#siyeon scenarios

[flooffybits]

Dreamcatcher 8th Member Headcannons

the first person you get to meet is Dongie

as trainees, you were quick to get along and you were able to understand each other better when you both find out that neither of you are from Korea

automatic best friend is with you during debut

so she's extremely upset when you're unable to participate for your debut

she hides it well though

Minji had given you a mini heart attack when you first meet her

you're awestruck the first time you meet that she ends up giggling when you stumble over your words, both in embarrassment and insecurity

she's quick to assure you that you didn't have to be afraid around any of them

started the "someone hold y/n's hand when we go out" rule

you're one of her children now so she finds it necessary

you're a baby in her eyes

which brings us to mother #2

despite her energy, Bora is more careful when it comes to you

she's quick to notice your discomfort with her the first day that you meet

you're hiding next to Minji and Dongie so it didn't take rocket science for her to know

she's upset about it at first because she wants you to LOVE her

so she starts toning it down whenever you're around

she sort of blames herself when you're absent for Dreamcatcher's debut because she feels like she contributed in your temporary leave

but when you come back, she subtly stays as close as she possibly can

Siyeon dislikes the tension that you both have so she brings Yoohyeon and Dongie along to try and intervene

but the moment they decide to act, they see the two of you in the waiting room after your performance with Bora tending to your leg

you'd gotten a cramp after the performance and she was quick to help you to the room

which escalated to the two of you talking

and now Bora has you laying on her chest and lulling you to sleep

when she says you're her baby YOU'RE HER BABY

Yoohyeon and Dongie tease her whenever they remember, reminding her of how awkward she was

she doesn't mind though because she loves you a bunch

and then you have Siyeon who is just an overall soft person

she likes to pinch your cheeks when she can

if she passes by, she makes sure to poke you instead

when she sits next to you, she always positions herself so that she's facing you

just so she can squish your cheeks in her hands before pressing a kiss to your nose

then she'll wrap you up in whatever jacket or sweater she brought along

or she'll ask if someone has a blanket when she doesn't have one

which somehow ends with you and Yubin cuddling under one blanket

because you and your roommate both feel comfortable like that

so Siyeon ends up with two sleeping babies

and she'll either watch over you or squeeze herself in between so that she can cuddle you both

Dongie makes sure to take pictures

you know how she likes to make fun of Yoohyeon by randomly taking pictures of her?

a good portion of her phone’s storage is because of you

she likes taking pictures with you

you're her best friend so duh!

sometimes the pictures are to annoy you

but most times she uses them to help boost your confidence

“you look so pretty here, what are you saying?", “i will shove my phone up your face until you realize how good you really look"

she gets more talkative when she sees mean comments about you during lives

she'll be quick to shoot them down with a dirty look on her face

Yoohyeon/Yubin/Minji has to calm her down

she's not the ice princess for nothing

she'll protect you the way she knows you'll always do the same for her

and while Yoohyeon and Yubin do stop her from possibly starting a fight, Yubin makes sure to physically protect you

from Yoohyeon

because Yoohyeon tends to get you in trouble

and her clumsy nature has brought you various bruises

it's not her intention

but god her clumsiness was a talent at this point

Yubin can only shake her head whenever she sees the two of you together

it's like she's been given the responsibility of looking after the two of you despite being younger

Yoohyeon whines about it

because she swears you're just as clumsy as she is

she's worse to be honest and the only reason you clumsily trip or fall is because of her

Minji and Bora both have to scold the two of you

because for some reason you both managed to break the chair you had in your room

they just heard a loud crash

and the moment they open the door, the chair’s in pieces with the two of you sprawled on the floor

“She did it!"

"It wasn't me!”

Yubin only shakes her head every time

Gahyeon just watches from the side

but she's honestly concerned with how people older than her are more chaotic than she is

but even with the chaos, Yoohyeon likes sleeping next to you

she crawls in your bed when Bora’s already asleep

and even when she doesn't need to, she only uses the excuse of not waking the dancer up just to sleep next to you

sometimes she has to fight with Gahyeon

the maknae doesn't back down so easily either

Gahyeon enjoys being babied by you

she relishes in the way you look after her

but she was very awkward the first few months because… 

what if she said something wrong?

what if you didn't understand what she was telling you?

she didn't want to embarrass herself in front of you

which was why you found her adorable

she uses her position as maknae to her advantage sometimes

Yoohyeon is teasing her?

“Y/n unniiie!"

She manages to escape Bora’s scolding a lot

just clinging to you manages to shift the dancer’s attention

because you only give Bora a look and a smile and Gahyeon is off the hook

overall the girls love you terribly

and they'd all do everything for you

[dark-night-insomniac]

|Dreamcatcher reaction ~ them being clingy to you

| No warnings! Just fluff

| I hope you all enjoy this lovelies! Remember to take care and rest <3

| After a long day at work, all your girlfriend wanted was to be next to you

_____________________________

Minji yawned as she stepped through the front door. After taking off her shoes and her jacket, she looked around for you downstairs.

She saw some food on the counter but still no sign of you so she decided on calling for you.

She frowned when she didn't hear any reply. She looked at her phone confused. No text from you and it was 6 pm, you should have been home by now. She pressed your name on her contact list and called.

You immediately picked up

‘’Hi baby!’’

‘’Where are you?’’ You could hear the slight pout in her voice

‘’Why, is everything okay?’’

‘’Yes I was just thinking you’d be home by now’’ she said defeated.

‘’Oh babe I’m just upstairs, I was listening to music and studying, I'm sorry I didn’t hear you!’’

Jiu hung up and raced upstairs, slowly down before opening the door.

‘’Hey, baby!’’ You exclaimed before glancing back down at your notebook

‘’How was your day?’’ You added

‘’Hmm I missed you’’ she said while walking closer to the bed before sitting down.

‘’I missed you too honey, I’ll just finish these quickly’’

She looked over your shoulder, seeing you busy writing a few notes.

After a minute you noticed her closing in on you. Letting her chest press against your back and her head lay on your shoulders.

‘’Im sorry I'm almost done’’ she simply hummed before leaving a soft peck on your neck. She just couldn't help it. She had been thinking about you all day, and now that your soft kissable skin was right in front of her, she had to give it attention.

You giggled at her action, noticing her getting a bit impatient for your attention. You closed your notebook and looked down at her, noticing her slight pout.

‘’You want a hug that bad?’’ You teased her, making her whine

‘’Come here’’ you completely turned to face her, opening your arms wide for her. She immediately let her body rest on yours, head snuggling closer to your heart.

You rocked her from side to side, leaving sweet kisses on her temples. ‘’How was your day baby?’’

‘’Can we just cuddle for now’’ she mumbled against your skin, making you giggle again

‘’Of course baby’’ you replied with another kiss, this time on her lips.

You let yourself completely fall against the pillows, bringing Minji in with you. She let her arms lay on your stomach and her head on your chest.

You placed a blanket over the both of you before reaching for the tv remote.

But before you could reach it, you felt her nudge her head against you repeatedly, even adding a small whine to her plea. ‘’Please play with my hair’’

You could do nothing but obey your wonderful girlfriend, quickly lulling her to sleep after her long day

As soon as Sua finished dance practice, she hurried home. The both of you had been too busy this week to spend more time together than the time you slept. She stepped through the front door and immediately called for you.

It was finally Friday and the both of you had ended early, it was a perfect night to spend time together after a long week.

You heard her and made your way to the entry. You smiled as soon as you saw her. As for Sua, she ran towards you without any warning and engulfed you in a hug. After saving yourself from falling, you spun her around laughing. She clung onto you and let her head rest on your shoulder.

Once you settled her down, she placed one behind your neck to bring you closer before kissing you. She cupped your face and deepened the kiss even more, leaving you smiling.

‘’Missed me?’’ You teased when she pulled back

‘’Yah!’’ She lightly slapped your shoulder ‘’I haven't seen you all week’’ and all in one sentence she had turned from offended to pouting.

‘’I know I'm sorry baby’’

When she clung onto you again that's when you realized her clothes were a bit wet.

‘’Do you come from dance practice’’ you asked still holding onto her

She nodded in your embrace. You didn’t mind the situation, warm, cold, damp, your girlfriend was still your girlfriend and you loved to be in her arms… but you sure wouldn’t pass the occasion to tease her.

You gently pushed her off of you ‘’Ah you’re all sweaty Sua’’ trying your best to look disgusted although a smile was clearly peeking through. Your girlfriend picked up on your teasing and immediately retaliated.

‘’Oh, you don't like this?’’ She grinned before she grabbed you and pushed herself onto you in a hug.

You faked being in distress and tried getting away but she caught you in her arms again. ‘’You’re not going anywhere y/n’’ she giggled

‘’Help!’’ You shouted before giggling along with her

She pushed you to the nearest sofa and made the both of you fall onto it before nuzzling closer to you.

You faked an escape once again, slightly moving your leg closer to the floor. Sua didn’t stop you this time, simply warning you,

‘’Keep up this act and you’ll regret it y/n’’ she said before slightly tickling you, making you squirm under her.

‘’I was joking jagi, I love you so much’’ you kissed her lips again.

‘’I love you too, trouble maker’’

Siyeon texted you as soon as her day was over. She had been eager to see you all day. With the comeback approaching she had been busy for most of the week and she was looking forward to simply relaxing with you.

She drove to your apartment before letting herself in with the key you had given to her.

She spotted you looking out onto the balcony. After taking her shoes off she silently made her way to you before hugging you from behind.

You slightly jumped. ‘’Ah! Siyeon, you scared me’’

‘’I'm sorry baby’’ she pouted before resting her chin on your shoulder

‘’It's okay honey’’ you giggled before turning back to look at her. You placed a few strands of hair behind her ear before placing your arms around her waist.

She simply stared at you, a smile drawn on her lips. She would often zone out while staring at you, but it always had the same heartwarming effect on you, one that reminded you of just how much you loved her.

‘’The earth calling Siyeon’’ you joked with a teasing grin

‘’Ah! Sorry’’ she giggled ‘’I just missed you so much’’

‘’So did I but we should go inside before my baby gets cold’’ you explained with a grin, to which she responded with a nod and her signature pout.

You took her hand and guided her to your bedroom before laying down on your bed. She wasted no time in joining you, letting her head rest against your clothed armpit.

‘’How was your day baby?’’ You asked while she put both her arm and leg above your body.

‘’It’s better now’’ she mumbled happily

‘’Same here but is that all about your day?’’ You questioned with a grin

She nodded against your arm, making you giggle. She grabbed your hand and interlaced her fingers with yours before playing with the skin on the back of your hand.

You loved when she was clingy, you’d never get enough of her warm embrace.

After an exhausting day at work, Handong was excited to go back home to you.

She had been recording her special clip for her fans all day and was now ready to rest for the evening.

She came straight back home to you. Not stopping back at the studio to review the footage or change.

The crew found it unusual for her to not want to do so but she just really wanted to be with you at the moment.She knocked at your door, thinking about hiding away to prank you, but ultimately not doing so, anticipation to see you being too strong.

When you opened the door, you were stunned. You didn't expect Handong to be back so early, but definitely not dressed so majestically after her long day at work.

She slightly smirked at your awe.

‘’So can I come in?’’ She teased

‘’Oh! Yes of course babe’’ you let her in and before you could put another word in she lifted you off your feet, in a secure embrace while she spun you around.

‘’Ah y/n I missed you’’ she admitted, letting her head rest within the crooks of your neck, where she could smell the recomforting scent of your perfume.

You wanted to tease her, but it was rare for you to see Handong so clingy so you opted to tell her just how much you missed her too.

She was like an exhausted child hanging on to a parent. You giggled when you looked down to see her face squished against you. You rubbed her head and squeezed her tight.

‘’Wanna go get changed, my love?’’ You suggested while still holding on to her. She simply nodded.

You led her to the bathroom where she asked you to take off her makeup for her with a pout.

‘’Okay princess’’ you giggled

She sat on the counter, her legs pulling you closer to her body. You gently wiped away the makeup from her face. Reminding her with each wipe just how truly beautiful she was, makeup or not.

Once done, you were to turn around to get her clean clothes but she pulled you back by your collar, enticing you with a sweet kiss you wouldn't be pulling out of just yet.

Yoohyeon called you as soon as she was done in the studio. She told you to join her at the dorm because she wanted to spend the rest of her day with you.

You obviously couldn't say no to your girlfriend. You teased her on the phone, saying you’d consider it, only resulting in her whining even more. Truth be told, you had been done with work for a while now and you were only waiting on her call.

You dressed in your coziest clothes before walking a few blocks out to join Yoohyeon at the dorm. You weren't sure if the girls had arrived yet, so you looked at your phone to see if she texted you again.

Before you could even get to the messaging app, the door was slammed open and the next thing you knew, a 5’6 foot puppy was hanging on to you.

‘’Im so happy to see you’’ she mumbled against your skin

You giggled, finding her adorable as always.

‘’I miss you to jagi’’ you kissed her forehead.

She pulled on your arm and guided you to her room quickly.

‘’I prepared a bunch of blankets on my bed for us!’’ She said excitingly

‘’And what would those blankets be for?’’ You faked being unaware of want she wanted

‘’Well...I thought we could spend the night cuddling with a movie’’ she looked down at your intertwined hands

You softly giggled before lifting up her chin for her eyes to meet yours ‘’I know my love, I would love that, anything to stay close to my beautiful partner’’ You smiled at her, making her own lips curve into a beautiful smile.

She quickly pecked your lips before pulling you onto the bed. She acted as if you were a plushie for her to cuddle. She guided you to sit against the pillow, then cuddled your side before pulling both your arm and leg over her.

You looked down at her with an amused face while she nuzzled her face within your shirt.

After a few seconds of admiring how incredibly adorable she was, she looked up at you.

You lifted one brow, a smirk plastering your face at how clingy Yoohyeon was to you. When she saw your teasing expression, she whined, gently hitting your chest

‘’cuddle me back, don't just stare’’ she mumbled

‘’Oh yes, of course, I'm sorry love’’ you smiled before bringing her even closer.

You had stayed over the night at the girl’s dorm. You and Dami were planning to watch one of your favorite series together this weekend.

Unfortunately, she was called in along with jiu and yoohyeon to record a few more lines in the studio. So she had left early this morning and it was now a little after 2 pm.

You slept most of the day off, waiting for your girlfriend to come back.

But since you had woken up at 1 and couldn't fall back asleep, you decided on writing in your journal for a bit. You were entranced by whatever you were writing that you hadn’t noticed that Dami had entered the dorm, only finding out when she entered her room.

‘’Hi my love’’ she grinned, placing her bag down before making her way towards you.

She plopped down on the bed onto her stomach before turning her head towards you.

You smiled at how adorable she was. ‘’How was it at work baby?’’

‘’It was fine, but I wanted to come back here with you’’ you could see a glimpse of a pout on her lips while her cheek was gently squished against the mattress.

‘’Well we're here together now’’ you smiled

‘’Hmmm’’ She nodded

She pulled herself up before moving behind you. You had been sitting close to the bed rest but not exactly against it, leaving a place for Dami to cuddle up against you like she usually would.

She pulled you closer to her, letting her arms and legs wrap around you.

‘’Ah there's my little panda’’ You giggled, you always loved when she would let herself be clingy this way, clinging like a panda to a tree.

‘’Can we watch our series?’’ She asked, placing her chin on your shoulder

‘’Yes of course babe’’ you replied

As you grabbed the remote, Dami let her hand snake up to your jaw, turning you towards her so she could kiss your lips

‘’I missed you’’

‘’I can tell’’ you teased, making you both giggle

The both of you stayed this way for a while, Dami did not let go of you for the rest of the day.

She seemed to sometimes try to not make it obvious though, following a bit late after you. And you’d always end up with her arms around you if you took too much time outside her room.

Gahyeon was so stressed for today. The music video recording would finally end after 3 consecutive days but her final scene, where a stunt was planned, would be recorded today.

Luckily, everything went well and the filming ended quite early, against all expectations.

Finally feeling the stress leaving her body, she let herself flop on the backstage lounge’s sofa. She breathed out and drank some water. She looked over at her phone and saw your name, remembering her that you were on your way to pick her up.

With all the stress she had been through, she almost forgot the sole reason why she had been motivated to get up this morning~ the fact that she’d spend the night at your place tonight.

Although she was exhausted after filming, she felt excitement brew inside of her. She grabbed her phone but before she could reply to you, she heard a knock.

She looked over to the already open door to see you standing there with a proud smile.

‘’Y/n!’’ She whined ‘’come here’’ she pouted, making you giggle

You made your way to the love chair, sitting down next to her before intertwining your hand with hers.

‘’How did it go baby?’’ You looked down at her, eyes full of love

‘’It went well’’ she replied, still with a pout

‘’Im glad, I'm so proud of you’’ you hugged her tired figure.

She stayed in your arms and felt herself relax even more.

‘’You want to go home now?’’ You asked, gently cupping her face, she nodded before following you. You grabbed her things while she changed and the both of you left in your car.

She wouldn’t let go of your hand during the ride, admiring you from the side while trying not to fall asleep.

Once you arrived at your apartment. You noticed that she was sleeping. You decided on bringing her bags inside before waking her up to go in. But when you did, she whined, asking for you to carry her. You laughed before picking up and bringing her inside.

You laid her on your bed before making your way out of the room to get some water. But Gahyeon whined at you once again, obligating you to lay down next to her and offer her all the cuddles she yearned for.

[eunjidrabbles]

Hello how are you ?

I wanted to know if I could request a Siyeon X 8th member reader short story ? Siyeon is having a bad day, it's raining heavily and she's alone at home, bored as ever, so she decides to start a VLive.

The reader get the notification and see on the live that Siyeon is having a bad day, so she decides to make her a surprise by cancelling her plans. She get Siyeon her favorite warm drink on the way but since it's raining, when she arrives at home she's drenched. The reader doesn't care and just want to cheer up Siyeon while the wolf become a bit worried and start to take care of her younger member.

I hope it's not too precised, I didn't really know what amount of infos I should give you.

Anyway have a good day !

Rainy Seasons

(This is actually the perfect amount of info if you have something specific you want in mind and still gives me enough freedom to craft a world around it so no worries!

Edit: Ignore the fact that I'm a dumbass and I hope y'all enjoy the fic 💜)

Warning(s): None

Word Count: About 1.1K words

-

"... and be prepared for more downpours for the next few days."

Frowning at the downpour outside the windows of the library, you sighed knowing that you should probably start making your way back home before another mini flood happens and you get trapped in another part of town. With the cooling air conditioning blasting and the cold weather adding to the atmosphere, you had planned to go directly home and take a nice, long nap before working on the paperwork assigned to you by the company to get more ideas for content creation but as your phone buzzed, you slid it out to see a notification for a Vlive.

Searching through your memory, you don't seem to remember that anyone was scheduled to be going live today, especially since it was a couple days off to rest after filming some filler content. To be safe, you pulled out your calendar on your phone to double-check your suspicions and were relieved to find that you were right. Clicking on the notification, you were met with darkness at first before the familiar face of your older member came into view in dim lighting and you smiled slightly when you heard soft beats of music in the background reminding you of the playlist you were listening to as you were reading in the library.

"... What am I doing?"

You could see her squint her eyes in the darkness as she read an English comment and the way the cogs in her head turned as she translated her reply in English before she let out a satisfied smile. Not thinking too much into it, you kept Siyeon's stream on as you packed the rest of your belongings into your bag. It was until you paid closer attention to her actions that you realized something was up. She seemed more sluggish than usual and... quickly turning your phone brightness to the brightest it could go, you could see her nestled comfortably in a familiar hoodie. Or more specifically, the oversized hoodie you kept in the dorm, nicknamed by everyone else as the "bad feels" hoodie.

You wore the hoodie whenever you needed comforting and whenever any members see you in the hoodie, they know to leave you to your own space and that you would approach them for comfort and cuddles when you wanted. It was almost a rule that affection would not be denied if you come looking for it.

