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[honeydippedfiction]

No Huddle, No Strings {JB9}

Part 1.

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Synopsis: When rising R&B star Y/N meets star quarterback Joe Burrow during her tour stop, neither of them is looking for love — but tension, temptation, and a no-strings arrangement change everything. Between city lights, stadium crowds, and stolen moments, they learn that sometimes the best plays are the ones you never planned.

Warnings: Suggestive/Spicy Scenes, Strong Language, Alcohol Use, Mature Themes, Mild Public Attention.

Themes: Slow Burn to Situationship, Fame & Performance Pressure, Flirtation & Tension, Modern Romance, Group Dynamics, Female Empowerment, “No Strings” Situationship, & Luxury Lifestyle.

WC: 17.5k

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Part 2

Y/N was already carving her own lane in the industry.

An upcoming Black singer and actress, she was right on the edge of her breakout. Her name had started to bubble up on music blogs and casting directors' shortlists. She wasn’t a household name — yet — but people were definitely paying attention. One minute she was uploading covers and original tracks to Instagram from her bedroom, and the next, she was being flown out for meetings with record execs and reading scripts for pilots backed by major streaming platforms.

Her voice — rich, emotional, laced with soul — had that kind of depth you couldn’t teach. It was the kind of sound that made people stop mid-scroll. And her acting? Natural, raw, and full of range. She brought characters to life like she’d lived a thousand lives before this one.

She’d recently wrapped her first supporting role in an upcoming drama series, and the early buzz around her performance was glowing. The media had started to call her “one of the voices to watch in 2024,” and brands were already knocking, hoping to catch her on the rise.

Still, none of the glitz changed who she was — a Baltimore girl at heart. Which is why, when the NFL reached out and asked her to perform the National Anthem at the Ravens vs. Bengals game, she didn’t hesitate. Singing for her hometown team? It wasn’t just another stage. It was a full-circle moment.

And she wasn’t going to miss it for the world.

She came to the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals game to support her Ravens — her hometown ride-or-dies. This was personal. Singing the National Anthem under the lights, in front of a packed stadium, was a full-circle moment. One that little Y/N would’ve dreamed about while wearing her oversized Ed Reed jersey in front of the TV.

Before the performance, she got the chance to float around the sidelines, guided by a PR handler who seemed just as excited to introduce her as she was to be there. “Y/N, this is Marlon Humphrey,” the handler said, motioning to the Ravens cornerback.

Marlon gave her a dap and a warm smile. “Oh, you the voice we heard warming up earlier? Yeah, that gave me chills.”

She laughed. “Just tryna do right by the city.”

Another player called out, “Make sure y’all don’t cry when she starts hittin’ them high notes!”

She grinned, clearly in her element.

But then came the surprise — a detour to the Bengals sideline. She wasn’t here for them, but when she was introduced to Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Joe Burrow, it felt like the game paused for a second.

Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, standing casually near the Bengals bench, all suited up, pads on, helmets off. They looked like walking Nike ads. It was disrespectful how good-looking they were, honestly.

Yo,” Ja’Marr said with a nod when she approached. “You the one singing tonight?”

“That’s me,” she said, trying to stay cool.“

“You got that 'bout-to-break-the-Internet look going already,” Tee joked, eyes scanning her fit.

Joe stepped forward, offering his hand. “Joe. You probably already knew that.”

“I’ve heard,” she said, shaking his hand. His grip was warm, confident. His blue eyes locked on hers for a second longer than necessary.

Ja’Marr grinned immediately. “Okay, so who told y’all to bring a superstar over here?”

“I think she brought the spotlight with her,” Tee said, giving her an obvious once-over — not in a rude way, just appreciative. “Y’all know she’s in that new Amazon show, right?”

Joe stepped forward. “Big fan already. I saw the trailer last week.” His voice was calm, low, smooth. Eyes locked onto hers like he wasn’t just saying it to be polite.

“Appreciate it,” Y/N said with a soft smile. “But tonight, I’m just the anthem girl.”

“You sure about that?” Joe asked, one brow raised. “'Cause you’re stealing the whole show and it hasn’t even started.” She couldn’t help the little laugh that escaped. “You Bengals boys are real smooth.” Tee nudged Ja’Marr. “Man, let her sing. She’s gonna have us all emotional before kickoff.”

“Y’all acting nervous,” she teased.

“Nah,” Ja’Marr said. “Just starstruck.” “You nervous?” Ja’Marr asked. She smirked. “Not at all. You?” He let out a laugh. “Aight, bet.” Joe tilted his head slightly. “You’re from Baltimore, right?”

“Born and raised.”

“So you’re rooting against us tonight.”

“Obviously.”

Tee leaned in. “Damn, she bold.”

“Just honest,” she shot back, grinning.

“Alright, we need a pic with the star of the night,” Ja'Marr said, already motioning to one of her media team members.

They lined up — her in the middle, flanked by Bengals, all smiles. Joe rested a hand gently on the small of her back. The camera flashed. “You’re gonna kill it,” he said under his breath as they broke apart. She looked back at him over her shoulder. “Watch me.”

The roar of the stadium was still buzzing in Y/N’s ears long after the National Anthem ended and the Ravens-Bengals game had kicked off. She stood on the sidelines for a few minutes longer, soaking in the energy, the cheers, the tension. She was there to support her Ravens, of course — she was Baltimore born and raised — but her purpose tonight was bigger than the scoreboard.

She’d just delivered a soulful, goosebump-worthy rendition of the anthem in a fitted black trench coat that sparkled like the night sky under the stadium lights. Her team had snapped photos of her belting the final note, the flag behind her, and a few more candid ones — her laughing with some of the Ravens players, then a couple with Bengals wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. And, to her own surprise… a photo with Joe Burrow.

She wasn’t blind. The Bengals’ QB was easy on the eyes — tall, calm, with a smirk that could melt screens. But still. Y/N wasn’t here for all that.

Her Instagram feed lit up minutes after the game with a carousel her media team posted: 📸 National Anthem moment. 📸 Laughing with a couple Ravens. 📸 Standing between Ja'Marr and Tee, both grinning. 📸 One with Joe, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back, both of them mid-laugh.

The tags were there. The captions were simple. The internet, predictably, went nuts.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Back at her hotel, the post-game adrenaline still thrumming through her, Y/N was in her suite's bathroom, putting finishing touches on her edges and lip gloss before dinner. She was humming something new she’d been writing, when—

“Y/N!!”

Her best friend Kayla’s voice came slicing through the suite like a siren. “What?” Y/N called, not even turning around. She expected another over-the-top comment about her voice cracking the internet. “You got a DM, girl. Guess who.” Kayla’s voice was already reaching a pitch of scandalous excitement.

Y/N stepped into the bedroom, one brow raised. “From who?” Kayla held up the phone, her eyes wide, glowing like she’d seen Beyoncé herself. “Joe. Freaking. Burrow.”

Y/N blinked. “Nah.”

“YEAH.”

“Nooo…”

Kayla turned the phone toward her with all the drama of a movie reveal. “And I quote: ‘You sounded amazing tonight. Think I just became a Ravens fan… but don’t tell the guys. 😉’”

Y/N covered her face with her hands, groaning. “Girl, no. Nope. I am not about to get distracted.”

Kayla, undeterred, unlocked the phone with Y/N’s passcode and read the DM again, grinning hard. “Girl if you don’t climb this white boy like a TREE—”

“I do not have time for this!” Y/N said, laughing despite herself. “I’ve got rehearsals tomorrow, soundcheck, a whole damn show!”

“And what better way to unwind after the show than with a cute little flirt session?” Kayla flopped on the bed. “At least invite him to the soundcheck. That man looked like he’d be on time. Respectful. Fine.”

Y/N gave her a look.

“And his friends too,” Kayla added with a smirk. “That number 5? Tee? He looks like he knows how to give it good.”

Y/N burst out laughing. “You are wild.”

Kayla shrugged. “I’m not wrong.”

The phone buzzed again. Another message from Joe popped up: “No pressure. Just thought I’d shoot my shot. You crushed that anthem.” Y/N stared at it for a second, chewing on her bottom lip. Then she sighed, snatched the phone from Kayla, and started typing.

“Thanks, Mr. QB1. You clean up alright yourself. If you’re still in town, pull up to my show tomorrow. I’ll save a spot for you and your boys.”

Pause. She added a wink emoji. Hit send. Kayla squealed. Y/N shook her head. “I’m not catching feelings.”

Kayla winked. “Nope. Just catching flights and flirting with quarterbacks.”

Joe’s phone buzzed as he sat back in his hotel room, one ankle crossed over his knee, game tape playing quietly in the background — not that he was watching it. Not really.

His mind kept drifting back to earlier that night — the game, yeah, but mostly her. Y/N.

He wasn’t usually thrown off by much. Being a quarterback, especially this quarterback, meant staying cool under pressure. But something about her on that field had stuck with him. The confidence. The voice. The way she didn’t fawn over him like most people did when they recognized him. She was real. Funny. Sharp.

And beautiful? Yeah. But it wasn’t just that.

She had presence.

He’d seen the photos she posted — the one with him, Ja'Marr, and Tee included. He didn’t even hate the way he looked in it, which said something. Still, he almost didn’t send the message. He wasn’t the type to slide into DMs. But after running through the “should I/shouldn’t I” loop for a full hour, he figured: screw it.

No pressure. Just thought I’d shoot my shot. You crushed that anthem.Sent.

Then, silence. He set his phone down and tried to refocus, flipping through the playbook, but glanced over every few seconds. The screen stayed dark. His brain taunted him: Told you.

Then — buzz.

He grabbed it faster than he meant to.

Thanks, Mr. QB1. You clean up alright yourself. If you’re still in town, pull up to my show tomorrow. I’ll save a spot for you and your boys. 😉

A grin tugged at his lips. He leaned back, letting the phone rest on his chest, eyes still on the message. Smooth. Confident. Just like her. He opened a new message.

I wouldn't miss it. And if you're saving spots, I’m calling dibs on front row. Just for research purposes. Gotta see if the voice hits just as hard live. 😉

He hit send, chuckling to himself. Joe may not have planned on being in Baltimore past the game, but after that message? Yeah… He was definitely extending the trip.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The next day moved fast — soundcheck days always did. Y/N was in full go-mode, bouncing between vocal warmups, makeup touch-ups, and outfit approvals while her best friend/dancer Kayla kept the energy high.

“Okay but why is this bodysuit giving superhero?” Kayla said, twisting in front of the mirror in the green room.

Y/N smirked as she pulled on her thigh-high boots. “Because we are about to shut it down. I need all the bad bitch energy tonight.”

Kayla nodded, flipping her hair dramatically. “Say less. We’re giving power, pussy, and precision.”

Y/N laughed but refocused, pacing the room softly as her soundcheck crew called in updates through her in-ear. She was used to the routine by now, but today felt different. Her body was still carrying the buzz from last night — the stadium, the crowd, and… that DM from Joe Burrow.

She hadn’t told anyone she invited him — not even her manager. Kayla knew, obviously. Kayla always knew. But Y/N didn’t want to give the media, or her own imagination, anything more to feed off. Still… she couldn’t deny the way her stomach fluttered just thinking about him showing up.

Her music wasn’t shy — it was bold, playful, sexy. A blend of Doja Cat’s slick confidence, Latto’s grit, and Sabrina Carpenter’s sugar-laced sensuality. She didn’t just sing about desire — she made it a performance. This was her power, and she was stepping into it fully.

Out front, Y/N’s manager, Carmen, greeted a group walking in through the venue’s side door.

Four men. All tall, all dressed down but still unmistakable. Joe, Tee, Ja’Marr, and Sam Hubbard.

Carmen’s brows raised slightly — she had no idea this was happening, but she recovered quickly.

“Hey! I’m Carmen, Y/N’s manager.” She reached out to shake Joe’s hand, then the others. “I heard she extended an invite, huh?”

Joe gave that cool half-smile. “Yeah. We didn’t want to miss it.”

“Well, she’s in the green room getting ready, but you’re welcome to hang here at front of house,” she said, gesturing to the open space by the soundboard. “You’ll get a great view. She’s about to start soundcheck.”

As they walked over, Tee leaned in to Ja’Marr. “You think she’s actually gonna remember us?”

Ja’Marr smirked. “I think she remembers him.”

Joe said nothing, just looked out at the stage — empty for now, lights low. But he could already picture it. Her. Mic in hand. Owning the room.

Sam chuckled, nudging Joe. “You nervous, bro?”

Joe rubbed the back of his neck. “Just here to support the music.”

“Sure,” Tee muttered, grinning. “Support. Uh-huh.”

Carmen looked over her shoulder. “She’ll be out in two.”

Back in the green room, Y/N checked herself in the mirror one last time — her curls in a half up half down style, light makeup, a black crop top paired with a leather skort hugging every curve like it was designed just for her.

“You look like a damn problem,” Kayla said, leaning in the doorway.

Y/N shrugged with a smile. “Good.”

Because she knew who was waiting out there.

And this? This was just the beginning.

From backstage, Kayla leaned just enough around the heavy black curtain to get a peek at the front of house.

She spotted them immediately.

“Whew. Girl,” she whispered dramatically, pulling back with wide eyes. “Your man is here.”

Y/N rolled her eyes, fixing the strap on her bra. “He is not my man.”

Kayla grinned. “Mmhm. Joe Burrow, just casually standing out there lookin’ like an NFL ad — all calm, tall, and white-boy-seasoned. And the rest of his Avengers squad’s with him.”

Y/N groaned, but her smile gave her away.

“Come on,” she said, grabbing Kayla’s wrist. “Let’s go say hi before you start narrating this like it’s a Wattpad story.”

They weaved through the maze of black cases, cables, and crewmembers toward the open space at the front of house, where the guys stood chatting with Y/N’s sound engineer, Malik, laughing about something none of them would probably admit to later.

As soon as the group noticed Y/N and Kayla approaching, the conversation paused like someone had hit mute.

Joe’s eyes landed on her first. He smiled — slow, real — and stepped forward instinctively, hands tucked in his jacket pockets.

“Didn’t want to miss the pre-show magic,” he said.

Y/N raised a brow. “You mean soundcheck? This is the part where I pretend I’m not sweating under this outfit.”

Tee laughed. “You make it look easy.”

Y/N gave him a playful side-eye. “That’s the point.”

Kayla chimed in, “Be honest, y’all just came to see her in this skirt.”

Ja’Marr grinned. “I mean… you’re not wrong.”

Y/N shot him a look. “Didn’t your team just lose to mine last night?”

Ja’Marr held up both hands. “Damn. Friendly fire.”

Joe chuckled, and Sam gave a low whistle like he’d just witnessed a flag-worthy play.

“But really,” Y/N said, smoothing a hand over her curls, “I’m glad y’all came. I’m gonna run a couple songs, test levels, in-ears, all that fun stuff. You’ll see the whole thing.”

“You think we haven’t heard your music already?” Tee asked.

Y/N tilted her head. “Have you?”

Before anyone else could answer, Ja’Marr cut in with that trademark smirk. “Us? Fake fans? Please. We’re not you, Miss Baltimore turned Bengal.”

The whole group laughed, even Joe, who shook his head slowly like he saw that one coming.

Y/N pointed at Ja’Marr, amused. “You got jokes, huh? Keep playin’ with me, I’ll make you my backup dancer tonight. You got rhythm or just routes?”

“Ooooh,” Kayla chimed, fanning the air.

Ja’Marr bowed in surrender. “Okay, okay. I’ll behave.”

“Good,” Y/N said with a wink. “Now, enjoy the free preview. We start in five.”

She turned with Kayla, heading back toward the stage entrance.

Joe watched her go, and for a moment, he forgot there were other people around him.

Tee nudged him, muttering under his breath, “Yeah… you real lowkey about this one, huh?”

Joe just smirked. “I’m just here for the music.”

As Y/N turned to head backstage, her best friend, Kayla, couldn't help but catch the way Joe’s eyes followed her. Even as she walked away, his gaze stayed locked on her, a little too intent, a little too… lingering.

Kayla raised her brows, a teasing grin spreading across her face as she nudged Y/N. "Ohhh, girl, you see that? His eyes never left you."

Y/N rolled her eyes, trying to stay composed as she walked faster, but Kayla kept up with her, now practically bouncing with excitement.

“Definitely thinking about something,” Kayla added with a mischievous wink. “Something real... fitting for that little outfit of yours.”

Y/N shot her a look. “Kayla, please. You need to chill.”

But Kayla only shrugged, letting out a dramatic sigh. “Oh, I’m just saying, you might wanna check if the man’s about to throw a touchdown or a date proposal your way.” She looked over her shoulder toward where Joe stood with the guys, his expression still unreadable but totally locked on her.

Y/N pinched her best friend’s arm hard enough to make her yelp. “You’re wild.”

Kayla pouted but couldn’t hide the sparkle in her eyes. “You’re welcome. Just keeping you aware, in case he’s ready to make moves.”

Y/N groaned, but even she had to admit — that look from Joe? It felt different than just a casual fan thing.

“Whatever,” she muttered, trying to focus on the soundcheck. "Let’s just get this over with. I need to hit these notes, not flirt with quarterbacks."

But Kayla didn’t let up. “You’re not fooling me, Y/N. I see you about to score in more ways than one tonight.”

Y/N shot her a side-eye. “I’m seriously not catching feelings.”

Kayla winked. “Nah, you’re just catching flights and flirting with quarterbacks. It’s cool, I got you.”

Y/N shook her head, finally breaking into a smile. “Okay, you’re so extra.”

The lights dimmed in the venue, and the stage was bathed in soft, cool blue hues, giving everything a sleek, almost ethereal glow. Y/N stepped back onto the stage for soundcheck, every inch of her commanding attention. Her boots clicked on the stage floor, sharp and steady, like a countdown to something major.

As the band set up, Kayla was already in position, her body language giving away the anticipation. The dancers stretched and prepped, glancing over at Y/N with nods of encouragement.

The moment the beat dropped, Y/N swayed effortlessly into the opening bars, her voice a perfect blend of silky and fierce. The first song was a banger — a blend of playful confidence, unapologetic energy, and sultry, pop-driven sensuality. It was electric. And it was all Y/N.

Her voice floated seamlessly, layering with the bass and smooth melodies while her body moved with precision. The choreography was tight — sharp, sultry, and fierce all at once, each movement calculated to bring out the best in the song. Her dancers were synchronized perfectly, as if they were extensions of herself, amplifying the energy.

She nailed the high notes effortlessly, sending chills through the room. Kayla was in the front row, her eyes glued to her best friend, watching Y/N like she was watching a star in her element.

“Yes, girl!” Kayla called out, her voice echoing off the walls. Y/N shot her a quick wink, then turned to the mic again, belting out another verse with full power.

Everything — the choreography, the vocals, the entire performance — was pristine. Perfect. Just the way she liked it.

Malik, her sound engineer, nodded approvingly from the side, keeping an eye on the monitors. “You’re killing it, Y/N. Keep that tempo, keep that energy.”

Y/N gave him a quick thumbs-up, confident but focused. This wasn’t the first soundcheck, but it was one of the smoothest. Everything flowed effortlessly, like she was born to do this.

As the last note of the song echoed out, the beat faded into the silence of the venue. She paused, eyes scanning the space as the dancers took their last position. The crowd wasn’t here yet, but Y/N felt that invisible pull — the same rush she got every time she hit a stage, every time the music swirled around her and she lost herself in it.

The team clapped, cheering her on.

“Perfect, as always,” Kayla said, coming up to her side.

Y/N let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “This one’s gonna be fire. I’m telling you.”

Before she could say anything else, Joe, Ja'Marr, Tee, and Sam appeared at the edge of the stage, quietly watching, their eyes glued to her every move. Y/N could feel the weight of their gaze, especially Joe’s, but she kept her focus sharp.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t break a sweat.

"You guys good?" she asked, casually walking over to the edge of the stage where they were standing.

Joe gave her a slow, appreciative nod. “More than good. That was... wow.”

Tee grinned. “Man, you should definitely go on tour with that energy. You made this look easy.”

Ja'Marr added with his signature smirk, “I’m just saying, this show already beat last night’s game. And that was supposed to be the highlight of my weekend.”

Y/N rolled her eyes but smiled, letting the light teasing slide. “I’d argue, but you’re right. My performance’s gonna be way better than that Ravens/Bengals game.”

Sam, ever the quiet one, just gave her a nod of approval, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes softened, though, as if he was seeing her in a whole new light.

“Damn,” he said quietly. “You’re about to make this crowd lose their minds.”

Y/N smirked, glancing over her shoulder at Kayla and the crew. “That’s the plan.”

Joe, still watching her, spoke up again. “You mind if we stick around for the show?” His voice was casual, but there was something deeper beneath the surface — something like... anticipation.

Y/N met his gaze, a hint of a smile curling on her lips. “Of course. Grab a seat. Just don’t expect to be able to breathe by the end of it.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The clock was ticking down. The show was getting closer to starting, but before Y/N could hit the stage, there was one more thing to do: the VIP meet-and-greet.

She was in her green room, quickly checking herself over in the mirror one last time. The bodysuit was still on point, her makeup flawless, and her energy was electric. She wasn’t nervous—that wasn’t her style—but there was always a little extra buzz before she interacted with her die-hard fans.

The VIP package included a photo session, a Q&A, a game (nothing too crazy, just fun), and a special acoustic performance that she’d prepped for. Y/N loved the intimate moments with fans — it was one of the few times she could really connect and see the impact her music had on people. But today, she had a special request for her football friends.

She turned to Kayla, who was sitting in a chair, scrolling through her phone. "Hey, I’m about to start with the VIPs. You think the guys can come hang in here, chill out for a bit?”

Kayla raised an eyebrow. "You want them in here, dodging your fans?"

Y/N shrugged with a mischievous smile. "Why not? They’ll get a break before the madness kicks off. They can hide in here, watch me handle my business, and then get a front-row seat for the show."

Kayla chuckled, shaking her head. “You’ve got the right idea. Bet Joe’s down for that.”

A few minutes later, Joe, Tee, Ja'Marr, and Sam made their way into the green room, careful to avoid the maze of fans that were already starting to line up outside the venue. The room instantly felt a little more laid-back with them there — even with the energy of the show buzzing through the walls.

"Nice hideout," Joe commented, looking around at the cozy green room filled with Y/N’s crew, a couple of comfy chairs, and a couch. "I thought you’d be drowning in fans by now."

Y/N grinned. "They’re out there, but I’m gonna let them wait a bit longer. You guys need anything before I head out there?"

