :)

“Of course you're going to the fucking seaside resort,” You mutter under your breath, catching Wonwoo’s attention.

“What was that?” When you shake your head, he sends you a smile and doesn't press any further. For some reason, that makes you feel out of place. He's so different from Mingyu, who would've definitely investigated you by now. You find yourself missing that, missing him, even though you shouldn't. “Do you want to take a small break and go grab something to eat?”

“Yeah, sure,” You agree, because it'll definitely be good for you to stop focusing so much on Mingyu and the feelings you've developed for him. But right as you're done packing your things, the doors to the library are, to the librarian's dismay, thrown open with a thud and in walks the only person you know who wouldn't care (or know) that you're supposed to stay quiet in a place like this.

“Y/N!” Mingyu’s loud voice tears through the silence, and many students raise their heads to look at what the hell is going on. Some look utterly confused, with their mouths hanging open, and you suppose you look the same as you watch a man who last read a book in middle school walk into the library. “There you are. You guys done studying?”

“I– Uh, no,” You say, suddenly very nervous. “We were going to take a break and eat something. But what are you doing here? I thought you hated the library.”

“I still do, this place is awful,” He frowns for a moment, but not even a second later his signature smile is back on his face. “But I wanted to help you study.”

He what? That just sounds strange coming out of his mouth. Not to mention the way it makes butterflies go crazy in your stomach. One thing is Kim Mingyu flirting with you, and pretending to be your boyfriend – another is him suddenly offering to study in the library with you, even though you know he hates it. Especially since he doesn't have to. It's not like he has to pretend to be your boyfriend right now. 

“You… wanted to help her study?” It's Wonwoo that speaks up first, his eyebrows raised in surprise. 

“Yeah, can't I do that?” Mingyu’s voice is soft, but his eyes that have settled on Wonwoo’s frame emit some kind of coldness that you’ve never seen in them before. Wonwoo seems to sense this, too, because his gaze fans to you and he smiles under his breath at Mingyu’s behavior. “We can go get food later, Y/N, let's finish studying first, okay?”

“But Wonwoo wanted to–”

“Oh, it’s fine, I’ll get food by myself,” Wonwoo says reassuringly and you can glimpse the way Mingyu’s shoulders loosen up as your friend picks up his bag. “I finished the homework earlier, and, to be honest, it doesn’t look like I’m wanted here.” 

And with a wink sent Mingyu’s way, he walks away, leaving you alone with the boy you’ve both been dying and dreading to see. His bangs are in his face – his hair is messy, his eyelids are drooping and his shirt is creased. He must’ve just gotten up from bed, which is such a Mingyu-thing to do, considering it’s already way past noon. Nobody sleeps that long. Nobody except him. Just like nobody except him can make you smile just by simply existing – just by standing next to you in sweatpants, with a can of Redbull in his hand. Looking way out of place, but staying anyway. 

“Hey,” You say it more like a question, but Mingyu doesn't seem to notice that as he sits down by the table where you and Wonwoo were studying earlier. 

“Hey,” He replies and takes a sip of his drink – which, by the way, he's not allowed to have at the library. Though you don’t suppose he cares, since his wide smile is back on his features again, like it never left. “You ready to study?”

You sit down on the chair to his right, feeling your lips spread in a small smile at the way Mingyu’s all up in your business again – even if it mean he’s making your stupid little crush even worse by just being close to you. That thought seems so distant, though, when you see him grin at you cutely despite the tiredness in his face. 

“I am,” You say, getting out your notebooks again. “But I have trouble believing you’re here to study.”

“You got me,” He raises his arms in resignation, flashing his teeth at you as he’s leaning back in his chair. “I’m just here to watch you study and be of moral support.” 

“Right,” You say, eyeing him cautiously. “I don’t think today’s your working day, though, fake boyfriend. It’s not like Karina can see us here.” 

“So?” 

‘So’? What the hell is that supposed to mean? One look at his face is enough to tell you he’s well aware that today, he doesn’t have to hang out with you. And yet he’s right here, in the library of all places, sitting next to you like it’s the most natural thing to do. Does that mean he genuinely likes to spend time with you? 

“So, you are free to leave,” You give him another chance, just in case he’s starting to realize his mistake, though if he left now, you’re not sure whether you wouldn’t just have started crying your eyes out.

“Do you want me to leave?”

He must be dumb for real, you think to yourself as you catch his softly curious gaze. There’s something in his eyes you can’t quite put a finger on – if you didn’t know any better, you’d say he was feeling apprehensive to hear the answer. Which isn’t possible, obviously, because Mingyu doesn’t care what people think of him, and he certainly doesn’t give a shit if you tell him to leave. He’ll just find another girl to flash his smile at. Still, something in his gaze tells you not to joke around right now, so you speak your mind.

“No, I don’t,” You can’t help but mimic his actions when he grins and that weird look in his eyes disappears, but before he can start shouting, you add: “But that doesn’t mean you get to bother me while I work. I don’t want to hear a single word from you until I’m done with this assignment.”

“You’re so cruel,” He pouts but shuts up, picking up some random book from the nearby shelf and burying his nose in it. 

You sigh in content, turning your attention to your mathbook. Now you'll really get to work. 

You don’t really get to work, though. Thirty minutes have passed without a single equation being written down in your notebook and it’s all Mingyu’s fault. Technically, he’s not bothering you at all as you work, his eyes firmly planted in the book in his hands. And still, you can’t seem to concentrate at all when he’s sitting next to you, with his long fingers gently tapping the wooden table as his eyes fan over one page, then the other, and he’s bringing his hand up to turn to the next page. 

He doesn’t do any of this elegantly at all – truly, his grip on the page is way too rough, folding the paper each time he turns it over and his eyes keep fanning back up to a previous sentence he didn’t quite catch because he zoned out. It’s painfully obvious he hasn’t read a book willingly before in his life, and yet, somehow, he manages to look utterly beautiful while doing it. His whole existence is a threat to your sanity, you conclude, looking away. You can’t afford to have him notice your staring.

Not even ten minutes later, just as you’ve finally calmed yourself down enough to fill half a page of math problems (the only obstacle in your way being the hair that keeps falling into your face) this temporary peace of mind is torn away from you in an instant when you feel a featherlight touch on your neck, making your head snap up in surprise. 

There are goosebumps forming on your skin when your eyes meet Mingyu’s sheepish smile, his fingers caressing the back of your neck as he gathers your hair in his hands. For a moment, you can’t seem to form words, taken aback by this close proximity, your heartbeat loud in your ears. Then, slowly, you start breathing again. 

“What–”

“Shh,” He cuts you off, as if you didn’t just have to sit there regaining your breath just to ask him the question he’s not letting you ask. “Don’t get distracted. I’m just putting your hair up.”

Just. So this is, like, normal for him? He puts every girl’s hair up in a ponytail when hair falls in her face? That explains why he owns a hair tie. 

“Where did you get that hair tie?” You ask him, a little accusingly, as he finishes putting your hair up in a ponytail.

“At the store? That’s where they usually sell hair ties, you know.” 

“Yeah, but like, why do you have it? It’s not like you need it.”

“No, but you do,” Upon seeing your unconvinced expression, he sighs. “I saw it at the convenience store today, and it made me think of you and how your hair is always falling into your eyes because you won’t put it up, so I bought it. Now you have a hair tie and I get to hang out with you more because you can finish your assignment quicker. It’s a win-win situation, really.” 

For a second you’re left just blinking dumbly, feeling a little giddy for no reason at all. He bought it for you? He thought of you at the convenience store? Is this the part where you start jumping up and down, giggling? No, Y/N, calm down. It's not like he confessed his love for you, either. But you suppose it's close enough. 

“Idiot,” You tell him with a smile so big it makes your cheeks hurt. “Why would you waste your money on that?”

“It’s not a waste, it's a gift. Now finish your assignment, I'm getting bored.”

And as if to prove his point, he leans back in his chair with his eyes closed, resting his arms behind his head. There's nothing extraordinary about the action, and yet it makes something turn in your lower stomach when his shirt rides up a few centimeters to let you catch a glimpse of his abs. His biceps are on full display, too – flexed because of the position he's in, and big. There's no doubt he's spent some time in the gym and God, it shouldn't be legal to look this good because now you're imagining him working out, drenched in sweat and shirtless and it's absolutely not good for your health. 

“Oh, right,” You say to Mingyu, suddenly reminded of something. “Karina and Seungcheol want us to come with them to the seaside resort this weekend.”

“We should go, then,” Mingyu opens his eyes and rests his chin on his hand. “Right?”

“Probably,” You sigh. “It’s the whole weekend, though. Friday evening to Sunday morning. Two nights at the hotel. It seems a little redundant.”

“I don't mind. I don't have anything else to do, anyway.”

You raise your brows in suspicion. “Kim Mingyu doesn't have anything to do on a Friday night except spend time with his fake girlfriend at a seaside resort? I'm finding that a little hard to believe.”

“Yeah, okay, correction: I don't have anything else I'd rather do on a Friday night than spend time with my fake girlfriend at a seaside resort.”

In contrast to his usual playful smile, he's looking quite serious as he says that and you wonder if he means it. You read into the things he says a little too much, you know that, but it's not like it's completely baseless for you to think that he might like you. Oh, this is all so fucking complicated. Fake boyfriend, real boyfriend – where does one draw the line? He is only pretending to date you, so why do his smiles feel so genuine? Why does it feel real when he tells you you’re pretty? 

If he's only your fake boyfriend, why are you in love with him for real? 

“Great. I'll tell Karina we're coming, then.”

——

You are not going to let yourself be affected by Mingyu and his actions today. Not even in the slightest bit. You can’t afford to get your hopes up. Besides, staying indifferent can’t be that difficult, right? He’s not that interesting. His smile isn’t that alluring, either, if you really think about it – there’s nothing fascinating about the way his eyes turn upwards when he grins, pure elation radiating off of him. Nope, you don’t care about him and his stupid smile at all. That’s what you keep repeating in your mind on the way to the seaside resort, knowing damn well it must be the worst lie to have ever been told. 

It’s fine, it’s fine. Even if he does affect you and your heartbeat rate, you can still keep it a secret. You’ve been doing it for the past weeks, so why not this weekend, too? This weekend and you’re done – you and Mingyu part ways once and for all. Sure, you’ll feel miserable without seeing his smile, but it’ll pass after a week. Or seventeen years.

Shit. You’re so fucked. 

And you realize you’re even more fucked than you thought as you enter the hotel at which you’re supposed to be staying at, only to find Seuncheol and Karina already standing in the hallway. But they're not the reason you're fucked. No, the reason is standing next to them in a white, form-fitting shirt and his laugh echoing off the walls. 

Mingyu’s back is turned to you, but it brings you little relief, since you can clearly still see the outline of his back muscles through the thin material of his shirt. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say he looks godly, and neither would it be an overstatement to say that, no matter how bad you try not to, you can’t help but literally devour him with your eyes from where you’re walking towards them slowly. Partly, you dread the moment they’ll notice you, because you’ll be forced to look not only at Mingyu’s exposed forearms but also his ridiculously handsome face. And even as you prepare yourself for the moment, you still find yourself feeling a little dizzy when Mingyu turns around to look at you.

“Y/N, you’re here,” He says, and the excitement laced in his voice is just a little too real for you to completely get rid of the idea that it’s not just pretend. “I missed your pretty face.”

He then proceeds to trap you in his arms, muffling out all sounds of Seungcheol and Karina laughing as he pulls you flush against his chest. You can’t breathe for a moment – not because his grip is too tight, but because you realize that fuck, you’re actually being hugged by Kim Mingyu right now and it feels way too comforting for your own good. The scent of his cologne hits your nose – it’s the same one he used at the football game, the same distinctive smell that officially belongs to him now – and the warmth of his skin actually works to calm down your heart a little. It’s a contrast to how you usually react to being close to him, but you don’t mind, because this feeling of solace brings you equally as much glee. 

“I missed you, too,” You mumble against his chest, and it’s not a lie at all. “But can you please let go of me? You’re crushing my ribs.” 

“Ah, right,” He chuckles, and when he lets go of you, the whole world falls back into place – reminding you why you’re here and that you’re not alone. “Sometimes I forget how small and cute you are.” 

You scoff in response, feeling your whole body heat up.

One would think you’d get used to these dumb comments after coming dangerously close to heart failure because of him more times than you can count the past weeks. But no, it still affects you all the same and makes your insides turn to mush, even if Karina and Seungcheol are standing right there, which means that his words are most likely just for show. 

It's the weekend, though, and you've been living in a constant state of overthinking the past week, so you don't suppose it's that much of a big deal if you sit back a little and let yourself feel happy when Mingyu shows you affection. It's inevitable, anyway, since you’re in love with the guy. In love. It sounds so serious when you put it like that. And one look at his smiling face reminds you that it is. 

“So,” Karina clears her throat, gaining your attention. “We should check into our rooms now, and then we can go for a walk and ice cream later?” 

Everyone agrees, and so you head to the reception desk in pairs – Karina holding Seuncheol’s hand, and you with Mingyu next to you, your shoulders just barely touching. You get the keys to your room and thank the lady – Mingyu does so with a wide grin that probably just made that woman’s day much better – before you start heading upstairs. There’s only one problem, though – you’ve brought three bags along and now that your uber isn’t helping you carry them, you feel like you’re about to faint from taking three steps with them in your hands – not to mention you have to walk up the stairs with them. 

“I’ll carry those for you,” You hear Mingyu’s voice, and before you can utter a word, he’s taking the bags from you with a smirk. “I’m your strong boyfriend, after all.”

You can’t even bring yourself to protest as he starts walking up the stairs with your and his bags, muscles flexed. Your eyes must linger on his arms a little too long, because soon enough, he’s sending you a shit-eating grin and lifting your bags up and down like they’re weights at the gym. It’s a joke – he’s teasing you – and yet it’s making you feel all hot and bothered. God, you must be crazy. Half-embarrassed, you avert your gaze in order to calm your heart down before it beats out of your chest. 

“You’re enjoying yourself a little too much for someone who’s carrying four heavy bags up a shitload of stairs, don’t you think?” You try to sound composed, but it doesn’t really work. 

“Not at all,” He smiles – you weren’t supposed to look, but it’s not your fault that whenever you hear his voice, all of your attention is on him – yet it doesn’t hide the way his face is reddening and his voice is strained, arms starting to shake just a little from the weight. 

You can’t help but burst into laughter at both his face and his stubbornness – that boy would seriously rather die than admit he overestimated his strength. He doesn’t laugh with you, just sends you a glare and pouts as he finally sets down the bags in your shared room as the two of you arrive. No matter how hard he tries, though, he can’t erase the hint of enjoyment that lies in his gaze. 

It takes Mingyu less than two seconds to plop onto the soft bed and sigh dreamily, like he’s just ran a marathon. 

“Just don’t fall asleep. We’re going for ice cream in half an hour, you know.” 

“Hmm.”

“If you fall asleep, I won’t wake you up,” You warn him, ignoring the way your heart is doing loops at the sight of his sleepy state. He looks so cute with a sheepish smile on his face, nose buried in the pillows. 

He doesn't react in any way, so you add: “Are you really that exhausted from just carrying my luggage?”

That, he hears very well. 

“Of course I’m not,” He jumps up straight away, like someone poured cold water all over him and you can't help but smile to yourself at the way he's – way too obviously – flexing his muscles for you to see. 

“I was just joking, Mingyu,” You tell him, walking over to where he's standing, by the bed. “You’re very strong.”

And before you can think twice, you put your hand on his bicep and squeeze it through the shirt. It takes you less than a second to do that, and another second for your mind to start malfunctioning. Oh, fuck. One, you just touched Mingyu’s biceps. Two, they're big. Big, as in you realize you can't even wrap your fingers halfway around them. Big, as in if he were to hold you in place, there was no way you'd be able to move. 

And finally, three, this one little touch is enough to have you feeling weak in the knees, unable to think of anything but the way his muscles felt under your fingertips. You can't stop yourself from imagining how they would feel without that shirt separating your skin from his, either. Oh, you've really dug your own grave with this one. 

“You think I’m strong?” Mingyu’s voice is soft, but his gaze is intense as you look up at him. 

“I– I mean you carried my bags up the stairs, didn't you?”

“Sure did,” He smiles and for a moment, you think you're safe. “But you didn't have to touch me to figure that out, did you?”

Nevermind that. You're not safe at all. In fact, you feel like all the air from your lungs has dissolved, leaving you breathless. Being in love with Kim Mingyu is one thing – making it so painfully obvious is another. What if this makes things awkward between the two of you? You wouldn't be able to stand that. Partly because it ruins your chance of convincing everyone you have a boyfriend, but mostly because you truly enjoy being around Mingyu, and you don't want this… thing you have going on to stop. You having to live without speaking of your crush on him is much better than not speaking to him at all. 

“I’m sorry,” You say finally, unsure of what else you could've possibly said to save the situation. 

“Why are you apologizing?” He looks at you from above, pushing your hair away from your face before bringing that hand to brush over the part of your shoulder that is exposed by your tank top. You shudder. “I never said that I mind.”

What? 

Did he just say what you think he said? ‘I never said that I mind’ – what the fuck is that supposed to mean? That he liked it when you touched him? That he wants you to? He's got to be messing with you. Right? His eyes don't leave yours, though, and while there's a cocky grin on his face, he's nowhere near laughing. 

“We should, uh, head downstairs. They're probably waiting for us,” You say, heart hammering in your chest.

“Yeah, we should.”

You wait for him to move, but he doesn't. So you don't, either. You're still dangerously close to him – if he were anyone else, you'd say he was invading your personal space. But he's Mingyu, and the truth is that you want him all up in your personal space. That doesn't change the fact that this is making you nervous – the way he's gazing down on you with a look you can decipher, the way his hand lingers just a couple centimeters away from your arm, the way you can hear his breathing clearly. You want him to do something – anything – because the tension in the air is so thick, you could touch it. But you don't want to touch it, you want to touch him.

And you want him to touch you. Does he want that, too? You don’t want to get your hopes up too much, but you also can’t seem to shake the thought that he looks infatuated with you, too, at this moment. His eyes are lidded, tongue darting to lick at his lips. Not once does he look away. What is he thinking about? Suddenly you wish you were inside his head. 

“Y/N, Mingyu, are you guys coming?” Karina's voice from outside the door brings you back to the real world.

