#i still have so many fan songs memorized

[hannieehaee]

NO SONG WITHOUT YOU

18+ / mdi

summary: with zero experience or interest in the romantic aspect of his life, jihoon finds himself in an unexpected situation when his company decides on a collab between the two of you, not expecting the work-addicted producer to develop a bit of a crush on you.

content: idol!jihoon x idol!reader, afab reader, pining, jihoon's emotionally constipated, jihoon's pov, kinda inexperienced jihoon, smut, dry humping, oral (m receiving), penetrative sex, etc.

wc: 12.6k

a/n: this is probably my fave fic i've written so far!! love writing for jihoon aaaa anyways i hope u guys enjoy <3

masterlist

Jihoon was tired.

Beyond tired, actually. He couldn't remember the last time he'd left his studio at a reasonable time. He knew people on twitter made jokes about him being a bit of a hermit, with fans being able to spot his studio from outside the building, lights always on and indicating the producer was still inside.

He didn't have much of a valid excuse for this, other than being a 'workaholic', or at least that's the term Joshua had recently introduced him to, describing him as the prime example. Jihoon just couldn't help himself. He'd been like this ever since he could remember. If he had an idea, he had to work on it. And unfortunately for him, he was always full of new ideas. If Seventeen was releasing an album, that meant Jihoon already had enough material to fill up the next three albums backed up in a file somewhere in his computer.

Despite always having music prepared months in advance, - even having solo music up for grabs for whichever member desired it - he still found himself constantly working. It's not like anyone demanded this out of him either. It was quite the opposite, actually. From staff, to other producers, to members and even family, everyone always insisted that he took a break, maybe leave producing aside for a month or two. This was inconceivable to him, it was something that was simply out of his comfort zone.

The truth was, Jihoon felt lost. Any time he strayed away from work in some way or other, he didn't know what to do with himself. He felt like a failure in many other aspects of his life. Granted, he was a successful idol and producer, talented in every area necessary in his field, but past that, what did he really have to offer? He'd been stuck in a rut for a few years now. He had his members, his family, maybe some staff, but his social life didn't go much past that. He didn't have many hobbies outside of work either. Sure, he was avid when exercising, even being an overachiever in that area, but that was also kind of part of his job. He knew he needed to step out of his comfort zone at some point and live his life, but he kept making excuses for himself. He was 26 now, and was, quite frankly, beginning to lose hope in certain areas of his life due to his career, - although blaming his career was just an excuse, really - the romantic aspect of his life being one of them.

Jihoon had some experience, okay? It wasn't like he'd never liked a girl before. He'd had a few crushes in elementary, maybe even some up until high school. He'd kissed one of the female trainees back when Pledis was a smaller company (okay, it might've been on a dare, but to Jihoon it counted). A few years after debuting he'd even gone on a few dates with a former staff member from his company. He'd lost his virginity to that same girl, kind of rushing into it due to feeling pressured to just get it over with - something he didn't exactly regret, but wished had been more of a memorable moment. The point was, Jihoon had had a few romantic experiences in his past 26 years on this earth. But, he hadn't ever even gotten close to find that one great love he'd hoped he one day would. For someone who received constant accolades for his lyricism, he was never really able to relate to his own music. He'd never been heartbroken, never had an insane need for someone, never felt romantic love, never been in the throes of passion with a beautiful girl, even. It was all his imagination. His lyrics, that is. And maybe the rest, if he was being honest. He'd dreamt about it lately; the perfect girl who he'd find and sweep off her feet. But that was all it was, a dream.

So, Jihoon was tired. Tired of hauling himself up in his studio to make himself feel something. But that was where he now found himself; stuck and in a rut, hoping for something more.

He was once again in his studio, working on god knows what at this point. He had just finished a quick welive with carats, feeling like he'd accomplished his quota of socialization for the day (I mean, even if it was a one-way conversation, it still counted, right?) and decided to get to work on one of the many unfinished drafts in his hard drive. This was kind of routine by now. He would either get a quick meal with one of the members during their break from rehearsals, or would go back to his studio for a bit to work on music. This would've been fine and dandy if it wasn't for the fact that Jihoon would eventually have ended up right back at his stuido either way. It was the illusion of choice, truly.

He spent a few hours in there, messing around with his guitar and even working on some guides for the members to follow next time they had some time to stop by the Universe Factory. Today felt like a productive day for Jihoon. Granted, he did this literally every single day, but he hadn't felt stuck at any point today. Maybe he was on a lucky streak. He decided to cut the day short there, not wanting to ruin what had been arguably an uninterrupted day of working on music. However, his separation from his studio did not last long, as he received a call from his manager just as he was locking the door behind him. He picked up without much thought.

"What's up?"

"Hey? Jihoon-ah, are you still in the studio by any chance?", Jihoon almost vocalized his amusement at the question. Where else would he be?

"I was just locking up, but yeah, I'm here."

"Good! Stay right there! Gonna head up to talk to you for a bit," and with that he hung up, not leaving Jihoon any chance to respond.

Jihoon and his manager were quite close. This was the case with most idols and their managers, having to spend so much time together. Still, Jihoon found the interaction to be a bit odd. Usually his manager would be one of the many people to insist that Jihoon get his ass out of his studio every once in a while. He didn't mind his request, though, so he quickly reopened the door and sat himself back down on his chair, deciding to mess with a few things as he waited for his manager's arrival.

It took his manager about ten minutes to arrive, Hybe was quite a big building, after all. He knocked on his door, not knowing the access code to Jihoon's studio. The only people who knew his key code were Jihoon himself, and Soonyoung (who had learned it without Jihoon's knowledge, but he was too lazy to change it by now). He got up to open the door, simply expecting another one of his manager's short overviews of Jihoon's schedule for the week, which might've been correct, except that when he opened the door he was met with his manager accompanied by an unfamiliar face.

It was you. Jihoon didn't know exactly who you were, but you carried a familiar air to you. He hadn't really been interacting with many people as of late, so maybe you were just someone he'd seen in passing, he wasn't too sure. You and his manager walked in upon Jihoon's gesture to please come in, moving aside as to not be in your way. He closed the door behind you, accidentally closing the distance between the two of you for a second and becoming a bit flustered at the proximity. He wasn't sure why his manager would bring someone unknown into his studio, but if Jihoon was anything, he was a relaxed guy (or at least he tried to seem like it), so he just sat back down without making any questions, his manager would probably fill him in any moment now anyways.

"Okay, so this is Y/N! You've probably met before, right?"

Uh, not right. And now a little awkward. Was he supposed to lie?

"Oh! No, we haven't, actually. I know a few of his members, though, but this is our first time officially meeting," you spoke up for the first time. So you were friends with his members? That might be how he knew you. That didn't really narrow it down much, though. There were 12 of them, and Seungkwan alone was friends with practically the entire industry.

"Oh? My bad. Well, then I should introduce you, right? Jihoon, this is Y/N! Her group was just recently acquired by Hybe. They moved into the building just over a month ago, if I'm not mistaken," He turned to you as you nodded in affirmation before proceeding, "Y/N, this is Jihoon, producer and partial leader of Seventeen."

He wasn't too sure why he was introducing the two of you. If he got personally introduced to every group Hybe acquired in the past year, he'd probably be here all day. He'd stopped keeping track of who and which groups were now roaming the hallways, being too many for him to count. He wasn't complaining or anything, he was just confused as to why go out of his way.

"Woozi-nim. It's so nice to meet you! I've always been such a huge fan. Your work is .. it's insane. I've looked forward to meeting you for so long," the enthusiasm with which you said this made his lip quirk up a little. Sure, he received accolades on his work every day, but knowing that fellow juniors of his looked up to him always brought a smile to his face, although it still made him a little sheepish at receiving such a forward compliment.

"Oh, I- Thank you. And you can call me Jihoon. It's nice to meet you, too," he smiled shyly at you, not really knowing what to say past that. He felt a bit shy looking at you for some reason, as if he couldn't hold eye contact for too long or he'd burn.

He looked expectantly over at his manager, the instigator of this interaction.

"Oh! Right. Well, as I just said, Y/N's group just moved into the company. And the company's been pushing for some collaborations as of late, you know, in order to maximize all groups within Hybe all at once," Jihoon could kind of see where his manager was going with this, "So, I've brought Y/N along with me since you two will be working together for a feature."

Hold on. Rewind.

"Us? As in just us two?"

"Yeah. Hybe is dividing you guys into subdivisions. Mingyu will be collaborating with someone in BTS a few months from now, and Chan will be with Yeonjun from TXT. I think Seokmin is scheduled with a member of Lesserafim. Not too sure yet, but you're up first. I sent you an email about it a few days ago with the general idea. Did you not get it?"

Oh, right. Jihoon was always quite diligent about his work, but his work mostly entailed Seventeen only. Checking his email wasn't much of a habit of his when he could just call up the few producers that worked for Seventeen whenever he needed to. Collaborations and producer work for other people were not that common to him, so for the most part he would disregard anything that didn't entail his own group.

"Oh, I, uh. No, sorry," he felt slightly bad at having disregarded the person standing in front of him, specially when you had regarded him such such respect. He was giving off a terrible first impression.

"That's fine. Now you know. Well, just wanted to take advantage that you were here today - Hah, well, when aren't you here?", chuckled his manager before continuing, "Just wanted to introduce you just in case. Check the email I sent you when you can, I'll send you over more details of your schedule related to the feature first thing tomorrow, yeah? Y/N here is the main producer for her group too, so you'll be co-producing."

You produced? He didn't mean to sound like an asshole, but there were just so many groups who didn't make their own music. He could sometimes get a bit of an ego over knowing he was an anomaly in his industry, always having taken pivotal part in a good 90% of his group's discography. Still, he wasn't too happy about the concept of having to share the creative process with a producer he had never heard of, if he was quite honest. For the most part he would only work with Bumzu and a few other Hybe producers here and there. He didn't even know your group or the music you were credited for. Hell, he had only found out about this project two minutes ago, having had no voice in the matter. One of the down sides of joining such a huge company that fathered way too many groups at once, he guessed.

He decided to not show his slight discomfort towards the idea, simply offering a polite response before bidding his goodbyes to the two of you. You had stayed behind for a few extra seconds after his manager exited the room, once more voicing your admiration for Jihoon and letting him know you were looking forward to working together. Jihoon had to admit that your praise did something to him. He didn't mean to sound like a total loser when he said this, but he did not interact with girls too much. So receiving such direct praise on his music from a pretty girl who also happened to share a passion with him had his ears turning red. He quickly shook his head at the thought, deciding to just stay at the studio overnight once more and maybe finally go over the email his manager had sent him.

He had to admit, he was quite impressed. Shortly after your arrival he had decided to research you and your group. You were quite well known by then, having debuted the same year as Seventeen and now being one of the top girl groups in the game. Just like Jihoon, you were from a small company and had climbed your way up, eventually being acquired by Hybe just a few months prior. Your stories were quite similar, if he really thought about it. You had also taught yourself how to produce before debuting, taking on the official role of main producer upon making your debut.

He had found out an embarrassing amount of information about you very quickly. He couldn't help himself. He was immediately intrigued by you, even going as far as looking at online forums about you; places that would detail information about you that only a true fanatic would know. He was now privy to trivial information such as your birth year (one year after his), your favorite color (pink), how many moles you had (seven, total), when you joined your company (exactly two months before he joined pledis), your most popular fancam (the one were you wore that pretty purple top), and just general information he'd be embarrassed to relay he now had memorized. He could call himself a bit ... infatuated. He felt beyond creepy, despite all this being public information. He had just met you, why had he just spent the past three hours binging content about you?

Jihoon decided to shrug these thoughts away, instead opting to mentally prepare himself for tomorrow morning, which was apparently the first day in which you'd be meeting to talk over your future schedules together for the next month or so. He had finally checked the multiple emails his manager had sent him about the collaboration, realizing that he'd now have to spend most of his non-Seventeen allocated time with you.

From photoshoots for promo, to the actual producing of the song, the empty slots in his schedules seemed to have filled up on their own, now being occupied by your company, and much to his surprise, he was not annoyed at this sudden intrusion. He felt a weird feeling in his stomach, but it wasn't like the usual nerves he felt before going on an important stage, nor the grumbling he felt whenever he met an idol of his. He felt ... giddy? He was looking forward to it. He felt nervous to see you again, which was really strange considering that he felt completely normal upon meeting you just now. Yeah, you were very pretty (he had eyes, this was just a fact he couldn't deny), but he hadn't had much of a reaction to it. However, now, as he looked at pictures of you on his computer, he couldn't imagine holding eye contact again. He was going mad.

Tomorrow arrived sooner than he thought. Now he was now sitting in his studio, awaiting your arrival. He had impulsively tidied up the place, now embarrassed that you'd seen it a mess the day prior. He also tidied himself up. As he recalled, you were wearing a pretty dress yesterday, so he felt bad you'd caught him in sweats and a three-day-old shirt. He wasn't sure why he wanted to impress you, but he did. Jihoon had the hope of at least befriending you, now having formed some type of interest towards you.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, making his heart accelerate at the thought of who was on the other side of it. Upon unlocking it, he found you on the other side, smile on your face as you carried in some bowls of .. his favorite meal? into his studio.

"Hi, Woozi-nim! I brought you food, is that's okay? I asked Seungkwan what you liked," oh, so it was Kwannie you were friends with. That made sense. It was touching that you'd gone out of your way to get him something you knew he'd like. Now he felt bad at being empty handed in his own studio.

"Oh, I- Thank you. You didn't have to do that."

"It's no problem! Wanted to thank you for doing this. I know you don't do collaborations that often. Felt kinda bad about imposing," by now the two of you had sat down in front of his desk, chairs slightly too close for comfort as you unwrapped the food in the bags you'd brought in.

"You-you're not. Sorry if I made it seem that way yesterday, hah, I was just caught off guard."

Jesus Christ, he felt so awkward. Your close proximity had him at a loss. He didn't know where to look or what to say. Your perfume was also not helping matters. The pretty scent had him extremely distracted, his mind suddenly being flooded with the thought that, shit, everything about you was pretty. What was wrong with him? Was this his first time interacting with a woman? He had never felt more out of place, except that despite any improper feelings he felt, he still wanted to be in your vicinity.

"-Woozi-nim?"

Shit, had you been talking this whole time?

"Oh, I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

You chuckled at him, clearly not taking offense to his distracted nature, "I was just asking if you had any drafts you wanted to use as a baseline? Or we could use one of my unused drafts? It's whatever you prefer, really. I'd love to work with something of yours, though. I love your style, it's so ... hah, I don't know. It's just so you."

Jihoon thanked god he had not cut his hair as some carats had begged, because now the length allowed him to cover the red of his ears. A single compliment from you had him heating up, clammy hands getting even clammier at the thought of you using his talent as a compliment. If you wanted to use his music, there was just no way for him to deny you. He wanted to hear more of your praise to him.

"Y-yeah? I have uh, a few that I could show you. They're just drafts, but you know."

You visibly perked up at this, scooting even closer to him as he began to fiddle with his computer, opening up some files to show you. Your excitement at his work had him swooning internally. The amount of interest you'd been showing since meeting yesterday was already getting the better of him.

"Woozi-nim, holy shit. These are hundreds of files. Are these all unfinished?"

"Uh, yeah. I uh, tend to have a few drafts saved for future projects."

"I get that. Me too, but these have to be over 300 unfinished songs," you were in clear shock (perhaps admiration?) of the endless tracks in front of you. Jihoon wasn't sure if he should feel ashamed at having so much unfinished work (which made bit feel like a bit of a loser), or be proud since you seemed to be impressed at the vast number.

"I like to be prepared. You know, just in case."

"It's .. wow. I knew you were good, but this is insane, Woozi-nim."

"I, you can call me Jihoon," he didn't really care much for the distinction between Woozi and Jihoon at this point; he was pretty used to both. But a part of him just wanted to hear you call him by his real name; the one only those close to him really used. He also wanted an out from the conversation, feeling too flustered at your compliments.

You chuckled, nodding at him, "Okay, Jihoon. Sorry, didn't really know what name to go for at first."

"No, it-it's fine. I'm only a year older. You can speak comfortably."

The rest of the conversation was filled with technicalities about the collaboration. Now that you two had established a, let's say, closer acquaintance, you were able to discuss your ideas more comfortably. Jihoon still had to put up with the endless compliments about his work as you two went through possible tracks for the song, but he tried his best to take them like a champ, simply chuckling shyly and shrugging them off. Your genuine admiration for his skill had him reeling inside, enamored with the tone of your voice any time you'd express excitement at hearing exclusive Universe Factory content. He hadn't felt butterflies in his stomach like this in, well, ever. He felt like he was a high school student with a silly crush.

The disappointment in his face as you parted ways must've been clear (which made him embarrassed beyond belief), as you pulled out your phone and asked him to put his contact in, letting him know you'd be seeing him soon. The possession of your contact info made him excited. He knew it was probably just for work purposes, but he held a stupid hope in the back of his head that you'd given it to him because you had interest in meeting again soon.

And you did see each other soon, consistently meeting in order to work on the song. A few of the times you were joined by Bumzu (who was also helping out with the song), or Soonyoung (who was just a nosy bastard who wouldn't leave Jihoon's studio), which made him curse out his two friends, wanting you all to himself. His crush had developed quickly after that second meeting. You were now all he thought about. Every morning when he got ready to start his day, he wondered which shirt you'd like him best in. Would you like if he trimmed his hair or did you like it long? What did you like in guys? (Except had already gone on incognito mode on his phone to search your ideal type, growing instantly embarrassed and exiting out of the tab). He thought of you as he exercised, wondering if you'd like his muscles and physique. His entire existence was surrounded by thoughts of you. And he hoped maybe he was also in your mind.

The first time he saw you outside his studio walls was at the Hybe gym as he worked out with Mingyu, Soonyoung and Joshua. He almost lost hold on the dumbbells in his hands upon spotting you, tight leggings and cropped shirt adorning your body. He had seen you in less clothing before (Only ever through a screen, in all the pretty concept photos your group had done, or in the occasional fancam he'd come across), but seeing your silhouette in the flesh had all thoughts leaving his mind. He felt ashamed at his way of thinking. He didn't want to objectify you like that, but the thoughts of your beauty had not left his mind for two weeks now, since the day he first met you.

But his eyes couldn't be helped, glued to your form as you walked into the place, paying extra attention to the parts that stood out most for him. He was like a depraved monster, his breath getting ragged as he watched you move around, licking his lips and sighing at every small movement you made. God, what was happening to him? Why was he so immediately aroused? Luckily, his thoughts were quickly interrupted by a cough from a very annoying Kim Mingyu, who had just been spotting him before his abrupt stop.

"Hyung .. You're too obvious."

"Wha-what are you talking about?", he did not like the smirk attached to Mingyu's face, nor the matching mocking smile in Soonyoung and Joshua's.

"You should see him when she's sitting in his studio. It's sad to watch," snickered the fellow 96-liner.

"Oh? She's the girl? Damn, hyung. She's really pretty."

"It's not- there's no girl. We're just working together," his feelings were already complicated enough, he didn't need the involvement of his members' teasing.

"C'mon, Hyung! It's okay if you like her. She's pretty, she's an idol-producer. She's perfect for you. I think you should go for it," encouraged Mingyu, in his optimistic Mingyu-fashion.

"Yeah, I mean. You were just about to cum in your pants at just seeing her in some leggings. I don't think you have anything to lose if you're already at the point of public indecency."

Yeah, this was exactly why he wanted to keep them as far away as possible.

"Soonyoung, I swear to g-"

"Jihoon? Oh my god, hi! I didn't realize you were here," it was you, now at a closer proximity and a slight sheen of sweat attached to your skin. Had Jihoon not been snapped out of his trance earlier, he probably would've been salivating by now.

"Oh. Hi Y/N. How are you?", he felt like he was being scrutinized for his every word and move by his members, which made him feel extremely awkward (more than usual).

"Good! I didn't know you used the company gym. I'd never seen you here before. You should've told me. We could've come together," you smiled before turning to his friends, "Hi! I'm Y/N, it's nice to meet you!"

Soonyoung made a show of stretching his hand out to you, bowing way too low for such a casual setting (probably just to peeve Jihoon). He was followed by Joshua, who held onto your hand in a way that had Jihoon fuming to himself.

"Hello, Y/N. I think we might've met before. You're Kwannie's friend, right?"

"Oh, right! Yeah, I've been to your guys' practice room before, but Jihoon didn't recognize me when we first met, so I wanted to re-introduce myself just in case," you giggled in Jihoon's direction.

"Don't mind him. That's just Jihoon. He's too distracted for his own good. I'm Kim Mingyu, by the way," the youngest shot you a flirtatious smile.

He needed all of them to keep the flirting as toned down as humanly possible. Although jealousy was not an emotion he felt often, the thought of his best friends even looking at you had his ears turning red in anger. But in very expected fashion, they all continued to take turns flirting with you for the next twenty minutes, completely shrugging off any intention of working out they might've had before having spotted you. Luckily (and surprisingly) for him, you were not reciprocating the flirting, nor where your eyes ever off of Jihoon for too long, always including him in your responses to his members one way or another.

You were somehow immune to the charms of Kwon Soonyoung, which, yeah, Jihoon didn't blame you for. You were also unaffected by Jisoo, which was a little more rare from Jihoon's experience. What shocked him most, though, was that your eyes still stayed on him even while one Kim Mingyu blatantly flirted with you. He'd known one too many girls who had fallen victim to his flirting (whether it be intentional or not), and to see you fully shrug him off in favor of looking to Jihoon instead had his heart going at an inhuman speed.

The interaction ended not too much time later, leaving Jihoon's ears red, but now from embarrassment at his friends slyly suggesting his interest at you multiple times throughout the conversation. Despite them being subtle about it, he was still mortified, specially when by the end of it, they'd pushed him to walk you back to your practice room while they wandered off on their own.

"I'm so sorry about them. They can be a bit much."

"It's fine, Jihoon. Don't worry about it. They were really fun. I can see how you're all so close."

"Ah, yeah. You know how it is .. Uh, sorry they kept hitting on you like that,"

he knew he was a bit of an idiot for bringing it up, but he wanted to gauge your feelings on it. He needed to know if he at least held a chance against his members or if you'd just been being nice by not reciprocating in front of him.

You chuckled as you responded, "I know they weren't being serious about it, Jihoon. Don't sweat it. It's not them I'm interested in anyways."

Oh, great. That was good to hear .. Wait. What?

"W-What?l"

"Oh. We're here. This is my group's practice room. Sorry I made you walk all the way here, I know your practice room is like five floors up," you apologized sheepishly, completely disregarding what you'd just said.

"I-it's fine. I'll see you on Thursday, then?"

"Thursday? We have a shoot tomorrow, Jihoon. Remember? We need a jacket shoot for the collab. It was on the schedule."

Oh, fuck. He had completely blanked on that. You guys were almost done recording the finishing touches to the song, but he forgot you guys also needed to do the shoot for the promo and learn the choreo as soon as you gave the choreographers the finalized version for the single. There was still so much to be done, which only meant even more time spent with you.

"Yeah, right. Sorry, hah, completely spaced out on that. I'll see you tomo-"

"Come pick me up?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, stop by my practice room so we can walk together? Is that okay?"

Did you- did you want to spend even more time with him? He wasn't complaining. He wanted all his time to be consumed by you, but .. was the feeling mutual?

"Yes," he paused, realizing his answer had been too short and mechanical, "I mean, yeah, sure, I don't mind. I'll see you here tomorrow morning."

You giggled at him before bidding your goodbye once more, but this time offering him a quick side hug before disappearing through the door to your practice room. Jihoon was glad you were gone, because this time it wasn't just his ears that were red, but his whole face had begun to resemble a tomato.

It was time to admit to himself that he was down bad tremendously for you.

Jihoon had not at any moment stopped to wonder what type of vibe the collaboration was meant to follow. Yeah, he was working on the song (which was almost finalized by now), so he knew it was pretty much a pop-rock-ish vibe that they were going for, but he didn't know what the rest of the equation would look like, which was something he wished he'd prepared a bit better for.

He had walked you over this morning, even being enticed by Seungkwan into bringing you your favorite drink as a nice gesture (which worked perfectly, as it won him over yet another side hug). The two of you arrived to the designated area for photoshoots located in one of the lower floors of the Hybe building, then went your separate ways to head over to hair and makeup in order to get your outfits situated. He had to admit he liked his outfit. It was a little more provocative than usual, with it being mostly black leather and the top being unbuttoned enough to show off most of his abdomen. It was your outfit, however, that had him reeling.

Nothing could have prepared him for the moment he stepped out and spotted you doing a few solo shots in preparation, your outfit and makeup already perfectly in place. He had no words to express how he felt upon seeing you. You looked so ... gorgeous. Unsure of how to react at the sight in front of him, he stood there staring, almost as if he'd seen an apparition. It wasn't until one of the photographers called him over that he managed to regain sense of self and join you.

The entirety of the photoshoot was absolute hell for Jihoon. This was the closest he'd ever been to you (sans the now two quick side hugs you'd given him in the past day). The shoot was a bit .. sensual in nature. The first set of outfits were edgier, so the shoot was the basic scenario you'd picture for a punk-rock pictorial. The second set of outfits had been the issue, because they went in the complete opposite direction. You were in a beaten down motel room setting, wearing very simple outfits, although they were both very skimpy and thin, almost as if to signify the simplicity of the concept. You two posed together on the bed, with your poses getting more and more intimate by the minute. At some point he had been directed to embrace you as he looked into your lips, with the proximity being way too close for comfort (or at least that's what he tried to tell himself). At another point he was kneeling on the bed as he looked up at you, your eyes simulating lust as you looked down on him, hand on his chin, lifting his gaze to yours.

