Monsoon Season โ y.jeongin
ยป stray kids masterlist ยซ
โฎ kumiho!Jeongin ร f!Reader
wc: 17.4k (all of these are gonna be at least 10k so prepare yourselves for that lol)
summary: Jeongin has always been a bit of an outcast in his village being half fox demon (kumiho) until a kind stranger takes him in during a monsoon and gives him more than a place to stay for a few days.
genres/themes/au: angst, smut; supernatural and demonic themes, historic themes, s2l; non idol au, demon au, historical au (kinda)
warnings: adult dialogue, female reader, Jeongin is bullied heavily, physical violence, a building is burned down, Jeongin gets hit over the head with a branch by the reader, sexual content (18+ mdni), see smut warnings under the cut!
special taglist: @yoonguurtย , @anyamaris , @wooyoungqueen , @kpop-stories-21 , @xsweetelegantdiasterx , @kookthief , @stardragongalaxy , @millennial-fangirl , @blankdyean , @imwithurmother , @bangchans-angel , @oreoqueen , @yjeonginlvr , @zdgx1 , @shuxsoo , @s00buwu , @queenmea604 , @pochaccomin , @katsukis1wife , @linos-catnip
Join the taglist! ยปยป Closes 10/30 @ 23:00 CST!
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MINORS WILL BE BLACKLISTED & BLOCKED.
AGELESS BLOGS WILL NOT BE ADDED.
a/n: I'm a sucker for Jeongin in general so there's that. He needs more content and I'm happy to provide that. Anitta is just a codename used by Jeongin's mother. it'll make more sense later what I'm talking about. it's a surprise, shhhhh! Thank you for reading and if you liked this, please reblog or comment! Also consider supporting my work through my kofi (link is in my pinned post). As always, this is a work of fiction and all characters are not reflective of their respective irl counterparts. for entertainment purposes only.
smut warnings: teratophilia (aka monsterfucking), unprotected sex (itโs a period piece and Iโm not looking up ancient contraceptive techniques lol just use protection) first time sex, degradation (m receiving), begging, corruption kink, virgin!Jeongin, use of pet names (baby boy, sweetheart, little fox, etc), Jeongin is a subby whiny baby. Take it or leave it. If I missed anything, just let me know!
dialogue prompt: โ Have you never been touched like this before? โ
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To a kid, the word orphan is often used as an insult from other kids. Jeongin was lucky that he never had to hear that word until he was much older. He was just shy of fifteen years when his father died from pneumonia. Old enough to be considered a man but Jeongin didnโt feel like a man.
He felt like a lost little boy who just lost his father.
His mother had left not long after Jeonginโs birth. His father had tried his best to explain to Jeongin how his mother didnโt love him any less. She just had a different way of doing things. She had things she had to do, tasks to see to and couldnโt take a newborn with her.
That was the nature of a kumiho. Others called her flighty, said she abandoned him but Jeongin knew better. He had her journals, gifted to him on his fifteenth birthday by his father on instruction from his mother. Jeongin had spent his free time reading those journals, getting to know his mother through her words. It was a surreal experience for him.
His father couldnโt tell Jeongin much about his mother other than that she was incredibly cunning, kind, and compassionate. He also spoke of her beauty. Jeongin had never seen a portrait of his mother and had no idea what she looked like.
โI see her in you,โ his father often told him. โYou have her eyes and her hair.โ
Jeongin took solace in the fact that he resembled his mother. It was comforting in a way.
When Jeongin was finally thrust upon the cruel world at a young age, he had luckily learned enough skills from his father to survive. He knew how to hunt small game and fish. He grew a simple garden that was enough for one when he harvested it. He had spent time foraging with his father and knew his way around the forestโs shrubbery and other plants.
He knew which ones were food, which ones healed, and which ones killed.
Jeongin was able to raise himself, growing into a man of limited means and he kept to himself except when he needed to head to the village to trade his furs for other things he could not provide for himself, like clothing. Heโd never learned how to sew as he had no mother to teach him and his father also didnโt know how.
So another morning was spent gathering the furs heโd chosen to sell, setting them aside for the ones he wanted to keep. And he packed some food for his trip to the village. His walk through the woods was always quite so early in the morning. The sounds of the forest waking up, birds calling out to say good morning as the sky lightened from deep indigo to a light periwinkle, the sun creeping over the horizon.
The first rays of sunshine had started to break through the trees as Jeongin reached the village which was also bustling, everyone having gotten up around the same time as he. He ignored the stares as he walked through the village towards the market, readjusting his bag as he trodden on.
He could hear murmurs and whispers as he passed but chose to ignore them. Sure, he perhaps didnโt stick out as much as a full blooded fox folk might, but his blond fox ears, hair, and orange eyes gave him away immediately. Folk around these parts didnโt normally sport such a contrasting hair color.
Jeonginโs father had told him he took after his mother after all.
Upon reaching the market, Jeongin looked around, surveying his surroundings and looking for the lady his father had always purchased clothing from. He spotted her and made a beeline as she was folding garments, setting them down on the wooden stall before her.
โMorning,โ Jeongin heard her grumble. Unlike the rest of the villagers, this woman had always been kind to him as he accompanied his father, sneaking him sweets and other homemade candies when his father wasnโt looking. The caramels were his favorites.
โMorning,โ Jeongin parroted as he looked over the linen tunics. His was starting to fit a little too snugly and the threads were wearing out. His pants would last him another winter at least. As he was looking over the tunics, he heard a voice as sweet as honey call out.
โGranny, I canโt find the skirts!โ
Jeongin looked up in time to see probably the most beautiful girl heโd ever seen in his life appear before him. He stared, awestruck as she walked over to the old woman. She had waist length black hair that fell in soft waves down her back, half of it pulled back and secured with a comb. Her eyes were a chocolate brown, much different than the dark brown or black heโd grown accustomed to.
She was petite, smaller than he was, with a slender frame and a pale complexion. She met his gaze and Jeongin felt as if the world stopped moving. Everything around him seemed to slow, almost as if time was stopping. The sounds around him drowned out as he stared back into those brown eyes.
Her pale, pink lips pulled into a shy smile before she averted her eyes to look at her grandmother. โTheyโre in the chest, not the sacks, dear,โ the old woman replied and waved her hands. โIโll get them,โ she said, brushing past the girl and around the cart.
The girl looked after her grandmother before stepping towards the stall. Jeongin managed to snap himself out of his trance and had looked down to resume inspecting the tunics. โThis would look nice on you,โ the girl said, brushing her fingers over a black tunic.
Jeongin glanced up, meeting her gaze and quickly looked away as did she. He noticed the blush that crept over her cheeks. โIโve never seen you before,โ she suddenly said, smiling as Jeongin looked up. โAre you new to the village?โ Jeongin opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted.
โHe lives in the forest,โ the grandmother said as she returned, arms loaded with fabric that she dumped onto the stack of boxes next to her. โThis is my granddaughter, Haneul,โ the old woman said as she started to fold the skirts and place them on the wooden surface of the stall.
Haneul turned to look back at Jeongin. โWhatโs your name?โ she asked. Jeongin was caught off guard and forgot to answer, instead just smiling and nodding at Haneul. She giggled as he realized his error, shaking his head before answering awkwardly. โUh, Iโm Jeongin.โ
As the old woman folded the skirts, Haneul reached into a small pouch on her hip, glancing at her grandmother before pulling her hand out and quickly handing something to Jeongin when her grandmother wasnโt watching. Jeongin glanced down at his hand and felt heat spread to his cheeks.
Sitting in his palm were three wrapped caramel candies. The ones the old woman used to give him. He smiled, tucking them away in his bag before clearing his throat. โI need some shirts,โ he announced. โVery well,โ the old woman said. โWhat do you have to trade?โ
Jeongin ended up trading one of his tanuki furs for three shirts, two light colored linen ones and one black one. He also managed to trade three of his rabbit furs for a new tool set. As he thanked the blacksmith he turned around and bumped into a body.
โIโm so sorry,โ he apologized profusely, bowing quickly. The woman heโd bumped into patted him on the shoulder and went about her business. Jeongin was about to turn away when he caught Haneul watching him, an amused smile on her face. When their eyes met, Jeongin felt another rush of heat over his cheeks and waved to Haneul who returned the gesture.
Before Jeongin could turn and start making his way home, he felt an arm hook over the back of his neck, draping across his shoulders. โWell, well, well,โ said an all-too-familiar voice. โLook what the dog has dragged back to the village!โ
The comment was met with a cacophony of laughter as Jeongin held his tongue.
โHello to you too, Baek-hwa,โ he said monotonously. He glanced up at the taller man, noticing he was now surrounded. Baek-hwaโs friends were staring him down and Jeongin felt like this wasnโt going to end well. He felt Baek-hwaโs arm tighten around the back of his neck.
โWhat are you doing here, thief, I thought I told you to stay away from the village,โ Baek-hwa said under his breath so only Jeongin heard him. โIโm not a thief, Baek-hwa,โ Jeongin replied softly. โI just came to get some things and Iโll be going back home now. You wonโt have to see me again for a long time.โ
Baek-hwa clicked his tongue and shook his head. โYou really should have stayed away.โ
It didnโt take long for Baek-hwa and his friends to drag Jeongin away from the market and behind a hut before they started laying into him. His bag was torn from his grip and tossed aside as they landed blow after blow on him. Jeongin had learned from a young age that if he avoided trouble, heโd be okay but he knew that wasnโt always the case. Regardless if he stayed out of trouble, it always managed to find him.
He leaned against the wall, doubled over in pain as Baek-hwaโs friends goaded him on. โKick his ass!โ one laughed. Jeongin glanced at where his bag sat and then looked up. His assailants were too busy egging their leader on. He had a small window. Mustering his strength and taking a deep breath, Jeongin pushed off the wall, knocking over one of his attackers.
He snatched his bag and took off as they shouted after him. He may not be as strong as they were, but he was definitely faster. He was more agile having spent all his life living in the forest. They had no hope of catching him once he made it into the treeline.
Jeongin didnโt stop as he vaulted over fallen logs and through the underbrush. He made sure to loop around the long way to lose his pursuers if they were even still following him. He didnโt want to take the chance that they would follow him home and come knocking.
It was midday by the time Jeongin finally reached the front door of his fatherโs cabin, pushing aside the curtain that hung there and stepping over the threshold. He set his bag down and moved to peer out the window. He saw no sign of life and let the curtain fall back in place before he went about his business.
His father had been in charge of keeping up the home but without his help, the cabin was slowly falling apart and Jeongin didnโt know much about building. There were poorly made patches in the roof that barely kept out the rain and more than once, parts of the roof had collapsed. Jeongin did his best to make it work as he had nowhere else to go.
He was sitting by the fire, heating up some stew heโd made the previous night when he heard it.
A distant crash of thunder. Looking up from the fire, he let out a sigh and glanced up at the roof.
โJust hold out for tonight, please,โ he begged the thatched hay. โJust one more night.โ
The storm blew in quickly after that, dark, thick storm clouds obscuring the sun and bringing with it heavy rains and strong gusts of wind that whipped around the small cabin, making the walls shake and blowing through the cracks Jeongin hadnโt managed to seal properly.
Several times, he was afraid that the roof was going to collapse or a wall was going to cave in and then the entire cabin would crumble around him, trapping him inside.
Rainwater leaked through the shoddy patching, drenching almost everything under it. Jeongin huddled up in the corner as his furniture and almost everything was soaked. The only thing that saved him was the built-in table in the corner.
He had dragged most of his bedding from the bed to the corner, curling up in the only fortified, safe, and dry place in the cabin. It was here that he fell asleep, curled up with his blankets and pillow as well as his bag and the small box his father had left him. The only important possessions in his life.
The storm raged all night and finally blew itself out by dawn, the dark storm clouds retracting as the sun rose, almost as if shooing them away. Jeongin woke as the sun was climbing and crawled out of his cubby, inspecting the damage. His plea to the roof had saved him. The thatching had held up for the most part but it would have to be replaced. Jeongin wasnโt sure who he could even ask.
He headed outside to inspect his garden and was pleased to see that the garden remained safe and untouched as he picked up a few twigs that had blown in and tossed them away. His firewood stores were also surprisingly dry with only the top layer soaked from the rains.
All in all, heโd managed to survive another monsoon storm. As he was cleaning up stray leaves and small branches, Jeongin heard voices and looked up, his stomach dropping as he spotted Baek-hwa and his friends. โNo,โ he thought. He looked around and darted inside the cabin, starting to grab things, placing them inside his bag as the voices grew louder and louder outside.
โCome on out, thief, we know youโre in there!โ came Baek-hwaโs voice. Jeongin swore under his breath, filling his bag with as much as he could but he knew he wouldnโt have time to leave out the front door. Heโd be spotted and then theyโd follow.
He dropped the bag by the back window before exiting the cabin to face his tormentors. If he was lucky, theyโd just beat him up and leave quickly and then he could leave. He didnโt know where heโd go but now that they knew where his home was, they would be back.
โThere he is,โ Baek-hwa said as he stopped, leaning against the fence Jeonginโs father had built to keep their small homestead separate from the forest around them. โThe thief shows his face.โ
Jeonginโs fingers curled in against his palms. โIโm not a thief,โ he said, a little more forceful than he intended. โStop calling me that.โ The smirk on Baek-hwaโs face dropped instantly. โYou raising your voice at me?โ he asked, his tone low and dangerously so.
