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seokmins · 3 years

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0) Twilight — KHJ

the soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon, caused by the refraction and scattering of the sun's rays from the atmosphere

【ˢᵉʳⁱᵉˢ ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡⁱˢᵗ || ᴬᵀᶻ ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡⁱˢᵗ || ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳᵖᵒˢᵗ】

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💞 🄿🄰🄸🅁🄸🄽🄶: Kim Hongjoong x female!reader 📚 🄶🄴🄽🅁🄴: Fluff, Teeny angst (?), Established relationship!au, College!au, Fashion designer!au 🌟 🅁🄰🅃🄸🄽🄶: R 💬 ⓌⒸ: 5.6k ⚠️ 🅆🄰🅁🄽🄸🄽🄶🅂: Cursing, Mentions of long work and exhaustion, Good ole college/life stress, Elv’s infamous pov and tenses switching, Cringe combo of korean and english bc that’s just how i write it, Prolly some innuendos but nothing extreme — just humor, Eating and also alluding to not eating/skipping meals, Domestic shit, Me knowing absolutely nothing about the music or fashion industries tbh, alcohol consumption and parties.

💫 (っ ◔◡◔)っɛƖ۷'ʂ ŋơɬɛʂ 💕:

Part of Cee’s (@yutasgalaxy) collab Flashing Lights, Part of The Teezer’s series, First part to Hongjoong’s story (and a prequel to the series tbh — his second part that truly matches the theme of the series will come later on). We get a sneak peek at the reader and Hongjoong’s dynamic *smirks* if you know what I mean I lit rally love Ateez’s song Twilight and the rapper bois helped write it *soft uwus* — before I even read the song’s translation, I knew I wanted to write a story for it and coincidentally this lined up! Thanks for including me in this collab and giving me ample time to complete this, Cee! Please note that each female s/o of the boys for The Teezer’s series will be given an “oc” name outside of their respective stories — more details can be found in the series’ masterlist and character profiles (boys | girls). I stuck way too many Easter Eggs in this omg kdsjfkds

“Babe — what are you doing?”

Your boyfriend’s huff of surprise contained more curiosity than annoyance after you’d practically ambushed the poor man upon his arrival home. In all honesty, it was rare for you two to even cross paths these days. Hongjoong couldn’t remember when that pattern began but the gentle squeeze of your palm had his heart swelling with its usual warmth in your presence accompanied by a twinge of guilt.

Meanwhile, you were giddy with excitement. The lingering tiredness that settled into your bones around the third year of high school and still weighed your body down five years later had miraculously disappeared tonight. Children never understand the privilege of their childhood and teenage years, so eager to grow up. You had been one of them — the possibility of having nobody to answer to seemed like a fantasy that couldn’t come soon enough. A shame that we all fall subject under the brutal hand of capitalism. Now, almost entering the middle of your second decade in life, you realized the true meaning of being ‘an adult’ was nothing but a repetitive cycle of playing catch up but never quite caught up.

Maybe that’s why tonight it was easy to cast away the worry over the next deadline due. Tomorrow would only be another day to wash, rinse, and repeat — and just like right now, Hongjoong was always the lotion to soothe your aching hands.

“Seriously, [Y/N], baby… what are you doing?” Hongjoong let out one of his cute little giggles as you turned to face him with a sneaky grin and placed a gentle finger on his plush lips.

“Shh, you trust me, yeah?”

“Always.”

It was an immediate reply, purely instinct. It was true — your boyfriend trusted you with his very life just as much as you did in return. But maybe… just maybe… it was the tiny change in your tone that had his pulse beat faster, the sudden feel of smooth silk brush across his fluttering eyelids. Maybe it was the way your scent he was so accustomed to enveloped him completely, the tug as you secured the oh-so-familiar scarf around his head, your sweet hum in his ear to confirm that it wasn’t too tight. All of his senses were honed in on you, and you alone, waiting for your next command. Just like always.

Hongjoong would be the first to say that you were the only one that had complete and utter control over such a man like himself. Even the rest of the boys were amazed how their captain changed from his strong leadership personality to an obedient, lovesick puppy around you. But little did they know…

“This again? Didn’t we just do it like this recently?”