The shoot had been an experience, to say the least. Jihoon wasn't sure how he survived it without breaking. He thanked the gods for the years of preparation with all types of shoots he'd done with the members over the years. However, completion of the shoot did not mean he was unaffected. He had no idea how he'd get the image of your lips so close to his out of his mind. Despite knowing it'd all been professional and strictly fake, he could've sworn he felt something every time your eyes would meet when at such a close distance. He wanted it to be real so badly, but once again he chalked it up to being wishful thinking. At least the worst of it was over, and he could now get back to sitting next to you in his studio at a respectable distance.

~

Jihoon had been an idiot to ever believe that the shoot had been the worst of it.

It had now been a week since the dreaded photoshoot (The one that had him up at night imagining what it would've been like if he had just closed the gap between your lips, damning anyone else in the room), and now it had been a few days since the song had finally been completed. He had thoroughly enjoyed co-producing with you, geeking at your ability to compliment each other perfectly. Your voice was yet another thing he had fallen in love with during the process, fully enamored by every single take you did. It had actually slowed down the process, as Jihoon green-lit every single one of your takes due to the rose-colored glasses that prevented him from catching mistakes you swore you'd committed during a few of the takes. You seemed to be similar, however, as you continued to shower him in compliments (even at the shoot, where you had complimented him with his hard work at the gym - a moment he chose to disregard or else he would've lost his mind at the implications), refusing to admit any faults of his while recording.

Now, however, he found himself in very difficult and unchartered waters. Any other time in which he'd produced a song, he'd never been involved further than that. He'd done duo shoots before, with women at that, but what he'd never done was share a choreography with someone who wasn't a member of Seventeen. He had danced with women before, of course, even having participated in more sensual dances, but this felt different. All previous times had been with nameless backup dancers he had never known too well. This was you. He now had to work through an entire choreo with you as the two of you danced around each other (physically and figuratively, he believed).

Most of the song involved a very casual choreo, as the two of you danced mostly separately but complimented one another. The kicker was the bridge of the song, where the melody mellowed out a bit and allowed for a quick dance break of sorts. It was very sensual in nature, and required you and Jihoon to tangle against each other as you used the other's body to complete the dance. Going over it had been full of shy smiles and eyes that couldn't seem to meet. It almost made him believe that you'd felt just as flustered as he did. When you actually began to dance over that part, however, you left Jihoon's mouth watering at how easy it was for you to meld your body to his; how you would guide his shy hands to place them in all the correct places. The feeling of your body against his was new and unfamiliar, but it felt so right to him. He wanted nothing more than to leave his mark on your skin, signaling that he was the only one meant to touch there. He was truly going mad.

It had now been about two months since Jihoon had first met you. The song hadn't been released yet, but most preparations for it had been done. All that was left was a quick music video shoot plus a few music show appearances that would come after the actual release of the song. Thus far, the song had been announced, with a pending release date of a month from now. Jihoon had enjoyed public reaction to the unexpected collab, with people even going as far as calling you a dynamic duo due to your respective reputations as the main producers of your groups.

You seemed to also enjoy knowing the news had finally broken to the public, even going as far as mentioning Jihoon in some of your lives. He specifically recalled a moment he'd seen as he watched it live, one that had him blushing and kicking his feet. You'd been asked about what it was like working with Jihoon, to which you responded with a whole paragraph of compliments directed at his work ethic, along with a short quip about how cute you found Jihoon to be, deeming it 'difficult to focus with him around.' He felt like he was on cloud nine at the comment, despite how lightheartedly you had delivered it.

After that (and a few more instances of you shooting compliments his way), he had decided he wanted to see you outside of a work-related schedule. He had begun making excuses to find himself on your group's floor, going as far as using Seungkwan and Soonyoung (who you'd unfortunately befriended due to his constant unwanted presence as you two worked on your song) as pawns in order to not be as obvious whenever he went to see you. Despite your usually outgoing demeanor, you seemed a bit more reserved whenever it was only you and Jihoon. He wondered if it was because of his quiet demeanor, or because you might've maybe returned his feelings and felt too shy to be too expressive around your crush - he knew damn well that was his case, at least.

Today the two of you were working out together at the gym - a huge feat for Jihoon, who could not help but ogle at you whenever you weren't paying attention - with him playing the role of your spotter. He had extensive knowledge of weightlifting, which he had been proud to impress you with. Right now, you were working on your arms, which required Jihoon at a close proximity in order to make sure you didn't get hurt. He enjoyed this way more than he could admit to anyone or himself.

"Is this okay? Is this the right position to do it?", you questioned as you made eye contact with him through the mirror. Your arms were lifted above your shoulders, with dumbbells on each of them as you attempted to lift them both at once.

"Yeah. That's perfect. Is it too heavy? Do you need to stop?"

"No, I'm fine, Ji, I promise. Just stand a little closer, yeah? I don't wanna drop them. And put your arms under mine?", he followed your instructions, now towering over you from behind as you sat in front of him.

The two of you had grown more comfortable in the past two weeks or so, seeing each other almost every day while outside of official schedules. He'd learned that, unlike him, you didn't have any issues with personal space, often allowing him to stand too close for comfort. He couldn't complain, though, as he was always too hypnotized by the proximity.

"Shit!", you yelped, almost dropping the dumbbell before Jihoon managed to intercept it. You had begun to do a set before the one minute mark passed, deeming you too weak to lift the dumbbell all the way up. Luckily, you had instructed Jihoon to stand close to you in order to prevent any actual damage.

"Are you okay?", he asked as he placed the dumbbells on the ground, rounding the seat in order to stand in front of your sitting form.

It was mind-numbing, really. The angle in which he was looking down at you, with your pretty eyes looking back at him with a semi-worried expression on your face at the shock of almost dropping such a heavy weight on yourself. The incident left his mind immediately at the sight of you, a layer of sweat covering your skin as you panted while looking up at him. He pulled you up by your arms, helping you stand in front of him. In very cliche fashion, you tripped a bit, almost landing on him before he caught you by your forearms. The classic 'falling-atop-your-crush' trope did not happen, but he still ended up at even a closer proximity to you. Just when he had finally begun to forget the sight of your lips right in front of his from back when you did the jacket shoot together.

He did not move back, and neither did you, allowing the small distance between you to fog both of your minds.

"T-thanks, Hoonie. Could've really hurt myself," this was the first time he'd ever heard a stutter out of you, with your eyes not looking into his as they usually did. Your closeness still not diminishing even when the danger of the situation had already dissipated.

"'Course. Uh, I .. Maybe we should go back to a lighter weight?"

It took you a moment to respond, eventually choosing to look back at him with your pretty eyes, a seemingly empty head to match. He liked the look on you. He could've sworn he saw your eyes lower to his lips, but his mind was too clouded to confirm.

"Uh, actually, I think im done for the day. Is that okay? I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

"Oh, right. Yeah. I'll meet you in front of your practice room?", he was confused at your sudden departure, dreading the separation, but he figured one of you would have to break the spell eventually.

"Yeah. See you there, Hoonie. I'll text you later, okay?", you gave him a quick peck on his cheek before turning to the exit, leaving behind a beet-red Jihoon as he tried to get his heartbeat to slow to a healthy rhythm.

He was left standing there, in the cold and empty company gym as he pondered as to whether or not his feelings may be mutual.

~

The next day the two of you met again, no mention of yesterday at all. What would there be to mention anyways? That you two stood close to each other? Jihoon felt like such a loser even having considered it anything. He was just inexperienced at this, and very much touch starved, so any small suggestive interaction had him overthinking. Like right now, as you hooked your arm on his to walk along the Hybe building together, not a care in the world about anyone who would see you.

"Did you see the outline for the music video?", you spoke up once the two of you had reached the cafeteria, picking a secluded table to sit at - not that many people wandered there anyway.

"Hmm. No, what is it?", he still hadn't managed to beat the habit of not checking his emails.

You giggled, seeming a little flustered, "Uh, we're playing a couple. Very Bonnie and Clyde but with a grudge twist. Seems pretty cool, actually."

"Oh. We-we're playing a couple?"

"Yeah. I think we can pull it off. You did really good at the shoot. Did you see the finished product? Okay, never mind. I know you didn't. They look really good, though. We look very convincing."

He knew you didn't mean anything by it, but you constantly had him wondering. If you liked him you wouldn't be this direct, right? This must've all been very lighthearted to you. Sure, you were friends, but that's where it all ended for you. Jihoon was the complete opposite. Every single interaction you had had him falling deeper and deeper into a hole of infatuation for you. There was nothing about you he wasn't obsessed with. It had begun to manifest in all areas of his life, even his work. He had never had more unfinished love songs in his hard drive.

Unbeknownst to you, he had purposely avoided taking a look at those pictures, knowing his mind would go blank at the image of you looking at him with those lustful eyes from a third-person perspective. Living through it already had him in agony night after night as he thought of nothing but you.

"Y-yeah. I saw them," he lied, "You did amazing."

"Really?", you were always giddy at his compliments (which didn't come often due to his shy demeanor towards you), "I've never done a more provocative concept like this before. It's fun. It suits you a lot, Jihoon. I'm glad I got to do it with you of all people."

And you had no idea how glad he was too.

Shooting the music video had somehow been even more agonizing than the photoshoot. It was two grueling days of constant time spent together. He loved your company, but the stylists kept insisting on dressing you in the most provocative outfits imaginable to man. He couldn't think while he looked at you. You were like a siren. Even the strongest of men wouldn't be able to resist you.

The worst of it came in the form of the director instructing you two to act like two lovers against the world. Word for word. It wasn't difficult for Jihoon to pretend he was enamored by you, but he was truly at a loss of words over how well you also played your role. By now he had become numb to your touch, having run through the choreography with you multiple times by now, and with you having become increasingly touchier through the time you'd known each other.

He thanked god under his breath as soon as the two days came to a close, knowing that now he could at least keep his feelings under wraps for a while. It was now about two weeks until the release of the song. According to the schedule, all that was left was one pre-recorded Studio Choom performance, two comeback shows after the release of the song, and two variety show appearances together. It was all pretty straightforward from now on. There was no way Jihoon wouldn't be able to put up with what was left. He had this in the bag.

The worst thing imaginable happened after that. Jihoon had not planned for this, nor had you, apparently.

It was very sudden and came completely out of left field. It pertained to you, but had affected Jihoon more than anyone involved.

Dispatch had released an article just a week before the official release of the song. Promotions had only begun, but had been slightly disrupted by this sudden interruption.

The article featured you, and an unknown man. They were clearly pictures taken off-guard, from a distance. You were in front of some building, ignorant to any cameras nearby. You were too close for Jihoon's comfort. He knew there was some type of relationship there. The caption to the picture didn't help matters either. Something about an estranged lover you'd been keeping secret from the media. There were too many pictures for Jihoon to process. In some you were embracing, while in others you were sharing a low-quality peck from what he could tell.

Seeing that article had been an absolute punch in the gut. There was no argument against it. There was clearly something between you and that guy. He was standing too close to you, even holding onto you in most of the pictures. You could barely tell it was you, but to Jihoon it was obvious. He had never felt heartbreak like this before. The two of you had never dated or even insinuated actual interest in the other, but it still felt like betrayal to him, as irrational as that thought was. It was all his fault, really. Had he told you about his feelings, maybe things would've been different.

Jihoon felt like an idiot. Of course this had all been just a business transaction to you. You were assigned to work with him, just as he was you. Even if he had led himself to believe that the feelings might've somehow been mutual, it had all just been in his head. What would you see in him anyways? Yeah, sure, you had a few things in common, but who in their right mind would ever want to be with the empty-hearted producer who cared for nothing but work. Hell, the day he met you was yet another day in which he had been willingly locked in his studio all day. That was what you would've been signing up for, had you looked his way. He didn't wish such a loveless relationship to anyone. He knew by now that he did- he did love you, but he knew he was probably unable to love you in the way you deserved. He was incapable of that. At 26, he'd had no experience with love. Why would someone as beautiful and amazing as you want to be with someone like him?

He was in love with you. That was something he could now full-heartedly admit to himself. Within these two months he had fallen deeply in love with you. Nothing could change that by now, not even knowing that you were already taken. He couldn't help himself in locking himself in his house after that, ignoring and all messages from both you and his manager regarding the few rehearsals he had skipped over.

Hybe did their damage control, making the situation go away as soon as it arose, but to Jihoon the damage had been done. He felt like an irrational idiot being hurt by this, but he needed to be away from you for a few days. You hadn't done anything to him, but he couldn't see you right now without feeling pain. He was punishing you with no proper justification, but his feelings were too strong for him to put up with.

A little over an entire day went on like this, with no communication from Jihoon to anyone. He was surprised no one had come looking for him until now, the moment in which bangs against his front door could be heard all the way from his room. Whoever was looking for him had made liberal use of the doorbell too, not giving him a single break from its constant ringing as he tried to ignore it. He finally grew too tired of it, deciding to give up his moping and going downstairs to beg that person to leave him alone to his misery. He still needed a few days before he could go face his reality. He couldn't face you just yet.

Except the choice had been made for him. His first mistake had been not checking the doorbell camera, which would've made him privy on who exactly was knocking on his door. He felt bad at thinking this, but had he known it was you, he never would've opened it.

He was beyond embarrassed at his appearance, once more wearing a three-day-old shirt and his cheeks damp with the tears he hadn't yet wiped away. You, on the other hand, looked as beautiful as ever. You carried a worried look on your face, lips pouty and eyebrows furrowed as you looked at him. He was not given time to welcome you in before you barged in for yourself, launching yourself at him in a tight hug before he could say anything. He wasn't an idiot, and he was too weak for his liking, so he held you back just as tight, enjoying a good three or so minutes of silence as you held each other.

You pulled away too soon for his liking, unhooking your face from the crook of his neck as you spoke up, still holding onto him, "Jihoon ... I'm so sorry. It's- it's not what you think, I swear. Please believe me."

He wasn't sure why you were so apologetic. You didn't owe him anything. He felt like even more of a loser at making you feel like you had to apologize for having a boyfriend. He knew that by now there was no way you didn't know about his crush on you, which made him feel even more humiliated at the situation. He separated himself from you for the first time ever, creating some distance as he refused to look at you. He took this chance to close the door he had left open when you had attacked him with your embrace.

"You don't have to ..."

"No, Jihoon. Listen to me. Please."

Your eyes were glossy now, and Jihoon felt bad at causing you any distress, so he signaled at you to continue.

"It's not- it isn't what you think. Yeah, I ... I did have a ... a thing with that guy. I know Hybe denied it being me, but you know- you know it's me. But it's not how it looks!"

"Then ... what is it?", he couldn't believe he was even letting himself ask that question, as if you had to explain yourself to him. But part of him really wanted to know. He wanted to somehow hear you say that it wasn't true, that you would never look at anyone but him.

"It's an old picture. He- he used to work for our group, as staff. We had a thing. It ended badly. Haven't really dated since then. This was before I met you, Jihoon, please, I need you to know that."

"You .. Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you need me to know that?", he hoped against all hope that you'd answer with what he'd been wanting to hear since he met you, but he knew he was playing with the devil when asking you that. He knew there was a very logical chance that you'd just confirm your platonic feelings for him, or straight up reject him.

"You know, Jihoon. I know you know. I- I'd never do that to you. I'd never look at anyone but you."

"Do you-"

"Yes', you paused, 'I like you, Jihoon."

And then his heart stopped beating.

"So much. Since we met. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since the day we met. I like you so fucking much. I can't think of anything else. I thought it was just because I've always been a fan of yours, but ... being around you just made me feel so happy. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. Fuck, I'm sorry I made you feel like there was someone else in the picture."

He didn't know what to say. You'd said everything he had wanted to hear for the past two months. You liked him. It wasn't one-sided. There was nothing stopping him from making you his now. Those feelings he thought had been fake for the portrayal of your song's concept had been genuine all along. He'd never felt such relief.

"Jihoon? Is it not ...? Fuck. Did I misread everything? Shit, I'm sorry. I should, uh, I should go-"

Fuck. No! He needed to reciprocate, he just had no idea how. He couldn't have you thinking he wasn't equally (if not more) obsessed with you. So he did the one thing he could think of in that moment. Something he had imagined time and time again, but never had the courage to do.

You yelped against him as he pulled his lips to yours, but immediately began kissing him back. There was nothing tender about the kiss as Jihoon would've expected. It was a complete mess from the start. The kiss was a testament to how badly you'd both wanted each other this whole time.

Jihoon felt lightheaded at the feeling of your tongue sneaking its way into his mouth, and the moans that accompanied it. He couldn't help but feel immediate arousal at your touch. He wasn't sure how to kiss you. He'd never shared such a passionate exchange before, but he wanted to give you everything in him with his kiss.

You only pulled away when you were out of breath, still keeping yourself as close to him as possible as you breathed into each other's mouths, your lips lightly closing over his as you regained your breath.

"Hoonie ..." the sound of your breathless voice muttering his name did shameful things to him. There was no way he could handle a conversation right now.

"Tell me- tell me you like me. I need to know. Please ..." the sheer lust and desperation in your voice were things that would never leave Jihoon's mind.

"So much. I li- I love you. You have no idea. Every day was agony not acting on it. I'm sorry if it's too much, but it's true. I've never felt this way before. I'm in love with you. The thought of you with someone else made me wanna give everything up. It's ... God, I just love you."

You didn't seem to need any more words before closing the gap again, this time backing him up against the nearest wall as you kissed him with all your might. You took full control of the kiss, grabbing his cheeks and angling him so you could play with his lips as you saw fit. He moaned and writhed against you, shyly attempting to hold onto your waist but not actually daring to. You must've caught wind of his intentions, grabbing onto his hands and forcing them on your waist, pressing your chest up against his. He began to caress your waist, falling in love with the slope of your back in the process. He was still shy with his movements, but his lips were nothing but. He adored your soft sighs against his lips any time his tongue would suckle on yours, or any time his teeth nibbled on your bottom lip.

You must've eventually grown tired of his shy demeanor, grabbing onto his arms and pining them above his head, beginning to softly grind against him as you began to lick and suck at his neck. Jihoon was on cloud nine. His body was unsure of how to react to such pleasure from someone he had already grown so addicted to.

"Hoonie ... want you so bad ... please," his knees buckled at your begging, your warm breath hitting against his ear as he groaned out at the thought of you in his bed.

He was simply a shell of himself at that point, so it had been your responsibility to drag the both of you in the direction he pointed his bedroom was at, but as soon as you were there, you pushed him to lay on the bed. He was ready for whatever you were willing to give him. He had no chance against you anyway.

"Hoonie, shit. Been wanting you for so long. Can I, please?", you'd begun to straddle him, leaning over him as you ghosted over his lips. He swore he wasn't going to make it, body heating up at the mere suggestion of you touching him.

"P-please ..."

You began kissing him again, running your hands up and down his torso, eventually landing on his crotch, softly caressing it as he whined into your mouth.

"Oh? Jihoonie ... You're so hard. Want me to help you?"

"Fuck ... Need you so bad, please ..."

"But we haven't even started to have fun," you moved your hand away, now sitting up a bit to begin grinding against his crotch, deep movements making his eyes roll back as his arms laid limp on his sides.

"Won't you touch me, Hoonie? Don't be shy. You already know how much I want you," you guided his hands to your hips, making him clamp his fingers on the clothed flesh while you moaned out at the feeling of his hard cock gracing your most delicate parts.

You were both beginning to heat up, which led you to throw your shirt off, now only in a bra and some sweats. He audibly moaned at the view, only causing you to play it up for him as you caressed your own covered breasts, "Want me to take my bra off, baby? Hmm?"

"Y-yes. Wanna see you so bad. You're so beautiful."

That was enough for you to wiggle your way out of your pants, throwing off your bra right after. The sight had his cock squirming under you. No amount of lonely nights thinking about you could have ever prepared him for the sight before him. Your soft skin shining under the soft light of the half drawn blinds. He wanted to memorize your body, leave his mark on every inch of it, but his arms would not move from your hips. He knew that the moment he got his hands on you he would finally face insanity. There was not a single detail he wasn't already obsessed with. He wanted you so badly, but he didn't know what to do with himself. His cock was extremely swollen under his sweats, begging to find comfort in any crevice of your body you would allow. The fleeting thought of fucking your pretty tits flew through his mind, making him shudder as he continued to pant at the beautiful girl sitting on him.

"Touch me?", you asked, already guiding his hands to your breasts, making him sit up to be face to face with you.

"Holy fuck ..." he moaned at the warmth of your breasts in his hands. He couldn't help himself in getting his fill of you, hands squeezing and running all over your chest. The moment he dared to pinch at your nipples he truly saw heaven, hearing you whine his name in the prettiest sound he'd ever heard.

"Hoo-Hoonie ... Please. Touch me more. Just like that," you let your head fall back, sighing at the soft touch of his fingers pinching at your nipples, "Your mouth, Hoonie ..."

That was all he needed to lower his head and begin licking at your nipples, biting lightly as he pulled at them, dick twitching desperately at the pretty sounds leaving your lips. He could've sworn he'd cum just from how beautiful you sounded. His ears were ringing by now, only able to process the feeling of your hand pressing his face against your chest and your hips suddenly restarting their movements against his own.

You let him make out with your tits for a bit before pulling him off, much to his dismay. You giggled at his reaction, but began to pout at him to get him to remove his top.

"Shit. God, Hoonie, you're so gorgeous," you breathed out upon seeing his bare chest, running your hands up and down the blank canvas. You let your own fingers pull and pinch at his nipples a bit, slow in your movements as he whined at you. He understood now, how fucking good such a light touch in such a sensitive area felt. He was beginning to lose all air in his brain, mind foggy as you gave him all types of pleasure.

He needed you now. Needed attention in his nether area so bad. He could feel how wet you were through his sweats, softly begging you to please let him have you. The whisper against your ear had you pulling your hands away from his chest, separating yourself enough to look into his eyes.

"Want you too. Can I have it, Hoonie? Fuck ... Will you judge me if I beg? I just ... Want you in my mouth so bad, Hoonie, please."

He felt embarrassed by his reaction, but he couldn't help but moan loudly at that simple sentence, nodding like crazy at the proposition. The last time he'd been in someone's mouth had been years ago. He had felt intimate touch before, but only a handful of times total. He was fully unprepared for what your mouth encompassing him would feel like.

Before he knew it, you had thrown off both his pants and boxers, enticing him to sit at the edge of the bed as you knelt in front of him. You were looking at his cock as if it were your last meal, eyes crossed and a moan leaving your mouth at the sight. He couldn't believe a gorgeous thing like yourself would ever show so much thirst for him. His soul left his body the moment you lowered your tongue onto his tip, kitten-licking at it as you looked up into his eyes. What truly made him lose his mind, however, was the moment you began to bob your head up and down his cock, with your hands playing and scratching at his balls. His hands clutched at the sheets, unable to hold himself in a sat up position due to the unimaginable pleasure. He was unsure how he didn't cum the moment you put your mouth on him (or the moment you kissed him, if he was being honest).

"So- fuck ... So fucking good. You're perfect. Please ..." he wasn't sure what he was begging for. The pleasure was clouding his mind. And then you did something that had him gasping for air. You unglued your mouth from gagging on his cock in favor of licking and sucking at his balls. His eyes rolled all the way back into his brain, back arching against the bed as you took turns licking his balls and worshiping his cock.

Unsurprisingly, he came in your mouth moments later, almost blacking out at the feeling. He was unable to catch his breath for a good minute, all the while you swallowed his seed and sat back on him. Before he was able to resume his breathing, you had already shoved your tongue back in his mouth, making him whine at the mixture of your saliva and his cum twirling in your tongue. He couldn't help his hands running all over your body, hugging and squeezing at every curve he could reach.

"Baby, I-"

"Taste so good, Hoonie, fuck. You have no idea how much I thought about that. Every time you wore those tiny little shorts to dance practice all I wanted to do was kick everyone out and beg you to fuck my mouth."

Jesus Christ. He hated how outspoken you were sometimes. He felt himself begin to harden again at just the simple thought of you wanting him as much as he did you (even though he was 99% sure that was impossible). He felt bad, but he was a bit sad he had cum in your mouth. He had thought of the feeling of your cunt wrapping around him almost every night for the past month. He knew he'd get it sooner or later, but a sinister part of his brain was begging him to flip you around and go to town on you. He might've been inexperienced, but he knew that his body would take him there if he needed it.

"W-wanna ..."

"Hmm? Yeah, baby?", you softly caressed his cheek, looking at him with so much love in your eyes.

"Please ..." he couldn't bring himself to say it. He felt too ashamed at asking for even more out of you when he'd already made you do all the work to confess and even made him have the best orgasm of his life.

"Yeah, Hoonie? Want me? Want you too. You have no idea ..." he thanked god the moment you started grinding against his bare dick yet again, leaning down to lick at his lips, "Can I ride you, baby? Please ... Been dreaming about it."

All he could do was whine and nod as his hands squeezed at your ass, trying to entice you into lifting your hips so you could finally sit on his now hardened dick.

No words left his mouth as you finally lowered on him, all his focus on the pretty expression on your face as you moaned out at the feeling of being impaled by him. His back arched, head digging back into the mattress at the feeling of your cunt tightening around him. He felt your back arch too as you leaned down to kiss him, mouths open as you whined and mewled at each other.

You began humping him with no proper rhythm, causing him to thrust upwards to meet your own grinds. He was so desperate for you. Nothing compared to how good he felt in that moment. Your body was drawing all types of pleasure out of him.

"F-feel so good. Hoonie ... You're so- Ah! So fucking good for me."

"Me? You ... Shit. Never felt this good. You're perfect," you tightened at his words, making him plant his feet on the bed and begin to frantically fuck upwards, leading you to scream and whine his name for all his neighbors to hear.

"Love you so much- Fuck! Been wanting you forever. Didn't know how hard I'd fall for you that day, shit. You're everything to me," he couldn't help himself in rambling yet another confession in your ear as you attempted to match the animalistic pace of his thrusts.