โYou think you can just raise your voice and talk back to me and Iโll let it slide?โ
Jeongin held his ground. This was his home after all. โWeโre outside the village,โ Jeongin replied. โI donโt have to listen to you anymore, Baek-hwa.โ
The man laughed, looking around at his friends. โThis is my world, Jeongin,โ he said, actually saying the blond fox folkโs name. โYouโre just living in it.โ
Jeongin forced a smile. โNo itโs not,โ he answered, shocking Baek-hwa. Never before has Jeongin acted so defiantly but like Jeongin said, they werenโt in the village. Jeongin wasnโt afraid of them out here. Sure he was dangerously outnumbered but he didnโt have to worry about causing the village trouble out here.
โIโve had enough of your smart mouth,โ Baek-hwa said before nudging the friend standing beside him. โTeach him a lesson, Jae-song.โ
The man next to him climbed the fence, landing in the garden and stared Jeongin down before advancing slowly through the small rows of vegetables, making sure to stomp on them as he strode towards Jeongin. โIโm gonna make you wish youโd never been born,โ he spat, bringing his fists up.
Jeongin didnโt move, standing stoically as he stared back at Jae-song. โBeat you to pulp and leave you for the scavengers,โ he added. Jeongin narrowed his eyes. โYour parents must be so proud,โ the smaller man retorted, catching Jae-song off guard before Jeongin tilted his head. โOh waitโฆโ he said with a scoff. โTheyโre dead.โ
Jae-song gritted his teeth and swung at Jeongin who dodged the blow easily. โPicking on smaller people and beating them up for the fun of it. What would your mother think?โ
Jae-song let out an angry yell. โShut the hell up!โ he swung again but Jeongin managed to dodge it again, this time pushing Jae-song forward, using the bullyโs momentum to send him running face first into the side of the cabin.
โAnd stay down,โ Jeongin added as Jae-song fell to the ground, holding his nose and writhing in pain. โIโm getting sick of this,โ Baek-hwa said loudly. โGrab him.โ
Jeongin turned as two more of Baek-hwaโs friends hopped the fence and advanced toward him, also kicking and stomping on the vegetable beds as they went. โTwo against one?โ Jeongin asked, raising a brow. โHow noble of you. Or is it pathetic that you need help to take me on?โ
Jeongin ducked as two separate fists swung at him before kicking out, knocking one of the assailants down and rolling out of the way as the other aimed a kick at him. Jeongin was back on his feet as the one who tried to kick him, came lumbering forward. As he was about to take another swing, Jeongin dodged around him, kicking him in the backside and sending him toppling over the fence.
โEnough!โ Baek-hwa said, climbing the fence himself. โI grow weary of this,โ he continued, advancing in Jeongin, stalking forward like a panther stalking its prey. Jeongin kept his eye not only on Baek-hwa but also on his friends who seemed like they were going to sit this one out.
โYou sound like some kind of villain, talking like that,โ Jeongin noted with a laugh. โI grow weary of your games,โ Jeongin mocked, turning as Baek-hwa circled him slowly. โIโm going to end you,โ Baek-hwa growled angrily. Jeongin rolled his eyes. โAgain with the villain talk. Come on already,โ Jeongin said exasperatedly.
Baek-hwa leaned into his punch as he threw his fist forward. Jeongin managed to block the attack before counter attacking with a blow of his own to Baek-hwaโs side. โYou little shit,โ Baek-hwa grunted, reaching for Jeongin who dodged again, pushing Baek-hwaโs hands aside.
The taller man tried again, aiming a punch that Jeongin deflected before hitting Baek-hwa in the throat with his palm. Immediately Baek-hwa backed off, choking from the sudden impact. โGo home,โ Jeongin said as he watched Baek-hwa stumble backwards. โNext time you wonโt be so lucky.โ
As the men helped each other up and staggered out of his garden, Jeongin heard Baek-hwaโs strained voice call out. โWeโll be back, thief. Watch your back!โ
Jeongin watched as they disappeared in the forest and breathed a sigh of relief. Never before had he stood his ground against his tormentors. He was grateful for the few self defense lessons his father had given him before he passed.
Jeongin looked down at his mangled vegetable beds and sighed. He would have to go foraging and salvage what he could. He needed to pack up everything and leave tonight. He knew Baek-hwa and his friends would be back.
He entered the cabin, grabbing a basket and heading out into the forest. There was a berry patch not far from his cabin but the terrain made it a longer task of traversing to it. Once there, Jeongin started to gather some of the berries. There he also found wild carrots, chives, cabbage, and potatoes. He gathered what he deemed necessary for tonight as well as some for his trip and started to make his way back.
The sun was starting to set when he reached his cabin and he felt his heart sink and his stomach drop. Baek-hwa and his friends had returned but this time he was really outnumbered. He had half a mind to sneak around to the back of the cabin and grab his bag without being seen but just his luck, one of them turned and spotted him.ย
Before he could turn and run, he was grabbed from behind by two sets of hands, the basket knocked from his grip, and dragged over to where Baek-hwa stood. โNot so tough now,โ Baek-hwa sneered. Jeongin looked around at the ten or so men Baek-hwa had brought with him.ย
โJudging by your entourage, Iโd say you arenโt very tough either,โ he quipped.
For his comment, Baek-hwa landed a blow, punching Jeongin hard in the stomach and causing him to double over in pain. โThatโs for earlier,โ he snapped before looking towards one of his friends and nodding. Jeongin looked up in time to see one of the men heโd fought earlier holding a torch. His eyes widened in horror.
โNo,โ he said, struggling against the two holding him. โStop!โ he shouted as the one with the torch lit the garden on fire before moving towards the cabin. โStop, please!โ Jeongin shouted and continued to struggle. โEverything I own is in there! You canโt do this!โ
Baek-hwa smiled smugly as Jeonginโs fatherโs cabin was set ablaze. โActually, I can,โ Baek-hwa said.
As the cabin caught fire and the flames spread, Baek-hwa stepped back allowing the others to take turns punching and kicking Jeongin. โS-stop,โ Jeongin coughed. โPlease.โ
Baek-hwa laughed cruelly. โThatโs what thieves get,โ he said as Jeongin collapsed to his knees, only being held up by the two beside him. Jeongin weakly watched as the flames engulfed his home and burned presumably everything inside. Everything was gone. The cabin, the roof, his furniture, his storesโฆ his eyes widened.ย
His mothers journals.ย
โNo,โ he thought as he stared at the fire.
He hadnโt finished reading them all.
Jeongin struggled against his captors. They held onto him tightly as Baek-hwa watched the inferno with a smirk. With a strength heโd never experienced before, Jeongin managed to pull free from his captors, delivering a punch to each before tackling Baek-hwa to the ground.
His actions were so sudden that everyone was caught off guard as Jeongin grabbed Baek-hwaโs head and slammed it against the ground, dazing the man before he scrambled off him and pushed through the hands that tried to grab at him. He burst into the flaming inferno, shielding his eyes as he looked around. His bag by the window sat untouched.
Before grabbing it, Jeongin darted under the table, tearing through the blankets until he found the bag with his mothers journals. He grabbed it and got up, eyes landing on the trinket box his father had made sitting on the mantle of the fireplace. Jeongin dashed across the room to grab it, stuffing it into the bag with the journals before he moved to the back window, grabbing the bag and heaving it over his shoulder.
Tossed both bags out the window before climbing through. Grabbing the bags, he took off into the forest as the fire consumed his home, the roof finally collapsing. Jeongin turned to look back at the raging inferno as he slung the bags over his back. โNo going back now,โ he told himself as he watched the flames dance before turning away from the sight and heading further into the woods.
Heโd never been this deep before. Glancing skyward, he could see clouds were obscuring the stars and he could only assume another storm was brewing. He made his way through the forest, making his way down embankments and crossing streams as he continued deeper than heโd ever ventured before.
As he stopped to catch his breath, he could hear voices in the distance.
โI think he went this way!โย
Jeonginโs eyes widened. Baek-hwa and his friends had followed him?! Looking around, he saw a small opening under a tree sitting atop the embankment he was currently at the bottom of. He scrambled up, making his way over and peered inside. He couldnโt see much but hoped for the best as he removed his bags and stuffed them through the opening before pulling himself up using the roots of the tree.
He slid into the opening feet first and wiggled into the space. It seemed to be some sort of den. Most likely abandoned but he didnโt dwell on it, instead kept himself hidden as he peered out into the forest. He heard footsteps overhead and ducked back into the safety of the small cave waiting for the pounding of his heart to subside.
He waited as the sounds of feet and voices continued around him. โDid you see which way he went?โ
โNo.โ
โMaybe heโs hiding nearby.โ
โWell weโll never see him in the dark.โ
โMaybe we should come back when itโs light out.โ
โEnough,โ a voice Jeongin recognized to be Baek-hwaโs snapped. โHe couldnโt have gotten far,โ he continued. โSpread out and find him.โ
โHow?โ another voice asked. โWith what light?โ Jeongin guessed this voice to be Jae-songโs. It sounded like him anyway. โHere,โ another voice said and Jeongin saw light flicker and dance outside the opening of his hiding place. Glancing back, he could barely see that this was indeed a den. He grabbed his things and scooted back further, hoping to stay out of sight.
He waited, listening patiently as footsteps trudged through the forest, twigs snapping underfoot.
He carefully crawled toward the opening and peered out. He could see two of the men standing nearby as they searched the area. โFind anything?โ one of them called. โNothing yet!โ another voice called back. โThis is so stupid,โ one of the men said softly. โThereโs no telling which way he went.โ
The one that had spoken up before nodded in agreement. โI know,โ he answered just as quietly. โBut you know how Baek-hwa is. Ever since he saw Jeongin talking to Haneul, heโs just been set on making Jeongin suffer,โ he added as he held his torch up, peering around a tree.
โI mean, itโs not like doing all this is going to impress Haneul,โ he continued. โShe doesnโt even like Baek-hwa.โ The second man nodded as well. โI know! Itโs like--โ
What it was like, Jeongin didnโt get to hear as he watched a shadow cut across the small illuminated circle, passing both men. The second smaller one let out a grunt of pain and Jeongin watched in horror as blood spilled from his mouth, a look of pain crossing his features as he fell to his knees.
โWonjae!โ the first man said in shock as his friend collapsed, blood gurgling from his mouth. โWhat happened?โ Jeongin watched as the shadow passed again, quick as lightning, passing the first guy who let out a choked cry of pain before falling to his knees as well, blood seeping through his shirt and he fell to the ground. Jeongin froze realizing heโd just watched something kill those two men.
โWhat the hell?โ
โWhere are they?โ called a voice, drowning out Jeonginโs thoughts. โOver here! Dabin! Wonjae!โ
Jeongin watched as two more men entered his field of vision. โAre they okay?โ one of them said as the other knelt down to check the bodies of their friends. โTheyโreโฆ dead,โ he said, his voice shaky. โD-dead?โ the other stammered, taking a few steps back.
โWhat happened?โ Baek-hwaโs voice called from somewhere above Jeonginโs hiding place. โTheyโre dead!โ the one kneeling beside Wonjae and Dabinโs bodies called back. โShit,โ Baek-hwa cursed. โGet down there and help them get the bodies,โ he instructed someone Jeongin presumed was beside him.
Jeongin watched as two more men appeared and helped pick up the bodies of the two men and carry them away. He listened as the footsteps retreated and pulled back as the area was thrown into darkness once more. He listened as the sounds of the forest came back and he could finally rest.
He tried to get some sleep but his mind wouldnโt stop. โWhat was that shadow? Was that what killed those men?โ He tossed and turned until he finally managed to pass out.
The next morning, he awoke to find light creeping into the cave and he could finally see. It wasnโt a huge den, maybe only big enough for a family of foxes or so. He had enough space to sit up. He could tell it wasnโt dug out by whatever previously lived here. Perhaps it was naturally occurring.
He gathered his things and left the safety of the den, squirming his way out of the opening and could see that it had rained the night before. He pulled a flask from his bag, filling it with water before he placed it back and stood up, slinging both bags over his back again. He started the way heโd been going the night prior, moving deeper into the forest.
He continued as the sun rose, stopping briefly to have something to eat before continuing on. He didnโt see Baek-hwa or his assailants again as he continued on. He noticed how the terrain started to slope up and he knew he must have reached the base of the mountain. If he could reach the otherside, maybe he could find another village where he could set up a new homestead.
He continued on, stopping when he heard a twig snap from behind him. Turning quickly, he expected to see Baek-hwa or his men. He was met with nothing. He couldnโt see anyone or anything other than the trees for that matter. Perhaps he was hearing things?
He turned back and continued forward. Heโd only gone a few more steps when he heard another snapping twig. He froze again, turning his head around to see what was following him but again, he saw nothing. He turned back forward, but instead of taking another step, he waited. Waited for something else.
Another twig snapped, this time closer but instead of looking, Jeongin stayed still. He kept calm, listening as soft steps carried toward him. He spun quickly, catching sight of what had been following him. His eyes widened as he made eye contact with it.
