#ever since i was a little boy i knew i should probably be whipped

[hopelessdelusional]

imagine iida x reader (crushing stage) where someone makes the reader laugh so hard they snort and tenya doesn’t say anything but it’s like the cutest thing in the world to him

love love love love love love love love love love love love love lo-

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‧₊˚♡pairing: Iida Tenya x gn! reader

‧₊˚♡tags: just so much fluff yall tenya is so cutie but unfortunately no beta i probably need someone to look over my work before i post oh well :D

‧₊˚♡a/n: i got a little carried away oopsies, but also i wanted iida to say smth abt it bc i am a tenya blabbermouth BELIEVER ✊

‧₊˚♡masterlist

inbox is open! hit me up with ur ideas ;)

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It was a beautiful day out at UA.

Class 1A had all gathered outside for a mass picnic, teenagers buzzing with excitement with how much food and deserts were being passed around the outdoor area. They had been planning this picnic for some time now, and after three occasions causing them to cancel, they could finally have their day in the sun.

The weather was just warm enough to sit and sunbathe in for hours without getting uncomfortable as there was a slight breeze constantly blowing through to keep things cool. The skies were a gorgeous blue, littered with big white fluffy clouds and birds flying overhead. There were various flowers blooming all around the class, along with different shades of greens. It was truly a sight to take in, but Tenya couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of you.

Ever since he had met you, Tenya truly felt as if you were a one in a million. Everything about you was so enticing to the teen, making him feel things that he had never felt before. To Tenya, this feeling was more than a mere crush, but pure admiration. He loves how motivated and strong you are, how effortlessly beautiful you can be. You were incredibly smart and seemed to always have a solution to any problem thrown your way. You were kind, but had boundaries that everyone knew not to cross. The way you talked always captivated him, and your laugh? Iida Tenya was completely and utterly whipped, and he had no idea what to do about it.

It had gotten to the point where it was so painfully obvious that the whole class wanted to see him confess to you, but Tenya didn’t want to trouble you with his feelings. The logical side of him said that you didn’t like him romantically, and even if you did you needed to focus fully on your future. Tenya refused to cause you turmoil, and as long as he was able to watch you succeed in life he was happy.

Except on days like these.

When Tenya saw you, out of the corner of his eyes, glowing in the sunlight. You looked like you just ascended down from the heavens, blessing all who are around you with your presence. The way your hair framed your face, and your eyes glimmered making him want to look into them every second of the day. Kaminari started saying nonsense that Tenya didn’t even try to understand, but he watched you light up at his words giggling and continuing the string of nonsense. Somehow, he felt an overwhelming urge to learn about whatever niche pop culture reference the two of you were talking about just so he could make you smile like that, with a big carefree grin.

“You should go over to them,” Ochako’s voice whispered in the boy’s ear. He tore his focus away from you to his friend, who was smiling with a knowing look on her face. The two of them were collecting drinks and ice to put them into coolers, a task that Tenya thought was going to distract him but of course your aura was too strong of a distraction for him.

Stubbornly, he pushed his glasses up on his nose and looked down at the drinks shaking his head. “That would be rude of me to interrupt their conversation.”

Tenya didn’t even have to look up to see Ocakos pout, as he heard her audible “hmph” she says when she becomes frustrated.

“You wouldn’t be interrupting! They would be thrilled to hang out with you, like they always are.” Though the brunette continued to do her job, he felt her brown eyes glare into his face as if she had a mind controlling quirk. Tenya just sighed, wishing what his friend said was true. You always looked so much more happier with people other than him. As much as he loves to see you shine, he wishes he could be the one to make you like that.

Soon the two teens were done with the coolers and began to bring them over. The rest of the class noticed and started to cheer for the cool refreshments, many people calling out their names. Tenya and Ochako put the drinks down next to the tables full of food and suddenly the class lined up and filled their plates with food.

Soon enough everyone found their areas to settle in, and Tenya ever so stubborn, refused to make a plate until everyone was finished. He wanted to make sure everyone was satisfied with the system set up along with watching people (mainly the boys) to make sure they don’t take strenuous amounts of food.

“You didn’t have to do all of that you know,” a voice said causing Tenya to rip his attention away from Sero and Kaminari’s giggling. You were standing close to him, a plate in hand and ready to sit down and join the rest of the group. Tenya scanned your face, as you had your eyebrows raised and your hand on your hip.

Trying not to become flustered at such a quick interaction, Tenya crossed his arms.

“You’re absolutely right i don’t have to do this, but I want to.” He said as he looked back at the area now full of teens sitting on picnic blankets. Your laughter echoed, then your warm hand was placed on his shoulder making his heart flutter.

“Come on, let’s get a plate.”

As if he was put under a spell, Tenya followed behind you and complied to your request. You made small talk about the food, making jokes which he appreciated greatly. He always seemed to lose his ability to talk when around you. Eventually he found his words again and began to create a comfortable conversation with you. However, the moment ended soon and when you reached the end of the line of food Tenya found himself deflate knowing the two of you would separate soon.

That was until you spun around on your heels with a big grin on your face.

“Come sit with me.”

Tenya, caught off guard, felt his face warm up as he sputtered out a response. “Yes-yes of course!”

Somehow your grin widened and you grabbed his free hand dragging him over to an open spot on the picnic blanket. Immediately the two of you were welcomed to the area, but Tenya still felt frazzled by your recent actions. However he settled down quickly with your newfound closeness, always feeling a sort of peace around you. His shoulders and neck automatically relaxed and he’s even gotten comments about how “laid back” he seems to be whenever you’re next to him. Tenya was able to sit and not over analyze or worry as much when he was around you, and for that he is forever grateful. Especially on days like these.

The blue haired boy found himself chuckling along with his classmates and eating without concern, feeling like a true teenager. He liked to peer at you as well, especially with how close the two of you were sitting. There were times he caught you smiling at him, and instead of feeling embarrassed you just kept on looking at him with a gentle look in your eyes. Tenya on the other hand would immediately react, and never quite knew what to do with himself.

It wasn’t until everyone was finished and laid out on the ground that there was a sense of peace over the group of teens. Tenya was listening to Ochako tell a childhood story when he heard a squeal coming from his left.

Now alerted, Tenya whipped his head over and to his surprise he saw you, Kaminari, Sero, and Mina all looking at your phone. He watched as each one of the group started to break away to laugh and make unusual sounds and faces. Then, his eyes shifted to you (always shifting to you) and he watched as your head was thrown back due to laughter.

The sun was setting, the soft glow of sunshine lit your face perfectly. You’re eyes were more alive, and your skin seemed to shine. He watched as you let out an uncontrollable laugh, and when you put your head back you snorted.

Almost immediately, Tenya pipped up as he saw you throw your hand to your face in surprise as your friends laughed even harder at your accidental snort. But Tenya just watched, face as red as a tomato as he realized that everything you did was going to make him feel like his heart was going to beat out of his chest.

“Oh my god!” You coughed out, eyes watery and cheeks red from laughing so hard. To his surprise, you faced Tenya with wide eyes.

“I’m so sorry you had to see that,” you were still giggling but he could tell there was a shade of embarrassment on your face. He felt confused as to why you turned to him specifically and apologized for such an adorable laugh you let out. He loved watching you laugh, anything that made you happy made him happy.

“Why? It was cute.”

Suddenly it was Tenya’s turn to be embarrassed, because he didn’t even realize he said that out loud until he watched your face blossom into a deeper blush. As soon as Tenya started to sputter out apologies you just smiled, watching the boy furiously try to cover up the compliment he blurted out.

“You think I’m cute?” As soon as you said that he paused, and everyone around watched in silence because surely Tenya was going to start steaming with how red his face was.

Instead, you just laughed at the embarrassed boy, and he was able to get lost in your beauty once again. Maybe one day he’ll be the reason you laugh so hard you snort, and maybe he’ll get to kiss your cute lips. But for now, he’ll just watch your beautiful laughter unfold underneath the sunlight.

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hi loves!! sorry bout the procrastination i am working on my inbox shit and my own ideas-especially for other fandoms hehe

[https-immotmari]

❝ Crush na crush na crush kita! ❞ ─── pjsk boys!

WRITER'S START IN BEING DELULU!

Just from the title, y'all should have a thought of where I come from lmao ＜（＾－＾）＞! Anyways, third request came in and I hope you don't mind the reader's gender being neutral, thank you!~

fandom! .project sekai character(s) used! .akito shinonome, toya aoyagi, tsukasa tenma and rui kamishiro gender of reader! .gn!reader however, implied fem!reader implied in toya's and tsukasa's sections head start! .reader, in both akito's and toya's, is a senior, reader in toya's section is tsukasa's older (by one minute) twin sibling, light angst in toya's section, rui's reader is a foregnier and doesn't understand nor speak japanese very well however, they can understand english

. . .akito shinonome!

❝ Di mo ba nadarama? (Don't you feel?) ❞

what in the H E double hockey sticks is he feeling?!

he doesn't know why his heart goes crazy just the mere sight of you he doesn't know why he suddenly stutters his words when talking to you, he just doesn't understand why his mind wants to see you every day.

well, to everyone, it's no surprised you've captured the hearts of majority of the student population in kamiyama high. you're literally the IT girl/boy/person of kamiyama and you aren't even aware of it.

you're even a great senior! he met you through toya, who was trying to find tsukasa since he wanted to confirm something and they found him talking to you, and he was instantly whipped! though, he denies it.

toya lightly teases him that he acts like a mess when you're around him and akito just barks back with lies, just to save his pride.

"I'm telling the truth, toya. I don't act weird whenever (last name)-san is around." akito denied his best friend's, toya, accusation. him? having a crush on the school's heartthrob? that's stupid. he would never-

"excuse me?" akito suddenly froze on the spot as toya twirled his head only to see you carrying a bunch of test papers. "oh? toya? and uhm.." you squinted your eyes, trying to recall the name of the frozen ginger beside toya, "oh right! akito, right? you're ena's cute little brother, hm?" you tilt your head forward a bit, smiling in his way.

in the end, toya had the last laugh as he watches his best friend being completely different around their senior, "I told you so." as akito clutches his chest, where his heart is at.

just innocently dropping hints to toya that he 'needs' help with a difficult math problem, that's probably a year above them level, and that he needs a reliable and amazing senior to help him.

he ends up having tsukasa and sometimes rui, it's rare having you to 'help' him since you're quite busy as well.

but, that doesn't stop him! he often has toya delivers his little gifts, after a long time convincing toya that it was his older sister's, ena, request to deliver 'her' gifts, to your desk when you're not around, some students may have thought that toya has a crush on you.

his little gifts consist of key chains of (favorite things), sometimes flowers and pins with your favorite series/anime/manga/etc.

how he knew this? he actually got information from one of ena's conversation with you and your post from your social medias, in which he secretly hearts everything on an alternative account.

he turns into a lovesick puppy the moment you walk in, if he were a puppy, his tail would be going crazy all the while his face would be a hot mess.

during the sport event, you were one of the mc's and it made akito's motivation in winning increased TO THE MAX!

he was running faster than ever, even ena was suprised to see her little brother like that, poor tsukasa who was on his back, tsukasa was holding onto akito's shoulders for dear life.

"shinonome-san is running as fast as ever! it seems like he's eager to win, don'tcha think, partner?" the other mc look at you, waiting for your commentary.

you chuckled, smiling as you watch the intense match between your juniors, mizuki and akito. "I couldn't agree more, partner! even poor tenma-san is holding on for dear life~" both you and your partner snickered.

after he won that match, he was congratulated by you over the mic and no one can image the furious blush appearing on his cheeks, like, YOU, out of all people, were to congratulate him first before toya can?????

he was on cloud nine that even toya had a difficult time in getting him back to his senses till they were in their band practice, an hand to shake him back to life.

he denies this for a long time but, on valentine's day, instead of the classic chocolates and flower, he actually got you special and that he's proud of but, never admit it was him.

he got the valentine's day special chocolate pancake with (favorite fruit) on the side from the place where he usually buys his pancakes, he bought it using his hard-earned money. he also made oragami flowers, bouquet of flowers actually, the flowers being all of your favorite kinds. he actually spent a lot of time and dedication on the oragami flowers and learned them from a lot of youtube videos.

of course, he remained anonymously.

out all the gifts you've received that day, his gift stand out the most due to his effort in making it perfect. you gushed about it to your friends and one of them was ena. she had a gut feeling that it was her little brother, akito, but never got confirmation.

he doesn't know why his heart goes crazy just the mere sight of you, he doesn't know why he suddenly stutters his words when talking to you, he just doesn't understand why his mind wants to see you everyday. Don't you feel it?

. . .toya aoyagi!

❝ Crush mo rin kaya ako? (Do you have a crush on me too?) ❞

you're actually tsukasa's older, by one-minute, twin sibling so, he's known you very well.

though, he wasn't able to have a lot of conversation with you back then since you were more focused on your youngest sibling's, saki, health and was always in the hospital, in which he couldn't go, fearing that it upset his father.

despite not often having to chat with you, toya can see you as the loving and caring older tenma sibling, within the three tenma siblings, you're the matured and calm one, one of the reasons why toya and you got along pretty well.

him crushing on you came when you caught him tearing up a bit after an argument he had with his father, he was a little kid at the time, and instead of degrading him for crying, you sat beside him and comforted him, whispering nothing but sweet things to him as he cried in your shoulder. you comforted him like how you comforted tsukasa whenever he has his episode due to him thinking he wasn't a great enough brother for saki.

after comforting him, you gave him a small smile and encouraged him to go after what he loves the most, and at that moment, the thing, or person, he loves the most at the moment, till now, is you. he just doesn't realize it till his unitmates told him he was, in fact, has a crush on you.

he felt the warm and loving aura coming out of you that you always give to your family, especially to your younger siblings. something he had craved from his father ever since he was born and yet he never received.

after that day, this little kid was always following you around like a little duckling, except in the hospital, in which you find it to be amusing and adorable since you've ever known toya to be the quiet yet blunt stoic kid and seeing him following you around whenever him and you are inside your house.

toya, at the time, didn't know why his cheeks felt warm and his heart going slightly faster than before whenever he encounters you. it makes him space out sometimes.

one time, he made a claw machine empty because he wanted to give you plushies like he gives to saki, through tsukasa, as well! you were surprised to see a lot of stuff toys in your room when you got back home from the hospital.

it made your face brighten up and as a thank you, you gave toya one of your beloved books in which you cherished the most so, image the shock expression he had once tsukasa told him that it was one of your cherished books you held dearly, and you gave it to HIM??

upon knowing that fact, the book you gave to him now has its very own section in his bedroom shelf, it even has its own clear protection case to keep the dust away if he's not reading it at the moment.

nobody is allowed to touch the book besides him and you.

now that you two, alongside tsukasa and saki, have grown into teenagers, you two have more screen time with each other now that saki is finally out of the hospital!

since you and tsukasa are the same age, meaning when toya was a freshman in kamiyama, you were a senior at miyamasuzaka, the same all-girls school saki is in.

despite being in different schools, you two interacted a lot! especially when all four of you hangout after school!

his feelings for you were rather obvious, at least to tsukasa and saki, he was so different from his quiet and stoic self.

whenever you're around, he smiles more often all the while talking to you, toya can't help it! you're just a beautiful scenery, it's a crime to not admire you. saki even called him out-

"(n/n) sure does look beautiful, right, toya-kun?" saki innocently teased the blue haired individual, who was admiring her older sibling as they baked a bunch of cookies for the four of them.

toya immediately snapped out of his daydreaming upon being called out, "o-oh.. yes, of course they are." he shyly nodded, feeling his cheeks warming up. saki simply chuckles, knowing damn well that she'll be the matchmaker alongside her older brother.

when vivid bad squad was formed, he immediately rushed to you and told you about it, you smiled at him, he was finally doing what he wanted and not what his father wanted, and you were proud of him.

whenever he's at band practice, he often unconsciously rambles about you to his bandmates, an and akito teases him about it, telling him that they didn't know toya has a crush.

that's when he furrows his brows, crush?

due to his oblivious self, an and akito, mostly an, explained to him that he has a crush on you, and he was like "oh...oh!"

now with this newfound information, he felt even more nervous around you, sometimes stuttering his words as if he's malfunctioning robot.

his heart just goes crazy and with the way you acted around him these couple of years, thanks to an explaining how most women acted when they have a crush on you, he wonders if you also have a crush on him too?

. . .tsukasa tenma!

❝ Cross my heart, P.S. I love you ❞

he met you first in phoenix wonderland, you were a guest invited by one of your friends.

he, alongside his troupe members, was greeting the guests ever-so loudly and cheerfully and when his orange-yellow eyes set on you, his world just stopped right there and then.

your (h/c) was shining, complimenting your sparkling eyes and dazzling sweet smile, he felt his heart was racing, racing fast.

he was so stunned that when you and your friends came up to him and his troupe members, he was fumbling with his words all the while his troupe members cheerfully, mostly emu, greeted you and your friends. tsukasa's eyes were mostly on you, though he did try to act normal and tried to look at your friends as well but, his eyes kept glancing over you.

rui, who noticed this, teased him after you and your friends went away. tsukasa denied it, saying you look 'familiar' to him though, rui didn't seem convinced.

over the time your there, his eyes were trying to find you again, wanting to see if he was daydreaming that time but yet every time he sees you, he malfunctions again.

on the other hand, you caught him spying you from afar and whenever he quickly hides, you find it amusing.

he didn't know why he wanted to find out more about you, though you were a random guest, you can be EVERYWHERE!

but, I guess lady luck blessed him after a couple of weeks, he was in front of saki's school, miyamasuzaka, and while waiting, he saw you again! alongside your friends.

his eyes went wide, and my dude just stood there like 🧍‍♂️

once he and saki were back at home, he immediately bombarded her with a lot of questions about you.

"hey, saki, do you perhaps know somebody in your school with (h/c) hair and (uniform style/details about your uniform)?"

"oh, well there a lot of people with (h/c) hair in my school but, with the way you describe certain details uniform, I think you're referring to (last name)-san!"

that's where he learned about you as he watched saki talking about you gleefully, you were an assistant and close friend to the MORE MORE JUMP! members, no wonder why saki seems happier to talk about you to her older brother.

and no wonder he recognized you, he once saw you in shizuku's social media, in which he follows since they are good acquaintance with each other.

he thought about messaging you since shizuku tagged you in that one post. he wanted to formally apologize for weirding you out on that day.

and that's how you basically meet the blonde weirdo yet cutie from the theme park you visited a few weeks ago again. he firstly messaged you by introducing himself before apologizing for his behavior a couple of weeks ago, you honestly find it amusing and adorable. you two chatted with each other all day, and then the next day, and the next day-

after that, he invited you to hangout after school whenever your free, sometimes he brings along saki and toya, since you two bonded within the private messages you two have been sending each other.

honestly, he hasn't moved on from your first encounter, he still acts like a silly idiot around you. tsukasa doesn't even know why like, you're like everyone else, average yet has a certain charm around you making tsukasa even more invested into you.

whenever he's around you, he feels like very different that has him questioning himself about it. like, why does he feel funny around you but not to others? why does he feel the urge to impress you more with his charms and talents? why does he stutter his words out like a fool whenever it's you? WHY DOES HIS HEART YEARNS FOR YOU?!

I feel like he's seen a various of romance theaters, movies, dramas, etc (thanks to saki) so, he caught up with what's happening to him, it went like this;

"I'm in love..." the blonde muttered, finally knowing the reasons why he's acting differently to a certain someone. he had finally solved the mystery of his strange behavior whenever you're around!

"I'M IN LOVE- HAHHHHHHHHHH?!" tsukasa immediately stops himself upon seeing in the corner of his eyes, his troupe members all can be seen in the doorway, spying on their leader while rui was recording it with his signature smug cat-like smile plastered on his face.

in the end, let's just say rui, maybe emu and nene, got their blackmail for tsukasa.

he was quite shy at first but, he warms up since in his thoughts, he NEEDS to impress his crush, aka you, because the only way your crush is gonna notice you and wants to talk to you is to impress them! (tsukasa's words, not mine)

expects him to be a very, very, VERY gentleman towards you such as carrying your things, bringing you little snacks, escorting you to your house to your school along with saki, and many more that I can't possibly list down.

when he heard you were a fan of phenny-kun, he just has to impress you with his voice imitation of phenny-kun, he just had to. I mean, it IS his job, alongside his troupe members, to make people smile. his day brightens up whenever you enjoy his imitation of phenny-kun! doesn't he love you too much?

he probably made a play dedicated to you and have scenarios where you, the main character, and he as the love interest, he's too busy daydreaming he didn't notice that one of rui's inventions is coming straight to him-

he became a simp, your simp to be exact.

doesn't he love you so much? Cross his heart, he'll love you wholeheartedly that's for sure!

. . .rui kamishiro!

❝ 'Di ko alam ang nangyayari (I don't know what's happening) ❞

he honestly didn't expect himself to be having a crush on somebody, especially when his crush is oblivious foreigner such as yourself.

you were the infamous transfer student he had heard about from the juniors; it was quite obvious due to your appearance alone, so you stick out like a sore thumb. if that wasn't bad enough, you also had a hard time understanding and speaking their language. you usually kept quiet as you feared that you might sound like an idiot when speaking japanese.

so now, picture this, a transfer student from (country) that has a hard time understanding and speaking japanese in a japanese high school, seated next to the well-known troublemaker of kamiyama high, now surely it won't be chaotic? spoilers, it did.

rui honestly finds you amusing, he would chuckle whenever he would ask for something to you, and you would completely give him another thing instead what he asks for.

it was another day in class in this new high school of yours, if the lectures make your head dizzy because it's difficult in understanding the teachers a bit, the purple head boy next to you makes it more difficult.

"psst.. mind letting me borrow your eraser for a moment?" he whispered to you, not wanting to get caught by the teacher. rui watched as you confusedly scanning your desk, trying to understand what he wanted from you.

'okay, he clearly wanted to borrow something... but, what??' you were thinking a bit too hard that the lecture from the teacher is mentally blocked from your head, now focusing on the given task by your seat mate.