Right. You're going for ice cream. Shit, you really need to stay focused. You’re here to have Mingyu pretend to be your boyfriend, not to make him become your real one. 

With that in mind, you start walking towards the door. You don’t even make it two steps before you feel Mingyu’s hand grab your wrist, before pulling you back to him. Surely, he doesn’t use all of his strength, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’d have collided with his chest if it wasn’t for the hand that he places on your hip to steady you. Suddenly you're face to face with him again – well, maybe face to chest is more accurate – but you don’t even get to question his actions before his rip on your wrist fades, and he brings his hands up to brush something off of your cheek instead. Then, he lets go altogether. 

“You had something on your face,” He explains upon seeing your facial expression.

“Is that why you’re looking at me like that?” You blurt out before you can stop yourself. What is up with you today? When did you get so shameless? It must be all the endorphins Mingyu’s providing you with speaking. You’re about to take back what you said, but as usual, Mingyu beats you to it. 

“No,” He’s smiling again – running a hand through his hair and flashing his teeth at you. You don’t think you’ll ever grow tired of his smile. “That’s just because I like you.”

And then he fucking leaves. Like he didn’t just fucking make your heart drop to your stomach and then jump right back up, only to start beating at an abnormal speed. Because I like you. You’re about to faint. At least it feels that way. Are you even breathing? Everything seems so unimportant suddenly, the only image in your head being Mingyu and his smile. Because I like you. His words are on replay in your mind, flowing through your whole body until they reach your heart, where they settle down to bloom. Because I like you. He likes you.

Mingyu likes you. 

It’s not a love confession, nor does it mean he wants you to his girlfriend for real, but it’s a confirmation that you didn’t fuck up everything with you reckless actions earlier, and it also means you have a chance. Even if just in the slightest. That’s enough for you. 

Well, there goes the plan of not letting yourself get affected by Mingyu’s words and actions, you suppose. Slowly, you fight the urge to start giggling like a schoolgirl and leave the room to meet the others, who are standing in the hallway, waiting for you. Karina looks annoyed as usual, Seungcheol smiles softly, and Mingyu – oh, you could write a whole about how stunning he looks even in the poor lighting of the hotel – grins when he sees you and you can’t help but do the same. 

“Finally,” Karina groans, and you roll your eyes. You’re about to say something to her, but right then, Mingyu drapes his arm over your shoulders and pulls you close, which erases each and every thought you had before, replacing them with pure elation. He really is driving you crazy.

“Let’s go, then.”

The way to the ice cream shop is merely a fifteen minute walk and it leads through the empty streets that surround your hotel. It’s getting dark already as the four of you head outside, and the cool air is making you regret not putting on a jacket. But hey, in your defense, if Mingyu hadn’t decided to make your whole body grow hot with his actions, maybe you wouldn’t have forgotten about it. It’s alright, though, because Mingyu’s arm around your shoulders is warm and doesn’t leave much room for worrying. Even if he’s just doing it for show. But you don’t need to think about that right now, anyway. 

Inside the shop, it’s cozy and warm, which is something you revel in for approximately five seconds before Karina suggests that you eat your ice cream outside. You can’t imagine what’s going through her head when she says that – it’s freezing cold outside, for fuck’s sake – but Mingyu and Seungcheol don’t seem to share your doubts, so you only follow after them with a sigh as they sit down at one of the outdoor tables. The place is cute and the ice cream is good, but you can’t really focus on any of that with the way the cold air is hitting your poor skin. You don’t want to disturb Mingyu when he’s so invested in whatever conversation he’s having, though, so you don’t mention it. 

“You okay, Y/N?” It’s Seungcheol that is first to notice your state, his voice laced with concern. 

You can see how Mingyu stops talking immediately, turning his head to look at you, too, and you smile apologetically. “What? Oh, yeah, I’m fine. Just a little cold.”

Seungcheol smiles at you and starts to take off his jacket, which you’re about to tell him not to do, but Mingyu’s voice cuts through the air before you can even say a word. 

“You’re cold?” It’s a question, but he doesn’t wait for an answer before taking off his jacket – that way also effectively putting Seuncheol’s actions to a halt – and putting it around your shoulders. “Here, put this on.”

“It’s oka–” 

You don’t even get to finish as he lifts up your arm to slip it inside the sleeve of the jacket. As he reaches for your right arm, you help him and slip it inside of the sleeve yourself, and so his fingers come up to zip the jacket up instead. Your eyes find his when he pushes the zipper up to your neck, hand brushing over your skin as he nudges your hair away so it doesn’t get in the way. His gaze glimmers with satisfaction as he finishes putting on the jacket, as if he just solved a very hard puzzle, and your heart flutters just a little when you look at his grinning face. 

“You look cute.”

Well, maybe more than just a little.

“Thanks,” You mumble as you look away, reminded that you’re in fact not alone with Mingyu right now. 

A silence settles over the four of you; Karina’s jaw is clenched as she eats her ice cream, while Seungcheol just looks like he’s feeling out of place. You feel a sting of guilt in your chest – they invited you to hang out together, and you’re making this into a way of interacting as much as possible with Mingyu. It’s not fair for them, not to mention it isn’t very good for you, either, because soon enough, he won’t be pretending to be your boyfriend anymore. You should be getting used to not spending time with him, not the other way around. 

“So,” Karina says finally, her eyes evidently trained on only Mingyu. “How do you guys like the ice cream?”

‘You guys’, my ass, you think to yourself. She’s literally looking Mingyu right in the eyes, and still acting as if the question is directed at everyone? You kind of feel bad for Seungcheol for having to deal with her on a daily basis. 

“It’s really good,” He tells her and Karina sends him her sickly sweet smile. She opens her mouth to say something, but you’ve seen enough of her advances towards Mingyu – though he’s not technically your boyfriend, so you have no right to get jealous. But you do. 

“Really? Let me taste,” You say and before you can back out, you grab at Mingyu’s wrist and lick his mint chocolate ice cream. 

Okay, so first of all – mint chocolate is disgusting. It tastes awful. You suppose this must be how Mingyu feels each time he walks into a library. Second of all, despite the appalling taste, it’s absolutely worth it because the way Karina’s face turns into an expression of pure defeat is probably the second best thing to happen to you today. The best being every conversation you’ve had with Mingyu, of course. 

Speaking of your fake boyfriend – his eyes are set on you as you lean away from him again, something in his gaze sending shivers down your spine. His eyes are wide – you’ve caught him off guard. Good. If he’s going to make your head spin every day, you might as well do the same. 

He doesn’t look away, just keeps gazing at you with an intensity that would’ve forced you to sit down if you were standing up. You can see the way his stare drops down to your mouth and then moves up again, his tongue darting to lick at his lips. There’s something in his eyes – something that wasn’t there before. Something that shoots straight down between your legs. Desire, maybe? But not in the primal way, it’s deeper than that, more tender. Yearning. Longing. Something in between. Want. Yes, that’s the word.

“You’ve got ice cream on your lips,” He says it so quietly you almost don’t hear him – which is weird, since it’s Mingyu we’re talking about here. 

“Really? Where?” 

You’re about to wipe your mouth with the back of your hand, but Mingyu’s fingers wrap themselves around your wrist and hold it in place. What is he doing? You look at him – at his parted lips, the hint of a smile lurking on his face, that stare of his that fills you with all kinds of feelings – and your heart stops. He leans forward – you can feel his breath on your face as he looks down on your lips again. 

He’s going to kiss you. And you want him to. 

You want to keep looking at him, at his smile, his beautiful eyes, but you can’t stop your eyes from fluttering close when his soft lips meet yours. He’s barely touching you, the kiss is merely a brush of skin against skin, but it still drives you crazy, sets your whole body on fire. You can’t move, couldn’t have pushed him away even if you wanted to. But you don’t want to. You want this to last forever, the subtle taste of mint chocolate, the smell of his cologne, the feeling of his tongue brushing over the inner corner of your lips – you don’t want it to end. 

But it does end. Far too quickly. He pulls away, with a grin on his face, completely unaware of how badly you want to jump into his arms and kiss him again. 

“There.”

You blink. Once. Twice. What is he talking about? Oh, right. The ice cream. He was licking off the ice cream. Your heart beats against your chest painfully hard, serving as a reminder of the situation you’re in. Seungcheol and Karina are still here, and Mingyu just kissed you. You put the pieces together fairly quickly from there – of course he kissed you, he’s supposed to be your boyfriend. It’s more believable that way. Suddenly the taste of mint chocolate that lingers on your tongue stings. 

“You guys are so cute together,” Karina smiles her fake smile and something turns in your stomach. 

She totally bought it. But so did you. 

“I think that’s all thanks to Y/N,” Mingyu’s laugh rings in your ears as his arm falls around your shoulders again. He’s holding you close, but the air’s colder than ever and the smell of his cologne hurts your nose. Not because it smells bad, but because you like it too much. 

“Speaking of Y/N, what made you fall for her? I mean, the two of you are so different from each other. On different levels, almost.”

Karina’s words feel like salt in a wound. Different levels. Is that true? Mingyu’s grip tightens on your shoulders, but this action that usually would’ve had you feeling warm inside just barely registers in your mind. Focus, you want to tell yourself, you’re not supposed to feel sad now. You’ll only fuck up the whole plan and your relationship with Mingyu in the process. But you can’t stop your thoughts from reeling and your heart from sinking. 

“What do you mean?” If Mingyu knows what Karina’s talking about – which, surely, he must know, since it’s not much of a secret he’s out of your league – he’s doing a great job at pretending he doesn’t. Just like he’s done a great job at pretending to have feelings for you. Almost too great.

“I just don’t get why you chose Y/N,” There it is. “I mean, you could probably have any girl you want.” 

He could. You know that. You’ve always known. He’s Kim Mingyu, for fuck’s sake – who wouldn’t fall for that smile of his? You surely did. Though right now, you regret it. You regret asking him to be your fake boyfriend, you regret forming a connection to him, and you regret letting him kiss you like he meant it. It’s your own fault, really. If you’d just let yourself crush on him silently, if you hadn’t gotten your hopes up, thinking he might like you, none of this would’ve happened. You wouldn’t have had to sit by his side, feeling like the most naive person on earth.

“I don’t want to have any other girl, though,” You don’t want to look at him, but you do. His smile is long gone, and it feels so weird to look at him without it. Not bad or scary, just different. A new side of him. “I want her.” 

Your eyes widen as you look up to meet his gaze. Funny how you’ve spent the last weeks getting to know him, but now, when it really matters, you can’t figure out what’s going on inside his head. He’s looking at you with a shadow of a smile ghosting over his lips, eyes filled with the warmth you’re used to seeing in them, and it doesn’t seem fake at all. Neither did the kiss, or the hug, or any of the signs he’s given you the last weeks. All of it felt real. But what does that matter when it’s all pretend by default, anyway? 

A minute passes by in silence. You have so many things to say, but you say nothing at all. Only after that minute has passed and the feeling of Mingyu’s arm around you is too much for your poor heart to handle do you stand up, making everyone look at you. Mingyu’s arm falls limp onto your chair. He’s about to say something, but this time, it’s you that doesn’t let him. 

“Excuse me for a moment,” You say and leave them at the shop. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out it’s not just for a moment when you start walking down the street that leads back to the hotel. 

You’re still wearing his jacket, you realize, but you don’t take it off. It’s cold – that’s your excuse, but really, you miss him already. Part of you wants to stop walking and see if he’ll come running, but part of you hopes he won’t. You walked away to avoid telling him about all of this – the mess you made by dragging him into this. If you see him now, you’ll end up spilling everything. And he’ll want nothing to do with you ever again.

You make it a whole seven steps before you hear his voice. 

“Y/N! Wait!” And against your better judgement, you stop walking until he catches up to you – breath fanning at you from above, yet you can’t seem to look up at him. “There you are. Why are you walking alone in the dark?”

You should go. Leave him behind like you intended to, break off this whole deal and go home. Pretend like Kim Mingyu doesn’t exist, pretend you’re not in love with him. But your feet won’t move. It’s like every bit of doubt and worry you’ve kept inside of you until now is making its way to the surface. 

“Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Mingyu’s hand cups your chin and tilts it so your gazes meet. His eyes soften – go from a look of fear to tenderness. “Are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong?” 

Yes, you made me fall in love with you, you idiot, you think. But you don’t say it out loud. Instead, you sigh and let your head fall against his chest, eyes fluttering shut. You can tell Mingyu wants to say something – his breath is ragged, muscles tense – but instead, he wraps his arms around you and pulls you closer. One, two, three. You calm yourself down slowly, inhaling his scent. Mingyu isn’t a patient man – you know he wants you to tell him what’s going on. And you will. You owe him that much. But you let yourself revel in his presence for a minute or two first, thinking that if everything goes wrong, at least you’ll have the memory of his strong arms protecting you from any pain. 

“Is this about the Karina thing?” You feel the vibrations of his voice through his chest as he speaks and it makes you smile. “You know that what she said is just complete bullshit, right? You shouldn’t care–”

“You’re such an idiot, Kim Mingyu,” You cut him off as you pull away. He looks so shocked at your words that it makes you want to laugh. “You really are. You notice how my hair falls into my face, or how I’m struggling to carry my bags, but you don’t notice the way your words and actions affect me.” 

He probably doesn’t know it, but he always pushes his lips out in a pout when he’s confused, and right now is no exception. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” You take a deep breath. “I’m in love with you. Hopelessly so. And I know you don’t feel the same way, but you could’ve at least spared me for all your heart-fluttering gestures, because you’re only making me fall harder.” 

You thought you’d completely accepted your failure, but the way your heart reaches dramatic speed once you’re done speaking proves you otherwise. Or maybe it’s not hope that has you feeling dizzy – maybe it’s just Mingyu himself. You observe him cautiously after you’ve said it, and slowly, but surely, you see his pout and furrowed eyebrows fade into a smile – a soft one that has his eyes crinkling. 

“Who said I don’t feel the same way?” His voice is merely above a whisper as his hand reaches for your cheek, thumb stroking the skin on it. You shiver under his touch, slowly processing his words as his other hand comes to grab at your waist and pull you close. “I like you, remember? A lot.”

“Yes, but you were my fake boyfriend and–”

“Why do you think I agreed to this whole deal, Y/N? I’ve had my eyes on you ever since that party at Soonyoung’s.”

“You agreed because I promised to pay for your meals,” You remind him, heart struggling to beat at a normal speed when you feel his fingers play  when his finger moves from stroking your cheek to your jaw. 

“It’s not like I can’t pay for my own meals. The hair tie, the library, the flower – do you think I do that to every girl I hang out with? Why do you think I spent time with you when I didn’t have to?”

You swallow as his thumb strokes your lower lip. “I don’t know, because you’re nice like that?”

“Nobody’s just ‘nice like that’, baby,” He smiles that ridiculously gorgeous smile of his as he leans forward to connect his forehead to yours, almost making you faint in the process. He might've kissed you earlier, but this is different. Now he knows everything. “When I said I wanted you, I wasn’t kidding.”

Okay, Y/N, breathe, you tell yourself, but it’s easier said than done. Especially when his breath is mixed with yours, eyes shining with emotion as your noses brush against each other. He wants you. Kim Mingyu wants you. Your heart is beating so hard against your chest you fear he might hear it from where he’s standing, merely a centimeter away. It’s like he’s awaiting your next move. Without thinking much, you put your hands on his shoulder and pull him a bit closer. Just so his lips fan over yours, and butterflies swarm in your stomach. Oh, you want him to kiss you so badly. 

It’s like he hears your thoughts, because not even one second later he’s closing the small distance between you and pressing his lips to yours. This time, it’s not just a brush of skin against skin – well, objectively speaking, it is, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s much different from the kiss at the ice cream shop. Now, he’s holding onto you tightly, entangling his fingers in your hair while his lips move against yours fervently. The arm which rests on your waist is pulling you closer, though you doubt you could be any closer to him than what you already are. Your grip on his shoulders is just as firm, the cool air nothing compared to the way your whole body is heating up from his touch. 

Mingyu’s teeth scrape against your lower lip and you open your mouth slightly, gripping his bicep tighter when he slips his tongue inside. You can’t even make out what he tastes like – whether it’s mint chocolate, coffee or anything else – you’re too focused on the fact that he’s kissing you, that his hands are pulling you closer as he moves his lips against yours. His fingers pull at your hair just hard enough for you to tilt your head back and allow him to move his lips down to your jaw, tongue darting over the skin. You want to look at him, but you can’t help the way your eyes flutter shut when he starts pressing open-mouthed kisses against your throat, spreading goosebumps all over your skin and you shiver. 

For some reason, Mingyu takes this as a sign to pull away, leaving you with chapped lips and breathlessness in his arms. 

“Why’d you stop?” It sounds a lot whinier than you’d intended, but who can really blame you? Kim Mingyu just told you he has feelings for you and kissed you, only to let it end this fast – you’re allowed to whine. 

“Because you looked cold,” He says and you scoff. Because you looked cold? What kind of excuse is that? He grins at your facial expression, moving his face closer to yours so that for a moment, you think he’s going to kiss you again. “Why? Am I so good at kissing that you need more?” 

“I literally hate you so much,” You push him away with a scoff, thinking that walking back to the hotel might be a good idea since the cold is starting to catch up with you. Still, you listen for Mingyu’s steps behind you as you walk, only speeding up when you’re certain he’s walking, too. 

“That’s mean,” It doesn’t take long for him to catch up with you and walk by your side, shoulder against yours the whole way until the hotel that, fortunately, lies only 100 meters away. “I don’t give kisses to girls that are mean, you know.”

You arrive at the warm hotel fairly quickly and waste no time heading towards your room, acting like you’re eager to crawl under the sheets. In all honesty, you’re more eager to spend time with Mingyu without freezing to death – not that you’ll tell him that. You’ve boosted his ego enough for today, you suppose. Speaking of Mingyu – he walks with you, but you don’t look at him before you’ve entered the room, unable to hold back your smile at the pout that is evident on his face just like it was in his voice earlier.  

“And what girls do you give kisses to?” You ask him as you take off your (his) jacket and throw it on the floor. His eyes find yours as he walks over to wrap his arms around you again, and just like every other time he’s touching you, it makes your heart beat faster. Nose brushing against yours, eyes smiling down on you, fingers playing with the hem of your shirt. You want to kiss him again. 