"Love you too, Hoonie. You have n-no idea. Never letting you go. You- you're mine now," and yours he wanted to be forever.

Jihoon had never imagined he'd feel love like this as long as he was alive. He had lost hope in finding the perfect girl many years ago, assuming his lifestyle to be too difficult for him to find someone to love him so strongly, but now he had you. Now he had you in his arms as you professed your love for one another. He had never felt such happiness. His ability to think left him soon after, however, as you clamped down on him with yet another scream of his name as you found your end, taking him with you in his own.

After the two minutes or so that it took you to regain your breaths, you managed to cuddle up against each other, unable to stop caressing each other in one way or another. The smiles wouldn't leave your faces. Jihoon couldn't help but think of his life; how he had everything a man could ever want, and now he had you on top of all that, and you'd quickly become his favorite thing. You spent the rest of the day in his bed, making love and waxing poetic at one another. You completely disregarded any collab preparations for the day, opting instead to finally give into each other to the fullest extent.

Soon after, all promotions finally ended. You and Jihoon received equal accolades on your ability to mix both your styles, achieving a successful collaboration between two monster producers. The praise over being all rounders was also endless, as people commended you both for the production, vocals, dance, visuals and chemistry demonstrated all throughout the promotional period.

People noticed how comfortable you were around each other, despite having never publicly interacted before the release date of the single. People believed it was simply amazing work ethic being showcased by the two of you, but what didn't meet the public eye was the genuine love and enjoyment behind every interaction. The two of you had made it a point to begin appearing publicly together often from then on (strictly as friends to anyone who asked, of course), which allowed you to hide your relationship in plain sight.

Jihoon had never been happier, now having you as yet another companion to visit him at his Universe Factory any time he would lock himself in there to work, a habit that began to diminish as he grew more and more addicted to your company outside the confinement of those four walls.

Today was yet another one of those occasions, as you were sharing yet another meal together at the Hybe cafeteria. Staff was mostly unaware of the nature of your relationship, but you two liked it that way.

"Hey," you called out to him as you played around with his phone.

"Hmm?"

"Did you see this email from Bumzu?", he shook his head in denial, "He said Hybe's requesting your help producing for Gyu's collab with Jungkook. Cause of how well ours did."

"Yeah?", he chuckled, "Gonna have to talk to him. Not doing it without you."

"Oh, really?", you grinned at him, "Wanna team up again?", you leaned closer to him, but not too close to draw suspicion from the few other idols and staff around who were eating there.

"Mhm. You did most of the work. Couldn't've done it without you."

He knew that to be completely true, as he would've remained in his slump had you not come out of left field to make his life do a 180.

"Wanna team up with you for the rest of my life."

You smiled at him. He could see in your eyes you wanted to show some sort of affection towards him, but could not due to the public setting. All it took was one look between you for him to know you felt the same. You held his hand under the table, going back to conversation about your next possible collaboration together with your other labelmates, happy to have found a soulmate in one another.

a/n: idk how other writers are putting out 20k+ words monsters jesus christ. anyways i rlly hope u enjoyed <33 this concept had been plaguing my mind for a while so im rlly happy to have finally finished it!!

[lily-radiance]

Hazbin Hotel idea

- Fallen-Angel reader(Fem) x Alastor

The reader is doubting Heaven's actions and decides to take a trip to Hell to see for herself.

- Disagrees with the idea of senseless carnage but understands life is not so simple and split in two.

- Charlie, of course, takes her in, although she does not know the reader is an angel. The reader at first doubts the redemption idea but begins to see the vision.

- Reader is not a fan of Lucifer for many reasons, but mainly because he "betrayed" Heaven, and his relationship with Lilith/Charlie is strained.

- Imagine Hell's greatest Dad, but instead of y'know the whole dad part, Lucifer and Alastor are trying to make you pick a side.

- Alastor, chaotic as usual, tries to get the reader to accept being fallen and doesn't want her to go back. She tells him about her 'predicament' before anyone else, and you better believe he wants to fight the angels for you. He tells Charlie and the others about everything because he knows you won't do it yourself. You obviously get mad. Like big mad.

- In your spiral, he sees your wings at their total capacity, and your shaken demeanor has them changing from white to black at a high rate.

- Vox and Valentino get the terrible idea to hold you for ransom against Alastor and Angel Dust, and they do not go unpunished. Vox makes several derogatory comments about your "holier than thou image," Alastor won't let him get away with it. When it comes to you, he has no problem with your lineage, and honestly, he finds it charming that an angel of all creatures would fall for him.

One of your wings gets injured, and unsurprisingly, it happens to be one of the only angelic wings left. (Say the top and bottom wings on each side are black while the middle two are white?) You used to dye your wings to hide your angelic nature, but with an injury present, it is the least of your concerns. Alastor refuses to let you fly while in recovery, and he has to deal with your pouting. When you do heal, he's still weary, always accompanying you in case you need a helping hand.

"Al, I can fly on my own! Look, my wing is healed!"

"No."

"C'mon, just one lap around the hotel!"

"No."

- Husk thinks you're pretty chill company and likes to vent when you have nothing to do. Sure, he can't say much about Alastor without fearing for his soul, but when he can, the conversations are never dull. If you make him laugh, you'll never let him forget it.

- Angel and Nifty constantly tease you about your infatuation with a particular radio demon. Don't expect any worthwhile advice, even if it means no harm. Charlie really wants to see you and Al together, but she might need to be reminded about boundaries.

- Angel Dust once tried to hit on you to see what would happen and nearly got thrown into next week.

- When he says "Good Girl" to Charlie, you can't help but blush and be a little jealous. He isn't afraid to use the phrase to fluster you on purpose, although you would prefer he not.

- If you wear makeup/do your nails, he will be fascinated. He doesn't say anything because once, he spooked you and made you jump, ruining it. The next hour was spent with him memorizing every detail of your designs in case of another mistake. If he scares you again, it's his job to redo everything. Except for mascara. Never mascara.

- Chess and poker games when the staff has downtime. He will use his shadows to help you cheat, but only if he's not playing with you. Husk knows but says nothing.

- If you're listening to music with earbuds, he will occasionally slow the signal so he can bother you. At first, you were annoyed, but realized it was his odd way of communication. Plus, he still hates technology. (You will purposely play "Video Killed The Radio Star" to get him back.)

"Would you kindly stop playing that infernal song, my dear?"

"Not until you stop interrupting my music."

- The Egg Bois love you, that's no surprise. They always ask about you when being watched by Alastor. The radio demon has come to accept the many questions by now, but the first time, he wanted to spit out his coffee. You think fondly of the memory, occasionally bringing it up to lighten the mood.

"Are you and Mom fighting?"

- When you get into disagreements, expect a few dozen bouquets of white roses in your room. He's terrible at expressing emotions other than murderous intent, and Charlie does what she can to help. You're both stubborn, but it gets too exhausting to keep up the act, and eventually, someone has to cave. (Charlie isn't afraid to wear her horns when confronting him, and if he tries to avoid apologizing, Lucifer will make a daily phone call to annoy him.)

"Hey asshole, talk to your girlfriend, it's upsetting my daughter. Also, you suck."

- Regarding the Extermination day, you try your best to fight the Angelic invasion but struggle. Alastor is stuck between keeping you and the Hotel safe. When Adam nearly beats him, you don't know he's alive, but his reappearance at the new and improved hotel is a welcome sight. He's a little rattled that he almost died, but seeing you safe is enough to keep him going. He might be a tad crazier, but you love him to pieces anyway as you run up and hug him. Typically, he despises physical contact, but coming from you, he doesn't mind, even going so far as to hug you back.

"I assure you that I'm alright, mon cher."

"Are you sure, Al, because that was a difficult fight. Wait—your voice!"

The radio demon takes a moment to realize that without his staff, his voice is clearer than before.

"Oh, you must mean the radio feedback is gone. Yes, I suppose you've never heard my regular voice. I had forgotten what it sounded like. How is it?

"It sounds lovely. I couldn't imagine a better fit."

"I should return the compliment; that is what a proper gentleman does. Your wings look lovely as ever, (Y/N)."

You look over your shoulder to see the feathers no longer entirely black, but back to their ivory shade. A few straggled feathers remain, but you don't mind, overjoyed.

In the middle of your undeniably cute interaction, the rest of the staff is watching. It isn't until Husk interrupts with "get a room" that you two get the hint.

Bonus:

Ruffle this tall disaster's hair. He might complain, but he loves it.

Are you feeling extra crazy? Boop him. Just boop the nose. He will do the same to you.

[wonillaa]

driver vs passenger princess with enhypen

note this is very much inspired by woniebabe on tiktok bc i have been thinking abt this for so long and saw their post and it was like fate

heeseung is already jumping in the passenger seat before you can even get to the car … drink in one hand and his phone in the other on aux. “by the way you were supposed to turn there”

* gasps and grabs your thigh when a song he likes comes on (he chose it)

* keeps a box in the back with snacks he likes and feeds you while you drive

* pays you back by agreeing to get your gas when you drive 🤗

* knows the directions to every place ever

jay never lets you drive, claims its his duties as your boyfriend. lets you play whatever music you want but complains immediately whenever it gets too cold or too hot

* uses his horn more than he should, road rage personified i fear

* keeps tampons/pads and pain killers in the back if you have a period </3

* tries to show off by steering with his knee and accidentally swerves into the other lane

* every drive is karaoke, windows down both of you screaming the lyrics

jake starts off driving you around and asks more and more to be the passenger, “you’re just so good at it you know” and you both know he’s lying and hates driving

* points out every dog he sees

* buys you cute decorations for your car and air fresheners

* hand on your thigh at all times, plays the music so loud it’s embarrassing

* takes pictures and videos of you especially if you’re wearing sunglasses, he thinks you’re so cute 😓

sunghoon looooves driving you around meanwhile he is a danger behind the wheel, but he refuses to let you drive and argues that he’s never gotten in an accident so it’s fine

* likes to honk at people right when the light turns green, thinks he’s so funny

* speeds around corners and runs over curbs

* loves surprising you by pulling into your favorite coffee place and gets you treats

* shushes you if you talk over his favorite part in a song

you and sunoo have made an agreement that he drives if its dark but all other weather conditions are on you, he thinks night driving is relaxing he loves it

* prefers being a passenger so he can stare out the window and point things out to you

* you have a 24hour playlist you made together you shuffle every time

* when he drives he’ll hit potholes or slam on his breaks accidentally and just glance at you trying to not laugh and how your head just slammed against your window

* sunoo just reminds me of roadtrips so much and you two have each others gas station orders memorized

jungwon prefers driving but will let you decide, loves saying weeeeee on curves and gives people a thumbs down when they pass him

* big fan of cruise control and rants on how useful it is

* always gets you gas and washes your car for you

* randomly shows up by your house and texts you to come out because he’s bored

* very safe very good driver 🙏 you are in good hands

niki is nothing if not a passenger princess, cannot sit still either he goes from laying down with the ac blasting to dancing with the windows down

* do not even ask him to give you directions because he’ll read the map completely wrong and just laugh as you make the wrong turn and say “oopsie”

* asks to get snacks and says he’ll pay for it next time bc he definitely purposely forgot his wallet

* reaches over and honks at cars for you if they almost hit you “don’t get embarrassed he almost killed us!!”

* you two make so many car vlogs on post them on tiktok

* he is so spoiled and he deserves all of it 😔

[letsgetrowdy43]

Sailor Song (Rowan’s Version)—

Quinn Hughes x Honey Hughes

Based on the song “Sailor Song” by Gigi Perez

Warnings: Mentions of sex, nothing in detail though!! Underage drinking, swearing, and a little angsty but it gets resolved! There is talk about complications of birth and death, but both Honey and baby are fine. If anything else please let me know <3

Au Masterlist!!

"I saw her in the rightest way, looking like Anne Hathaway Laughing while she hit her pen, and coughed, and coughed"

Quinn lay on the edge of his tiny dorm bed, the faint light from his desk lamp casting a soft glow over Honey’s face that was pressed gently into his chest. She had fallen asleep not long after he had nervously asked her out, lips still tingling with the kisses they shared after many years of denied feelings, her breath warm and rhythmic as her chest rose and fell. Her curls fanned out like a halo on the pillow, and her lips curved into a sleepy smile that made his heart swell with an overwhelming sense of joy as he squeezed the hand that still firmly held his.

He still couldn't quite believe it Just hours ago, he had been unpacking his dorm, rehearsing the words of a love confession in his head, his palms sweaty and his heart pounding as she helped him decorate his dorm. 

Honey had been his friend for so long, her laughter a constant melody in his life, her presence a continual source of comfort. Asking her out had felt like the most monumental risk. Yet here she was, curled into his side, his chest filled with a sense of completion as it settled that this was what he had been missing for years 

Quinn brushed a stray curl from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. Her skin was soft and warm, and he marvelled at how perfectly she fit against him. This moment, this quiet intimacy was everything he had ever dreamed of.

He shifted slightly, trying not to disturb her, as he pulled her flush against his chest. The faint hum of the campus at night filtered through the open window, a reminder that the world outside was still turning, indifferent to the love in this tiny room.

He was forever thankful that his roommate, Josh, had opted to stay out with the rest of the team, rather than running into their shared dorm and ruining the peace that currently occupied the air.

Honey stirred, murmuring something in her sleep, and Quinn held his breath, afraid to wake her. Her lips pressed a gentle kiss to his collarbone, and then a second kiss was placed on his cheek before she flipped over so he could spoon her, making more room for him on the tiny mattress, she sighed contentedly as he settled against her. The simplicity of the gesture, the ease with which she reached for him, made his chest tighten with emotion.

He gazed at her, propped up on one arm so he could memorize every detail of her face—the curve of her lips, the flutter of her eyelashes, the way her nose crinkled slightly as she dreamed. He wanted to capture this moment forever and never let it go. 

It was a feeling he had never known before, this certainty that she was the one.

Quinn had always been a dreamer when it came to Honey, lost in his thoughts, but the reality of it all had become better than any dream he could conjure. He could see their future together, a series of shared laughter, quiet nights and whispered secrets. He imagined their life in Vancouver, cooking meals in cramped apartments, supporting each other through life's challenges, starting a family, and celebrating each other's triumphs.

That was all if she would have him for that long.

He had heard people talk about love at first sight, but this was different. It was love that had grown over time, rooted in friendship and nurtured by their ever-changing lives. It was a love that hadn't appeared out of thin air, gentle and persistent until one day he realized it had taken hold of him completely.

He gently placed his heart into her hand to keep, and hopefully, she wouldn't be giving it back any time soon.

Honey shifted again, snuggling closer to him, he kissed the top of her head, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair, and closed his eyes, content to just hold her and listen to her breathe.

He didn't need grand declarations or elaborate gestures. This was enough—this simple, perfect night with Honey asleep in his arms. He knew, deep down, that this was just the beginning of their story, and he couldn't wait to see where it would lead them.

-

"And then she came up to my knees, begging, "Baby, would you please, do the things you said you'd do to me, to me?"

Quinn watched as the party buzzed around them, the music loud and the blue LED lights that hung around the room dim. They were tucked away in a quiet corner, his hand gently placed on Honey's hip as they watched their friends let loose.

She leaned into him, her breath tickling his ear as she whispered, "Can I kiss, Q?"

Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, but filled with a familiar sweetness that made his heart race. He turned to face her, his eyes locking onto hers. Without a word, he closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a tender kiss.

Honey sighed against his lips, her hands sliding up to cup his face, beer forgotten on the table next to her as she clung to him in this all-consuming kiss. Quinn's arms encircled her waist, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss. It was as if they were the only two people in the room, lost in each other. 

When they finally pulled apart, Honey's eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and something deeper. She bit her lower lip, a small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth as her fingers toyed with the collar of his t-shirt, "let's get out of here, go to my dorm," she said a little suggestively, her voice barely audible over the thumping bass of the music.

Quinn nodded, his hand slipping into hers as they navigated through the crowd, biding their goodbyes and ignoring the wolf whistles from Quinn's teammates. The night air was cool against her skin as they stepped outside, the street lights casting a soft glow as they made their way back to campus.

Inside, the door barely closed behind them before Honey pulled Quinn into another kiss, more urgent this time. Their hands roamed, exploring familiar yet unknown territory. They moved together with a sense of urgency, shedding clothes and mumbling about their shared nerves in the dim light of her room.

Their bodies pressed together, skin to skin, as they tumbled onto the bed. Laughter erupted from Honey as she placed sloppy kisses all over Quinn's face, from the bridge of his nose to his jaw Quinn's hands traced the contours of Honey's collarbones, eliciting soft moans that sent shivers down his spine as his lips attached to her neck, finding her sweet spot just under her ear. 

They moved in sync, movements of need and eagerness, making up for lost time with every touch, every kiss.

Quinn's heart raced as he kissed his way down Honey's neck, her back arching in response as he unclasped her bra. She whispered his name, a plea and a promise all at once as he gawked at how beautiful she was. They came together, their out-of-breath and slightly sweaty bodies entwined as their cheeks lit up with blush, lying comfortably in each other's hold, in awe of one another.

Quinn had never understood the difference between simply having sex and 'making love', and as cringy as it sounded, there wasn't a moment or movement in that dorm that night that wasn't fuelled by something that very closely resembled love in its purest form.

Afterward, they lay tangled in each other's arms, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the room. Honey rested her head on Quinn's chest, her fingers tracing little stars on his freckled skin as he played with the ring on her other hand. 

Honey lifted her head, her eyes meeting Quinn's, "I love you," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and certainty. Quinn smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "I love you too, Hun," he replied, his voice steady and sure.

This was it for him, he realized. He had found his home, his love, in Honey.

-

"Oh, won't you kiss me on the mouth and love me like a sailor? And when you get a taste, can you tell me what's my flavour?"

Quinn and Honey sat side by side at the small desk in his dorm room, their legs pressed against one another as they searched through the textbooks and notes spread out before them. They had been studying for hours, the pressure of upcoming exams weighing on them, but the comfort of each other’s presence made the task a little more bearable.

Honey glanced over at Quinn, her heart swelling with affection as she watched his brows furrowed with a concentration on the book in his hands. She loved watching him like this, seeing the dedication he poured into his studies, it was hot.

Unable to resist the pull any longer, Honey leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to his shoulder, lips brushing against the soft cotton of his shirt as she hummed at the feeling. Quinn looked up, surprised but pleased, his intense expression softening into a smile.

“What was that for?” Honey shrugged, a smile dancing on her lips, as she flattened out the material of his sleeve where her lips left a mark, “just felt like it,” she mumbled as her cheeks turned a little pink, but there was something deeper in her gaze, something she had been wanting to say.

Quinn set down his pen, turning to face her fully, his knee brushing against her thigh, her hand moving out to touch him, “what’s on your mind?” She took a deep breath, her heart pounding. “I just wanted to tell you how much I love you. Like, I love you. More than I ever thought was possible.”

She said it so nonchalantly like it was the easiest sentence to roll off of her tongue. It was enough to make him want to lean forward and press gentle, slightly sloppy kisses across her face.

He reached out, taking her hand in his, “I love you too.”

Honey shook her head, her eyes glistening with emotion, “No, you don’t understand. I mean, I love you so much it scares me sometimes. You’re my best friend, my partner, my everything. Being with you feels like coming home, and I’ve never felt this way before. It’s overwhelming, but in the best possible way.”

Quinn’s heart swelled with emotion as he listened to her. He could see the sincerity in her eyes, the depth of her feelings reflected in her gaze as she chewed on her bottom lip. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close, feeling the steady beat of her heart against his chest.

“I feel the same way,” he whispered into her hair as he pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of her head, “I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

Honey pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his, “promise me you'll always love me, even if this doesn't work and we go back to being friends,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "I never want a world where you aren't in it." Quinn cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently brushing away the tears that had escaped down her cheeks, “I promise,” he said, his voice filled with unwavering conviction, “but there will never be a time again where we aren't together, you're it for me.”

Honey smiled through her tears, leaning in to kiss him. It was a kiss filled with love and promises, a kiss where everything else faded away—the stress of exams, the worries about the future. All that mattered was the love they had for each other, a love that was deep and lasting.

-

"I don't believe in God, but I believe that you're my saviour My mom says that she's worried, but I'm covered in this favour"

Ellen stepped out of her car, the campus growing busy with students heading and leaving classes. It had been a few months since she had seen Quinn, and his phone calls had become less frequent, which worried her. As a mother, she couldn’t help but fret over her eldest son’s well-being, even though he constantly reassured her that everything was fine.

She made her way through the familiar pathways of the university, memories of moving Quinn into his dorm flashing through her mind. When she reached his building, she took a deep breath and called him to let her into his building.

A moment later, the door swung open, and Quinn stood there, surprise and delight lighting up his face as he pulled her into a hug, “What are you doing here?” “I wanted to check on you,” Ellen said with a smile, as she pulled away and flattened out his slightly outgrown hair, “you haven’t been calling as much, and I got worried.” Quinn chuckled as he led her down the hallway and two flights of stairs to his dorm, “I’m sorry. Things have just been busy with school. But I promise, I’m doing great.”

She stepped into his room, eyes landing on him as she studied his face. He looked healthy and happy, a certain glow about him that hadn’t been there the last time she saw him. “You look good, Quinn. Really good.” “I feel good,” he replied with a shrug, a secret smile playing on his lips. 

“I was just about to go grab lunch. Do you want to join me?” “Of course,” Ellen said, feeling a wave of relief washes over her. Seeing him so happy eased the worry that had been gnawing at her. Balancing the life of three growing boys had always been a struggle, but not being able to constantly see Quinn and make sure he was okay was one of the biggest challenges.

They walked to a nearby café, chatting about his classes and the projects he was working on, talking a little about the team, but knowing she would rather hear about his grades than practices. As they settled into a cozy booth, the door opened, and Honey walked in, her face lighting up when she saw Quinn.

“Hey, Q!” she called, making her way over to their table, “I thought I’d find you here.” A grin rested on his lips as he watched her face light up at the sight of Ellen, a second mom to Honey throughout high school, "Hun!" His Mom stood up to pull the girl into an embrace before asking her to join the two of them for lunch.

"I wouldn't want to intrude." "Nonsense, you're family!" 

Ellen couldn’t help but notice how Quinn’s demeanour had subtly changed. He was more relaxed, more at ease, and his smile was wider than she had seen in a long time. Honey and Quinn exchanged glances and soft touches that spoke volumes about their relationship.

As they figured out their orders, Honey was the first to stand up, offering to order for all of them. "I'll get our food. You two catch up," she said with a smile, her eyes lingering on Quinn for a moment longer than necessary.

Ellen watched as they parted, noting the silent exchange between them. Their eyes spoke volumes, conveying a depth of emotion that words might fail to express. Honey walked away, glancing back with a small, knowing smile before joining the line.

Once Honey was out of earshot, Ellen turned to Quinn. "Is there something going on between the two of you?" she asked gently, noticing how Quinn’s face turned a light shade of pink. "It's still new," Quinn admitted, nodding slightly. "But she makes me really happy."

Ellen's smile widened as she looked over at Honey, who was now waiting in line. She could see the genuine affection in Quinn’s eyes, a brightness she hadn’t seen in a long time. Catching Quinn’s gaze in the corner of her eye, Honey grinned, Ellen watched as her heart swelled with happiness.

"Well, I'm glad," Ellen said, her eyes misting with emotion. "Happy looks really good on you." Quinn's smile was wide as his attention shifted back to the table. "Thanks, Mom."

They chatted comfortably, the easy rapport between mother and son bringing back memories of home. Ellen felt a profound sense of relief and joy seeing Quinn so content, so clearly in love.

When Honey returned with their orders, she set the plates down with a cheerful smile. "Here we go! One turkey club for you, Mrs. Hughes, a wrap for Quinn, and a Caesar salad for me." "Thank you, Honey," Ellen said warmly, her eyes twinkling as she looked at the young woman who had been a fixture in their lives for so long. "It’s nice to see you both so happy."

Honey glanced at Quinn, their eyes meeting with a shared understanding and affection, "It’s nice to be happy," she replied, her voice soft but filled with meaning.

-

"And when we're getting dirty, I forget all that is wrong I sleep so I can see you because I hate to wait so long I sleep so I can see you and I hate to wait so long"

Vancouver was making Quinn miserable, hockey was a dream, but the isolation felt never-ending. Quinn sat alone in his apartment in Vancouver, staring out at the city lights that stretched across the horizon. Despite the excitement and the fulfillment of his lifelong dream, a deep sense of emptiness gnawed at him. 

He felt incomplete, a part of his heart missing.

Unable to bear the loneliness any longer, he picked up his phone and dialled Honey’s number. The phone rang a few times before her familiar, sweet voice filled his ears.

“Hey, Q,” Honey said, her voice warm but tinged with a sadness that matched his own. “Hey, Hun,” Quinn replied, his voice wavering slightly. He closed his eyes, savouring the sound of her voice, wishing he could reach through the phone and hold her close. “I miss you.” “I miss you too,” she whispered. 

He could hear the strain in her voice, the same struggle he was feeling reflected in her words. They talked for a little while, giving each other a rundown of their days, and she started filling him in on all the drama occurring within her sorority in his absence. But the conversation was laced with an unspoken tension, the looming threat of an inevitable decision hanging over them.

After a moment of silence, Quinn finally voiced the thoughts haunting him, “I think… I don’t know how to be a human without you anymore,” he confessed, his voice breaking, “everything here feels wrong.” A quiet sniffle sounded from the other end as Honey began wiping away her tears, "I get it, I'm proud of you, but this is really hard" she mumbled as she laid down on her tiny dorm mattress.

"I don’t know how much longer we can keep doing this”

This was it.