"um.. t..t..this?" you tried pronouncing the said word in japanese but, it only sounded broken a bit, all the while showing rui a sharpener.

and that moment, rui kamishiro knew, he'll be going to enjoy this year.

you being shy reminds him a lot about nene but, in your reason, you were afraid of sounding stupid while speaking his country's language. though, he'll give you the benefit of the doubt since you were learning how to speak the language.

he teases you even though you mostly don't understand all he just said, which amused him more while you were determined to learn about the language more to know what rui is saying to you most of the time.

eventually, it was one of your daily routines to have rui tease you every day, even though you don't understand half of it but, hey! you're at least getting better with your japanese.

and with that, rui and your friendship began to develop as time went by, the purplenette introduced his unitmates to you and you were thankful that they introduced themselves in english. p.s rui rambles about you to them.

sometimes rui say english words to help you understand what he or other people are saying. though, if someone was mocking or insulting you, rui wouldn't even try to tell you what they are saying instead, he just guides you away from them by wrapping one of his arms around your shoulder and distracts you, though you had a gut feeling that the person was saying bad stuffs to you, you pick up some of their words and understand soe.

I think rui having a crush will take a long time since he's more on focusing on his inventions and his performances with his unitmates so, catching his attention in you, romantically, it's going to be a long ride. though, if you did, in which is going to happen, congratulations then.

though, he did start to feel whenever your around as the days goes by, and honestly, dude was confused. I feel like he has no grasp of like love and crushes since he's probably more focus on his works and his unit's performances that he doesn't have the time to think about anything else like love.

so yeah, it took him a long time to solve this difficult equation on why he feels weird whenever you are around/mentioned. he doesn't know what's happening to him.

with that, he went to nene and intentionally drop a topic like "what if somebody feels weird whenever somebody's around them, like something's making your heart beats faster?" and nene just look at him with a blank expression of hers, already knowing what's up with her childhood (best) friend however, she won't say it just for fun.

even with his newfound feelings, he acted the same but, once you come closer to his chest area where his heart is at, you'll hear his heartbeat. his teasing is still the same though he increased it to the max, anything for you<3

within school/lunch breaks, he'll teach you japanese words and how you pronounce them while you teach him english/(native language) words and how you pronounce it. though, that doesn't mean he'll stop teasing you just because him and you are teaching each other different languages, from time to time, he says to you compliments in japanese and when you try to pronounce it, his smug cat-like smile widens even more.

but, he'll only get scolded by you after you search about the phrases back at home, he'll do it again and again even if he's going to get scolded by you and he'll probably get the silent treatment by you<3

although jokes asides, he'll calm you down whenever you're feeling really anxious about speaking japanese, especially in front of the class whenever a teacher calls you out for recitation. he's one good listener and advice giver, so any problems you have, please go to him and he'll make it better, especially for you.

fast forward to summer holidays and school was ending, with all the moments and days you've spent with rui, you finally made a decision, something you'll feel embarrassed about but, hey! rui someone that is dear to you. as rui finished packing

up his things and mostly every one of your classmates were outside now, you approach rui very differently unlike the way you've approached him before this.

"rui.." you muttered out, loud enough for the said person to hear and make his head turn towards you.

"hmm, yes?" his eyes went immediately towards you, seeing a letter in your hands, your gaze shyer than ever, and some sort of red tint in your cheeks.

"I.. uhm.. I.." you stuttered out, trying to find the words you wanted to say to him. rui, noticing it, gives you a pat on the head as a sign of encouragement as what he always did to you whenever you feel nervous/anxious.

eventually, you finally did as what you have planned the day before, "I.. just want-ted.. togiveyouthis..!" you quickly finished yourself, saying it all in japanese, while handing the letter to him before quickly rushing out, leaving rui with a dumbfounded with a letter in his hand.

the mad sciencetist, I mean, the purplenette boy stared at the letter the rest of the time as he walks home, wondering what you wrote in this. though once he had opened and read it, he lets out a smile, not his usual smug cat-like smile but, a genuine and gleeful smile.

with his heart beating crazily as he only thought about what you wrote in that letter, his thoughts filled to the brim with you, he honestly doesn't know what's happening right now.

WRITER'S END IN BEING DELULU!

Apologies for the long wait! school just recently started and this january I'm filled to the brim with projects and performance task ＞︿＜!

and also, I had writer's block with rui's section though special thanks to one of my lomls @liqis-postoffice for the ideas &lt;3

rules! + masterlist!

[slytherinboysappreciation]

Imagine Tom's reaction when reader (male) was dared by Abraxas to wear a skirt for a week (Abraxas knows Tom has been pining for reader since 1st year, he js want to help his homie)

The Skirt - T.R. x male!Reader

A/N: I love this request so much oh my gods 💛 I wrote this in a horny frenzy because this unlocked some sort of sleeper agent side of me that I never knew existed until I read your request

I think this is the most feral Tom Riddle I’ve ever written. I tweaked the request a tiny bit, but I hope you like it. It’s completely unedited with no use of Y/N. I wrote it intending to write more, so that’s why it ends the way it does.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ THE WARNINGS!!! I tried to tag everything, but let me know if I missed something!

This is 18+, which means NO MINORS!!!!

CW: female oc; Reader dresses as a girl; lots of beauty descriptors for Reader; don’t read if you’re prone to dysphoria/dysmorphia around looking feminine!!!; Tom’s horny thoughts; Tom’s feral thoughts; Tom is absolutely whipped for you; brief graphic description of sexual acts; Tom is a horny boy; probably ooc Tom; this takes place in Tom’s seventh year of school, so him and Reader are both of age

777 words

“Hey, did you hear about Abraxas’ dare?”

Tom looks up from his plate of food, lowering his fork. “No. What dare?”

Aurora Greengrass sits across from him, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “You haven’t heard? He dared a male student to dress as a girl for a week!”

Tom blinks, vaguely surprised. “Abraxas did? Who did he dare?”

“No one knows yet. We only know because—“

“What are you two talking about?”

Abraxas sits next to Tom, dumping his school bag on the floor behind him as he sits down to eat.

Aurora’s excitement seems to dim a bit. “Ah, well… We were just discussing your dare.”

“Ah.” Abraxas smirks. “That. I’m quite excited about it, honestly. It should help some things move along quite nicely, if I do say so myself.”

He gives Tom a subtle nudge, like Tom should have any idea of what he’s talking about.

He just gives Abraxas an odd look and goes back to eating his food.

“So,” Aurora leans in. “Who did you dare?”

Abraxas’ smirk only grows. “Why don’t you ask him yourself? He’s coming this way.”

Tom turns to look, and promptly chokes on his bite of food.

It’s you, dressed in a swishy skirt, woman’s stockings, and Mary Janes. You have on red lipstick, a bold and fierce look.

“Hello, Riddle. Malfoy. Greengrass.” You sit casually, adjusting your skirt as if it’s no big deal. As if you aren’t the most gorgeous boy to walk into Tom’s life.

Tom manages to swallow his food and pick his jaw up off the floor. “You— You look—“

Where to even begin?

Tom’s had a crush on you since first year. Ever since you sat next to lonely little him in Potions class and gave him the biggest grin of your life.

He’d been absolutely sold since then. Seven years of being head over heels. Utterly and completely whipped.

Seeing you in such a cute skirt… all prettied up…

He bites his tongue to keep his thoughts—and blood—from rushing to inappropriate places.

You didn’t dress up to be objectified like this. But Merlin did his brain want to do it.

“Cute, right?” You flash your signature grin, the one that always makes Tom’s stomach flutter. Today it’s more like a tornado of butterflies.

Merlin, how is it that you look so pretty? From just a skirt and lipstick!

“Uh-huh.” He mindlessly agrees, far more focused on a tiny smudge of lipstick against your upper lip. He wants to wipe it off. Kiss it off. Make it worse.

His thoughts go downhill too quickly to catch.

That perfect mouth of yours, all red with smudged lipstick, wrapped around his—

“You’re staring, Riddle.” A small frown creases your face. “Are you alright? Do I have something on my—“

“I’m fine!” Tom forces himself into composure, folding his hands in his lap to hide the evidence of his thoughts.

Your gaze flicks down automatically, and a quizzical look crosses your face.

Tom panics a bit. You can’t find out! You’ll be disgusted with him!

“So,” he says, fumbling over his words. “What made you decide to accept the date— DARE! The dare.”

He’s practically sweating, hands clasped tight. For a moment, it seems like you’re going to question him.

Then you shrug. “I dunno. Just felt like it. Abraxas seemed pretty set on me doing it, so I guess I just accepted to humor him. I look pretty good in a skirt, though, huh?”

Tom’s mouth goes dry. Pretty good? You look fantastic. Gorgeous. Mouth-watering.

He wants to kiss along your tantalizingly bare thighs and sink his teeth into the meat of your skin. He wants to mark you up, leaving it absolutely unequivocal as to who you belong to.

More than anything, he wants to see you absolutely wrecked, begging underneath him as he fucks you in the skirt.

“Riddle… Riddle… Tom…?”

“I gotta—“ Tom stands, his breathing heavy. He can’t stand it. You look too good. Too tempting. “I gotta go.”

He can barely find it in him to care that you get an eyeful of his extremely obvious hard-on as he stands up. He needs to get out of here. Now.

He can hear Abraxas’ laughter as he flees. Cheeky shit. He probably set it all up on purpose. Made you wear the skirt, knowing he’d find you irresistible.

And for a whole week?

Tom presses his forehead to the cool wall of the corridor.

There’s no way he’s gonna make it through the week. Especially not with you looking so delectable.

He has to find some way to distract himself. To divert his focus from you.

But how?

[asherthehimbo]

Listen to my music, listen to your heart

previous | eleven : dinner | m. list | next

notes: warnings, physical abuse, unrealistic academic pressure, cheating acusations, depressive thoughts, disassociating, wounds, whipping(?), grief, the loss of a grandparent, more things probably

wordcount: 3.7 k + 4 screenshots

Staring up at your (not yours anymore, you have to remind yourself) ceiling, you can't help but think of the contrast the plain dark gray ceiling has when held in context to that of your siblings' rooms. Felix's room has a colorful solar system painted over the black base, little specks of white that glow in the dark acting like stars. You vaguely remember painting it with Channie when you were 17 and Felix was 13, days spent carefully stenciling every planet, splattering each other with paint, nights laughing at the days events- You who had recently discovered your soulbond with Channie at the time trying to stop yourself from falling deeper- but failing whenever Channie would look at you with those bright eyes, smile on his face and dimples on full display as if he knew it was your weakness.

Olivia’s ceiling a beautiful baby blue with light clouds painted on it and chains decorated with charms that look like rain and thunder dangling from the ceiling, you remember starting to paint it when you were 18, right before you left for college- you also remember the fact that that was the last time Olivia had actually spoken to you - it was 4 years ago and your heart breaks every day that timespan becomes longer.

Rachel's room, pastel pink as it's always been, ever since she was 15- you painted hers too, you think that was the last time she had acted civil with you, but that's okay. She’s happy now - and that's all you could wish for.

Yet it bothers you, your childhood reflecting the bleak ceiling while your siblings lived a vibrant life, grew up with parents that loved them- everything you had went to them. You even gave up the other half of your soul so that Rachel could live her life, so that Felix could find his other half, so that Olivia could continue to gaze at the clouds.

No matter the regrets you hold, you’d do it all over again, sacrifice yourself for their happiness- for what are you if not a protector? What is your worth to this family if you can not offer yourself up for their joy? For what is the value of a star if it's daytime? What is your value if you can not give them light in the darkness?

You turn your head to look at Soobin asleep next to you, you should probably wake the boy up, people will be arriving in an hour- but Soobin just looks so peaceful.

Your mind drifts to what it would be like waking next to Channie instead, Chan’s puffy lips formed in that cute pout he always has when he's asleep, his hair messy- one hand resting on his exposed stomach as the other cuddling whatever he could find, Chan always slept like that, curling in on himself yet still finding a way to fit you - his Bubbles- into his hold.

Soobin was completely different to Chan, maybe that's why he was the perfect candidate to distract you - but looking at the slightly shorter man asleep, on his side holding the blanket- you think there isn't a place for you here- with Soobin.

You think Soobin knows it too, and your heart breaks because you have this sinking feeling this is the last time. Soobin waking up, looking at you with a wobbly smile and eyes holding back tears solidifies your suspicions, but neither of you bring it up. An agreement started and ended the same way- silently, secretly, with love and tears.

A knock on the door startles you both, as your eyes flick away from one another “Hyung’s? Mom said I needed to come wake you! Rachel just went to pick up Olivia, dads gonna be home in half an hour and the guests are arriving in an hour” Felix’s voice follows the knock. “We’re up lix!” You shout back gently at your younger brother. “Oh! And Fifi is playing with Seungmin and mom in the backyard!” Felix shouts back before you hear him shuffling down the stairs. Leaving you and Soobin to sit on the bed in silence.

The silence in the room is deafening as you two get dressed, after showering and cleaning up it’s about time that Rachel and Olivia should be home and you do not know if you want to break the silence with Soobin, or go down and greet the sister who cowers away from you. Soobin makes that decision for you- he had always been able to read your thoughts.

“You need to do something that makes you happy” Soobin speaks while nodding his head slightly, he's in thought as if it's the answer to a question he’s been pondering for a while, although you can't even begin to comprehend what the question could be. “Excuse me?” you ask softly in an attempt to sound as confused as you feel.

“You should do something that makes you happy [Name], even something small- spend more time with your brother, more time with Chan, find a hobby that is yours and not one your father has chosen out for you. The rage you hold for your father’s actions that contrasts the guilt you feel of hating him is making you numb. You have to admit it yourself, you seem to not have the emotional strength to care for those you love at this point, you’re exhausted [Name], professor Teamin sees it, I see it, Keeho see’s it; and I’m pretty sure Felix is realizing it. You’re burning yourself out” Soobin says softly, he looks at you with those big eyes of his, and you can see the sincerity behind them.

“Even stars have the ability to burn out [Name], but they go out on their own conditions, on their own time- do not dim your own light for those who do not appreciate you. Do not go out before you’ve completed yourself. Find your happiness.” Soobin confirms his words with a sense of finality- as if this is something he’s been waiting to say for a while.

You look down as you place rings on your fingers, you caress the gold one -engraved with a little sun- thats placed on your ring finger- vaguely remembering the fact that it was a gift from Chan- a matching charm he gave you when you went off to college for your first year and he was in his last year of highschool. A promise to stay connected. “And if my happiness takes me away from you?” you ask as tears try to form in your eyes, you force them away. Your voice is trembling, vulnerable in a way Soobin has never heard from you.

“I’ve always known I wasn't your happiness [Name], that much is obvious- your happiness lies somewhere else, with another. I've made peace with that, I'm content with the sense of relief I was able to offer but we both know this, us, was not meant to last. Relief is short lived, and you need to come to terms with the fact that this is a risk you should take.”

It hurts Soobin to let you go, wounds his heart in a way only love can, but he knows that a star cannot be trapped- it is supposed to roam free until its last light. Soobin lets you go because he knows the sense of relief he provides you could never compare to the utter joy in your eye’s with simply just the mention of the other half of your soul.

Soobin knows that in your eyes he can't hold a candle to the admiration you have for Chan- but he’s not angry at that. You can't mix yellow and red then expect purple. You can’t mix Soobin and yourself, then expect forever.

“ I love you, you know that right?” You look at Soobin, he nods his head, a soft smile on his lips ``I know, but you're in love with him and that’s okay.” You open your mouth, about to respond, to tell him that it’s not okay, that you fucked up, that you hurt him and that you hate yourself for it, but the voices downstairs stop you from doing so. “Seem’s your dad and sisters got back at the same time, I guess we should go down.” Soobin supplies and he walks to the door before you, he knows you wouldn't walk first, knows that you need to be pushed.

Knows that if it were up to you, you wouldn't do anything, but Soobin will be damned if he doesn't see you happy and he has a feeling that tonight things are going to change, hopefully for the better. He knows you need to talk to someone who understands, someone you look up too- and luckily enough that person will be here tonight.

You follow Soobin down the stairs, although you’re much less enthusiastic than him, your shoulders are slumped, current posture making you seem much smaller and less secure of yourself. To be fair right now you're not that sure of yourself but still, your father won't accept bad posture.

Once you and Soobin reach the bottom of the stairs you’re met with Rachel “Dad wants you to greet him, he’s in his study” she tells you, her head nodding to the room that's always instilled fear in you. Soobin gives you a wary look but you nod your head down the hall to where the door to the backyard is situated. “Go sit with Felix and Min, I'll be there in a moment” You try to give him a reassuring smile, you know he doesn't fall for it, but he obeys nonetheless. Walking away to the backyard after one last nod.

You turn, about to enter your fathers study that is a little more down the hall, entrance under the stairs, parallel to the living room, before you can take a step Rachel grabs your arm, forcing you to look down at your younger sister. “Listen, I don't know what you have going on with that boytoy of yours, but you better not hurt Chan” she looks at you, her eyes filled with determination, your stomach twists in a odd way as you tilt your head in confusion, you try to defend yourself “Rachel what are you talking about? I would never dream of-”

“I don’t care what you would dream of, I care about Chan, the guy who's been a better older brother to us than you were.” she starts, and damn her words hurt. “I know I wasn't supposed to know he’s your soulmate, but I do and I’ll be damned if I let you hurt him. You bring that guy here for a reason I can't fathom, because you know Chan’s gonna be here tonight. You may have been a deadbeat older brother to us but dont you dare be a deadbeat soulmate to the one person who’s supposed to always be by your side, frankly he doesn’t deserve you-” she’s right, Chan deserves so much better, he deserves a soulmate who could actually be there for him, who could openly express their love, He deserves to love someone who wouldn't put him in danger. “ - I mean you parading your little boyfriend around is practically cheating.” She finishes her sentence as she looks at you in what seems to be disappointment? Resentment? You can't tell.

Something in you snaps, you can understand everything else she said, despite all that you've sacrificed she doesn't know, your siblings don't know why you were almost never there for them and that's fine, if they see you as a deadbeat older brother you don't care, as long as they're safe, but accusing you of cheating? That's low, even for Rachel. She knows it, she knows , she remembers and you hate her for using that against you. The one memory you both share that she knows impacts you to this day.

“Rachel I honestly stopped caring what you think of me-” you didn't, you yearn for her acceptance still, “- but accusing me of cheating is evil and you know it. Me and Channie aren't together, Soobin isnt my boyfriend, So don’t you dare accuse me of cheating when you barely remember what happened that night. You only dream broken shards of that fragile memory, I am the one that has to hold the fragile glass, carry it with me. So insult me all you want but do NOT hold that broken shard against my neck.” You look at Rachel with anger, and she hates it- you never look at her like that, sure she took it a bit far this time, but you always let it slide- why do you choose now of all times to talk back?

“I was simply telling you what I see [Name], no need to start a fight over it, not with Olivia in the house- I don't want her first memory of you being home after so long to be of a fight” Rachel says as if you’re the one in the wrong here. “Firstly, I’m your older brother, it's [Name]-oppa or Oppa-nim, put respect on the fact that I basically raised you when mom couldn't. Secondly, I’m not starting a fight Rachel, you are and don't you dare try and use Olivia against me to justify the situation you started.” You tell her before storming to your fathers study, you're angry, you almost swing the door open- but muscle memory warns you not to.

There's a difference in the way your muscles tense when you're angry, and when you're scared- you feel the shift the moment your hand reaches the handle of the door, you knock, three times in perfect order before you open the door and step inside. Your father is sitting at his study, his eyes are fixed on the papers at his desk, he motions you closer with his hand, not lifting his head to make eye contact.

You walk forward and take in the picture before you. It may have been years since you've been in this room, but you could not escape the memories it brought even if you tried, too many nightmares had been born here, too many dreams had been destroyed for you to not remember it. The room looks exactly the same, only one difference stares at you. On your fathers desk is a picture, in the picture a big man, with silver hair is standing at what seems to be a bar. He has a large, welcoming smile on his face. It's a picture of your paternal grandfather, the only man who gave you solace when you were younger, the man who took you in after the incident you and Rachel had just talked about. You don't notice that your father is now staring at you, you’re too busy staring at the man you've lost long ago- you almost forgot what he looked like.

Your father slams the picture closed, hard. You snap your eyes up to him, “Father” you greet and he nods his head, “You brought them? The students you tutor?” he asks, “Yes, they are currently outside with mother” you respond. “Good” he pauses, “you brought the dog?” he looks at you expectantly. Your father never liked Fifi, you suppose it's because Fifi had never liked him. “Yes, although Fifi is not as young as he was when you first met him father, he’s much more well behaved” You supply. The first time your father met your dog, Fifi was only a few months old but already big in size, he had snarled at your father and probably would have attacked him had you not stopped your dog. “I would expect so, the chemistry contest?”

******abuse warning*****

“I got first place with a 98/100 father” you answer him and you know he’s not going to be happy, “You got two questions wrong?” He raises a brow. “Is the door locked?” he asks as he bends down, opening a drawer in his desk. “Yes father” you look at him, hoping that maybe this time he’ll let it go. “And you know the rule” he states as he stands up, you sigh as you take of your shirt and answer him, “For every mark lost, a scar is the cost” you reply, your voice is devoid of emotion and you think you’re starting to disassociate, you try not to- he doesnt like it when you do that.

“That's correct” Your father walks from his place behind the desk and you see the stick in his hand. It's a weapon he’s had since you were 10, almost like a miniature whip of sorts, it hurts like hell but you're glad he’s chosen this instead of the other alternative, instead of the one that has steel teeth at the ends. You turn your back to him, standing upright- this is the only time your father would allow you to turn your back to him. Purely so that he can admire his work and punish you again.

With every hit to your skin you clench your teeth, if you make a sound, if you falter or fall down the punishment will only be worse, this will all be over soon, you just need to focus on something. Focus, don't go away, don't dissociate, don't falter. You need to focus, you feel yourself slipping away, it's too late.

*****scene over*****

You didn't focus.

By the time you come too you're already sitting at the dinner table, Soobin sitting on your left and Seungmin on your right, you can feel Fifi sitting in between your legs below the table which makes sense. He always did know when you weren't fully there, and refused to leave your side when it happened.

You look around you, realizing everyone had already arrived, your mother and Rachel are conversing with Ms. Bahng to the left, your mother sitting at the one heads of the table, next to Rachel sat Olivia who was animatedly conversing with Hannah who sat opposite her, Lucas would chime in every now and then but he was mostly quiet, you missed Lucas he was a sweet boy.

Beside him, and opposite to you sat Chan, he wasn't looking at you, rather his gaze flicking from Soobin down to his plate, he seemed mad? Sad? some mixture of emotions you couldn’t quite read. Beside Chan sat Yunho, Yunho who despite holding conversation with the fathers at the right end of the table, seemed to be eyeing you worriedly.

Felix sat in between Sengmin and Olivia, talking to both of them with the warmest smile on his face. You felt.. out of place so to speak, seemingly the only one at the table not speaking a word, and the rest of dinner, not that there had been much left seeing as when you focused back in everyone was finishing up, went the same. After all the dishes had been cleared, and a playful fight between you mother, Ms,. Mikealson and Ms. Bahng on who would do the dishes, you follow Yunho outside to the porch, Fifi not far behind you.