… what a lil shithead he was.

“Joong! Get your mind out of the gutter!”

“Could’ve had me fooled,” he griped, gesturing to his covered eyes.

You rolled your own even if he couldn’t see. He wanted to play?

“Just be a good boy for me.”

Fine — you’d play… but only a little. Soft hours were very much overdue. As much as you’d like to tease and test one another’s control — or lack thereof — you had a goal to fulfill and precious time was slipping away.

Step-by-step you guided Hongjoong up the steep, concrete stairway. Giggles bounced off of the narrow walls as you fumbled against each other. Despite your boyfriend’s confident dancer's feet and unlimited confidence in you, you sorely failed him as your foreheads and noses bumped once too many times. You had suspicions he was doing it on purpose though.

“Was the blindfold really necessary?”

“Yes. Left foot up… you’re too smart — now, right — for your own good.”

“You mean, I just catch on quick.”

“Much too quickly,” you agreed. “Let a girl surprise you for once.”

“What do you mean, I’m always surpr — ”

Hongjoong's statement was cut off by the sudden adjustment of light after you'd taken the scarf off quite abruptly. His tiny gasp of wonderment had you smiling with pride. This was what you had been looking forward to the most. This was what energized and motivated you to take the time out of your busy schedule for a breather. It was all him.

The apartment you had rented your freshman year was small but still at least two times bigger than the average dorm. The quality wasn't bad and you had been able to make ends meet with your part-time job over the years. It became even easier when your boyfriend moved in during both of your first senior semesters. Plus, the spontaneous visits of your hoobaes for almost a year by now, had them acting like it was their second home. You didn't mind too much — most of the time they had the courtesy to knock.

But you had kindly asked them not to drop by tonight. Even with tons of sweet offers to help, it was something you'd wanted to do by yourself. Atop of your apartment was everyone’s favorite place and probably the best part of the whole building — the rooftop.

“So, what do you think? Did I succeed?”

The brown-haired man looked around with starstruck eyes. His heart warmed at the thought of you scurrying around before he came home to set up the pillow and blanket fort beneath the string lights Jongho hung last month. Sneaking his arms around your waist, Hongjoong lovingly nuzzled the back of your shoulder.

“Like I was saying, you always find ways to surprise me.” He laughed as you pouted at not hearing the answer you wanted. “But yes, baby, you did a good job.”

Both of you snickered at the inside joke. The rooftop was high enough that the sounds from the city were only a low hum compared to the birds making their nests nearby. A neighboring family dinner had your mouth watering as the appetizing smell of the sizzling barbecue wafted over.

“You probably had something to eat, courtesy of Yeosang but I, for one, am starving.”

Hongjoong frowned. “Did you not eat today? I have leftovers and a care package made with love for their favorite sunbae, let me go grab it.”

“Uh-uh,” you caught him before he turned towards the door. “Get over here and relax, I already prepared everything.”

The sweet nature of the otherwise, quite wild, hoobaes you and your boyfriend basically looked after was never lost on you. It never failed to make you smile, especially when someone made a noise too loud while visiting (harassing) Hongjoong during his late-night production hours. Oftentimes the combined whisper-scolds of “Shut the fuck up, dumbass!” were louder than whatever the offender had done.

You popped a cube of cheese into your mouth followed by a grape offered by Hongjoong. Somehow the both of you had managed to squeeze into the fort without toppling it down — although it had taken a few bumps and careful wiggling. One of those battery-operated mist fans gently blew the baby hairs on Hongjoong's neck and left your skin with a dewy glow.

“So, what creative brain cell sparked this?”

You hummed thoughtfully. “The lack of one, quite honestly. But mostly you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, I’ve missed you. Us. We deserve a breather.”

“Missed you lots too, babe. Sorry, I’m trying to finish this project — I can’t wait ‘til it’s done.”

“It’s not your fault, Joongie, you’ve been working so hard and you’re almost there.”

“So have you, how’s it coming?”

“Please don’t ask,” you groaned, “actually let’s not talk about work at all.”