"Some food would be nice," Tee joked, but Ja'Marr elbowed him, his eyes dancing with mischief. "He’s always hungry. You’re not fooling anyone."

Sam smiled softly from his corner, hands still in his pockets, but his eyes were alert, taking everything in.

Kayla stood up, already reaching for the snacks table in the corner. "We’ve got chips, candy, protein bars, the works. You know, the real backstage essentials."

Y/N rolled her eyes. "Yeah, real gourmet stuff."

Joe shrugged, settling onto the couch with his legs spread comfortably. "Gourmet or not, I’ll take it."

Y/N flashed him a knowing smile. "No one’s judging you here, Mr. QB1. Take a load off. It’s gonna be a few minutes before the chaos hits, so you might as well get comfortable."

Just then, her manager, Carmen, knocked on the door, entering with a quick smile. "Alright, we’re about five minutes out. VIPs are ready for you, Y/N."

Y/N nodded, her pulse picking up just a little. The Q&A session and acoustic performance always gave her a rush. It was personal, it was raw, and it was a reminder of why she did all of this in the first place — for the fans who supported her.

She turned to the guys. "Alright, well, you guys get to chill here. Feel free to hang out, watch the madness, but don’t get too comfortable. You’ll want to be front and center when I hit the stage."

Joe raised his eyebrows, looking around at the group. "I think we’re already comfy enough."

Ja'Marr nodded, looking like he was mentally preparing himself. "We’ll make sure we’re ready for the show, don’t worry. But I gotta say, watching you run things like this? Pretty impressive."

Y/N gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, but her mind was already moving on to the next thing. "Appreciate it. Now, I gotta go give these fans a little magic."

Kayla followed her out the door, but before she did, she turned back to the guys. "No funny business, alright? If she comes back here and y’all are missing, I swear I’ll make you run a lap around the block."

The guys all laughed, and Joe gave a mock salute. “We’ll behave. Promise.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Y/N grinned and walked out into the VIP area, where her die-hard fans were ready and waiting to meet her. She was ready for them, and ready to leave an impression on them just like she did with the guys.

The moment Y/N stepped into the VIP lounge, the energy shifted.

Cameras were already out. Her fans — a group of maybe 30 lucky ones — instantly erupted into soft gasps and whispers, a few louder cheers breaking through.

“OMG she’s so pretty in person.” “She’s wearing the boots from the video!” “She smells like expensive skin care and success, I just know it.”

Y/N smiled and waved, radiating confidence. “Hey y’all,” she said, voice sweet but commanding. “Thank you for coming early — y’all are real ones.”

They ate it up. One girl in the front clutched her signed vinyl like it was a sacred object. A couple fans had even made shirts with her lyrics printed across the front.

“Y’all really showed out,” Y/N said, pausing in front of one of the shirts. “‘Talk to me nice or not at all’? Okay, that’s a deep cut!”

The girl beamed. “It’s my favorite! That song got me through the worst breakup of my life.”

“I love that,” Y/N said, her tone softening. “That’s why I do this.”

After a round of photos — all angles, all poses, peace signs and fierce pouts alike — they shifted into Q&A mode, her team setting up a mic in the center aisle.

Someone asked about her songwriting process. Another wanted to know which music video she had the most fun filming. Someone else asked what cologne she made the male lead in her last video wear (that one made her laugh for a full minute).

But then came a question from a girl in the back, clearly nervous. “Um… is it true that you were at the Bengals game last night? Like… with Joe Burrow?”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, her smile tight but amused. “With Joe Burrow? Girl, I was singing the anthem. I was with America.”

The crowd howled.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Back in the green room, the guys could hear the laughter from down the hall.

“She’s working the room like she’s running for office,” Tee said with a laugh, kicking back on the couch.

Joe tilted his head, listening closer. “She’s funny. Sharp.”

“She’s dangerous,” Ja’Marr added. “In a good way. Like, she’ll ruin your life and still get a standing ovation.”

Joe didn’t disagree. He couldn’t. His knee bounced a little as he sat there, trying to play it cool. But inside, he was… caught. Not in a deep, lovestruck way — not yet — but definitely hooked.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Back in the lounge, Y/N gathered her guitar, stepping into the spotlight as her team adjusted a stool and handed her a mic.

“This next part is my favorite,” she said. “We’re gonna slow it down. No tracks. No lights. Just me, my guitar, and y’all.”

She strummed once, twice. The room went completely still.

Then she started to sing — a stripped-down version of her unreleased track, “Thigh High Lies.” Her voice melted into the silence, rich and slow, dripping with the sensual confidence that defined her sound. The lyrics were cheeky and sultry, biting but beautiful.

"You said you want real, I showed you the skinYou couldn’t handle the truth I’m inTold me I was ‘too much,’ baby that’s fine���I’d rather be too much than a waste of time."

By the end, the crowd was swaying, mouths slightly open. Some wiped tears. One girl mouthed, “She’s insane,” like she was witnessing Beyoncé’s origin story.

Y/N set the guitar down and gave them one more grin. “See y’all out there later. Bring the same energy — and don’t be shy when the beat drops.”

The room erupted into applause as she headed back toward the green room, her team buzzing around her.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

By the time Y/N returned to the green room, everything about her screamed main character energy.

She had changed into her actual show fit—a deep violet two-piece with glittering mesh sleeves, and thigh-high heeled boots.. Her hair was slicked up into a dramatic half up half down style that moved like a whip every time she turned her head.

The room paused. Even her team, who saw her every day, had to do a double take.

Kayla whistled. “Oh, you look like danger.”

Y/N smirked, applying one last swipe of gloss in the mirror. “That’s the point.”

Over by the corner couch, Joe, Tee, Ja’Marr, and Sam were all watching her warm up — quiet, low runs under her breath, a few neck rolls, then a bounce on her heels to shake off the nerves. Her body buzzed with the tension of pre-performance adrenaline, but her focus was dialed in.

She turned to them, ever the one to look out for others—even in her own moment.

“You guys figured out where you wanna watch from?” she asked, adjusting her in-ear pack. “If you stay side stage, you’ll catch all the behind-the-scenes madness. If you go out in the crowd, I can have my security keep an extra eye on you. Just say the word.”

The guys glanced at each other, like they hadn’t even thought about that part yet.

Joe stepped forward first. “We’ll hit the crowd. Front row. Don’t wanna cramp your space backstage.”

“You sure?” Y/N raised an eyebrow. “No one’s gonna mess with you, but if someone tries it, I’m not above pausing a show.”

Ja’Marr laughed. “Now that I would pay to see.”

“We’ll be good,” Tee assured her. “But appreciate the lookout.”

Y/N nodded, serious again. “I don’t play when it comes to safety. Not for my fans, not for my team, not for y’all. Just let security know if anything gets weird.”

Sam, who hadn’t said much, gave her a respectful nod. “You’re something else, Y/N.”

She smiled, touched but still laser-focused. “I get that a lot.”

A knock at the door signaled her five-minute call. Her assistant peeked in, giving her the sign.

Y/N turned to the guys once more, her expression softening just a little. “Alright. I’m heading out there. Y’all enjoy the show — don’t blink, or you’ll miss the best parts.”

Joe offered her a hand. Not a handshake — just a brief touch. His fingers brushing hers, firm but warm. “You got this.”

Her lips curled into a confident smirk. “You know I do.”

Moments later, the guys were being escorted to the VIP barricade, front and center. Fans were already losing their minds, the lights dimming as the crowd buzzed in electric anticipation. Some recognized the players immediately — a few phones even pointed their way — but security kept a tight bubble around them, just like Y/N promised.

The lights dropped.

The music started.

And when Y/N took the stage — striding into the spotlight like she owned it, voice pouring through the speakers with that signature sensual power — Joe realized this wasn’t just a concert.

This was a woman in her element.

And he wasn’t just watching.

He was already falling.

The lights dropped. The bass rumbled like a heartbeat through the floor. A slow hush fell across the venue as fog started to curl out from the stage edges like smoke from a lit fuse.

Then—

Boom.

The first beat dropped, and the stage exploded in color.

Y/N rose from a platform lift center stage, hair whipping in the wind from the fans, spotlight cutting through the fog to land squarely on her glittering figure. The crowd screamed—a sound that echoed like a stadium roar.

Her voice hit the speakers, silky and biting.

“Boys like you don’t know what to do with girls like me…”

The band came in, dancers hit the stage, and just like that, the show erupted.

Y/N’s choreography was fire — sensual, controlled, hypnotic. She owned every move, her hips timed to every bassline like she was built for the beat. Her dancers moved around her like a constellation, enhancing her shine without ever dimming it.

Her setlist was stacked:

🔥 "Lip Locked" – a seductive banger with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a strut-heavy routine 🔥 "Private Party" – the crowd sang every word, swaying under purple lights and strobes 🔥 "Control Freak" – choreo sharp enough to cut glass, with Kayla leading the charge beside her 🔥 "Thigh High Lies" (full version) – stripped back for one verse, then dropping into a full-on club mix halfway through, triggering a massive dance break 🔥 "Don’t Call Me Baby" – sassy, anthemic, a fan-favorite for every girl who blocked their ex last summer

At one point, she paused at the edge of the stage, looking out into the sea of bodies.

“Y’all still with me?” she asked, mic in one hand, other resting on her thigh.

The crowd lost their minds.

She laughed, breathless and glittering. “That’s what I like to hear.”

The visuals? Insane. Neon lights, LED panels flashing her lyrics, and holographic silhouettes that danced with her like a digital dream.

And vocals? Baby, she wasn’t lipsyncing — Y/N was belting. Hitting high notes, flipping into falsetto, and sliding into sultry runs that made fans scream and fall back like they caught the Holy Ghost. The girl could sang.

Even her in-between moments hit different.

“Y’all ever been in love with the wrong person?” she asked before launching into a slower song. Half the crowd yelled yes. “I wrote this one on a wine-fueled rant in my Notes app. It’s called ‘Blocked You Twice.’”

The crowd died laughing. And then she wrecked them with the vocal.

The final number was "Big Mood" �� a bold, dance-heavy track with a beat that felt like it vibrated your spine. The lights flared gold and red, pyro shot from the stage sides, and Y/N commanded it all like a pop goddess.

She hit the final pose, spotlight catching the sweat glistening on her collarbone, chest rising and falling.

And then — blackout.

The crowd exploded.

Screams. Applause. Chants of her name.

Y/N. Y/N. Y/N.

Her voice came over the mic one last time in the dark. “Thank you Baltimore for the love, the energy, and the vibe. I’ll see you real soon.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Backstage, as she came off into the wings, chest still heaving and a towel now draped around her neck, the energy was still surging in her blood.

She’d left it all out there.

And she knew they felt it.

Backstage, the sound of the crowd was still rumbling through the floor like an aftershock.

Y/N stepped into the hallway behind the stage, chest rising and falling as she wiped sweat from her brow with a towel. Her glitter makeup was slightly smudged, but it only added to the look — like war paint after battle. Her boots were heavy on her feet, but adrenaline kept her floating.

The crew was buzzing around her, congratulating her, high-fives flying. Kayla ran over, still hyped, curls bouncing.

“Girl. GIRL. You lit that place up. They were losing their minds.”

Y/N let out a laugh, breathless and a little hoarse. “Did you see the girl crying during ‘Blocked You Twice’? I felt that in my soul.”

Kayla clutched her heart. “We all did.”

Her manager, Carmen, swooped in with a bottle of water and a smile that said money well made.

“Interviews want you. Blog posts are already up. And—” she nodded down the hallway, “your football friends? Still waiting by the green room.”

Y/N blinked, momentarily pulled out of the post-show haze. “They stayed?”

Carmen grinned. “Every second. Didn’t even flinch. Burrow looked like he was studying film on you.”

Y/N rolled her eyes, even as a smile tugged at her lips. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Okay, but he looked like he wanted to fuck mid-‘Thigh High Lies,’ and I don’t even blame him.”

Y/N took a long drink of water, then handed the bottle off and started walking toward the green room, Kayla by her side. “Don’t start, Kayla.”

Kayla just smirked. “I’m just saying. He’s not blinking and you’re over here dripping in sparkles and power. It’s giving… fate.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

He didn’t move when the lights went down.

Didn’t speak. Didn’t blink. Barely breathed.

Joe Burrow had been to Super Bowls, heard stadiums scream, felt adrenaline spike in the final seconds of overtime. But this?

This was something else.

She owned that stage like she was born in it. Every lyric. Every move. Every smile and snarl. He’d seen confidence before — hell, he lived it. But this was different. Y/N had this kind of magnetism that felt… dangerous.

When she looked out into the crowd — when she smirked or dropped a wink — it felt like she was looking straight at him, even though he knew better.

But that didn’t stop the heat that crawled down the back of his neck.

Tee nudged him as the lights came back up. “You good, man?”

Joe blinked. “Yeah. Just…”

“Caught up?”

He didn’t answer right away. Just nodded, running a hand over his jaw. “She’s got it.”

Ja’Marr leaned on the barricade, laughing. “You just now figured that out?”

Sam grinned. “Man’s down bad.”

But Joe wasn’t embarrassed. Not even a little. His eyes were still fixed on the stage where she’d stood just minutes ago.

“I gotta talk to her,” he said quietly.

And none of the guys argued.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Backstage, Y/N turned the final corner, slowing when she saw them.

The guys were leaning against the wall just outside her green room — relaxed but alert, looking like they belonged in a postgame locker room and not backstage at a concert. But when Joe saw her, he straightened up immediately.

His eyes swept over her — the glitter on her collarbone, the shine of sweat on her skin, the way her eyes sparkled under the hallway lights. And for once, the quarterback was speechless.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, walking up casually. “You survive out there?”

Joe gave a slow nod. “Barely.”

Tee whistled low. “That was a damn performance. You had people ready to risk it all in the first verse.”

Y/N laughed. “Good. That’s what I was going for.”

Ja’Marr crossed his arms. “Nah but for real, that last song? Yeah, you hurt some feelings with that one.”

Sam nodded. “Even I was in my feels, I gotta call my fiance.”

She glanced back at Joe, whose hands were tucked in his pockets, eyes still lingering on her face.

“You good, QB1?” she teased.

Joe cracked a small smile. “You ever just… watch someone do what they were born to do?”

Y/N raised a brow.

“That was you,” he said simply.

The air shifted.

Kayla let out a tiny gasp behind her, mouthing damn like she was witnessing the beginning of something important.

Y/N smirked, but it was softer this time. “Careful, Burrow. You might end up on my next album.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The green room was back to buzzing.

Kayla had music playing low from her phone, the post-show playlist filled with vibey R&B and trap beats. Someone had cracked open a bottle of champagne — probably Tee — and snacks were being passed around like they hadn’t just watched a Grammy-level performance unfold twenty minutes ago.

Y/N had changed into an oversized vintage tee, tiny shorts underneath, and her stage boots traded for fluffy slides. She looked relaxed, cozy even — but her glow was still loud. Sweat-slicked skin, flushed cheeks, glitter clinging to her collarbones like it knew it didn’t want to let go.

The vibe was chill, but the air?

Thick.

Mostly because Joe hadn’t taken his eyes off her for more than five seconds at a time.

And everyone noticed.

“Well, if I was gonna start a fan club, I know who the president would be,” Ja’Marr muttered under his breath to Sam, nodding toward Joe.

Sam chuckled, taking a sip from his cup. “He’s locked in like it’s fourth quarter. But it ain’t the playbook he’s studying.”

Tee, grinning, leaned across the room toward Y/N. “So how much of your show was aimed at a certain quarterback in the front row?”

Y/N raised her brows, playing innocent as she lounged on the couch, sipping her sparkling water. “Please. My set was about me. As always.”

Kayla snorted. “Okay, and maybe a little for him.”

Y/N shot her a look but didn’t deny it.

Joe, still sitting across the room, arms resting on his knees, finally spoke — low and direct, eyes locked onto her.

“You gonna keep actin’ like you didn’t write ‘Private Party’ about me?”

The room froze for half a beat. Everyone’s heads snapped toward Joe like a record scratch hit.

Y/N didn’t miss a beat. She leaned forward slightly, voice smooth like honey with a hint of blade. “Bold of you to assume. But now I’m curious… why’d you think that song was about you?”

Joe shrugged, a slow grin tugging at his lips. “Just sounds like something I’d get invited to.”

“Only if you bring snacks,” she shot back.

The room broke into laughter, but under it all, their eyes were still locked. Not a laugh shared between them — no, this was a game. Every look was a challenge, every word dipped in something heavier.

Kayla whispered to Ja’Marr, “They’re gonna combust.”

Ja’Marr nodded. “We’re watching the beginning of a situationship in 4K.”

Y/N finally stood, stretching just slightly, her shirt lifting to reveal the waistband of her shorts. Joe’s gaze flicked, just once — quick, respectful, but caught.

She saw it.

So did Kayla.

Y/N smirked as she walked to the mini fridge. “Y’all want anything? Water? Energy drink? A chill pill, Joe?”

Joe chuckled under his breath. “You’re the one with the heat.”

Tee raised his hands. “Alright! I need a buffer before y’all start making out with eye contact.”

Y/N tossed him a bottle of water without looking. “Calm down. I don’t kiss Bengals.”

Joe leaned back in his chair, still grinning, voice low. “We’ll see.”

That shut the room up real quick.

Y/N turned around slowly, head tilted, eyebrow raised.

“Oh?” she said. “We’ll see?”

Joe nodded once, cool and unbothered — but his jaw flexed, his posture all confidence with that undertone of tension she definitely clocked.

“Yeah,” he said. “You’re not as untouchable as you act.”

Kayla dropped her drink.

Ja’Marr whooped like someone hit a buzzer-beater.

But Y/N?

She didn’t flinch.

She walked past Joe slowly, brushing his shoulder with hers as she passed — just a whisper of contact, but enough to make him sit up straighter.

“I’m exactly as untouchable as I act,” she murmured.

And just like that, the heat was turned all the way up.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The green room was a full-blown vibe now — music up, drinks passed around, and half the group sitting cross-legged on the floor like it was a high school kickback with VIP credentials.

Tee had claimed the aux, switching the music to something smoother — SZA followed by Brent Faiyaz, the kind of tracks that made people speak in low tones and flirt without trying.

Y/N had curled up on the couch, long legs stretched across Kayla’s lap, while Ja’Marr and Sam were deep into a trash-talking debate about who was the most iconic duo in music history.

“I’m tellin’ you, OutKast clears everyone,” Sam said, motioning with his drink.

Ja’Marr raised an eyebrow. “You’re forgetting Beyoncé and Jay-Z exist.”

Kayla chimed in, “Okay, but if we’re talking raw performance and stage presence? Y/N and her dancers give everybody a run.”

“Awww,” Y/N said with a lazy grin, pretending to blush. “Y’all gassing me in my own green room.”

Joe, who was sitting in a low chair near the couch, just sipped his drink and spoke real calm.

“We’re not gassing. We’re stating facts.”

She looked at him over the rim of her water bottle. “Mmm. You’ve been real vocal tonight, Mr. Quarterback.”

He didn’t even blink. “You got me real… focused.”

Tee let out a loud “OOOOH” and clapped once like someone just got roasted on Wild ‘N Out.

Y/N laughed, sitting up a bit straighter. “You sure it’s not the champagne talking?”

“I haven’t had enough for that,” Joe replied, locking eyes again. “But I’ve had enough to stop pretending.”

The room stilled for half a second.

Even the music felt like it paused.

Kayla looked at Y/N with wide eyes like girl. girl. girl.

Y/N leaned forward on her elbows, tongue running over her bottom lip before she said, “Pretending about what?”

Joe set his cup down, slow and deliberate. “Like I didn’t notice you the second you stepped on that field. Or the stage. Or even in that damn oversized hoodie when you walked in earlier.”

Tee stood up and walked away in circles like someone had just dropped a diss track live. “This man got BARS tonight!”

“Is this a poem?” Ja’Marr asked. “Like… is he in love already? Should we leave?”

“No one’s leaving,” Kayla said quickly, eyes glued to the moment unfolding.

Y/N let the silence linger for a second — made him sweat just a little. Then she stood slowly and crossed the room, pretending like she was headed to grab another water but very intentionally brushing past Joe’s shoulder again.

Except this time?

She stopped.

Right beside him.

Close enough that he had to look up to meet her eyes.

She bent slightly, whispering with a wicked smile, “You get bold after dark, huh?”

Joe looked up at her like she was the only light in the room.

“I don’t need the dark to want you.”

Dead. Silence.

Kayla whispered to Tee, “You still got that water bottle? 'Cause I need to baptize myself.”

Sam looked at Ja’Marr. “I’ve watched entire romcoms with less tension.”

Y/N straightened up slowly, not backing down, not stepping away — just holding Joe’s gaze with that signature smirk.

“Careful, Burrow,” she murmured. “Quarterbacks who talk too smooth tend to fumble.”

Joe leaned back, spreading his arms over the chair, looking smug. “Good thing I play clean.”

Kayla fake-coughed. “So when is the wedding?”

The group cracked up again, the moment slightly breaking but the heat between Y/N and Joe didn’t cool — not even a little.

They kept throwing looks across the room, like they were speaking a whole other language only they could hear.

And everyone else?

They were just lucky to have front row seats.

Just as the tension between her and Joe hit that “somebody better call security” level, the green room door cracked open and Carmen, her manager, slipped inside, clipboard in hand and that familiar we need to move now look in her eyes.

“Y/N,” she called gently, “sorry to interrupt the... whatever this is—” she glanced between her and Joe with a knowing smirk— “but we’ve got a little fan moment happening outside the venue. A few dozen stuck around hoping you’d come out, nothing crazy, but it’s real sweet. Signs, shirts, gifts.”

Y/N straightened, tension loosening in her chest. “They waited?”

“Yep. In the cold,” Carmen added, tilting her head.

Kayla glanced at her best friend and whispered, “Go cool off. You’re about to melt in front of this man.”

Y/N rolled her eyes but smiled, already walking toward the door. “Tell them I’ll be right there.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

As she stepped out into the cool night air, the soft hum of the crowd outside reached her ears. The security team had cleared a safe space in front of the barricade, and her fans — still buzzing from the concert — lit up when they saw her.

“Y/N!!!”

“SHE CAME OUT— OMG—”

“WE LOVE YOUUUU!”

The love hit her like a warm wave.

She smiled wide, real and unguarded, her entire body exhaling the tension from earlier.

Y/N moved through the little crowd, signing posters, T-shirts, and phone cases. People handed her drawings of her on stage, custom friendship bracelets, little heartfelt letters, and one sweet girl gave her a plushie shaped like a baby tiger with glitter eyes.