You suppose its tradition, after every family dinner you and Yunho would sit here, on the porch gazing out as your little siblings and friends would play, the both of you, the eldest, never joining them. While the picture now is eerily similar to that of your last dinner, you know a lot has changed, Seungmin and Soobin joining the younger ones in the backyard, Jongho not being here, Yunho who's staring at you, because he knows.

Somehow Yunho has always known, you suppose it’s because of the similarities you share. “So Soobin?” his voice is calm as he asks, he’s relaxed into his chair, eyes focused solely on you. You give him a hum of acknowledgement before responding “He told me to do what makes me happy”

“And will you?” he asks, “I don’t know, I don’t even know what makes me happy anymore” You sigh in defeat turning to face your old friend. Despite the fondness you have for Yunho, a certain part of you will always be jealous that he got the love story you didn't. “I think you do, you might not realize it but there are certain things that clearly make you happy, certain people. “

You groan in annoyance, not wanting to have the same conversation of denial over and over, “Not this again, Yunho listen I- “

“No you listen [Name], we may not talk much, but I know you, heck a few months ago I was you. My dad might not be as controlling as yours but I know the feeling. What I saw in there tonight was you completely out of it, the only sign of life would be the way your lips would quirk up at Chan’s voice. When we walked out here the way your eyes followed him, the way your eyes are softening now watching him sit on the swing and look at the stars. You can’t keep denying it, not to me. Not to the person who was always there when you would light up at the slightest bit of attention from him. You can’t deny the way your shoulders would relax and smile would become less strained in the presence of him, Felix and your mother. These little moments of happiness that's helped you survive are keeping you from living. You can’t hide it from me because before I got with Mingi it was me. You need to grasp the thing that makes you want to live.” Yunho cuts you off and he doesn't leave room for you to argue as he stands up and walks further into the yard to join the others.

Tears sting in your eyes but you refuse to let them fall as you stare at Chan, he stares right back. You give him a smile, albeit bittersweet, but a real one, and a tiny wave. His face lights up and he waves back enthusiastically, allowing you to catch sight of the silver band on his ring finger, one that represents his connection to the moon. One that represents his connection to you.

The moon may not be able to live without the sun, but the sun will forever spend its time chasing after the moon. Maybe it’s time you follow the advice of those around you. Maybe it’s time you live.

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Taglist: [9/30][open]: @foxilsdenn @conwunder @heyogg @zzstar @xavi-in-kpopland @idkwhatto-namethis @glitchyaiko @ashersdeadinside @kaisworlds

name in orange/bold means tumblr wont let me tag you

notes: chat do NAWT hold me accountable for how ass my writing is I'm out of practice, also thank Kai for sitting with me when I wrote the begining of this chapter WEEKS ago🙏🏻 ALSO PLS PLS PLS TELL ME WHAT U THINK IN THE COMMENTS OR IN MY INBOX PLEASE I NEED FEEDBACK!!

copyright | 2024 | @asherthehimbo

[yankstrash]

october 13

boston colleges first home game of the season

three days since gabe and amelias third date

and their first kiss

it had been on gabes mind to invite her to the game, but he didn't want to pressure her

there is no pressure.

you've kissed her.

and been out multiple times.

and already have a fourth date planned.

but alas, he did not ask her to come to the game.

so imagine his surprise when he looks up during warm ups and sees her in the stands

he had never done such a hard double take in his life

he saw her.

and she knew he saw her.

amelia was bumped in the ribs by her friend standing next to her

"he sees you." she whispers in her ear

amelia rolls her eyes but can't fight the smile

"i can't believe i let you drag me to this game. he's probably going to think i'm stalking him or something." amelia says

her friend gives her the most 'are you serious?' look she's ever received and says, "stalking him? really?? after what he did to get you to go out with him? showing up at your job until you said yes? i mean don't get me wrong, romantic and honestly hot as hell, but you should not be worried about him thinking you're a stalker, meel. i'm sure he's flattered."

and flattered he was.

gabe couldn't wipe the grin off his face after he saw her

she was at his game.

without him asking her to come.

was she here to see him?

well, who else would she be here to see.

or maybe she wasn't here for anyone at all?

she does like hockey.

ish..

maybe she just wants to support her school

..or maybe she is here to see him...

~

throughout the game, gabe tried his absolute hardest not to look up at her

because everytime he did, his mind wandered and his dopy grin broke out

he just needed to see her.

the game did not start the way bc was hoping for but it sure did end that way with a 4-2 win over long island

as soon as the teams were done shaking hands, gabe was bolting to the locker room

no one even had time to question his sudden burst of speed as he whipped past everyone and raced to his stall

he pulled his phone from his hockey bag

from: gabe

"you should meet me by the locker rooms."

luckily, his text was sent just in time.

amelia and her friends were just standing up to leave when the text came through

immediately, they all knew who it was.

"that was quick!" one of them grinned

amelia bit her lip as her mouth tugged up as she read his message

she looked up to see all her friends smirking at her

"go see him." one of them said, giving her a little shove

"but-"

"GO!"

"GO GO GO!"

"meel you better get your butt down there and see that boy."

she had no choice now.

"go tell him good game and we will see you later."

amelia slowly nodded her head, letting her legs move for her

by herself, she slowly made her way down by the locker rooms

after waiting for a few moments, players finally started to trickle out

her heart sped up as more and more guys filed out

"this is a bad idea. he is going to think i'm so weird." she thought to herself

but really, who is the weird one here? this was basically what he did to her. except only now, no one will be turned away with a rejection.

finally, gabe appeared in her eye sight

and holy hell, he looked good..

so good...

he was dressed in a navy blue plaid suit with a white button down underneath

her mouth opened slightly at the sight of him in his game day outfit

she swallowed, pushing herself off the wall she was leaning on and walking towards him

"what a nice surprise" he says as he reaches her

his arms went around to her back, pulling her in to his chest

"came to see me play?!" he asks, grinning widely

hereee we go.

amelia pulls back a bit and shrugs

"my friends dragged me" she tries to sound casual

"yeah? you didn't come to see me play, hmm? you could just tell me you wanted to see me play." he says

she smiles and playfully rolls her eyes

"it was just a bonus" she says

"mmhmm, sure it was"

she looks up at him and shakes her head

"good game though"

he smiles at her compliment

"thank you. saw you cheering up in the stands"

the grin still hasn't left his face.

she shrugs, "i can get into hockey games when i want to"

"and you wanted to tonight because you came to watch me"

she smacks his chest lightly

"i did not"

"you did too!"

she shakes her head

"you're never going to let this go now are you?" she asks

he slowly shakes his head

"nope.."

they fall silent for a moment

still looking at each other

"so.." gabe breaks the silence "you said i played good?"

amelia nods her head

he smiles, "do i get something for that?"

she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth

"what do you want?"

he grins at her question, lowering his head a bit

"this." he whispers against her lips before connecting them

her hands go to the back of his neck, keeping him close

"that's what i wanted." he pulls back a bit and says

amelias lips tug up in a grin, her eyes meeting his

"i like your suit" she says, rubbing his arm up and down "looks really nice on you"

"you like it?" he asks, smiling

"mmhmm" she hums, nodding her head

"then this is my new favorite game day suit."

[smolthealmighty]

Spinaraki Week 4 Day 1: Game Over & History

And For a Little While

A select few snippets in which Spinner looks at Shigaraki's eyes during the course of knowing each other and slowly falls in love... or a self-indulgent songfic based on Space Age Love Song.

I saw your eyes

And you made me smile

For a little while

I was falling in love

His eyes were ruby red. Spinner already knew they were red once he first met Tomura Shigaraki, but he didn’t know the best way to describe them before now.

Before Shigaraki had brought out the game console and started playing Super Smash Bros.

Before Spinner asked to play and was handed a controller.

Before Spinner countered Shigaraki’s Instant Delayed Reverse Ariel Rush with his own Perfect Shield, shocking the both of them so severely that they immediately stopped playing and instinctively whipped their heads to look at each other, causing the hand on Shigaraki’s face to fly off from the momentum and land on the other side of the room.

Before Spinner had finally seen Shigaraki unmasked for the first time, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. Spinner was sure his face had the same expression.

“Holy shit.”

Spinner couldn’t help it, he burst into laughter at the first words to come out of Shigaraki’s stupefied mouth, the same words he probably would’ve said if he’d gained access to his brain back first. Shigaraki was quick to pout as he pivoted into lightly teasing Spinner.

“Here I was thinking you were all brash attacks and zero defense, but no! Apparently, you can put up a great strategic defense as long as it’s gaming related!”

“It’s not that strategic,” Spinner responded shyly as he tried holding in his giggling, “It’s impressive that you added that delay to mess with your opponent’s attack timing. I just happened to recognize that timing and countered it accordingly.”

“I’ve used that move to catch other players off guard multiple times, and I think you’re the only one who’s thwarted it on the first try!”

If Spinner wasn’t stunned before he was now, and to his even greater shock Shigaraki seemed to identify why. “You look like this is the first time you’ve ever had a compliment,” he guessed, and all Spinner could do was slightly nod once in confirmation.

“Well you deserved it.” Shigaraki stated, “and just so you know, you’ve been officially assigned the role of my ‘Personal Player 2’. I’ve been meaning to try more co-op games and I refuse to play them without someone who already matches my skill level.”

Spinner’s brain needed a minute to buffer, but once his mind was back online he flashed a grin, large enough to slightly ache from how rarely he used those facial muscles for that expression, and un-paused the game.

~

I saw your eyes

And you touched my mind

Although it took a while

I was falling in love

His eyes were that of a young boy chasing his dreams. They had been so since they defeated Overhaul, and shone twice as bright now. Not even the remaining bandages littering his face from Re-Destro’s fight could stop his eyes from gleaming. Though that extra glimmer may have been Spinner’s own doing.

“You really thought the horizon I made was pretty?” Tomura asked, half in disbelief and half in amusement.

“No,” Spinner corrected, “I said the horizon you made was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen, there’s a difference.”

They were chilling in Tomura’s room, the elegant bed covered in crumbs and wrappers and the feather-filled pillows haphazardly strewn around from their efforts to get comfortable for the six-going-on-seven-hour gaming binge of the new releases they hadn’t been able to buy while broke. Spinner didn’t know what exactly possessed him to blurt out his thoughts on the destroyed horizon, but he figured Tomura should know that he made a permanent impression on his mind and heart with that sight.

“So,” Tomura deviously suggested, “what you’re saying is I should make more of that, yeah?”

Spinner snorted at that, but realized Tomura was serious when he continued, “Because I can, you know, if you want me to.”

Spinner hummed as he thought of a good response, and what he finally said was, “Well, I’m certainly not gonna stop you. I want what you want, and as long as I can help you achieve that goal then I’ll be happy.”

“What a roundabout answer,” Tomura chuckled, “but alright, if that’s what you want then I’ll make it happen. And I’m thankful… that you’re sticking by my side I mean.”

Spinner didn’t have the right words to respond to that, to tell Tomura that he was glad that he had stuck around long enough to understand what Tomura’s goal was and what he could do, even if it took some hard times to get there. So, he simply smiled and hoped that would convey what his vocabulary couldn’t. That he was thankful too. The soft affection in Tomura’s eyes, something he’d been seeing more often than not these days, said that he understood.

~

I saw your eyes

And you made me cry

And for a little while

I was falling in love

His eyes were blank. Hell, they weren’t even his eyes anymore. Now those eyes, body, and mind belonged to and were controlled by the century-old megalomaniac who found him on the streets. Tomura was hidden, maybe even gone, and it felt like Spinner’s heart had disappeared along with him.

The aching was intense. Unlike the numbing, hollow ache he experienced in the isolation of his old room, this pain was a continuous swelling. It was as if the ache had tried to take up every unfilled crevice in himself and still could not be contained, leaking out like an endlessly bleeding wound. Where once was utter emptiness, now was overwhelming abundance, and it hurt.

Nothing he did could inhibit it. Attempting to soothe the being that was once Tomura Shigaraki as he writhed in agony did nothing but remind Spinner that he could do nothing to truly help his first friend, but avoiding him doubled the hurt he felt. He had to do something to help, anything to assist him, whatever it took to achieve his friend’s initial goals and hopefully bring him back. He’d do anything to see those eyes look fondly at him again.

‘Oh’, Spinner thought as All for One reached out his hand and covered his vision, bestowing what was sure to be too many quirks for his body to handle, all for Tomura’s sake. ‘It’s no wonder I’ve been aching while he’s gone, no wonder I’ve been yearning for him.’

I was falling in love

‘I was falling in love with Tomura Shigaraki.’

Falling in love

‘We were falling in love as we bonded in those barren hideouts and luxurious manors.’

Falling in love

‘I’ve fallen in love and didn’t… realize it until I…   lost it…’

Falling in love

‘I…     had…              fallen…                       in…                                         love…’

[teyamloving12]

Girl i literally love ur writing it makes go😻

Could u possibly do a rotxo x reader x aonung smut plz 😭

Love from Both Sides

Warning: mentions of jealousy, threesome, double penetration, tit worship, etc

Pairing: Rotxo x Reader x Ao'nung

Synopsis: Aonung doesn't like to share with anyone except his best friend, Rotxo.

"Eywa made you for us!", Rotxo would always say. He always knew how to cheer you up. You knew the two best friend ever since you were young. Aonung was a little demon and he still is, dragging Rotxo into whatever problems he created for himself.

You and Aonung had a little friends with benefits thing going on. You recall the moments of pleasure with the olo'eyktan's son but you knew since he was assisting the Sully children; he could not ever aid your sexual desire or your frustration.

You sat on the sand as you sharpened your spear. Watching Aonung on the furthest side of the coast made you smile brightly begore seeing him with the same girl you warned him about. Aonung was known to be rebellious, extremmely stubborn. You continued to sharpen the spear as you watched the boy keenly. He was rubbing her shoulders, the sharpening got intense.

His lips were on his neck, you knew Aonung couldnt see you in the darkness but that gave the bastard no right to think he could do such a thing in public. The sharpening got more intense. Your eyes peered at the scene in front of you. It was sickening. You felt something trickle down your forearm.

Blood.

Your rage caused you to accidentally slice your palm, you stared at the blood that dripped on the sand. You grabbed the sharpened spare and walked towards your marūi and chuckled. Aonung was a piss off. He knew how to ruin your night.

"Y/n!"

You heard a voice calling your name. You whipped your head back only to see Rotxo at the front of his marūi. "Your arm!", he yelled with concern in his voice. "What about it?", you asked blandly. "Come let me wrap it with some cloth so you won't bleed out!", he said trying to persuade you. You rolled your eyes and stood in your place. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad. You stepped inside of his marūi and he walked up to you. His height stooped at your chest.

"Please sit.", he said before grabbing the white cloth beside him and some ointment. You sat down as you scanned your surroundings. He cleared his throat as he applied the green mixture to your injury. "Who knew?", you chuckled out. He looked at you with pure confusion before titling his head to the side. "Who knew little Rotxo became a healer?", you finished.

He gasped. "I am NOT a healer, I'm just helping you. You sighed. He finally wrapped your hand with the white cloth and rose it to his face and gave it a small kiss. "My mother would do that to ensure I healed properly!", he said excitedly before his smile face. "Im so sorry! It's just I'm used to help children with their wounds and I just-", he rambled before you cut him off with a passionate kiss.

Your tongues battled for dominance and you won by a fair match. You grabbed his soft curls and used your bandaged hand to stroke his cheek. "Im sorry, i probably should have not done that. You probably felt uncomfortable-", you talked until he cut you off. "It's ok Y/n. I actually enjoyed it. A lot actually!", he said contentedly. You felt a curve on the side of your lips. He pushed you on the mat and looked at your relaxed body. His fingers played with your top and the eyes met with yours.

"May I?", he asked. You nodded in response. He slowly took your top and gazed at your breasts that were before him. He kissed your neck down to your chest. You keeled from the sudden sensation. Rotxo's lips connected with your nipple. His mouth were warm and his hands were very gentle. He moaned on your nipple as his tongue swirled around it.

"They are beautiful.", he said kissing your nipple causing a small moan to slip out. He grabbed the other breast as you swirling it around in his fingers. "I really do like them, they are so addicting for no reason!", he said happily. He bit your nipple gently. You felt like a knot was forming in your stomach. He knew what he was doing surprisingly.

The moment were truly something until..

"Rotxo! Are you here?"

It was Aonung outside of his marūi. It was too late to cover up yourself and therefore he caught you both in the moment. Your top thrown aside. His loincloth that was a meter away from him. His friend kissing your nipples making you squeal. And you of all the girls in the village. It was a sight to behold.

"What the hell are you both doing?", he yelled. Rotxo tried to explain but you silenced him with your finger. "There's nothing to explain.", you said blandly. Aonung angrily walked up to you only for you to grab the spare you were sharpening and pointed it at him. He was shocked and held up his hands showing he surrendered. "Sit. Over there.", you commanded. He dropped to the floor quickly.

Rotxo looked at you with concern. You stroked his cheek to ease him of her worry. Aonung glared at the two from the corner. "Don't worry Rotxo, you've been a good boy so no punishment for you.", You said with enthusiasm in your tone. You glanced back at the Olo'eyktan's son and chuckled. "As for you, if you dare touch yourself, i will cut it off.", you threatened. His eyes widened.

You took off your loincloth. Rotxo sat up on the mat as you palmed his bulging member. His tip was swollen from the moment before Aonung interrupted the session. Your hand stroked his cock while looking at Aonung with taunting eyes. Rotxo grinded his teeth. It feels too good. You realized he was about to cum and stops. You heard Rotxo groan from his frustration.

Aonung glared from the corner of the room. Only if he was not on punishment? But what did he even do?

It was his turn now.

[hannahhook7744]

Just A Boy (Not A Villain);

Summary: I read somewhere that in Disney Descendants, it's canon that Beast and Belle forced The coachmen to track all the boys down and turn them back.  This is the story of the aftermath.  A present for @casinotrio1965 .

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

Lampwick didn't know how long he'd been a donkey for. 

Didn't know how long it had been since he'd seen his mother.

But it'd definitely been a long time. A long, long time. 

So long that he just knew that his grandmother, mother, and little sister must have noticed he was gone already. Just knew that they were probably more worried than they'd ever been in their whole lives. 

The redhead hadn't planned on staying on Pleasure Island for long. 

He really hadn't.

Alexander wouldn't have allowed it and Lampwick himself hadn't wanted to stay there forever. 

And he definitely didn't want this to happen. 

He didn't expect for this happen. 

How was he supposed to know that following that old guy to pleasure island with Alexander was a bad idea? He was an adult and his mom was always yapping on about how he should listen more to adults.

And if that adult was offering him everything he'd ever wanted at the same time then what was the harm?

He didn't know he and Alexander and the others were gonna get turned into donkeys and sold. 

He didn't know. 

Until Alexander was already gone and he was turning and Pinocchio was watching scared and he just wanted his mama—

And then he was in a cage, and then on a farm. 

Being whipped and forced to work from dawn till dusk. Sometimes longer. 

He wanted to go home. He wanted his mama— and he swore that he'd be good if he just got to see her and hug Bella and grandma again. 

He just wanted to go home!

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

One day, a long time after Lampwick first started being forced to walk on the farm, a couple in fancy clothes and a lady with wings came into the barn with the very horrified looking farmer McDonald.

The lady with the wings pointed her wand at him and suddenly he was himself again, but older and bare and hoarsely crying for his mama again as the lady in yellow covered him with a blanket. 

Promising him they'd help him find his mama again and that the man who did this would pay and Farmer McDonald was crying and saying he didn't know.

It was all such a blur that Lampwick barely remembered. 

But he'd never forget the moment he was reunited with his family and Alexander and Pinocchio.

Or the moment he met Tiger Lily while in school.

But all of that was a story for another time….

[iovetecchou]

have u ever thought of hunting dogs best boys as fathers? I've been on a baby fever ever since i gave it a thought ☹️

oh my god… okay here we go…

tecchou:

- he would absolutely want kids with you. at least two

- tecchou is definitely the one to get up in the middle of the night when your newborn baby starts crying for dear life. every, single, time. he wants you to be able to get as much rest as you can!

- would push the stroller for you, carry the bucket, the diaper bag, everything. he wouldn’t let you lift a single finger.

- he would enjoy coloring with your child, finger painting and crafts are a must!

- you’re always cleaning up after your two babies… one of those babies being your husband, tecchou, of course.

- they would both come up to you, showing off their beautiful, messy, sparkly creations with their fingers completely covered in paint and glitter glue

- you know that iconic picture of Chris Hemsworth holding up his son by just his leg, letting the kid straight up dangle head first?? yeah tecchou would do that

- he would run around with your kids constantly, playing hide and seek, tag you name it.

- if your child was into after school activities you can bet your ass he’ll be there. at every event, every parent meeting, everything.

- would probably sign up to be your child’s coach too if they participated in sports!

- let’s say you had a daughter… your child would definitely be a daddy’s girl

- would go to every father daughter dance, have tea parties with stuffed animals, let her put bows in his hair, and paint his nails. he would even let your child put makeup on him too if they were feeling artistic!

- and he wouldn’t mind one bit. i think tecchou would love the attention from your little girl!

jouno:

- oh boy. now this is a whole different situation.

- jouno would be very hesitant about having children

- he would however enjoy the act of conceiving though (;

- a crying baby would not be good for him at all, not to mention all the bodily fluids… yeah it would take a ton of convincing

- but, if he really, and i mean really, loves you then he would want to start a family with you after a good long while

- jouno would talk a big game about how he wouldnt get overly emotional when your child finally arrived in this world. claiming that it wasn’t “that big of a deal” and he would just be “happy to get it over with”

- but the second he holds his child in his arms? oh he’s in love all over again, only this time with your baby!

- definitely shed a tear but he denies that ever happening.

- i actually think jouno would be a gentle parent.

- he would explain things in great detail to your kid, if they made a mistake or did something they shouldn’t have done he would have a surprising amount of patience for them.

- jouno would pull them into his lap and let them know that what they did was bad, and how they should react / ask for help the next time it happens. all while doing his best to put it into small words for your child to understand

- the sight alone would melt your heart, who knew he would be such a softie with your child in this way?

- oh he would spoil them rotten with desserts and treats! little cakes in the shape of a heart, cat shaped cookies, bunny apples, you name it.