โA fox?โ he thought to himself. Looking back at him was a small fox with black fur and golden eyes. He stared back at it, expecting it to run but instead it stared back at him. He watched in awe as it took a tentative step forward, still keeping its eyes on him. Jeongin slowly knelt down as the fox approached, holding out his hand.
The fox looked at his hand and then up at him before its head turned slightly to look at something behind Jeongin. He froze, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. He tried to turn to see what was behind him but he felt a blow to the head and everything went black.
You looked down at the man, the branch in your hand as you breathed heavily. โOh my god,โ you whispered as the realization of what youโd done crept over you. You tossed the branch aside and looked back down at him. Looking at Clover who looked up at you, golden eyes judging you. โIโm sorry!โ you said holding your hands out. โLook, I panicked! I thought he was going to grab you!โ
The fox rolled its eyes and you looked away, back at the man lying unconscious at your feet. โShould we take him?โ You looked back at Clover who stared back at you unblinking. You nodded. โRight. Leaving him here would be bad. Got it,โ you said as you brushed your hands together to get the dirt from the bark off. Clover watched as you reached down, sliding your hands under the manโs arms and lifted, starting to drag him along the ground.
You heaved and pulled, panting as you did only to receive more judging looks from Clover. โLook,โ you panted. โYou could help me, you know.โ Clover rolled their eyes again before the vision of the fox spun and morphed into a man. โI donโt know what youโd do without me,โ he said as he waved his hand, the manโs body lifting from the ground.
You smiled at the wizard and dusted your hands off again. โThanks, Clover!โ you chirped as he shook his head. You led the way, skipping along the path as the manโs body floated behind you with Clover bringing up the rear.ย
You skipped faster as the cabin came into view. โAlmost there!โ you called out to your friend who rolled his eyes as your chipper demeanor. โYou know,โ he said as you started up the path leading to the door. โFor someone who is so violent, you sure donโt act it,โ he continued, guiding the manโs body after you.
โIโm not violent!โ you called back as you reached the door and unlocked it, pushing it open and holding the door so Clover could guide the man into the room. โJust put him on the bed,โ you said softly as Clover guided the manโs body over to the bed where he hovered for a moment before falling haphazardly on the mattress. โCareful!โ you chastised, rushing over to sort out the man, moving his head and arms so he wouldnโt be sore when he awoke.
โYou hit him over the head with a log and youโre telling me to be careful?โ Clover chuckled as he stood by the door, arms crossed over his chest. โWhat a strange person you are, Y/N,โ he added.
You stood up straight and turned towards him. โWell, I must be off,โ he said, standing up straight. โWill you be alright, alone here by yourself?โ he asked. You shook your head. โRight, just hit him with another log if he gives you trouble,โ Clover said with a smirk. Your smile fell. โI. Panicked, okay?โ
Clover nodded, waving before exiting the open door. You rushed over to watch as he headed down the path, turning once to look at you waving at him. He raised a hand before turning into a raven and taking flight into the sky. You shut the door and locked it before turning your head to look back at the man on your bed.
โAlright,โ you continued, taking a deep breath and walking over, placing your hands on your hips as you took a good look at him.ย
โNow, just who are you?โ
Jeongin woke to the sounds of light clattering and the scrape of metal against metal. His head was throbbing. He opened his eyes, blinking rapidly as he tried to adjust. He turned his head, wincing at the pain that followed. He was inside a cabin of sorts.
He could see shelves with books upon books and a desk that was cluttered and covered with papers, writing implements, and an assortment of herbs and rocks. He tried to sit up but his limbs felt heavy. He looked down and noticed a strange purple aura encasing him.
โWhat the-โ
โOh, youโre awake. Good,โ said a voice and Jeongin looked up, seeing a figure by the hearth where a fire was crackling, heating up a large cast iron pot. The smell of meat and vegetables reached his nostrils and he took a deep inhale. Whatever it was in the obvious cauldron smelled amazing.
โWhere am I?โ he asked as the figure turned their gaze away from him and stirred the contents of the pot.
โYouโre in my cabin, what a silly question to ask,โ the figure said with a chuckle. Jeongin watched as they set the spoon aside and moved towards the bed. Jeongin looked up as they approached and took a seat beside the bed. โWhat have you done to me?โ he asked as the person, he could now see was a female, looked over him, gently turning his head and prodding the tender spot.
Jeongin winced and the figure grimaced. โSorry,โ she said. โI hit you over the head.โ
Jeongin looked up at her. โYou what? Why the hell would you do that?!โ he yelled.
You moved your hand, your finger moving in a quick circle and Jeongin felt his jaw snap shut.
โDonโt yell,โ you said as you grabbed a basket with some medical supplies in it. โItโs rude.โ
โWell, so is hitting someone over the head,โ Jeongin thought since he couldnโt talk.
โMy name is Y/N,โ you said as you pulled out a small vial. โAnd I hit you over the head because I thought you were going to hurt my friend.โ You looked down at him and Jeongin felt his heart skip a beat. Your eyes. They were a bright golden yellow. Much like that fox from before.
โDo you remember the fox?โ you asked and Jeongin nodded as he watched you pull the cork on the vial. โThatโs my friend Clover. I thought you were going to grab him and hurt him. Foxes arenโt exactly revered around these parts,โ you explained as you turned the vial over, allowing some to spill onto a cloth.
You set the vial aside and leaned forward, holding out the cloth only for Jeongin to shy away. โItโs okay,โ you said softly. โI know your head hurts. This will make it not hurt.โ Jeongin hesitated, allowing you to gently press the cloth to his head. He winced but soon, the pain as well as the throbbing went away and he looked up at you in shock.
You winked at him, placing the cork back in the vial and returning the little glass to the basket. You waved your hand and freed his mouth. โWho are you?โ he asked softly. You looked down at him unblinkingly. โIโm Y/N,โ you said plainly. โI already said that.โ Jeongin shook his head.
โI meant likeโฆ who are you? Are you likeโฆ a witch?โ he asked to which you laughed. โIโve been called that before,โ you answered with a nod. โBut more importantly,โ you said, leaning forward. Jeongin was unable to pull too far away due to whatever spell you had his body under.
โWho are you?โ
Jeongin cleared his throat. โIโ,m uhโฆ Iโm Jeongin.โ
You sat back up straight. โJeongin, huh?โ you said softly, tilting your head. He nodded, glancing down at his body still shrouded in the purple aura. โWhat is this?โ he asked, nodding towards the aura. โOh,โ you said suddenly, waving your hand and it disappeared.
โI just did that while you were out and I was busy cooking so you didnโt try to sneak up on me,โ you explained as you started to stand. Jeongin moved quickly, sitting up and grabbing your arm but you were quicker. You managed to roll, pulling him off the bed and pinning him against the floor, his arms pinned to his sides by your legs as you straddled him, your forearm pressing against his throat.
โIโm not your enemy,โ you explained softly. โBut donโt make the mistake of thinking I wonโt hesitate to kill you if you try to hurt me.โ
Jeongin tapped the back of your calf, surrendering to your power.
Just as quickly as you were on him, you got up and held out a hand, pulling him up when he took it. โLetโs eat,โ you chirped and walked over to the fire. Jeongin stood hesitantly. โSit,โ you instructed and he did as you said, moving to take a seat at the table. You grabbed a bowl and picked up the ladle, scooping stew into the bowl before moving to set it on the table.
โItโs hot, so be careful,โ you said as you filled another bowl and took a seat across from him.
Jeongin watched as you picked up your spoon and took a bite. โIt canโt be that hot,โ he noted, to which you looked up. โWant me to throw it in your face and test that theory?โ you asked with a smirk, tilting your head. Jeonginโs eyes widened and he quickly picked up his spoon, shaking his head.
โN-no,โ he stammered before digging in.
He could tell there was meat and potatoes, maybe some cabbage and rice but it was delicious. He scooped another spoonful into his mouth. โSโgood,โ he said as he ate and you smiled, turning your attention back to your own bowl.
Jeongin had forgotten the last time he had a proper meal and ended up eating three bowlfuls of stew. You reached to take his empty bowl but he stopped you. โYou cooked,โ he said before getting up. โTell me where to go and Iโll clean them.โ You smiled but ignored his comment, taking his bowl.
โYouโre still injured,โ you explained. โGo lay down, let me deal with this and then Iโll look at your wounds.
Jeongin watched as you headed out the door and instead of laying down, he started to poke around the cabin, inspecting your belongings. He was used to the small huts in the village where he lived. Nothing this extravagant. Wooden doors that locked, windows with decorative frames were things heโd never seen in person, only ever heard of.
The cabin was one room, like his had been but it was much cozier. There were no cracks for the wind to sneak into, the roof was sturdy wood and slanted to allow rain to run off. There were four windows, two on the wall by the door, one on the outside window and one on the back wall over the desk, framed by shelving. The fourth wall wasnโt made of wood. It was made of rock.
โIt must be partially built into the mountain,โ Jeongin noted as he stared. The bedroom area was almost entirely encased in rock. It was unlike anything Jeongin had ever seen. It was an extremely clever idea as well. Using a cave as part of your dwelling. If only he had known to do so.
On the other side of the stone hearth was a large wooden cabinet with doors and shelves stocked full of cheeses, sealed bottles, breads, small bowls with salts and other spices. Hanging from an iron circle suspended from the ceiling were various dried herbs and even some small game. Rabbits and birds mostly. He inspected the mantle and noticed a couple portraits and a small trinket box.ย
He moved over to the desk, fingers brushing over the papers on the surface as he inspected them. There were a lot of maps. Maps he didnโt recognize, not that he was knowledgeable of maps to begin with. He looked up at the shelving, inspecting the books and their titles. He expected to see this sizable collection in a palace or something, not here in a cabin in the forest, built into the base of a mountain.
Jeongin turned as he heard the door open and you returned with two clean bowls and spoons.
โHaving fun snooping?โ you asked with a smirk. Jeongin opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water trying to explain but you shook your head. โI saw you through the window,โ you explained, pointing to the window opposite the rock wall.
โIโm not mad,โ you continued. โBut I really do need to inspect your wounds.โ
You led him over to the bed and he sat down. โI donโt have any wounds,โ he protested but you made him lie down and lifted his shirt. โYour wounds are internal,โ you explained as you gently prodded and massaged his side, making him wince. โYouโve got a fair amount of bruising here and here,โ you said, also placing your hand over his stomach just over his navel.
โWere you in a fight?โ you asked bluntly. Jeongin froze, staring up at the rocky ceiling above. You waited for his answer but when he didnโt answer, you spoke again. โDid you at least get a few punches in?โ
Jeongin chuckled, letting out a soft cry when the motion caused his sore muscles to tense him. โYouโre asking me about my fight?โ he asked. You nodded. โWhoever did this packs a wallop. So I hope you got a few licks in, too.โ
Jeongin smiled as you rubbed some kind of ointment and the soreness and tenseness in his muscles dissipated. โYouโll have to apply this until the bruising clears up,โ you explained as you rubbed some more on his stomach.
Jeongin held his breath as your hand traveled dangerously close to his waistband. โTwo times a day,โ you added as you pulled your hand back, wiping it on a cloth and placing the lid back on the small metal tin and handed it to him. Jeongin sat up and took the tin from you. โWhat is it?โ he asked.
โAn ointment to help with soreness and bruising,โ you explained as you gathered your supplies and set the basket aside. โI made it myself.โ Jeongin opened the tin and held it up to his nose, sniffing it. He smelled mint but couldnโt tell what else was in it.
โWhatโs in it?โ he asked, placing the lid back on it and looking up at you.
โJust some herbs,โ you replied. โIโll tell you how I made it tomorrow. Get some sleep.โ
You got up and paused when he grabbed your wrist. Looking down at his wrist and then up to meet his gaze, Jeongin managed to blurt out โthank you.โ The smile you gave him was one heโd never seen before, not even from the old woman in the village he traded furs for shirts or her granddaughter, Haneul.
โYouโre welcome,โ you answered and Jeongin let go of your wrist. โWhat about you?โ he asked as you moved over to the desk. โI can sleep on the floor,โ you said as Jeongin set the tin of ointment on a small table beside the bed. โWhat?โ he said suddenly. โNo,โ he continued. โThis is your bed. Iโll sleep--โ
He didnโt get to finish his words as you turned in your chair and waved your hand at him. โSleep,โ you said sternly and Jeongin passed out, unable to fight the darkness as it passed over him, taking him deep into slumber.
The next morning, Jeongin awoke to find himself in bed but the cabin otherwise empty. He sat up, looking around and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Lifting his shirt, he saw that he indeed had some heavy bruising from Baek-hwa and his friendsโ punches.
He dropped his shirt as the door opened and you entered the room, smiling when you saw he was awake. โMorning,โ you said as you carried something in your arms. โOr should I say good day,โ you continued as you carried the sack over to the table and set it down.
โLetโs have a look at those bruises,โ you said as you walked over and took a seat beside him. Jeongin lifted his shirt for you to inspect. โMake sure to apply that ointment,โ you said as you gently poked around the edges of the bruising. โItโll make a huge difference in healing.โ
You got back up and headed for the table as Jeongin picked up the tin and opened it. He scooped a small amount and started to rub it into his skin as you opened the sack. โWhatโs in the bag?โ he asked, looking up occasionally as he applied the ointment.
