#lee jeno prince au

[cupofwyn]

may i have this dance?⠀( l.jn )

pairing יִ،⠀lee jeno!prince × fem!reader

genre/s יִ،⠀fluff. a tinge of comedy. bridgerton period. royalty!AU. rofan.

warning/s יִ،⠀profanity. little to inaccurate representations of the regency era. being chased. overpraising of jeno's beauty (not guilty).

wc יִ،⠀10.3k

a/n יִ،⠀i might have underestimated the word count—i thought it was going to be short for a oneshot but oh well. THANK YOU FOR THE LONG AWAITED ANTICIPATION. i honestly couldn't have done it without you guys. if u liked it, i'd like to hear your thoughts about it thru reblog, comments, or even an ask! tyvm for waiting <(_ _)>

synopsis יִ،⠀it was all self-inflicted pressure when the spotlight finally turned to you as the final member of the family to experience a love story—the miracle that has been passed down from your parents down to your siblings and the privilege of love in marriage that has been jealoused upon the ton of high society. though the world might have run out of love stories available for you when your family took it all to their delight, or so you thought.

IT'S DAUNTING TO BE IN THIS SCENERY. The mere presence of the most extravagant things seen by spectators of this ballroom and the contrasting sentiments you had within it.

A rush of cold blood runs from your head down to your fidgeting fingers, though you can’t quite pick on your fingers like how you’d used to without gloves.

Everything here is tremendously uncomfortable.

After a few gentlemen who asked for your hand for a dance after conversations, to which you’ve escaped with excuses of going to the powder room, an imaginary friend calling you from afar, and many more lame reasons you could come up with, you’re back to the place where your mother left you a couple of songs ago.

All the sharp eyes that hid uncomfortable curiosity and the reoccurring implicit words that only let you converse about anything but yourself.

Inheritance and fascination about your family’s wealth and the sudden showers of compliments and two-faced flirting tactics—it was getting repetitive.

How could it be not known that the youngest daughter of the emperor's most influential and right-hand man and adviser was to debut in this season? Every man that you approached and conversed with would immediately recognize you and call your name before you even introduced yourself; the striking appearance of the marquess passed down to yours and feminized. No noble nor commoner could not recognize a child of the man whom the ruler of this kingdom entrusted and was well-endowed by every fertile land and mine.

Despite this, there was a more interesting mystic that involved not only your father but your whole family.

Love and marriage.

The oddest and rarest words that could be found together, as marriage is only ever seen as a necessity when a noble comes of age. Politics, business partnerships, and also harshly done to pay for debts, so there was no chance that marriage could turn into something romantic when it is established outside of those forms—yet bizarrely, your family is in a different light.

Your parents, the marquess, and marchioness were wed out of political convenience and yet ended up being the love match of their season, leading to their children being raised with it. Your first-born older sister’s husband might come off as someone who forcefully wed your sister to marriage but was wed out of love at first sight; your older brother with scandalous womanizer antics in the circle and yet is trying to bury the fact that his childhood friend from across our manor's street is slowly becoming the person of his desires and is oblivious that it is also reciprocated.

Love is contagious in this family, and you hate that it's a standard in your family to be wed out of it.

It is incredibly obnoxious. All you knew was that it was the oddest feeling you've seen from your family after seeing those subtle gestures of endearment they shared with their partners. There was always that softness and warmth in their eyes whenever they looked at their significant other despite them looking away.

How powerful is love that it makes a person pacify and willingly consign themselves for the other?

Perhaps you were the end of it.

Such a thing couldn't be held within a grasp of hand if you wanted it right this instance, but in every attempt for you to engage and entertain such thoughts with other gentlemen—something sparks different in their eyes.

Deceitment. They view you as a spectacle—the love that surrounded your family was their tool to win you over, and it terrifies you.

To achieve love, did it have to be this manipulative and hurtful?

Your expectations crashed down with every interaction you had with every man in this hall.

You were simply a target in their eyes.

The uncomfortable hunting gazes they shared with you and their presence alone induced such an invasive depth of cautiousness in you.

To be perceived without any control of the situation, far from the peaceful environment you had within your own confinements before you debuted. The tightness you endured from your corset is nothing more than what your chest and breathing had right now. With a frantic heartbeat and the cold pump of blood rushing into you, you don’t notice someone calling out for your attention.

“Dear?” A firm hand wrapped around your arms, and you jumped from the sudden contact until you recognized your mother's voice, disrupting the unconscious well in your eyes.

“Mama,” you replied.

“Are you feeling well? You've been here ever since I talked to the whole ton of this banquet. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Your mother rubbed your arms firmly.

“It's nothing, mama. Just the nerves.” you returned.

“So, how are things going? Have you enjoyed the evening with a charming gentleman, perhaps?” she told you with a teasing tone, beaming a smile at the view of dancing couples and the beautiful quartet's piece gracing the air.

She trusted that with your lively nature, you would talk to any gentleman without any push of encouragement from her, so she left you alone to fend for your own partner. With your pesky and womanizer antic of your brother, what would go wrong when you were left alone in your first debutante ball?

Alas, she forgot that you were a shut-in marquis’ daughter and that your brother is the exact reason why you can't continue to converse with any gentleman in this banquet. Violence and disgust were the only emotions you ever had with the opposite sex in the comforts of your own home, but to be faced with strangers and to be expected to converse well with them? Indeed, different emotions other than what you feel around your brother were reeling in—most of it anxiety.

“Oh, yes! The gentlemen are very charming and very pleasing to look at while I am dancing.” you strayed a forced laugh by the end in an unstable voice, and you coughed to clear it, now grinning to your mother's way in hopes that she'd not find you suspicious.

The marchioness heaved a joyous chuckle at herself as she looked at you proudly, wrapping her arms around yours to link it.

“I am so happy for you, dear.” she embraced you and pulled away as she looked at you adoringly, “If you're feeling more enthusiastic, I could interest you with other gentlemen—”

“How delightful!” An annoying pipsqueak cuts out mother and has snuck through you from the crowd of desperate and awestruck women frolicking at him, inducing you to roll your eyes at him—the rightful heir of the marquis-dom and your older brother, Haechan.

You were at the least thankful for his presence right now, as your mother could’ve suggested something preposterous if he didn’t interrupt.

He cheekily greeted you with a grin and bowed mockingly.

Those familiar eyes of deceit always brought a chill to your spine.

Don't tell me.

“Good evening, missus debutante. Still not up to the offer that this fine brother of yours will be your first name on your dance card?” The marchioness pinched his arms, and he winced, breaking his dashing persona as he woefully looked at your mother beside him.

“Haechan, have you no concern? Your sister is actually having the time of her life, enjoying the lining lords for her hand tonight while you have been out here, just making your chances with another set of women for you to play with.” Haechan rubbed his injured arm and formed a slight pout.

“What line of suit—” he did not finish as you immediately pinched his side, making him snap his head at you with bloodshot eyes.

“Make yourself useful and go out there. I have someone I want her to be introduced to.” your mother insisted.

“Mama, please. I don't want any of this bloody extravaganza,” you said through gritted teeth, and you likewise got a tug from your mother on your sides, her eyes wide openly glaring at you.

“Y/N! Language,” she whisper-shouted, and you mumbled an annoyed apology in return.

“I should tell you, Y/N,” Haechan spoke up, looking at you with mischief in his eyes, the corner of his mouth upturned.

“Don't you dare.” you mouthed at him.

“—A dance! A dance doesn’t really make them your definitive husband, dear sister.” he apathetically commented and crossed his arms, giving you a smug look.

You furrowed your eyebrows at him. You could even feel your ears and nostrils shooting out warm air.

“That is true.” your mother replied. “Although it truly matters who you're dancing with at your debutante gala.” The marchioness starts, and you can shoot a look at her and sigh that she's even doing her sermons at this event. “It resembles the refined attitude and talents of a noble lady. In short, it defines their role in society. For example, your older sister’s husband, the Duke of Rogan. He might be considered the tyrant who mercilessly killed a thousand of the enemy’s army last year, but he is devilishly handsome. You wouldn’t want your sister to be looked upon as with plain rigid taste in marital circles because her first dance is with someone like, well—”

“Like Lord Hopworth.” Your brother continued.

“Hm. Yes, a gentleman with a love for his horses that he only smells of stables and dirt.” Your mother helplessly agrees and fans herself in shame, discussing such gossip circle topics with her children.

“Comparing sister’s husband to Lord Hopworth…they are both in different leagues, mother. I, on the other hand, have no issues whatsoever with the man's hobbies and his reputation in the marital circle. Still, he has already danced with all the women in his family during the past three marital seasons. Might a miracle of a chance would only appear if a distant cousin would appear out of thin air or if Y/N had the wits to ask him a dance.” Haechan chuckled to himself proudly, uttering from you a gasp.

Your brother has been testing your waters ever since he joined your company, and this growing annoyance soon turns into an outburst.

“Explains why women who danced with my unwed brother for three years are still not wed by now. You're just trying hard to hide the fact that you have feelings for your best friend.” you retorted back.

“Y/N! That's crude.” your mother criticizes your sudden remark.

Haechan's eyes grow open in every passing second, and his breathing stops. In a while, he snaps his head away, half-suppressing a snicker.

“Well, look who's talking. See, mother.” Haechan started, and you could feel your chest suddenly heavy.

“I heard from the gentlemen's circle that my dearest sister kept on escaping dance offers from several gentlemen, saying that she would make lousy excuses to reject their dance offers tacitly—!” he ended with a huff. Your mother was frozen on the spot. She finally lets go of your linked arms, looking at you with disbelief.

"Mama, I can explain."

“Is it true, Y/N?” She suddenly asks with a firm tone.

“I…” You’re left speechless. The disappointing truth of your dance affairs is now out in the open, revealed to your mother. At any moment, you’re almost about to be eaten up by guilt at your attitude, especially in your debut.

While rejecting dance offers is rude, the fact that you have dismissed a number of offers from gentlemen of this banquet and have been talked about in their circle was more destructive to your family’s reputation, but most importantly, your reputation.

“Yes, I admit it,” you admitted, your eyes lowering away from your mother.

“You should have just told me, dear. There's no need for you to lie about it.”

“If I would admit it, then I’ll only place you on the burden that I’m carrying. I—” you choked on your own voice, and your eyes grew well with tears.

“Mother, I have been only looked at as an object by all the men here. I tried my best to engage in a conversation, but all that I get are harsh eyes and insincere words, and I believe it is because they only see me for what I have—what our family has! Mama,” the last word strays like a plead, and you continue with choked tears.

“I’m sorry. I need to have fresh air.” You turned your heels away and left the front doors of the palace, leaving your familial company stunned.

“Y/N!” Your brother almost followed along but was stopped by your mother, her hand placed on his arms, and she shook her head.

“Leave your sister alone for now. She needs time to adjust.”

“But Mama, she was being rude!” Haechan grimaced.

“You have to understand that your sister must be faced with expectations not only from others but herself. She must have gone through so much when I left her.” The marchioness released a heavy sigh, burdened with guilt for having left you unattended.

“Oh, what have I done to her?” she brought her head down in defeat, and Haechan rubbed her arms for comfort, unable to speak anything and partly guilty of his behavior towards you.

“Check on her after a few minutes.” your mother pleaded, but it took a few minutes before he could respond.

“Alright.”

THE TEARS IN YOUR EYES FELL STRONGLY DOWN YOUR CHEEKS AS YOU LEFT THE SCENE. Your vision starts to get blurry, and you pursed your lips in hopes that these tears may come to a halt, but you know it isn’t that easy.

Humiliating. Pathetic. Your family has finally discovered your true intentions. You knew that the only people to blame were the men you interacted with and not yourself, but in the end, you were the one who was more affected by their treatment of you. Their simplistic perception of you as nothing but the daughter of a marquess that could bring them to their own prime and financial risings to the society, and it drove you mad.

You were furious about your status, yet, at the same time, conflicted that maybe you were a bit too sensitive and could not stand your guard.

But was it wrong to be hurt? That even with these privileges, you were viewed as nothing but that as soon as you left home.

Debuting into society wasn’t all what you thought it was. It isn’t romantic nor the slightest bit magical. It is war only disguised as something pleasurable with performative beauty in one place.

You desperately tried to hold back your weeping, hiding under the garden’s fountain, not the slightest care that your dress would be dirtied with the grass you laid on, clutching your chest to ease the heaviness. You thought that the fresh air and the silence of the outside gardens could appease, though now it is only the opposite. The vulnerability that you hid as much as you could only cease to hide and break down.

What a waste. That you were just crying in this beautiful scenery.

The serene lush of green and the silence of the night, flickers of stars shining bright in the night sky, bearing witness to the presence of a distraught lady sitting alone under the water fountain.

You look up to the night sky and wipe the falling tears with your arms, another set of tears only falling as you wipe your cheeks.

But there was no time to waste, you knew. You sniffed in all your snot, removing your gloves and disregarding it as it was moist from all the wiping, and let yourself calm down, hoping that there were no further moments that you’d cry again.

Don’t try being a coward this time, you demanded to yourself, quickly huffing out a breath as you slapped your cheeks.

There was no other choice but to go back inside and dance to any man that your eyes would first lay on—no matter their perception of you.

“Let's do this.”

However, a disruption comes.

A shuffle of running feet is suddenly getting louder by any minute closer to you, and you snappily bring your head to the source, seeing a young man with jet black hair and clothes with a ruby red suit running towards you, occasionally looking behind them as if being chased.

Only one thing and one matter came to mind when you saw that scene: To run.

You wasted no time, got up from the fountain's edge, and you hit your head on the edge. You hissed at the impact, slowly standing up as you clutched your head.

“Please!” A young man's voice called out, and it was from the gentleman running towards you. “Please, hide me.” he huffed.

Before you could run away from him, the man finally reached you and immediately hid behind the bushes near the fountain.

What...what was that?

You stood there with nothing in mind and confused about the sudden role given to you.

After a few seconds, another gentleman ran towards you, and this time, you were prepared to run away.

“My lady, halt! I only have a question to ask you.” he stops a few feet away from you and bends, his arms holding onto his knees as he catches his breath.

You stop in your tracks, obliging, and take two steps back.

He fixed himself and stood up straight, a foot tall from you. A refined man with rounded slit eyes and a timid demeanor stands before you, the same age, you guessed, as the man earlier, who is currently hiding in the bushes. He plastered a kind smile, eyes disappearing as he took his barnacle from his suit pocket.

The man cleared his voice and bowed down to greet you, and you do the same.

“Good evening, my lady. I am the son of the Viscount Huang. Renjun Huang, from the House of Capri. Pardon that I rashly made a bad impression on you during our first meeting.”

You greeted back a good evening, introducing yourself and your house, bowing again, and stood up, raising your chin slightly as you carefully asked. “What of I could assist you, Sir Huang?”

“There seems to be someone I am looking for but had run away, rather—” the viscount chuckled to himself and reiterated, “My company has left me alone.”

“Have you perhaps seen a young man with this stature,” he gestured inches above his height. “Wearing a red suit and has black hair?” he finished, and you froze at your spot.

His descriptions of the gentleman he was looking for were precisely like the man you saw speeding towards you, asking you to hide him from someone, which you presume is this person who introduced himself as the son of the House of Capri, Renjun Huang.

You thought deeply, trying to recall any memory from your social etiquette classes that made you memorize and recognize the names and history of each noble family in the kingdom before debuting, as it was essential to have one before entering society.

Viscount Huang from the House of Capri. Weren’t they a family of butlers who have served the imperial family from generation to generation?

"Hmm, a gentleman with that stature has a red suit and black hair?" he nodded at your question, and you wandered off, looking around as you faked an attempt to deeply think about his inquiry when you were actually in a dilemma on whose side you should pick.

Obviously, you had no relations with both gentlemen, and only a huge silence engulfed you as your own conscience measured the rightful decision in this situation.

You gulped and looked back at the man before you and immediately looked away as you saw the desperation and that hint of insanity in his eyes, vividly seeing those dark circles beneath them.

To which gentleman do you trust and help out?

“…I think,” you crossed your arms, rubbing your arms with your hands to appease you as you thought deeply of your choice. “I think I saw that man went that way.” you nervously pointed to your left where the gates leading to another part of the castle are.

The viscount mumbled to himself that he thought right and bowed his head to you. “Thank you, Miss Y/N. Have a good evening.” Sir Huang paused for a moment and smiled gently, adding. “I also hope you are feeling well, my lady.” and he ran in the direction you pointed.

And you were grateful for the sentiment that he shared with you; as short as it was, you felt that he was worried about you. Your eyes must be so swollen from the crying that you took no care to care about your appearance to anybody else. Now you felt guilty for deceiving him.

You waited until his figure disappeared from sight as he entered the castle, and you heaved out a big exhale you had unconsciously held earlier.

You should never be left unchaperoned in another social gathering, you decided.

Though, you can only wonder. Why was the son of a viscount, the son of the current imperial butler, so hung up on this person behind the bushes to the point of chasing him?

Oh, gosh.

You might have chosen a criminal.

A threat to the royal family, perhaps?

Speaking of the devil, the bush near the fountain rustled, and you turned slowly to the bushes, quickly seeking any sort of weapon you could find, and you saw a twig. You picked it up, bent it a little, swung it around to test its firmness, and finally decided that it was good for defense as it was durable.

It is better to have one or nothing, you thought.

You suspiciously walked near it, which is the most reckless thing to do right now, but the twig you held right now gave you that foolish, courageous act. That it could give you full defense against a possible criminal.

Then comes out the man from earlier, his broad back and his clean-cut hair in your view, startling you as your shoulders jump, causing you to clutch your chest and pacify your pounding heart.

“Thank heavens.” a deep voice unveils out of the mysterious man, and he sweeps the dirt and leaves on him, soon turning to you with a troubled face.

You swore you could feel your jaw getting loose as you froze in awe of the man before you.

Chiseled face made of strong facial bones, nose perfectly angled to a degree, lush pink lips of a distinguishable cupid's bow above it, and those long set of lashes, low as it veils his dark eyes, deep yet shining underneath the yellow dim lights of the nearby lamp post around us; it's almost like the porcelain statues and paintings of the imperial ancestors from the palace has come to life—the most significant artists and poets combined to forge imagery of a rightful muse to every medium and ink that praises a divine being.

And that mole, placed under his eyes.

His eyes stare back at you, only delving you to say.

“Wow.”

“Pardon?” The man raises his brow, his lips upturned to amusement.

Your cheeks get warm, and you immediately shake your hands in the air, correcting yourself. “I mean, wow—no, I mean,” you paused and thought deeply to yourself as you looked back at him with seriousness. “I'm afraid there are no present expressions to describe it.”

The man blinked, dumbfounded, and his cheekbones started to define, soon bursting into a fit of laughter at your reaction, holding his stomach as he bent down to laugh more.

The urge to be eaten by the ground was more tempting than ever in your point of existence. You lightly smacked your lips with your hand to punish yourself for your intrusive thoughts winning before you just by the presence of this captivating being.

He finished as he calmed down, ending it with a smile as he stood tall.

“Thank you. I've never been complimented with that expression before, at least not in a first meeting—wow.” The man snickered to himself, his eyes raised to the shape of a crescent moon, and you almost melted to your knees.

The imperial court should consider banning that charming smile; you finally kept the thought to yourself.

“I am deeply grateful for your kindness, miss. I would have understood if you had chosen Sir Huang instead of me since I am, after all, still a stranger to you.” he bowed to the highest degree, his upper body lowered straight as the ground, and you nervously assumed the same greeting, stunned with this deep gratitude.

You realize that this man is still a potential criminal, and you discreetly hide your weapon (a twig) behind you.

“Why were you chased by the viscount, my lord?” you backed off a few steps from the mysterious man as you stood before he did.

“Well, if I were speaking truthfully,” he whirred lowly, trying to find the right words to reason his circumstance. “I would have been forced to enter the ballroom to which I have been warily hiding from my chaperone—I don't want to go through this dancing propaganda, you see.”

“Oh,” you relaxed a little, the grip on your weapon (still a twig) becoming less firm. “I guess I understand.” you engaged.

“You do?”

“Do what?” you looked up at him cautiously, and he walked close to you.

“You also dislike this conviction behind the dancing and the desperation for marriage.” he reiterated, adamant sparkles of enthusiasm in his eyes, still not taking a hint of your obvious nervousness.

“I don't think we're meant to talk so freely about that.” you attempted to retreat from the topic, or moreover, from him, and the sparks were lost as he lowered his eyes and he finally stopped.

“Oh. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.” The gentleman begged pardon, sincerity clear in his apology, and you notice it, bringing you to look at him and shaking your head.

“No! It's just that...” you hesitated. “I believe my opinions and criticisms of society, as a lady, would be frowned upon. That's why I responded that way.”

The young man looks at you and eases, assured that you are not opposed nor baffled by the conversation's topic.

“Well,” he looked around. “We are the only people present here, aren't we? You're free to tell me things without feeling drawn back, and I assure you that I intently outcast myself from society.”

“You have such grand privileges, my lord. I feel envious of that freedom.” you professed, smiling at him green-eyed, and he shrugged his shoulders, crossing his arms as he looked far and sighed, sitting on the edge of the water fountain.

“It's not always thrilling. My siblings are wary of me because my father favors me more than they do. My father also insisted that I marry and take his stead immediately. With my escapades, I am never to be left alone again when I leave my chambers,” he shared.

He noticed the silence afterward and soon came to regret his actions again.

“I apologize. I may have overshared—”

“I also have a conflicting problem as you do, but more personal.” you also opened up, also sitting on the water fountain's edge, still keeping a good fair distance from him. “I am the youngest and the last of my family to come of age, and I feel like I am not suitable to be here. This dancing and its etiquettes.” you stopped.

He remains silent, eyes now focused on you and every meaning that is present on your face as you're looking away, noticing the tears welling in your eyes.

“If you know my family very well, then you could probably guess that I am very privileged and that everybody wants to get close to me.” you chuckled to yourself, looking down and bringing your hands in front of you, now fidgeting on the twig. “It's funny how I hate that kind of attention because that means I can easily make friends, but it's not genuine.”

The cold air breeze caved between you, and there remained silence. The man keenly waits for another word from you, but there is a look of hesitance present on yours, and before he opens his mouth to talk, you continue.

“I hate it. Everything there reminds me that I could be easily eaten up if I'm not careful, and I’m scared to take any dance offers that could possibly have a hidden motive.” you wept yet again, the warm tears now falling on your cold hands, and you wiped it away.

You say nothing. In your peripheral, you notice a white thing hanging in the air, and you look at it, seeing an extended arm from the stranger who is reassuringly smiling, handing you a handkerchief.

“Here.” the man said, and you hesitated, staring at the handkerchief.

“There's nothing on the handkerchief. I swear on my family's name. It's yours to take.” he reassured, and you felt found out from your cautiousness.

“Thank you.” you mumbled under your breath and accepted the handkerchief, wiping every tear and snot on your face.

You have never thought to receive such understanding from a stranger this evening or be listened to without any judgment and malice. This interaction is what you hoped to receive from all of the conversations of the past gentleman—to be simply heard.

The man secretly grins to himself, finding the scene endearing and relaxed as you were freely talking to him.

“...If it assures you, I experience the same thing as you do ever since I was aware of it.” he sympathized with you, and you looked up at him, finding him smiling though opposite from his eyes, pained as he looked at the sky.

“People looked at me and treated me kindly, but they secretly plot things behind me just to use me, using their closeness to me to satisfy their selfish desires or to raise their rankings. My parents were wed out of convenience just to make an heir, and ever since then, I have lived my life carefully—I rarely find people who I could lean on and depend on.”

“That's why I don't bother myself attending the dances or any party, and I just stay outside of it when I'm forced to attend one. I realized if I even find this occasion tempting to join, then I'll only add more unwanted attention to my life.” he ended, and there came again the silence, but now you're sharing eye contact.

It is comforting this silence you shared this time, pleasant and easy to bear, and you can't help but break in a smile, a stray tear coming down your cheek, and he chuckled, rubbing his nape timidly at this progression.

The mysterious man sitting far away from you had more depth now that you knew behind the charming and gleaming factors that there was vulnerability and the capability for sympathy.

Would it be too much to ask for more of him?

“Would you care to share some refreshments with me?” you confidently sat a bit closer.

“I—”

“Your Highness!” Before he could answer, a distant voice shouted, and both of you looked at the familiar figure, Sir Huang, running towards you.

“What did he say?” your eyebrows furrowed as you watched Sir Huang getting closer.

“Your High—”

“Not important.” he interrupted, now standing near you as he held out his hand. “I'm sorry, but we must run, my lady. Please take my hand.” you can't help but accept it, and the both of you dash away in the direction of the ballroom's entrance. You run behind him, completely confused by your necessary involvement with this escapade and threatened that you are also now being chased.

“What is happening, my lord!” You shouted at him.

“I know a secret passage to the ballroom. Just follow me.” he looked back at you and quickly glanced at the growing tired viscount running after us.

The evening wind was cold as it slapped across your body and created a mess out of your hair, your breathing slowly reminding you that you are not the athletic person to run away with a chasing situation and definitely not with the evening gown and shoes you are wearing. You might need to lie down on the cold floor after this inevitably.

On the other hand, the lord, who is still firmly holding your hand, drags you both to hide any block and bushes, and after puzzling the frantic Sir Huang, the both of you proceed to run, him noticeably slowing his pace to match yours from time to time.

You were starting to lose your breath, and the both of you were finally on the grounds of the outside gates of the ballroom.

“It's truly incredible how you're still not catching your breath, my lord, but may I remind you,” you inhaled in more air and wiped the sweat off your forehead while he was tensely looking for whatever he hoped to find. “I am simply not built for running. I don't even like running at all!”

He quietly shushed you, and you pursed your lips to refrain complaints from coming out of your mouth, and you noticed that he still hadn't let go of your hand.

You flushed from the continual contact, and he dragged you away from the gate, leading you to the right side of the building, where a door meant for the servants and the noticeable clinks of pans from the inside. He doesn't hesitate to open it and bring you inside quickly, walking past the servants who are startled by the sudden presence of nobles in the dirty kitchen.

“Where are we going?” Your knees still feel weak from running, and outside of the kitchen, there is a stairway that leads upstairs, to which each noble was not permitted to enter at all costs as the ballroom grounds and the gardens were the only places that one was to enter.

“We're not permitted to enter this place, my lord!” Your hand dragged him down as he stepped on one step of the staircase, and he looked at you with a glint of hurry in his eyes.

‘Would you rather be seen with me by the viscount or continue running away with me?” he probed, lowering his chin to look down at you at the end of the stairway.

“Look,” you paused to make a statement. “I don't know why I am running with you when this is not part of my concern. You can't possibly think that I would run away with someone I just met!” you exclaimed, wide-eyed as you looked at the unnamed lord, finding his suggestions reckless.

The man was stunned by your reaction, visibly hurt by you berating the connection you made after all of those conversations, and you can see it, the guilt of your outburst at him gnawing at you.

“I seem to have chosen the wrong words. My butler—” he sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose. “The son of the viscount rather has seen us together, and you would be the prime evidence and witness of my last presence in this event, which he would never let go of, my lady. So choose. Would you rather be with me and slowly part our ways or be seen with me by the viscount and hear rumors of us being alone and unchaperoned?” the man paused, looking intently at you as he waited for your response. You, who had nothing to say and were ashamed of your earlier response, just nodded and agreed.

“Alright.” The both of you then walked up the staircase, his grip on your hand still unceasing, and you're slowly becoming bothered by it.

“You can let go of my hand already, sir.” you said.

“Sorry.” he quickly let go as the two of you reached the second floor.

The surrounding frames of eerily familiar faces of royals on the walls urge you to avoid any eye contact with them, their faces now barely comfortable to stare and adore at, and the clanking of both of the soles of your shoes on the wooden platform floors, loud, awkward, filling up the silence that the both of you shared only heightens the apparent climactic end of this camaraderie you shared at the garden—your blunt take on how your meeting was simply empty.

You can't help but feel hurt that you haven't considered the sentimental and unexpected companionship with a man you helped for unknown reasons was the best part of this nightmarish marital circle.

The man was clearly hurt by your words earlier and he still inevitably did not leave you alone to be spotted unchaperoned alone with a man. He helped you and listened to you without you asking of him. Your response earlier was ungrateful, responding that you were bothered by it.

You bit your lips, clasping your hands in front of you as you walked behind him.

“My lord?” you called him, and he answered with a gentle hum, continuing to walk.

“I'm terribly sorry. I didn't mean to dismiss our meeting we had at the gardens.”

He stopped and looked back as he smiled reassuringly.

“There's no need for you to apologize, miss. I have inconvenienced you after all. Our meeting earlier was certainly unexpected and troubling for you, so I understand.” he turned back and continued to walk.

After a few walks, the muffled music from the ballroom slowly got louder. The ballroom was near your vicinity, and you tried to strike up a conversation.

“Are you still not interested in dancing, my lord?”

“Not really. I'm still not interested in being on the dance floor,” he responded shortly, and you take it as a sign not to continue, but he added after a second.

“After the past two seasons, my father is determined to marry me to any woman he'd find me dancing with,” he added, and you hummed thoughtfully.

“So this would be your third season in the marriage circle?” you asked him, and he nodded.

“Indeed.”

His answer made you think deeply, slowly coming up with crafted advice in your head. “Huh,” you responded as you came to a thought, and he looked back at you, puzzled.

“What do you mean by huh?"

“I think you’re missing the point here, my lord.” you slowly caught up to his pace. “If I were you, I'd be setting up a forged relationship with another noble lady just to keep off those kinds of intrusive parents, and then we'd keep the contract for a few years at the least,” you suggested with not much thought.

“Hmm, wait. But it would also not last that much—”

“...I see.” the man replied.

To your dismay, the person chasing you might have finally found out your presence, a set of running feet suddenly getting nearer, and your companion panicked, quickly moving both of you toward a nearby narrow corner, enough for both people to hide.

“Hide in that corner quickly.” He placed you in the corner and helped to hide you, but he didn't bother to hide with you.

“My lord, you should also hide.” you caught his arm and nudged him to where you were hiding too.

“My lady.” he suddenly said, a hint of mischief in his voice.

“Yes?” you replied carefully.

“May I ask for your hand for the next song?”

“What?” you almost shouted out, and he just grinned.

“Your advice was brilliant.” he complimented, and you furrowed your eyebrows.

“I'm saying I would like to make an alliance with you. I'll ask for your hand, and you'll be the center of attention by tonight's party.”

“But wouldn't that risk me being your prospect partner?”

“Unless you'd be proposed to by a ton of suitors by the next morning, there'll be no chance of me winning, and there would be a delay in their enforcement of me to get married. Wouldn't it also be romantic to be asked by many men after dancing with a fine bachelor like me?” he joked by the end, and you scowled in reaction.

“I am not so certain with your plan, my lord. You, who I realized I am not aware of your name yet, and the noble family you belong to wouldn't possibly cause that much ruckus. Unless you are one of the royal princes, then that would make a lot of difference.” he evidently feels startled by your suggestion, and he shakes his head in denial.

“What? No—! Pfft. Why would you assume so?” he waved his hands in the air and continued. “But still, I'll make sure that I will help you feel less burdened with your situation. It's a win-win situation for both of us. At least for a while, when you don't pick me.”

“And how are you so sure I wouldn't pick you?” you answered quite quickly, and the young lord was startled, and so were you by your boldness.

The two of you spend a few seconds just staring at each other, and he breaks eye contact, looking away as he clears his voice.

“My lord, please,” Sir Huang coughed. “Please show yourself! I can't do this any longer!” he complained.

“What's your answer, my lady?” the man before you finally asked, holding out his hand, and you paused for a while, still a bit embarrassed.

Your act of boldness was unexpected of you. That plan you proposed was just a way to converse with him, but it made you look interested in your newfound companion. You just hoped that it wouldn't make both of you awkward, but that doesn't seem to be the case, as he was still willing to do it with you.