“Because you’re fierce,” she said, cheeks flushed with excitement.

Y/N melted. “You’re gonna make me cry.”

The fans asked questions about her music, complimented her set, even asked if she was dating anyone (which she dodged with a laugh and a dramatic “My career is my man right now”). It was loud but comforting — the kind of chaotic joy that reminded her why she did all this.

By the time she took the last picture and hugged the last fan, her arms were full of little gifts and her cheeks hurt from smiling. But her heart?

Overflowing.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Meanwhile, Back in the Green Room...

The minute Y/N walked out, the room turned on Joe.

Tee clapped his hands together. “So! When are you shooting the real shot, not this eye-fucking nonsense?”

“I don’t flirt,” Joe replied, deadpan.

Everyone: “LIES.”

Ja’Marr stretched out dramatically. “Bro, the way you look at her? I’ve seen less passion in wedding vows.”

Sam added, “And don’t think we didn’t catch that ‘I don’t need the dark to want you’ line. That was poetic. You practice that in the mirror?”

Joe rubbed the back of his neck, fighting a grin. “Y’all are wild.”

“Nah, you’re wild,” Kayla jumped in, sipping from a soda can. “This man has been on ESPN, but couldn’t keep it together when Y/N got within ten feet. Your eyes were like—” she squinted and mimed slow, dramatic blinking. “‘My wife… my soulmate… the one the Lord promised me.’”

Everyone burst into laughter again.

Joe shook his head but didn’t deny it.

“I’m just saying,” Tee said, raising his drink. “If you don’t lock that in, someone else will.”

Joe’s smile dropped just a little — the competitive edge peeking through.

“She’s not just anyone,” he said quietly. “I’m not about to play games with that.”

The room actually went quiet for a second.

Even Ja’Marr sat up. “Wait. Are you serious-serious?”

Joe’s eyes didn’t leave the door she walked out of.

“I could be,” he muttered.

Sam: “Oh damn. He’s down bad.”

Kayla: “Down catastrophic.”

Tee: “Down so bad, he’s six feet under.”

Ja’Marr: “Buried in glitter and thigh-high boots. Rest in peace.”

The teasing picked up again, but Joe just sat there, still thinking about how Y/N had looked walking away — confident, glowing, and totally unfazed by the chaos she’d just left behind in his chest.

The door to the green room opened with a soft click, and every head turned.

Y/N walked in, glowing.Like, not just “stage lights and sweat” glowing — this was that loved-on, hugged-up, deeply-grateful-to-be-doing-this-shitkind of glow. Arms full of fan gifts — a bouquet of handmade bracelets wrapped around her wrist, rolled posters sticking out of a tote, a plush tiger nestled in the crook of her elbow.

Her smile was soft, dreamy. “They were so sweet,” she said, almost to herself. “They gave me bracelets. And look—” she held up a carefully sketched drawing of her in one of her performance outfits, eyes sparkling. “This one said she worked on it for three weeks.”

Kayla immediately jumped up to grab a few of the gifts from her arms. “Let me see— omg, that tiger is so cute. That for your bed or mine?”

“Girl, you have your own,” Y/N teased.

The group gathered around as she set her things down, everyone admiring the sweet haul — but Joe stayed seated, quiet, watching her like she had stardust trailing behind her with every step.

When she finally looked his way, their eyes met — and that smile?

Shifted.Still warm, but now it had edges. Curves. Intention.

“You good?” she asked him lightly, tucking one of the bracelets onto her other wrist.

Joe nodded, eyes still locked on hers. “Better now.”

Ja’Marr fake-coughed loud. “AHEM. Some of us are still in the room.”

Sam threw a chip at Joe. “Bro’s trying to seduce her in front of our very eyes.”

Y/N laughed and flopped back onto the couch next to Kayla, pulling one of the posters into her lap. “Please. He doesn’t have the range.”

“Oh?” Joe raised an eyebrow, leaning forward like she’d just challenged him to a rematch. “You sure about that?”

Tee leaned back, arms crossed, grinning wide. “Here we go again.”

Y/N crossed one leg over the other, posture all goddess-level confidence now. “Positive. I’ve been around the smooth talkers before. It’s cute. Predictable.”

Joe’s eyes dropped to the way her lips curved, then right back to her eyes. “I’m not trying to be predictable.”

“You’re trying to be impressive,” she shot back, calm and casual, “but you already saw how I do that.”

The room: OOOOOOHHHHHHHH.

Tee stood up and started pacing again. “That’s it. I can’t keep watching this. I’m stressed. My heart rate is up.”

Sam was shaking his head. “These two are gonna either hook up or fight in the parking lot.”

Kayla leaned toward Ja’Marr and whispered, “You feel that? That’s the tension. It’s humid in here now.”

But Y/N wasn’t done. She leaned forward slightly, elbows on her knees, voice smooth.

“But if you’re gonna keep watching me like that…” she tilted her head at Joe, who hadn’t looked away once, “...you might as well make yourself useful and open my water.”

The air cracked.A half-second of silence. And then—

Joe stood. Calm. Controlled. And walked over to her without a word.

He picked up the unopened bottle from the table, twisted the cap with a low snap, and handed it to her, eyes on hers the entire time.

“You want anything else?” he asked, voice low, almost teasing.

Y/N took the bottle, her fingers brushing his intentionally slow. She took a sip — never breaking eye contact — and said:

“Not yet.”

The room lost it again. LOUD.

Ja’Marr actually fell back onto the floor. Kayla started fanning herself with a paper plate. Sam was screaming into a throw pillow.

But Joe?

He just smirked and sat right beside her this time.

Not too close. But not far, either.

Just enough for everyone to know — this was not over.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The green room was still in shambles — emotionally, at least. Tee had switched playlists again, landing on some vibey Drake and Tems mix that had everyone lowkey swaying, shoulders rolling. The champagne was mostly gone, and someone had opened a second bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos that Kayla had claimed as hers via a very serious side-eye.

Y/N sat between Kayla and Joe now — though there was still a respectable inch or two of space between them.

Not that it mattered. Because the tension between them? Still doing laps.

Ja’Marr stretched out on the carpet, arms behind his head, like this was the best entertainment he'd had all year. “So what’s next?” he asked, looking at Y/N. “After this concert tour, are you disappearing into the studio or…?”

Y/N nodded, brushing a braid behind her ear. “Studio, definitely. I’ve got a collab cooking with someone major, but I can’t say who yet. And some film stuff in L.A. But for now…” She shrugged. “Just vibing. Taking it all in.”

“You deserve it,” Sam said, nudging Tee. “We haven’t shut up about your performance since it ended.” Y/N smiled, genuinely touched. “Y’all are sweet. Even though your team still took that L.”

That earned a round of groans and head shakes from the Bengals boys. “Low blow,” Tee muttered, tossing a Cheeto at her. “Facts,” Ja’Marr added, “especially from someone who ditched the Ravens the second Burrow blinked at her.”

Kayla gasped. “Oop.”

Joe? He didn’t flinch. Didn’t even look away from Y/N when he said:

“She blinked back.”

Ohhhh.

Y/N’s jaw dropped, her smile sharp. “You are dangerously smooth.”

Joe tilted his head, feigning innocence. “Or just honest.”

Kayla leaned over Y/N’s shoulder, whispering loud enough for the whole room to hear, “Tell me why this man sounds like a walking bridge of one of your songs.”

Y/N clutched her chest. “Don’t tempt me, I’ll write it right now.”

“Title it ‘QB Sneak,’” Sam joked. “Make it spicy.”

“Make it explicit,” Tee added. “You know Spotify gon’ eat that up.”

Joe just leaned back with that calm little smirk that screamed I’m already in the booth, baby.

Ja’Marr clapped his hands once. “Alright, this vibe is too good. We’re not letting it die here. What’s the move? Afterparty? Food? We celebrating this show or what?” Kayla perked up. “There’s that rooftop lounge at the hotel. I heard the DJ there tonight is nasty with transitions.”

Y/N raised a brow. “You just wanna dance with somebody’s son.”

“Yeah,” Kayla said with zero hesitation, pointing at Ja’Marr. “Maybe that one.”

Ja’Marr: “I ain’t mad.”

Tee pulled out his phone. “I’ll text the driver. What are we thinking? Group outfits or chaos energy?”

Sam: “I’m already in chaos mode.”

Joe looked at Y/N, who was standing to grab her coat.

She caught the look. Held it for a second. Then said, “You comin’, QB1? Or you need a little more convincing?”

Joe stood, cool and easy, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “I already told you. I don’t need convincing.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The hotel suite turned temporary dressing room was lit in soft gold from the lamps, the overhead lights dimmed low. Clothes were tossed over the backs of chairs, and makeup bags cracked open like treasure chests across the vanity.

Y/N stood in front of the mirror, applying a glossy lip to finish her look — fresh outfit, fresh vibe.

She’d changed out of her post stage gear and into something way more relaxed: a cropped black halter top with an open back, paired with sleek satin joggers and crisp white sneakers. Still sexy, but effortless. A single gold chain hung around her neck and the tiny diamonds in her ears sparkled under the soft lighting.

Kayla, beside her, was pulling on a silky green two-piece set that looked like sleepwear for rich girls who didn’t actually sleep. She fluffed her curls and grinned at her reflection.

“If Joe didn’t want to put you through the mattress on that stage,” she said, spinning toward Y/N, “he’s about to blow his load now.”

Y/N just rolled her eyes, tucking her phone into a tiny crossbody bag. “He’s not even that serious.”

Kayla blinked at her. “Girl. He opened your water bottle like he was signing a prenup.”

Y/N laughed. “Shut up and grab your lip gloss.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Rooftop Lounge — 10:49 p.m.

The elevator doors opened and the rooftop hit different.

Soft purple and amber lights danced over the sleek lounge furniture, tall heaters flickering with fire, and a DJ posted at the far end spinning an R&B mix that made everybody move a little slower, a little smoother.

The view? All glittering city skyline.

The Bengals boys were already posted near the bar — Sam with a drink in hand, Ja’Marr mid-convo with a group of dancers, Tee dancing with someone’s girlfriend (or maybe just vibing), and Joe…?

Joe was watching the elevator.

And when Y/N stepped out?

Game over.

His gaze dropped for a second — not disrespectfully — just enough to take it all in. The outfit. The walk. The smirk.

Kayla leaned toward her like a devil on her shoulder. “You see his face? That man wants to be the drink in your hand.”

Y/N adjusted her top slightly and smirked. “Good.”

As the girls made their way over, drinks were ordered, seats claimed, and the energy stayed loud and electric. “You clean up nice, Miss VIP,” Tee said, holding out a drink he ordered for her. “I always clean up nice,” Y/N replied, taking the glass.

Joe stepped a little closer, eyes still lingering. “You trying to kill me?” he asked quietly. Y/N tilted her head. “Why? You good?”

He leaned in, low and warm in her ear. “Not even close.”

Her throat tightened for half a second, but she didn’t flinch. “Drink your whiskey, Burrow.”

The whole crew eventually migrated to the small dance floor area, where the music hit a little harder and the lights hit just right. Y/N and Kayla were dancing together — laughing, spinning, hands in the air — while the guys stood nearby, watching and swaying like typical athletes who could dance but weren’t gonna try too hard.

Until Joe stepped forward.

He didn’t say anything, just extended a hand toward Y/N like it was obvious.

She paused, brow raised, a challenge in her eyes.

“You don’t seem like the dancing type,” she said.

“I’m not,” Joe replied. “But I figured you’d make me look good.”

Kayla hooted in the background.

So Y/N took his hand.

And they danced. Slow at first — just moving in rhythm, close enough to share warmth but still keeping that teasing distance between them.

But his hand found her waist. And her fingers laced behind his neck. And suddenly, the bass wasn’t the only thing pulsing.

They moved together like this was a habit. Like they already knew how to sync. Like the tension had finally found a beat to lean into.

And the crew?

They were definitely watching.

“I’m just saying,” Ja’Marr muttered from the bar. “If they don’t kiss tonight, I’m throwing myself off this roof.”

Tee nodded solemnly. “Amen.”

The music shifted again, something slower, with a slight groove that made everyone’s movements sync even tighter. Y/N wasn’t trying to hide it anymore. She was definitely feeling it — the beat, the moment, the vibe with Joe. She kept it light, though, spinning away from him and twirling back in a way that made him watch her with dark eyes.

His hand followed. Caught her waist again.

She smirked up at him, a playful glint in her eye. “So, you know how to move. But can you keep up?”

Joe chuckled, the sound low and dangerously smooth. “I’ll keep up. I’m just waiting for you to really go for it.”

Y/N’s grin widened. “Is that a challenge?”

“I don’t know,” he teased back, his hand slipping lower to her hip. “Is it?”

The circle around them had gotten smaller. The guys had all shifted closer to the dance floor — they were still talking, but the glances they threw at Joe and Y/N were loaded. They knew.

Tee leaned toward Ja’Marr, his voice loud enough for the group to hear over the music. “This is either going to end in a makeout session or a boxing match. Either way, I’m here for it.”

Y/N’s eyes flicked toward them briefly, just enough to catch their teasing. She rolled her eyes but then shifted closer to Joe, leaning in so her lips nearly brushed his ear as she whispered, “Don’t get distracted now. I thought you were gonna show me something.”

Joe’s breath hitched for a fraction of a second, but he didn’t miss a beat. His hand slid from her waist to the small of her back, pulling her even closer.

“You’re the one distracted,” he murmured. “It’s adorable.”

Y/N shot him a playful side-eye. “I’m not distracted. I’m focused.”

Joe’s smirk grew. “Mm. So focused you can barely stop looking at me?”

Her fingers gripped his shirt tighter. “Only because I can’t decide if you’re really this confident, or if you’re just good at pretending.”

Joe’s jaw tightened, his lips curving into a dangerous smile. “You’re about to find out.”

And just like that, they were back in sync, their bodies moving fluidly, playfully too close, the energy charged with tension that made the room feel hotter than it should’ve been.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Meanwhile — The guys? Not missing a thing.

Sam leaned against the bar, watching with a knowing smirk. “That’s a wrap. We all saw it. They’re done.”

Kayla, still dancing with Ja’Marr, shouted over the music, “You know Joe would be the type to act like he’s got it all together, but deep down? That man’s trying real hard not to fall apart right now.”

Tee laughed, tipping his drink. “No way. He’s got it under control. I bet he’s waiting for the perfect moment to swoop in.”

Sam tilted his head. “You think that’s how it’s gonna play out? Nah. She’ll make him sweat first.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Back on the dance floor, Y/N wasn’t letting up. She kept her distance, then leaned in just enough to tease him, spinning out of his grip and circling around him with a wink.

“Careful,” she called over her shoulder. “I might just let you catch me.”

Joe’s chest rumbled with a low laugh. “You’re not that fast.”

“Oh, I am,” she shot back, “but I like keeping you guessing.”

And the dance continued, teasing, pulling them closer and pulling them apart in a rhythm they’d both learned over the last hour. Y/N wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of knowing he had the upper hand. She knew what she was doing. She liked it.

And Joe? He was feeling that same exact rush — not backing down, but damn near on edge with every moment they spent close enough to touch, but never quite touching.

Tee, watching the dance unfold with a shit-eating grin, leaned toward Sam.

“You think it’ll happen soon, or do we need to go rescue Joe from the longest slow burn in history?”

Sam raised an eyebrow. “Man, I don't know. At this rate, Joe’s gonna need a rescue from Y/N.”

As the song began to wind down, Y/N took one last spin away from Joe, her body turning with the music as her eyes stayed locked on his — daring him to keep up. She was giving him one final moment to make a move, but she knew exactly how to keep him dangling.

And that’s when she did it.

She took a step back, her smile cool and amused, hands on her hips as she gave him a playful, defiant look.

“Well? Keep up or go home?”

Joe stood there, a beat of silence between them. Then, with that same smirk from earlier, he grabbed his drink, taking a slow sip. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Y/N chuckled. “We’ll see about that, won’t we?”

Another song rolled in — this one smooth and low, the kind that made hips sway without trying. The rooftop stayed alive with conversation, laughter, and clinking glasses, but in the middle of it all, Y/N had the room in the palm of her hand. Or more accurately… she had Joe wrapped around her finger, even if no one dared to say it out loud.

And oh, was she enjoying herself.

She didn’t go back to him right away. Instead, she drifted toward Kayla, laughing as they picked up the rhythm and started dancing again. Not for attention — just because the music demanded it, and her body always listened.

But she knew exactly what she was doing.

Every now and then, she glanced over her shoulder, just long enough for Joe to know she was aware of his eyes on her. He wasn’t even trying to be slick about it anymore — standing near the bar, his drink untouched in his hand, his gaze pinned to her like she was the only thing that made sense in a room full of noise.

Tee, catching the whole thing, leaned toward him. “You alright, big guy?”

Joe blinked once, tore his eyes away for a breath, and exhaled like he’d been holding it in for ten minutes. “She’s dangerous.”

Ja’Marr laughed into his glass. “You’re just now figuring that out?”

“She’s making me work for it,” Joe muttered, eyes drifting back to her.

Kayla clocked it all and leaned in to whisper, “He’s dying.”

Y/N smirked. “I know.”

“You gonna throw him a bone?”

Y/N’s smile turned feline. “Where’s the fun in that?”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

When Y/N finally made her way toward the bar, it was slow, deliberate — like she was in no rush because she wasn’t. Joe straightened up just a little, the tiniest twitch in his jaw giving away his anticipation. And she saw it. Loved it.

She stopped right in front of him, not close enough to touch — just enough to tempt.

“You look tense,” she said, grabbing a piece of fruit from a nearby cocktail and popping it between her lips.

Joe looked at her, slow and steady. “You’re doing that on purpose.”

Y/N tilted her head. “Doing what?”

“Dragging this out.”

She licked the last of the juice from her thumb, eyes locked on his. “I’m just vibing. You’re the one struggling.”

Joe didn’t respond right away. Just stepped a half-inch closer, his voice a low murmur meant only for her.

“Or maybe I’m enjoying the view too much to rush.”

Y/N’s breath hitched — just barely — but her face stayed cool. Her voice came out honey-slick. “You sure you can handle this view, Mr. QB1?”

Joe’s jaw tensed. “Try me.”

She leaned in — barely — enough for her perfume to hit him and for their lips to hover in the same zip code. She stayed there for a heartbeat. Two. Then—

She pulled back, flashing that wicked little grin.

“Maybe later,” she purred, turning away to rejoin Kayla.

Joe stood there, hand still on the bar, chest rising slow. He watched her walk away, lips parted, like he was debating whether or not he’d just been played or blessed.

Tee came up behind him, clapped him on the back. “You alright, man? You look like you just lost a playoff game.”

Joe ran a hand over his mouth, fighting a smile. “Nah. I think I just got drafted again.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The rooftop was buzzing — music still flowing, lights twinkling against the night sky, and the crew very much in their “we’re too hot to be this tipsy and this unserious” phase of the night. Everyone had found their rhythm: drinks in hand, shoes slightly looser, and jokes flying like confetti.

Y/N had reclaimed a low lounge seat with Kayla on one side and Ja’Marr practically hanging off the other armrest. Joe stayed leaning against the bar, still sipping slow — but his eyes?

Still on her.

Not even subtle anymore.

Kayla had noticed. Again.

She leaned in, whisper-singing in Y/N’s ear: “🎶He’s looking at you like you’re dessert and he skipped dinner.🎶”

Y/N snorted into her drink. “You need to stop.”

“You need to do something before he combusts in that tight-ass shirt.”

“I am doing something. I’m existing.”

Ja’Marr leaned toward them both, not even pretending not to eavesdrop. “Y’all whispering too loud. And for the record, I vote Y/N lets him suffer just a little more.”

Tee slid in with another round of drinks. “Suffer? He’s two seconds from asking the DJ to play ‘Pony.’”

“DON’T tempt him,” Kayla laughed. “You know he’s white-boy bold.”

Y/N just smirked, sitting back like a queen with her court. “He’ll live.”

Joe, still posted a few feet away, caught the tail end of that look she gave. The knowing, the tease, the come-here-but-don’t-touch. He shook his head with a smirk and finally pushed off the bar, walking over slowly.

“You’re enjoying this,” he said, stopping right in front of her.

Y/N looked up, her expression sugar and fire. “I am.”

“Evil.”

“Correct.”

“Pretty sure you’re gonna ruin me.”

She took a slow sip of her drink, eyes never leaving his. “If I wanted to ruin you, you’d already be ruined.”

The crew? LOSING it.

Sam from the next table: “OH MY GOD.”

Tee was wheezing. “Bro just got verbally folded.”

Ja’Marr put a hand on Joe’s shoulder. “She’s not flirting anymore, she’s finishing you.”

Joe just laughed — that real, low-chested laugh that said he was absolutely not okay, and absolutely into it.

“Alright,” he said, backing up a step with his hands raised. “I can admit defeat. You win.”

Y/N raised a brow. “Already?”

“You haven’t even seen me try yet.”

“Oh, so this is you unbothered?”

“No,” Joe said, gaze hot. “This is me being patient.”

Kayla fanned herself with a napkin. “Jesus.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

As the DJ shifted the vibe into a little 2000s throwback R&B set — think Mario, Ciara, Usher era — the dancing picked back up, drinks refilled, and the group’s energy hit that sweet spot where everybody was too comfortable and too deep in to leave.

Ja’Marr somehow ended up teaching Kayla a two-step combo, Sam was holding court with a circle of background dancers, Tee was recording everything on his phone for future blackmail purposes, and Joe?

Joe was still watching Y/N dance.

Still waiting for his moment.

Still very much caught up in the long game.

And Y/N? She knew it. Felt it in the bass. Felt it in the way her body lit up every time he was near. Felt it in the thrill of knowing he was going home thinking about her — again.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The rooftop wasn’t quieting down — not yet — but it was changing. The crowd had thinned slightly, the air cooled, and the DJ knew exactly what they were doing when they transitioned into some Brent Faiyaz and SZA. The kind of music that makes people sway a little slower. Stand a little closer.

Y/N noticed it too.

She was perched now on a high-back lounge chair, legs crossed, a second drink in hand, her heels off and tucked under the seat. Joe sat just across from her, one leg bouncing absently, body leaning forward slightly like he was trying not to give in to whatever magnet kept pulling him in her direction.

Kayla had migrated to a couch nearby, curled up next to Ja’Marr who was fully in “post-victory chill mode” — hoodie on, chain out, and lowkey flirting like he had nothing to lose.