You really didn’t want to think about it. Even after holing yourself up in your studio every night after sorting through different magazines that showcased styles over the years to now, there had been zero progress. It was like you hit a roadblock and it didn’t help that you needed to have a design finalized soon to complete this internship. You were sure your boyfriend felt the same given his situation was very similar to yours.

“I know, babe, I know. Do you know how many times I’ve stared at a blank screen? Even if the file got deleted, I wouldn’t care.”

“That’s a first. Better not say it too loud.”

He laughed, snaking an arm around your waist to pull your hip bone square to his despite the humidity. After all, moist skin-to-skin contact was not a foreign concept to you two.

“Okay, but seriously — how is it going? I thought you came up with a rough sketch already?”

“Ugh, I did but…” you wanted to scream. Not at him but at the situation — your shitty mentor, the world, life — anything except your lovely and loving boyfriend. “It’s just not it, you know? Has to be like that Lady Gaga meme or else it won’t catch anyone’s eye this summer. It has to sell.”

“Did Dyan say something again?”

“No, it’s all me this time, I mean, she’s right. It has to sell.”

The hand around your hip squeezed briefly. Hongjoong often heard you mocking the words of your mentor’s obsession with profits and sales with exasperation and exhaustion. He’d waded through enough discarded designs littering your floor to convince you to take a rest. He’s soothingly rubbed your shoulders and back when the defeated sighs clearly emphasized how badly you wanted to quit even if you’d never vocalize or do it.

It was the same kind of little comforts you did for him. Pulling him away from his computer when you’d wake up in the early dawn for work and his side of the bed was still cold. Always prepping the Keurig with a full reservoir of water, K-cup, and mug around the clock. Sneaking into his studio and pressing kisses to smooth away the concentrated frustration between his brows. Even the most exciting, wildest moments you’ve shared intimately with one another could not compare to the mundane little actions that came about in your daily lives, reminding each other why you’ve stayed with each other for so long.

Just like now, Hongjoong felt his heart lurch at the evident defeat in your voice. Despite everything, you had still prepared all of this for him — for both of you — and yet a gray cloud of doom hung above. Pressing a kiss to the top of your head that rested on his shoulder, he thoughtfully stared at the colorful skyscape pleasantly painted in front of your view.

You were by no means untalented. In fact, the two of you were the famous senior campus couple at the top of your class, natural-born leaders in every aspect and area, and obviously the perfect match. But whereas your boyfriend had pressure to lead his production team to victory with another self-composed song after an unbreakable record his entire college career; you had to generate a quick profit with a design of your own to prove yourself not only for the internship but your rightful place in the fashion industry.

If anyone could do it, anyone would say it would be [Y/L/N] [Y/N] and Kim Hongjoong.

But right now, those expectations weighed heavily on both of your shoulders. Hongjoong had his whole team relying on him plus even the college and his reputation were at stake. It might not seem all that serious, but he couldn’t help but feel the pressure with everyone so focused on it. Creativity easily gets blocked and he couldn’t count how many times he’d gone over the same sequence of beats only to delete them once more. The lyricism that once poured out like a waterfall faster than he could write it down felt like it had dried up. Something was blocked up and Hongjoong was tired of it.

Meanwhile, you had designed all kinds of different clothing and accessories for multiple occasions across campus throughout your four years. You had even revitalized the once-cringey fashion show your club used to hold every other year. Now, as president, you’d successfully hooked everyone’s interest into attending a show once a month — many fought to get a ticket be it through raffles, early-bird deals, and even… bribes. All admission fees went to local charities while the showy clothes strutted on stage were later revamped into more practical, functional wear and donated to GoodWill.

All of those were impressive deeds, truly commendable. But there was one major key missing — popularity. You hadn’t sold a single one of your designs, not even a piece. Once your little additions were removed and the ensemble was disassembled, the articles looked like every other generic item that could be found in the store. That was the whole point but it didn’t help your case. Begrudgingly, you admitted Dyan was right. You hadn’t sold a single thing or even started a trend… and trends bring in profit.

“I don’t want to be a trendsetter,” you admitted. “Trends are like fireworks. Big, loud, and fierce but then bang — gone… just like that. I don’t want to fizzle out.”

“You won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do know you’re way too loud to fizzle out so easily.”

“Yah! Kim Hongjoong!”