This alliance would be all in your favor. You'll finally show your mother that you have enjoyed tonight's party and won't place any more worry on her, but why would he assume you would want more men by the next morning? You don't want any flock of men by the next morning. You didn't like that he said that.

“I'm in.” you agreed and accepted his hand to shake. “This better work, sir?”

There's nothing wrong with accepting it either way, is it?

“Jeno.” He joined your hands and firmly made a handshake. “Call me Lord Jeno, my lady.”

Sir Huang still complains about his missing companion, Lord Jeno. His sneaking footsteps become louder, and Sir Jeno hid you properly for once.

“I'll show myself to the viscount, and you wait for a while until we leave. I'll see you downstairs.”

Then he left.

THIS ALLIANCE. THIS PLAN. You could immediately feel that you might soon regret agreeing to that ridiculous suggestion you made with that man. It was rebellious and certainly not fitting for someone who just entered the society. The man you agreed with has been in the season for three years, and you're barely keeping up with this hectic day a noble lady could have for just coming of age.

You waited a while after you heard no mumbling noises in the hallway and slowly got up, holding on to the wall as your knees weakened from all the running and the brief relaxation your legs had to take. You grunted as you fixed and swept your skirt clean, fixed your hair in place to a nearby mirror, peeked a little from the corners to investigate your surroundings, and left as you determined the place clear.

The music from the ballroom comes to a halt, the quartet resting for another set of music for tonight, and you start to get nervous as you encounter the stairway leading down to the ballroom.

You grumbled to yourself as you descended the stairs, questioning your actions and wondering about the identity of the mysterious man who finally introduced himself as Lord Jeno.

Everything about him exuded aristocracy, so you had no doubt that he was a noble and definitely wasn’t a criminal. But what was the deal of the son of a viscount chasing him like hunting prey? The son of the viscount whose family are butlers of the imperial family?

You almost scratched your head in this situation you've put yourself in. While you were grateful for the unexpected companionship you made with a handsome gentleman tonight, you had just dragged yourself into another complex obstacle you have never faced. More worse than arguing with your mother about your lying.

Who was Lord Jeno?

The ballroom doors swung open, and the gleaming yellow lights of the ballroom soon entered your vision. You stepped down to the final step of the staircase, near the refreshments where the people took their rest after a dance—and you attracted too much attention.

They must’ve heard your issue with accepting a number of dance offers from the noblemen, and you were gone by the following few songs when you conversed with the family you brought tonight.

People in society are quick to judge anyone who acts differently from the must-followed social etiquette you discovered. They're quick to spread words, to create a transparent wall they could ridicule anyone who is not doing the norms.

You couldn't bear but notice and catch all of the glances, and the whispered conversations shamelessly out loud in front of you, and your eyes desperately searched the room, looking for familiarity, looking for a place you could very much hide.

“Y/N!” you snapped and looked in the direction of the voice to see your brother walking towards you grumpily.

“I thought that you were outside, and I came out looking for you only to find you nowhere! Where have you been!” Haechan nagged, placing his hands on his hips as he exasperated an annoyed groan.

You looked down in defeat, not having the energy to fight back like what you usually do with him, not in this place. You could only give them another thing to talk about.

“I'm sorry I made you worried.” Haechan's gaze towards you softened, with the hands on his hips soon placed in his pockets.

Seeing you in a state where your usual reaction was to fight back was unusual for Haechan, and instead of anger and frustration, his emotions subsided into pure concern for you.

“Hey, I'm very sorry earlier. I shouldn't have told mother about your situation. It wasn't my right to do so.” Your brother apologized, and you looked up at him to see him with sympathizing eyes. You smiled knowingly, slowly turning into chuckles.

“You don't look good acting kind.” you teased, and he gently nudged you in response, shrugging off your comment.

“Shut up.” he irked and crossed his arms as he smiled by the end after the two of you shared a laugh.

“Say, brother," you said.

“Yes?” he replied.

“If a person was ever chased by a son of a butler, a known imperial butler to be exact, what does that mean for the person chased?” you asked hesitatingly.

“Pardon?”

“Nothing.” your immediate reply only brings him to suspicion by your sudden behavior.

“Y/N,” he started. “What did you do this time?”

You avoid eye contact with him as you start to fidget, your heart beating anxiously as you count as the seconds that pass by, observing how the musicians slowly approach their instruments and flip their music sheets on a standee.

“A man was chased by the son of Viscount Huang.” you gulped, and Haechan remained silent, pausing to come up with an appropriate question as he observed your frozen figure.

“And?” he asked.

“I made an alliance with said man.”

“Y/N,” he said with gritted teeth as he sighed in defeat. “What have you done!”

“I know, and I have my suspicions too! Alright! But I swear the person has only given me infinite kindness from the beginning…If you exclude the part that I helped in hiding him from the son of the royal butler.”

“Sweet heavens.” he places his palm on his forehead, shaking his head in distress.

“All we agreed was to have one dance, and that's it! I promise there's nothing more than what we have agreed. But listen, this man,” you stopped, looking around you, and got nearer to him as you whispered. “We might be talking about the kingdom’s prince here.” you reasoned with him, and he thought about it, looking at you still for you to continue.

“That’s ridiculous,” he commented. “There’s no way a prince would be asking you out.”

You gasped and hit him on his arm. “You know insulting me is also insulting our parents and yourself too.”

“I had my doubts.” Haechan joked, and you hit him again, earning from him a ‘hey!’.

“You have to take this seriously. This man has been acting suspiciously from the start. Look. He was chased by what I presume, his butler. I heard quite faintly a ‘Your Highness!’ when we were chased down by his butler, and he…” You looked at him, dead in the eyes. “Was a terrible liar. He had quite a violent reaction when I suspected him to be one of the princes.”

“You know, the youngest prince was supposed to debut on my season, but he hasn’t shown up ever since. No one knows his face or name.” Haechan whispered back at you.

“And when did you enter high society again?”

“This is my third, so the past two seasons ago.”

“Oh, dear,” you said as you stared at the ground from your realization. “Where is mother—”

“Lady Y/N.” An ardent voice called you from behind, and you looked behind you, and you saw your expected person.

“Lord Jeno?” you uttered his name, and upon release, the weight of the atmosphere became heavier with his simple presence alone.

And everyone notices. The notable stranger, who was never seen through the night until now, approached the debutante rumored upon and best known to reject several dance offers curtly.

“Y/N?” Haechan asked, staring at Lord Jeno.

Jeno notices your brother and bows, greeting him.

“Good evening, sir.”

“Good evening…” Haechan wandered off, and you were wearing the same expression as he did. Bewildered. Intimidated. Awestrucked.

Shushed conversations and murmuring circles surround the both of you, but despite this, the lord in front of you is composed, poised straight, a firm hand holding out to ask for yours and the other behind him—too firm and frozen you notice. His hand shakes, and so do his eyes, looking at yours as he awkwardly smiles.

“Will you have this dance with me, Lady Y/N?” Lord Jeno asked hesitantly, and you gulped, offering out your hand to touch his, barely placed on his palms as you felt that if you touched his hands again, you’d taint him.

"Yes…my lord," you lately answered the last, not knowing how to address him. He breathed out a sigh of relief, too nervous as if there was a never-agreed-upon alliance behind this.

Shouldn’t you be the nervous one here?

Jeno leads you to the dance floor, and he is still stiff. The pressure of the many eyes is troubling him, especially since, out of his three seasons, he is officially marking an entrance into high society.

Everything he avoided was present in this banquet. Crowds and circles of people and their eyes—free to perceive him as a subject of talk.

He can barely breathe in air, overwhelmed by consciousness by the piercing stares now placed upon him, unaware of you calling out to him, and you tugged him down only to startle him, finally looking at you with anxious eyes.

You gestured for him to bend down, and he followed, whispering in his ears as if he were down at your height. “Are you not feeling well, my lord?”

The ticklish air on his ears from yours gives a ginger warmth to his ears, seconds late to answer you with a simple nod and smile, and you squeeze your clasped hands with him, giving him a feat of courage with your eyes. His heart flutters at this small gesture, the nearness of you making him feel warm but when he looks into your eyes, he notices a glint of something more to it.

Your eyes only show curiosity—more like suspicion.

“My lady, is there something you want to say to me?” Jeno asked, and the glint vanished as you shook your head.

“No. It’s nothing.” But nothing always had something.

You might already have guessed it, but you’re just keeping it to yourself.

The both of you finally take the dance floor. Jeno holds your hand and places the other one on your hips, and you place your free hand on his arm nervously. The quarter starts with the bass, plucking it, and the violin strung after, a cheery tune playing into the dance floor, positioning you both in a waltz.

There is a noticeable space that is around the both of you and Jeno notices it, giving you a sign about it.

“We're like a deadly disease on this dance floor.” Jeno joked, and you looked around you and chuckled along, too occupied by your reoccurring thought.

You reflected on the times when you interacted with him and thought deeply about the things you did ungraciously in front of him.

Well, you complained to him. Talked back at him. Held his hand. You also wiped your snot and tears on his handkerchief—a handkerchief that could possibly cost more than what a normal handkerchief is. After all, he is the prince.

Could be the prince, for now.

“Lady Y/N? What’s the problem? You’ve been staring at the air for quite a moment now. Is there any way I could help?” Jeno asked, concerned.

You don’t respond for a few seconds. “Lord Jeno.”

“Yes, my lady?” he replied lowly. Your mind only drives chaos at his tender reply.

“Are you really not one of the princes?” you ended, and his face tensed at your question.

“If I said yes…” he paused, his face softened, eyebrows brought together as he looked back at you hesitantly. “Will you avoid me too?”

Your heart dropped. Hearing him say ‘too’, only made you realize about his past situations that pained him and made you think about yourself. The memories of your interaction with him came crashing into you as you realized that you were acting and thinking the same as what he told you about the people who interacted with him. And he has probably felt lonely his whole life with this.

But with you, he felt seen and understood—just like what you felt about him too.

“No.” you immediately answered this time. “I won’t, my lord.”

Jeno doesn’t respond, only looking at you bewildered, and he smiles cheek to cheek, reassured by your sincerity.

The next dance segment pulled you near him as the strings modulated and came to a halt. He puts his face close to you slowly, moving his face on the side of your face as he whispers in your ears, the proximity of the both of you close—too close.

“That’s a relief.” you touch your ear as he pulls his face away. “I’m so glad it’s you that I met.” he said, still brimming with joy, unaware of the effect he had on you with that action.

The warmth of Jeno’s whispers remains for a while, and it’s ticklish, and for a moment, you forget the crowd watching you both, unaware of the stir that caused that simple action that took you off course too. The words he has spoken echoed through you, filling you with confusion and butterflies.

The music swells in, and Jeno gracefully leads you across the dance floor; the room is out of focus, other dancers and onlookers fading in the background as you only look at the man you’re dancing with—moving in perfect harmony.

There remains an unbroken eye contact, silence, and the strings from the instruments swarming between the both of you in glee rendition. Looking directly at a prince, you should be nervous and uncomfortable, but none of that is present in your mind. What you saw at the moment wasn’t the prince.

It was Jeno. The mysterious man that you helped and approached recklessly. The man who listened to your story with no prejudice. The man who offered his hand out to you when you were stuck in your own thoughts.

The friend you made out of this treacherous night.

As you continued to dance, you tried your best to gather yourself. You might not have heard him say yes to your question yet, but you can only wonder what it means for your future—what exactly would happen after this alliance was done and gone?

“Lord Jeno,” you said softly, breaking the silence.

“Or should I say, Prince Jeno?” you asked carefully, and he chuckled, nodding in agreement.

“Yes, Lady Y/N?”

“It feels weird addressing you like this. It’s like I’m speaking casually, but I’m actually formally treating you.” you commented, and he laughed at this.

“You’re the only one who I hear calling me in that way. Even if you’re already properly addressing me,” he replied. “I much more prefer it.”

He’s doing that again. Commenting so easily about things that make you feel weak on your knees.

How can he be so oblivious about it?

“What were you going to tell me?” he asked, bringing you back to your question.

“I was about to ask about our alliance.” you finished, and he looked at you anticipatingly.

“Yes?”

“What would happen after this?” and the question comes out.

You already knew the answer to this since you had already talked about it with him. The advantage you’d have after it is his succession in making his own parents, the king, and queen, less nosy on him and going in your own peaceful ways. Though, you want to hear a different answer from him this time.

Despite everything already clear as day, you want to know what runs in his mind.

Where would this lead to?

Jeno thinks about it too.

Too hardly.

“How would you want things to happen?”

The question remains in the air and the music becomes less louder in your ears.

“I don’t want it to happen. I don’t want to wake up the next morning and be filled with other men asking for my hand.” you answered.

Oh.

Jeno remembered he said that. He thought about the moment he said that and soon came to regret when he suggested that as a situation that was sure to happen and not as a joke, not when you told him what you did at that moment.

“You?” you asked, almost like a plead, yearning to hear something different than what you were negatively thinking he would answer right now.

“Me too.”

His words remained ceaseless as they left right through him, the simple words underscored by the weight they carried. The dance continues, and your mind is racing, your heart thumping loudly as if to break through your chest.

Was it really possible that Jeno, the man you stumbled upon in such a bizarre way, felt the same wave of uncertainty about the future ahead of you as you did?

You studied his face as you slowly moved across the dance floor as the final segment came near. His expression remained calm and, when you hardly look, vulnerable.

As the music began to slow down, signaling the end of the dance, Jeno’s grip on your hand tightened slightly, as if he too, was reluctant for this moment to end. The quartet played the final notes, and you both came to a gentle stop, facing each other; the contact pulled away for the final bow. Applause erupted around you, but it felt distant.

After bowing, the both of you hesitantly leave the dance floor but this time, Jeno wasn’t the slightest nervous about the eyes that still remained on the two of you. Rather, he felt more clear about his thoughts and what he wanted more than what he desired in his life.

“Lady Y/N.” Jeno began, his voice low and earnest. “I do not wish to make you feel more uncertain for what is ahead of us after this alliance we made.”

Your heart skips a beat. “I do not understand, my lord.”

“If the morning comes tomorrow and you are filled with letters that ask for your presence, do not read anything that doesn’t have the mark of my family’s crest. The answer to your question you asked me when I told you about the alliance,” he paused as he smiled softly. “I hope that you are certain to choose me, my lady, as I am certain to pursue you in the future and the moment that we step out of this dance floor.”

The sincerity that spoke through his eyes was unmistakable, and you felt relieved and exhilarated. Your anxieties all vanish away in the face of his answers.

“Looks like I would only be expecting one person’s letter tomorrow.” you smiled at him and chuckled, looking at the ground as you felt timid before him.

The quartet plays another yet song, and the both of you are startled by the sudden start of instruments playing, making you look at each other and burst into laughter.

Jeno holds out his hand at you, and you tilt your head in confusion.

“What is it, Your Highness?” he snickered at the way you addressed him, the lining of his eyes prominent into a crescent shape.

“The imperial court should consider banning that smile. You’re too captivating.” This time, you let your intrusive thoughts reign, and you and Jeno laugh at your absurdity.

“Lady Y/N?” he asked, still holding out his hand and you hummed in response.

“May I have this dance?”

“Yes,” you accepted his hand. “Yes, Your Highness.”

taglist : @g4minelvr @thebubsz @fxckingshame @nosungluv @ajaaaaayyyyy @keemburley @firydust @crustipicklez-blog @daegalismybiasinnct @kunkunlele @minkyuncutie @jenosbiceps

© written by CUPOFWYN . 2024

[bee-the-loser-recs]

☼ My Haechan One-shot Fic Recs ☼

𖤓 Drippin' By @ncteez 16.2k, NCT Dream 00' line x reader, non-specified au, close friends, birthday sex, smut, technically polyamorous, messy, slight fluff, comedy, teasing

𖤓 Send in the clowns By @smileysuh 10.6k, Haechan|Mark|Jaehyun x reader, college au, frat boys NCT, best friend Jungwoo, friends to lovers, karaoke friends, smut, polyamory, slight fluff, Halloween parties, dressing up

𖤓 Roommates By @smileysuh 8.3k, Mark x reader x Haechan, college au, frat house NCT, best friend Jungwoo, polyamory, smut, stoners, getting high together, slight fluff, mentions of Jeno having a crush on reader

𖤓 The V week spy By @smileysuh 20.1k, Jaehyun x reader (romantic) ft. Haechan | Yangyang | Jungwoo | Jeno, college au, frat house NCT, sorority member reader, stupid traditions, no strings attached situation, smut, slight fluff

𖤓 Energizer bunny By @smileysuh 19.1k, hybrid au, bunny reader, dragon Haechan, bartender reader, club owner Haechan, boss x employee relationship, genuine interest between the two, smut, slight fluff, Mark is reader's brother

𖤓 Carpe diem By @kiachiako 5.1k, college au, gamer!Haechan, coder!reader, mutual friends, slight fuckboy Haechan, genuine feelings for one another, fluff, angst

𖤓 Indica dreams By @hazyhae 11.7k, unspecified au, non-idol au, plug Haechan, reader gets high for the first time, one bad experience on edibles, fluff, slight angst, smut, best friend Jeno, reader has problems sleeping

𖤓 Us By @hazyhae 900, stoner!best friend!Haechan, high conversations together, confessions when high, mutual pining, anxieties about the future

𖤓 Cold By @rainbowhao 0.5k, established relationship, fluff, cuddling in their apartment, bribery, temperature being rather cold, clingy Haechan

𖤓 Sugar, butter & the royal crown By @haechwrites 17.1k, royal au, prince Donghyuck, baker's daughter reader, fluff, slight angst, unsupportive mother, pining, forbidden relationship, reconnecting after multiple years, pet names

𖤓 Sucks to be him By @loudstan Magic au, werewolf Haechan, witch reader, fluff, imprinting, slight angst, reader has a boyfriend at first, Haechan refuses to give up, reader is slightly older and owns a store

𖤓 Triple Lee; naughtier the better By @p4p1l0nn 9.1k, Mark | Haechan | Jeno x reader, non-idol au, stoner au, plug Haechan & Mark, stoner Jeno & reader, roommates, smut, slight fluff

𖤓 NCT dream exposes y/n's crush on Haechan in the gc By @wooyukh SMAU, non-specified au, meddling friends, exposing their friend's crushes, fluff, trying to hide their feelings, confessions, cute

𖤓 Quarantine chronicles 3 By @domjaehyun 43k, Jungwoo|Jaehyun|Johnny|Jaemin|Mark|Jeno|Haechan x reader, Quarantine au, roommates (except Mark, Jeno, Haechan), lots of tension & flirting, smut, slight fluff, friends with benefits situation, crack, part of a series

𖤓 Hush Hush By @domjaehyun 19.5k, Jeno|Jaemin|Haechan x reader, college au, friends to lovers??, sleepovers, smut, foursome, mentions of friends Mark & Renjun

𖤓 Surviving no nut November By @domjaehyun 28.8k, Haechan x reader x Mark, college au, friends to lovers, no nut November challenges, smut, trying to trip them up, teasing, slight fluff, weed consumption, pet names

𖤓 Pussy fiend [part 1] & [part 2] By @domjaehyun 28.2k & 40.7k, college au, enemies to fuck buddies to lovers, smut, humour, pissing each other off, cocky Haechan, denial of feelings

𖤓 Tangerine love [favourite] By @domjaehyun 21.8k, neighbours au, mutual attraction, smut, domestic behaviour between the two, fluff, light humours, mentions of a Christmas party

𖤓 Random texts with bf!Hyuck By @catboyieejeno SMAU, established relationship, menace Haechan, jealousy, suggestive comments, fluff

𖤓 Achromatopsia By @neoneversleeps 8.7k, Haechan has Achromatopsia (colour blindness), school au, meet cutes, relationship developments, fluff, angst, anger outbursts, making out

𖤓 Truth or dare By @irregular-idol-imagines 1.2k, friends to lovers, playing truth or dare, fluff, kissing on a dare, friendly teasing, alcohol

𖤓 'Manifesting Mayhem' [part 1], [part 2], & [part 3] By @suhnshinehaos SMAU, mini series, university au, mostly fluff, a little bit of angst, humour, Haechan has a crush on a classmate, reader runs a crystal shop, reader has a crush on Haechan, hidden identity

𖤓 Round & round By @hwaflms 6.1k, college au, weed use, stoners 00'line & reader, playing spin the bottle, wanting to kiss one another, bad luck, smut, slight fluff

𖤓 Hits different By @neowinestainedress 44.8k, college au, strangers to fwb to lovers, smut, angst, fluff, reader self destructs a lot, emotional support, best friend Jonny, past traumas, reasoning behind their actions, emotionally running away

𖤓 And they were roommates By @tyonfs 17k, college au, part of a one-shot series, reader is Haechan's "crushes" roommate, smut, friends to lovers, dumb Haechan, realising feelings, fluff [I suggest reading the prequel & other one-shots too, they're all so well written]

𖤓 Lucky strike By @heartseungs-archive 2.3k, arcade employee Haechan, high school au, Haechan has a crush on a reader, cute, fluff, asking them out

[tyonfs]

stargirl interlude

PAIRING ▸ na jaemin x fem!reader

GENRES ▸ smut, influencer au, strangers to lovers

WARNINGS ▸ profanity, mc and her friends are a little shallow, tbh i wrote this because of jaemin’s tits, dirty talk, sexual content, unprotected sex (wrap before you tap), kitchen sex, oral (m. receiving), oral (f. receiving), lowkey dumbification, body worship, ft. one night stand with jeno 

SUMMARY ▸ and i shouldn't cry, but I love it, starboy / i just wanna see you shine 'cause i know you are a stargirl

PLAYLIST ▸ stargirl interlude by the weeknd, lana del rey • alien superstar by beyoncé

WORD COUNT ▸ 5.9k words

TAG LIST ▸ @leeknowsredeyeliner​ @geniejunn​ @sehunniepot​ @jjaeyoonoh​ @subhyuck​ @jenoluuvvs​ @jaemboi64​ @otchae​ @n0hyuck​ @hyuckinx​ @domhyuckie​ @justhereforimagines​ @daegalfangirl​ @soobin-chois​ @lmkworld​ @baekhyuns-lipchain​ @its-taeil-time​ @produmads​ @kaislinging-slasher01​ @neomorning​ @learnthisfeeling​ @glitching-wren​ @carelessshootanonymous​ @thiccfullsun​  

AUTHOR’S NOTE ▸ jaemin is finally not an asshole. everybody say congrats jaemin.

THE WALK OF SHAME.

The distance from Lee Jeno’s apartment to yours was approximately 0.6 miles. If you walked fast enough, it would take you around ten minutes to get back home. Meaning, that was ten minutes spent doing the Walk of Shame at nearly three in the morning.

Of course, the whole point of being an e-girl was to keep up an unattainable internet persona. You wanted to be a star, and what better way than to weaponize your good looks? Your entire brand was posting revealing pictures of yourself on Instagram and Twitter, maintaining a “gamer girl” image. Sort of like Belle Delphine, but you hadn’t stooped low enough to start selling your bathwater to strangers on the internet. You were a lone flower on the edge of a cliff—so high up that no one could reach for your stem.

Except Jeno, apparently, after you caved and met him in person tonight.

You and Jeno followed each other on Twitter a few months ago. Despite attending the same college, you two hadn’t ever met in person before. He was a popular YouTuber, so there had been rumors flying around about his sudden interactions with you. Your influencer friends were trying to grill you for more information, but you sincerely had no idea where Jeno’s sudden interest in you came from. After you posted a picture of you in pink lace lingerie complete with Hello Kitty clips and pigtails, Jeno had finally slid into your DMs.

jeno: i’d rather spend the night with you

(In response to the caption on your post: spend the day with me?)

As one would expect, things escalated from there. Jeno was hot, you were horny, and he conveniently lived 0.6 miles away from you.

In short, you got good dick. Jeno started with one hand wrapped around your neck and the other snaking its way between your legs. You were satisfied, especially because the streamer didn’t try to dap you up after railing you on his gaming chair, the wall, and then his bed. You two made some small talk afterward, and then you headed home. Prince Charming could not be fucked to give you a generous ride back to your apartment.

You pulled out your phone to look at your face in the camera app. As expected, you were a mess, but you touched up your lipstick and blush with the few makeup products you stuffed in your purse. Then, you called your best friend, Lee Donghyuck, who had been flooding your friend group’s group chat with messages for the past hour.

“Dude,” you started as soon as he picked up. Donghyuck was in the middle of taking his headphones off to put his AirPods in, running a hand through his tousled hair. “Jeno walked me to the door and made me walk home by myself.”

“No fucking way.” Donghyuck laughed. “That’s what you get for hooking up with a guy who plays Val.”

Ah, yes. Featured on Jeno’s YouTube: streams of Valorant, League of Legends, and Overwatch. There were the occasional indie games he was requested to play, too. The only one you semi-watched and commented on was Little Nightmares.

“The dick was incredible,” you told your best friend, “but he’s not cuffing material.”

“Not like you care about cuffing anyone.”

“Yes, I do!” you objected. “I’m boyfriend-hunting, Hyuck. Think about how much attention I’d get if I started dating a hotshot influencer.”

“You should date Mark Lee, then. Everyone’s thirsting over those e-boy TikTokers now. Or maybe Liu YangYang. Heard his body count’s high as fuck.”

You rolled your eyes. “His body count’s high because no one goes back a second time. Plus, I think YangYang’s finally in the talking stage with someone.”

“Good for him.” Donghyuck yawned. “Anyway, I’m going to bed soon since I finished editing my Maldives vlog. I’m still pissed you didn’t come with us.”

You rolled your eyes. Donghyuck, Yoo Jimin, Choi Beomgyu, and Uchinaga Aeri had been giving you shit for backing out on the trip the five of you had been discussing for a few months. There were just too many things going on in your life at the time, so you told them you wouldn’t be able to make it before tickets were purchased. Of course, your absence made several of your followers question if your friend group had a falling out, but you all decided not to address pointless rumors.

“I’ll come along next time when I’m not broke,” you assured. “I’m at my apartment now, so I’ll talk to you later. Bye-bye, Hyuck.”

Donghyuck threw up a peace sign before hanging up. You tucked your phone in your back pocket as you tried to fish out your key card from your purse.

However, there was a problem: it was missing.

“Fuck,” you muttered to yourself, sitting down at one of the benches outside to dig through your purse. You swore you hadn’t taken it out, so it definitely wasn’t at Jeno’s place. The only possible explanation was that you dropped it on the way or left it inside your apartment.

Screw these auto-locking doors.

You were royally screwed.

Fast-forward to twenty minutes later. You were still sitting at the same bench. This time, your head was in your hands and you were shivering like a chihuahua. It was dark, save for the flickering streetlight above you. You had even resorted to texting Jeno, asking him if you could go back to his place and spend the night. It was downright embarrassing, but it was your last resort. Jeno, however, seemed to have been asleep due to his lack of response.

A guardian angel was sent your way, though, in the form of a cute but tired-looking college student with a bag of groceries in hand. Kind eyes, but he looked far too exhausted to smile genuinely.

“Do you need to be let in?” the boy asked, gesturing toward the apartment entrance. He had his key card in hand, and you nearly jumped to your feet.

“Uh, yeah, but…” you trailed off. Even if you accepted his offer, you wouldn’t be able to get into your own room.

He handed you his brown Essentials hoodie he had draped around across his shoulders. “Cold?”

You wondered if your shivering or hard nipples gave it away. Surely, it had to be your nipples showing through the skimpy one-piece you had on. You never would have dressed like this if you knew Jeno was going to make you walk home yourself.

“Thanks,” you mumbled, taking the hoodie from him and slipping it on. It fell past your thigh and smelled good—a non-offending mix of pine and detergent. “Uh, but even if you let me in, I can’t get into my room. I lost my key.”

“Oh.”

You folded your arms across your chest. The boy beside you ruffled his fluffy brown hair, and you were wondering why he hadn’t gone inside the building yet. Maybe he was waiting for you to find some other place to go, or maybe he wanted his hoodie back.

“Have you tried asking the RA?” he asked.

“I can only get a card replacement in the morning.”

“Can your roommate open the door?”

“Don’t have one.”

“Got a friend who’ll let you stay at their place?”

“Asleep.”

“Significant other?”

“I’m single and my dick appointment made me walk home alone.”

You didn’t realize how bitter you sounded until you saw the shocked look drawn across the boy’s face. You felt sorry for dumping that on him, but you were getting way too frustrated about your lack of options. You didn’t even have a roommate you could call for help since you opted for a single.

He cleared his throat before shyly offering, “Uh… I guess you could stay at my place for the night, if you want. I can sleep on the couch.”

Your cheeks heated up. You were no stranger to random kindness from men, but perhaps you were just grateful for his proposition since you were running low on options.

“That’d be great,” you said. “Thanks.”

You followed the boy into the apartment building. He introduced himself as Na Jaemin, an animal science major in your same year who was president of a club that raised guide dogs for blind people. It was comforting to hear, so your anxiousness over this stranger luring you in to murder you in cold blood was slowly letting up.

He unlocked the door for you, letting you into his apartment first. You looked around to see a quite ordinary looking living space with a few posters and polaroids hung up on the walls. There was a border collie curled up in a dog bed in the corner of the living room, and Jaemin was being extra careful to make sure he didn’t accidentally wake him up.

He set the plastic bag down, which you found out was dog food that he picked up from a friend. It definitely made a lot more sense than him shopping for groceries at three in the morning.

“You live alone?” you asked for the sake of making small talk.

“My roommate graduated a semester early,” he replied. “I’ve been living on my own, just like you.”

“Doesn’t it get lonely?”

He turned the question back to you, asking, “Do you get lonely?”

You shrugged as you sat down on his couch, sitting stiffly at the edge of the cushion. “When you get so much attention online, you kind of need the privacy.”

“Oh, I see.”

No more questions asked.

Jaemin retreated into his room for a moment before returning with a pillow and blanket in hand. He tossed them beside you on the couch and met your gaze.

“Bed’s ready for you whenever,” he said. “The bathroom’s inside my room, if you need to use the shower or anything. Let me know if you need any clothes to sleep in.”

Your face was heating up like a furnace, but you were glad he couldn’t see how his words were affecting you. You flushed with embarrassment when you noticed Jaemin’s eyes flicker past your neck. He probably thought his gaze went undetected, but you noticed. Suddenly, all you wanted to do was pull his hoodie high enough so that the hood hid the hickies Jeno left across your skin.

“I can just use your hoodie,” you replied. “Thanks.”

Jaemin managed a small, tired smile. You took that as your cue to get out of the living room so that he could pass out in peace. So, you headed into his bedroom and stared at his tidy bed, wondering if he had frantically fixed his sheets for you.

Since you already felt like you had asked for too much, you decided to skip your nightly shower and head straight to bed. It was hard to sleep in a stranger’s bed, though—no matter how pretty he was.

You were used to kindness. It normally came in a package deal with being attractive. Bees flocked to honey; humans flocked to beauty.

This feeling, however, wasn’t something you were used to. Genuine kindness with no ulterior motive was almost foreign, which was upsetting to admit. You weren’t sure how to sort out your feelings, but all you knew was that Jaemin’s eyes had stars in them, and you were tempted to lose yourself in them.

You woke up to an empty house.

Even the dog had abandoned you.

