#man espresso is so cool here

[bywons]

⋆ DOUBLE SHOT ESPRESSO — YJW

╰—— “ say you can't sleep? baby, i know, that's that me espresso ” — where jungwon still remembers the way to your heart

🪽 𝖾𝗑-𝖻𝖿! 𝗒𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝗃𝗎𝗇𝗀𝗐𝗈𝗇 x 𝖿! 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 g . 𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖿𝖿, 𝗈𝖿𝖿𝗂𝖼𝖾 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾, 𝖾𝗑𝖾𝗌𝟤𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗌 1855 𝒘𝗈𝗋𝖽𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗇𝗌 ! 𝗌𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉, 𝗄𝗂𝗌𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝖼𝗎𝗋𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀 ✦ ◞ CATALOGUE

๑´ ³`) ﾉ pls leave feedbacks if u liked it ♡ REBLOG !!

ib — espresso by sabrina carpenter ♡ for @okwonyo ’s celestial ballet event!

“jay?”, you pause your typing on the desktop, groaning as you massage your temples. “can you grab my usual drink from the cafeteria?”

“double shot espresso”, a mellow voice floats to you from the cubicle to your left, “am i right?”

“yeah, you're righ—”, wait. this doesn't sound like park jongseong. his voice is more serious, and besides you never had to repeat your order for jay. then whose voice is this? it sounds so familiar, so close. almost as if you know the face behind it.

you push your heels against the cold office floor, propelling yourself backward in your swivel chair, rolling away from your cubicle. it's dull, the atmosphere inside the office. the central AC cranked to the coolest setting, contributing to the dim lighting to make you squirm on your seat. outside, the sky is overcast, heavy with the promise of rain.

the wall separating you from the unknown man's cubicle, is now visible. behind it you can only see the outline of his black shirt, sleeves rolled up, fingers pretending to type.

“uhm”, you clear your throat, now just behind him, “you new here?”

“new to the office,” he finally spoke again, this time turning around in his chair, only to give you a heart attack, “but definitely not new to you.”

yang fucking jungwon. this cheeky bastard. you wish you could punch that sly smirk out of his face. the way his arms are crossed together with his head held high, eyes glinting with a mischievous hint while he holds his smirk on his lips.

is he trying to challenge you? but the last time you saw him was 5 months ago, in a desperate cry of getting you back in front of your apartment doorstep, with a bouquet of roses and baby's breath he bought in a rush. you had a hard time shooing him away that night. but then again jungwon is a fishy player, always at the node of your suspicion.

he has you banging your head against the wall, internally of course, yet again after 6 whole months.

jungwon leans back in his chair, head resting back, that teasing smile never leaving. this nonchalant asshole. "new job, same floor. didn't expect to see me, did you?”

“what do you want, jungwon?”, you try to keep your cool, arms crossed with a bored expression.

“ouch!”, he places a hand over his heart, pretending to be in pain— all the while having a smile attached, “jungwon? where's won? wonnie, my love? can we not do that?” what a drama queen.

you furrow your brows, a suspicious look casting over your face, “are you stalking me now?”

jungwon chuckles, sitting up straight in his chair, “stalking? no, i just happened to get a job here. pure coincidence.”

you narrow your eyes, not buying it for a second. “really? pure coincidence?”

“okay, maybe i pulled a few strings,” he admits, raising his hands in mock surrender. “but can you blame me? i missed you.”

“seriously, get out”, you whisper-scoff, loud enough for him to hear and frown. pushing your heels against the floor again, you return to your cubicle.

you cannot believe this man right now, did he actually stalk you enough to know your workplace? is he that desperate? heck, you can't even remember why you broke up with him in the first place. not with that pretty face of his following you to your cubicle, on his own swivel chair. and oh you can already predict his whines and horrific shenanigans to impress you back.

not to say, you do enjoy his company. he's a charming devil, always knowing how to make you laugh even when you don't want to. but you refuse to let him think he can just waltz back into your life without any consequences.

jungwon rolls his chair up beside yours, the wheels squeaking slightly. “ever since we've broken up, i can't sleep y/n. you're there in my dreams.”

you let out a chortle, loud enough to echo back to you, as you turn your head to jungwon— still laughing sarcastically. “i know, that's me, espresso. it's my kinda effect.”

“c’mon babe, let me have a chance to prove myself—”

“...i need to check this paperwork”, you stand up abruptly, collecting the messy papers filled with sticky notes all in a bunch and hurrying to the desk at the corner of the office.

before even putting the paperwork down on the desk, you feel his presence again beside you. he is speed, didn't waste a second of his time right after you broke up to show up at your door with your favourite plush toy he won at the claw machine in 5 minutes paired with his horrible guitar skills. to be very honest, you enjoy jungwon's antics. maybe even love it, he is an incredible person to be around. but he just can't be your hype boy, and you crave hype in your life.

you sigh, rummaging through the paperwork.

“remember our dance nights?”, you gasp at his sudden proximity, his lips nearly grazing the tip of your ears, the strong smell of his perfume ghosting all over. he moved a tad bit closer, the soft outline of his abs pressing gently against your back, “or the karaoke ones? or our late night swimming session? when have i ever bored you out, baby?”, his voice drops to a whisper.

thank god the office was empty, you don't how you would've explained your flustered face. you try to ignore the butterflies in your stomach, let them fly around, yang jungwon's going to mess up anyway. find some absurd antic of his to give you the ick and then you're gonna shoo him away again.

no more yang jungwon, no more headache, no more drama.

but what is life without a little drama? you've given the poor guy a fair chase of 6 months. he loves to chase hard to get, you love to play hard to get. it's a simple equation really, a match made in heaven. you can't deny the void you felt in your heart all these months when jungwon was away too. you were eager, longing, almost manifesting for his touch, for him to come back in your life.

and the universe listened, so you shouldn't complain now.

“i've been thinking of you, every day, every night”, his voice becoming huskier, now standing just behind. his fingers threaten to close in your waist; he plays with the fabric of your shirt.

“isn't that sweet?”, you reply, unable to move a muscle— you're under his spell, or is he under yours?

“i guess so,” he scoffs, “everything about you is sweet.” his hands finally close in around your waist, chin resting on top of your shoulder.

god, why aren't there any people in this office! it's only giving yang jungwon more courage to pull you closer, until your back pressed against his broad chest. a wave of nostalgia, dangerous for both of yet more for him. he has missed you, your touch, your voice, your daily espresso. god knows how bad he waited for this, again.

feathery lips brushing against the tip of your ears, a shiver down your spine. are you in for it again?

“why now?” you ask, exasperation creeping into your voice. “why after all these months?”

he takes a deep breath, his expression turning serious, arms tightening around you. “because i’ve had time to think. time to realise how much i screwed up and how much i miss you. i know it won’t be easy, but i'm willing to do whatever it takes.”

you shake your head, feeling the weight of his words but unwilling to give in just yet. “jungwon, we broke up for a reason. we both needed space and time to figure things out.”

“i know,” he says softly, turning you around. “and i've used that time to work on myself. i’ve changed, love. let me show you.”

you look into his eyes, searching for any hint of deception. but all you see is sincerity and determination. it’s the same look he had when you first fell for him.

a moment of bliss, before jungwon makes it even more euphoric. he pulls you in, in a long awaited kiss, lips desperately in search of the lost taste of espresso in yours. the bitter sweetness that he misses so hard. his hands grasp around your waist and pull you in closer, tongue running past your lips.

a bold move. all of this. a serious kiss with your ex on the first day of your new job? jungwon knows you like this type of bold.

“so..”, you pull away from the kiss, hands resting behind his neck, “...what now?”

“you still taste sweet,” jungwon lets out a breathy laugh, brushing his thumb against your lower lip, “just like i remember, like your double shot espresso.”

you can’t help but roll your eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “you and your cheesy lines, won. some things never change.”

“some things shouldn’t,” he retorts, his gaze softening. “like us.”

you open your mouth to respond, but the moment is interrupted by the sound of a familiar melody playing from his phone. jungwon grins, pulling back just enough to fish his phone out of his pocket.

“speaking of espresso,” he says with a playful glint in his eyes, “remember our dance nights?”

before you can protest, he’s already hit play, the catchy beat filling the otherwise quiet office. he holds out a hand, eyes twinkling with bliss. “may i have this dance?”

you glance around, ensuring the office is still empty, then take his hand with a resigned sigh. “you're impossible, jungwon. impresaing with dance steps now?”

he pulls you close, swaying to the music. “impossible to resist, you mean.”

you laugh despite yourself, letting him twirl you around the small space. jungwon’s dance moves are as ridiculous yet fabulous as ever, over-exaggerated and comically dramatic, but it’s exactly what you needed. he spins you out and back into his arms, dipping you low as the chorus hits.

“you always did love this song,” you say breathlessly as he pulls you back up.

“because it reminds me of you,” he replies, his expression softening. “strong, bold, unforgettable.”

your heart flutters at his words, and you find yourself leaning into him, the familiar comfort of his presence washing over you. maybe, just maybe, giving him another chance wouldn’t be the worst idea.

as the song ends, jungwon holds you close, his forehead resting against yours once more. “so, what now?”

you smile, feeling a warmth in your chest that you haven’t felt in months. “now, we take it one step at a time.”

“deal,” he agrees, his smile matching yours. “but can we start with that double shot espresso?”

“i'm more of a one shot espresso girl now.”

“one shot, double shot, triple shot, anything to get you back now”, jungwon presses a soft kiss against your lips.

espresso and jungwon will definitely be your favourites in the world, for a long long time.

a/n — omg i had so much fun writing this, i hope i brought out the best meaning of that song through this writing ^^ once again, happy 3k jiah pie,, love ya loads always mwah mwah ><

© bywons, 2024. do not copy, translate or upload any of my works without my permission.

📌 :: TAGLIST IS OPEN! nets. @/k-labels tags! @leaderwon @dimplewonie @wonfilms @heartswonn @jwonistic @aaa-sia @ashtxrie @kgneptun @flwrstqr @haechansbbg @river-demon-slayer @in-somnias-world @teddywonss @variety-is-the-joy-of-life @mylstserenade @branchrkive @aishigrey @nctislifue @greyminyoon1 @ro-diaries @rikibun @sleepyxxhead @belovedsthings @moond1or @oddracha @shinrjj @nishislcve @luvlyhee

[neoplatinum]

mission: gmag | kim minji

summary: coworkers fall in love, very oddly...

pairing: barista!minji x barista!reader

themes: HUMOR, coworkers to lovers, slow-burn, fluff...like tooth-rotting sweetness, rest of newjeans!, major loser reader

wc: 5.4k

"no, listen to me, it's M I N," sakura is so over this, honestly. but you promised to buy her a new controller for her switch if she helped you, so she goes through with it.

"m...i...n..." sakura types slowly as she scrolls with a glass of water in one hand.

"ji," you continue quickly.

"what was that?" she asks and looks up at you.

"j...i. j for james and i for like iphone, i dont know." sakura nods and returns back to typing.

"okay okay, minji.....minji...kim minji....i found her!" sakura flips her phone to show you the girl's instagram page.

you squint at sakura's shaky hands.

"stop, stop. I can't see with your hands shaking all over." sakura frowns at you and tries pulling her phone away. but you're quick to grab it out of your hands. feeling like you've hit the jackpot.

"yes! it's her!"

sakura rolls her eyes and grabs more chips from the coffee table, popping them into her mouth as you happily scroll through your coworker's public instagram page.

"you know you could just talk to her right? like at work...where you both work together in that cramped barista station."

"kkura, you really aren't helping." you mumble as you hit one of the posts of minji at the beach; she's smiling and showing off her cute brown dog. you had overheard minji talking with another worker about her family's brown mini poodle. "that must be choco."

"what i also don't understand is why you're looking her up, on MY phone. when you have a perfectly working phone." sakura continues to eat through the family size bag of lays.

you scoff and pull the blanket off of sakura's legs. "what if one day she asks me to exchange socials and she sees that i've searched her up already? i can't let that happen."

you roll your eyes like it's the most obvious reason.

"wow, i thought i was a loser, but this really takes the cake." she shakes at the bag for more lays and returns her attention to the show thats been playing in the background.

you pay sakura no mind as you now have found yourself happily going through her page. examining each post closely and even going through her tagged photos for more information.

"okay, stop, this is just creepy. you're like a cyber-stalker." sakura yanks her phone out of your hand and pushes your chest away to knock you off your balance. you topple over like a bowling pin. "don't forget you have to buy me new controllers for this!"

sakura leaves with her phone in hand, probably off to phone her friends, leaving you all alone in the apartment with whatever show's been playing.

"what a cockblock." you mutter out as you finish up the lays bag and crumple it, getting ready to go to bed. you let out a long yawn that turns into a groan until the air has left your lungs. now you're coughing like a mad man trying to drink water, you finally cool down.

--

"welcome to milk mocha!" minji shouts from behind the counters, you successfully arrive just shy of 15 minutes late for your shift.

"oh, you're here." minji comments when she looks up from behind the espresso machine and glances at you. you grimace at the dismissive tone, but all minji can see is your hair all over the place and shirt worn inside out and backwards.

needless to say, you pressed snooze a few times too many, and now you're paying the consequences.

"i am so so so sorry minji, i slept past my alarm." you beg for forgiveness and start spewing about how you tripped over your charging cable, accidentally burned your tongue during breakfast, wore wet socks. and minji's heard enough already.

"okay, lets just...get you set up. you're lucky it's slow right now." she ushered you into the staff room and your heart warms at how considerate she is. even feeling a little lovesick that she hasn't written you up for tardiness.

"you're the best minji!" you shout over your shoulder as you change into the work shirt and tie an apron around your waist. horrified to find the tag of your t-shirt facing the world.

you try brushing your hair as best as you can, then tucking into your work cap. you walk out onto the floor and see a few customers around. no one seems to be ordering and you thank the coffee gods for this opportunity.

"soooo minji...." you start, as you wipe down the counters.

"yes?" she's busy cleaning the machines in the meantime and checking that there's enough supplies in the mini fridge.

you turn to her and smile widely, "are you single?"

she stops what she's doing and turns to you. "yes, why do you ask?" in the most monotone voice you've ever heard.

you wonder if minji was a robot in her past life.

"oh, no reason, just curious, hehe." you mumble to yourself and minji looks at you confused but then a customer walks in.

"welcome to milk mocha! how can i help you?" you begin and take the guy's order.

minji's walked away to get ready for the lunch rush, but mostly to think about your question.

--

"hanni, listen to me, the girl's weird." minji says over facetime. hanni's laying on her back scrolling through instagram and nodding along to whatever minji's ranting about.