It had been a growing issue between the two of them, for the longest time, even before they were together it was Quinn and Honey, a collective, neither of them having to live life without the other in nearly seven years. This part of their life seemed dedicated to figuring themselves out independently rather than as a pair, as it had been for many years.

Honey’s silence was deafening, and Quinn’s heart sank. He could almost see her, sitting in her room in Michigan, tears in her eyes as she struggled to find the right words.

“Maybe… maybe we need to take a break,” Honey finally said, her voice barely audible. “We could wait till Christmas when we are both home and we can make the decision then, I don’t want us to end up resenting each other because of this distance.” Quinn’s chest tightened, and he felt a sharp pain in his heart, they'd both be home in three weeks, three weeks to decide if the distance would make or break what seemed to be a perfect relationship, "Christmas it is."

Tears welled up in his eyes as he struggled to hold them back. “I love you,” he said, his voice cracking, “more than I could explain.”

First love is strange, it's about all or nothing, and right now he felt like he didn't have an ‘all’ to give, he had to go into his dreams, leaving his love back in Michigan.

“I love you too, Quinn,” Honey replied, her voice filled with sorrow. “And that’s why this is so hard.”

They lingered on the phone for a few more minutes, neither wanting to say goodbye. But eventually, they had to. Quinn ended the call, feeling a hollow ache in his chest.

He lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling, the silence of his apartment feeling more oppressive than ever. The dream he had worked so hard to achieve now felt bittersweet, the absence of Honey a constant, aching reminder of what he was missing.

-

"She took my fingers to her mouth The kind of thing that makes you proud That nothing else had ever, worked out, worked out"

Summers were always a time of rest, a golden glow cast itself over the Hughes brother's new lake house, a little gift to themselves after signing the ELCs and starting that new chapter of their lives.

Tonight was the night everyone would be back in town, party to celebrate the summer and finally get to see everyone after months of being apart.

Quinn stood hands in the sink, washing all of the plates used at dinner before he joined the rest of the party outside for a bonfire. His eyes caught a glimpse of Honey out of his peripheral vision, and his breath caught in his throat as he turned a little to see her standing so prettily in a sundress, hair cut short with bangs, and a soft smile dancing on her lips.

"Want help?" she asked as she placed a small stack of dirty plates on the counter next to the sink. "If you wouldn't mind, I need someone to dry the dishes," he pointed to the dry cloth hanging on the handle of the stove.

She smiled and made her way beside him to start drying. Something was so soft and domestic about this moment, the two of them bumping shoulders every couple of seconds as they worked together.

"I never got to say it, but congrats on the Calder nomination, you were amazing this year," she said softly as their fingers brushed while he placed a freshly cleaned plate into her hand. "Thank you, Hun," the use of her nickname made her cheeks turn a bright shade of pink as they stared at each other for a second, Quinn's eyes dipped to her lips and then back up to her eyes, a quiet asking of permission to kiss her after so many months of being apart.

She leaned in as her hand gripped his forearm for balance, his soapy hands finding her hips as their lips almost met. But before they could kiss Jack and Honey's older brother Chase stumbled into the room causing the couple to jump away from each other.

"Glad to see you two getting along," Jack mused, unaware of the moment he just ruined as he rummaged through the fridge for his coolers. A knowing grin worked its way onto Chase's face as he looked at Honey, taking note of the slight embarrassment and flustered expression that rested on her cheeks.

"We'll see you out there?" Chase asked his little sister. "Yeah! Just finishing the dishes," her voice slightly cracking as she looked back to Quinn who was nodding and returning to the dishes that were almost done.

As Chase left the kitchen to return to the company outside, Honey let out a little laugh at how the two reacted to being caught. A little piece of her hurt that she felt the need to hide her love for Quinn.

"I can finish these so you can go be with our friends," Quinn motioned for her to start heading outside. She shook her head as she picked the cloth back up, "Not letting you clean up all on your own, I'm in it for the long run," she gave him eyes that told him her words were much deeper than she was letting on, her hip bumping into his as he nodded slowly.

"I really like your dress by the way. Blue suits you," he said, running one of his fingers over the little blue flower pattern on her hip. "Thank you," she mumbled as she returned to her job of drying and putting away the dishes.

Later in the night Honey and Quinn were the only two left at the fire, waiting for it to go down before they finally retired to their rooms. The crackling of the flames and the gentle noise of rippling water hitting the shore filled the silence between them, but it was a comfortable silence.

Quinn looked over at Honey, the firelight casting a warm glow on her face, her cheeks a little sunburnt and her hair a little messy as she nursed the cider in her hands, "I’m really glad you’re here," he said softly. "Me too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked at him, "I’ve missed you, Quinn. More than I can say."

Quinn patted the spot on the bench beside him, silently asking her to come to sit with him. She silently, and slightly tipsily made her way beside him, cheek pressed into his arm as she leaned against him. His hand found hers as they stared at the dying fire in front of them. 

"I’ve missed you too. It’s been hard without you." Honey squeezed his hand, her eyes meeting his. "I know. But we’ll figure it out, won’t we?"

Quinn nodded, his heart full of hope. "Yeah, we will." Her head popped up a little to look him in the eyes, "I think you might be my soulmate,' she whispered as she pressed a gentle kiss to his shoulder. Quinn had no more words to give, just lowering his head a little to press a gentle kiss to her lips.

A kiss to make up for the months of radio silence, a kiss that spoke more words than he ever could, one that eased both of them into knowing that this was it, no matter how long apart, it seemed they would always find one another, whether it be here or Vancouver, there wouldn't be a time where this love felt wrong.

But a few weeks and a handful of hookups later, they both returned to their lives apart, sorrowful, but also with a little promise that after senior year maybe the life they had brainstormed together could be a reality.

-

"And lately, I've tried other things, but nothing can capture the sting Of the venom, she's gonna spit out right now"

Quinn was startled awake at the noise of his phone buzzing in his ear, his do not disturb was turned on, meaning that the only people who could get a hold of him now were either his mother or Honey. He wiped the sleep from his eyes as he rolled over to see Honey's caller ID on his screen. A photo of the two of them at their high school graduation posing for a photo for their mothers, adoration filled their eyes as they laughed at something Honey had mumbled in his ear.

He put the phone up to his ear to hear a quiet cry on the other under, followed by a hiccup as a sorry left her mouth. "Hun? What's wrong?" his head was a little dizzy with sleep as he propped himself up on his elbow. "Quinn...” Her voice was shaky, “I’m so sorry to call you like this. I’m... I’m drunk, and I just needed to talk to you.”

“It’s okay, Hun. I’m here. What happened?” he asked, fully sitting up and focusing on her. “There was this party for homecoming at one of the frats, the team invited me,” she began, her words slurring slightly and she wiped away the stream of tears down her face, “and I was just trying to have fun, but then someone kissed me, and... and I didn’t stop it right away. I hate myself for it, Quinn. I hate that I even thought for a second it wouldn’t always be you.”

Quinn’s heart ached to hear the pain in her voice. “Honey, it’s okay. You’re allowed to live your life. We’re not together right now, remember? I’m not upset.” “I still feel terrible,” she sobbed, “It feels wrong because it’s not you. It’s never been anyone but you.”

Quinn smiled a little at that confession but quickly was brought back down to earth by the sound of her cries on the other end.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady his own emotions, “I get it, Hun. I really do. I won’t lie and say I’m not a little jealous, but I'm not upset.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice filled with relief. “I just... I needed to hear your voice, needed to know you don’t hate me.” “I could never hate you,” Quinn said softly, “you’re a part of me, always have been, always will be.”

They talked for a while longer, Honey’s sobs gradually subsiding as Quinn reassured her. She eventually fell asleep, makeup smudged down her face, but comfy in her bed and still on the call while Quinn listened to her soft breathing, a mix of longing and heartache filling him.

After ending the call, Quinn lay back down, unable to stop thinking about Honey. The thought of her with someone else stung, but he knew they were both trying to navigate their lives in the best way they could. He wondered when their time would finally come when the distance and the obstacles would no longer keep them apart.

-

"Oh, won't you kiss me on the mouth and love me like a sailor? And when you get a taste, can you tell me what's my flavour?"

Honey's senior year had come and gone in the blink of an eye. She loved every second of it, but she was so ready to start the next chapter of her life. Now, she was on the hunt for her first full-time job, aiming for something in the media field in the Michigan area.

She also gave in to her curiosity and looked into jobs in the Vancouver area as well, pretending not to be upset as she job searched, fully aware that there wasn't, and probably never would be, a set plan for her to move in with Quinn any time soon. She and Quinn had yet to discuss whether their futures aligned. Silently, she hoped he would ask her to get back together because she knew there was no one else for her. However, she wasn't willing to be the girl who inserted herself into his new life.

She stood in front of the mirror in her room, adjusting her graduation cap and gown. A knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. She glanced at the clock, figuring it was one of her parents coming to check on her before the ceremony. 

When she opened the door, her breath caught in her throat.

There stood Quinn, looking slightly nervous but smiling. He was here, in the flesh, despite the long distance and his demanding schedule.

“Quinn,” she whispered, tears already forming in her eyes as she flung herself into his arms for the first time in nearly a year, “You told me you couldn't make it.” “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said, stepping inside and closing the door behind him, arms still wrapped around the girl as he pressed a kiss to the side of her head, “you thought I wasn't gonna come?” "I did, and I was mad at you for it," she gently smacked him in the chest as he laughed.

Honey pulled away momentarily, her hands cupping his face, thumbs running over the beard he was growing out as she stared at him with adoration.

"I could hear the anger in your message," he whispered as his hands found solace on her waist. She rolled her eyes and pulled away, beckoning him into her room so she could finish getting ready while they continued their talk.

Quinn caught her by the wrist before she could get too distracted with the final touches. Her eyes dropped to his hands, in the one not gently holding her was a tiny velvet box, "Quinn if that ring I'll be so mad at you," she whispered jokingly as he shook his head. "Not a ring, but it is a question," he mumbled as he pressed the box into the palm of her hand.

She furrowed her brows and looked down, opening it to reveal a key that lay gently on a piece of satin. Quinn stood feeling a little stupid, and vulnerable, as she looked back up at him with a softened expression.

"Is this a key to your house?" "It is?" "It's a key to my apartment, and I know you said you didn't know where you were gonna end up after school, but a little selfish piece of me wants you all to myself in Vancouver," he mumbled as her gaze switched between the key and him.

The hand still in his grasp found the side of his face as she leaned forward and gently kissed his lips. A silent remedy to all the hurt over the past few years as she dropped the little velvet box on the ground, key still firmly in her grasp as her arms wrapped around his neck and she deepened the kiss.

"Finish getting ready, we're gonna need to leave soon," he mumbled into her skin as he looked down at his watch.

She smiled as she fixed his tie and then pushed him onto her bed and out of her way as she looked around the room for her jewelry box. Quinn laughed, watching her with amusement as she darted around the room, trying to gather the last of her things.

“Where is that necklace?” she muttered to herself, rifling through a drawer. Quinn stood up and walked over, gently placing his hands on her shoulders to calm her down.

“Take a breath,” he said softly, “you look beautiful already.” Honey paused, taking a deep breath as she met his eyes. “Thanks, Q,” she said, a hint of a smile on her lips, “I just want everything to be perfect today.” “It will be,” he assured her, handing her the necklace she had been searching for, “and I’ll be right there with you.”

She took the necklace from his hand, her fingers brushing against his. “I know,” she said, her voice softer, “that means everything to me.”

Quinn helped her clasp the necklace around her neck, his fingers lingering for a moment before he stepped back to admire her. “Ready?” he asked. “Ready,” she nodded, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She took his hand, feeling a sense of completeness she hadn’t felt in a long time.

As they walked out of her room and down the hall, Honey couldn’t help but feel that, despite all the uncertainty and challenges, everything was finally falling into place. Quinn was here, and with him by her side, she felt ready to face whatever the future held.

-

"I don't believe in God, but I believe that you're my saviour I know that you've been worried, but the truth is in my favour"

A little over a year later and life was seemingly as perfect as it could get, Quinn stood in the doorway of the lake house's cozy living room, his heart swelling as he watched Honey sleep on the couch. The soft glow of the evening light framed her peaceful face, a faint smile resting on her lips as her hand rested gently on her growing baby bump, and the glint of her wedding ring caught his eye, reminding him of how lucky he was.

The past year has been a whirlwind of happy accidents and full of so much love. 

Honey found out she was pregnant a few months after she settled down into Quinn's apartment. Many tears were shed and a lot of anxiety filled those days, but there was nothing the two were more certain of than the love they knew they were going to give their child. Next came the wedding. Some might call it a 'shotgun' wedding, but to Quinn, it was simply a long time coming.

It seemed life was testing them, but they were handling it all with such ease, that there was nothing they couldn't do as a team.

Quinn quietly maneuvered his way around to the kitchen to get to the living room, carefully sitting down next to her sleeping figure as his eyes took notice of the pretty expression on her face, his fingers running through her curls as she let out a tired hum and unconsciously placed her head in his lap

His chest filled with a sense of gratitude as her hand subconsciously found him and placed it on her bump, mumbling about "kicking" as their son ran his foot along Quinn's palm.

He smiled softly and sat back up, fingers returning to her scalp as his eyes remained on her face.

Her eyes gently opened and immediately went to him, catching him in the act of staring as his hand found hers. "Why are you staring at me?" Quinn reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch tender, “because I love you,” he whispered, his voice filled with emotion, “I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you.”

Honey’s eyes softened, “I love you too, Quinn,” she murmured tears in her eyes as she squeezed his hand gently. "Why are you crying?" "Cause you're so sweet, and I’m so pregnant" she mumbled as she used her extra hand to fan her face before looking up at a grinning Quinn.

Quinn leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead, his heart full of love and contentment. As he pulled back, he couldn’t help but smile, knowing that no matter their challenges, they would always have each other. And in that moment, Quinn felt like the luckiest man in the world.

-

"And when we're getting dirty, I forget all that is wrong I sleep so I can see you 'cause I hate to wait so long I sleep so I can see you, and I hate to wait so long"

The soft glow of nightlights illuminated the nursery as Honey and Quinn moved quietly, their hearts full as they prepared their little ones for bed. Both Hayden and Warren were tucked into the same bed, snuggled up in their pyjamas after a long day on the boat. Now, they were freshly showered and all tired out.

Honey read them a book, but she didn’t even get through half of it before they both fell asleep in each other's arms, faces scrunched up as they hugged one another and slept peacefully.

Quinn grinned as he tapped his wife, pointing to the two sleeping little ones, then motioned for them to leave and start getting themselves ready for bed. They tiptoed out of the kids' room and into their own, grins on their faces as they both started their nighttime routines.

Honey finished brushing her teeth and stepped into their bedroom, feeling the comforting presence of their shared space. Quinn was already there, setting his phone down on the nightstand. He turned to her, his eyes filled with warmth.

“You know, we’ve got some pretty cute kids,” Quinn said, a playful smile tugging at his lips. Honey laughed softly, walking over to him and wrapping her arms around his waist. “Yeah, we do,” she agreed, resting her head against his chest. “It’s hard to believe how quickly they’re growing up, they used to be so little.”

Quinn pressed a kiss to the top of her head, as Honey crawled over top of him and to her side of the bed, a grin growing on her face as her fingers raked through his slightly outgrown hair, just the way she liked it. He looked over, watching as her eyes landed on his lips, her tucked under her teeth as she watched him lean over to press gentle kisses down her chest, his touch filled with love as he toyed with the straps of her tank top. 

Honey cupped his jaw, bringing his face up to hers, thumb running over his bearded cheek before she placed a peck on his jaw and then pulled away to look at him again. “I’m so happy we found each other. I can’t imagine my life without you.” Quinn’s heart swelled at her words, he leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her lips, “I love you, more than words can say.”

And that is how their night went—quiet confessions and lots of love as they talked through the night, sharing many intimate moments both verbally and physically until they were too tired out to continue.

-

"And we can run away to the walls inside your house I can be the cat, baby, you can be the mouse"

The sterile scent of the hospital room mixed with the faint beeping of monitors had Quinn in a panic. He sat beside Honey’s bed, cradling their newborn daughter, Maeve, in his arms.

His eyes were red-rimmed and wet with tears, his heart still pounding from the harrowing hours they had just endured. It seemed that every second his eyes weren't on either the baby or Honey he immediately went into fight or flight.

Honey lay pale but conscious, her eyes heavy but filled with love as she watched Quinn with their daughter. no one speaking as they let the tension sit in the air for a little, Honey so tired out, and Quinn unable to string a sentence together without the possibility of crying

Quinn looked down at Maeve, her tiny face peaceful and serene as he pressed against his bare chest. The overwhelming relief that she was healthy clashed with the residual terror of almost losing Honey. He gently rocked Maeve, his voice barely above a whisper as he spoke to her.

He looked back up to the honey who was staring at him silently, "do you want to talk about it?" she said, voice strained and tired as Quinn looked at her with tears in his eyes.

"I dont think I’ve ever been that scared in my life," he whispered as his extra hand reached out to hold hers, a sad smile on her face as she nodded, "When they told me there were complications, I… I didn’t know what to do. The thought of raising our kids without you, of living without you—it was unbearable.”

The sentence itself was enough to make him cry, maybe even throw up, the thought of doing day-to-day life without her was unimaginable.

"I'm here though, and you won't ever have to worry about that again okay? I'm just fine, a little tired, but I'm not going anywhere anytime soon," she said reassuringly as her hand squeezed his with as much of her strength as she could. Quinn dropped her hand momentarily to wipe his tears as he nodded, trying to push all of it to the side and now focus on both Honey and Maeve being healthy.

“She’s perfect, just like you,” he said softly as Honey looked down at the bundle in his arms. "Can I hold her? I haven't gotten to yet," she asked so sweetly as Quinn smiled and nodded, standing up gently to place their little girl on her chest before he slipped his shirt back on.

"She looks just like you," Quinn brought his chair even closer to the side of her bed to lean in closer to the two of them. "She has your curls though, first of our babies that look like me," she beamed as Quin reached forward brushing a strand of hair from Honey’s face.

Quinn leaned in once again, pressing a tender kiss to Honey’s forehead, “I’m so grateful for you, I hope you know that,” he confessed as she looked at him with tears in her eyes, leaning forward to press her forehead against his.

They sat there in the quiet of the hospital room, their hearts beating in sync. The fear and anxiety began to fade, replaced by an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude. Maeve stirred slightly in Honey’s arms, a small, contented sigh escaping her lips as her little fingers gripped Honey's.

And at that moment, with their new baby girl safely in their arms and the worst behind them, they knew it was true. Together, they could face anything.

-

"And we can laugh off things that we know nothing about We can go forever until you wanna sit it out"

The car ride back from dropping Maeve off at the airport was a quiet one, she was heading off to start university, her big sister was already living in New York and promised her parents to take good care of her and help her get set up and comfortable in her dorm. Quinn and Honey drove in silence, each lost in their thoughts as the reality of their new life settled in. They were now empty nesters, life remaining in Vancouver, the years had brought many changes, but Quinn and Honey Hughes had embraced each one with open hearts. 

Quinn's career on the ice had been remarkable, but now he found fulfillment in coaching, passing on his knowledge and passion to the next generation as the head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks. Honey, having made her mark in the business industry, had shifted her focus to organizing charities in the Vancouver area, using her skills to give back to the community.

Their home, once filled with the bustling energy of three children, was now a quieter place. Yet, it was still warm with love and laughter, often filled with visits from their kids who were now living their own lives.

Honey silently cried as they drove off in the opposite direction of the airport, Quinn's attention moved from the road to his crying wife. "What's wrong?" “I’m just thinking about how quickly it all went by. One moment, they were babies, and now… they’re all grown up and living their own lives.” Quinn squeezed her hand, feeling a lump form in his throat. “Yeah, it feels like just yesterday we were bringing them home from the hospital.”

Honey chuckled softly, a tear finally escaping down her cheek, “I’m so proud of them and us. We did a good job, didn’t we?” “We did,” Quinn agreed, his voice thick with emotion. “They’re amazing kids and good people, and that’s because of you. You’ve been the best mother they could ever ask for.” She smiled, leaning her head against the seat, “And you’ve been the best father and support system. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner through all of this.”

As they pulled into their driveway, the house stood quiet and serene, a stark contrast to the bustling home it once was. They got out of the car and walked inside, the silence enveloping them. Quinn took a deep breath, trying to shake off the melancholy that was settling in.

Honey wandered into the living room, looking at the family photos that adorned the walls. Pictures of birthdays, holidays, cup days, and everyday moments captured in time. She traced a finger over a photo of Maeve as a toddler, smiling up at the camera with a toothy grin while Hayden and Warren hugged her. 

Quinn came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder, “We’ve got a lot of great memories, don’t we?” “We do,” Honey whispered, leaning into him, her hands placed over the top of his.

“Now we get to make new ones, just the two of us.” He kissed her temple, feeling a sense of peace wash over him, “Yeah, we do.”

They spent the evening reminiscing, talking about their children and all the wonderful memories they had made. 

Later that night, as they lay in bed, Quinn turned to Honey, his hand resting on her cheek, “I love you,” he said softly, his voice filled with emotion. “I’ve loved every moment of our journey together, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.” Honey smiled, tears filling her eyes once again as she rolled into his arms, “I love you too, Quinn. We’ve had an incredible life, and I'm excited for the rest of our lives.”They fell asleep in each other’s arms, comforted by the knowledge that while their roles as parents had changed, their love for each other and their family remained the same. And as they faced this new phase of life together, they knew they were far from empty. Their hearts were full, and their love would continue to guide them through whatever came next.

-

-

-

[shineemoon]

[INTERVIEW] SHINee’s Leader Onew Reflects on His Much Awaited Return and Influence on the Next Generation

You were on hiatus for some time–would it be possible to share an update on how you’re currently feeling, and what was your biggest takeaway from this period of rest? Onew: I’m so happy to see my fans and sing again. Through this break, I’ve learnt that sometimes I should let go a little. Overall, I feel like I’ve been able to be a little more selective about the things I take on because of my ambition. What is your most memorable episode since your debut in 2008? Onew: I feel like this moment will become the most memorable page from now on. It feels like a fresh start to me. Of course, together with my members who have given me a lot of influences as well. I also want to take better care of myself so that I can express my own uniqueness. What are your priorities in life? Onew: I believe it should be ‘myself’. And I consider the people around me as well. Congratulations on ranking first place for Billboard’s Best K-Pop Albums of 2023 with your first full-length album ‘Circle’! Being heavily involved in the production process of the album, was there any interesting episode that you could share? Onew: I was involved in the overall process, but I believe the influence of many wonderful people who joined me was significant. While there isn’t a specific episode, after I suddenly heard that my song made it onto the Billboard charts, I had a party at home by myself. It made me realize how my song could positively impact others. Onew is well known for his sweet and warm voice. Have you been touched by someone’s kind words or comments, and how do you feel when you come across comments like this? Onew: Of course, I have. When I realized that I have an influence on someone, I believed that there’s a greater responsibility on my shoulders. So I aimed to do good things with that in mind. However, being human, I also make mistakes. Still, I think the ultimate direction and goal are to choose actions that lead everyone onto a positive path. Source: KAvenyou

[badnewswhatsleft]

2023 september - rock sound #300 (fall out boy cover) scans

transcript below cut!

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

With the triumphant ‘So Much (For) Stardust’ capturing a whole new generation of fans, Fall Out Boy are riding high, celebrating their past while looking towards a bright future. Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump reflect on recent successes and the lessons learned from two decades of writing and performing together.

WORDS: James Wilson-Taylor PHOTOS: Elliot Ingham

You have just completed a US summer tour that included stadium shows and some of your most ambitious production to date. What were your aims going into this particular show?

PETE: Playing stadiums is a funny thing. I pushed pretty hard to do a couple this time because I think that the record Patrick came up with musically lends itself to that feeling of being part of something larger than yourself. When we were designing the cover to the album, it was meant to be all tangible, which was a reaction to tokens and skins that you can buy and avatars. The title is made out of clay, and the painting is an actual painting. We wanted to approach the show in that way as well. We’ve been playing in front of a gigantic video wall for the past eight years. Now, we wanted a stage show where you could actually walk inside it.

Did adding the new songs from ‘So Much (For) Stardust’ into the setlist change the way you felt about them?

PATRICK: One of the things that was interesting about the record was that we took a lot of time figuring out what it was going to be, what it was going to sound like. We experimented with so many different things. I was instantly really proud. I felt really good about this record but it wasn’t until we got on stage and you’re playing the songs in between our catalogue that I really felt that. It was really noticeable from the first day on this tour - we felt like a different band. There’s a new energy to it. There was something that I could hear live that I couldn’t hear before.

You also revisited a lot of older tracks and b-sides on this tour, including many from the ‘Folie à Deux’-era. What prompted those choices?

PETE: There were some lean years where there weren’t a lot of rock bands being played on pop radio or playing award shows so we tried to play the biggest songs, the biggest versions of them. We tried to make our thing really airtight, bulletproof so that when we played next to whoever the top artist was, people were like, ‘oh yeah, they should be here.’ The culture shift in the world is so interesting because now, maybe rather than going wider, it makes more sense to go deeper with people. We thought about that in the way that we listen to music and the way we watch films. Playing a song that is a b-side or barely made a record but is someone’s favourite song makes a lot of sense in this era. PATRICK: I think there also was a period there where, to Pete’s point, it was a weird time to be a rock band. We had this very strange thing that happened to us, and not a lot of our friends for some reason, where we had a bunch of hits, right? And it didn’t make any sense to me. It still doesn’t make sense to me. But there was a kind of novelty, where we could play a whole set of songs that a lot of people know. It was fun and rewarding for us to do that. But then you run the risk of playing the same set forever. I want to love the songs that we play. I want to care about it and put passion into what we do. And there’s no sustainable way to just do the same thing every night and not get jaded. We weren’t getting there but I really wanted to make sure that we don’t ever get there. PETE: In the origin of Fall Out Boy, what happened at our concerts was we knew how to play five songs really fast and jumped off walls and the fire marshal would shut it down. It was what made the show memorable, but we wanted to be able to last and so we tried to perfect our show and the songs and the stage show and make it flawless. Then you don’t really know how much spontaneity you want to include, because something could go wrong. When we started this tour, and we did a couple of spontaneous things, it opened us up to more. Because things did go wrong and that’s what made the show special. We’re doing what is the most punk rock version of what we could be doing right now.