To be fair, you weren’t exactly an early bird. You woke up at around 10:30 a.m. naturally, and then spent an extra thirty minutes trying to muster up the willpower to get out of bed. Of course, you spent that time updating your group chat on your whereabouts.

gigi: 15k isn’t that insane?

gyu: holy shit gyu: you have to do it

karibear: gigi i will literally kill you and then resurrect you to kill you again if you don’t

gigi: check out the deliverables tho gigi: [File Attachment]

hyuck: instagram story highlight? the fuck? hyuck: a tiktok should be enough. more people check tiktok than ig now anyways lol

gigi: right???

karibear: OK BUT FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS

y/n: just caught up. I think you should do it for the $$ gigi

gigi: GIRL where have u been

gyu: i told you she probably overslept

gigi: BUT I SEE HER LOCATION ON FINDMYFRIENDS gigi: SHE IS NOT HOME

y/n: i may or may not be in a cute guy’s apartment

karibear: shut the fuck up

y/n: stop he’s REALLY cute y/n: dare i say cuter than jeno

hyuck: stfu ur kidding

gyu: well?? did you sleep with him? gyu: give us all the details

y/n: no i couldn’t find my key after coming back from jeno’s and was locked out of my apartment y/n: so this “na jaemin” appears and lets me sleep over at his place for the night  y/n: he took the couch AND let me sleep on his bed y/n: jeno could never

gyu: aww that’s actually rlly sweet

gigi: can’t find him on ig ://

karibear: no social media presence?? karibear: idk if that’s hot or a red flag

hyuck: probably both 💀

y/n: um good thing red’s my favorite color

karibear: omfg karibear: do u actually wanna fuck him karibear: send us a picture of what he looks like

y/n: idk if he’s even interested in me like that y/n: but idk i also want my internet famous trophy boyfriend :( y/n: idk if this guy even has a social media presence  y/n: still a starboy in my heart tho <3

hyuck: keep your eye on the prize bbyg hyuck: fame is fleeting so milk it while you can

You figured Donghyuck had a point. You were an internet celebrity (to some extent), so, in terms of marketing, it would be wise to push the “unattainable” image you cemented. Dating someone equally as unattainable would make you look even more desirable.

However, you were starting to lose all rhyme and reason when you walked out of the bedroom to see a plate of eggs and toast waiting for you on the kitchen counter.

A post-it note was right next to it, reading: I’m out walking the dog. I made you some breakfast if you’re hungry but you don’t have to eat it. Door auto locks so just make sure you close it whenever you leave. Here’s my phone number if you need anything. +82 x-xxxx-xxxx - Jaemin

You decided to update your group chat.

y/n: change of plans y/n: i’m making starboy mine

When Jaemin returned home shortly after you discovered his note, you were sitting on his couch, knees tucked to your chest as you forked down the waffles he made. Before you even looked up to greet him, you heard his dog yapping excitedly, hurrying over to sniff you.

“Oh, you’re still here.” He looked genuinely surprised, though he didn’t object. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah, really well,” you admitted. Curious, you tilted your head and let your lips curl into a knowing smile. “Are you high?”

Jaemin stiffened up. “Uh, a little. Is it that obvious?”

“I just noticed your eyes look sort of dazed.”

You hadn’t expected it, but he almost sounded embarrassed to be caught. “I’m not like a… a full-on stoner or anything.”

“Hey, no judgment,” you replied, holding up your hands in surrender. “I was just gonna ask if I could get high with you, too.”

After visibly relaxing, a more confident grin dawned on Jaemin’s face as he handed you his pen. You couldn’t help but feel smug as you accepted it gingerly.

About a couple hours later, you and Jaemin were blazed out of your minds. He had offered you an edible shortly after you took a hit from his pen, and it kicked in an hour later for you and Jaemin. There were no words exchanged for a while, but then you two started to converse, although you couldn’t trust that anything you were saying made sense.

You weren’t big on flirting. It was a skill you only put to use when absolutely needed, and this was one of those instances. You figured this was the perfect opportunity to get close to Jaemin. Even though you could tell he was a really, really great guy, and you didn’t want to rush things with Jaemin, there were a few factors that were making you throw your morals to the wind.

For one, you were high and getting incredibly horny.

The other factor was that Jaemin was the hottest man you had ever seen (and you had encountered a lot of attractive men).

“So,” he started, “you’re, like, an internet celebrity? Like a TikToker?”

“I started on Twitter,” you explained, “but, yeah, I’m famous on TikTok, too. But there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of me.”

“Really? Why?”

“I’m known for more, uh”—you let out a nervous giggle—“risqué stuff, if you wanna see.” When he nodded eagerly, you took out your phone and opened Twitter to show Jaemin your account. Right off the bat, there was a mirror selfie of you in lingerie and cat ears. Because you were feeling bold, you added, “And the guy who made me walk home alone? He’s a famous YouTuber named Jeno.”

Something seemed to click for Jaemin when you mentioned Jeno’s name because it was the only thing that snapped him out of whatever trance he was in. He had been looking at the photo of you so intently that you were wondering if he was checking you out or spacing out.

“I think I’ve watched some of his gaming videos,” he said before handing your phone back to you. “He just… kicked you out?”

“Pretty much. At least he made me cum once.”

“Just once?”

You held your breath for a moment. With those two words, Jaemin made the atmosphere all the more tense, and you felt like you two were suspended in time. Although you weren’t sure if he said that to challenge Jeno or not, there was still a strange implication in his words. It left you wondering if Jaemin could treat you better.

“Yeah,” you replied in a quieter voice. “Just once. With my help, too.”

“That’s fucked.” Jaemin reached for his pen to take a long, slow drag. He held it in his lungs for a moment before he parted his lips to blow the smoke out. “And you dressed up so pretty for him.”

Either Jaemin was a secret dark horse when it came to smooth talking or the weed was making him horny, too. Whatever it was, his comments made your cheeks burn.

“I bet he’d be pissed if he found out I ended up in your bed after.”

The animal science major flushed at your words, growing even more shy when you giggled at his reaction. “I mean, I guess so, but we didn’t, like… I mean, we—”

“I was kidding,” you assured. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t say that unless something actually happened.”

Jaemin nodded quietly, falling back into silence for a while. You were worried that you had made the conversation awkward, so you sunk back against the couch and willed yourself to come down from your high. Maybe the weed was a bad idea. Maybe you were just getting ahead of—

“So, you wouldn’t be opposed if something were to happen?”

The question took you off-guard, and you had to process Jaemin’s words for a few moments before you sat up to look at him. There was no shame or shyness drawn across his face this time. Just pure curiosity. (And perhaps a hint of longing which was most likely brought on by the weed.)

You shook your head with a hum. “No, I wouldn’t be opposed.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I think you’re cute. You seem really sweet, too, like letting me sleep over and making me breakfast.”

Jaemin smiled brightly, beaming ear to ear before he ducked his head shyly. You were surprised that he was so sheepish given his godsent looks. He had to have heard these compliments about a million times now. There was no way you were the first person to recognize his looks.

“I’m not good at this,” he admitted.

“Good at what?”

“Um, hitting on girls,” Jaemin said. His hand flew to rub the back of his neck as he added, “Cute girls.” After another beat, he let his head hang and then let out a groan. “Sorry, I don’t have a filter when I’m high.”

“Jaemin,” you cooed, scooting close enough so that your knees were touching. You placed your hand on his thigh, which made him finally look you in the eyes. “I’m pretty bad at flirting, too, so I hope this is working.”

The corner of his lip hitched up, amused. “Yeah,” Jaemin murmured, his eyes unfocusing as he leaned in close, “it’s definitely working.”

Your nose brushed against his experimentally before Jaemin pressed his lips to yours. It was gentle and innocent, but then Jaemin turned his body to face yours, and his hands started roaming your body. Your waist, your back, your hips—not an inch was neglected while he felt you up. You let slip a hum of delight, and that encouraged Jaemin to slip his tongue past your lips.

He didn’t use too much tongue, which you appreciated. There was something too sloppy about guys who used too much tongue, but Jaemin had an excellent balance between precise and hasty. And he did this thing where he would pause to suck on your tongue and then your bottom lip, which you really appreciated.

You let a whine slip, and Jaemin gripped your waist tighter. You figured he wanted you on his lap, so you threw one leg over his thigh and straddled him. It was like you were in a trance with how receptive you were, and you only wanted more when Jaemin pulled away to kiss down your neck. After minutes of nipping, sucking, and relishing your whimpers, he was satisfied with the bruises littered across your skin.

Jaemin seemed frustrated by how big his hoodie was on you, so he tugged at it until you pulled it up and over your head. After discarding it to the side, his lips found yours immediately after. The pads of his fingers slipped past the hem of your shirt to dig into your skin, pulling you flush against his body.

You were sure you could kiss him for hours, but your attention was slipping away when you felt his boner underneath you. The very least you could do was offer to help him out.

You pulled away to catch your breath, and your voice was no louder than a breath when you offered, “Let me suck you off.”

Jaemin blushed a little, and you bit back a smile because how could someone be so forward and cute? He was not innocent in the slightest, but he somehow got flustered so easily.

His voice came out strangled when he said, “Please.”

You carefully peeled off Jaemin’s shirt, admiring his muscles as you revealed his bare skin. He had to work out regularly to get a build this good, but you didn’t expect him to be this ripped. It was almost second nature when you started kissing down his chest, smiling when you heard his happy sigh.

When your kisses reached his stomach, you started tugging at the band of his sweatpants. Jaemin carded his fingers through your hair to keep you where he wanted to, and you were pretty sure all his blood was rushing to his cock with how much bigger he got. You tugged his sweatpants down to his knees and kissed up his strong thigh, looking up at him through your lashes. You wanted Jaemin to know just how drunk you were on his body.

Jaemin helped you tug down his boxers, too, and you swallowed hard when you saw how huge he was. His cock sprung up, and you were almost worried that you wouldn’t be able to take all of him in. While you were tying up your hair, Jaemin gave his shaft a few pumps, rubbing his thumb across the precum that beaded his slit.

A few strands of your hair got in your face, so Jaemin brushed them back and held your hair in his fist, undoing your ponytail so that he could tie back your hair properly. He looked down at you expectantly, cradling your jaw while you were mentally preparing yourself to take him. You flattened your tongue and ran it along the side of his cock, licking right where his vein was. Jaemin let out a groan almost instantly, and you looked up to see his eyes burning molten hot with desire.

“You’re so fucking hot,” he growled, gripping the back of your head.

His cock was throbbing, aching for you to take more of him in. So you slid your tongue over his head before hollowing your cheeks to suck him in. Jaemin gritted his teeth and tilted his head back, muttering some profanity that only encouraged you further.

You went slow at first, drawing out each bob of your head so that you got used to his size. You couldn’t go all the way down on him without his head hitting the back of your throat, making you gag a little before you started to properly take him down your throat. Jaemin started thrusting his hips into your mouth, urging you to go faster. You weren’t sure if that meant he was going to cum soon, but you sped up regardless.

“Fuck,” Jaemin rasped out, watching you with absolute admiration in his blown-out eyes, “I’m gonna cum.”

His grip on your hair loosened, as if he was ready to let you pull off of him, but you looked up at him with a mischievous glint in your eyes while you sucked harder. You wanted him to cum in your mouth, and he seemed to get the message because his moan was cut off by his orgasm.

You continued to suck on his cock while he came, swallowing without hesitation. Jaemin thrusted shallowly inside your mouth, his husky moans making you pull off him to lick a long stripe down his length.

The two of you just stared at each other for a moment, catching your breaths and watching each other’s chest rise and fall. Then, Jaemin leaned in to cup your cheek and kiss you once more. He didn’t even care that he was tasting himself on your lips, but he just needed more of you.

“Let me return the favor,” he said once he pulled away. Before you could respond, Jaemin scooped you up in his strong arms. You held onto his biceps, gasping when he held your bottom firmly. “I promise I’ll make you feel really good.”

Jaemin set you on the cool granite surface of the kitchen counter, and you were glad that he kept the place clean. You would have felt gross if it was any other man, like Jeno’s grimey kitchen counter littered with dirty dishes, but you were too wrapped up in your own lust to care about moving to Jaemin’s bed.

Being high made you so sensitive that every touch from Jaemin left you trembling. As he undressed you, you couldn’t help but shudder and gasp whenever his fingers brushed over a sensitive area. He seemed to take notice, which you observed by his small smirk. As soon as Jaemin got rid of your garments, leaving you naked, he sucked in a sharp breath.

“Gorgeous,” he praised, leaning forward to take your nipple in his mouth. He sucked on the supple skin eagerly, making you moan and grab at his shoulder.

You let out a gasp when Jaemin grabbed your other breast in his hand, squeezing firmly and running his thumb along the nipple. After he decided he showed your chest enough attention, Jaemin started kissing down your stomach until he reached the apex of your thighs. He trailed kisses along your pelvis, peppering more along the top of your thighs, and you used your elbows to balance your weight on the counter. You were surely going to collapse if he kept going.

“Jaem,” you whined, “don’t tease.”

He smirked as he parted your legs even further, humming inquisitively at the sight of your soaked cunt. He lifted both of your legs and settled them on each of his shoulders, and you sucked in a sharp breath to prepare yourself.

Jaemin dipped his head and ran his flattened tongue along your folds, and god, you were floating high up in the clouds.

After some strokes of his tongue, Jaemin stiffened his tongue to lick deeper, parting your slit so that he could ravage your cunt. You couldn’t do anything but cry out his name, begging for more and more. Your engorged clit was soon aching for attention, and you became a complete mess as soon as Jaemin’s lips found your little ball of nerves.

Soon, Jaemin was holding your hips down as he ate you out like a man starved. You had never experienced pleasure so intense, and you were finding it hard to believe that the meek boy you met last night was this bold. Your fingers were tangled in his hair, pulling him impossibly closer even though his face was practically wet with your arousal.

“I-I’m close,” you breathed out, and your hips were struggling to grind down to meet Jaemin’s tongue. You wanted more—no, you needed more.

“I know,” he whispered against your thigh, and before you could beg, he snaked his tongue in your entrance, allowing your walls to clench and unclench around his hot muscle.

He used his fingers to rub your clit in small, tight circles, all the while eating you out so vigorously that you couldn’t even think about anything except Jaemin. How good he made you feel. How lucky you were to be under him.

You were drowning soon after—drowning in utmost bliss. A toe-curling orgasm shook your body, leaving your back arching against the kitchen counter. You couldn’t even process how loud your moan was until Jaemin was shushing you gently, abusing your clit throughout your orgasm while his other hand was clamped over your mouth.

“Shh,” he cooed, almost mocking you. “The walls are thin, doll.”

You nodded, looking up at him with glazed-over eyes. You just needed to focus on anything to keep you at bay, to keep you from being pulled under the current of your climax.

“Gonna carry you to the bed, okay?” he told you, and you nodded without a second thought, letting him princess carry you to his bedroom.

As soon as he laid you down gently, Jaemin leveled his cock at your entrance, running his head along the folds of your cunt. You were already exhausted from your previous orgasm, but you were still eager to feel Jaemin inside of you.

“I’ll go slow,” he assured, teasing the tip of his cock inside you so gently that you were about to fall apart. You had no more than an inch inside of you, and your walls were already clenching hard around him.

Your eyes rolled back when he pushed deeper inside you, and then soon he was bottoming out, and you could feel his thighs pressed against yours. The cry that left your lips and the groan that escaped his nearly sounded like a melody in your eyes. Each wave of pleasure made you feel like you were traveling light years past several galaxies. Stars pinpricked your vision, but you could make out Jaemin’s face among the collisions of supernovas.  

“I can’t,” you whimpered, unable to form proper, coherent sentences. “Fast—go faster.”

Something primal glinted in Jaemin’s dark eyes, and started ramming into you while holding your hips tight. His head dipped to ravage your neck, kissing and sucking as he pleased while his cock hit that perfect spot that made you see white spots in your vision. You felt a ripple of pleasure shoot under your skin.

And something else must have snapped in Jaemin because he started spewing absolute filth in your ears, and lord, was it making you lose your mind.

“I’m the best you’ve had, aren’t I?” he asked with brimming confidence, opting for sharp and precise thrusts.

You half-nodded, your cheek pressing against the pillow as your nails raked down Jaemin’s back. But Jaemin didn’t appreciate your lack of words.

“Come on, Y/N,” he pressed, “say it.” He pressed his lips to your ear and nibbled on the shell. You squirmed when you felt his hot breath fan your neck. “C’mon, I haven’t fucked you dumb already, right?”

You managed to cry out, “Y-yes, Jaemin! I’ve… I’ve never felt this good.”

He cupped your cheek and rubbed gently with his thumb, smiling down at you so kindly that it felt condescending. “Yeah? You gonna cum for me, then?”

You felt those ripples of pleasure intensify, and soon they were rising to a crescendo. You felt like you were being split apart on Jaemin’s cock, and it didn’t help that he refused to slow down before you orgasmed. You bucked your hips against him, eager to chase the pleasure that was just in your reach.

And, after Jaemin pressed his lips against yours, all of the stars in the night sky collided and exploded into nothingness.

You felt your orgasm tear through you, immobilizing you with blinding pleasure. You gasped and gripped the sheets tightly, praying that you could hold on for dear life. Jaemin slowly fucked you through your orgasm, your clenching walls bringing him to pull out of you and let his cum spill onto your stomach.

Jaemin let out a shaky sigh of contentment, and he quickly returned to your side without giving himself time to recover. Instead of basking in post orgasm glow, Jaemin aided your ongoing climax by rubbing your clit in slow, torturous circles.

“I got you,” he crooned, pressing gentle kisses to your cheeks. “I got you, doll.”

You were a whimpering, moaning mess underneath him, and you couldn’t think of anything but Jaemin as you writhed. After a few more aftershocks of pleasure (all thanks to Jaemin, of course), you finally started returning to your senses. It was possible that Jaemin had actually fucked you dumb.

He hurried to his feet to clean you up. It was a stark contrast from how he acted in bed, but your heart melted when he made sure you got enough water before he tucked you in bed. No guy had ever taken his time with aftercare for you, so you were starting to feel like being kicked out of Jeno’s apartment was a stroke of luck.

Later, he moved to lay down next to you, kissing the top of your head as he slid in. You wrapped your arm around him and you two were eventually a mess of tangled limbs.

“Can I stay?” you asked, somewhat nervous that he would ask you to leave soon.

“Of course,” he replied, easing your nerves with a gentle smile, “you can stay for as long as you want.” You cuddled close to him, burying your face into his chest, and then you heard him ask, “How do you feel?”

You smiled. “Like a star.”

[dalivanmagritte]

NCT FIC REC : LEE JENO

back to the nct fic rec

Jeno fic rec part.2

favs

lionheart (fav, smut, fluff, royal!au, knight!au, monarch!au)

premium boy-toy (fav, smut, stripper!au)

step on a crack, dr.lee's gonna break your back (fav, smut)

wanna know what it's like (fav, smut)

yours to tame (fav, fluff, smut, knight!au, princess!au, royal!au)

koi no yokan (fav, smut, abo!au)

slick pup (fav, pervert!au, smut)

prince of wolves (fav, smut, werewolf!au, vampire!au)

i suddenly realize my archnemesis is hot (fav,fluff, angstish, demigod!au, mythology!au)

pride & prejudice (fav, fluff, angst, smut)

no smut

rainfall (fluff)

the deal (fluff, college!au)

cigarettes after sex (fluff, angstish, suggestive, college!au)

do you even know how to have fun? (angst to fluff, badboy!au)

classics (smut)

secret (smut, fluff, sub!jeno (kink discovery))

sweet lies (smut, angstish, ghost!jeno!au)

heatstroke (mechanic!au, smut)

tattooist!jeno (fluff, angst, tattooist!au, florist!au)

himbo (smut, himbo!jeno)

cute little intern (smut, ceo!au, intern!au)

mine only (smut)

possessive dad! (smut, pregnancy!au, soon to be parents!au)

ridin' club switching lanes (smut, streeracer!au)

sweet fury (smut)

hit the breaks! (serie, smut, streetracer!au, mechanics!au)

rich purity (serie, smut, virgin!au)

possessive jeno (smut, roommate)

a different kind of exercise (smut, personal trainer!au)

the rock of gibraltar (smut)

jeno uses his strength against you (smut)

the bat & dove (smut, fluff, mafia!au, racer!jeno)

banana (smut)

guardian gloves (smut, angstish, boxer!au)

teddy bear (smut)

strong jeno (smut)

codename : monster (smut)

his order (smut, ceo!au)

sli(ck-p)up (smut, perv!jeno)

fireproof (smut, brotherbf!au, college!au)

size kink (smut)

only 'til dawn (smut, badboy!jeno, goodgirl!reader)

day6: overstimulation (smut)

day19: pet play (smut)

little wifey (smut, husband!au)

hard dom! (smut)

wrapped around your fingers (smut)

my first and last (smut, college!au)

summer hair = forever young (smut, fluff)

perv!jeno (smut, roommates!au, perv!au)

monster in hiding (smut, stalking!au)

can't take it? (smut)

alternate universe (magics, gods, royalty, etc...)

my sunset is yours (fluff, hogwarts!au)

helping hand (fluff, hogwarts!au)

transfiguration spell (smut, fluff, angstish, hogwarts!au)

sinking ships (smut, sailor!au, mermaid!au, horror!au)

change in you (smut, vampire!au, georgian-era!au)

puppy (smut, supernatural!au, werewolf!au)

sunshine (fluff, angst, mermen!jeno)

the lucky one (fluff, angst, demigod!au, mythology!au)

son of morpheus (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

son of apollo (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

son of shadows (part of elysios serie, fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

the tale older than time (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

late night company (fluff, comfort angst, demigod!au)

scream (smut (dirtyyy smut), halloween!au, ghostface!jeno)

why dying my hair was the best decision of my life (fluff, soulmates)

take my breath (smut, abo!au)

puppy pound (smut, abo!au)

jealous (smut, abo!au)

sos x jaemin (smut, abo!au)

destiny (smut, abo!au)

stepbro alpha jeno (smut, abo!au, stepbro!au)

pretzel (smut, abo!au)

phone fuck me (smut, ghostface!au)

incubus!jeno (smut, incubus!au)

ascention to the throne (serie, smut, royal!au, prince!au, political!au)

with another member

just so you know x jaemin (smut)

i'm a mouse duh! x jaemin (smut)

they're roommates x jaemin (smut)

the sequel x jaemin (smut, ghostface!au, halloween!au)

cookie jar x jaemin (smut, stepbrother!au)

can you handle it? x johnny, jaehyun, jaemin (smut)

morally gray (and tw)

baby trapping (smut, sugardaddy!au)

shameless (smut, stepson!au)

undone (noncon, smut)

teddy bear -> our sick story, thus far x haechan (dubcon, smut)

stepbro!jeno part.2 (DUBCON, smut, stepbrother!au)

behind closed doors x haechan (smut, slight dubcon, stepbro!au)

the walls are thin x jaemin (DUBCON, smut)

shoplifter x mark (dubcon, smut, bodyguard!au, stepfather!au)

switch -> chain x johnny (dubcon, smut, neighbour?au)

arcade (continuation of switch/chain, smut)

[mins-fins]

âme sœur ﹙l. jn﹚

❛ âme sœur ❜ means soulmate in french.

synopsis . . with the new responsibilities as the kings courtier, you find yourself at a crossroad where you can't exactly determine your feelings for your childhood friend.

pairing . . king! lee jeno × courtier! male reader

genre . . royal au, fluff, some angst, some humor, childhood friends to lovers, medieval.. kinda

warnings . . some profanity, just mentions of forced marriage, somewhat inaccurate depictions of the medieval era, our main leads are SICK

word count . . 4.9k

notes . . take this mess that was meant to be something.. that eventually became nothing but some royal childhood friends to lovers conglomerate that could've been more specific but it was never going to get that far 🤷‍♂️ in light of my obsession with french phases (considering i literally am forced to learn the language) and obsession with putting every nct member in a royal setting, this is for jj 💗 only three scenes.. but it was never going to be more anw

THE SCENERY IS ENCHANTING, lavish gifts, lavish cakes, lavish everything. the wealthy are extra, even extra for the king— well, newly turned king. he was still a prince no more than a few hours ago, you were right there when he was overwhelmed about his own coronation, it's only been an hour and a half since this event has began, yet you've already found yourself at the receiving end of many personal inquiries.

who thinks to ask you about the king? you've been his friend longer than his advisor.

"no marriage? this is blasphemous!"

and of course, lee donghyuck can't keep himself away from a glass of wine. he's far from sober at this point, which draws a small chuckle out of you, the use of the word 'blasphemous' amusing you out of your dissociative episode. "i'm sure he'll be fine".

"he's lonely y/n" he slurs, twirling the glass of wine in his hands, an anxious gasp leaving your lips at the sight. good god if he drops something you're going to kill him. you promised him this day would be perfect, he had already been so worried about it for several months, you had to make sure nothing went wrong. "do you see how sad he is?"

"not sad, just worried".

another sip of the wine, a sigh releases from your lips, he's going to have to be carried home tonight, but the thought of that vision makes your lips turn up. it's pretty hilarious. "how boring, marriage is important!"

you allow for yourself to get distracted by the many treats which litter the expensive dining table. you scrunch your nose, unable to work up an appetite. now you feel nervous. what is that even about? it's not like today is your coronation.

"you sound like your mother" you mutter, teeth biting into your inner cheek. "can't you just be happy for him?"

lee donghyuck snorts, his breath reeking of grape juice. "i am happy for him, just pointing out the obvious".

"the obvious isn't always correct".

"at least someone here is reasonable" na jaemin is exhausted, and donghyuck laughs at the expression of misery on his features. "i swear all the people here are on the same mission, trying to set up young debs with the new king, do they realize how ridiculous they sound?"

"they'll never get out of their own heads".

jaemin hums, sharing a weird look with a certain lee who can't stop his wasted giggling. "is he insane?"

"the wine is adding to his idiocy tonight".

as soon as you say that, lee donghyuck lets out yet another overdramatized laugh, not his last drunken chortle of the night unfortunately. you lightly grimace, put off by the behavior. "you haven't happened to see our beloved king have you?"

you offer a shake of your head. "not since before the coronation anyway, i thought he would've been hard to miss".

"well he is hard to miss, he's a spectacle".

you let yourself snicker, giving a mere glance at the strawberry scones on the table. "you make it sound like you have feelings for the guy".

"don't take my word out of context, a beautiful man is a beautiful man".

you simply smile at that, jaemin can certainly speak the truth on some occasions. he scoffs, just barely fighting back a gag. "i hate strawberries.."

"not on his coronation day, nana, you're gonna stress jeno out".

na jaemin gives an incredulous look, his stare reminiscent of those he sends donghyuck. "you're on first name terms with the king?"

you laugh, just a little bit of disbelief hidden in the sound. "we've all been friends for years, wouldn't it be strange if i wasn't?"

"considering your his courtier now, it seems weird".

"jeno isn't like that".

jaemin hums. "i guess you know him best" he scans you up and down, a bubbling thought in his head itching to leave his mouth, but he decides against it last minute, picking up a sweet chocolate tart which he takes a bite out of. "let me know when you catch sight of him, i've been meaning to talk with him".

you only offer a nod in return, and when jaemin turns on his heel, donghyuck jumps up to follow quickly behind him, annoying the other to no end. "give me a tart minjae-ah! pleaseee!?"

ah, donghyuck sober is no different than donghyuck drunk.

considering you still couldn't work up an appetite, you entertained yourself by conversing with the people around you. gossip is high, other people can't really do anything but worry about what their king is doing. you somehow manage to make it through an intense conversation before the ones whispering realize that you indeed are the king's right hand man, you can't lie, their reactions were priceless.

it wasn't as easy to turn down dance invites as you assumed, you aren't exactly the prized possession of this gathering, but when people have a dance opportunity, they'll take it. you can't believe the amount of polite smiles you've faked tonight, it's astonishing.

but with no sight of the king, you couldn't exactly refuse advances for long, the excuses took much too long to form. you danced with at least three woman, one of them specifically curious about the details of the palace's pastries (as if you knew anything about that, you just enjoyed watching treats bake in the oven). she almost spun it into an opportunity to ask if you were single, an opportunity that you quickly rushed away from with the excuse of needing to go find the king.

not that much of a lie, but you couldn't exactly find another way to escape the situation. you gave her one last twirl and rushed off to another corner of the ballroom, good lord the king couldn't be more invisible today, on coronation day of all days too? you haven't seen him in hours.

"you look lost".

you jump from your spot, startled by the sudden voice. you only relax when you catch sight of the one man you've been searching for the entire night. "good lord jeno! don't do that!"

the newly appointed king smiles, eyes forming into crescents. "sorry, i couldn't resist".

your eyebrows furrow, indignation in your eyes. "do you know how long i've been looking for you? i assumed you bailed on your own coronation".

"you think so lowly of me" jeno sighs, batting his eyelashes excessively. "mother was being hard on me".

you narrow your eyes. "i'm sure it's just the usual, she's looking out for you".

"it's all piling up pretty quickly though, this room is so.. hot don't you think?"

jeno's eye twitches, the irritation getting to him quickly. "it's only a few more hours, i can get through it".

he's muttering, a clear indication he doesn't exactly have faith in his own words. his habits are customary for you to pick up on, your teeth sink into your bottom lip, you have to distract him.

"hey, did you know they made strawberry scones?"

you whisper the word of the baked treats, a little nod to a joke you two have. jeno immediately snickers, looking down at the floor. he almost looks astonished, as if he couldn't believe such a thing. "scones? you're serious?"

"so serious".

all jeno can do is sigh, not exactly disappointed, but not exactly impressed either. "i can't even eat anything, is it really that weird i don't want marriage at this time in my life?"

"they say most kings need queens".

jeno scrunches his nose, those words upset him clearly. "i thought mother would be angry but it's just everyone else.. i can do well on my own, i have you by my side".

you can barely fight your smile. you always wonder why he decides to say things like this, your heart pounds against your chest. maybe their just normal words to him, but to you? they aren't just words. they're so much more. if you feel the room grow hotter, no one should know that.

"you're bound to do well anyway, i'm just a little tick at your side".

"there's no need for such irrelevant words, you're much more than that".

you let another sigh leave your lips, he's so sweet, the man you've known for as long as you remember is simply the same sweet boy you met while sneaking through the kitchen to eat cake in the wee hours of the night. nothing has really changed.

lee jeno is simply wonderful.

"oh you flatter me" you choose to respond, fanning your face to accompany your dramatic tone of voice. "choosing me as your courtier? surely there were better candidates".

"no one was better than you, it was barely a challenge".

he doesn't glance at you, instead focused on the many decorated tarts on the table. "i cannot stomach these".

you chuckle. "you could at least try them".

"i might vomit".

"don't be so vile your majesty" na jaemin places a light hand on jeno's shoulder. "give credence to the chefs".

"i'm not demeaning their efforts, it looks good yes but i can't eat anything right now".

"it's not just you.."

your silent mutter earns a small smile from jeno, and he sighs. "i see none of you have a shortage of admirers, courtesy of our new king of course".

those words just get the slightest hint of a chuckle out of you, your shoulder shaking as you try to hide your laugh. you miss the incredulous look jeno gives you, too amused by the comment.

"are you actually laughing at that?" you only laugh again when you hear the offense in his tone. you can barely contain your giggles, but you have no idea why the statement is so funny.

"no not at all" you shake your head midway through your fit, mouth twitching as you try your best to stifle your smile. "i would never".

jeno narrows his eyes, and you just barely make it through eye contact without breaking under his gaze. "see? y/n enjoys my joke".

"it wasn't even a joke".

jaemin lets out a loud 'hmph', just the slightest bit upset. "you don't understand my comedy your majesty".

jeno sighs, why is he even beginning to argue with him? it's all useless anyway, he's just running into a wall. "maybe you won't come to another event at the palace then".

you almost laugh again, but jeno glares peripherally, so you suck in a breath.

"what a snippy king you are, surely you'll get along with your subjects".

"is that your attempt at sarcasm?"

"nope, just a show of truth".

jeno scoffs, an eye roll being his silent response to jaemin's smile. you glance between the two, sensing a budding tension. you have to kill this.