Seeing the hoodie on your elder member was weird but the hoodie held a universal meaning no matter who wore it; and to be presented with a choice between paperwork and your biased favorite member of the group? It wasn't even a choice at all. Taking one last look at the Vlive, you shut it off as you pulled out the map on your phone and searched up the nearest location to Siyeon's favorite cafe.

With a deep breath, you walked out the doors of the library, braving the rain.

The Vlive lasted for over an hour before Siyeon heard the sound of banging on the front door, scaring her slightly. Everyone was supposed to be out on their own schedules today except her, and everyone knew the passcode to the door. Hearing another bang, she quickly ended the live and approached the door cautiously.

Another loud knock made her slowly approach the door, wishing and wondering why the door to the dorm lacked a peephole to see who was behind it. Unlatching the lock, Siyeon slowly opened a crack and peeped through it to see a very familiar wet figure.

Swinging open the door as fast as she could, she stared in shock at your shivering frame, and when you noticed that the door was opened, you looked up at Siyeon with a smile, teeth clattering against one another.

"Unnie..."

Eyes suddenly widening as if you remembered something, you lifted your other hand to Siyeon while she continued staring in confusion and concern.

"T-this is f-for you. Your favourite, white m-mocha choco."

Quickly ushering you inside, you stood still where she left you, hand still outreached with the drink in hand as she ran into the closest bathroom and returned with towels. Throwing one on your head, you let the ends flop down as she wrapped the other around your shoulders. Only then did she give you a look over again, taking the drink from your hand, setting it on the nearest flat surface, and drying you off the best she could while you remained still and stared at her innocently.

"I-I mean I don't think it's h-hot anymore but still-"

"You're such a fool."

Seeing the way her eyes softened as she said that, you knew that she wasn't truly mad at you. You shudder thinking of the fact how other members were to react if they were in Siyeon's shoes but it was mistaken by her as you shivering from the cold. Pulling you close to her, she guided your head to lay on her chest as she rested her cheeks on top of yours, hand gently stroking down your back and patting your head with the other.

"Why did you..."

She trailed off with a sigh as she shook her head.

"You didn't have to, you know. Unnie should be the one taking care of you and now you're going to fall sick trying to take care of unnie."

"But I want to. I want to become someone that you can turn to and get comfort from."

You argued back but made no sign to leave her embrace or even lift your head up to look at her while she soothingly rocked the both of you.

"And you already are. I don't need you to do anything or give me anything. All I ask is for you to be safe and happy and that brings me comfort."

Slowly taking careful steps backwards, Siyeon guided your movements and you only opened your eyes to peek out behind the towel when you came to a stop. Only spotting a door in your line of sight, you were slightly surprised as the door was opened by Siyeon and she gave you a gentle shove in with a hand on your waist revealing the bathroom in her room. Turning around, your heart melted as her soft laughter echoed in the empty room, clearly entertained by your small stumble due to suddenly having your support to stand, moving away. Once she got herself together, you couldn't help but smile back at her loving gaze.

"Wash up. I'll leave a set of my hoodie and pants for you. Then after, we'll cuddle and watch a movie together, alright?"

Nodding, she closed the door behind you, leaving you to your privacy. Slowing removing the towels off your head and shoulders and holding them close to your body, you couldn't help but break out into a smile foolishly, knowing that you've made her day, and that the promise of warm comforters, a nice movie and your favourite person was waiting outside that door. Right after you wash up and dry up of course.

[minjiarchive]

dc react! how sex is like with them | dreamcatcher x fem!reader

this is random lol 😳

warning / smut

-

jiu:

BIG switch (dom and sub)

have you seen this womans fingers...

you're really up for a long night

she's very soft at first but once you both start getting into it, she's gonna get rough

jiu is a fast learner and knows what can really pull a reaction from you

she also starts slow, she doesnt like to rush and wants to take her time

has such a weak spot for leaving love marks/bites on your body... especially when she recieves them 😩

uses good girl, darling, and my love A LOT

“will you be my good girl and come for me?”

sua:

lowkey depends on her mood, but sua is more of a dom

when she's a sub though?!

teasing is her thing but if you tease her...

she's a “c'mon and fuck me already”

i guess you could say she's impatient 👀

hickies? sua is absolutely obsessed with them

she's very open to trying new things and communicates very well

when you trail your kisses down from her neck to her chest... goodluck tonight with her

praises you 24/7, she makes sure her body only belongs to you

siyeon:

exactly like sua, depends on her mood if she wants to dom or not

her biggeet turn on: riding on her face

she loves tangling her hands in your hand, making the moment even more intimate between you

would wear revealing clothes around you just to tease you

spanking is literally a yes for her

siyeon would take you from behind or from the front, as long as she can have you to herself

well ill say shes inlove with your breast

massaging your breasts while making out, expect that.

“you feel so good, fuck-”

handong:

shy switch lolol

but the amount of fun she has going on top

loves marking up on you, she wants others to know that your hers

handong just loves satisfying you and wants all your needs met

focuses more on your release than her own

but still give her all the pleasure in the world

still so soft and sweet during it but an actual god in bed

putting your hands on her waist and pulling her closer drives her crazy i swear

“i need you so bad right now, seeing you like this too...”

yoohyeon:

switch (doesn't really have a preference on being a sub or dom)

she's desperate as fuck for you

definitely would pin you against a wall and take you down right then and there

would take you down anywhere actually

have you seen how her hips move.

into grinding especially when YOU grind on her

hands would automatically reach out to your waist to control them

suck on her fingers, she'll get turned on more than you expect

“you're taking me in so well baby...”

her raspy and whiny voice >>

dami:

dom.

did i mention she was a dom?

the d in dami = dom.

she's super soft during sex but the more you start getting to know her, she can get rough

dami is very reassuring towards you and makes sure that you're comfortable before starting

team dami chivalry 🫡

she KNOWS how to treat a woman im not even joking

HER DEEP VOICE AGAHAGAHDHH

im sorry i have to mention her hands, they are long?!

try lasting two rounds with her i dare you

“are you gonna come soon? i already know you're gonna taste so good.”

gahyeon:

sub (she could try being a dom but she'd rather have you be the dom in the relationship)

whines from left to right

super sensitive to your touch but damn is she clingy

if gahyeon wants it then she does, there's no escaping that

gahyeon is super shy at first but she'll get use to it

she's secretly enjoying it so don't worry

100% loves praising like a lot

“how are you so perfect babe...”

[panda-writes-kpop]

sorry for party rockin' ~ lee siyeon

a/n: two fics in a week :0 this time it's for @neon-city-dreams with 25% less boomer jokes 🤭 you're welcome in advance and happy belated birthday. ‼️‼️🫶

tw: drinking, self-insert reader in a way, paladin shenanigans, king is a professional L taker

summary: your friends are professional clowns that do stupid shit. luckily for you, their schemes land you some alone time with the girl you've been crushing on: Lee Siyeon.

related fics: we're never getting back together (like ever?)

♡ Masterlist ♡

It was supposed to be an intimate gathering rather than a "party". Invites were sent to your roommates, a few of Siyeon's roommates, plus a couple of Paladin plus ones. The party was to be 10 people at a maximum.

Siyeon offered to host since the house she shared with her six roommates was much bigger than the apartment you shared with the other Paladins. Considering how the last party wrecked your apartment so badly that Shin Ryujin, a friend of a friend that was known to be a partier and hell-maker, offered to help clean-up instead of heading to another party to get wasted. She didn't do much more than flirt with the youngest Paladin, but the thought was appreciated.

You arrived first to help set up the party, shortly after SuA's car pulled out of the driveway. SuA and Gahyeon were heading out of town for a mini vacation while JiU was away visiting her partner, who was another friend of yours.

Yoohyeon and Handong offered to help out with decorations before heading out for a few hours to do some shopping, dining, and wine tasting out on the town.

The party was only supposed to be for a few hours, and if they could sneak some leftover drinks and food while people were leaving, then they'd scram for as long as needed.

That left you, Dami, and Siyeon to figure out food and drinks while Handong and Yoohyeon finished decorating.

After Siyeon nearly burned a pot of water, you both were kicked out of the kitchen by Dami, who then called Katie to come over and help.

"I didn't do anything -" You tried to protest as Dami held her phone up to you.

"Are you really going to refuse Katie's cooking and baking?" Dami asks as Siyeon pushes the phone away from you.

"Don't say another word! I'd like to enjoy some of that food before Minji finds it and cleans us out completely." Siyeon jokes as your phone buzzes.

You check the notification on your phone before sighing.

"What is it?" Siyeon leans over your shoulder to see, and her hair dangles right onto an uncovered part of your neck.

Your skin feels like it's on fire every time Siyeon's this close to you, but you're nervous about making a move. Besides, this is how she acts around everyone, right?

"Ryujin just posted your address on Instagram, saying there's going to be a massive party." You hand her your phone before gentle stepping towards Dami. "Tell your partner that we're going to need a lot of extra food."

"We're not dating..." Dami calls out before muttering a soft yet under her breath.

From what you understood, the two of them were romantically involved in one way or another, but you hadn't heard anything about an official date or title. Perhaps the two of them could finally move past longing stares and hushed whispers towards each other.

...You're a hypocrite. You stare at Siyeon like she put the sun and moon in the sky all by her lonesome. You've confessed to most of your friends besides Siyeon about how much you like her.

Tonight might be a good time to finally say something, even if it's as small as a one-on-one date or hangout. You've barely had a chance to do so, since you hang out here or at the Paladin apartment.

But since you have to be a gracious host, alongside Siyeon, to a lot more people than you were expected, you'd didn't have the highest hopes for tonight.

~

It wasn't going as badly as you thought it would have.

You did make a fool of yourself when you offered to pay for alcohol at a nearby convince store and then promptly forgot your wallet at the house (you can hear Katie mocking your poor memory from a mile away, maybe you really are a boomer). Although Siyeon didn't mind paying, you felt like a fool.

You did get to offer her your jacket on your way home, since it was colder than she expected. Siyeon gladly took your coat before handing you the alcohol.

It didn't matter what she wore - she would always be the prettiest girl in the world to you. She didn't take off your coat when you got in the house, and your pride/nerves kept you from asking for it back.

The house wasn't a complete wreck - although there was a sea of bodies to navigate through with plenty of booze.

Safe to say, the two of you received lots of cheers as you made your way to the kitchen.

"You owe me big time," Katie acknowledges your presence before grabbing something from the fridge, "I could've been enjoying the party for once-"

You chuckle softly as you set the brown bags on the counter.

"It was one time-"

"-And I still had to drive your drunk ass home, boomer." She grabs her mixing bowl before pouring something into it.

"What are you making?" Siyeon asks.

"Guacamole. We didn't have much else in the house, so I'm scrapping something together so we can have some food for ourselves." Katie sets the lemon juice aside before handing you the bowl. "Can you mix this for me?"

Her sugary sweet smile would've been enough for you to cave, but Siyeon's expectant eyes cause you to quickly start stirring the guacamole.

You're tempted to steal a bit, but you're afraid of the consequences, especially since Katie glares at you while putting the ingredients away. You innocently re-focus your attention on Siyeon before realizing that you were stirring air instead of the food.

Her laughter rings out in the kitchen as Katie sighs in disappointment.

"Whenever you two are done flirting," Katie closes the cabinet as you take a step away from Siyeon, "grab some shot glasses. Ryujin wants us to play Truth or Drink, and she's hogging the alcohol until she gets her way."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Katie skips out of the kitchen as you nervously cough. That was the first time that anyone had acknowledged the unspeakable between you two.

Siyeon smiles before taking the bowl from you.

"C’mon, we should go before Katie threatens us with a spoon."

As cute as the thought is, Katie could probably do some damage to both of you.

You nod in agreement as Siyeon sets the bowl aside and heads for the living room.

She grabs your arm and pulls you along as you wonder what god has blessed you with Lee Siyeon's presence in your life.

"Hey, c’mon in!" Ryujin waves you into the living room as you grab the plastic shotglasses from the counter. "We're getting ready to begin."

"Please sit down so we all can have something to drink." Sparrow begs as King silently nods in agreement.

"You two have already had plenty of drink - especially King." Katie warns as you hand shot glasses to everyone.

Alright, time for an impromptu sobriety test.

"What's three times fifteen?" You ask before Sparrow excitedly raises her hand.

"It's forty-five-" King answers before Sparrow scoffs.

"No, it's three hundred fifteen, you dumbass-"

"-You're just sticking the two numbers together, boomer-"

"No way! If anything, you're the boomer!"

Their drunken argument is enough to convince you to skip both of them, which signals Siyeon to hand them water bottle instead.

"When you both are sober enough to play, then you'll get shot glasses, alright?" Siyeon makes the final call, and they both nod before sipping on their water.

After you make your rounds, you take a seat between Ryujin and Dami. You glance around the circle to see who's all joined you - next to Ryujin is Mala, followed by Kazuha and King, who is still arguing with Sparrow on the other side of the room. Yunjin sits nearly opposite you, and to her right is Katie, Jinsoul, and Sparrow, who sits next to Dami.

Some other guests are crowded in the living room to observe the antics to come, like a sober Heejin supporting a drunk Yeji by the living room couch. Tzuyu's sitting on the couch, but her eyes are only on Mala - which is typical of the girl whenever Mala's around.

"Let's get started already!" Ryujin yells to calm the muttering group. "Does everyone know how to play?"

"I'm assuming it's just truth or dare but if you don't tell the truth, you take a shot?" You turn to Ryujin, who nods.

"Alright, who wants to ask a question first?" She claps before Katie softly raises her hand.

"I'll go first, if you don't mind." Katie smiles before grabbing her iced tea. "I've got a question - Paladins only. Who is your unconventional celebrity crush?"

"Aww, c'mon, that's no fun-" Ryujin complains before Spareow butts in.

"Let the kid ask a fun question before we all start asking risqué questions."

"I'm not a kid, and to prove it, I'll go first." A soft blush dusts her face. "My unconventional celebrity crush is Dr. Spengler from Ghostbusters."

"Ain't nothing wrong with Dr. Spengler." You add in support of your favorite Paladin, who has become much shyer after her confession.

Jinsoul laughs before a smile spreads across her face.

"A cute nerdy girl who likes other nerds. There's no shame in that at all." Jinsoul looks over at Ryujin, who scoffs.

"I am not a nerd!"

Jinsoul's gaze lands on Dami, who is already scrolling on her phone.

"Don't worry, I'm already looking for a brown jumpsuit and thick framed glasses." Dami mindlessly mummers before Katie starts giggling.

You smile earnestly - seeing the maknae happy brings you a newfound sense of joy - before King answers.

"Alright, I'll go. If we're talking about celebrities, I'd say Nathan Fillion. For characters, I'd say Jake Peralta because he's my safe space."

"Jake Peralta is not unconventional." Mala says as King scoffs.

"Whatever, I'm not sober enough to think of another example. Call it a boomer moment or whatever you want."

"I will, thank you," Mala teases, "but I would say Venom. The entire What We Do In The Shadows cast is hot too. What's not to like about vampires?"

"The movie or the show?" Tzuyu softly asks.

"Does the distinction matter?" They shrug to themselves before taking a sip of their drink.

"Because I'd rather not have to get infected by a parasite to get your attention. Being bitten by a vampire sounds less painful."

Mala does their best to hide their surprise behind their bottle as Sparrow laughs.

"Alright, I'll play this game, given the outcomes," Sparrow glances at Kazuha and Yunjin, "mine's Carol Peletier from the Walking Dead."

"A beautiful, complicated woman? I think that's called good taste." Yunjin compliments Sparrow before finishing with a wink.

"Amen to that." King says before taking a sip of his water bottle.

"Excuse me? That was not meant for you." Sparrow sneers.

"What are you going to do about it?" King teases before Sparrow cleanly pulls her shoe off of her foot.

She tosses it in the air before grabbing it with her hand.

"I'll show you when I shove this shoe so far up your-" She can't finish her sentence before King drunkenly stumbles into another room.

"You'll have to catch me first." You hear King say before he bumps into three different objects, one of which breaks into a million pieces.

You hear Siyeon cringe as the rest of the group hollers and cheers for your friends and their arguments.

Katie looks to be in a state of utter mortification as Mala gathers bets from around the room.

You're stuck between trying to break up your friends or trying to help Siyeon corral the rowdy party guests.

Luckily, they've taken their feud outside as you watch Sparrow chase King around in the backyard.

You see King taunt Sparrow before running face-first into a backyard fence. You can almost see the cartoon birdies fly around his head before he collapses into SuA's bed of flowers.

The guy can't catch a break, huh?

Sparrow chooses to point and laugh before taking out her phone and snapping a few pictures. She's stopped by an arm that pulls her back - one that belongs to Kim Lip, of all people.

Sparrow stumbles back inside as Kim Lip checks on King by shaking his arm. When he doesn't respond, she decides that the next best course of action is to lay on top of him and sob her eyes out.

They're made for each other.

"Well," Siyeon claps twice to get everyone's attention, "I think we should go back to our game, huh?"

"I think we should play a different game," Katie suggests before grabbing an empty bottle, "how about Spin the Bottle?"

Cheers erupt from the room as the crowd in the living room follows Katie into another area. She sends you a wink before leaving the room.

Siyeon stares blankly as you try to collect your thoughts - what the fuck just happened?

"Hey, listen, I'm sorry about the flowers and the glass, I can make those two pay-"

She continues to stare into space until you stand up and place an arm on her shoulder.

"You good?"

"Huh?" Siyeon blinks once, twice, before looking up at you. "No, it's alright. I've got it covered."

You smile before noticing a half-empty bottle of booze that was left behind.

"If you're still up for it, maybe we can play a few more rounds?"

~

With her hand in yours, she leads you up the stairs and into her bedroom. You'd be concerned if anyone saw you, but people are either too distracted by the youngest Paladins or too drunk to care.

You feel warm - maybe it's because you're not too sober or because you're squeezing Siyeon' hand. Siyeon doesn't appear to be fazed by the heat - she's still wearing your jacket.

You'd probably freeze on your way home without it, but maybe you could ask Siyeon to spend the night. Make up some bullshit excuse about being too tired and drunk to go home for the night.

Once Siyeon closes the door behind you, you grab the bottle and toss the cap to the side.

"You alright with drinking from the same bottle?" You take a swig before handing her the booze.

"What, do you have cooties or something?" She drinks before giving you a serious look. "Oh shit, are you serious?"

You chuckle before trying to grab the bottle back, but she pulls it away from your grasp.

"You didn't answer the question from earlier." Siyeon teases as you chuckle.

"Didn't know you were so interested in my unconventional celebrity crushes." You offer her a brief smile. "Jareth the Goblin King from Labryinth. Now, can I have some alcohol?"

"So you like extravagant types?" She offers you the bottle, which you gladly take. "I'll have to take note and wear one of Handong's designer gowns the next time I see you."

You cough to hide how her flirting affects you before taking another drink from the bottle.

"Alright, smooth operator, your turn for questioning. How come you aren't bothered about all of these people being in your house for an 'intimate gathering with friends'?" You use air quotes on the last four words as Siyeon brushes a piece of hair behind her ear.

"SuA and JiU drag me to all sorts of parties, so I'm used to being around a lot of people. Plus your friends tend to be... less destructive than most."

"Shit, I'm sorry about the flowers-"

"-It's fine, I'll cover for them. Perhaps I can convince SuA that gardening isn't her thing." She laughs to herself before taking the bottle. "We're playing this wrong, aren't we? Good thing Katie and Ryujin aren't around."

You watch her take a drink - she's beautiful beyond, how did you get so lucky to be in presence?

"Yeah, they'd make fun of us." You mumble as Siyeon takes another drink.

"Didn't you and Ryujin have a thing for each other?" She sounds disappointed as she asks.