You seem generally a lot more comfortable celebrating your past success at this point in your career.

PETE: I think it’s actually not a change from our past. I love those records, but I never want to treat them in a cynical way. I never want there to be a wink and a smile where we’re just doing this because it’s the anniversary. This was us celebrating these random songs and we hope people celebrate them with us. There was a purity to it that felt in line with how we’ve always felt about it. I love ‘Folie à Deux’ - out of any Fall Out Boy record that’s probably the one I would listen to. But I just never want it to be done in a cynical way, where we feel like we have to. But celebrating it in a way where there’s the purity of how we felt when we wrote the song originally, I think that’s fucking awesome. PATRICK: Music is a weird art form. Because when you’re an actor and you play a character, that is a specific thing. James Bond always wears a suit and has a gun and is a secret agent. If you change one thing, that’s fine, but you can’t really change all of it. But bands are just people. You are yourself. People get attached to it like it’s a story but it’s not. That was always something that I found difficult. For the story, it’s always good to say, ‘it’s the 20th anniversary, let’s go do the 20th anniversary tour’, that’s a good story thing. But it’s not always honest. We never stopped playing a lot of the songs from ‘Take This To Your Grave’, right? So why would I need to do a 20-year anniversary and perform all the songs back to back? The only reason would be because it would probably sell a lot of tickets and I don’t really ever want to be motivated by that, frankly. One of the things that’s been amazing is that now as the band has been around for a while, we have different layers of audience. I love ‘Folie à Deux’, I do. I love that record. But I had a really personally negative experience of touring on it. So that’s what I think of when I think of that record initially. It had to be brought back to me for me to appreciate it, for me to go, ‘oh, this record is really great. I should be happy with this. I should want to play this.’ So that’s why we got into a lot of the b-sides because we realised that our perspectives on a lot of these songs were based in our feelings and experiences from when we were making them. But you can find new experiences if you play those songs. You can make new memories with them.

You alluded there to the 20th anniversary of ‘Take This To Your Grave’. Obviously you have changed and developed as a band hugely since then. But is there anything you can point to about making that debut record that has remained a part of your process since then?

PETE: We have a language, the band, and it’s definitely a language of cinema and film. That’s maintained through time. We had very disparate music tastes and influences but I think film was a place we really aligned. You could have a deep discussion because none of us were filmmakers. You could say which part was good and which part sucked and not hurt anybody’s feelings, because you weren’t going out to make a film the next day. Whereas with music, I think if we’d only had that to talk about, we would have turned out a different band. PATRICK: ‘Take This To Your Grave’, even though it’s absolutely our first record, there’s an element of it that’s still a work in progress. It is still a band figuring itself out. Andy wasn’t even officially in the band for half of the recording, right? I wasn’t even officially the guitar player for half of the recording. We were still bumbling through it. There was something that popped up a couple times throughout that record where you got these little inklings of who the band really was. We really explored that on ‘From Under The Cork Tree’. So when we talk about what has remained the same… I didn’t want to be a singer, I didn’t know anything about singing, I wasn’t planning on that. I didn’t even plan to really be in this band for that long because Pete had a real band that really toured so I thought this was gonna be a side project. So there’s always been this element within the band where I don’t put too many expectations on things and then Pete has this really big ambition, creatively. There’s this great interplay between the two of us where I’m kind of oblivious, and I don’t know when I’m putting out a big idea and Pete has this amazing vision to find what goes where. There’s something really magical about that because I never could have done a band like this without it. We needed everybody, we needed all four of us. And I think that’s the thing that hasn’t changed - the four of us just being ourselves and trying to figure things out. Listening back to ‘Folie’ or ‘Infinity On High’ or ‘American Beauty’, I’m always amazed at how much better they are than I remember. I listened to ‘MANIA’ the other day, and I have a lot of misgivings about that record, a lot of things I’m frustrated about. But then I’m listening to it and I’m like ‘this is pretty good.’ There’s a lot of good things in there. I don’t know why, it’s kind of like you can’t see those things. It’s kind of amazing to have Pete be able to see those things. And likewise, sometimes Pete has no idea when he writes something brilliant, as a lyricist, and I have to go, ‘No, I’m gonna keep that one, I’m gonna use that.’

On ‘So Much (For) Stardust’, you teamed up with producer Neal Avron again for the first time since 2008. Given how much time has passed, did it take a minute to reestablish that connection or did you pick up where you left off?

PATRICK: It really didn’t feel like any time had passed between us and Neal. It was pretty seamless in terms of working with him. But then there was also the weird aspect where the last time we worked with him was kind of contentious. Interpersonally, the four of us were kind of fighting with each other… as much as we do anyway. We say that and then that myth gets built bigger than it was. We were always pretty cool with each other. It’s just that the least cool was making ‘Folie’. So then getting into it again for this record, it was like no time has passed as people but the four of us got on better so we had more to bring to Neal. PETE: It’s a little bit like when you return to your parents’ house for a holiday break when you’re in college. It’s the same house but now I can drink with my parents. We’d grown up and the first times we worked with Neal, he had to do so much more boy scout leadership, ‘you guys are all gonna be okay, we’re gonna do this activity to earn this badge so you guys don’t fucking murder each other.’ This time, we probably got a different version of Neal that was even more creative, because he had to do less psychotherapy. He went deep too. Sometimes when you’re in a session with somebody, and they’re like, ‘what are we singing about?’, I’ll just be like, ‘stuff’. He was not cool with ‘stuff’. I would get up and go into the bathroom outside the studio and look in the mirror, and think ‘what is it about? How deep are we gonna go?’ That’s a little but scarier to ask yourself. If last time Neal was like a boy scout leader, this time, it was more like a Sherpa. He was helping us get to the summit.

The title track of the album also finds you in a very reflective mood, even bringing back lyrics from ‘Love From The Other Side’. How would you describe the meaning behind that title and the song itself?

PETE: The record title has a couple of different meanings, I guess. The biggest one to me is that we basically all are former stars. That’s what we’re made of, those pieces of carbon. It still feels like the world’s gonna blow and it’s all moving too fast and the wrong things are moving too slow. That track in particular looks back at where you sometimes wish things had gone differently. But this is more from the perspective of when you’re watching a space movie, and they’re too far away and they can’t quite make it back. It doesn’t matter what they do and at some point, the astronaut accepts that. But they’re close enough that you can see the look on their face. I feel like there’s moments like that in the title track. I wish some things were different. But, as an adult going through this, you are too far away from the tether, and you’re just floating into space. It is sad and lonely but in some ways, it’s kind of freeing, because there’s other aspects of our world and my life that I love and that I want to keep shaping and changing. PATRICK: I’ll open up Pete’s lyrics and I just start hearing things. It almost feels effortless in a lot of ways. I just read his lyrics and something starts happening in my head. The first line, ‘I’m in a winter mood, dreaming of spring now’, instantly the piano started to form to me. That was a song that I came close to not sending to the band. When I make demos, I’ll usually wait until I have five or six to send to everybody. I didn’t know if anyone was gonna like this. It’s too moody or it’s not very us. But it was pretty unanimous. Everyone liked that one. I knew this had to end the record. It took on a different life in the context of the whole album. Then on the bridge section, I knew it was going to be the lyrics from ‘Love From The Other Side’. It’s got to come back here. It’s the bookends, but I also love lyrically what it does, you know, ‘in another life, you were my babe’, going back to that kind of regret, which feels different in ‘Love From The Other Side’ than it does here. When the whole song came together, it was the statement of the record.

Aside from the album, you have released a few more recent tracks that have opened you up to a whole new audience, most notably the collaboration with Taylor Swift on ‘Electric Touch’.

PETE: Taylor is the only artist that I’ve met or interacted with in recent times who creates exactly the art of who she is, but does it on such a mass level. So that’s breathtaking to watch from the sidelines. The way fans traded friendship bracelets, I don’t know what the beginning of it was, but you felt that everywhere. We felt that, I saw that in the crowd on our tour. I don’t know Taylor well, but I think she’s doing exactly what she wants and creating exactly the art that she wants to create. And doing that, on such a level, is really awe-inspiring to watch. It makes you want to make the biggest, weirdest version of our thing and put that out there.

Then there was the cover of Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’, which has had some big chart success for you. That must have taken you slightly by surprise.

PATRICK: It’s pretty unexpected. Pete and I were going back and forth about songs we should cover and that was an idea that I had. This is so silly but there was a song a bunch of years ago I had written called ‘Dark Horse’ and then there was a Katy Perry song called ‘Dark Horse’ and I was like, ‘damn it’, you know, I missed the boat on that one. So I thought if we don’t do this cover, somebody else is gonna do it. Let’s just get in the studio and just do it. We spent way more time on those lyrics than you would think because we really wanted to get a specific feel. It was really fun and kind of loose, we just came together in Neal’s house and recorded it in a day. PETE: There’s irreverence to it. I thought the coolest thing was when Billy Joel got asked about it, and he was like, ‘I’m not updating it, that’s fine, go for it.’ I hope if somebody ever chose to update one of ours, we’d be like that. Let them do their thing, they’ll have that version. I thought that was so fucking cool.

It’s also no secret that the sound you became most known for in the mid-2000s is having something of a commercial revival right now. But what is interesting is seeing how bands are building on that sound and changing it.

PATRICK: I love when anybody does anything that feels honest to them. Touring with Bring Me The Horizon, it was really cool seeing what’s natural to them. It makes sense. We changed our sound over time but we were always going to do that. It wasn’t a premeditated thing but for the four of us, it would have been impossible to maintain making the same kind of music forever. Whereas you’ll play with some other bands and they live that one sound. You meet up with them for dinner or something and they’re wearing the shirt of the band that sounds just like their band. You go to their house and they’re playing other bands that sound like them because they live in that thing. Whereas with the four of us and bands like Bring Me The Horizon, we change our sounds over time. And there’s nothing wrong with either. The only thing that’s wrong is if it’s unnatural to you. If you’re AC/DC and all of a sudden power ballads are in and you’re like, ‘Okay, we’ve got to do a power ballad’, that’s when it sucks. But if you’re a thrash metal guy who likes Celine Dion then yeah, do a power ballad. Emo as a word doesn’t mean anything anymore. But if people want to call it that, if the emo thing is back or having another life again, if that’s what’s natural to an artist, I think the world needs more earnest art. If that’s who you are, then do it. PETE: It would be super egotistical to think that the wave that started with us and My Chemical Romance and Panic! At The Disco has just been circling and cycling back. I  remember seeing Nikki Sixx at the airport and he was like, ‘Oh, you’re doing a flaming bass? Mine came from a backpack.’ It keeps coming back but it looks different. Talking to Lil Uzi Vert and Juice WRLD when he was around, it’s so interesting, because it’s so much bigger than just emo or whatever. It’s this whole big pop music thing that’s spinning and churning, and then it moves on, and then it comes back with different aspects and some of the other stuff combined. When you’re a fan of music and art and film, you take different stuff, you add different ingredients, because that’s your taste. Seeing the bands that are up and coming to me, it’s so exciting, because the rules are just different, right? It’s really cool to see artists that lean into the weirdness and lean into a left turn when everyone’s telling you to make a right. That’s so refreshing. PATRICK: It’s really important as an artist gets older to not put too much stock in your own influence. The moment right now that we’re in is bigger than emo and bigger than whatever was happening in 2005. There’s a great line in ‘Downton Abbey’ where someone was asking the Lord about owning this manor and he’s like, ‘well, you don’t really own it, there have been hundreds of owners and you are the custodian of it for a brief time.’ That’s what pop music is like. You just have the ball for a minute and you’re gonna pass it on to somebody else.

We will soon see you in the UK for your arena tour. How do you reflect on your relationship with the fans over here?

PETE: I remember the first time we went to the UK, I wasn’t prepared for how culturally different it was. When we played Reading & Leeds and the summer festivals, it was so different, and so much deeper within the culture. It was a little bit of a shock. The first couple of times we played, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, are we gonna die?’ because the crowd was so crazy, and there was bottles. Then when we came back, we thought maybe this is a beast to be tamed. Finally, you realise it’s a trading of energy. That made the last couple of festivals we played so fucking awesome. When you really realise that the fans over there are real fans of music. It’s really awesome and pretty beautiful. PATRICK: We’ve played the UK now more than a lot of regions of the states. Pretty early on, I just clicked with it. There were differences, cultural things and things that you didn’t expect. But it never felt that different or foreign to me, just a different flavour… PETE: This is why me and Patrick work so well together (laughs).  PATRICK: Well, listen; I’m a rainy weather guy. There is just things that I get there. I don’t really drink anymore all that much. But I totally will have a beer in the UK, there’s something different about every aspect of it, about the ordering of it, about the flavour of it, everything, it’s like a different vibe. The UK audience seemed to click with us too. There have been plenty of times where we felt almost more like a UK band than an American one. There have been years where you go there and almost get a more familial reaction than you would at home. Rock Sound has always been a part of that for us. It was one of the first magazines to care about us and the first magazine to do real interviews. That’s the thing, you would do all these interviews and a lot of them would be like ‘so where did the band’s name come from?’ But Rock Sound took us seriously as artists, maybe before some of us did. That actually made us think about who we are and that was a really cool experience. I think in a lot of ways, we wouldn’t be the band we are without the UK, because I think it taught us a lot about what it is to be yourself.

Fall Out Boy’s ‘So Much (For) Stardust’ is out now via Fueled By Ramen.

[positivelyholland]

do you think you can write a Chris x daughter!reader and she is a massive swiftie and just always listening to her music, always asking if she can buy merch, and something about her trying to get eras tour tickets and Chris just being supportive of this obsession?? btw love your work 🫶🏻🫶🏻

pairing: chris evans x daughter!reader

genre: so fluffy

summary: getting ready for a Taylor Swift concert but your dad is seriously lacking in the glitter department. 

warnings: sparkles galore 

A/N yes i know i've already written a fic along the lines of this request. did that stop me from writing another taylor swift concert related piece? obviously not. will there be another eras tour related fic coming to my blog soon? maybe, you'll have to wait and see.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

You had always been Daddy's little girl. I mean, being the daughter of a famous actor, meant you had your fair share of privileges in and of itself. But Chris did almost anything you wanted, having started when you were a baby but now is continuing into your teenage years. 

However despite the glitz and glamour that came with your father's profession, there was one thing you had never experienced – attending a Taylor Swift concert.

Your love for Taylor Swift's music was more than just a casual fan's adoration. Her songs had been the soundtrack to many of your memorable moments. When the opportunity to see her in concert came, you couldn't have been more excited. 

Your father, knowing your passion for Taylor's music, had a surprise in store for you.

The day finally arrived, and you found yourself dressed in an Eras Tour worthy dress. Between the glitter on your face, sparkles in your hair, and rhinestones all throughout your outfit, you were totally ready to experience the concert of a lifetime. 

Chris, however, did not meet the standards of appearance for this sort of occasion. 

"Dad, you'll look like an idiot wearing just a t-shirt!" you explained. 

"Y/N love, it's literally a Taylor Swift t-shirt," he countered, making you realize exactly what the problem was. 

"Maybe it's not the shirt, but it's the lack of pizazz! Luckily for you, your daughter is an expert in that department! Follow me!" You say as you drag your father toward where all you store your makeup. 

"Nope, not happening" he laughed as he realized where you were taking him. 

"Pleaseeeee" you begged, knowing he can't ever be against what you want. "It's the experience of a lifetime, we need to go all out!!" 

"Sorry but I don't think I need glitter on my face, the t-shirt is enough." his response surprised you, knowing that he's never lasted this long saying no to you.

Thank goodness you have a final trick up your sleeve that has a 100% success rate so far. 

"If you won't do it for Taylor fucking Swift, do it for your beloved daughter!" which makes Chris groan, but only for a moment before he reluctantly agrees, and gives into to your request.

So there you are, using a spray glitter bottle in your dad's hair, with the sparkly 13 you had drawn on his hand. 

If it's not for Taylor Swift, then there is still a 100% guarantee that Chris can't say no to his daughter. 

[gimmethatagustd]

love song (2) | kth + pjm

After a surprise collaboration that shocked their fans, broke records, and earned them a Grammy, salacious rapper V and sweetheart idol Jimin are the duo the music industry didn’t know it needed but now can’t live without. Fans just have one burning question: Are V and Jimin dating?

○ Pairing: Rapper!Taehyung x Idol!Jimin

○ Rating: Explicit/18+

○ Genre: A/B/O, idols/musicians (not canon/BTS), friends to lovers, idiots to lovers, smut, fluff, light angst

○ Word Count: 9,579

○ Warnings: Very sexual language, scenting, technically non-consensual kissing (TH doesn't ask for permission, but he picks up the ✨ vibes ✨ )

○ Notes: Shout out to the lovely anons and moots who sent me their horny thoughts to use as the thirst tweets in this chapter. Idk what I would do without y'all. 🤭 If you want an ✨ immersive ✨ experience, I recommend watching Jackson Wang’s BuzzFeed Thirst Tweets episode to get a feel for Taehyung’s vibe during the scene, and DPR IAN’s for Jimin’s vibe. Also, I acknowledge the current strike for Palestine until June 22. Based on what I've seen, the strike is specifically for Twitter, but I wanted to do my part on Tumblr by bringing attention to it. You can learn more here.

○ Post Date: June 18, 2024

○ Masterlist | AO3 Crosspost

○ What was Jai listening to? The series playlist

Series Masterlist

The morning sun casts bright flickers of pale orange light across the dance studio’s hardwood floor. Jimin’s bare feet chase the light streaks and dots as they stomp and twist, carrying his body along the length of the room. He told his entertainment company he wouldn’t re-sign his contract as a solo artist if they didn’t give him a dance studio with natural lighting. So many studios at the company’s headquarters are windowless — soulless if you ask Jimin. The K-pop industry can feel like a prison sometimes; Jimin doesn’t want his dance studio to feel the same.

Today, Jimin is thankful for the natural lighting for another reason.

"I think I've finally got it down," Taehyung says, running his hand through his sweaty bangs. 

His hair falls limply over his forehead as he drops his arm and gazes at his reflection in the mirrored studio wall. His dark brown eyes glow amber in the sunlight, and Jimin swears he sees little sparkles dancing in them.

“Sort of,” Hoseok stands beside Taehyung with his hands on his hips and a deep frown that would make even the most confident dancer anxious. “I’m honestly shocked at how well you’ve memorized the movements, but you’re still stiff. You need to loosen up a bit.”

Unphased by Hoseok’s critical stare, Taehyung pushes up the short sleeve of his t-shirt to expose more of his bicep as he flexes in the mirror. The veins in the back of his hand and up his forearm pop with each flex of his muscles. He’s pink in the cheeks, and his white shirt is soaked with sweat, making the fabric cling to his defined chest. 

As an alpha, Taehyung's frame is naturally larger than Jimin and Hoseok’s, particularly with how broad his shoulders and chest are. His recent obsession with weightlifting has only exacerbated that. 

Not that Jimin has noticed or anything. He certainly hasn’t been paying attention to Taehyung’s physique; there’s no reason for him to.

“Taehyung,” Hoseok scolds, his floral omega scent spiking with a charcoal bitterness, “Pay attention.”

“Gimme a break, alright? I’m sweating my fucking ass off.”

“I thought you said dancing would be easy?” Jimin grins, catching Taehyung’s eye through the mirror.

Rolling his eyes, Taehyung stalks off toward the dance studio’s exit, where the trio has left their bags. When Taehyung pulls a water bottle from his backpack, Hoseok pauses the music playing through the studio speakers.

“Let’s take a break?” Hoseok adjusts the headband that keeps his silver hair out of his face and gives Jimin and Taehyung a hard stare.

"I'm fine," Taehyung insists after clearing his throat, yet he flops on the floor anyway.

Taehyung sits with his legs spread, the loose fabric of his basketball shorts riding up his thighs, which are muscular in an effortless alpha way Jimin has to work hard to accomplish for himself as an omega. He doesn't break eye contact with Jimin through the mirror when he sips his water bottle, and his throat bobs when he swallows. 

Averting his eyes, Jimin focuses on his own reflection.

"You were actually doing pretty well. Hyung is right, though. The main problem truly is that you’re stiff. You’re not letting the music guide you," Jimin says.  

"I know," Taehyung groans, tilting his head back. Jimin notices the V of his jawline and shoves the thought aside. "I keep fucking overthinking it." 

"That's the thing about dancing. You have to get to the point where you can turn your brain off." 

"My brain is always turned off, Chim." 

Jimin catches Taehyung's cheeky grin in his peripheral vision. Rolling his eyes, he tries to twist his body so he can't see Taehyung through the mirror anymore. 

"You're annoying." 

"I know." 

Taehyung is smug as he takes another sip of water, eyes crinkled and cheeks full. Like little dumplings or loaves of bread, Taehyung is sometimes a squishy kind of cute.

Or maybe Jimin is merely hungry.

Hoseok snorts and bends to stretch his legs, letting his arms hang and his knuckles graze the floor.

“I don’t know what kind of mating ritual you guys are doing, but can you shut up?” Hoseok’s voice is muffled by gravity pulling his t-shirt forward into his face as he stretches, “We’ve got, like, no time to dick around.”

"Don't be ridiculous," Jimin says in a flustered rush. 

Jimin struggles to wrap his fingers around Hoseok's phone, desperately trying to restart the music. His hands are clammy from sweat, not nerves, of course.

Hoseok scoffs, his frown contrasting with Taehyung’s cheeky smile. 

“It’s the two of you being ridiculous.” 

“You’re so grumpy today,” Taehyung follows with a silent, toothy laugh when Hoseok sticks his tongue out at him. 

“I’m tired of teaching children.” 

Something twists in the pit of Jimin’s stomach, and tendrils wiggle into his limbs, making them shaky. It gets worse when Taehyung eyes him through the mirror again. Mating rituals are outdated these days, mainly something older people reminisce about, but the way Taehyung looks at him as he passes his water bottle for Jimin to drink from feels like the part of courting meant to prove one’s proficiency at being a caregiver. 

Jimin presses his lips to the bottle’s rim, molding them right where Taehyung’s lips had been.

He’s pretty sure he’s going insane. 

It’s nearly lunchtime when Hoseok leaves. He’s preparing for his own solo comeback and has limited time to train his children. Despite the loving insult, Jimin is appreciative of his friend’s support. Hoseok is his day one, the first friend he made back in his rookie days when he was just a little kid from Busan, with a thick accent and something to prove. 

His satoori is still there sometimes when he’s angry or sleepy. Still, despite being an omega, he doesn’t feel the pressure to be someone he isn’t anymore just to establish himself as a successful artist in the music industry. Whatever that means. 

Now, Jimin can pirouette circles around these big-name alphas in the music industry, drunk, with his eyes closed, and still look pretty doing it. 

“What argument are you winning right now?” 

Blinking, Jimin meets Taehyung’s eyes in the mirror. He’s on the floor again, this time scrolling through his phone. Without Hoseok here to scold him, Taehyung becomes easily distracted. 

“What?” Jimin scrunches his eyebrows, and Taehyung grins. 

“You’ve got that look on your face when you’re bitching someone out inside your head. What did I do wrong this time?” 

“Oh my god,” Jimin rolls his eyes, “Can you get up and practice?” 

Taehyung may need a break, but Jimin doesn't. He watches his form in the mirror as he continues dancing, effortlessly falling back into place as the music playing through the studio speakers guides his body.

Unlike the music videos for dreamscape and other K-pop groups, the “Hurt So Good” music video doesn’t heavily focus on dancing. Most of the dancing will involve Jimin and Taehyung mirroring each other’s movements, with only a few short sections requiring them to dance together. Still, it’s enough for Jimin to recruit Hoseok to help train Taehyung.

Hardly any choreography can trip Jimin up. With muscular thighs that pull at his sweatpants and a toned stomach that peeks out with each movement of his arms, Jimin feels powerful when he dances. He has had dance practice nearly every day for the past ten years. Those ten years have given Jimin an enviable level of poise, each movement fluid but still striking, like the slither of a snake. 

He shouldn't falter, yet he finds faults in his form now that he hadn't the day before when he reviewed the dance with his personal choreographer one-on-one. 

The mirrored wall makes it nearly impossible to avoid catching Taehyung in Jimin's sightline. Despite his expert focus, Jimin's skin prickles with the warmth of Taehyung's gaze burning into him. He's grateful for the air conditioning blasting cold hair hard enough to occasionally ruffle his hair when he dances underneath the vent. Hopefully, any errant changes in his vanilla scent are quickly swept away.

It's strange; Jimin is accustomed to being observed. He wonders if the remnants of his heat are raising his temperature, though it has been nearly a week since it ended.

“You’re so good,” Taehyung comments, his voice low enough that Jimin almost doesn’t hear him over the music. 

Ignoring the spike of heat Taehyung’s words ignite in the pit of his stomach, Jimin ends the song and sits on the floor. He spreads his legs and reaches for his toes in a loose stretch. 

“I’d hope so, considering how long I’ve been doing this.” 

“Just take the fucking compliment,” Taehyung demands, but he’s smiling as he stands up. 

The yin to Jimin’s yang, Taehyung goes high when Jimin goes low. He saunters to the other side of the dance studio to inspect a small canvas bag resting against the wall. 