He snickered as you jabbed him with your elbow after your offended outburst, which led you to groan because you were only proving him right. Still laughing under his breath, your boyfriend wrapped his arms fully around you despite your protest.

“Sorry, babe, I know you didn’t want to talk about work.”

“It’s okay. I know you’re only trying to boost me up.”

“But I’m serious — you make incredible designs. I know whatever you have floating around in your head with doubt is actually not as bad as you think. Maybe you should just take the plunge and see what happens.”

You booped his nose. “I could say the same thing to you, now couldn’t I?”

As he let out a weary sigh of agreement, the both of you turned your attention back to the splendid view in front of you. You marveled how even though the sun had sunk behind the distant hills to paint the skyscape in a myriad of colors, the humidity still hung low and heavy as if the lingering sun wasn’t ready to say goodbye. The stars peeked through the smog of the city with an occasional twinkle. You hadn’t felt this sense of peace in a long, long time.

A bird flew past, a black blur twittering and swooping through the soupy air. You absent-mindedly hummed a tune as you watched it with a sense of almost longing.

“Just think about flying in the sky, with no worries or responsibilities.”

“Yeah… ” Hongjoong mumbled, about to inform you that even airborne creatures have stress in their life when he suddenly froze. “Where’s that melody from?”

You wrinkled your eyebrows as you tried to pull it back from the wells of your unconsciousness. “Ah, that? I think it was a demo playing the last time I was in your studio.”

It took a bit but finally, you think you got it right, albeit a little more off-key this time. You felt a bit self-conscious with your boyfriend suddenly stiff as a board — and not necessarily in the sexy way.

“I think I just hit nirvana.”

“Oh my god, Joong, we’re not even drinking.”

“I’m serious, is this enlightenment?” He felt like a dam had broken. “I love you.”

Without hesitation yet definitely mild confusion, you replied, “I love you, too,” before your boyfriend was scrambling out of the fort. But not without a gentle kiss to your forehead, something he always made sure to do no matter how distracted.

You didn’t see him the rest of the night. In fact, you didn’t see him for two more nights but the constant visits of his production team were entertaining, to say the least. This wasn’t anything new — you chewed on the end of your sketching pencil as each boy dropped by to say hello while their leader focused on the perfect mix of vocals and music. After bickering all night long with Seonghwa that “clothes do make the man but that doesn’t mean the man is good news — for example, you, good sir,” you woke up after three hours of sleep to a certain brown-haired man smiling fondly at you.

“Ya know, you’d be really creepy right now if it was nighttime.”

“Then good thing you didn’t wake up when I came in.”

You opened your eyes a little wider to see the extremely dark circles under his eyes and mussed-up hair that probably mirrored your own. Frowning, you made grabby hands his way. “Get your ass in bed.”

Hongjoong chuckled and held onto one of your hands, placing a kiss on each knuckle. “Okay. But after I show you something first, hm?”

“Later.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“C’mon baby, the boys and I worked really hard on it.”

“... God, you’re such a brat.”

“And you love it ~”

Somehow you managed to make it down to his studio, sitting on Hongjoong’s lap in his sturdy office chair. Trying to work out the kinks in your shoulders, your jaw cracked as you yawned for the umpteenth time.

“This won’t take long,” he promised with a squeeze of your hip, “I think this might actually help you out, too.”

“Help me?”

“This is how I feel about you Twilight It's like twilight, yeah Oh baby, I just wanna see that twilight Wanna see that with you”

The precious, honey-gold vocals of your hoobaes filled the studio and you instinctively smiled with pride. Curiously you listened, the beats following an in-tune, upbeat version of what you had hummed on the rooftop.

“Just think about flying in the sky Just think about flying in the sky, Yeah 내 손을 잡아봐 이제는 Fly with us”

A fake-gasp. “You did not.”

“I did.”

“How do I file a complaint? I demand proper rights over my intellect.”

It was only a joke, of course. Nuzzling into the crook of Hongjoong’s neck, you were in awe of how he encapsulated what felt like the feelings of that night. Summer nights, the longing of freedom from the mundaneness of life, a slow-burn romance, a re-boost of energy, soft lips on moist skin, the hug of humidity — twilight.