"No, no, Ryujin just flirts with anything that breathes. Once she and Katie met... well, you know how they are." You scramble to answer as Siyeon sighs.

"Good, I was worried that someone had asked you out before I had. " She softly admits before pausing. "I just said that out loud, didn't I? I hope it's not weird or anything, I'm cool with being just friends-"

"-I like you too." You grab the bottle and finish off the last drops of liquid courage before summoning the courage you have left to close the distance and kiss Siyeon.

Her hands grab your shoulders as she melts into the kiss. Your hands respond by grabbing her waist before you pull her close.

Once your lips leave hers, you lean your head against hers.

"Do I still have to wear the fancy dresses to get your attention, or can I just do that?" She mutters softly as you chuckle.

"Either's fine with me, but I would prefer the second one."

You both laugh as the night continues on, and your friends have more antics that you'll have to deal with. Ones that you don't particularly care about since you'll have Siyeon by your side.

Hopefully with less property damage next time.

[goodnight-siyeon]

“Anything for you” | Lee Siyeon x GN! Reader

this is a little spooky because it’s my first post but i hope y’all like it :)

Genre: fluff

Warnings: reader has a rough day but that’s it

Sitting in your car you let out a long breath. You thought today couldn’t get any worse but you also thought that when you left your keys in apartment, or when you spilled coffee all over your desk, or when you cried in the bathroom after getting yelled at by your manager for something you couldn’t even control. All you wanted to do was go home. However when Siyeon called you, you had to pick up. Her sweet voice rang through the speakers of the car, “Are you off yet?” You smiled to yourself, “Yeah, how come?” There was a paused before she responded, “You sound upset, I’m heading over.” Before you could protest she hung up. Putting the car in reverse, you made your way to your place.

You had finished changing when you heard the knock on your door. Knowing who it was, you opened it without a question. “You should be more careful. What if that wasn’t me,” She started to scold but once she saw the look on your face she pulled you into a tight hug. “Rough day,” She asked, her voice softer now. You nodded, face buried in her neck. She pulled you to the couch, inviting you to lay in her arms, which you gladly did. She asked if you wanted to talk about it but when you shook your head she dropped it. She continued to whisper nothings as she played with your hair. No matter what you were feeling before, it didn’t matter anymore. Laying in her arms felt safe, which was something you had been lacking all day. Eventually, once you gained the courage (and once you couldn’t ignore your stomach anymore), you mentioned being hungry. “Come here then,” Siyeon said, getting up and walking to the kitchen.

Siyeon slid the bowl in front of you. “Thank you,” You said, taking a bite. She smiled and shook her head, “No need to thank me. I’m just doing my job as your girlfriend.” “Well you do a great job of being the best girlfriend ever,” You smiled, leaning closer to her. She gladly closed the space between you, pulling you into a short but tender kiss, “Anything for you.”

AHHH i hope y’all like this :) i’ll open up my requests and do my best with them (i might avoid writing for groups i don’t know well)

[belongtodeukae]

prompt 69 reader + singji if thats ok thank you <3

“Good girl… Just like that.”

—————

[3:29 am] “you’re so loud, princess”, siyeon cooed underneath you, her hands gripping your hips firmly, “you really want the entire hotel to hear you when the fun hasn’t even started fully, huh?”

“i think she wants everyone to know how big of a slut she is for us, don’t you, love?” minji added from her position behind you with a small grunt that came right after.

you found yourself in a position that could be described as probably the dirtiest one you’ve ever been in, after dropping not-so-subtle hints to both minji and siyeon about wanting to try it out. when the first realization of you wanting to take both of their straps at the same time hit them, it took minji by surprise; she was extremely into the idea, but never expected you to take interest in it, let alone be the one to suggest it. siyeon, on the other hand, nearly let out a growl before eagerly telling you she’d be ready at any time you wanted it to happen.

it felt better than you could’ve ever imagined.

after the initial delight of siyeon pulling you on top of her to make you ride her alone, you felt that the thought of what would follow was already starting to push you over the edge; you forced yourself to slow down and looked back to where minji stood before your sea of pleas began, unable to control your patience. once she pushed just the tip in, you couldn’t help but whine loudly at the feeling of your other hole being stretched out by the strap, its other end putting pressure on minji’s center, causing her to let out the initial grunt.

“are you okay, baby? you remember the safeword, right?” she asked cautiously, practically freezing her hips so she doesn’t cause any possible discomfort for you. she felt you felt your body trembling slightly under her fingertips once she laid a hand on your back and mistook it for pain. except, it was your body aching for more since she spent a solid half an hour beforehand just to prepare you for this.

“more”, the single word flew out of your mouth and you only then realized you haven’t been breathing properly. minji complied and started moving slowly to fill you up more while your fingers kept digging harder into the mattress. you felt hands leaving your hips before siyeon carefully adjusted to lean on her elbows, urging you to use her for support. you wrapped your arms around her neck instantly to lean in, whimpering in her ear slightly once minji slid all the way inside.

“breathe”, siyeon whispered and kissed your temple gently. you could hear how hard your heart was thumping in your chest despite the loud sounds that escaped your throat, every breath coming out resembling a desperate whine. you’ve never felt so full, both straps buried deep inside of you and both of your holes convulsing around them. 

“you’re doing so well for us”, minji praised you before you felt her hot tongue licking a stripe up your spine, the action ending with a kiss in between your shoulder blades.

you decided to be even better for them and earn more praises, and slowly but surely started rocking back and forth. each inch of both straps that disappeared in and out of you only drew out more bliss from your body, accompanied by more dirty sounds from your mouth. siyeon’s jaw dropped slowly as she dragged her gaze along your body, a smug look making its way onto her face while minji cursed breathlessly from behind you.

“good girl... just like that”, siyeon murmured before her thumb pressed on your jaw to tilt your head towards her and she used the position to press your lips against her own, “does it feel as good as you imagined?”

“better”, you moaned against her mouth, making an effort to push yourself back on the straps harder so they could feel the friction on their clits. your eyes closed in pure ecstasy, amplifying the feeling of their straps filling you up, only separated from each other by a thin wall.

“you’ve been so good, i think we should reward you”, you were so lost in your pleasure that you were taken aback by minji’s sultry voice next to your ear, right before she tilted your head to the side to give you a messy kiss. once she straightened back up, she used both hands to steady your hips and lift them up slightly. you missed an exchange between her and siyeon that ended with siyeon’s cocky smirk, barely having any time to react before they both quickly pulled out, almost fully and slammed their straps back inside of you just as fast.

a nearly ear-piercing scream filled the room in an instant, and you were sure it would disturb not just the neighbouring rooms, but the entire floor and you couldn’t care less with the amount of overwhelming pleasure coursing through every inch of your body. neither minji or siyeon bothered to make you keep it down just like they didn’t slow down at all, instead keeping a steady pace; even in moments when one of them was nearly pulled out, the other would be buried inside completely, making your eyes roll towards the back of your head.

you lost count of how many times you came just in that position, not to mention when they decided to flip you over plus the aftermath when they got rid of the straps. there was a blank space in your memory between the last orgasm and falling asleep in between minji and siyeon; all you knew the next morning was sharp pain in every part of your body that you tried to move.

[foolish-sparrow]

I think your reactions are amazing! And I was hoping you could do one on Dreamcatcher reaction to their s/o think they're not good enough for them?

A/N: Thank you for the request and the compliment friend! I hope you enjoy :)

Warnings: Mentions of self-loathing, not thinking highly of yourself. Nothing too deep, I don't think

She was perfect. Devine. You thought the world of her and knew she could capture the heart of anyone she desired.

But she chose you, and sometimes you're not entirely sure why.

Absolutely stunned when you first mention this to her. Well, you didn't outright say it; more of a shy mumble, but she heard it

Doesn't actually know how to react at first, the shock is just so strong that none of her other functions seem to work

There are those thoughts, the guilty ones wondering if she hasn't been showing her love enough, hasn't been telling you how she feels

But that wasn't the case. You will always be firm on that front, but those self-deprecating thoughts can run amok sometimes. Leaving you questioning your worth

Once that is made clear between you, Jiu sees it as her personal mission to banish such thoughts away

She loved you, well and truly, because you were you

Sua actually physically jolts the first time you admit these feelings to her. The immediate "what do you mean?" Cementing that she had never seen you as someone who wasn't good enough

She treasures you. And, okay, she might not always know how to properly convey that doesn't mean it isn't true

"After all," she adds, a soft smile blending in with a teasing glint in her eyes, "you are the only person worthy of my love."

Humor is usually her go-to whenever these feelings arise, but she can and will be soft and comforting if that's what you need instead

Likes to take you places whenever it hits deep. Just the two of you

Spending time with the quiet affection helps you to relax, and her presence so close to yours will always make you feel better

Siyeon values her communication, no matter how that happens. You knew this, but encouraging the bravery to tell her you were having these kinds of thoughts was a struggle

Mainly because there was a small part of yourself fighting back. Reminding you that these feelings were not true -- that you were, in fact, more than enough to be by her side

Sometimes that voice doesn't yell loudly enough, though. And during those moments you flip flop from avoiding her and seeking out her company

But, yeah, Siyeon wasn't having it after a certain amount of time. Your words striking deep within her chest

Her first instinct will always be to bring you in closer. To have the close intimacy help soothe and comfort

It does work sometimes, but when it doesn't Siyeon is always there with an "I love you," ready and waiting

Handong quite literally malfunctions when you first admit this to her

Like, her mouth opens to say something but then no words come out and she doesn't move a single muscle. Far too unprepared for this situation

She does not know what to do. Her genuine yet slightly shaky words of, "you do know that's not true, right? I've always thought you were perfect for me."

You do know this. At least, there is a part of you that does. But Handong was just so perfect you do fail to see why she chose you out of everyone in the world

You both take this as a learning experience for your relationship. Handong finds out the ways in which you are most comforted when these thoughts arise, and you take the time to go through the emotions and find the high worth you had all along

It deepens your feelings all the more, which you didn't think was possible

Yoohyeon honest to god felt like crying when she first found out. In fact, you're pretty sure that she did have tears in her eyes

It's just.... you mean the absolute world to her. She treasures you dearly and so to find out you thought this way about yourself truly does break her heart a little bit

Does everything she can to eradicate them. Tells you she loves you every 5 minutes, takes a hold of your body and doesn't let go until they give in. Everything

Truth be told she is a little stumped on how to approach this, but she is a master of affection, and to you that is more than enough

You both take the baby steps, and, eventually, you both make it out on the other side

Love wins once again

No amount of reading could properly prepare her for how to tackle a situation such as this

Thankfully, for the pair of you, her logical side kicked in at the right time. Dami making sure that you were in a place you felt the safest with your favorite drink/blanket/movie

She would ask you to try and explain your thoughts and feelings, hoping that simply speaking them aloud may help

It did somewhat, you admit, and again you did understand that they weren't true. Dami would always be honest with you in that regard

In fact knowing that Dami would never be with someone she held no feelings for was another factor aiding the dark clouds

And she held no qualms reminding you of this, all with a tender smile and a small kiss on your forehead

Having Gahyeon as your best friend as well as the one who owns your heart actually made the process all that much easier to bare

She was, of course, absolutely heartbroken to hear that you didn't think yourself good enough for her, but the two of you managed to talk about it with relative ease

Her disposition made it easier. She had always been someone that you could find yourself talking to for hours, and having that now allowed you to go through the process of banishing the self-loathing

And so that's what the two of you did

Gahyeon mainly kept quiet, allowing you to form a thunderstorm into words, and them sometimes adding her words of adoration for you whenever she thought you needed the boost

She loved you, and after the conversation you could safely tell yourself that you more than deserved it

[hatsumaki45]

First time sleeping with them - Dreamcatcher

Since the previous application was too long, I decided to make this one as Headcanons. Plus I thought it would look cuter that way n.n

JiU

🤍It would be a sleepover, with movies, skincare, popcorn and candy. 🤍She thinks it will be more memorable -and comfortable- for both of them that way. 🤍She would definitely drape an arm over your waist to cuddle all night long. 🤍She fell asleep before the movie was over, so she was a little disappointed that she didn't get to watch you sleep. 🤍She will plan another way to achieve her goal.

SuA

🤍At first it was a little strange to see her quiet, but you managed to get used to it over the course of the night. 🤍She has a long bedtime routine and invited you to do it together, hinting that you could also share the shower 🤍Once under the sheets she touched your ass until you resigned yourself to remove her hands from there. 🤍Elephants in the bed take up 50% of the space 🤍Actually she became very sweet when you stopped playing, caressing your head and showering you with goodnight kisses

Siyeon

🤍Just before bedtime they went for snacks, which resulted in a meditative talk in the kitchen. 🤍From a snack they went to coffee and suddenly it was 3 a.m. 🤍By the time they went to bed they were no longer sleepy, so she begged you to watch an Avengers movie. 🤍She let you choose which one. 🤍You don't know when they fell asleep, but they woke up spooning -Siyeon was the small spoon-.

Handong

🤍They most likely went to the gym together, so the night would close with each taking a shower. 🤍She would cook something light and they would cuddle on the couch until it's time to sleep 🤍She tries to take it as a matter of course, even though internally she worries about having to share her bed 🤍They take some time together to remove your make-up, she also combs your hair because she thinks it's cute 🤍At first she tries to hug you, but the ice princess will end up turning around and sleeping on her side 🤍You are the last one to sleep and the first one to wake up, now you understand why the members say that waking her up is IMPOSSIBLE.

Yoohyeon

🤍She raids your bed in the middle of the night saying she's bored. 🤍She cuddles up to you like a koala bear and plays video games 🤍Somehow she looks so cute that you let her stay on your chest even with the occasional curse words 🤍Naturally you bring a hand to her head and by the time you realize the game is over and the puppy is fast asleep 🤍She slowly starts to hog your bed and you end up on the edge about to fall off, but you try to keep going even so 🤍When you finally manage to settle in, she feels so comfortable to cuddle.... Maybe you could get used to that.

Dami

🤍 It was so cold that day that the panda sked you to go lie down under ten blankets. 🤍She stayed reading with her head resting on your shoulder while you finished your favorite series 🤍Slowly the eyes of both of you got tired and you decided that sleeping was the best option 🤍She hugs you first and snuggles against your neck 🤍You try not to squeal, but she looks so cute being half asleep that your heart melts 🤍Naturally, she falls asleep first and you just stare at her like a fool until sleep overcomes you

Gahyeon

🤍She's happy to sleep with you, but she takes her time with her skincare routine 🤍You have to wait for her outside the bathroom until the maknae decides that's enough 🤍At the end she surprises you with a hug and throws you on the bed, her on top of you laughing at her mischief 🤍Although the idea is to sleep, she'll be a good while surfing the internet and showing you every random thing she finds interesting 🤍A while can be hours 🤍Finally you think she'll leave the cell phone when she thinks of getting into her games, so determined to have her attention, you steal her device and hug her

🤍She will fight for a while for her cell phone, but finally she will give up and the game will culminate in caresses until they fall asleep

[neon-city-dreams]

Moonlit Vigil

Warnings: Blood, scars, trauma and a sickening amount of fluff to compensate.

Genre: Fantasy AU

Synopsis: Immortal reader struggles with coming to terms with having feelings for someone whose life is so much shorter and finite compared to their own.

Cast: Immortal!reader, Warrior!Siyeon

Words: 3156 (24 minutes reading time)

"You know this isn't what I had in mind when you asked for my help!" Siyeon says, her blade slicing through another one of our adversaries.

"That sounds like you've lost count~" I tease as I cleave through another member of the undead. The undying hordes, while seemingly endless at the start, were beginning to thin out.

"I have not!" She yells back before ripping the arm off a particularly giant zombie. She then began using the arm as an improvised weapon in tandem with her jingum. Even though the objective was to hold the line, it appears she's taking our little competition seriously.

I swing wide with my greatsword carving through another three. Unfortunately, I wasn't a refined or graceful warrior like her. Instead, I used brute force to power through, which suited me perfectly. 

"Oh yeah? How many do you have, then?" I ask, wiping the sweat from my brow and a cocky grin on my lips. However, my overconfidence gets the better of me as one latches onto me from behind. I quickly throw the creature over my shoulder before burying my blade down its throat. That additional kill would raise my score to forty-eight. 

I look towards Siyeon, already expecting a witty response. But one never came. Rather everything began to fall silent, the groans of the undead and the howling winds. I could hear none of it as I grew utterly enraptured by her. 

She stood there motionless, her eyes closed to the world. Her attention completely focused on her breathing. The autumn leaves began to fall as the undead faded into the background. Her long black hair blew gently in the wind against her purple robes. She was a painting, a masterpiece that belonged to a gallery—something to be admired from afar.

Her eyes flutter open, and the wind begins to pick up. The stage was set. She exhales soft white fog leaves her lungs. Her dark brown eyes sharpen with a steel resolve.

Her movements were sharp and elegant, much like her blade drawing crimson blood from its victims like ribbons. Her blade moves with precision and poise, cutting in flourishes and arcs like a brush on an empty canvas. If combat was an art, then she was a dancer, and I was captivated with every moment.

One by one, they fell like beats to a drum. Then, step by step, Siyeon's dance draws to a close. The hordes were gone. The crisis averted. We had done more than we had promised the villagers. But my heart was still left wanting more. Even if her performances had been solely for my eyes only, I knew like a piece of art, she was someone I could only admire from afar. 

"See something you like?" She teases, bringing me back to reality. A smug smile lined her lips. I try to stammer out a response, but nothing comes.  

"Wolf got your tongue?" She teases further before dragging Haemosu, her blade between her forearm and bicep, cleaning the weapon of blood and gore. However, dirting her robes in the process. "Or did you lose count?" 

"Thirty-eight," I say abruptly. It wasn't the correct count, but it was the number I was sticking with. I couldn't let her have complete control over the conversation. But judging by the look on her face, she didn't hear a single thing I said. 

"Is there something on my face?" I ask, pulling her back to reality.

"Sorry," She says, the glossed-over look in her eye fading before a chuckle escapes her lips. She then offers me a piece of cloth from inside her robe. I stare at it blankly, not sure what to do.

"I'll get it for you," she says, wiping my face. I couldn't help but blush as her fingers brushed against my cheek. 

"There we go. I couldn't have someone's blood ruining that pretty face of yours," Siyeon continues, her breath brushing against my lips. It was only now that I realized how close we had gotten. My heart begged for me to kiss her.

But I couldn't.

However, if there was anything that could kill me, it was that smile of hers.

"For someone that claims they can't die. You sure as hell fight like you're trying to die," I say, with nothing but a false smile on my face. My heart ached and wept with every cut and every wound my fingers traced.

Each was a story of valor and bravery. Moments our knight-commander would rather sacrifice their body to protect us. But instead, their body served as a reminder, a monument to their virtue and their kindness. As a warrior under their command, I was thankful. As a friend, however, I was racked with guilt. I would have been more cautious. I would of-.

"I'm obviously not trying hard enough," They say, breaking me from my reverie. I can't help but laugh despite the pain in my chest. Then, of course, they would say something witty. Like this wasn't a big deal. 

I remember them telling me about how all this worked. It was all beyond my comprehension, so of course, I didn't believe them. Why would I? 

"Obviously," I say, a pained smile on my lips. I'm glad they couldn't see the look on my face. They couldn't see the look of pain and guilt on my face at the results of my mistakes. The results, they were more than willing to accept the consequences of. I feel at their newest wound. A fresh pink net only slightly larger than the grasp of my fingers right where their heart would be. 

"Does it hurt?" I can hear my voice tremble as my lips quiver. It was taking everything I had not to sob uncontrollably. Their soft and gentle eyes look at me over their shoulder. I had never seen anything but kindness in their eyes except for-.

"Only in the moment," They say, a reassuring smile on their lips. But the more I look in their eyes, the more I remember the look of pain and anguish. I close my eyes and remember every detail perfectly.