โI went hunting,โ you said nonchalantly. Jeongin looked up at the rabbits hanging from the ceiling. โWhat about those?โ he asked, nodding towards the rabbits. โTheyโre small and we need more meat if youโre going to heal properly. Protein speeds up the healing process,โ you explained as you pulled small game from the sack.
Jeongin finished applying the ointment and wiped his hand off on the same cloth you used the night before and got up, walking over to the table. He was surprised to see what you managed to catch. โHunting and fishing?โ he asked as he noticed the fish basket.
โIโve been gone all morning,โ you replied. โUp before the sun, in bed after it sets,โ you explained. โMaking the most out of every day. Thatโs what Clover taught me.โ Jeongin smiled as you added the rabbits to the iron circle. โThe fish has to go outside,โ you explained and picked up the basket.
He followed you as you headed outside and over to a wooden rack where you had some fish already hanging. โHow does fish tonight sound?โ you asked, turning to look at him. Jeongin nodded silently before you turned back to the rack and hung up all the fish.
โI also need to go foraging,โ you said as you walked back towards him, stopping at the bottom of the steps leading into the cabin. โWant to come with me?โ you asked, looking up at him. He nodded. โSure,โ Jeongin said, stepping aside as you entered the cabin.
โGood,โ you said and grabbed a sack. โMake yourself useful,โ you added as you tossed one to him.
The hike to the spot was a short one and Jeongin was shocked to see the size of it. Not only were there even more berries than at his favorite spot but there were more types as well as all kinds of fungi. He watched as you pulled a small bag from your pocket and moved over to one of the mushrooms.
โThese are really good when you fry them,โ you explained as you picked them and placed them in the bag. โTheyโll need to soak for a few hours but we can have them with our fish.โ
Jeongin looked around and moved to one of the bushes. โAre these okay?โ he asked, pointing to the berries. You turned to look at him and nodded. โNot too many though,โ you instructed. โMaybe a sack,โ you added. โThere are smaller bags in the large sack I gave you.โ
Jeongin dug through the bag and found one before starting to pick berries and fill the bag. Once it was full, he tied it off and picked a few berries to eat. โAnd those?โ he asked, pointing to another bush. You nodded without looking. โAll these berries are good to eat,โ you replied. โJust a small bag each. I like to make wine with them,โ you explained.
Jeongin got to work, collecting berries as you foraged for mushrooms and other plants. When the bags were full, Jeongin insisted on carrying both but you refused, reminding him he was still healing. The walk back, you asked him about his life, where he was from, where he grew up, what his childhood was like.
When you broached the subject of parents, Jeongin shut down as you walked up the path to the cabin. โTouchy subject?โ you asked, unlocking the door and letting him in. Jeongin nodded, handing you the bag and watching as you moved to the cabinets. โI lost both my parents,โ he finally answered.
โMy mother left when I was young and my father died when I was fifteen. Iโve been on my own ever since,โ he explained as you started to store the food you both collected together. โIโm sorry,โ you said softly. โI lost my parents to disease when I was young. I was raised by Clover,โ you explained, shutting the cabinet doors.
โThe fox?โ Jeongin asked, making you chuckle. โHeโs a wizard,โ you reminded him. โHe was in fox form while we hunted that day. Heโs awfully quiet in that form,โ you explained. Jeongin grimaced as you turned to him, setting the bags of berries on the table.
โSo he raised you?โ he asked and you nodded. โTaught me everything I know. Built this cabin and left it to me when I came of age.โ Jeongin looked around. โMakes sense,โ he said softly. โIโve never seen a cabin like this before,โ he explained. โThatโs because it was built with magic.โ
Jeongin smiled as you set the empty bags away, hanging them on hooks.
โI have some work to do in the garden,โ you announced. โWould you like to join me?โ Jeongin nodded with a smile.ย
โIโd love to.โ
After a quick lunch of leftover stew, Jeongin helped you in the garden, pulling weeds and pruning the bushes and vines. His garden was small but this garden was twice the size. It had everything from cabbages to potatoes and even pumpkins.
โThis is a huge garden,โ he noted as he dropped another cabbage in the basket. โEven for two people.โ you nodded as you pruned a tomato plant. โI sell whatever I donโt need,โ you explained. โNever hurts to have a little extra coin,โ you added with a wink.
As the two of you finished up, Jeongin looked at you. โWhere do you sell this stuff?โ he asked as you gathered one of the baskets. โAt a village on the other side of the mountain,โ you replied. Jeongin rounded on you, holding the other basket. โOn the other side of the mountain?โ he asked incredulously. You nodded with a laugh and beckoned him to follow you inside.
Once inside, you stored your harvests away and led Jeongin over to the desk and pulled out a map from under the stacks of paper. โThis is a map of this region,โ you explained. Jeongin looked over it in awe. Heโd never seen more than a map of the village and the forest. Your map had so much more on it.
And it was so detailed.
โHereโs the village you told me about and based on your descriptions, your cabin was around in this area,โ you explained, pointing out spaces on the map. โHereโs where we are,โ you continued, pointing at a small red x on the map. โThe village I sell at is here,โ you added, pointing to a black x on the other side of the mountain range.
โHow long does it take to get there?โ Jeongin asked, looking up at you. โWell, if you go around the mountains, it can take months,โ you answered, shifting your weight from one foot to the other. โBut I use the mountain pass so it only takes a few days,โ you added, pointing to two lines drawn over the mountain range connecting the two sides. โWho made this map?โ Jeongin asked in amazement.
โClover,โ you answered, standing up straight. Jeongin followed your movements, standing upright as you walked over to the hearth and added a couple logs to the dying flames. โHe makes maps of all the regions,โ you added. โHeโs a traveling wizard and cartographer,โ you added as Jeongin stared at you.
โHe stopped for a while to raise me here,โ you explained as you stood up, brushing your hands off. โBut now that I can care for myself, heโs back to traveling again, making amendments to his maps.โ Jeongin shook his head as you moved over to the bedroom area, grabbing a small basket from the shelf.
Jeongin looked around the cabin. โSo, now what?โ he asked as you sat down on the armchair. You looked up at him. โNow we rest,โ you replied with a smile. โItโs too soon to have dinner and I have some knitting to get done,โ you continued, pulling out a project you must have been working on for a while.
โYou can read any of the books if youโd like,โ you said, nodding towards the shelves. Jeongin shook his head, instead grabbing one of his bags and opening it. He sifted through it until he found what he was looking for. The journal heโd been reading. He settled down on the bed, propping the pillows up against the wall so he could sit up against them.
Jeongin read as much as he could, absorbing his mothers words. He had reached the part of her journals where she had met his father and it was so enchanting to read about his father through his motherโs eyes. He discovered a new side to his father heโd never known. The romantic side.
Their courtship was long according to her and she initially rebuffed him as he was a human but he eventually gained her trust and she warmed up to him. After which, they got married, something Jeongin had never known. He thought it had been a short affair but the time and effort they put into their marriage told him otherwise.
He also learned that his parents had a hard time conceiving a child and that Jeongin was from their sixth attempt. He was the only one that made it full term.
Jeongin dropped his hands into his lap, the journal falling with it as he stared at the wall. You looked up at him. โYou alright?โ you asked, noticing he seemed catatonic. When he didnโt respond, you set your knitting aside and got up, moving to sit on the bed. โJeongin?โ you asked, waving your hand in front of him. That seemed to snap him out of it and he looked at you.
โYou okay?โ you asked, your voice laced with concern. He nodded, clearing his throat and looked down at the leatherbound book in his lap. โYeah, I just uhโฆโ he trailed off before looking back up but not at you. He seemed to be looking past you but not at anything in particular. More like he was staring off into a place you could not see. โJeongin?โ
โI have siblingsโฆโ he finally said softly and your brows rose in shock. โWhat?โ you asked.
He turned his head to look at you. โSorry,โ he said, shaking his head. โRandom thought.โ
You glanced at the book. โWhat are you reading?โ you asked. Jeongin glanced at the book and closed it, keeping his thumb between the pages. โItโs private,โ he explained. โSorry,โ he added. You shook your head. โNo need to apologize,โ you replied. โI meant no disrespect nor was I meaning to pry. Simply curious,โ you explained.
Jeongin glanced down at the book again before taking a deep breath. โItโs a journal,โ he finally sighed. You waited for him to continue. โItโs my motherโs journal,โ he clarified. Your eyes widened. โOh,โ you said softly, uncertain of what else to say. โAnd youโre just now reading it? Iโm not judging by the way,โ you said quickly. Jeongin simply chuckled before setting the book aside and scooting off the bed.
You watched as he grabbed one of his bags and walked over, opening it for you to see the contents. Inside were a dozen or so leather bound books, all of them identical. You looked up at Jeongin in bewilderment as he set the bag down and joined you on the bed.
โMy mother kept extensive journals all throughout her life. She left them with my dad when she left,โ he explained. โDad kept them for me so I could get to know her if she never came back. I think he knew she wouldnโt come back,โ he continued sadly. โIโve been reading them since my dad taught me to read.โ
You looked back at the bag. โHow many are there?โ you asked, looking back at Jeongin. โAround fifty,โ he answered, a hand reaching up to scratch his brow. โIโve read about twenty of them so far.โ Your eyes widened as you looked back at the sack lying unassuming on the floor.
โWhatโs in this one?โ you asked, tapping the cover of the one on the bed before you froze. โIโm sorry,โ you said quickly. โThatโs none of my business,โ you continued. Jeongin shook his head. โItโs okay,โ he said, grabbing the book and opening it. โIn this one, she met my dad,โ he explained.
โShe details their courtship and marriage,โ he continued, flipping through the pages. โShe wrote that it was a huge ceremony and that the reception lasted well into the early hours of the next morning and that they were both so exhausted from the party that they never actually consummated their marriage during the ceremony,โ he said with a chuckle.
You smiled fondly, watching him look over the words on the page.
โWhat was your motherโs name?โ you asked, drawing his attention. โWell, dad never told me her real name. He knew her as Eun-soo but while she was in Japan, her name was Yuki. So Iโm not entirely sure what she was really called,โ he continued.
You looked at him again, studying his features. The fox-like eyes, the orange irises, his blond hair. It suddenly made sense to you. He was like you. He was fox-folk.
โWas your mother a kumiho by any chance?โ
Jeongin was caught off guard by the question. Heโd never been asked so directly about it before and as he looked up, his eyes met your golden ones and he knew instantly why you were asking. It was like a switch went off in his head and suddenly everything made sense.ย
Your golden eyes, the magic, being raised by a wizard. Well, maybe the last part wasnโt really all that related but in his mind, it still helped him to put the pieces together. You were like him, too. You were fox-folk.
โAโฆare you?โ he asked softly, holding your gaze. He could tell by the way your eyes widened slightly that he was on the right track. โOr was one of your parents?โ he continued, setting the journal aside. You nodded slowly. โBoth of my parents were fox-folk,โ you answered, your voice barely above a whisper.
Jeongin leaned forward. โBoth?โ he asked in amazement. You nodded, shifting to face him. โYeah,โ you replied. โThatโs amazing,โ he breathed. โSo youโre pureblooded?โ he asked, to which you nodded. โWow. Iโm only half,โ he replied. โProbably why I canโt do any magic,โ he added with a chuckle.
You tilted your head at his comment. โAll fox-folk can perform magic,โ you said, drawing his attention again. โWait, really?โ he asked. You nodded, grabbing the journal from his hands and setting it aside. โHave you ever tried?โ you asked. Jeongin shook his head no, watching as you pushed your sleeves up.
โItโs easy,โ you explained. Jeongin rolled his eyes. โOh sure,โ he retorted but you pushed him gently. โI promise it is,โ you replied. โItโs so simple, really. Come on, Iโll show you.โ
Jeongin watched as you scooted onto the bed beside him, crossing your legs and resting your back against the wall. You closed your eyes, adopting a sort of meditation position. Jeongin watched but when you opened one eye to peek at him, you nudged him and he sighed, adopting the same position.
โDeep breath in,โ you said. Jeongin followed your lead, breathing in slowly and deeply, filling his lungs. โAnd out,โ you said and the two of you breathed out in unison. โNow, visualize a fire,โ you said softly. โA fire? Why a fire?โ Jeongin asked. โOw,โ he whined when you lightly slapped his hand.
โOkay, okay. A fire. Got it,โ he said. โWait, what color is it?โ
โWhatever color you want it to be.โ
Jeongin closed his eyes again, picturing a fire in his mind. Something bright and pink. โNow, imagine how it feels. Is it hot? Is it cold? Does it burn or does it tickle? Does it smell pleasant or is it rancid?โ Jeongin imagined the fire was cool to the touch and it felt like the fluttering of wings. It had no smell.
โOkay,โ he said. โNow what?โ he asked, opening an eye. โHold your hand out,โ you instructed. Jeongin closed his one eye again and raised one of his hands. โPlace it in my hand,โ you continued and he did as you said, placing his hand in yours, palm up.
โNow imagine your fire and imagine itโs in your hand. Concentrate and picture your fire in your hand.โ
Jeongin focused all his energy, holding his breath as he pictured the pink, cool, fire that fluttered. โDonโt forget to breathe evenly,โ you reminded him. โBreathing is important.โ He resumed breathing as he focused all his mental strength on the fire. He sighed, keeping his eyes closed.