“Wow, the talent, I love it. Since when did you learn to write love songs?”

“Since we met,” he replied sincerely. “Did you already forget how many I wrote to try and woo you?”

“Of course not. Just didn’t think you and the production team would be able to do one but it turned out great.”

“Well, it was harder, considering most of them don’t even know what love is.”

You snorted. “I am surprised, is this going to be for the competition?”

“Yeah, Yunho and San are coming up with choreo ideas this week.”

“Oh, how fun. I’m so glad you were able to kick through that composer’s block, babe!”

“It’s all thanks to you, which is why I have a proposition.”

You remembered what he said earlier but couldn’t think of how this might help you. But then again, the man was always full of surprises. With the smug smile on his face, he definitely had something up his sleeve.

“Okay, I’m listening.”

“Alright, well Mingi brought up how different this was from Pirate King which reminded me how we worked together on that.”

“Ah yes,” you smiled fondly, “that’s how we started dating.”

Hongjoong nodded. “So I was thinking last night about how you usually design our performance clothes for us. We didn’t really consider asking you this time due to how busy you are but what if… what if instead of simply wearing your designs we also promoted them?”

“Promote? You already do, in fact, that’s how our fashion shows keep their momentum. And I have such good-looking models.” You thought about it and your heart warmed at his efforts to help you out. “I know I somehow helped you out but you don’t have to worry about repaying me with assistance too, love.”

“It’s not like that, I want to help you either way. And you were amazing help.”

“I know, I know, look. I don’t mind at all drawing something up for you guys, it can be something simple. Honestly, I think a casual look would suit your concept quite well this time.”

“That’s it!” You flinched in surprise as he snapped his fingers. “Something simple! You know how everyone was dying to get their hands on their own version of our team jackets but couldn’t since it’s an exclusive design?”

“Yeah, well… that’s because I didn’t want anyone else to have your name pretending to be your girlfriend.”

“I love when you’re possessi— don’t distract me! I’m trying to help!”

You shrugged. “I was just admitting the truth. But… I do like where you’re going with this.”

“Right?”

Hongjoong beamed as you began mumbling to yourself, similar to the way he sank into his brainstorming phase. It was comforting to have a partner that was in the creative field too. Both of you understood one another’s so-called “distracted moments” and neither of you could get frustrated over such things. In fact, you were often mesmerized by each other just like now. He tapped your head to bring you back to the present moment before you got too carried away.

"You know you have connections when Dyan gets difficult, too."

"Connections? Like Woo's grandma?"

"Bless her heart, you know she'll have her knitting club buy anything that involves him."

You both laughed whole-heartedly. It was true — Wooyoung's grandmother always made sure to get first row seats to watch the apple-of-her-eye hip-thrust in skinny jeans on a stage surrounded by men and women screaming at the top of their lungs. You like to think it was because of you, though, since she never failed to compliment you about the clothes you designed to flatter her grandson.

"If I made a jacket with his face, the whole church would buy it after being bribed by her cooking."

Hongjoong grinned. "Hey, now, even I would do it — I can just hide the jacket in the closet and never look at it again."

"Rude."

"Pssh." A comfortable silence fell once more before he spoke up again. "Not that that's actually a bad idea but I was thinking more along the lines of San."

"Sannie?"

"Mhm, you know Aria? She's one of his friends and a model."

"... Yes, she is."

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"No reason, she's a gorgeous girl."

Your boyfriend tilted his head, clearly wondering what he was missing. "Is she? I've never seen her before."

"Oh, well. I don't know for sure, we've only talked a few times, but there's prolly something going on between her and the boys. Maybe."

“Really?” He quirked an eyebrow. “Interesting, I'll keep that in mind. Oh! Why not ask Naomi to take some pics, Yeosang says she's good with a camera. We can draw up posters or something."

"Why do you have such good ideas in that head of yours?"

"Because it's all for you babe, all for you."

You fiddled with the loose drawstring on his sweatpants. "I hate to ask everyone on such late notice, though."

"We're all college students, [Y/N], getting things done last minute is kind of our specialty." A loving kiss was pressed to the side of your head. “I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help their favorite sunbae out but I’ll always support whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“Likewise, love, thank you."