“You.”

“What?” You laugh at his response, almost missing the way his eyes rest on your lips. Almost. “That makes no sen–”

You’re cut off by his lips pressing against yours for a mere second, soft and sweet for as long as you can taste them, and then he pulls away with a wide grin on his face. And you can’t even bring yourself to get mad at him for pulling away when he looks so fucking cute looking down on you, hair falling into his eyes a little. 

“I love you,” He says after a while, and it’s like there are fireworks going off inside of you. You could’ve died from happiness right then and there.

“I love you, too.”

“Let’s go to sleep, baby.”

You nod your head, half in a daze. He loves you. Kim Mingyu loves you. And he doesn’t dissappear when you’re in the bathroom, changing, he’s still there when you come out – sitting on the bed, waiting for you. You smile at him and he smiles at you, hands latching onto your shirt and pulling you down next to him. He pulls you closer, legs entangled with yours under the covers as he presses a kiss to your forehead. 

This night you fall asleep between Mingyu’s arms, breathing in his scent and feeling completely at ease.

—

The sunlight shining through the window is what wakes you up the following morning, inviting you to open your eyes only to screw them shut again. It’s way too early for that much light, you decide, rubbing your eyes before you realize it is, in fact, already almost noon. God, you’ve slept in. You almost get the urge to get ready for school, but then you remember – you’re at the seaside resort with Karina and Seungcheol. And Mingyu. You smile as you think of him, reaching to your left to touch him, but you’re only met with warm bedding underneath your fingers.

For a scary second, you worry that he’s left, or maybe even worse – that all the things you remember from yesterday never happened and it was just a dream. Fortunately, those worries evaporate when the door to the bathroom that is connected to your room flies open and none other than Mingyu himself walks out. 

Which is great and all – except that he has a towel wrapped around his waist. Only a towel. 

You try to divert your eyes, you really do, but it’s really fucking difficult when he’s standing two meters away from you with water dripping down his exposed chest to slip under the white towel that is the only thing shielding him from your sight. His hair is wet, too, falling into his forehead until he pushes it away, his arm muscles accentuated by the lighting. God, looking this good should be illegal. It’s not like it’s anything new that Mingyu’s hot, and yet the sight stirs up a heat between your legs, heart beating a little faster as you sit up on the bed, finally forcing yourself to look him in the eyes. 

“Oh, hey,” He catches your gaze and flexes his muscles instantly – something that might’ve just made you laugh if it didn’t shoot straight to your pussy. “You’re awake.”

“Yeah, well, um,” You gulp a little too loud when you catch yourself looking down on his bare chest again. You need to focus, you think to yourself, closing your eyes briefly to collect your thoughts. “I don’t usually sleep this long.”

“Mhm,” You see him smile and then the bed bends under his weight as he plops down on it, arms reaching for you and pulling you close with ease. He nuzzles his head in the crook of your neck, lips fanning over the skin and making you shiver softly. All cute and all, except he’s still only wearing a towel and the warmth of his body is making you you lose your mind a little. “And do you usually look at people like that?” 

Like what, you’re about to ask, but the words die down in your throat when you feel his big hands slip under your shirt and rest on your waist, and you know he knows you want him. It’s kind of embarrasing how big of an effect even his slightest touch has on you, but who can really blame you for feeling all hot and bothered when Kim Mingyu is lying in bed with you, his chest against yours and hips only a few centimeters away from meeting his? He smells so nice, too – the scent of his shampoo is making it impossible for you to even think about leaving his embrace. 

“No,” You whisper instead, breath hitching when he lifts you up to place you in his lap. He’s leaning against the headboard now, finger still firmly gripping your waist as he leaps forward to plant a soft kiss to your neck. 

“No?” He says this against the skin of your neck, sending shivers down your spine as his hands travel higher and higher until they fan over the back of your bra, asking for permission to take it off. You give it to him by pushing your chest out against him, hands grabbing at his arms under the excuse of keeping yourself steady. Though, in reality, you just really like his arms, and the feeling of his muscles beneath your fingers only serves to help a throb form between your legs. 

“No, just you,” You basically moan out as his right hand gropes one of your tits, bra thrown onto the floor. 

“Just me?” 

He smiles against you, now pressing a kiss to your jaw, pushing himself up against you to reach more of your skin, and in that way, causing his hips to brush up against yours. Your grip on his shoulders tightens at the contact and so does the coil in your stomach – you might be wearing shorts and the towel is still wrapped around Mingyu’s hips, but that doesn’t change the fact that you can clearly feel how his hard cock is pressing into the side of your inner thigh, mere centimeters from where you want it to be. 

It’s like he reads your thoughts, because in the next moment, he’s lifting his hips again so his clothed cock brushes up against you, and judging from the satisfied smile that settles onto his face when you gasp, he’s doing it on purpose. You can’t even say anything when his hand rests on your hip and pushes you down on his bulge, this time successfully rubbing against your clit. 

God, you’re going to go crazy if the two of you keep pretending this is a normal cuddling session any longer. At this point, you’re positive both your panties and shorts are completely soaked, not to mention how painfully your pussy is throbbing with need – the need for Kim Mingyu to fuck you. 

“Mingyu…” 

“Mmm?” He hums absentmindedly, fingers moving lower until they rest against the waistband of your panties. 

You only whine at him in response, deciding to take matters into your own hands when you see his amused smile, your hips rolling into his and your pussy clenching around nothing when it rubs against his cock. You can feel how his fingers dig into your skin, a soft moan escaping past his lips at the touch and you know you've won. 

“What happened to the cute, shy Y/N?” He’s still smiling as he speaks, letting his hand push your panties aside and hover just a centimeter away from your dripping pussy. It makes you suck in a breath, and Mingyu smiles even wider. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“I’m still here,” You assure him, moving your hips just a little forward so they reach his hand. It takes all in you not to outright whimper when the palm of his hand grazes your cunt, the slight sensation enough to make your whole body go limp in his arms, your mouth resting close to his ear. “I just really want you to fuck me right now.” 

And that’s all Mingyu needs to hear before he basically manhandles you so your back is flat against the mattress, the towel slipping dangerously low on his hips as he hovers above you with his chest against yours. You shiver underneath him, nipples pressing against the thin shirt you're still wearing, thighs rubbing together in an attempt to relieve yourself of some of the tension. Mingyu doesn't fail to notice any of that, quick to practically rip your shirt off and play with your tits with one hand, while the other pulls down your shorts and panties so he can press one finger flat against your clit. 

“Mingyu,” You moan out, lifting your hips off of the bed to create some friction. “Please.”

“God, you're so eager,” He grins and runs his fingers over your tits as he starts moving his thumb across your pussy, smiling in satisfaction when he sees how you're practically dripping onto his hand. “And so wet. Is that just for me, baby?”

You can't even give him an answer when he pushes one of his fingers inside of you, still letting his thumb press against your clit. A whimper leaves your mouth when he pulls it out only to push it back in a second later, setting a quick pace pretty quickly. The room is already filled with the noises your cunt makes when he fucks his finger into you, adding another when he realizes you're still bucking your hips up, begging for more. His thumb starts lazily rubbing circles on your clit, and you moan his name, then bite your lip to muffle the noise.

“Don’t,” The way Mingyu pouts is a big contrast to the way his fingers curl inside of you as he pushes them deeper into your wet cunt. “Wanna hear those pretty sounds you make, okay?”

“Okay,” You whimper, tightening your grip on him when the finger rubbing your clit speeds up and he presses wet kisses into your neck, then down to your tits and stomach. 

His hand that isn’t busy fucking you with his fingers settles on your hip as his mouth reaches your inner thighs. He kisses them softly and looks up at you, eyes dark and hair framing his face so nicely, before he dives between your legs, catcing you off guard when his fingers slip out of you, only to be replaced by his tongue that laps up your juices while he continues rubbing your now swollen clit. 

“Feels so good, Gyu,” You say and you can feel him moan against your pussy, the sound sending vibrations straight to your core. It's embarrassing how close you are to cumming already, but in your defense, Mingyu knows exactly what he's doing when he drags his nose through your folds, letting one of his fingers slip through your walls again. You grab at his hair, not trying to hold back your moans anymore as his tongue presses against your clit. 

“You taste so good,” He purrs against you, making you cry out in pleasure when his fingers hit that one spot that makes your toes curl. 

It's all too much to handle – the way his finger is leaving and entering your pussy at a fast speed, plunging deep inside of you as he sucks on your clit – it's got your thighs closing around his head, hands pulling at his hair to bring him closer like that's even possible. You’re so focused on chasing your orgasm, that you almost don’t notice when he adds another finger to pump in and out of your cunt, making you feel so full that your eyes roll to the back of your head and you clench around him repeatedly. 

You don't even get to warn Mingyu of your approaching high in any other way than holding tight onto his strong arms as your pussy clamps down on his fingers, your hips bucking into his face. The intensity of your orgasm has you grabbing at the sheets as you cum on his tongue and fingers, feeling a little empty when he retracts his hand from your heat. 

“Mingyu,” You whine from overstimulation when his tongue laps at your pussy again, licking up all your juices before he sits up.

“Sorry,” Mingyu smiles in a way that tells you he doesn’t feel sorry at all, and waits until you prop yourself up on your elbows so he can kiss you. 

You can taste yourself on his tongue when it slips inside of your mouth, but what occupies your mind more is the way he’s still got the towel wrapped around his hips, and his painfully hard cock is now pressed against your thigh, reminding you just how badly you want it inside of you. It doesn’t exactly help the case that Mingyu’s looking even hotter than before – his hair pretty much dry now, but completely disheveled, chin glistening with your slick. 

Before you can get the chance to back down, you put your hand on his chest and let it trace his muscles until you reach where the towel is tied. Mingyu basically purrs into your mouth when you palm his cock over the fabric, his head falling onto your shoulder. 

“I’m gonna fuck you so good,” He mumbles into your ear and you feel his words shoot straight to your pussy. “You want that, don't you?”

“Mhm,” You tell him as he pushes you down on the mattress again, your hands coming up to finally untie the towel that's shielding him from your hungry eyes. “Want your cock, Mingyu, please.”

“Well, since you asked so nicely.”

He helps you push the towel off of his hips and groans when his cock springs free – it's a pretty sound that would've totally made you feel even needier if you weren't too occupied staring at him with wide eyes instead. You can tell from his growing smile that you're only feeding into his ego, but you can't really help it – his cock is not only pretty, it's also really fucking big. 

“Aw, are you scared it won't fit?” His thumb strokes your lip and you can see how his arm muscles tighten when he leans on them to align himself at your entrance. “Don’t worry, baby, I'll make sure it does.”

You shiver when the tip of his dick grazes your cunt, his arm helping you to wrap your legs around his hips. His breath fans over your face as he leans down to press a kiss to your cheek, and you feel both butterflies and heat spread in your lower stomach at the action. God, he really wants you dead. The smile on his face doesn't subside even as he starts rubbing his cock across your folds without warning, making you grab at his arms, moans leaving your mouth no matter how hard you try to hold them back each time he comes in contact with your clit. 

To your defense, you weren't exactly expecting him to suddenly start smearing your arousal all over your swollen cunt. 

His movements work wonders, though, and soon enough, you're clenching around nothing with each roll of his hips, dripping onto his cock like he's been touching you'd hours, when in reality, it only took five or so swipes of his dick to bring you to this state. 

“Mingyu, please,” If his goal was to have you become a whining mess, he's definitely reached it, because now, all sense of embarrassment is thrown aside. “I want you inside of me.”

“Are you sure you can take it?” He asks, but you can tell he's just as eager as you when he positions himself at your entrance.

You nod vigorously and that's all the confirmation he needs to drive his cock into you slowly. He's trying to be gentle – you can tell from the way his lips are parted and his big hands grip your waist tighter – but that doesn't change the fact that he's stretching you out like crazy, small whimpers leaving your mouth as you try to adjust to his size. You've barely gotten used to having him inside of you when you realize he hasn't even pushed all the way in. You're already feeling incredibly full, but nothing beats the way you feel Mingyu’s cock deep inside of you when he finally bottoms out, your pussy sucking him in. 

“You’re so tight, fuck,” Mingyu groans and you only clench around him harder at the praise, feeling your mind go a little hazy at how stuffed you are with his cock. “Making me wanna fuck you dumb.”

Do it then, you want to tell him, but then he starts moving and all plans you had of speaking turn into quiet whimpers as you dig your nails into his skin. He’s moving painfully slowly, but it’s still making your head spin when he pulls out only to push himself back into your tight cunt, stretching you out and making you feel every bit of his cock clearly. 

At first, you manage to keep your eyes on Mingyu – the way his abdominal muscles flex with each leisure thrust, making you whimper a little louder than you would’ve otherwise, the way his cock creates a bulge in your stomach when he buries it deep inside of you, the way his mouth falls open in a groan whenever your walls tighten around him. After a while, though, you can tell he wants to go faster and truthfully – you want him to, 

“Mingyu,” You mumble, tapping his shoulder lightly. He only hums absentmindedly in response, but his eyes meet yours, so you continue. “More, please.”

“More?” His eyes light up and he thrusts a little harder this time, experimentally, smiling when you let out a broken moan. “Yeah? Feels good?”

“Mhm,” You mumble, eyes fluttering shut when he draws his hips back only to push into you again, this time deep enough so that you feel him all the way to your stomach. 

Satisfied with your answer, Mingyu positions your leg higher on his hip so he can thrust into you at a deeper angle – something that leaves you seeing stars when he picks up his pace, fucking you into the matress. Your hands grab at his arms to steady yourself while his hand cups your tits, face leaning forward to press open mouthed kisses to your neck, sucking on your sensitive skin softly.

“Feels so fucking good, baby,” He mumbles into your neck, sending shivers down your body and making you clench around him harder. 

The coil in your stomach starts to tighten and your eyes roll to the back of your head as Mingyu hits that one spot that makes your toes curl in pleasure. He doesn’t miss your louder moans, smiling to himself as he continues to hit that spot, sucking marks into your skin. His thrusts are fast but far from shallow, making your mind go foggy, not able to focus on anything but the way he’s fucking you so good. You bury your hands in his hair, forgetting all about being embarrassed and whimpering his name with each thrust that pushes you closer to your orgasm.

“Mingyu,” You say. “I’m so close.”

This only urges him to go harder, now bringing his thumb to rub circles on your clit as well, the action making you almost scream his name, thighs starting to shake. You don’t even have to hold onto him anymore – which is good, because you’re unable to think of anything else than how his cock slips in and out of your sopping cunt – because his strong arms are holding you up, fingers sliding easily across your sensitive clit. Your pussy is clenching around him uncontrollably now, tears starting to prickle at your eyes from the stimulation and you almost don’t register the things he’s whispering into your ear with a hoarse voice. 

“You’re being such a good girl for me, taking everything I give you.”

You nod your head dumbly and clench around him in response, unable to really gather your thoughts to form any sentence, but Mingyu doesn’t seem to mind, hand coming to grab at your hips and push them against him so he can reach deeper into your pussy. This is when you can’t hold it in anymore, a loud moan of his name leaving your lips as you cum around his cock, sucking him in tightly as if you don’t want him to pull out. 

You can feel Mingyu’s smile against your neck as he continues to pound into you as you’re trying to recover from your second orgasm, chasing his own high. Whimpering from the overstimulation, you hold onto him as he twitches inside of you. It doesn’t take long before he’s moaning right into your ear – a sound that makes your breath hitch in your throat – and emptying his cum into you.

“Fuck,” He pulls out of you and you whine at the loss of contact. This makes him smile – his signature grin looking even better on him than usually, with his cheeks flushed and droplets of sweat forming on his exposed forehead. “You did so well, baby.”

You can feel butterflies swarming in your stomach at the praise, face contorting into a tired smile when he lies down next to you, strong arms pulling you closer until your head rests against his chest. His warmth engulfs you and you realize you’d have no problem falling asleep between his arms right now. 

“That was really amazing, you know,” He says and looks down on you.

“I know,” You press a kiss to his jaw. “Round two in thirty minutes?” 

Mingyu’s laughter fills not only the room, but your heart as well. 

“That’s my girl.”

taglist: @fixonbreakoff @httpswonwoosglasses @miniaturegardenerkingdom @xxtingz @yuyusdandelion @listxn @seungkwan-s @doublebunnykoo @gyuwhore @014yyuno @seokgyustudios @idkwhatursayinh @yaysuko @doitlikehoshi @sebongmochi

[beelmons]

Viejonaaa give me #5 with Reid PLSSSSSSS

cw: breeding-kink, semi-public sex, unprotected sex, light degradation (very light)

12:36 p.m. with 13 seconds.

That's the exact time when Spencer knew his night would end up like this, after you told him, with apparent innocence, to help you out with something in the archive, and instead of files in his hands he came out of that place with your panties in his pocket.

He was tortured the entire day with the knowledge that there was nothing beneath the tight skirt you were forced to wear, some sort of dress code for an event, and had to put every inch of willpower to put his erection back down whenever he remembered.

But at last, the clock hit six, and everyone left, anyone but you and him.

His favorite part of the job had become getting to fuck you on the boss's desk, unbenknown to him and rest of the team, of course, under the pretense of having piled up work.

His hands pressed against the mahogany surface next to your hips as your thighs rested around the height of his waist, your head tilted back with utmost plesure as you listened to the divine sound of his balls hitting the skin of your ass, half floating up in the air, half rested on the unit chief's workspace.

He could only stare in awe at how beautiful you looked drenched in sweat, bottom lip dragged in between your teeth, your entire look ruined by having his dick so far down your throat minutes before; no one else could see this side of you, and that filled him with absolute pride.

After the clock hit six, you were only his, his to mess up in the most sinful of ways.

You could feel him beginning to throb inside of you, and his high-pitched moans let you know he was close. Deliciously close. His hips kept hitting as deep as they could, your dilligent pussy swallowing him whole each time.

Routine dictated that he unloaded somewhere else, more often than not that being your thigh or your back, but today something came over you. Your legs locked behind his back, your feet curled to link with each other with needy strenght.

He didn't notice until he attempted to pull apart from you, his hips being stopped by the wrestling move you had pulled on him.

"I can’t pull out when you wrap your legs around me like that." he observed, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration to avoid cumming in that very second.