"mhm, mhm." hanni finds a cute cat video and sends it to haerin.

"she asked me today if i was single."

"mhm."

"and like, why would you ever ask your coworker that? i think that's weird, like she's crossing work boundaries you know?"

"mhm."

"bro! are you even listening?" minji starts tapping at the screen, taking hanni's attention away from the many cat videos.

"yes bro! something about being single?" hanni only spares her some attention before returning back to her cat videos.

"yes! she asked me if i was single!"

hanni looks back into the small rectangular box that minji is in, "okay, i dont see a problem."

haerin sends over a funny gif of fluffy dogs tripping. hanni laughs while minji continues to rant about her new coworker.

then a random notification pops up.

[hairein]: "HI ITS HYEIN HI HI HI"

hyein must have taken haerin's phone and has begun spamming through all the group chats that haerin has. hanni decides that's enough scrolling for a day.

hanni closes her instagram to focus on the conversation, also muting haerin's account for good measure.

"i don't think it's weird that she asked if you're single. if you find someone weird, then of course you're going to think everything they do is weird." hanni continues as she sits up and pulls her self to her desk.

minji goes quiet, thinking about her own views on her new coworker. she's between reasoning that it's okay that she thinks you're weird, but she also feels bad because maybe you two just got off on the wrong foot.

she's never considered giving you a real chance to prove yourself. when you walked in two weeks ago for your first shift with a huge staff in hand (you were going to a convention later cosplaying as maki from jjk) minji already knew to stay away from you.

it doesn't help that the other people at work also thought you were weird. later that shift, your manager reprimanded you for showing up to work with a weapon; you profusely apologized and tried to show that it was just a foam staff. all the other workers already looked at you weirdly though, so maybe minji just followed along.

"well now i feel bad." minji concludes as hanni watches her through the screen.

"good! be more open-minded next time." hanni concludes and hangs up on minji immediately. minji on the other end drops her jaw and curses hanni through the phone.

--

"order for jay!" you shout from the counter, wiping down the americano. minji's shift just started but you're already elbow deep in your shift. it seems that friday's are always busy at miilk mocha. everyone is scrambling to get these orders out as quick as possible.

you look more tired for today's shift, constantly rubbing at your eyes and yawning when no one's looking. kazuha seems concerned that you're so tired.

"hey, you okay?" kazuha asks when you sit down for a quick break. you nod.

"yeah stayed up playing genshin, you know how things go." you explain and continue rubbing at your eyes. hitting a little too hard that it makes you see stars when you blink.

"you need to stop playing till 4am, you know you have a shift at 7." kazuha explains to you, she's already working on the next order. you take a breather and sip on the coffee you made for yourself.

"it's not my fault that game is so addicting." you explain and stretch your body, getting ready to take on the rest of the orders. minji finally fixes her apron and walks out to see you and kazuha chatting it up.

minji tries inserting herself into the conversation, hoping to see a new side of you that isn't so...peculiar.

"what's genshin?"

"minji! you don't know what genshin is?" you exclaim and begin going on a long rant about the game and it's gacha mechanics. you even begin explaining the pulls you have gotten. by the end of it, minji is even more confused and intrigued by you, also worried about your financial responsibility (lack of) because you really just dropped 300 bucks for in-game content.

--

"how are things with the new girl?" hanni's eating her sandwich and minji can't help but feel down.

minji scratches her neck as she thinks about you, "she's good...explained to me the lore of genshin, and then i found out that the staff that she brought to work on her first day was actually for a cosplay outfit, and not just a weapon she carries around."

hanni nods and grabs minji's drink, taking a sip out of it, "so, she's not that weird, just probably made a poor impression."

"yes, you were right." minji sighs and digs into her sandwich, feeling guilty about making presumptions about you.

"hey, cheer up! it's okay, i had a horrible impression of you when i first met you." hanni drinks the rest of juice and lets out a satisfied "ah." until she realizes it wasn't her drink to begin with.

minji just glares at her, "you better pay me back for that."

"see this is why i didn't like you at first." hanni complains but fishes out a five dollar bill and slaps it into minji's hand.

--

"order for macy." you grab the hot chocolate and place it on the counter. a cute little girl with pigtails walks up to the counter and grabs the hot chocolate, standing on her tippy toes. you look over the counter and aw at the cute kid.

"hi macy, want to see my latte art?" you offer, macy nods enthusiastically, you grin before grabbing the frothing cup and doing a nice rosetta for the girl.

she smiles in awe and you laugh, handing her a free cookie for staying, "don't tell anyone i gave you this, okay?" you offer your pinky finger to the small girl. she pinky swears and tucks the cookie into her jacket pocket before leaving with her hot chocolate in hand.

minji's watching the whole interaction and despite being shift manager and wanting to reprimand you for giving out free sweets to customers without asking firsthand, she doesn't have the heart to ruin the sweet act you just did.

in fact, when you find her staring at you, you let out a sheepish laugh and try to move past the fact you gave away a free cookie.

--

"minji! do you want a burger, or hot dog?" you ask, you've officially dedicated yourself the grill master at the company barbecue. the other employees are busy chatting each other up, but you're manning the grill with a coke zero in hand, and expertly making everyone's orders.

"burger, please." minji walks away from her conversation to watch over you, surprisingly you're good at manning the grill, despite still finding way to trip over nothing during work.

this side is actually quite charming, even if you have those ridiculous frog sunglasses over your eyes.

"how are you doing?" minji asks, she peers over the grill and finds rows and rows of burger patties and hot dogs on the other side. you're expertly checking each burger for doneness and rolling hot dogs to ensure even cooking.

"doing great! all patties and hot dogs are coming out delicious and hot hot hot!" you explain. you turn to her and all she can see are those goofy frog glasses on your face. you give her a smirk before turning back to the grill. "first burger that's done is yours to take, by the way."

minji blushes at the sentiment. "you really don't have to do that. everyone should eat first."

"no can do minji, got to make sure you're well fed." you explain and continue flipping burgers while drinking your coke zero. minji finds it adorable how focused you are at this job, even if no one is expecting stellar quality burgers/hot dogs.

"watch out minji!" your head turns faster and you see a football flying your way, definitely going to hit minji on the head, so you block her from the football, having it land straight into your forehead.

"oof." you land backwards and fall to the grass, now rubbing your forehead from the hit. the other coworkers are running up and checking on you, meanwhile all you can do is ask, "you alright minji? it didn't hit you right?"

she blushes wildly at the question and whispers a quiet "i'm good." while you are being pulled off the ground and everyone asks how you're doing. you make jokes, playing it off, saying you were born with a head harder than bricks. everyone laughs and returns back to what they were doing.

"okay, back to the grill." you brush off the dirt all over your apron, and start humming a song while plating finished burgers, handing the first one to minji. "for you!" you tell minji and she gives a thank you before walking away to eat it.

the rest of the barbecue, minji seems to stick by your side throughout the day. this doesn't go unnoticed by kazuha who saw the whole ordeal. her eyes squinting as she sips on her drink.

--

"zuha zuha! i'm tired!" you exclaim, you're working the earliest shift, you were opener and on food prep for the shift. it's near the middle of your shift when you decide to take your break. both kazuha and minji are busy tending to the coffee shop. you sit on a step stool behind the counter to eat a cold croissant from one of the failed batches.

"go walk around or something, you need to get your blood pumping." she explains and goes into depth about the stretches that would promote blood flow and restore energy to your body. you aren't interested in hearing actual solutions, just wanting to vent.

"no! you can't tell me what to do!" you grumble and stuff more of the croissant in your face, even picking out the ham slice to eat separately. minji finds this all a bit weird, as in weird in her stomach kind of weird. the same kind of weird she feels when someone takes the last bag of chips in the convenience store when she goes up to buy it.

she watches how kazuha is so easily able to grab you by the arm, a boundary that she would never cross. and kazuha is pushing you into the backrooms, while you make kissy faces at kazuha, all of which are being dodgeds left and right. "you love me zuha, just admit it!" you shout before the door is closed on you.

kazuha walks back out to the barista station and smiling at minji before continuing to work, "she's something else." minji just nods and tries to will away that nasty feeling in her gut.

"you know she's my cousin right?" kazuha continues, minji stops what she's doing.

"no, i didn't. wow that makes a lot of sense actually." minji explains, kazuha just laughs at her shocked face.

"yeah, just thought you should know." kazuha winks at minji before returning to her espresso machine. minji is confused by the wink, but it's too late to ask; kazuha is already busy in work mode. the feeling in her stomach quells a bit.

--

"what are you looking for?" minji jumps at the sudden voice behind her. you're peering over her shoulder as she holds the walk-in door open.

"you scared me!" minji exclaims and hits you on the shoulder, leading you to pout and rub at your shoulders.

"sorry, bad habit of mine." you explain, "so, what are you looking for?"

minji's still looking around for food that she can eat. she had the great idea of waking up an hour later today, only to find out that hanni already ate her work lunch with a measly 'sorry! i'll pay you back :)) ~hanni' scribbled over a sticky note taped to the fridge door. minji groaned and sped off to get to work on time, completely forgoing a lunch.

"hopefully lunch, hanni ate my lunch."

"you have a bunny named hanni?" you question, trying to look for food in the walk-in.

"no, i have a roommate named hanni, she always steals my food, claims it tastes better than her own food." minji sighs and looked at different rows for hopefully another lone croissant or even a cookie. "is there really no food in here?"

"probably not, since shipment's tomorrow and we've had a busy week." you explain but then you pull your phone out, making a quick call.

"yes one order of a club sandwich, with chips and a cookie please...thank you!" you speak into the phone, minji's confused but you smile at her when she looks at you confused. "okay thank you, can I pick it up now?" and then you hang up the phone.

"what was that?" minji questions but you've already darted out of the walk-in, and minji's hot on your trail watching you run out of the store and make a quick beeline to the deli store around the corner, with your work cap and work apron on. minji laughs at your antics, but her heart warms at the sentiment.

minji returns back into the coffee shop. she might as well wait for you to return so she opens her phone.

[minmin]: new girl bought me lunch

[hanbunny]: you're kidding. even i wouldn't do that.

[minmin]: of course you wouldn't you ate my work lunch!

[minmin]: literally this is all your fault >:(

[hanbunny]: hey, new girl literally is buying you lunch, i think im being a great wingwoman actually, my genius should never be doubted :>

[minmin]: shut up.

[minmin]: also pay me back.

you return breathing heavy but with a brown takeout bag in front of minji's face. minji puts her phone away as she grabs the bag, surprised to see all the things you ordered in the bag. "you really didn't have to do this, how much was it?"

"free 99, don't pay me back minji. it's a thank you for all times you've covered for me when i was late to work." you stretch your legs and sit down next to minji, watching her enjoy the food that you bought.

"want some?" minji splits half her sandwich.

"sure!" you happily grab at the half presented to you and chew happily; minji just laughs at the sight. you remind her of a dog in the way you're so energetic and food driven.

"well if you won't let me pay you back, can i cook you dinner?" minji takes a leap of faith and turns to you, your mouth drops open and you nod intensely, almost choking on the sandwich but finally swallowing the bite.

"yes! i would be honored to try your cooking." you offer as you bite into the sandwich again.

minji smiles at that, "it's a date then."

--

"no, kkura, listen. she said 'it's a date then', but like i don't actually think it's one." you explain while sakura's playing resident evil. her focus being taken up by this new development but also the anxiety from how scary the game is.

"okay, so it's a date." she echos back, moving her head away from the screen.

"but i don't think it is. you know how some people just say it's a date, but it turns out it's just a friend date?" you explain and groan into sakura's plushies.

"no, not really." sakura continues, jumping when a random NPC shows up on the screen's peripheral.

"i just don't want to make it seem like i read it wrong." you explain, toying with the feet of the duck plushie. "what if i the overread it and bring roses to a friend date, you know? then she would think i'm weird and not want to be friends with me. which is fine! but i really would like this to be a date."

"listen kid, just ask her directly if it's a friend date or more. it's easy." sakura explains plainly, frankly you've been going through this back and forth for the past fifteen minutes and sakura's had enough.

you freak out, taking a sharp intake, "absolutely not! that would ruin the mood, then i would look like i'm making her look like an idiot, and minji is not an idiot." you explain.

"i gave you the best advice i got, if you're not going to take it then leave."

"kkura pleaseeee, i need a better way to figure this out."

"nope, not hearing it, good luck!" sakura tunes you out, putting her headphones back on and locking in.

you walk out with sakura's duck plushie still in your hands, if she won't give you good advice then you're taking her belongings.

--

you give yourself some words of encouragement as you knock on her apartment door. behind this door was the living space of your crush and you were sweating, rocking on your feet back and forth in anticipation.

"hello! you're minji's coworker right?" the door opens quickly, and a shorter girl stands before you; she is definitely not minji.

"yes, and you're hanni?" you question to which she nods, excitedly welcoming you into their home. it's what you would expect of minji's living space, very light cream and brown colors all over the living space.

"hanni! i told you to let me answer the door!" minji rushes out of her room, with a cute top on and her hair done in cute braids framing her face, you think she looks gorgeous.

"well minji, it's rude to keep a guest waiting." hanni laughs and smiles at minji weirdly, giving her a quick wink and a pat on her shoulders before disappearing into her room, "it was nice to meet you!"

"you too!" you shout as hanni closes her door.

minji feathers through her hair, and directs you to take off your jacket. you're looking around and you spot minji's work clogs by the shoe rack, and laugh at the sight.

"sorry about hanni, she's usually not so enthusiastic." minji's leading you over to the kitchen where you can see her dinner being cooked. you smile at the delicious smells invading your nose.

"not at all, she seems very nice." you reply back and settle into one of the bar stools.

minji stands awkwardly, confused on how this date should go. "would you like anything to drink? we have water, juice, coke zero, wine-"

"coke zero." you decide, and minji laughs remembering your obsession with that specific drink, no other kind of coke.

"okay, coke zero it is." she hands you the drink to which you happily start drinking, even letting out a large burp, "excuse me."

minji just laughs and finishes stirring the pasta and plating them on the table, it's your favorite, carbonara. you thank the pasta gods for this delicious meal and start to dig in.

minji really hopes the pasta she made tastes good, "how is it?"

"so delicious, better than any pasta i've had before!" you are definitely enjoying the meal as you are finished with the plate before minji can even eat half of hers.

"can i have seconds?"

minji laughs, "of course."

you give yourself another bowl of pasta, happily chatting about interests, you find out that minji's a bit of a audiophile, enjoying all kinds music. she's speaking about her passions but you keep eyeing the stray hair on her cheek. so you reach out and pick it off if minji's face causing her to blush and glow red.