“What’s this?” Taehyung asks, and Jimin can’t help but giggle. Taehyung looks over his shoulder at the sound, still grinning. “Park Jimin.”

“What!”

“You–” Taehyung interrupts himself by biting his bottom lip. The slow shake of his head fills Jimin with that familiar feeling of humiliation that makes the back of his neck prickle. 

“Me?” Jimin doesn’t understand why he’s breathless as Taehyung picks up the canvas bag to peer inside. 

“Oh, why didn’t we play with these?” Taehyung raises an eyebrow as he pulls out multiple metal chains from the bag. 

Hot in the face, Jimin straightens from hunching over his phone, reviewing the videos he took of their practice session, and sets it down.

"I don't really know how I feel about using the chains as props…" Jimin says quietly. 

"What do you mean?"

Taehyung remains on the opposite side of the dance studio. He wraps a long chain around both hands and tugs it, experimenting with the weight and movement when he swings it from side to side.

"It's… a lot. It's giving BDSM vibes."

Taehyung snorts. "Chim, the song is very clearly about BDSM. You have a verse about wanting to be tied down."

"By love! Besides, Namjoon hyung said we can't film anything explicitly about the song's content," Jimin huffs, turning his torso away from Taehyung to lift the bottom of his shirt and use it to wipe the sweat off his forehead. 

Unfortunately, Taehyung is correct. Namjoon has planned the scenes to skirt the song's topic artfully, dancing the line between artistic and risque. 

Jimin thinks it's fair that he's hesitant. Never before has he let someone wrap chains around his body. Though, it feels fitting that Taehyung will do it. Probably because Taehyung is annoying, and who else would ensnare Jimin but the little devil himself?

If Taehyung senses the anxious spike in Jimin's vanilla scent, he doesn't comment on it. He remains steady as well, his driftwood and bourbon scent hardly present. He’s quiet for a moment as he plays with the chains.

"It's just a song, Chim," Taehyung eventually says, his dark eyes flitting up to stare at Jimin across the room. "It's not like we're fucking."

"Well, I mean, obviously. That's not what I meant," Jimin stumbles through his words. He squeezes his phone and accidentally turns the video's volume up all the way.

Taehyung laughs, light and airy as usual, despite being exhausted and covered in sweat from hours of dancing.

"It's not a standard metal chain," Taehyung comments offhandedly, looping it over his shoulders and around his neck. "I don't know what material… It's something lighter. I bet they made it so you wouldn't smack yourself in the face with it."

"Me? What about you?"

Taehyung shrugs and pulls the chain off, letting it run along his neck until it falls limp in his hands. "I know how to use chains properly."

Jimin doesn't know what to say to that, so he ignores Taehyung and returns to their dance practice video on his phone. Whatever Taehyung is trying to joke about, Jimin doesn't understand, and he’s pretty sure he doesn’t want to. What would Taehyung even need chains for?

Apparently, in a particularly annoying mood, Taehyung is giving Jimin very few moments of peace today. Jimin feels the hairs on his arms raise as Taehyung circles behind him and leans down to nuzzle his face in the fluffy strands of hair that aren’t tied up in a ponytail.

“You smell nice when you’re embarrassed,” Taehyung’s voice is muffled, but Jimin hears him too well. 

Mortified, Jimin grows rigid beneath Taehyung’s gentle touch. It isn’t fair how vulnerable he is. He hates how easily others can read him since he can’t take suppressants to weaken his scent and the other telltale signs of his omega status. 

Taehyung is lucky to be on suppressants; his emotions are neatly hidden behind a controlled, stoic face. His driftwood and bourbon scent is still there, but it’s muted and easily masked by cologne. Sometimes, Jimin can’t sense Taehyung’s emotions just from scent alone. Jimin has had to learn the quirks of Taehyung’s body language, like how Taehyung's eyes grow wide and he does this strange little wiggle of his head when he’s trying to get something he wants, or how Taehyung plays with his fingers when he’s about to fall into ADHD-induced mind drifting during meetings.

In two years, Jimin thinks he’s done a damn good job of learning what makes Taehyung, Taehyung. This is why a shudder ripples through his body when Taehyung noses the curve of his ear and inhales deeply. 

“What’re you doing?” Jimin jerks away and twists around to narrow his eyes at Taehyung. 

Blank-faced and wide-eyed, Taehyung stares at Jimin like he’s waiting for him to answer his own question. 

“Do you want me to drive you home?” Taehyung asks when Jimin doesn’t say anything more. 

“Yes, please…” 

Unusually self-conscious, Jimin smooths down the back of his head while he watches Taehyung slip his backpack over one broad shoulder. His chest tightens when Taehyung reaches for his backpack, slipping it over his other shoulder. Taehyung looks ridiculous with both backpacks slung over his shoulders, but a sense of endearment warms Jimin’s cheeks when Taehyung lifts his chin in a nod toward the dance studio’s exit. 

The backpacks aren’t heavy. Why is Jimin blushing like Taehyung is demonstrating some impressive alpha feat? 

Resisting the ridiculous urge to slap himself, Jimin exhales slowly as he stands. 

“Wait, we should take a selca before we go,” Taehyung suggests once Jimin is at his side, “For the dreamers.” 

“Won’t your fans care, too?” Jimin doesn’t know why he feels defensive all of a sudden. Perhaps it’s because Taehyung’s cheeks are still dusted a light rose pink against his tan skin, and Jimin can’t pull his gaze away from them. 

“My fans complain about you in the comments because they’re all horny and hate when I even look in another celebrity’s direction,” Taehyung flicks the tip of Jimin’s chin, “But your fans love me.” 

Jimin lets out a strangled-sounding laugh. His fans do love Taehyung. They also think Jimin loves him, and not in a platonic soulmate way. 

Taehyung gives him an odd look. “Chim?”

“Let’s take a selca, yeah, that’s fun. That’ll be… cute. Sure!” 

Jimin pulls the hair tie from his ponytail, letting his hair loose so he can retie it after smoothing it out. His hair color has faded to a soft baby blue, akin more to a cloud than cotton candy but still complementary to his features. 

The selfie is cute despite their sweaty, bare-faced visuals. Taehyung is gorgeous regardless of the circumstances, and Jimin’s puffy cheeks give him a cherub look when his skin isn’t plastered with makeup. Visually, he and Taehyung complement each other just as well as they complement each other’s personalities and workstyles. 

Taehyung, the photographer; Jimin, the captionmaker. 

“Working out is a necessary pain,” Jimin workshops a few ideas out loud with Taehyung resting his chin on his shoulder to peer down at the Instagram post, “Or maybe only emojis. Or, midday vibe?” 

“Midnight Ride,” Taehyung smirks with a deep exhale sounding like a dark chuckle punctuating his comment. “Spoilers. You’re such an idol.”

“I’m not spoiling anything,” Jimin pouts because he’s not. They’re just little hints, little Easter eggs, in a way. Taehyung wouldn’t understand. “You’re the one who spoiled the entire album to begin with!” 

Letting out another breathy exhale that makes Jimin feel like he’s being mocked, Taehyung straightens his posture to readjust the backpacks. “Your fans will come up with plenty of conspiracy theories within five seconds of you posting that.” 

Like in our supposed love life, Jimin fills in the blanks and wonders if Taehyung has intentionally left them out of their conversation. 

Jimin flips off the lights when he passes through the exit doors and hopes he doesn’t have to spend the drive home with the smell of his embarrassment saturating Taehyung’s car–no matter how nice Taehyung finds it. 

By the time they shoot the Buzzfeed episode a few days later, Jimin’s anxiety morphs into an uncontrollable giddiness that gets on everyone’s nerves. Even Taehyung gives him a sideways look as they walk down the hall of some nondescript corporate building in downtown Seoul, where BuzzFeed's South Korean branch operates. A sweet female alpha leads them through the building and entertains Jimin’s nervous babbling with an unbreakable smile. 

“My name is Yoonhee,” she introduces herself, waiting for Jimin and Taehyung to exit the elevator and lead them down a winding hall. 

“It’s nice to meet you,” Taehyung’s voice is deep and smooth; he has already slipped into the celebrity persona he wears so well. 

Taehyung’s tone makes Jimin shiver, and it doesn’t help that Taehyung isn’t wearing scent blockers today. He smells good, almost too good, especially as he walks beside Yoonhee, and their alpha scents blend well together, hers equally earthy. It’s annoying, even though it has no reason to be.

“This is your first time doing a skit with us?” Yoonhee asks once they’ve reached a lone black door with a light above it, indicating whether anyone is using the recording studio inside.

Taehyung isn’t paying attention anymore, so Jimin does his best to take the lead. “Yup! I’m really excited!” 

His voice is too loud, echoing in the recording room, which is a soothing lavender that makes him smile because it reminds him of dreamscape. Two chairs are in the middle of the room near a bunch of professional camera equipment. The BuzzFeed employees tending to the equipment give Taehyung and Jimin small bows. 

“Well, we’re all happy to have you,” Yoonhee says with a smile. “Your managers spoke to you about the segment being in English, correct?” 

Taehyung looks to Jimin, avoiding Yoonhee’s gaze. 

“Yes, but can you please edit the final video to add translations for Taehyung?” Jimin asks, noticing Taehyung’s scent grow bitter in the back of his throat. “He can read English, but he’ll probably switch back for his commentary.” 

“That is no problem at all.” Yoonhee gives Taehyung a polite smile. 

She points at the chairs with the clipboard she’s holding, gesturing for them to sit down. “We’ll get started in a few minutes. If you need anything to drink, please let me know. We have water and some light alcoholic beverages.” 

“Soju?” Taehyung perks up at the mention of alcohol. 

Jimin can’t stop the nervous giggle that escapes him when Yoonhee returns with beer, though Taehyung seems pleased with any type of alcohol. 

“Maybe I should get some, too,” Jimin wonders aloud. 

Taehyung shakes his head after taking a sip from the glass bottle. “Yoonhee-ssi, can you get him some water?” 

Slumping in his chair, Jimin rolls his eyes as he always does when Taehyung makes decisions for him. It doesn’t happen often, but Jimin makes sure to express his disdain whenever it does. He’s pretty sure they both know that he’s being exceptionally dramatic. He secretly loves the doting, though he refuses to admit that, even to himself. 

It only takes a few minutes for the camera crew to finish getting ready. Jimin forces Taehyung to let him have at least a few sips of his beer to give him the false belief that he’ll receive any meaningful relief from the liquid courage. It isn’t that Jimin is concerned about filming the episode; like with dancing, he’s accustomed to being observed. Jimin is nervous about the possibility that the BuzzFeed staff have also seen what he and Hoseok have seen on Twitter — things Jimin desperately hopes Taehyung hasn’t seen. 

“Alright, are you guys ready?” Yoonhee asks.

Jimin gives her an enthusiastic thumbs-up and convinces himself that he is ready as the red recording light flips on, and the crew gives them the okay to start. 

"Hi, friends!" Jimin smiles wide at the camera and points at Taehyung, who sits in the chair beside him. "That's V!"

"And that's Jimin." 

Taehyung looks at Jimin rather than the camera when he points at him. His greeting is steady and smooth compared to Jimin's springy enthusiasm.

"And we're with BuzzFeed to read some thirst tweets!"

In front of their chairs are two small buckets: a blue one for Jimin and a red one for Taehyung. The buckets contain the tweets printed out by staff. Jimin can only imagine what kind of exciting things their fans have to say on Twitter, though he has a feeling Taehyung won't be as surprised as Jimin will be. Jimin doesn't make a habit of looking himself up on social media, but Taehyung likes to be nosy.

Jimin wiggles in his chair and holds the red bucket over his head, his nerves morphing into playful energy. When Taehyung snatches it away, he pouts.

"You're going to fall," Taehyung scolds. He looks to the staff standing behind the cameras and points at Jimin. "Can someone edit this later with how many times he falls out of his chair? Maybe add a counter at the top of the screen."

Annoyed by Taehyung's request and the staff's subsequent laughter, Jimin flicks the side of Taehyung's head as he boldly announces, "I won't fall at all."

"Sure, Jimin," Taehyung looks unconvinced, and rightfully so. Jimin has a habit of throwing himself onto the floor, legs flying in the air. "Alright, who goes first? Do I read mine, or do I read his?"

Yoonhee clarifies the episode's agenda: "You'll read the tweets about Jimin, and he'll read yours. Take turns, though."

After giving the staff another thumbs-up, Jimin snatches the red bucket back and waits impatiently for Taehyung to grab the blue one. 

"I'm older; I go first.” Jimin mixes the papers around, getting a little dramatic with it. 

Considering how big of a deal Jimin’s appearance is on the show, he thinks he's allowed to have fun with it. He's the first idol to participate in BuzzFeed's Thirst Tweets series. There have been Korean rappers on the show but no K-pop idols. Jimin knows he's becoming a trailblazer and perhaps a trendsetter. Undoubtedly, other idols will follow his lead and accept offers from BuzzFeed to participate in mature content like this in the future.

Being on the show is thrilling, to say the least. It's also terrifying because Jimin knows that some fans (and antis) will hate him for this, but there will also be fans who will be more than enthusiastic about watching the episode. He's also somewhat nervous about the tweets themselves. After watching other celebrities' episodes, Jimin has gotten an idea of what fans have to say… and they're definitely comments unlike anything he's ever heard, even going beyond what Hoseok has shown him.

None of that is anything Jimin can worry about now that he's here and the cameras are rolling. He hopes the resolution isn't too high because he's already sweating under the bright lights. At least he’s wearing a black shirt. 

"Are you ready, V?" Jimin waggles his eyebrows.

"Honestly, I don't think you're ready, but let's go."

Clearing his throat, Jimin holds out the first slip of paper and reads, "Kim Taehyung's hands would be the perfect necklace… I'm just saying."

When the words leave his lips, Jimin feels regret slowly trickling through his veins. It was his understanding that the tweets would start off harmless and grow exponentially more explicit. Apparently, their episode will take a different approach…

"Hmm, a choker," Taehyung hums with an appreciative nod. 

"Taehyung!" Jimin's dangly earrings swing as he whips his head to the side to look at him.

"What? That's what they're talking about." Leaning in, Taehyung presses his palm to Jimin's throat and loosely curves his long fingers around it. The multiple gold rings adorning his fingers are cold against Jimin’s skin. "I see it."

"Go away!" Jimin sputters, pushing Taehyung's arm from him. 

Heat blooms across Jimin’s face, and his stomach turns and dips, a rollercoaster of sensations tumbling through him. He fights the urge to touch his throat where Taehyung had, where his heart frantically pulses. He can smell his scent spike with something sweeter than his usual vanilla. It's so sweet that his tongue and throat feel thick with it, to the point that it's almost unbearable. 

The room they're in is spacious to accommodate the set and camera crew, but Taehyung is sitting right next to Jimin, close enough that their knees bump into each other when they shift in their chairs. The crew might not notice the change in Jimin's scent yet, but there's no way Taehyung can't notice it from having his hand around Jimin’s throat.

Looking entirely too pleased with himself, Taehyung plucks a slip of paper from the blue bucket. 

"Oh," Taehyung says with a smug smirk. The look on his face as he silently reads the tweet to himself makes Jimin's already nervous stomach twist into knots that sit heavily in his gut.

"Just read it," Jimin's command ends with a lilt, not a whine but something breathy that borders on distress. 

Taehyung stalls for a second longer as he chews his bottom lip between his front teeth. When Taehyung finally reads the tweet aloud, Jimin decides to murder Seokjin when they get home for letting them agree to be on the show.

"There are two kinds of people in this world: people who would sell their homes, kidneys, and souls to cum on Park Jimin's motherfucking lips, and liars."

For the record, Jimin isn’t as innocent as the K-pop industry tries to make its idols appear. He’s had sex, although not as much as the average guy, probably. It’s a little challenging to find the time and the right person. Most of the alphas Jimin has been with are also idols or other types of celebrities, people who understand nondisclosure agreements and have ones of their own. It’s too stressful to look for lust or love at tables other than the luxurious one he sits at. 

But never in Jimin’s life has he ever heard such words uttered in his direction. Although Jimin knows it’s just a tweet, that some stranger out there had delulu hours and wanted to express their love for Jimin in a… creative way, Jimin can’t move past the fact that Taehyung is saying it. Taehyung didn’t write it, but he’s saying it. Jimin is sitting here, watching Taehyung’s lips move, and he’s hearing Taehyung say he wants to cum on Jimin’s lips. 

Inhaling sharply, Jimin adverts his eyes. If he’s not looking at Taehyung, he’s looking at the camera. He’s not sure which is worse. 

The image of himself looking up at Taehyung while on his knees with parted lips slippery with cum, floods Jimin's mind. He swears he licks his lips in real life and tastes something sweet. 

It’s his lip balm, of course. That’s all. 

"I… don't know what to say," Jimin mumbles, already sweating through the armpits of his shirt. Starring in this episode is way worse than he expected, but there’s no way he’s going to let his perverted intrusive thoughts ruin everything.

“Thank you for the compliment, maybe,” Taehyung smirks as he crumples up the slip of paper and tosses it at Jimin. It bounces off the side of Jimin’s head, and some of the BuzzFeed staff giggle. “Now read another one of mine.” 

The tips of Jimin’s ears and the apples of his cheeks are on fire, but that isn’t an unusual reaction from more conservative or innocent celebrities featured on the show. Jimin is sure his fans will think he’s cute; they can all laugh about this later. What’s killing him is how strongly his scent wavers, spiking and dying out in fluctuations that follow the path of Taehyung’s eyes gliding from the little strips of paper to Jimin’s pink face. 

“Alright…” Jimin side-eyes the camera, only now realizing he has twisted his body so that he’s turned more toward Taehyung than the camera crew. He swallows and tries not to breathe too loudly into the little microphone clipped to his shirt. 

"Sometimes V’s voice be so deep I feel that shit tapping my cervix.”

As Jimin reads the tweet aloud, a reminder of the smooth, smoldering tone Taehyung uses with his fans during Weverse lives filters through his mind like hypnosis. Although the tweet isn’t anatomically relevant to Jimin, it deepens his embarrassment anyway.

“How the fuck are people so creative?” Taehyung asks with his hand out so Jimin can pass the paper to him for further inspection. “I wanna meet these people. We need to talk about some music content because there’s something interesting here. There’s good lyric potential.” 

“Are you kidding me?” Jimin rolls his eyes as he huffs.

Something about how Taehyung looks at him makes him feel like Taehyung isn’t falling for the little show he’s putting on. Jimin isn’t intentionally huffing and puffing to mask his embarrassment. He also doesn’t think it’s working, even if it was his intention. 

“This is lyricism, Jimin.” 

“It’s vulgar.” 

“Am I not vulgar?” Taehyung’s smile is sly, slippery, and slight. It’s sneaky enough to coax little sparks within the embers of the pit of Jimin’s stomach. 

“Just read another one, V.”

The segment runs longer than Jimin expects, though he knows most of the content won’t make the final cut. From what Jimin has seen, the videos uploaded to YouTube rarely last more than ten minutes. Whatever the editing process is, Jimin would like to be part of it. There’s no way he’s walking away from this experience without knowing what’s going into it.

“We only got two left, I’m pretty sure,” Taehyung says as he selects another slip of paper.

Jimin looks down at the final slip of paper in his bucket. What feels like hundreds of slips later, Jimin’s palms have left dark streaks on the thighs of his pants from how many times he has tried to nervously dry the sweat off them.

"This is another good one…” Taehyung’s smile is wicked. “I want Park Jimin to aggressively rail me. Like, you see how passionate he gets when he dances… Imagine him using that passion... elsewhere."

Sitting straight in his chair, Jimin looks past the camera lens to Yoonhee.

“Is this real? People actually posted these things?” Jimin rubs his hands on his thighs again, but his pants’ material is too smooth to fully dry the sweat from his palms. 

The crew laughs, a few of them reassuring Jimin that these are, in fact, very real. Taehyung’s laughter stands out among them; when doesn’t he stand out to Jimin?

“What, you don’t think people want you to fuck them?”

Jimin ignores Taehyung’s question. His eyes are too sparkly, and Jimin might be paranoid, but he thinks he notices Taehyung sniffing slightly, just a subtle inhale that feels different than a normal breath.

Jimin shifts in his seat so his knees point toward the camera crew.

“I can’t imagine sharing something like this on the internet, that’s all,” Jimin quickly looks into the camera with wide eyes, “I mean, not that it’s bad! I love that my fans are so supportive of me!” 

“Well…” Taehyung’s tongue prods the inside of his cheek when he pauses like he’s trying to decide if he should say what’s on his mind.

Jimin hopes Taehyung won’t, but two years is long enough to know that there is the thinnest of filters between Taehyung’s brain and mouth. 

“A confession like this would be more compelling if you were actually a top,” Taehyung’s smirk doesn’t falter as he speaks, even when Jimin shoves him hard enough to nearly topple Taehyung over. His chair tips to the side with enough momentum that he has to grab Jimin’s arm to stop himself from falling over.

“You can’t air this,” Jimin pleads with Yoonhee.

It doesn’t matter that Taehyung is correct about Jimin’s sexual preferences (of course he is; they’re best friends) or that society labels male omegas as bottoms anyway. Jimin would rather die than give the world permanent access to a clip of Taehyung calling him a bottom. 

It’s bad enough he has had to sit through dozens of statements from Taehyung that feel like sexual propositions. Jimin already feels like he’s going to explode. The least anyone can do is have mercy on him.

“We plan to run the footage past your managers before releasing the episode.” Yoonhee’s nostrils flex as she frowns and slowly shakes her head. "I can request that they share the file with you, too.”

“See, Chim. It’s just for fun.” The balled-up paper slip clinks against the wall of the bucket when Taehyung tosses it in. There’s only one slip left, and Jimin will read it for Taehyung.

“Alright, this is the last one,” Jimin says, uncaring that he isn’t performing well for the camera by speaking too softly. 

A quick scan before Jimin reads the tweet out loud, and he knows that out of all the tweets he has been forced to read, this one is bad enough that he can’t bring himself to look at the camera or Taehyung in the eyes while he reads it. He can barely force it out of his mouth.

“I cry myself to sleep at night knowing I'm punished to live a life where I…” Jimin trails off, interrupting himself by biting his bottom lip. He drags his teeth against the supple flesh and hopes his makeup is covering even the slightest pink undertones his cheeks may have.

“Where you…” Taehyung encourages with a sharp grin that pierces Jimin in the chest. Taehyung is wicked, oh so wicked, without even knowing how wicked he truly is.

Quickly looking back down, Jimin continues, “I cry myself to sleep at night knowing I’m punished to live a life where I cannot ride Kim Taehyung's face until I'm numb from overstimulation."

A high whistle echoes through the room, Taehyung shaking his head as his lips unpucker and curl into a smirk. 

“Wow,” is all Taehyung says. He stares at Jimin, who stares at the slip of paper in his hands, and folds his arms against his chest. “Wow.” 

Jimin hasn’t ever cried himself to sleep at night over Taehyung, but he has lost sleep over him, and he supposes that isn’t too different. Has he thought about riding Taehyung’s face until he’s numb from overstimulation? 

Well, he is now.

Taehyung must notice Jimin’s eyes fall to his mouth because he brings his hand to his face and runs his index finger along his bottom lip. The movement is slow and uncoordinated, with Taehyung’s finger slipping a few times and pulling down his lip in the middle. It almost looks absent-minded. 

Jimin doesn’t believe him one bit. 

The tweet makes sense, though. Taehyung has nice lips, not as full as Jimin’s, but still shapely. His nose is sharp, his chin and jaw defined, and his tongue… Well, let’s just say that Jimin is fully aware of Taehyung’s oral fixation from how seductive his stage presence is. 

“Should we say our goodbyes?” Yoonhee asks, pulling Jimin out of his thoughts. 

“Oh, yes, I think so.” Ducking his head, Jimin realizes he’s been staring at Taehyung this whole time, not once commenting on the tweet he just read. 

The staff’s laughter only intensifies Jimin’s flustered state as he and Taehyung thank their future audience for watching their episode. 

“We hope you enjoy our upcoming album, Midnight Ride. Jimin and I have worked hard, and we appreciate your love and support.” Taehyung is unfathomably smooth as he delivers the episode’s ending ment. 

Jimin walks out of the room on shaky legs.

Perhaps if Jimin was returning home after the BuzzFeed recording, he’d be okay. He could have the rest of the day to process every dirty thing that came out of Taehyung’s mouth (the most damaging: “I just need to eat Park Jimin’s ass”) and his own mouth (the most embarrassing: “Unhinged Tae thot? After he fingers you he does his signature V pose to lick his fingers”) in peace. He could lie in bed and tell himself that none of this means anything. Anyone would feel strange after hearing their best friend say such vulgar things about them or have to be the one to say the vulgar things. It’s supposed to be uncomfortable. That’s sort of the whole point of the bit. 

It doesn’t mean anything. 

Unfortunately, Jimin doesn’t have the luxury of going home to reevaluate his life choices. Instead, he slides into the back seat of the car waiting for him and Taehyung outside the BuzzFeed headquarters, and pretends his heart doesn’t leap out of his chest when Taehyung grabs his waist to help him. 

“The venue isn’t far,” their driver announces once Jimin and Taehyung are seated. 

Jungkook, the photographer they’ve hired to handle their concept photos, chose an interesting setting: a seedy-looking nightclub in Hongdae that Jimin is unfamiliar with. 

“Would you like the partition up?” the driver asks. 

Taehyung always prefers privacy in most aspects of his life except when it benefits him to be seen. Jimin doesn’t care much. He has learned how to deal with an idol’s life of constant surveillance. 

As the partition barrier goes up, blocking the driver from seeing and hearing whatever happens in the back seat, Jimin feels his skin prickle with warmth. It’s so odd; his heat has been over for days now. There’s no reason he should still feel uncomfortable body temperature fluctuations. Yet here he is, shivering and clammy. 