- he enjoys hearing the pure joy erupt from your child, the small pitter patter of their heart as they happily enjoy his creations!

i literally whipped this up in ten minutes, so i do apologize if there are some errors in punctuation and whatnot!!

[corneliaavenue-ao3]

Loves a Game, Wanna Play?

After I came out of hospital — everyone ignored me, shut me out — other than, that is, the boy who had everything — who came across the Gryffindor common room and challenged me to a game of Exploding Snap. People think they know all there is to know about you, but the best bits of you are — have always been — heroic in really quiet ways.

Harry and Ginny have played many games of Exploding Snap throughout the years as their relationship developed.

Read on AO3

(0-0)

Isolated. Alone. Pathetic.

Three words to sum up how Ginny felt right now. Madam Pomfrey discharged her from the hospital wing yesterday, and ever since then she felt more alone than ever. 

Eyes followed her and whispers from her classmates echoed in her ears wherever she went, but no one actually talked to her. She tried sitting next to her dormmates at dinner, but they all pretended she was not there. 

Oh Merlin, this is how Moaning Myrtle feels, Ginny thought. 

Earlier this year, when she felt lonely she wrote to Tom. Now it was Tom who put her in this mess. It was his voice echoing the words, Isolated. Alone. Pathetic, over and over again in her head. 

She sat alone in a chair hidden in the back corner of the Gryffindor Common Room. The term would end in a few days, then she could go home and hopefully by the time she came back for her second year everyone would forget about the stupid Chamber and she could make real friends.

Two girls from her dorm walked through the portal, arms linked, giggling to themselves. Lifting her hand, Ginny gave a short wave. Ginny knew they saw her, but they pretended to not as they sat at a table in the opposite corner of the common room. 

Unlikely, Ginny sighed, something drastic would have to happen. 

Ginny tried to not stare over at her dormmates giggling and gossiping. She should be over there with them. She should have friends. Instead she has no one. Not even her brothers want to be around her. 

Turning back to her book carefully balanced on the plush armchair, she tried to ignore the tears that were forming in her eyes. Pathetic. 

“Hi, Ginny,” a small voice said above her.

Whipping her head up, she met the bright, green eyes of Harry Potter. 

Ginny felt her cheeks pink up, remembering the last time he stood above her. Calm down. Please Calm down, her inner monologue chanted.

“Hi, Harry,” she just barely managed to squeak out. 

He shuffled back and forth, a little awkwardly. Oh no, Ginny thought, he is going to say something about the Chamber. Does he think it was all my fault? I almost killed him and so many other students. He probably hates me. Ginny’s thoughts continued to spiral.

“Do you want to play Exploding Snap with me?” Harry asked.

“Huh?”

In Harry’s hand was a worn out deck of Exploding Snap cards, probably Ron’s deck if she had to guess. Harry ran his hands through his messy black hair. “I was wanting to play a game with someone, and you looked like you were free!” Harry said, overenthusiastically, “So I thought, maybe you wanted to play?”

Ginny was positive this was a dream. Harry Potter seeking her out to invite her to play a game with him. If this happened any time before a week ago, she would have been elated. Now, things are different. 

“I don’t need your pity, Harry.”

Harry’s green eyes widened, “Oh, I’m not!” He sat down in the spot across from her, scooting his chair closer, “Really, Ginny.”

Ginny held Harry’s stare before it came too much. She collected herself, willing her cheeks to not turn any redder than they already were. “Okay, one game.”

Harry grinned at her. 

“But you better not be a sore loser when I kick your ass,” Ginny giggled, stealing the cards from Harry’s hands, beginning to shuffle the deck.

His eyes sparkled with competitiveness, “You’re on.”

Exchanging turns, Harry and Ginny layed cards down in a pile, pointing their wands at matching pairs. The game was close. Ginny would win a few rounds before Harry would quickly make a comeback. Back and forth they went, pointing their wands at the deck and matching pairs up until…

BANG!

The cards in Harry’s hands exploded.

Ginny giggled, “I told you I would win.”

Harry stared flabbergasted at the ash in front of him. “I want a rematch!”

“Nope!” Ginny said, standing up, “I said one game and you could not be a sore loser.”

“But-” Harry objected.

“Maybe next time!” Ginny said over her shoulder, running off before she said anything embarrassing in front of him. 

Her dormmates on the couch all staring at her. Ginny gave them a quick, smug smile before making her way up to her dorm. 

(1-0)

The Great Hall was packed with confused teenagers, trying to find a comfortable place to spend the night. The four large tables were pushed off to the side and sleeping bags were strung about haphazardly on the floor. The entirety of Hogwarts was wide awake and abuzz with the gossip that Sirius Black broke into Hogwarts.

Ginny pushed her sleeping bag near Fred and George who were in the front corner with Lee Jordan. The idea that a mass murderer Azkaban escapee could be within the walls of Hogwarts scared her a little bit, and being by her favorite brothers would provide some minor comfort. 

“Hey there, Firecracker,” Fred welcomed with the nickname he created for her, “Need a spot to sleep?”

“That would be nice,” Ginny replied.

“Budge over, Lee,” Fred said, making room for Ginny in the spot between George and him. 

“We were about to play a round of Exploding Snap, want to join?” George asked her.

Ginny sat down on the floor next to Fred, tucking her feet under herself. She grabbed the blanket on top of her sleep bag wrapping it tighter around her shoulders. She picked up the pile of cards George dealt in front of her, organizing them by type of card. She eyed Fred, whose face was always a little too obvious about how good the hand he was dealt, and saw the corners of his mouth twitch up. Damn, he has a good hand.

Ginny lost the first game rather quickly, but stayed pretty far in the second. The pile of cards exploded in Lee’s face on the third game making her the winner.

Ginny stuck her tongue out at him, gloating about her win. 

“Hey, I kicked your ass in the first game, littlest Weasley,” Lee retorted.

“Hmmm, all I remember is winning the last game,” Ginny teased back. 

Lee threw his cards in her face. One of the cards exploded in her face when it hit her. Scandalized, Ginny threw her cards back in his face. “I don’t like a sore loser, Lee!”

She could tell her brothers’ best friend was going to retort something when Ron came up and interrupted them. “Can we sleep by you lot? We keep getting weird looks from other people.” Harry and Hermione were standing behind her lanky, tall brother, holding their sleeping bags.

“You can sleep by us, but we still are going to give you weird looks,” Fred responded. 

They all rearranged themselves to make room for the trio. 

“We were just playing Exploding Snap, if you want to join us,” George offered the group as they got settled.

Lee shoved forward, “But don’t play with Ginny, she is a sore winner.”

A blush crept up on her cheeks, knowing that Harry was there now. “I am not! You are just a sore loser!” 

“Alright, alright! Break it up!” George cut in, “Lee, she will kick your ass if you keep making stupid comments.” When George turned his back to Ginny to deal everyone a new set of cards, she stuck her tongue out at Lee.

The round became hectic right away. Hermione’s reflexes were not quick enough and the cards exploded in her face almost immediately. Ron laughed at the soot on Hermione’s nose, so he missed his turn causing the cards to blow up in his face. Serves you right, Ginny thought. A few more turns went on until George laid down a gnome instead of a dwarf causing his deck of cards to blow up in his face. Lee was out a few turns later, leaving only Fred, Ginny, and Harry left in the game. 

Ginny spared a look at Fred who was frowning down at his cards. Ginny smirked, knowing he was going to be out soon. Harry laid down a pair and Ginny matched. Fred looked panicked at the cards, trying to come up with a move quickly, but the cards exploded in his face.

All she had to do was beat Harry and then she wins the game.

Unlike Fred, Harry did not have any tells about the state of his cards. Ginny played a risky move, laying down a set of three matching cards instead of the pair of fairies in her hand. Harry gave her a quizzical look at her odd choice before he laid down a set of four matching cards.

Shit. 

Ginny pointed her wand at the deck, hoping for a fairy. Slowly, the card flipped over revealing itself as a Troll. Ginny did not have a moment to think before her cards exploded in her own hand.

“Damnit,” Ginny muttered.

Fred, George, and Lee cheered for Harry’s win. Harry, on the other hand, looked bashful.

“It was a really close game, Ginny. You did good,” Harry said, extending his hand.

Begrudgingly, Ginny shook it, “Good game, Harry.”

“If I remember correctly,” Harry continued, giving Ginny a tentative smile, “That means we are all tied up.”

Shocked that Harry remembered the game of Exploding Snap they played together last year, Ginny nodded. “We will have to rematch.”

“We will.”

Unfortunately before Ginny could gather all of the cards, the pompous voice of her older brother carried throughout the Great Hall. “Lights out! Everyone needs to go to bed!” Percy’s voice shouted.

“Next time?” Harry asked.

Ginny nodded at him and then watched Harry go off to Ron and Hermione’s spots on the other side of Lee. Ginny snuggled down in her own sleeping bag, dreaming of moves to win the next game of Exploding Snap.

(1-1)

Ginny walked into the Gryffindor Common Room after dinner, letting her dormmates’ gossip fill her senses, providing a clever quip of her own every now and then. 

“Look at Potter all alone in the corner. Ginny, did he and your brother have a lover’s quarrel?” 

Ginny looked over to where Sophie pointed. Harry was sitting alone with his signature moping face. Hermione whispered to her in the library all about the drama between Ron and Harry. Ginny provided all the sympathy she could as Hermione complained about being an owl between the pair, delivering messages and splitting what little free time she had between the two. 

“If he didn’t want people gossiping about him, he shouldn’t have put his name in the Goblet of Fire,” her dormmate, Jessica, muttered. 

“He said he didn’t do it,” Ginny snapped.

Jessica rolled her eyes, “Yeah, and I said Cormac Mclaggen is not hot.” Flipping her long curly blonde hair over her shoulder, she continued, “We both lied.”

Ginny sighed and stormed away up the stairs to her room. Her and Jessica did not have the best track record, and she was not in the mood to get in it with her. She threw her school bag onto her bed, she will do her schoolwork later. She had something more important to do right now.

AHA!

Ginny pulled out an old deck of cards she found in the bottom of her bedside table.

Quickly, Ginny ran back down the stairs, proud of her level of maturity when she did not knock shoulders with Jessica when they passed each other on the stairwell.

A shout from the common room drew her attention. 

“Honestly, Ronald!” Hermione’s exasperated shout echoed. Ginny turned in time to see Ron storm up the stairs to the boys dormitory with Hermione closely on his heels. Ginny glanced over to her original target to see a sour look cross his features. 

Straightening her shoulders, Ginny marched over to the mopey boy in the corner.

“Ron’s a prat.”

Harry’s head whipped up.

“Exploding Snap?” Ginny asked.

Harry sank back into the chair, “I don’t need your pity, Ginny.”

Ginny plopped down on the floor across from him, dealing him in despite his protests. “Well good thing for you, I don’t have any pity to give,” Ginny retorted. 

Harry sighed, but reached forward grabbing his stack of cards from Ginny’s hands. 

Quietly they played their game. Ginny was not quite sure what to say to make him feel better, but figured saying nothing was better than saying something stupid. Like in previous games, it was close. Harry aggressively slapped his cards down and pointed his wand at a set of Goblin cards, collecting the pair and taking the lead. 

Ginny focused on the shuffling cards, determined to not have a losing record. Faster and faster the cards self-shuffled in front of them, two quick wand movements and a pair of goblins edged Ginny in the lead. 

Harry nudged his glasses up on his face, realizing he no longer had the upper hand. A risky, quick wand flourish to steal some last minute points caused the cards to blow up in Harry’s face.  

Ginny grinned at her victory, “See if I was pitying you, I would have let you win.”

Rubbing the soot off his face, “Rude.” However his comment, a shadow of a grin etched across his features. “Maybe I should have asked for your pity.”

Ginny collected the cards scattered on the table and organized them in a neat pile. “Nah, you would rather lose fairly than win because someone let you.” 

Absent-mindedly, Harry’s fingers ran through his black mop of hair. “I guess that’s true.” Reaching his hand out for a handshake, Harry continued, “Good game, Ginny. You won fair and square.”

Ginny beamed as she shook Harry’s hand, “And don’t you forget it. I believe the record has me up two games to one.”

“We will have to have a rematch next year,” Harry teased.

“Bet,” Ginny challenged. A beat passed between them before Ginny reluctantly let go of Harry’s hand. “Ron will come around,” Ginny pushed.

Harry shook his head and then looked up at the stairs to the boys’ dormitory where Ron and Hermione had left not that long ago. “Are you sure?” 

“He is a prat, a clueless, jealous prat,” Ginny sighed before continuing, “But a loyal one. Just give him some time, okay?”

Harry gave her a short smile, “Okay.”  

Ginny awkwardly stood, brushing imaginary dirt off her tights. “Good luck with the tournament, Harry.”

“Thanks, Gin.”

(2-1)

Ginny couldn’t sleep. 

Madam Pomfrey discharged her from the hospital wing while her brother and Hermione still stayed. When she made it back to her dorm room, her friends bombarded her with questions of what happened? Ginny could not and did not want to answer them so she crawled into bed and pulled the curtains closed. 

Now she stared up at the ceiling, unable to doze off because every time she did she just pictured the Department of Mysteries. Images of Ron being strangled by brain tentacles, the pain of her ankle shattering, the sound of the veil that called to her, the same veil the claimed Sirius. 

I cannot take it anymore. Ginny flung the sheets off of herself and crawled out of bed. The quiet sounds of her dormmates sleeping filled the air. Careful to not disturb them, Ginny slid on her slippers and went down to the common room.

If she was expecting an empty common room, Ginny was very disappointed. In the corner of the room, backlit by the dying fire, Harry Potter sat alone. He was moving his hands in an odd pattern, eyes staring off into the embers. Ginny wondered if he was reminiscing about the conversations he held with Sirius through that very same fire. Her heart clenched at the thought.

Ginny walked over to him with heavy footsteps, trying to not startle him out of his reverie. Harry’s head snapped up when she got closer. Looking down at his hands, Ginny realized Harry was shuffling Exploding Snap cards. Her heart jumped up to her throat at the sight.

“Were you expecting me?” Ginny teased.

A ghost of a smile etched on Harry’s lips, “I think I was hoping for you.”

Ginny’s throat clogged up, blinking back tears and collecting her voice she replied, “A little masochistic of you, don’t you think? Hoping to get your arse kicked by me.”

A small chuckle escaped Harry as he began to deal cards.

Ginny sat on the floor across from Harry. She tucked one leg under herself and the other bent in front of her. Leaning forward, she rested her chin on the top of her knee and grabbed the deck of cards Harry dealt her.

“Dealer starts,” Ginny said, a small reassuring smile on her face.

Harry grabbed a card from the pile to start the game. Back and forth they played, the only sound in the common room was the crackle of the fire. Ginny was distracted with her playing, an internal debate going on in her brain if she should talk to distract Harry, and if she did what would be the right thing to say.

Eventually, her talkative side won.

“I have a confession to make,” Ginny said as nonchalantly as possible.

Harry raised an eyebrow, “Do tell.”

“I cheated and played Exploding Snap with someone else this year.”

“How dare you,” Harry fake gasped. “With who?”

Ginny toyed with the cards in her hands, trying to phrase the next thing she was going to say very carefully. “With Sirius.” She carefully watched Harry, gauging his reaction. His face immediately shut down, the spark that was barely in his eyes completely dissipated. 

Quickly, she added, “He invited me to play with him one night at Grimmauld this summer before you got there. I was mad that no one was telling me anything, he was mad that he was stuck in the house when he wanted to go get you from the Dursleys, so we bonded over exploding cards.”

Harry focused in on his cards, but Ginny could tell he was still listening, so she continued. “He talked a lot about you Harry. He really cared for you.”

Rubbing his eyes and clearing his throat, Harry said, “I know.”

Ginny reached across the table and gave Harry’s ankle a gentle reassuring squeeze. Harry gave her a small smile back before laying down 2 pairs of cards.

Eyes widening down at her hands, Ginny realized she had completely lost track of the game. She stared down at her cards realizing that she did not have a countermove. She had a brief moment to prepare herself for what was going to happen next, and then BANG! 

Ash from her exploded cards covered her entire face. Wide eyed she stared up at Harry who was trying to hold in a laugh. “You look ridiculous.”

Taking the hem of her shirt, Ginny cleaned off the soot on her face. “I let you win,” Ginny mumbled under her breath.

“No you didn’t,” Harry countered.

Ginny looked up at him, drinking Harry in. While there was still a sadness about him, she found some lightness in him as well. She admired his resilience, his ability to find goodness even in the worst of times. A warmth filled her chest looking up at him. “You’re right. I didn’t.”

Ginny moved from her spot on the floor to the open spot next to Harry on the couch, ensuring that there was enough space between the two to not make him too uncomfortable with her presence. 

“Thanks for not taking pity on me,” Harry murmured, just above a whisper.

Ginny hesitated a moment before leaning her head over to rest on his shoulder, something she has done with Hermione during stressful study sessions or Luna after class. A comforting gesture. She tried to ignore the feeling of Harry stiffening beside her, but it was only a moment before she felt his body relax and the weight of his head rested on top of hers.

“You know I would never pity you, Harry,” Ginny whispered back. 

Harry’s body vibrated with a short hum, but he did not say anything more. Together they sat in silence, comforting one another with their presence.

(2-2)

The Burrow finally quieted down after a hectic Christmas morning. The parsnips that missed Percy’s glasses were cleaned up off the floor, the gnome on the top of the tree mysteriously disappeared, and the wireless was finally playing some other music besides Celestina Warbeck. 

Ginny sipped on her hot chocolate that may or may not be spiked with firewhiskey, staring out the window, watching snow flurries lightly float down in the darkness. The Burrow’s warmth contrasted with the gloom of the outside world, not just the cold weather, but also the looming threat of danger in the Wizarding World. The Minister's visit today reminded her of that.

A light thud roused her from her melancholia. “Hi, Gin,” Harry said, setting his own cup of hot chocolate on the kitchen table next to hers. 

“Harry! Hi!”

Harry beamed at her, cheeks filled with warmth from the hot chocolate. “I meant to give you your Christmas present earlier, but - er - we got a little busy.”

Ginny waved her hand, “No big deal, I will take your present now to make up for it.”

Rolling his eyes, Harry brandished a small, poorly wrapped, brown box and handed it over to her. Her gift for Harry was hidden from view in her own lap.

Ginny tore open the brown paper package. A grin split across her face once she realized what the gift was. “No fucking way!” She practically shouted, shoving her gift to Harry in his hands, she chanted, “Open yours! Open yours!”

Harry grabbed the package in her hands, fingers brushing the inside of her wrist. Ginny ignored the butterflies that erupted in her stomach. Her package for Harry was more carefully wrapped with ribbons and a bow, and Harry was taking his time to not ruin her artistry. 

Peeling the last layer off of his gift, a giant grin broke across Harry’s face. “You got me Exploding Snap cards too?”

Ginny held on to her new set of cards that Harry gifted her, “You have excellent taste, Potter.”

“As do you, Weasley,” Harry grinned down at her, eyes sparkling. “What do you say, we combine the decks and play one massive game of Exploding Snap. Winner takes all.”

“Our standings are even, I’ve won two and you’ve won two,” Ginny said, “And if history is anything to go by, that means this year I will kick your arse.” Ginny flung her long hair over her shoulder. 

Harry scoffed at her. “You are on, Weasley.”

Ginny got up to clear their mugs while Harry shuffled and dealt the cards. Sitting back in her chair, Ginny tried to give Harry a threatening look to intimidate him, but he stuck out his tongue in defiance. 

“I think you cheated and looked at my cards when I was in the kitchen,” Ginny said.

“Did you get a bad hand?” Harry teased.

“Maybe,” Ginny leaned forward, a mischievous smirk etched on her face, “Or I am playing mind games to make you think I got a bad hand.”

Harry leaned forward, “Your mind games don’t work on me. I am immune to your tricks.”

“We will have to see,” Ginny winked at him.

Harry’s cheeks flushed, this time certainly not from the hot chocolate, and played his first card. 

Ginny cocked an eyebrow at his first move, a very safe play, and drew a card. 

“You should have played your troll cards,” Harry commented.

Ginny smacked her hand on the table, “I knew you cheated!”

“I didn’t,” Harry smirked, “But now I know you have a troll card.” He laid down a pair of fairies and tapped his wand to shuffle the deck. 

Gobsmacked, Ginny placed down her pair of trolls before drawing another card from the pile. Harry winked at her, and she felt her cheeks flush. 

“You are so predictable,” Harry teased.

Ginny huffed, “I am not,” tapping the shuffling deck once again. “Besides, you too are also very predictable.”

Harry leaned forward, holding the cards carelessly on his lap, all Ginny had to do was lean forward and then she could see what cards he held in his hand. “Oh yeah?”

Ginny leaned forward so that they were almost nose to nose. “Yeah.” She held his gaze, her brown eyes staring into his bright green. Her eyes flitted down to his lips and back up. They were so close, she could lean forward and close the distance. She looked down again, instead this time her eyes traveled down to the cards laying in his lap. 

Unfortunately, Harry caught her. 

“And you accuse me of cheating!” Harry shouted, pulling his cards to his chest.

“I did not cheat!” Ginny lied.

“Well I don’t believe you.”

Ginny gasped, and then threw her cards in Harry’s face. One of them hit his glasses just right causing it to explode in his face. 

Harry stared, mouth wide open at her, “You should not have done that, Ginevra.”

Ginny repressed a giggle, “And why not, Harold?”

Suddenly, Harry’s arms were wrapped around her waist, tackling her down to the ground. His fingers found her sides, tickling her to oblivion. “My name is not Harold,” he said, emphasizing each word with a poke to her side. “And admit you cheated.”

Ginny laughed uncontrollably underneath Harry’s body weight, “Never!”

“You asked for it then,” Harry replied, continuing to tickle her.

A sudden thud of the door made them both freeze and look up. 

Ron pushed through the door, stopping when he saw Harry holding Ginny down on the floor. He looked back and forth at the pair before turning around. Ginny swore she heard him mutter under his breath, “Clueless, fucking idiots.”

Harry slowly moved off of Ginny, offering her a hand up. Ginny eagerly took it.

“I lied by the way,” Harry said.

“Oh really?” Ginny asked.

“Yeah,” Harry said, a smile tugging at his lips. “I totally looked at your cards when I dealt them.”

Final Score (2-2)

[doyelikehaggis]

Scarepairs Rowboat: Madlyn | Maddox x Ashlyn Caswell (HSMTMTS)

"What are the chances."

Ashlyn's eyes widen at the familiar voice and whips around to stare in disbelief at Maddox. Having not seen her since summer, it's safe to say there's a little thrill of excitement. Her disbelief only grows further at the sight of her costume.