โThis is dumb,โ he said. โI canโt do magic.โ
โIs your fire pink and cool to the touch?โ you asked softly and Jeongin hesitated. โWaitโฆ is mind reading one of the abilities of a full-blooded kumiho?โ he wondered. โUh, yeah. But how did you know that?โ he asked. โOpen your eyes, Jeongin.โ
He did as you instructed and was met with your face drenched in the pink glow of a fire in his hand. The pink fire heโd imagined. He looked back up at you and then down to the fire in his hand. It was dancing, fluttering against his hand. โAre you doing that?โ he asked and you pulled your hand away, conjuring up a bright blue flame. โI take it thatโs a no?โ
You laughed and the fires both extinguished as Jeongin lost focus. โI told you that you can do magic!โ you said excitedly, slapping his knee and then pushing yourself up and climbing off the bed. Jeongin looked down at his hand, excitement bubbling in his stomach.
โIโll get dinner started,โ you said as you moved towards the door. โKeep practicing,โ you said before opening the door and heading outside. Jeongin kept at it, conjuring a pink flame, making it dance and crawl around his hand as you prepared the fish for dinner. While it cooked, you made a side dish with rice and some of the mushrooms youโd picked earlier.
When it was ready, Jeongin joined you at the table and the two of you ate in silence. โThank you, Jeongin said suddenly, making you look up, eyes wide and bewilderment on your face. โFor taking me in after you bashed my head in,โ Jeongin continued. โFor caring for me and teaching me magic.โ
Your expression morphed, a smile spreading across your face. โI couldnโt leave you out there after I hit you with the branch,โ you explained. โClover would have but I wouldnโt have forgiven myself if I left you to the elements. And besides,โ you continued. โItโs nice having some company that isnโt Clover for once.โย
Jeongin looked down at his food, cheeks growing warm.
โYou know,โ you said, tapping your chin thoughtfully. โIf you want to stay longer, youโre more than welcome to,โ you added. โI really enjoy your company.โ Jeonginโs eyes widened. โReally?โ he asked, trying not to sound too excited. You nodded, smiling at him. โBut you might have to get used to sharing a bed,โ you said. โThereโs not enough room in here for another bed and I refuse to let you sleep on the floor,โ you added.
Jeonginโs cheeks grew even warmer at the thought of sharing a bed with you but he played it off.
โSure,โ he said softly. โNo problem.โ
It was indeed a problem he later discovered. While the bed was big enough for two bodies, it wasnโt big enough for two bodies and a space between them. Jeongin wanted to respect you and give you as much space as possible but with the size of the bed, it put him right on the edge of the mattress and in danger of falling off.
The next day consisted of about the same routine, some foraging but in a different spot. You taught Jeongin all about the herbs and weeds you used to make ointments and medicines, showing him what cured certain ailments. Afterwards, he helped you on the other side of the garden where the bee boxes were and held the jars for the honey while you handled the bees.
The day after that, you took him fishing with you and he was impressed by the spot you had. No one else was around and as you sailed out on the lake in a boat you proudly told him you helped Clover make, the two of you sat in silence, rods propped up while you knitted and Jeongin read more of his motherโs journal.
Heโd made it to the part where she was pregnant with him and close to her due date. She wrote how she knew he was a boy and how she knew he was going to take after her in both looks and mentality. Jeongin checked his fishing rod before returning to his reading. He heard you clear your throat and looked up to meet your gaze.
โSo what else does she say?โ you asked, nodding towards the journal in his hand. โOh,โ he said softly. โSheโs pregnant with me in this part,โ he explained. โShe wrote about how she knew I was a boy and that I would take after her,โ he continued. You smiled at him as you tied off and wove the yarn tails into the scarf you were making. โShe also says she got a letter from a woman namedโฆ Anitta?โ he said and looked up at you.
You merely shrugged and set your knitting needles aside, picking up the scarf and throwing it around his neck. โThere,โ you said with a smile. โItโs done.โ Jeonginโs cheeks burned as he looked down at the soft garment. โItโs nice,โ he said softly and started to take it off. โItโs yours,โ you said, grabbing it and wrapping it back around his neck.
โI was going to give it to Clover but I figured I can always make him another and you need one now so,โ you trailed off, smiling at him. Jeongin toyed with the material, cheeks burning as he tried to think of something to say before finally settling on a simple and soft thank you.
Fishing ended with the two of you catching a small basket of fish and Jeongin managing to catch a little crawfish which he promptly dumped back in the water. Once the boat was pulled ashore, the two of you headed back down from the mountain lake to the cottage to hang up the fish and settle in for the night.
You made roasted rabbit and potatoes and after dinner, you settled down with your knitting to start another scarf for Clover while Jeongin got to the end of his motherโs journal. He closed it, wrapping the twine back around it and got up from the bed, moving over to his bags.
He reached in for another, pulling the trinket box out so he could dig for the right one.
โWhatโs that?โ you asked, looking down at the box. โOh, just a box my dad made,โ Jeongin said as he dug through the bag. โMay I?โ you asked, setting your things aside. โIโm kind of nosey,โ you noted with a laugh. Jeongin chuckled and shook his head. โGo ahead,โ he replied.
You grabbed the box and set it on your lap, opening and inspecting the contents.
The box was a beautiful dark wood with a soft lining. It was beautifully crafted and you wondered if Jeonginโs dad knew how much he could have made by making and selling these boxes. Inside the box were a few items, some of great value and others you suspected were more sentimental. There was a silver ring, a loose but rather large gem, some gold coins, and a silver locket. You picked up the stone to inspect and deduced it was a sapphire and was definitely worth a lot.
โThis could fetch you a lot of gold,โ you noted, holding up the stone for Jeongin to see as he looked up. โDad found that,โ he said, reaching up to rub his eye. โFound it while digging around the outside of our cabin to add to the garden when I was a kid,โ he continued and held out his hand.
You placed the gem in his palm and he brought it to his face to look at it. โHe thought the same thing,โ he continued. โThought we could sell it for some gold in case we ever needed it. I forgot it was in the box,โ he added, handing it back to you to place in the box.
Next you picked up the silver ring. There was nothing of note about it. It was a crudely forged ring made of pure silver. โOh,โ Jeongin said, noticing the ring and grimacing. โDad made that. Was trying his hand at smithing,โ he added. โItโs ugly but he was proud of it. He made it himself without any help. He wasnโt much of a blacksmith. He was more of a carpenter,โ he explained.
โWhich is why the box is so nice,โ he added, gesturing to the box in your lap.
You dropped the ring back into the box and Jeongin returned to his bag, digging for a specific journal as you lifted the silver locket. It was engraved with a simple fox head on both sides. You carefully opened it and smiled at the first portrait. It was of a young child with light hair. There was no mistaking this was Jeongin.
You turned the locket to look at the other portrait as Jeongin pulled the correct journal from his bag and his eyes fell on the locket in your hand. The other portrait was of a woman. An all too familiar woman. She had the same blonde hair Jeongin had, the same fox-like eyes. It was his mother.
โOh, thatโs,โ Jeongin darted forward, his hand closing around the locket and closing it before he took it from your hand. โThatโs my dadโs. Was my dadโs.โ he said softly, looking at the silver locket. You shut the trinket box and handed it back to him. โSorry for prying,โ you said softly as he took the box.
โNo, itโs okay,โ he said as he brushed the silver surface with the pad of his thumb. โI honestly forgot this was even in there,โ he added as he looked up and gave you a sad smile. โSheโs very pretty,โ you said softly, drawing his attention. โYour mother,โ you clarified.
You tilted your head, offering him a playful smile. โI guess youโre pretty, too,โ you added, noticing the way he averted his eyes and his cheeks turned peach. He opened the box and placed the locket back inside, closing the lid and setting back with his things.
After he read a bit more and you started to yawn, you called it and set your knitting aside. โItโs going to storm tonight,โ you said softly as you got up. โIโm going to put the covers down on the windows so it doesnโt rain in.โ Jeongin watched as you exited the door and returned to his book as you disappeared.
Outside you undid the hooks holding the covers up and let them down into place, securing them with the wooden rods that slid through two rings on the side of the cabin as well as a ring on the end of the shutter.ย
Clover had done some interesting things when building this cabin but as odd as they were, they worked. You placed the covers for the other three windows down, locking them in place as the wind picked up.ย
You also grabbed the cloth Clover had for covering the garden and hooked it in place with the four hooked stakes in the corners of the garden. You repeated the process, covering the bee boxes before gathering all the fish and bringing it inside to hang up by the fire.
As you closed and locked the door, you could hear thunder in the distance and Jeongin looked up from his motherโs journal. โWeโre safe here, right?โ he asked and you nodded, moving to stoke the fire and then joining him on the bed. โThis is probably the most stable building in the region,โ you explained as you settled down on the side of the bed youโd claimed and looked up at him.
โYou can stay up if you want,โ you said, shifting, pulling the covers over you, and getting comfortable. โJust try to keep the noise down,โ you added with a wink which made Jeongin crack a smile. โOkay,โ he replied. โIโll try.โ
You shut your eyes and tried to focus on sleeping.
But you couldnโt. Your mind was full of the portrait in the locket. You rolled onto your back and sighed, opening your eyes and staring at the cave ceiling. Jeongin didnโt seem to notice but when you sighed again, he looked up. โYou alright?โ he asked and you took a deep breath before sitting up and turning to him. โI need to tell you something,โ you said, taking his journal and setting it aside.
Jeongin looked from the journal to you as you took his hands in yours.
โWhat Iโm about to tell you might sound outrageous but keep in mind Iโm much older than I look because as you said before, Iโm pureblooded fox-folk.,โ you started. Jeongin met your gaze and nodded slowly. You took another deep breath before explaining.
โYour motherโs name was Keiko. She was from a small island off the coast of Japan. The locals there called it Fox Island. She came to this land as a child with her mother to live in the palace of the king centuries ago. Her mother was a highly sought after healer and the kingโs wife was incredibly sick.โ
Jeongin said nothing as you continued.
โWhen your mother was nearing maturity, her mother overheard a plan to marry her off to the kingโs son but her mother had heard that the first prince was a cruel man who abused those around him. She did not want your mother to suffer at his hands so she ran away, taking your mother with her. They left the palace and ran and ran until they reached the coast, hoping it would be far enough away that the kingโs men would never find them.โ
You cleared your throat and continued the story.
โYour mother continued to live on the coast, in a small fishing village for many many years and eventually, she grew into a great beauty. Many men tried in vain to marry her but her mother drove them all off. When her mother finally passed from old age, your mother left the village and traveled inward, hoping enough time had passed that the king was no longer looking for her and she was right.โ
โThe king and his son had both since passed and a new ruler was on the throne. Your mother traveled the land until she found this region and moved here, settling down in a cave in the mountains. Rumors circulated of a great beauty that lived in the mountains but some of those rumors painted her out to be an enchantress that devoured the souls of men. It was here my mother met her,โ you explained, watching Jeonginโs eyes widened but he said nothing, allowing you to continue.
โYour mother and my mother became good friends and thenโฆ I came along and I can remember how your mother doted on me. She wanted a child of her own but she had no luck in finding a husband. It was when sheโd given up hope of ever having a child that she met your father. I was a young child by then but I still remember the day she came to us, announcing she had found someone,โ you said with a smile, remembering back to that day.
โMy mother and father were so thrilled sheโd managed to find someone who loved her. Someone she could start a life with. She wrote to my mother, telling her of the ceremony and the time after. She shared her troubles conceiving with my mother in those letters. And then, she got pregnant. And it lasted,โ you said softly, looking up from your hands to find Jeonginโs eyes filled with tears.
โShe gave birth to a healthy baby boy and she named him Jeongin. She wrote how she was so in love and sheโd never known a love like that before. The love of a mother. She loved you so much,โ you said softly, giving his hands a gentle squeeze. This pushed him over the edge and a small sob escaped him, the tears finally falling. You pulled him into a tight embrace.
โWhy did she leave?โ he whispered into your shoulder. โShe had to,โ you explained, gently stroking his hair. โThe people in the village branded her a witch and she feared if she did not leave, they would come for her. So she left you with your father and she went north,โ you continued. โIโm sure it was her intention to come back but I donโt know much else,โ you added.
You continued to stroke his hair, rocking him gently as he sniffled. โSorry I got snot on your shirt,โ he said softly. You chuckled, patting his head. โItโs okay,โ you replied. โIโve had worse things on my shirt before,โ you added as you pushed him back, brushing his hair out of his eyes. โI just needed to tell you because if I didnโt, it would eat me alive.โ
You pulled him in, pressing a kiss to his forehead. โYou deserved to know the truth about her. She was a remarkable kumiho. I really looked up to her,โ you added. Jeongin smiled, reaching up to wipe his eyes. โThank you for telling me,โ he said softly. โAnd who knows,โ you said suddenly.
โMaybe she left some clues in her journals as to where she went.โ Jeongin looked down at the journal and then back up at you.ย
โThen I better get to reading, I guess.โ
After the talk, it must not have taken you long to fall asleep because you were woken by the sound of thunder.
Your eyes opened and you noticed that it was mostly dark, save for the fire in the hearth. You peered over your shoulder to find Jeongin had finished his reading and gone to sleep as well. You lay back down, closing your eyes but another clap of thunder sounded and the rain whipping against the side of the rain made you realize what had actually woken you and it wasnโt the storm.