Tee and Sam were off near the glass railing, deep in a discussion about something that might’ve started with football and somehow morphed into the proper way to cook ribs.

The chaos was still present — but it was background noise now.

Because the tension?

Front and center.

“Okay, so what’s your deal?” Y/N asked casually, twirling the straw in her drink without looking at Joe.

Joe leaned back a little. “My deal?”

“Mhm.” She glanced at him now, brows raised. “You’re smooth, but not too smooth. A little cocky, but you’re… patient. Calculated. I can’t decide if you’re trying to win me over or if you already think you have.”

Joe’s tongue ran slowly over his bottom lip before he answered.

“I don’t assume anything,” he said, voice low. “Especially not with you.”

Y/N blinked. Just once.

He wasn’t playing anymore. He wasn’t teasing. And that shift — from flirt to focused — hit.

“Good,” she said, tone soft but laced with fire. “Keep that energy.”

Joe nodded slowly. “Oh, I plan to.”

Another silence stretched between them, thick and pulsing. The kind of silence where breathing too loud would make things snap.

Y/N tilted her head, eyes never leaving his. “You always this intense?”

“Only when I want something bad enough.”

Her legs uncrossed. Crossed the other way.

“You’re making this really hard for me to keep playing it cool.”

Joe smirked again, but this time it was darker. “Then stop playing.”

Breathe. Just breathe.

Kayla, from her couch throne, saw it all and immediately nudged Ja’Marr. “He’s gonna fold. I see it. He’s one deep breath away from telling her his social security number.”

Ja’Marr nodded, eyes still on them. “No, she's gonna fold. She’s trying too hard not to jump him right now.”

They both took long sips of their drinks, like it was a live episode of reality TV.

Back at the table, Y/N leaned forward a little, resting her elbow on the armrest. “You sure you’re ready for what comes with someone like me?”

Joe didn’t even flinch. “I think I’ve been ready. You’re the one still figuring it out.”

She smiled, slow and amused. “That right?”

“Mhm.” His voice dropped again, gravel-smooth. “I’ll wait. But I’m not backing off.”

That right there? That hit her right in the chest.

Because he wasn’t chasing her for sport. He was chasing her like a man who knew exactly what he wanted — and how to get it without rushing the game.

“I see you,” Y/N said, voice soft but deliberate.

Joe’s smile turned into something real. “I see you too.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The group eventually shifted again — some standing, some stretching, a few more songs left in the DJ’s set. Someone suggested snacks. Someone else was trying to get the Bluetooth speaker to work in the elevator for the trip down.

But Y/N and Joe?

Still in their chairs. Still locked in.

Still hovering on that razor-thin line between teasing and something hotter, something realer.

The rooftop crowd had thinned even more now. Some people peeled off, others stretched out on patio couches, and the music had softened into something lo-fi and low-key, like the party was naturally winding down. But Y/N and Joe?

Still stuck in their gravity.

Y/N shifted in her chair, pulling her knees up slightly to rest her arms on them. The glow of the heaters flickered off her skin like candlelight, and she sipped what was left of her drink with a quiet hum of satisfaction.

“You’re staring again,” she said without looking at him.

Joe’s voice came low. “And?”

She turned to him, smiling around the straw. “Just saying. I’d ask what you’re thinking, but I don’t know if I want the real answer.”

He chuckled, setting his glass down. “I’m thinking… you’re probably not someone I should be messing with right now.”

“Smart man,” Y/N said, brown eyes glittering. “Because you’re definitely not someone I should be messing with right now either.”

They shared a look — that kind of sharp, mutual understanding that said we both know exactly what this is.

“Too much going on?” Joe asked, voice lighter this time.

Y/N nodded. “Mmhmm. My schedule is brutal. I got two more shows this week, a taping next weekend, studio time, and possibly a last-minute audition. I’ve got zero time to fall into anything. Not even a maybe.”

Joe nodded slowly, watching her. “Yeah. Season’s getting heavier. Camp was no joke, and if I’m being honest… my coaches would probably have a stroke if they knew I was out here flirting instead of watching film.”

She laughed, tilting her head. “So why are you still out here?”

He leaned in slightly, elbows on his knees now, matching her posture. “Because it feels good. Because it’s fun. Because you’re smart, and hot, and I like the way you keep throwing me off my game.”

Y/N blinked slowly. “You’re good at this.”

Joe shrugged. “No. I’m just honest.”

Her smile faded into something more thoughtful. She wasn’t used to that — the mix of real talk and reckless charm. She was used to games. To men who wanted her, but not her chaos. Not her ambition. Not her heat and bite and unapologetic momentum.

But Joe?

He seemed like he was watching the storm on purpose.

“You ever do this?” she asked quietly. “Just vibe with someone for the sake of it?”

Joe tilted his head. “Not often.”

Y/N stared at him for a long moment. “Same.”

Pause.

“So,” she said, voice turning playful again, “you gonna be weird about it, or are we both just gonna enjoy this slow burn until it fizzles out?”

Joe smiled, wide this time, like she’d said exactly what he was thinking.

“I like the slow burn,” he said. “Makes the fire hit harder.”

Y/N smirked. “Careful, quarterback. I’m the type that leaves marks.”

Joe’s laugh rumbled from his chest. “Good. I don’t bruise easy.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

They eventually joined the others again — slowly, naturally. The group had now gathered in another part of the lounge in front of a fire pit, feet tucked under blankets someone found, bowls of chips, and random leftover desserts from room service being passed around.

Tee was throwing out wild questions: “Okay, okay — one has to go forever: music, football, or sex?”

Groans.

“Bro.”

“Why would you even ask that?”

Y/N raised a brow. “I’m keeping music. I need music. So y’all can fight it out for the rest.”

Joe looked over, grinning. “That’s bold.”

“You surprised?”

“Nope. Just wondering which one I’d have to compete with.”

Y/N tossed a piece of ice at his chest. “Don’t start.”

Ja’Marr: “Start?? Y’all been flirting like a CW drama for the last three hours.”

Kayla, not missing a beat: “And we’ve been tuning in like it’s season three, episode nine.”

Everyone cracked up, but the eyes said it all — they saw what was brewing. They weren’t just witnessing the tension… they were living in it.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The night wore on, the fire burning bright, the group slowly yawning and untangling. But that tension between Joe and Y/N? Still there. Still rising. Still begging for a moment away from the noise.

And that moment?

Was coming.

Soon.

The lounge was low-lit and empty, except for them.

The music outside faded to a distant thump, the kind that disappeared when your pulse started thudding louder. Y/N leaned against the window, and Joe… he was standing just behind her, close enough that the heat from his chest brushed her back.

She turned slightly, still leaning, still calm — but her eyes told a different story. “You always this patient?” she asked, her voice smooth, but her gaze daring him to lie. Joe stepped closer, now only inches away, his voice low and thick. “No. Just when the tension feels this good.”

Her breath caught — and that was it. That was the break.

Y/N turned all the way around and stepped into him, chest brushing his, lips inches apart. Her fingers slipped under the hem of his hoodie, slow, not rushing — like she was deciding if he’d earned it yet.

He looked down at her, not moving, like he knew any sudden shift would set off the fire alarm.

“I’m not looking for a relationship,” she said softly, bluntly. “I don’t have time. I’m too focused. Too booked. Too selfish with my energy right now.”

Joe’s hand came to rest lightly on her hip, thumb grazing bare skin where her shirt had risen slightly. His voice was calm, but it had a weight to it now. A certainty. “I don’t want anything you’re not ready to give me.”

She stared up at him, lips parted, breath uneven. “And if all I want is this?” she asked. Joe leaned in, brushing his nose against hers — not kissing her. Not yet. “Then you’ve got it. All of it.”

That was it.

She grabbed his hoodie and pulled him in hard — no hesitation, no slow-burn now — just heat. His mouth found hers in a kiss that had what felt like weeks of build-up behind it. It was all lips, tongue, and low groans as his hands slid around her waist and pulled her closer. Her back hit the glass behind them and she didn’t care — the cold contrast made her gasp against his mouth.

Joe’s hands were everywhere — respectful but greedy, firm but slow. He kissed like he’d studied her, like he already knew how she moved, how she liked to be touched. And Y/N?

She kissed him like she needed to — like she was making up for every second she’d spent pretending she didn’t. One of his legs slid between hers, and he growled low in his throat — that real, chest-deep sound that made her smirk mid-kiss. She tugged at his hoodie, dragging it up just enough to feel warm skin beneath.

“You’re dangerous,” she whispered against his lips.

Joe grinned, breathless. “You’ve got no idea.”

His hand slipped under her shirt, resting on the small of her back, grounding her and teasing all at once.

She pulled back slightly, just enough to speak. “This doesn’t mean anything,” she warned.

Joe nodded, eyes dark. “Doesn’t have to.”

She searched his face — saw honesty, desire, control barely hanging on.

Then she kissed him again.

Deeper.

Slower.

Letting herself feel it — just this once. Just this moment. Just… him.

And when they finally paused, breathing heavy, pressed together in that dim lounge like sin wrapped in moonlight, Y/N’s fingers curled in the front of his shirt. She didn’t let go.

Neither did he.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Back on the rooftop, karaoke had fully devolved into people yelling lyrics, eating dessert straight from the tray, and passing someone’s half-warm cocktail around like it was holy water.

Tee was trying to film Kayla but she kept ducking behind Ja’Marr, who was too deep into a plate of nachos to care.

That’s when Sam looked around, eyebrows furrowing.

“Wait… where’s Joe?”

Kayla paused mid-bite. “Oh, you mean Joseph ‘Let Me Flirt in 4K’ Burrow?”

Ja’Marr looked up. “Ain’t seen him since Y/N went ghost.”

Tee glanced toward the door. “...Yo.”

Everyone turned.

Kayla slowly lowered her drink. “Hold on.”

She scanned the group again, eyes narrowing like a bloodhound on a scent.

“Y/N’s gone too.”

A beat.

Then Kayla sat straight up, a hand flying over her heart like she’d just uncovered scandalous royal gossip. “Oh my God. They’re definitely fucking.”

Tee nearly dropped his phone. “Damn, girl, don’t hold back.”

“No, no, no,” she said, standing up now, pacing like a detective. “Let’s review the evidence. The eye contact? The flirting? The slow-burn heatwave that’s been hanging over them since SOUND CHECK? And now they vanish together into the night? Come on.”

Sam raised a hand like a student. “Maybe they’re just talking.”

Kayla turned so fast it was almost dangerous. “Baby, ain’t nobody just talking when there’s that much lip-biting and smoldering eye contact. That man has been looking at her like she’s the cheat day he’s been saving all season.”

Ja’Marr nodded solemnly. “She did say she was leaving marks.”

Tee: “She meant that. Bet his hoodie’s all stretched out.”

Kayla was cackling now, fanning herself. “She’s probably got that man speaking in tongues. He gonna come back like ‘blessings to all, I’ve seen the light.’”

Ja’Marr mimicked Joe’s voice, deadpan. “Hey guys. Just learned what love is. Also, my legs don’t work.”

They all howled.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Meanwhile, in the dim lounge across the hall, Y/N and Joe were still tucked into each other, lips a little swollen, hearts beating in sync, the afterglow of that snapped tension still lingering in the air like smoke.

“Think they’ve noticed we’re missing yet?” Y/N asked, her voice low and warm as she sat nestled into Joe’s chest, both of them still upright, still (barely) composed.

Joe smirked, thumb grazing the curve of her hip. “I’d be shocked if Kayla wasn’t forming conspiracy theories as we speak.”

Y/N snorted. “She’s probably narrating it like it’s a Netflix docuseries.”

“Oh, 100 percent. ‘And that night, under the soft glow of a rooftop heater, Y/N risked it all for cinnamon-roll QB1 energy.’”

She laughed, low and full.

Then her hand slid up his chest again, slow, fingers drawing lazy patterns across his skin.

“This doesn’t mean anything,” she reminded him one more time — but the words were breathier now.

Joe nodded, but his hand never left her body. “Nope. Just fun. Just us.”

She tilted her head, playful again. “For now.”

He grinned. “For now.”

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Tee was halfway through a story about an Uber driver who tried to freestyle mid-ride when the rooftop door creaked open.

Click.

Soft footsteps.

Then—

Y/N and Joe walked back in.

Chill. Calm. Cool as a cucumber cocktail.

Y/N’s lips were glossed again (very suspicious). Her top was slightly readjusted (even more suspicious). Joe’s curls looked a little more tousled than before (a federal offense, honestly). And they walked in with too much distance between them — the kind of space that only people who just broke the rules try to create.

Silence.

Just for a second.

Then Kayla stood up, arms spread wide like a talk show host finishing a monologue.

“Ladies and gentlemen… THE COUPLE HAS RETURNED.”

Y/N groaned. “You are so dramatic.”

Joe just chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck like he knew exactly what this meant. And what was coming.

Tee grinned. “Nah, don’t try to play innocent. Y’all disappeared for a minute.”

Sam raised his drink. “Was it just a scenic walk? Or, you know…” He made an exaggerated gesture with his eyebrows.

Ja’Marr added, deadpan, “Did y’all pray together? That’s what it looked like. Real… spiritual energy coming off you two.”

Kayla clutched her heart. “The tension in this room is no longer tension. It is residue. It is proof.”

Y/N dropped onto the couch next to her, laughing now but trying to keep a straight face. “You need help.”

Kayla leaned in close, whispering like it was top-secret intel. “He kiss you good or kiss you good?”

Y/N gave her a look that said: We’re not doing this here.

Which Kayla ignored, obviously.

Joe, meanwhile, grabbed a water bottle, cracked it open, and sipped like he wasn’t being studied like a reality TV contestant coming back from the fantasy suite.

Tee side-eyed him. “So, uh… how’s the lounge?”

Joe grinned without answering.

“Oh, so we just not talking now?” Sam asked, grinning. “Selective silence?”

Ja’Marr leaned toward Joe, pretending to be serious. “Listen, blink twice if she rocked your world.”

Joe sipped again.

Did not blink.

Kayla: “Oh he gone. GONE gone.”

Y/N buried her face in her hands, muttering, “I hate all of you.”

But she was smiling.

So was Joe.

And no one missed it.

The jokes kept flying, drinks were poured, and the playlist slipped into something softer again. And as the night crept closer to morning, the heat didn’t cool — it just folded itself into comfort. Into shared looks. Into legs brushing and quiet laughs.

Because now?

The secret was out.

And no one was mad about it.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The party had finally thinned out. Ja’Marr was half-asleep in one of the lounge chairs, mumbling something about pancakes. Kayla was wrapped in a throw blanket, scrolling on her phone and side-eyeing everyone who moved.

Y/N stepped out onto the balcony just off the lounge, arms crossed over her chest as the cool early morning air kissed her skin. It smelled like city, like wind and concrete and leftover cinnamon from somebody’s half-eaten dessert.

She didn’t look when she heard the door creak behind her.

Didn’t have to.

Joe leaned against the railing beside her, silent for a second, watching the streets below.

“You good?” he asked, voice soft.

Y/N nodded. “Mmhmm. Just needed some air before I head out.”

“Same.”

They stood in silence, the kind that had grown between them over the night — not awkward, just comfortable. Like the quiet had its own rhythm.

Y/N glanced over at him. “So, what… you flying back tomorrow?”

He nodded. “Yeah. Team stuff. We’re back in practice mode.”

“Bet. I’m in the studio for the next three days. Back-to-back sessions.”

Joe smiled a little. “You stay working.”

“You too. So, we’re both married to the grind.” She nudged his arm. “Messy little combo, huh?”

He turned toward her slightly, that crooked grin tugging at his mouth again. “Messy… but kinda hot.”

Y/N smirked. “You like chaos, huh?”

Joe leaned a little closer. “I like you.”

Her throat tightened for half a second. But she shook it off, blinking slowly, smile playful again.

“Well, you’re cute, Burrow, but don’t catch feelings. I’m a busy woman.”

He raised a brow. “You think I can’t multitask?”

“You think I won’t make you beg for my time?”

Joe laughed, then stepped even closer, their arms brushing now. “You giving me your number or just your best lines?”

Y/N pulled her phone out of her pocket, smirking. “Both. I’m generous like that.”

She typed it in, saved under “Y/N 🔥🎤”, then handed it over.

Joe added his right after, giving her back her phone with a wink. “Put me under something nice.”

Y/N typed out: “Joseph. a.k.a QB1. a.k.a Can’t Keep His Hands to Himself.”

She flashed it at him. He read it, grinned, and shook his head. “You’re gonna be a problem.”

Joe leaned back against the railing, arms crossed now, head tilted like he was watching her through a filter of curiosity and something deeper.

“So… what are we calling this?” he asked.

Y/N raised a brow. “You need a label for everything?”

“I like clarity,” he replied, smirking. “Keeps expectations clean.”

She stepped in front of him, close enough to be tempting again, but still just out of reach. “Okay, Mr. Clarity. Here’s what I think.”

Joe’s eyes didn’t leave hers.

“No strings,” Y/N said smoothly. “No pressure. You do your thing, I do mine. But when we’re in the same city…” She trailed her fingers lightly down the front of his hoodie. “We link. We have fun. We keep it real.”

Joe caught her hand in his, slow and deliberate.

“So… friends with benefits?”

“Benefits,” she confirmed. “And mutual respect. Text if you’re in town. I’ll do the same. But we don’t do jealousy, and we definitely don’t do clingy.”

Joe leaned down, close enough his breath hit her lips. “I don’t chase unless I’m on the field.”

Y/N smirked. “And I don’t beg unless it’s on stage.”

That made him groan under his breath, head dropping for a second before he grinned again.

“Alright,” he said finally, letting her hand go, “deal.”

Y/N turned, walking back toward the lounge door, hips swaying just enough to let him know she was aware of every second of silence behind her.

Just before she reached the door, she called back over her shoulder:

“Let’s see if you can handle it, quarterback.”

Joe looked at her for a long moment. “I can live with that.”

Y/N grinned. “Good. You know where to find me.”

He stepped closer again, lips brushing her cheek. Not her mouth. Not this time.

“Next time I do,” he murmured, “I’m not stopping at one kiss.”

She shivered, but didn’t give him the satisfaction of reacting too much. Just raised a brow.

“We’ll see if you earn it.”

Joe didn’t say anything.

But the smile on his face?

He was ready.

And with that, they walked back inside — apart, but more connected than they’d been all night. No promises. No titles.

Just one hell of an understanding.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The next morning hit different.

Y/N rolled into the brunch spot just five minutes late — which, for her, was basically on time. Curls slicked into a clean ponytail, hoops back in rotation, oversized shades on despite it being cloudy. She was wearing a simple but body-hugging black set and a denim jacket like she hadn’t just shifted the group dynamics forever.

Kayla was already at the table with Ja’Marr, Tee, Sam, and — yes — Joe, who looked a little too well-rested in a grey hoodie and joggers, curls freshly brushed and smugness barely concealed.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Kayla said, sipping her mimosa like it was tea.

“I had to make sure I didn’t look like what y’all put me through last night,” Y/N replied, sliding into the seat beside her.

Ja’Marr smirked. “Girl, he put you through something.”

Tee leaned in. “Sooo… we just gonna skip over the vanishing act or…?”

Y/N grabbed the menu. “It was cold. I went inside.”

Sam raised a brow. “Inside him?”

“Sam!” Y/N gasped, half-choking on laughter. “You wild.”

Joe just grinned into his coffee like a man who was winning without having to say a word.

Kayla nudged Y/N. “Okay but like… did it change your life or just ruin all other quarterbacks for you?”

Joe coughed, “Still here,” but didn’t even bother to defend himself. His hand rested casually on the table, close enough to brush against Y/N’s knee under it. No one missed it.

“Y’all are insufferable,” Y/N muttered, trying — and failing — to keep her smirk under control.

The waiter came to take orders, and the group somehow managed to behave just long enough to choose food. As soon as he walked away, Ja’Marr pointed between Y/N and Joe with his fork.

“You two got that post-sneaky link glow. Real we know what we did but we’re chillin' energy.”

Joe just sipped his coffee again. “I’m just here for the pancakes.”

Kayla snorted. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

Y/N leaned back in her chair, lips twitching. “Y’all really need hobbies.”

Ja’Marr: “Oh we’ve got one. It’s called watching this mess unfold in real-time.”

Joe finally turned to Y/N, the lowkey smile still tugging at his mouth. “You regrettin’ last night yet?”

Y/N looked over the rim of her sunglasses and replied, smooth as butter, “Not even a little.”

The table howled.

Even the waiter raised a brow when he returned with the mimosas.

The food eventually came, but the teasing did not stop. Between bites of chicken and waffles and bottomless mimosas, the crew kept the commentary rolling, each one trying to out-roast the other.

And Y/N and Joe?

They took it.

Laughed with them.

Shared a few more looks.

Understood each other without having to say it out loud.

Whatever this thing was… it was just getting started.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

The goodbye was supposed to be chill.

Quick hugs. Shared jokes. A “see you when I see you” kind of exit.

Y/N and Kayla stood by the SUV outside the hotel as the guys loaded up for their airport run. The girls’ bus was parked nearby, engine rumbling, ready to hit the road for the next stop on tour.

Tee gave Kayla a quick hug and promised to follow her back on Instagram. Sam dapped everyone up like he wasn’t still crying from brunch laughter. Ja’Marr told Y/N she owed him a private performance and a bottle of wine next time they were all in the same city.

Then there was Joe.

He stood by the car door, hands in his hoodie pocket, the quiet smirk he always wore now looking… softer. A little more thoughtful.

Y/N stepped up to him, her duffel hanging off one shoulder. “Guess this is the part where we go back to real life.”

“Yeah,” he said, voice low. “Game prep and studio marathons.”

They looked at each other for a beat too long.

And then she stepped forward, curled her fingers in the front of his hoodie, and kissed him.

Right there.

No hesitation. No spectacle. Just full lips pressed to his, slow and sweet with a little heat behind it — enough to leave a memory, a pulse, something to think about on the flight home.

She pulled back just a little, just enough to whisper, “Next time, QB1.”

Joe blinked once, lips still parted. “Next time.”

Y/N turned without another word, jogged to catch up to Kayla — who was grinning like she’d just watched the season finale of her favorite drama.

As the girls boarded the bus, Joe was still watching.

Hand on the car door.

Smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧♡+:•∴”:♡.•♬✧

Later That Day – On the Tour Bus

The bus rumbled down the highway, soft music playing as the city skyline shrank in the distance. Y/N was curled up in a blanket on the long couch, makeup wiped off, bonnet on, hoodie two sizes too big. Her phone buzzed every now and then, but she ignored it — until Kayla plopped down beside her with a bowl of popcorn and a look.