We were searching the battlefield for survivors. The why and how weren't important to me, not now. But some raiders had set an ambush. Trying to make easy money from any would-be war profiteers. When I had finally noticed, it was too late.

"MOVE!" They yelled, but I froze. After that, all I could do was remember that night in the village. The screams of my friends and family as they were slaughtered like cattle. 

I was finally brought out of that waking nightmare when my back hit the dirt. The Knight Commander smiled at me as the arrows pelted their armor. But they continued to smile like it was just rain. There was no pain or anger in their eyes. 

"I've got you," They said, and for a moment, I smiled. But that was all ripped away from me in a heartbeat. My ears had fallen deaf as a ballista bolt tore through their chest. Pieces of steel remnants of their chest plate cut at my face. Blood began to drip from their tender lips and the freshly made hole in their chest. I wanted to scream, to cry. Another person I cared about, gone.

But just when I thought the life from their eyes had faded, their will continued on. Their hands grasped at the bolt in defiance. But there wasn't life or kindness in their eyes, only suffering and pain. They pushed and pulled at the bolt, never once giving in—each movement a mark of defiance against death, a taunt, a rallying cry to never give in. Bit by bit, they press forward and remove themselves from the bolt. 

They take a breath, a hollow one with no substance, and then, for a moment, there's a reprieve before their pain continues. They bite into their gauntlet before pressing their other hand against the gaping hole in their chest. A soft white light glowed from their hand. It brought a form of comfort until I saw that look in their eyes continue to persist. Tears of struggle and pain paint their way down their face. For a moment, I tried to convince myself this was all a nightmare. That my careless mistake hadn't inflicted an imaginable pain on someone, I cared about. Especially not them. 

Their touch brings me back, their fingers interlaced with mine resting on their shoulder. That's when I noticed the tears that streamed down my face. When had I started crying?

"It's okay, I'm okay, we're okay," They say, their words linger in the air for a moment. I almost let myself be comforted by their words. But how fragile had my heart gotten? All those brief and fleeting moments of comfort took their toll. What happens next time? Would there be a next time?

"Hey," They say, their words soft like cotton. "Listen to me. It's not your fault. I know it doesn't feel that way. But it was my choice, and I'll stay with you however long it takes for you to know that"

Now, even after everything. They still thought about me. They always put others above themself. That soft and tender gaze of theirs sieged my heart like a battering ram. I finally let go as they turn to catch me. I fall into their warm embrace.

The two of us stay like this for minutes or hours, I don't know. It didn't matter to them and didn't matter to me. They just let me cry and let it out. There was no pretending, just open and honest vulnerability. Something I hadn't had since I was nothing more than a farmer's daughter.

Eventually, the well of guilt and sadness dried up, yet I was still in their arms. Their warmth reminded me of the sun after weeks of endless rain, and their smile was the rainbow that followed shortly after. But, of course, despite my confidence, I couldn't help but feel embarrassed after crying in front of them like that. Like morning dew drops, their smile fades away, and an amused smirk rises like the sun to replace it. 

"At least you can say you're the first woman to break my heart," They say. I try to stop myself from laughing, but I'm too slow. So instead, I slap them on the shoulder as punishment for easing the mood, which only makes them smile more. 

"There we go! I'm glad you're feeling better," They say, no doubt still proud of their stupid joke.

"You're an idiot," I say.

My Idiot.

"I'm the idiot? Who's the one who forgot the picnic basket?" I reply. I wasn't annoyed, more amused that I hadn't noticed she had forgotten the basket until we got to the top of our hike. I take a seat under the shade to take in the view. Vast open fields of flowers dotted the land mixed with streaks of orange and red painted on top of seas of grass. Past the emerald crown of flowers stood a jewel of glass. A lake, pristine and flawless, it stood in serene and tranquil beauty as it took in the gaze of the sun. Returning its attention with the same love and grace shown in kind.

It was a beauty like none other. Although, I could think of someone whose allure had it hopelessly outmatched. I pat a spot beside me place for her to sit.

"Honestly, that sounds like a massive oversight on your part," She says, laying her head on my lap with a cheeky grin. I shouldn't be so surprised by her proximity. We had grown close in the weeks after I took that blow through the heart. In a way, it helped bring down the walls that guarded my heart. It allowed me to be more honest with how I felt about her, and it was all because of that smile.

It was worth protecting. But she would remain something to admire. I couldn't let myself become entangled, intertwining my life with her brief but beautiful life. Such is the curse of immortality. She was a beautiful firework that came roaring into my life. She was filled with color and life that made me smile and laugh even in the worst of times. Siyeon is all that and more. If only fate would let me bask in her beautiful light so I could hold a piece of her radiance in my heart to cherish with all I could muster. But it was not to be. Instead, I would have to remain content with my place in that beautiful spark. A memory I would cherish for all days.

I looked down at the light in my life. Gone were the purple and blue robes of her everyday attire; instead lay a sundress reminiscent of the clear blue sky. Her long black hair was no longer bound in a ponytail. Rather it ran freely in the gentle summer breeze. She gazes back at me with those bewitching brown eyes that I could lose myself in.

"No witty remark?" She says, her fingers interlacing with mine. I remember the first time she held my hand, I had almost forgotten how to breathe. But now, my hands felt empty, like something was missing without hers. Like a warrior without a weapon, a musician without an instrument, and an artist without a muse.

"No," I say, a smile growing on my face. It was moments like these that I wish could last forever. But again, I was going to have to settle with the memory. My own piece of paradise hidden within my mind's eye. "After all, you're right. I clearly excepted too much. I can only hope that someone at the estate eats it"

She chuckles to herself. All that mess we had made the night before in preparation for today was all for naught. But the memories of flour fights and burnt bread would be eternal. 

She reaches into one of her pockets and pulls out a single mandarin. "We can go halves," she says, showing me the fruit before focusing her attention on peeling it. 

While part of me did want to share, I could manage. I'm sure Siyeon needs it more. "It's fine. You have it," I say, trying to look away from the fruit. I can hear her snicker as she perfectly peels the mandarin, focusing on removing the veins of white like ore from stone. 

"You're an idiot. You need to be more selfish," She says before making sure I take half of the mandarin.

"There we go," She continues, pleased with herself. She then sits up, her gaze shifting from eye to eye before smiling to herself as she begins eating. "The world isn't going to end if you think about yourself every now and then, okay?"

I follow suit, the sweet juice filling my mouth as a warm fuzzy feeling fills my chest. There was always something different about eating food that someone else had prepared for you. But if anything, this helped me fall that much more, hopelessly, in love with her. 

Maybe she was right. Perhaps it was time to be a bit more selfish, self-indulgent even. But what could I possibly want? My friends and family were safe under my watch. I did not need riches to have a fulfilling life and did not want to live in excess. No, there was only one thing I could selfishly desire. The love of another wasn't something to be taken. It had to be given. Of course, it could be asked for but never taken. But perhaps it was worth the risk. Forsaking my oath and renouncing my immortality would be an effortless bargain that no fool would squander.

"Perhaps you're right," I say. But, of course, not everything was as cut and dry as that. However, there was nothing wrong with dreaming.

"Of course I am," She says, happy that I've taken her simple yet sagely advice to heart. Her fingers then brush against my chin before it rests in her firm but gentle grasp. I can't help but stare at her lips before my attention falls back onto those soft brown eyes of hers. Her lips curl into that familiar smile that crinkles her nose and warms my heart. 

"Speaking of selfish," She says. A sudden pause as she bites her lip. Hesistation? Nerves? Not something I usually saw from her. "I was thinking. When everything is said and done, when this war is over, I've decided that I don't want to live alone again."

For a moment, I think that's the entirety of what she wants to say. But the look in her eyes told me otherwise. After all, what's selfish about not wanting to live alone? Especially in a village with no heart.

She looks down for a moment, and I can feel her touch tremble with hesitation and uncertainty. But I see her steel her resolve just like she would with her blade in her hand.

"I want you to live with me," She says, that deadly edge of focus leaving her eyes as quickly as the words leave her lips. I recognize the look of immediate regret, the need, and the want to take back any words you said. But it was too late. Those seven words had already made it out into the open air.

No matter how hard I tried, I could not stop myself from smiling like an absolute fool. But I suppose that was what I was in Siyeon's presence. An idiot but her idiot. 

"If that is what you desire," I say, nodding in agreement. My fingers caress Siyeon's cheek. My heart soars as she nestles into my touch. Yet, her warmth does nothing to calm my heart.

"When this war is over, we can grow old together," I say. At first, I worry she doesn't understand the finer details behind my words. But the look of surprise and happiness on her face told all I needed to know. I try to stammer out an impossible apology as she grows misty-eyed. But I never get the chance as she pulls me into a kiss. I lean into it, placing my other hand on the small of her back. My lips melt into hers as I'm overwhelmed with happiness and the sweet taste of her lips.

I carve every moment of that kiss into my soul, not wanting to forget a single thing, and when our lips finally part, I get lost in her eyes—drowning in the feeling of love.

"I love you, Siyeon," I say as she finds her place back on my lap. I know that I will never want to take those words back.

"I love you too," She says before pecking me on the chin

[flooffybits]

Full of Color

Idol: Dreamcatcher

just another marshmallow passing through: So I just thought of the cutest thing but like you don’t have to write it.. so like 8th member of DC, has tattoos and while she’s asleep one of the younger members colours them in because they were bored and reader was asleep. When they realise what they’ve done they freak out because they don’t want closed off/cold member to be mad. But the reader just coos and babies them because it’s cute and they actually like it shocking the members?

Word count: 2.3k

☕buy me a coffee☕

“Isn’t it a little early to be asleep?” Yoohyeon hears the amusement laced in the dancer’s tone before turning her head to find her gaze directed to your slumbering figure curled up on the couch.

“Let her be. We’ve all been busy and we had a long flight a couple days ago.” Minji scolds lightly, humming when she brushes your hair from your face and then adjusts your blanket so you don’t get too cold.

Yoohyeon notes their attire and furrows her brows together in curiosity. “You’re leaving?” She questions and Bora nods her head. “We’re just going to the mall to relax. It’s not everyday we get to go out of the country.” She responds casually when she adjusts the hat on her head before slipping her shoes on.

The puppy pouts a little at that and slumps back against the table. “I wanna go out too but I feel so lazy today.” She groans, earning a laugh from Bora when she stands back up and grabs her purse. Minji has to silence her just so her voice doesn’t wake you. “If Y/n wakes up, have her come with you.”

“But unnie is tired.” She reasons, hesitant to ask you since she knew how you could be whenever you were running low on energy. She didn’t want to possibly ruin your mood more.

Minji is already dismissing the thought with a wave of her hand. “Just ask. And if she doesn’t want to, you can always ask the others when they come back.” She suggests when they head for the door. “We’ll see you later.”

“Take care.” Yoohyeon calls after them, staring at the door once it’s shut and she lets out a breath, a pout resting on her features as she looks back at you. She honestly has no idea why you decided to leave your bed to sleep on the couch, but she can’t really do anything to make you go back since she would feel bad about having to ruin your sleep.

Yoohyeon knows how little you’ve been getting lately so she does her best to keep quiet just so you can rest.

Judging by your tired expression, she knows that you would be needing it for the rest of the tour.

..

It’s been well over two hours since Yoohyeon had been alone with you. Yubin entered the room at some point and left some food on the table, but as soon as she did, Gahyeon was coming to collect the rapper so they could both go sightseeing, explaining that Dong was already waiting in the hall.

And while they did ask Yoohyeon if she wanted to come with them, a quick glance at you had her shaking her head and stating that she would be fine at the hotel.

They merely smiled at her before saying to call if she needed anything.

She wished that she went with them, because not even ten minutes after they left, Yoohyeon was bored out of her mind, having given up on her phone and finished her little study session.

When she peeked over at you again, she assumed that you were finally awake. But you only stirred a little and moved to your side before sleep once more took over. She had to hold her breath the whole time before sighing heavily.

At first she found it funny how much you were sleeping today, but after a while and some noise from her clumsily tripping over a chair and you had yet to react, she was a little more worried than anything.

You weren’t exactly a heavy sleeper, but it was clear that you were more tired than you let on.

By the third hour, Yoohyeon finds her back against the couch, her phone playing a little bit of music while she randomly draws on the notebook she had packed with her for this trip. Some of her thoughts would be strewn about, nothing specific, a doodle of Pie and even Cherry in another page before she finally ended with a blank.

Pouting at the lack of inspiration, Yoohyeon turns her head, your arm on clear display with your tattoo in her sights. The idea came before she could even think it over and one of her markers was soon on your skin, filling some portions of your tattoo with color as she hummed along to the song.

She remembers you first getting this one. It was the very first of many and she smiles a little to herself when she remembers how much you stressed about getting it. Since it was something you would forever have on your skin, you took months into considering the design before finally deciding to get it, much to your fans and members’ delight.

She was happy to see the contentment on your face when you showed it off the first time. She didn’t understand the sentiment at first, but after countless probing from not only the girls, you ended up explaining the tattoo in one of your vlives.

As quiet as you were, the girls knew how far your imagination could reach. But the meaning behind your tattoo would probably be one of her favorites of your stories when you told them how it symbolizes the people in your life.

Like a puzzle piece, you told them, every one of them fit into your life and made you whole. She’s embarrassed to admit that she teared up when you told them, but you had only given them all a smile afterwards.

The simplicity of the design held something deeper and that was enough for you.

It’s only when Yoohyeon reaches for the third color does she pause though and take a proper look at her handiwork. When she followed the length of your arm and saw your face, her own was drained of color and she promptly dropped her marker. Dread filled her entire body when she finally realized what she’d done and she scrambled to gather her things and flee from the scene before you could wake up.

“Yah! What are you doing?”

Bora’s sudden entry, along with her panicked state, causes her head to collide with the coffee table right after picking her marker up, and the rest of her things scatter to the floor, the noise being enough to finally wake you up.

She was so screwed.

Yoohyeon whines while rubbing her head, pouting as she sits on the carpeted floor before the sound of your groggy voice reaches her ears. “Yoohyeon?” She swears she wants the ground to swallow her whole at that given moment when she slowly turns her head, a nervous smile on her face when she looks up at you whilst the rest of your members enter the room.

Siyeon looked a little surprised when she saw your now colored tattoo, but before she could say anything, Yoohyeon was already scrambling to her feet and distanced herself in the event you grew upset.

“Unnie! You’re finally awake.” She tries not to get you to notice when you stretch and then rub your eyes. “What time is it?” You ask while reaching for her phone and everyone watches as everything goes in slow motion for Yoohyeon.

By the time you held the device in your hand, your eyes caught the now colorful puzzle piece on your arm, forcing you to sit up to properly assess yourself whilst Dong shot the panicking puppy a worried glance.

You had to do a double take since your mind was still a bit hazy, but once you saw that it was indeed colored in, you took a quick look at your members, the confusion plastered over your face before you’re turning your gaze to the scared girl who was already bowing with apologies spilling from her lips.

“You colored my tattoo?” None of them can quite read your expression as you stare at the design again, so Siyeon moves to join you on the couch just so she could hopefully soothe you in the event it was needed. With her head on your shoulder, she takes a look at the tattoo with you and smiles a little to herself.

“Hey, that doesn’t look so bad.” She offers and Yoohyeon wants to stop the vocalist from saying anything that could possibly get her to her grave faster, only to pause when she sees the ghost of a smile playing at your lips when you nod your head. “It is.”

“It… is?”

She wasn’t sure if it was her fear tricking her into thinking that you weren’t upset, but seeing the surprise on everyone’s face promised her that it wasn’t just hers as she hesitantly came back to the couch where you gladly welcomed her.

“You did a really nice job, Yoohyeon.” You praise and she takes a look at the tattoo again before your face lit up. “Hey, what else were you adding on this?” Everyone was caught off guard by the question and Yoohyeon struggled to find her voice, looking up and meeting Yubin’s equally lost gaze for a moment before the rapper shrugged her shoulders, gesturing to the markers right after.

Carefully, she turned back to you before answering. “I was just coloring it.” She mumbles and you hum before extending your arm in her direction, puzzling her for a moment while you just grinned softly at the younger girl. “Mind showing me the whole thing?”

Gahyeon looked to and from before she faced the two eldest members, seeing that they’re both just as dumbfounded by the turn of events. Frankly, they were prepared for the worst as soon as Bora caught Yoohyeon filling your tattoo, but seeing how you attentively watched the blonde fill it with new ink, adding a few comments here and there to tell her that you liked the design, they all relaxed before finally proceeding further into the room.

Minji even giggled when she finally let the whole thing sink in. This would surely be another story that InSomnia would find amusing in the future. But as Siyeon took a peek later on to see how you and Yoohyeon were doing, the older members all smiled when they saw that you’ve now been accompanied by Yubin, talking about the tattoo and its new design.

This was probably one of the rare times they’ve seen you so relaxed, giggling along with the rest of the maknae line as all four of you, since Gahyeon complained about being left out, happily chatted about your plans for the following days.

..

“I had lunch with my brother yesterday.” Yoohyeon shared, seeing that people were asking for a TMI. “I was joking about him treating me, but he really didn’t let me pay anything.” She said with wide eyes, a faux amazed look on her face as she threw a thumbs up and Gahyeon agreed. “Seriously, he’s cool.”

“You’re boasting about your brother again?” You chuckle when you enter the room, joining the pair, but they happily welcome you, waving you over and gesturing for you to sit down. “They were asking for TMI.” The maknae explains and you nod your head in understanding, looking at the screen to see various people commenting your name.

You smile a little and wave before Yoohyeon nudged you. “What about you?” She inquires and you have to think for a minute, racking your brain for anything interesting to tell everyone before you snap your fingers. “Oh! I went back to the shop a couple days ago.” You tell her, and Yoohyeon looked a little confused before you rolled up your sleeve to reveal your now colored tattoo.

“It’s pretty, right?” Yoohyeon’s face exploded in a million shades of red when she recognized the design while Gahyeon marveled at the sight, peering at the inked skin in wonder. Overwhelmed, Yoohyeon lightly smacked your arm, forcing it down and away from view. “Yah! I didn’t know you were going to color it!” She screamed and you can only give her a confused look while rolling your sleeve back down.

“I told you that I liked it.” Was your simple answer before you looked back to the camera as though it wasn’t a big deal. “Yoohyeon colored it when I was sleeping one day-”

“I was scared.”

You wave the comment away with a playful shrug and then continue whilst Gahyeon giggled in the background. “You should have seen Yoohyeon unnie’s face that day.” She claims. “She colored my tattoo because she got bored, but the outcome was really nice.” You went on when Gahyeon took your arm again to inspect the design. ”I didn’t tell the members about it yet, so this is the first reveal everyone.” You tell them and Yoohyeon went quiet for a few good minutes, flustered that you had actually enjoyed her design so much to have it added into your already meaningful piece.

She was hit with a strong feeling of happiness and she couldn’t help but cling to you for the entirety of the live. She had gotten a little shy while you and Gahyeon interacted with your fans, though the latter did send her teasing little grins every now and then.

“The unnies’ tattoos all look so pretty that I’m considering getting one.” She pouted, feeling a little envious of the designs you had on your body. “But it’s so hard choosing a design.” She adds before you lightly pat her head. “You can try sketching out some designs of your own or you can search for stuff online.”

The conversation is lost in Yoohyeon’s head until you all decide to head back to the dorm. Even when she sees you conversing with the rest of the members, Yoohyeon can’t fight off the feeling of pride swelling in her chest whenever she would catch sight of your new design.

“It added more meaning to what I already had. Not only am I complete, but it’s like there’s more life with how much color there is in my life.”

[dark-night-insomniac]

|Dreamcatcher Vampire! Making out with their s/o

JIU

Jiu always loved these sweet and passionate moments with you. She was happy to know you trusted her enough to let the both of you get lost into moments like this. Here you were again, the movie had just started but the vampire clearly had other plans for the night.