~ Three Weeks Later ~

"Thanks to everyone who made it out tonight and here's what you've all been waiting for… the results!"

Cheers filled the open stadium, the emcee's face dripping more sweat than the dancers who had just finished their performances.

"I present to you… the reigning kings, born from the blood, sweat, and tears of this very campus field you are standing on right no— "

" — Good lord, can they just fuckin' announce it already? What's with the dramatics?"

Black fingernails tapped annoyingly against a camera screen and you snickered at Naomi's comment, wondering if she had paused from recording. Her fancy set-up was just as impressive as the expensive desktop area she had in her dorm.

"This is a huge accomplishment, though, and the boys just happen to be attractive as demigods. Everyone wants a piece of them."

"Well, they can't have Yeosangie. He's all mine."

"Agreed, the same sentiments go for Joong." You nudged Aria. "And who are you calling dibs on?"

She sent you a blinding smile. "Er, none of them?"

"Smart decision."

Naomi snapped her gum and nodded in agreement with "At least someone here has a functioning brain cell," when the announcer finally finished his spiel.

"… and first place goes to… The Teezer's!"

The stadium erupted into the loudest screams and shouts ever heard even during a football game. Your ears may be numb by the time the gates let out but that didn't stop you from joining in the thundering stomps, the excitement rippling through the crowds like a big tidal wave.

You watched Hongjoong accept the trophy with a bittersweet mixture of insurmountable pride and melancholy. It didn't help that the youngest was already beginning to tear up as the emcee congratulated them.

"It's no surprise that you won but wow — what a bunch of exciting milestones this year! It is your fourth major win in a row, you've built such a great reputation, anything you'd like to say to that?"

"As a whole, we'd like to extend our gratitude for all of the support our lovely fans have shown us," Yunho waved around to the crowds. "Without you all, we wouldn't have the adrenaline to make it this far!"

The emcee nodded. "Without a doubt, the support you've garnered has only helped boost your success. Look how many are decked out in matching clothes — even I'm wearing one!"

Hongjoong took the mic, running a hand through his sweaty pink bangs with a smirk that incited a chorus of screams from the audience and an eye-roll from you.

"Exactly, I'd like to everyone to give a big round of applause for my lovely girlfriend!" The team began clapping followed by the bemused emcee. "If you haven't bought it already from the campus store, the Twilight jacket series will be sold at the gate while supplies last."

"Plus, you get a free copy of our latest mix-tape with Twilight, the song we performed today on it!" Mingi shouted as the applause grew.

Your boyfriend beamed as you visibly cringed and tried not to shrink away at the sudden attention. Even though many of your friends were normally surrounded by the spotlight, you were content with staying behind the scenes. Having control over the main scene of action was more your style.

Yeosang saved you with a shout of "Hey, my girlfriend helped too," which only got him a finger-heart-turned-middle-finger from Naomi that had Wooyoung's grandmother and her knitting club even burst into laughter.

"See what you're missing?" You teased Aria. "Thanks for all your help, by the way. It was a godsend."

"Please, it was nothing! I just happen to know a lot of people through work and stuff."

"And you're good-looking too. You and Hwa were the reason those photos sold."

"Oh my gosh, you're buttering me up too much, I just might fall for you, [Y/N]!"

Your eyes twinkled mischievously. "I'm not opposed to that, although I might have to convince Joong to share me. Think you'd be up to model for me again in the future?"

"I'd love to."

Although you weren't sure when you would have something ready for her to model — you weren't even sure what next step you'd take towards your future — you did invite Aria to the celebratory party the Teezer's were hosting tonight. Luckily, she was able to slip away far before you could. You had gone to check how the jacket stand was doing before leaving but the poor girl was swamped with hoards of people. There was no other choice but to lend her a hand, after all, they were your finished designs and miraculously people parted like the Red Sea when you came through.

That didn't mean they stopped their craziness, though. You were at your wits end with a boy and girl fighting over one of the last Large jacket sizes when a fresh-smelling, clean Jongho appeared. Although his appearance could have only stirred them up more, it was the girl who you recognized as Yunho's little sister that broke it up.