"thank you." she's back to the more reserved minji that you see whenever she's embarrassed. her hands are closed over each other.

"thank you for dinner by the way, you really didn't have to cook me dinner." you say in between bites. you appreciate the girl's kindness; you just can't tell if this is really a date. "i brought flowers by the way!" you go back to your bag and pull out pink carnations.

minji blushes at the gesture, finding it cute that you even thought to bring flowers. she grabs a vase and starts filling it to place the flowers that you have brought, she can't seem to contain her happiness. smiling wildly and then she feels her phone vibrate in her pocket.

[hanbunny]: hey

[hanbunny]: did you two kiss yet?

[hanbunny]: danielle's here too btw

[hanbunny]: hi minji! danielle here! i think your outfit is so cute <3333

[hanbunny]: anyways, hanni here, make a move by the end of the date, if you don't i don't have to pay you back for the lunch i stole

[hanbunny]: love you, good luck!

minji knew the two girls were up to something suspicious, hanni kept demanding that danielle come over earlier in the afternoon. she did not expect the two to be spying on her and your date. minji mutes hanni's conversation, turning to you.

"want to watch a movie?" minji asks as she walks over to the couch. you decide on the lego movie, claiming that it's been your favorite for years, and minji doesn't have the heart to tell you she finds it embarrassing to watch.

you both are enjoying it; well, mostly you are enjoying the movie, and minji's enjoying you enjoying the movie. you tend to recite the lines quietly when you know a long dialogue is coming up, or you clap when you find a scene enjoyable.

minji finds herself relaxing into the date, you seem preoccupied enough with the movie that she goes up to make some popcorn for herself. as she waits for the popcorn, she spots hanni's door cracked open. spotting two sets of eyes watching minji.

minji turns back towards the tv, happy that you haven't discovered the two. "i'm going to the bathroom." minji shouts. you give her a thumbs up and an okay, minji turns to hanni's room.

both girls are eyes wide seeing minji stalk towards them, trying to shut the door but minji's too strong, barging into the room, with hanni tumbling backwards into danielle. both of them sprawled out on hanni's carpet.

"you two have been spying us this whole time?" minji whisper shouts at them. quickly shutting the door behind her.

"i'm sorry!" danielle squeaked out while hanni glared at minji.

"you have nothing to be sorry about dani, minji here just doesn't understand that we are emotional support for her first date!" hanni explains, getting up to sit on her bed.

minji groans and looks around, seeing a giant corkboard filled with poorly shot photos of you and her at work, red string pinned criss crossing all over the board, as if this were a murder case.

"hanni, what is this?" minji nearly shouts, she's horrified to see photos of herself eyeing you or the other way around. hanni simply smiles at her work.

"this is my board for mission: GMAG." she explains proudly, "stands for mission: get minji a girlfriend."

"you have got to be kidding me." minji looks all over the board, trying not to be upset at hanni. she understands the girl is just looking out for her, but this is all a bit much.

"this wasn't my idea!" danielle explains, minji knows that danielle would never do something like this. so she glares at hanni instead, the girl just smirks and points at the board instead.

"whatever, just don't make a peep, i need to get back to this date." minji explains and closes the door behind her, leaving the two alone.

"sorry that took so long." minji walks into the living room, seeing you happily invested in the movie. you smile at her, and pat the seat next to you, inviting her to join you.

"no worries, movie's good!" you explain. even though minji might not completely love the lego movie, she is enjoying being around you and spending time with you. also find it cute that you dropped a blanket over her as she got comfortable.

you recognize the final portion of the movie, "this is my favorite part, minji." you explain to her how cool the collaboration of lego fans and the production cast were. giving her insight on the movie that she definitely did not know. she ends up kissing you through your avid explanation, with your hands all over the place.

you thank the heavens she made the first move because you were worried this was a friend date. minji turns shy at the action, a little shocked by her own boldness. she shifts away from you and avoids your eye contact.

"minji, you just kissed me." you say, a little slow on the pick up. your brain is trying to catch up to what just happened. minji just nods, seemingly invested in the ending credits.

"did you mean to?" you ask, pushing her shoulder a bit.

"yes." she says and you can see her ears getting all red from the embarrassment.

"oh thank god, because i wasn't sure if this was a friend date or romantic date, i mean obviously i wanted it to be a romantic date, but i really wasn't sure if it was. i asked my roommate for help, but she was no help. she told me to ask you if this was a more than a friendly date, and i was like nuh uh no way i am going to ask minji that." you trail on and on, a nervous habit you picked up whenever you didn't know what to say next.

minji kisses you a second time. and you stop talking. "it's definitely more than a friend kind of date." she reaffirms your suspicions and you let out a little laugh. you pull her into a hug, before grabbing her face and giving her a kiss as well.

"i want to kiss you more often." you say.

"yeah?"

"yeah." you conclude proudly.

hanni and danielle are still in hanni's room with their ears against the gap of the door. and then you hear a loud squeal followed by a loud crash. you turn to minji and she immediately groans.

"hanni!" minji shouts. it's silent for a couple seconds until you hear a timid muffled voice. and out comes two girls from hanni's room. you're shocked because you completely forgot about hanni, and to now learn that there was another girl too makes you even more confused.

"hi minji, hello minji's lover." hanni smirks at you, while you hide yourself behind minji.

"hanni stop." minji groans out.

"what? mission: gmag is a success from what i can see." hanni gives you a wink, you feel oddly exposed by the action. meanwhile, hanni's friend is just smiling and nodding at you. you feel a little less worried with her.

as minji and her two friends head back into hanni's room to assess the aftermath caused by the troublemakers. you sit back, scratching your head and munching on popcorn. puzzled by hanni's interest in you.

minji returns with a smile, and casually suggests, "another movie?"

"lego movie part 2?" you ask with a grin.

--

a/n: wrote this in a very silly goofy mood. this piece was only supposed to be around 2k originally...anyways, stay safe and stay healthy everyone!

[sweetteainthesummerx]

THE LOVE LASTS SO LONG (14)

In which we visit the homeland...

series masterlist

I PROMISE THE SLOWBURN WILL FAST BURN SOON!!

Notes: ty for sticking w me and indulging me in my slow updates hehe

let me know if you want to be added to the taglist or if you have any feedback!

charles_leclerc posted

charles_leclerc famiglia 🇮🇹

liked by olliebearman, carlos_sainz55 and 75,092 others

view all comments

charles_leclercfannie just a man with his son, his sons gf, who is also his gf's gf

-- user1 family tree goes hard

-- user2 the two cutest couples on the grid fr

scuderiaferrari the motherland 🇮🇹

-- charles_leclerc ❤️

oscarpiastri was the spaghetti good

-- olliebearman it was very

carlos_sainz55 where was my invite

-- alexandrasaintmleux group trip w beck next break!!

gridfandom THE GIRLS ARE SO MOTHERRRR like do u need a family dog other than Leo I can bark

aubreyyang posted on their story

caption: gelato and espresso 🍨☕️

tagged: alexandrasaintmleux

macecoronel replied to your story

you look hot

seen

Aubrey frowned at the notification. Maybe it was time to finally block him. Ollie, now wearing her sunglasses as they boarded the yacht they'd rented out for the afternoon, leaned down to wrap her up in her arms.

"What's wrong?" he set his chin on her shoulder.

"My ex." she chewed her lip and showed him the text.

He took the phone gently, deleting the reply, "You're here to have a good time, love. Let's get you a drink and some sun."

She just about melted into a puddle.

She let Ollie press the block button and slip the phone into her purse, and let him hand her a fruity cocktail, and let him rub sunscreen onto her neck and back.

aubreyyang posted

aubreyyang you're golden like daylight

liked by olliebearman, aubreyday1 and 75,092 others

aubreyday1 mama y papa

-- user1 new parents alert!!

-- user2 waiting for them to be official that has to be ollie

olliebearman cool rocks

-- aubreyyang almost lost my life climbing them

-- charles_leclerc but you got a great photo TAKEN BY ME

-- f1fankinnie lmaooo hes so fed up with not being credited

user3 PLEASE ONE CHANCE RESPECTFULLY I AM LOOKING

dior.n.goodjohn I am no better than a man 🤤

-- alexandrasaintmleux same

-- charles_leclerc ???

user4 OLLIE COMMENTING? THE CHAOS OF ALEX? THE BEAUTIFUL HAIR??

"He's staring." Alex giggled from where the girls were tanning on the boat. The boys were a few meters off, talking with the captain and trying to convince the older, stern man to let them have a go at driving the boat.

"Your boyfriend of two years? I would hope he's staring at you." Aubrey rolled her eyes.

"No, your boyfriend of..."

"No, not-" she started, but Alex rolled her eyes so hard that Aubrey thought they would fall out of her head.

"He told you that your more to him than that and he thinks your better than any fame. I know these things, ma petite. That is a man in love."

"He is not-"

"Speak of the devil."

"Hey, guys." Ollie was approaching them, a mischievous look on his boyish face, and Aubrey immediately knew what he was going to do.

"No, no!" she tried to scramble up and away, but he was too fast. Quickly, he picked her up like she weighed nothing and jumped into the sun-warmed ocean, twisting so he hit the water first.

She climbed onto his waist, legs wrapped around him. He smiled proudly as she spluttered, wiping her hair away.

"Oliver! That was so uncalled for." she scolded, but she herself could even hear the laugh in her warning.

"You looked pretty. Wanted to get up close."

"And personal?" she snorted as he laughed.

His nose bumped hers, and the warmth that always seemed to bubble up when he was near resurfaced.

"Always."

olliebearman posted

olliebearman italia :)

liked by olliebearmanfanart, aubreyyang and 61,382 others

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landonorris nice view

-- olliebearman mate

-- georgerusselstance21 OH THEYRE TOGETHER TOGETHER HUH

olliebearmanfanart my parents fr they're adorable

user1 his old gf was better tbh...

-- aubersfan1 get tf out. they're clearly happier together and dont ruin it because ur an incel.

-- user2 OH WORDDD

alexalbon cool hat

-- aubreyyang why ty I bought one for lily u can steal it

-- lilymhe MY WIFEEE

-- alexalbon im literally right here like 🧍🏻‍♂️

aubreyyang ❤️

-- user 3 STAWPP THEURE JJQWEFIJ SOO CUTE

______________________________________________________________

Taglist: @callsignwidow @iloveyou3000morgan @honethatty12 @taygrls @destinyg237 @ilivbullyingjeongin @eiaaasamantha @1uvsptnik @yla-aira

© sweetteainthesummerx.tumblr. all rights reserved. unauthorized copying, translation, or claiming of my writing or any works as your own is strictly prohibited.

[karolinxx]

HEY!?!? ARE YOU A TOUCHSTARVED FAN?? IF YES THEN LISTEN

i would like to introduce to you...

THIS AMAZING GAME! its a dark fantasy ANDDD romance game, so thats why im reaching out to you. (touchstarved game freaks../j)

It has four protagonists, if i would describe them in a couple of words we would have:

1.Oleander(no i did not make this up ts fans this is literally his name): ooeeh rich rich man 😜

2.Cirrus: ah yes im just a humble priest with nothing suspicious about me yeah no absolutely not

3.Keir: sorry for lowkey kidnapping you, anyway ure kinda cool u wanna work for me 😊

4.Francesco(i thought his name was espresso when i started playing): the indomitable human spirit always wins! *gets stabbed*

the game currently has one chapter out and four routes with the protagonists, i would say the average play time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes? it depends on the person playing... ANYWAY uhm, i would really apreciate if you guys showed this game some love, i love love love love LOVEEE it and more people should know about it.

you can get it on here on itch.io or on steam!

[madelynraemunson]

CALL ME WHAT YOU WANT 𓆩♡𓆪

(Book #1 of the Hellfire Gentlemen's Club series)

strip club owner!eddie x fem!exotic dancer!hargrove!reader

𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐀𝐔 18+ MDNI

Chapter 014: The Tap Out

So you finally managed to tear down the walls of Eddie’s cynical heart and steal it… Of course it only makes sense that he returns the favor, by ravaging your walls as well. *wink wink*

author’s note ✍🏼 : this initially was supposed to be merged with chapter 15, but they’re two completely different vibes so it felt wrong putting them together. so enjoy this short chapter :)

this chapter can be read as a stand alone (but we’d love to have you aboard)

* = somewhat smut

** = smut

↳ chapters: 001, 002*, 003** , 004**, 005 , 006 , 007* , 008**, 009, 010, 011, 012* , 013**, 014**, 015, 016**, 017, 018, 019, 020*

word count: 1.0k words

NSFW — unprotected p in v sex (wrap before you tap pls), around the house fucking, multiple positions, against the wall and floor stuff if you squint, eddie has a mirror on his ceiling HELLO, voyeurism, praise kink, size kink, eddie is a veiny man 🫠, squirting, shy girl taps out, eddie finishing on shy girl

“Gonna put your legs behind your head when I make you wet the bed.”

♡

Touch-starved kisses.

Heavy panting and petting. Urgent, cat-like scratches etched around the door by a finicky brass key...

You'd think that the Harrington-Munson estate had been ransacked, judging by how carelessly you and Eddie flung yourselves — and your clothes — around the place. The 10 minute drive from Hellfire to here was far too long for you both to handle.

"Mmm.”

You let out a soft, pleading whimper as your man pins you against the wall, his large hands just inches away from your pulsing neck.

“Missed you,” Eddie breathes. “Miss being inside you so bad.”

“We literally just fucked at Hellfire half an hour ago.”

“Your point?”

You two are now approaching round three with no intention of stopping. Like an adrenaline rush, a shot of espresso, a sugar high from alcohol, you’re itching to run headfirst into the high that has been taunting you, despite having already been fucked to exhaustion. But eventually, it builds.

It builds when you’re getting split open in the kitchen, bent over with your tits pressed against the cool marble island. You’re selfishly perusing your edge so frantically, Eddie eventually resorts to standing in place, his hands rubbing your asscheeks in admiration while you use his stiff cock to get yourself off. “That’s right, Princess. Keep fucking yourself into me. Use me all you want, baby. Mmm, just like that.”

It builds when you’re getting it on the couch, chanting Eddie’s name aimlessly into the air as you ride him, his eyes burning with lust as he watches your perky tits bounce in his face. “Doing so good, sweetheart. There we go. Bet this is your favorite pole to ride on, isn’t it?”. It especially builds when you switch from a straddle to reverse cowgirl, chasing your aching bud’s pleasure against the singular protruding vein that rested along Eddie’s lengthy shaft.