She started by drawing circles on your thigh. You didn't notice too much until she whispered the word baby into your ear.

‘’I though we could maybe forget about the movie?’’ She asked with a smirk while looking down at your lips

‘’Oh, but the movie…i mean sure’’ you stuttered out

She looked at you amused ‘’are you nervous…’’ she inched her face closer to your ear ‘’that i would bite?’’

The words sent chills down your spine, not because you were afraid, no, its just that your body remembered all the times she had touched your neck.

She heard your heartbeat quicken and took it as an answer that you wanted her to keep going.

She gently pushed your back against the end of the lovechair and proceeded to straddle your lap. She grabbed the back of your head and pulled on it for more access to your neck. She first licked across your artery, making you whimper. She giggled in delight.

She started kissing your neck and as she did so it's like her body immediately started grinding on you for friction.

You could hear her breathing pick up and she grabbed your hands and placed them on her chest. Desperately asking for you to press on it. As you did so a moan slipped past her lips.

‘’Your so good’’ she lets out

She left one last mark on your neck before letting her fangs hover over the exposed skin, she looked up to ask for permission. You nodded to give her permission. You groaned and moved in her embrace. She pushed her hand into your chest to keep you still.

She brings herself back up and instead of wiping the blood from her lips she decides on making you taste your own. She started kissing you hungrily and promised herself to make you lose your mind tonight.

SUA

Bora had just come back from tour and she couldn't hide the fact that she missed your body against hers.

After unpacking her essentials she came downstairs running to join you. You were finishing some homework you had for college.

She didn't care for that though. She pushed away your computer and climbed on your lap, forcing you to give her your full attention. She grabbed your chin and pulled you in for a sweet kiss that left you smiling.

She then nuzzled her face close to your neck and hummed at the smell. You could feel her getting lost in your smell, her fangs slightly grazing against your skin. You let out a giggle before letting her know verbally that it was okay for her to drink.

After she heard your words, she immediately pushed her fangs inside the skin of your neck to feed hastily.

You felt her losing control as she started grinding on your lap. She kept letting out soft hums as she kept drinking, grabbing at your hair.

Soon you had to stop her from her daze though. She looked back at you, eyes glistening red just like your blood.

She didn't let you get another word as she aggressively started making out with you.

She took your hands and place them on her hips, signaling to you to massage the area.

As you gently rubbed her thigh, she pushed your head downwards to her chest.

You understood what she was asking from you, it wasn't the first time. You started kissing her chest while she kept pushing you closer, losing herself in the way your lips felt on her skin.

SIYEON

Siyeon had a long day today. This morning she had reluctantly left you on the only break day you had this week. You had kissed her and reassured the sad wolfie it was fine though.

Although it reassured her, she still couldn't stop herself from thinking about you. She had been bothered all day by mischevious thoughts about you.

When she came back home she immediately went to try and find you. She tried following your scent but couldn't do so. She figured you just might be in the shower then.

She went upstairs and indeed heard the water running. She couldn't wait for you anymore though. She entered the bathroom and undressed.

She entered the shower, sliding herself right behind you. You slightly jumped at her touch.

‘’Oh hi siyeonnie, you scared me’’ you let out with a giggle

She simply hummed before kissing your sensitive neck. You let your head fall back against her torso and let out a shaky breath.

Siyeon was already delighted by your reaction, she wanted more.

She gently turned you around and placed both her hands to cup your face. She kissed you under the water and pushed the stray hair from your face.

She nuzzled back to your neck and hummed as she smelled your blood. She pinned you to the wall of the shower and let her hands run down onto your body.

‘’You were taking a shower without me hmm?’’

You let out a giggle at her remark

She started kissing your neck, and made her way down to your midrif slowly before feeding from your thigh. Finally getting what she was craving.

HANDONG

Handong was back from practice and you couldn't resist grabbing her hips when you saw standing there. She let out a soft laugh while you did so, gently placing your head on her shoulder.

She turned around and to your surprise initiated the kiss. She clearly had read your mind, already bringing your body closer to hers.

The vampire liked the dynamic where she would be in control. It was no different tonight. As you tried to guide her by the hips to the nearby couch, she followed but turned to both of you at the last second, making you fall first.

She stood over the couch with a smirk, happy to see you had once again fallen into her trap. She faked leaving the room when you then groaned at her, calling for her attention.

She stopped in her steps, eyes turning red, hearing you vocally complain created a spark within her mind. She wanted to hear more.

She walked back to you, still laying there, now with puppy eyes when you saw her darkening eyes.

She climbed up on top of you before pushing her hand onto your neck, making you whimper.

‘’What? Scared now?’’ She smirked at your shocked expression

Putting your hands above your head, she then let her lips, along with her protruding fangs run down on your skin.

She started behind your ear, then down, taunting at your jugular, succeeding in making you whimper once again.

She kissed down to your collarbone before finally letting her fangs in. She chose a place where she knew it would most likely cause you some pain.

She went on biting into your skin and sucking at the wounds while holding you still, she felt a bit bad for you, but when she felt you getting more and more bothered, she knew she was doing the right thing.

YOOHYEON

It was the weekend morning. Yoohyeon was staying over at your place for the time being. She had gotten up before you, heading to the bathroom to comb her hair.

Your eyes opened when you heard the bathroom door creak open. It’s then that you noticed your lover had left your side.

You lazily walked to the source of the noise.

You saw her looking into the mirror, you approached and hugged her from behind, lazily laying your hands on her exposed stomach.

She smiled at you in the mirror and you turned her around to face you and you both mumbled happy greetings to each other. You placed your hands on her waist and leaned in to leave a soft peck to her lips.

Once you pulled away she pulled you back, placing her arms around your neck to make sure you wouldn't pull away this time. She kissed you, deepening it this time. You took it as a cue to pick her up and gently sit her down on the counter in front of you.

she pulled you closer by the colar of your shirt. She moved her lips down to your jaw and your neck. She kissed her way to that sweet spot of yours and you let out a satisfied hum. Your hands instinctively slid down from her lower back and you couldn't help but give her irresistible figure a squeeze.

As you did so you felt her fangs suddenly scratch at your neck. You gasped slightly, looking down at the vampire, seeing her smile from your reaction.

She felt your hands pull away and whined in your ear for you to continue what you were doing as she kept on leaving marks on your neck.

DAMI

It was a night out, a small event organized by the girl’s company. You and Dami shower up together, her in slick velvety dress and you in a matching outfit to hers.

Dami was always taken away by staff and friends during the night, you didn't mind though, as long as she was having fun. You also could watch her from afar and admire her beauty so you really didn't mind at all.

Her and Minji were now at the bar, you saw her pick up a glass filled with dark red liquid. You sometimes forget that she was a vampire and so seeing her drink blood always made you feel some type of way, in short, it made your pulse rise.

She turned to look around the room, her eyes stopped on you as she took another sip. She could feel your heartbeat from across the room and smirked to herself knowing her effect on you.

A minute later she was setting down her glass and making her way towards you. She didn't say a word, simply brushing her body against yours while passing by before grabbing your hand.

You followed her steps, she led you to a small room and closed the door before pinning you against it. It was completely dark to you but you knew she could see when her eyes started glowing red.

Her hands made her way up your sides, inviting you to do the same, now caressing her exposed leg by the cut through her dress

As you did so, she grabbed the back of your head to expose your neck to her. Your arms were now around her neck while she marked you as hers.

You felt her squeeze your thigh before her fangs were sunken into your flesh, you whimpered at the feeling, making her giggle in satisfaction.

GAHYEON

You were back from a night out with Gahyeon and her vampire friends. She had wanted you to meet her family for a while, the group she was accustomed to.

She was glad you finally met them but wasn’t too happy with the result of tonight's meeting, leaving a pout on her lips.

As you started undressing she entered the room. You saw the pout on her lips

‘’What's going on Gahyeon?’’ You asked clueless

‘’I didn't like the way my friends looked at you…they kept on telling you how you smelled good’’ she groaned

You looked at her a bit confused

‘’I don't think they-‘’ she cut you off, surprising you when she pullet at your collar, she closed in the distance before whispering

‘’You’re mine y/n’’ she almost growled.

Then without a notice she pushed you so that you were sitting on the bed. She wasted no time in straddling your lap. She places her hand on the side of your neck before kissing your jaw, intending to leave marks.

As she sat back up a bit, you decided on giving attention to her chest, kissing it lightly. She let you do so for a bit, holding the back of your head.

But then in a sudden movement, like she was back from a trance, she grabbed your neck and bit into your skin, making you whine.

She pulled back and let her eyes roam around your neck, a smile now plastered on her face.

‘’Now they’ll know you belong to me’’ she hummed before returning to your neck,

‘’You're so jeal-‘’ before you could finish that sentence she licked at the wound, looking up at you before sucking on it.

She was going to make sure from now that you were never left unmarked so that tonight mishap wouldn't happen again.

[notsofloofy]

Hidden in the Dark

Idol: Lee Siyeon (Dreamcatcher), Ha Sooyoung (Loona)

Fairytales are always accompanied by monsters lurking in the dark. But in reality, the monsters are nowhere near the shadows, but somewhere closer to the surface.

Word count: 3.4k

Warning: graphic depictions of gore, violence, blood, mentions of death

A/n: this came to me as i was trying to think of a supernatural plot. i hope you like it and look forward to the next part!

next

little tip☕

Waking up with a jolt, you're thrown back to reality with sweat dripping down your forehead. Your breaths are frantic and your eyes dart across every corner of the room to examine your surroundings, just to be sure that you were okay.

But your ears pick up on the rushed footsteps right outside your door before it swung open, a woman coming inside with a worried look on her face. She was carrying a knife with her, probably from when she was cooking breakfast before she heard you. When her eyes land on your disheveled state, her expression shifts from alert to sympathetic before lowering her weapon.

"Nightmare again?" She asks softly and you wince before nodding in confirmation. She only looked even more guilty as she let out a breath and rubbed the back of her neck. "I could hear you whining from the kitchen." She states as she steps inside, discarding the knife on one of your drawers.

You mutter a quiet apology before she's shaking her head.

"I should be the one saying sorry. You wouldn't be dealing with this," She gestures around you. "If it weren't for me."

"I'm fine. It's been a while since I even had a nightmare." You tell her with a huff, hoping to wipe away the guilt written expression on her face, but it doesn't when she only frowns more while taking a seat on your bed.

"Look, you don't have to try and make me feel better. I should have known better that night, now I ended up dragging you into this mess of a life that I have." She mutters while looking at the wall opposite you. "But Nayeon unnie-"

Shaking her head, the woman places a hand on your forearm, squeezing gently to assure you that it was okay.

"I took your life from you. Just please let me make it better."

That has been a normal occurrence for you for the past three years.

Honestly speaking, you despised her the moment you met her because of what she's done to you, but after a while and being the only person you could depend on, that anger slowly melted away and you began to understand just why that incident in the woods happened and how she had never meant to hurt you.

Nayeon was a werewolf, and by pure chance and poor luck, she had gotten free on the night of the full moon when you were out in the open. You were supposedly out with your girlfriend that time, stargazing near a cabin you managed to rent for the evening, but the night spiraled once the woman had caught you.

In an attempt to save your girlfriend, you used yourself to distract the wolf while yelling at her to run to safety. It all happened in a blur, but as soon as her sharp teeth clamped down on your arm and nearly tore it off, you had lost all consciousness in a matter of minutes as your blood painted the ground.

The only thing you could remember from that night was the sheer pain that ripped through your body while you watched your girlfriend's terrified and retreating figure. Though you were glad that at least one of you would survive.

The morning after that, you had woken up in a panic, pain shooting up your arm. And when you turned to check, it was wrapped entirely in bandages, along with a good portion of your upper body.

Nayeon ended up explaining and apologizing about what happened. But as you asked how you were still alive, she had given you the answer that she ended up infecting you rather than killing you.

That was why you hated her.

You had to transfer to a new town, somewhere quiet, somewhere where no one knew who you were because to everyone who did know you… all knew you were dead.

"Are you sure you'll be fine on your own?" You were pulled out of the memory when Nayeon's voice reached your ears. She was still careful, but you'd promised her that you didn't blame her anymore.

You always did see the flash of remorse in her eyes whenever she would see something wrong with you. Sometimes when you weren't doing anything at all, she'd still be caught watching you with guilt swimming in her brown orbs.

"I'll be okay. You said that the school would be more accommodating to… people like us." You try your best to look neutral about it, but having to live under a new name and identity did sort of unnerve you. "It's a nice place, I promise. You won't have to feel so tense with anyone there." She assures you and you nod once before grabbing your bag.

"First day of the last year in college." You mutter to yourself and Nayeon gives you a small smile. "Good luck, kiddo. Remember, you can text me if something comes up and I'll be there as soon as possible." Nodding again, you give the woman a quick hug, momentarily stunning her, before hurrying out of the house.

..

The school was pretty normal thus far, minus the fact that everywhere you looked, the people you would see weren’t, well… people.

You were somewhat terrified of what this place would bring you, but keeping to yourself was something you’d gotten used to for the past few years, given that Nayeon had been your only companion. She did have friends that visited and often attempted to talk to you, but you just couldn’t quite trust yourself around anyone, even when they promised you that you would be alright.

Right now, your focus was to breeze through this whole year without any trouble while also making sure not to-

“Watch it.”

Grunting, you had to take a step back after mindlessly bumping into another student. Her eyes were sharp and you silently cursed yourself for not paying attention. “Sorry.” You mumble quietly, hoping to walk past her and forget that this incident didn’t happen, however, a male stepped in your path, his arms crossed over his chest as he stared you down.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you around here.” The girl hummed as she gave you a once over and you grit your teeth while few of her friends watched you. You hated it. “Fresh blood?” She hums and you scrunch your face before taking a step back from the group.

“And if I am?” You snap back and you’re so sure that Nayeon would scold you if she found out, given you were supposed to be laying low, not pick a damn fight.

But much to your surprise, the noirette beams happily before she’s gesturing to herself. “I’m Jennie, and welcome to the university.” She introduces and you stare at her like a deer in headlights before she was shooing the male behind you away. “That’s Jongin, usually quiet with strangers.” She tells you before another girl comes bounding over, hands quickly latching to your arm as she greeted you.

“I thought Jennie was going to take forever! Hi, my name’s Sooyoung, but everyone calls me Joy!” You notice the slight change in her hair and you struggle to understand if that was just you or the lighting, but the scent manages to catch your attention. And seeing the confusion you visibly showed them, Jennie was quick to explain.

“Joy is a fae. Jongin is a golem, thus his slightly rough personality.” She jokes and Sooyoung giggles before she poked her friend in the arm and it’s then you notice how both her hands are covered in a pair of leather gloves.

You cock a brow and Sooyoung promptly explains instead of letting the girl do it herself. “Jennie has this family curse, so she can’t touch others with her bare hands.” She explains and the latter only shrugs while you frown a little. “What, does touching someone end up killing them?” It was a joke, if anything, but seeing the look on her face told you that whatever it was she was capable of doing was no joking manner.

“Trust me, you don’t want to know what happens when I take them off.” Was enough of a warning for you so you nod curtly before another girl spoke up, her voice much deeper than you expected it to be. “What’s your name?” She asks and Jennie sighs a little before nudging her friend. “Yeeun, come on.” She groaned and the short haired girl playfully rolled her eyes before speaking again. “Jang Yeeun, I’m an elementalist.” She tells you while lifting a hand.

Instantly, the air around you grows stronger before she has fire dancing on her forefinger and water floating just above her middle finger.

“Yeah, J is also the youngest in our group.” Sooyoung informs you when she moved to stand next to the girl and you only nod in acknowledgement, forgetting why you were in this position right now.

“Anyway, we didn’t catch your name?” Jongin had a more calm approach, though his quietness helped you feel a little less pressured into answering. “My name’s Y/n. I’m a, uh… a werewolf.” You say hesitantly and all four of them look somewhat surprised. Even Jongin’s eyes looked a little wide by your admission.

“Wait, seriously?” Yeeun asks and you suddenly don’t feel too comfortable with having the attention that they were giving you. “I was turned a few, um, years ago. So, yeah.” You say awkwardly, this being your very first social interaction outside of Nayeon.

Honestly, you wished that it didn’t have to be about how you were turned.

“A real werewolf… wow.”

Now that confused you. These people were mythical creatures and dealt with actual curses. Why the hell would a werewolf be so surprising?

“Sorry for that.” Jennie was the first to snap out of it as she offered you an apologetic smile before continuing. “Werewolves aren’t very common these days. We’ve had maybe two enrolled in the past, but we never really got to talk to them.” Werewolves were rare?

You were a bit confused as to why before Jongin suddenly spoke again. “Werewolves were hunted down centuries ago. Those that survived were known to go into hiding to the point they were assumed to be extinct, but a few have started to show up recently.” He tells you with a curious look in his eyes.

“Judging by the look in your eyes, you didn’t know this world existed, did you?” Sooyoung asks as she sways on her feet, a twinkle in her eyes. “You said you were only turned a few years ago. And judging by your aura, being a werewolf was never in the family tree.” She adds and you stiffen, gritting your teeth together before you shake your head.

“I was bit.” You spat out, now disliking having anyone around you and you were sure that it was the wolf growing agitated. Ever since you'd been turned, your emotions ended up getting tied with the wolf that was now tied to your soul.

Everything you felt was always heightened, and it unnerved you to say the least considering you always knew how to handle your feelings.

Noticing your demeanor, the four friends were quick to understand and Jennie offered you a sympathetic smile. "Hey, it's okay." She says gently, not wanting to irritate you further. "I get that it can be scary, but if you ever need help, you can call any of us." She gestures around and your shoulders relax a little, the confusion slowly rising back up at her words.

"Why would you help me?"

Yeeun grins playfully this time while she scuffed her shoes against the ground. "Trust us, friends are what you'll need here."

..

"How was it?" Nayeon asks when you settle in the living room, watching excitedly as you collapse on the couch.

You'd just gotten back from campus an hour ago, but a week without you did make the older woman miss your presence in her once lonely home.

"It's okay - much tougher than a normal college." You huff and she barks out a laugh at the expression you make. "Oh come on! I'm sure you've made some friends, made an impression!" She urges and you had to fight back a smile when you recall your first day. "I guess you could say that." You mutter quietly, earning a squeal from the latter before she's engulfing you in a big hug.

"I knew you had it in you! Jihyo is going to be so excited. She's been worried about you since you left, now I can tell her to stop being such a worrywart." She rambled and you furrowed your brows at the mention of the witch. "Jihyo unnie was here?"

"Yep. She visited because I told her it was a little weird not having you around." She says offhandedly and you feel almost bad for having to leave her alone.

Instinctively, she catches on before giving you a playful little shove. "Oh, don't worry about me. I'm just happy that you're able to live a somewhat normal life." She tells you and you purse your lips together before letting out a sigh as she begins to ask more about your friends.

"A cursed family?" She muttered quietly while tapping her chin, a thoughtful look on her face as she tried to think. "Maybe I should ask Jihyo about it. She knows more about curses and spells than I do." She shrugs as you let out a yawn, tired after the week you've had.

Not to mention Sooyoung constantly dragging you around campus. God, that woman had too much energy for you to handle.

"You should go ahead and sleep. I'm sure we can talk more in the morning." Neither of you realized the time. It felt as though you'd only been talking for a few minutes, but when you checked the time, it was a little over two hours since you both sat down.

Nodding, you stood to head to your room while Nayeon watched with a smile. "Y/n." You hum while looking over your shoulder, only to see her place her head against her arm. "I'm really happy for you."

Grinning softly, you shake your head and continue walking. "Thank you, unnie."

The sleep you get that night was probably one of the more peaceful ones you've had in a while. You would always prefer dreamless nights rather than those filled with either sadness over the life you've lost or panic from the night you nearly died.