"I told her to be our bodyguard since she insists on using her fists to always solve things," the youngest explained, looking proud of himself so you ruffled his hair fondly.

"Kids these days. That's why you use your connections to get what you want." Wooyoung's grandmother swatted your butt playfully and placed a kiss on Jongho's cheek. She left with her head held high, cane clutched, and proudly wearing the all-exclusive Twilight Wooyoung jacket that had a shimmering sequins display of her grandson's handsome face.

It would've been nice if you were done after the last jacket was sold but that would've been too easy. Many people wanted to talk to you even if it was just to plead that you would make more jackets for them to buy. Finally, just when the sun was beginning to set and the true twilight lit up the sky with a palette of colors, were you able to leave. Hongjoong welcomed you into the Teezer's frathouse and you promptly cuddled into his arms — aching for some rest and your boyfriend.

All of the Teezer's parties were exclusive and invite-only. But tonight, it was an intimate gathering of only close friends. The uncertainty of what the next step for them as a team would be now that their leader was graduating hung heavily in the air.

"Hwa can take over now," Hongjoong announced quite abruptly, startling everyone.

It was quite sudden. The both of you had been reclining on the sofa, marveling how your hair had taken the pink color a whole lot better than his. Seonghwa had been trying to convince Jongho to take a swig of alcohol this whole entire time while Mingi snoozed on and off in the corner chair. You pretended not to notice that Naomi and Yeosang were nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Yunho and Aria were playing Never Have I Ever ft. Alcohol with Wooyoung and San — the former two already looking like they were more than a little tipsy.

"I think the fuck not. I did not take a gap year to come back for this."

"You took a gap year because they paid you," you piped up. "Otherwise, you'd be graduating now too and not have to even contemplate this."

"I thought you were on my side, [Y/N]," Seonghwa whined and you shrugged.

"I'm just stating facts."

Naomi magically appeared with her boyfriend in tow and everyone acted like there wasn't a hickey on her neck that wasn't there before or that Yeosang's buttons didn't align on his shirt. Combing her hair down, she pointed out that Yeosang should be made the next leader.

Jongho snorted. "But then he won't be free to make your special blend."

"Wha— never mind. Make the twerp leader then, he's all mature and everything."

"You could make one of the dance captains leader," Aria suggested. "Since they're technically already a 'leader' in their area."

"Are we supposed to have a dance-off or something?" San scoffed and she frowned at him.

"You've been acting so strange lately, are you drunk already or something?"

Wooyoung clutched his head and began to groan. "Please don't fight!"

"They're not fighting, bud."

"You know, love, I don't think it's the right time for this. Everyone's already emotional after today…" you watched Yunho try and console his friend, "and not entirely sober."

Hongjoong let out a sigh. "But I'm serious about this… I'm just not sure when's the right time and it's better now than later."

"I know, but you still have time." Your eyes crinkled. "Besides, you're not entirely sure you're going to graduate… you still have to turn your demo in."

"Shit!" Everyone jolted in surprise once more. Hongjoong looked at you with panic in his eyes. "What time is it?!"

"It's ten 'o fi— "

"— Shit! I have to go, babe, you can stay longer if you want. Sorry everyone, see you later!" He zoomed towards the door muttering more curses under his breath.

"I'll be right behind you ~."

"What the actual fuck, just like that? You're magical, [Y/N]."

You shook your head at Mingi's remark. "Someone's gotta keep him in line. Alright, it's been lovely, congratulations on winning again, my kings, I'll see you soon!"

"I should head out too," Aria pulled San up as she stood. "And I should take him with."

Seonghwa quirked an eyebrow. "By yourself?"

"Yeah, a walk will sober him up. It's a cool night."

He still looked doubtful but you wrapped an arm around his. "C'mon Hwa, you and Yunho can walk me home, yeah?"

You discreetly sent her a wink her way before hauling both of the tall boys with you.

"What are you up to, [Y/N]?" Seonghwa asked without accusation once you were headed towards the direction of your apartment. You sneaked a peek at Yunho who only had a knowing look on his face.

"I'm not sure but something tells me it's a good idea. Hopefully."

"That doesn't sound all that confident."

"Then," you linked arms with the two of them, "tell me what in the world is going on between the four of you?"

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