"No one asked you to." you said with resolution, your arms wrapping around his neck to keep him even closer "I want you to fill me up with so much cum I'll walk out here with it dripping from my thigh," you whispered with your lips teasingly close to his "and I want everyone who sees it to know your load was so big it most definitely got me pregnant."

He let out a deep, excited mewl at your words, and he couldn't control his urges any more. His lips closed the gap in a passionate and starved kiss, and his hands dragged your hips forward making sure his entire member was buried into you. There was no escape, he knew, he knew everything was going directly where he wanted it to.

He groaned huskily against your lips as he kept tinting your insides with his white release, and even after he was done you didn't let go of his lower body. Your walls continued clenching around him desperately, your own high making their rhythm almost uncontrollable.

"You're going to milk me dry." he half-joked when he pulled his face away to watch his breath.

"I'm not the wasteful type." you responded.

He remained in front of you, caged between your legs, with his sight completely focused on your eyes.

"W-What?" you asked when his stare had made you a little self conscious.

"Nothing. I was just thinking that such a pretty cunt will for sure create very pretty babies." right after his sentence he tugged at your hips once again.

The force he applied was enough to make you fall back on the desk, and you could feel him still stiff inside of you.

"So, just to make sure, why don't I give you another load?" you watched him unlock your legs with an almost hurtful grip, but that wasn't so he could pull away, it was so he could fix them in a way he knew that next time he came, not a drop would make it out of your womb.

There were only two thoughts in your brain that night (since he was fucking the rest to a place far, far away):

One, you would, one day, bear Spencer's children.

And two, you would have to find a way to dry up all the documents you most definitely ruined on Aaron's desk.

[imhereforbrownies]

Ultraviolet

Bodyguard!Seo Changbin/F!Reader

Summary: Your father assigned him to watch over you. As much as you didn’t like that at first, you develop a crush on him. But is there a chance he feels the same?

Warnings: 18+, MDNI!, innocent!virgin!reader, jealous!reader, a bit yanderish bin probably, cursing, mentions of masturbation, mentions of food and drinking, dry humping, fingering, praise kink, corruption kink, dumbification, cum eating, implied curvy!reader, reader is taller than Changbin (sorry not sorry), let me know if I forgot anything!

Word count: 5k+

part two | three

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When your father graciously announced to you that he'll assign a bodyguard to watch over you you were angry at first.

Your displeasure didn't last long enough though, only until you were actually introduced to the man who was supposed to babysit you. You thought he'll be like the rest of your father's men - middle aged, all muscles and no brains.

But then you met Seo Changbin and it took all your willpower to keep your annoyed facade at least for a while and with it your dignity.

He's so different from all the men you've ever met before. He's smart, respectful and actually funny and he doesn't hesitate to talk to you even though he always keeps the professional distance, which you'd gladly cross any time. On top of all of that he's sinfully handsome and the dark suit he wears that accentuates his broad shoulders doesn't make it any easier for you. You tried to keep your growing crush on him hidden because you know he doesn't reciprocate your feelings but it's getting harder and harder with every passing day. Especially when he's so damn kind to you.

“So how was your day, Miss Y/L/N?" He asks as soon as you slide into the passenger seat of his black Rover.

“So how was your day, Miss Y/L/N?" He asks as soon as you slide into the passenger seat of his black Rover.

At the beginning, he insisted that you’ll sit in the back since it's safer but after you begged and pouted for days he eventually agreed to let you sit next to him, which you are grateful for. It seems less forced, and much more intimate. Like you're friends, not strangers.

"It was good. Just the usual," you reply softly, looking down at your lap and playing with the hem of your pink skirt.

"That's great. Your father won't be home until Sunday. Do you have any plans I should know of?" He teases, making you smile.

He always knows exactly what to say and how to navigate the conversation to keep you entertained. Maybe that's yet another thing that made you fall for him.

"No, not at all," you shake your head.

You're quite unproblematic kid, unlike your friends. You don't like parties, you don't like drinking and you're not fucking around with random guys from your campus.

That's part of the reason you didn't understand why your father ordered Changbin to watch over you. You even asked the boy himself but he gave you a vague response about how your father's business has dangerous sides, apparently not allowed to speak of it further and you didn't ask anymore. You're glad you have Changbin by your side, especially now when your father tends to be away more than at home. You don't feel as lonely with him always present.

"Hm, I see," he murmurs with a smile and you watch as he steers the wheel with one hand, the muscles of his exposed forearm flexing slightly, making your cheeks burn as you advert your gaze, hoping you weren't caught ogling him.

You turn to the window to stare out at the city as it passes in a blur of lights and colors and you unintentionally let out a soft sigh.

"Something troubling you, Miss?" He asks, always the perceptive one, making you stiffen in your seat slightly.

"Uhm- no, not at all," you reply, your eyes briefly meeting his and you hope it didn't give away how flustered you are.

"You're suspiciously quiet today," he notes and you bite on your lower lip, willing yourself to stay sane.

Okay, maybe it has something to do with the fact you're quite stressed lately because of all of your assignments and some little devil inside your brain thought that it might be a good idea to let out some steam by touching yourself to the thought of Changbin fucking you dumb last night only to wake up even more frustrated this morning. On top of all of that, Changbin was the one to drop you off at the campus today instead of your dad like usual since he's away on a business trip and one of your friends caught a glimpse of him so throughout the whole day you had to listen to their teasing until you hesitantly admitted that it's your bodyguard, not your boyfriend, which probably made the matters even worse since now half of your friends group wants to fuck him.

"S-sorry," you murmur.

"Oh, there's no need to be sorry. I was just worried," he states, glancing at you with his soft brown eyes, his words making your heart flutter.

"I just- I just have a lot of it in school so I'm a bit tired," you explain and he hums, giving you a little nod as his eyes stay focused on the road, which gives you an amazing opportunity to admire his handsome profile.

"Well, maybe you should use this weekend for some relaxing," he prompts and you smile.

"Yeah, that's a good idea."

-

And relaxing you do.

That's why Changbin finds you sunbathing on a lounger in a pretty purple bikini the next morning, smoothie in your hand and a bright smile on your lips once you spot him.

He knows it's wrong. He knows he shouldn't, especially after the warning he got from your father. But Changbin just can't help it but be obsessed with you. You're such a sweet thing, so kind and innocent, the opposite of what he expected when he got this job. You have him wrapped around your finger without even realizing it.

He, of course, knows about your little crush on him, the way you're looking at him isn't exactly subtle, but he knows there's little he can do about it if he doesn't want to lose his job. Your father pays him handsomely for doing little to nothing since you're such a good girl and you don't make any troubles and he really needs the money to support his family. So even if it takes all he has, he's always keeping his hands and thoughts to himself.

Even now he tries to force himself to not gape at your exposed curves, choosing to turn to the crystalline water of the pool instead.

"Hi!" You greet him once he gets within earshot, pushing the purple heart shaped sunglasses from your nose to the top of your head.

"Hello, Ms. Y/L/N," he states with a smile, his eyes meeting yours and he doesn't miss the little pout that forms on your pretty lips.

"Do you really have to address me so formally even when we are alone?" You ask for what might be a millionth time ever since you two were introduced to each other.

"It's the way it should be," he replies as always and you huff at that, apparently not satisfied with his answer, which makes him smirk.

"But you don't like it either, do you?" You ask, eyes casted down as you play with the straw in your glass.

"What I like or don't like doesn't matter," he states, shoving his hands in the pockets of his black slacks.

"It matters to me," you say, voice little as you glance up at him.

Changbin sometimes wonders if you're doing this intentionally, if you just enjoy testing his self-control, or if being such a sweetheart is something natural to you. He still wasn't able to decide, not even after all those months he's spent by your side.

"So?" You murmur when there's no reply from him, effectively taking him out of his thoughts and he clears his throat before replying.

"I don't like it either," he admits, eliciting a bright grin from you.

"Why don't we make an agreement then? When it's just the two of us, you can call me Y/N," you offer, looking up at him with your eyes all big and hopeful, making Changbin curse you internally for the effect you have on him.

He hesitates but he knows there's no way he could fight it and so he lets out a defeated sigh.

"Okay," he murmurs and your grin widens, if that's even possible.

"Great," you whisper, apparently satisfied with what you made him do as you lean back in your lounger and take a sip of the smoothie in your hand.

"What are your plans for today then, Y/N?" He asks and you seem to perk up a bit at the way your name rolls off his tongue, making amusement dance over his lips.

"Nothing much. I- I was thinking I'll invite a few friends over later," you state and he raises an eyebrow at that.

He knows your friends well, it's his job as your bodyguard to know the people within your inner circle. He still can't really believe you keep such people so close to yourself when they don't really have anything in common with you. They are so different from you, his sweet good girl. And having them around doesn't really please him, but if it's something that makes you happy, Changbin will endure it.

"That's a good idea," he says softly, making you smile, your eyes shimmering with happiness as they meet his.

And he'd do anything to keep you smiling like that.

-

"Where is he?" You friend Anna asks as soon as she crosses the threshold of your house, looking around to spot Changbin, Yeji and Lia following right after her and you close the door behind them with a soft sigh, not really prepared to share your handsome bodyguard with anyone else.

"I thought you came to see me," you tease, trying to keep any reproach out of your voice.

The girls turn to you with bright smiles and Yeji immediately wraps her arm around your shoulders, pulling you close.

"Of course, we are here because of you. But Anna wouldn't shut up about your hot bodyguard so we are just curious," she states, trying to soothe your worries.

You just hum, giving her a soft smile that doesn't quite reach your eyes before you pull away from her to lead them to the kitchen where you, along with your servant Martha, prepared some snacks earlier.

"So what's his name again?" Lia asks, making you bite on your lower lip.

"Changbin," you murmur, keeping your eyes casted down to not give away how uncomfortable this makes you.

You don't like it. You don't want them to meet him. When Anna proposed the sleepover, you were happy you'll have someone close to you to spend the weekend with when your father's not home but you're starting to realize that this is not what they came for, especially when they are dressed like that - tight miniskirts and revealing tops as if this was some frat party not a friendly sleepover. You know it's because of him and you hate it. Just thinking about them ogling him and flirting with him makes your good mood turn completely sour.

You hate to admit it but all those feelings spring from your insecurities. You are not as brave and confident as your friends, mainly because of your lack of experience. You're shy around boys, not really able to navigate the conversation the way they can. And you somehow feel like these charms of theirs might work on Changbin just fine and you're not ready to lose him like that. Some selfish part of you wants him just to yourself and you're not strong enough to fight that need.

"Wow, you prepared all this for us, Y/N?" Yeji asks, trying to get you to speak and you realize she's probably the only one who sensed your discomfort.

"Uhm- yeah. I- I hope you'll like it. We can- we can take it outside and go for a swim. The water's really good," you offer, hoping to get them out of the house where you know Changbin is right now to avoid any introductions.

"Sure, that sounds great!" Lia agrees with a grin and so you quickly collect the bowls and plates with various snacks while Anna takes the bottle of gin and you all move outside.

When the food is settled on the little table by the pool, you trail back inside to get changed and to your horror you bump into Changbin in the kitchen, the dark haired boy just pouring himself a glass of water before chugging it down. You're glued to the sight, to the little droplets making their way down his strong neck and disappearing underneath the collar of his white shirt. You're so transfixed that you completely forget about the three girls standing behind you, until Lia nudges your side, nodding her head towards him to force you to do something about this.

And so you clear your throat, getting Changbin's attention instantly. He turns to you, putting the empty glass down and licking his lips, making a ghost of warmth run through your tummy, your eyes meeting his shyly.

"Uhm- Changbin I just- I just wanted to introduce you to my friends," you say softly, taking a step aside to allow them to make their way to him around the marble kitchen island.

"This is Lia, Yeji and Anna," you point at the girls one by one and they all shake hands with him while he keeps a polite smile on his lips.

"It's nice to meet you," he states.

"You too! Y/N didn't tell us she has such a handsome man watching over her," Anna says with a smirk, making Changbin chuckle, the interaction making something bubble in your chest, something dangerously close to jealousy.

"Keep an eye on her for us, okay? Our Y/N is way too precious," Lia adds, leaning against the kitchen island, bating her eyelashes at him.

You bite on your lower lip hard enough to draw blood as you look down at your feet, trying to hide your unsettling feelings.

That's why you miss the way Changbin's gaze stays fixed on you, small smirk tugging at his lips as he notices your hands clenched tightly into fists by your sides, making him realize what exactly is going on and he almost hates how much he likes it.

"You can bet, Miss. But if you'd please excuse me now, I have to go check the security system," he states, his voice drawing your eyes to his face and the smile he gives you makes your heart melt.

"Stop by the pool later!" Anna calls after his retreating figure while Lia starts giggling. Yeji just rolls her eyes at their antics before turning to you, only to find suspiciously sweet smile on your lips.

"Damn. He's something else. Not only he's hot but he called me miss. I could get used to that," Lia teases, making Yeji chuckle.

"You better stop or you'll make a puddle on the floor," she nudges Lia's side, making your lips twitch in amusement.

You're glad Yeji's here and that she's the only one apparently not simping for your bodyguard.

"She's right though! I mean he could be a bit taller but those arms of his? Yummy," Anna states before letting out a giggle, making you bite on the inner side of your lower lip.

Even though Changbin's smile, the one reserved only for you, gave you a bit of reassurance, their comments still make you uncomfortable. But you know you're in no place to tell them to stop. This shouldn't normally bother you, right? He's just your bodyguard, not your boyfriend after all. Besides, if they found out about your feelings for him, you're sure you'd never hear the end of it. So you just have to clench your jaw and bear it for as long as you'll have to.

"Let's get changed," you state, avoiding the conversation about Changbin as delicately as you can and to your delight they comply and so you split. You let girls take the bathrooms downstairs while you head to your room to get changed there.

You pick the same purple bikini from today's morning and strip of your blue summer dress before you head to your little en suite bathroom to put them on. Just as you close the door behind yourself, there's a playful knock coming from your bedroom.

"Come in! I'm in the bathroom!" You announce, expecting one of the girls to storm in for whatever reason, already smiling to yourself at the thought but instead you hear quiet creak of the door as they open and close and then a few gentle steps, which surprises you.

"Yeji? Is that you?" You call out, thinking that your friend is maybe trying to prank you and so you drop your bikini before heading to the door.

"It's not fun-"

You freeze in the middle of the sentence just as you shove the door open only to find Changbin standing there, hand stretched out in the air as if he wanted to grab the handle.

You realize you're standing in front of him just in your matching pink lingerie and you quickly try to cover yourself with your hands.

"W-What are you doing here?" You ask, embarrassment turning your cheeks extremely hot as you find yourself still under his watch, his eyes never leaving you, your body.

You suddenly come to the realization that unlike you, he's not flustered at all, his expression stoic as he watches you squirm in front of him.

"What am I doing here?" He asks, taking a step towards you, making you back off in panic, your back hitting the door of the bathroom and simultaneously closing them with a quiet thud, allowing him to get rid of the little gap between your bodies, your breath hitching in your throat at the proximity as you find yourself pressed against the door, cornered like a little rabbit.

"I came because of you, darling. Your friends are already waiting for you downstairs. I think Anna and Lia really like me," he states, smirk tugging on his lips as he notices how your eyes widen at his words.

"I- I need to change," you stutter out, not sure where he's headed with this, not used to this side of Changbin. He's always kind and respectful, always keeping his distance, never ever approaching you like this. What changed?

He hums at your words, apparently amused by your flustered state before his hands reach out to you, resting upon your trembling shoulders, making you stiffen.

"I know you don't like that. You want me all to yourself, don't you?" He asks and you gasp at his words.

"N-no! That's not- that's not true," you shake your head vehemently, making Changbin tsk at you.

"Good girls don't lie, sweetheart," he points out, making your eyes widen. How come he knows?

"Should I send your friends away? Tell them you're not feeling good?" He asks, one hand traveling from your shoulder to your cheek, tracing the curve of your neck along the way, sending shivers down your spine.

"N-no, I-," you try to explain yourself but the words die down on your tongue once Changbin leans closer to you, the overwhelming scent of his cologne invading your lungs, making your chest tingle. Your gaze involuntarily switches between his pretty brown eyes and his plush pink lips, the sudden need to find out what they taste like surprising you. Changbin, however, seems to know precisely what's on your mind because he tilts your head to the side before he closes the distance between you completely, his lips capturing yours in a soft kiss.

You feel like your head is spinning, your whole body stiffening under his as you fight your racing mind to calm it down, the fear of ruining something with your inexperience flooding your every thought and so you quickly pull away from his tender touch, even though it's the last thing you want to do.

Changbin seems surprised, looking up at you with his eyebrows slightly curved, questioning your actions.

"I-I'm sorry! I don't know- I've never-."

You wish the ground would swallow you whole, the shame you feel getting a bit too much to bear.

Luckily for you, Changbin knows exactly what to do.

"Shh, darling. It's okay. It's okay, I promise," he repeats again and again, running his thumb over your cheek until your eyes shyly meet his again, the fear mirroring in them slowly dissipating.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know. I wouldn't make such step otherwise," he states and you quickly shake your head.

"No, it's okay. I mean- I want it. I just- I just might need a bit of guidance," you murmur and Changbin thinks you might be the cutest girl he's ever met. No, he's sure of it.

"Hm, is that so?" He asks, small smirk playing on his lips and you give him a firm nod.

"I'll teach you then, baby. I'll teach you everything," he promises.

He tilts you head again for better access before he slowly closes the gap between your lips, kissing you just as gently as before, waiting for you to catch up on his movements.

You rest your hands on his broad shoulders for support while he sneaks an arm around your waist to pull you closer, making you melt in his arms.

You soon realize how to move your lips against his to avoid clashing teeth and you grow a bit hungrier, pressing yourself against Changbin's muscular frame more prominently, begging for some further stimulation.

Changbin breaks the kiss with a chuckle before he buries his face in the crook of your neck, showering your burning skin with bruising kisses.

"Look at you, darling. So eager for my touch," he murmurs, making you let out a small noise of disagreement before he sinks his teeth into your shoulder, biting you gently, making you whine out his name, which only amuses him more.

"You have to keep quiet, baby. Or do you want your friends to hear us?" He taunts and you shake your head no, biting on your lower lip to stifle any other sounds.

He keeps peppering your skin with kisses and nibbles, turning you into a puddle in his arms, your head tilted back to allow him more access as your fingers tug on his dark hair, spurring him on.