So when a soft rustling forced you out of your slumber, you couldn't help the groan that escaped your lips as you turned in bed, squinting through the darkness as you tried to see what had caused the noise.

However, something else causes you to push yourself up on your elbows. Reaching for the lamp next to your bed, you look around and sniff, puzzled by the faint scent of flowers that wafted in your room. But as you tried to find the source of the smell, it was already gone, almost as though it wasn't there in the first place.

That wasn't Nayeon.

Nayeon had more of a sweeter scent, not floral. It was familiar to you, yet you couldn't pinpoint where on earth you've smelled something like that before.

Groaning once more, you turn the light off and flop back on the bed, pulling your blanket over your head in an attempt to fall back asleep, which you were thankfully granted with the cool breeze that seeped through your partially opened window.

..

A month passes by and you could say that you were now familiar with this new life you were leading. Nayeon even made the comment that you looked much brighter compared to the months prior.

Perhaps you were reverting back to your old self, surrounded by people and interacting without the fear of what was trapped inside you. Your friends were always by your side, sometimes asking you questions about yourself and you opened up a bit more, no longer feeling snappy or agitated when asked about the wolf.

As a matter of fact, all four of them looked saddened when you finally managed to tell them about the night you were turned. Jennie had even teared up a little when you had told them how you were trying to protect someone you loved.

Jongin had become more talkative and you were thoroughly surprised with how much he spoke and joked around. Sooyoung had teased him at some point about how he should take a page out of her own book and just talk to people. Yeeun disagreed, stating she'd rather have another mature person around, even if it was for a while.

"Come on! If we don't hurry, they're going to get all the food!" Sooyoung had, once again, started dragging you by the hand, wanting to catch up with the rest of the group since you both had different classes before lunch.

You only let out a laugh as she continued to weave through the crowded area while you apologized to those you had bumped into due to her haste. Though you ended up knocking into one person by accident that forced you to let go of your friend.

"Sorry!" You quickly apologize, managing to catch her book before it fell and then handing it back. The girl only gave you a blank look as she wordlessly took it from your grasp. "I didn't mean to bump into you. My friend's just a little-"

"Y/n, come on!" Sooyoung yelled, grabbing your arm once more before you could even finish your apology, and dragged you all the way to the cafeteria where Jongin was already grinning at her. "You're late." He noted whilst the fae huffed. "Am not, you're just early." She retorts and you roll your eyes while taking a seat next to Yeeun, ruffling her hair as you did so and she crinkles her nose as a reaction before a spark lands on your arm.

"Ow!" You give the younger girl a glare and she smiles innocently as she unwraps her sandwich. "Don't touch my hair." Is all she says and you raise a brow, silently challenging her, and Jennie can only laugh at the four of you. "Knock it off or I'm taking your food." She tells you and you only huff while grabbing one of the plates set in front of you.

Sooyoung scrunches her nose a little at the amount of meat on your plate before she turns to the sandwich that Jongin handed her. "I will never understand how you can eat that much." She mumbles and you can only shrug, too busy chewing to give her a verbal response.

Though as you went on with your meal and spoke with your friends, you couldn't help but feel the way the hairs on your neck raised, the wolf growing a little antsy as you felt as though someone were watching you.

Jongin caught the look on your face when you glanced around. "Everything okay?" He inquired and you turned back to see all of your friends have stopped talking to look at you.

Shaking your head, you take another quick look around before turning back to your food. "I just thought someone was looking." You shrug the feeling away and carry on with the conversation, though Yeeun and Jennie can't help but share a glance between each other.

"Given that you're one of the few wolves around, I thought you'd gotten used to some people looking." Jongin says without much thought and you squirm as Jennie slaps the boy's arm. "I don't know. It's just a little weird." You say honestly, stabbing a piece of meat with your fork.

Sensing that you weren't about to talk more on that, Yeeun decides to switch the topic, asking what your plans were for the weekend and thankfully relieving your unease. Though she does keep a subtle eye out just so she's sure.

In a far corner, however, one person's eyes are locked on your side profile, eyes wide and disbelieving.

It was impossible. She saw you die, torn to shreds by some rabid animal in the woods.

How were you here? Alive?

"Siyeon?"

The call of her name has her begrudgingly looking up, finding dark brown orbs already staring at her. "Are you okay?" The latter inquires and the blonde can't seem to hide it as her eyes take another glance at you where the fae has once more managed to bring you into her arms.

"I'm fine, Sooyoung."

[minjiarchive]

hi can you write DC reacting to their s/o being really affectionate with them? have a great day <3

DREAMCATCHER REACTION! when their gf is affectionate with them

a/n: havent done these in a long time 🫶

-

JIU:

she loves when you are extra affectionate towards her!

your presence is already enough to make her day even better

she wouldnt even question it and would obviously go along with it because she doesnt say no to her girlfriend

minji has the softest spot for you and only you

shes so cute she'll laugh a lot (her laugh is so cute not to mention)

appreciates every single thing you do for her even if its just giving her affectionate

SUA:

sua doesnt question anything you do and shes so lost in you she admires everything about you

days when you are very affectionate makes her heart melt

she never gets tired of your love, shes too inlove with you to be focusing on anything else

shows you more affection with a big hug and a spin

"ill never find anyone like you, i love you so much."

SIYEON:

mind racing with thoughts (not in a bad way obviously)

making sure everyone knows shes yours

if she could hold you for an eternity, you know damn well she would

maybe you were a little tired and more clingy towards her

kisses spreaded all across your body, shes an overprotective gf!!

HANDONG:

HAVE U SEEN HOW HANDONG IS? MY GODD

she wouldnt know what to do cus her and siyeon share braincells

dongie is so gentle with you though so the only thing that would come to mind is rub your back and hold you

"i missed you, i love you so much"

dongie : "i know you do thank you"

she falls into your charms all the time

your small gestures towards her are special to her

YOOHYEON:

i love her so much :(

shes calm about it and kisses you when you come across eachother

shes like dongie too and very gentle with you

affection is one if the things she loves about you most and loves affectionate/clingy people

a bunch of "i love yous" come out

yoohyeon can hold back sometimes on showing you love but when you do it she goes crazy

DAMI:

dami can be shy in a relationship so you try to have her show her cute side to you

she cant resist giving in, she adores you so much

doesnt mind when you do this and actually loves it a lot

you're her safe place and she knows she can come to you about anything

the way you express yourself is something she wont get tired of, never

GAHYEON:

shes an absolute sunshine how can you not show her so much love

gives you that pretty smile of hers

she does her best to make sure you give her attention (LMFAO gahyeon like me fr)

cutest couple on earth i swear

shes no different than you so expect the same actions back from her, give her a long kiss? she'll kiss you back, etc

protect her at all cost! she likes being treated sweetly but she doesnt need to worry about that cus she knows she has the best gf in the world

[kingmaker-a]

Stay With Me

Content/Warning: Fluff, Angst, Character Death and mentions of violence, blood, poverty and death... obviously.

Genre: Cyberpunk AU, Gender-neutral reader x Siyeon

Word Count: 15,997

Average Read Time: 1 hour and 3 minutes

Author Notes: Snacks and a drink aren’t a requirement but this will take a while to read, something I realised when I did a quick skim edit, so there’s probably some mistakes but I wanted to get this out this century. Anyway this was meant to be realised for @foolish-sparrow‘s birthday but here I am a whole month late almost. Anyway I hope you guys enjoy because this is pretty close to my heart, since it’s a universe I’ve been working on in my spare time. I guess that’s my warning on how everything might not make sense.

Aroha nui ki a koe and a late Mānawatia a Matariki

Amber bathed asphalt, that’s all your eyes can focus on. In the familiar streets of the Melting Pot, it was odd to be home, yet so shaken.

Neon lights and holograms are nothing but a distant dream compared to the city.

Your father was invincible, yet as he hobbled next to you hoisted next to you on your shoulder, blood crusting your shirt– his or yours, you couldn’t tell. 

You had your doubts.

But maybe it was because of you and your selfish wants. A single thought pervaded your head and the regrets that linger. You weren’t strong enough.

A fact that’s driven home when you focus on your damaged limp arm.

Stay with me

Those were the first words he had said to you, a fearful child. The world had been a stark and dangerous place living amongst ruins and scrap.

His voice was honeyed warmth, you had yet known. The grasp of his hand felt like a colossus against yours, yet you felt safe.

Something you always felt in his presence.

Even at such a young age, you could see his hidden pain, the smile that hid his starving stomach as you ate. The worry hidden in his eyes as he brought you on every expedition.

The pain etched into his features as he gave you a weapon for the first time.

“Manawa,” his nickname for you, lovingly stitched into your memories. His fingers gliding over a sword, a long sword for you.

A short sword for him.

“A weapon tells a story about its owner,” a smile teases his lips as his eyes shut. Fresh forest air enveloped the two of you, expeditions were your favourite. 

You were as free as the breeze and food wasn’t hard to come by. 

Even if it was dangerous.

“What does a sword say?” 

He smiles as his eyes soften on you. “A sword? Someone who believes they’re a hero. Someone with honour.”

He passes you the short sword. 

“What about you Matua?" Your eyes latched on to the long silver weapon on his back. 

"This?" His hands reveal a pointed spear, with an axe head on the opposite end. Shiny and well maintained, hallowed like moonlight. "A protector, there is no difference between a pitchfork and a spear except for efficiency." 

"So like a farmer protecting his cattle?" 

"Ai," his eyes became crescents. Yet questions still tugged at you. A finger pointed at the axe head. 

"What about that?" 

"Ah," a giggle leaves his lips as he twirls the spear, a hand settled on the axe head. "A provider, if you can cut down a tree, you can cut down a giant."

"So you're not a protector you're a provider?" you can only giggle remembering past mistakes. 

He laughs, "no my dear Manawa. They are not mutually exclusive. Just because I may fell a tree today doesn't mean I can't kill a beast tomorrow. It is better to be a warrior in a garden tha-" 

"A gardener in a war, I know, I know." your face alight with a smile as you feel the weight of the sword in your palm. "So you're going to teach me how to use a sword huh?" 

"Kao," no. 

You almost drop the sword in surprise. 

"Teaching you the sword limits your path."

You cock your head to the side. "My path?" 

"You won't be the hero in everyone's story," his eyes settle on you again. "If someone can use any weapon what story do they tell?" 

You frown as you try to grasp what exactly he was getting at. You huff slightly, "I don't exactly know." 

He stabs his spear into the ground, a hand rests on your shoulder. "It means they have the potential to be anything."

A smile crosses his lips. "It means you can be anything, my dear Manawa."

You return his smile, yet a question lingers on your mind. "What does a bad guy use? You know, like a really bad guy, like a tyrant or a dictator?" 

"People." 

You couldn't tell which was more uncomfortable, your cast, your uniform or the entire situation. It was all unnatural, to you at least. The Melting Pot was your safety net, the thin layer of grime and ramshackle look lent it credibility to you. 

After all, it hid nothing. 

The city was different, everything was cleaner, newer. Yet, the sense of unease hung heavy in the air. 

Odd, considering you used to dream about living in the city with your dad. 

Neon lights always had an allure over your soul. 

Rain, however? Didn’t.

You should’ve brought an umbrella, a jacket… something, anything. You still didn’t know where you were going either, nothing but another strand in the rope of stress tugging at your brain.

That’s what you get for telling Matua to just trust you.

A grumble exits through your soul and escapes through your lips. At that moment the air feels more foreign than usual, a chime on its lips as you are ready to fight.

You pivot quickly, muscles tensed and ready to launch, cast be damned.

Your would-be killer is nothing but a girl on a bike, your age or there about. 

Doesn’t make her any less capable.

A confused expression etched into her eyebrows, her eyes slowly settle on your cast. You could almost see the cogs turning in her eyes.

“Oh,” a smile blooms on her face. “You’re the new kid.”

The city was truly different.

Your eyes shift across her, had you ever interacted with someone your age? “Yeah, that should be me and you are?”

She laughs.

“Lee Siyeon,” she offers her hand, a moment that brings a smile to your face as you shake it. “Your soon-to-be best friend.”

Words fall out of your mouth like rain from a cloud. Her presence made it natural. “Someone is awfully eager.”

“Consider it a mutually beneficial partnership,” she throws you a wink. She’s soft and endearing; it almost tickles your heart. "I get you out of this drizzle and you get me out of trouble for being late."

"You're late?" 

"We're late my dear accomplice," her hand beckons you to her stead. "I know you Melting Pot kids have interesting skill sets, do you know how to ride a bike?" 

"Not particularly." 

Her hands crest the seat, gesturing for you to sit. "I'll pedal, but I'll teach you." 

"Where will you sit?" 

She smiles lightly, "I'll sit on the centre bar, just hold on to the handles or me if you're comfortable."

You graciously take her up on her offer, your arms wrapping around her waist. You almost don't notice the slight shudder when you rest your chin on her shoulder. 

"I thought we were late."

She bloomed with warmth. Cosy and safe. 

"What's being a little extra late gonna do?" 

Air sapped from your lungs, a blast of cold. That's the first thing you notice when her fist collides with your abdomen. 

An atypical reaction. 

Questions linger on the fringes of your mind as you gasp for air. 

Garnet glows in her left eye. 

Honoured. Wolf Chorus. 

The city had its own beasts. She must've felt threatened if she was using her gift so early. 

"Pulling your tricks out already Ryujin?" A cocky smirk dots your lips, school was hard but fighting? 

That came naturally. 

You catch a glint of metal as she strikes again, a flare of heat pools across your cast. 

Yet you feel nothing, no pain radiates through you, your cast, a deft shield. 

Your brain ticks like a clock. 

Her gift? 

Heat based? 

The warmth quickly fades, as you spy the garnet hue fading from her eye. 

An opportunity to strike. 

You move on instinct, your synthfiber cast collides recklessly with her jaw, a groan breaks out as she stumbles back. 

Her knife clatters to the floor. 

A choked cough escapes her lips, flecks of red. 

You were stronger than you thought. The expeditions had strengthened your body. 

Anger flares across her features, her hand only smears blood across her lip. 

Cold bites at your lungs, each breath frosted and clear. Visible in the air. 

The garnet glow hums in her eye, mere inches away from you. 

Where her sudden speed came from you didn't know. 

Her ragged breaths caress your ears. 

You almost hesitate. 

Images of a beast in the forest, Matua pinned under a tree, flashes of anxiety stab at your heart. 

Searing heat ghosts past your face, instinct is in the driver seat as you narrowly dodge her fist. 

A strangled scream escapes her lips, the temperature in her fist only builds higher.

Her eyes shift hastily as you dodge every strike. Each movement is wilder than the last. 

Lia. A stranger to you.

Her fist erupts into a livid molten flame, Ryujin's face contorts and writhes in monstrous pain. 

You fight through the sweltering heat as she swipes at Lia, her fist meets flesh. 

Or at least it should've heated pain licks at you through your cast. A strangled grunt escapes your lips as you slowly feel the heat dissipate. 

Anger floods your veins with pain as you strike out at Ryujin. The garnet glow in her eye once again dissipates as she falls unconscious. 

Lia's eyes scan over you in worry, "Are you okay?"

You struggle to catch your breath through the pain. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine."

Your body threatens to collapse onto the floor, lethargy whips at your muscles. 

That cast was money well spent by Matua. 

Well, what little money he did have after deciding to put you through high school. 

You see the hint of naivete that you wished you still had. 

Grey smog feels like home, sour burnt notes of pollution. Smooth inhalation surprises your lungs. 

The surrounding air was crisp with the scent of rain, yet there was something else. 

Steam, though you shouldn't be surprised working at a noodle shop. You froth like steamed milk at the idea of sustenance. 

Your shift had ended, and your pay had been collected. 

But money was tight for you and Matua. 

He didn't even know you had a part-time job. 

An effort to get Matua something for his birthday. 

Yet your hunger growls like a starving beast. But, something else bubbles up between the roiling waves of hunger, a hanging tension. 

A sneeze, ripples through you. Only then do you feel the leaky faucet that is your nose. 

A problem you push to the side, at least for now. 

A small jab of pain radiates through your side as your body keels to the side. Anxiety weighs on your brow, surely that wasn't a sign of your worsening condition. 

A sharp giggle blooms through the air. "You okay stranger?" A familiar teasing lilt. 

A smile splats itself across your face, a sigh of relief. A two-finger jab to the side was Siyeon's greeting. 

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine."

Wait a minute, your eyes narrow across her soaked features. "Aren't you supposed to be on the trip?" 

She looks you up and down. "You know I could say the same to you," a flair of annoyance parted by a light smile. "But I'm guessing that just makes you an accomplice in my truancy."

She always had a thing for a partner in crime. 

"Last time I checked I was suspended. Which means I'm in the clear. I dunno how that makes me an accomplice." 

She only smiles, eyelashes fluttering as she adjusts your collar. "I believe Mino would say that you're aiding and abetting, by not ratting me out."

For a second her eyes linger on you longer than you expect, as well as her fingers. 

A small delicate moment. 

Yet, you feel pressure behind your eyes, a dull throbbing pain. 

"I'm pretty sure you mean I'd be an accessory to the crime. An accessory after the fact, since I wouldn't dare rat you out."

Her smile is sweet like decadent honey, a sugar-sweet delight that you never appreciated, until that moment. In a world lost in a sea of swirling fraudulence.

Here was a lighthouse.

You speak before you drown. “What’re you doing in the Melting Pot anyway. No offence but it isn't exactly your vibe.”

Her head tilts to the side, almost tossing up whether to take offence or not. Her face scrunches slightly before offering an answer. “Well, they wouldn’t think to look for me here.”

I mean she was right, only you and Mino were from the Melting Pot. It was a far from a dignified place for city folk.

“A simulator trip without my dear accomplice sounded awfully dull anyway. I am surprised to meet you here though.”

“Oh yeah and why’s that?”

“I dunno,” she shrugs. “Most kids stay home when they’re suspended.”

You chuckle lightly.

“Most kids don’t have money problems. Sean hasn’t told Matua about my suspension,” her face shifts, so many questions remained on the edges of her lips.

The first question doesn’t surprise you.

“You’re on a first-name basis with the principal?”

“I mean he said to… why is that weird?” It was odd now that you think about it. “He’s the one who got me the job with Jinu.”

You poke a thumb at the noodle store.

Unceremoniously your stomach ripples and groans for sustenance. It was Sean’s idea to give back to Matua, but the sweet smell of food was slowly corrupting that notion in your head. 

She lets out a small chuckle, “why don’t we talk over food,” her eyes flicker over yours noticing your hesitance. “My shout.”

You weren’t one to say no to a free meal.

You hear the familiar jostle of the doorbell as you enter. An annoyed growl permeates the air until Jinu’s eyes settle on both of you. “Oh, uh. What can I get you guys?”

Siyeon’s eyes linger over each item on the menu. Her teeth chew at the edges of her lips as she ponders.

“Were you closing up Jinu?” You ask.

He leans against the counter, his hand resting against his face. A small wry smile presents itself as he nods subtly.

His hours were odd, to say the least.

Your stomach once again grumbles, did you even eat today? 

Your eyes pass over Siyeon, her eyes still lost in the labyrinthian menu. 

“Two A-yo Noodles Jinu,” your stomach pushing your vocal cords.

Jinu gives you an almost teasing look. A real smile present on his face.

“A-yo Noodles?” Siyeon questions, her eyes scanning the menu for the item.

Something she wouldn’t find.

You could see by the way Jinu’s eyes danced that he wanted to tease you, that’s why you’re surprised when he doesn’t. Instead, he peers at Siyeon, “Make sure the kid stays out of trouble and I’ll open the secret menu up to you.”

“Secret Menu?”

“Reserved for special people and the people they think are special.” He points out matter of factly.

She smiles warmly in your direction, “I wouldn’t have it any other way sir, though they tend to keep me out of trouble instead.”