"you haven't happened to see mark have you?"

the na suddenly brightens, a light bulb going off in his mind. "oh you're correct! i have to discuss kingdom relations with him! you're a blessing y/n, enjoy your night your majesty!"

jeno narrows his eyes, irked at the exaggerated pitch of his voice. you simply smile, waving him a goodbye as he skips away, the man beside you immediately scoffing once he's far enough of a way. "he's truly a.. character".

"i think eccentric is the word you're looking for".

"you truly do get me l/n".

you chuckle, feeling your cheeks flare up.

it's just the heat of the room, it's just super hot in here, i'm being squeezed to death by this suit.

yeah, what an amazing excuse.

"if you aren't gonna eat, then what exactly do you plan to do?"

"i originally wanted to use feeling bad as an excuse to avoid dancing but.." he pokes your shoulder, motioning toward a group of woman eyeing him like candy, he probably wouldn't be able to escape them if they decided to come over. "they know i'm feeling just fine" he whispers to you, and you stifle your laughter by putting your head down.

"you can just turn down advances, you know".

"as if you don't make excuses to scurry away from waltzing, i know how you play".

you lightly nudge him, he did get you there. his lips turn up in victory, and you resist your eye rolls. "you're ridiculous, your majesty".

jeno furrows his eyebrows. "don't call me that".

"it's your title".

jeno's lips press into a thin line. "it sounds lousy coming from you".

"lousy?" you probably would be offended if not for knowing jeno.

"it doesn't make any sense, we've been friends forever, don't just switch like that".

"i'm technically your staff now".

"you'll always be my friend first.."

you don't even fight your smile at this point. did you say lee jeno was wonderful already? oh who cares? he is. he is so wonderful. in his own strange way, his eyes sparkle as he stares, a barrage of stars hidden in his irises. "okay jeno, i see".

jeno hums, again glancing at the center of the room. he scratches at the pure white tablecloth with his nail, you can practically hear him thinking. "would you like to dance?"

you blink, completely puzzled. "what?"

now it's his turn to laugh at the expression gracing your features. "i'm asking for a dance, with you".

"you usually dance with your staff?"

"you're more than that, don't start".

he holds out his hand, beckoning for you to take it. waltzing with the king? you've surely been blessed tonight. his empty hand practically speaks to you, begging for you to take it. you have nothing to lose y/n, there is no need to be nervous about it y/n.

you stare for a moment, the skin of his hand looks soft.

you sigh, you really can't resist lee jeno. you take his empty hand, your fingers intertwining as they fall together. his hands are just as soft as you imagined they would be, how fitting.

"you agreed without a single indirect comment".

"i'm simply speechless".

jeno seems amazed by such a prospect. "and why is that?"

"you want us to dance? is there any specific reason?" you lace both of your hands together, sighing in contentment as you begin stepping in motion.

"does there have to be? i happen to enjoy dancing with my friends".

friends, right.

"you just sprung it on me all of a sudden, i'm a little puzzled.." you mutter, successfully able to avoid his eyes considering you had to worry about not stepping on his feet.

"you can't see how attractive you are, y/n".

see this? this. how does lee jeno expect for you to act sane when he says stuff like this? does he even consider how you're feeling? how do you let him get away with this?

you let a breath fall from your lips, making sure to focus on the rhythm. "oh.. and you can?"

"it all just comes down to how i see you through my eyes".

is this some sort of romantic thing? is this a build up for him to ask for your hand in marriage?

now why would you ever assume that?

your about to inquire once more, and jeno senses that, because he cuts you off. "is there a reason to question it? you should've read my mind already".

"things can change, i assumed any of the other pretty women would be your pick".

jeno finds that amusing, indicated by the way his lips turn up to reveal a smile. "can't you stop questioning my decisions now? you're my right hand, i think it's obvious why i chose you".

you stare, mouth going dry. you pretty much have no responses left, you can't fight him on it anymore.

"you're sometimes an enigma to me".

and maybe lee jeno doesn't know how to respond to that one.

IT'S NOTHING SHORT OF overwhelming, you'll never be able to understand what jeno is feeling, but you can practically feel the anxiety permeating from him. he takes all the kingly responsibilities with fear hidden behind his eyes, it's a lot, and maybe he feels as if he isn't ready yet. you can sense his thoughts at this point, lee jeno is an open book to you.

"you haven't slept yet?"

"hard to sleep at a time like this" jeno mutters, caressing the material of his nightgown. he admires the night moon through the window, the light pretty much illuminating the whole kingdom. "i didn't mess up did i?"

"mess up what? you're spectacular".

he doesn't look away from the window, simply makes eye contact with you through the glass. "i want to make sure everything is okay, can't fall asleep feeling so.. nauseous".

"do you want tea?" you inquire, fingers beginning to pick at your nails.

he immediately shakes his head. "no need to bother the castle staff".

"i mean.. i could make you tea".

"don't waste your time" jeno replies, finally peeling his eyes off the moon to walk over to his desk.

you snicker. "it always helps you sleep, don't want to be sleepless at your first meeting as king".

"you're really taking that advisor role seriously now".

"there's a difference between being an advisor and being a friend who looks after you".

"you're really beginning to blur those lines.." he states with a hidden feeling of distaste.

you raise an eyebrow, puzzled. is he angry with you or something? he doesn't exactly seem pleased by your presence. a small breath falls from your lips, a breath jeno hears. "clock's about to strike midnight, make sure you get sleep".

"can't you stay for a while?"

you pause at that. okay, so maybe you're wrong. maybe he isn't exactly sick of your presence, maybe you aren't as good at reading him as you assumed. "how long is a while supposed to mean?"

"just until i get sleepy".

so he just wants to talk, alright, you can deal with it. "it isn't tea that helps me sleep, it's you".

the words seem too honest to have any feigned meaning. you can believe he isn't just uttering them to please you, he continues to catch you by surprise. he sits beside you, a heavy sigh falling from his lips. "i'm afraid of not fulfilling everything my father did, it's scary how fast it all is going, what if i don't do well?"

"well there's no need to worry" your hand graces his, but your eyes avoid his. "even as a prince you were at the top of it all, you aren't your father, and i know you're going to be exceptional, i'm right here, you know i always am".

jeno stares, fully taking your hand and basking in the warmth of the feeling. "choosing you as my courtier was a good idea.. you understand me".

"is that flattery i hear?"

"simply the truth.." jeno mutters, fingers softly intertwining with yours. "were like soulmates aren't we?"

ah. there's that word.

soulmates. is that really what you two are? is that the essence of your bond? you two fit. even the king thinks so.

"soulmates?" you whisper, not really looking for an answer, simply trying to figure out exactly why he decided to say that word.

jeno hums, agreeing with your question-not-question. his finger caressing the back of your palm, there's a certain feeling hidden in that hum you can't exactly decipher. it must be pleasantry, maybe satisfaction, you have no idea how to read him at the moment, and that prospect sends alarm bells ringing through your mind.

what is going on?

"mother told me certain people are simply made for each other, sometimes i feel as if the world handed you to me, you're my symbol of luck".

your lips press together, words dying in your throat. jeno doesn't mind the silence, simply basking in the air of the room, your hands squeezing against each other.

a small gust of wind drifts in through the open window, his eyes closing momentarily. "you say things that confuse me sometimes.."

"it's late, i'm overwhelmed".

your hands stay the together, the puzzled nature of your mind not exactly willing itself away. "maybe i'll take you up on that offer for tea".

you light up immediately, the upward curve of your lips being parroted by your eyes. "i'll come with you".

your chuckle is breathless, and your fingers slip from his, catching just the smallest slight of his smile dropping in your peripheral vision. "it's so late, though".

jeno uncharacteristically snorts, slipping on a thin layer to protect him from the cold. "i assure you that the night breeze won't take me away".

your narrow your eyes, opting to scrunch your nose at his show of sarcasm. "alright then, come on" you offer out your hand, an action reminiscent of the very one he performed earlier tonight when asking you to dance.

he takes your own hands rather quickly, the comforting feeling of your intertwined fingers is homely, something you two have both found comfort in with the long stretch of time consisting of your friendship.

it's a firm hold, one that could provide you enough safety and security in a terrible place.

"holding hands with your advisor must be typically frowned upon".

it's joke, tease on the tip of your tongue as you two walk the wall with your fingers intertwined, appearing as some sort of couple.

you'd be a pretty cute couple, you consider.

jeno closes one eye as he contemplates his next fit of words, but there's a strange smile on his face, whistling in the air. "i don't care what others think".

your chuckle is again breathy, and you decide to stick your gaze onto the floor.

lee jeno is a huge enigma, yes, but figuring him out is about the most engaging thing you can say works.

THOUGH LEE JENO IS a sweetheart, he is also just infuriating in the worst way possible. weeks pass from his coronation, kingly responsibilities seemingly taking years and years from him. you thank the ones above for jeno having chosen you as his courtier, because if you simply remained a regular noble, you wouldn't see him for hours upon hours of eligible days.

jeno has never been good at taking breaks, and the hours he spends locked away behind the stupidly large doors of his father's former office clearly indicate you of that.

you can barely contain your eye rolls when he makes up excuses at breakfast, his eye bags growing much more prominent as the weeks pass by.

you bite your tongue once he sends you occasional glares, your worries now kept in your mind.

you're an advisor, yes, but you can barely even attempt to bring up his newly terrible routine without him shutting you down.

it's an order, lord, you really want to punch lee jeno sometimes.

"donghyuck takes me for a fool, can you believe that?" your irritation is endless as you suck your teeth, dropping a stack of papers atop jeno's desk.

jeno leaves your inquiry unanswered, your eyebrows raising in retaliation to that silence. his eyes trail off into the darkness of the shrouded night sky, fingers tapping on the stack of papers placed onto his desk. "hello? someone in there?"

jeno glances in your direction, and you suck your teeth, irritation skyrocketing. "what's wrong?"

your tongue prods at the side of your cheek, arms crossing defensively over your chest. "i should be asking you such a question".

jeno narrows his eyes accusingly, and you manage the nicest scoff which can escape your lips. "jeno, midnight is rounding the corner".

"i'm not tired".

"yes you are".

jeno's glare settles something terrible in your stomach, your hands dropping at your sides. you lick your teeth, rolling your eyes. you step closer to him, turning his chair around. "are you going to try to convince me all the exhaustion is a front?"

"i'm.. fine".

"you're typical word of choice" your arms cross above your chest, disappointment etched on your features. your hands settle on his shoulders, and jeno simply watches as you keep him grounded in his place. "when was the last time you slept?"

"is sleep really that important?"

"is sleep really that important?" you mock with your hands on your hips, slapping his shoulder with a curse on the tip of your tongue. "you're an idiot".

"i can have you beheaded, you know".

"try me" you bite back, hand again trailing onto his shoulder. "it's time for you to sleep".

his fingers grasp at your wrist rather quickly, an immediate act of defiance. of course. your glare is as quick as it is tired, but you don't immediately attempt to escape his grip, instead scrunching your face. "you're acting like a child".

"i still have things i need to do".

"things you can do in the morning, you shouldn't argue with me".

how is it always that when you question his well being he chooses to fight you on it? you find that spectacle of him to be the most infuriating. "i think part of being king is learning to sacrifice the luxury of sleep".

you tsk, shaking out of his grip. "that isn't exactly convincing".

"it wasn't meant to be".

you question his integrity, licking your teeth. "jeno, as your trusted advisor, i advise that you need a good twelve hours of sleep".

"i haven't been awake that long".

"almost two days whole is pretty long" your eyelashes flutter, extending out your hand for him to take. "it's a good time to sleep now".

jeno sighs. "y/n".

"jeno" your teeth grit, right eye twitching at his stubbornness. "sleep, now".

it's astounding how easily the king follows your orders, you assume it's something concerning your tone, maybe it's the way you stare that gives him the unknown feeling of being small. jeno takes your hand, intertwining your fingers together.

you click your tongue at his eventual obedience, gaze softening. "you could at least not look at me like.. that".

you cast him a look. "it's not like i threatened you".

jeno narrows his eyes. "i'm inclined to disagree".

"nothing physical happened, you can't make a case against me".

he doesn't seem to like the display of sarcasm. "you seem quite content with that outcome".

"i didn't say anything".

your pointer finger completely directs itself in front of his face. "if i find out you aren't sleeping".

jeno finds this display to be the one of amusement. "now this is a threat".

you merely tilt your head. "maybe i'll finish you off myself, then you'll finally sleep".

jeno's gasp is of audacity, yet your grip nor your pointer finger neither falters. "that's awfully sweet of you to say".

you pay no mind to the sarcasm thrown your way, squeezing his fingertips that just happen to be pressing against yours. "a good king won't risk fainting at his upcoming announcement, get to sleep, it shouldn't be that difficult with all of this fatigue coursing through you".

"y/n.."

"jeno, quiet, i care, just.. sleep, i'll take care of everything".

"you don't have to".

you, again, scoff. "it's my job, jeno" your hand graces his shoulder, gaze still. you look even more exhausted than he is, sucking a breath between your teeth. "besides, i'm always here".

jeno pauses, staring at you with a gaze that you could only describe as.. loving.

affection, in all it's forms, has always been apart of your friendship. from the moment you two met as kids, it was established in the air, no words having to be said, just actions having to be performed.

your eyes don't stray from him, and neither does his from yours, it's a silent exchange that settles into the air, nothing verbal, simply stares.

stares can mean a lot apparently.

"i know".

you raise an eyebrow, watching him contemplate his next course of speech. "are you gonna stay with me tonight?"

you blink. "would you like for me to?"

jeno keeps your hands locked in place, forbidding your fingers from slipping apart. it's important to him that they don't. he remains standing before his bedroom door with your fingers intertwined, it's something that seems to be a tradition at this point.

"i'd love for you too".

love. love. love? that's what it must be.

maybe that explains why, even in all his mystery, lee jeno is simply so alluring. it's love. it isn't the replica of love that you felt for him back when you were young and naive, no, it's grown into something more.. determined.

you're in love with lee jeno, which, when you think about it, isn't as much of a revelation as any other result that could've been the case. your lips part, and you clear your throat as to keep your words to yourself.

you opt to sigh, letting your gaze fall to the floor. "give me a minute".

and you can't help your smile when jeno smiles, it's simply to difficult to ignore.

[softsan]

・⊹ 🎐 ˙ ̟!! NCT MASTERLIST

key: fluff 🤍 , angst 🖇️ , suggestive 🍶 , smut 🥛 , adult themes 🍚 , coming soon 📨 , in progress 🎧 , completed 📑 , requests 📁 .

✉️ ・ 𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓 ・ ᝰ

˚ ☁️ ⊹ alphabet boy. — lee taeyong 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🥛 , 📨 , single dad au, ceo au synopsis - after a nasty breakup with your ex-boyfriend, you return back to the city you once called home. not quite ready to face your parent’s disapproval, you beg your brother jaehyun to keep the secret of your return and help you out by securing you a job. what you hadn’t foreseen to come was the all-consuming relationship that would form with your new boss taeyong… what more trouble could you possibly find yourself into? - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ champagne problems. — lee taeyong 10k ; 🖇️ , 🥛 , 🍚 , 📨 , gangster au synopsis - the night was young, your parents were merry. this engagement would prove fruitful for you family, only furthering their fortunes. however, the infamous gangster taeyong has other plans. can you resist  taeyong’s deadly allure? or will you fall helplessly for the for the enemy you should avoid? - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ twist of a pen. — lee taeyong 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍶 , 📨 , fantasy au synopsis - you were a novice scriptwriter who had just received your big break joining the writing team for the upcoming miniseries starring some of hollywood’s finest. taeyong was the heartthrob lead, cold and distant to everyone on set. one rainy evening, whilst writing, you accidentally fall asleep and find yourself transported to an alternative reality where you are the princess of the script you were writing, and taeyong is the villain that tries to kill you. - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ noir. — kim doyoung 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🥛 , 🍚 , 📨 , 1950′s setting, gangster au synopsis - you were a daunting figure, a true-born witch of the lunar coven. doyoung was a formidable foe, a gangster from the city east. both of you worked in societies’ shadows to expand your own personal objectives. however, it appears fate has entwined your paths together in more ways than one. What happens when you pair an impulsive witch with a ruthless gangster? chaos. - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ you're undeniable, love. — kim doyoung 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍶 , 🍚 , 📨 , medieval setting, fantasy au synopsis - you had promised the elders to keep a low profile. to do what you must to sell yourself as an ordinary being. once disguised as a maid, your lady who was betrothed to the merciless prince doyoung flees before her wedding ceremony, leaving her father with the impossible choice of finding a replacement to pose as his daughter in order not to offend the warring states. his replacement, most unfortunately, is you. however, will you survive alongside the lies, deceit and a husband the world has branded as a monster?  - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ mortem. — jung jaehyun 10k ; 🖇️ , 🥛 , 🍚, demon au synopsis - you were a struggling dropout who took a side job as a waitress at a maid café. not only were you financially supporting your high school sweetheart through law school, but you were also responsible for taking care of his elderly grandmother. despite your dedication to your boyfriend, he commits the ultimate betrayal, selling your soul to the underworld. desperate for your survival, you make an impossible choice…becoming a servant of a bloodthirsty demon, jaehyun. . - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ be my valentine. — mark lee 3.2k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 📑 , 1980's setting, best friend au synopsis - you’ve had a crush on your neighbour mark since you were a kid. one fateful valentines day dance you decide to confess your love. unfortunately, things go horribly wrong as a slew of misunderstandings occur. - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ hold me tight. — lee donghyuk 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍶 , 📨 , soulmate au synopsis - . - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ sugar cookie. — lee jeno 10k ; 🤍 , 🥛 , 📨 , slice of life, cafe au synopsis - life can be challenging. one of your daily challenges was trying to study in your brother’s cafe, in the presence of the cute barista boy, jeno. you knew you really should have gone elsewhere—you concentration fading by the second, but oh you couldn’t will yourself to leave, not after he flashed that smile of his in your direction. - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ so called love. — na jaemin 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍶 , 📨 , soulmate au synopsis - . - read here.

✉️ ・ 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 ・ ᝰ

˚ 🌨️ ⊹ mafia au. — nct 10k+ ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🥛 , 🍚 , 🎧 , mafia au synopsis - dive into the dark, devious, devilish mafia universe. where one rejoices in deadly past times, and indulges in all sorts of sin. - read here.

˚ 🌨️ ⊹ werewolf au. — nct 10k+ ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍶 , 🍚 , 🎧 , werewolf au synopsis - howl alongside the werewolf universe. come across the likes of moon beast, wolf bites, and other wicked and wild things. - read here.

˚ 🌨️ ⊹ hybrid au. — nct 127 10k+ ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍚 , 🎧 , hybrid au synopsis - embrace the hybrid universe. overcome the greatest of differences and the hardest of challeges, for a reward most precious. - read here.

✉️ ・ 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐒 ・ ᝰ

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ taeyong. [5:43 am] [1:58 pm] [4:09 pm] [5:26 pm] [10:58 pm] [11:56 pm] 

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ taeil. [3:54 pm] [6:35 pm] [9:15 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ johnny. [7:43 am] [2:26 pm] [3:43 pm] [5:38 pm] [8:23 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ yuta. [7:45 am] [8:55 am] [4:45 pm] [5:47 pm] [6:45 pm] 

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ kun. [4:56 pm] [6:12 pm] [8:45 pm] [11:04 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ doyoung. [10:12 am] [3:14 am] [8:36 pm] [9:06 pm] 

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ ten. [12:31 am] [6:13 pm] 

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ jaehyun. [3:12 am] [4:51 am] [8:56 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ winwin. [5:48 am] [11:03 am] [1:39 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ jungwoo. [7:07 am] [7:43 am] [7:45 am] [5:28 pm] [7:21 pm] [11:58 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ mark. [8:12 am] [6:59 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ xiaojun. [6:02 am] [10:17 am] [4:43 pm] [5:34 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ hendery. [6:42 am] [8:54 am] [2:30 am] [6:08 am]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ renjun. [12:03 am] [10:01 am] [3:25 pm] [6:02 pm] [11:54 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ jeno. [12:25 am] [10:12 am] [4:09 pm] [4:43 pm] [5:43 pm] [9:47 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ haechan. [11:15 am] [3:01 pm] [5:56 pm] [11:39 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ jaemin. [12:20 am] [1:06 am] [8:45 am] [11:03 am] [4:58 pm] [6:14 pm] [7:34 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ yangyang. [2:32 am] [7:45 am] [9:18 am] [2:58 pm] [10:56 pm] 

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ chenle.

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ jisung.

© softsan - all rights reserved. please do not repost on any social media sites, translate, or modify any of my works.

[lelengerine]

helloo!!! I am so glad you are back again,really missed seeing you on my dash:(

also,from your mini drabble list, the arranged marriage au really caught my eye! can you please write it with jeno as the main protagonist? I don't have anything specific in mind except that I am obsessed with the opposites attract kinda trope but you can write it anyway you want! thank you in advance <3

love, lee

pairing | prince!jeno x princess!reader

genre | royalty + arranged marriage au, jeno uses a nickname for reader (love), no pronouns are specifically used for this, lmk if there’s any i missed!

wc | 0.9k

notes | i think my love for royalty aus are really stating to show now TT this is my first jeno work and there were actually multiple entries for jeno with the arranged marriage trope so i hope this suffices for now (maybe i’ll make a part two or follow another req if i can !!) it’s not exactly the same as what anon mentioned because i tried to condense the ideas to the size of a drabble as much as possible but i love all ur brains so much LIKE TELL ME MORE 😭😭 anw likes, rbs, and feedbacks are very appreciated ;0;

this is part of my drabble req event here!

m.list

there’s this prophecy that landed upon your kingdom just as its walls were newly established, one that spoke of prosperity if two individuals coming from royal backgrounds were to be wed under every full moon.

of course, that hasn’t come true (and you don’t believe it ever will), but both the civilians and the royal family hold onto that sliver of hope ever so dearly. though, in the position of being someone forced into the position of marriage, you can’t help but view the tradition as something simply bizarre and unnecessary.

moreover, you haven't a clue who you are about to marry. the thought irritates you to the core, and your mother’s repetitive words on how this was ‘something she experienced too’ not making you feel any better — in fact, it was dampening your already sour mood even further.

just why hadn’t this been dropped centuries ago? the answer to that question doesn’t seem to be keen on revealing itself to you.

and so here you are, behind tall wooden doors in a dress you struggle to move in — much less breathe in — that will soon reveal a banquet hall filled with your and your groom’s relatives, a plethora of aristocrats that you couldn’t even dare to name no matter how long you stared at them, and reporters who were ready to swarm you with questions whenever they’d get the chance.

“there’s no need to fear, my dear.” your mother states by your side, and a scoff is the first response she receives.

“i hope you understand that what you’ve said lacks any sensitivity for my situation.” you bitterly reply with a blank expression, not even turning to face her once. with that, she decides to keep silent, not wanting to aggravate you any longer.

the doors open, finally placing you on display for everyone to see, and the first person your eyes search for is your husband-to-be.

he stands in front of the beautifully decorated altar in a navy blue suit and fur coat that looks just as uncomfortable as the white gown you’re wearing, and you start to feel a little sympathy for him knowing he probably didn’t have any plans of marrying you either.

you were both victims in this grand scheme, after all.

a step, two steps, and before you know it, you’re meeting his gaze for the first time. he offers a soft smile that puffs up his cheeks ever so slightly, pupils shining beneath the lights that brighten up the entire hall, and for a moment, you forget how much you’ve detested this day to come.

‘get a grip, it’s definitely for show’, you mentally tell yourself as your lips return the kind gesture.

the ceremony soon starts, and the words spoken by the priest pass through your ears like static fuzz, not paying attention to the prophecy that was being retold to the audience.

“i assume you were forced into this?” you begin in a whisper, wanting only the person beside you to hear your voice.

you turn to gaze at him and he looks a little surprised you actually started a conversation. “sure.”

sure? what kind of response was that? the least he could do was respond with a decisive yes or no to not leave you hanging like this. perhaps that smile from earlier really was to fool the reporters on a loveless marriage

“could you at least tell me your name?” you try to reach out once more, “it’s laughable as is to know we are in the middle of being wed and i have not a single clue on who you are.”

“lee, jeno.” he responds, and though it technically is an answer to your question, you’re oddly left unsatisfied at how perfunctory it was. “yours?”

“l/n, y/n.” you state in the same manner as if you wanted him to feel the same as you did just moments prior. “how does it feel to get married to a stranger? because i surely find this unsettling.”

you tried to play into humor, hoping to get a better reaction out of him, but what he says shocks you instead. “we aren’t strangers though.”

“what-” you start to sputter, however the priest cuts you off at the mention of announcing your respective vows.

“i’m sure you’ll recall it soon enough.” jeno’s expression finally shifts from his icy facade to a sly smirk that perfectly exemplifies his features, and you’re not sure whether to find the sight unsettling or absolutely breathtaking. “because i’ve known you my entire life, love.”

the nickname has your mind reeling in circles, paying no attention to the vows jeno was now dictating like a memorized poem of sorts. there was ever only one person who’s called you by that name, though it could never be someone like him… could it?

you snuck out of the castle to one of the town’s bakeries back when you were younger, meeting a boy who told you he was doing the exact same thing because he swore their garlic bread was absolutely out of this world, and that’s exactly why you came in the first place. it was like you both clicked, and that meeting became the first of many. though, as you grew older, your hectic tutoring schedules made it difficult for you to frequent the bakery as much as you used to.

still, you remember he suggested exchanging letters as a means of keeping in contact, and he’s the only one who’s referred to you as love. his love.

you’re abruptly taken away from your thoughts as the priest repeats your name, “princess, your vows if you may.”

“oh um, sorry.” you quickly apologize, trying to gather yourself back up.

jeno’s gaze on you looks much more animated than before, almost as if there was a playful glint that replaced the cold ones from earlier. where was the man you met moments ago as the event started? “i suppose you remember now.”

“yeah.” you breathe out, “yeah, i do.”

[neochan]

before i leave this site completely, i want us to have one more year of nct fics & filth. if my happiness for writing returns while doing this, i may keep my presence on here longer.

regardless, below are the fics that i have planned / half written / outlined / thought up. over the course of the next year, i will be posting the ones you vote on.

once you read over the fics, please use the link at the bottom of this post to vote for your favorites.

THE PICK ME CHRONICLES WILL BE FINISHED IN FULL REGARDLESS!

(STANDALONE FICS)

no synopsis, but i can offer: toxic exes au, street racing, using his rival as a means to make him jealous, he is insanely possessive.

okay, so maybe hooking up with a masked stranger wasn't the brightest idea. but you didn't expect him to actually blow your mind. unfortunately, the only clue as to who he is lies in the jacket he left behind. now, with the worn leather that still faintly smelled liked him in tow, you're on the hunt to find your prince charming...but you know what they say: if the jacket fits.

no synopsis, but i can offer: christmas au! flirty hyuck, friends to lovers, comedy(?)

after seven years, haechan still has a crush on you, but you seem to only have eyes for jeno, and haechan isn’t good at controlling his jealousy. (harry potter au)

no synopsis, but i can offer: incubus!jaemin

(SERIES)

according to your parents, it's all for the business. get married to the competitions son so the companies can merge, and business will be fruitful, and you'll be rich. easy, right? wrong. it'd be easier if the person you were marrying was someone you didn't know, but you knew jung jaehyun, in fact, you knew him a little too well, and you didn't particularly like him. though his bestfriend peaked your interest the first time you met... and the second time... and the third. (can change the pairing to dream members)

spend a summer at camp with nct dream as demigods, captured within five different stories

son of hermes!hyuck x daughter of athena!reader

son of ares!jeno x daughter of eros!reader

son of posiedon!renjun x daughter of aphrodite!reader

son of aphrodite!jaemin x daughter of hermes!reader

son of apollo!mark x daughter of hades!reader

THIS IS MY FAVORITE WIP!! after the tragic death of punk rock band PARASOCIALs leader, lee minhyung, the label is desperate to piece the teenage dream back together again. in an attempt to revive their chart breaking success, they've reached out to you - a rising star already signed to their sister label. but what happens when you realize they're nothing like the press paints them to be? has the band slipped too far out of the limelight for you to save them? GENRE ▸ angst, smut, rockstar!nct dream, band au, vocalist!renjun, guitarist!jeno, drummer!jaemin, vocalist & bassist!haechan

my one shot 'rule breaker' is a prequel to this series.

no synopsis, but i can offer: dysfunctional family vibes.

illegal street fighter jeno

graffiti artist renjun

street racer & addict haechan

thief mark

drug dealer jaemin

!!!!! VOTE HERE !!!!!

[justwritedreams]

Welcome to the Kingdom | Jeno

Chapter Eight: Hard to forget

Prince Jeno x Princess Reader, enemies to lovers au!, royalty au!

Word count: 3935

Genre: slight smut, kinda suggestive.

Warning: Mentions of fainting and erotic dream again (fingering) MDI PLEASE IT'S +18 STORY!

Author: Maari

Note: Well, fucking finally it's here. If I forgot someone on the taglist please let me know! No proofread because yeah I wanted to post as soon as possible, sorry.

Summary: Things start to heat up… but not just for the princess.

<<<Previous | Masterlist | Next >>>

Taglist: @floweronacloud, @cookydream, @travelleratheart101​, @ilvaussie​, @tyongf-sunflower99​, @mings-cafe​,  @n0hyuck, @waltermitty97, @jihoonismydad, @madaboutjunmyeon, @actually-vl , @neomooniez

That day started off hot for Y/N.

Literally she was on fire, that's why after trying to go back to sleep without being haunted by the scenes from the previous night's dream, she decided to take a cold shower.

It eased some of the heat she felt between her legs and had washed away any kind of remnant of her… dirty secret.

The princess wore a pastel yellow ensemble, the top left her shoulders showing as the sleeves were dropped, the high-waisted skirt and white shoes.

It was a great day to wear fresh clothes for breakfast since it was going to be in the garden of the Lee family castle.

As soon as she left the room, the queen passed in the hallway and smiled welcomingly at the princess who reciprocated.

"Y/N, good morning!" the queen approached.

"Good morning!" she greeted and discreetly repaired the queen's outfit.

Much more elegant in a blue tone, the hat she wore indicated that she wouldn't stay that long for breakfast with the Lee family.

"You look beautiful!" The princess spoke, seeing the queen smile in thanks and run her hand over the back of her neck.

"Am I not visibly tired?" she asked, seeing the princess shake her head in confusion. "I barely slept last night, I'm so tired and it's so hot. I feel like I'm going to melt before I even start my schedule today."

The princess laughed, but sympathized. Mainly because she hadn't slept well either.

Okay, the reasons weren't quite the same.

But very soon she would be the next one with a busy schedule.

"No, you look radiant actually." The princess assured, seeing the queen frown and look at a fixed point on the wall.

"Why don't you come with me?" the queen suggested, leaving Y/N speechless. "I think it would be great to-"

Y/N was ready to try and argue when she saw the queen stagger back and forth, looking a little dizzy. The princess raised her arms to help her and before she could ask what was going on the queen fell backwards and without thinking twice Y/N held her to stop her from hitting the ground hard.

With the strength of the queen's body, the princess ended up tripping over her own feet and when fell to the ground she hit her knee, she complained of pain but seeing that the queen was unconscious, she panicked

"Queen! My God, wake up." She tried to shake the older one who was lying in her arms. "Someone help!" she spoke louder, looking out into the hallways that seemed emptier than usual.

Y/N didn't know if she should pat the queen's face and that's when she heard hurried footsteps in the hallway.

"Hey, here. Help!" She spoke once more and her jaw dropped when saw Jeno walking faster, practically running towards them, behind him came some servants.

"What happened?" he asked as he reached down to help Y/N hold the queen, visibly worried.

"I don't know, she fainted all of a sudden. We were just talking normally." she explained and Jeno nodded in agreement before cradling the queen in his arms and lifting with her as if she weighed the same as a feather.

"Open the door." he nodded towards Y/N's room and she did so hastily.