“Did you have fun?” Taehyung sounds smug, maybe even a little snarky, but his expression is neutral when Jimin peeks at him from the corner of his eye. 

“I guess you could say that…” 

Ah, there’s the smirk. It’s subtle, just the tiniest twitch of the corner of Taehyung’s mouth, but Jimin notices. He notices most things, finding it hard not to be drawn to Taehyung whenever he’s in the room. Even now, when embarrassment from the BuzzFeed recording has Jimin’s scent so sweet it’s almost tart, he still leans into Taehyung to rest his head on his shoulder. For comfort – just as friends do. 

“Did you have fun?” Jimin asks, tilting his head to look up at Taehyung. 

“Mhm,” Taehyung turns his face slightly to rest his cheek atop Jimin’s head, “I enjoyed watching you get all red and sweaty over it.” 

“Shut up!” 

Taehyung’s laughter is all teeth and crinkled eyes. His shoulders shake, bouncing Jimin’s head up and down, but Jimin doesn’t mind. Taehyung is cute, even when it’s at Jimin’s expense. 

“The internet is a nasty place,” Jimin sighs once Taehyung’s laughter has subsided. “Creative, but nasty.” 

“I find it flattering.”

Jimin watches Taehyung play with the many gold rings adorning his fingers, some fingers with more than one band slipped over them. Compared to Jimin’s stubby fingers, Taehyung’s are long and pretty, not too knobby, and end with finely manicured nails. Even his cuticles are perfect. Jimin can’t help but think about the first tweet he read and how nice the pressure of Taehyung’s hand was against his throat. 

“Flattering?” Jimin breathes, struggling to drag his eyes away. 

“You don’t think it is?” 

Jimin wonders if Taehyung really does lick the slick off his fingers in a “V” shape after fingering an omega, can’t stop his mind from wandering to all the female omegas Taehyung has hooked up with in the two years Jimin has known him. Jimin doesn’t have much additional brainpower to spend contemplating if finding sexual commentary about himself on social media platforms is flattering.

“I was just surprised, I guess.” Jimin grows quiet as he watches Taehyung reach for his hand, lacing their fingers together so he can pull Jimin’s hand into his lap. Their size difference never fails to make Jimin’s heart flutter, though he ignores it rather well. 

“You don’t go on the internet enough,” Taehyung flicks Jimin’s fingers, paying particular attention to his pinky, “I’ve seen dirtier commentary on Korea’s sweetheart, Park Jimin. Stuff that would make me look tame. Especially from Americans. They’re unhinged over there.”

Jimin doesn’t believe him, but he keeps quiet. It’s better that way since Taehyung flips Jimin’s hand to rest on his thigh, palm up, so he can trace the lines that web it. Taehyung’s light touch tickles and Jimin is still weirdly sensitive. 

“That’s why I avoid looking myself up…” Jimin eventually says. 

Taehyung hums in response, his mind gone somewhere new, while Jimin tries not to wiggle under his touch. He brushes his thumb along Jimin’s wrist, stimulating his scent gland. Vanilla and bourbon go well together, dark but warm and comforting enough that Jimin becomes drowsy. 

Exhausted from Yoongi and Seokjin being forced to book their promotional activities back-to-back due to “Spoiler Gate,” Jimin doesn’t fully wake up until they arrive at the nightclub. By then, he’s fully pressed into Taehyung’s side, his face tucked against his neck. 

Jimin no longer frequents Hongdae, but this nightclub isn’t his vibe anyway. As Jimin and Taehyung are ushered inside by Jungkook’s staff waiting for them, Jimin notes how dark and moody the club is. It’s industrial, with intentional graffiti, and designed to look like the warehouse nightclubs popular in the States, the ones Jimin supposes are for raves and underground music. 

In his casual streetwear of joggers and a fitted hoodie that stretches over his upper body muscles, Taehyung looks right at home, though they’ll both need to change outfits for the photoshoot. 

It’s strange to be in a nightclub during the day. Jungkook chose the venue after Jimin and Taehyung gave him the creative license to do whatever he wanted with their photoshoot. It’s risky, literally letting a photographer call all the shots, but Jimin assumes nothing will be as big of a risk as releasing an album with Taehyung. Besides, Jungkook has an impressive portfolio of gorgeous images he has captured of other celebrities over the years, and dreamscape worked with him in the past. 

The only danger to their photoshoot is Taehyung. 

It doesn’t take long to get ready for the photoshoot, although Jimin always spends more time with the stylists than Taehyung. With his additional free time, Taehyung catches up with Jungkook, whom he hasn’t seen in a while. They’re friends through the music industry but not directly because of their careers. They just so happened to meet each other through their mutual tattoo artist, who is well sought after by celebrities with plenty of money to drop on intricate tattoos. Both men are inked up all over their upper bodies. As uncommon as it is in South Korea, their body art makes them even more attractive to fans and celebrities. 

Not that Jimin ever thinks about anything like that. The fact that Taehyung has arm and chest tattoos has nothing to do with Jimin, of course.

When Jimin steps into the main room of the nightclub, where the large dance floor is, he’s greeted by Taehyung’s naked abdomen. 

“Got this one a couple days ago.” Taehyung lifts his shirt and points to a square patch of see-through bandage stuck with adhesive to his ribcage. 

Jungkook's camera is slung over his shoulder so he can bend slightly to examine the new tattoo through the plastic-like covering. 

The tattoo is one Jimin has seen before, but only once when Taehyung first got it. Despite their fairly regular sleepovers, Jimin rarely sees Taehyung without clothes on. It’s for the best, honestly. Ever since Taehyung came back from his enlistment, he maintained the muscular physique he’d nurtured while fulfilling his duty. Most alphas do; it’s just that Taehyung is always special in Jimin’s eyes. 

“Fuck me,” Jungkook mutters, looking up at Taehyung, “How bad was it?”

“Man, hurt like a bitch.” 

Jimin snorts, making Taehyung’s amber eyes look towards him. 

“When I got my ribs done, it wasn’t so bad. Alphas just have a lower pain tolerance than omegas.” 

“I don’t doubt that,” Jungkook says with an appreciative nod. 

Taehyung grins in a certain way that tells Jimin he’s about to say something terrible. Jimin doesn’t know how he knows; he just knows that he does, and he goes to scold Taehyung in advance but opens his mouth too late. 

“Taehyung, don’t you–” 

“It’s because you gotta take knots all the time,” Taehyung snickers, earning a smack in the stomach from Jungkook. Despite being an alpha, too, Jungkook has at least some decorum. 

Jimin hates how shy Taehyung’s comment makes him, and he turns his face to avoid looking at him. Maybe there’s some science behind Taehyung’s speculation. Maybe Taehyung is just a stupid alpha sometimes. 

“Alright, alright,” Jungkook lifts his camera from where it’s looped over his shoulder, “Let’s get this shit over with so we can get done before this place has to open for the evening.” 

The nightclub provides a gritty backdrop for their photos. It’s fitting, considering the album explores concepts like sensuality, forbidden romances, and a sense of belonging in spaces where it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. BDSM or not, Jimin values the nuances of their songs. Even the concept of a forbidden romance is less about a relationship with another person and more about Jimin feeling forbidden from exploring his identity as an adult in the K-pop industry. 

For Taehyung, the songs may be literal, but Jimin knows his best friend well enough to be sure that there’s more to him than surface-level sexual lyrics. 

“Are you ready?” Jungkook asks as he brings his camera up to his face. He analyzes the scene they’ve set up, and Jimin can practically see the creative gears turning in his brain. 

“Is this the last thing on my schedule for the day?” Taehyung already knows none of them can answer his question. Only Yoongi would be able to, and he isn’t here. 

Seokjin isn’t attending the photoshoot either, though Jimin already knew he would be busy with other important matters. It makes Jimin no difference; he has done countless photo concept shoots. He and Taehyung should be in and out without much of a fuss. 

Jungkook starts with a few photos at the bar counter that make it appear that Jimin and Taehyung are genuinely getting drinks at a bar. He ensures that Jimin and Taehyung get equal opportunities for solo shots and ones together. Other photos are more artistic, sometimes merely of the setting or close-ups of Jimin and Taehyung’s clothing – outfits they changed into for the shoot. Jimin and Taehyung complement each other well; their outfits don't quite match, but they're still in harmony. Their stylists leaned heavily into the dark, mature aesthetic of the album – opting for neutral color palettes, few patterns, and just shy of too much leather.

Taehyung was especially thrilled when one of the stylists fastened a leather necklace on Jimin, one too similar to a collar for Jimin’s liking. 

“Nice choker,” Taehyung had snickered when he maneuvered around the stylists who fiddled with Jimin’s clothes and makeup. 

Jimin chose to ignore such an inappropriate comment. And although Jimin is entirely out of his element in adopting this aesthetic, he has always enjoyed playing dress-up. What idol doesn’t? 

Once finished with the bar backdrop, Jungkook leads Jimin and Taehyung to a different room separate from the main dance floor. Blanketed in soft velvet furniture and red lighting, the second room is a VIP lounge. It feels sultry, even with the absence of people and the heavy bass of club music. 

“Taehyung-ssi, can you put your arm across the back of the couch? Just let it hang limp.” 

For a fraction of a second, Jimin tenses when Taehyung follows Jungkook’s orders by draping his arm over the back of the couch where Jimin sits beside him. The movement reminds Jimin of the teenage cliche, the slow reach behind someone’s date at the movies, trying their best to appear nonchalant when everyone knows they’re trembling inside. 

“Perfect.” 

Jungkook either doesn’t notice how tense Jimin is, or he thinks it’s all an act for the camera. He takes a few quick photos before directing Jimin and Taehyung to new positions on the red velvet couch. 

“Alright, this time, I need you to face each other and give me something that screams Midnight Ride. I need something dark, spicy, something… enchanting. People need to see the chemistry between you. Think you can manage that?” 

Jimin scrunches his eyebrows and stares at Jungkook, who nearly vibrates from creative enthusiasm. “Chemistry? Why would we need to have that?” 

They do, but Jimin doesn’t understand why that matters. 

“Come on, Chim. It’s just for fun,” Taehyung murmurs, running his fingers along Jimin’s jaw with enough pressure to bring his face forward again. “You know how to be enchanting. Hit me with those siren eyes of yours that everyone loves.” 

It should be easy; Jimin knows exactly what Taehyung is talking about. Part of the effect is having the right makeup and a perfect mindset. When it comes to his job, performing and presenting himself as an idol, Jimin is a professional at being alluring. 

This photoshoot is different, though. Taehyung is the alluring one, his features sharp and haunting in the VIP room’s red lights. The lighting does nothing to mute the teasing glint in his eyes; if anything, the color enhances the mischievous gleam. Jimin would shy away from such a gaze if it weren’t for Taehyung maintaining light pressure on the edge of his jaw to keep him in place.  

“Perfect, absolutely perfect,” Jungkook’s praises sound far away and waver like the summer air rippling with heat as it rises from the asphalt. 

Taehyung chuckles, and the light caress of his breath makes Jimin’s skin tingle. It doesn’t help that they’re sitting so closely that their knees bump, and Jimin is inundated with Taehyung’s uninhibited alpha pheromones. He’s amused, his scent telling Jimin that he falls somewhere between genuinely happy and wickedly mocking. For some reason, Jimin feels embarrassed either way. 

“Jimin-ssi, can you follow Taehyungie hyung’s lead?” 

Maybe? No? Jimin doesn’t know what Jungkook is asking of him. Midnight Ride is sultry, dark, and mature. If someone asked Taehyung what it’s about, point blank, he’d say it’s about sex. And it is, even though Jimin respects the nuances. Some songs are genuinely only about sex, and sex sells. Not that Jimin and Taehyung need to be sexual for their music to perform well. It’s just fun. Jimin is finally letting himself admit that. 

Taking a deep breath, Jimin tries to force himself into the headspace he needs for this look. He focuses on how free “Hurt So Good” makes him feel seductive and powerful. It is a reminder that Jimin can do anything he sets his mind to, even if it hurts. Even if a part of him craves that hurt because it gives him something to strive for and adversity to overcome. 

Like the strange feelings he has for Taehyung. They hurt so badly, especially now when Taehyung is so close, and he smells so good, and all Jimin can think about is how wrong his fans are because he and Taehyung aren’t together. They’re friends, and Jimin is okay with that. He doesn’t have actual feelings for Taehyung. He’s confused, a little lost, and hopelessly ruled by the tricks being with a co-lead can play on idols who collaborate. Jimin imagines it’s the same as how some actors get swept up in their emotions when taking on a romance role. 

“Why are you upset?” Taehyung asks quietly, and Jimin hopes Jungkook doesn’t hear them over his camera's click and the staff chattering in the background. 

Jimin is too quick to answer, “I’m not.” 

“Your scent is telling me otherwise.”

With the click of the camera shutters, it’s likely impossible for Jungkook to not have captured Taehyung subtly scenting Jimin by pressing his wrist against his neck. He drags his wrist downward and then around the back to grab Jimin’s nape. They both know Jungkook won’t use the photos of such an intimate moment, no matter how small. 

The scenting works as it always does when Jimin is with Taehyung. He leans into Taehyung more, feeling his body relax and his chest become lighter. 

Though it may be more than just the scenting. Taehyung fully cups his palm around Jimin’s nape and presses down slightly, pulling Jimin in further until he’s forced to close his eyes because they’re too close together to look at Taehyung without his eyes crossing. 

“I think we should give everyone something worth talking about,” Taehyung whispers, though Jimin catches his smug tone quickly. 

He doesn’t want to ask and is afraid of the answer, but the question slips out anyway. “Like what?”

Rather than respond, Taehyung keeps his hand against Jimin’s neck when he kisses him. The pressure isn’t forceful, though; Jimin can easily pull away. 

He doesn’t. 

It’s gentle how Taehyung’s lips lock with Jimin’s, but it isn’t innocent. He nibbles Jimin’s bottom lip hard enough for it to hurt before sucking it into his mouth. Jimin gasps at the pull, and Taehyung’s responding throaty chuckle sparks something hot and electric through Jimin’s body like his veins are hot wires sizzling inside of him from his lips to his toes and the tips of his fingers that dig into the couch cushions. 

What the fuck?

Taehyung’s hand slides upward from Jimin’s nape so he can slip his fingers in his hair. He curls his fingers around the longer strands in the back and tugs so slightly that it hardly moves Jimin’s head, but enough to make Jimin whimper – quiet but still embarrassing. 

“Uhh, I don’t know if I can use this…” Jungkook’s voice chisels between Jimin and Taehyung, forcing them to part. 

Taehyung's calm and steady breaths contrast sharply with Jimin's quick and sharp inhales. Jimin grips the couch cushions tightly, unable to get his lungs to cooperate.

What the fuck, what the fuck?

“Why? Are you scared of Jinnie hyung’s wrath?” Taehyung leans back against the arm of the couch. He’s so casual and relaxed, as if he hasn’t nearly made Jimin slick in front of everyone. 

“Duh, I am. I’m not trying to lose my job over you guys being controversial,” Jungkook admits with a pout, but he takes a few more photos anyway. 

According to Jungkook, they’ve got enough content to work with. Jimin knew the photoshoot wouldn’t take long, but the rest of the poses Jungkook puts them in after The Kiss make Jimin feel like jelly. Nothing else comes nearly as close as provocative, but it doesn’t matter. Jimin can’t get his head straight. He follows Taehyung and Jungkook to a few more rooms in the nightclub with a spacey look on his face that seems to please Taehyung if his honeyed scent is to be trusted. 

Why would Taehyung kiss him? Jimin doesn’t understand. 

He intently watches Taehyung for the rest of the photoshoot and continues to do so once they’re back in the car and are dropped off at their respective apartments. Taehyung behaves normally, chatting away about how exhausting promo schedules are, that he doesn't understand how Jimin could handle dreamscape’s comebacks, and how he needs to reconnect with Jungkook outside of work more often. His energy is slowly depleting from the day’s activities, but he’s got that sparkle in his eyes that Jimin loves so much. 

Essentially, Taehyung is unaffected. 

It’s controversial, as Jungkook said. A wow factor. Something to make people talk. Taehyung is known for causing scenes and pushing boundaries; Jimin shouldn’t be surprised that he’d want to do the same for their album. 

But when Taehyung daps Jimin up in goodbye when they reach his apartment first, never once looking back as he jogs to the front doors, Jimin feels his heart sink to the pit of his stomach. It’s just a game, one in which Taehyung is a professional.

Later, when Jimin is snuggled in bed, he tries not to let his thoughts wander. He doesn’t try very hard, especially when he lets himself pick his bottom lip with his index finger and thumb, playing with the middle pillowy part Taehyung had wrapped his lips around. It’s like he’s in a trance, or maybe he’s high off of his needy pheromones, unable to rip himself away from thoughts about The Kiss. 

He got his wish: now he knows Taehyung’s lips are even softer than they look. The thing is, he can’t blame hormones this time. 

Luckily, it’s just a game. 

Series Masterlist

Disclaimer: All my writing is fictional and for entertainment purposes only. None of these characters are meant to actually represent the real people mentioned in the stories. 

All rights reserved © @gimmethatagustd​ - Do not copy, repost, modify, or translate any of my writing. Do not use my writing for any AI purposes whatsoever. Do not use my fics for anything aside from reading and commenting on them. My fics will only be posted on this Tumblr and on AO3 (gimmethatagustd & daddytaehyungie).

[mixtapedoh]

literally ran to your inbox when i saw your writing event post. may i request hoshi with autumn by niki because i like pain and can not get this song out of head for days now

omg, a fellow niki lover <3333 jen, you always have had such wonderful taste. i love the way her songs allow me to bleed.

ᴅɪᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴇᴀɴ ꜰʀᴇᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴍᴇ?

☄. *. ⋆

pairing: kwon soonyoung x reader (not endgame) genre: angst, break-up word count: ~1k warnings: heartbreak, death imagery (don't we love angst and more angst and a dash of even more crushing angst?), barely there plot but fuck it, we ball.

olive's notes: a very interesting exercise for me! tbh, as a niki fan, i love to cast her songs as potential fic ideas, and when i hear autumn, my gut reaction is woozi, so to think about hoshi instead was a welcome challenge. hopefully i did it justice <3.

Read

You stare at those four letters, that single word, the broken sentence fragment not even deserving of punctuation until the blue light of your phone burns the impression of it into your retina in a persistence that lasts longer than your last conversation with him, just days before.

Read.

Not even four letters he had deigned to type out — some semblance of a response to your longing that you'd attempted to sever with a knife that, rusted through, meant you had to saw at that place where you deemed your attachment thinnest over and over: a back and forth motion, a seasickened sort of nausea that left you emptier than perhaps the hacking would have resulted in, had the cut been clean. But no; to all that you had spilled before him in your text (written and rewritten, drafted and thrown out, wept over, then created anew), all he could offer you — all he would give you, now — was silence. A read receipt. All your feelings still spilling out of you, pooling in shallow oceans, sales tax. Your anger, change. A transaction in the deficit. A run-up tab, a thousand I-owe-you's coalescing in just four letters, not even the ellipses of thought.

Read.

But did he?

When you fell for Hoshi all those months ago, it certainly hadn't been for his careful trepidation, or some thoughtful penchant for contemplation. It was for the lack of it, really. The way he so effortlessly swept you up — took your wary hands, and with a smile that seemed to embody the whole of him, coaxed the laughter out of you, and then following, the vulnerable, sticky truth. He liked it — liked you — he always pressed for more.

And so you'd give, and he would take. Then he'd offer, and you'd come closer to receive. Close enough to memorize the lines in his face, intimate enough to carve the worst of you into his bones.

And then work came between you, as it was wont to do. You were seeing each other in secret, of course (could you imagine what they'd say, if all the world knew?), but then people grew suspicious, an accounting of his every move including too many reports of you. So space was needed, but Soonyoung was apologetic, and you were hopeful you'd pull through.

"I love you," you'd whisper in the late night phone calls when he'd still be in his sweats and running choreography that was perfect as is.

(It wasn't right, he'd always claim. And he'd do it again and again, critiquing it over and over. Sharper. More focused. Harder. More precise. Another replay of the same, small moment. A circle that he could never claim was finished, an ideal he could never move past. It would be perfect. It had to be right. It wasn't enough if it were half-performed, it would never signify.)

"You love me?" he'd laughing, reply. Joking self deprecation, it had began, then a spiral towards something doubtful and unsure. A while yet and it began to hollow and turn cold.

"You love me?" he'd once said. "Not if I love you more."

And what if he'd stopped all together? A train crash or a too-long sustained whimper, it's silence a death.

Could you love him still, if this feeling is just aching? Could you love him if your phone calls were never picked up and only once, returned? Could you love him if you begged to hear from him and he'd go for weeks at a time without giving you a word? Could you love him if — at midnight — you texted him that it felt as though with each passing day he was loving you less, and every moment your breath was hitched in anticipation waiting for him to come home an agony of only half-living and drowning in your own insecurities and sorrow.

Could you love him if you sent it, and waited all that early morning for his reply, only for him to read it 4 hours later and not even reply?

"I'm so lucky I met you," Soonyoung had once said to you, with flowers in his hands, a bouquet of bleeding colors, a display near blinding when you looked at it head on. The assortment was so fresh, their fragrance assaulted your every sense, and the reminder of him lingered long after he was gone.

The aroma was gone, now. The savor expired, the petals wilted and sagged. You were perhaps due another fresh delivery, and maybe he'd bring it to you — every new batch of flowers less ceremonious than the last, with fewer words of endearment, rarely an explanation for all he'd done in between the death of the old set, and the replacement with something new.

Excuses rarely beget the same of their kind, and thinness only ever tried to be better, still.

. . .

He was typing.

Maybe that read receipt was still burned into your retinas. Maybe despite this offer of something, you were through.

☄. *. ⋆

blog home

[karuuhnia]

I've been a Pokémon fan since the very beginning and recently a friend asked me who my favourite character was. I couldn't answer with just one character. So instead I gave her my top 3 favourites from each generation - and then turned it into this. lol

A little bit more info under the cut if you're interested.

_______

Please do not alter, repost/reupload or redistribute my artwork anywhere! (Reblogging is perfectly fine, of course.)

Gen 1:

Blue: The original rival, you loved to hate him. :D

Erika: I loved her design as a kid, even though I had no idea what a kimono was back then lol

Bill: No idea tbh lol. I like his hair and that he's a nerd, I guess? Honestly, Gen 1 did not have that many memorable and fleshed out characters, so I kinda struggled here.

Gen 2:

Lance: Honestly, he was my fave in Gen 1 already. I love his strength, his design, his virtuousness, his bravery, his code of honour, his everything. To me he's like a knight in shiny armour from old fairytales. lol I could spend a whole day describing all the things I love about him, but I don't wanna bore you.

Eusine: Probably a weird pick for many because he is kinda obnoxious in the game lol I've always had a soft spot for him though and I really wanted him to get Suicune in the end, after he'd changed.

Morty: I love his design and colours and that he's Eusine's bff and voice of reason.

Gen 3:

Steven: He is classy, wears a really awesome suit, has very cool Pokémon and is still a huge nerd. I love it!

Archie: (I see you, @chipsncookies) Big hunk with a big smile and a cool outfit. Beard. Not a bad guy, actually. Learns that he was wrong and does everything to make things right again. Frienemies with Maxie.

Maxie: Scrawny beanpole with a silly (but very cozy looking) outfit. Secretly a dork. Not a bad guy either. Learns from his mistakes and wants to make them right again. Frienemies with Archie.

Gen 4:

Riley: I was a huge fan of Sir Aaron in the movie and Riley is just as awesome. I love his hat too. His personality is also similar to Lance's, so that's a huge plus.

Cynthia: I really, really like her. She is so cool and strong and her theme is amazing. Just like Charizard she's become too popular and that gets a bit tiresome sometimes.

Looker: Okay, I admit, it took me a while to get used to Looker. But now I like his quirky, funny Inspector Gadget shenanigans. What changed my mind was the aftergame of XY. ;__;

Gen 5:

Ingo & Emmet: I couldn't do it. I couldn't choose who of them I like more. So they share the first place.They're a duo anyway. And absolutely inseparable. R-Right?

Elesa: I like her mainly because of the fanon that she's bffs with the subway twins. But she's also not the bitchy supermodel that I first thought she was. She's actually kind and supportive.

Alder: Funny grandpa with awful hair, but a big heart and a great theme song.

Gen 6:

Lysandre: His design always gave me Ganondorf-vibes. That's pretty much it. His goal is stupid.

Emma: Her storyline in the post-game was by far the best thing in XY. And her theme is so beautiful!

Sycamore: I still wish he had actually turned out to be evil. I still like him.

Gen 7:

Kukui: What is not to love about him? He's a hunk, he loves his wife, he takes in Lillie, he punches Pokémon with his bare hands.

Lillie: Sweet little girl who deserves all the love from her friends and her adoptive parents instead of all the shit her psycho bio mother put her through.

Burnet: She's sweet and smart and kind and I wish she had a much bigger role in the game. Her anime part was great though <3

Gen 8:

Piers, Sonia and Raihan: Honestly... These are pretty much the only characters that I remember lol Gen 8 was very underwhelming for me.

Gen 9:

Arven: Just a poor neglected boy who wants to save his sick dog. In contrast to his shitty parents he's got a big heart, is caring, nurturing and supportive.

Clavell: The twist about this character was that there was no twist. He is just a very kind grandpa who genuinely cares for the well-being of his students. I also LOVE his battle theme.

Hassel: This game really is full of wholesome boomers. Hassel's got a huge heart for art and his students and Pokémon. He's also not afraid of showing his emotions.