“So,” Kayla said, tossing a piece into her mouth, “how many times did he fold you like a beach chair?”

Y/N groaned. “You are not subtle.”

“I’m your best friend, subtlety is banned on this bus.”

Y/N laughed, flopping her head back. “Alright, fine. We kissed. More than once.”

Kayla blinked. “That’s it? You disappeared for twenty-five minutes and came back looking like you’d just dropped an R&B single.”

Y/N threw a pillow at her.

“Okay, okay!” Kayla caught it, grinning. “So no full-court press yet, but the energy was giving… Fourth Quarter. Two-Minute Warning. Ball in your hands.”

Y/N sighed. “Yeah, it was… whew. Like, electric. And yeah, we agreed on a no-strings thing. Just fun when we’re in the same city.”

Kayla raised a brow. “So, you admit he rocked your world a little bit.”

“I didn’t say all that!”

“You didn’t have to.”

Y/N pulled the blanket tighter around herself. “Look, I’m not tryna fall for a quarterback. But I’m also not trying to block a blessing if it shows up 6’4”, blue eyes, and makes my knees weak.”

Kayla tossed another piece of popcorn. “So we agree: emotionally unavailable, mutually beneficial, extremely hot. I support this arrangement.”

Y/N smirked. “As long as you don’t start narrating again.”

Kayla held up her hands. “Fine. But I’m telling you now, when y’all end up on People’s Sexiest Situationships Alive list, I’m collecting royalties.”

And as the bus rolled on, Y/N leaned her head against the window and smiled at her phone. No texts yet.

But something told her she wouldn’t have to wait long.

JB9 Taglist: @lilfreakjez, @dasia21, @superanastasia1981, @gg-trini, @wickedfun9, @irishmanwhore

[2i1han]

Slowly, Then All at Once

1 : before it all began , slowly

pairing: classmate!leehan x fem!reader │word count: 8k

genre: slow-burn , young adult, coming-of-age , romcom

tags: boynextdoor , non-idol au, high school/college au , first love , neighbor!leehan , extrovert!leehan , cold!leehan , extrovert!reader

characters mentioned : kim leehan , kim woonhak , sakai moka , kim minji , han taesan , park minju , jung wooyoung , ham jinsik

warnings: no warnings! sfw

synopsis : you and leehan have always known each other—classmates since ninth grade, always familiar but never really close due to leehan's indifference. but when his brother enters the picture, and you ending up in the same building as him, everything starts to change. unresolved situation that were once buried begin to surface, and leehan must decide: let go or finally take a chance.

a/n : hi, everyone! this is my first fanfic on tumblr, and i’m still getting used to the platform. this story will be divided into five full parts, so if you enjoy it, i’d really appreciate your support! i’ll be updating regularly, usually every 2 days. enjoy!

♪ playlist : midnight fiction/illit , so let's go see the stars/boynextdoor , serenade/boynextdoor , but i like you/boynextdoor , so tender/say sue me , bad/wte , light/wte , chocolate/bol4 , some/soyou , would you love me/stella jang , everyday/haebin , star drawing/yuziii , apple cider/beabadoobee

middle school

the morning was still young, and the sun had barely risen. the classroom remained dim, the fluorescent bulbs providing the only source of light while the first rays of sunlight had yet to seep in. the room was silent, occupied only by two students minding their own business-and a brunette boy sitting by the window, lost in thought.

"hey! kim leehan!"

a loud, enthusiastic voice called from the doorway, instantly breaking the quiet.

before leehan could even turn to see who it was, a familiar presence loomed over him. his friend was already there, grinning and scratching his head.

"stop it!" leehan chuckled, standing up to pull his friend in for a quick dap.

"it's the first day of your last year as a middle schooler. how does that feel, hyung?"

woonhak, ever the energetic one, nudged leehan's arm before plopping down in the seat beside him, a wide grin on his face.

leehan smirked, leaning back in his chair. "nothing out of the ordinary. school is still school," he said, voice hinting with indifference as he shifted slightly to face woonhak more comfortably.

woonhak let out an exaggerated sigh. "nothing to say about missing me? you'll leave again for high school next year." he rolled his eyes, sulking. "it's just like when i was in fifth grade, and you moved here for middle school."

leehan huffed out a small laugh at his friend's dramatic antics.

they had been best friends since their early years in elementary school. leehan, ten at the time, and woonhak, eight. being two years apart, but that never stood in the way of their friendship. if anything, their differences made them an even better match, with leehan's matured, and calm-extroverted appeal balancing out woonhak's childish and loud aura.

school didn't excite leehan much, not that it did for his friend either. but while kim why would i even need algebra in a performing arts university woonhak, treated school like a never-ending chore, leehan simply went through the flow, doing what was necessary without getting too caught up in it. outside of class, his world was split between two passions: music, and nature.

he spent hours in his room, practicing vocals and perfecting dance moves in front of his mirror, losing himself in the rhythm of the music. whether it was a slow ballad or an intense choreography, he found an escape in the way his body moved to the beat, in the way his voice carried emotion that words alone couldn't. performing gave him a sense of control, a rush of energy that school never did. but when he wasn't singing or dancing, he sought quiet comfort in his other hobbies, raising fish and tending to his plants.

his aquariums, filled with different species, were his personal oasis. he could watch them for hours, mesmerized by the way they glided through the water, unbothered by anything beyond their glass world. his room smelled of greenery, lined with potted plants he carefully nurtured. he liked the balance of it all. music filled him with energy, while his fish and plants gave him peace.

occasionally, he'd swing by woonhak's place to make music together, testing out harmonies or working on choreography late into the night. woonhak, ever the extrovert, always had something new planned, dragging leehan into whatever wild idea he had. not that leehan is the biggest introvert, nor minded, he loved performing just as much. he just didn't show it as openly as woonhak did.

despite his mixed feelings about school, his grades weren't bad. he was smart enough to keep up without trying too hard, unlike woonhak, who barely scraped by with last-minute cramming and a whole lot of luck.

"of course, i'll miss you." leehan sighed, shaking his head. "but the high school I'm going to is just near hongik. i'll visit you after classes. it's not like i'm moving overseas." he rolled his eyes before chuckling. "you're so dramatic."

woonhak let out a whine, slumping onto his desk. "well, can you blame me? this is my first year finally being in the same middle school as you, and it'll also be our last. i barely survived sixth grade without your help in elementary." he pressed his palms against his forehead, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. "i have to lock in, hyung."

leehan chuckled "yeah, you should. you'll be on your own again next year." he leaned back, arms crossed. "let's just enjoy this one while it lasts, woon. save the worrying for later."

his friend peeked up from his hands, lips tugging into a small smile. "fine. but you better not forget about me when you're off being a cool high schooler."

leehan rolled his eyes again, but there was also brotherly warmth in his eyes. "as if i ever could. also, call me leehan-sunbaenim from now on," he said, completely straight-faced while pretending to look at his phone

woonhak just dramatically turned his head to leehan and let out an aish, throwing him an unimpressed look. leehan, however, burst into laughter, clearly enjoying his friend's reaction.

"that was cringe," woonhak muttered.

"how is calling your senior by a proper title cringe? hey, kim woonhak, where are your manners?" leehan teased in an exaggeratedly authoritative tone, crossing his arms like a disappointed teacher.

woonhak rolled his eyes but is chuckling. "you're still a year away from being a highschooler. i will not obey you."

leehan just rolled his eyes barely able to finish a sentence between chuckles.

they spent the rest of their free time chatting, catching up on summer, mostly woonhak complaining about how fast it ended and leehan roasting him for his questionable choices.

as time ticked on, leehan glanced at the clock and raised a brow. "woonhak, are you seriously still here? your class is in the other building."

his friend just waved off his concern like he was swatting away a fly. "oh, no, it's still early. it's not like the bell's gonna ring any sec-"

ring

the school bell blared through the hallways, as if it heard woonhak talking.

"you've got to be kidding me," he groaned, lazily scrambling to grab his bag.

leehan who's already gasping for air, tapped him on the back. "kim woonhak, good luck today," he teased.

woonhak shot him a glare as he rushed toward the door, waving over his shoulder. "catch you later, peace!"

the minute slipped away like a gust of wind, and before leehan knew it, their teacher was already standing at the front of the classroom.

"good morning, teacher," the students greeted in unison, rising briefly before settling back into their seats.

"good morning, everyone. settle down," the teacher instructed, adjusting his glasses as he placed a stack of papers on his desk. "now, before we begin, i'd like to introduce a new student who will be joining us for the school year."

then, the classroom stirred. students exchanged whispers, some craning their necks to get a better view of the doorway. the air buzzed with curiosity and the murmurs resembled a beehive.

with a subtle glance from the teacher, the new student, you, stepped in. you had a short hair that barely reached your neck, neatly parted to the side, wispy bangs, and pair of round glasses sat comfortably on your tall nose, framing your soft and slightly chubby cheeks. unlike most new students who fidgeted or hesitated, you walked in with an effortless calm.

"hello, everyone! my name is y/n. i'm 15 years old and just moved into the neighborhood down the street. i hope we can all be friends!" you bowed lightly with a voice that's bright and confident. you had a natural ease, as if introducing yourself to a room full of strangers was something you did every day.

a few students nodded approvingly, while others leaned in to whisper among themselves. you can see other students already smiling at you, while others just talked to each other.

meanwhile, the teacher scanned the room for a vacant seat. his eyes landed on leehan and the empty chair beside him. as if you're also following your teacher's vision, you see the quiet boy who seems lost in his own little world.

"you can sit there, next to that boy by the window," he said, gesturing toward leehan's row.

you nodded, and just as you're about to move, a student behind leehan raised a hand.

"sir, han taesan sits there. he's just absent today." and you're stopped to your track, standing there. though, you admit that it felt awkward, at least for yourself.

the teacher paused, nodding in acknowledgment, then began eyeing around the class again. after a brief scan, his gaze landed on a seat in the second row.

"alright, you can take that seat instead."

you nodded again, and made your way to your new spot, and within moments, you had already struck up a conversation with your seatmate, you always had this welcoming demeanor that contrasts the usual stiffness of first-day introductions. even as a kid, your parents would already describe you as a social charmer and a people person. extroverted, but balanced.

the first few periods blurred together in a haze of just few introductions for the start of the school year. the morning sun had crept higher, casting beams of light through the windows, and shining dust particles that swirled in the air. you sat comfortably listening to each hellos and my name is your classmates presented. even though the entire class you're new at already knew each other since the beginning of middle school, the new teachers are still yet to know them, and so do you.

when the bell finally rang for break, students wasted no time swarming out the door, dying to stretch their legs and escape the classroom, and you are no exception.

you had no trouble blending in. you'd already found a group to sit with, chatting easily as they made their way toward the school café.

and just as you're about to leave, your eyes caught sight of leehan, who unlike the rest of the class that had scattered in pairs or groups, remained at his desk. his left elbow rested against the desk supporting his chin, while his right hand moved lazily over a notebook, jotting something like it's straight out of an ancient manuscript with his illegible handwriting.

you admit. leehan's expression was unreadable. as a person who's good with people, scanning through people's thoughts or emotion by their body language is a piece of cake to you, but leehan? he's neither focused nor completely absent, as if his mind is hovered somewhere between a coherent thought or nothingness.

curious, and being the social butterfly ever, you adjusted your glasses and approached him.

"hello, i'm y/n. what's your name?" you said with a wave.

leehan didn't react immediately, and for a second, you thought he'll ignore you. instead, he finished the last stroke of his writing before slowly lifting his gaze. his eyes flickered towards you, scanning your face with little to no recognition, as if you're someone he sees daily.

"leehan. kim leehan," he replied flatly. his voice was low and unamused, giving the smallest head nod. his lips curved into an almost nonexistent smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes.

the contrast between you and him was almost like seeing black and pastel colors from the point of view of a third person. you, with your bright, welcoming energy, stood opposite leehan, whose presence seemed more like muted, but not completely colorless either.

still, you were unfazed. but you'd be lying if you said you didn't feel a tinge of awkwardness, or maybe even concern.

not everyone you met responded positively to your friendly nature, and that was fine. but something about leehan felt strange. he didn't seem uncomfortable around you, nor did he try to avoid the conversation. yet, at the same time, there wasn't even a hint of enthusiasm in his words and actions. it was as if he existed in a space between acknowledgment and indifference.

"are you not going to grab a snack with a friend? you can sit with us!" you offered in a warm and inviting tone.

leehan barely hesitated before pressing his lips together. "no, i'll be out. thank you," he said in the same monotone, standing up, and nodding his head subtly as he slung his jacket over his shoulders.

without waiting for a response, he walked past you heading toward the door, most likely in search of woonhak.

you just tilted your head slightly looking back at the door watching him go. if you're bothered by his lack of interest, you didn't show it. instead, you just shrugged it off deciding that leehan was probably just the reserved, introverted type.

that thought lingered in your mind for a moment before you went off with a quiet sigh. whatever it was, you figured you'd understand him better with time. with that, you turned away and made your way toward the café, where your new friends were waiting.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝

"class dismissed."

and just like that, the first day of classes in your new school comes to an end. the ring of the bell echoes through the hallways, and the classroom instantly bursts into motion. students scrambling to shove books into their bags, some reapplying makeup, others fixing their hair, and chatting away about everything and nothing.

you stand from your seat, adjusting the strap of your bag as you turn to face minji, your newly made friend. "where are you headed after class?" you ask, casually stuffing your things inside your bag.

minji, in the middle of combing her sleek black hair, tilts her head in thought. "hmm, i don't know. ask moka. i'll just tag along wherever you guys go."

moka, seated beside you, stops fussing with her hair long enough to glance up. "it's only 4:40 pm. how about karaoke?" she suggests.

you nod in agreement, and minji hums in approval. "okay, well then, hurry your butts up," moka adds, snapping her compact mirror shut.

you lean toward the small mirror in her hand giving yourself a quick once-over. with just a simple tuck of your hair behind your ears, a few pats to settle your bangs into place, and a slight nudge to adjust your thick-framed glasses, you're good to go.

"alright, done. let's go?" moka asks, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

you and minji nod in sync, stepping out into the busy hallway. but just as you're about to walk away, your gaze drifts back into the classroom, landing on the seat across the room.

leehan is still there, quietly packing up. alone.

there's something about him that makes you hesitate. it's not pity, not exactly. you've always had this habit of noticing people who seem isolated, of wanting to make them feel included. but over time, you hated it. you've realized that not everyone who sits alone is lonely. and not everyone who is quiet is sad.

still, the thought didn't stop you as you take a step forward, considering approaching him-

"kim leehan, work your slowass up, we got a gig to waaaaatch!"

a voice booms through the doorway like a bomb being dropped, so loud it cuts through the noise of the corridor crowd. you nearly jump at the volume. turning your head, you see a boy bolting into the classroom, all energy and mischief.

leehan looks up at the source of the noise. he saw you standing on the doorframe, and woonhak approaching him. but his whole attention seemed to be only towards his friend. and that's when you see it— his entire demeanor shifts. his lips curve into a genuine smile, his eyes scrunching up with amusement as he watches woonhak walk towards his desk.

the sight catches you off guard.

that smile, it's real, and bright, almost like there's a light shining behind him.

you realize then that leehan isn't some tragic, brooding loner. he's not an outcast, not sad, not lost. he has a friend. a good one, by the looks of it.

a quiet chuckle escapes you as you shake your head, cringing at your own assumptions.

i misinterpreted people again, you think, making a mental note to quit assuming stories to strangers before actually knowing them.

with that, you turn back to moka and minji, linking arms with them as the three of you make your way down the hallway.

as leehan and woonhak followed towards the door and to the hallway, the latter nudged him with a mischievous grin. "so, how was your day?"

leehan exhaled through his nose. "it was fine. there's a new student."

"ooooh." woonhak's eyes lit up. "is it a girl?"

leehan gave him a look and chuckled. "why is your first instinct always to ask if it's a girl?"

"because that's the important part, duh," woonhak shot back. "so? spill."

leehan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "yeah, it's a girl. she's... nice, but weird."

woonhak practically bounced in excitement. "weird how? like, quirky weird or talks-to-ghosts weird?"

leehan squinted in thought. "more like... i'm the weird one. i kind of left her hanging when she tried to talk to me. i felt bad but, i just can't."

"oh? that's not a classic kim leehan behavior. you're pretty friendly."

"and my hands went cold. it was like i was getting an illness." he flexed his fingers in mild concern.

woonhak stopped in his tracks. "hyung," he pointed an accusing finger. "are you sure you don't like her?"

leehan let out a dry laugh. "nonsense, that's ridiculous. i just don't wanna talk to her kinda."

"right, right," woonhak smirked, but his mischievous grin stayed.

"enough of that," leehan grumbled, picking up his pace. "let's just go."

woonhak, of course, didn't let it go. he kept teasing, making dramatic heart gestures and batting his eyelashes.

"shut up before i leave you behind."

"say it with feeling, hyung. your voice is shaking~"

leehan rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the amused grin tugging at his lips. woonhak was insufferable, but at least he made the day less dull.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝

now walking down the busy streets of hongdae, just a few minutes from your school, the scent of street food and the buzz of students unwinding after classes fill the air. the neon lights flicker even though the sun hasn't fully set yet, giving the streets that signature youthful energy.

as you walk, you turn to moka, who's sandwiched between you and minji, and ask, "moka, is leehan really that introverted?"

both of your friends glance at you at the same time, puzzled.

"kim leehan? the leehan from our class?" moka asks, raising an eyebrow.

you nod. "yeah, he barely spoke. he just seemed cold."

moka and minji exchange a knowing look before minji giggles. "cold? leehan? are we talking about the same guy? he's pretty social, y'know."

moka nods in agreement. "yeah, i mean, he's not the most talkative person ever, but he interacts well. he's fairly outgoing. everyone likes and knows him."

"not to mention he's good-looking and talented too," minji adds with a cheeky grin.

moka gasps dramatically, shoving minji's shoulder. "oh? not as handsome as taesan though, right?" she said with a teasing smirk on her face.

minji's ears turn bright red, and she immediately hissed in annoyance "ah, this is about leehan! can you stop?"

the two of them burst into laughter, teasing each other while you zone out, lost in thought.

good-looking? you never really thought about it. leehan just seemed strange. but what's even stranger is hearing that he's supposedly social.

"but he barely interacted with anyone," you point out. "aside from his friend earlier."

"oh yeah, that loud guy. what was his name again?" moka snaps her fingers, trying to recall.

"woonhak, seventh grader." minji supplies. "they're close, huh?"

"how do you even know that? well, anyways" moka shrugs. "i noticed that too. maybe leehan just wasn't in the mood today. it happens. you know, some days you just wanna shut the world out and listen to sad music while staring dramatically out the window."

you scoff. "that's... oddly specific."

minji laughs. "she's speaking from experience."

"ya!" moka glares playfully. "i'm just saying, don't take it personally. give him time. he's nice."

their words settle in your mind, giving you a bit more confidence. they knew leehan longer than you do. maybe he didn't dislike you for no reason. maybe it really was just a bad day.

as you reach the karaoke bar, the bright led lights reflect off your glasses, and moka swings open the door. the entire evening had been fun with your new friends. although, you miss your old friends back in busan, you're still keeping in touch with them all while establishing new relationships.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝

as soon as you got back to your brother's apartment where you're living. the familiar aroma of spicy ramyeon fills the air, instantly making your stomach grumble. your brother, wooyoung, is at the stove, stirring the noodles in the bubbling pot.

"you're finally home," he says, not even turning around. "it's already 7 pm. how was the first day?"

tossing your bag onto the sofa across the room, you plop down onto a dining chair and immediately reach for the cookie jar, popping one into your mouth. "it was great me and my friends went to karaoke after classes, so i got home a bit late."

wooyoung lets out an amused "ohh," lifting the pot to pour the steaming noodles into a large bowl at the center of the table. "karaoke, huh? and you didn't bother to tell me you'd be late?"

you roll your eyes, still munching. "i messaged you. you didn't answer."

wooyoung pauses, then shrugs. "oh, yeah. i was at the studio all day. just got home like, thirty minutes before you." he grabs his phone from the counter, flips it over, and sees the unread notification. "ah, whoops. my bad. haven't checked my phone."

"figured," you say, watching as he sets the table, placing down the kimchi and chopsticks before settling into the chair across from you.

then, suddenly, his face shifts into amusement. "wait, friends?"

you sigh, already regretting bringing it up. "mhm, friends from my new school," you say, trying to sound as casual as possible.

wooyoung leans forward, resting his chin on his hand like he's about to hear the most exciting gossip of his life. "and here i thought you'd spend the first month brooding in the corner."

you groan. "why do you act like i'm some kind of hermit? i do talk to people, you know."

"mhm, am i surprised, though? you've always been good at making friends. mom used to brag about how easygoing you are," wooyoung says, setting his bowl of ramyeon in front of you.

you smirk at the mention of your mom. "you're louder than me. why would she even brag about that?"

"mhm, and not just louder. i'm also cooler," he says, smoldering.

you rolled your eyes, and scoffed "right. 'cooler.'"

"glad we agree." he grins, then leans forward slightly, sneering "so... any special friends?"

you swerved a chopstick at him. "stop."

he laughs, dodging it. you sigh, knowing full well he won't let it go. "alright, alright," he says, finally getting serious. "so, what's the deal? someone already giving you a hard time?"

you hesitate. if you tell him, he's not going to leave you alone for the next thirty minutes straight. but the thought is already out in the open, and now he's just waiting for a word, watching you expectantly.

you twirl your noodles around your chopsticks, avoiding eye contact. "not really. it's just, there's this guy in my class. i tried talking to him today, and he was just, i don't know. cold? kinda distant."

wooyoung pauses mid-bite, then slowly sets his chopsticks down, his grin creeping back. "oh, he likes you."

you nearly choke on your food hearing that. "that's stupid."

"classic," he says, shaking his head. "a guy being cold to you? that's just a poorly disguised crush."

you scrunched your nose and cringed, squinting at him. "that's the worst logic i've ever heard. is that how you're supposed to act around the person you like? sounds pretty dumb to me."

wooyoung waggles his finger. "ah, you still have much to learn. sometimes, guys get all awkward when they like someone. you know, trying to play it cool and mysterious."

you make a face, just proceeding to slurp on the ramen. "right, and that's why you're single."

wooyoung gasps dramatically, clutching his pearls. "wow, that hurts."

you roll your eyes, and he finally drops the teasing, getting serious. "but honestly, maybe he's just not in the mood. or maybe he's not a super social guy. it's literally the first day. give it at least a week. or a month, even."

you think back to what moka and minji said, and now your brother too. maybe you really were just overthinking it.