Grinning breathlessly, she eyes Maddox's black and white striped coat, black pants and top, and most of all, her white face paint with a subtle skeleton makeup look. For the first time in her life, she is speechless.

Good thing Maddox is great at filling silence.

"And here I thought I was being original with the Nightmare Before Christmas," she jokes, nodding to Ashlyn with an appreciative glance down at her costume as well. "It almost looks like we coordinated!"

It does that, Ashlyn thinks, flustered panic lodging in her throat. For one, Maddox looks really great in a suit. For another, they probably look like a couple right now, and she's not sure how to feel about that!

Letting out a burst of nervous laughter to buy herself time to think, she then shrugs ever so slightly and says, "What can I say? I've always dreamed of being Sally since I was a little girl. I always wanted to wait until I had someone to be my Jack, but... well, I figured Sally wouldn't let a lack of a boy stop her!"

She's rambling. She's aware of it, Maddox is aware of it if her ever-raising eyebrows are anything to go by. A furrow of concern forms between them, her head tilting.

"Wait, what happened to your boyfriend? Big Red?"

And there it is; the question she was hoping she wasn't going to ask.

"We... kind of broke up. But it's okay!" she hurries to assure her at the sight of her about to become sympathetic expression. "Really, we're good. We're still friends, but we realized that we were better off that way right now."

Maddox offers her a small smile all the same. "Oh, okay. Well, I'm glad you're happy. And" --sweeping a hand out of her pocket-- "you look amazing, by the way. It's like you were born to be Sally."

Cheeks warm from the compliment and from simply having Maddox's attention on her for so long, Ashlyn casts a smile at the ground under the pretence of admiring her patchwork dress. She does do a little bit of that as well, pulling it out ever so slightly.

"Thanks! I, uh, made the dress myself," she says, and looks back up to find Maddox's shock and awe. It's a good feeling. "Yeah, like I said. Big love for Sally since I was a kid. I didn't wanna just buy a cheap costume when I knew I could probably make it myself. With some help from Kourtney, of course."

Maddox chuckles and nods. "Of course. I wish I could say the same, but" --she shrugs again as she lightly pulls at the lapel of her striped suit jacket and grins sheepishly at her-- "I just went searching in a thrift store with Jet when we got invited to this party. I should thank EJ for the invitation, by the way. Have you seen him?"

Ashlyn stares at her. "EJ invited you?"

Maddox nods, tucking some loose hair behind her ear as she glances around with no real intention of finding EJ. "Yeah. Well," she rolls her eyes, smiling somewhat secretively, "Ricky texted Jet to tell him that EJ asked us to come. Personally, I think that Ricky just wanted to see Jet again, but I'm not supposed to say anything about that because it's a bit of a touchy subject for Jet right now. You know how it is with secret feelings."

Ashlyn's mouth has gone super dry. She curls her lips beneath her teeth and nods, simply responding with an, "Mhm."

On the inside, she's cursing EJ so hard. Of course he told Ricky to invite Maddox. She knew she should never have confided in him about her mild, not at all major, tiny little crush on her. He can't help himself, he has to play matchmaker.

Not that she wouldn't have done the same.

"Hey!" Gina, dressed up as Wednesday Addams, pauses on her way past them, eyeing them both with a massive grin on her face and a particularly not-subtle eyebrow raise at Ashlyn. "Jack and Sally! You two make a great couple!"

She doesn't stop long enough for Ashlyn to curse her, too. Well, she had to confide in her best friend. Gina is basically her sister, how could she not tell her the moment she realized she had a crush, even such a totally insignificant, soon-to-be-gone one?

Glancing at Maddox, she finds her smiling happily. Probably just because she appreciates the compliment on the effort she put into the costume. That's definitely why it made Ashlyn feel so good as well.

"I, uh... excuse me."

Ashlyn hurries off, turning on her heel and making her way up the stairs to her bedroom without looking back. It's really the guest bedroom of EJ's parent's house, but it's basically her room.

As soon as she closes her door behind her, relief hits her from the lack of noise, now all muffled by a whole floor.

She takes a deep breath, steadies and composes herself, and moves to sit on her bed. Good thing she only painted her top half blue and went with tights for her legs.

"Damn you, EJ," she mutters, then groans.

Why did she have to do this to herself? Why couldn't Corpse Bride have been her favourite movie instead? Or even just gone with Kourtney's idea of all of them dressing up as Bridgerton girls! There's no way Maddox would have walked in as the Colin to her Penelope. That coincidence would have been far too high.

There's a light knock on her door. Praying that it's EJ so that she can strangle him, she speaks without thinking and says, "Come in."

Maddox appears through a crack in the door. That sheepish smile has followed her all the way up the stairs. Fantastic.

"You okay?" she asks gently, taking a tentative step into the room. When Ashlyn doesn't tell her to leave, she takes it as a good sign and walks in further, leaving the door only slightly ajar behind her. "You took off pretty quick back there. Did I... Was it something I said?"

"Oh, god no! No, it's not you. I'm just..." Taking a deep breath, she puts on her best, most convincing smile and finds the right way to bend the truth. "I'm just a bit overwhelmed, I think. My head hurts. Honestly, I wasn't really up for the whole party thing. I kinda wanted to just stay up here and watch Halloween movies but EJ insisted."

"Well..." Maddox swings innocently, hands behind her back, biting her bottom lip, and god, why does she have to be that cute? "If you wanted, we could just do that. Stay up here, watch Halloween movies. Nightmare Before Christmas?"

At Ashlyn's widening eyes, Maddox mirrors her expression, losing her sliver of confidence.

"Only a suggestion, in case you wanted some company. It's no problem, you have a headache, of course you don't want to be around other people. I'll go."

"No!"

She must really hate herself. Why else inflict such torture such as being in close quarters alone with Maddox on herself? Still, she doesn't double back. Rather, she doubles down upon seeing Maddox's hopeful expression.

"No," she says, softer now. With a sigh, she smiles, and nods, trying not to appear too eager. "Stay. I'd... I'd really like that."

Maddox grins, her shoulders dropping. They get more comfortable on the bed together, both kicking off their shoes and taking care to avoid getting any makeup on the pillows as they curl up under Ashlyn's favourite fleece blanket, patterned with little pumpkins.

She's expecting Maddox to tease her for it, but instead, she strokes one of the little pumpkins with a look of genuine joy.

Biting her bottom lip, Ashlyn tears her gaze away from her and sets up the Nightmare Before Christmas, hoping it'll be a good enough distraction. If not, she's leaving to make hot chocolate.

[carnationworld-writings]

I'm just rolling home into my lovers arms (Caspian x fem!reader)

To read my other works, check my MASTERLIST !

Paring: Prince Caspian x fem!reader

Universe: The Chronicles of Narnia

Word Count: 1371

Requested: No

Warnings: Mention about the possibility of death on the sea, longing and loneliness, sadness and tears. Mention of food, wine and marriages and children.

If I forgot about anything feel free to write to me. Your wellbeing is important to me!

Summary: Where the Caspian came back from his first voyage after their engagement. 

Caspian wasn't at home for four months, and every day was hard for the woman who loved him deeply and to whom he proposed. Every day she dreaded his safety on the sea. She tried to make her days as busy as she could. She spent hours with other ladies on court knitting or playing. She helped Trumpkin and went on walks with Doctor Cornelius. She read about Narnia as much as she could and tried to find a way to help people who's queen she would become. But then night came, and she felt loneliness and that scare again. So she used a method they used before - when she went to her uncle's funeral - she wrote letters to Caspian every day and kept them in a box on her desk. They were about her days, what happened in the castle and the village. But mostly, they were about her feelings, dreams and love for Caspian. 

That day she felt terribly under the weather, and all her friends could see that. After dinner, Doctor Cornelius took her to the gardens, where they slowly walked in the sun. She held his arm gently, and he told her stories from Caspian's childhood making her smile and laugh. However, the longing look didn't leave her eyes. 

"My dear, Caspian will come back soon." Doctor Cornelius gently patted her hand in a calming manner.

"I know… But I still miss him very much. We just got engaged, and even if I knew that he needed to go, I hoped we would have a little more time. And I probably should start getting used to this." She whispered the ending, but he still heard her.

"It does not have to be like this. You will be wedded not long. I know this boy's love for the sea, and I am sure he will want to show you every wonder he saw. And I am sure that he won't be able to leave you for a long time. He loves you, and since you came here... He has been happy like never before." He squeezed her hand, watching her. He immediately saw that she started blinking quicker.

"I want to make him happy. I want to make him smile." She raised her eyes at the Doctor, oblivious to the edge of crying. "And I love him very much. When he is near me - sometimes I feel like my heart likes to jump from my chest…" she smiled lovingly at the thought of Caspian, and her cheeks got warmer.

"You two are a perfect match, my dear." He squeezed her hand again, and they started walking to the castle. And then, when she looked at the gates, she finally saw him. She stopped suddenly in shock. Doctor Cornelius didn't have time to understand what was happening when she mumbled: "Excuse me." and started running in the young king's direction. She nearly fell into his arms, and he hugged her tight, raising her a little. He nuzzled his face in the crook of her neck, smiling at the smell of oils she always used. He felt her arms snaking around his neck, and one of them ended up tangled between his locks. After a moment, he put her down and stepped back just a little to look into her eyes but constantly kept her between his arms. Her cheeks were wet from tears, but her lips showed the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. She touched his cheek, watching him closely in search of any wound. 

"My love… you are so beautiful." He touched her cheek gently with his calloused fingers, trying to whip all the tears. She couldn't help but quietly laugh, snuggling her face into his hand. She started combing his hair. 

"You look good too. Your hair grew longer." She smiled, finally feeling at peace after so much time. "How are you here? They said you won't make it until at least next week." 

"The wind was on our side." He squeezed her side gently like he wanted to make sure she really was near him. "And I couldn't be away from you any longer. Can you imagine that my crew started joking about me?"

"Unbelievable." She gasped jokingly, making him laugh with his heart full. She bit her lower lip, taking in his sight. His skin was tanned by the sun, hair and beard were a little longer than they used to be. She didn't even realise that he lowered his head slightly until his lips were so close to her. She smiled and rose on her tiptoes, pressing her lips against his. The kiss was slow and gentle, like tasting the waters again. They both waited for it for so long that it felt like a dream. He pulled her closer to his chest, and she sighed, content at this closeness. She loosened up in his arms, melting into him. He squeezed her waist a little stronger, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her, making her gently pull his hair. When he twisted them around, she squealed into his lips at what he laughed. And then he put her on her own feet, and both of them couldn't stop smiling.

"I missed you so much, Caspian. I am so glad that you came back to me." She squeezed his arm gently, trying not to cry again. 

"I will always come back to you. I promised you this, and I am willing to keep this promise." He kissed her forehead, closing his eyes for a moment. He felt her hand moving gently against his arm to end wrapped around his middle. 

"You better. I already dreamed about our future together." She whispered with a soft smile. 

"Really?" He looked at her, and her cheeks blushed a little. 

"Yes… about our wedding and honeymoon, about all Christmas, we will celebrate all birthdays. About… about the children we will have." She bit her lower lip, and Caspian had a dreamy look on his face.

"Children? More than one?" 

"I'll take as many as Aslan will bless us with." She smiled, and he couldn't stop himself from taking her face into his hand and kissing her deeply. Caspian always dreamed about a big, happy family, and at this moment, he truly felt that this dream could come true. Just because of this beautiful woman who stood before him with his ring on her finger. And he couldn't wait until he could call her his wife, his queen. When they parted, he rested his forehead against hers.

"I would love to hear about all your dreams. Because I am pretty sure that mine is similar." She smiled widely, kissing him shortly. 

"I'll tell you everything, but first, you need to rest." 

"I just need a quick refreshment, and I'll be all good." 

When she nodded, he took her hand in his and started leading her to the castle. She left him for a moment to allow him to take a bath and asked one of the maids to bring some snacks and wine. And when they met again on one of their favourite balconies, they spent hours there. They sat close to each other when Caspian told her about his journey. She watched him enchanted when he gesticulated lively, entirely lost in his stories. They laughed and drank wine, and Caspian couldn't stop himself from holding her hand and kissing the top of it just above her ring. When she snuggled into his side, he felt the warmth inside his heart. The domestic mood quickly made the young king feel too comfortable to stay awake. She quietly giggled and walked him into his bed-chamber. When he laid down, she fixed his quilt and kissed his forehead. When he closed his eyes, sleepy whispering a "good night" to her, she took out a pile of letters she had in her pocket the whole afternoon. She put them on the bedside table and leaned down once again. She kissed his cheek, wished him good dreams and quietly walked out of his room. And all she could think at this moment was the wish that they could already be married and she could watch him peacefully sleeping the whole night. 

Author’s note: Thank you so much for reading! If it’s not too much trouble, I would love to hear your thoughts about it. Any feedback is greatly appreciated and motivates me to work.

I am sorry about every grammar mistake and misspelling. English is not my first language.

Klaudia  💜

Taglists are always open! If you want to be added fill this up or send me an ask!

Caspian taglist: @elennox03 @live-love-loki @effielumiere @blackst0nes7077 @mystic-writings  @radcloudenthusiast @siriuslyslyslytherin @90steaology @mandos-crest @kaqua @aleksanderwh0r3 @anne-kollay @my-love-i-am-a-mess @crowssixof @x-heartrender-x @siriusbarnesslut @sassybadqueen  @mrs-brekker15  @florqlness @multifandomrandomgirl @ctrl-z33 @aleksanderblack @wecallhimbrowneyess @nyx2021 @poisxnedmind @rominaszh @sophiavrodrigues @frutilooplupin​

[kirishimas-manly-eyeliner]

➶ WHAT MAKES THE MHA BOYS BREAK (PT. 1)

pairings: mezo shoji, tokoyami fumikage, hanta sero, izuku midoriya, shoto todoroki, eijiro kirishima, denki kaminari, hitoshi shinsou

warnings: reverse comfort, may or may not have cried a lil’ while writing this. this one hurt a lot but it’s so sweet and fluffy, enjoy luvs!! also lol you could see my favoritism for kirishima

part two with bakugo, iida, ojiro, tamaki, mirio, hawks, dabi, shigaraki, and aizawa is here!

WHEN YOU CALL THEM BEAUTIFUL: MEZO SHOJI, TOKOYAMI FUMIKAGE, HANTA SERO

MEZO SHOJI 

(HE’S SO UNDERRATED LIKE PLS Y’ALL 😩)

he starts panicking as soon as you ask him to take off his mask

at first, he declines right away before turning his face around so you couldn’t touch the fabric

“mezo, i promise. i won’t hurt you, or judge you i just- i want you to trust me, is that alright with you?” you said gently. “but if you don’t want to, don’t worry about it, ‘kay?”

could he really trust you? or would you leave when he found out he wasn’t a normal person with a normal smile, that he was a monster, that was someone who looked different, what would you do?

but if you didn’t love him for who he really was, then... what was the point, right?

shoji let out a trembled sighed in defeat as his dupli-arms took the mask off. he looked down in shame, eyes shut so he couldn’t see your reaction

but your reaction was... completely unexpected

"You're beautiful!!! Why didn't you tell me that you looked so lovely all this time baby??" 

did he just hear you correctly?

did you just-- call him beautiful?

and in that moment, in those small moments, you can see his geniune smile.

his real smile beneath the mask, as his eyes shine for the first time with sincere, and earnest love and thanks

pls keep him 🥺

TOKOYAMI FUMIKAGE

the moment he hear the words "you're beautiful" come out of your mouth, he couldn't stop thinking about it for days. 

and i mean days as in multiple days, so probably weeks

and he’ll probably think about it for the rest of his life

because when he looked at himself, he thought: what about him was beautiful? 

he didn't have human-like features like everyone else, he didn't have those big muscles and a nice body, because-- well, he had a bird head!

A LITERAL BIRD HEAD, so why on earth did you: you who had human features, you who was so nice to everyone, and you who could have gone for so many other people call him beautiful?

he didn’t have that charisma and extroverted personality like some others did, and he kept to himself 

why did you think he was beautiful? how?

but you were the one who said it. you were the one who reminded him, you were the one who gave him hope

and he knew that you were always straightforward with the truth-- and this was a truth, too

and to him, that was the most beautiful thing.

HANTA SERO

this amazing bby doesn’t get enough recognition

but for a good part of his life, he’d been surrounded by people with amazing quirks, levels of strength, and amazing appearances.

he was literally friends with bakugo fricking katsuki, and he was in the same class as shoto todoroki

when he first met you, he had to convince himself for days that there was no way that he could ever catch your eye,

until he did.

when you two met after a long day of training and you told him a joke, his eyes sparkled and he laughed, genuinely

before you knew it, you blurted out the words, “you’re beautiful” before realizing what you’d said and flushing

lol sero chokes on his water

“...did you really mean that?” 

“i- yeah, sorry, i didn’t-”

“no, uh, thank you. thank you so much.”

for the next few days, he stays up at night and keeps on training because he thinks of the time you called him, who constantly felt like he wasn’t enough, beautiful

and that was more than enough to make him smile. 🥺💕

WHEN YOU KISS THEIR SCARS: IZUKU MIDORIYA, SHOTO TODOROKI

IZUKU MIDORIYA

he immediately starts tearing up when you kiss them

most people probably expect him to get flushed with something so intimate, but it’s the opposite

his scars are just something that’s so meaningful to him because it’s evidence of what he’s been through

but at the same time, he’s also insecure about them because he feels like he disappointed his mom by getting hurt so often 🥺

when you kiss his scars and tell them that they’re beautiful, he starts tearing up because-- wow

this is the moment that he’ll remember until the day he dies, because it’s when he feels free to finally open up to you

it’s when he feels free to open up to anyone, for that matter, and a huge weight just gets lifted off his chest

you took his hands and kissed his knuckles before pressing your forehead to his

izuku begins to cry, just a little bit as you gingerly kiss his scars again

“you see? you’re safe. you’re safe with me, okay?”

he nods slowly. “th-thank you.”

SHOTO TODOROKI

you two were walking back to the dorms after training out on the field together

it wasn’t too late a night, just a few minutes before curfew

your hands were buried in your pockets as you two talked about your day and what you could improve on in training

“shoto, can i ask you a question?”

he thought you were mad at him for a moment 😳

“sure.”

you swallowed, as you took a breath, “can i touch your scar?”

he whips his head around, out of shock and confusion

you wanted to touch his scar?

shoto had never planned on anything like that happening to him, and especially not from someone who meant so much to him

“...i suppose so,”

you hid your anxiousness and swallowed, cupping his face in your hands as your hand brushed across his scar

a jolt went through your fingers at that moment, and it was the first time you’d ever felt so connected to someone

shoto todoroki, the prodigy and son of endeavor was letting you touch his scar

to your surprise, shoto melted into it as he closed his eyes, placing his hand gently on top of yours 

you could feel his hands shaking though his expressions were so relaxed

you kissed the side of his scar, running a hand through his hair

“i’m so lucky to have you.”

WHEN YOU COMPLIMENT HIS QUIRK: EIJIRO KIRISHIMA, DENKI KAMINARI, HITOSHI SHINSOU 

EIJIRO KIRISHIMA

eijiro cursed as he slammed his head against the wall for the hundredth time that day

he hated to admit it, but ever since the sports festival, everything had just been falling apart

for starters, he was already insecure enough on his own about his quirk

it seemed like everyone had something flashy and made them look invincible, while he was stuck with something that could only follow around his body and cracked if he used it too much

and that... that made him upset

but when the sports festival came around, not only did he see everyone with amazing quirks and using them to their full potential, tetsutetsu had nearly the same quirk as him

and to make matters worse, they had tied and had to settle it with a fist fight

“why?” he asked to himself, looking down at the floor. “why couldn’t i- why couldn’t i have been born with a flashier quirk?”

great, now he was crying.

at least no one else was around to see him this weak-

“kirishima?”

oh shit.

he turned around, his bloodshot eyes locking with yours. “h-hey,” eijiro said weakly 

“what are you- what are you doing here-?” you noticed the way his body trembled when he took a breath and blood trickling from his forehead. “hey, are you okay?” you said.

eijiro sincerely had no idea what to say. “my quirk,” he looked down at his hands. 

you cocked your head. “what about it? i think it’s pretty neat!”

kirishima looked up. “really?”

“mhm!” you nodded enthusiastically. “it can be the strongest barrier, or the most powerful weapon! i think it’s cool that your body can just become a shield out of nowhere, it’s like-- it’s like you’re a shield, ya know? sure, todoroki might have his ice, but that makes damage and takes time to clean up, like midoriya’s punches or bakugo’s explosions. but your quirk is its own little thing! and i think that’s pretty neat.”

kirishima beamed. huh, maybe so. 

DENKI KAMINARI

“good job, bakugo!” 

“haha, nice job on that one, kirishima.”

“your quirk is so cool, todoroki! i love how the ice just went striaght through the roof!”

“nice jumping, deku! your punches are amazing.”

but i...

i was the one who helped the power come back, i was the one who literally fried my brain, i was the one who did all of that, and i-

i’m so weak.

denki inhaled through his nose, exhaled through his mouth, trying to stop the trembling in his breath as he closed his eyes

he had done so much, and what did he get in return?

all he wanted was to be someone, to be someone that made people smile, to be someone that people genuinely wanted to see

did anyone even want to see him?

“i’m a failure, i’m a failure, what am i doing, why am i so weakwhat’swrongwithmewhycan’tidoanythingright-”

“good job, kaminari!”

he turned his head, finding you running up to him and waving your hands up in the air

“hey! pikachu!” you exclaimed, trying to catch your breath once you stopped. “great job up there! you left before anyone else could notice, i can’t believe you managed to do all that. your quirk is so cool!”

denki’s heart swelled with pride, his eyes saying nothing but thanks.

your quirk is so cool!

“thanks, y/n! so, how do you feel about going to the arcade after school?”

HITOSHI SHINSOU

hitoshi stared at himself in the mirror, his eyes blood-shot and head fuzzy

“i’m not a villain.” hitoshi said slowly. “i can’t be a villain. i want to be a hero.” 

he splashed the sink water onto his face. “get yourself together, are you really going to let a few words hurt you?”

but hitoshi couldn’t help but feel that way-- what could he even use his quirk for- no, no, he could use it for so much. but...

“ha! a quirk such as yours should be only used for villains, you monster! you might as well get out of here before anyone else tries to kick you out.”

hitoshi screamed in anger, splashing the water across his face and pressing hard into his eyes, before slapping himself across the face

“get yourself together..”