Jeno entered the room carrying the queen and the princess looked at the servants.

"Call a doctor and let Tae- the king know." she ordered and the servants nodded in agreement before leaving.

Y/N entered the room and Jeno had already placed the queen on the princess's bed.

"Was it sudden?" He asked, looking at Y/N who nodded her head.

"She looked a little dizzy and before I could say anything, she fell over." she explained.

The two turned their attention to the queen as she began to regain consciousness.

"Oh, damn it!" She held her head, the hat was still on her head and yet she looked elegant. "What happened?" She asked, seeing the two staring at her.

"You passed out." The princess replied.

"It's the heat." she spoke and tried to get up from the bed but was stopped by Jeno.

"You're not getting out of bed until the doctor sees how you are." he spoke firmly and she looked at him in shock.

"Excuse me?!" Jeno pushed her shoulder lightly to lay back on the bed again, she did but clearly unwilling. "I'm the queen here!"

"And you're also my sister-in-law, remember what that means? My brother ordered me to take care of you, so lie down and be quiet."

Y/N tried to contain her surprise at hearing Jeno's voice so dominant, she didn't want to focus on the shivers it caused her but Jeno was being so considerate. A little bossy, but he looked concerned as if the queen really was his sister.

The queen looked at Y/N who just shrugged in response, it wasn't like she could do anything or that she was actually going to do anything.

For the first time, she completely agreed with Jeno. She wouldn't argue or object.

"How do you feel?" Jeno asked for a while in silence and the queen crossed her arms, taking off her perfect hairstyle hat she wore, visibly sweating.

"Other than annoyed that you're making me late?" The princess saw Jeno roll his eyes, clearly not caring about that detail. "The dizziness has gone, I'm a little nauseous…" Jeno opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off. "But it's not a big deal, it's because I haven't had breakfast yet. Just that."

"I'll open the windows." Y/N warned before moving away from the queen and going to the windows and opening them as much as she could, as well as the curtains.

While Jeno analyzed the queen waving her own hand against her face, trying to somehow create even the smallest amount of wind, the princess analyzed Jeno.

He looked really worried and that was surprising to her because she could see that Jeno had a heart.

He could act like that more often, he looked so much better not being a complete idiot.

The princess blinked a few times as she realized that she was going into a trance at the thought of him and luckily, one of the servants brought the doctor.

Jeno and Y/N gave space for the doctor to approach, the prince crossed his arms as he stopped beside Y/N, who, without having to deviate, watched his arm get bigger  with the movement.

Involuntarily, the princess wet her own lips with her tongue and bit the skin, feeling her cheeks heat up.

Though no one knew what she'd done at dawn, it wasn't like her own head was going to forget.

As hard as she was trying as hard as she could, the image of Jeno touching her was still fresh in her head.

Enough for the legs to take on a life of their own and rub themselves, when she realized what she started to do Y/N widened her eyes and crossed her arms, bringing one hand to her burning cheek.

For God's sake, she was in front of people.

In front of Jeno!

She couldn't remember her wild dreams of him, not at this time of the morning.

Therefore, she took a deep breath and tried to focus on what the doctor was asking the queen and it was a rather difficult task because Y/N felt Jeno's perfume invade her nostrils, his heat attracted her in a way as if it were magic.

Trying to push all thoughts away, she shook her head and heard the doctor ask the queen when was the last time she had her period.

The queen's answer was a little uncertain and Y/N looked at Jeno at the exact moment he turned to face her, if they were in a cartoon a lightbulb would light up over their heads.

Wait a moment…

"Majesty, by the symptoms you’re pregnant." The doctor spoke and the queen dropped her mouth in sheer shock.

As Jeno grinned and Y/N stared at him with a frown, she had felt something strange seeing him smile that way.

As if her stomach had turned in a way… not so bad.

Before they could say anything, Taeyong hurried into the room, in pure desperation. Going to the wife, hold her hand as he asked the doctor what had happened.

Y/N smiled before the doctor could answer, and when he assured Taeyong his face went from confusion to elation within seconds.

"What?" Was all he said.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty. A baby is on the way."

Taeyong laughed, turning to face the queen who was crying with joy and waiting for her husband's reaction.

The princess felt her heart warm when she saw Taeyong hug the queen tightly and thank her tirelessly, both seemed overjoyed with the news and she was so lost in their moment that she didn't even notice Jeno touch her waist. When she turned to face him, he nodded for them to get out of there, she nodded silently and the two left the room, leaving the new parents to enjoy the moment alone.

They both walked in silence through the castle, Y/N felt her knee hurt but was so happy with the news that she could ignore it.

"I'm going to be an uncle!" Jeno spoke ecstatically and the princess smiled slightly.

She had never seen him speak with such euphoria, it suited him.

"Congratulations! I've always wanted a nephew but being an only child…" the princess trailed off as she shrugged.

She loved children, she always felt lonely in her childhood because she didn't have siblings and even if she had some cousins it wasn't the same. But having a nephew would be so cool, in her eyes.

Jeno stared at her, seeing her keep her gaze on the hallway.

"Well, technically my nephews will be yours, so you'll be an aunt too." He remembered and Y/N looked at him in surprise.

She hadn't even thought about that possibility. Of course, they would get married but she hadn't thought about the bonds she would end up creating with Jeno's family, even if that was inevitable.

The princess smiled slightly as she stared at him, he didn't seem petulant at all, in fact he even seemed happy with the realization. It was as if he was content to share the title with Y/N.

For the first time, she didn't feel the need to respond and turned her head to continue looking down the long corridor as she felt lightness, as if a truce had been established between the two of them.

And it wasn't bad, not as she had imagined it for so long, quite the opposite actually.

"What happened to your leg?" Jeno asked, curious to see the princess limping.

She blinked back to reality a few times and looked down at her legs, remembering the queen's fall.

"Oh I ended up hitting my knee on the floor when I grabbed her." She pointed backwards quickly and Jeno stared at her legs once more.

Y/N raised her eyebrows and was about to ask why he didn't stop staring when Jeno walked over to grab her by the wrist and pull her towards a door at the end of the hall.

"What are you doing?" She asked, confused and even tried to undo Jeno's grip to no avail, of course.

"It's bleeding." He answered simply and Y/N lowered her head to try to get a better look at her knee, being led by Jeno.

Damn, she was really bleeding. Not much, but still

Jeno opened the door to the room and Y/N only lifted her head to look when she caught an extremely familiar scent.

She wasn't surprised to find that this was Jeno's room, the whole room screamed his personality and smelled too intensely of him.

And well, he'd said his room was at the end of the hall… it wasn't like he was going to take her to one of his brothers' rooms.

"Sit down." He pointed to the big bed and Y/N rested her hands on her hips as she watched him walk to another door, probably the bathroom. Jeno stopped to look at her steadily. "I won't ask again."

Y/N rolled her eyes before plopping down on the soft mattress. There he was again, the bossy Jeno.

She waited impatiently for him to return with a first-aid kit and grimaced.

"You're overreacting, you know." She spoke, lifting her chin to maintain her pose.

Jeno just raised an eyebrow and knelt down without taking his eyes off the princess, who faltered for a few seconds. He placed the first aid box on the floor beside him and placed his hands on the inside of Y/N's knees and slowly pushed them away.

She bit back a grunt and bit her tongue to keep from showing the shock she felt.

Why was he staring at her so intently? And why was his hand running down her exposed skin so gently?

Y/N took a deep breath when Jeno stretched out her leg and he looked away to find what he wanted in the first aid box.

He was doing it on purpose, she was sure.

She stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, trying not to let her mind flood with memories of the dream she'd had.

Of Jeno's hot, hungry hands touching her in the most intimate way.

When Jeno dabbed the wet cotton on Y/N's injured knee, she cleared her throat before looking back at him intently.

His attention was on her knee as one hand cleaned the wound, the other hand gripped Y/N's leg firmly but not in a possessive way. It was even mild considering the size of his muscles.

Y/N could see concern on Jeno's face and narrowed her eyes, there was no reason for him to pretend so she believed he was being sincere. At the moment.

They were silent the whole time he was treating the wound, the princess wanted to understand why he was doing that. It wasn't necessary, not only could she do it herself, she knew how.

As soon as Jeno finished with the cotton and discarded it on the floor, she was ready to get up from the bed but was stopped by Jeno's other hand that held her knee and Y/N had to hold her breath when he blew lightly on the wound.

She had to hold the sheet tighter than necessary because seeing him in that position was creating certain scenarios in her head that should have remained dormant.

All because of that pathetic sex dream.

When Y/N felt her belly squirm internally, she shifted in bed.

"Alright, that's good, Jeno!" She spoke, her voice cracking as she said his name.

"Are you sure?" He just directed his eyes to hers, without changing position or taking his hands away. "There's an ointment that's great for pain…"

"No." She spoke too fast, unable to stop thinking about Jeno's finger caressing her skin with the task of applying the ointment, awkwardly getting out of bed she made Jeno move away but without getting up. "No need, I…" the princess gulped when she saw that Jeno could have a great view under her skirt in the position he was. "I’m fine." She spoke quickly and she was sure Jeno caught a glimpse of her panties as she practically jumped over the prince's body but she didn't want him to see that her cheeks were burning with shyness.

Even if it meant him seeing practically her puss...

"Thank you, Jeno." That was what she managed to say before she left the room quickly, without slamming the door and without seeing Jeno smiling sideways, ruffling his hair when he saw the disconcerted princess.

It was because of him, and she couldn't even deny it.

[...]

It was night, the castle was dark and silent, Jeno didn't know why he was heading towards the library but something was calling him there.

He didn't need light because he knew those corridors very well, his eyesight was used to the pitch black.

He entered the library in silence and searched the room for what had called him there, the corners of his mouth lifting at the sight of what it was.

Or rather, who it was.

Y/N was on her back, looking for a book on the highest shelf and didn't even notice that he was going there.

He looked her up and down, but the long black cloth she was wearing was preventing him from looking at her beautiful body and it frustrated him enough that the sound that escaped his teeth echoed through the room, making Y/N look back in a bit of surprise.

But she didn't seem too shocked to see Jeno there, in fact she even smiled slightly.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, quietly, clasping her hands together.

"I think you know, princess." He answered in the same tone, low and sensual.

"Came to read. Just like me." She blinked slowly, making him lose himself in the movement so innocently.

It was enough for his hands to itch to touch her waist.

"Yes." He nodded, taking a large step towards her without taking his eyes off the princess's. "I came to read." he bit down on his bottom lip, drawing the princess's attention who she stared at as if she were hypnotized.

Jeno kept getting closer and when she was close enough, he rested both hands on the bookcase, beside Y/N's body, propelled his body enough to bring his face closer to hers. The princess's eyes were lost in Jeno's lips and she was breathing hard.

"I came to read every inch of your body." He spoke softly and Y/N shivered, but firmly stared Jeno in the eyes.

She only found fire and desire.

He moved a little closer, his face millimeters from hers, Y/N already felt their breaths mingling together.

"Jeno." She didn't even have the strength to call out to him, her voice weaker than a whisper.

"If you want me to stop, you'll stop me." their noses touched slightly and Y/N's hands reached up to touch him but stopped in their tracks, making him laugh.

He took the opportunity to hold one of the princess's wrists with one hand and took her to his torso..

"You can touch it if you want, it's all yours."

He spoke before touching their lips in a thirsty and messy kiss, Jeno wanted to explore every inch of Y/N's mouth in a short time but it was still hot, all she did was take her hands from his torso to his neck, trying somehow to find balance because the legs were already weak.

That made her bring him closer and he let go of the bookshelf to grip her waist tightly, wanting to make sure she didn't get out of there too soon.

The kiss became faster and wetter as their tongues mingled, it wasn't a struggle for dominance, it was an insatiable thirst for each other's taste.

Everything became more accelerated, hands and lips began to explore parts of the body that asked for a touch, when Jeno noticed, Y/N was already sitting on the reading table with her legs wrapped around his hips but there was something bothering Jeno and it was the thick, oversized coat the princess wore.

It was preventing him from touching her the way he wanted.

And then in the blink of an eye the coat was away from her body, lying on the floor, as Jeno admired what she wore underneath.

Or rather, what she barely used.

A set of light blue panties and bra, which designed the princess's bust very well, the top part of the fabric still extended to the middle of her thighs and when following the fabric, he saw that the panties had straps tied around Y/N’s waist.

She looked like an angel.

Jeno looked at her and saw that the princess was smiling maliciously, leaning her elbows on the table and giving permission for him to have free access.

"With that little angel face, no one can guess that you're a naughty one."

She bit her lip, stifling her laughter.

"Only you."

It was Jeno's turn to smile as he brought his hands up to caress her thighs.

"And you want to know why, princess?" He asked quietly, bringing his fingertips to her navel, feeling her skin crawl and heard her sigh. "Because you know that deep down we are the same." He played with the straps of her panties and looked at Y/N who pleaded with her eyes for him to stop the torture. "Made for each other."

"And what do you intend to do?" she asked quietly.

Jeno smiled widely.

"For now?" his fingers went towards the waistband of her panties, and Y/N rolled her eyes. "Make you scream."

Jeno's fingers found the intimacy of Y/N who moaned at the same time, a sound that echoed through the library and followed like music to the prince's ears.

He was losing himself in the heat of her, it felt like he was going to erupt every time his fingers went in and out of the hot, wet flesh, it was so delicious and it was making his head spin with pleasure. Y/N was thrown back with her head drunk with pleasure because of him.

And he knew she was so close, he could feel the sweat dripping by his back and his fingers getting wetter while collecting the liquid that came out of Y/N's body.…

"Jeno!" The princess instantly opened her eyes and glanced at Jeno, who was turning to face the closed door with a raised eyebrow.

He knew that voice.

"Jeno, are you there?" he wanted to laugh, it would sound sadistic but it was funny.

He looked back at Y/N who was staring at him desperately.

"Yes Mark?" He spoke loudly and then increased the speed of the fingers that entered and left Y/N, making her bring her hands to her mouth in order to muffle the loud moans.

"Are you listening to me?"

"Perfectly!" In fact, all he could hear was the delicious sound of fingers inside Y/N's intimacy. She was driving him crazy.

"Then come on, Taeyong is waiting for you to play golf."

Jeno this time frowned. Golf? That time of night? But the games were always in the morning and…

It was then that he saw Y/N squirm in pleasure as the room grew darker, he even heard the scream of orgasm that hit her before opening his eyes and staring at the ceiling of the room.

Panting, Jeno looked to the side and could see what he didn't want.

It had just been a dream.

"Hurry up, Jeno!" But Mark's voice knocking on the door was real.

Enough to wake him up in the best part of the dream.

"Give me 5 minutes." he spoke loudly and heard his brother snort but agreed.

Jeno ran his hands over his face and hair, taking a deep breath and felt something hard.

He threw the covers away from his body and got out of bed completely frustrated and excited, heading towards the bathroom.

He would need more than 5 minutes.

[alreadyblondenow]

It’s a Love Story

Pairing: knight Jeno x princess reader (somewhat love triangle with prince Jaemin tho)

Genre: Smut, fluff, angst? Kingdom AU, Royalty AU

Warning: NOT PROOFREAD, unprotected sex, mentions of death, war, mentions of bruises, poverty, heavy cheating themes and I am no way promoting it, but its not cheating actually, mentioned of pregnancy

Note: inspired by Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ and also this was ling overdue im sorry :( please enjoy

——————

It was a beautiful afternoon to hunt and enjoy the weather to its fullest as you continue to not care wether everyone in the palace is searching everywhere for you. You don’t care. As long as you get to enjoy this so little freedom that you have.

Steady as you point the arrow, aiming it to the deer in front of you. Clearing your mind before you release the arrow. A successful kill.

“Good aim. For a second there I thought you will waste a good chance to shoot it, but I was wrong… My lady”

You turn your back and see an unfamiliar face. A face you’ve never seen before even inside the palace. He could be your new bodyguard, but judging by the looks of his uniform, he belongs to a different royal family.

“And you are?” You ask with a gentle tone.

“Lee Jeno, my lady. I am prince Jaemin’s royal bodyguard. We are here in your land for your family invited us so you and prince Jaemin—“

“Okay I understand now,” you said. “Has my fiancé been well?”

“He’s excited to meet you. Although I didn’t quite expect I’d meet you first before him”

“Well I should I get back,” but you looked at the deer you just shot, hesitating to leave it.

“Would you like me to deliver it somewhere? It’s not proper for a lady to carry a big deer somewhere “ Jeno offered. Completely aware of your plan for you were easy to read.

You came closer to him without hesitation with a small smile on your face and turned towards the direction where the village is located. “There’s a small village there, look for their leader and give the deer to him”

And as you were telling the directions to Jeno, the man immediately noticed how pretty you are up close, how you smelled like expensive perfume and how you value gratitude. He didn’t quite expect that he will not be immune to your charms.

Jaemin is really lucky to have you.

By the time you got back, you immediately changed clothes and soon welcome your guest with your parents. It wasn’t easy to swallow your pride, even though you told to yourself a hundred times already that this is your duty to your family. And that marrying prince Jaemin can give you and your village the protection you can’t give them.

But if you were given the chance to love whom ever you wish to… you will pick someone who is not just warm on the outside, but on the inside too. Someone who has a kind heart, and will stay forever like that. And someone who will love the real you.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?”

Jaemin politely asks, noticing how your mind was not present at the moment. Scared that somehow you feel that his family is forcing you to marry him. But to be honest, you can’t blame him. For prince Jaemin is already madly and deeply in love with you, ever since you two were first introduced to each other.

“You changed a lot— I mean… the last time I saw you were… I think we were only 9 years old and I already had a crush on you”

“Oh calm down prince, you don’t need to flatter me,” you smiled and took away his worries. “And no you’re not making me uncomfortable. I too want to give this a try”

But after that meeting you kept prince Jaemin waiting for months and never showed up whenever he tries to make time for you or even visit you. You always have excuses and you try your best to avoid him. “I think you should meet him before he goes to war, your highness” Your trusted maid said to you. “His family’s army is the one keeping this palace safe” she added.

And so you followed what your maid suggested and finally took the courage to meet Prince Jaemin. With a heavy heart, and with a strong reminder to yourself that you are only meeting him to thank him for his family’s protection. That’s all.

“Come in- oh it’s finally you… I uh, I wasn’t expecting you princess I’m so sorry for the mess” You watch prince Jaemin as he hurries and fix the room that your people gave him. “I look like a mess. I was working with some urgent matters that’s why it’s messy when you came in” he explains and stutters, but you can’t help but to notice he was blushing and smiling like a fool.

“If you’re this busy why do you keep on trying to see me and waste your time” you chuckled awkwardly. “Thank you for your protection for my family. If it wasn’t for you we wouldn’t be safe” you added.

“It’s my duty” he answered fast while keeping his eyes on you. “We are ready to go to war, but making peace and negotiating is still the best solution” but you have to leave this place— for your own good.

“What about my family?”

“”The future queen’s safety is more important” your father’s choice of words, not mine” Jaemin explained, scared that you might hate him forever, scared that you might change your mind about the marriage. “Jeno will take care of you while were apart,” he said without further explanations. He noticed that your mind was somewhere else, you are close enough for him to touch you and bid you goodbye but he won’t do it. Simply because he can’t.

——

“You of all people knew that I can’t leave your side especially in times of war!” Jeno exclaimed to his friend. Yes, friend. Prince Jaemin is not his prince at this moment for he is getting angry as a friend. “I did not became a royal guard to babysit a princess—“

“You will guard and protect a part of my soul. Please do your job” Jaemin teases his friend.

“Part of my soul my ass, you’re not yet married— I’m not even sure if a wedding is gonna happen eventually!”

“Jeno please” Jaemin pleaded and tried to calm his friend. “You and y/n may not know each other yet but, she is the future of two kingdoms… and I love her”

“Love? You haven’t touch her yet, what you’re talking about is infatuation”

And that is the end of the conversation between the prince and his royal guard. Which of course Jeno followed what the prince commanded and escorted you secretly and away from the war and was forced to live a simple life. No servants, no expensive clothes, no palace… but you have first class protection.

At least you’re not forced to mary Jaemin sooner or later, you thought.

Maybe this escape is a blessing in disguise, you thought.

Maybe Jaemin would change his mind and decide to mary someone he loves too.

But amidst all these thoughts and all the time you devoted to overthinking, you can’t understand why Jeno, the guard you met in the whom you thought was nice and friendly, is suddenly cold as ice towards you. You’re not stupid. You can see that he is annoyed whenever you call his name, whenever you start a friendly conversation, and whenever you try to confront him.

“I just checked the house and it’s safe now” Jeno said after making sure the place was safe for you, but to be honest he wasn’t sure if it is comfortable enough for a princess.

As you enter the house, it was cold and old. Dust was everywhere and it’s like a shoebox you thought. Not to mention the company Jeno has is not that warming, unlike your first as time meeting each other. It was as if he is a totally different man right now. Oh you can’t wait to leave this place.

—-

Days

Weeks

Months

Have passed by quietly and uncomfortably. Your relationship remains the same and to be honest this has been that saddest you’ve ever been. Jeno got a job at the market, it was a tough job but he needed to earn money for the both of you. And when he comes home, he’s always tired but still he makes you dinner even though sometimes he skips meals just you can have a heavy meal.

And living like this made you feel that you’re such a burden for Jeno. You can’t do anything around here, even though you’re capable of doing anything. He just doesn’t know it yet.

“Jeno…”

You bravely whispered during his sleep. You noticed that he was tired today and forgot to make you dinner, but you don’t mind.

“Mmm?” He weakly answered.

“I want to go home” you said, even though you know the answer already. But unexpectedly, Jeno woke up from his sleep and got up real quick from the mat on the floor and went outside.

For Jeno, he’s sick and tired of all your whining… not knowing what you really feel. He felt small and most of the time not enough because this is only the life he can give you. Well, not that he have much of a choice, “You’re not even my wife, but I act like I’m your husband and everything I do is still not enough” Jeno murmurs. But little did he know… you followed him so you could apologize and hear your side.

But anger got the best of you.

“Well I didn’t told you to do such things! And more importantly I didn’t asked to be with you! Your prince insisted!” you exclaimed, and to his shock, Jeno burst into anger too and yelled at you.

“Well, do you think that I wanted to guard you? Who would want to be with you? All you do is eat, take a walk and be a burden! Future queen? You can’t even do anything let alone run a kingdom”

And that made your heart broke.

Weeks passed by uncomfortably again but this time it got worst. You secretly found a job as the town sweeper at the market and pay for your own meals to feed yourself. And whenever Jeno comes home, you leave the house and sleep on bench at the garden.

One night, you were gravely tired and your hand had bruises and redness all over. Jeno couldn’t just let you sleep like that. He immediately cleaned your hands and feet, and let you sleep soundly and comfortably.

The next day, hi efforts and kindness weren’t unnoticed. To give back, you prepared breakfast for the two of you before you two leave and go to your respective jobs.

“I think you should stop working- this type of work… isn’t for you. I’m sure there are a lot of other jobs there… just not this one…” he bravely asked of you. This time you see the worry in his eyes while he looks at your hand. You understand where this is coming from.

After that wonderful peace making, you and Jeno had nicer days and eventually you two became nicer to each other. At the end of each passing day, you two have long conversations until one of you sleep. A way to know and learn about each other. Suddenly each other’s company is all you need, and as days go by you two noticed that you’re becoming very close even sometimes physically close. You are now comfortable lying on Jeno’s lap while you read a book. Jeno can now pull you closer to him whenever he feels like being overprotective. You two have become incredibly close and slowly falling in love secretly in each other.

And that is a problem.

Soon you found a decent work at the town nursery. And everyone in town thought you two were a married couple… and you love how Jeno never deny it. He was happy and you can see it. And you can’t help but to be happy too because… now you know that your feelings are mutual.

A few months passed by, you and Jeno enjoyed your relationship to the fullest as if he wasn’t here to guard you and do his duty and you weren’t this precious gem of a huge kingdom. But whenever Jeno thinks about the reality, he just shook his head, look at you and thank the heavens for this given time with you. The future can worry for itself someday, he thought.

“What if we never go back?”

He murmurs while he hugs you tightly with his strong arms. The night was quiet and only the crickets from outside are the ones you can hear. You smiled sweetly and kissed his lips without warning just because you wanted the night to be even more beautiful.

That was your first kiss together.

His eyes went from sleepy to fully awake in no time and returned the kiss too. “Never going back isn’t such a bad idea” you tell him while raking his hair away from his face.

“Then let’s forget everything about them and start a new life together. What do you say?” He happily reached for your hand and kiss it more.

“Not until you ask me to marry you first” you bravely said to him.

“Oh I will- Oh Y/n you have no idea how much I want to spend the rest of my life with you” he said proudly, rolling on top of you and keeping you closer. His face was so near from yours, lips almost touching but it didn’t bother you.

“Have I told you that I started loving you the day we met at the forest?” He whispered softly and looked at you lovingly. His face was so calm, he looked so happy and you have to admit… you’ve never seen him happy like this.

“You’re suppose to protect me” you teased him and made his eyes roll. You let out a giggle and this time, it’s you who rolled on top of him. His body was hard as a rock, but his skin was soft, imperfect because of his battle scars but somehow still beautiful.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m still protecting you,” he smiled and hugged you so you could come closer to him. “I’m protecting you in a different way now. I’ll protect you how a husband protects his wife,”

And from that moment on, you opened your heart for Jeno and Jeno only. Not thinking about Jaemin, not thinking about your family, not thinking about your responsibilities. He made you happy everyday, and even more happier the next days. Who would have thought that you will find love in the most simplest form. Back when you used to have anything and your life is full of riches, even the most expensive dress or perfume cant please you. But now that you have a simple life, the milk, bread, meat to eat that Jeno puts on the table every morning gives you so much joy because you knew how much hard work he has put into just so he can afford and food and feed you.

You’re happy and there’s no doubt about that.

One morning, when the sun hasn’t come up yet, you heard Jeno keeping himself busy at the garden. At times like this, the Earth was still quiet and peaceful, as if only you and Jeno has the world for yourselves now. You ask him, “what are you doing up so early?”

“Did I wake you up? Sorry,” he was obviously in a good mood. You see him making two garden chairs, one for you and one for him. He made you sit on your chair with a big smile on his face, excited and very happy. You wonder why

But suddenly… he pulled a small silver ring from his pocket and bend down on one knee.

“I’m sorry if this is all I can afford for now,” he was still smiling and happy waiting for your answer. Of course you said yes and went on the ground with him. As much as it hurts him removing the ring Jaemin gave you, he didn’t care because all he could think of is you.

The ring was simple but it weighs even more than that diamond ring Jaemin gave you. It weighs even more because you know how Jeno loves you and how it’s never going to be easy for the both of you if ever you go back.

As your lives went on and only beautiful days were happening, you couldn’t help but think about the future because you’re sure that you wouldn’t last a day without Jeno’s hugs, sweet and sincere kisses, and his love.

“What are you thinking?”He kissed your hand one too many times until his kisses became even more inviting to get your attention.

“I was just thinking about the future- maybe it would be easy for us to be in love if I was born a commoner right? Why do I have to be the queen” you sigh and came closer to him, he smells nice as always warm akin, strong built. As if nothing can tear you apart as long as he’s holding you like this.

“Don’t think about it” he smiled softly and put away bits of hair covering your face before kissing it. Then he started slowly with his hands creeping under your dress, all the way up to your underwear, slipping his cold hand inside it and tease your wet slit which you love. You smiled at the feeling of his rough hands against your skin, inviting him more to come to you by spreading your legs wider and pulling him closer.

He helped you remove your dress and underwear, you help him remove his trousers and well, he stopped you from removing his underwear, “you’re not fair” you protest, but he just continues to take the lead in bed, completely knowing that you dont know enough. He started making you weak by his soft kisses around your body, his hands is roaming around your thighs as well making sure that he has your whole attention.

“You’re beautiful. So beautiful” he whispers and started to touch your body in a way that is very new to you given that youre a virgin. You let out small sounds of approval, moaning his name deliciously which he love. Later on you feel him slowly going down on you, kissing your lower abdomen until he reaches your wet slit and lick it softly up and down. Of course you were shocked to the core that you immediately tried to get away from him but he only smirked and said, “you’ll love this trust me” he then kissed your lower abdomen again softly, all the way down to your wer slit, kissing is again like its your lips gently and careful not to schock you again “better?” He asked, you nod. And when his tongue made contact to your slit again you were back to moaning to hard and letting him know that you love it through your sounds. Of course, by the time you cum, he was teasing you for loving it, looking so ruin beneath him.

“Ready for the main event princess?” He whispered softly beside your ear, kissing you neck while you feel him spread your legs and tease your slit again. You giggle and put both of your arms around him, returning the kisses he gave you and making him feel good too. “You learn fast” he says while removing his underwear. And as soon as he was naked, you can feel the bulge on your thigh and he’s hard as a rock.

When he finally lines his cock on your hole, you felt nervous but at the same time excited and it’s obvious. So obvious that Jeno needed to reach for your hand and whisper “dont be nervous, this will feel good I promise”

And so you trusted him and let go. Of course it hurt, the stretch was giving you pain because he was so big but he was right, it feels good. Oh so slowly he was making you remember every second of this moment, kissing you from time to time and whispering sweet words. Then suddenly he removed his cock and began kissing every part of you, you don’t know why he’s doing this and quite frankly you miss him inside you already. “I know what you’re thinking” he teases you and gave you a few more kiss on the lips before he pushes back in slowly. This time it was far more better and the stretch felt good it’s addicting.

He thrust and thrust until he found your sweet spot, hitting it over and over again, making you moan while begging him to stop but you didn’t mean that. You love what he’s doing. And when the time you started clenching around his cock he knew you’re close to your release, he went closer to your body, fucking you close. He was looking at your eyes while you catch you breath and feel the tingle in your toes. He was just smiling sweetly with lidded eyes while watching you catch your high, until you feel him go deeper and faster, you couldn’t take it anymore but he was the one catching his release this time. He pulled you in for a hug, caging you with his strong arms and release a good amount of cum inside of you.

Both of your bodies are hot and you’re both catching your breaths with a smile on your faces. When Jeno’s cock gone soft immediately the white fluid from your hole was dripping and only one thing was on his mind that time. If he gets you pregnant, he will never return you to your family.

On the same night, you two talked until the sun comes up and make love for a couple of times again. It was the night you two started dreaming and planning for your future, he told you how he wanted to take care of you for the rest of your life and build a home with you. Somewhere your past cant find you. And you love that idea even though that mean abandoning your crown.

But just as life became even more sweeter for the two of you, an unexpected visit ruined your lives changed it in a matter of minutes.

The general of Jaemin’s army came to deliver the news personally that Jaemin did not make it through the battle field which made Jeno furious and angry that he started to punch the wall and hurt his hand. Screaming and blaming himself for not protecting his friend in times of need. You cant blame him, they were best of friends.

“This is all your fault!” He shouted towards you. And suddenly all those happy memories you had with became pointless and useless. It hurt you, his words hurt you but all you can do is stand up for yourself.

“Please bring me home general” you said sternly and made your way out. The general immediately followed your command and did not let Jeno come near you even though he said he was sorry and he didn’t mean what he said.

“Respect your future queen. Whatever happened in this place will stay in this place. Don’t tell a single soul about your relationship here— I can’t believe you betrayed your friend Jeno. Now go home! I will bring the princess back”

After you came back to your kingdom and family, you still can’t believe that Jaemin sacrificed his life to save your kingdom and his while you were secretly loving Jeno. What kind of queen are you?

You wanted to be alone. And so were left alone for days, even weeks.

The kingdom was healing and you wish you were too.

Until one day, you got sick and the word traveled fast around the kingdom. Everyone got scared because they thought they will lose their queen too. But one person was worried sick that he can’t calm himself until he sees you right before his eyes.