"Mmm… oh my god," you whimper, when your core retrieves the sensation. “Eddie, Eddie, Eddie…”

“Shit, honey,” Eddie grunts. “Gonna make me cum when you cry out my name like that..”

And when you two sink to the floor, it builds there too.

It’s a struggle to keep your eyes open, the way they’ve resorted to rolling back as you attempt to handle Eddie balls deep, his girth and length making you claw at his thighs, the pathetic bargaining and squealing spilling out of your mouth becoming synchronous with every aggressive thrust.

You’re wrapped around his cock so tight it makes him tremble and twitch.

“Feel so tight around me, baby…”

“Taking me so good.”

“My sexy girl. God, you’re so wet. Gonna cum on me again, huh?”

“Oh, my beautiful girl liked that one didn’t she?”

My girl, my girl, my girl.

Eddie had been chanting those words all night…as if he himself didn’t believe it. As if he was trying to convince himself it was true and not just a dream.

And now you can hardly contain it anymore, ascending to another dimension when Eddie bends you like a pretzel in his bed, pummeling into you in missionary like he still hates you.

"Jesus fucking Christ!" Eddie shouts as he continues to thrust deeper. “My darling girl, you feel so good… you’re killing me here.”

You bite into his pecks to keep your screaming at a minimum. And when your eyes travel up to the ceiling, the glistening reflection catches you by surprise.

“Oh wow,” you pant as you observe.

Eddie takes a break from his bliss to glance over at where you’re looking. Satisfied with himself, and his kinks that he enjoys putting on display, Eddie smirks down at you.

“Getting a good look at that mirror, Princess?” he quips, leaving gentle kisses around your chin.

“Mhm,” you grin as you bat your lashes.

“Wanna tell me what you see then, darling?”

Slam. He pummels into you again. This time, the pace is unforgiving. Eddie rests both forearms at each side of your face, harboring you in place, keeping you still so he can achieve his own release.

Because he knows. He knows that yours is near.

“I see me,” you whimper pathetically.

“Mhm,” Eddie nods in approval. “And what’s happening to you, darling?”

“ ‘m getting pounded by Eddie,” you pout.

“Yes you are,” Eddie moans. “That’s you taking all of my cock, sweetie, you see that? You like watching yourself get fucked huh?”

“Y-yes,” you squeal. “I’m taking you so good.”

“Yes you are,” Eddie repeats. “I’m so proud of you, baby.”

"Oh my god.."

You’re really at the end now. You slap Eddie’s thighs frantically, pleading with your quivering lips for him to pull out before you flood his sheets. Initially, he doesn’t listen.

"Agh!" you shout.

"Shit!"

"FUCK!”

“Oh my god..”

“Please, Eddie, Please,” you cry out. “I can’t take it, I can’t take it, Eddie. Fuck… pull out!”

Eddie immediately retreats upon hearing those words, clearing his path as you soak his sheets and his thighs. He resorts to kissing your chin again as he finishes himself on your stomach, chuckling as your legs involuntarily shake underneath him.

“Are you okay, sweetie?”

“Mhm,” you nod alas when you come to.

“Thank you for saying something,” he grins sweetly. “That was a lot huh?”

You nod again. “Mhm.”

He kisses you again, smacking his lips in rhythm with yours whenever you permit. And as you pull away, he grabs your hand, kissing the back of it ever so delicately as well.

“We should get some sleep anyways,” he smiles. “We’ve been up all fucking night.”

“Yeah,” you sigh. “I know. Busy day ahead too.”

And with that, Eddie pulls you close and tosses a few blankets over you two. You sink back into his chest as he spoons you, arms resting around your waist and rubbing your stomach tenderly as he finds himself drifting into his other dream world. You wish to lay here forever.

Your eyes scan Eddie’s room one last time before they close. A part of you almost giggles when you see a pair of handcuffs hung up on one of his four walls.

"Nice cuffs," you comment sleepily.

Eddie laughs against your shoulder. He rubs your ass again.

"Just wait until we start roleplaying."

🏷️ tag list: @chrrymunson , @the-fairy-anon , @ali-r3n , @corrodedcoffincumslut , @bebe07011 , @mmunson86 , @eddiesguitarskills , @chelebelletx , @imonhereforareasonsadly , @eddies-trailer-babe @hideoutside , @motherfckerr , @jxpsi , @lindseyj23, @sidthedollface2 , @manda-panda-monium , @elvendria , @micheledawn1975 , @hereforshmut , @siriuslysmoking , @nymphetkoo , @m-chmcl-rmnc , @justinelittlewoodsworld , @ahoyyharrington , @keepittoyourselftellnobodyelse @kellyxo1 @emsgoodthinkin @winchester-angel @chloe-6123 , @redbarn1995 @angietherose @kiyastrf94 , @purplewitchcauldron @kellsck @joyfulfxckery @munsons-mayhem28 @dragonfire @emma77645 @drivelikenina @livosssblog @thinkingth0ts @hugdealer @ellielunamckay

[kokoa-la]

Prompt from @help-i-need-a-cool-username

Danny was tired of his neighbor’s bullshit. Above his head rested the well known crime lord of crime alley, Red Hood. Now, Danny used to be a vigilante, he gets it, truly, but that did not mean he forgave the other for the sheer amount of wake up calls he’s gotten. He knew he was a light sleeper, has been ever since the portal opened and since the portal was shut down by yours truly, but the amount of noise was still unacceptable. Did the guy not know he lived right below him? He knew that the building was in a rough patch, but it wasn’t deserted. He wasn’t the only one here ya’ know. By now the halfa had had enough. He had a class at 9 am tomorrow in literal physics. He needed sleep if he didn’t want to pass out in the lecture that he 100% needed for the midterms in 2 weeks. He would have gone up and complained in person if he wasn’t, you know, on the run. So he sat in his bed, grabbed earbuds, played one of his sad playlists and tried his best to sleep. 

.

.

.

That was it, Danny was going to actually kill the Red Hood. Here Danny is, minding his own business, writing a paper for the English class he had to take for extra credits, and in storms 5 men kicking down his door with all sorts of weapons. They were in all black with hoods and bandanas covering the bottom half of their faces.

“Where’s Red Hood? We know he lives here!” 

The half had had enough. Here he was, on page 2 of a 5 page paper, while on 9 shots of espresso and 3 energy drinks to make up for the lack of sleep he got last night because of the same very guy this gang is looking for. He was going to strangle this man, hands down, screw the GIW. 

“I’m literally a college student trying to live off of a minimum wage salary, if all of us could be crime lords and afford an apartment without a day job, we’d all do it.”

“Where is the Red Hood?!”

The guy in the middle had yelled before pointing a gun right at Danny’s head. He sighed before standing and putting his hands above his head. 

“I don’t know. He’s not here, and I don’t even think he lives in the building.”

He didn’t know why he was covering for his neighbor's ass, but he already had one foot in, so why not the rest of him?

“Don’t bullshit me! We know he lives here!”

“Are you sure it was this building, and not the one across the alley?”

Dany inched closer as the main guy looked over at the goon next to him and started arguing. By the time they looked up, Danny was right in front of the gun, merely inches away from the barrel now pointed at his chest. 

“Boo.”

His eyes glowed a vibrant neon green before the lights turned off leaving the apartment in pitch black. 

.

.

.

Red Hood cursed as he realized how careless he’d been. One of his men had informed him that they received a warning from one of their informants. Apparently, there was a new gang on the rise with the sole purpose of taking him down. Somehow they’d followed him to his apartment one night and were staging an attack right now. Luckily, it didn’t seem like they knew his civilian identity, but he didn’t know that for sure. Plus, if they broke in and he wasn’t there, he didn’t want to know what they’d do to the others inhabiting the complex. 

It took him about two minutes to get there using his bike. He scaled the side of the building and got in through his window only to find his apartment exactly as he left it. Had his men lied to him? Or had the gang just not arrived yet? 

Well, that’s what he thought before he heard gunshots below his feet. He scrambled down the stairs and ran to the apartment below him, taking out his gun and slowly walking towards the door. It was dead silent. It seemed that the last noise to leave the place was that one stray bullet, since then not a sound. 

Hood cursed under his breath before turning the corner and moving the broken door out the way. Inside was a pile of 5 men in all black knocked unconscious with a man sitting on top of them criss crossed holding a bat with a green sticker on it in one hand while the other typed on the open laptop sitting in his lap. The vigilante didn’t even move. He lowered his gun to the floor and just stared at the scene at hand. Eventually the man looked up at him with ashy blue eyes and a tired look about them. He sighed before closing the laptop and resting his chin on the small end of the bat. 

“Dude, it’s 3 am. Can you please tell your enemies to stick to acceptable invasion hours?” 

Hood didn’t even know what to say. He just stood there at the door, even clocked his head sideways in confusion. The other sighed.

“I have a class at 7 am tomorrow and this paper is due like yesterday, so can you just, I don’t know? Schedule this shit? Or at least make sure they have the right apartment. I didn’t complain about the noise before, but this is ridiculous.” 

Yeah, Jason couldn’t believe his eyes or ears right now. Was this man serious? He cleared his throat before finally speaking.

“Right… sorry about that? I guess? I’ll take them off your hands. No promises about the schedule though. I can’t exactly control when people try to kill me.”

He stepped forward only for the other to raise the bat at him threateningly. He still sat on the 5 men, and still was pretty far away from Hood, so why he raised the bat he didn’t know. 

“Do you want them in your house or not?”

“I want you to stay right there and pay for the bullet holes in my walls.”

“You just said-”

“Oh, I know, but you agreed so readily I’m testing the waters.”

What the fuck was up with this guy, seriously. 

“You know I have a gun right? I could shoot you”

“Well so did they, and look where that ended them. Gunless and knocked out.”

Touche, Jason wanted to say, but didn’t. One of the men on the ground started to move and groan, his neighbor, without breaking eye contact with him, spun the bat in his hand and hit the man dead center on the head, knocking him out once more. 

Was Jason attracted to this? Maybe.

[alchemistc]

tastes like (he) might be the one

an: So this post made me feel some things and the drabble I started out underneath got wordy enough that I decided not to fully hijack the post.

Tommy is just now realizing has no idea how to prepare a meal.

Evan had told him where the spare key was and Tommy had wanted to do something nice for him but he is a forty year old man with NO concept of how to make a meal.

What do you put in a salad? Kale goes into the bowl and he finds Evan's cheese grater and a Romano wedge, but there's no bread around and Tommy eyes the bag of premade croutons in his pantry with unease before he calls it good.

The caprese is easy, he's made it a million times, a quick snack that reminds him of afternoons on his grandmother's back porch, drinking the thimble of espresso she'd allowed him while she spoke in her heavily accented voice.

He doesn't actually know how to tell Evan he's avoiding gluten without disappointing him, yet, (God he's down bad, the thought of Evan's bright smile faltering a bit like he's disappointed he hadn't thought to ask makes Tommy want to launch himself into the stratosphere) so he throws the pan of lasagne back in the oven on low and just... takes a deep breath.

Evan won't be back for at least another hour, though, and Tommy is fighting the itch to snoop, so he takes a quick glance at the supplies on hand and ends up whipping up the stracciatella recipe his mom had used to make him when he was sick. He's halfway through prepping it when he realizes he's fucking insane, but it's too late now.

The text hits his screen before he can contemplate hiding the evidence of the soup.

Be there in twenty.

So Tommy stirs, and rubs his suddenly sweaty hands on his thighs, and then he stares at the disaster he's made of the kitchen and starts sweeping things into the sink.

Evan, Eddie, everyone always thinks he's so cool, but the reality is that behind closed doors he's a fucking disaster and his head is a jumble of nerves. This is too much. Cohesively, it might make some semblance of sense in the range of 'this is all vaguely italian' but a minestrone would have been better, he just hadn't had the time. This is too much -- too much food, too much effort, too much like ripping open his chest and guiding Evan's hand to wrap around his pumping heart and squeeze.

The locks on the doors tumble open just as Tommy is drying the cutting board, and Evan presses in with a tired smile.

The smile goes wider at the sight of his table, laid out in some semblance of order Tommy doesn't remember, but it had made sense at the time.

Be cool, Kinard, Tommy thinks to himself, but he can't help but melt a little when Evan tosses his keys carelessly to the side board and then slides across the room, no unease in his face as he sidles up, hands curling around Tommy's hips, head tilted in the way Tommy absolutely knows is a flirt, now.

"Hey."

Tommy blinks. He's disarming, unreal, Tommy has known him for barely any time at all but he'd bend over backwards to make that smile stay on Evan's face forever.

"Hi."

Evan's thumbs are playing with his belt loops, and his grin dimples his cheeks, and suddenly he's slightly less alarmed that he'd cobbled together a disaster of a three (four?) course meal like a crazy person.

Tommy wants to hand him his spare key back. He also wants to grab his key ring and add the spare to it, full eye contact going while he tucks it in between the truck key and his own house key. He wants to bite Evan's neck, and tug him into his chest and never let go, he wants -

"Smells good in here. Did you make something? You didn't have to make anything, I would have -."

"I wanted to," he manages, around the blinding flare of Evan's smile.

Tommy is cool as a fucking cucumber. Evan presses his lips to the junction of Tommy's jaw, darts around him before Tommy can reciprocate. Grabs two wine glasses from a cabinet and when Tommy turns to look at the broad expanse of his back, Evan has his head ducked bashfully, and Tommy can see the edges of his grin, the swell of his cheek in profile.

At least he's not alone in this, Jesus.

Evan pours them wine, fingers curling around Tommy's. He stares at the meager offerings on display, and Tommy can see him ticking off serving utensils in his mind. He doesn't say a word about the monstrosity that is a kale and Romano salad (???), just dances around Tommy again, wine glass balanced in his hand, to grab some dressing from the fridge.

"Hey, there are oven mitts in that top drawer, there, can you grab the lasagne? It's gluten free, Chin mentioned something about you avoiding it?"

Tommy contemplates sinking to his knees right there in front of his sad sack salad. Why hadn't he looked for ingredients for the caprese first?

Instead he pulls the lasagne out, lays it out across the wicker hot pads he'd set out earlier. The moment it's securely on the table, Evan presses fully against his back, and Tommy wonders if he should have stopped to get flowers. Or condoms.

Both, probably.

"Did you make me soup?" he asks, lips pressed to the knob of Tommy's spine.

"From what I hear you've had a rough day. Soup always makes a rough day better." He wishes his wine glass was still in his hand, and not next to the oven where he'd left it. He twists to face Evan and Evan gives up zero ground, toe to toe and a delighted little gleam in his eye Tommy knows is going to get him in trouble one day.