She chuckles as Jinu starts cooking. You fight the urge to dive over the counter and have your way with anything edible.

“Speaking of trouble,” she turns her full focus onto you. “After your fight with Ryujin, the others might treat you differently.”

You shrug, the opinions of your peers didn’t matter. But judging by her worrisome tone, it was far from a positive thing. "Why does it matter?" 

It doesn't. 

"The other kids think you're an Ed. The alternative scares them."

"But it doesn't scare you and Mino though, right?" A hint of worry lines your words, and your eyes tentatively linger over Siyeon. 

She only shakes her head. 

"What's an Ed anyway?" 

She sighs.

"It's crappy city kid slang. It's super dumb, it comes from the words gifted and cursed."

Your eyebrows knit together and confusion ticked at your face. "How does it come from gifted and cursed?" 

She takes a deeper regretful sigh, her eyes clamp shut in disappointment. "It comes from the e d at the end of the word. 

She frowns. "Like I said super dumb."

Her eyes twist over the counter, her finger tapping away at the surface. 

The subject seemed to annoy her. 

The Melting Pot had no such terminology. Poverty held everyone on an equal footing. Whether they were gifted with superior abilities or cursed with abnormalities, everyone had a different strength or perspective they could add to the community. 

A teaching Matua instilled into you as early as he could. 

Her fingers would work holes into the counter if she kept at it. 

You wrestle her hand into your own, her eyes snap to yours like you just pulled a parachute indoors. 

"Aside from cringe-ass slang, how've things been with you and Mino?" 

She hums for a little bit. "Same as usual, though Mino told me that you should thank Matua for him."

A lone eyebrow quirks upwards. "What for?" 

"He didn't quite say, he just said Matua would know. But if I had to guess it has something to do with all the old tech he has."

"Right, right."

Jinu returns with two takeout containers. 

"So I guess that's a no on dining in?" You tease. 

"Maybe next time kid, I have a hot date to get ready for," his eyes scan for the nearest reflective surface, a pot. His hand quickly gets to work adjusting his hair in a fuss. 

Yet he pauses with sudden odd stillness like he's been overcome with a ghost from the past. A yellow flame-like flicker burns from his left eye as his eyes snap over you. 

The lights flicker and hum with the same glow, gradually shifting into a golden hue.

It disappears almost as quickly as it arrived. 

Yet concern lingers, his hands grasp ingredients hastily tossing them towards you. "Matua will know what to do with those.”

Two bags, watercress and pork bones.

“Uh, thanks, boss?” You’re unsure of what just occurred. You feel it like the shift of a boat on the sea, a wobble through your very core, anxiety-tinged nausea.

Siyeon clutches you as you struggle to stay afloat. “You don’t look that great.”

You fight through nausea as your eyes melt over hers, concern as clear as the sun in a desert.

“Yeah, I definitely don’t feel great,” you try to joke, yet it only manages to escape your voice like a dying croak.

She pulls you closer letting you rest most of your weight on her shoulder. “Come on, let's get you home.”

You’re thankful for her, even if you do feel like a heavy burden. Words are exchanged between her and Jinu like the whispered secrets of a ghost, your mind suffocating and sick.

Even despite the whispered haze of your own mind, you clutch at the pocket knife in your pocket.

A good luck charm from Matua, a teasing smile.

“You’re so fearless, yet the city scares you?” his hand felt like the comforting warmth of the sun.

Your words caught in your throat, you’ve dealt with beasts and nature itself. But the city was dishonest, a pit of vipers and cunning.

He muses to himself, humming slowly and softly. Something that used to give you comfort but not after the incident.

Only now do you notice the sad look etched into his eyes from the pit of your memories? 

His hand produces a pocket knife, an orange handle engraved with the words Kare a-roto.

Siyeon’s warm voice brings you back to the present, though you can't quite make out the words.

Grogginess had taken over your brain.

She frowns slightly as her palm passes over your forehead. A soothing cool washes over you and for a moment you feel better.

Her knuckles rack against a familiar door, your home. A sneeze ripples through you, as you hear a loud clatter behind the door.

“Manawa?” he hobbles towards you and Siyeon, he moves quickly despite the oxygen tank he carts around. 

He does his best to try and assist you inside, but he’s older and far frailer than he remembers. 

Every movement brings out a tense racked cough. 

Eventually, he relinquished his efforts, instead opting to ease the burden on Siyeon. You watch as protest teases the edge of Siyeon’s lips. 

“Please let me do something,” he begs, a cold downpour of ice-like sadness drowns your heart. 

“Uh, yeah sure.” She gestures to the bags you shared, an easy task for the able-bodied. 

Siyeon’s focus remains on you as she takes you inside. She finds you a seat on Matua’s old worn sofa. 

A gift from Mino’s family.

You practically melt into the old leather. The world feels like a melted blur, your vision deceives you.

But even you can tell how awkward Siyeon is, though you suppose this wasn’t how she’d expect to meet your family.

Her eyes linger across you before snapping to the front door.

This place felt truly foreign to her. Multiple thoughts and words die in her throat as she attempts to speak.

“Please make yourself at home dear,” his words like honey-warmth as he hobbled to the kitchen, watercress and pork bones in hand.

“Are you sure sir?” It was so odd to hear Siyeon so timid, so weak and vulnerable.

Let alone formal.

A hearty laugh bellows through your apartment, a warmer house than the old shack. Though Matua made any place feel cosy like a cottage in winter.

“Matua is fine,” a cough cracks through his lips. “Any friend of my dear Manawa is welcome like family.”

Your heart melts, you were truly lucky to find such shelter in the storm of life.

Your eyes peer over at Siyeon as a blissfully warm smile blooms across her lips, a hint of sadness tinges at the edge of her eyes which her hands quickly wipe away.

“I hope you don’t mind boil-up it’s good for the soul,” a smile emanates from him as he boils the ingredients. “And for your wallet.”

A classic joke from him fills your body with warmth even as your brain reels from sickness.

“Though I wouldn’t blame you if you stuck to those noodles, Jinu always was a good cook.”

Siyeon asks before the words can even formulate in your brain. “You know Jinu?”

“Ai, we grew up in the system together with Sean and a bunch of others,” he smiles as he reminisces. “We used to call ourselves the MP9. Aue, that was a long time ago. I hope the others are doing well.”

A cough grumbles through his lips. “We’ll have the boil-up for dinner, feel free to help yourselves to your kai.”

Siyeon’s movements reek of hesitance like it’s some kind of test yet she quickly collects herself. 

She’s quicker on the draw than you, offering Matua her takeout container. “Aue my dear. You don’t need to worry about me, you kids should worry about yourselves.”

You almost scowl at her despite your state. 

“Consider it a trade so that I can eat my fill of boil-up,” she gives him a wink. “As well as thanks for Manawa.”

You see a soft smile slowly work its way onto Matua’s lips. A soft gracious look of appreciation hovers over the two of you. “Kia ora.”

You pass your takeout container to Siyeon, “You go first so you don’t get sick.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I’m gonna try to have a shower, see if that helps.”

She gives you a soft nod, as you retreat into your room, a rather basic room with the bare necessities and second-hand furniture. You enjoy the charm it gives though, love etched into each worn mark on your dresser.

A slight chill reminds you to turn the electric blanket on for later.

You place the pocket knife on your bedside table next to your phone. A smile twinges at the edge of your lips.

Shower time you remind yourself as you grasp warm clothes, half of them second-hand from Matua himself.

You suppose that just made them cosier.

Warmth melts over you as you enter the shower and for a second you feel like your head is clear. Your muscles relax as tension melts away.

Your brain drifts to a silver card Jinu gave you during your shift.

A recommendation to the Freelance Exam, no doubt a part of Sean’s machinations, your mind eases as you remember Matua’s fondness for old friends.

Maybe you’d talk to Siyeon about it? She didn’t need a recommendation as a city kid, so maybe you could do it together?

You quickly finished your shower, after all, time was money that you and Matua probably didn’t have.

Your muscles ache and protest as you dry yourself in an attempt to look vaguely human. Warm comfy clothes did help ease the burden.

Yet as you return to your room you find a spy in your midst. She almost looks too pleased to be caught snooping as she sat on your dresser, your personal effects strewn about.

You chuckle lightly even through the pain piercing through your brain. She tosses your pocket knife through the air with an almost too practised ease, well at least for a city kid.

“What does Manawa mean?” she asks, her eyes still focused on the knife.

Maori wasn’t your first language and it was nowhere close to being your second language.

“Uh, can’t say I do know,” your hand massages deep into your neck as you place your washing in a basket. 

She just smiles slightly at your words before she passes you the takeout container, something you’d almost forgotten about as your stomach grumbles. “Thanks.”

“No problem Manawa,” her smile warms your heart like the birth of a sun, you feel safe in her presence even as she tosses a knife precariously in the air. 

She catches the knife deftly in her palm, her eyes sinking into the inscription. “I’m guessing the same thing goes for kare a-roto?”

You can only hum a response as you stuff your mouth. 

“Why the knife?”

You pause, what was the best way to explain it? “Safety precaution but mostly a good luck charm from Matua,” your eyes linger over her. “So that I feel safe no matter what like he’s always around.”

Her eyes became peering crescents. Her smile is a billow for the warmth in your heart. Her voice, a honey-sweet whisper. “That’s so sweet.”

Yet her face quickly shifts to that of disappointment as she raises the chunky block that is your phone, “now correct me if I’m mistaken but this does in fact look like a phone.”

You curse under your breath as you fall back onto your bed. “Yeah, you’d be right.”

“So should I be offended that my dear accomplice has decided that I’m not worthy of contact,” mock hurt lines her throat like warmth in a puffer jacket.

You sigh as your eyelids tighten shut, words licking at the tip of your tongue as you lean up. “Okay, let me explain,” you pleaded as you offered a hand for your phone.

Her eyes narrow over your visage, you feel the hesitancy as she passes your phone. “I’m listening.”

“Okay, I’ll make it quick.” You spin the phone in your hand revealing the backside, ancient archaic tech fused against your rather old model phone.

A cassette player.

Siyeon’s eyebrows just scrunch together upon your reveal, you had no doubt she had questions.

“Matua made it from spare parts,” a smile dots your lips, you remember the worry that hung in his eyes. This was something truly precious to you, even if it was made from a pile of scrap.

A treasure close to your heart.

“I keep it at home to keep it safe.” Your words float delicately in the air, nausea ripples through you once again, yet you fight to hold onto this moment as her hand clasps over yours.

Oh, you wished you had a cassette tape to actually play.

A cherry on top of a decadent sundae.

Time washes over the both of you like gentle waves on the shore, You cling so desperately to the receding waves, you fear moments like this will never return in your lifetime. 

A gentle knock calls you to dinner and despite your condition and the radiating pain, you enjoy yourself, you laugh and you sing along to old waiata, songs Matua taught you to pass the time beyond the boundary.

Time stings or maybe it’s just the sickness gripping at your tiring body, the boil-up soothes your aching bones and muscles.

It does nothing for the fever that slowly creeps back, yet as you feel the blur of sickness and time pull at your soul, your eyes linger on Siyeon.

Bittersweet happiness instilled into each atom of her soul as she watches you and Matua, one thought lingers on the edge, well more than one thought. But those thoughts are for someone stronger, braver.

She fits in.

Yet you watch as sadness tugs at her as the passing of time pulls her closer and closer to the door.

Into the cold lonely night.

The seas of time would cast her out, yet you knew at that moment you’d try to capture the ocean in a bucket if it meant you could stay in this bittersweet moment.

You cough and you do your best to fight off your body’s instinct to vomit, at least not in front of her. You had nights of drinking together to save that for.

She pulls you closer once again, in a bid to help you to your room, the world nothing but a coalescing vortex in front of you.

Your mind was stuck in a labyrinth, stuck in a whirlpool falling into a black hole Maybe somewhere in that mess between the anxiety and the broken shards of memories best left forgotten, there was a hidden vein of courage.

That’d be the only explanation.

Her thumb caresses your cheek as you nuzzle into your pillow, lethargy and sickness tugging on your eyelids. “I’ll see you around Manawa.”

A bittersweet echo dots each word, a desperate fight between a smile and a frown.

Yet as she turns to leave her strength wavers as your hand grasps her wrist. A soft tug at least initially.

She still hesitates, anxiety gnaws at her like chattering teeth. 

Your home felt like home more than hers ever could.

Your sickened fervour speaks for you as you pull her onto your bed. A cough blooming into your pillow. 

“Stay with me…. Please.”

Her hand guides your head into her lap. Her hands massaging your scalp.

Looking after your sick friend was a good reason to stay.

Or a good lie to tell yourself.

Those memories rest on the lap of your heart, like a nestled sleeping cat, a sweet warm purr to guide you through the cold nights of your life. 

Yet neither of you speak of that time, scared to rouse the sleeping beast. Content in its warmth even if it meant your own suffering.

Scared any small movement would taint such memories, the sleeping cat would pull away never to return.

You’re lucky you have other things on your mind to keep you preoccupied, water-drenched nights had shifted to the warm sweltering heat of summer, and your body ached and protested from all the training.

You wanted to become a Freelancer, a trait shared with Siyeon, a life of drudgery was never meant for either of you.

Mino had his eyes set on other prizes, you didn’t blame him. Even if you spent hours trying to convince your would-be brother.

Despite the Melting Pot, his mind was more gifted and analytical. You could only taste the crumbs of what his mind could devour.

He was meant for better than you and Siyeon, you could see that easily.

That didn’t stop you from noticing some oddities in his behaviour, fleeting moments, small yet they couldn’t be coincidences.

His presence had been felt in your absence at home. Though you weren’t one to complain, Matua always enjoyed the company.

You were just curious if anything.

Yet training held the biggest focus on your mind, at least up until now, anxiety wearing down at the shore of your mind. 

You sat quietly in a room bathed in white, almost like a clinic minus the disinfectant. A den filled with like-minded souls, dreams waiting to flourish or to be crushed under the weight of reality.

Yet you didn’t spy her, Siyeon was late.

The anxiety ticked away at you like a nervous woodpecker.

You didn’t need her presence, you were worried about the small glimmer in her eyes, the spark that held child-like wonder and hope.

The part of her that so desperately wanted to become a freelancer.

A dream previously unknown to her.

On the brink of crumbling to dust and decay.

Your knife paces in your grip, a delicate dance on the edge of your fingers. Practised grace was easier than unexpected chaos.

The person, the clerk or whatever you call it, they’d given you a paper with numbers. 

Instructions too you were pretty sure. Though they were lost to the tides of anxiety and worry.

Where was she?

A loud whir echoes through the room, like the spin of a tape.

“153535-3115,” a robotic almost harsh voice echoes through the chamber. Were you supposed to be listening for numbers? Your eyes dip into the paper in your hand. 

Of course, yours had a misprint on it. Faded misaligned ink, 1324-3322. Were you supposed to look out for this or the darker bolder print, meticulously well printed?

1415-1114

Steps echo through the room, the only other noise. You watch a girl with brown hair disappear into what you can only assume is the exam hall. 

You only hope that your number hasn't been called already.

“24334145-2443,” Should you be concerned that all the other numbers were longer? Even before the next person can disappear into the exam, the loud whirring sound comes to a halt like it’s caught on something. She hangs around for a moment, curiosity taking a brief hold over her soul before she too disappears behind the doors.

A loud grinding sound permeates the air, its harsh melody grinds against eardrums

“1324–” you wait for the 3322 but it never comes, instead catching once again, stuck in a stutter, irritation lining your ears and no doubt everyone else’s.

The lights flicker and completely dip into darkness, at least the stuttering has stopped. 

The room slowly blooms back to life, as the speaker slowly croaks back to life. 

“1415-1114,” Well that was definitely one of your numbers. You move with trepidation steps, surely everything was fine?

And not an ill omen of what would lie beyond the doors.

Matua’s ‘garage’ provided little cover, though Mino couldn’t really complain. It was more ideal than most shelters in the Melting Pot. The clang of steel and the sizzle of a blowtorch felt like home.

Memories of a long-departed father.

It was nice to follow in the footsteps, even if it was just for a gift. He had no doubt that you were starting to suspect something.

But you wouldn’t dare snoop on Matua's stuff.

Something he was infinitely glad for, lying wasn’t his strong suit. Seeing through the cracked veneers of lies was his speciality; too many easy mistakes to make.

A chuckle dots his lips as he scans over Matua’s handiwork, he was far from his own father’s level. But good for a beginner nonetheless. His work was good regardless, a small cute mistake is what triggered Mino.

MountaIn.

An arrow pointed upwards to a slot. 

It was supposed to say ‘Mount In’. Matua’s features furrow together, noticing his mistake, and a deep regretful sigh takes hold. He fights so desperately against the urge to curse.  

Mino’s hand rests on the older male’s shoulder. “It’s charming Matua, Manawa will love it.”

He frowns softly as his eyes focus on Mino, he’d never seen the old man so… vulnerable. So delicate like the most beautiful snowflake.

His arms move of their own accord, pulling Matua into a tight tender embrace. 

He felt like home, like his own father.

Your muscles ache, terribly so. Your mind painted a dull ash grey or a blanket white, you couldn’t really tell.

It felt like a fog of confusion filled your lungs, yet your shoes and your feet made it out the door.

It feels like a switch is flipped with that first painstaking step, lethargy drains away from you, but so too do your memories of the exam.

Replaced with a sense of accomplishment, an odd sensation nonetheless.

Not everyone has such a chipper mood, you notice more than a few with scars granted only by shattered dreams, blood-soaked bandages and beleaguered sighs.

There’s a tug at your coat, strong and desperate. You fall easily under its sway. 

“Manawa?” Gone is the confidence you knew so well, replaced by something different and foreign. 

Fear and anxiety.

Yet as your eyes land over hers, you can only smile.

She’d do just fine.

Your hand clasps over hers like a warm hug. Is this how Matua felt looking at you all those years ago? She was so strong and she had nothing to fear.

Just like you and your tentative fear of the city.

“You’ll be okay.”

Her teeth pick at her lips, you feel the small simmering shake of her hand in yours. 

She didn’t believe you.

No that was wrong– “332422-2344,” her breath hitches, her number had been called. Her grip tightens, you hadn’t realised exactly how safe she felt in your presence.

You wanted so desperately to pull her tight, to assuage all her worries. To breathe relief into her tightening lungs, to light the dark night.

“Stay with me,” you’d never heard her beg before, her soft desperate eyes peeled back the thickest layers of your soul. You wished so desperately that you could stay with your own memories from when you were sick clung to your heart.

You do anything to honour your partnership, the greatest friendship you’ve ever had. Yet there was nothing you could do.

Even if mana would demand it from you.

You owed that much… and so much more.

A frown creases your face and for a moment she drowns in a sea of dark abyssal fear. You pull her hand into your coat pocket, your precious vault.

All she needed was a good luck charm.

She shakes her head, to reject your offer. “No… I’ll be fine.”

Your grip tightens over hers. Your pocket knife, one of the few treasures in your life. 

It’s your turn to shake your head, a soft slow reassurance as your eyes focus over hers, pulling them in with your sun-like warmth.

A smile crosses your lips as you slowly pat her hand. “It’ll be like I’m with you in there.”

Your eyes catch the inscription once again.

“I’ll always keep you safe kare a-roto.”

Her breath hitches once again as her eyes soften over yours. There’s something else in the depths of her soul.

“332422-2344” But you don’t get to ask, instead she pulls you into the tightest embrace she can muster.

“Thank you.”

Thank you, the words you can’t bear to muster, cold winter winds whip at the both of you. All you can do is shield yourself with your newfound gift.

A grey long coat, resistant to the elements. You noticed the old worn embroidery on the collar.

Takuira, kare a-roto may this keep you warm.

Taonga, a treasure from Matua’s own past. A treasure to pass on.

He smiles with brimming warmth, your unspoken words heard by his soul. The warmth nestled in your heart almost detracts your other gift from your memory.