"yeah... you're probably right," you admit, taking another bite.

"of course i am," he says, smug. "older sibling wisdom."

"you literally just told me some fake dating psychology."

"hey, it works for some people," he says, laughing.

you shake your head, but you're smiling now, too.

as you finish up dinner, the conversation drifts to other things— his work at the studio, how living in seoul is going so far, and what ridiculous thing he plans to waste money on next. (apparently, it's a limited-edition plushie he claims is an investment.)

you're now in your bed, freshly showered, hair still slightly damp against your pillow. staring at the ceiling, you replay the day in your head- you having fun with your new friends, the laughter at karaoke, and the small, nagging thought of leehan's. you just don't know why you wanted to be friends with him so bad. the day had felt both so long and short. sighing, you turn onto your side, reaching for the lamp beside you, and clicking it off.

the next few weeks and months follow the same routine. you've settled into your new school, growing comfortable with your routine. minji and moka have become your closest friends, the kind you can joke around with, text random topics to in ungodly hours, and count on to save you a seat during lunch. you've even managed to branch out a bit, making casual friends in other classes, effortlessly slipping into conversations and forming easy connections.

but the case with leehan? still the same. frozen.

you're still stuck in the same frustrating loop of forced interactions, half-hearted conversations, and long silences. you've been paired up with him for projects multiple times, and each time, it's a painfully dull experience. he never speaks unless spoken to, and even then, his responses are as dry as toast-short, flat, and uninteresting. if he ever does talk, it's out of necessity, like asking how to blend a color for an art project (since, unlike you, he's not exactly gifted in that league). and that's it. no banter, no effort to make things less awkward. it's not like you expect him to be a chatterbox, but come on, a little effort wouldn't kill him.

"hey, what do you think about adding some shadows here?" you ask during one of your art projects, pointing at a part of the sketch.

he shrugs. "looks fine."

you stare at him, waiting for more. anything more. but he just keeps painting, completely unbothered.

"okay, well... do you think we should use blue or purple for the background?"

"blue," he says simply, not even looking up.

he isn't rude, but not nice either. you sigh, dragging your brush across the palette. working with leehan is like texting someone who only replies with k. It's frustrating, and more than that, awkward.

it's not just during projects, either. whenever it's just the two of you left in the classroom, the silence is so heavy it feels like an actual thing, pressing against you, urging you to break it. and when you do, when you attempt small talk, ask about his hobbies, his music taste, just anything to spark a conversation, you always get the same dead responses.

"you know, i have a brother, and we liked watching basketball together. do you like any sports?"

"no."

"mhm, i see. well, do you have any pets? i have a pet goldfish in our house."

"yes."

"really? what is it?"

"the same. fish."

"what type of fish?"

"corydoras,"

at least he's honest, you cope.

that's how every conversation goes. it's like he's allergic to words longer than three syllables. and at first, you think, okay, maybe he's just like this with everyone. maybe he's one of those people who just doesn't like talking.

but you see stuffs, like how he laughs when he's with other people. how he's actually talking, laughing, contributing more than just a robotic "okay." he's not this indifferent with them. just with you.

and that's when it really starts to sink in.

it's not that leehan is quiet, or shy, or socially awkward.

he just does NOT want to talk to you.

that realization hits harder than you'd like to admit. you try to brush it off, tell yourself that not everyone has to like you, that it's fine, really. but the more you see him laughing with others, joking around, talking normally, the harder it becomes to ignore.

it's not that he struggles to make friends. he's just choosing not to be friends with you. and that affected you. not because it's leehan. it's because you had thing about being left hanging.

still, over time, you learn to accept it. some people just don't click, and leehan is clearly one of them. it's not like you need his approval. you have minji, moka, and a handful of other friends.

so you stop trying. stop initiating conversations. stop going out of your way to talk to him. and for a while, that worked.

then, something shifts

it's subtle at first, so subtle that you don't even notice it. but then minji nudges you during lunch, her voice dropping to a whisper

"hey," she says, leaning in. "i think leehan's staring at you."

you snort, not even bothering to look up. "yeah, right."

"no, really. he's been looking over here for, like, a solid minute."

you roll your eyes, but curiosity gets the better of you. when you glance up, leehan's gaze flicks away so fast it's almost unnoticeable.

you think about it for a second but ultimately shrug it off. it's not like it changes anything. he still doesn't talk to you. ye still keeps his distance. and you certainly aren't going to waste energy trying to break through his icy exterior again.

but you start to notice things, like how he stiffens whenever you walk past, his posture going unnaturally rigid. how he deliberately avoids eye contact, like meeting seeing your eyes might physically kill him. how, no matter what, he always seems aware of where you are in the room, never too close, but never completely out of reach.

it's weird. and, honestly, you're starting to think that maybe he just really hates you that much.

minji and moka notice it too.

"i swear, leehan is straight-up ignoring you," moka mutters one afternoon, barely paying attention to the notes she's supposed to be copying. "it's like you don't even exist to him."

you sigh, tapping your pen against your notebook. "whatever. it's not like it matters. as long as he cooperates when we have to work together, i couldn't care less."

minji hums thoughtfully. "or maybe... he likes you?"

you blink. "what?"

minji nods, looking more convinced by the second. "think about it, he's only like this with you. everyone else gets normal responses, but with you, it's like he forgets that he's a human being."

you stare at her, then at moka, waiting for her to back you up. but instead, she tilts her head, considering.

"actually... i don't think so." she suddenly snaps her fingers. "ah! remember park minju? that pretty girl from the next class?"

you frown. "what about her?"

"well, leehan had the biggest crush on her back in eighth grade. and when I say biggest, i mean biggest. he was, like, ridiculously obvious about it. everyone knew."

minji's eyes widen. "oh my god, you're right. he was so dramatic about it."

the two of them burst into laughter while you sit there, entirely unimpressed.

"wow," you deadpan. "so, basically, leehan just really, really doesn't like me."

moka smirks. "yeah, to the point where it's almost impressive. like, what did you do to him in a past life? he avoids you like a virus."

minji swats her playfully, but you just shake your head. "but yeah, if he likes you he'll be obvious about it."

confirmed. leehan hates your guts, for god knows what reason.

and with that, you decide you're done thinking about him. if he wants to pretend you don't exist, then fine.

the next few months, you ignored leehan completely. and, of course, he noticed.

at first, he didn't seem to mind, or at least, he pretended not to. but it didn't take long for moka and minji to catch on. from across the room, they could see it, the way leehan would glance at you when he thought no one was looking, his expression unreadable.

and then there were the times when you two ended up in the same group for another never-ending project. you would talk to everyone except him. it wasn't that you were mean about it, you were perfectly civil, but you just didn't acknowledge his presence. no eye contact. no small talk. nothing.

but leehan wasn't stupid. he could tell the difference between indifference and avoidance.

at some point, it must've started bothering him too, because moka and minji began whispering to each other every time they caught him hesitating, fidgeting like he was debating whether or not to approach you.

and, he almost did.

it was homeroom, and the teacher hadn't shown up. the class was in full chaos-desks rearranged, chairs turned backwards, students perched on tables, chatting and laughing. you sat comfortably in your usual spot with moka, sipping on jelly, while minji sat comfortably on moka's desk, the three of you bantering about something completely ridiculous.

you felt a presence behind you.

moka stopped mid-sentence, her eyes flickering up. minji did the same. then, she discreetly nudged your knee under the desk, her silent way of saying look behind you.

you turned your head slightly, just enough to catch a glimpse of leehan standing there.

your posture straightened instinctively, but you kept your expression neutral as you turned fully to face him.

his hands fidgeted at his sides, his lips parted slightly like he was rehearsing his words in his head. swallowing hard before speaking

"y/n, i just wanted to say tha-"

"HELLO, Y/N!"

a voice suddenly interrupted, cutting straight through the moment.

you blinked, turning your attention to the source, ham jinsik.

jinsik was, by all definitions, the classic popular guy. tall for his age, charming, effortlessly good-looking. he was the type of guy who never seemed to take anything too seriously, which was probably why he was grinning at you like he'd just won the lottery.

as leehan shifted, glancing over his shoulder, your eyes flicked from jinsik back to him, just in time to catch the way his expression dropped, just for a split second before he quickly looked away. retreating before he could even finish his sentence.

but before you could say anything, jinsik was already speaking.

"jinsik, hi! what's up?" you smiled, brushing aside the awkwardness of the moment.

behind you, moka and minji were losing their minds. they weren't even trying to be subtle, nudging each other aggressively while failing to hold back their giggles.

jinsik flashed you a sheepish grin. "i was wondering if you're free later? i mean..." he rubbed the back of his neck. "we're in the same group, right? and, uh, i could really use some help with the topic we're working on."

moka and minji's snickering worsened "sure, help".

you shot them a quick glare, swatting their knees in warning before nodding at the boy in front of you "of course, i'm down."

jinsik visibly relaxed, a small little yes slipping past his lips before he cleared his throat and tried to play it cool. "great! we can walk together after class. don't worry, i won't keep you out too late."

you laughed lightly. "alright."

as jinsik walked back to his group, who immediately started hyping him up, you finally turned back toward your own friends, rolling your eyes at moka and minji's exaggerated expressions.

but then you remembered.

leehan

you glanced back at him, half-expecting him to be looking in your direction, but he wasn't. he was sitting at his desk, chatting with the student in front of him like nothing had happened.

you exhaled, excused yourself, and walked toward his desk. "hey." you stopped beside him. "sorry about earlier. you were saying?"

leehan turned to you, blankly

whatever light that had been on his face while talking to his classmate disappeared, replaced by something colder. his lips pressed into a thin line, his shoulders tensing slightly.

"i forgot," he said flatly.

you blinked. "oh, okay then."

you didn't want to waste energy overthinking it, so you just hummed, nodded, and walked back to your seat.

what you didn't see, however, was leehan's gaze following you. nor did you notice the way his eyes flickered toward jinsik, his jaw tightening slightly, fingers clenching into a fist on his desk.

just like that, the days blurred together, and everything fell back into the usual routine.

middle school came to an end faster than you expected.

one moment, you were stressing over exams, avoiding unnecessary drama, and pretending not to notice the way leehan had stopped trying to talk to you. and the next? you were standing in a packed auditorium, surrounded by classmates who were buzzing with excitement and nerves.

the school hall was chaotic, students darting between friends, taking photos, and exchanging yearbooks filled with scribbled messages they'd probably cringe at in a few years. the air smelled like fresh paper, perfume, and faint traces of cafeteria food.

you were standing with moka and minji near the entrance, your neat uniform geeling slightly too tight but strangely comforting.

"so... where are you guys going for high school?" minji suddenly asked, fiddling with the hem of her blazer that she only wore properly today.

"seoul high school," you answered, adjusting your ribbon. "it's nearer to my place."

moka gasped dramatically, clutching your arm. "no way! that's where i'm going too!"

minji's eyes widened before she broke into a grin. "me too! do you think we'll end up in the same classes again?"

"i don't know,"you chuckled, feeling lighter than you had in months. "but at least we'll be at the same school. that's what matters."

moka sighed in relief. "good. i don't think i can handle high school alone."

"you? alone?" minji snorted. "you'd make friends in five minutes."

"that's not the point! you guys are my friends."

your heart warmed at that. as much as you teased each other, you knew moka meant it. and truthfully, so did you.

before you could respond, the speakers crackled to on, signaling the start of the ceremony. the noise in the hall gradually died down as students shuffled toward their assigned seats.

you exhaled, turning back to moka and minji with a smile. "i'll catch you guys around there."

and as you took your seat, listening to the opening speech, everything suddenly felt light. you glanced around the room, taking it all in.

you caught glimpses of familiar faces, some you'd just known this year, and some you barely spoke to but still felt a sense of connection with.

and then there was leehan.

he was a few rows ahead, sitting with his group of friends. he laughed at something one of them said, his usual easygoing smile in place. you preferred him like that, a human.

he didn't look in your direction.

you weren't sure if that was a good thing or not. but you pushed the thought aside. today wasn't about old tensions or unanswered what-ifs. it was about new beginnings. and, you'll leave hongik to a new school, a fresh start, and the comfort of knowing moka and minji would be there with you without leehan's heavy and contagious aura creeping around the corner.

because really, what were the odds that he would end up at the same high school as you?

at least, that's what you thought when 10th grade began.

seoul high school

you arrived at your new classroom earlier than most students, enjoying the quiet hum of the morning. the sun and streamed through the windows, reflecting soft lights against the wooden desks. the wind gusted from the open pane and slightly blew your now slightly longer hair that reached your shoulder. everything felt light and promising. as usual, you struck up conversations with a few early classmates, effortlessly easing into small talk. it was a good day. nothing could ruin it.

or so you thought.

because then, out of the corner of your eye, you caught a glimpse of someone standing at the doorway. and with how the room temperature suddenly dropped, you already knew.

kim leehan.

no way.

yes, kim leehan.

his hair was a lighter shade of brown now, and he'd grown taller, noticeably so. a lot can change in a year, but somehow, he hadn't. you found yourself staring at him, completely unaware that your gaze was practically burning a hole through his forehead already.

and yet, leehan barely reacted.

he met your eyes in a blink, nodding slightly before walking past you. bot a single change in expression. no surprise. no recognition beyond what seemed like just common courtesy.

and, of course, he settled into a seat at the very back of the classroom. a mile away from you. predictable.

your shoulders tensed as you quickly looked away, patting your hair into place as if that would somehow steady your thoughts.

"what the hell is he doing here?" you hissed under your breath.

a million possibilities ran through your mind. had he always planned to come to seoul high? did he know you'd be here? or was this some dumb fate?

it didn't matter.

you hesitated for a second. maybe this time would be different? maybe he'd actually talk to you? but the way he acted, or rather, his complete lack of one was all too familiar. it's still the same stern leehan from middle school, at least when it came to you.

you swallowed back whatever words had formed in your throat, pushing away the disappointment, and turned back to your desk.

you don't know what it is with you desperately wanting to figure leehan out, maybe because you're still left hanging without knowing why.

the classroom had started filling up, students pouring in with laughter and chatter, and you forced yourself to join in.

the girl sitting next to you introduced herself, and you made an effort to be friendly, though it didn't come as naturally as it did with moka and minji. speaking of them, they were five classrooms away down the hall, which meant you'd be sitting through long, exhausting classes alone, at least for now.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟  𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

"WHAT?!"

moka's shriek echoed through the cafeteria, loud enough to make half the students turn in your direction.

panicked, you lunged forward, clamping a hand over her mouth. "shut up," you hissed, glancing around as a few nosy students tried to eavesdrop.

moka peeled your hand off, her eyes still wide with pure disbelief. she leaned in, this time whispering harshly. "what?!"

you sighed, rubbing your temple. "yeah, he's in my class."

moka blinked at you, then at the ceiling, as if trying to process some kind of divine punishment. "no freaking way. out of all the high schools in seoul, and out of all the students... kim leehan?!" she shook her head. "that's terrifying."

"i know." you exhaled dramatically, slumping onto the table. "i didn't expect him to be here either."

moka crossed her arms. "and you're telling me we got separated, but you got stuck with him? this is the worst trade deal in history."

before you could respond, minji arrived, setting her tray of food down. "what are you guys talking about?"

moka wasted no time. "leehan is in y/n's class."

minji blinked. then-

"WHAT?!"

you and moka immediately reached over, swatting at her arms. "hey, shut up!" you whispered aggressively.

minji lowered her voice, but her eyes were just as wide. "wait, deadass? is this real?"

you sighed and nodded.

she hummed in thought. "ah, that explains it. i thought i saw a familiar back earlier, but i figured i was just hallucinating." she stabbed her food with a fork. "turns out, my nightmares are real."

moka shook her head in disbelief. "i mean, him being in the same high school? fine. but in the same class as y/n? that's like a match made in hell."

"a horror movie in the making," minji added.

"that time severus snape reincarnated as my classmate." moka laughed, as minji was enjoying it too. you rolled your eyes, reaching over to steal a chip from your friend's tray. "ha ha funny. let's not talk about it." but you admit, that was actually funny.

"we are talking about it," minji said, smacking your hand away from her chips. "how is he?"

you made a face. "what do you mean, how is he? he's the same leehan. acts like i carry the plague."

minji let out a long, unimpressed sigh. "figures."

"ugh, boooring." moka leaned back in her chair.

they both waved off the topic like it was a failed drama plot twist, swiftly moving on to minji's latest tragic news: taesan transferring to another school. minji whined about it for ten minutes straight while moka wordlessly devoured half her tray of food.

for a moment, you let yourself relax. laughing at their gossips, listening to minji's endless whining, watching moka inhale her meal like it was her last. everything felt normal.

then the bell rang, and just like that, it was back to reality.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

the days blurred into a familiar cycle: class, break time, dismissal, repeat. you sat through lectures, quietly counting the minutes until you could meet up with minji and moka.

and leehan still existed like some kind of background npc with an unskippable quest. he sat at the farthest corner of the room, never spoke to you, never looked at you, never acknowledged you unless absolutely necessary. his coldness was almost unreal at this point. good ol' days

it was still bothering you at first. the way he moved through the world like you were invisible. the way he nodded politely to everyone else but barely glanced in your direction.

then, you just stopped caring, like, for real this time.

you weren't enemies. you weren't friends. just civil. yet, you made little to no efforts to ask leehan what's wrong. maybe that was your mistake.

somewhere along the way, the irritation faded into indifference. the tension between you two solidified into an invisible wall neither of you had any intention of breaking.

this went on until the end of 12th grade.

to be continued ..

[hittmeandtellmeyouremine]

𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙬𝙤 | 𝙣𝙤, 𝙞'𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨

pairing: bsf!rafe cameron x bear!reader

summary: the "summer kickoff" at topper's doesn't really go as planned, not when you looked as good as you did and rafe had no intentions of sharing you.

warnings: swearing, drinking, and suggestive content.

word count: 2.8k words

song: forever ever - trippie redd

socials chapter one → chapter two → socials chapter two

©hittmeandtellmeyouremine | this is my only account across all social media platforms. please do not translate, copy, or repost any of my writing.

the drive to topper's felt longer than usual. it was filled with an unfamiliar silence and lingering glances that lasted a few seconds too long. not even the music playing was helping. you had to roll your window down, feeling the tension start to suffocate you slowly but surely.

when you finally got there, rafe lead you through the crowded house, his right hand on the small of your back. his height made it pretty easy for him to spot his friends, guiding you over to the guys.

"there goes the dynamic duo" topper cheers the moment his eyes land on you.

"hi top" you smiled, playfully rolling your eyes.

topper's eyes found their way to rafe's arm around your waist, smirking to himself. kelce's gaze, on the other hand, lingers on your cleavage for a moment too long for rafe's liking. when he finally looked up he was met with rafe's cold gaze.

"what's up" rafe mumbled, reaching around you to dap them up with his other hand.

"where's nora at?" topper asked you, glancing around to make sure he didn't miss her.

kelce snickered.

"she got caught up with things, she'll be back tomorrow though" you reassure.

rafe gave topper a look from behind you.

"let me get a few drinks in her first before you start interrogating her" rafe shot, grabbing your waist and pulling you away.

"go deal with your girl" topper waved off, obviously tipsy by this point.

"how many drinks do you think he's had?" you called to rafe as he walked you guys through the crowd.

"too many, that's for sure" he chuckled.

despite rafe's previous statement, you weren't much of a drinker. you would take sips of whatever he was drinking whenever you were together. occasionally, with the girls, you would actually have a drink but that was rare. why did you need your own drink when you had rafe?

he had pretty good taste too, always making it just the right way for you.

he took a few sips of his concoction before passing it off to you so you could take a sip. he watched for your reaction.

"good?"

you nodded.

"yeah? alright, baby" he nodded.

the house was buzzing with warm bodes and desperate energies. the music thumped through the walls, making the liquid in everyone's cups shift. red solo cups littered the house, even in the most peculiar places.

rafe was pressed against you the whole time, his arm wrapped around your waist. his hands felt cold against your warm skin. like fire and ice. his thumb kept slipping under your top, rubbing small, cooling circles directly onto your melting skin.

you were usually glued to rafe's side, it had basically become a second nature to the both of you. this time somehow felt different though. rafe never let you out of his sight, keeping a hand on you at all times. an unusually comforting feeling settled within you at this.

again, rafe never let you out of his sight. not unless he absolutely had to, which was right now.

you waited outside of the bathroom, leaning against the door while rafe was inside. you took a sip out of your, well, his cup and looked around.

there were plenty of familiar faces here, mostly people you knew through rafe. they all gave you polite smiles, but it was clear they only did so because of him. you stood within your little bubble, the few friends you had were all you needed. you were cool with sarah, john b, and that group but you weren't really apart of that group.

outer banks never really felt like yours, not until rafe. rafe walked around like he owned the outer banks because he basically did. no one ever really paid you much attention, unless rafe was there too. all of the guys were too scared to mumble a word to you, because of rafe. the girls were too jealous to entertain you, because of rafe.

it was like everyone had already been assigned their place, yours included. everyone knew you were off limits - everyone from the outer banks, at least.

"you waiting?"

you looked up and saw a tall, curly-headed guy approaching you. he had almond-shaped brown eyes that slightly hooded. curly pieces of the brunette's hair fell in his eyes a bit. a strong jawline and high cheekbones complimented his face nicely.

"oh, no i'm just waiting for my friend to come out" you shook your head.

he nodded and stood next to you, leaning against the wall. he was tall, like the same height as rafe. you could tell he worked out, he had that sleeper build thing that guys were always talking about needing. tattoos littered his light skin, you made out a snake on his wrist.

"you live here?" he asked, glancing over at you.

"mhm" you nodded. "i'm assuming you don't?"

"no, what gave me away?" he chuckled, making you do the same.

"this conversation, no one here really does this" you answered.

"yeah, i've noticed you guys are kind of stuck up here"

"hey!" you said.

"well, half of you guys and the exception of you" he corrected, giving you a smile.

"what are you doing here?"

"visiting a friend, i'm only here for a few days before i head back to new york" he told you.

"really? one of my best friends lives over there too, she's coming back tomorrow" you smiled.