You feel the heavy warmth of arousal pool in your lower belly, filling your mind with the same want that's been tormenting you for a while, the need to let him devour you.

"B-Binnie, please," you whimper arching your back into him, making him let out a soft grunt.

You can feel his erection rub against your thigh, a sign that he wants you, needs you, just as much as you need him.

"What do you want, baby?" He murmurs against the shell of your ear before sucking a soft mark right underneath it, forcing you to hold back a whine.

"Y-you. I want you, Binnie," you let out, cupping both of his cheeks to bring his lips to yours, the taste of him on your tongue getting way too addictive.

He grunts against you, your actions surprising him, but he soon catches up with you, his hand running to the back of your thigh so he can hike it up, wrapping it around his waist, allowing him access to your dripping core. He immediately starts rocking his hips against yours, making you break the kiss with a moan as your head falls against his shoulder.

"Does it feel good, darling?" He asks and all you're able to do is nod, the delicious friction of his clothed cock against your sensitive clit turning you into a hot mess.

"B-Binnie," you whine softly, grasping on his shoulders, bunching up his white shirt in your hands as if that could save you.

"M-more," you whisper, knowing that even though this feels amazing, it's not enough to make you cum.

Your pleads amuse Changbin.

He dreamed so much of having you like this, all to his mercy, his to ruin, his to break and now he has you and it's better than he ever anticipated. He didn't know it would be so easy to get you so cock-drunk but here he is, with you on the palm of his hand, begging him for more. And that's exactly what he's about to give you.

"More?" He taunts and you hum in reply, biting on your lower lip tighter as he grinds his hips into yours harder, making you squeeze your eyes shut.

"What exactly do you want, darling?" He asks, pulling your head from his shoulder gently to force you to look at him.

Your pupils are blown out, your lower lip puffy from how hard you've been biting on it, your eyelashes fluttering with every roll of his cock against your tender pussy, the sight alone making him groan out your name, his cock twitching in his pants.

"I- I want- f-fingers," you sigh out, sinking your nails into his back as you buckle your hips into his.

"Anything for you, my good girl," he murmurs, planting a kiss to your temple before he lets your head loll forward to rest on his shoulder again.

You whine at the small praise, delighted to be called his, which makes Changbin smile softly as he sucks another mark to your exposed shoulder.

He slowly runs his fingers over your side and down over your tummy to the hem of your cute pink panties, tugging on the waistband and letting it hit your skin, making you whimper.

"My sweet baby. You always wear such pretty lingerie?" He asks, his voice low as he strokes the skin of your soft thigh, the one that's wrapped around his strong waist.

"Y-yes. F-for you," you murmur into his neck, making him grunt a curse.

"Good girl," he states, before he slides his fingers into your panties.

You're so fucking wet that Changbin fails to suppress the groan that leaves him as he runs his digits over your slippery folds, making your breath hitch in your throat, your lower belly clenching.

"B-Binnie, please," you whine and he tuts at you, pressing a kiss to the mark he left on your shoulder.

"Don't worry, baby. I'm gonna take care of you," he mumbles, sliding his fingers between your folds, making you gasp.

He spreads your slick all the way to your puffy clit, pressing two fingers against it and he starts drawing lazy circles that make your eyes roll back into your skull as a whimper of his name leaves your lips. You struggle to support yourself while only standing on one leg and you're sure that if Changbin wasn't sinking his fingers into your thigh to hold you up, you'd already be sinking to the ground because of how weak your knees got with his ministrations.

"You like that, baby?" He asks, picking up a bit quicker pace that turns your body into mush.

You moan, nodding your head softly as you claw on his shoulders, the knot in your abdomen slowly tightening as a promise of an orgasm that sends shivers of excitement through your entire body.

"No, I need words, darling. Tell me what you like," he insist, not stopping his ministrations for a second, which makes your mind even more hazy.

"I- I- Binnie," you whine, slowly rolling your hips against him to chase the building pleasure, making Changbin chuckle.

His sweet girl is turning all dumb on him, isn't she?

"What, darling? Are you gonna cum?" He asks, quickening his movements, making your head fall back, your lips parting in bliss as you still cling to him for dear life.

"In-inside. I wanna- wanna feel y-you," you manage to put together, your voice breathy and high as your body trembles with pleasure.

"Shit, darling. You want me to finger you?" He asks, glancing at you for confirmation and when you nod vigorously, he slides his fingers from your pulsating clit to your wet hole, not hesitating a second before he pushes one finger inside. He curls it against your warm walls, while he keeps rolling your clit underneath his thumb. His fingers are so much thicker than yours, making you already feel full as your pussy clenches on him.

"Fuck- have anyone ever touched you here?" He asks, panting at how much he's trying to stop himself from rubbing his cock against your thigh but you're so freaking soft and warm and tight, making him painfully hard.

"N-no! Just- just me," you admit, arching your back as he strokes especially good spot inside of you, making you moan.

"God- Such a good girl," he praises, attaching his lips to the crook of your neck to add more marks to those that already paint your skin.

"B-Binnie," you whimper, thrusting your hips against his hand, making him grunt.

He slips another finger inside of you, stretching you out, making you whine, your pussy griping him, eliciting a curse from his lips.

“That’s it, baby, take it,” he mumbles as he starts thrusting his digits in and out of you, making your thighs tremble, your toes curling as the pleasure in your lower belly bubbles, ready to burst.

“I- I’m close, Bin,” you whisper, arching your back into him as he keeps abusing that sweet spot deep inside you that makes you see stars.

“Will you come for me, darling?” He asks, his heavy hot breath dancing over your collarbone and you nod with a hum, sinking your fingers into his soft hair.

All it takes are a few more strokes and you’re coming on his fingers, your pussy clamping down on him as you ride out your high, head leaned back and lips parted as you chant his name.

He watches you with adoration, trying to imprint the sight of you trembling in pleasure into his memory to keep it there forever.

He only stops once you whimper in over-sensitivity, pushing his hand away softly and so he takes his fingers out of you before bringing them to his mouth and licking them clean, all while keeping an eye contact with you, your eyes widening at his actions.

“So sweet, baby,” he hums in appreciation, giving you a bright smile before leaning closer to kiss you softly.

You’re still on cloud nine, your mind in mist and your body flooded with endorphins, making you pliant in his arms. You reciprocate the kiss gently, still clinging to him for support even as he leads your leg back to meet the ground.

When he pulls away, you look at him with tender eyes, biting on your lower lip shyly as the reality of what just occurred finally dawns on you.

“I-,” you find your voice, about to address the whole thing when you’re cut off by calling of your name coming from the staircase.

“Y/N! Are you ready?”

You stiffen, your eyes widening as you realize the girls are still here, waiting for you.

“Just- Just a second!” You reply, your widened eyes meeting Changbin’s and he chuckles.

“Your girlfriends need you,” he teases.

“But- but what about you?” You ask, dropping your eyes to his cock that still strains through his pants.

“I’ll take care of it, baby. You have to get ready,” he states before closing the gap between you again and planting a soft kiss on your lips.

You watch him as he pulls away and heads to the door, still quite shocked because of all that happened, the sudden change of dynamics palpable in the air.

But then he stops in the doorway and looks back at you with a soft smile and you know you would do it again anytime.

And maybe you will.

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A/N: Hey! I’m so happy to be back with another fic! Thank you for all the love you’re showing to my writing, I’m truly grateful 💗 I hope you’ll like this piece as well. I was kinda thinking I might make it into series if you guys would like that so let me know! Have a great day!

[preservationofnormalcy]

Hi. I was doing some algebra a few weeks ago when I was really tired (I don't remember why) and for some reason when I tried to solve it I got the answer that a = scandium and b = scandium. I thought I was tired and hallucinating, but I found the paper I wrote it on today and I couldn't disprove the calculations. I looked up what scandium meant, and apparently it's the 21st element on the periodic table, and I don't know how that relates to any of this. I tried to do more algebra and other forms of maths, and basically every kind of maths I do above early primary school level results in the equations equaling "scandium" in some way. I know this doesn't make sense, but I can't work out how my maths is wrong, or what could have caused this. I'm kind of panicking about this. I haven't shown it to any friends or anything, because I'm worried it might be contagious or dangerous. What should I do?

Heyyyyyy, this was one of my specialties when I was active duty. You’re encountering Noncompliant Mathematics. It’s pretty rare.

Usually, even extranormal phenomena follow certain mathematical principles more-or-less. This is because of a related principle we call paracausality. With paracausality, cause and effect become unlinked. A wizard casts a spell, which is inherently paracausal - the effect (the fireball) has become unlinked from the cause (any form of ignition or fuel) and replaced with the wizard’s willpower and control of magical principles. The fire is still obeying the mathematics of heat, burning oxygen, contact with flammable substances, etc.

Two plus two is still equaling four, even if one of the “twos” has been pulled from thin air and is in the shape of a middle finger pointed at the laws of physics.

What you’re encountering is the math not even getting that far. Reality is breaking down in a tiny way, just for you. Fascinating.

You’re going to want to take a few days off of work if you can. Get all of your food ready for those days, make sure you don’t have to go out or do anything.

The idea is to not do math at all for two or three days. This is obviously very hard. Humans do math when they drive, walk, order food, figure out spatial relationships between objects. You’re going to want to just basically sleep for a few days. Maybe you can read something light, or do some kind of hobby that involves no math at all. So no crochet, no music.

Try that, and let us know how that works. It’s sort of like resting a problem muscle, letting the kink in space time relax out.

[blametheeditor]

You’re amazing and everything you put out is a masterpiece

Oh my fruit thank you so much!! mcfries123, I want you to know I absolutely adore every time you comment on a reblog! It makes me squeal with joy whenever I see them!

If you don't mind, I made you this as a thank you. Because you are wonderful and never fail to make my day whenever you drop in. Have an amazing rest of your day!

How To Care For Your Sick Scott

Content Warnings: Cursing. Mentions of a fever, working while sick. Fear of punishment.

His day off has long been overdue

______________________________

Scott feels like absolute shit. 

He didn’t think anything was wrong at first. He woke up to his alarm clock at 6am, well aware he’d be getting a call or text from someone, either saying something happened during the night shift and only wanted to report it so they had plenty of time to get home and avoid the well deserved wrath, or Afton informing him of his tasks that need to get done for the day. 

The point is, he woke up to press the snooze button. Closed his eyes with a long sigh as he waited for the all too familiar ding of a message appearing on his phone. 

And he did hear one. Except it was for one that came through at noon because he apparently fell back asleep right as the one from Afton was sent at 6:01am. And as soon as he reached for his phone after spotting the time on his clock, that was when he realized he felt awful. Like a giant had their hand wrapped around him with the want to squeeze him to death awful.

It took him a little too long to realize he’s sick. But the thing is, Scott doesn’t get sick. Afton made sure of that considering he wouldn’t want his overglorified secretary being unable to work. Being sick essentially means getting a pass from nigh-impossible tasks and experiments. God, wouldn’t that be a shame. 

But it is. One look at the messages says there’s too much to do to be sick. This doesn’t excuse him from what needs to be done today, it’s just made it ten times harder. 

Scott takes a deep breath as the panic rises. Sucks in a gasp when his stomach protests from just sitting up, wanting to throw something at the wall at the realization he’d have to stick to water today. How can this day get any better. 

He makes an effort to focus on his phone screen. Blinks in confusion at why David was asking where he was. Groans when it finally clicks as he reads Afton’s early morning text stating he was supposed to be at Fazbear Entertainment Center at 11am. 

At least that was the only thing the sadistic bastard wanted. He’ll let David know he’ll be there in half an hour. But the text from Jeremy says BalloonBoy’s out of commission, though that might just have to wait. And he is not brave enough to ask how that happened. Anything from Jeremy is supposed to be a report from Mike one of the originals is in bad shape and nothing else. 

Scott rubs his face in frustration, despising the fog over his mind. He can work with it, though. He just needs to get dressed and head toward David’s restaurant. That’s all he needs to do for now. 

He actually manages to succeed leaving his house in five minutes. The only problem is it sapped all of his energy. And to top it off his entire body shakes from chills that forced him to put on a long sleeve and pants for the first time in years, and yet it doesn’t nothing to chase away how cold he feels. 

It takes all of Scott’s willpower to continue walking along the street. He would much rather crawl back under the covers and fall asleep, but he can’t. It’s either fighting through this, or letting Afton do whatever the hell he wants as soon as the human is back at 100% by asking for a sick day. 

He’s fine, though. Made it to David’s restaurant without any issues. 

Stares at the door for a solid five minutes because no way in hell is he able to time darting after footsteps in his current state. He’ll end up underfoot or caught by the closing door. Why has David still not created a human friendly entrance? Why did Scott ever approve Fritz getting transferred here if risking their lives is the only way to get inside? 

“Mr. Cawthon?” 

He almost forgets that’s his last name, quickly looking up to see the towering form of Lefty of all animatronics holding the door open. 

“Yes?” 

The black bear looks as if he wants to say something before thinking better of it. “Mr. Harrison informed us you would be visiting. Would you mind some assistance coming inside?” 

Scott shakes his head as he quickly walks into the building. He tries to keep an eye on Lefty to ensure the door is held until he’s completely out of the way, but the only thing he can focus on is the screaming. He’s been long since used to it, but today it just seems like there’s a hundred children rather than just thirty. 

It’s too much. The overwhelming noises making his head feel like it’s going to split. The chills wracking his body leaving his legs trembling so much that if a giant steps too close, he’ll fall to the floor and be unable to stand back up. His stomach is having a war between feeling nauseous, and being too cold for it. 

“Hey, Scott!” 

He whirls around to see Fritz darting through the door Lefty still holds open, feeling nothing but relief having the redhead here. Until he remembers it’s a weekday. “Why are you not at school?” 

He’s given fearful wide eyes before they both jump at Lefty’s laughter. “You would get caught by Scott on the day you skip school.” 

“I didn’t skip!” Fritz exclaims. “It was a half day I swear!” 

Scott scowls. “If I find out David’s been encouraging skipping classes for work.” 

“He’s not, honestly! He even has my schedule for school, so if I did ditch he’d send me back.” 

Scott would like to trust that David would be that responsible, but he’s not fully certain. At least Fritz doesn’t look guilty carrying his backpack and not wearing a uniform. But without the distraction of concern, he’s reminded that he still feels terrible and should not attempt in walking through a restaurant only meant for giants. It’s a miracle no one’s stepped on him so far. 

“You okay, Scott?” Fritz asks. “You look a little pale.” 

He doesn’t know what compels him to not admit he’s most likely running a fever. Maybe it’s the fear it’ll get back to Afton. Or that if he says it out loud, his body will give up and he’ll be forced to take a sick day. Possibly even the fact he doesn’t want Fritz to worry about him, not when the kid already has so much on his plate. 

“I’m fine,” Scott waves. Manages to turn toward the hallway the leads to David’s office without making his head spin, numbly putting one foot in front of the other as he makes his way toward the wall. 

He didn’t expect Fritz to follow, but he’s more than grateful when the teenager joins him. “Did Mr. Harrison summon you?” 

“Afton,” the eldest guard grumbles. He was going to continue the thought, but he can’t help getting distracted every time a child runs past them. “How has school been?” 

Fritz perks up at the question. “There’s a robotics competition coming up! I think I’m going to sign up and-” 

Scott honestly listens to every word that’s said. He misses a few pieces, and there’s a moment when he brain is so foggy he nearly forgot why they were walking through the restaurant in the first place, but he’s able to catch the majority. Got reminded how much he’s missed Fritz working at Freddy Fazbear’s. At least David has kept his word in ensuring the kid has been kept safe and mostly happy. 

But it feels like between one blink and the next, and they finally arrive at David’s office door. Thank God it’s cracked open or else Scott would have just turned right back around. 

“Scott’s here, Mr. Harrison!” Fritz calls up when they’re not immediately noticed, especially as the eldest guard opts to make his way over to the stairs built into the giant’s desk without uttering a word. 

David pauses his typing to look down at them, Scott earning an eyeroll before a suspicious look is fixed on Fritz. “Half day?” 

“Scott already grilled me,” the redhead confirms. 

That seems to satisfy the business man who then sends a glare toward Scott. “Any particular reason why you’re about two hours late?” 

“I might be Afton’s lapdog, but I can’t always show up at the exact time he tells me to.” 

He waits for David to air out his grievances. Most likely state he lost precious time and therefore money. If Scott is Afton’s lapdog then he should always be on time, rain or shine, no excuses. He exists only to do what the company owner asks him to, nothing more. 

But it doesn’t happen, the giant content on finishing what he’s currently working on as he waits for Scott to make it onto the desk. And truth be told, he’s proud he did manage to make it to the top, but he feels like he’s going to collapse at any second. Keeps a white knuckled grip on the railing to ensure he doesn’t crumple onto the ground. 

He’s fine, he just needs a minute to catch his breath. 

“Are you sure you’re okay, Scott?” Fritz murmurs. 

“Fine,” is rasped out, hoping saying it out loud will make it true. But then a water bottle is offered, and Scott all but attempts to drown himself with it. “Thank you.” 

“I don’t think that’s going to be enough,” David rumbles, making the eldest guard jump by how close the giant is, not having noticed him leaning down. “You look like shit.” 

“I’m fine, I just need a moment.” 

“I could see you shaking when you were climbing up the stairs. Even I can tell you look pale.” 

Scott clenches his fists at the scrutiny, not wanting a lecture from David of all people. The moment he opens his mouth, however, a fingerprint appears in front of his face. He’s so confused by how it got there he doesn’t even realize it’s pressed against his forehead. And even when he does, there’s no movement to get away. Not with the wave of warmth that washes over him. 

He even takes a few steps forward after it retreats. “Scott you’re burning up. You’re almost too hot for me to tolerate.” 

“Have you taken any medicine?” Fritz begins, looking almost upset as he looks up at the eldest guard. “You haven’t drank any coffee today, have you?” 

"I don’t need you to act like my mother,” Scott can’t help but snap. Angry with the idea of not only David voicing his opinion, but a teenager saying what’s best. “I know my limits and when coffee’s a bad idea. Just let me do my job.” 

With that, he stomps toward David’s computer. 

Well, he tried to. He didn’t realize just how much his body was shaking. Even worse than before. Meaning he doesn’t even get two steps in before his knees buckle, leaving him to fall forward to faceplant onto the desk’s hard surface. 