Jeno sneaked inside your room one peaceful night just to make sure you’re alright. Of course when he saw that you’re weak and sweating in your bed he didn’t think twice and came closer to you. He kneeled beside your bed quietly which made him recognize the ring on your table. He slowly grabbed it and tried putting it on your finger again while he feels his heart break slowly. “Why did you remove it?” He asked softly while asking you in your sleep, but you opened your eyes slowly and weakly tried to sit so you can see him better. Of course he helped you, he still cares for you.

“I didn’t mean what I said- please believe me, I love you” Jeno whispered and kissed you, oh you miss him.

“Did it ever cross your mind that maybe you’re pregnant?” He added with hopeful eyes, but even though you returned the kiss and you’re happy to see him now, this time you know that leaving your crown is not a right thing to do.

“I am not. The doctor said I was just sick,” and there Jeno just nodded and thank the heavens that it wasn’t a serious health issue. But he was really hoping that you were pregnant because that is the only way he could stay in your life. “I need you to protect Jaemin’s family and be their protector-“ you added but just before you could finish what you were about to say he cut you off and immediately got mad.

“So this is it then? You’re just gonna throw me like that, huh? Now you can command whatever because you’re queen?”

And just as you thought… he will hurt you with his words again.

“I love you. That’s why I’m like this. Please don’t send me away. I can love you from afar, but please this is too much“ he scoffed and begged you in his tears, reaching for hand and kiss it like how he did the first night you two made love, “do you understand? I can’t accept not seeing you everyday”

“You won’t like it when you see me marry Mark Lee”

And that is it.

You didn’t want to tell him but you have to.

“He’s not a prince, Y/n… i don’t understand… he’s just rich” Jeno rambled.

“But I need a husband soon and he’s a good person,” you said weakly.

“You’re not being fair! Im not a prince too and you loved me!” He was crying already and not letting go of your hand, “please Y/n”

Tears in your eyes were falling as you remove the ring and hand it over to him.

And then you wake up.

Your phone was ringing and the rain was crazy.

Jeno’s arm is around your waist and he was sleeping soundly, he didn’t even had the time to change his clothes. Maybe he was that tired you thought.

“You were crying in your sleep, why? I was worried I tried waking you up then I fell asleep, I’m sorry” Jeno said in a very tired voice.

“I had a really weird dream” you said honestly.

“Tell me” he said and pulled you closer,

“I was a queen and I was supposed to marry someone that is not you. Then we cheated and tried having a normal life together but still, destiny is not on our side, so I made you leave me”

“Well that’s some, love story shit baby haha” he laughed and hugged you tighter. “I’d love you from afar even if you throw me away and come back over and over again. Got that?”

You nodded sweetly. Happy that it was only just a dream.

“You’re mine, even in our next lives” he added

[ihavethedreamies]

📚 Series Masterlist

Easy to Expert | Stray Kids [NSFW]

♥ Easy (#1) - Felix/Reader ~5k ♥ Novice (#2) - Felix/Reader ~4.8k You've agreed to a threesome and you pick... (They are all technically part three, just different versions, they do not go along with each other at all.) ♥ Beginner's Luck (#3 v1) - Felix/Reader/I.N. ~3k ♥ Standard Practice (#3 v2) - Felix/Reader/Seungmin ~2.2k ♥ In the Middle (#3 v3) - Felix/Reader/Hyunjin ~2.8k ♥ Rough Love (#3 v4) - Dom!Han/Switch!Felix/Sub!Reader ~3.1k ♥ Challenged (#3 v5) - Hard Dom!Lee Know/Switch!Felix/Sub!Reader ~4.1k ♥ Hard to Swallow (#3 v6) - Felix/Reader/Changbin ~3.7k ♥ Expert (#3 v7) - Felix/Reader/Bang Chan ~4.6k

Sci-Fi AU! with Seventeen [NSFW] WIP

I had a story for The8/Minghao, and I wasn't feeling it, so I'm redoing it :p ☼ Deserted | Hoshi ☼ ~5.1k ☼ Desert Storms | Woozi ☼ ~4k ☼ Heat | Wonwoo ☼ ~8.7k ☼ Oasis | S.Coups ☼ ~4.6k

Decisions | Jongho (ATEEZ) [SFW -> NSFW]

✿ Love or Hate (1) [SFW] ✿ ~3.2k ✿ Sweet or Spicy (2) [Suggestive] ✿ ~1.1k (Transition Part) ✿ Sweet (3 v1) [NSFW] ✿ ~2.5k ✿ Spicy (3 v2) [NSFW] ✿ ~3.3k

Pool Boy | TXT [NSFW]

These don't rely on each other at all, so there isn't really a specific order, I just wrote them in this order. 水 Yeonjun (1) ~3.2k 水 Taehyun (2) ~2.9k 水 Soobin (3) ~4.4k 水 Hueningkai (4) ~4.5k 水 Beomgyu (5) ~4.7k

Juicy Fruit | NCT Dream [NSFW]

Very loosely inspired by Smoothie. Very Loose. 🍉 Mark 🍉 ~1.6k 🍇 Renjun 🍇 ~1.5k 🍌 Jeno 🍌 ~1.9k 🍒 Haechan 🍒 ~2.2k 🍑 Jaemin 🍑 ~2.5k 🍓 Chenle 🍓 ~2.1k 🍍 Jisung 🍍 ~2.1k

Animal Inside | ATEEZ [NSFW] WIP

🦁 Matter of Pride | Hongjoong 🦁 ~5.9k 🐕 In the Doghouse | Yeosang 🐕 ~4.8k 🐻 Don't Poke the Bear | Jongho 🐻 ~7k 🐯 Ride a Tiger | San 🐯 ~6.3k

What the Heart Wants | Kun (WayV)/NCT

When you're essentially sold to the royal family to be one of the brides of the second eldest prince, you're not exactly living the ideal life. The biggest reason, is because you are desperately in love with his half-brother. 💘 From Afar | Kun & Yuta (1) ~14.2k [Angst/Mature] 💘 Up Close | Kun (2) ~7.3k [NSFW]

Historical AU! with Stray Kids [NSFW] WIP

여기 Only You - Bang Chan ~4.6k 여기 Her Hero - Lee Know ~5k

Master-Master List

[dojunie]

MISDIAL; LJN [CH3] LIKE A MORNING CALL

[★]; [MISDIAL MASTERLIST] [PREVIOUS PART] [NEXT PART]

info;

lee jeno x fem!reader

college au

chaptered

slow burn

genre; not-quite-friends to lovers, older brother mark lee, brothers best friend lee jeno, light angst, eventual smut, yn is a menace to society, story/character driven

warnings for this chapter; alcohol mentions

chapter wc: 11.4k (i'm sorry ;-P)/ comment on this post for taglist!

taglist: @hibernatinghamster @jenoxygen @eaglesnotravens @donutswithjaminthemiddle @jvjsssnaa @huangrenhyucks @luvenshiti @shiningdery @jaeminsbebu @aliceinwhateverland @bebsky@gem-gem @jkjkseo @jenosbliss @pewpewpwe00 @ti--red @philanarose @softbbyg0rl @aaasteroidsky @carelessshootanonymous @en-boyz @jlsavyy @roseymerrie @bangchanisemo @skuezk @jaehyuns-adorable-dimples @ourbeautifulaffair@jeonnyread @jvjsssnaa @episkeyjeno @bockhyun @jenojammin @zarastrawberry @peachie-bear @itadaramaterasu @alymii @cuteejeno @episkeyjeno

unable to tag: @nohunlee @ooojisoo @luv4jeno @not-clemb @jydivrs @pinkysinnerbaby @jenojenoyes

[a/n]: i dont even have an explanation for why this took so long besides the fact that work is kicking my ass rn LOL, but i'm so excited about this fic that ive been glued to my laptop every hour that i'm free. enjoy, chapter three, my friends

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THE APARTMENTS HOUSED INSIDE OF THE PALISADES TOWER ARE MYTHICAL FOR GOOD REASON, because the penthouse in which Jeon Somi lives is easily something out of a melodrama. Cleancut modern black and gray, polished gold metals, and endlessly high ceilings with windows so large that it was easy to forget there was even glass there at all (which, when you’re so high up, is a pretty freaky feeling). 

If this wasn’t your hundredth time being here you’d probably be just as awed as the guys behind you are. Their eyes are wide as they shuffle out of their shoes in the entranceway, faces slack at the absolutely bonkers state of her home— but as it stands, you don’t even bat an eye. You just fling your sneakers in the front closet and slap the living room light switch on, the weight of this disastrous day settling on your shoulders all at once.

“I’m going to go and wash my face,” you announce, forcing a pleasant smile and turning to face the guys in the foyer. “If you have any questions—” Donghyuck nods, already opening his mouth to interrupt you, “— Somi dearest will answer them.”

He pouts. You can feel Jeno’s eyes on you, but you avoid looking in his direction like the plague.

What he must think of you after all this, huh? The second time he’s spoken to you in years and here you are yet again— embarrassed half to death and terribly out of your element, floundering in his presence like you did when you were fifteen and had no concept of confidence or coolness.

You were so sure that the night of the Nabi Bar incident was going to be a one time thing, and yet here you were again. Wasn’t last week supposed to be a once in a lifetime event? Something that you’d think of in a few months and laugh about— reminiscing over that time the guy you’d once been stupidly in love with came running out of the dark to save you, scooping you away from danger and patching your bruises up like some kind of romance novel prince? But now? 

Now it was starting to look like nothing about this, nothing about him was shaping up to be temporary. 

Things you hadn’t felt in years were starting to pick at your insides. You’d felt it that night when he’d dropped you off and you couldn’t sleep because your mind was racing so much. The cloying scent of his cologne was stuck in your nose and every brush against your bruised knuckles reminded you of how close you’d been in his bathroom, the sickeningly familiar feeling in your chest— Fluttering, fluttering, fluttering— And you’d felt it again in the car just now, an actual swoosh in your gut when you caught how he looked at you after Somi mentioned the Aegon competition. 

His gaze was soft.

Knowing, almost, if you wanted to get completely delusional about it. As if he’s always understood something about you that everyone else didn’t.

(…Knowing, like the look he’s giving you right now as you take a step towards the other end of the penthouse and make the mistake of catching his eye. God. There’s no way he doesn’t know you’re just trying to get the hell out of here; It feels like he’s seeing right through you.)

“Right,” you say to no one in particular. “Then I’m off.”

Somi— who’d wound up in the kitchen somehow during all this— whines your name along with something about the jajangmyeon when she sees you leaving, but you don’t even stop in your stride out of the foyer. “Jaemin will help you, Som, he knows how to cook better than I do. You’ll help her won’t you, Na? You wouldn’t leave a tipsy, defenseless maiden alone in a space full of danger and sharp things and fire, right?”

You hear the distant click of the stovetop turning on as you’re walking away, quickly followed by a bunch of clattering, like someone throwing around a few metal pots. You hear no response or movement and flick a warning look over your shoulder.

“I’m not kidding. If you don’t want this place to catch on fire you’d better help her quickly.”

“What?” Jaemin finally splutters, “You’re serious? You’re really going to just leave us alone out here with— Hey, hey, wait! Somi, you don’t need a knife that big to cut up scallions!”

He darts out of your sight. Okay. One out of three, occupied. 

You snatch up the television remote from the couch and turn it on, the giant flatscreen instantly lighting up the two remaining guys in the foyer as they stare after you. “You guys are into basketball, right? Knock yourselves out.”

“You’re… Cocomelon-ing us?” asks Donghyuck indignantly. “You think you can just put on ESPN and you’ll be absolved from helping cook? Do you think we’re five years old?!”

“Not five. Maybe like… eleven, or twelve? You strike me as more of a preteen.”

All that follows this is stunned silence. Great. That’s good enough of a reply for you. You toss the remote back onto the couch and continue farther into the rest of the house, face falling into a quiet grimace as you try to figure out just how you’re going to get through this night alone.

You feel it goes without saying that you do not only wash your face. You scrub everything above your neck, wash your hands, clean and cut your nails, pilfer through Somi’s extensive skincare shelf to rub some sort of moisture back into your now dry skin, comb your hair (and comb your eyebrows), worry at a speck of dirt on the shoulder of your top, take your socks off when you realize they’re a bit askew and then put slowly them back on, all in an attempt to drag out the time before you have to go back out there… only to look at your phone when you’re all done and realize only six minutes have passed since you’d first step foot in the bathroom. 

With a shameful sigh, you stop pilfering.

What is your actual game plan to get through this night in one piece? Because the awkward way you’ve started this surely isn’t going to cut it, if this sad stint in the bathroom means anything. Could acting normal be your ticket? Everyone else is already pretending that the rest of the night didn’t happen, like this is really just some sleepover— the echo of Donghyuck’s laughter out in the living room proves that he’s at least having a swell time— so why can’t you pretend this is all normal too? You could just act your ass off. (What is it they say? Fake it ‘till you make it?)

Normal, normal, normal. You can do that.

So normal in fact, that when you wander back out into the house, eyes down and lazily picking at your nails (like a normal person would do), you don’t notice right away that you have no audience. 

Jeno and Donghyuck aren’t on the couch where you’d left them. A laugh from the other side of the living room drags your eyes over until you’re staring into the kitchen where Donghyuck now is, apparently roped into helping by the looks of it, sleeves of his sweater pulled up his forearms and dutifully scrubbing at a handful of baby carrots in the sink. Slightly surprised, your gaze drifts over to the other movements happening behind him; a bedraggled-looking Jaemin following behind Somi as she wanders around her kitchen with a knife in each hand. His suggestions of safety seem to be going in one of her ears and out the other.

You spot movement on the balcony right as you think to wonder where the last boy has disappeared to.

The glass door leading to the overlook is cracked open an inch. The shadow of one gray flannel is briefly illuminated by the flash of lightning a few miles away, and with it comes the cool scent of rain into the house that you only notice now. The balcony is more like a porch with the size of it, nearly a full wraparound, and the figure blends in so well that it’s no wonder you didn’t see him out there at first. He’s leaning lazily on the railing, safe and dry from the retractable awning Somi always leaves out.

Of course. Figures he’d be out admiring the weather during a thunderstorm advisory warning.

Your stomach swirls a little bit at the sight of him, and you briefly consider leaving him alone and going to, like… help wash carrots or something, but your body knows you better. You’re wandering across the room before you can even think about moving.

“Having fun?” 

If Jeno flinches from your intrusion he covers it very well. When he turns halfway to greet you he’s nothing but an easy smile, face just barely illuminated in the warm yellow light from inside. He beckons you outside with a small head nod and you, a little surprised he actually wants company, push the door open a little wider. 

“Having fun,” he confirms as you wander up beside him. “You’re back?”

“I suppose so. Why are you out here by yourself?”

“Wasn’t really my choice,” he says, laughing, albeit a little sheepish.

“It wasn’t your choice? To come out here?”

“I offered to help cook, but Jaemin said I’d just take up space since I apparently take fifteen minutes to rinse a single potato. He banned me from touching anything.”

Oh. Is he notoriously slow in the kitchen? The most you’ve ever seen him make is burgers on your parents grill, but that was just flipping them every minute because Jaemin and Mark had done all the preparation. “Does it take you fifteen minutes to rinse a potato?”

“I like to be thorough when I wash produce. They come from the dirt, you know.” 

Oops. You hit a nerve. He sounds slightly miffed by the humor in your voice. Maybe your smile is still too obvious, because he squints when he catches the line of your mouth. 

“Right,” he says, rolling his eyes. “Forgot you’re the type who eats grapes out of the bag in grocery stores.”

“What— Why did you say it like that? I wipe them off first!” 

“Yeah, you wipe them off onto your clothes. Do you know how many different surfaces your shirt will rub up against in a day? At that point aren’t you just swapping germs?”

He’s not wrong, but you’re a little caught off guard by the fact he remembers that so clearly. It seemed like every grocery trip he used to tag along to when your family would go shopping, he would catch you slipping something into your mouth as you pushed the cart— a stray grape or  cherry, otherwise small and easily sneakable fruit. He’d always just smile, looking away like he didn’t see anything at all, but you always had a feeling he’d known what you were doing; and this was just confirmation that not only had he seen you, but he’d also permanently catalogued it into his memory. Ugh.

You cross your arms over the railing, turning away with a small huff. “Didn’t know you’d become a cleanfreak while I was gone. Slowpoke.”

The rain continues to pour. 

After the grape conversation the silence stretches on for so long that you think that’s going to be it, that you’ll both just stand out here and exist in the chilly air, the wind occasionally whipping a flurry of tiny droplets onto the sleeves of your clothes— but he hums right as you’re about to suggest going back inside.

"Even with the storm, the view up here is insane. I’ve never been this high up without glass in the way. That's Namsan over there, isn't it?"

"Namsan?" you echo, a little annoyed by how quickly your body turns to the sound of his voice, "Uh. Probably… not? Namsan Tower is completely east from here, almost a literal ninety degree angle from this side of the building. You might be seeing something else."

"You didn't even look,” he says. “How can you be so sure?"

"Because it should be impossible to see it from here. This is an inlay. Unless Palisades is skewed like, one degree south, there shouldn't be any way—"

"Okay, wise girl, what's that light I'm seeing over there then? Since you're so smart."

You scowl at him, clicking your tongue at the pleased squint of his eyes, and ignore how he laughs when you all but shove him out of the way to get a better look. You're squished into the very corner of the balcony railing in the attempt to see what damn light he's talking about— forgetting, like you did at his apartment last week, that you’re not close, and that you probably shouldn’t be so comfortable around with him like this— craning your neck almost painfully towards downtown. 

"There’s nothing there. Do you not have your contacts in or something?"

"I got Lasik a few years back, so I'd bet money my vision is better than yours. How are you not seeing it?" 

Lasik? This is news to you. If you weren't still trying to find this dot he's talking about you'd whip around, staring deep into his pupils like Lasik would have somehow left a mark that confirms what he's saying, a brand of some sort, but you keep your gaze sharp on the horizon of this fabled Namsan. 

You do end up speaking out loud though, absentmindedly. "I guess that’s not super surprising.”

"What?"

"It’s not surprising that you got Lasik. You used to talk about it a lot in highschool."

"I did?"

"Yeah, you used to complain about those big goggles they'd make you use during your games. And that putting in contacts every morning was annoying and took forever, but how you hated using glasses too, cause the glass was so thick that they made your eyes look funny." 

You’re not paying attention to how odd it might be that you just... remember all that stuff. Especially because he'd never really been talking to you when he said these things. You'd just overheard by chance, during the myriad of times you’d wind up in the same place as him somehow; whether it was the kitchen before school whenever he’d drop by a little too early and your mom forced him to eat breakfast with you and Mark, or when you’d hide on the stairs and eavesdrop on all of your brothers friends when they’d come over after basketball games.

"But I never really got it," you add, "’Cause to me you always looked pretty either way. Glasses and Goggles and whatnot. They were cute.”

You squint at a blinking red speck hovering right on the edge, near the corner of the building. 

“Christ, is that seriously it, Lee? That tiny red thing all the way over there? How the hell did you even see that through all these clouds?” 

He says nothing. Another few moments go by as you try to confirm if that's really what you're seeing, and you think it is Namsan Tower, there’s even a few more little white lights you hadn’t paid attention to at first because you’d thought they were just very persistent stars. Shit. His vision is better than yours. 

What a normal person would do now is turn around and relent— because, you remember belatedly, you’re still attempting to be normal— and tell him you’d miraculously been wrong, maybe rib him a little for his bionic eyes cheating for him, something friendly and nice and casual, but you don’t get the chance.

Why? Because when you turn, there’s less than two feet of space between you both. 

As if Jeno had also been trying to look for the tower, he is now crowding you against the corner of the balcony— arm still curled around the railing, but now limp as he stares down at you instead. Which means, since you've turned around, you're practically face to face.

And he looks... surprised.

"What?" you blurt quickly, “What happened?” 

He blinks hard and then looks away altogether, back into the black night of rain. His mouth is pursed into a very thin line, like he’s trying not to either laugh or frown.

"You thought I was pretty?" he asks.

Oh? Oh. “What?”

You stare at him for a very long moment, completely not following, and his lip only twitches in response. 

Is he… smiling? 

And then it hits you like a sack of bricks. You thought I was pretty?

Oh, God. Instantly, your expression sours— you almost want to hit him when you finally realize what that dumb, pleased look on his face is for (although it’s definitely more out of embarrassment at your own slip up because shit, did you really say that? Outloud?)

"You’ve got to be kidding,” you groan. “That’s what you’re looking all shellshocked for? Like that's something you need to hear from me, when you hear it all the time!”

You’d have thought you called him ugly with how Jeno’s smile suddenly vanishes. "All the time?"

Your mouth opens quickly to respond, already indignant, but when you catch the look on his face no sound comes out. His expression has turned into something much more curious than teasing now, eyebrows furrowed as you say nothing— He speaks again before you can figure out how to answer, yet another question, soft enough that it’s nearly lost in the thundering of the rain over the awning.

"And what makes you think that’s something I wouldn’t want to hear from you?"

You hear it loud and clear, yes, but as soon as the words are out of his mouth you’re still positive you’ve misheard him. 

Is he insinuating that he would’ve wanted to know you thought he was pretty? No. There’s no way that’s what he said. Are you still drunk? (Or has Lee Jeno’s presence in your life just been so brain-breaking lately that your mind is starting to pull illusions on you? Because why… Why would Lee Jeno ever give a shit what you thought about him?)

"I mean, it's— It’s not like it's a secret that you look like this," you eventually force out, both audibly and visibly flustered, which you hate yourself for. “I thought it was a given, that you know…. You’re obviously…”

“That I’m what?”

Hot, your traitorous brain supplies quickly. Cute? Pretty, attractive, stunning, chiseled from marble and yet soft and warm like watercolor, annoyingly beautiful— 

You glance away from him. "You know what.”

You’re embarrassed. Your voice has hardened a little with it, almost petulant, which is immediately annoying for multiple reasons, the biggest being that he’s even able to affect you like this at all after one stupid question. All those guys flirting with you at Wooyoung’s party a few hours ago and you’d brushed it off with ease, but Lee Jeno only looks at you and you can’t even meet his eyes? When did you become so uncool?

After a few awkwardly intense seconds you see him shift like he’s finally going to say something, and it’s merely a gift from the heavens that Jaemin’s voice rings out just then. It careens right through the crack in the balcony door, a sing-songy “Jeeeeno!” that shatters the atmosphere like tempered glass— quickly followed by, "And you too, Rockstar! Food is ready, come and get it before we eat it all! You’ll both catch a cold out there!”, and with the sudden reminder that, oh, yeah, you’re actually not alone in this house, you regain some of your lost composure.

You blast Jeno with a smile wide enough to signal airplanes and take one large step away from him. “Right. Food. Food! You’re hungry, right?”

Needless to say you do not wait for an answer. With haste you maneuver back into the house, quickly finding your way to the coffee table that Jaemin is in the middle of setting with plates and dishes, plastering a (hopefully) convincing look of wonder on your face. Your cheeks are already aching from the pull. How much faking have you had to do today? 

“Smells great!” you say saccharinely, “Which one is mine?”

“The one with the extra sauce and chives,” Jaemin replies as you sit down, but peeks over his shoulder in his walk back to the kitchen to fix you with a warning glare. (He remembered that you like extra greens. Nice.) “But don’t you dare start eating before I get back with the sides, I know how you get. Sit and wait.”

“Wait? What do you mean wait? I thought you said it was done—”

“Sit and wait!”

Frowning, you abide by his scolding, still too scattered to argue.

Donghyuck stirs when you plop down beside him. “I helped too,” he says to you proudly. Somi is on his other side, splayed out on the ground swiping away at her phone, one foot crossed lazily over his legs. He doesn’t seem to care (or realize) that they’re there. Huh. You’re pleased that they seem to be getting along well, but they’re both pretty much the most outgoing people you know so it’s not earth-shattering that in the few hours they’ve become acquaintances they’ve also somehow already evolved to getting touchy. Jeno is sitting at the metaphorical head of the coffee table on your left, and Jaemin’s steaming bowl is directly across from yours.

“All I saw you do was wash a baby carrot.”

“All of the baby carrots. And the chives, which was way more difficult to do after Somi already cut them up into microscopic pieces. I boiled the eggs and fried the onions, too. You love eggs, so when you eat them and your face falls off with how good they taste, I’m definitely taking credit for that.”

You and Donghyuck used to argue a lot when you were younger. He was the loudest of your brother's friends and loved to rile you up just as much as you loved to prove him wrong, especially during those rare afternoons spent in his presence when you’d been in too good of a mood to pretend Mark’s commune were the bane of your existence. A handful of times, you spared an hour or two to watch TV with them or steal some of their food. (They always happily offered you some, but it made you feel better about avoiding them when you assumed they were feeding you begrudgingly.) 

“I used to love eggs,” you tell Donghyuck snootily, that old squabbling-habit kicking in full force. “Who says I still do?”

“It’s not hard to tell, though,” Jeno pipes up. The last person you’re expecting to speak right now is him and it shows pretty obviously in how your head whips around. “Mark has been buying eggs like crazy because you eat through them so fast, which makes it obvious because Mark hates eggs. Every time I come over there’s a whole new box in the fridge. You’re like Dwane The Rock Johnson. That guy eats a carton of raw eggs a day.”

Silence. 

Your mouth opens, then closes. Dwayne the rock…?

“Busted! Looks like you’re not as opaque as you think, Rockstar—”

Perfect. An outlet. You whirl back around and sock Donghyuck in the shoulder the second the last word leaves his lips, and his dumb grin is immediately replaced with a grimace as he squeals and jolts. “Stop calling me that.”

“Right! Right, got it, fuck,” he groans. “Christ, I swear your punches didn’t hurt this bad before! Have you taken up Muay Thai or something recently…?!”

Muay Thai? You look down at your first for some reason like the answer will just be laying there across your skin, but all that happens is you see the faded remnants of the scratches on your knuckles from your unfortunate meeting behind Nabi Bar.

Oh.

…Nabi Bar. Nabi bar. Right. The night of Nabi Bar. Jeno’s quick how-to-punch lesson. Apparently, it’s had some effect.

“I didn’t do anything special. I was just like, sixteen the last time I hit you. A lot can change in four years.”

“Liar!” Somi suddenly blurts from the ground, startling both of you. If she wasn’t so hidden behind Donghyuck you’d instantly reach over to pinch her mouth closed. “She works out now. Got a hell of a kick, too, you should see her on those little sandbag things at the gym. Piss her off a little more an’ she’ll show you, I bet, ‘cause— Oh my god, there was this guy once a few weeks ago who got it good when he—”

“Food first,” a voice exclaims.

Jaemin appears from behind you like a ghost holding a tray of little bowls and plates, and oh, you could kiss him for cutting that conversation short. “You will be free to display whatever sadistic desires you please after we eat, okay? Now. Who wants dumplings?”

Somi senses the food and sits up straight, forgetting momentarily about reminiscing, thank god, and you, already famished and now reeling to change the subject, waste no time picking up your utensils to shovel noodles into your mouth. 

Midnight Dinner goes relatively peacefully after this. Jaemin and Hyuck argue about some basketball thing you don’t care to tune into, and later Somi cheerily informs the group that half the people at Wooyoung's party got stuck at the airBnB overnight when the weather advisory warning went out and that it’s chaos over there— people allegedly sleeping on the dancefloor and holing up in pantry closets. Thankfully (because your group chat probably would have been awash with death threats from Ryujin if not), Lia managed to get all of your girlfriends the hell out of there in time, and they were now safe and sound at Lia’s place a few blocks away from the party. 

However. When the food is eventually finished and Somi’s mouth is no longer occupied, life becomes difficult once again.

Foolishly, you thought you were in the clear. In your head the night’s end would have come like this: you’d peacefully tidy up the table, using your last bit of hospitality to do the dishes while Somi showed the guests their rooms like the good host she is— and while they were off doing that, you’d sneak into the room you always slept in when you were staying over, jump into the shower for just long enough for everyone else to forget about you and go to bed, proceed to go to bed yourself, and finish this seemingly endless fucking day underneath a fluffy, ten-thousand-count threaded duvet, never (or at least for a few hours before they inevitably showed up at Mark’s apartment tomorrow) to see Donghyuck, Jaemin and Jeno, ever again. It was the perfect plan. Infallible. Who could stop you, right?

Netflix could.

Right as you were about to put your plan into action and suggest cleaning up, Hyuck gasped so loudly at your side that you startled and choked on your own spit.

“Did you guys know that all of the Paranormal Activity movies dropped on Netflix tonight at midnight?” he exclaimed, “Like, all of them?”

And that had been the single nail in your perfect plan’s coffin. Whether he already knew that Somi happened to be a horror movie freak or if his outburst was pure coincidence, it didn’t matter. All it took for your friend to catch her second wind of energy was the mention of this fabled ‘Paranormal Activity’, and you watched your plan drift away into Valhalla as Somi insisted that after everyone clean up, you all finish the sleepover with a movie. 

It wasn’t the type of insistence that one could simply deny. Somi brought out the puppy-dog eyes. She used her trump card, and it worked. Donghyuck agreed immediately, the adrenaline junkie he is, and none of the rest of you objected either— even though you could even see it in Jaemin’s face that he wasn’t super enthusiastic about a horror movie right before bed, but what was he going to do? Say no to Somi? Who could charm the rosary off of a priest? 

So it was with a heavy heart that you trudged through cleaning up, and trudged into your room to shower, and trudged into your duffel to put the pajamas on that you’d brought along (which, thank god, you’d decided to go with a pair of basketball shorts and an old highschool hoodie this time instead of only the big t-shirts you usually just brought to her house), and finally trudged back outside to throw yourself down onto the couch, exhausted and feeling very unlucky. 

But at least you get to close your eyes for a little bit before everyone else comes out, right? Right. You bask in the beautiful, dark, ambient living room for… seven entire seconds before a voice rings out above your head.

“Is her brother a bodybuilder?”

God damn it. You crack your eyes open. 

Jeno is standing over you with a small frown on his face as he looks at his hands— or where his hands would be, if the sleeves of Somi’s brother's crewneck weren't completely covering them. He’s upside down when you look at him this way, but you can’t be bothered to roll over, so you just tilt your head up (or down?) until you can see him a little better.

“Her brother is a gym rat, yes. But he’s actually not that big. He’s not that much taller than you, actually.”

“He’s not that much taller than me? How is that possible? I look like a kid in this.”

A kid? This causes you to perk up a little bit. You turn slightly, just enough to get a right-side-up idea of what Jeno is talking about— and immediately have to press your lips into a line to keep from laughing. Or coo-ing. Whichever sound would escape first.

He wasn’t wrong about looking like a kid; the black crewneck almost reaches his thighs it’s so long, hanging loosely over his body like he got tangled in a windsail, the sleeves of which folding easily over his hands in what may be the most effective sweater-paws of all time. The sweatpants he’s got on aren’t helping either since they’re dragging on the floor under his socked feet, Jeno’s legs absolutely undistinguishable from cloth as he stands there and… scowls at you?

“What?” you blurt. But as the word comes out, you know exactly why he’s frowning. You’re smiling. He knows you’re trying not to crack up. Oops.

“I knew you were going to laugh,” he mutters, but he doesn’t sound as salty about it as you’d have thought from his glare. “I look stupid. Somi didn’t have anything else, you know. I asked.”

“Why are you explaining yourself to me?” you snicker, “I didn’t say anything.”

“You’re thinking it.”

Jeno sounded so petulant that you almost felt a little bad for him, but then he folded his arms, adorably haughty, the movement of which making the little sweater-paws comically flop over each other, and the pity is instantaneously obliterated by the intense urge to squish him into a ball and put him in your pocket. Holy shit. Could he get cuter than this? Thankfully, your restraint doesn’t have to last long (you’re pretty sure a vein is about to pop out of your forehead from the sheer force of not trying to cackle) because a sudden booming thud from the guest bedroom hallway snaps both of your attention to the other side of the house.