"Hi," Evan says, again, and Tommy curls a hand around his hip and drags him half an inch closer.

[autistic-robin]

more dynamics i need to see in st5 for my mental wellbeing

1. el and dustin. that’s it send post. they were genuinely so sweet in season 1 and i miss their mad scientist/test subject vibe immensely. i know el and lucas are going to be paired up this season because of their shared connection (polyamory) to max, but i would love to see more scenes between dustin and el— maybe some lighthearted bonding over their matching leg injuries or daddy issues.

2. mike and robin. i don’t think you understand i need this like i need air. will has already had his gay awakening he doesn’t need a queer life coach!! mike on the other hand is out here in the TRENCHES. this man is down critically horrendously morifyingly BAD for will but is convinced el needs him and that will could never reciprocate his feelings. he needs robin’s gay intuition and advice if anyone does.

3. steve and jonathan. HELLO??? FOR THE LOVE OF GOD HELLO???? i know this is pretty much guaranteed to happen in st5 because full-circle character development and hammering in themes and blah blah blah but i’m still gonna talk about it because listen. steve got his shit rocked by jonathan one (1) time and immediately decided “fuck my idiot friends” developed a moral conscience and SHOWED UP AT HIS HOUSE to apologize. he wasn’t there for nancy he had no idea nancy was there!!! he bought jonathan a new camera!!! he was so respectful of nancy and jon even when nancy dumped his ass a season later!!! yet we never get closure between him and jonathan or even a conversation and i’m PISSED about it. matt and ross duffer rectify this or else.

4. hopper and jonathan and will. you see the vision. these kids have never had a stable father figure who truly understands them (i love bob but he was only there for st2 and was sweet but naive) and everything they’ve been through. jonathan DESPERATELY needs to be de-parentified and released from the emotional burden of constantly putting will and joyce before his own needs and dreams, and hopper desperately needs to feel like he can protect his family instead of “cursing” them. will needs a loving father figure who supports his queer identity, and hopper only had a fire lit under him in s1 when joyce mentioned it could have been a hate crime. this is like textbook recipe for healing and closure for these characters.

5. joyce and karen? i just think it would be neat. we know karen’s getting more involved this season and i think she should get to be a little gay for joyce as a treat. we had crumbs of their dynamic in s1 and on a more sincere note i honestly think joyce could help give karen the courage to leave ted or demand better from him moving forward.

6. nancy and mike. if they don’t have a genuine conversation i’ll actually be fuming raging pulling my hair out. i get it i get that they’re both emotionally repressed but GOD i wish we had more moments with them talking about their trauma or empathizing with each other’s survivor’s guilt and crippling savior complexes. all the “max and mike are the same character in a different font” business is very valid and i agree madwheeler is like ten shots of espresso injected directly into the bloodstream HOWEVER, nancy and mike’s traumas and emotional issues are so so similar please let them talk about it!!!!

7. steve and robin???? please for the love of god????? literally what the fuck was happening in s4 they were NOT given enough screentime together. not cool. i want them BACK on their queerplatonic bullshit in s5, fully codependent disgustingly clingy like god intended.

8. jonathan and el. i just want them to be siblings together!!! we got a lot of willel sibling vibes in s4 and some sweet jon-and-will moments, but i would love for them to delve into jonathan and el’s dynamic. this girl is a big reason why will was saved in s1 and we just… never really see the byerses address that? jonathan has a lottt of self-blaming tendencies when it comes to will and i’d love for el to help remind him he isn’t responsible for protecting and saving his brother all the time. conversely, i’d love for jonathan to remind el that she’s just a kid and that the weight of the world shouldn’t be on her shoulders. they’re both really soft-spoken and sweet characters with hard veneers and i feel like they’d pair well together for more emotional scenes.

9. literally the entire byers-hopper family they are the heart and soul of the show and i will never forgive the duffer brothers for losing that in s3-4 in favor of expanding the scope of the story. i miss them.

10. steve and el. i would maim and kill for this dynamic actually. both of them are involved in love triangles and have arcs centered around independency and platonic/found familial love, and steve has his whole mom-of-the-group shtick that could be really endearing paired with el’s plucky weird-little-girl vibe. idk i just think they would be a cute team, maybe paired with dustin or lucas.

11. stoncy and robin. literally give me this team or give me death. i miss stoncy’s iconic end-of-season-1 monster-hunting trio dynamic SO MUCH i would give anything for them to go on a sidequest and really just hash it all out with each other. and robin could offer steve moral support and comic relief— while we’re on the subject i would also kill to see her and jonathan interact!! like they are so similar in that brooding-noncomformist way and i feel like they would either immediately gravitate toward each other based on values OR immediately clash due to their personality differences. jonathan is all quiet and avoidant and robin can be… A Lot (said with love) when she’s not masking like s3. i just think they’d be funny together.

12. this is devolving quickly so scott clarke and the party. no i will not elaborate. thank you for your time

[tangerinesgf]

Okay but imagine Tom Ryder falling for a fan who has ZERO and I mean zero clue on him being famous. Like he met the fan on accident and then was expecting the fan to go crazy when seeing him but the fan wasn’t even interested

And he’s like so into it becuase this hasn’t happened to him before!

Also female reader as the fan!!!

Tags/warnings: nothing I think.. Tom being an ass before being nice.

A/N: this was really fun to write. I'll be honest i had to keep myself from making him too much of an asshole, but i think this is pretty in character. Anywaysss tysm for your request and i hope you like itt<3

Tom Ryder has never met someone who doesn't know him. He's the biggest star of the world, everyone and their mother's knew about him. Or at least that's what he thought.

He was at his favorite coffee shop, undercover with a hat and black sunglasses. Usually he'd love the attention and praise from his fans, but today he wasn't really in the mood.

As the barista hands him his coffee order (a grande Caramel macchiato, 1/3 whole milk, 1/3 almond milk, 1/3 soy milk, 1 shot of extra espresso decaf, whipped cream and caramel drizzle on top), Ryder turns away to walk out of the shop.

Without noticing he drops his bank card which he used to pay with. You notice this while standing behind him in line and pick the card up.

"Oh, sir!" You call out as you rush after him.

Tom sighs and rolls his eyes before turning around to face the girl. "Here we go.." He mutters to himself.

"You dropped your-"

He instantly cuts you off before you can even finish your sentence. "Yeah, yeah it's me I'm amazing and the hottest man you've ever seen blah blah I know.."

You stare at him for a bit while still holding onto his card. "What?"

"What do you mean what?" He looks annoyed, you're wasting his time every second that he stands there facing you.

"I found your card.. what are you talking about?" You hold the card up to show him, your face still scrunched up in confusion.

"I'm Tom Ryder. Did you honestly not recognize me?" He raises his eyebrow at you. Is this girl stupid? He thinks to himself.

"Was I supposed to?"

"Yes. Everyone does I'm Tom Ryder." He says almost baffled that you don't recognize him.

"You keep saying your name but it doesn't ring a bell." You shrug your shoulder

"Tom Ryder." He repeats once again as if saying it for the third time would help. "Action Pact franchise? Hot Earth? Bad Cop, Good Dog? Metalstorm? How about biggest moviestar of the world?" He explains to you like you're a child.

"Oh I did hear about Metalstorm. Isn't that with that actress Iggy? Was that her name? She's cool."

"What no- I mean yes she is in it, but it's my movie. I'm the lead actor." Tom says in an agitated tone. How could you not know him, everyone knows him. Yet for some reason you kept staring at him with those confused eyes. Those beautiful confused eyes..

"Right well- good for you." It's a genuine smile, it's adorable. Why are you smiling at him like that? You should be wanting to jump on him out of excitement. Tom has never felt so confused in his life.

"Don't you watch movies at all?" He questions you.

"Ofcours I do. Indie movies." You say with a soft smile on your face.

Indie movies. Right. Tom Ryder was known for big budget blockbuster films, not smallscale indie stuff. Although now that he thinks about it everything could be a blockbuster with his name attatched to it.

"Right- so my face means nothing to you?"

"I mean.. I guess it looks slightly familiar but no.. not really. Sorry." You smile apologetically.

A strange sensation washes over Tom as he realizes this girl does not care about him at all. It's oddly humbeling even for him. "No it's fine I guess, I just never met someone who isn't crazy about me."

"Well I could still do that." You chuckle and finally hand the bank card back to him. "I'll just pretend to be obsessed with you and then you can roll your eyes at me or something."

"You'd really make a fool out of yourself for me?" He raises his eyebrow at you. Sure he's used to everyone doing everything for him whenever he asks, but this felt nice, less forced than usual.

"Yeah, look." You smile and then turn your back to him. A second later you turn to face him again, your face laced with excitement.

"Oh my god, you're Tom Ryder! I've seen like all your movies and you're so cool and hot and so amazing. Can we take a picture oh and an autograph, will you marry me?!" You say acting like an obsessed fangirl that's in love with him.

"Alright alright.. I get it." He laughs, readjusting the sunglasses on his face. He was starting to like her more and more.

"Really? I can go on if you'd like. There's this whole part where I improvise your part in a movie." Yoi brush your hair back from where it had fallen in front of your face and Tom's eyes can't help but linger at every move you make.

"No it's alright." He chuckles. "But I will say you're missing out. I've won many awards ya know. I'm not just a pretty face." He says with a grin on his face, trying to impress her.

"Never said you were. Maybe I should go see your new film at the cinema then." You tease playfully.

He chuckles softly at that. The idea of you going to see his movie made him excited. He wanted to know what you'd think about the film eventhough he had just met you 5 minutes ago. Then an idea suddenly pops into his head.

"I have a better idea. How would you like to go to the premiere, hm?" He grins

A/N: Tysm for reading I hope you enjoyed it!! Comments and reblogs are so much appreciated you don't even understand. Love you guyss<3

Taglist: @earth-elemental18 @cockete @allaroundjejje (lemme know if you wanna be removed/added)

[soffsketches]

I'm taking a break on drawing for a second so here you go

GothCleat Headcanons

Post Season 2 Ending

Lincoln nervous on the first date ended up showing Scary how to play FIFA. Bonus he let's her win at the end and Scary insists on coming over to practice so she can beat him fair and square

Lincoln fell first and Scary fell the hardest

They watch the world cup together and Scary would narrate as if if Mr.Kicks was scoring

Lincoln would gift Scary patches he made for her outfits. Yes most soccer related

Scary would get a part time job at a cafe and would prepare Mochas for Link but she'll say that it's made from chocolate covered espresso beans, his favorite

Scary would realize she fell for Link when her poetry slowly start mentioning him, figuratively. No one understands where he appears but Scary doesn't want to explain it too much either

Telling the parents

Lincoln sit Grant and Marco down at the table saying he has an important announcement. (I feel like it's been like a year or two since the ending of season 2) Lincoln goes on to say that he's a man and that he has feelings towards someone and he wants them, the parents to know about it. Grant and Marco were a bit worried but trying to be supportive smile and say that they're here for Link. Link says that it's with Scary and Grant gives out a sigh of relief and Marco pats Grant in support. "We're really happy for you Link and thank you for telling us."

Scary would be sitting at the table with Veronica and Terry Jr. probably eating dinner or something. She would casually mention she started dating Link and both parents would sit there staring at each other wondering what to say. Terry now with a better understanding of Scary, he would say "That's cool. Happy for you" but IMMEDIATELY would breakdown and become a bit emotional happy for her daughter. Veronica would smile.

Grant and Terry would have a bit of awkward tension between them but would slowly get over it with time. Awkward silence and stares would be a regular thing every now and then.

Garry

Named after Gerard Way, no doubt about it. BUT I would like to add Links would put the idea of naming them Garry pronounced Jarry.

Reveal? Easy: A soccer ball with colored powder inside. Gender? Future Futball Champion

Lincoln would realize he'd want to be a coach after helping Garry kick their first goal at little leagues.

Finally, Scary saw that Garry was sad they didn't make the team so she encouraged Garry to be the mascot. Garry a bit hesitant about the idea looked at Link. Link being the coach said that Garry reminded him of his good friend Normal who was once the mascot. Link seeing the look in Garry's eyes reassured them that whatever they decide to do, Scary and Link would support them.

Ok I think that's all for now. Enjoy the Gothcleat content. I will provide more in the future.

Take care y'all!!!

[outro-jo]

study buddies

pairing: lee felix x (gn) reader

type: imagine

warnings: non-idol au, college au, mutual pining, idk

notes: these pics just gave campus crush vibes and i said something that my friend and i ran with so here we are. i may or may not have a part two if those goes well

not taking requests at this time

masterlist | info

————————————

your morning started in a panic, waking in almost the same position you were in the night before. head tucked into your arms on your desk with your now dead laptop and notes scattered under you. slowly you open your eyes and reach around the table top for your phone.

7:45

with a gasp you shot up from your desk, neck aching in protest but you ignored that for now and rushed to put on some clothes for class. once dressed, you packed up your bag and threw it over you shoulder, rushing out the door.

across campus, felix was having a wonderful morning. he was up early enough to make it to the gym with changbin, seungmin made eggs for everyone in the apartment once he was back, he took some time to look over his notes for the day, and he even had a little time to stop at his favorite coffee cart on the way to class. as he walked across the quad at a leisurely pace, he enjoyed the sunshine, the cool morning breeze, and the bird song.

a stark contrast to your chaos coming from the opposite direction, still trying to pull on a shoe and catch the loose leaf papers falling from your bag.

felix took a seat in his usual spot for his morning class, removing the leather crossbody back from his shoulder and remove the contents from the bag. methodically he took his time to pull out his laptop, a notebook with accompanying textbooks, and lay out his favorite pens in a neat row. he smiled, satisfied with his work.

the professor walked in from the back corner of the room like he did every week and walked over to his podium without a glance to the other student. mornings were not his favorite and that was apparent by the dark circles under his eyes and the right grip on his coffee cup, like it was solely responsible for sustaining his life at that moment. he took some long sips and went over his notes for the day and made sure all the equipment was set up.

felix took the opportunity to scan the room as students filtered in, checking the doors for one person in particular. the loud sound of the professor clearing his throat echoed throughout the large hall as if to signal he was ready to start class.

8:03

a little later that normal but he’d have to figure out some way to forgive himself for that when the coffee kicked in. the role call began and felix’s attention shifted from the names being called in the front and the doors in the back.

“they’re never this late.” he mumbled to himself and checked his watch for the umpteenth time to find it hadn’t changed from the last time he looked.

lost in thought and worry, he almost missed his own name being called. “LEE FELIX!” the professor yelled in a less than enthusiastic tone.