It was the way Jeongin shook each time the thunder clapped or the shutters rattled against the windows.
Heโd told you how his home was battered by storms and he wasnโt able to keep up with repairs as he wasnโt a carpenter like his father. He said heโd grown accustomed to the fear that at any moment, the entire hut would collapse, trapping him inside.
โHeโs probably terrified out of his mind right now,โ you told yourself.
You turned over, eyes finding Jeongin curled up in the dark beside you. Sitting up, you reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. โAre you alright?โ you asked softly over the sound of the rain battering against the roof. Jeongin rolled back to look up at you. โSorry,โ he said just as softly. โItโs just the stormโฆโ he trailed off.
โI haveโฆ bad memories.โ
Your expression softened as you pulled the covers back and gently grabbed his arm. โCome here,โ you whispered, tugging him towards you. Jeongin followed, allowing you to pull him into your space where your arms went around him protectively, his head ducking under your chin and into your chest as he wrapped his arms around you.
You gently stroked his hair, humming softly as you tried to drown out the sounds of the storm. Your humming turned into singing, trying to lull him to sleep. โWhat is that?โ he asked, his voice slightly muffled by the cloth of your night shirt. โItโs a song my mother used to sing to me,โ you replied, continuing to stroke his hair. โIt sounds familiar,โ he continued.
You nodded silently before speaking. โYour mother probably used to sing it to you when you were a babe,โ you answered. โMost fox-folk know the song.โ
Jeongin fell silent, tightening his hold on you as he nuzzled further into your warm embrace.
โDo you feel better?โ you asked softly, smiling when he nodded. โGood,โ you whispered, tilting your head to press a kiss to the top of his head. Jeongin pulled back to look up at you. Neither one of you said anything, staring at one another until he finally made the first move, closing the distance and pressing his lips against yours.
Almost as quickly as it happened, he pulled back, stuttering apologies and trying to explain himself. You cut his words off, taking his face in both your hands and pulling back in for another kiss. He relaxed under your touch, lips pressing more firmly against yours as he leaned into the kiss.
โDonโt apologize,โ you said when you pulled back. โYou have nothing to apologize for.โ Jeongin pulled you back in for another kiss, more hurried and rushed this time. You didnโt fight it when he pushed onto your back or when he climbed over you, never breaking the kiss as he settled between your parted thighs.
You sighed against his lips, almost moaning when you felt his tongue slip into your mouth. He moved his hands, sliding them up to your cheeks and pulled back, breaking the kiss. โThank you,โ he said softly, his eyes looking between yours. โFor what?โ you whispered, placing one of your hands atop his.
โFor saving me,โ he continued, thumbs stroking your cheeks. โI now know it was you that killed those guys following me.โ You stared up at him. โIโve had time to think about it and it makes sense,โ he added.
โSo thank you for taking me in and for protecting me.โ
You grabbed the front of his shirt, pulling him down into another kiss. โYou donโt have to thank me,โ you murmured between kisses. โIโm sure you would have done the same in my position,โ you added. Jeongin shook his head. โIโm shy and antisocial,โ he replied. โI wouldnโt have gotten involved.โ You pushed him back slightly so you could see his face.
โYouโre not antisocial,โ you countered. โYou were tormented and abused. Thereโs a difference.โ
Before Jeongin could say anything else, you interrupted with another kiss.
You rolled over, pinning him against the bed as you straddled him, directing his hands to your waist as you continued to kiss him. You felt him tense under you as you rolled your hips, grinding against the growing bulge in his pants. You pulled back to look at him, noticing the look of hesitation on his face.
โWas that too far?โ you asked, fearing you may have crossed a line and moved to climb off him but his hold on your waist tightened. โNo,โ he croaked. โItโs just thatโฆโ his voice trailed off as he swallowed thickly, trying to find the right words.
โIโve neverโฆ Iโm aโฆโ he was failing to form a complete sentence but you knew what he was saying.
You cupped his cheek tenderly. โYouโve never done this, have you?โ
He shook his head and you smiled warmly, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips. โDo you want to stop?โ you asked and watched as he contemplated it. Just when you thought he was going to say yes, he surprised you by shaking his head. โNo,โ he finally answered.
โDonโt stop.โ
You pressed your lips against his, taking the lead. Your hips rolled slowly, grinding against him, eliciting the sweetest moans youโd ever heard come from a man before. โYou sound so sweet,โ you whispered, lips brushing against his cheek as you moved to whisper in his ear. โSo innocent,โ you continued, kissing down the side of his neck.
Jeongin let out a moan as you nipped at his neck, smiling before pulling back to look down at him. โDo you want me to keep going?โ you asked, slowing your movements, enjoying the desperate way Jeongin whined and pulled at your hips, urging you to move.
โY-yes,โ he whimpered. โKeep going, please,โ he begged. Instead of doing so, you climbed off him, ignoring his protests and pleas as you tore the blankets back. โWhat are you doing?โ Jeongin asked as you nestled beside him. โJust trust me,โ you said softly, reaching to turn his head towards you, pulling him into a kiss.
With the distraction of your lips against his and your tongue slipping into his mouth, Jeongin didnโt notice the way your hand moved down his chest, slowly until he felt your palm against the bulge in his pants. Moaning into your mouth, one of his hands moved to grab yours but you pushed it away.
โAre you going to be a good boy or will I have to restrain you?โ you asked darkly. Jeongin let out a little whimper and shook his head. โYou wonโt be good?โ you asked, cocking your brow. He shook his head again. โIโll be good,โ he blurted out and you pulled him back in for another kiss, letting your hand wander again.
This time, he didnโt move, only moaning as you started to palm him through his trousers. Considering how hard he already was, it didnโt take you long to get him begging and whining for more, his hips bucking up against your hand.
You made quick work of his pants, untying the string and sliding your hand under the waistband, your palm coming into contact with the hot skin of his dick. Jeongin let out a soft whimper as your fingers wrapped around him. โHave you never been touched like this before?โ you asked, watching his face as he shook his head.
โNot even by yourself?โ you asked, tilting your head. He hesitated before nodding. โIโveโฆโ he swallowed thickly. โIโve touched myself a few times,โ he answered. Your smile grew slightly. โDo you want more?โ you asked, watching the way his brow furrowed as you stroked him at an even pace.
โP-please,โ he murmured, hips bucking into your hand. You removed your hand from his pants, moving and pulling his pants down, throwing them to the floor before climbing over and straddling his hips. Jeongin looked up at you as you leaned over. โDo you want to stop yet?โ you whispered, your smirk growing even more when he shook his head.
You toyed with the hem of your night shirt, watching the way his eyes flickered from your face to your hands and back up. Finally, you decided to not tease him any more and lifted the material up over your head, dropping it to the floor and allowing him a moment to adjust to your nakedness.
His eyes were all over your form, taking in every inch of exposed skin. You took his hands and guided him to your waist. โYou can touch me, you know,โ you said softly, snapping him out of his trance. โO-okay,โ he answered, his voice barely audible over the sounds of the storm.
โWait, I can?โ he asked as if just registering what youโd said. You nodded instead of replying verbally and waited patiently as his hands moved of their own accord. His eyes followed the movement of his hands up to your chest, hesitating before cupping both your breasts.
His lips parted in awe as he gave a gentle squeeze.
Heโd never done anything like this before. He had no idea what was allowed and what wasnโt or what felt good for you. โIs this okay?โ he asked, looking up to meet your gaze. You nodded, reaching one hand up to place over his, pushing his palm against your chest more firmly.
Jeongin groaned at the contact, eyes flickering back down to your chest. Without a word, he sat up, his hand under yours moving aside. You pulled your hand back as he leaned in, glancing up at you for permission which you gave in the form of a nod. His eyes fluttered shut as he took your nipple in his mouth, tongue swirling around the bud.
You let out a sigh, combing your fingers through his hair as his tongue flicked against your skin. You arched your back, pressing your chest into his face as he gently sucked, letting your nipple fall from his mouth before repeating the same process on the other breast, one of his hands moving up to cup your chest. His other hand moved around to your back, hovering just above your ass.
You rolled your hips, brushing your sex against his cock and making him gasp. Your fingers in his hair tugged, tilting his head back to look up at you as you rolled your hips again. โHow does that feel, sweetheart?โ you asked softly, cupping his cheek with your free hand.
โSโgood,โ he moaned, his hands grabbing your hips, trying to guide your movements but feeling unsure of what he was doing. โYou want me to ride you, little fox?โ you whispered, leaning in so your lips brushed against his. He gulped loudly. โY-yes,โ he pleaded. โI wanna feel you.โ
You took him in a messy kiss, tongue dancing against his. โYou wanna feel me? Feel me from the inside?โ He nodded quickly, eyes sliding shut as you rocked your hips, grinding against his cock, coating it with your arousal.
โWanna fill me with your cock?โ you purred. Jeongin let out a choked moan as you ground harder against him. โFuck! Y-yes, please!โ he whimpered.
You reached down to grab the bottom of his shirt, tugging it off him and letting it fall to the floor as well before placing your hands on his shoulders, pushing him back against the mattress. You allowed your eyes to scan his body, taking in his lean frame as you lifted your hips.
โAre you gonna be a good boy for me?โ you asked as you reached between your bodies, taking his cock in your hand and giving him a couple of strokes, coating all of his cock with your slick. He nodded urgently, biting into his bottom lip. โI need to hear you say it, Innie,โ you cooed, lining the tip of his cock with your entrance. He nodded again. โYes,โ he finally managed to croak out.
โI promise Iโll be good.โ
Without another word, you sank down on him, his cock gliding easily as your walls welcomed the intrusion. Jeongin let out a long groan as you enveloped him completely with a sigh. You felt him twitch inside you and you leaned over, placing your hands on the mattress on either side of his head.
โYou promised youโd be good,โ you said, meeting his gaze. He nodded, blinking slowly as his hands moved to your thighs. โI promise,โ he whispered. โThen you canโt cum yet,โ you replied, placing a chaste kiss on his lips. โYou have to wait until I say you can cum,โ you continued. โCan you do that for me, baby boy?โ He nodded again. โYes, I c-can,โ he answered.
You slowly raised your hips before sinking back down on him, his cock burying into your cunt. Jeongin moaned against your lips, fingers digging into your skin. โFeels sโgood,โ he muttered as you set a slow, steady pace, hips rising and falling, driving his cock repeatedly into your pussy.
โSuch a good boy,โ you cooed, leaning over to kiss along his jaw, making him tilt his head, giving you more access to his neck. โLetting me fuck you like you deserve.โ Jeongin whined in response, his hands moving up to your waist. โMmore, please,โ he begged, gasping when you obliged, your hips bouncing against his. โShit, shit,โ he gasped, fingers tightening around your waist.
โWait, mโclose!โ he warned. You immediately stilled, his length buried in your walls. You raised your hand to push his bangs back from his forehead, leaning over to press a kiss against his skin. โYouโre doing so well,โ you praised as he came down from the edge.
โFilling me so well. Such a good little fox.โ
Jeongin whimpered as you rolled your hips. โDo you want me to keep going?โ you asked sweetly. He shook his head. โGive me a moment more,โ he murmured. You sat up, moving your hands to his chest, sliding them down to his stomach and back up past his shoulders and onto the mattress.
โDo you want me to stay on top of do you wanna take control, little fox?โ
His eyes fluttered open, meeting yours. โI can take control?โ he asked softly. You nodded. โYou want to try that?โ He nodded hesitantly, hissing as his cock slipped out of you.
You pulled him on top as you laid back, your thighs wrapping around his waist. He looked down at you, cheeks burning as he took in your fucked out expression. โGo ahead,โ you urged.
Jeongin looked down, eyes widening slightly as they landed on your glistening sex. โItโs okay,โ you added, drawing his attention. โTake your time.โ Jeongin took himself in his hand, guiding the tip to your slit, watching as the head of his cock slipped past your folds, finding your center easily.
He groaned, watching as your walls sucked him in until his hips met yours. His eyes moved up, meeting yours as he tried to control his breathing. โI donโtโฆโ he trailed off. โJust follow your instincts,โ you said gently. He nodded, taking a deep breath before pulling his hips back, watching your face as he snapped forward. You let out a moan, eyes rolling back.
Taking that as his cue to keep going, he repeated the action, quickly setting a steady pace. It was different than when you were in control, he was able to drive his cock deeper into your walls, making you moan louder than when youโd been on top.
โF-feels s-sโgood,โ he stammered, his head falling into your chest as he continued to thrust into you. โAh~ fuck, thatโs it, Innie,โ you encouraged him. โKeep going.โ Following his instincts, like youโd suggested, he cupped his hand against the back of your thigh and pushed your leg against your stomach, sinking his length further inside you with a groan.
โSโ so deep,โ you moaned, eyes fluttering shut. Jeongin kept his eyes open, watching to watch your face as he fucked you. Heโd never seen someone so beautiful before. โFaster,โ you gasped. Jeongin complied, his thrusts gaining speed. โOh f-fuck,โ he groaned. โMโgonna cum.โ
You took him by surprise, rolling him onto his back during his momentary lapse in control. Without giving him a chance to regain the upper hand, you took his hands and pinned them against his head. โGonna cum already, little fox? I thought youโd last longer,โ you said with a scoff. Jeongin whimpered, his cock twitching as his orgasm impending as you rocked your hips with renewed vigor.