“No fucking way,” Donghyuck howls. And then all of a sudden he’s here. That’s the thumping— he’s… running? “No way!” 

No time to take full note of what he’s wearing (another gigantic hoodie and sweatpants combo) because he’s looking so frantic that his fashion takes the backburner. 

“You’re… overreacting,” you hear Jaemin say, following not soon after him, but for some reason not even he sounds sure about his own words. What the hell?

“Why didn’t you tell me— Why— Traitor! Traitor in my own home!” 

It’s only when his wide eyes find yours that you realize he’s yelling at you. 

“I— I’ve never been to your house,” you attempt quickly, stunned. Unsure, you glance at Jeno, but he seems just as alarmed as you do.

Jaemin grimaces. His steps make no sound because the fabric of his borrowed flannel pajama pants are so long that you actually can't see his feet at all. “Ignore him,” he says. “He… Somi just…”

“I told him who’s clothes he’s wearing,” Somi interrupts casually, coming from the same hallway they’d just come from, most likely her own bathroom. She’s the only one with clothes that fit, obviously; the usual pajama set you’re used to seeing her in, fuzzy and pink, blonde hair tied up into a bun on the very top of her head. It takes you a second to put her words together, the meaning of ‘who’s clothes’, before all of this hubbub makes sense.

“Oh,” you murmur. “Oh. Yeah. Big Jeon. Jeongguk.”

“Jeon Jeongguk!?” Donghyuck wails in exasperation. “Does that make sense?! Grammy award winning soloist Jeon Jeongguk!? Are you crazy! That man is my profile picture on SoundCloud and you didn’t think to tell me that your best friend is his little sister?!”

“I didn’t know you liked him that much,” you hazard lightly, rising to your knees on the couch.

This is a lie. You knew how much Donghyuck idolized Somi’s brother. It was kind of hard not to know when Hyuck had the man’s entire discography memorized. But being that you weren’t really in the business of exposing celebrities (and the fact that never in a million years would you have thought you’d end up in a situation like this) you’d never had the incentive to, you know, tell him. 

Which may have been a mistake, because now Donghyuck looks crazed. 

He makes a staggered lurch to the couch and you tense, holding your hands out like he might try to tackle you or something, but the fight seems to leave him all at once. He completely bypasses your outstretched arms to flop into the space you’d just occupied on the cushion. The ripple causes you to stumble back into sitting, and you stare down at him. “I’m wearing Jeon Jeongguk’s clothes…”

“Your shoes are in his entryway,” you tell him, just to rub it in. “And you ate his food, and sat on his furniture. You showered with Jeon Jeongguk’s soap. Does that normalize it for you?”

Donghyuck makes a weak sound, like he’s drifting away, all the air being pressed out of a blow-up mattress, and you snicker a little bit. For some reason, you pat his head— it’s instinctual, a soothing gesture you’d express to any friend— but he’s not your friend. And you realize this almost immediately after your hand makes contact with his (surprisingly soft) hair.

So why are you continuing to pat his head?

“Right,” Jaemin says with a sigh, pinching fruitlessly at his nose bridge. “Bomb defused. Or… Bomb exploded, technically. Let’s get this slumber party tied up nicely, yeah?”

You look up, nodding in agreement, and immediately make eye contact with Jeno. It feels like he’d already been looking at you, but he then proceeds to act like he wasn’t when you catch his gaze. 

…Okay. Weird. You stop petting Donghyuck’s head. Somi bounds towards the couch, reinvigorated with the mention of the movie, and you try not to side-eye Jeno too much when he plops down onto the couch next to you— at a considerable distance, might you add, like he hadn’t just been on top of you on the balcony an hour ago, but you instantly feel stupid for making that connection and whip your eyes away, once again agitated for some indiscernible reason.

The movie starts normally enough. With an entire couch-full of people and Donghyuck’s warmth at your side, since he’d never really moved from his dent next to you— if anything, sidling up closer once the oh-so-spooky-door-slammings started to happen in the film, because even if he likes to play coy, he’s really a big baby— it was pretty easy to stay grounded and not get too scared by the jumps and bumps on the screen. 

Too easy, maybe. Because at one point you swear you were just going to rest your eyes for a little, just take a tiny little break during a slow point in the plot…

And the next time you opened them, everything was dark.

It’s quiet. The TV is off. And you’re… alone? You’re alone.

Groggily, you try to sit up from where you’ve apparently laid down, and your neck aches like you’ve been stuck in this position for hours, but no way it’s been hours, right? You didn’t seriously fall asleep? 

However. The more you look around, the more signs point to the fact that, yeah, you totally blitzed it. You fell asleep. During a horror movie, no less. And it seems like everyone else made it through the film, as there’s not a single other person still out here on the couch. (So they couldn’t wake you up when they went to bed? Bastards.)

Once your eyes focus you glare across the house into the kitchen, and spy the time on the oven clock. 5:35AM.

Too early for you to have risen by yourself. You usually won’t wake up even if someone is banging pots and pans together outside of your bedroom door, so what… and why is it so cold in here? Your toes are freezing. The rest of you, not quite as much, because there’s a blanket draped over you that you don’t remember being there when you fell asleep. You sit up all the way, rubbing the crusties from your eyes and looking around again once your eyes have adjusted to the darkness, and find the answer to all of your questions in one look over to the source of the chill.

The balcony door is open again, and somebody is out there. Somebody in a big dark sweater, dwarfing their shape behind the fabric, but you’d recognize that pretty profile pretty much anywhere.

Lee Jeno. Again.

“Why are you awake,” you mutter nasally, throat still not completely woken up. This time he does jump at your intrusion— the big eyes and jolt would be funny if it weren’t so chilly out here. The blanket you wrapped around your head and body is doing well to deter the cold, but your feet and face aren’t happy.

“Did I wake you up?” Jeno asks, turning around fully. The black of his hair is just barely distinguishable from the dark blue of early morning. 

You stand stiffly in the doorway again, not as confident to join him by the railing as you’d been last night.

“I don’t know. How long have you been out here?”

“Give or take fifteen minutes.”

You shrug. “Then probably not. Fifteen minutes, though? Out here? You must be trying to get sick for real.” 

You’re squinting for no good reason other than the fact that you can’t quite open your eyes all the way yet. “And old people don’t fare well with colds, you know.”

He cracks a smile at this, bigger than you’re expecting for that weak of a joke. Before he can respond though, you surprise yourself by speaking first. 

“Do you want to share my blanket?”

A beat of silence. It takes a second for your words to catch up with your obviously quite lagging brain, but when they do, you’re hit with a jolt of surprise that almost wakes you up fully. Shit! Again, saying things before you think— this is what got you in hot water last night!

“Actually— Sorry, you probably want to be alone right? Right, I’ll—”

“I wouldn’t mind sharing,” Jeno interrupts with a small smile, and you freeze. “It’s colder out here than I thought it would be. You might as well watch the sunrise with me, right? You’re already up.”

“Sunrise?” 

“Yep. Should pop over the horizon any minute now.”

Oh. Your spine de-rigifies. 

That is… actually, a very Jeno thing to do. Waking up at the crack of dawn just to see the sunrise.

Now you feel a little dumb for that not being one of the first things you assumed when you first saw him out here. Another second passes before you build the courage to step out again, right back into the spot you’d been last night— but this time, you shrug the edge of the (thankfully) rather large blanket open, and fling it wantonly over Jeno’s head, unsure how this has become your life. Highschool You would be crying tears of blood. (From envy or pride, you’re not sure.)

“Do it so no air gets in,” you instruct, and he obeys easily. 

Soon enough you’re two peas in a blanket pod, only your faces poking out, but you’re… closer than you’d anticipated. Even with the size of the blanket. You can feel the fabric of his sweatpants brushing against your leg. If you look up too fast, you might headbutt him.

“This was a good idea,” Jeno murmurs suddenly, and you actually almost do heatbutt him when you jump at how close his voice is. “I forgot you burn like a furnace. I feel like there’s a space heater in here with me.”

You only nod. Anything more than that feels obscene with how quiet it is. 

For a few minutes neither of you say anything, silent while the sky slowly blues, purples, and then turns the slightest shade of pink around the edges, a tiny little ray of sunlight peeking through the streets but not quite reaching through the skyscrapers yet. And this is… fine. Just two people watching the sunrise, alone. Acquaintances. Sharing a blanket to detract from the chill morning wind of September, just like regular people do.

“Do you remember Mark’s twentieth birthday?” Jeno asks, out of nowhere. 

“His… twentieth?” you echo. “You mean the one you and him had to spend in the ER, because of that longboard Donghyuck got him?”

“That one was also pretty funny,” Jeno smiles, and you roll your eyes. Boys. Of course he’d think getting a matching broken arm cast with Mark Lee would be funny. “But no, that was eighteen. I’m talking about when you and I accidentally locked ourselves out of your house trying to sneak his cake inside. When we had to wait in your old treehouse for an hour for him to come home, in the dark, in the middle of a monsoon?”

Once he mentions the treehouse, the memory hits you like a punch to the gut. 

That birthday. Jeez… yeah, how could you forget that? Jeno might as well have just said, ‘Remember the day you realized you had more than just a crush on me?’ 

With the caliber of feelings you’d had for him at that point, being stuck in that small space had been the highlight of your whole month, forget the fact that you’d torn a hole in your favorite shirt from clamoring up the wooden ladder and your toes had gotten so wet and pruney in your shoes that they bled. If you’d asked highschool you though, if you’d relive all of that bullshit— sprinting across the backyard while a torrential downpour hailed from the sky, laughing at how his glasses fogged completely over by the time you collapsed into the only marginally more sheltered treehouse, the hour you spent in there pressed against his side while you waited for your brother to get home— Yeah, you’d have done it again. 

Splinters in your palms, cobwebs and leaves in your hair, the ruined pair of sneakers, all of it. A hundred times over. Just because you were with him, and that was all that ever mattered back then.

Your stomach twists at the recollection, an unfamiliar feeling stirring somewhere under your skin. God. How lame, huh? You’d really been head over heels. 

“That was the first time I realized you doubled as a human fireplace,” Jeno says finally, snapping you out of it, and only then do you understand where this is coming from. “I was soaked to the bone, and yet I felt like I was sweating because I was sitting so close to you.”

“You caught the cold so badly the next day that we all genuinely thought you were going to die,” you remind with a short, weak laugh. “If I was supposed to be keeping you warm, I wasn’t doing a very good job of it.”

He hums softly. “You’re doing a pretty good job right now.”

It’s here where you make the first of many mistakes.

Without thinking, you look up at him. The sun has crested over the horizon now, orange rays of sunlight fully peeking through the buildings, and the glow of it is lighting Jeno up a blurred golden, filtering through his black hair and turning it bronze as he smiles off into the distance. It’s such a pretty picture that your thoughts, admittedly, falter quite hard at the sight— and it doesn’t help that when he senses your eyes on him, he glances down. 

And again. You’re huddled up under the same blanket. You are very close. Close enough to feel his arm brushing up against yours, and to see the pools of honey brown in the eyes that had looked like such an intense, endless black last night.

(Maybe you’d reminisced too hard. Maybe the memory of that night in the treehouse pulled some feelings up from the long forgotten pit in your chest, the same place that used to flutter when you’d hear Lee Jeno’s name and pound like crazy in the rare times he’d call yours, the place that you’d thought died when he graduated and was never going to bother you again. The place you thought died. Because after what you say next? The only explanation for it is that your pit of love-struck stupidity is still thriving and fucking well.)

“We had an emergency key taped under the porch swing,” you blurt thoughtlessly. 

Jeno blinks a few times in quick succession, like those had been the last words he was expecting you to mutter after staring at him so fiercely. “You… What?”

“A key to the front door. I remembered that it was there about fifteen minutes after we climbed into the treehouse.”

Self-preservation finally shows up to the word-vomit party, belatedly locking the key to your mouth so no other stupid confessions can escape— But it’s too late. Despite the intense confusion on his face, it’s clear that he heard you perfectly. You don’t have to be looking at him to feel how hard he’s thinking either; putting the pieces together, trying to understand what exactly you’re telling him— and after what feels like half an hour, Jeno finally speaks. 

“So we could have gone inside before Mark got home?”

You cringe a little bit. “Yeah.”

“And you didn’t tell me on purpose?”

“...Yes.” 

“Well. Okay,” Jeno eventually says, sounding thankfully only slightly bewildered, and not mad like he’d be well within his rights to be. “Can I ask why you’re telling me this now? Guilty conscience?”

“I don’t… know,” you tell him honestly. “Maybe. You reminded me of it when you brought it up and I guess my brain realized I’d never told you about that. I wasn’t really thinking when I mentioned it. It’s— It’s still very early, I’m not functioning all the way yet. Sorry.”

“Sorry for your brain trying to get you in trouble, or sorry for trapping us in the rain for an hour and a half because you were too embarrassed to tell me that you forgot about the spare key?” 

This gets you to look up. What? 

“Embarrassed?”

“I mean, after we’d already been soaked through, I don’t think I’d want to bring up the spare either. Why else wouldn’t you say anything?”

Jeno is simply smiling at you again, eyes shaped into those little knowing crescents you used to daydream about, but you can’t stop to admire them right now. That’s why he thought you didn’t tell him?

When you analyze the emotions swirling in your chest you realize that you’re oddly… disappointed. Because you were embarrassed? It wasn’t like you didn’t know Jeno was humble (or just dense, as Donghuck would say), but come on. Is that really the first thing his mind would come to for why a girl would willingly stay up in some wet, old, gross treehouse with a guy when she obviously had the means to go back into her own home? Is it so impossible to guess that it was him you were there for?

Why you’re so disgruntled by his response is unclear, and it seems Jeno has caught on to your displeasure. 

“Why are you frowning at me like that?”

“Like what?” you reply hastily. “I’m not frowning at you.”

He squints, and you glance away from his suddenly very analytical stare. “...You are, though. You’re frowning at me right now. You said you weren’t frowning at me while you were frowning. Did I miss something?”

Yeah. You missed everything apparently. The last six years, even. 

“No.”

“That’s a lie,” he says immediately. You’re so surprised by the certainty in his voice that you almost forget that you’re trying not to look at him. “You’re doing that thing. With your forehead.”

“Excuse me? I’m not doing anything with my—”

Jeno raises one finger to press right between your eyebrows, relaying the tension you’d unknowingly been holding there, and your words pretty much die in your throat alongside the memory of why you’re even pissy in the first place. “This thing,” he says. “When you lie, your eyebrows get all raised and angry looking. You have a pretty bad poker-face, Rockstar.”

“Stop calling me that,” you mutter automatically, but it has no real heat behind it. God damn it. Could you be more lame? Losing your fight and ire just because he put his finger on your forehead? “And stop stabbing me.”

He takes his finger back. “Are you going to tell me why you didn’t say anything about the key?”

“You answered your own question. I was embarrassed.”

“Liar. Your forehead—” You slap a hand over your eyebrows, and Jeno actually laughs. “... actually isn’t doing anything this time, but now because you did that I know you’re lying anyway. Got you.”

Fuck! Ripping your hand away from your skin, you scowl at him, embarrassed that he figured you out so easily. “Why do you even give a shit, Jeno?”

“I mean, I didn’t until your forehead started telling me differently.”

“My forehead is not— I don't—”

Jeno snickers at your indignance, smiling deviously like he’s enjoying teasing you more than he’s letting on, and your stress worsens. 

“You’re the one who brought it up, you know—”

“I know,” you bark, “It’s just—”

“Did you think I’d be mad?”

“No! I— God, is it so hard to believe that I did it because I liked you?”

The words are out before you even realize what you’re saying. Or what you’re doing, should you say which is completely destroying six years of secrecy in one fell, sleep deficient, Forehead-Poking-Fueled haze.

You stare at him, breathing a little hard at both the outburst and in shock, and Jeno stares right back, no longer looking quite as amused. There’s such a long beat of silence at first that you, in your stupor, have the gall to wonder if he didn’t hear you— like that would be possible when you’d basically shouted your half-baked confession in his face— but then Jeno shifts, blinking hard, and all of a sudden the silence did not last long enough.

“You liked me?”

God, it sounds even more delusional out loud. Damage control, Gremlin Brain spits, Damage control! Backtrack, now! Your only saving grace, the only reason you’re not currently trying to find a way to throw yourself off of this balcony, is because he doesn’t sound completely disgusted with you. You force the most indifferent mask you can muster onto your face, attempting to blink the panic out of your expression.

“Liked you? So, maybe— Maybe it was a little, small thing. A kiddie crush, really, nothing to be… talked about…”

“Back then?” Jeno clarifies, sounding… Well, you’re not sure how he sounds and that’s so much worse. “You felt that way in the treehouse? When you were a junior?”

“Yes? Yeah, I mean. Yes. It was a little thing. A tiny thing. Listen—”

“But I thought you stopped liking me after Sungchan asked you out?”

Those twelve words are the equivalent of getting splashed in the face with a cup of ice water. 

(Jeno frowns, lips thinning as he thinks. “Or was his name Seunghan?”)

For the first time in probably your entire life, you actually ignore what Lee Jeno is saying to you. As he mumbles to himself about the prospective name of this alleged ‘date’, his previous words echo in your head over and over again like someone replaying the same three-second stretch on a vinyl record— And with each iteration, your skin warms another degree. By the time you finally collect yourself enough to speak, paralyzed with shock, your face is burning so warm with something— disbelief, surprise, straight up fear, you’re not sure yet— that you’re positive that steam is curling out of your pores. 

But I thought you stopped liking me after Sungchan asked you out?

(“I swear it was something with an S...”)

Jeno is looking elsewhere as he thinks— Until the incredulity in your voice brings his attention back to the present. 

“You… knew?”

“Knew?” His lips twitch with a small smile. Seemingly still not grasping the severity of the shitstorm occuring in your mind, Jeno laughs softly, bashful. “About how you felt? Well. Yeah? You've never really been that subtle about… anything, you know.”

You can’t move. It’s actually beginning to get a little unbearable under this blanket with the sun starting to beam down on you and the added heat from your own ebbing horror, but you can’t move. 

You’re being hit with every glaringly obvious cue you've probably ever given him, a rolling tape of embarrassing memories. It’s an attempt happening completely in vain, as trying to find the one that tipped him off is impossible; sifting through years worth of moony-eyes you thought were hidden by your undetectable stealth, the times you’d ‘randomly’ maneuver yourself sitting near him when the chance arose, all the times he’s probably caught you just staring and known exactly why while you thought he was none the wiser.

Holy shit. So the last six years of your life, the two years you’d stopped being obsessed with him included, have been a complete and utter show? A clown show, with you as the main act? Horror overtakes you. Fuck, what you’d give to go back a few minutes and stop yourself from even coming out here in the first place, to keep living in ignorance— he’d known. He’d known! Jeno knew about the giant, stupid crush you had on him, which probably meant that every single time you got flustered or clammed up or been weird around him recently he knew why, and… 

Wait. You freeze, current freak-out taken over by another thought that bursts into your mind.

I thought you stopped liking me after Sungchan asked you out?

Sungchan? You rack your brain. Sungchan, the classmate you’d become fast friends with during the first semester of junior year, your sky-scraper tall, smartass of a deskmate for the few months before he grew the courage to ask you out. You’d both tried it out for a few days before realizing that maybe the dating life wasn’t the best avenue for your relationship and amicably returned to being friends, still close even when he ended up transferring to another highschool a few cities away over the summer. Even now you still kept in touch, sending the occasional ‘this deer looks like u’ and ‘omg i just found this polaroid in my old notebook, look at how babie u were’ texts to one another, but that had really been it. 

You dated Sungchan for about four and a half days in the grand scheme of things. Not nearly long enough to even dent the ocean of unresolved feelings you’d had about Lee Jeno. Those feelings would continue to haunt you until the ripe old age of eighteen, up until when he and your brother graduated— But if Jeno thought that you completely stopped liking him after Sungchan that meant he didn’t have a clue about the years you still idolized him after that, didn’t it?

For a second you almost feel ill.

(Of course, however. Of course, right as your failing mask of indifference hits its weakest point, that’s when your luck would have Jeno belatedly notice that you are not having nearly as good a time reminiscing about this as he is.)

He finally reads the look on your face, the tightness of your lips and the unmistakable mortification, and his eyes widen so quickly with understanding that you would have laughed if you could release your mouth from its grimace.

“There wasn’t anything wrong with that though,” he blurts, backpedaling, “I mean— It was nice to be thought of so highly by someone like you. It was cute.”

Your smile tightens further. 

You know he’s trying. Very hard. To rectify what he must see as him unknowingly upsetting you or something. But his words do exactly the opposite, and the second after he calls it that— the nearly five years you’d spent falling over yourself over someone, who you are now being told, has always just thought your feelings were ‘cute’— something splinters a little bitterly in your chest. 

Jeno, to his credit, realizes immediately that he’s misspoken. 

You can practically see it in his expression, the wince when you take a step back. It causes the blanket to fall away from you completely, now left hanging lopsidedly on Jeno’s shoulders— the movement of which seems to concern him more than you’re expecting. 

“Wait,” he says quickly. “That didn’t come out properly. Y/N—” 

Nope. No. You take another step back.

Time to go. What a perfect moment this could be to go back inside. Yep! A convincing yawn here, a shiver, a thanks for the sunset-watching-invitation, and then you can abscond back into the house to the comforting loneliness of your bedroom to immediately and until further notice pretend you never came out here and that none of this ever—

“I would’ve taken you seriously,” Jeno finishes in one short breath, like the words are escaping his mouth without the permission of his brain, “If I could’ve. You know that, right?”

Record scratch. 

His mouth opens and closes when you freeze, visibly struggling to find the words to explain what he’s just said (or dropped on you, it feels more like), and you just stare at him, uncomprehending.

“No, I… I don’t know? If you could have? What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“You— You’re my best friend's baby sister,” he grinds out quietly, like it’s somehow supposed to explain everything, but you’re only left more confused. Confused and, suddenly, at the random mention of Mark at a time like this, on edge. “Not to mention you were like, sixteen—”

“I’m only one year under you though,” you interrupt.

“You skipped a grade in elementary school, I’m aware, but that doesn't make you any older. Two years is a big difference.”

“It really isn’t? Especially not when both people involved are adults, and did you forget about Yooa? The girl who confessed to you when you were a senior, that you dated, who was definitely only a few months older than me?”

Jeno’s eyebrows furrow like you’d just asked him if he remembered the eye color of somebody he met when he was five. He frowns like he’s trying to recall exactly who you’re talking about, this girl who’s entire name, history, and zodiac sign you’d had emblazoned into your mind because when she first started dating Jeno you’d cried for an hour straight and then proceeded to cyber-investigate the girl’s twitter to torture yourself a little more. 

“So unless four or five months really makes all the difference to you, I’m calling bullshit on the age thing, which now begs the question— what the hell does ‘taking me seriously’ have to do with my brother?” 

“It has everything to do with your brother,” Jeno replies eventually, voice taut. “And you and I both know you and Mark don’t always see eye to eye, so I really think it would be best if we just dropped—

“Did he say something to you?” you mutter, accusatory. “About me?”

“He—It’s not that easy, Y/N. Mark wasn’t—”

You scoff, boiling over. “Mark didn’t this, Mark doesn’t that, does being ‘best friends’ also mean that you’re obligated to be his lapdog? What is it with you guys and deferring to his every whim?”

Jeno’s words cut short. You’re pushing it, even for someone as controlled and notoriously difficult-to-rile as Jeno, and the burgeoning tick in his jaw is telling you as much, but you’ve never really been one to heed warnings. And now you’re pissed, so the tense pull between his eyebrows is peas to you. “Or are you going to be a big boy and tell me what he—”

“Mark didn’t tell me anything,” Jeno finally relents, sharper than you’re used to, but you hold your ground when he takes a step forward. “I acted like I didn’t know how you felt on my own, because what else was I supposed to do when Mark only ever spoke about you like you put the stars in the sky? Once I met you he started telling me about your grades. He’d get so excited to tell me how you were doing in dance, or what new music you were blasting in your room, or whatever new achievement you got and thought he didn’t notice, and after a while I found myself thinking about you when I wasn't even with him and that scared the shit out of me. Why? Because he's my best friend. Do you think I didn’t already know exactly how he felt about anyone that even so much as looked at you?” 

And so the dam breaks. These are the most words you think he’s ever spoken in one setting and stunned by the intensity in his voice, you can only listen.

“Not to mention that by the time I figured out whatever I was feeling, there were only a few weeks left before I moved to Seoul for university. So I left it alone.”

He blinks, hard. “And eventually you got over me. So it’s—"

“If you say it’s alright, Lee Jeno, I’ll deck you.”

You don’t know where the fury comes from. Maybe it’s not anger at all. Maybe it’s the wave of disappointment, regret, resignation, and sadness from what could have been, all rolled into one. But it comes out as rage, the flare in your eyes and the resentful edge to your words.

“Have you ever wondered why Mark and I don’t see ‘eye to eye’, Jeno?”

His lips part, but no sound comes out. Whether it’s because he knows better than to answer right now or because he genuinely doesn’t know, you’re not aware.

“Because of this,” you mutter, “Because of this. Did you know that there was a point in my childhood where the feeling was mutual? A point where Mark was my favorite person in the entire world? I couldn’t imagine a single day where I’d want to be anywhere but with him. He was my brother, my friend— but then, as most people do, I got older. And when I got older and ceased to be the little thing that followed his every suggestion, when I stopped wanting to do everything the same safe way he did it, he stopped seeing me as that friend and started treating me like something he needed to protect. Instead of being brave, I became reckless. Everything I wanted to do became dangerous. Everyone I hung out with was a bad influence, every place I went was unsafe. He stopped trusting me.”

The laugh between your words is humorless.

“And for years, I thought it was my fault. That I did something to make him lose so much faith in me. Do you know what that feels like?”

The crack in your voice makes Jeno look away sharply. It’s quick, as though the sound had physically grabbed him, and the movement is what snaps you back to the painful present. 

You take a step back, hastily blinking the very unwelcome burn from your eyes— It’s 7AM on a Saturday morning and you’re yelling at Lee Jeno on your best friend's balcony. When did your life get to this point? 

“For the better part of four years, all I looked for was you. But because I’m your best friend's little sister, even though you knew, you did nothing, right? Because Mark said so?”

Jeno bristles again. “Mark didn’t say—” 

“He didn’t have to say it!” you shout. “Mark doesn’t trust me to make my own decisions and somehow that ended up making the only boy I’ve ever loved keep his mouth shut when he could’ve liked me back. Does that make sense?”

Jeno’s eyes fly back to your face. If you thought he’d been surprised when you told him you liked him, then the look on his face right now would be one to snap a picture of. Oops. Guess you weren’t supposed to let that word slip— only four letters and yet such a big, big difference. But it probably doesn’t matter since you’ve already gone and fucked it all up by accidentally confessing. 

You gather what little boldness you have left and look him right in the eyes.

"I’m only going to ask you this now,” your voice is wavering, but you ignore it, “Because a younger me used to lose sleep wondering what your answer would be.”

He must know what’s coming. You watch his eyes flash a million things, none of them decipherable.

“Am I only ever going to be Mark's little sister to you? No matter what?"

One beat.

Two beats.

His lips part as though to speak,

Three.

But nothing comes out.

A car honks down on the street below. A strong breeze sends goosebumps rising across your skin. A song goes off somewhere inside the house, a sudden singing twinkle; Jaemin’s alarm. You’re able to recognize it from the dozens of times he’s slept over at Mark’s place. He’d said something last night about having to leave super early, swim team practice or the like; he must’ve left his phone out in the living room somewhere, but the guy has ears like a hawk and has no doubt heard the tune from whatever blanket he’s under. He’ll come out to turn it off any second now, and you don’t want to be out here when he does.

“At least you’re honest,” you tell a very troubled-looking Jeno with a small, plastic smile. 

You don’t wait for an answer, and you don’t turn back for the entirety of the walk back inside— and then, once you’re out of eyesight, the glazed over stumble— to your guest room. You slowly take out the extra duvet from the closet, wrap it around yourself like the world's saddest burrito, collapse onto the bed, and try your damndest not to cry.

(Safe to say that after about ten seconds, you lose that fight terribly.)

[♥︎]: and there it is, folks! please leave a like if you enjoyed! it REALLY gives me the motivation to work on this faster! [chapter edited & updated on 12/20/23!]

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[ljxlj48]

My Duty As Princess

Chapter 07

Lee Jeno x fem reader

in collaboration with @urlocaltrash28

preview, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, epilogue

Genre: arranged marriage au! royalty au!

Warnings: none

Word Count: 5K+

Author's Note: I'm not back guys, honestly. To give a little update, I stopped writing because it stopped being fun. I only wanted to do this, if it continued to be fun and after a while it stopped being fun. Right now, I'm in such a better place that writing is starting to be fun again, but there's no telling if I'm actually going to continue to put out content. Thinking of something to write, is actually a lot of work lmaooo. I will say that, I will never delete any of the content I have out. This page and all the stories will be here for whenever you guys want to enjoy them. hugs and kisses to anyone reading <3

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

When the Princess and I returned to the palace, night had already fallen.  We tried to quietly usher our way to my chambers, after entering did we notice a parade of people awaiting for us.  Father sat at my desk chair, Mother and Taeyong stood behind him. Mark, Haechan, and Jaemin sat on the couch, the three of them looked to be making themselves comfortable.  Grandma Lee and Grandmother Na sat on the two chairs that were on one side of the room.  There was more standing around, I spotted Chan, Hyunjin, Johnny was with them huddled in one corner, Lord Park stood lonely in another part of the room, Fei and Mei were in front of my bedroom doors.  Lord Na and Lady Na were also here, the two of them stayed near Grandmother Na.

“My boy,” Father said when he saw me enter the room. 

“What is the meaning of this?” I asked, looking around the room, full of people. 

“Now my son,” Mother started off making her way towards me, I took a step back when she came near, it felt like I couldn’t trust any of them.  

“Lord Park has asked to speak with the Princess,” Taeyong said, his tone was all business, Taeyong was never the type to sugar coat things.  Lord Park stepped forward at the mention of his name. 

“I would like to formally apologize to your royal highness,” He got down on one knee, lowering his head, arm over his heart, “for the actions of my children.”  I reached down for the princess’ hand, which she easily took. “I did not know of their plans or their intentions.” 

“Then why apologize?” The princess asked, her tone matching the one she used on me when she was angry.  She stood tall in front of the kneeling Lord. 

“Excuse me, your highness?” Lord park looked up at the princess, as did the rest of the room.  

“Why apologize for actions that you did not know about, and actions you could not have prevented.  Quite frankly, it feels like you're apologizing because you know it would save face, not because you really want to.  Don’t be ashamed, Lord Park, you would marvel at my death, the prince could go back to your daughter and you could have royal status after their wedding.  You are not sorry about the actions of your children, you are sorry they did not succeed, and you are apologizing to me because you need to save face.  Make yourself look like an innocent bystander in order to remain in power.” The princess paused, taking a deep breath, then she spoke again, “Lord Park, I do not despise you.  To be fair, I do not have room in my heart, nor time in my day, nor space in my mind to hate you, but I do feel absolute pity for you. Pure pity, for your son has committed treason against two kingdoms in a single night, and I do not know how your image will recover from such actions.  I do, however, trust that you will not take any more violent actions against me again, considering, should your family fail again, you could be faced with much more dire consequences.” 

“Of course, your highness, I can assure you no harm will come to you from my family ever again,” Lord Park looked down again, red rising to his ears.  I wanted to laugh, everything the princess said was the truth, that wasn’t meant to be spoken.  

“Is this all you had for us?” I asked my father. My tone, coming off more rude than I initially intended, I directed my gaze to my father, it felt as if he was a stranger ready to disrupt any little happiness I had with the Princess.