“oh! here!” the young man half raised his hand, offering the older an apologetic look.

he rolled his eyes lazily and continued down the list of names. when yours was called, felix could nearly feel his heart beating out of his chest. maybe that extra shot of espresso wasn’t such a good idea.

suddenly a whirlwind came and took a seat next to him. “HERE!” you frantically yelled and raised your hand high.

“hmph.” the professor acknowledged you, not caring enough to mark you tardy.

“there you are! i was starting to worry.” felix let out a breathy chuckle of relief as you set up your work space for the next hour.

“yeah, i feel asleep studying last night and didn’t set my alarm.” you panted out between gasps of breath.

felix smiled warmly, “well, it’s a good thing i got this.” he slid over a plastic cup of iced coffee now dripping with condensation.

“ah, you’re an angel! i swear i could kiss you.” the words of gratitude flew out of your mouth without little thought and you took a sip.

felix smirked and leaned into you to speak in a hushed tone as the class started.

“i just might take you up on that.”

the combination of coffee mixed with the sudden intake of air was too much on your poor windpipe you began coughing embarrassingly loud. felix’s eyes went wide and he started patting and rubbing your back to help clear your airway like he wasn’t the one that caused the commotion in the first place. at the bottom of the stairs, your professor looked up to see what the noise was and once again rolled his eyes before continuing the lecture.

it might have been a joke what felix said but you couldn’t be too sure, hence the reaction. ever since freshman year, you’d found yourself in a class with the blonde haired, now blue, aussie each semester despite not having the same major. after being forced to work a project together in your second semester, you found that the two of you had a lot in common and became fast friends and seat mates in every class since. though you shared a lot of similarities, you were both vastly different. felix was neat, organized, and exceptionally punctual while you were a wild force of nature barely making it anything on time. he secretly loved that about you among other things as he’s gotten to know you.

sitting next to each other a few times a week, every week for the last two years along with late night study sessions, group projects, and the occasional fun night out, gave felix a lot of time to get to know you. he grew fond of how despite the best intentions, you could never show up on time. he loved that you always arrived in a loud mess, garnering the attention of nearly everyone in the room. he loved that you could only drink iced coffee, never hot, even on the coldest winter days—an order he committed to memory the second day of your fateful project that second semester. he loved the way you laughed after a few drinks on a night out. it wasn’t the usual quiet laugh you gave when he made a joke about the class material or the professor in the hushed environment of the library. it wasn’t an “lol” text he received when he sent you a meme throughout the day. it was loud and vibrant and beautifully carefree thanks to a few shots.

as class droned on in front of him, and your eyes focused on the lesson and writing on the board, he was lost in you. your cute features, the color of your eyes, your steady breathing.

you were blithely unaware of the absolute fawning happening next to you. the comment from before had caught you completely off guard but you pushed it aside and listened to your professor, furiously taking notes. this honestly wasn’t the first comment felix had made like but every time he said something like that you brushed it aside. there was no way someone like felix could ever like someone like you.

you were a mess, chaotic, and not nearly as hot as he was, though you knew he didn’t care about stuff like that. still you couldn’t help but let your insecurities get the best of you, especially when it came to him. but you weren’t immune to his charms. his cute wide smile, the freckles that dotted his cheeks, the way he always took care of you. since that first project together, felix has always brought your coffee order, or a granola bar or snack(knowing your poor eating habits), or even sometimes a flower he thought was pretty. you can remember having to call home one night after a party when someone put something weird in your drink. he sat by you the whole night to make sure you were ok. felix was definitely an ideal man, but he certainly wouldn’t be into you, you often thought.

class came to an end and you, felix, and the other students stood to pack up your bags and leave. felix had a sudden burst of courage, feeling like he had to do it now otherwise he might never ask.

“hey, um…”

you glanced up at him with your eyes wide in curiosity. the nerve was starting to fade but he shook his shoulders to try again.”

“so, i was-um-wondering…”

your hair tossed over to one side of your head, making him lose his train of thought again.

“get it together!” he thought to himself.

you giggled lightly, seeing he was zoning out as he often did. “you wanna study tonight, right?”

his shoulders slumped. you perceived it as relief, understanding what he was trying to get out… when it was actually defeat of his body betraying his own mind but nevertheless he played it off with his signature sunshine smile.

“ah, yeah. sorry, i’m a bit in my head today. i didn’t really catch the notes.”

you shrugged, “‘s ok! you’ve had my back plenty before. it’s the least i could do.” you finished packed up and threw you bag over your shoulder. “so, i’ll come by tonight? 6? i’ll bring pizza, ok?”

a few second went by before felix finally blinked and his smile widened.

“oh, yeah. sounds good.”

“ok! i’ll text you!” you waved and walked towards the exit.

felix stood frozen in his spot as you breezed out the door, feeling the full weight of his disappointment weighed on his shoulders.

“i guess i’ll try again later.”

part 2

[angelcqre]

Coffee Date

Simon Riley likes americanos and muffins. He always pays in cash, and he always wears a medical mask.

He’s the strangest regular you have.

He shows up every Tuesday morning at *precisely* 11:06AM, always orders the same order to go, always stares at you a little hard when you tell him the total and that your cafe doesn’t accept tips.

Always slips you a few dollars, tucks them into your hand and folds your fingers over it with too-calloused hands. There might be mirth in those dark, dead eyes, but it’s honeslty uncomfortable to make eye contact with him, so you don’t search for it.

He’s said a total of three words for the months that you’ve known him. Americano, baked good. Doesn’t matter which - he grunts in acknowledgement when you bring him something, and you’ve kind of figured out what he likes depending on the pitch.

Muffins, he likes. Cake pops, he dislikes. Cookies, he dislikes. Bagels, he dislikes. The one time you’d had brownies, he’d liked them.

So when he says something besides those three words, it’s jarring. Shocking, even.

“The same as usual?”

“Mmh.”

“Alrighty. We’ve got muffins cooling in the back - lemme go grab one. It’ll be nice. Warm.” Offering him a grin, you set the espresso to pull, trailing out to the back to grab one of the still-warm chocolate chip muffins. It’ll go well with the americano.

“Here you are,” You say, folding the bag over itself, offering it to the man. “Anything else i can get you, Simon?”

You only know his name because he flashed his military ID for the veterans discount the first time. Odd duck.

“…Every time I blink, I see the faces of those I’ve left behind.”

*What*?

You blink, blink again when he hands you a twenty.

“Keep the change, love.”

And then he’s off.

[thebucketpail]

When You Accidentally Kill a Clown Pt. 7

Pt.1 prev ao3

Jason (cute guy from library): Hey you mentioned that you like Astronomy right?

: Yeah! It's one of my favorite topics. Why?

Jason (cute guy from the library): well, it's just that, the Gotham planetarium is holding a special event this Saturday for a special comet or something, and I was wondering if you wanted to go? Here are the details:

[Open Attachment]

: !!! I would love to! That sounds like so much fun!

Jason (cute guy from the library): great! I'll pick you up at 6 on Saturday then? Or would you rather meet me there?

: I wouldn't mind if you picked me up :o

Jason (cute guy front he library): Awesome! I can't wait.

: me neither! This is gonna be so much fun! I'll see you then!

“Hey Danny,” Anne called from her place leaning against the counter. “Who’re you smiling at?” she asked with a smirk, " a cute girl?"

"Heh, not exactly," Danny responded, one hand moving to rub at his neck.

Anne raised one eyebrow. "A cute guy then?" Evidently she took the blush rising in his cheeks as a yes. "Ooooh what's his name? How'd you meet? Tell me everything."

Danny couldn't help but smile as he responded, if a bit stuttery, "Oh, uh, his name is Jason. I met him at the library the other day, he uh- he caught me when I tripped," he said, blushing. Anne just nodded.

"Know anything much about him yet?"

"Yeah! He's really into classic literature and he must workout or something because his biceps are huge and-" Anne cut him off as the bell at the door chimed and she had to take care of the customer. Once they ordered she gestured for Danny to continue.

"He sounds really great, you have any plans?" She asked.

"Yeah actually, we're going to the planetarium this Saturday. And it's really cool because I haven't been able to go properly stargazing since I moved here, but he offered cause he found out how into Astronomy and stuff I am." Of course there was that once he had tried flying above the smog of Gotham to see the stars, but it was like it just went on and on. Then of course when he had finally managed to get past the cloud cover he had almost gotten run over by a plane. Danny hadn't attempted since.

And it was really sweet of Jason to have suggested it. In fact Danny didn't even remember mentioning stargazing all that much In the first place. They had been texting basically non stop for a couple days now so maybe it was an off hand comment, but he had been sure to spare the man from any major info dumping so as not to scare him off. Although it probably wouldn't have made much of a difference anyway considering how big of a dork Jason turned out to be.

Danny was pulled from his musings by a short string of curses followed by a loud thump. "Work you fucker dammit-"

"You need help with that?" He asked. Anne looked up from the espresso machine she was practically wrestling with, looking like she was mere seconds away from sending it through the window.

"Sorry, it's been acting up all day, I think it's jammed or something," she replied, moving out of the way as Danny scooted behind the counter. " I don't really know what you could do, but be careful its still kind of hot" she trailed off as he began disassembling the machine. Gaping a bit when he touched the peices that should be burning his hand off with no more than a second glance.

"Got it," he said after a few minutes, "Your group head is blocked- here I'll clean it out. But otherwise it should be fine. I would keep an eye on the thermal fuse though, it's looking near to the end of its life expectancy, and that could be a problem later." Anne looked practically awestruck as Danny reassembled the machine and started another batch of coffee with ease. Within minutes it was humming.

"How'd you do that?" She asked as he slipped back to his stool on the other side of the counter.

"Oh, uh, my friends Sam had an espresso machine just like that. She used to let me take it apart because it would annoy her parents and I wanted to see how it worked."

In lieu of answering Anne just nodded as she took in the information and went back to preparing the customer's order. The two fell into companionable silence as she set about cleaning behind the bar, and Danny delved into his chemistry homework.

About 20 minutes later a steaming cup of hot coco, topped with a mountian of cream and chocolate shavings, slid across the bar toward Danny. He looked up at Anne who gave him a small smile as she turned back to cleaning.

"Thanks,"

"Yeah well, you fixed this temperamental beast, I figured you deserved it," she said, jabbing a thumb toward the espresso machine.

"Thanks anyway,"

They lapsed back into silence for a few more hours. By now the hot coco had been throughly drained, the mug long since cleaned and put away. Everyone except for Danny had long gone and Anne was flipping the sign on the door.

"Alright dude, I have to kick you out at some point."

"Awwwww do you have too?" Danny groaned but began packing his things anyway.

"Yup," she said, popping the p, " its closing time and my shift is over.

"Damn, and I thought we were friends," that just made Anne roll her eyes and snort.

"I was technically supposed to close half an hour ago, you're lucky I let you stay this long," she retorted.

"Yeah yeah," Danny said, lacing sarcasm into voice. "You good to head home by yourself?" He asked a bit more genuinely.

"Mhm, I'm just around the block, you?"

"Yeah I'm good, see you tomorrow."

"Ditto, and good luck on your date," she said, ushering him out the door.

Danny watched his friend leave until she turned the corner two blocks down because you can never be too cautious in Gotham, even if the girl was born and raised here. Content that she could get home safe, he turned and began the trek back to his dorm, keeping his heightened senses on high alert. It was almost one in the morning which meant most of Gotham’s nightlife was still buzzing around the streets, however that did nothing to calm his nerves as the familiar feeling of being watched began to prickle at his skin.

Danny was still ten minutes away from his building when a strangled gasp caught in his throat. 'Oh what is it now?' He thought, turning to scan his surroundings mostly for a certain hooded crime lord. And sure enough, the man himself jumped off a nearby fire escape to land in front of the half-ghost.

"Hood," he greeted as the man attempted

to pull him toward a nearby alley. Danny didn't budge, instead he folded his arms and lifted an eyebrow. Honestly Red Hood wasn't all that scary when your blood isn't pumped full of adrenaline, beside what could the guy really do to Danny? Shoot him? Like that would do anything. It was honestly laughable how he had been so scared of the man. Besides after two weeks of being followed around by the guy, Danny was kind of over the whole 'oh Ancients he's a crime lord who can and will shatter my kneecaps' thing,

"Finally work up the courage to talk to me rather than stalk me from afar?" He asked with an amused lilt to his voice.

At that remark Hood gave up trying to move the half ghost and instead settled into his on defensive position, mirroring Danny.

"I wasn't scared of talking to you," he said, exasperation clear in his voice despite the modulator. "Besides I need to warn you about something important."

Danny only raised his eyebrow higher, sounding entirely unconcerned as he spoke, "Oh so you're not even denying the stalker allegations?" He snorted. and after choking on frozen air because of him every single day, Danny may have been a little spiteful. Suffice to say, it felt nice watching the vigilante splutter a bit before responding.

"How did you-? Fuck whatever it doesn't matter," Hood muttered, " I just wanted to let you know that Bats is looking into you." Yeah, Danny had expected this. Albeit a bit sooner, but still.

"And?" He gestured for Hood to continue

"And. He's planning on visiting your dorm tonight so I thought i'd give you a heads up." He huffed.

"Well, thanks I guess?" Danny said, shifting his weight to his heels. Hood didn't say anything else so Danny filled the silence instead. "Well ,if that's all, i'm going to, y'know, go home. These street aren't really safe at night. Might run into a mob boss or get mugged or something"

It didn't take much longer for Danny to get to his dorm. Tristan was supposed to be gone for the night so it was the perfect time, if any, for a confrontation with the bat himself. 'Alright, lets get this over with' He thought as he locked the door.

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

Pt.8

[evermourning]

thinking about... biker bf!changbin??

pairing: seo changbin x reader

wc: 0.6k

warnings: drabble, fem aligned but any gender can read (changbin refers to reader with female terms), language, suggestive, i guess the reader's not wearing a helmet?? BUT THIS IS FICTION, PRACTICE SAFE DRIVING WEAR ONE

a/n: "thank you dark" we all say in unison (they said they'd pay me to write this)

biker bf!changbin who waits for you outside your house on his motorcycle, his helmet on. he looks sexy and absolutely mysterious, but once he sees you, all that changes. he takes off his helmet, running his hand through his black curls. the smile he gives you melts your heart.

"you wanna ride?" he grins, and you snicker at his comment to distract him from your heated cheeks.

"and what are you implying, mister?" you tease, and he rolls his eyes playfully before pulling you in to kiss you sweetly. your hands rest on his pecs, covered by a thin black compression shirt you'd much rather rip off of him.