"someone's excited, huh?" he teased, turning to face you now. "i'm cole"

"i'm-

"ready to go?" you heard from behind you, feeling rafe's arm wrap around your waist.

you didn't have to look at him to pick up on the tension that now surrounded you three. you hadn't even heard the bathroom door open to begin with but you didn't need to, rafe made his presence known.

"i'm rafe" rafe added, sticking his hand out to cole. cole gave him a polite, confused smile, shaking his hand.

"nice to meet you dude" he nodded. "i'm just visiting a friend"

"yeah, i can tell. everyone else from the island knows better" he said, chuckling as he said that last part. it wasn't just a chuckle though, it had an edge to it. it was as if it was a warning.

you flashed him an apologetic smile, knowing the mind games rafe was playing with him. rafe loved a good game of mental warfare, especially with another guy, especially when it came to you.

"thank you for keeping my girl company, cole" he said before guiding you away.

"what was that about?" you asked, looking back at him as he pulled you away.

"what do you mean, baby? 'was just being nice" he said, giving a smirk and kissing your cheek.

he didn't give you a chance to respond, leading you back over to the guys. they exchanged knowing looks, seeing the interaction go down from a distance. his distraction doesn't keep you from bringing up a question in your mind, one that you force yourself to ignore.

for the rest of night rafe made sure not to let you out of his sight. he had you perched on his lap while he sat on the couch. you watched topper and kelce wrestle, arguing over some stupid golf thing. rafe handed you his cup occasionally, letting you take a few sips out of it until you felt your skin feel warm for reasons other than rafe.

"come on baby, lets go dance" he said, tapping your thigh and getting up with you in his grasp.

"you don't like dancing" you pointed out.

"no, but you do and i dragged you here so i owe you a dance" he said, guiding you over to the crowd of people.

as rafe led you toward the makeshift dance floor, you felt the bass of the music vibrating through your chest. the crowd was shifting, bodies moving in sync with the rhythm, but you couldn't shake the feeling that rafe’s presence was the one thing that kept you grounded.

he was standing by the door now, still talking with his friend, but his gaze found you across the room. it wasn’t just a glance. his eyes lingered a little too long, and even in the dim light, you could feel the heat of his stare. the attraction was unmistakable. you shifted on your feet, trying to ignore the fluttering in your chest, but rafe seemed to notice instantly. he noticed because that was the same effect he had on you, it was his effect.

"watch where you're going baby" he muttered, his fingers digging into your hip in a way that wasn’t so subtle.

if he were anyone else, you would've noticed it. the way he pressed against you a bit harder, the way his grip on you tightened. he wasn't the best at hiding his emotions, especially not this one. he had fought for attention his whole life, he'd be damned if he started doing it with you too.

he didn’t say anything, but the slight tension in his posture, the way he positioned you—his hand resting possessively on your waist, fingers brushing against your side as you moved together—a silent claim.

you tried to focus on the music, but every time your eyes wandered, they found cole. he was still near the door, his conversation with his friend looking like it was coming to an end. his eyes flicked toward you for just a moment too long. it wasn’t obvious to anyone else, but it was to rafe.

"you good?" he asked, almost accusatory.

he spun you around when he got you where he wanted you, looking down at you with those blue eyes you adored. tonight they had a bit of a darker blue in them, his pupils slightly dilated. you assumed it was from the alcohol, yours probably looked the same.

"yeah, i'm fine" you muttered.

you felt something shift in the air. there's a brief, fleeting moment of silence between you two but nothing about it is really silent.

"yeah? so why does that pretty face of yours have a pout on it?" he asked, his hand closed around your cheeks while his thumb slide over your bottom lip.

the tone in his voice, there's something in his voice that makes your stomach flutter in a way you can’t explain. it’s not just concern; it’s possessiveness. he’s watching you like you're the only thing in the room, and that gaze is starting to burn through you

he catches himself, pausing in his action before retraction his hand.

"your lip gloss had smudged" he muttered.

"thanks" you said quietly.

you started to get bored of the party and he could tell. when you got tired of dancing, you situated yourself in his lap but boredom start to nibble away at your mind. your eyes kept wandering, unable to be focused on him with him behind you. you kept grabbing your phone, checking to see which of the girls had texted you.

when you weren't doing one of those two things, you were playing with the ring on his finger. it was a habit of yours, especially when you bored or anxious. rafe acted s your person fidget toy. he didn't mind, made him feel useful. you had a habit of doing that too.

"you ready to go?" he asked, tapping your thigh to grab your attention.

you nodded, looking back at him.

"alright pretty girl, lets get you home" he said. he stood up with you in his hold, telling the guys you two were heading out.

the drive home allowed you to sit in your thoughts, to really evaluate the night. rafe could feel it. he could feel your mind wandering, scoping out the feelings that bubbled beneath the surface.

it scared the shit out of him.

he kept glancing over at you, his gaze heavy and burning. you can feel it but you don't look over it. you can't give him that, not right now. not when you could feel a shift.

you didn't know why this was such a big deal. you kept trying to tell yourself it didn't matter. but deep down, you knew it did. you both knew that.

rafe wanted to stay the night at his house, mentioning something about him having somewhere to be tomorrow. you didn't mind.

he led you through the estate quietly, knowing everyone everyone in the house was asleep. his large hand engulfed you small one, keeping you close until you got into his bedroom and he closed the door behind you guys.

you exhaled softly, not realizing how you were previously holding your breathe. you released his hand, bending over to undo the straps of your wedges. he held your waist, keeping you steady as you did.

he couldn't help the way his eyes ran over you, fixating on your ass pressed back against him. his mind began to wander; imagining the position under different circumstances, wishing it was.

you stood back up, stepping out of the wedges and losing the few inches of height they gave you. he watched you shrink in height, smiling to himself a bit.

"better?" he asked.

"much" you nodded, a smile of relief on your lips.

you turned to face him, looking up at him. he licked his lips, eyes filled with something you couldn't quite place. his eye seem to flicker from your eyes to your lips. it was so fast you convinced yourself it was a figment of your imagination.

for a second, everything around you two seems to go still. it was like rafe was the only thing that mattered, just you and him. everything doesn't seem as confusing as it has been. it all feels quite the opposite actually.

you see him start to lean in.

you think you do, at least. but then he pulls away, letting go of you and moving around you to go over to his dresser.

that fleeting moment you had fades away faster than it came.

bitterness starts to set in, replacing the warmth you previously felt. his presence suddenly felt sour, you didn't even care that he was changing in front of you. not when he had done what he just did, when you were so close.

but so close to what exactly?

you tried to swallow the frustration that was trying its best to claw its way up your throat. you tried to deny the fog that seemed to cloud your mind. you shouldn't be feeling like this, you couldn't be.

"okay, you can have whatever you want" he said, snapping you out of your thoughts.

"what?"

he paused, picking up on the coolness in your tone.

"my clothes. take whatever you want to change into" he clarified.

with that he disappeared into his bathroom and you heard him brushing his teeth.

you huffed, going into his drawer and picking out one of his shirts. you slipped it over your top, untying it underneath and pulling it off. you snatched a pair of his his pants too, slipping off your skirt and into his sweats that were a bit too big on you. your jewelry was next, slamming your gold cuff on the surface of his dresser a bit too hard.

"why are you wearing those?"

he was standing in the doorway of his bathroom, leaning against it. his eyes flickered over you. you looked at him with a confused expression.

"you said to take whatever i wanted"

"yeah, but you hate sleeping in pants" he pointed out.

again, rafe knew you. he knew that in order for you to sleep comfortably you had to sleep either in your panties or the shortest shorts. pants were a no go, unless you were sick or it was really cold out. it was neither, so his question stood.

you shrugged.

"you're gonna be hot" he added.

you ignored his words, taking out your hair. he took the hint and got into his bed. the mattress creaked just slightly under his weight. his eyes never left you, even as you deliberately ignored him. he watched you go into his bathroom, your turn to brush you teeth.

you reemerged a few minutes later, getting into the bed beside him.

"you mad at me?" he asked you.

rafe was never really one to sugar coating anything.

you shook your head.

"you sure?" he tried again.

you nodded.

"come here" he said, opening his arms.

you took the invitation, nuzzling your head against his chest and letting him wrap his arms around you. he let his chin rest on the top of your head, hands finding their way under your shirt to rub small circles onto your skin.

you felt yourself melt into his touch, forgetting about the feelings that had been suffocating you and souring your brain. he shut the lights off and you drifted off into sleep soon after.

in the middle of the night you stirred, waking him up. through his half asleep state he felt you kick off the sweatpants, too hot to sleep.

just like he knew you would.

-

a/n: the chapter's song is definitely what rafe played on the way to the party. try to guess who i based cole on!

socials chapter one → chapter two → socials chapter two

series masterlist

tag list: @princesspeaxhh , @alphabetically-deranged , @malibuhearts ,

either comment or send me an ask to be added to the tag list! must interact to stay tagged.

[bbina]

“can someone please answer me on where we are actually going? cause why are we at the train station” you whined as you walk behind sungchan and eunseok who was busy typing on their phones

“it’s a secret” sungchan hums, turning around to give you a cheeky smile making you roll your eyes.

this has been the nth time throughout the bus ride to the train station that they’ve been acting secretive. what were the two idiotic twin towers hiding from you? why did they feel the need to keep the place you three were going as a secret?

before you can say anything, you see someone waving their hands like a madman by your peripheral vision. you turned your head to the side to see seunghan, sohee, anton and shotaro by a vending machine

“you guys!” you yelped, eyes wide as you run to anton who had his arms open. you instantly jump into his arms as you would usually do when you see him. anton stumbles a bit due to his clumsy nature but manages to keep you and himself stable

“what are you guys doing here?” you ask, letting go of anton before giving sohee, seunghan and shotaro a hug as well

eunseok and sungchan follow suit by dapping their friends. shotaro nudges eunseok as he secretly hands him your tickets.

“well we were heading out somewhere since shotaro hyung wanted to hang out..” seunghan trails off, eyeing shotaro to back him up. a little scared that he was saying too much

shotaro wraps his arm around your shoulders, “what about you, y/n? how are you feeling?”

giving him a small smile, you wave him off. “just peachy. i’m tired from rotting in bed all day and mopping around so i wanted to get some fresh air” you pause for a brief moment. “then all of a sudden these two behind me wanted to take me out somewhere and now we’re here” you throw your thumb back at eunseok and sungchan who was busy arguing about something. it was probably something idiotic that only the two of them could understand

shotaro laughs. “i know it’s been a rough week. use this time to unwind and relax.. right guys?” shotaro calls out to the rest of the guys who seem to be hiding something as well based from their weird reactions at the mention of you wanting to head out

before you can ask what was up, you were interrupted by the sound of the train announcement

“ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. this is an important announcement for passengers traveling to Ulsan. we are pleased to inform you that it is now time to board the train departing for ulsan from platform 904.

passengers holding tickets for this journey are kindly requested to proceed to platform 904 immediately and begin boarding. we kindly ask that you have your tickets ready for inspection as you board the train.

once again, this is the last boarding call for the train to Ulsan from platform 904. we wish all passengers a pleasant journey. thank you.”

sohee, seunghan and anton suddenly grab their bags off from the floor as they start to walk towards the platform the announcement has said

“oh! that’s our train. c’mon” shotaro links your elbows with his as he drags you away with the rest of the guys

“wait a minute! we haven’t gotten our tickets yet” you sputtered, attempting to tug your arm away from shotaro

eunseok and sungchan suddenly grab each of your shoulders as they wave what seems to be your train tickets in front of your face

”we’re heading there too dummy” eunseok pokes his tongue out

that’s when it starts clicking. why the two idiots were being secretive, how anton, seunghan, sohee had a weird reaction from listening to your chat with shotaro. turns out these fools were taking you to ulsan

but that could only mean one thing, right?

you don’t want to get your hopes up but a tiny part of you believes that you all were on your way to see wonbin (if he even is in ulsan..)

between the lines ★ ulsan

⤷ from what started as a simple arrangement to hide your feelings for a certain someone by getting into in a fake relationship soon turns into a tangled mess. in which some things are hard to tell when you can’t read between the lines

 ˗ˏˋ prev | next  ˎˊ˗

★ notes .ᐟ as my promise to that one anon who asked for a double update.. here's a cliffhanger! backstreet boys in ulsan?!

★ taglist .ᐟ @callanton @annswwa @renjuneoo @pinkraindropsfell @lecheugo @ilovejungwonandhaechan @ahnneyong @haechansbbg @snowyseungs @sseastar-main @odxrilove @leeknowarchives @onlywonb @wonychu @leehanascent @jaeyunsb @au-ghosttype @revehosh @keilovr @kyusqult @dreamyyyz @ether-yeol @yangasm @qwonbani @starwonb1n @ffixtionista @daegale @scrumptiousloser @seunghancore @marksluvs @wonbinfiles @ohmykwonsoonyoung @reenfluffmarshmallow @bunni @artstaeh @yizhoutv @sie17136 @koeuh @07yujin @poollabug @vernonburger @dutifullyannoyingfox @000rpheus @wccycc @sunus-sun @highhjime @chweverni @toosspicy @heartlvrrss @s9nwoo @yoursyuno @stanriize01 @rosesfortaro @lampcults @alwayswook

[mewhenimanangel]

moon river, miles morales x reader

pairing: earth 42!miles morales x spider!reader

synopsis: you went out to patrol the streets when you had a painful run-in with the prowler and kingpin.

wc: 2.7k

warnings!: swearing, violence, kissing suggestive themes, very light smut, fluff, angst, arguing, google translate spanish

nia’s ౨ৎ notes: lemme know if you wanna be on the taglist, next chapter made me cry

prev ♱, next ♱

you knocked on miles' door, his mom inviting you in. when she heard you were coming to hang out with miles she decided to make a nice dinner. "hola cariño" she said, bringing you in for a hug "hi mama rio!" you exclaimed returning the embrace.

rio really loved you - you were kind, smart, respectful, and more importantly you brought a sense of joy to miles' life that he hadn't had since his father's passing.

"miles, tu novia esta aqui!" she called out, moving to the side so you could come in. "oh ya voy, un segundo!" he called back out. he walked out of his room, face lighting up when he saw you "hola princesa" he kissed you.

he pulled out a chair at the dining table for you before rio came over with plates for the two of you. it was brown rice with curry chicken and some veggies on the side. you loved when rio cooked for you, it was banger after banger every time.

she was about to sit down with you guys when her phone rang. she answered it with a tired expression "yes, i'll be in soon, dame unos minutos" she sighed. "aye! lo siento cariño. i've gotta go the hospital just called me in." she frowned, gathering her things. "mami, just eat before you go." miles said. "it's okay honey i'll eat when i come back" and with that she made her leave.

he looked back at you with a frown on his face "i just feel so bad you know? ever since dad died she's just been taking up shift after shift. she keeps saying it's to take care of us and it makes me feel so guilty" he told you, solemn expression on his face. "miles, baby i'm sorry. but it's okay don't feel guilty, times are tough is all" you frowned holding his head to your chest. you stayed like that for a moment before you finished your food.

you were on the couch watching gossip girl, miles wrapped in your arm, body sprawled out over you. "you know i love you right baby" he said looking up at you, poking your lips. "yes baby you tell me everyday. i love you too" you smiled kissing him. "love your pretty lips and your cute smile" he whispered holding your hand.

just then a cough made you both dart your heads in the direction. it was his uncle aaron standing there with a teasing smirk on his face "whipped" he said making miles roll his eyes. "since when you such a big softie lil man" he chuckled. "yeah yeah what's up?" miles asked going to dap him up. "we gotta go" aaron answered. he furrowed his eyebrows "right now? you said we was off tonight" he said in a low voice. "sum'n came up sorry man" aaron said heading to the door. "y/n i could drop you home" he turned around to look at you.

you nod your head and miles rolled his eyes "miles it's okay. if you're busy i can go" you told him holding his hand. "m'sorry mi amor" he said rubbing your knuckles.

aaron drove you home before him and miles quickly drove off. you walked to your room not before saying hi to your mom and nas. "i'm sleepy so i'm just gonna go to bed early okay?" you told your mom. she nod her head and you eased your bedroom door shut.

you grabbed your spider suit from the box in your closet quickly getting dressed. you pulled the mask down and swung out of your window.

you did some patrolling for two hours listening to any police radio announcements. there was a guy who was attacking people on the bus so you knocked him out and took him to the police station. there was a man on the subway platform screaming at people and harassing women so you escorted him off.

the police radio signaled that there was a security breach at the city hall, so you quickly shot your webs, slinging past buildings as fast as you could.

when you got there there were two men running to a motorcycle to get away, not before you shot a web at said motorcycle and threw it out of their reach. "hey boys, whatcha doing with that briefcase there. i don't think that belongs to you" you teased walking over to them. "you dumb bitch, get out of here. you don't know what you're doing!" one of them shouted. "oh i think i do" you retorted throwing a web at the briefcase, slinging it over to the police. "thank you spider-girl!" they called out.

the other criminal pointed a gun at you and began firing. you shot a web at the building next to you and swung up out of the way. he kept firing at you following your every move until he finally landed a shot in your thigh. "fuck!" you screamed out, falling to the ground. he then quickly ran and grabbed the briefcase before they made a swift get away. an officer ran over to you "spider girl are you okay?!" he called out holding you up. "i-i'm fine" you said holding your thigh. your spider sense picked up on a figure watching from atop a building. prowler.

he watched the scene before making his exit, quickly running and jumping over the rooftops. you quickly and as quietly as you could, followed behind him leaving a good distance between you two. you stayed on a rooftop and watched as he met near an alleyway with the two guys who broke into city hall and kingpin.

kingpin was a billionaire and was obviously a bad guy, many different allegations and accusations coming out regarding him murdering people and being involved with multiple crimes. obviously though, he made himself look like a standup guy and always charmed his way out of any situation that was bad for his reputation. he was supposed to go to court a month ago but when the witness didn't show up it was called off. it was rumored that he either killed or had someone kill her off.

they talked for a bit before getting into a car and driving off. you debated a bit on whether or not to continue following them. on one hand, you had a bullet wound in your thigh but on the other hand, they were villains that you've been in pursuit of for a while now.

you ultimately decided on following behind the car on the rooftops. they drove into the parking garage of some random building where not much people were near. you quickly swung down and into an open window, using your spider senses to help you find them.

you heard kingpin's grainy voice coming from down a hallway and you followed it, staying hidden behind the wall. "good work getting these files boys." he spoke to the guys you'd just fought. "of course big man, now when are we getting our share" one of them said. kingpin just chuckled before grabbing a pistol and shooting them both dead.

"that damn bug almost ruined everything." he growled. "as always." you heard the prowler's distorted voice speak. "she won't be getting in our way anymore. prowler, you're in charge of keeping her out of the way. kill her if you have to" he spat, examining the files.

you eased over a little bit, trying to get a good look at what they were looking at. when you shifted your body over, the pain from your wound shot through your body like electricity making you let out a groan. both of their heads shot in your direction and you quickly turned down the hallway to make an exit. "you know what to do" you heard kingpin say.

soon enough you heard loud rapid footsteps heading in your direction. you picked up the pace and swung back through the window you came in from, shooting a web at the roof of a nearby building. you ran across it as fast as you could shooting another web, but before you could swing away the clawed glove grabbed you back and slammed you on the ground right on the thigh you were shot in.

you let out a yelp before shooting a web at his mask, quickly getting back on your feet. you opted for running away because you weren't really in any shape to fight back. he threw a punch at you knocking you off your balance. he noticed the blood that was soaking your suit and tightly squeezed around your bullet wound and pressed a thumb against it. you screamed out and groaned "fuck you!" shooting webs at his face with force making him trip back.

you quickly swung from building to building before lowering to the ground, turning the corner and running the opposite direction. you looked back to see he was still going the direction you led him and you sped up. you swung all the way to may's house, surely you weren't gonna go to the hospital like this and you definitely couldn't go home.

you pound on her door, tears streaming down your face. your leg was aching and with how long you've had your open wound you were sure it was only gonna get worse. she opened the door, pulling you into an embrace "what's going on honey?" she said looking at you.

"t-there was a security breach at city hall. a-and i got shot by one of the guys and kingpin was with the prowler and then he chased me and and-" you frantically explained. "alright keep your head straight kiddo. come on i've got some first aid" she said bringing you to her bathroom. you changed out of your suit, left in a tank top and shorts.

she got to work on your leg, wiping away all the blood pouring from it. she wrapped a cloth around your leg to stop the bleeding and began poking around to find any stray bullet fragments that was still in your leg. she cleaned with the wound like a professional and wrapped some gauze around it. "don't worry, it'll heal a bit faster than normal. thanks to your spider powers and all" she told you putting away the supplies.

"how'd you know how to do that" you asked coming off the counter struggling to stand on your legs. "sweetie i dealt with peter for years, i had to know how to do it" she chuckled.

"i'll clean up your suit but here take these it's chilly out" she handed you a pair of what she told you were peter's old sweatpants. "it's getting late, think you should start heading home" she said opening the door for you. "thank you so much may. have a good night" you still had your mask so you put it on and swung home.

you swung up to your window, tucking the mask in your pocket before entering. you gasped seeing someone lay in your bed "miles! you have to stop scaring me like that" you laughed. "hola princesa where you been?" he said getting up over to you, wrapping you into a hug. "and whose sweatpants are these? they mad big on you" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"o-oh i went on a walk, my mom was being annoying." you lied. "at night?" he asked worried expression on his face. "yeah yeah don't worry, i had my taser on me. and at least it's safer out now with spider girl" you said grabbing a water bottle. he stayed silent and looked at you, eyebrows slightly furrowed. "yeah guess you're right" he sighed dropping back down on the bed. when he looked away from you you quickly shoved the mask in the box stepping out of your sweatpants.

"what's that on your leg?" he asked pointing at the gauze. "i-i was trying to cut up some pineapple but the knife slipped out my hand and cut me real good."you replied coming up with a story last minute. you laid next to him in the bed, wrapping up under his arm. he looked at you with a sly smirk on his face "wanna come over tomorrow? mom's not gonna be home all night" he said kissing you. "what are you implying miles?" you giggled. "i think you know mama" he kissed you. "mhm" you said holding him tight.