“hey, shinsou!! i was wondering if-”

your eyes locked with his frustrated expression. “shinsou? is... something wrong?”

normally, he’d push you away, but-- but now, he really needed someone

your breath hitched when you saw his eyes land onto yours, but for some reason, there was something so lonely and upsetting behind them, before you remembered what a few students at ua had said.

you didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but you were on a rush to get to school that morning and had to run ahead and pass through that area. 

“if it’s about what some of those idiots said this morning, just... know that i think, for the record, that your quirk is so cool.”

shinsou’s eyes furrowed in confusion. you? you thought his quirk was cool?

“i’m not lying,” you said, as if reading through his thoughts. “i really think its amazing. you can help so many people with it, you can change the entire world with a quirk as special as that, so act like it! because it’s true, your quirk is really amazing, and i’m pretty sure you’re the only one who doesn’t see it, you knucklehead.”

he doesn’t tell you this, but-

ever since that day, he’s never stopped thinking about it. 

🕭 reblog | comment | follow 🕭

hey bbys! reminder to go drink water if you’re reading this! water nourshies your sexc body and can make you feel a heck ton better ‘bout yourself-- and remember, whatever you did today was more than enough. ily very much, but if it’s past your bedtime, GO TO SLEEP KIDDO, ily!

qotd, what’s your favorite drink 👀

join my family! 

list of family members: @kirishimuhhhhh​​, @xuxisushi-1​​, @kirishima-my-beloved​, @msminsuga​, @farfetchedparanoia​, @satis-mangata​, @moonhere​​, @renegadedeca​​, @viridevi​​ <3

☂ requests are open for mha + hq!! ☂

[maatryoshkaa]

between the lines | lee minho

𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐘 𝐊𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒!𝐀𝐔

✑ Late fines, shared lockers, and a missing love letter:

In which a frantic search for an overdue library book leads to you finding other things that are...long overdue.

✑ PAIRING: student librarian!minho x bookworm!reader

✑ GENRE: retro!high school au, slow burn, slice-of-life romance, slight enemies-to-lovers shenanigans

✑ WORD COUNT: 9.7k

✖︎ TAGS/WARNINGS: fem!reader, mild language, bullying themes, skz are all around the same age. mc is insecure and a bit of a valentine's day grinch. minho is whipped but too hardheaded to admit it. also, an embarrassing amount of classic literature/pablo neruda references.

Ah, Valentine’s Day.

Call it the most romantic day of the year if you will, but in the treacherous hallways of Levanter High, it meant a minefield of hormonal couples, crushed chocolate boxes, and supermarket rose bouquets. Clutching your backpack with a grimace, you narrowly dodged a pigtailed cheerleader as she leapt into her jock boyfriend’s waiting arms. Turning into another hallway, you plugged your ears to block out a senior boy’s cold rejection of a freshman’s nervous love confession.

You finally caught sight of your locker and breathed a sigh of relief. Levanter High’s lockers were split in half lengthwise—one top row, and one bottom row. You dropped to a crouch to wrench yours open—you’d lost your lock a couple of weeks ago—trying to block out the early morning commotion as you rummaged for your English books.

“Hey, watch ou—”

The locker above yours opened with a screech, and you looked up just in time to see a pink avalanche of cards and chocolates raining down on your head in a painful, deafening crash. The student who had called out the warning was frozen with a comical look of shock on her face. You swore the entire hallway fell silent, blood rushing to your cheeks as you slowly raised your gaze at the person who had opened the locker.

Lee Hana—head cheerleader of Levanter’s pep squad, and in your humble opinion, the spawn of Satan herself.

“Ohmigosh,” she exclaimed, raising one hand to her mouth in mock horror, “I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there.”

The crowd around you was beginning to snicker and point, and you felt your face growing redder by the minute. “What are you doing here?” You asked tersely, motioning towards the locker above yours. “That’s not even your locker.”

Hana smiled and held up a small, glittery package. Oh. You didn’t have to look closer to know that the envelope was a love letter, elaborately tied to a box of expensive chocolates—the kind your parents would probably have to work overtime to afford. “My Valentine—for your locker buddy,” Hana replied matter-of-factly, then added, “Not that you would understand, hm? Since you’ve never received one yourself, and all.”

A smattering of laughs erupted from the crowd that was building around you. Biting back a retort, you looked down at all the other Valentine’s trinkets that had spilled around you. Of course—you should have gotten used to it by now. After all, your locker was right underneath the one that belonged to the student librarian, school heartthrob, and the absolute bane of your existence, Lee—

“Minho!” Hana exclaimed, and you looked up to see him shuffling through the crowd, his eyes briefly falling on yours. You immediately turned away as the pretty cheerleader skipped up to him, and shoved your books into your bag. Slamming your locker shut—twice, because Levanter’s damned lockers always jammed before shutting properly—you snatched up as many of Minho’s fallen Valentine’s Day trinkets as you could before shoving them back into the now-emptied top locker. The metal door was still swinging wide open. You’d overheard Minho complaining to the boy who always did the announcements—Han Jihyun? Han Jisung?—about how he kept losing his own lock. Both of you seemed to have a habit of misplacing things (not that you liked to admit to that similarity).

Out of the corner of your eye, Minho was still watching you over Hana’s shoulder, his lips tilted in a half-smile. Your gut twisted unpleasantly. Four years and counting—that was how long you’d ended up with a locker right under Minho’s.

“You’re so lucky!” Lia—your best friend—had gushed, while you had scoffed in utter disbelief.

“Oh, sure. Just my rotten luck.”

“Come on, y/n. Are you still hung up about that love letter from freshman year?”

Yes, you had thought sourly. “No way,” you had snapped, and Lia had giggled, unconvinced.

It wasn’t like you’d always had a personal vendetta against Minho. In fact, in ninth grade, you’d been head over heels for him, just like the rest of the student body—to the point where you’d even slipped a small love letter into his locker on Valentine’s Day, too. It had been one of those gaudy 99-cent corner-store cards, and you'd saved up your pocket money just to buy a matching pack of candy hearts. Then you’d spent the day with butterflies in your stomach, anxiously waiting nearby his locker to see his reaction.

But when he hadn’t shown up, you'd shrugged and begun heading home—and that was when you had caught sight of Minho, throwing all the love letters he’d received straight into the Dumpsters in the back parking lot.

Talk about a reality check.

As if that hadn't been traumatizing enough, you’d been forced to face him nearly every morning for the following three years. To make matters worse, being Minho’s involuntary locker mate also meant that all the girls—and guys, for that matter—saw you as little more than a stepping stone to him, always asking you to relay party invitations or trying to curry favour with you to get to him.

“We’re not close,” you’d insist to his persistent admirers every time, but it didn’t help. Minho, on the other hand, you thought bitterly, seemed to think he was too good for anyone—he didn’t even respond much to Hana’s advances, and she was drop-dead gorgeous. There was no way he’d even look twice at you—you’d been firsthand witness to that. You finally gave up trying to clean up the fallen Valentines, and stood up with a sigh. Throwing him a death glare, you pushed past the crowd just as the bell rang and students began scurrying away.

What did it matter if Lee Hana was trying to get with Minho? If anything, they were a match made in heaven. Or hell. With a decided huff, you plopped yourself down at your desk just as your English teacher began class.

“We’re starting the poetry unit today! Remember, you’ll be writing a love poem of your own for the final project—so I suggest you all get started on reading!” You teacher had winked and clapped her hands excitedly while a collective groan had swept through your class. A few couples had nudged each other meaningfully, already promising to write their poems about each other, and you’d thrown up a little in your mouth.

Romance was a bit of a touchy subject for you— now, you didn’t hate the notion of love, per se, you’d just always been somewhat...wary of it. After watching your friends fall in and out of disastrous relationships and fleeting feelings from the sidelines too many times to count, your own defense mechanisms had skyrocketed, and now you found yourself trying not to roll your eyes at every piece of romantic writing you read. Still, this inexperience only made you more determined to get a head start on the topic— and so, once the last bell had rung, you made a beeline for the school library. You would tackle love the only way you knew how to—by hitting the books. Pushing open the door, you overheard Hana and her friends muttering in disappointment and immediately recoiled.

“You said he’d be in here!”

“Well, I thought I saw him! Let’s wait for a bit.”

You peeked over the librarian’s desk, and sure enough, it was vacant— save for a tray of half-shelved books and stamping cards. Maybe Minho left early today, you thought, shrugging. That’s a relief. Then you shook your head quickly. What’s it to me whether he’s here or not? You tried to ignore Hana’s disdainful glance at you, heading straight towards your favourite nook at the back of the library instead: a cozy alcove tucked behind the last row of shelves. With a deep sigh, you pulled out the first book of poetry your teacher had assigned—Shakespeare’s Complete Sonnets—and sank into the bean bag chair.

‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate:

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May…’

A couple lines in, and the Englishman’s words were already making your head spin. You grimaced, massaging your temples. ‘A summer’s day?’ Seriously? You could swear you’d seen something less cheesy on a dollar store card. After a couple of pages, you could already feel your treacherous eyelids beginning to droop, fighting to stay awake as you tried to make sense of Shakespeare’s verses. But thy eternal summer...shall not fade...nor lose...possession…

“The library’s closing.”

You jolted awake, hands fumbling blindly before you could even force your eyes open. The library came into focus first—the lights had been dimmed, the flickering EXIT sign from the empty hallway casting a warm glow through the panelled window across the room. A dull headache still throbbed in your temples.

“Sorry,” you mumbled, rubbing your eyes groggily. You had to practically peel your cheek away from the Shakespeare book, fingers gingerly feeling the dent the cover had left in your cheek. “I-I’m so sorry, I must have—lost track of time studying.”

A familiar chuckle sent your heart plummeting to your stomach. “I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

When your eyes finally adjusted, your expression automatically soured into a glare.

“Now that’s more like it.” Smirking, Minho crossed his arms, leaning back on a bookshelf. He glanced down at the book in your lap—the book that you clearly hadn’t been studying. “Didn’t know you were one for Shakespeare.”

“I—” You threw your hands up in exasperation. “I’m not. His writing gives me a headache. It’s like it’s all in another language or something.”

Minho raised an eyebrow. “Old English. Why are you reading it, then?”

“We’re doing poetry in class—and our final project is to write an actual love poem, based on the poets we’ll study. Shakespeare was just first on the reading list, so…” you felt yourself trailing off, flustered. Why were you even bothering to explain this to Minho, who probably couldn’t care less? “Nevermind.”

You felt his piercing gaze on you as you shoved your books into your bag, glancing outside at the nearly emptied parking lot. If you squinted, you could spot a couple—Seo Changbin, judging by the male’s iconic leather jacket, and his lover—making out under the bleachers. You shook your head incredulously. Valentine’s Day. Love poems. Hormonal couples galore. It was like the universe was playing a long, cruel joke on you: Ha-ha, look who’s spending Valentine’s Day studying in the library alone.

Well, alone except for a student librarian with whom you had a mortifying history. Not much better. Eager to leave, you got to your feet, only to see Minho flipping through a smaller book he’d pulled off the shelf next to him. “If you want some real inspiration,” he began slowly, pushing up his glasses, “I’d suggest you start closer to our time period.”

You looked down at the book he was holding up, brow furrowing as you read the title out loud. “Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair. Pablo Neruda.”

“The best Chilean poet of the 20th century,” he nodded. “‘I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way, because I do not know any other way of loving but this.’”

It took you a second to realise Minho was quoting a poem, and you were suddenly grateful that the dimly lit library hid the flush of red that had betrayed your cheeks. Clearing your throat, you mumbled, “That actually sounds...kind of pretty.”

He didn’t look up, but you thought you saw the corners of his mouth shoot up ever so slightly. Maybe the shadows were playing tricks on you? Flipping through the book, Minho fished out a pad of sticky notes from his back pocket and marked a few pages. “Here. ‘The Song of Despair’...‘Tonight I Can Write’...‘Here I Love You.’ Those are good.” Clamping the book shut, he held it out towards you.

You almost thanked him, but the words faltered on your tongue as you took it from him suspiciously. “What’s with the sudden helpful attitude?”

He shrugged. “It’s my job.” You raised an incredulous eyebrow, and he smirked. “Consider it my apology for this morning, then.”

That left you at a real loss for words, and for the first time, you struggled to find a retort. “That’s...considerate of you, apologising on behalf of your girlfriend and all.”

“Hana’s not my girlfriend.”

You breathed a small laugh. “Soon-to-be, then. Don’t break her heart.”

Minho scoffed, bringing the book to the front desk and scrawling your name on the sign-out card. He stamped the dates, then held it out at you before glancing out the window. Dusk had fallen, the empty football field lit only by rows of flickering lampposts. “You can get home safe?”

“Screw off, Lee Minho.” You eyed him warily, shoving the book into your bag before practically running to the double doors. The strange atmosphere that had suddenly built up in the library felt terrifyingly foreign to you, and your first instinct was to be rid of it as soon as possible. In the hallway, you spotted a janitor dumping a bin into a trash bag. A familiar avalanche of pink envelopes and gifts caught your eye, and you felt a wave of humiliation. Just the memory of Minho throwing yours out—after reading it and having a good laugh, no doubt—made you want to ram your head into the lockers all over again. You’ve got no chance with him, y/n, you thought blearily. Right when you’d thought you’d finally come to terms with Minho’s brutal (albeit unintentional) rejection, here he was again: crashing back into your life like some...cat-eyed, pointy-nosed meteor.

“Oh, y/n! One more thing.”

You’d already had one foot out the front door when Minho called your name again, making you jerk your head back in surprise. Minho had his bag slung over one shoulder, a pile of books in his arms as he waved to get your attention. His smile looked almost...genuine in the warm shadows, his round glasses softening his usually sharp gaze. Despite yourself, you felt your heart skip a beat.

Then Minho made a wiping motion over his face and grinned. “You’ve got drool on your chin.”

Your face reddened, and you slammed the library door shut, earning a glare from the janitor down the hall. Smacking the heel of your palm against your forehead repeatedly, you stormed out of the school muttering curses under your breath. Typical Lee Minho.

To your surprise, you practically devoured the poems in less than a week, taken aback at how much you genuinely enjoyed them. It was the first time you didn’t find yourself cringing at romance—and sure enough, in a couple days’ time, you found yourself reluctantly standing back in front of the double doors of the school library once again.

Carefully, you craned your head to peep into the panelled window, scanning the room for Minho. As per usual, a gaggle of girls were huddled on the other side, blocking your view.

“Looking for someone?”

Flinching, you nearly tripped on Hana’s long legs as she came up beside you. Before you could respond, she fixed you with a withering look. “You’ve got some explaining to do, Little Miss Perfect.”

“I—sorry?”

The cheerleader rolled her eyes, sneering. “Don’t act all innocent with me, you sneaky b—”

Sighing, you pushed open the doors before she could finish. Hana followed you into the library, still sputtering angrily. Her hand snatched your arm, French manicure digging painfully into your cardigan.

“The Valentines,” she hissed, and it finally clicked.

She’s talking about the love letters, you realized. The ones Minho throws out every year.

Gut twisting, you looked up to see all the other girls crossing their arms and looking back at you expectantly. “None of you...got a response?” You asked incredulously, already knowing the answer. This happened every year: Expectant admirers showered Minho’s locker with gifts, Minho wouldn’t even glance at them— and then, for some reason, you were left to take the blame. A twinge of annoyance shot through your chest.

“You stole them from his locker, didn’t you?” Hana continued accusingly, pupils shaking. “You sneaky, jealous bitch— of course you did.”

He threw them all out, you wanted to scream back at her, but the words wouldn’t budge from your tongue. Somehow, saying them out loud felt like tearing off the stitches of an old wound; a painful reminder of your personal humiliating memory. And—though you hated to admit it—a small part of you still didn’t have the heart to throw Minho under the bus just yet, even after all that he’d done.

Feeling defeated, you sighed and turned towards her. “Why would I want to do that?”

Hana scoffed, tossing her chocolate curls over one shoulder. “Oh, please. We all know you’ve had a massive one-sided crush on him since ninth grade.”

A rush of heat flooded your cheeks, the other girls’ snickers at your reaction drowning out any of your protests. “That’s not—”

“Not true? Then—is it mutual?” Hana sneered mockingly. “Don’t make me laugh. He wouldn’t be caught dead with the likes of y—”

“Can I help you with anything?”

The small crowd fell silent as Minho appeared from one of the aisles, eyebrows raised slightly in his usual nonchalant manner. A chill of panic rushed down your spine, palms growing clammy with cold sweat. H-how much did he overhear? In your peripheral, Hana was practically batting her eyelashes at him, but Minho’s mild eyes were focused on yours expectantly.

“I—uh. Well,” you stammered eloquently, your entire body suddenly paralyzed. Hana’s cherry red lips were twisted in a smug smirk, clearly waiting for you to embarrass yourself. “The book,” you blurted, immediately rummaging for the poetry book in your bag and holding it out to him.

Minho took it from you, fingertips grazing yours slightly. They were surprisingly warm. “How’d you find it?”

“R-really good, actually.” Then, you hesitantly added, “I...like the way Neruda uses imagery—he’s precise without being plain, and artful without deviating too much into purple prose. I think I liked Tonight I Can Write the most— y’know, ‘Tonight I can write the saddest lines...’” You swallowed, then instantly began regretting having ever spoken. Great job, y/n, now you sound like a full-blown nerd.

But Minho nodded, his eyes gleaming. “‘I loved her, and sometimes, she loved me, too.’”

“That’s the second verse,” you muttered automatically, and his lips twitched.

“It’s one of my favourite lines.”

The other girls had begun to awkwardly shuffle out of the library, their absence easing your racing heart. With just a few mildly spoken words, you noted, Minho had managed to make you feel as though you had blocked out the rest of the world. Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted Hana glaring daggers at you, and the small smile dropped from your face.

“Do you need something?” Minho asked her blankly, his gaze trailing down to Hana’s hand, which was still painfully latched onto your arm. With a roll of her eyes, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the library.

As soon as she was gone, you breathed an audible sigh of relief. Minho was peeling the sticky notes off from the poetry book you’d returned, eyes still watching you intently. Giving him the side-eye, you deadpanned, “She’s pretty, you know. Maybe you should go talk to her sometime.”

There was a small smile on Minho’s lips. “Does she like Chilean poetry?”

You could only give a short—slightly too shaky for your liking—laugh in response, ruffling your own hair as you tried to calm your frazzled nerves. Don’t forget, y/n. One, that he’s out of your league. Two, how this was all his fault to begin with.

“Is that all you came here for?” Minho’s voice broke into your thoughts again, making you jump. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes. He finds this—me—amusing.

“Well…” you looked down at your feet, then grudgingly nodded at the poetry book you’d just returned. “Do you...have any other recommendations?”

Minho’s face broke into a shit-eating grin, and you bit back a groan. before your pride got the better of you and you changed your mind, he was already heading towards the back of the library, sliding books out as you struggled to keep with his pace. “First of all, Dickinson. Hit-or-miss, but you never know. Then there’s Sylvia Plath, some Emily Brontë…”

Before you knew it, you’d been whisked into a world of verse and metaphor, flying between numerous time periods and continents as you and Minho perused the shelves. Just like the time when you had accidentally fallen asleep in the library, the library seemed to grow cozier, quieter, more peaceful during moments like these, as if the entire world was holding still as you lost yourself in pages upon pages of books. Soon, you found yourself heading to the library nearly every day after school. Despite yourself, you found yourself looking forward to that sunset hour, the fleeting period where most students had left, and the entire library would glow warm as though it were blushing under the swathes of golden light. And in these same fleeting moments, you found your gaze lingering more and more on Minho—the way he would push his silver glasses on, furrowing his brow in concentration whenever he searched for a book, or run his long fingers over their worn spines whenever he was lost in thought—

“Like what you see?” With a flinch, you realised Minho had begun walking back towards you, a crooked smirk on his lips as he set a new pile of books down at the desk you were sat at.

“No!” You snapped, too quickly. “Just—spaced out for a bit. Too concentrated on the project.”

The smirk hadn’t budged from Minho’s face, and you resisted the urge to throw a copy of Emily Dickinson’s Selected Poems at his long, pointy nose. “Mm. You seem to be coming here a lot more often.”

“That’s because the due date is coming up.”

“No. I mean, you seem to be talking to me a lot more.”

You rolled your eyes, snatching a book from the top of his pile as you muttered, “Screw you, Lee Minho.”

His eyebrows shot up in wicked mischief. “You’re more than welcome to try.”

With a cry of exasperation—and surprise at having been heard—you hoisted your book bag onto the table, building a makeshift wall between the two of you.

You didn’t catch the way Minho’s laughter slowly faded as he rested his head on one hand thoughtfully, quietly watching you read. Your lips were pursed in concentration as you muttered your notes under your breath. Cute, he couldn’t help thinking.

Minho had always been good at memorizing things, but he couldn’t remember exactly when you’d begun disliking him so much. You had always intrigued him—what with the way your locker always seemed to be overflowing with books, or how you used to lend him your copy when he forgot his, back in ninth grade. That Valentine’s Day, four years ago, your name had been the only one he’d hoped to find as he rifled through the cards he’d received. But he’d come up empty, and so he’d thrown them all out. And for some reason, you’d been cold to him ever since.

Minho had assumed that you were probably annoyed with all the letters that would fall out of his locker and onto you, and so every year he tried his best to get rid of the Valentines as soon as possible. Nevertheless, you only seemed to be getting more and more annoyed with him.

And now here you were, right in front of him, four years later, and he still couldn’t bring himself to ask you why. Confrontation had never been his strong suit—his words always seemed to come out too blunt, too cold, too soon, and so he’d always avoided bringing it up with you again. Minho sighed, raking a hand through his hair. Written words—that is, books—had always been so much easier than people.

He did, however, remember when he’d started falling for you.

Tenth grade, literature studies. He’d begun arguing against your thesis during one of your presentations, and the two of you had ended up bickering the entire class—pulling out quotes from nearly every chapter of Pride and Prejudice before the class president had to intervene, and your teacher had sent you both to detention.

You had glared at him once, and he’d fallen head over heels.

These violent delights have violent ends, he’d mused in his head back then—Romeo and Juliet—and with the murderous stare Minho sometimes caught you fixing him with, he was willing to bet that you were wishing a violent end on him, too.

He couldn’t pen a love letter to save his life, either— and so, he resorted to pettily glaring at any admirer that approached your locker like Gandalf—you shall not pass—until they backed off. Minho didn’t think you would appreciate him revealing that, either. The more he thought about it, the more ridiculous his actions seemed—and like a poorly written plot twist, you had ended up stumbling back into his life again. Never in his life, however, did Minho think that Pablo Neruda would become his wingman. Glancing down at his portrait on the back cover of the book, Minho could almost imagine the Chilean poet pointing his pen threateningly: “Don’t screw this up.”