"you know what i mean. now, get on. we don't have all night!"

biker bf!changbin who keeps one steady hand on his ride and another on the small of your back as you lower yourself onto the seat, words of praise spilling from his pretty pink lips. you've had your reservations about coming along with him, given the things you'd heard about accidents, but he's convinced you to go on a moonlit ride with him.

"that's my girl." he murmurs as he helps you settle onto the seat, and you swear your stomach is doing a series of complicated backflips.

biker bf!changbin who's cheeks flush the color of pink carnations as you tightly wrap your arms around his waist, resting your head on his shoulder as he drives. he knows you're holding on for dear life, and he's so proud of how brave you are.

biker bf!changbin who ALWAYS lets you choose the music when you're with him. if it's an artist he doesn't care that much for, he'll suck it up. just so he can ride with you again and again.

biker bf!changbin who is a true gentleman, always making sure you're safe and secure at any chance he gets. the minute you tell him you're uncomfortable or you want to get off, best believe he is pulling over and helping you off. if you want him to, he will walk you home, his leather jacket slung around your shoulders and his arm around your waist, one large hand resting gently on your hip.

biker bf!changbin who turns his head so he can press soft kisses along your jaw at a red light. when you complain about him not keeping his eyes on the road, he'll make some flirty comment like "how can i? when you're here, looking so beautiful, i can't help but want to kiss you all over. i'll leave my mark on you, yeah?"

biker bf!changbin who hates anyone even trying to put their greasy hands onto his prized motorcycle. you and your soft, careful fingers are quite literally the only exception. he'll teach you all his tips and tricks to getting it working the best, complimenting your "adept talents" with a look of pure adoration and devotion flashing across his espresso-colored eyes.

biker bf!changbin who can't hide the dazzling smile that grows on his lips when he speeds up and you hold on tighter, squeezing your eyes shut.

"too fast!" you yelp meekly. changbin chuckles, his voice coming out low and comforting, like a magic medication to soothe your racing heart.

"shh, it's okay. binnie's got you, baby. you're doing so well."

biker bf!changbin who is simultaneously the hottest and loveliest man alive to you. forever yours. your biggest fan and your closest friend. and he's cool as shit, too.

@evermourning, ©2023. all rights reserved.

[thatfreshi]

"Yeah, Besties" (Uni AU P. 11)

tw - slight mention of abuse

You and Astarion proceed to spend all your free time together, which isn't much for him, but it's nice in between the stresses of life. You go from barely being friends to almost inseparable, studying in his dorm and talking about nonsense. There's plenty of times when he has to disappear for miscellaneous modeling things, which he still doesn't really talk about, but you don't mind.

It's been about a week and a half since Astarion got back from LA, and things have been getting much better for everyone. Academics are picking up, sports are starting, and your little group of, 'friends,' has started to somewhat get along, which is a big relief. Since the seven of you are still working on that damned public speaking project, you meet up on Saturday to start discussing the presentation, but of course, you don't actually end up doing that. Besides, who goes to Starbucks and actually ends up studying?

"Ugh! Tav, I told you it was going to be far too busy here on a Saturday."

You roll your eyes at your white-haired friend.

"We're not even staying here, we're going over to the park across the street. Cool it broody."

He mocks you and you elbow him in the arm, making sure to be gentle about it in case there's some other 'scrape' he hasn't told you about.

"Can the two of you stop flirting and decide what you want please?"

Lae'zel is impatient, especially when it comes to caffeine.

"This? This is not flirting, we're like besties."

You throw Astarion a smile, and he responds, almost reluctantly.

"Yeah, besties."

You hear Gale and Shadowheart giggle to themselves somewhere in the back of the group, but you're not sure what about. Probably some bullshit they always find funny that no one else seems to understand. After some group discussion, Karlach decides to pay for everyone's drink, because oddly enough she's never been in a Starbucks.

"I don't know, I've just never gone! Drink a lot of protein smoothies, ya know? Coffee isn't really my thing."

Shadow of course is wrapped around Karlach's buff arm, and here's where someone would say that thing about sapphics and move-in vans on second dates. Eventually you all make up your minds. You get an iced coffee, something basic for your still-waking brain. The rest of the orders go as follows:

Astarion gets a caffè mocha, but asks for double the espresso, which you soon find out is six shots. You know from texting him this morning that he didn't sleep last night, and you're honestly not sure how he lives off of the amount of caffeine he drinks.

Karlach gets the dragon drink because she thinks it sounds cool.

Shadowheart orders a pink drink, blended, and proceeds to deal with intense teasing from Wyll about her edgy exterior. She yells at him about how she just like strawberries, and the aesthetic of her drink has nothing to do with how cool and mysterious she is.

Wyll then orders a chai latte, admitting he's never actually had coffee before after he was scared off of it as a kid.

Gale, like the classic man he is, goes with the caramel macchiato, but makes sure to ask three times that they're using almond milk, making a big deal about how his stomach will not handle it well if it's actual milk.

Lae'zel gets straight-up black coffee, hot. That's it. She doesn't add sugar, creamer, not even a little flavor, just hot black coffee.

So the baristas get to work on your myriad of drinks. You go to ask Astarion something, but quickly get interrupted by a stranger tapping you on the shoulder.

"Sorry, I just wanted to say, you are absolutely gorgeous. Mother Nature blessed us the day she made you."

You turn around to see a rather tall and built man. Your cheeks can't help but fill with red at the sincerity of the compliment you've just been given.

"Thank you! See, you guys really should worship my looks more."

"I know this might be strange, but I'd be honored to take you out sometime. Here's my number, you don't have to text me if you don't want to, but I just couldn't pass up this opportunity. Oh, and I'm Halsin, a pleasure to meet you."

This Halsin character soon walks off, leaving you with a receipt he's written his number on.

"Wow, and I thought I was a gentleman."

Wyll is clearly shocked by the sudden turn of events.

"Seriously, Tav you have to text him! What a heart throb."

Shadow eggs on the flirting that just occurred.

"I don't know, should I? What if he's like a weirdo."

"Oh c'mon, he seems so sweet! You'd be stupid to not at least give him a chance."

There are murmurs of support for Karlach's statement. Soon, your drinks are done, and your ragtag group starts to leave the building.

"I mean, he was maybe a little forward. And the line about 'Mother Nature?' Did he not have anything better?"

"We get it Astarion, you think you're a master flirt. Not everyone is as lusty as you are."

You don't see it, but Astarion proceeds to give Gale a solid middle finger, and Gale matches him. As much as everyone's getting better at getting along, those two still have some trouble.

"I don't know, maybe I should text him. I mean what's the harm?"

"I don't know, the possibility that he could be a serial killer freak?"

"Astarion, he's not a serial killer. There is literally no way the guy that came up to us is capable of murdering anything."

Shadowheart takes a drink of her pulverized fruity beverage in confidence.

"Alright fine, but if darling Tav gets murdered, don't blame me!"

"I mean c'mon Astarion, you hate every guy I'm interested in on the apps anyways."

It's true, because you've sat there and scrolled through Hinge with him far too many times, and everyone you've ever come across has received negative remarks from your pale friend.

"Because they're all weird! Besides, I find making a real-life connection is much more enticing."

"Says the guy who has never been in an actual relationship."

"You shut it Gale! This mystery woman is the first person you've ever been with, so you have no room to talk. Besides, I'm sure I've bed more people than you've ever laid eyes upon."

"Woah, cat fight. Calm down, you might scratch an eye out."

Wyll's comment earns a few laughs. The group eventually gets to the park across the street, finding a large shady tree to sit under. Astarion makes some off-hand comment about how his pants are too nice to be grass-stained, but he ends up joining the rest of you anyway.

"Okay Tav, so how do we craft this message to the hot nature guy? Because honestly I'd climb him like a tree if I could, you're lucky."

Shadowheart scooches next to you in order to brainstorm.

"Oh, so we're still on this? Great. I'll be over here, not thinking about the wannabe nudist."

"Come on Astarion, you have to help too! Shadow's too thirsty. I need a voice of reason."

He rolls his eyes, only obliging because you're the one asking.

"Fine. We will craft a text to this Halsin fellow."

While the others check their student email and actually do productive things, the three of you sit over your phone, wondering what to send to this hunky stranger. After Shadow and Astarion argue quite a bit, you settle on a sweet but intrigued message.

"Are you guys sure I should hit send? I don't know, what if he was kidding? Or it's like some prank?"

"Tav, if it was a prank I'll kill him."

Shadowheart agrees.

"I second Astarion, I would also kill him."

"Okay, fine! I'm doing it!"

You're a little giddy, excited that a stranger so kindly hit on you. It could've been creepy and weird, but he was so nice. With a slight tap, you've sent the message, and your phone emits a little whoosh noise. Little did you know, Gale had started texting Astarion while listening to your conversation.

~~~

gale_eats_paint: you should tell them

wannabe.vamp: tell them what ??

gale_eats_paint: that you like them. i can see you gritting your teeth all the way from here

wannabe.vamp: fuck off gale, you don't know what you're talking about

gale_eats_paint: alright, if you insist on being secretive that's fine. but i wouldn't wait around too long. also your @ is lame. what are you, a middle schooler?

wannabe.vamp: i'm literally albino AND anemic it could not make more sense

~~~

"Oh god, he responded!"

Astarion perks up from his phone, giving Gale a look across the shaded patch of grass. The artist simply gives him a concerned, yet discreet eyebrow raise. You read out the message, which asks if you'd be free this evening for a botanical garden tour.

"Aw, that's adorable! Tell him you're free!"

Karlach is now scrunched up next to you and Shadow.

"Thanks guys, this is so exciting! And what a cute first date idea, bringing someone to a garden? Oh, and Astarion, you have to help me plan my outfit, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

He rolls his eyes.

"Sure, since you asked so annoyingly, I will."

You go to wrap him in a grateful hug, which catches him severely off-guard.

"Thank you! You're the best Aster."

He almost questions the nickname, but decides to keep his mouth shut, because if this is the type of affection you're going to show him, he'll take it, no matter how small. Gale makes eye contact with him again though while you have him trapped in your warm embrace. While the two aren't particularly friendly, there's a sadness in Gale's eyes, knowing that Astarion won't speak up, no matter how much he wants to. Either way, he'll help you get ready for that date, even if it crushes him when you leave for the evening.

[beomgyw]

THE COFFEE SHOP

(IN WHICH BEOMGYU LOOKS ADORABLE IN HIS UNIFORM AND YEONJUN WANTS TO KNOW IF YOU'RE FREE AT 8)

COMMON TIMELINE WARNING: for those of you who are reading through all the paths, you'll get to this scenario more than once. there's no important details added, so you can skip it if you've fount it on another timeline!

if you're new here; hi! this is a beomjun multichoice fic. go back to the beginning to start choosing your own path!

the town is small enough for you to walk around without needing to check your phone for directions. you remember most of the streets and you´re confident you won't get lost. that makes your way to work all the more enjoyable.

you trail through the narrow roads, trying to stay close to the seafront. you find the beach just so beautiful in the mornings so silent and, without the tourist contamination. but when you pass across the roads where the restaurants and the coffee shops you realise where the tourists were: having breakfast.

you're thankful that grandma had made coffee at home and you didn't have to get yourself into the crowd to get some, but then you spot the coffee place beomgyu had recommended the previous night. funny thing, your grandma had mentioned the same spot the previous day.

it's a tiny place, cutely nestled in between two other local businesses. it has an outside-service counter that, as a meticulously decorated blackboard indicated, only opens at night, serving as a cocktail bar. its a pretty place, comfy looking, and though considerably crowded, the amount of people is reduced in comparison to its neighbouring establishments. so you decide to grab some coffee you can take with you to work.

as you approach, you pass by the outdoor seating area drenched in sunlight. a prime spot for reading, you think, or simply just people-watching. but when you peek inside through the glass windows, something catches your eye, and you can’t help but grin.

attending the tables inside the coffee shop, beomgyu zooms around like a tornado, his hair tucked under some funny looking joint-branded hat. he moves with a caffeinated grace that's almost dance-worthy, and he does not look happy at all.

cute. you think. cute because he looks like a grumpy gnome, with his silly uniform and his grouchy expression, and cute because his coffee shop recommendation to you was his own workplace.

you push the door open, and the scent of fresh brew envelops you with the first step in. the place buzzes with chatter, indie music adding to the atmosphere. in your head, you just place beomgyu as the one in charge of the playlist. what? it suits him...

you slide onto a stool at the counter, watching beomgyu buzz around, too busy to notice your arrival. it really is a hectic morning, cups clinking, espresso machine whirring. and then, much to your entertainment, you get to witness how beomgyu himself feels about hectic mornings.

you perk up in your seat to overhear an old lady yelling at him, “this is a health violation, young man. if i got burned, who'd pay for my hospital bills? me? because of your negligence? absolutely not. your bosses? they wouldn’t be pleased, either” she says, her tone entitled and high pitched. "you're lucky i'm an understanding woman, if it was someone else, you would have found yourself in serious trouble. now bring me my lukewarm latte, the one i asked for!"

beomgyu, bless him, keeps performing the stiffest apologetical bows you've ever seen. “i'm terribly sorry, ma’am." he says through gritted teeth. "but my bosses wouldn’t like it if i wasted perfectly good coffee. so, if you could maybe blow on it, perhaps science would cool it down for you and you’d be doing the coffee shop worker lobby a huge favor,” he says, voice strained.

you bite your lip to avoid laughing. he's funny. and his purposefully failed attempt at diplomacy just so endearing. just as you are about to try to get his attention and say hi, another customer, this time sitting on a stool on the counter near you, edges trying to get beomgyu's attention. "excuse me," the man calls out a few times without being heard, a hint of frustration in his voice. "kid, would you take my order?"

after increasing insistence, beomgyu finally does notice him, but he doesn’t even glance his way. “oh, i'm sorry," he snaps, "nothing would make me happier than taking your order right now, good sir, but i'm on table waiting duty, so i can't attend to you. however, my workmate should be out soon. JAY, YOU WORK HERE, REMEMBER?” he yells into the kitchen.

you feel a pang of sympathy for beomgyu and figure this is clearly not the best time to distract him, so you make a mental note to grab your coffee and catch up with him later when things are less busy.

beomgyu goes back to darting around, apron askew, stress lines etched deep. then out comes his alleged co-worker, jay, as reads his name tag. without a worry in the world, begins taking orders like it's a walk in the park.

jay attends the good sir sitting near you whom beomgyu had left in a profound sate of aggravation, "so rude, that kid. won't be getting my tip." he had said.

but when jay spots you, his whole attitude changes, like his job became interesting all of the sudden. "morning, madame," he says with this sparkle in his eye.