He tried to pull his wrists from your hands but your grip was too strong. โDonโt fight me for control,โ you said, leaning over to kiss him. โYou gonna cum for me? Canโt even wait for me to say you can cum. Pathetic,โ you scoffed. Jeongin bucked his hips up to meet yours.
โPlease,โ he begged. โLet me cum.โ You shook your head. โOnly good boys get to cum,โ you retorted. โYou havenโt been good.โ Jeongin shook his head. โI have been good!โ he argued, moaning at the end of his protest. โIโve been good,โ he repeated.
โPlease let me cum, Y/N.โ
You chuckled, slowing your movements, holding his wrists tighter when he protested.
โSuch a greedy little slut. Wanting to cum first,โ you snapped, rolling your hips. โF-fuck Y/N, mโgonna cum. Shit, shit, shit,โ Jeongin whined, hips bucking up as his orgasm washed over him. You slowed your hips as his cock twitched, Jeongin releasing inside you with a whine.
You sighed, your hips coming to a stop as you looked down at him. โCouldnโt even wait for me to finish with you,โ you said softly. Jeongin opened his eyes. โS-sorry,โ he stammered. โI tried to stop but it just felt so good.โ Your lips twitched into a smirk. โItโs okay,โ you replied, releasing one of his wrists to cup his cheek. โBut now youโre gonna have to lie there and let me finish,โ you continued.
Jeongin looked up at you, leaning into your touch. โThatโs okay,โ he replied, letting out a gasp as you rolled your hips, his cock still lodged inside you. โYouโre in for a long night, little fox,โ you said softly, taking his wrist and pinning it again before sliding your hands to lace your fingers with his as you continued to rock your hips, feeling him slowly start to get hard again.
โA really long night.โ
Jeongin awoke the next morning to the smell of meat and opened his eyes slowly, blinking away the sleep and allowing his eyes to adjust to the sunlight that filtered into the cottage.
He rolled over, peering at you by the fire, cooking breakfast. He stretched his arms, whining at the soreness in his muscles. You chuckled as he pushed himself up, realizing he was shirtless. You, on the other hand, were fully dressed. โWhat happened last night?โ he asked, reaching up to scratch his head.
You glanced over your shoulder. โDonโt tell me youโve already forgotten,โ you said as you plated breakfast and walked over to the bed. Jeongin felt heat rise in his cheeks. โNo,โ he answered as you sat on the edge of the bed, presenting him with a plate. โI just forgot how many times,โ he murmured, adding a thanks at the end.
You chuckled as you dug into your own food. โMore than a few,โ you answered. Jeongin looked up and then out the window. โHow late is it?โ he asked. You shook your head. โNot that late, Itโs not even noon,โ you replied. The two of you ate in silence, Jeongin thanking you again as you took his dirty plate.
โWhere are my clothes?โ he asked, noticing they were not on the floor where youโd left them the night before. โI washed them first thing this morning,โ you answered. โTheyโre probably dry by now,โ you added and headed out the door to retrieve them.
Upon entering, you handed the clean clothes to Jeongin who dressed himself in silence. โWhat do you plan to do?โ you asked softly as you stoked the fire. Jeongin looked up and then down at his hands. โIโm not sure,โ he answered. โIโd like to go find my mother,โ he added.
You turned to look at him, a warm smile on your face. He got up and walked over to where you stood, his hands resting on your waist and pulling you closer. โBut part of me wants to stay here with you.โ You smiled, eyes shutting as he leaned his forehead against yours. โStay here and maybe build a life with you.โ Your heart swelled at the thought but it was quickly deflated by another thought.
โI think you should follow your heart,โ you finally said, pulling back to press a kiss to his forehead and turn away. Jeongin opened his eyes and sighed. He looked around the cottage and then at his bags on the floor near the table where he could see one of his motherโs journals peeking out at him.
His mind was made up for him.
โIโm sorry,โ he said softly, pressing his lips against your shoulder. โItโs okay,โ you reassured him. โDo what you have to do,โ you added. Jeongin turned you to face him, reaching up to cup your cheek. โI will come back,โ he said softly, eyes flickering between yours. โI promise.โ
With his rucksack packed full of supplies you could spare and a map in hand, you pointed him in the right direction. Jeongin pulled you in for one last kiss, resting his forehead against yours for a few moments after. โI mean it,โ he said, pulling back to look at you. โI will come back. Regardless if I find her or not.โ You nodded, smiling and keeping the sad feeling lingering in your stomach at bay.
โBe careful,โ you said, giving his hand a squeeze. Jeongin pulled away and started through the forest in the direction youโd pointed him. The last place youโd heard his mother had been spotted. North towards Mongol territory. As he reached the edge of your property, he turned to look back at you.
He raised his hand, waving which you returned and watched as he turned back and slowly disappeared from sight. With a sigh, you continued to stare after him. โYou better come back,โ you whispered to yourself, moving your hand to rest against your stomach.
Smiling to yourself you turned away and headed back into the cottage to tend to your chores, hoping Jeongin found what he was looking for sooner rather than later.
He only had nine months after all.
โ Graphics made by me. Content and support banners made using a template by cafekitsune. I do not allow reposts, translations, or continuations of my works. All writing and graphics are ยฉ๏ธ kwanisms.
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4:30am | happy birthday, dumbass
pairing :ย bakugo katsukiย x f!reader
tags :ย fluff, childhood friends to lovers, college!au, extremely self indulgent
tw :ย alcohol usage (legal)
wc :ย 4452 words
once a year, every year, katsuki breaks his nightly routine of heading to bed at 8pm sharp in favour of sitting and waiting for the clock to countdown to midnight. the boy is dressed and out of the door by 11:45pm.ย
glancing down at his phone to check the time, a warm breath escapes his lips as he comes to a stop, staring up at your bedroom window as he quietly opens the gate and heads for the front door. he doesn't knock, there's no need. the door swings open just as he shuts off his phone that reads 11:59pm, and he's met with your grinning face.ย
"happy birthday, dumbass." bakugou grumbles, tearing his eyes up off the groud to take in the way the moon delicately shines upon your features. your eyes form crescents and you laugh softly, impatiently ushering the male inside before the chilly night air has another chance to bite at his flushed cheeks.
inside, you'd already prepared your living room for the 'ultimate movie nightโ as you liked to put it. the couch was practically engulfed by a mountain of pillows and plushies, topped off with blankets thrown atop haphazardly. "i canโt believe your dumb ass is 16." katsuki scoffs as he makes himself comfortable, throwing a handful of popcorn into his mouth. โthis is for you, or whatever.โ he shoves something soft and orange into your hands, eyes avoiding yours.
an orange fox stares up at you with beady little eyes, and you immediately recognised itโs lopsided little face. โkatsuki! did you go back for him!?โ you question with excitement, plopping down besides your friend and cooing over your gift. you had stopped by an arcade a few days ago with bakugou, and spent almost half your allowance on desperately trying (and failing) to win the toy, whining miserably on the walk back home.ย
โtch, no. i just had some free time yesterday. it was easy peasy.โ the blonde boasts with a cocky grin to match his tone. heโd in fact demanded some extra money off his old man, and went back there on a mission to bring home the ugly thing. โnow are we gonna watch this stupid lion movie or what?โ
your arms fling around him for a quick thank you hug that leaves his cheeks warm and ears red, before readying yourself for what would probably be the hundredth viewing of your favourite movieโthe lion king. bakugou had recently admitted to never seeing it before, much to your horror, and you'd finally managed to get him to cave for your birthday.ย
the two of you settle into a comfortable silence as the movie begins, thatโs only disturbed with bakugouโs snarky commentary. luckily, he eventually begins to fall quieter and quieter as his eyelids grow heavier and heavier. it was way after his bedtime after all. about halfway through the film, the sounds of his even breathing signifies that he's knocked out cold. stifling your laughter as you gently reach to shut off the tv, you let out a small yawn before relaxing into your side of the couch with your new plushie and falling into a peaceful sleep.ย
the next morning your mother discovers the two of you just as she'd expected to, a fond smile on her face as she snaps a picture of the troublesome duo to send to mitsuki. the two mothers gush over how cute their babies are and joke about how theyโd wish you guys were as quiet together as when you were both asleep.ย
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ เธ
^โข๏ปโข^เธ
there is a calm stillness that has settled over your household as your parents had long gone off to bed, but quiet sniffles break the silence as you furiously rubbed at your misty eyes, an aura of misery shrouding your frame as you gave yourself a once over in your bathroom mirror. you were moments away from turning 18 yet you looked a mess.ย
youโd thought you were handling your breakup rather well, but unfortunately the late night spiralling thoughts intertwined with feelings of both anger and hurt eventually brought you to tears. a gentle knock at the door notified you of someone's presence, and you were soon met with a familiar face.ย
concern adorned bakugou's expression, his brows furrowing as his chest tightened with a quiet rage. "happy birthday, dumbass." the soft tone of his voice betraying his intentionally agitating words, leaving them devoid of any hints of playful malice. heavy arms envelop you in a comforting embrace, and the dam you'd just managed to clumsily build in your eyes breaks in an instant, and tears began flowing once more. โi donโt know why iโm crying.โ you admit with a huff, shaking your head in annoyance.ย
if he wasn't so preoccupied with being here with you right now, bakugou's almost certain he'd be heading towards that asshole's house, prepared to give the beat down of a lifetime. "he's a fucking asshole. i'll kill him." the blonde sneers mostly to himself, earning a breathy chuckle from you in response. "i'm almost tempted to let you." you respond dryly, looking up at him through wet lashes.ย
"let me?" he frowns. "the fuck do i need your permission for?" red eyes squinting at you with a grumble, releasing you from his hold. you roll your eyes in response, wiping your wet eyes with the sleeves of your hoodie. โokay, iโm done.โ you announce, straightening your posture. โiโm not wasting anymore tears on that asshole, good fucking riddance!โ. katsuki grins proudly, your resolve is admirable. he never understood what you saw in that loser anyway, you were way out of his league.ย ย
โthats my girl.โ the blond pats your head roughly, making his way out of your bathroom with you in tow. โdo you wanna, uh.. watch one of your stupid chick flicks or something?โ his hand rubs at his neck, awkwardly shifting his weight from one foot to the other and you laugh.ย
โyou can just say you enjoyed mean girls the other day โtsuki.โ mischievous glint in your eyes as you look up at him with a teasing grin, and the sight of you finally smiling again was all heโd ever wanted.ย
โi fucking didnโt!โย
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^โข๏ปโข^เธ
โhey yn, what are you thinking of doing for your birthday?โ the pink haired girl asks curiously, immediately catching the attention of the other girl sitting besides you. โyeah! twenty one is a milestone, we should do something super fun!โ ochako chimes in agreement, plopping her pen down onto her notebook. โhow about a girls night out?โ she suggests.
โah, iโm not sure yet guys.โ you laugh with a shrug. you had never really done anything big for your birthday before honestly, you were happy to just spend time with the people you cared about. no one asides from your parents were aware of your little yearly ritual with a certain hothead, and youโd gotten so used to spending the first few hours of every birthday with him that you never even thought about itโit had become second nature to the both of you. your friends chatter animatedly as they discuss potential party plans, unbeknownst to your wandering thoughts.ย
things were slightly different this year, youโd met both mina and ochako at the start of the year and the three of you quickly became an inseparable trio. you wondered if bakugou would be willing to attend any of the ridiculous plans the two girls were discussing.
ย โi donโt know guys, clubbing isnโt really my scene.โ you chuckle, imagining loud booming techno music and a sea of sweaty bodies. โwell, we could always just throw a house party instead? that way there wouldnโt be a bunch of strangers and we have complete control over the music!โ mina, the infamous party girl suggests as she clasps her hands together eagerly.
โitโs only if youโre down though, obviously.โ she adds.
โyeah, definitely! weโre happy to do whatever it is you want, itโs your day!โ ochako reassures with a warm smile, putting down her pen on the journal she was just doodling in. youโd never really thrown a party before, but there was a first time for everything, no?ย
โokay. but you guys really have to help me, i have no idea what to do.โ you give in, excitement growing at the possible new experience. โyes!โ โof course!โ the two girls cheer, immediately chattering up a storm about the millions of potential plans.ย
it had been just over two weeks now since youโd established your birthday party plans with your girlfriends, and surprisingly, quite a lot had been organised since. your parents agreed to go out with mitsuki and masaru and for the night, having their own little old people party before spending the night at their place.ย
youโd promised that you would only allow your closest friends to spend the night, and that you wouldnโt let things get too out of hand. katsuki had also put your parents at ease, promising to keep an eye on things and handling it if anything got out of hand.ย
and before you knew it, everything had fallen into place. all that was left to do was to actually host the damn thing, which you were admittedly feeling quite nervous about. youโd never really had all that many friends before, real, close friends that is.ย
being lumped together with bakugou katsuki for as long as you could remember was both a blessing and curse, and so youโd never really felt the need to venture out on your own socially speaking. you were mostly cordial and friendly with peers at school, but it was thanks to mina and ochako and their vast social circle that you actually begun really talking to new people.ย
you would be in for a rude awakening if those same new people didnโt actually consider you a friend the same way you do them, and youโd hate for the girls efforts to go to waste.