“Hey, Minho?” He snapped out of his thoughts to see you waving your hand at him from the other side of your book bag. “You were right. I don’t get any of Dickinson’s poems.”

Your words took a moment to register, Minho caught off-guard by the soft golden hour light illuminating your pretty features. You waved your hand in his face again, and he blinked, breath caught in his throat. Almost tripping over his tongue, he finally quipped, “How on earth are you passing AP English?”

You glowered and smacked his shoulder, the near-silent library ringing with Minho’s laughter once again.

With a week left to the deadline, you were planted at your desk in your room, the wastebasket littered with crumpled up half-sheets of notebook paper. To your dismay, none of the words seemed to be coming out the way you wanted them to. Gnawing the back of your pencil in frustration, you dumped the contents of your book bag onto the desk, and spotted your latest library book—100 Love Sonnets, by Pablo Neruda. Inexplicably, out of all the poets Minho had introduced to you, you always found yourself coming back to him.

Flipping through the well-thumbed pages, your fingers stopped at one titled Sonnet XVII. “I love you without knowing how,” your eyes scanned the verse curiously, “or when, or from where. I love you simply…”

It was the poem Minho had quoted that evening in the library, you realized, heart skipping a beat. “...without problems or pride / I love you in this way, because I do not know any other way of loving / but this, in which there is no I or you / so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand / so intimate that when I fall asleep, your eyes close.”

With a sigh, you buried your head in your arms, lying face-down onto the desk. Maybe the reason why you instinctively disliked reading love poems so much was because of the sheer sincerity of them all. You envied their ability to put feelings into words—with unabashed, unapologetic ardour, and be celebrated for it, to boot. Eyes scanning the verses again, your mind wandered to the way Minho’s eyes had lit up as he’d explained the lines to you, his brow furrowed in focus.

At Levanter High, you had grown used to being pushed around and out of the spotlight. It was either the popular girls and their backhanded compliments, or the boys who spoke to you condescendingly just to a) get you to do their homework, or b) get in your pants. But Minho had always taken you seriously, albeit while driving you half-insane with his infuriating remarks. And as much as you hated to admit it, that same fiery look in his eyes whenever he got worked up—so different from his usual reserved facade in front of the teachers and swooning students—had always made your heart skip a beat. In tenth grade—back when he seemed to pick a fight with you nearly every English class until Bang Chan had to hold the two of you back from killing each other—you’d thought you’d successfully quashed your feelings for the mild-voiced, hazel-eyed librarian. Yet every time he spoke, he left you feeling vulnerable, disarmed, and you were back—though you refused to admit it—to square one.

“‘I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul,’” you whispered, fingers tracing the words on the paper. Feeling a sudden surge—of confidence, or simply exasperation, you weren’t sure—you seized the pen and began scribbling on a new piece of paper. For years, you’d been afraid to face your feelings, terrified of the humiliation if Hana—or anyone at school—found out. But if getting them all out in one cheesy, hot mess of a love letter could give you some closure, you thought tensely, you were more than happy to oblige. You would write it all out under the guise of a love poem, and then it would never have to see the light of day again.

Words began coming to your head like a floodgate had been thrown wide open, and you began scrawling onto the page. “‘I love you as the plant that never blooms, but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers,’” you quoted thoughtfully as you drafted your own poem. In a way, it felt cathartic—you could get all your feelings out, pass it off as an assignment, and never think about the forbidden fruit again. For all you knew, it was a win-win situation. The pen kept wobbling, ink spilling out haphazardly and skipping, but you relaxed slightly. Maybe this assignment wasn’t too bad, after all.

Head filled to the brim with poetry, you set the pen down and dozed off.

“You’re not coming to the football game?” Lia flashed puppy eyes at you, and you smacked her hand playfully, swiping a french fry from her plate.

“Lia, since when have I ever gone to one?” The two of you had dropped by the Sunshine Coffee Shoppe for a quick pick-me-up during lunch hour, but one smile from the cute waiter—Yang Jeongin, if you remembered his name correctly—had dazzled Lia into ordering an extra burger combo, complete with a plate of fries. “Sports and crowds—not my thing. And I have an English project due the next day.”

She pouted. “Oh, come on! Knowing you, you’ve probably already finished it by now.”

You grinned, thinking back to your love poem and fighting the urge to cringe. You’d read it the morning after, and it had taken every fibre in your being to hold yourself back from ripping it to shreds. Piercing, catlike eyes, you’d written in one line. Silver spectacles. Long fingers on dusty pages. Shuddering, you’d stuffed it into the Neruda book before banishing them both to your locker and going about your day. Love poems are supposed to be cheesy, y/n, suck it up. It’ll only be this one time. Besides, it wasn’t like anyone other than your teacher would ever read it.

When you dropped by the library after school, you spotted Hana’s familiar figure by one of the cubicles. As she tossed her hair over her shoulder with a laugh muted by the plexiglass windows, you saw that she was talking to a grinning Minho.

“Are you sure you’re not coming to the game on Thursday?” Hana was whining as you pushed open the doors to the library. She patted his arms playfully. “You could be on the football team if you wanted to, you know! Why don’t you try?”

He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m not that quick on my feet.”

“Well, tell you what. They’re having a party at Hyunjin’s place right after—his parents are out of town. If you don’t feel like coming to the game, at least join us at the afterparty to loosen up a little—have a little fun.” She blew him a kiss and stood, throwing her purse over her shoulder and spotting you. You instinctively froze, bracing yourself for whatever slew of insults she had for you today, but all Hana did was beam and wave at you.

As she passed you by the door, she threw you a knowing wink. “Have fun on your little study date!”

Her words made your ears grow hot again, but to your surprise, there was no trace of venom in her voice — only a lighthearted teasing, as if she had been your friend all along. Hana really did look sweet when she smiled genuinely, and you could see why she had so many people easily wrapped around her finger. Maybe people do change. Or she’s just in a good mood. Before you could shrug and turn away, you sensed Minho’s presence behind you and yelped.

He held his hands up in mock surrender, and you could swear he was suppressing a laugh. “Here to work on your project again?”

Hana’s strange exchange with you on her way out had left your mind reeling, and you scrambled to form coherent sentences. “No, I, um—I actually finished it last night. I just…” Thought I’d just drop by to say hi. But your pride turned the words to mush before they had even formed, and you ended up trailing off awkwardly.

“Really?” There was a flash of disappointment in his face, then Minho’s gaze landed on the book-borrowing register on the front desk. “Right—your book is due today. Did you want to return it?”

Your eyes widened, silently cursing at your own forgetfulness. “Um—yes,” you lied, pretending to search in your bag before giving an awkward laugh. “Yep. I think it’s in my locker—let me go get it.”

After jogging to the other side of the school, you flung open the bottom locker, making another mental note to replace your missing lock. Still catching your breath, your hand sifted through the notes and textbooks before coming up empty. Where is it? You could swear you remembered putting it there, unless—

Breath catching in your throat, you shut the locker with a mortified bang. The English classroom. You practically sprinted down the hallways, earning another dirty look from the janitor as you raced past. Bang Chan looked up in alarm when you nearly crashed into the English classroom door. The entire room was empty, save for the class president, who looked like he was helping to file the teacher’s papers.

“Where’s the fire?” He asked jokingly as your eyes frantically raked the room.

“Have you—seen a book, by any chance? 100 Love Sonnets. Pablo Neruda.”

Chan frowned. “We shelve all the books after class, and if it’s one we don’t recognize, we keep it until the students come back in the morning.” He shrugged. “I don’t remember seeing anything.”

Your heart sank, and you saw the corners of Chan’s mouth lift bemusedly.

“What’s the hurry, anyway? I thought you hated love po—”

With a groan of frustration, you left the baffled class president staring after you as you turned on your heel and back into the hallway. Your mind was racing, panic making your ears buzz. The love letter’s in there. Where the hell did I put it? You sprinted to the Sunshine Coffee Shoppe next, but only got an apologetic shrug from Jeongin even after you’d scoured every nook and cranny of the diner. The sun was already beginning to set as you trudged, defeated, back to the school. Spotting the library’s dim windows in the distance, you wrestled with your options — if it weren’t for that cursed love letter, you could’ve probably just told Minho you’d misplaced it. But now the book—along with everything you’d never dared to tell anyone, crammed onto a sheet of notebook paper—could be anywhere, and there was no way in hell you were going to stop looking until you found it. Heart heavy with dread, you did a full 180 and began walking home.

It was no use. You’d practically pulled an all-nighter tearing your room apart searching for the book— and then, the better part of the following day running around town. But no matter where you looked—the record shop, Blockbuster’s, or even the laundromat—you came up empty.

It’s like it’s disappeared entirely, you thought as the lunch ladies piled your tray with a few sad-looking burritos. The cafeteria was buzzing with teenagers jittery with caffeine and sugar, and you had to duck as a boy chucked an apple at another across the room. You passed the cheerleaders’ table, trying to avoid eye contact, but their giggly conversation carried over the chaotic commotion.

“Did you see how cute Hyunjin looked today on the field?”

“Are you sure he doesn’t have a girlfriend? Maybe Hana can talk to him for us—if he doesn’t fall for her first.” The blonde cheerleader that had spoken nudged the older girl insistently.

“Me?” There was a smile in Hana’s voice. You could feel her eyes on you as she mused, “Oh, I don’t know, Hyunjin’s not my type. I much prefer boys with—how should I put it—catlike eyes, silver spectacles, and long fingers perfect for turning dusty pages…” She clasped her hands together in mock adoration, and her friends erupted in giggles.

“What the hell was that? Sounds like a cheesy love poem.”

You had frozen stiff as soon as she had uttered the words, stunned eyes finding Hana’s only a couple feet away. She gave you a winning smile—the same one you’d deemed friendly just a couple days ago—and winked.

“Give me my book back.”

You pulled her aside after the last bell had rung, voice shaking. Hana only tilted her head innocently, eyes round as a puppy’s. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Before you could spit a biting retort back at her, the taller cheerleader tapped her chin thoughtfully with one bejewelled nail. “But I might think harder if...I got a little something in return.”

You grit your teeth. “What do you want?”

“Make your librarian boy come to Hwang Hyunjin’s party as my date,” Hana beamed, “and tell the office you want to change your locker.”

“You’re crazy,” you blurted, and her face immediately darkened. Dropping her voice, she leaned in closer, until her voice was right beside your ear.

“Oh, I can be even crazier. What would happen if I made copies of this little letter on Monday, hm? Or published it in the school paper for everyone to read? I’m sure Han Jisung would love that—”

Your eyes trailed down to the slip of paper she’d pulled out of her purse, the sight of your own familiar handwriting making panic surge through your veins like ice. Snatching it from her hand, you quickly began tearing it apart before noticing the calm smirk on Hana’s face.

“Photocopy, silly,” she giggled in a sing-song voice as you peered more closely at the shredded pieces, hands shaking. “Oh, all right, don’t cry. If you want the original so badly…” she leaned in again, cruel smile on her lips. “Then you might want to look in the library.”

Eyes widening, you immediately pushed her away and bolted for the stairs. “Don’t forget the deal! Thursday night,” Hana called after you, and you broke into a run.

Most of the classrooms were already empty, their dark windows reflecting your own face back at you as you hurtled past them. Your heart pounded in your chest as the library finally came into view at the end of the hallway, but you nearly came to a screeching halt when you saw that the lights had been turned off. Had Minho gone home early? Chewing your lip anxiously, you peered past the plexiglass. Aisles empty, books all shelved neatly, chairs stacked. The library was quiet as a tomb. Desperately, you tried the knob—and to your surprise, the door creaked open. Maybe he forgot to lock it. You had nothing to lose. Holding your breath, you slipped in.

Even the faint click of the door closing again sounded deafening. You rifled through the front desk first, dropping to a crouch as you inspected the carts and borrowing-bin. To your dismay, they were all empty—they must have all been re-shelved already. Heart sinking, you began tip-toeing through the shelves, fingers trembling as they ran over the laminated Dewey Decimal labels. Please, please, please…

You reached the poetry section at the back of the library, eyes squinting to try and read the spines of the books under shrouds of shadows. Poets— Nash. Naidu. Nemerov…

“Neruda,” you gasped, eyes falling on the book you had practically gone through hell searching for. 100 Love Sonnets. Almost sobbing in sheer relief, you reached out to grab it—just as another hand shot out from beside you. Your yelp of surprise broke the still, dim quiet, and you didn’t have to look up to know who the warm, pale fingers belonged to.

“Care to explain what you’re doing here?”

Spectacles glinting under the twilight, one hand in his pocket, nonchalant as ever, was the boy that had gotten you into this mess. Lee Minho.

As you stared back at him, mouth slightly agape, you felt as though your entire world was balancing precariously over a yawning abyss— as if one wrong move would send everything you’d spent the last two months—no, the last four years—repatching. You swallowed hard. His hand had landed a split-second later than yours, holding both you and the book in place, and you tried to ignore the feeling of his warm fingers on your chilled skin. Forcefully, you yanked the book from the shelves and out of his grasp. “The—book. I-I realised I still needed it for the project. It’s due this Friday, you know.”

He raised his eyebrows, unconvinced. “Today’s only Wednesday. Why not come back tomorrow morning?”

Shit. “I, um, promised Lia I’d go with her to the game tomorrow,” you fibbed, flipping through the book quickly, ready to grab any stray piece of paper that flew out. Nothing. “So I—need to finish the assignment today. Could you renew it for me?” Trying to plaster on an unbothered smile, you flipped through the book again. Still nothing. Had Hana lied to you?

In your peripheral, you saw Minho slowly shift his weight, crossing his arms as he mused, “Well, I’m not too sure about that. We’re getting...careful about letting students borrow books for too long. People tend to leave some...strange things in them.”

Your eyes snapped up, fingers freezing on the fluttering pages. “What—then did you—see anything? S-strange, I mean.”

A flicker of amusement passed through Minho’s eyes, and then it was gone. He cleared his throat, humming thoughtfully. “Why? Do you have something in mind?”

The strange intensity of his gaze seemed to corner you into the shadows, and you swore your heart was pounding so hard it seemed to echo through the room. “Nothing,” you stammered, throwing your hands up in exasperation, “I mean, I just—accidentally left—” Kill me now. You shook your head rapidly. “N-nevermind. I’m heading home.”

“Y/N—”

“Oh, one more thing.” You turned, remembering Hana’s sly words to you back in the stairwell. “You’re invited to Hwang Hyunjin’s party, after the game on Thursday.” Then, hoping you sounded more convincing than you felt, “Hana’s really counting on you to be her date.”

Minho chuckled. “You know I go to parties as often as you do.”

You rolled your eyes, but there was no malice in his words, only that same, airy indifference Minho always carried himself with. “Please? Hana—I mean, it would make her really happy if you went.”

“Would you be happy?”

The strange question caught you off guard, making you look up again. Minho was no longer smiling. His hand was still resting lightly over the missing space the book had left on the shelf, and his expression looked strangely lost under the twilit sky.

“Would it make you happy if I went?” He repeated, and you felt your mouth go dry.

Make your librarian boy come to Hwang Hyunjin’s party, and I won’t publish your little love letter for everyone to see on Monday. You nodded firmly, laughing in an attempt to ease the strange atmosphere that had settled over the two of you once again. “Y-yeah. Ecstatic.”

You turned on your heel, breath leaving your lips in a shaky sigh. If the poem wasn’t in the book, where on earth could it be? Option one: It had fallen out somewhere along the way, and hadn’t fallen into anyone’s hands. The best case scenario. Option two: Hana had been playing with you again, and she had had the original all along. Option three…

“By the way, Hana told me not to give this to you.”

You whirled around in surprise, and your eyes landed on a horribly familiar piece of notebook paper dangling from Minho’s fingers. Option three, damn it all. Mortified, you snatched it from his hand, crumpling it into your fist as he laughed lightly.

“It’s a very good poem.”

“Shut up, Lee Minho,” you wailed, wishing the ground would just swallow you up and bury you six feet under for all of eternity. “It’s a cheesy, cliché wreck.”

He hummed in amusement. “What were you writing about?”

Paralyzed, your eyes flickered towards the window before sputtering, “The—sunset. Figurative approach, you know? Emily Dickinson-inspired—”

“Mm. Then what was that quote about—” He tilted his head in thought, fingers snapping. “Catlike eyes, silver spectacles, and long—” He stopped when you plugged your ears instinctively, eyes glowering at him in disbelief. If looks could kill, Minho was sure he’d now have died more times than the characters in a Shakespearean tragedy. “—was that about the sunset, too?”

“Of course,” you snapped, your voice a tad too pitchy for your liking. Damn Lee Minho and his knack for memorizing things. “Haven’t you ever heard of extended metaphors? Rest assured, Lee Minho—I will never, ever, ever—have feelings for you.” You crumpled the sheet of poetry into a ball as you spoke with a note of finality, jamming it into your back pocket for good riddance.

Minho looked unfazed, the light curve of a knowing smile playing on his lips. After a moment, he took a step towards you, making you stumble back in alarm. “‘You can cut all the flowers,” he mused, glancing down at the crumpled love letter, “‘but you cannot stop spring from coming.’”

“Wh-wha—”

“Neruda quote. Tell me if I’m making you uncomfortable, and I’ll stop,” he murmured, eyes growing serious for a moment before his lips twitched with mirth, “but something tells me I deserve to hear more about that sunset from your poem.”

Gulping, you felt hot tears brimming in your eyes, and suddenly wished you were anywhere but here. This confrontation had been your worst nightmare, what you had always wanted to avoid. Your pride’ll be the end of you, y/n, you remembered Lia remarking when you’d sworn up and down that your feelings for Lee Minho were a thing of the past. And it was true—your pride had always gotten the better of you. You were a hypocrite, and a terrible one at that—always telling yourself you had gotten over that stupid, ninth-grade heartbreak, before unravelling into a nervous mess whenever Minho so much as threw a glance at you. And now, you could feel everything you’d feebly repressed for the last four years caving in. Crashing down on you like an avalanche of cheap supermarket chocolates.

“It was about you. You, alright?” You hissed, voice coming out more wounded, rather than venomous like you’d intended. “There. Are you happy now?” You were glad the shadows hid the humiliated tears beginning to roll down your cheeks, and wiped at your eyes furiously. Damn it all. So much for not crying.

“Then why didn’t you—”

“Say anything?” You breathed a short laugh. “Because I didn’t want to see you just throw it out again, okay?”

The silence that met your words was deafening, and when you finally mustered the courage to lift your gaze you saw that Minho’s look of disbelief mirrored your own.

“'Again?'”

Damn Lee Minho and his two-faced ass. Had he already forgotten? “In ninth grade. I left you a—stupid love letter in your locker, with all your other Valentines. Then I s-saw you throwing them all out, behind the school.”

“But I read every name on the cards,” Minho insisted, running a hand through his tousled hair. I left you—a stupid love letter in your locker. Your words sent his head spinning, and he felt his flustered cheeks heat up as he mumbled, “I’ve never—seen yours on any of them.”

Now it was your turn to blink in confusion. Minho’s brow furrowed in vague recollection. “But I did see Hana pulling an envelope out from my locker that day. She said that—she’d heard someone had been sending chain mail on Valentine’s Day, so she was helping the principal clean them up from people’s lockers.”

Hana? Your mind flashed to the missing locks, and the cheerleader that always seemed to be hanging around your locker, and suddenly everything dawned on you. “What did the envelope look like?”

“A corner store card. With—”

“Candy hearts. Right.” You muttered, watching Minho nod slowly. Your anger faltered slightly, feeling a slight shame wash over you, but you weren’t willing to give up just yet. “That still doesn’t explain why you dump out all the gifts you get every year.”

He sighed. “Look. Why would I keep love letters from people I don’t like? That’s just...narcissistic. And I don’t...like chocolate, either,” he added as an afterthought, and you couldn’t help exhaling a short laugh at his ridiculously blunt sentence. Another silence fell between the two of you, the angry tension in the air replaced with an almost childish awkwardness.

“I really did like the poem,” Minho spoke tentatively after what felt like an eternity, and you buried your head in your hands.

“Shut up, Lee Minho, oh my g—”

“And I wouldn’t have thrown it out.” The soft edge to his voice made you stop, peeking out of your fingers to look at him questioningly.

“Why not?” You asked, swallowing hard. “You said keeping letters from someone you don’t like would be narcissistic.”

He was barely a foot away, and the sheer proximity of his face from yours made your stomach flop—with irritation or butterflies, you weren’t sure you wanted to find out. Nonetheless, a tiny voice at the back of your head told you that you were heading towards the latter.

“You know, for someone who reads so many books, you sure are dense,” Minho murmured, shaking his head.

“Wh—”

“I throw out all my Valentines every year because I never see your name on them, alright?” His expression was as careless as ever—that cool, calm facade he wore like a suit of armour—but you didn’t miss the slight tremor in his voice, the flicker of apprehension in his eyes. Lee Minho, you realized with a jolt, was nervous. “I...only ever wanted to receive one from you.”

Your eyes widened, hands lowering from your face in shock. The book tumbled from under your arm to the ground. “But—Hana always told me about how much you hated me.”

“Hmm.” He dropped down to pick it up before fixing his piercing eyes on yours. “Funny. She’s been telling me the same about you. How you’re a two-faced, back-stabbing...such-and-such,” he smiled at the indignant look on your face before his face grew serious. “You’ve always let people walk all over you, and you never retaliate. It’s both admirable and frustrating to watch.”

“I’m not good at confrontation,” you mumbled, still shifting your weight from one leg to the other nervously. “Every time I think I’ve finally got the guts to try and say something back, I...I get all terrified that the words’ll jumble up and I-I’ll start to cry like an idiot again—”

“You’re not an idiot,” he interrupted sternly, “You’re probably more clever—and genuine—than everyone in our grade combined. Your thesis was brilliant.”

You snorted incredulously. “Then why did you keep attacking it every class?”

“It was the only time I could get you to talk to me.”

“Weirdo,” you muttered, but you couldn’t find it in you to make the word sound insulting anymore. Minho chuckled, hand grazing yours as he handed the book back to you. You didn’t move your hand away, and neither did he.

“It is weird. I must be out of my mind. Whenever you look at me, it’s like the whole world stops, and suddenly every cheesy line of poetry I’ve ever read just seems to make sense.”