"morning, sir," you shoot back.

"i'm park jay and i'll be your waiter this morning," he declares, leaning in with a smile. "

"how fancy," you chuckle.

"nothing but the best for our beloved customers," he says. "and i´d like to inform you that we have a strict get-to-know-your-waiter policy in this establishment. so, it's my duty to let you know that i'm a tauro, my blood type is b, and my phone number is—” he stops dramatically. "you're not taking notes."

"well, park jay, tauro, type b, phone number holder…” you start, teasingly apologetic. "i regret to inform you that i just wanted to grab my coffee and go. not really into getting to know my waiter..."

"ouch, come on, please…” jay pleads, "i'm literally so charming.”

"you're not gonna guilt me into it, are you?" you tease back, arching an eyebrow.

"listen, it's for a good cause, just do me the favour. see that blackboard over there?" jay points to this board split between two halves, one reading jay, the other reading beomgyu, both with tally marks stacked high under both names. "my coworker and i have this bet… i need to catch up on numbers to win. so, if you could help a poor man make a living…“

you glance at the board, and it's like beomgyu's winning by a landslide. feeling a bit charitable, you decide to help a guy out. "alright, fine. got a pen?" you concede, a smile playing on your lips.

jay digs out a pen from his apron and hands it over. "i've got paper, too…"

"but drawing on your skin is more fun," you counter with a laugh. "you get one extra point for romanticism.”

jay beams, looking over at beomgyu, who's still hustling. "hey, choi beomgyu! i'm catching up!"

"oh, shut up! in case you haven't noticed, i'm working to make the actual tips that we're gonna live on, so just–“ beomgyu shoots back, voice strained, but then he spots you and drops everything. he rushes over and watches you write your number on jay's forearm in a deep state of panic, like he has to put out a fire but doesn't know how.

"what did this idiot promise you?" beomgyu blurts out, sounding all jittery. "don't listen to him, it's a scam. don't go out with him."

"i wasn't planning on going out with him. it's just charity work," you reassure beomgyu, a hint of amusement in your tone. "you're a ruthless player," you tell him, singling towards the blackboard with your head.

"dude, you're trying to sabotage me. that's cheating." jay complains, but beomgyu isn't listening, his focus entirely on you.

"hey, i've got a little break just now, if you wanna... hang out, while you have your coffee..." he mumbles, scratching his neck.

"sure! i haven’t ordered yet though..." you reply.

"beomgyu's break doesn’t start until like, an hour from now," jay chimes in, seemingly oblivious to beomgyu´s intentions.

beomgyu shoots him a glare that can peel paint. "just take her order," he mutters through gritted teeth.

"dude, are you gonna leave me alone with the place packed?" jay protests, looking aggrieved at the thought.

"it's just fifteen minutes. you came in an hour late today. take her fucking order," beomgyu insists.

"whatever," jay mutters, turning to you. "what can i get you, my situationship?”

“she’s not your situationship…” beomgyu mumbles, almost inaudibly, as he rolls his eyes.

"iced espresso," you reply, fishing your wallet out of your bag.

"no, don’t. it’s on the house," beomgyu interjects, stopping you from taking your money out.

"what? no, it's fine, really. besides, jay needs the money, he’s a man in need," you argue, trying to make light of the situation.

"i mean it. let me pay for you, please. take it as a welcoming gift," beomgyu insists, his cheeks flushing slightly. and he seems so happy to pay for you that you relent, tucking your wallet away.

he leads you outside, towards the outdoor bar counter. "it'll be more comfortable than here, with all the bustle," he says. and so you both take a seat outside, facing the sea.

almost accidentally, your eyes fixate on beomgyu, as you take time to fully notice that adorable mess the company calls a uniform. a white polo shirt with those cute little baby blue stripes under an apron, also in baby blue. white shorts paired with high socks sporting the joint logo, and to top it off, the hello kitty band-aid decorating his left knee.

he has muscular legs that might have been considered manly had they not been clad in toddler attire. and oh, the literal crown of the ensemble, that tiny ivy cap perched on his head, proudly flaunting that ridiculous logo. you take a sip on your coffee to disguise your giggles, but you almost choke on it when the comedically implications of the outfit get to you.

"what is it?" he asks like a lost puppy.

"you look like a backyardigan,” you mumble.

at lightning bold speed, beomgyu scrambles to rid himself of the silly hat, tousling his long hair with his fingers right after. he's so pretty, you regret laughing at him.

but your giggles must have been somewhat contagious, as he can't help but grin, too. "i look like capitalism incarnated,” he groans, shaking his head, "you know, when i told you you should come by, it didn't dawn on me that you’d be seeing me dressed like this. i’m basically doraemon. i promise i’m usually cool.” 

"it's definitely an improvement without the newsie hat," you assure him before staring for perhaps a second too long. you remember beomgyu from middle school, this wimpy kid with a bowl cut. but now... with his sharp jawline, and his pretty eyelashes... "y-you look good with long hair." you tell him. its all you manage to get out.

"thanks," he mumbles, cheeks turning a shade of pink the coffee shop joint would've loved on a uniform. "you..." he starts, like maybe he wants to say something else, to return the compliment, somehow. but he chooses to stay silent. shit. you made it weird just now, did you?

you quickly change the subject, eager to steer away from the embarrassment. "s-so, long shift today?"

"until lunch," he shrugs. "what about you?"

"same. but i doubt its gonna be as packed as this place. nothing i can't handle." you say.

"are you... walking home afterwards?" he asks, fidgeting with his fingers. for no particular reason.

"oh, hyuka's probably gonna swing by to pick me up." you say.

"you're hanging out with him today?" beomgyu asks. again, for no particular reason.

"yeah," you reply. "but I'm not really sure what the plan is. probably just hanging at home. you know, when we were kids, he was totally anti-beach. that's why he looks like snow white."

"he's still not a fan," beomgyu confirms with a grin. "he's never leaves his room if he can avoided it. he dwells there like a little sun-allergic troll, playing animal crossing and overwatch... he's a dork..."

"sure," you scoff, "and you're his best friend but you're literally so cool, unlike him..."

"whatever are you trying to imply?" he takes a hand to his chest, feigning offence. but in his lips dances a smile so playful it just drags you along with it.

"i'm trying to imply that you're a stinky dorky gamer," you point out.

"i'm not a 'stinky dorky gamer,'" beomgyu says in mock tone. "i'm nowhere near as obsessed as kai,"

"aw, big guy beomgyu who's literally dressed like pororo doesn't have a gaming obsession," you pout. "is this you confirming that hyuka is better than you at overwatch?"

he gasps dramatically. "you've gone too far. i'm an acclaimed player. mythological, even. kai is just a chatty loser."

"i don't buy it," you reply skeptically. "i´ve seen hyuka play. it´s life or death to him..."

"well, actions speak louder than words," he grins.

"alright, so drop by this afternoon and prove it,"

"maybe i will," he scorns, but his expression turns hesitant. "are you sure kai won't mind? i mean, you just got here and... i don't want to intrude or anything. he might find it awkward."

"why would he? you're best friends, aren't you? he says you're like a brother to him" you say. "and therefore i regret to inform you that you're family to me, too."

"yep," he replies, delivering the driest, most strained yep in the history of yeps. "family."

"and also, my grandma will be happy to see you." you tell him. "she likes you quite a bit," you tell him with a chuckle.

"oh, does she?" he replies, eyebrow perking up.

"yeah, she thinks you're so handsome, she couldn't stop gushing about you during breakfast."

"oh, woah..." his smile spreads, but beneath it, a flicker of fluster danced in his eyes. "well, you got me. most of the numbers i got for the bet belong to women over sixty."

"really?"

"no," he chuckles with a dismissive shake of his head. "but it's not like i'm calling all those numbers, either, please don't think of me like that. i'm just—"

"a boy who's both pretty and funny. its the natural order of things," you interject. family. echo your own voice in your mind.

"i..." beomgyu stares at his fingers with a soft smile. "i was gonna say i'm just trying to win the bet, you know, because of the money. but thanks." you can imagine him getting all flustered like that at compliments from other girls as well, every one who gave him her number, but you wish this were an accomplishment of just you. it was wishful thinking, you knew, but still... "its no use, anyway."

"what, looks and personality?" you ask, a smirk playing at your lips, "what do you mean its no use, its pretty much the package."

"you should know. you were never the kind of girl who liked... pretty boys," he says. that's why i always hoped i would have a chance with you when i was little and an absolute loser.

"its not that i didn't like them. i just didn't think i had the right to like them," you reply, your tone tinged with resignation as you stare into your coffee. "i thought it would be so ridiculous of me to fall for someone, you know, out of my league. like subconsciously, i just erased myself from the game."

"there are no leagues, come on... anyone with a milligram of a genuine personality knows there are no leagues," he counters, his voice gentle yet firm.

"but there are," you insist, gaze still fixed on the dark liquid in your cup. "and kids are just mean."

"you mean... about the video?" his cautious inquiry hungs in the air.

"i don't really wanna talk about it..." you trail off, "i'm sorry for making this, you know, gloomy," you say as you fail to lighten the mood with a nervous laugh. he shakes his head profusely to then stare at you, waiting for you to keep talking. "my point is that there are leagues, based on whatever superficial reason, but they exist. and i only ever tried to play on a higher league once in my life. and it went horribly. i'm sure you remember it, it spread around the school like wildfire, that cool boy from middle school, choi—" 

but you're interrupted.

"dude, please hit me up with some coffee asap. i barely slept and the kids are driving me crazy..." his voice cut through the air, sunglasses hiding whatever exhaustion lurked beneath.

"yeonjun, i... i'm kinda on my break right now," beomgyu replies, his discomfort palpable.

you can't keep your eyes away from him. he hasn't changed a bit. well, except for those broader shoulders and that more chiseled jawline. but it’s not like that's a downgrade. choi yeonjun; your childhood crush and remarkable heartthrob. if the entire world population had participated on the number collecting bet, choi yeonjun would've won.

but beomgyu is not nearly as thrilled about his appearance as you are. "jay is working inside, he'll take your order." he tells yeonjun. you just stay quiet, staring at choi yeonjun like he's a god descended from the heavens, not daring to say a word in his presence.

"please, beomgyu, you make the best coffee," yeonjun pleads, his lips forming a pout. "jay's ass is gonna serve me stained water... i really need the good stuff."

"if you hadn't gone out knowing you had work the next day—"

"what are you talking about? you were gonna go out too, but you chickened out last minute," yeonjun retorts, his tone defiant. 

"i had something to do, alright?" beomgyu defends himself.

"at 2 am on a thursday? something or someone?"

"like it's your business if i was with a girl..." beomgyu mutters, almost to himself.

"it's not, but you bailed on us without saying anything,"

"dude, you do that all the time!"

"but you don't!" yeonjun counters. "so either you slept with someone really embarrassing to admit, or you're the batman."

"i was at huening's, alright?" beomgyu finally gives in.

"huening was knocked out, he didn’t answer a single one of my texts," yeonjun dismisses with a wave of his hand. "nor soobin´s nor anyone's."

"i... was hanging out with her," beomgyu admits, finally dragging the attention towards you.

"oh." yeonjun says. "well, if it isn't a her. i don't think i know you." he smiles.

"you do," beomgyu interjects, his tone carrying a hint of aggression. and he's about to tell him where yeonjun knows you from. to tell him you're that girl he probably remembers with pity. that stupid little girl who confessed to him with naive hope.

it was probably the most embarrassing moment of your life, the evening you asked choi yeonjun out. what were you even thinking at the time? that he'd suddenly want to date you? that he'd fall head over heels for you? you remember his face, the discomfort evident as he gently turned you down—the only time you ever saw him act awkwardly around a girl. of course, everyone found out, and of course, you were the butt of the joke for the following months. so you send a pleading look to beomgyu, asking him to just keep it quiet. and beomgyu, though not too happy to oblige, lets it go.

but yeonjun´s mind is working on something else. he's wearing shades, so you can't possibly know he's checking you out... but, oh dear, is he. "so you... got together last night, or something?" yeonjun asks cautiously.

"no." you rush to say, too fast for beomgyu´s heart not to shatter a little. "just friends."

"right..." he trails off. "beomgyu, pretty please, go make me the coffee," yeonjun requests, his covered eyes are fixated on you.

beomgyu glances at you, then at yeonjun, then back at you, before finally rolling his eyes and heading off to make the damn coffee.

and as he disappears into the shop, yeonjun takes the place that was beomgyu´s leaning a little closer to you. "so apparently i do know you, but from where?" he inquires, his tone laced with amusement, his lips curling into an easy smile. "i'm really sorry... i very rarely forget a face, but i'm running on almost no sleep."

caught off guard, you shift uncomfortably, feeling a flush creeping up your cheeks. you have to tell him. just rip the bandaid off now, before it gets dirtier and stickier. now that beomgyu´s not here, so there are no witnesses in case you make a total fool of yourself.

but you don't get time to introduce yourself, he's not stupid. recognition flickers in his eyes, and hidden behind those shades you just don't need to see his expression because you know it. its forever stuck in your mind. congratulations, you're the only human being on earth who has made choi yeonjun not once but twice in your lifespan.

"oh," he says, a hint of surprise coloring his voice. "so you're… wait, alright, wait." he pinches at his brows. "gimme a moment, wait..."

"s-sorry, what?" you ask, utterly confused.

"i need to come up with a new strategy, i..." he begins to say, his mock worried expression turning into a smirk, "how can i ask you out without sounding like a total jerk... wait, ill come up with something good, i promise."

and if he's being a jerk under some possible light, you're too flustered to notice. "just... let me know if you come up with something good."

"i can just go with the classics, you know... are you free at eight?" he asks, and you're a smiling mess.

but then you realise. time exists, and it goes by, and you're late to your first day at work, shit. "shit," you voice out. "i'm late, i gotta rush to work!" you say.

"come on, cinderella, it was a yes or no question..." he says, but your mind is somewhere else. you check you have everything with you, phone, purse, wallet, and start preparing to leave.

"i really have to go, but ill see you around, alright?" you rush. and if he adds something or complains further, you don't hear it. "oh, wait. tell beomgyu i had to go," you ask before leaving. little do you know how naive of a request it is. he's not gonna tell beomgyu shit, of course he isn't.

but as you run towards the book shop –and don't worry, it's literally two stores away, you're good,– a smile tugs at your lips. choi yeonjun, choi yeonjun asked you out. or at least he tried to. choi yeonjun.

is going out with yeonjun a good idea? we´re not sure. you're gonna have to give it a thought throughout the morning at work.

NEXT PART (coming soon)