♱

you knocked on miles' door the next day, him opening it and immediately latching his lips on yours. "hello to you too" you giggled. "missed you" he kissed your cheek, leading you to his room "you saw me last night" you dropped your bag. "too long" he sighed taking your lips on his again.

you wrapped your arms around his neck, his tongue entering your mouth. he moved down to kiss down your jaw to your neck, sucking and leaving a mark. he reached for the hem of your shirt, tugging it over your head.

he moved to his bed and pulled you in his lap, finding your lips again. you rummaged your hands through his braids and rocked your hips against his lap, smirking when you felt him harden underneath you. "are you sure you wanna do this?" he asked breaking away from the kiss. "yes" you breathed out

♱

you laid wrapped under his sheets head resting on his chest as he played with your hair, staring at you. "i love you so much hermosa" he smiled pressing a kiss to your forehead. "i love you too bonito" you smiled. “forever” he breathed out.

"i wanna take a shower" you told him, getting up from his sheets. "i'll join you" he smirked. he went in the bathroom to brush his teeth. "miles baby where's your towels at?" you called out to him. "the closet, tird shelf!" he called back, muffled by toothpaste.

you went over to grab one when something on the top shelf caught your eye, a silver claw poked out from underneath a piece of cloth. you weren't one to snoop but your spider senses were going crazy. you lifted it and your heart dropped, it was the same clawed glove that had thrown you on the ground and punched you yesterday - blood still staining it. your eyes stung with tears as you held it in your hand. the same boy who professed his love to you everyday, who wrapped up in your arms every night, the boy you just slept with was out killing people - you included.

"you can't find one?" his voice spoke up, coming back to the room. you turned around still holding the glove "miles. what is this?" you asked hoping it was a misunderstanding, maybe he was just a fan? "b-baby it's not what it looks like" he answered and you knew what that meant.

"miles, you're murdering people?! you work with fucking kingpin?!" you shouted. "y/n you don't understand, i have to do it! for my mom, for me, for you!" he retorted. "that doesn't fucking justify it miles, i never asked you to commit those crimes for me!" you yelled, tears streaming down your face.

"aye mami, don't cry, you're overreacting!" "overreacting?! miles you tried to fucking kill me yesterday" you growled throwing the glove at him. his eyebrows furrowed "what are you talking about?" he asked catching it. you looked around trying your best to blink back tears "miles, i am spider-girl. i'm the one you were throwing around yesterday. the one your fucking guys shot!" you screamed at him, pointing to the wound you’d lied about earlier.

his eyes almost popped out of their sockets. “no no no no, baby no. i’m so sorry. i didn’t know it was you” he walked up to you, holding your face. you looked at him, tears blurring your eyes “no miles no i-i have to go” you said grabbing your clothes and throwing them on. “princesa, wait! let’s just talk about this” he pleaded. you just ignored him and went out his window swinging your way home.

you opened your window, running to your bed flopping down to your pillow. you cried into it, thinking things over. it all made sense - the random leaving, the late arrivals, this is what “work” was.

taglist ʚɞ

@3zae-zae3 @itsberrydreemurstuff @alecmores @darksidescorner @spritecactus @gwennesy @randomhoex @fiannee

[myleelovesfood]

Date night❤️

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Pairing: Jey Uso x blk fem! Reader

Warnings: cussing/slight smut

Genre: PURE FLUFF!

Plot: when Jey comes home after winning his match you decided to take him out on a date tonight to celebrate.

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As you packed up the rest of Khy’mari’s things you began searching for your son’s tablet charger. “Khy! Where’s your charger bubba!?” You yelled from downstairs. “I have it!” He yelled back at you. “Okay don’t forget it either!” You say before going into your cabinet and grabbing him some snacks to sneak into his Uncle Jon and Aunt Trinitys house since his uncle Jon did NOT like them having treats saying that it was too “unhealthy” trinity wouldn’t listen anyway and she always found ways to sneak into snacks of her own with her kids, which Khy’mari was most excited to see. After you finished up packing his things you felt two large hands wrap around your waist. “Hey baby, what’s all this?” He says looking down at Khy’maris bags. “I set up a surprise date night but you’re so insanely nosey so it’s not a surprise anymore.” You said before turning around and kissing his lips. “Awww cmon babe you know I hate surprises.” He said when he pulled away from your lips. You grabbed your sneakers and the keys and called Khy’Mari downstairs so you could drive to his cousins house. “Khy! Come on son!” Jey yelled from down stairs as he saw khy’mari grab his dinosaur crocs along with his iPad and iPad charger and racing down the stairs. “Come on big boy let’s go.” You say as you grab his hand and walk to the car.

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The drive there was mostly slow R&B and the small game noises coming from Khy’maris iPad. As you pulled into Jon and Trinitys driveway you Jey and Khy’mari went up to the door. As you rung the door bell you could hear tank and Marley’s excited barks as Jon came up to the door to open it. “Heyyyyy!” He said excitedly as he opened the door further to let us in. I gave Jon a hug while Jey dapped him up. Trinity, Jaiden and Jayla all came from around the corner tackling us is hugs and kisses. After about 15 minutes you said our final goodbyes to Khy and everyone else. “Bye Khy Khy! Be good!” You yell as you shut the front door and head back to the house.

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You were in your closet picking out something to wear when you saw Jey come out of the bathroom with just a towel wrapped around his waist. “Are you trying make us late for dinner?” You said with a smirk on your face. “Shiiiit only if you trying to?” He said as he walked up and kissed you on the lips. You smirked back at him as you grabbed your own towel and headed for the shower aswell.

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The rest of the night went amazing you guys joked and ate you even went to the beach at night time and acted like you guys were just teens again, making messes in the sand splashing each other with water. Once you two got home you felt two large hands grab at your waist again and Jey carried you both to the bedroom laughing all the way there.

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Y/N L/N_WWE

liked by trinity_fatu, jonathanfatu, and 500,000 others

Y/N L/N_WWE: forever yours!💍

view all comments

trinity_fatu: WE ❤️ YALL!

jonathanfatu: he chose right!🫶🏾

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The end❤️

These pictures are not mine credits to the owners!

I do not consent to having my work published on any other platforms including this one‼️

[shadedlight]

@bluebluradventures

Send a 🎧 and I will put my music on shuffle, then write a starter based on a lyric from the first song that plays

Song: Pink Pony Club (...I can't beleive it landed on that one).

The interior walls were cracked, unkept from years of no use and covered in the dim amber light provided by a lamp stationed in the far right corner, adjacent from where Shadow stood, in front of an old victorian styled mirror, in the center.

A soft hum slipped past his lips as his red glowing eyes squinted, studying closely at the way the corset he wore fit his form. Red, speckled with black polka-dots while black lace started below the chest and down to his hips. Satin frills jutted out along the edges of the bust and lower rim of the outfit. And on both sides of his hips were two black bows and one dapped in the center below the breast. It was cute, and matched the fishnets he adorned along his thighs and legs, and the platform shoes with their high heels and silvers chains dangling on the sides. These shoes corvered in lace as well.

He'd shift his body left and right, then attempted to strut toward the mirror with a subtle sway of his hips.

Hm, not quite. His posture's a little stiff. He needed to be more smooth, like Rouge.

He'll just have to work on it.

He was silently grateful no one was here to witness something so... embarrassing. Humiliating.

Nor did they know he had stolen these from Rouge's apartment.

But seriously, the ultimate lifeform, dressed like this? Absurd!

Dressed head-to-toe like a little playboy girl with a punk rock or goth edge to them? Completely ridiculous!

No one needed to know he secretly came to this abondoned shack in the woods of Green Hill to test alot of these outfits out on himself. No one!

He spun around on his heels, striking a swift pose as his foot hit the floor, while he pushed out his rump. He lowered both hands to his knees as he stood there in quite the suggestive pose. His tail wagging behind him as he observed how he looked.

He wasn't a sexual person-- or he'd like to think he wasn't, but... the way Rouge carried herself. He found it inspiring. He wanted to be kinda cool like that in some ways, but wasn't really sure how to go about it. Thus was why he was here, donning her stolen attire.

There was another quiet sound as he pondered to himself. Would Maria find this interesting?

He imagined her putting eyeshadow on his eyes while Rouge painted his nails and they all chatted about the boy--

"Why am I thinking that?" he growled softly before sighing to himself.

This was stupid. So utterly and brazenly stupid.

Having grown aggravated with himself for the upteenth time, the black hedgehog sighed, standing straight, and not fully registering the possibility of someone watching him within the moment.

[goldenpinof]

im joining the DD defense squad - I thought the content was GOOD.

SSAYWD is exactly the sort of content you’d expect from Dan. His whole career he’s been very clear that he overthinks trends because of the creative part of his brain doesn’t allow him to feel like “trend” content is good enough. But marketing it under “some shit a YouTuber would do” is perfect, making a balance between what he wants, what the audience wants, and what the algorithm wants.

And how can you deny the iconic content we got? DAP tell the truth, VPMO, the episode with his grandma, the episode with Dodie.

It was Dan trying to balance this creative outlet he loves with the chaotic cynicism that exists in his brain. Furthermore, it was him proving he could make that content on YouTube platform without needing YOUTUBE ™ with how they wronged him.

I will defend DD foreverrrrr!!

i'd love to see behind the scenes of dd. in a liveshow format, maybe. and also, i'd love to see what Dan thinks about it now in retrospect. after seeing how it performed (questionably) and what could be done better, what could be less rushed, how the delay of the last episode affected the whole thing and Dan himself. ooof, to be a fly on the wall :(

[catastrophic-crisis]

Thanks for coming to the yapday party! Here's your bag of party favors - a selection of games that cameoed that you can play, now, for free! Huh, it's kind of biased towards horror...

We stopped right towards the end of January of this year, so perhaps we'll have to return sometime to the archive to finish what we started.

Somnium (digital 3D platformer) / PHOTOGEIST ALBUMS: Case 1 (camera-based creature collector RPG)

If On a Winter's Night, Four Travelers (narrative-driven point & click) / You Will (Not) Remain (narrative horror point & click)

No Sidewalks in the Mushroom Kingdom (an out-of-bounds walking simulator wandering Moonview Highway from Mario Kart) / Momotype (horror visual novel with a tamagotchi-like creature)

How Fish is Made (narrative horror) / Unsorted Horror (rusted and mechanical horror collection from the developer of Buckshot Roulette)

Seamongrel (aquarium date night gone wrong horror RPG) / Our Lady of the Drowned Lake, Zero Reporter (fishing horror which is being expanded into a more 3D full release)

Kowloon's Curse: Lost Report (turn-based dungeon crawler RPG) / Dap: Prologue (horror-action-adventure with light puzzles and creatures that go "Dap dap.")

Castin' for Cocoa (fish for the ingredients of a hot cup of cocoa) / irori (a cozy prototype meat skewer grillin' game)

If you'd like more, we've got-

Wretched Depths (the other low(-ish) poly horror fishing game) / Wuhu Island Explorer (the island of Wii Sports Resort, now rendered walkable (and swimable!)

[cleanwaterchronicles]

Lake Erie phosphorus reduction

Protecting and preserving the state’s water quality continues to be a top priority for both the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the administration of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist.One focal point of this mission is the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB), where sometimes-harmful algal blooms have affected aquatic life and drinking water in recent years. Factors contributing to algal blooms include nutrient-rich water from wastewater treatment plants and farm fields.While reductions of phosphorus at four of the key wastewater facilities in Michigan’s portion of the WLEB helped Michigan hit its 20% phosphorus loading reduction goal by 2020, they won’t be sufficient to achieve the 40% reduction target Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario agreed to reach by 2025 under the 2015 Western Basin of Lake Erie Collaborative Agreement.Moving forward, it will require new approaches to realize progress from agricultural contributions. MDARD is laser-focused on accelerating conservation in the right places across the WLEB watershed with programs and projects defining success through realistic and achievable water quality outcomes to restore the health of the Lake Erie ecosystem.While significant progress has been made with point sources (pollution from a single identifiable source or area), it’s time to put our foot on the gas pedal with agricultural nonpoint sources (pollution from many sources at once).In support of the governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes a total $15 million investment to support soil health, climatesmart agriculture practices, and regenerative agriculture. These priority areas aren’t solely about building stronger agricultural systems and resilient rural economies; they also place a specific focus on improved environmental outcomes.These investments in soil health to improve water quality are a notable shift in MDARD’s efforts to tackle nutrient losses. Managing agricultural systems to improve waterholding capacity and rainfall infiltration, while enhancing biological cycling to reduce the need for fertilizer inputs, is a paradigm shift in nutrient management for MDARD. Regenerative agriculture principles have been shown to not only reduce nutrient losses but mitigate the impacts of extreme weather – all while prioritizing the agricultural diversity that powers our rural communities.To better prioritize conservation practice implementation and quantify results, the Domestic Action Plan (DAP) Team, composed of staff from MDARD and the Michigan DNR and EGLE, is working with MSU to enhance the Great Lakes Watershed Management System to annually quantify phosphorus load reductions from conservation practice implementation relative to the 40% reduction goal. This public-facing online platform will include a dashboard that tracks water quality outcomes associated with social and ecological metrics, providing greater accountability for program implementation in Michigan’s portion of the WLEB.MDARD is dedicated to achieving demonstrable water quality improvements in Lake Erie. The state’s investments in soil health and regenerative agriculture principles hold the promise to not only improve water quality but enhance the climate resiliency of our agriculture systems, while placing value on how and where our food is grown.These new budget investments by Gov. Whitmer position Michigan to achieve long-term, tangible outcomes that take us beyond water quality.Take a deeper diveLearn more about phosphorus reduction efforts in Michigan’s portion of the Lake Erie watershed at Michigan.gov/LakeErieDAP.

[fayelero]

⌗ instructions for use for the vinyl turntable !

⋆˚࿔ how to take care of your turntable ?

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||| 0:10

⤷ hate is blocked !

⤷ I’ll sometimes make heavy subjects on my fics. I’ll always warn you at the beginning of the fic. if you don’t feel it : scroll, do not make any issues.

⤷ do not copy my work on any other social media platform !!

⋆˙⟡

⋆˚࿔ request guide

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||| 0:10

⤷ be specific with your request, do not just ask for the character. give some context.

⤷ I put a limit on 6 characters for headcanons or drabbles, and 4 for scenarios.

⋆˙⟡

⋆˚࿔ what kind of vinyl don’t fit in the turntable ?

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||| 0:10

⤷ no porn, if im writing smut, there’s plot !

⤷ incest, abuse, r[a]pe, or age dap for [n]sfw/smut.

⤷ male!reader

⤷ omegaverse, furry, bestiality, or creature eg.

⤷ slut/housewife reader

⤷ degradations (hurt/insults) in smut.

⤷ chubby!

⤷ people’s oc

⤷ scat play, piss play or any kind of unsanitary bodily fluids

⤷ period sex, pedophilia, rape, anything involving weapons.

⤷ necrophilia

⤷ ! hate smut depends on the plot and the characters !

⤷ ! daddy kinks depends on the plot !

⤷ yandere!

⋆˙⟡

⋆˚࿔ what kind of vinyl do fit in the turntable ?

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||| 0:10

⤷ bully!

⤷ drugs/smoking

⤷ stalking

⤷ violence (not in smut)

⤷ fluff, angst, smau, smut

⤷ headcanons, drabbles, fics, mini series, smau series

[expertmarket]

India Fertilizer Market Size, Share, Demand & Industry Outlook 2034

According to a new report by Expert Market Research, the India fertilizer market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.30% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a projected value of USD 14.9 billion by 2034. The market is witnessing steady growth due to rising food demand, expanding agricultural activities, and evolving farming practices. From urea and DAP to bio-fertilizers and micronutrients, the sector is being shaped by government policies, climate change, and innovations in soil health management.

Rising Food Demand and Agricultural Expansion

With India’s population projected to reach nearly 1.5 billion by 2034, the pressure on the agriculture sector to meet food demand is intensifying. Farmers are increasingly using chemical and organic fertilizers to enhance crop yields, especially for high-demand crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and pulses. Fertilizers play a key role in replenishing soil nutrients and improving productivity per hectare, which is crucial in a country where arable land per capita is shrinking.

Government Support and Subsidy Programs

India has one of the largest fertilizer subsidy programs in the world. The government's initiatives under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme and targeted subsidies on urea and complex fertilizers continue to drive accessibility for small and marginal farmers. Schemes like the Soil Health Card and PM-KISAN are also encouraging better nutrient management practices and higher fertilizer usage efficiency.

Demand for Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potash (NPK)

Among the major nutrients, nitrogenous fertilizers such as urea dominate consumption due to their quick effectiveness and lower cost. However, balanced nutrient application using phosphatic (like DAP) and potassic fertilizers is gaining attention to prevent soil degradation. The NPK ratio imbalance in Indian agriculture is being addressed through awareness campaigns and policy revisions.

Growth in Organic and Bio-Fertilizers

The shift toward sustainable agriculture is boosting demand for bio-fertilizers and organic nutrient sources. States like Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are actively promoting organic farming practices, with a focus on reducing chemical input dependency. Government-certified organic fertilizers, seaweed extracts, and microbial bio-stimulants are entering the mainstream as farmers look for eco-friendly alternatives that improve soil structure and fertility.

Click here to access your free sample report and detailed Table of Contents.

E-commerce and Agri-tech Driving Distribution

Digital platforms and agri-tech startups are transforming fertilizer distribution in rural India. Online fertilizer sales, real-time price visibility, doorstep delivery, and mobile-based advisory services are improving access, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions. Companies like DeHaat, AgroStar, and BigHaat are facilitating efficient supply chain linkages between manufacturers and farmers.

Regional Insights

Northern India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh): High fertilizer usage due to intensive cropping cycles and wheat-rice rotation systems.

Southern India (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka): Diversified crop demand is fueling both chemical and organic fertilizer consumption.

Eastern India (West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar): Rising use of complex and micronutrient fertilizers as farm mechanization improves.

Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat): Strong adoption of drip irrigation and fertigation is supporting the growth of water-soluble fertilizers.

Key Players in the India Fertilizer Market

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO)

National Fertilizers Limited (NFL)

Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. (RCF)

Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. (GSFC)

Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd.

Coromandel International Ltd.

Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd.

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd.

These players are investing in capacity expansion, eco-friendly formulations, and integrated distribution networks to meet future demand.

India’s fertilizer market is poised for sustained growth through 2034, supported by rising food demand, evolving farming practices, and proactive government involvement. The shift toward balanced nutrient use, digital agri-distribution, and sustainable inputs like bio-fertilizers will shape the next chapter in India's agricultural transformation.

Media Contact:

Company Name: Claight Corporation Email: sales@expertmarketresearch.com Toll Free Number: +1-415-325-5166 | +44-702-402-5790 Address: 30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801, USA Website: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com

[thefoxdenrp]

Lux kept twisting his face in his hands, a wave of nausea churning in his stomach. "I feel sick to the stomach. I loathe myself right now. Why did I do that?" It wasn't just a mental torment; his body echoed his disgust. His skin felt clammy, his head throbbed, and the knot in his stomach tightened with each agonizing replay of his actions. He needed to talk, to confess, and Meri was the person he trusted the most to bear witness to his shame.

He recounted the story, the words tripping over themselves in his haste to get it all out. Two weeks ago, he had bought a video game he knew he shouldn't have. He'd been so adamant, so righteous in his stance. He'd sworn to himself, and even voiced it to others, that he wouldn't support the creator of the game, a person known for deeply problematic views.

"They hadn't done anything directly harmful with their wealth before. But… but couple days it came out that they're funding anti-magic groups. The ones that are stirring up hate and fear-mongering about witches and wizards, trying to limit their actions and put them under surveillance." His voice cracked, the guilt a tangible weight in the air.

As an idol, his image was everything. His actions, conscious or unconscious, reflected not only on himself but on his entire group. By financially supporting this game developer, he had inadvertently contributed to a cause that threatened the very people he claimed to support.

"I've done so many stupid things before, Meri", he continued, the litany of his prior misdeeds spilling out. "Like that time at the buffet, throwing away the dry, but otherwise perfectly good pizza slice because a fresh pizza came out. Or pranks that went way too far and actually hurt someone's feelings. Roasting someone until they felt humiliated, realizing too late it wasn't fun anymore. The times I've gotten drunk before dance rehearsals and messed up the whole choreography for everyone. And sleeping in, being late to the music video shoot, thinking it wouldn't matter, and then it did, it really did."

His voice was thick with self-condemnation. "I never mean for any of it to happen. I want people to feel respected, safe, happy. That's all I want. And then I do something like this." He gestured wildly, his frustration palpable. "I feel such deep remorse, I drown in self-pity afterward. Luciano always says I wouldn't have to feel this way if I just didn't do these things in the first place." He sighed, the air leaving his lungs in a whoosh of despair. "It sounds harsh, but he's right. And yet, after a pause, I do something inadvisable again."

He finally met Meri's gaze, his eyes pleading for understanding, for forgiveness, even though he knew he didn't deserve it. "I don't understand why do I keep making these terrible choices? Please, please, please, don't hate me."

He knew, deep down, that there was no easy answer, no magical solution that could erase his mistake. The weight of his actions pressed down on him, a suffocating cloak of regret. He had to find a way to atone, to use his platform to speak out against the hate being fostered, and to ensure that he never again allowed his own impulses to contribute to such a harmful cause. But for now, all he could feel was the crushing weight of his own self-loathing.

Seeing how distressed Lux worried Meri greatly. It made her heart ache to see her friend in this state. She got him some tea to help calm him and also brought out a cold wash clothe. She gently pressed it to the back of his neck. This helped her during her pregnancy when she was feeling dizzy or very nauseas.

She listened to everything he had to say, knowing that he needed to get this off his chest and to not interrupt him. When he was done, she cradled his face with one hand and carefully dapped the wash clothe to his cheeks and forehead. "My poor, sweet Lux."

Meri set the wash clothe off to the side. "First, I could never hate you. You have been a dear friend all these years and have helped me through so many of my own issues. Second, I do agree with Luciano a little, but hear me out. I just think that you need to start really thinking and reflecting first before you make these decisions. Sometimes impulsive moments happen, but some of these examples you listed did sound like ones you could have avoided." She didn't want to add to his self loathing but she needed to be realistic as well. If Lux wanted to change, he needed to put the work in to do so.

"As for why you make these decisions, no one can really answer that but you. If you can't figure it out on your own, maybe some therapy might help. Only if you wish to go that route." Meri hugged him and rubbed his back in a soothing motion. "I do have an idea for how you can help balance your latest blunder out." She pulled back to look him in the face again. "Do a big donation to a pro magic organization. Or! If we want to do something more public, we can do a charity fundraiser. It could be something as fun as a livestream. You and the guys could have fun on stream, figuring out some activities to do or game. Any money donated goes straight to the organization."

Meri took his hands and squeezed them. "And in the future, if you need help in stopping yourself from making a bad decision, you have my number. Call me and I will help talk you back to the bright side."