Father opened his mouth to speak, but Taeyong beat him to it,  “Hansol took a plea deal, he’ll get 25 years in prison for attempted murder,” 

“I want to see him,” the princess cut off Taeyong before he could continue on.  The attention of the room back on the princess, Taeyong's face was clear that he was not gonna let that happen, watching his reactions allowed me to remain calm. “General, will you please let me see him,” the princess let go of my hand, she stepped closer towards my brother, “I need to see the man that nearly killed me.” 

Taeyong’s face shifted, like he understood her request, he nodded.  “No,” my mouth opened to speak before my brain could form a reason, but I know she can’t see him, “no, you’re not stepping a foot anywhere near that man,” I felt tempted to shove Taeyong’s head through the glass balcony door, for even considering agreeing to the princess’ request.

“Jeno,” the Princess spoke, her voice soft. 

“No,” I know my voice came out too rude, she flinched, and I saw the minute fear flash before her, this isn’t what I wanted.  I took a breath before speaking again, “(y/n), no.” 

“Jeno,” Taeyong’s tone, I knew where this was going, his tone was the same one as when he scolded me for punching Haechan, after he stole my car for a joyride.  To be fair, I was aiming for the wall, Haechan just got in the way.  “This is the princess’ decision,” he took a breath, almost like he feared to say more, “you don’t have reason to prevent her from seeing him, should she choose too.” 

I let out a breath, turning my attention back to the princess, “you’re not going alone.”  She smiled and nodded, I felt like I couldn’t breathe for a second there.  

“The news of the attack has been kept within the palace walls, but the people will notice something is wrong, especially with the wedding approaching so fast, there’s more eyes on the two of you than normal.” Taeyong continued on and looked at me.  

“We think the Princess should make a charity appearance at the ladies luncheon for the war relief programs.  It would do good if the Princess attended, she can show the people that she is willing to help Northcy war victims as well.” Grandma Lee spoke, she was standing up from her chair, she looked at me.  They were all asking the princess of things, but they looked to me, as if I was the princess.  

“(y/n), if you’re not ready, you don’t need to come,” Lady Na, I should say Aunt Jennie, spoke, she made her way towards the princess, taking the princess’ free hand in her own.  Her eyes only met the princess’, I looked at the princess too.  The princess was looking back at me, is that why everyone was looking at me, because so was the princess?  I squeezed her hand and nodded.  

“I shall be there,” she let out a breath, looking to the room, “Queen Hye-young is right, it’ll be good to make an appearance.” Her hand started to shake, she wanted to do this, needed to do this, but it didn’t mean she didn't fear it.  

“Leave, all of you,” I wanted to relax, we needed to relax, to forget this just for a moment longer, “just leave.” I pulled the princess towards my bedroom, they started to file out of my room.  A few strayed, I stopped right in front of my door, watching them leave. I let the princess into the bedroom.  Mark was at the chamber door, Jaemin and Haechan on his side.  Chan, Hyunjin, Fei and Mei stayed behind as well.  “Why don’t you guys stay, I’ll be back out in a minute.” 

I entered the bedroom, seeing the princess sitting on the bed, typing on her phone. “Princess,” I reached out to pull at the princess, “there's people outside for us.” 

“More people?” She questioned, looking tired.

“Friends.” We both walked back into the seating area, seeing our friends standing and sitting around.  “Just relax,” I whispered in the princess’ ear.  

-

We sat there, and talked, and exchanged stories, and laughed, and relaxed. I looked at the princess, she was smiling, laughing, and relaxing. There were so many bad things that had happened. I just wanted her to calm down, I wanted her to feel safe.  

“Don’t forget the time Jeno almost got the princess to leave Northcy,” Jaemin laughed out, grabbing my attention.  I tried to signal him to shut up, but obviously he didn’t notice me.  There was a silence that fell over the room.  

“Huh? What are you talking about?” the princess questioned exchanging looks with Chan. 

“He didn’t…” Jaemin looked at me wide eyed, “I’m sorry, I misspoke.” 

“No I don’t think you did,” the Princess said, giving me a look. 

“Look, I am so so sorry, I was being selfish,” I’m scrambling for words, anything to make this better, pleading she's not too angry with me, “I wasn’t thinking straight, I just wanted out of this marriage.  You know how it was…”  The Princess was looking at me with a smirk, as she began to laugh.

“Jeno, calm down, I’m not mad,” she spoke, still giggling away.  I must’ve looked like a madman.

“You’re not?” Why isn't she mad, I would be mad, she should be furious with me, she has every right to be. 

“No, I probably would’ve done something similar if I was in your position, but now I owe Chan 5 mons,” she laughed more, shaking her head.  

“What?” I looked at Chan and he just smiled at me.  

“When we got back to the palace, after leaving the airport, Chan made the joke that he bet this was the prince’s idea to get out of the union, I said you’re on.” I don’t know if I should be relieved or worried, “your highness, I should, and would be angry with you, heavens know you deserve it” she took a deep breath, “but having nearly died," she paused, it looked as if her eyes became glossy for a second, blinking away any tears she continued on, "I don’t want to waste time being angry with you”  She smiled at me, her eyes were caring, filled with something.  We stared at each other for a moment, a time stopping moment.  I stared at her, I could hear the breath she let out, the calm beat of her heart, the flutter of her eyelashes, I never felt more captivated by another person.  

The rest of the evening went on, I don’t think I ever took my eyes off the princess.  I wanted to memorize every word, breath, tick she let fall past her lips.  I can’t recall a single thing that Jaemin, Mark, or Haechan said that night, but I could tell you that the princess covers her mouth with the back of her hand whenever she's about to laugh too hard.  Or that she tucks her hair behind her ear when she's being teased, or that she raises her ears when her name is mentioned, or that she sticks out her tongue, licking her bottom lip when she has something to say.  It seemed as if the princess had me under a spell where I could only pay attention to her.  I must say I don’t mind being spellbound to her.  

-

The next morning , when you awoke the sunlight was peering into the room.  You opened your eyes, and for an eighth of a second you forgot the events of the past two days, until you felt the arm draped over your waist.  Sleeping in the same bed as Jeno the past two nights has been more comforting than you could’ve imagined.  You slid out from Jeno’s embrace, grabbing your phone from the nightstand, and you called your mom.  You haven’t spoken to her since last week, the last thing she knew was that you and Jeno were getting along nicely, and you didn’t think this marriage was gonna be that bad.  

You wore another pair of Jeno’s sweats and an old shirt, his old clothes being more comfortable than any couture pajama sets you had.  You slipped on one of his hoodies, exiting the bedroom, to call your mom.  As the phone rang, you sat on the couch, staring out the glass balcony doors, watching the snow, the kingdom has been covered for nearly a week now.  The palace being in the mountains, the snow was always falling, never melting, you were finally getting adjusted to the cold, but still always wearing long pants and long sleeve tops.  

When your mom finally answered the phone, the sound of her voice moved you to tears.  You weren’t the closest to your mom, but after your sisters died, you two became more dependent on each other.  You were her only child left, and she was the only one that could tell you more about your siblings.  You explained everything that has happened since you last talked to her.  Not a single detail escaping your retelling.  Your mother listened attentively, asking questions far too often for the average storyteller. By the time you finished, she was almost convinced that she needed to hop on a jet to come up there and save you.  You laughed, telling her that you’re starting to feel better.  You’re ready to move on past the whole event, you need something new to focus on.  Your mother reminding you that a wedding should be a good distraction, especially considering her and your father are to be arriving in exactly one week.  

“I should just come up there now, say I’m there to help you prepare for the wedding,” your mother stated from the other side of the line.  

“Mother,” you laughed out, “I will be okay for another week without you or daddy.  Not to mention Queen Jaeyeon really took care of everything for the wedding, all I really need to do is show up.” 

There was a knock at the chamber doors that took half your attention, “are you sure there’s everything you wanted?” Mother questioned you, you opened the chamber doors to see Mei and Fei on the other side. 

Moving out of the way to allow them to enter, “in all honesty mother, I don’t know if there’s gonna be anything I like or want.”  

“What do you mean? You had a say, right?”  Your mother questioned from the other side. 

“I did mother,” you placed one hand over the mic, now looking at Mei and Fei, “what are you guys doing here?” Lifting your hand from the mic, “but I didn’t really use my say,” you spoke to your mother. 

“You have a final dress fitting this morning,” Mei responded back gently.

“Why didn’t you use your say?” Mother barked into your ear at the same time. 

You nodded at Mei, “Mother I was too busy trying to find a way out of my wedding to focus on making decisions for it,” covering the mic again, “I need you guys to go to my chambers and find me something more appropriate to wear,” you say, this time speaking to Mei and Fei. 

“Why can’t we use the clothes you have here?” Fei asked, making her way to the bedroom, your mother scoffing in your ear at the same time.  

“Well did you get your surprise yet?” Your mother questioned you, you were signaling at Mei to get her sister.  

Covering the mic still, “Fei, No, the prince is still asleep,” Fei stopped the door slightly ajar.  Quietly closing the door, again, Fei turned around bowing in apology to you.  “What surprise, mother?” you question your mother on the line. 

“We’ll find you something,” Mei whispered, dragging Fei out of the chambers behind her. 

“Oh,” was all your mother said before rushing to end the call.  You looked at the phone, seeing the line going dead.  You sighed, but truly feeling better that you talked to her about everything that had happened.  

The bedroom doors open up to Jeno standing on the other side, “good morning,” you speak up gently. He smiled a soft gummy smile at you, causing a fit of giggles to come up. Coming up to you, holding you into his embrace. 

“Good morning,” his voice the exact opposite of his smile. He was still tired, you could hear it in his voice.  

“I spoke to my mother this morning, she asked if I got my surprise yet,” Jeno threw his head back and groaned, you couldn't help but giggle a little, “what’s my surprise?” 

“Don’t you have somewhere to be this morning?” Jeno let go of you walking away.  

“You’re not answering my question,” you watched Jeno’s back, as he pulled off the shirt he was wearing, making his way into the closet.  You never quite took notice on how physically fit Jeno was until this moment.

“You didn’t answer mine,” Jeno responded back, still in the closet, you sat on the edge of the bed waiting for him, to walk back out

“I asked first,” you and Jeno moved about each other as if this was how the two of you have been living for a lifetime. Something so routine, you could only hope this is exactly how life would play out after the wedding.

“You’ll see your surprise soon enough,” Jeno came out of the closet in a new dress pants, shoving his dress shirt in.  The top buttons still undone, as he was zipping up his pants, your eyes raking over his body, pulling your lip in between your teeth.  “Princess,” Jeno said, grabbing your attention, his face having a knowing look.  He came up to you, pulling at your chin forcing you to look at him, but the top few buttons of his shirt remained undone.  

“Let me help you,” you said softly, pulling your face out of his grasp, you stood from the bed, now doing the buttons for him.  You could feel him watching your fingers move, slightly brushing against him, you were overly focused on doing the buttons. Jeno cleared his throat grabbing your attention, you stepped back, the blush dancing across your cheeks. “What is your schedule like today?” you asked, turning back around to walk into the bathroom, stopping yourself from helping anymore. 

“I have a meeting with Taeyong and Father this morning about the Parks, then after that I have a council meeting to attend.  The acts of Jisung are considered treason, they need to be brought to the entire council's attention,” Jeno followed after you into the bathroom, no wonder he was dressed so formally you thought.  

“What's going to happen to him?” You looked at Jeno through the vanity mirror.  You could see Jeno adjusting a tie around his neck in the mirror.  

“Currently there’s a formal investigation conducted by the palace guard unit, from there he will be taken to court before the council, privately because of his family’s power.  His crimes being of a higher regrade, Father will carry out sentencing personally.  You will be asked to make a statement.”  You felt your breath hitch, you didn’t like this.  You just wanted this nightmare to disappear already.  Jeno fixed his watch on his wrist, checking the time, “I’ve got to go princess,” Jeno came up beside you kissing you on the cheek, you leaned into his touch.  The act felt routine, but foreign at the same time.  Jeno pulled on a vest, buttoning it, before grabbing his jacket,  “I’ll see you tonight at dinner,” it looked like he wanted to say more but opted not to. You nodded watching him leave, from your position in front of the vanity mirror. 

You sat there for a minute just examining your neck, the bruises were in full bloom, you began to cover them up, trying to erase any memory of them.  There was a knock on the door signaling that Fei and Mei were back.  You just shouted for them to come in. The two of them bringing you a more than appropriate outfit, they stayed with you escorting you to everything through the day.  

-

“I’ll see you tonight at dinner,” ‘I love you,’ I should say it, I’m going to say, I have to say it.  I don't say it, opting to just leave instead.  I made my way to my father's private drawing room. What I didn’t tell the princess was that the investigation is over, sentencing will be tomorrow.  The question is not about who did the crime, but more of who aided and abetted the crime. 

When I entered the room, Father and Taeyong were already talking amongst themselves, I sat down across from Taeyong. The two of them exchanged a look, “we showed Jisung the video footage of the Jisoo when she was talking to Johnny and when she was talking to Mark, he,” Taeyong paused giving father a glance, to which father just nodded, “he confessed to Jisoo being the one behind the plan, and he just hired the attacker, however he refuses to put it on paper. He’s refusing to turn against her, both of them will be brought forward in trial.  However, there isn't any hard evidence against her, everything at the moment is circumstantial. It will be difficult for the council to unanimously agree to convict.” 

“Majority of the council is aware there is something going on through the whispers of everyone but the official ruling will be held tomorrow, the princess will be expected to give a statement.”  Father spoke, I internally groaned at the thought.  

“I assume the princess’ own maids  have been keeping her informed of everything that has been discussed by everyone, but you will still need to go over everything with her.  She can not be surprised by anything that is said tomorrow.” Taeyong said, looking at me, I could tell that he cared, he always did what he could to protect those around him.  “Jeno, we’re trusting you to go over the evidence with her, emotionless.  The council is prepared to rip her story apart piece by piece.  If you can’t make sure she’s prepared, let us know now.” 

“I will go over everything with her, she knows she will be asked to make a statement,” I let out, I would do anything to go back to yesterday when I didn’t have to deal with this.  I would much rather deal with that priest than having to walk the princess through the steps of a trial.

“We have to go through everything front and back, we need to make sure that we cannot allow the council to misinterpret anything,” I nodded my head, Taeyong pulled out the files, the three of us going through every piece of information. 

-

You stood in the middle of a room that was turned into a salon. There was a panel of mirrors, and a platform, like one would use for dress shopping. There was a section divider for one to change, as well as a seating area, you looked around the room. There was no one here except you, Fei and Mei. 

Suddenly the doors opened to reveal Queen Jaeyeon, Grandma Lee, Grandmother Na, and a team of people just swarming in. You felt the energy leave your body, the swarm of people filling you with exhaustion, you exchanged a look with Fei.  Fei just shrugged and shook her head. 

“My daughter,” Queen Jaeyeon called out, you still cringed at the nickname.  She pulled you into an embrace, she was so much smaller than her son, but the embrace held so many similarities.  You had been away from him for less than a quarter of the day but you longed for him and his calming presence.  “Are you ready to try on your dress?” 

“I am,” you answered.  Queen Jaeyeon had insisted you wear her wedding dress, there were certain design changes made to try to replicate your perfect dress, but it just wasn’t it.

Queen Jaeyeon signaled to someone, they brought forward a box. The person, the seamstress, showed you the contents of the box, it didn’t look like Queen Jaeyeon’s dress at all. The seamstress and two other girls pulled the dress out, it was your mother’s dress.  The sight bringing tears to your eyes, never in a million years did you think that your mothers dress was your dream dress.  However now, seeing it before you, you couldn’t imagine anything more perfect.  

“What a beautiful dress, but that’s not Jaeyon's I thought she was gonna wear yours Jaeyeon?” Grandmother Na said examining the dress, neither her or Grandma Lee attended your earlier dress fittings.  

“She was, but Jeno had another idea,” Queen Jaeyeon answered, looking at you, gauging your reaction.  She was initially resistant to the idea of you not wearing her dress, however Jeno already made the arrangements before informing her.  Now watching you almost being brought to tears by the sight, she knew Jeno made the right call.  

“This was Prince Jeno’s idea?” This is what your mother was talking about, your surprise.  

“He said that it was unfair to you.  You were forced to have a wedding in a foreign place, surrounded by foreign people, so to offer some semblance of a wedding you would have liked, he got your mother to send her own dress.” Queen Jaeyeon looked at you like one would to their own daughter, and you so much longed for your own mother, you opened your mouth to ask ‘how.’  “He made the called about a month ago, finding it, sending it to the seamstress to be altered, and some details were added based on what you said, it arrived just a little while ago, in time for the last fitting,” Queen Jaeyeon answered all your questions, and you couldn’t stop the smile spreading across your face.  

“Thank you,” you bowed lowly to Queen Jaeyeon, you felt so much gratitude, it overwhelmed you.  

You changed into the dress, standing on the platform looking at yourself in the mirror, you felt like a bride.  The compliments flowing from everyone were endless, you glanced at Fei and Mei, both of whom nodded in approval, but it didn’t calm your nerves nearly as much as you thought.   Everything was perfect in every way, but it still didn’t feel right, you needed something else, something more.  “Fei, Mei,” you whispered to call their attention, the two of them ushered over to you, “I want everyone to leave, and I want Chan, please.”  The two nodded their heads and made quick work of it.  Before you even turned back around, everyone was leaving, you don’t know what lie Fei said to get them to leave but you were thankful, and Met set off to get Chan. 

You waited a mere 10 minutes before the door opened again, this time, Mei was accompanied by Chan and Hyunjin.  The two boys ushered in looking around confused, not entirely understanding the reason for their presence.  You smiled at the sight of confusion, it reminded you of times long forgotten.  

“Princess,” Hyunjin bowed, and you grimaced, he looked up to you, “(y/n),” he apologized.  It was an unspoken thing between you and Hyunjin, he would call you ‘princess,’ if you nodded along, he was your guard, if you flinched, he called you ‘(y/n)’ as an apology and he was your friend.  “What’s wrong?” he plopped down onto the couch casually, you enjoyed seeing him relax, it put you at ease to remember he was still a friend.  

Chan stood further back than you would like, taking in all of you in that dress.  You had no idea how many times Chan imagined you in a wedding dress, he just hoped that when it became a reality he was standing at the end of the aisle, not in a salon.  “My princess,” Chan finally let out a breath.  

“What do you think?” The question was meant for everyone, but it was directed to Chan. The rest of the group turned to Chan, watching his every move.  They held their breath, waiting for either of you to make a move. 

Chan took a deep breath, reminding himself you were not his fiancée, “you look absolutely stunning,” he smiled at you fondly.  

“Do you really think so?” You turned back around examining yourself in the mirror, it seemed as if every imperfection was circled with a red marker. 

“(y/n),” Chan looked at you through the mirror, “it looks amazing on you,” you turned back around facing him, “you are an embodiment of beauty,” Chan took your hand as you stepped down from the platform, pressing against him, “and you look nothing less than perfect in this dress.”  There was a moment, you just stared at Chan and he stared back at you.  Just a moment, where it was just you and him again, and everything you wanted to say was said.  “Prince Jeno is very lucky, and he will think the same as I when he sees you,” Chan said, taking a step back away from you.   

Chan’s reassurances made all the previous nerves disappear, almost vanishing into thin air.  “Thank you,” you pulled Chan in for a hug, that probably lasted longer than it should have.  “What do you guys think?” you turned to the rest of your friends, all of them holding big smiles.  The outpour of compliments came again and this time, you believed them.  

You had Mei bring in Queen Jaeyeon and her team of people, while Fei sent Chan and Hyunjin away.  You felt undoubtedly happy about the dress, about the wedding, about your friends, even about Chan.  You felt like even without being intimately with him, he was still in your corner, he was still your friend.  That reminder puts you at ease more than anything anyone could say. 

After measuring some readjustments with the seamstress, you changed out of the dress, and back into your original outfit. Queen Jaeyeon reminded you of this afternoon’s luncheon, which was to be held in the city, at one of the resorts that the Na noble family frequented.  You were to ride with Queen Jaeyeon down to the luncheon. She reassured you that even though there was gonna be lots and lots of press, that you weren't required to talk to anyone, all you had to do was show your face.  “All you need to do is look happy to be there, that's all we need,” was Queen Jaeyeon’s exact words.  

You had exactly an hour, before you had to be back downstairs to ride with Queen Jaeyeon.  You made your way to Jeno’s chamber, since the majority of your stuff was there.  When you entered you were greeted by Jeno sitting behind his desk, he was writing something down, his eyebrows knitted together in what appeared to be frustration. His fingers pushing in on his temple, he was so deep in thought not even noticing you standing on the other side of the room.  You turned to dismiss Fei and Mei, the two understanding seamlessly, your gaze traveling around the room.  

Jeno’s jacket was tossed onto the couch, “you know,” Jeno looked up to see who, relaxing further into his seat when he realized it was you, picking up the abandoned jacket, “if you just toss this around, there's going to be wrinkles.” You tried for a stern look but failed desperately as the prince smiled at you.  

“My apologies Princess,” Jeno watched you enter the bedroom, pulling a hanger from the closet, hanging his jacket before gently laying it on the couch, ensuring there weren't any unnatural bends.  “Did you like your surprise?” He asks with his infamous head tilt and smirk. 

“I did very much,” you smiled, remembering, “did you meet with the council already?”

Jeno groaned at your question, “No,” he glanced at his wrist watch, “I have to be downstairs to meet with them in half an hour,” he went back to the papers on his desk, before going back to look at you, “I just came up here you look at some paperwork.”  He started to flip a few papers over, not wanting you to see the images of your bedroom, on them.   

“I have to leave in an hour to attend the charity luncheon,” you said to change the subject, Jeno nodded along.  

“Come, sit with me for a moment,” you looked at Jeno as he pushed away from his desk, turning his chair and patting his thigh.  The red that danced across your cheeks became very noticeable.  Jeno smirked seeing you become flustered with the suggestion.  Nevertheless, you sat, Jeno’s arms sliding around you, finding purchase on his waist, your arms going up around his neck.  

The two of you sat there in utter silence just enjoying each other, you felt the urge to kiss the prince.  Your gaze shifting between his eyes and lips constantly, you allowed yourself to lean in.  Jeno did the same. 

“Jeno!” The chamber doors barged open, walking in, Jaemin and Haechan, Mark being nowhere in sight.  You jumped, pulling away from the prince, standing up.  You willed the blush to settle, as Jeno let out a slight audible groan at the interruption.  Jaemin’s mouth made an O-shape, while Haechan’s eyes went wide, “didn’t mean to interrupt.”  Jaemin’s expression changed into a knowing smirk, as Haechan hung his head to stifle a laugh.  

“Then leave,” Jeno’s face screwed with irritation. You cleared your throat, in a way to reprimanded the prince, “what do you want?” Jeno asked, with a much annoyed look. 

Jaemin plopped down onto the couch, rested his feet on the coffee table and whipped his head to look at his cousin, “just wanted to see you.”  Jeno’s expression became more irritated, and Jaemin let out a laugh not taking his cousin seriously, he turned more to look at you now, “my apologies if I embarrassed you princess.”  

“No apology needed Jaemin,” you smiled at the boy, “If you boys don’t mind I need to get ready for a luncheon.” You looked at Jeno, and he smiled at you, nodding his head.  You made your way into the bedroom, closing the doors behind you.  After a few seconds you heard the commotion of a fight, but before you went back out it was followed by laughter. You smiled to yourself, your smile growing as you remembered what could've happened.

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

Taglist:@floweronacloud@cookydream@nctstrawberrycow@marklexleaf@jvjsssnaa@thejeongjaehyun@thejungjaehyun@jackyeongljin@terjeno@tyongf-sunflower99@tgnctzen131@gooreumic@jenotation@nctdom@ficklehoe@itsveronicaxxx@actually-vl@her33n@tomorrowbymoa-together@bangtan-jam@sweetsubakk @onlyoursol-ace

[atinyjules]

NCT DREAM SERIES MASTERLIST

Ot7

Plus Ultra! ft. nct dream (my hero academia au)

A mini stand-alone series of Nct Dream in the my hero academia universe.

Broken Melodies ft. nct dream

Seven different people, seven different stories, seven different endings and seven different melodies each with its own broken note. Follow the lives of seven different men who try to navigate the difficult map of love.

// Jeno

// Jisung

// Mark

// Renjun

// Haechan

// Jaemin

// Chenle

Individual

Mark Lee

How To Become A Hero; The Hard Way ft. Mark Lee

Determined to change society's negative view of heroes, Mark Lee joins Neo High, Korea's best Hero training institution to mould himself into the best hero in order to complete the dream his father could never complete...to become the protector of his people. While working hard to protect his people, he meets Miwa, a fellow student with the same goals as him.

Huang Renjun

Second Time's The Charm Ft. Huang Renjun

After a nasty breakup up with Renjun, Yuri leaves home to study in a medical school out of Asia for more than 6 years. With the retirement of her father who is the official family doctor of the Lee Crime Family (renamed NCT), as promised, Yuri comes back to take her place as the new family doctor of NCT. But as she returns, the memories of her past return along with a different feeling for her once lover, Huang Renjun.

Lee Jeno

Nothing yet

Lee Donghyuck

Rely on me the way I do ft. Lee Haechan (on hold)

High school...it was a place where one made the best memories of their lives but it was also a dark and lonely place. Betrayal, hate, rivalry, reaching expectations, these were just some of the many demons of high school. Haechan and Miyuki find themselves embroiled in the drama but the both of you had each other and whether you liked it or not Haechan was going to stay by your side and was ready to catch you and pull you back up again if you fell. Because he loved you and was ever ready to be your rock to lean on just like you always were to him.

Na Jaemin

Chances ft. Na Jaemin (on hold)

After abandoning you and disappearing for a while, your ex-lover Jaemin suddenly entered into your life as if nothing ever happened...but for some you felt relieved? Relieved that he wasn't dead. But of course after he asked, you weren't gonna give him another chance...never. Not after the heartbreak you felt when he broke up with you and disappeared. Gang life is hard and whether you liked it or not, you kept bumping into Jaemin...a lot.

Zhong Chenle

Nothing yet

Park Jisung

Opposites Attract ft. Park Jisung

Neo Institute of Dance and performing Arts and Seuli School of Dance and Arts were two institutes whose rivalry remains unmatched. One Hip-Hop and the latter Ballet which of course meant that they had a number of clashes with one another. When the dates for the yearly Winter cup is announced both teams do everything in their power to make sure they take the Cup home but in the midst of all the drama blooms a romance between the two most unlikely of pairs. Do opposites perhaps attract?

Where The Magnolia Blossoms Ft. Park Jisung

The Crown Prince of Joseon, whose future had already been decided from the day he was born, met a girl once in his childhood. A girl he fell in love with, despite the fact that he would one day be matched with a stranger. Knowing that their social status differed greatly, Prince Jisung let go of his feelings for her. But when he comes across her, who made his heart flutter years ago, will he be able to suppress his feelings again?

Reason Talks But Love Sings ft. Park Jisung (on hold)

You had loved Jeno for as long as you could remember so when the both of you are matched to marry why was he unhappy? He loved you too...right? Amidst all the drama Princess Lianna meets Park Jisung, the loyal guard of her future mother-in-law, who she slowly begins taking a liking to without realising, fortunately its alright because Jisung feels the same but loving a woman who was already bethrothed was wrong...he knew that but why was he hearing love's sweet melody if what he felt was wrong?

Eyes Off You Ft. Park Jisung

It's the beginning of the new semester for the freshers of Neo Culture University of Arts, one of which is Lianna. But unlike the rest of her class, she dreads for the arrival of the new semester since her ex-best friend Park Jisung is already studying there.

Park Jisung was the boy who began changing his behavior after a newfound popularity among his classmates after starting high school. His popularity ultimately led him to abandon Lianna, who had just started high school without a word.

Now that they were once again in the same environment, will Lianna push her problems aside and focus on university, or will she let her and Jisung's relationship take a turn by meddling in the problem?

[dalivanmagritte]

NCT FIC REC : LEE HAECHAN

back to the nct fic rec

favs

10 things i hate about you (fav, fluff, smut, angstish, college!au)

pervy! neighbour (smut, voyeur!au, perv!haechan)

no smut

divine timing (finished serie, fluff, comedy)

classics (smut)

pineapple (fluff, smut, college!au)

free falling part.2 (smut)

spur of the moment part.2 (smut)

insatiable (smut)

ice cream thief (smut)

forget him (smut)

day25: shower sex (smut)

differences (smut, college!au)

ridin' club slide thru (smut, streetracer!au)

somnophilia (smut)

lipstick (smut)

truth or dare? (smut, college!au)

touch tank (smut)

fix me softly (smut, bff!au)

change your mind yet? (smut)

the only exception (smut, angstish, brother bff!au)

physical therapy part.2 (smut, nurse!reader, patient!haechan)

the prideful gamer (smut, college!au)

pro:love:add (smut, hacker!au)

on my nerves (smut, comedy)

ride night (smut, biker!au)

race lover (smut, streetracer!au)

teddy bear (smut, voyeur)

pervert! haechan (smut, roommate)

alternate universe (magics, gods, royalty, etc...)

day22: praise (smut, prince!au)

bright beams of passion (smut, mythology!au)

taming of a prince (fluff, royal!au, tutor!au)

haechan as demigod (bulletpoint, mythology, demigod!au)

opposite attracts (fluff, suggestive, demigod!au, mythology)

stupid but mine (fluff, humour, demigod!au, mythology!au)

swords and arrows (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

i become attracted to seaweed (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

infirmary (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

i will not vanish (smut, fluff, angst, mythology!au, hogwarts!au)

ghosthouse (smut, supernatural!au, ghost!pookie, witch!reader)

i want to ki__ you (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

stupid but mine (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

beautiful (smut, demon!au)

young god (smut, incubus!au, college!au)

hotflash (smut, abo!au)

energizer bunny (smut, hybrid!au)

sweet melody (angst, fluffish, siren!haechan)

scent (fluff, crack, hogwarts!au)

better than words (fluff, hogwarts!au)

send in the clowns x mark x jaehyun (smut, halloween!au)

desire (smut, hogwarts!au)

scent : alpha (smut, abo!au)

touch (smut, tentacles!au)

with another member

payback x mark (smut)

two hot x mark (smut, abo!au)

aphrodisiac x mark (smut, mostly mark, demon!au)

morally gray (and tw)

behind closed doors x jeno (smut, slight dubcon, stepbro!au)

teddy bear -> our sick story, thus far x haechan (dubcon, smut)

the perfect victim (smut, dubcon?)

[queenofheartsxyeji]

ROYAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Her Royal Highness Queen Lee-Hwang Yeji and Mr Lee Jeno are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their twin daughters on Tuesday 14th of March 2023, at 11:42 pm.

The babies' grandparents have all been informed and are delighted with the news.

Her Royal Highness and her children are both doing well, and the couple are looking forward to introducing their daughters to her older sister Princess Lee Chungha and older brother Prince Lee Minjae.

❤️; @mysticidolsxcb jeno

tags; @storybook-nct @minji-oc @wolfyjulia @kardpackcb @the-hellhounds @raiden-oc @moongoddesselene @killerbots @nanny-ryujin @revengebots @wolfminayeon @supernaturalcb @universe-of-superm @kimheebby @dark-dream-cb @universe-of-superm @baileemitchell-oc @your-au-boys @hybridrescue-center @badbf-cb @luvlyhours @parkwoocb @project-takeover @ateezmystery @uridealgf-cb @mutant-academy @onlyomega-cb @multi-joong @welcometosector1 @kavengers-assemble @camboys-comrb @imcubus @heistkingscb @butterflyyuna @fairy-yeji @tsunfullsunbot @influencer-mingyu @elise-liddell-oc @yanderexcb @the-hellhounds @raiden-oc