[seaofreverie]

Sparkstember Day 2: A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing (The Louvre)

Another very solid album! I think I've heard some say that it's not really that good besides a couple standouts, but I must respectfully disagree!! More down-to-earth and less of a bag of delightfully mismatched oddities than its predecessor, yes, but that still doesn't really diminish its value in my eyes. Yeah, it doesn't really have many low points for me but it also definitely does have those couple of total classics that totally stand out (and interestingly, I realized while writing down my favourite songs that I could consider every single one on the first half of the album a favourite. Not that the second half is necessarily worse... but still interesting to actually have it spelled out and visible like that and be able to think about it). And all in all Woofer definitely continues with a very similar kind of feeling and imagery as the previous release so I'm definitely a big fan of that aspect! I really like this album a whole bunch and revisit it a lot. Just making it clear here... just in case... that yes, I do like it, even if I don't have that many specific things to sing praise about this time, maybe? Or at least not as loudly. Who knows!

But ok, there actually IS another very important thing I can't forget to mention about Woofer. Because this is THE impressive Russell vocal moments album for me, or maybe more appropriately, Russell making sounds that are both impressive and intriguing in nature. That defintely makes it stand out even among all the other early 70s albums (which also have their own fair share of such moments of course). But I'll say more on those specific moments below.

And also, continuing the topic of seasons associations here too (for as long as I remember to inculde these here, I might forget about it pretty quickly however, maybe it's just that with some later albums the associations aren't as pronounced and important! Yeah, it could be that), this album is totally autumny to me, a sunny and warm sort of autumn but when most of the leaves have already fallen down. For once it's not the exact moment when I started listening to it that becomes the associatied season, huh? But even then, I can still hear some elements of late winter / very early spring here as well.

Favourite songs (and other highlights):

Girl From Germany (this is just THE sound of the summer kind of song for me, it just makes me instantly happy. Which I guess is kind of funny considering its subject matter but that's just how it is with Sparks and I think we all got used to that at this point)

Beaver O'Lindy (!!!!! no explanation needed, right)

Nothing Is Sacred (suuuuuper underrated, I especially love Russell's entire... whatever is going on at the end here, it's one of my favourite moments on the entire album)

Here Comes Bob (this is silly but at first whenever I heard this song I always pictured the character Bob from Animal Crossing going on a little stroll so that definitely makes it funnier)

Moon Over Kentucky (another timeless CLASSIC. I don't even know what to say about it, it's just so good. And has plenty of those vocal moments too for sure)

Batteries Not Included (not... really a favourite but I still wanted to give it a mention, because I think there's something very cool and unique about it, even besides being sort of a funny little... ugh, I hate to use this word but, novelty?? song (I can't find a better word for this that doesn't come af sort of derogatory but I hope you can see what I mean with this haha)). Oh, and of course it's the first on the list of "short intro" type of Sparks songs, which I always find quite great and memorable whenever they show up over the following years.

[hannieehaee]

NO SONG WITHOUT YOU (teaser)

18+ / mdi

summary: with zero experience or interest in the romantic aspect of his life, jihoon finds himself in an unexpected situation when his company decides on a collab between the two of you, not expecting the work-addicted producer to develop a bit of a crush on you.

content: idol!jihoon x idol!reader, afab reader, pining, jihoon's emotionally constipated, jihoon's pov, some angst, misunderstandings, kinda inexperienced jihoon, smut, dry humping, oral (m receiving), penetrative sex, etc.

(^ no actual content warnings in the teaser)

wc: 782 in this teaser; 10k+ in the final ver

release date: 12/7/23

update: FULL FIC HERE

a/n: so happy to have finally written a long fic for jihoon!! he's one of my biases so i had a lot of fun writing him :D hope u guys enjoy the final product <3

masterlist

Jihoon was tired.

Beyond tired, actually. He couldn't remember the last time he'd left his studio at a reasonable time. He knew people on twitter made jokes about him being a bit of a hermit, with fans being able to spot his studio from outside the building, lights always on and indicating the producer was still inside.

He didn't have much of a valid excuse for this, other than being a 'workaholic', or at least that's the term Joshua had recently introduced him to, describing him as the prime example. Jihoon just couldn't help himself. He'd been like this ever since he could remember. If he had an idea, he had to work on it. And unfortunately for him, he was always full of new ideas. If Seventeen was releasing an album, that meant Jihoon already had enough material to fill up the next three albums backed up in a file somewhere in his computer.

Despite always having music prepared months in advance, - even having solo music up for grabs for whichever member desired it - he still found himself constantly working. It's not like anyone demanded this out of him either. It was quite the opposite, actually. From staff, to other producers, to members and even family, everyone always insisted that he took a break, maybe leave producing aside for a month or two. This was inconceivable to him, it was something that was simply out of his comfort zone.

The truth was, Jihoon felt lost. Any time he strayed away from work in some way or other, he didn't know what to do with himself. He felt like a failure in many other aspects of his life. Granted, he was a successful idol and producer, talented in every area necessary in his field, but past that, what did he really have to offer? He'd been stuck in a rut for a few years now. He had his members, his family, maybe some staff, but his social life didn't go much past that. He didn't have many hobbies outside of work either. Sure, he was avid when exercising, even being an overachiever in that area, but that was also kind of part of his job. He knew he needed to step out of his comfort zone at some point and live his life, but he kept making excuses for himself. He was 26 now, and was, quite frankly, beginning to lose hope in certain areas of his life due to his career - although blaming his career was just an excuse, really - the romantic aspect of his life being one of them.

Jihoon had some experience, okay? It wasn't like he'd never liked a girl before. He'd had a few crushes in elementary, maybe even some up until high school. He'd kissed one of the female trainees back when Pledis was a smaller company (okay, it might've been on a dare, but to Jihoon it counted). A few years after debuting he'd even gone on a few dates with a former staff member from his company. He'd lost his virginity to that same girl, kind of rushing into it due to feeling pressured to just get it over with - something he didn't exactly regret, but wished had been more of a memorable moment. The point was, Jihoon had had a few romantic experiences in his past 26 years on this earth. But, he hadn't ever even gotten close to find that one great love he'd hoped he one day would. For someone who received constant accolades for his lyricism, he was never really able to relate to his own music. He'd never been heartbroken, never had an insane need for someone, never felt romantic love, never been in the throes of passion with a beautiful girl, even. It was all his imagination. His lyrics, that is. And maybe the rest, if he was being honest. He'd dreamt about it lately; the perfect girl who he'd find and sweep off her feet. But that was all it was, a dream.

So, Jihoon was tired. Tired of hauling himself up in his studio to make himself feel something. But that was where he now found himself; stuck and in a rut, hoping for something more.

[crmsnmth]

Hello

So, since I'm never satisfied, and it's been quite some time since I did this, here's

Version 5

(I apologize for the length. I kind of just got caught up writing it.)

Introductions Are stupid

Hey. How goes it? Here's a little bit about me, and why I do what I do. We all in? If not, too bad. It's time to move.

I'm a 36 with no pronouns. Just call me whatever you want, I don't give a damn. Pansexual, if you must know my private business. I live in a small town of 2000 people right in the center of the drunken state of Wisconsin. It is not even close to as fun as that sounds, and it doesn't sound all that fun to begin with. It's a place where alcoholism is worn like a goddamn badge of honor. Try being sober when getting alcohol poisoning makes you a legend, and wearing DUI's like peacock feathers. I've lived in many other places though, jumping around the Midwest as if it were playground hopscotch. I guess it's true what some people say though, and we always end up right back at home. I keep coming back here at least.

I work two jobs, both in the same field. For one, I am the kitchen manager/Head Whatever for a Bar/restaurant/bowling alley. I told you, it's a small town. And I also work as a plain old line cook at another bar/restaurant/event center. I've been working the kitchen life since I was sixteen and started working at a Rocky Rococo's Pizza. That sucked and this sucks too. I'm not a fancy chef, and I didn't go to school for shit, but I've been in this industry a long time, and I still love the basics of my job. It's one of the few things that I can actually say I'm good at and take a lot of pride in what I do for work.

I spend most of my time listening to music (it's always playing around me). I listen to all music, and I'm not just saying that. I actually do. You can go through my main playlist and you'll find everything from Slayer to Britney Spears to Alan Jackson to The Casualties to Katy Perry etc… My favorite band of all time is the Descendents (I'm just a square going nowhere). But standing tall in second place is Amigo The Devil (As long as I wake up, I'm already stronger than dead) and Frank Turner (If you're all about the destination, then take a fucking flight) rounding out my top 3. Honorable Mention goes out to Lana Del Rey, Blitzkis, Murderdolls, Poor Man's Poison, Pat "the Bunny"(And all of his projects) and I'm going to stop now or this will just turn into bands I like. I am always on the lookout for new songs to memorize, so tell me the songs that mean the most to you. I seriously want to know.

I am a massive film fan. Mostly old horror, but I love the weirdest movies out there. Art films? Hell yes. Although, I'm still a sucker for the classic 80's slasher, or the 30's Universal horror. I've seen every Friday the 13th (official films, including the remake) enough times that I can quote almost every line from each film (those damn enchiladas). My favorite movie of all time, and I say this without any irony at all, is a little indie number called "The Room." I fucking love Tommy Wiseau's The Room. It is the greatest peice of cinema this world has ever seen. If you have not seen this fucking beautiful trainwreck, please rectify that. Like now. Stop reading this and find a way to watch it. Watch it. Go on, get. Come back to me when you've learned some film culture ettiquette.

I'm mentally screwed and quite medicated. I have come to peace with this fact. I've been as stable as I can get for a good four years now. So that's neat.

I am a raging cynic. I'm not sure if it's by choice or by enviroment. Either way, it's easier this way.

I'm a political nihilist. The system has failed, will continue to fail, and always will fail. It's inevitable and it doesn't matter who you put in charge. It will always fail. So please, shove your political opinions up your ass. I don't care.

I am a recovering addict, long-term. 8 Years. I am sober a little over two.

I started writing young. As soon as I could basically. Stashed somewhere in a box of my dad's thing is a few pieces of paper with a short little story in it. It's awful, but it's the earliest fossil of my work. Writing became a form of therapy and how to cope with my parent's divorce, my extreme depression in my teens, my anger and even lonliness. Words were comfort. Words are easy. Words are what I have to really express myself and I couldn't be happier that I've found other writers who aren't in it for fame or glory, but just for the simple fact that they love to write. I write more than any sane and healthy person should right, but I'm far from sane and I'm far from healthy. I write this much because if I don't, my head will explode into a shower of blood, brain and skull. Take that as a metaphor if you want, but I'm telling you the truth.

I do not write for anyone's actual approval. Not even my own really. I do this because it's the only addiction I have that isn't actively trying to kill me, and is actually trying to better me as a person and get in touch with unresolved feelings and places that will never have closure. Plus, the idea of my skull exploding sounds ok, but I can't leave behind that mess for anyone else to clean up.

I will always love constructive criticism. But please, for the love of all the love in the world, don't just tell me I suck. I get that. It's a massive part of my whole act. Please, give me a reason why I suck, what I'm doing wrong in your eyes. Help me to better this craft I play with. Seriously, I love it. But if you can't give me a reason, maybe it's best you keep that food-hole shut, and stop trying to be a dick, dick.

So what do I write? What do I put here on my tiny molecule of the internet? Bad poetry, and way too much of that. You'll find random crappy drops of stores or fiction (September Sky is still being worked on, I didn't forget about it). You'll find song lyrics for songs never written, scripts for films never shot, speeches given to people who aren't alive anymore, letters that never get sent. I try to write something at least once a day, but If I get on a roll, I'll post up to 15 or 20 new posts a day. Call it obsession if you want. I guess by definition, you wouldn't be wrong.

So since, I write some much, what topics to a tap dance to the grave with? I'm pretty predictable. So this stuff:

The Girl with the Ocean Blue Eyes*, Kid*, The Broken Mirror Girl*, My Junkie Angel*, My April Fool's Riddle*, The Cynic's Best Friend*, love, lost lovers, hopelessness, isolation, drug addiction, alcoholism, depression, forgotten acquaintances, mental illnesses, rage, hate, rejection, joy, insignificant moments, slices of life, laughter, beauty, self and self-reflection, self-hate, art, other writers, panic, infatuations, obsession, therapy, group homes, rehab, jail, grace, nature, loss, hope, fear, grief, anguish, philosophy, anarchism, nihilism, religion, god, the devil, ugliness, politics, serial killers, cults, suicide, death, destruction, chaos, music, validation, closure, memory, enemies, friends, rock bottom, sex, violence, rock and roll, sin, self-exploration, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, pain, self-destruction much more. I'm a firm believer that tragedy equals beauty, and take the tragic parts of my life, the shit that really bothers me, to this day, and I write it out. Maybe someone will see those words and realize they aren't alone. Wow, that's not very cynical of me, is it? Ok, fuck those people. Is that better?

Consider this little spot your trigger warning. Seriously, if just read the paragraph above you and think I play it all that safe, your definitely in the wrong place. I will talk of horrible things. They will bring horrible feelings. They could set you off. I'm stating it once, here and now, under a blanket term. Read what you want, but read with caution.

I make music as well as the writing gig. I don't bust out music as much as I do words, but I still have fun doing what I do, and if you'd like to tell me how much I suck at it, please do exactly that. At either of these chosen sites (Reverb has everything. I'm too cheap to pay for Soundcloud's stuff):

Look, if I came off has Nr. Doom, the misery poet archetype, the aged out punk rocker, the reclusive loner, I'm really…I was about to lie and say I wasn't those things, but that's is what I am. I am also a lover of art, a lover of food, a lover of love, an artist, a weirdo, a very scared individual, paranoid, insecure about everything, socially awkward kid who never grew out of black Misfits t-shirts and chain wallets. I am not an animal. I'm a goddamn human being.

Oh, because I get asked about them or why I just seem to ignore them. I am the goddamn king of typos. Missing letters, misspelled words, horrible grammar, broken sentences, sometimes even missing words. I'm really good at them, and I'm almost positive there is always something I could go back and fix. But I'm not gonna do that. I don't want to. If you can get the meaning of what I'm saying, the message is more important to me than the medium. I type way faster than my skill, and my brain works way to fucking fast for my hands to keep up, so it becomes a race to get words on page. And then my fingers tap dance and trip over themselves. I knew I should've sprung for lessons.

There. There's bare bones about me and what I'm about and where I stand. If there is anything else you'd want to know for some godforsaken reason, go ahead and message me. I may not be real good at it, I do enjoy having fifteen second conversations. I always finish early.

*NOT REAL NAMES

[seoul-bros]

Jikook Week 9 Complete ✔️(06/02-13/02/2024)

Their ninth week and the second month in the military is now complete. It's time to celebrate this major milestone with a look back at this week in 2021.

This was the BE era. Between 31/01 and 06/02 BTS member notes were published on TwiX. RM introduced Life Goes On, Jin and JK introduced St ay, Suga introduced Telepathy, JH & JM introduced Dis -ease and Tae introduced Blue and Grey

On the 09/02/21 Run BTS Episode 128 Hello 2021 was released. It was filmed while Suga was out of action with his shoulder surgery but they made sure he was still represented.

This is a really enjoyable episode with a huge number of memorable moments, only a few of which I have included here. It was a studio shoot where they played three games: 1) Liar; 2) Harmonica Song; and 3) Red Light, Green Light.

Liar - All the members except one had the right word and the sixth member is the liar. They all had to ambiguously describe the thing and then everyone had to decide who was the liar.

In Round 2, Jin, king of comedy, had Jihope rolling on the floor.

In Round 3, there was a stalemate and they decided to call Suga to choose between RM and Jimin as the liar. Jimin knew straight away that Yoongi would pick him and he was right. Unfortunately, Jimin was not the liar and we were treated to a JK victory dance.

Harmonica Song - JK was first and as usual Jimin couldn't help but comment on his cuteness.

JK's ear for music reigned supreme throughout the game and he easily guessed Mic Drop when it was Jimin's turn.

At the end of the round, RM and Jimin had to do the penalty and Jimin got the worst of it as RM the God of Destruction struck again.

Red Light, Green Light - This whole last game was a blast. J-Hope went first and JK managed to steal the photo but his victory was short lived. He's so adorable when he gets the giggles.

Jin and V gave us this moment....

...and Jimin who went last was assailed on both sides by Tae and JK.

Tae made a grab for the photo, and it looked like it was all over, but Jin had other ideas.

Great entertainment all round and it reminded me of why so many people became fans of BTS during the pandemic. They were out there spotlighting the group's unique dynamic and spreading laughter and positivity just when it was most needed.

On the 11th February, BTS released its New Year Greetings. They always look so good in hanbok and this year was no exception.

Credit to original Twix posters

Post Date: 13/02/2024

[kofeedoggo]

Evon, amateur model, releases new concept photos!

The princess has turned into a gentleman!?

After the success of An Array of Stars, the brand ███ releases a new set! This time with a classic sophisticated elegance.

Many fans were surprised by the bold switch in style, however the responses were overwhelmingly positive.

Though it seems the segyein fashion industry have mixed reactions, with some being enthused by the exploration and the latter saying it's too risky for someone who's still a rookie.

But even with some criticism, ███ has many plans to show the true charm of Evon.

What was going through your mind when this concept was pitched?

I didn't mind it, I was open to anything. But the style was new to me and so I didn't know if I could do it justice. We went through a lot of retakes for each photo. It was exhausting but the results made the effort worthwhile.

How do you feel about the mixed reactions other brands have?

Hmm... I hear about them. I understand where they're coming from especially since I'm still so new.

How have things changed since An Array of Stars?

I had to get used to seeing myself on buildings, it was quite a surprise for me the first time... well, I guess it still is. With the new concept, the marketing team is really working hard. I'll have to get used to it faster.

What do you think is your charm?

It's difficult to say. I can think of other people who have more natural charm than me. I'm not that extraordinary, but I've heard many fans compliment my eyes.

Many are curious as to what you thought about your time in Anakt Garden. Do you have a favorite memory?

It was fine. I met a lot of good humans, I'll miss the mandatory play times with them. I do have a memory, but it's not my favorite, just memorable. Someone asked me to be in a fake relationship with them. There was no elaboration but we never spoke again after a few weeks...

It's unfortunate that one had gone missing from your batch, how do you feel about that?

Huh? Sorry, I wasn't expecting that question. I agree, it's unfortunate. But I know that they'll be alright.

You never felt worried about them?

I did... I think I still am. I don't know how to answer, sorry...

Are you close with anyone from Anakt Garden?

Yes, a few. I'm still able to talk to some but I've lost contact with most. I'm looking forward to seeing them again in Alien Stage.

Have you written any songs since, even with how busy you've gotten?

Yes, I've been thinking hard about it since my dream is to make a song with a story. I think they will release it soon.

(ooc note: last question was definitely not just me wanting to talk about the songs in her playlist, definitelyyy... also listen to this chorus version I think it's really good.)

[esmedelacroix]

Coffee Shop Love Pt.5

pairing: miguel o'hara x f!reader

summary: He's as stern and cold as the snow falling from the sky blanketing the bustling streets of Nueva York, Miguel O'Hara stumbles upon a hidden gem of a coffee shop just around the corner from Alchemax. Only problem is the annoying-as-shit smiley-ass barista.

contents: slow burn, no use of y/n, fluffy, not proofread

author's note: Hi lovies, exams are done! I'm starting vacation soon so I'll be writing a lot more. Hope you like this chapter I had fun writing it. Let me know what you think, and comment to be added to the taglist for this series, enjoy...

word count: 1.4k

Pt.1, Pt.2, Pt.3, Pt.4, Pt. 5, Pt.6, Pt.7, Sequel: Sweet Tooth

Your eyes fluttered open as bright morning lights glared through your curtains. There was something strange about this morning, but it was a good kind of strange. You felt a strange warmth, it wasn’t your blanket or heater, it was—Miguel?! Memories of last night resurfaced in your brain and you felt your cheek and ears flush, and Oh my god, Miguel is cuddling me right now, you thought to yourself as you looked down and saw his huge arms wrapped around you. He was holding your hands delicately, sharing his warmth with you. You could feel his soft breaths fanning your forehead, slow and tranquil, in and out. You fit perfectly against him, like the last puzzle piece of a Ravensburger jigsaw puzzle.

Despite your tangled legs, having Miguel this close was perfect. He began to stir in his sleep and soon woke up himself. He immediately pulled away from you frantically. “Sorry, I just, you were cold and I-“ he started. The familiar chill encapsulated your body the second Miguel let you go leaving you a bit disappointed. “It’s fine, I don’t mind at all," you reassured, placing a hand on his forearm.

"It was nice," you muttered looking away hoping he didn't hear you. Your sudden soft shyness sent butterflies to his chest. Your bedhead made your change in demeanor even cuter. Not to mention those reindeer onesies you were wearing. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?" you questioned feeling his laser glaze burning through your figure.

"No, it's nothing," he said as he dragged himself out of your bed.

You followed, and put some coffee on in the kitchen. Miguel freshened up and sat on the couch with his laptop in hand and glasses on his nose. Although the storm was still happening his job kept him busy. You heard him typing away and finished making him a hot black coffee. Making him coffee as he worked reminded you of being in the shop late at night.

Miguel honed in on his work, you, taking your time cleaning up the shop before closing so that Miguel could have more time to work. The little peeks you took at him while he worked. As you watched him you learned many things about him. You noticed that he chews on his pens when he seems stuck or stressed. He runs his hand through his hair when he is tired, and he enjoys the Frank Sinatra songs that you play. He thought you didn't hear him singing Girl From Ipanema in the shower. His voice was amazing; it was deep, rich, and flowed like honey.

Miguel could smell the coffee you were brewing for him from the couch. The scent was strong, he could tell you were using different beans than you use in the shop. Miguel couldn't deny that he felt the same deja vu. He felt like he was back in your shop doing his "work". Half of the time he was sitting there on his laptop, he was typing gibberish into the Google search bar. When he wasn't doing work, he was looking at you. Watching, memorizing, because every movement you made beguiled him.

He took notice of the subtle sway of your hips to the music, the gentle tilt of your head matching the slow melodies. Your movements seemed to encapsulate a suppressed passion and excitement. Unbeknownst to you, Miguel watched as you slipped into the kitchen, believing you were unobserved, dancing exuberantly to the music just because you could.

Miguel never overlooked those instances when you sang along or hummed certain parts of the songs; each detail etched into his awareness.

So as you stood before him waiting for some kind of reaction to the coffee that you had made, he was fully aware of your anxiousness. He took a slow sip, swallowed, and then looked up at you. You fiddled with your fingers awaiting his reaction. But nothing. He just sat there and drank, showing absolutely no reaction. "So, what do you think?" you squeaked trying to get anything out of him. You watched him duck his head down suppressing laughter.

"You stinker! You're making fun of me!" you laughed, placing your hands on your hips.

"Sorry I just can't help myself, your reactions are so cute," he chuckled putting his reading glasses at the top of his head.

"Seriously though, do you like your coffee?" you asked softly.

"No, I love it, Baby," this might be the best coffee I have ever had," he revealed.

"Oh, wait till you discover cream and sugar," you quipped sarcastically. To which he gave you a playful eye roll.

The day went by very quickly. The shop was closed due to the blizzard so you worked on the holiday decorations for the store. With Miguel upstairs on business Zoom calls. His coworkers saw the festivity and warmness of your home in the background and immediately drilled him with questions. Asking if he was at his girlfriend's house, and revealing that Miguel has no love life.

You walked back up to your apartment after all of the work was done in the shop. You came back to Miguel surprisingly watching a Christmas movie. "Hey wanna come join?" he asked motioning for you to come over.

"What a pleasant surprise, you? Watching holiday films? Hell has officially frozen over," you teased as you plopped down next to him.

"Oh, stop it," he rebutted as wrapped an arm around you pulling you into his side. To say you were taken aback by this sudden gesture was an understatement. You looked up at him with a puzzled face hoping your flustered expression wasn't too visible. He looked down at you with a small smirk. You felt a million jingle bells go off in your stomach at that very moment.

You snuggled against him enjoying the film he put on, and the warmth he radiated. Without realizing it, you had both fallen asleep on the couch together. You were both softly snoring, your head resting on his chest. Your arms wrapped around him like he was a giant teddy bear. Amid your rest, both of your phones began to buzz uncontrollably. Miguel woke up and shook you awake. "The storms are over," he said softly. You groaned, too comfortable to get up.

"C'mon Baby, I have to get up," he chuckled.

The two of you finally got up. Miguel got his things together and you both headed down into the shop. You were going to see him out of the shop when you forgot that you prepared a special something for him while he was working.

As he began to walk out the door, you heard the bells jangle and called out to him, "Wait!"

You caught up with him outside and you handed him a brown paper bag that had gingerbread man cookies decorated to look like him. "I made these for you," you huffed shivering a bit as the frigid air hit your face.

"Thank you, Baby, now get inside, and get warm, you're shivering," he said, ushering you to get your freezing butt in your warm shop.

You waved goodbye to Miguel and watched him get into his car before opening up the shop. The day went by well. Loads of customers came in excited to try out the new holiday menu you made. The grumpy(Miguel-themed) gingerbread man cookies were a hit.

As the customers all left and the clock hit 9:30 pm you wondered where Miguel was. He was usually there by this time. But there was no sign of him at all. It was unusual but you decided to shake it off and lock up since he obviously wasn't coming that night.

You were more disappointed than you would've imagined you'd be. I guess I've gotten too used to his company, it's like routine now, you thought to yourself. You slept that night hoping to see Miguel the next morning.

Next Pt.6...

taglist:

@iite-cool @jewelz-teehe @br0-please @thesilenthill @d1lf-loverrr @corpsebridenightamare @laysmt @bitchystrawberrystudent @lotionlamp @local-mr-frog @scaleniusrm @migueloharastruelove @thedevax @veyveys @amber-content