Your heart was pounding so hard you were more than certain Minho could hear it. The way he was looking at you was nearly overwhelming, stomach fluttering with a feeling so strange and foreign it terrified you. Never in your wildest dreams had you thought that you would be here, in this delicate, unreal moment, and you felt all your insecurities threatening to swallow you up again. Out of everyone in the school, he likes you? A voice snickered at the back of your mind. Don’t kid yourself.

Shrinking away, you mumbled, “Y-you—don’t have to say stuff like that, you know. I mean, i-if you feel bad because of the letter and everything, you don’t have to pretend you lik—”

There was a flash of an exasperated smile on Minho’s lips. Before you could finish, his hand reached to pull your chin towards him again, and suddenly his mouth was pressed flush to yours. You froze, lips parting in surprise, but the kiss was light—barely even a brush of soft skin, and bringing with it the faint scent of vanilla and old books. Minho pulled away almost as quickly as he’d pulled you in, stammering, “I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

That seemed to send what was left of your hesitation crumbling into dust. You grabbed the collar of his dress shirt to pull him back in, and the library fell silent again.

Minho kissed the way he talked—soft but firm, and always leaving you struggling to catch your breath. Each touch had the growing intensity of something long overdue, starting out careful—as though you were treading over the newly shattered, four-year-old misunderstandings of one another—before your hands instinctively tangled in his hair and Minho pulled you in impossibly closer. You could feel his heartbeat pressed against yours, the crumpled poem and Neruda’s sonnets long forgotten on the carpeted ground.

The click of the library door opening sent the two of you flying apart, Minho hitting his head on the shelf with a comical thud. The kiss left you dazed and out of breath, and Minho’s face was flushed as both of you whipped around to see a livid Hana at the front of the library. Mouth opening and closing in silent fury, she shot you a death glare before storming out the door, leaving both you and Minho blinking after her.

Several moments passed, the whiplash of the unexpected interruption having sent both of your heads reeling. Then, the two of you broke into stunned laughter, slowly sliding down to the carpet as you doubled over in giggles.

When you finally stopped laughing at the ridiculousness of it all, Minho’s gaze was fixed fondly on your face. You poked his cheek. “You’re blushing, asshole.”

He didn’t respond, eyes falling to your lips again, and you felt your own face flush. “W-what?”

Minho grinned. “And you have drool on your chin again.”

“Hey, Minho! Minho, you won’t believe this!”

That enthusiastic voice belonged to none other than Han Jisung—voice of Levanter High’s morning announcements, and notorious school gossip. He hurtled down the bustling hall towards you and Minho, hunching over with his hands on his knees to catch his breath.

“Shit, ‘sung—did you kill somebody?”

The dark-haired boy shook his head rapidly. “Did you see the school newspaper?”

Your mouth went dry, Hana’s lingering threats still ringing clear in your ears. Jisung continued excitedly, “Two people submitted anonymous love poems over the weekend—at the same time! Can you believe it? I’m supposed to cover it on the announcements in a bit!”

Two? You peered at Minho, who hadn’t looked at you, and glimpsed a knowing glint in his eyes. “W-who submitted them?”

“Well, Lee Hana was handing out copies of the first one to everyone first thing this morning. But when I showed her the other one, she refused to tell me who the first belonged to.” He pouted.

Minho looked like he was trying hard not to laugh. “Do you have a copy of the paper, ‘sung?”

The dark-haired boy grinned. “Yeah, ‘course! You guys can have mine. See ya!”

As Jisung disappeared into the crowd of students, you turned back to Minho. He had been in the middle of putting a new lock on your locker, and was now setting the combination on his own. “They’re matching,” he’d pointed out when you’d gone into town together to buy them, and you’d groaned.

“Gro-oss.” The old, PDA-hating you would have probably thrown them away on the spot, but now the sight made you smile like a dork. If you can’t beat em, join ‘em.

You looked down to read the papers Jisung had deposited into your hands. Sure enough, on the left column, you spotted a photocopy of your own love letter. But on the right, there was a completely new one—and you had a sneaking suspicion you knew who the anonymous writer was.

“You know, Minho,” you deadpanned, “I don’t think either of us are cut out to be poets.”

“I stayed up all night writing that love letter, you know!” Minho exclaimed indignantly, and you just shook your head laughing. “But you’re right. I could feel Neruda turning in his grave.”

“You’re going to be the end of me, Lee Minho.”

His face broke into a mischievous grin at that, pinning you playfully to the lockers and stealing another kiss as you yelped in surprise.

“Can it be a happy ending?”

[fairytheo]

enhypen as your boyfriend.

boyfriend!enhypen x gen!reader. fluff. 1.9k. curse words. mention of bugs, food. not requested.

🐈 ⸝⸝ HEESEUNG ˙𐃷˙

super-duper caring !!

he’s so whipped for you — he smiles just by thinking about you

also very giggly around you

LOVES lending you his beanies

(aka. you stealing them..)

+ you steal his earrings as well ! not that he minds

absolutely adores singing for you / he loves singing you to sleep :D

hold up, is being heeseung’s s/o just being his personal ramen cook 🤨🤨

he aaalwaays bugs you to play games with him (especially wii and nintendo switch lmao)

either that or you’re playing animal crossing while eating takeout at your dinner table

you’re the only person in the world who he’ll ever do aegyo for. 

he secretly enjoys it, but shhh you didn’t hear that from me

i think he likes calling you names like cutie, cutiepie or just a shorter version of your name <3 (if there is one !)

booping your nose is on his everyday to do list ☝️

lowkey therapist & boyfriend in one ngl

WAIT he loves making playlists for you two,, 

“y/n! i made another playlist, do you wanna listen to it? i made it while thinking of you.” <//3 

the type to write cheesy lyrics about you, then later cringes at his own writing bUT then leaves it like that because you like it !

you have his cover of lauv’s “i’m so tired” either set as your alarm or play it on loop everyday 

(random but for some reason i can picture him giving you a cassette with his cover on it just for the vintage vibes)

🐈 ⸝⸝ JAY ˙𐃷˙

the mom-and-boyfriend in one ;] 

f a s h i o n  c o u p l e 

you are literally fashion icons. no disagreements. 

you have matching clothes or accessories ! even if it’s really subtle, the gesture behind it is super adorable <//3

cooking pt. 2 :D but this time there’s a gorden ramsay in your relationship

i can just SEE how you both two impersonate gorden ramsay while cooking which makes everything 10 times funnier !! checks every 5 seconds if the food is ready tho because he doesn’t wanna risk anything

never cleans up afterwards, either you do or no one does

since you’re both fashion icons your social media followers are going 📈📈📈

literally couple goals.

he loves taking pictures of you,, but also wants you to take pictures of him 

jay gets flustered easily so please make him flustered with sudden compliments, hugs, kisses, etc. !!

he’s also the only member i can really see calling you babe

confident but shy about pda at the same time ??? he’s both LOL 

you always tease him with his RAS moments and randomly quote them when you’re in the middle of a conversation with him lmao

random and idk if this fits here, but he likes making your lunch — leaves you encouraging notes too <3

last but not least: jokingly gets angry at you when he wants something from you, and you do the same thing back ♡

🐈 ⸝⸝ JAKE ˙𐃷˙

sweetest and softest boyfriend to ever exist. i’m so soft for him JSHSHS

definitely calls you sweetie and darling. 100%. fight me if you think otherwise. 

shows you pics of layla everyday (it’s become routine for him >_<)

a tiny bit cliché BUT lends you his jacket whenever you’re cold (even when you’re inside !!)

random thought: jake puts his hands in your hoodie pockets...

💔💔💔

it’s his personal goal to peck your cheek and forehead at least twice a day — gets pouty if he wasn’t able to do that ))):::

talks in english a lot because you love his accent !!

if you’re an english speaker, you’ll have conversations in english all. the. time.

if you’re not an english speaker, no worries, he’ll teach you !

+ reads you bedtime stories in english (jake’s australian accent >>>) 

dreams of travelling with you to australia <33  

if there’s a bug in the house you better know that jake will NOT be removing them and runs out of the house

WILL stay over at one of the other member’s houses untill that bug is REMOVED . 

so if you’re afraid of bugs as well,,, i’m sorry bae, but it’ll be your task to remove these little... creatures 😐

ngl you have more photos of layla than of him on your phone lol

(spams you with her pictures and captions them with “y/n!!! look!!! layla with a flower!!!! layla with a butterfly!!!!” it’s just so sweet aaa)

we need some “””drama””” so you make jokes about him being a “🥶💸🔥💪” boy a lot in your relationship LMAO

🐈 ⸝⸝ SUNGHOON ˙𐃷˙

ice skating dates.

this has been mentioned in other headcanons a lot already but i just HAD to include it,,

convinces you to eat ice cream after your date LOL even if it IS winter

btw. fashion couple nr. 2 !!! 

MIRROR SELCAS

MIRROR SELCAS 

ugh the visuals and the power you two hold,,,, i can’t,,,,,

has better clothes than you ngl so you share clothes lmao

it started with him lending you his sweatpants, but then you didn’t want to return them forgot to return them and BOOM 💥 here we are

extremely awkward and shy at first — don’t worry though, he becomes much more chaotic in the later phases of your relationship

he teases you SO MUCH. LIKE. SO MUCH.

always has small smile (smirk?) on his face when he’s about to make a cocky remark (so beware)

you tease him back just twice as hard which 1.) results in him in becoming flustered 2.) fails LOL

off-topic but he’d love a s/o that has a similar style to him ??? a more elegant, classy, dark style perhaps

when he’s away / busy he’ll send you some selcas and captions them with “how r u doing??” “did you eat yet?” “cheer up :P” 

kinda shy about pda but likes showing off too ???

i mean,, men... 🙄🙄 /lh

whenever someone mentions your name near him, he’ll just try to hide his smile while biting his lip (yk what i’m talking about???) and you’ll see his dimples and the affectionate look in his eyes and just AAAAA

the type of boyfriend that calls you love~

🐈 ⸝⸝ SUNOO ˙𐃷˙

skin care routines with sunoo 24/7 🤝

he does your hair (if your hair is long enough to do different hairstyles with it ofc !!) 

send you daily weekly skin care products he thinks you two should try out / that’d be good for your skin <3

spa nights every friday at 9pm — he only lets you in if you wear a stylish pyjama LOL

you buy him peach items because they just remind you so much of him (｡•́︿•̀｡)

SELCA TIME !!! his phone is always ready !!! (apart from his storage maybe?)

PARTICIPATES IN SELCA DAYS OF YOUR FAVOURITE IDOLS AAA

loves to go on walks w u

does A LOT of aegyo,, 

and i know that you knew that this point will be in this headcanon.

for eg. instead of saying goodnight or bye he’ll just do aegyo for you not that anyone minds tbh

stages of sunoo flirting (?):

a — tries to compliment you (it sounds more like a flirty remark tbh)

b — realizes then blushes

c — cringes and runs away LMAO

playfully acts jealous, so you know it’s a joke but deep down he’s actually jealous

you two match each others vibes a lot — if one is sad, the other is sad as well

+ tells you your posture is bad when you sit like a banana or tells you to go to sleep early and when you don’t listen to him, he’ll show you an article that proves that (abc) and (xyz) is bad for you and says “i told you so.” 💀

🐈 ⸝⸝ JUNGWON ˙𐃷˙

impresses you by doing kicks (does the kick cap challenge on tiktok and/or you play kick it by nct 127 for the funzies) 

poking his dimple is a MUST . 😩😩

though gets super shy when you kiss him and also if you buy him gifts !!

cheers you up whenever you feel down or are upset

compliments you a ton ))): will randomly come up to you and tell you that your fit is cute or that you look brighter today,,, little does he know it's because of him ;]

HUGS!HUGS!HUGS

poking his dimple comes first, then hugging

the other members tease you two everytime you’re over LOL it’s like there are two koalas clinging onto each other

our yang garden gained another sheep +1

you two randomly play sheep,,,, like,,, everyday ???? sheep cosplays 👍

idk why ig it’s just fun to imitate sheep and go “mmmeEeEeeEhh” to annoy others

talking of that, even THOUGH he is a responsible leader he will not hesitate to do stupid shit with you

“hey how about we ring on that house there and yell “sheep for sale!” do you think they’ll open the door?”

“i don’t know... let’s find out!” 🤝

let’s just say that this didn’t end well..

also kinda bullies you (in a loving way ofc !!) pand teases you nonstop

either calls you asshole or love aHA

in conclusion: a very unpredictable relationship,, would 10/10 recommend.

very random but i feel like his love language is acts of service

🐈 ⸝⸝ NI-KI ˙𐃷˙

oh look it’s our tsundere 😼

can’t go a day without dancing so you two have vibing sessions at 2am everyday ft. the others telling you to go to bed

you’re the only one that can make him soft lol

if you’re older than him, you would definitely take care of him like your own baby !! 

if you are the same age as him or younger it’d be awkward for him at first, because he isn’t used to taking care of someone younger, so he’d treat you as if you were his best friend at the beginning

you love to watch him dance !! it’s so satisfying,, LITERAL asmr.

pranks you 24/7. boy has NO mercy. will not care if the others will scold him later. he will do the prank smoothly (?) — doesn’t care about the consequences LMAO

probably sets your alarm to someone screaming or a cringy aegyo song <//3

wants to film dance covers with you !! you don’t have to be the best dancer either !! as long as you have fun ^__^ 

the other members find you really cute but are also vERY TIRED OF YOU,, two energized teens in a relationship was not a good idea ☝️

likes to randomly hold your hand and swing it around 

probably distant at the beginning of the relationship because a.) he doesn’t want to pressure you/make things awkward b.) he doesn’t really know what to do either ???

(if you’re not japanese or don’t know how to speak japanese) he’ll definitely teach you some japanese phrases and words !! introduce you to his culture as well :DD and he really wants to know more about your culture too <3

teaches you phrases like “sunoo is a dumbass” for the funzies LOL

randomly makes micheal jackson impressions,,, it’s hilarious LMFAO

[luveline]

in the morning, afternoon and night [Fred Weasley x Reader]

tags: reader-insert, hurt/comfort, self esteem issues, low self esteem, reader has acne, sad reader, insecure reader

pairing: Fred Weasley x Reader

word count: 1.8k

You glared at your reflection.

You'd think with such amazing magical medicine available, some witch or wizard would've invented a cure for acne, or at least a spell that covered it up.

You'd struggled with it since your third year. The muggle doctor you'd seen with your mother had suggested it was hormonal, and would calm down as you got older.

That was years ago.

It shouldn't have been a big deal. It wasn't, really. It wasn't usually very painful, though it was itchy as a stinging nettle and twice as unsightly. A large part of you knew it wasn't your fault, that acne was something that simply affected people at different times in their lives. You'd tried topicals and changing your diet, you'd tried losing weight and exercising and dermaplaning and everything they suggested in your mams fashion magazines.

Nothing worked.

Tears welled in your eyes and you sniffed them back, blinking rapidly.

It might've been silly, but it honestly made you want to hide away. You'd skipped dinner without really thinking, finding your way into the girls bathroom you inhabited now. You straightened your tie and robes, dusting down the sides. You leaned forward again, dabbing under your eyes with your sleeve.

The last thing you wanted was for anyone to know you'd been crying, because then someone might ask why. You didn't want to talk about it, ever.

If Fred saw you like this...

You and Fred Weasley had been almost dating for a few weeks now. Almost, because you hadn't talked about the whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing yet.

It had been years of thinking he was the fittest boy in Gryffindor (besides George) and months of meeting his gaze in the corridors and catching his eye over dinner. Gradually it had become something more; he started carrying your books between classes and opening doors, touching your arms and your hair and your face.

You cringed at the memory. He had been so caring, moving to wipe an eyelash from the skin under your eye. You'd violently flinched from his hand, afraid he might feel the bumpy texture of your skin, feel the acne beneath your makeup. He'd been apologetic and a little confused, filling you with guilt. You hadn't been able to find a way to tell him it wasn't him, it was you. Of course you wanted him to touch you, the thought of him cradling your face had been the subject of many dizzy daydreams, but you just couldn't tell him this one thing.

It was your deepest insecurity.

The stress had only made it worse. Redness was easy to cover with muggle make up and even some wizarding tricks you'd learned over the years, but there wasn't a way to smooth your skin, and the acne was textured.

It was depressing. You didn't want to use that word, it felt ungrateful to compare your skin issues to something so severe, but it made you miserable.

You but down on your quivering lip, pushing away from the mirror unhappily and opening the bathroom door, a frown on your face.

"Y/N!" a familiar voice said.

You jumped, startled but unsurprised. Fred had a talent of always knowing where you were. You'd find it creepy if he wasn't so endearing.

"Fred," you said, plastering a smile over your frown. "I was just coming to find you."

"What a coincidence, ma chérie, I was doing the same."

"Well," you began, easily sidling into his space, "you found me."

"Yes, I did," Fred hummed, wrapping his arms behind your neck, grinning.

He took a long look at your face, his forehead creased. "What's wrong?"

"Nothings wrong, Fred."

He moved his hands to your shoulders, looking down into your face searchingly. "Have you been crying?" he asked.

You shook your head, lying without thinking. "Something in my eye,"

"Both of them?"

You stepped backwards. He let go of your shoulders accordingly.

"Y/N?"

"It's really nothing," you said through a forced laugh.

He frowned at you for a few seconds more and his face cleared. "Alright," he said slowly, rolling the words in his mouth, "if you say so, doll."

You opened like a blooming flower at the pet name, your whole face softening. You smiled, hoping he understood that the smile meant, oh I just so adore you, Fred Weasley.

He threaded his fingers through yours, dragging you down the corridor beside him and waxing poetic about their newest lot of Peruvian darkness powder as you went.

-

It got so bad you couldn't go to class.

Okay, so you definitely could've gone to class, but the thought of leaving your curtained bed was enough to make you sick with anxiety, so worried that everyone would see you - see your face.

NEWTs were coming fast and hard. Everyone who wanted to be anyone was working hard studying their asses of, on top of Professor Umbridge's million new rules you had to abide by, including her newest life-ruining rule: Boys and girl are not to be within 5 inches of each other.

What a joke. You struggled through classes, wrote essays so long your hand burned at night and now you weren't allowed to sit next to your almost boyfriend at lunch? It was miserable. It was making you miserable, and now you may as well have sharpied on your forehead how equipped your body was to deal with it.

Fucking badly.

You groaned to yourself, rolling on your side to face the wall. You were at your wits end. It felt endlessly unfair that the thing that was stressing you out most was getting worse from stress.

Your stomach growled hungrily.

You threw your arm over your eyes in defeat, eyes finally filling with tears. You felt so hopeless. There was nothing to be done except keep up your routine until the flare up was over, or until your mothers next 'miracle cure' popped into existence.

The tears felt too hot against your sore skin. You couldn't help but sob quietly to yourself in self-pity.

A knock sounded at the door. You gasped, wiping the tears away in panic.

"Y/N?" It was Alicia. "Are you alright? Can I come in?"

"Yes," you managed. "Yes, of course. It's your room too, after all."

The door clicked open. Alicia appeared, tanned skin completely clear and glowing, though each perfect feature was marred with empathy. "Fred's been begging every girl in the common room to come fetch you, but I told him to leave you be."

"Thank you," you said.

You cleared your throat. Alicia moved her weight from foot to foot, twisting her hands.

"I- Y/N. I won't pretend to know how it feels, but I promise you, Fred won't care. He's beside himself worrying that you're bedridden and dying or-" she laughed to herself, "or that you're still mad at him for the itching powder. What I mean is... he's a good guy, and you're upset. Maybe you should tell him what's wrong. He won't care."

You sniffed. "I know," you admitted, feeling the weight of her shifting the bed. "I know he's a great guy. I just wouldn't blame him if he, if he didn't like me anymore. If he found it ugly. I would understand it, and I think that makes it worse," you choked on your words, heat building behind your eyes.

"Oh, Y/N," Alicia said, placing a tentative but comforting hand on your shoulder.

You lay in quiet, listening to your own ragged breathing.

"I'll go talk to him," Alicia said.

"No! I mean, no. Thank you, but no. I... I'll speak to him myself."

Alicia nodded, rubbing your arm kindly.

The sound of the door clicking shut behind her finally spurred you into sitting up. You dressed in a hurry, chucking a wool jumper over last nights pyjamas.

He wouldn't care, would he? You cringed. Yes, he definitely would. Whatever was between you would stop. He'd have the grace to let you down slowly, drawing away his affections. He was a polite guy, he'd probably even say the whole spiel of "it's not you, it's me". But he would, eventually.

Well, you figured. Let it be quick. Like ripping off a bandaid.

You tread lightly down the steps, hoping to see him before he saw you.

Of course, when the slightest groan on the bottom step sounded, his lovely face whipped to meet yours. He smiled in relief, but it was mixed with something else. Disgust, your brain supplied nastily. He was disgusted. He rose to his feet, smiling smiling smiling. But something in his eyes was different, now.

"Y/N," he said.

"Hi," you said.

"Hi yourself, beautiful. Where've you been all day?"

"I'm... sick. Bad cold," you settled on.

He raised an eyebrow. "You sound okay," he said, not unkindly.

"I..." you looked down at your hands.

A siren was sounding in your head. You didn't think Fred had seen you without make up for the last 3 years. Fight or flight was leaning heavily towards flight.

"Well, are you hungry?"

You shook your head.

"Are you sure? You haven't eaten all day. You need something in your system if you're gonna fight this cold."

"I'm not actually sick, Fred," you admitted under your breath.

"I know."

You looked up. He was still smiling kindly. It was infuriating.

"Look," you said finally, rushed and all at once, "if you don't want to- if you're grossed out. Then it's fine, I'll understand if you don't want to see me anymore."

Fred was stricken.

"I know it's - ugly."

"Ugly? Nothing about you is ugly."

"Fred, my face-"

"No, listen to me, Y/N. It's not ugly. It's not gross. You're not any of those things, are you kidding?" he said, grabbing your hands. "You're beautiful. All the time, in the morning, afternoon and night. You're beautiful in charms and transfiguration and care of magical creatures. You were beautiful yesterday and you're beautiful today and you'll be even more so tomorrow." He stopped suddenly, looking down at your joined hands. His cheeks had turned bright red.

"Smooth, Freddie," came George's voice, from the sofa behind them.

"Shove OFF," exclaimed Fred, growing more red by the second. Heat filled your own cheeks.

"It's skin, Y/N. That's all it is."

"Okay," you said tightly, trying not to cry.

Fred breathed out, his hair shifting in response. His corded arms pulled you tight to his chest. You breathed him in. He smelled sweet and rough, like burning caramel.

He thought you were beautiful.

You smiled into his shirt.

<3<3<3

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