โoi, did you come over just to stare at my wall? if so, youโve got plenty of your own at home.โ katsuki breaks you out of your trance, sending a sudden flick to your forehead that leaves behind a stinging sensation.ย
โwhy are you always so damn violent! youโre never going to get a girlfriend this way!โ rubbing at your head with a whine, you childishly scribble in the top hand corner of his pristine page of notes as petty revenge.ย
โFUCK OFF, NOW I HAVE TO REWRITE EVERYTHING!โ thereโs a deep exhale from bakugouโs lips and the annoyance fades from his expression, he looks over at you sitting across him at the dinner table. โyouโre going to be fine. stop overthinking about your damn party when it hasnโt even happened yet.โ
startled that heโd actually managed to pick up on your damp mood, your brows knit together as you feign ignorance, โiโm not overthinking it, i donโt know what youโre talking about.โ katsuki raises a brow, so unconvinced that itโs almost laughable but you stubbornly avoid making eye contact.
โitโll be fine cus iโll be there.โ the sentence falls from his mouth so effortlessly, a guaranteed reassurance that no matter what goes down heโll be right there with youโas he always has been. sure, he may not understand your worry wart tendencies, but whether katsuki realises it or not, his strong sense of unwavering reliability leaves you with a small smile as you both return to peacefully studying. or, mostly peaceful studying.ย
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โare you sure my ass isnโt hanging out guys?โ mina whines exasperatedly, neck craning round to see her back side in the mirror in front of her. โyou look hot mina, stop fussing!โ ochako chides, shifting her attention away from her phone for a moment. โizukuโs gonna be here soon.โ she beams with adoration, liking the text heโd just sent.ย
โcareful, if you look anymore excited he might mistake you for a lovesick schoolgirl.โ the other teases, playfully tugging at ochakoโs cheeks. you roll your eyes with a smile, amused by their antics and smooth out the pleats in your skirt, giving yourself a final once over before turning to seek your friendโs approval.ย
youโd thought that you looked fineโcute even, but the sudden silence causes a bundle of nerves to begin forming in the pit of your stomach. maybe your eyeliner wasnโt even? or your hair was ugly? or maybe, the outfit youโd bought was actually really hideous and you should just call off the entire thing because no oneโs going to want to come anyway and youโd really just be embarrassing yourself?
a sharp squeal pierces through your spiralling, and you see a blur of pink hair before mina is bouncing up and down in front of you clapping her hands together with glee, and you take this means she does approve. ochako has now joined along side you two, minus the squealing, and the three of you huddle around your floor length mirror, for few cute photos together before youโre all eventually shitfaced.ย
โweโre so cute! i love you guys! happy birthday yn! LETโS PARTY!โ mina gushes, barely allowing herself to catch her breath in between sentences as she pulls the both of you in for a group hug. โyou,โ she suddenly juts her finger at your chest โlittle miss birthday girl, you have to let loose and have fun tonight. no responsibilities, capiche?โ
โyou do realise her actual birthday is tomorrow right?โ uraraka giggles, and you hear someone knock thrice before a green mop of hair pokes his head in, izuku offers a small wave before informing you of the crowd that is now gathering downstairs.ย
it was hard to believe that this was actually your house, with the walls all dressed up with balloons and various cute party decor littering almost every surface. the strobing lights and thumping music perfectly emulated the vibe of a club, and with how busy it was starting to get you almost couldnโt tell the difference. you have got to get a thank you gift for the girls after this.
โwhatโre you staring off into space for ya dunce.โ the ever so recognisable gruff voice comes from behind, the sudden proximity sending a chill down your spine. spinning on your feet, youโre met with katsukiโs stoic expression, and you allow yourself a mere moment to glance over his appearance for the occasion.ย
a loose white button-up drapes over his large frame, with a few top buttons popped open just enough that his toned pecs daringly peek through. itโs paired with one of his nicer black leather jackets, youโd never admit it to his face but it was always one of your favourites. it was practically made for him. heโd also opted for simple pair of darker blue jeans, not too formal but nice enough that you can tell he put a bit more thought into his outfit, rather than his usual t-shirt and sweats.ย
โtake a picture loser, itโll last longer.โ your cheeks flush, and you tear your eyes away from him immediately, now having a staring contest with the brown hardwood floors instead.ย
โshut up. iโm just so used to you looking like a bum i was caught by surprise.โ embarrassed that you were caught ogling your own best friend you grumble out a snarky response, praying that he lets this go on account of it being your (almost) birthday.ย
โso you admit it.โ
โwhat?โ
โyou think i look nice.โ heโs smirking, cocking a brow and feeling so damn smug you could practically taste it and you refuse to stroke his inflated ego any further. opting to cross your arms and huff, akin to a petulant child as you grind your teeth with a scowl. you canโt lie to him and disagree, but youโd rather die than give in and admit that heโs right.ย
โyou look pretty.โ katsukiโs tone is completely different, lacking any pompousness, and if you looked closely enough you would notice that the tips of his ears now burn a bright shade of red that rival his eyes. for the second time that night heโs caught you off guard completely. before you can stammer out a response, a loud red head stumbles into the room and throws a heavy arm around the both of you.ย
โhappy birthday yn! this is some bash!โ eijiro beams, tugging the two of you in for a three way hug before katsuki can wrestle him off. โwoah, bro! you look so manly!โ it was clear heโd had a few drinks before this encounter, and you chuckle at the obvious irritation painted across bakugoโs face.
you internally thank kirishima for interrupting the strange tension that had unknowingly begun to creep up on you and bakugo, and with an exhale of relief youโre filled with giddiness to match kiriโs tipsy state.ย
โwill you do shots with me eijiro?โ heโs still got his arm slung over you, not that youโre complaining of course, comfortable enough in your relationship with him to know that thereโs nothing between you two but platonic affection.ย
โanything for my birthday girl!โ the red head cheers, leading you to the kitchen with bakugou trailing behind begrudgingly. katsuki knows better than to get jealous over kirishima, hell, other than you he probably considers him his closest friend. but that doesnโt ease the tight burning sensation that he feels in his chest upon hearing eijiroโs words. whoโs birthday girl?
hours had gone by and at this point you were now teetering dangerously on the line of tipsy, and just flat out drunk. kiri and mina were currently having a dance off in the middle of the dance floor, with a crowd hollering so loud you would be worried about a noise complaint if you werenโt so out of it yourself.ย
you were cheering and laughing uncontrollably, most of the control over your senses had disappeared with the last straight vodka shot youโd downed at your friendโs behest. it was your birthday! you needed to let loose so whatโs a shot or two, or three? to be quite frank you had stopped keeping track of your drinks after the consecutive beer pong losses.ย
partying this hard was fairly uncommon for you, only feeling safe enough to let your guard down due to the fact that you were in the comfort of your own home, and thankfully katsuki had been glued to your side all night (to no oneโs surprise). he had even shouldered some (most) of the penalties from the games as a result of your piss poor aim.ย
โhey, idiot. you need to drink more water, come with me.โ katsuki appeared to be almost stone cold sober, but even he was not immune to copious amounts of alcohol coursing through his system. for some strange reason he had been feeling more.. irritable? for lack of better of word.
all night, any potentially wandering hands or even mere glances in your direction that lasted just a bit too long for his liking had been peeving him for the past hour or so. kaminari had even teasingly called him a guard dog a little earlier much to his misfortune, earning the guy some very colourful language and a punch to the gut.ย
you let out a whine, but compliantly allow him to lead you off the makeshift dance floor without further protest. his hand swallowed yours, enveloping your entire palm with zero difficulty which left you wondering just when heโd gotten so much larger than you. his sheer height and size caused the sea of people to simply peel apart, allowing the two of you an easy exit route.ย
lost in your thoughts, youโre brought back to reality when youโve plopped down onto something soft, the familiarity of the walls makes you realise heโd brought you upstairs to your room. bakugou knew the layout of your home like the back of his hand, a privilege borne from the countless days of his childhood spent within these very walls, with you attached to his hip.ย
โdrink.โ the blonde commands, and you oblige, the cool water flowing down your throat offers your body some reprise from the hard liquor, and youโre left feeling surprisingly refreshed. once he was content with how much you drank, bakugou took the glass from your hands and placed it on your nightstand, besides the picture frame of the two of you as kids, sporting toothy grins and peace signs.ย
thereโs quiet shuffling as he settles down besides your bed on the carpeted floors, a comfortable silence falling over the two young adults to the soundtrack of a far away thumping. you hum absentmindedly, glancing over at your clock that read 11:59pm and then down at katsuki who was already looking up at you.ย
he rarely got to see you like this nowadays, the height disparity between the two of you growing so vast over time that he almost exclusively looks down at you now. but as of this moment, a small part of him wishes that he hadnโt grown so tall, if only for the chance to look up at you the way he was currently.ย
the moonlight shone through your thinly veiled blinds, he knew from a young age that you were always her favourite, he knew from the moment he saw how she cupped your face in her rays ever so delicately, shining over your soft features and painting you in such a romantic light it was practically unfair. katsuki bakugou had come to the realisation that he had never once stood a chance.ย
โhappy birthday, dumbass.โ his usual commanding tone was soft, demure almost, as if he were trying to coax a small animal out of hiding. there was no one else but the two of you here in your bedroom right now, same as it had always been for all your lives, but this time, something else was there.
it was the poorly concealed tension that you both so carefully avoided, stuck in a constant loop of dancing around a topic that neither dared to breath a word of, in fear of speaking it into existence. your mind suddenly felt as clear as it had ever been, and you were consumed with a need to lean into him, just as youโve always done, except this time around you fear that simply laying your head on his broad shoulders wonโt be enough.ย
bakugou clears his throat, breaking his trance as he digs around in the pocket of his pants.
โitโs for you. or whatever.โ he mumbles, offering his enclosed fist up to you whilst vehemently avoiding eye contact. he had never shown that much interest in your walls before and you had half a mind to repeat the sarcastic phrase heโd offered you just a few days prior.
you stick out your palm inquisitively, and a second later thereโs a dainty silver chain resting in the previously unoccupied space. a soft gasp falls from your lips as you carefully pick up the necklace, thumbing over the small heart pendant.ย
โโtsuki, itโs, itโs so pretty.โ you smile fondly, eyes flickering over to katsuki who is feeling uncharacteristically shy, despite telling himself it was just a stupid birthday present. it was normal for someone to give gifts for a birthday, so why did this feel so stupidly intimate?
โthought itโd look good on you. i dunno. i donโt know that stupid girly stuff so, if you want to exchange it for something else you can, i donโt care, i just-โ
โsince itโs my birthday now, can i ask for my birthday wish?โย
โhah? donโt you always say you canโt tell me cus it wonโt come true or some shit? plus thereโs not even a candle to blow out so it doesnโt even make any sense.โ you interrupt his incessant rambling by sliding down off your bed, clumsily settling besides him on the plush floor and gazing up at him with an unfamiliar glint in your eyes.
regrets and worries be damned, this tension had already begun to swallow you whole and with just enough liquid courage, you feel as if you could possibly take charge of it for once. your judgement may be clouded but your desire was not, you knew exactly what you wanted as of this moment, clear as the current night sky.ย
โcan you kiss me?โย
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ เธ
^โข๏ปโข^เธ
a sweet caramel scent drifts around your kitchen, your favourite candle that youโd burnt earlier had already blanketed the apartment with a fragrant haze thatโs begun blending in with the aromatics coming from the sizzling pan.ย
a long forgotten movie is playing in the background, providing white noise as you lean your head into your palms resting atop the kitchen island. the sizzling and crackling groans of the pan had almost put you intro a trance, as you admired the tall blonde figure seamlessly handling the kitchenware with expertise.
โah.โ a pair of chopsticks deposit a juicy and succulent slice of wagyu into your eagerly awaiting mouth, the perfectly prepared meat melting between your chewing as you writhe in your seat with joy.ย
โmm, thatโs so good โtsuki! can i have another piece?โ you open your mouth expectantly, eyes twinkling as you savour the taste left over on your tongue. the male doesnโt oblige however, instead bringing down two plates from the cupboard above.ย
โno, idiot. iโm done now anyway, just let me finish plating it and go sit at the dinner table. your staring is creepy.โ your face scrunches at his denial, yet you slide off the stool and settle down at meticulously set dinner table.ย
a freshly purchased bouquet of your favourite flowers acts as the centrepiece, accompanied by a few lit candles and two carefully folded napkins besides matching silverware. your heart swells with joy as you take in all the minute details that were all so thoughtfully prepared, before katsuki sets down both plates of food.
he finally joins you over at the table, placing a chaste kiss to the top of your head before sitting down as well. it was definitely a late dinner, your eyes flickering over to the living room clock now reading 11:59pm while he cuts your food into bite sizes.
you absentmindedly twirl the dainty heart chain on your necklace, before katsuki draws your attention by gently cupping your cheek with his hand and softly stroking with his thumb, as if you were a doll made of porcelain. you never fail to take his breath away, he thinks to himself.ย
โhappy birthday, dumbass. i love you.โ he grins adoringly, reduced to nothing but a love struck man who will forever be captivated by just how beautifully you reflect the moonโs light.
# mewโs comments :
FIRST POST BACK LET'S GOOO!!!
i drafted this TWO (2) whole years ago on a lonely night before my birthday, as self-indulgence and actually finishing it now healed something in me :')
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