For the first time in a long time, Scott is grateful when fingers catch him instead. “Alright, that’s enough out of you.” 

That’s when he’s carefully scooped up, vertigo making his stomach twist as he’s lifted up. A part of him says he’s supposed to be doing everything in his power to escape the hand holding him, to scream, kick, bite, plead. But for once there’s a louder part that’s wanting to do nothing more than go limp, sighing in relief as he’s warmed to his core. 

“You are definitely sick,” David grumbles. “I’m going to call Mutated Grape and-” 

“NO!” Scott screams as he sits up so quickly his vision goes dark for a moment. Fails to notice the giant looking shocked from the outburst, too focused on making sure he’s listened to. “Don’t call Vince or Afton! I-I can get everything done! I just, I just need ten minutes, that’s it. Please, I can still work I promise I’ll get it all done!” 

Because he can he just needs to rest for ten minutes. Ten minutes, and he’ll be able to do everything Afton needs. 

David clears his throat before lowering his voice. “I won’t call them. Can I call James, though?” 

Scott stares at nothing as he thinks the request over, trying to remember if the man would have to report him to Afton. “Only James?” 

“I’ll put him on speaker phone,” the giant offers. 

The eldest guard slowly nods, his shoulders slumping in relief when David lowers his hand so the phone screen is visible after it’s set down next to Fritz on the desk. Tenses when James’ name is tapped on, watching to make sure no extra buttons are pressed except to be put on speaker. 

“Working, David.” 

“We’ve got a problem.” 

James hesitates. “What kind of problem?” 

“Scott’s so sick he’s letting me hold him and panicked when I suggested telling William kind of problem.” 

“He’s what?” 

“Mr. Harrison’s telling the truth,” Fritz pipes up. “It sounds like a fever, but he refuses to take the day off. He even walked all the way to the restaurant.” 

Scott wants to say something. To tell James he’s fine. To ask the doctor to tell the others he just needs ten minutes and then he’ll be good to go. 

“Scott, how do you feel?” 

“I’m fine,” he quickly replies. “I can still work.” 

“What needs to get done today?” James asks. 

“BalloonBoy’s broken. And I needed to help David with something.” Something that he could be helping with right now after going through all the trouble to get here. 

“Okay, I have an idea,” the doctor begins. “I will text Eggs and see if when he can fix BalloonBoy today. You take some medicine, drink some water, and rest for a little bit. I’m sure David has other things he needs to get done while you’re asleep. Then when you wake up, you can help him with whatever he needs. What do you think?” 

Scott thinks the plan over. Glances at David’s computer to see the unfinished report that was being worked on. He can also trust Eggs to fix whatever’s broken. Just to make sure that’s all that needs to be done, he takes out his phone to carefully reread all of his texts. 

“Okay.” 

“David, do you have fever medicine for humans on hand, or do you need me to give you the dosage he can take from giants?” 

“I’ve got human medicine,” David says. 

“Perfect. You can keep holding him if that’s what he prefers, but if he seems to get warmer have a blanket nearby to put him on. My shift doesn’t end for another few hours, but don’t hesitate to call if anything happens.” 

“Thank you, James,” Fritz waves. 

“I’ll keep you updated.” David then ends the call before locking eyes with Scott. “I’ll get you water and medicine. Do you intend on sleeping in my hand, or would you prefer a blanket?” 

He can already feel the chills returning at the thought of leaving the giant’s warmth. “Hand.” 

“Never thought I’d see the day. Fritz, don’t move, I’ll be right back.” 

Scott groans as his stomach protests from David standing up, burying down further into the warmth in the hopes it’ll make the pain go away. It subsides, though he doesn’t enjoy how much he’s jostled with every footstep taken. Growls when he hears the screams of children and only stopping when they disappear completely with the sound of a door closing. 

It’s only then does he realize David’s laughing, sitting up in order to scowl up at the business man. “What are you laughing at?” 

“You, dumbass. Never did I think you’d growl at children.” 

“They’re loud,” Scott defends as he lifts his hands up in a ‘give me’ motion, unimpressed with how long it takes for the pills and water to be surrendered. 

“You should get sick more often,” David muses. 

That earns him a full glare as the two pills are quickly swallowed down along with the entire cup of water. But just as he curls up to close his eyes, he meets hazel eyes watching him with interest. “Don’t let me sleep too long.” 

“Get some rest, Scott.” 

He’s out like a light, trusting the giant will keep him safe while he sleeps. 

“How is he?” 

The familiar rumbling voice slowly pulls him back toward consciousness. Confused on why he’d want to wake up. He’s warm, comfortable. He forgot why, but he’s confident no one will try to grab him. 

“He’s been asleep this entire time.” 

“I was talking about Scott.” 

“Fritz has only been out for an hour.” 

Scott blinks when he not only hears David’s voice, but it sends tremors through his very core as well. Wants to tell the business man to quiet down. It feels like he’s been asleep for days, and yet it hasn’t been long enough. 

“Eggs already got BalloonBoy fixed. What did you need help with?” 

“William wants the restaurants to start using a new program for financials. I’ve messed around with it, and it’s been pretty intuitive. By the sound of it, either Scott wasn’t given the full story and we figure it out together, or it’s something he’s worked with before and already knows the ins and outs.” 

“When are you expected to send the next report?” 

“A week from now, we’ve got plenty of time.” 

After everything goes silent, Scott finally realizes the second voice as James’ as well as comprehending he’s currently staring at fingers that belong to a giant because he wanted to be held. Why did he want to be held? 

“Has his temperature gone up?” 

“I can’t tell anymore. I’ve held him for so long my hand might as well have a first degree burn.” 

“I think you’re being dramatic.” 

“Why don’t you check his temperature doctor.” 

Scott slowly sits up as he feels David’s hand move, perking up at the sight of James kneeling down in order to offer a smile. “Hello, hello.” 

“Hey, boss. How do you feel?” 

“You two woke me up,” the eldest guard growls as he rubs his eyes. 

“We’ll let you get back to your nap, old man,” James grins. “Do you mind if I take over for David, though?” 

In the back of his mind, Scott knows he shouldn’t want to be held. Knows he should ask to be put down instead. Wants above all just to get back to work because Afton guaranteed has or will send another text with more instructions. 

His head ends up nodding. Going limp against James’ fingers as they gently scoop him up. Snags the closest one to hug as vertigo yet again makes his stomach twist with pain. 

“Good luck with that, by the way,” is said in a way he can’t help but think there’s a smirk on David’s face. “I wasn’t allowed to stand up for anything or else he’d start thrashing. And don’t think for a second you can put him down. He has a vice grip not even Fritz could coax him out of.” 

“And you tell me this after he’s already grabbed my finger?” 

“That was sleeping Scott. I’m sure he’s more reasonable when he’s awake.” 

Scott looks up to watch James’ contemplative expression. Closes his eyes as a finger approaches his face, all too familiar with the rudimentary way of checking for a temperature, even if this one is on a much larger scale. 

“Looks like you have the chills. Can we get more medicine in you before you fall back asleep?” 

...he shouldn’t go back to sleep. He’ll take the medicine, but he hasn’t checked his phone in who knows how long. He knows he’s still not completely recovered, and he’s dreading the moment when he has to leave the giant’s warmth, but the fog over his mind has lessened. He’s already wasted an entire day, he needs to get to work before Afton finds out something’s wrong. 

“Scott,” James begins. “I don’t have any issues pinning you down in order to make you rest.” 

That has the eldest guard bristling. “You wouldn’t dare-” 

“For your own health,” the doctor murmurs. “I would. We can take it from here.” 

That’s when Scott starts to panic, shoving the finger away in order to properly sit up. “No, you don’t understand! Afton will find out, and if any of you help me, he’ll add you to the list! I have to do it or else-!” 

“Scott,” James softly interrupts. “You’re sick, and yet you were still able to get done what was needed. BalloonBoy’s fixed. David spent an entire day at his desk working. I don’t think William will be angry with the ‘how’.” 

Then they don’t know Afton, because he will use this against Scott. 

And yet... 

“Everything’s done?” 

“Everything’s done.” 

Scott hesitates before digging his phone out of his pocket. Feels his heart skip a beat when he sees new message until he realizes none are from Afton. And everything from the guards are wishes to get well. Promises they’ll be coming to check on him at some point. 

It looks like everything is done. 

He flops back down, uncaring about where James is taking him or what the giant is doing. Obediently accepts two more pills and a cup of water. Curls up once more as sleep pulls him under. 

The next time he wakes up is due to feeling overheated, thoroughly upset his fever decided to make things complicated when he was perfectly content. 

“You okay Phone Guy?” 

Scott’s eyes open in order to see Mike watching him from directly above. Gives a glare when he realizes what happened. “You’re too warm, Michael.” 

The giant only offers a smirk. “Sorry. You were burning the shit out of Grave Digger’s hand, so it was my goddamn turn.” 

“I can take him.” 

The second voice causes Scott to sit up as fast as possible, panic welling up inside him when he sees Vincent standing a few feet away. “Vince, I-I was just-” 

“It’s okay, Scotty,” the purple man smiles. “Will’s not upset.” 

Truthfully, he wants to call bullshit on it. But it looks like the damage is already done. In more ways than one considering he’s apparently been passed around for everyone to hold. One glance toward his left and he spots Eggs attempting to throw Jeremy into a glass of water with Scott down for the count and Mike currently distracted. 

That’s when he lifts his arms toward his best friend. Grabs the nearest finger as he’s gently picked up. Can’t help but watch what was happening when he feels Vincent moving, sighing in relief when it was just to sit down at the table next to Mike. 

He slowly melts back down into the warmth that doesn’t make him feel suffocated. Turns into a puddle as a finger carefully rubs his back. 

“Go to sleep, Scotty.” 

Scott will be forcing every single one of them to promise to never speak of this again after scouring their phones to ensure there’s no blackmail. After his fever breaks. 

[astereim]

I was wondering if you could write about Midorima shitting himself because Cancer was unlucky on the day reader asked to have sex for the first time 🧍

↠ a/n: tumblr keeps on deleting my drafts i absolutely hate it here. rewrote this like 3 times i learned my lesson. so sorry this took so long anon!

↠ pairing: midorima shintaro x gn!reader // words: ~500 // genre: fluff + crack

midorima shintaro would, quite frankly, like to die.

here's how his apparent want for death came about: you.

now, midorima is a prepared man. he dutifully tunes into oha asa everyday, buys his lucky item without delay (or bullies takao into doing it), tolerates takao, and practices his three pointers everyday.

his preparedness, he thinks, is how he must have been lucky enough to have you as his s/o. he had bough his lucky item that day (a keychain with a twin pair of dice), and had done his utmost best to ensure the day would go smoothly. and when you came up and smiled at him and asked if he would like to study together with you and then get coffee after, his faith in oha asa and preparedness was only further cemented.

so when oha asa said cancers were going to be unlucky that day, midorima merely shouldered his nerves and sought to make sure he had that day's lucky item (a balloon?), no black cats would cross his path (takao went ahead to scout), and he recived his good luck kiss from you. but nothing in the world, not oha asa, not god, nothing would have prepared him for this.

when he came over to your house after school, looking forward to his usual kiss, you tugged him into your room eagerly. midorima didn't get a chance to look around until he had already somehow landed on your bed and you were sitting next to him with a nervous smile on your face. midorima looks up at you warily from where he has somehow been thrust down onto the bed (in the back of his mind, he is screaming for takao to help him out of wherever this is going).

"shintaro..."

he takes your hand in his and runs his thumb over your skin calmly. for a moment, his own bad luck is forgotten as his mind flashes to oha asa's sign reading for you. from what he remembered (and he always made sure to pay extra attention to what oha asa said about you), it had been nothing bad. he had brought your lucky item along too (matching with his today, a rare occurrence - also a balloon).

midorima meets your eyes, "yes?" he calls your name softly.

your eyes glance off of objects in your room at record speed, then meet his own as you gulp.

"want to have...sex?"

midorima chokes. he literally goes red, and he remembers his bad luck sign for today. and of course, you just had to ask that today of all days. midorima has to sit up to stop himself from somehow impaling his lungs with air, and you slap his back a few times too many.

"shintaro you okay??? was it that suprising? do you not want to?"

you bite your lip, hands drawing back hesitantly and midorima is thinking, no! i want this, i've been wanting this nanodayo. i think about you all the time, even when i shouldn't nanodayo. i just--, how can you say it so casually???

midorima's face is burning, he's sure. he collects his breath and this time, you run your thumb over his knuckles as he attempts to compose himself. he thinks of takao's reaction when he hears about this and turns red and chokes all over again. your embarrassment is momentarily forgotten as you slap his back, and you're leaning over him concerned, your hair is in his face, you smell good, midorima is choking not only on air but on you as well, you keep on going "shin, shin, breathe, breathe!!" like you chanting that will help but he appreciates it all the same. when he finally catches your breath and your concerned shouts have died down, and the two of you are sitting side by side, staring at the floor of your bedroom, he speaks.

"it is not that i don't want to," midorima begins, and he has to exert a great amount of willpower to stop himself from imagining doing that with you, just not today." he says this almost painfully, like holding himself back is hard, which to be fair, it is.

you stiffen when he says the last part, and he hears a smile in your voice as you say, "is it because oha asa said cancers were unlucky?"

midorima chokes again as you laugh at him. "i tune in, you know." you say teasingly. he stares at you as you laugh. you really are the perfect one for him.

ending note: i'm like half asleep this went from crack to fluff to idk what i hope it suffices <///3

[lythea-creation]

A True Dauntless - Four x fem reader (platonic)

summary: After switching to Dauntless (f/n) is close to becoming factionless. But that doesn't stop her from putting up a fight.

warnings: violence

word count: 1.377

Author's note: Feel free to check out my Masterlists and make requests. No reposting please! Reblogging, comments and requests are always appreciated <3 If you like the story/my writing, please don't be shy to say it via comments or asks! It takes you a few seconds and might make my day. It's the best appreciation you can show to a writer you like.

Requested? Yes

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

I had never been physically strong. Back in Erudite I had learned to handle everything with logic and wit. That was what I was great at, my comfort zone.

Switching to Dauntless had not come easily to me. I had always been told that I would turn out to be great someday. They had all meant my future career in Erudite, praised my intelligence. But somehow it just was not enough. It felt like I was trapped.

The decision to switch at all was my confirmation that Dauntless was the right choice for me. I may have a lot of fears, a little comfort zone, a lack of physical strength and endurance. But my mind, my willpower was strong.

Jumping out of a driving train? Insane, obviously! But I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and did it anyway.

Jumping into a dark pit having no clue what was expecting me at the bottom? Scary as hell! But I would not give up that easily.

I had what many Dauntless did not. They had a few fears that were paralyzing them. My fears were paralyzing me as well, but only for a short moment. Because I had so many of them I was used to facing them head on. I wanted to grow. I had switched to leave my comfort zone. Giving up was no option, would not be even if it did not mean to become factionless.

But the physical aspect of the training was not something I could just push through and hope for the best. It was the part where only hard work and perseverance would give me a chance at all.

I was last during every run, my lungs burning from the strain I was forcing upon them.

The punching bag barely moved when I hit and kicked it.

My first fight ended quickly as I did not manage to block a punch that knocked me out immediately.

Everybody was sure that they did not have to worry about me. That I was no competition for them anyway. One less opponent to consider.

I was the only one believing in me.

I was all on my own, my family left behind, apparently too weak to be accepted by my new one.

So I trained. No to get them to accept me, but to show myself that I could. They did not know that I was a fighter in a different way.

Every morning I rose early to go on another run. Every evening when the others were hanging out and enjoying themselves, I had another session with the punching bag. When the others were going to bed, I returned from training after my intense mobility and stretching routine, hoping that it would prevent injuries and the soreness of my muscles that was plaguing me every time I moved my body.

Today I was fighting against Peter. Besides Edward he was the favorite and I could hear the whispers of the other initiates. They were pitying me, even scared for me.

On the one hand I could understand them perfectly well. But on the other hand it was making my blood boil.

“If you stand still I'll have mercy and end it quickly”, Peter offered, an arrogant smirk adorning his face.

“What a gentleman”, I stated sarcastically and scoffed.

His smirk immediately transformed into a glare, showing me that step one of my plan had worked out. Making him angry.

He was the first to attack. I had seen him fight before and analyzed his movements. His first strike was always the same. I would not go down as easily as before anymore.

I quickly dodged his punch and pushed him over my leg, destroying his balance.

Then I hit him against his temple and then his jaw before he started blocking my attacks. He had not expected my strike. I had taken him completely off guard. Step two of my plan.

Now it was time for the third step of my plan.

I knew I could not dodge all of his attacks. My body was too sore and tired after the excessive training and little rest it had endured over the last days. But I could still decide which blows to avoid.

So I let him hit me where I could take it without passing out. My legs and arms, my shoulders, my upper ribs, my cheek. It hurt, but I could push through that. My stubbornness and willpower never letting me consider to give up.

“Suddenly not so strong anymore, huh?”, Peter mocked me after hitting me to the ground.

Step four. Making him feel superior and beat him when he thought he had already won.

I slung my legs around his own and forcefully punches the back of his knee, making him stumble and fall. Then I hurried to hit my elbow against his nose, confident at the crack that followed my attack.

Now that his vision was blurry, thanks to the tears that were inevitable after such a blow, I knocked him out with a strong and well aimed punch against his jaw. Knowing the weak points of the body thanks to studying it back in Erudite was very beneficial now.

The training area was completely silent now, except for my tiny hiss when I was trying to stand up again. A small grin formed on my face as I looked down at unconscious Peter.

Then I spit out some blood that had pooled in my mouth and got off the sparring platform.

“Are you okay?”, Four wondered due to the blood.

“Yeah”, I assured him.

Suddenly I heard a rustle behind me, telling me that Peter had woken up again.

“You little ...”, he cursed and rushed toward me.

I only managed to turn around before he was in front of me, but luckily Four quickly took him on, his arm around Peter's throat.

“You should know when you've lost. Only a coward acts like this”, Four pointed out.

“Not bad”, Eric praised me. “You should all take her as an example. That's how a Dauntless is supposed to fight.”

All of a sudden everyone wanted to talk to me, being flashed by my unexpected win against Peter. To them it was a miracle. To me it was not.

When everyone else made their way over to the cafeteria, Four and I stayed behind. I did not need a whole hour to eat lunch and hence decided to add another stretching session to recover from my fight.

“You've made incredible progress”, Four noted, watching me stretch with his arms crossed in front of his chest. “How is that?”

“I just trained. That's all”, I brushed it off.

I did not need his acknowledgment. After all I had done it all on my own, except for him showing me some basic techniques.

“That doesn't come from basic training. You had a strategy and your fitness improved drastically over the last days. Honestly I wouldn't think that was possible if I hadn't just witnessed it”, he proclaimed.

“I just use all the time I can get, as you can see”, I enlightened him, right now stretching my upper body.

“You're resilient”, he remarked. “Honestly I didn't think you would make it, but right now I think you could easily become one of the top three.”

“So what?”, I questioned.

“How are you feeling?”, he inquired.

“Well, not the best obviously. I got some heavy bruising and my muscles are overstrained. I'll need to take a break from my additional training for today if I don't wanna risk serious injuries”, I resonated.

“Some of your moves are still sloppy. You have a lot of potential though. How about some private training sessions in the evenings, after resting for today of course”, he offered.

“Are you serious?”, I reassured.

“Yes. Your hard work deserves to pay off. I'm gonna meet you here tomorrow, one hour after dinner”, he instructed me.

“Alright! I'll be here”, I agreed.

Despite wanting to pull it off on my own, I could not help but feel excited about this new change. I was a Dauntless after all.

[newtonsheffield]

Can we have some simmering spice for spicy Sunday please 🥺 I feel like we’ve never really had it for spicy Sunday, like maybe a snippet from after Kates birthday dinner at the restaurant? Or maybe them getting caught once they’re together ( I get the vibe they’d get caught a lot)

Hiii! For Spicy Sunday could we see some more of Simmering Anthony and Kate??

Hmmm

The Mary thing is happening next chapter, so I'm gonna save it, I think.

Let's see them a little further in the future.

At this point in their relationship, Kate liked to think she knew just about all of Anthony's moves. If you could call them that, she thought it was putting it a little strongly, personally. It was a little hard to imagine a man who'd once run away seconds after he'd started enthusiastically fingering you, as having anything close to moves. But regardless, she'd seen them all.

She'd seen him when he'd been an awkward teenager, and she had herself, winking at her awfully while he dropped bread rolls on her table even after she said We've already had our bread, thanks. And he'd shrugged while her father muttered CHRIST!

She'd seen him burn a hole in her back as she made her way around the kitchen, feeling his presence so keenly that eventually she dragged him by the back of the jacket into his office with a gasped Take off you fucking pants Anthony.

She'd seen the text messages, Can I come to yours? I promise I'll make you scream, Babe. So loudly people down the street will hear it. Heat settling low in her stomach until her breath shuddered as she typed out You have 15 minutes or I'm starting without you.

But today Anthony had chosen a different move as she planned Mother's day lunch for his mother and hers. Today, Anthony apparently planned on being absolutely no help at all.

That wasn't exactly true, he'd helped with the prep of course, his arm nudging hers as they worked in sync together in the kitchen they now shared. His hand had settled on her waist as he'd moved around the kitchen behind her. But he seemed determined to make himself present. Always taking a step at exactly the time she did, so she was forced to dance around him while he chuckled. And Kate knew exactly what he was doing. But she fells for it anyway.

The hair in her neck had been standing up for at least an hour as the heat in their kitchen rose and she became even more disgustingly aware of her boyfriend than she already was. Heat was simmering in the pit of her stomach, her cheeks flushed with it as her eyes tracked him across the room, humming as he finished his prep.

"I'm gonna take a quick shower before everyone gets here. Wanna join me?" His smile was almost predatory as he started tugging at the shirt covering his chest, his muscles rippling as it went over his head.

"Nope! I still have to finish up this... thing." She gestured vaguely at the raspberry sauce in the pan. "I'll go once you're done."

Anthony winked at her, "Sure thing, babe."

Truly, Kate had to resist the urge to stick her head the freezer as he walked away, desperately trying to calm down while he was gone. Unfortunately, for her raspberry sauce, and likely all their guests: kate's willpower had chosen this day to abandon her completely.

"Shower's free." Anthony said, sauntering into the kitchen, and Kate turned towards him instinctively and immediately wished she hadn't.

Anthony was leaning against the countertop completely naked, hair still wet, entire body gleaming with water that caught in the sun streaming through the glass windows giving him a startling shine, almost like a model, caught in a candid moment, his eyes burning at her, grinning brightly.

"I know what you're doing." Kate managed to gasp out, her eyes still roaming over him as he stepped towards her, flexing his muscles performatively.

"and what's that, Kate?" His voice was a low growl, eyes darkening as he stepped towards her, his fingers brushing her waist lightly.

"You're- You're trying to seduce me, shamelessly. When we don't have time. Everyone will be here in Fifteen minutes."

His arms wrapped tightly around her waist, one of his thighs sliding between hers his lips nipping at her ear. "Doesn't sound like I don't have time. Sounds like I have fifteen minutes."

A soft moan broke it's way free from Kate's throat, her eyes rolling back in her head as his fingers slipped into the pair of his boxers she was wearing, the first touch of his hand already too much, even before his other hand settled at her waist, his hips pinning her against the counter encouraging her to grind against his thigh.

"If we don't have time tell me no, Kate. Tell me you don't want me and I'll stop."

His hand was playing with the hem of her shirt now, his eyes questioning as she moaned desperately again, the heat rising in her cheeks far too quickly, nodding before she could think. "Please. Please don't stop, Anthony."

A soft groan dropped from Anthony's lips this time as his forehead fell against hers when her shirt fluttered to the ground, his hand tilting her chin upwards while he claimed her lips roughly, his tongue flicking against the roof of her mouth in time with his fingers curling against her, in time with the rough rock of his hips.

The sizzling of the stove was the only thing that broke the noise of their gasps drawn in tandem as his tongue moved over her chest, slowly making it's way back to her lips, bouncing off the white marble, the feel of Anthony's muscles flexing against her, and she fell over the edge, her sharp cry swallowed by his tongue.

Their was an awfully smug smile on Anthony's lips when he set her back on her feet, his tongue curling around his fingers with a satisfied hum, "Lovely."

Kate felt a pathetic noise leave her lips, her hands tugging him back against her chest, tugging the shorts down her legs. "We're not done."

Anthony's eyes darkened again as they met, tension crackling between them for a long moment as his entire body seemed poised to pounce.

And then he did, a feral growl ripped free for his chest as he darted forward, his lips claiming hers roughly in a searing kiss that made Kate's legs a little weak, his hands wandering all over her body, gripping and groping and tugging at her in his desperation.

Kate pushed lightly against his chest, creating a tiny amount of space between them, Anthony's eyes fluttering closed for a moment when she ducked her head, tugging on the tiny gold ring through his nipple with her teeth before she turned around, placing her hands on the edge of the countertop and pushing purposefully back against him with her hips.

Anthony's arms covered her instantly, tugging roughly at her waist until she wrapped her legs back around him, suspended by his arm around her hips, and her own hands on the counter.

The first snap of his hips sent her eyes rolling back in her head, sent a sharp cry from her lips, skittering across the marble, but Anthony gave her no time to recover. His pace was punishing, relentless, the noise of them moving together growing and growing, the smell of his soap and the sweat from her body mingling together in the air while his free and groped at her chest pushing the harder and faster.

Anthony's voice was a growl, barked across the room through clenched teeth, the movement of his heaving shoulders felt against her, the water from his chest sliding against her skin, sending goosebumps to her skin as it cooled.

That's it Kate. Fuck baby, Fuck! Look at you! Just fucking look at you! It's so good, Babe, you're always so fucking good for me aren't you?

Kate couldn't breathe, every one of their movements stole something from her chest until all she could do was gasp his name against him like it was the only thing in the entire world she remembered.

And everything shattered.

A scream tore from her chest leaving her throat raw, drowned out by a roar from Anthony as his hips thrust erratically and everything went still.

"Holy, Fucking Jesus!" Anthony gasped as he set her gently back on her feet, spinning her to press his lips lightly against hers.

Kate tried to roll her eyes, though her lungs were still burning. "Oh Please. As if that wasn't exactly what you had in mind when you propositioned me just before an innocent family gathering."

"Speaking of innocent family gatherings," Violet's voice through the door startled them both, clearly mortified at what she'd no doubt overheard. "If you could just dressed so we could all come inside and pretend we didn't hear that: that'd be nice!"

[harudnae]

Roger Pirates Week - Day 7 - Free Day

@rogerpirateswk is coming to an end !

And since today is a free day, today's theme will be : underrated characters with too few panels and screentime !

I came up with this while re-reading the Reverse Mountain arc and... I've been wondering for a while who was chatting with Crocus on the cover of Chapter 631 😏

Also posted on AO3 on 2023.01.29

Rating: General

Pairing: none

Summary: Crocus observes – and laughs, and cries, and finds hope again – as a young rookie pirate rises to the top.

Content warnings : POV Crocus from Reverse Mountain to Wano, heavy spoilers for end of Wano Arc, canon character death (not depicted), heavy feels, hopeful ending

Word count: 2.3k

📰 Waiting for the News Coo

Crocus thinks Luffy and his crew are a bunch of reckless young fools when he first sees them. Still, after they chase the annoying whalers away, he explains why Laboon is hurting himself, and why he still takes care of the mountain whale, after all those decades.

Then... Luffy plants his own ship's mast into Laboon's head.

Crocus sees red when the young pirate attacks, then stares in disbelief as he quickly declares their match a draw, saying that they'll need a rematch later to settle who's the strongest.

Why does this sound like Roger and Newgate's friendly rivalry ?

As Luffy promises to come back soon, giving Laboon hope and a reason to avoid hitting the Red Line and hurting himself, Crocus smiles, feeling strangely at ease now with the young crew around. Full of gratitude, he tells their navigator how to use a Log Pose, and that all possible routes starting at Twin Cape converge into one. He purposefully avoids going into detail but he mentions that Laugh Tale is the last island of the Grand Line, the one where only the crew of the Pirate King went to.

Luffy declares with absolute certainty that he'll go there.

That determination, that smile... I'm sure there's more to it. Could it be...?

After the cook inadvertently destroys the Log Pose the small crew has in their possession, Crocus gives them his own one as thanks for helping Laboon. Once the Log Pose is set towards Whiskey Peak, he asks them if they're really fine with going there to get the stray whalers home, since there are so many paths to the end of the Grand Line and there's no way to change course once they're set.

Luffy easily dismisses the issue. "If we don't like it, we'll just sail around again."

I don't know many people who sailed around the world and came back to talk about it. This kid's something, really.

As the Straw Hats leave he wonders aloud, "Could that bunch be the pirates we've been waiting for all this time ? That boy has a strange air about him... Eh, Roger ?" Later on, it occurs to him that the straw hat that Luffy is wearing could be the one Shanks used to have...

That would be interesting. And he's a D., with a familiar name too... I'll keep reading the News Coo in case he goes big someday.

The newspaper recount the tales of a few rookies that chose different routes at the beginning of the Grand Line, rising to fame over the next months and earning the collective nickname of Worst Generation.

And Luffy does go big indeed : in less than a year his bounty rises tenfold, he declares war against World Government and destroys Enies Lobby.

One day, Laboon starts calling again, but this time he's turned towards the Grand Line and not Reserve Mountain. He also seems happier somehow, to the doctor's utmost relief.

Luffy keeps making regular appearances on the front page of the News Coo relating his outrageous feats.

Crocus laughs his heart out when he learns that he punched a Celestial Dragon, he knew the kid had guts but this is something else !

Only someone with willpower – and lack of self-preservation – like Roger's could have pulled that out.

His only worry is that the Straw Hat crew apparently went missing shortly afterwards.

Not so long after, the newspaper announces about the upcoming execution of Whitebeard's Second Division Commander.

Crocus always found strange that the old man left the position vacant for so long after Oden's departure from his crew, only to fill it with a young rookie.

He must have had some good reason for it.

Now the kid – Crocus supposes he's not much older than Luffy – is going to be executed in Marineford.

What is Sengoku thinking ? He knows Whitebeard won't let that slide.

Then a special issue of the News Coo explains in detail what happened at the Summit War of Marineford.

Crocus is beyond amazed that Luffy managed to break into Marineford �� a feat he know for certain only Shiki managed to pull out before, and he was among the greatest pirates back in the days. He frowns as he reads the revelations on his family tree. Recalling one too many altercations between the Hero of the Marine and the Pirate King, he starts pondering whether it's a coincidence that so many people of the D. are powerfully troublesome, even when they're not blood-related.

So they're sworn brothers... I wonder how they met ?

As the article goes on he learns of Whitebeard's death, and sheds a few tears for Roger's greatest rival. And then a sudden nausea churns his gut as he learns Ace's birth name.

Roger... had a son ? How ? Why... ?

He rushes to the end of the cape and hurls.

He recalls clear as day Roger mentioning that his son would find the One Piece, Rayleigh swatting his hand at him retorting that he didn't even have one, only to be told that he'd have one in the future. He remembers Roger telling them he was going to visit Newgate one last time. He recalls wondering why the kid held Oden's role after almost two decades that the Second Division went without a leader, and...

Everything falls into place all at once, and Crocus is sick to the bone that he understood too late. He retches again, angry and full of grief just like the day Roger sent the world into the Great Age of Pirates, and when his stomach is finally empty he wails at the sky.

The next special issue tells him that Luffy went back to Marineford to sound the Ox Bell, accompanied by a former Shichibukai and... Rayleigh !?

Crocus blinks at the picture in disbelief. He knows the significance of the bell, and the kid had the balls to ring it sixteen times...

Now I almost regret giving them my Log Pose. I wish I could pay a visit to Rayleigh... What in the name of fuck is going on ?

Unfortunately, nobody hears about Luffy or any of his crew for a long while.

Two years have passed since the Summit War, and Crocus is bored out of his skull. He was angry and sad when Sakazuki was appointed Fleet Admiral after Sengoku retired, happy to learn that Buggy rose to fame and became a Shichibukai, and then nothing eventful happened save for the occasional story of someone from the Worst Generation wreaking havoc somewhere. One or the other... but never the one he rooted for. He really hoped that Luffy would prove to be a formidable pirate, and he's kind of missing the front page articles about him. Crocus is growing concerned that Laboon will have his heart broken and hope shattered again if the straw-hatted rookie doesn't come back...

"Oi ! Crocus !"

The old doctor turns his head around, and frowns at the newcomer. He doesn't recognize them, though they seem to hail from Wano with the striped kimono they wear. They're not tall enough to be Oden, to his disappointment, but the unusual sight still piques his curiosity. When the visitor tilts his hat to reveal his face, the doctor's gaze lightens up in recognition and he widely grins. "Ah, Gaban ! Long time no see !!"

His former crewmate pulls a News Coo out of a sleeve and waves it high in the air. "You've got to read this ! And I've got juicy news, too..."

Crocus frowns, but welcomes Gaban nonetheless, intrigued by his words. As he approaches, the doctor remarks, "How many years has it been ? All your hair has gone white."

Gaban smirks and jabs back, "Shut up ! At least I still have more hair left than you."

"That's fair !" Crocus laughs. "Come here, I'll grab a drink", he tells him as he motions for the other to sit. Once back with a bottle and a couple of cups, he sits down and eagerly grabs the newspaper that Gaban hands him.

Gaban pours them drinks, suspiciously silent.

The Straw Hat crew has returned, says the headline.

Crocus feels a wide smile curving his lips. "Ooh, so you've been keeping tabs on them, too ?", he asks Gaban as he reads the rest of the front page, learning that they've all safely reunited in Sabaody Archipelago and left for Fish-Man Island after sending the groves into an uproar. As he reads a quick summary of the whole crew's bounties, tears well up in his eyes. "Oh, Laboon..." He turns to the whale proudly wearing a straw-hatted jolly roger on his head, untouched ever since Luffy came here. Tears stream down Crocus's face but hope fills his lungs as he says, "Laboon, look, it's incredible !!" He holds the newspaper out, pointing at the last bounty on the list. "That's Brook, he's in Luffy's crew now ! I'm so glad to know he's still alive !"

Laboon happily sings.

Crocus turns back to Gaban, roughly wipes his tears away and grabs his now full cup, holds it out to toast with his nakama. "To the new era, eh ?"

"Yup", Gaban smiles wide as he clinks his cup against the doctor's.

"Have you met the kid ? How did you know I'd be interested in his return ?"

Gaban laughs. "Ah, I told you I had juicy news ! It's been a while since I last saw you, so I'll tell you everything."

"By any means, please, do."

"So. I suppose you met Luffy when he went through there, right ?"

Crocus nods.

"He got his first bounty before then, after defeating three of the most wanted pirates in East Blue, including... Buggy."

Crocus snorts a laugh. "So that's why Buggy was so pissed when I saw him here last. Still, that's pretty impressive for a rookie, Luffy was already that good even then ?"

"Yeah, apparently. At least that's what I gathered when I met Buggy after the war. I managed to convince him to drop the chase after the kid, because of his new position as a Shichibukai... You know how Buggy always wanted all the gold and jewels ? Didn't change one bit."

"Oh, well... He might not be a kid anymore, but deep down he's still the same."

"Still pretending that Shanks pisses him off for one or the other reason, too", Gaban chuckles.

"Oh ! Speaking of which, I've been wondering-"

"Yeah, Luffy's straw hat was his."

"I could have sworn..." Crocus sighs. "What's with that kid, anyway ?"

Gaban shrugs. "Ask Rayleigh. I went to Sabaody not long ago and learned through Shakky that after the war he trained Luffy, then went back to the Archipelago to coat their ship before their upcoming return. Oh, and said ship was built by one of Tom's apprentices, no less."

"Oh, is that so ? Well, fate works in mysterious ways... I'm glad I gave them my Log Pose, then."

"Do you know where they're headed ?"

"Laugh Tale."

Gaban opens wide eyes, glasses slightly slipping down his nose. "Ooh. Of course Rayleigh would want to train him, then. Do you think he's the one ?"

"Maybe. But there's still lots to do before then." Crocus squints. "Wano is still a closed country, as far as I know..."

"Hm, yeah. I wanted to pay Oden a visit, but..." He heavily sighs as he tilts his woven hat to obscure his face.

Crocus tilts his head to the side, heart suddenly tight as he tries to meet Gaban's gaze.

Gaban brings a hand to his face, roughly wiping a few tears. "I learned when I went there that Kaidou was ruling the land now. Oden's been executed years ago. I don't even know if Toki and the kids are still alive... so I'm not quite sure about the promise he made to open up the borders."

Crocus turns to stare at the sea. "What about the Minks ?"

"I could never get back to Zou without the Vivre Card. I have no idea... But you're right, there's still hope they'll be there."

Turning back to Gaban, Crocus smiles again. "If the kid has Roger's crazy luck, he'll run into them just like he ran into Shanks, Buggy and Rayleigh."

Gaban laughs. "True that. He did meet you, too. Let's hope he does, then."

"You know", Crocus points at Laboon behind him, "Luffy made a promise to come back here and settle a fight with Laboon once he'd traveled to Laugh Tale."

"Ooh ? Taking over the Rumbar Pirates' promise ?"

"Yeah, and Brook wasn't even with them back then. That kid's got a pure heart."

"That's good. He can't be the one otherwise", Gaban winks.

"Right", Crocus laughs.

"I should go back there and wait for them... A new crew that promises to shake the world, eh ? I'm eager to see that."

"So am I."

In the next week, yet another issue of the newspaper brings Crocus a new hope.

Luffy entered an alliance with another rookie from the Worst Generation, defeated a Shichibukai, not just anyone either – Crocus shakes a shudder away as he recalls the names of the founding families of World Government – and, while one of the Marine Admirals publicly apologized for the situation in Dressrosa, apparently the infamous rookie gathered a whole armada of underlings ready to fight alongside him if need be.

Crocus grins wide. "Ooh. He's really aiming for the top."

Within the following month, Linlin and Kaidou are defeated, Wano Country is free and led by a new shogun who looks awfully familiar... And Luffy looks happier than ever, now that's he's been granted the same title than Shanks and Buggy.

Crocus's smile widens, mirroring the one he discovers on Luffy's new wanted poster. "I'll be damned if he isn't Joy Boy." Crocus closes his eyes, throat suddenly tight, and exhales a shaky breath. "Oh, Roger, I wish you could see him..." He opens his eyes again and turns to Laboon with tears blurring his vision and a wide range of emotions bubbling in his chest. "Say, Laboon, everyone's dreams seems to converge this time... I can't wait for Luffy to reach Laugh Tale."

The mountain whale happily sings.

Additional A/N

Maybe it's just me being a simp, but Gaban was first seen in Chapter 19, he's seen leading the fight against the Whitebeard Pirates along with Rayleigh, so it's been established that he's not just a random guy in that crew... and I hc he's their navigator since we saw him steering the Oro Jackson and he calculated Laugh Tale's location. Also has anyone else noticed that the Oro Jackson is the one and only ship that didn't capsize upon arrival in Wano ? I mean come on, the Sunny and even the Moby Dick suffered damage, right ?

Here's a thought : if Rayleigh's still able to swim through the Calm Belt these days, why wouldn't Gaban be able to travel to Wano and then come back, even all by himself ?

Last but not least... Luffy managed to meet a lot of former Roger Pirates, so I really wish Gaban will show up soon 😁🤞

[saltwukong]

Nitpick November, Entry #2: Power Scaling

We're not even going to approach the absolute mess that is Cinder and Neo, especially in Volume 8, today. It's basically just about the Grimm. Because every Grimm shown is either chump change or completely insurmountable depending on what is needed of them at the time.

The opening fights of Volume 7 show this off pretty well.

The Grimm completely fail to react to any of the bullets being fired by these robots, which for some reason look back at their fallen ally in shock like a human would (a nitpick within a nitpick--why would they do that? They're robots) as is pretty much the norm. This is in spite of the fact that these robots are made of metal much harder than flesh and use the same types of ammo that the heroic cast use.

This comes after two very important things: one, robot soldiers shown being at least moderately effective against the Grimm in earlier volumes,

and two, Grimm apparently just not being able to even see you if you aren't radiating emotions.

That really was a stupid way of playing that aspect of Grimm lore.

I don't think it's likely that these Sabyrs are just really really strong, these Grimm morphs apparently being weak enough that Oscar, himself a newbie to fighting, can apparently kill one by smacking it hard enough with a cane.

Conversely, if a Grimm is shown alone? It's absolutely the most dangerous thing ever, and it will present a huge threat no matter how easily our well-established heroes should be able to carve them apart by this point.

The Nuckelavee is a great example of this--it's mostly unarmored and is fairly small, yet Nora's grenades, instead of splattering it across half of Kuroyuri, burst into harmless smoke against it, despite the fact that it has freaking wooden arrows in its back.

Before that, there was the Beringel, and this issue does not get better as we go. Volume 5's trailer shorts give us Yang fighting...

(gif absolutely butchered because of Tumblr file size limitations).

...an Ursa. One of those things she literally killed casually on her first day at Beacon--which is only weeks away from this point. And damn near losing, too.

Volume 7? Please refer to that one 'Alpha' Megoliath, that requires teamwork from Penny and Ruby to kill.

Keep in mind, Penny's bigass death laser literally carved two airships in half the last time we saw her use them. And then she pulled down a third airship as it was trying to leave, with strength alone. Yet this thing is somehow able to shrug off both those methods of attack, and no one thinks of just cutting away at its unarmored legs.

Volume 8? The Cenitaur is able to beat Blake, despite the fact it's largely unarmored, can only attack from one direction, and is facing a girl with an assload of experience killing these creatures by this point.

And the less said about the Hound, the better.

The Grimm have no aura and thus have to obey normal physics and combat rules. If you want them to be sufficiently threatening, you have to give them some sort of edge in other ways. All it takes is a little imagination--and when you try, you get creatures like the Geist, which is smart enough to avoid combat until it can possess inanimate objects to make itself stronger, or the Apathy, which sap energy and willpower and have powers that make them difficult to fight.

If you're going to model new Grimm for the purpose of upping the ante, at least bother to write in some abilities that make them suitable opponents, it's not that hard.

[likeafairytale]

"Do you want your people to go to war because of you?" - Triton manipulating Calypso on her wedding day

❝No, I do not, father.❞ Calypso said almost immediately.

Triton smiled. This was the right answer, apparently, and so, the young girl smiled too, not from happiness, but from relief, for she made him happy. Her father put his hand on her cheek, and calypso immediately closed her eyes and shook so slowly that Triton didn't see it.

From the outside, it could look like a sweet gesture, a moment between a father and his daughter before her wedding. But anyone who knew Triton Blackwater knew better. Calypso knew better; this hand's on her was a threat. She knew it so damn well. But she did as she always did, put a smile on her face and went back to look herself in the mirror, with her father's eyes on her back, which made it hard for her to breathe somehow.

She tried her best to not grimace. Legs are weird, and very painful, how can humans be okay with it?! The mermaid didn't like it at all. She thought she would. Her late mother told her the world was a beautiful place to be. Sometimes, better than the ocean. For a while, little Calypso believed it. Young, naive and a head full of dreams, that's what she was when she met her doom. And now here was she; far from the sea with a beautiful wedding dress on her, and the obligation to marry a Fae, an enemy to the Mermaids, just because she wanted to see the world.

Without realizing it, she touched her wrist where her bracelet was supposed to be. Her heart sank when she remembered that it was Aeron who had it now, and he'll never give it back, she was sure of that. Hence, the wedding. That, and for avoiding a war. But, even though her father told her it was the only way to avoid a bloodshed, a thought couldn't leave her mind, and carefully, she turned to face the High King of the Seas.

❝But war will happen anyway. Right?❞ The girl said almost in a whisper. They were just the both of them, no need to whisper, but it was more because she was scared of his reaction, that keeping her idea a secret.

❝I beg your pardon?❞

❝Because this is how history goes, father. Men go to war, no matter what. I suppose it is because of boredom, but I cannot be sure on that. And women are always to blame in the end.❞

❝Calypso d-❞

❝When a war will happen, maybe not today, nor tomorrow, maybe in a century from now on, but it will happen, and I will be blamed. Just like Helen was blamed for the Trojan war. Like many women before me were blamed for men's doing.❞

It took so much willpower to Calypso to not smile right now, at the view of the Great Triton's decomposing face. Calypso knew he wasn't expecting those words from her. He thought she will compel, and she will, she didn't have the choice, but it didn't mean she wasn't able to speak her mind. She was clever enough to not be fooled anymore. Yes, she knew it, everyone knew it. It wasn't a question of 'if war happens' but more like 'when war will happen'.

Calypso wanted to say more. That Helen was stolen and brought to Troy. Yet, the Trojans hated her. What's the difference with her here? A mermaid in the Seelie court, it's just the same, truly. She knew she did wrong, but two wrong don't make it right. When war will happen, everyone will blame the blood and deaths on her. Can you really blame a girl for having a heart and feelings? Apparently you could.

But as clever as she was, the mermaid knew that saying all of that out loud would only anger her father more, who was trying to keep his composure in front of his daughter, and she knew what he was capable of when she angered him… She played nervously with her dress, when the High King came closer, taking her chin between his fingers, forcing her to look at him in his eyes.

❝Yes, you will be blamed, and I won't deny that. The war was pending for centuries now, and I guess you're right, boredom made us look for a reason to fight. And yes, maybe you are the reason we were waiting for. But war won't happen today. Today, you will marry that boy, this is your duty, for your people. And, perhaps, your punishment for your own stupidity.❞

Without saying more, he let go of her chin so brutally that Calypso let a little scream of surprised out of her throat. She wasn't expected him to be this honest for once, but she supposed he couldn't lie anymore, for she pierced the fog of deception he built since her youth. While he left the room, leaving her alone, the soon-to-be-wed couldn't help but think how it was unfair for her to be the sacrificial lamb.

[acealistair]

wahoo more tag games, thanks @swanfey! apparently i'm supposed to tag 15 people but tbf i do not have the mental willpower to do so rn, so if you see this and think it'd be fun have at it! and tag me if you do it!

1. Are you named after anyone?

Not after someone but I am named after something (the Sierra Nevada Mountains). I escaped having a family middle name as well, it's Noel simply because it snowed the week I was born lmao

2. When was the last time you cried?

A couple days ago while playing Spiritfarer ;v;

3. Do you have kids?

god no lol

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

ye

5. What sports have you played?

If we're counting all of them across my entire life, the list is actually quite long. Not counting stuff I played in PE classes bc otherwise it'd be stupid long.

- Swimming (pre-k, did not go well as I somehow developed a legit phobia of submerging my head underwater oops) - Soccer (pre-k) - Gymnastics (don't remember exactly when but I was quite young, don't think I did it for more than a year) - Ballet/tapdancing lessons (kindergarten) - Basketball (2nd grade) - Karate (can't remember when but I think it was elementary school, when I started watching anime lol) - Volleyball (6th grade) - Scuba diving (got certified at 12, which more or less cured my water phobia via exposure therapy lmao) - Indoor rock climbing (somewhere in late elementary/middle school) - Tennis lessons (in middle school, I think?) - Archery (started teaching myself around middle school) - Ballroom dancing lessons (summer of like, 2016 or '17? it was during college, desperately wish I could pick it back up)

6. What’s the first thing you notice about someone?

Hair, I think.

7. Eye color?

Blue

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings! It's not that I hate horror, but I can't do scary movies specifically.

9. Any special talents?

I think I'm decent at singing despite no formal training.

10. Where were you born?

Washington state

11. What are your hobbies?

Writing, D&D, video games, board games, baking/cooking, photography. Trying to get into origami.

12. Do you have any pets?

Just the two kitties, hopefully more in the future. It's actually Hiyori's adoption day today!

13. How tall are you?

5’5”

14. Fave subject in school?

You'd think it'd be English, but it was history

15. Dream job?

Writing for BioWare :'D

[iwannaban0nym0us]

so um apparently i am part of the face of my schools queer community now

(gonna ramble about this and some related things below the cut, ok actually it might not all be related to that but it does start with that)

So I got invited to join the student leadership team for my school's Queer (and Questioning) Student Allience aka QSU which is really awesome (but also I do so much other stuff so hopefully this doesn't take too much of my time) and we had our first meeting at lunch today in which I found out that I'm the only junior (the other 5 people are seniors) on the team so unless we recruit more people I will be the only returning leadership member next year

Before I move on, I'm kinda excited to be like the face of queerness at my school but also I just don't feel qualified (despite having been going to the equivalent of qsu since like 5th grade having been out as queer since 8th and out as trans since 9th) idk I think some of this comes from me having gotten really lucky and had a pretty smooth transition but some of it also comes from my asshole ex painting themself as the paragon of queer knowledge and sometimes making comments to me about not understanding things because I was too new to the queer world

Ok, I have more related things to say but I think it's gonna be easier to do this in chronological order because this week has been a time.

Alright, Monday, I had all of my hard classes and I don't think anything specific happened it was just like a long day and then I went home and then I had a late soccer practice and then after that there was a team meeting thing so I didn't go to bed until late. Some things did happen that triggered me to seriously start thinking about a legal name change tho

Now yesterday, my day started w/ a hug from M (my ex-gf)

And then lunch was the qsu meeting

And then after school I talked to M about joining QSU leadership, which some friends say was a bad idea but i just can't be the only junior on leadership because then next year will be a lot and i already do enough, and M is literally the only junior (besides me) who consistently went to QSU last year, and uh they were kinda shocked but also seemed interested and i think they may have been kinda flustered and idk how to read that

And then I had soccer practice and one of my defenders was an asshole

then today, today was a ride

morning stuff happened it was chill

then we had grade level time where we got to pick our tent groups for the trip and it was easy for me but i could clearly see M struggling and it took all of my willpower not to go over and check on them

and then we had affinity group time and I was w/ QSU which was fun and M was also there too and some of the time was fun getting to know new members and stuff and then at one point I checked in on M and they were kinda closed off and clearly unhappy about their tent group and I just kinda made it clear that I was there if they wanted to talk

and then we had lunch and i ate w/ my friends and then they were boring and I went to find another friend who was busy w/ their own drama and so i end up hanging out w/ the theater kids (M and my asshole ex's friend group) and that was interesting, i did get to talk about star trek tho

at this point i was not having a great time

then i was kinda bouncing around and saying i needed to do smth so i wandered around w/ friends a bit and eventually lunch was over and we went to the next activity

and after that there was the spirit assembly and my grade won one of the activities (which i help out w/ !) and we should have won the paper airplane competition but at least we won the balloon one and uh during that one we needed someone to do a handstand so I got M to do it because I knew they could

and then we had some sorta free time and so i ended up wandering around in circles w/ my friends really really needing to do smth but not having anything to do so eventually a couple of us ended up in an empty classroom just kinda chilling oh and during that time i was hella delirious so i gave one of my friends my phone because i didn't trust myself not to text M smth stupid

and then we had to go back for the last activity but we decided to be kinda late and as we were walking in M was walking out and so I started talking to them and ended up following them down to get water and while we were talking they complimented me on doing good in the spirit balloon game thing earlier

when we were talking i also got them to open up a little more about their tent and it turns out they're w/ a friend and my asshole ex (who M has heard plenty about but is apparently still friends w/ because during grade time i literally always see M w/ my asshole ex and my asshole ex's boyfriend) although M was saying they're not too happy about tenting w/ my asshole ex which did kinda reassure my trust in M because like it shows they did actually listen when i told them everything my asshole ex did to me

anyways then we ran into some of their friends and they don't me instead of going back to watch the volleyball games which we technically should have been doing they were gonna go play cards w/ their friends in the library and so i was like 'ok, have fun' and started to head back to the gym because i knew that was the better choice for me and after i was partway down the hallway M called out to me and like invited me to join them and i said thanks but i'm good and they said i could join them if i changed my mind

and once i was almost back to the gym i ran into a friend who had walked up late w/ me and he said he didn't like how loud the gym was and so i mentioned that the theater kids were playing cards in the library and then i went to the gym because a loud space w/ a thing to focus on was perfect for me

our grade lost kinda quickly tho so then i ended up outside of the gym w/ a friend who wouldn't let me to the library or give me my phone back because they didn't want me to do smth stupid and so i just kinda zoned out until school was over

but i was still around for a bit but that friend had to run so after they gave me my phone back i went to the library and found M (+their friends) and my friend from earlier and i watched them play cards for a little while and it was kinda fun

and then i went home and packed for the trip camping tomorrow and then like an hour ago M texted me (and for some reason the 2 times they've texted me since I reestablished contact have been about packing, specifically them procrastinating on it and me encouraging them to get it done which was a thing that happened before we broke up) and so we had a surprisingly long slightly on and off conversation about packing and uh now it's now and i have to be up in 7 hours and should probably get sleep

okok i'm gonna go to bed very soon, but one final thought, i'm kinda shocked that i didn't cry at all today

[hematomes]

ange<33

sorry for disappearing again it has been a

W E E K.

my god. im still on vacation (we're leaving at noon tomorrow) and despite the fact that we didn't really do anything wild during our stay here, i am beyond exhausted and feeling like I've had 4 life-changing experiences in a week (or maybe its just the near-panic attack i had at the club the other day. oh well)

being here has def changed me in some way though! you never really find out just how your different attributes and emotional baggage interact with other people's until you have to live together for a week, apparently..

dkkskdd i saw the car accident part of your reply first and got so scared jesus im so glad you're okay. i hope your nightmares are a little better now (if not, im coming over to chase them away w sheer willpower and this hammer we've found in the house and have for some reason left in the kitchen sink)

everyone calling you a childe kinnie,,, they're so right but at the same time not, idk. i have also been accused of being a childe kinnie though (by sb who doesn't even play genshin) so high five✋🏽

you though,,, a fuckboy in 2020,,,,pfft. okay sweets<3

~soup

DON'T WORRY life happens and im glad ur having fun <3 hope ur feeling better since yesterday?

im ok dw!! not as unbothered as i thought bc traveling for 5h a couple days ago and again today truly was stressful but i can manage that amount pfrrr and the nightmares are also managed so <3 don't u worry (you're still very welcome to come over)(with or without the kitchen sink hammer)

PLEASE LET ME BELIEVE IM NOT A CHILDE KINNIE. i will accept it one day. except i won't bc im not

maybe im still a fuckboy today tbh, just unsuccessful bc life is misery /j