A storm cloud grey behemoth of a bike, it was easily the length of a car, your fingers trace the frame as you inspect it.

The work of love.

Your hand pads across the seat, real genuine leather in the form of a chair with a full back.

Matua chuckles across from you. “I know you tamariki, have such bad backs at such young ages. I figured this will help.”

You smile softly, “you know you didn’t have to right? You didn’t have to do anything.”

His features softened, “I had to Manawa…” tears crest his eyes ever so slightly. “You saved me as much as I saved you.”

A riptide of emotion threatens to break through you both, you’ve only had glimpses of what Matua truly meant, a past often unspoken.

But even you noticed the difference over the years

An eagerness to die replaced with fatherhood.

“I know, we don’t know your birthday but it’s been 18 years since I found you and we aren’t family by blood… But I like to think you’re my child.”

You practically pull him off the ground when you pull him to a hug. You do your best not to break into a sob. “Thanks, Dad.”

He’s the one who truly breaks in your embrace, you’d never seen even a crack in the veneer of your father, he’d always been your rock, your mountain.

Yet as tears wrestle their way into the fabric of your jacket, you realise it was a street that went both ways.

A fire blooms in the coals of your heart, a kiss pressed into one of the many scars that crest his forehead.

He pulls you tight, a life preserved in his turbulent journey of life, his voice nothing but a hoarse croak. 

“I love you with all I have, my dear sweet Manawa.”

A haunting pain echoes through each word, a wound, a scar left before your time.

A weak cough escapes his lips, quickly snapping you back, you find his oxygen tank as he struggles to breathe. You settle him on his workbench, as you strap his mask to his face.

He releases a sigh of relief and an awkward laugh, “sorry for ruining the moment Manawa.”

His breathing was still slightly uneven, but it was better than his usual attacks. He was getting worse, he promised that treatment was going well though.

Maybe it was just emotional stress.

“It’s alright Dad,” you attempt a smile to hide your worry. 

He passes you two small metallic slates. “For you and Siyeon.”

A shift of your shoulders, a quizzical nod. Your eyes wash over unfamiliar words, names and dates. Yet, something catches you, one familiar word. 

Manawa. 

The slates were stamped with an icon you easily remembered, an owl. 

The insignia for the Vanguard, the expeditionary force. 

"There's a forge called Gifted and Cursed, they'll accept those as payment."

Weapons were expensive, you'd originally planned to work for Jinu for a season. 

Even then the quality would've been debatable at best. 

"I don't know what to say."

He had given you a life most people would be jealous of. 

"Just say thank you and do what I never could."

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

He flashes you a smile before a cough rolls past his lips. "You should probably go." 

"Are you sure? I can stay and make dinner…" 

He only raises a hand. "I'm pretty sure Siyeon needs her accomplice more than I need you. Trust your old man."

"... Fine, but we're hanging out later alright?" 

"I wouldn't have it any other way Manawa."

Your fingers ghost over-familiar handwriting, a smile dances its way across your features. 

Mountain, an arrow points to a slot the size of your phone. 

The key.

Your phone fits like a glove, the thrum of the engine, beckons you to true freedom like wind in a sail.

You can only flash Matua the biggest smile as you hear the roar of the engine, you’d always wanted to drive his bike, he’d given you lessons over the years.

But you’d never quite felt the freedom and power at your own fingertips quite like this.

He returns your smile before gesturing for you to leave.

Wind whips through your hair as your bike crests the pavement, only now do you realise exactly how big the bike is, a true behemoth.

It felt like a tank, yet it was graceful and nimble.

True craftsmanship born in the pit of junk and poverty.

Each familiar street and storefront becomes a familiar blur in the heat of burgeoning freedom. You truly felt at the top of the world, a feeling you only ever felt on expeditions with Matua.

Lost in the passion of speed you find yourself outside of the examination hall, the familiar glint of confidence has returned to her eyes.

Yet as the pocket knife twirls through the air her eyes latch onto you, a quizzical tilt of the head.

Surprises probably weren't the best thing to contend with post-exam grogginess. 

Confusion lights her eyes. "How long was I in there for?" 

You wondered if you had the same confused look when you left. "An hour tops?" 

Her head shifts to the bike, "where'd you get the bike?" 

"Birthday present from Matua." You practically preen under her gaze, showing off your new jacket. 

"Huh…" her gaze shifts slightly, still lost in thought. "Should I have gotten you something?" 

You can't help but scoff slightly. 

She suddenly remembers something buried in her coat, two stainless steel badges. "Happy birthday freelancer 1415-1114."

She clips the badge to your jacket. Maybe it's the proximity or maybe she noticed you earlier. "Nice jacket by the way."

A smile tinges her sweet lips. 

You can't but roll your eyes ever so slightly. A chuckle rumbles past your lips with a smile as it's plus one. "Thanks, freelancer 332422-2344."

Jesus that was a mouthful. Your fingers make quick work attaching a badge, yet your mind can't help but linger at the pace of a tortoise. 

The glimmer in her eyes would make the stars jealous. 

"You alright Manawa?" 

You didn't realise you'd been staring. "Hm? Yeah, just thinking."

Your eyes catch onto your pocket knife. "Oh, I should probably give this back."

She offers it back to you, yet you notice the slight frown at the thought. 

You pull her fingers into a tighter grip on the handle. 

"It's yours now, consider it a gift for passing." 

Her face alights with joy, yet there's hesitance in the quiver of her lips. "Are-" 

"Of course, my dear accomplice." You pull her by the hand onto your bike. Comfort ripples through your spine as you lay in the seat. 

Truly a worthwhile expense on Matua's half. 

"I know you Neo City kids have interesting skill sets, do you know how to drive such a feat of Melting Pot engineering?"

She gives you a joyous laugh and a roll of her eyes. "Can't say that ever came up in school."

"I'll drive but I'll teach you," she settles into your lap, and you almost nuzzle a smile into her neck. 

A tender warmth to aid you against the cold winds of winter. The rumble of the engine thrills your heart. 

"Where are we going?" Her face shifts ever closer to yours. 

You're just lucky you have to focus on the road. 

You pass her the two metal slates, her face contorts slightly. 

"Under father it says Takuira…" Her lips scrunch together under the pressure of her thoughts.

It was a name you’d read before. It was different to hear it uttered, like a foreign taste to the palate of your ears.

“I’m pretty sure that’s the record holder for the physical score.”

“Physical score?” You can practically feel her roll her eyes in your embrace. You decided to rest your chin on her shoulder as you had years ago.

Her breath hitches ever so slightly. “For the physical part of the freelancer exam.”

You hadn’t realised there were scores for the exam, though it did make sense what else would you get graded on?”

“What was his score on the written part?” It was an odd feeling to remember that there was a physical and written part, yet remember none of the details.

It was like looking through fogged-up glass, you just couldn’t make out the details.

She frowns slightly, “He got a zero if I'm not mistaken.”

That certainly lined up, being from the Melting Pot afforded little chance at education.

“Ah,” is all you can muster.

Her eyebrows furrowed together as she shifts in your lap. “Do you know him?”

A dry chuckle breaks through you. “You know him too.”

You bask in newfound silence, the hum of the engine provides comfort through deserted streets. The gears in Siyeon’s head moving at a snail’s pace.

A sudden jolt from her nearly sends you careening into a storefront. Years off your life and rubber are the only expenses. 

“Matua?”

Your nod pressed into her shoulder, and the faint smell of vanilla, sends your mind spiralling. 

You're just thankful to park Mountain, an odd name to give a bike. 

One built on fondness and love. 

Nestled between brick walls and graffiti you find your mark, Gifted and Cursed. 

It lacked any of the finer refinements the modern age would afford it, no holographic displays or self-service checkouts. 

Just a classic storefront and a dimly lit forge ripped straight from a fantasy novel. The sweltering heat is a respite from the cold bite of the air. 

You ring the bell, yet you don't hear the sound of anyone, only the subtle booming clang of a hammer and anvil just out of sight. 

Siyeon brims and preens with excitement, her eyes filtering over the displays. "You know we should really thank Lia."

"Why's that?" 

"I mean she's the reason you even learned about the exam…" She pauses for a moment as memories drift carelessly. "Now that I think about it, no one's seen her since your suspension."

Was your advice to blame? 

Words you can't even recollect any more. Dust taken tribute by the void.

Before you can muster a word, you hear a beleaguered sigh, “Yes I heard there are customers Nuki,” you spot a man not much older than you and Siyeon, however, his features were distinct, to say the least.

An unkempt mess of snow-white hair to match his stubble and green eyes, normally his green eyes wouldn’t stand out too much no matter how verdant they were, but the whites of his left were replaced with black tar-like darkness.

He notices your stare but he doesn’t seem to kick up too much of a fuss, “What can I get for you two lovebirds?”

You both shifted slightly, your closeness was uncomfortable under the lens of another. 

His head tilts to the side, “huh… I usually call that right.” 

He shrugs his shoulders, a voice rumbles like the earth, strong enough to crush the sky. “They have slates, Nero.”

It comes from the forge.

“Alright, alright Big Blue,” you swear you hear an extra thunderous boom of the hammer. “We haven’t accepted D-Slates in a while.”

His hands gesture for the slates, Siyeon hands them over, yet her grip tightens like Nero was peeling off her skin.

The question leaves your lips before you can think about it. “D-Slates?”

He finally manages to tear the Slates from Siyeon’s grip. His words tumble slowly out of his lips as he scans the embossed words. “Death slates, mementoes from the Vanguard…” His features contort together, furrowed and focused as his eyes shift to you. 

You couldn’t help but shrink slightly under the gaze of his odd eye. “You’re Matua’s new kid?”

All you can offer is a soft nod, “Huh, I swear he only told me about you yesterday…” He takes a deep breath, “I’m just glad he’s moved on from the accident.”

Part of you doesn’t dare to bring it up but the curiosity nips at your tongue. “Accident?”

This time his inhale is deeper and more troubled. The warm coals of anxiety threaten to burn through. His features dance for the briefest moment and he hesitates. 

“If he hasn’t told you… it isn’t my place to.” His eyes return to the Slates, his thumb tracing the names.

It seems Matua wasn’t the only one affected.

“These are the last ones I’m accepting,” his words almost whisper, he cranes his neck to peek into the forge, the true magma-like heat assaults you when the curtain shifts.

Though you can only glimpse his arm.

Big Blue was an understatement, his arm was a light pale almost grey-blue, but his skin had been adorned with a darker blue ink, the details you couldn’t quite make out.

He held two scabbards, one black, one white.

The sound like a mountain rumbles through the storefront once again. “The black one is for Matua’s kid, the other one is for the city kid.”

Siyeon’s quirk together, an adornment on her confused expression. You wondered what gave away Siyeon’s origin.

Nero quickly places the weapons on the counter, however before your hand can even ghost over the black scabbard, he smacks your hand away with almost inhuman reflexes.

“There’s a procedure to this stuff kid,” a small hint of annoyance, stung his voice.

On a closer inspection, you realise how big your weapon was. Though the odd part was the handle being almost the same length as the blade.

Almost like a weird spear, sword hybrid.

That’d make you, a hero, an honourable protector.

A smile dusts your lips, as Nero’s words fail to reach your ears. 

A disgruntled sigh, “so what are you gonna name it?”

You grasp the weapon with eager hands, you unsheathe it in one smooth solid motion. 

A nagamaki with midnight black steel, you almost couldn’t make out the edge.

A weapon told a story about its wielder and sometimes even their origins. 

But it also had the power to end a story, sometimes abruptly so. 

“Epilogue.”

For the first time, you see Nero’s features unfurl into a smile, a pleased one at that. “I love it, kid.” 

He turns to Siyeon, her eyes gliding over her dagger, deep grooves separating the blade into segments. 

There had to be more to it than just that. 

"What about you city kid?" 

A flourish of her dagger reveals its secrets for only a second. In the blur of its grace, you swear it's the size of a regular sword. 

"Prelude."

Nero's smile widens with the roll of his eyes, "Maybe I was right the first time."

"Have you tried tap code?" 

A heavy laboured sigh parts through your lips, this was your twenties. You were supposed to be getting drunk every week, yet here you were bringing work to your weekly meetup.

“No, I haven’t… I don’t even know what that is,” Mino can’t help but smile, even as he struggles with his laptop.

“Well, it was used by prisoners a lot back in the day to communicate through walls,” he takes a sip of whiskey. “Though in modern conditions, you could use it to convert double-digit numbers into letters.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, the next time I see Taemin,” it definitely wasn’t what you had in mind when you became a Freelancer. You expected some more hands-on work. 

Taemin did have a way of testing your limits, for what reason you could never tell, though you hoped it was because he saw potential in you.

Plus it paid decently.

A chuckle lines your throat as you look at your dear friend, if Siyeon knew you two were bringing work to Turbo’s she’d kill you both.

Good thing she was always late.

You slide your datapad away, notes to look over at a different time.

“How’s the detective exam going?” a smirk dots your lips, “Because I gotta say you already smell like one, you walking ashtray.”

A dry laugh as he rolls his eyes. “Ha, ha funny guy. Have you considered that you should quit your day job and become a comedian?”

“And leave you out of options? I’m pretty sure the circus is still missing their clown.”

A real guttural laugh escapes his lips. “Alright, alright you win,” his eyes scan back over his laptop.

“Maybe it’s because I’m technically too young to do the exam, they’re making me do some odd things to make up for it.”

“Like what?”

His lips pursed as a frown slowly etches its way onto his lips. “Take a look.”

His laptop screen is spun into your view. A basic command terminal, he’d been tasked with connection to a remote server but after a couple seconds, it would kick him.

“I’ve already tried changing my IP address, but I stay kicked.” A frustrated sigh. “It’s probably a mac address filter.”

A soft chuckle escapes your lips like the boiling of a kettle. To think this kid did better than you when it came to tech. 

“Then change your mac address.” You point out matter of factly, almost too matter of factly for his liking.

“A mac address is a unique physical identifier for a network adapter, you can’t just change it.”

“Then get your laptop to lie.”

His expression freezes like he’s trying to explain mathematics to a monkey. “I can’t just do that.”

Oh, you were gonna enjoy this, it wasn’t often you could surprise Mino with something he didn’t know.

“Let me show you,” his expression furrows but curiosity dots the horizon regardless, he and his laptop shuffle closer to you.

You show him your phone, as you connect his laptop to your mobile hotspot. You pull up his laptop’s mac address and assign it to your blacklist.

“I don’t know how that helps?” His head tilts slightly in confusion.

“It’s just so you know I’m not cheating,” you refresh his internet browser, and an ever-familiar site presents itself.

No internet access.

A trick The Vanguard taught you to bypass data limits.

If you remembered correctly it was something Mino’s dad taught you at a young and tender age.

A couple of keystrokes are all it takes to reconnect to the internet. 

“Huh,” is all Mino can muster. He pulls your phone closer to him, looking through the list of connected devices.

“That still doesn’t fix it from still getting kicked,” he quickly points out.

“There’s probably a whitelist then,” a list of allowed devices. “My assumption would be that the person who told you about the server has something that can connect to it.”

You grasp your phone, “Just ask to borrow whatever device you can and connect it to your phone to get its mac address.”

He just slowly nods with an impressed expression. “Maybe you Freelancers are useful for something after all.”

You offer a small smile.

That’s when you hear the familiar clatter of the door and heavy breathing. Miss always late had decided to honour you two with an appearance.

“Nice of you to finally join us,” your eyes glance at the time, “You’re only twenty minutes late this time.”

A scoff and a smirk is her only reply as she takes a seat next to you, her eyes linger on Mino’s laptop for a moment.

“How’s the detective exam?” Mino’s eyes jump to you for a moment, before they return back to Siyeon.

“All I needed was some encouragement,” he flashes a smile.

Something she returns as her eyes drift to you, her fingers twirling an ever-so-familiar knife. As worn by the tides of time as it may be, it’s decently maintained.

“Yeah,” her eyes soften as she focuses on you. “Manawa is good at that.”

Even after years, her gaze is both electrifying and eroding. Suddenly, a surprised expression shocks its way across her features. A sudden jolt that reminds you of Gifted and Cursed years ago.

“Shit” 

“Hm, What’s up?” 

A sigh, “I have to pay my tab, I’ll be right back.”

You roll your eyes, here you were thinking it was something important… Well, booze was important to her.

You feel Mino’s hand pad across your shoulder, as he tilts his head towards the front door. His carton of cigarettes in his other hand.

“You know I don’t smoke.”

He smiles wryly, “Of course, I know that, just keep me company alright?”

You almost reject him outright, the words die on the tip of your tongue, a rarely seen serious veneer was hidden in his eyes. “Uh, yeah sure.”

You quickly gesture to Siyeon that you were gonna keep Mino company.

She returns a thumbs up as she barters with Turbo.

You’re quickly attacked by the brisk cold night air, even with your jacket you hated the cold winter night air, too many nights in the Melting Pot reeked of the cold.

You can’t help but chuckle as Mino struggles to light his cigarette, his lighter providing nothing but a desperate ember.

You quickly shield his lighter from the winds of winter. The flame blooms almost beautifully so under your protection.

An easy light.

“Cheers,” he mutters before taking a puff. A relieved breath follows suit, yet as your eyes peer into his soul, you feel the smallest tick of anxiety.

His eyes twitch back to you and then back into the open night sky.

You’re almost hesitant to bring anything up.

“How much do you trust me?” 

A simple question, equally simple to answer.

“As much as Matua.”

He seems almost surprised at your easy admission. He freezes slightly, almost like you destroyed any prepared speech he was gonna make.

His silence draws you in slowly but surely, curiosity tinges at your horizon like the dying embers that hold the sky alight at sunset.

You worry that he isn’t going to speak, hesitance overrides every motion. His hand shakes ever so slightly as he takes another inhale of relief.

“Don’t take the next job you’re offered.”

Your eyebrows knit together, that was certainly an odd request.

“Why?” The words almost don’t leave your lips, nothing but a soft whisper.

His eyes clamped shut, “I don’t have the details, half of it is just a gut feeling. But it’ll be bad.”

He takes another deep breath, this time just of the pure night air. “Please just trust me Manawa.”

It was rare for Mino to call you that.

The number of times you could count on one hand.

“Uh, yeah, sure, fine. If it means so much to you I won’t.”

A breath of true relief, unaided.

“Thanks.”

A deep grumble, a sigh. Sugar-free ginger beer and vodka was definitely a no-go. 

The job itself was definitely a no-go, a picture that had been painted in broad strokes, to say the least. 

Your Conservator client was late. Something that didn't bode well. Even with Mino's warning, this was nothing but red flags. 

But you needed the money. 

A soft hand runs over yours. "Everything alright Manawa?" 

Siyeon's presence puts you at ease, if only slightly. You wanted so desperately to tell her that this was a bad idea. 

Bill's and receipts from a time long gone. You didn't realise Matua could lie to you with such a straight face. 

He meant well… he truly did. 

It was his sacrifice to make, your future had been brighter for it. But he didn't deserve to die in such slow agonising pain. 

He didn't deserve to die at all. 

Contaminated oxygen tanks to get you through high school, to make sure you could eat. 

"Hm, yeah just a lot on my mind."

"I didn't realise I made you so flustered," her teasing smile lightens your load even just for a little bit. 

You chuckle softly, when was the last time you had a good laugh? 

"Yeah, I guess you could say that." Her mock hurt only helps to widen your smile. 

Yet before you can fit another jab in, you're greeted by a nervous wreck. 

Conservators were known for their acumen and almost robotic business-only facade. 

Yet here was your would-be Conservator, eyes shifting nervously. 

Prey. 

Another red flag. 

"You're Freelancer 1324-3322 and Freelancer 332422-2344 correct?" 

Green flag. Well at least for a Conservator anyway. 

"Well, that's what it says on my underwear," Siyeon chides with an eye roll. 

The Conservator takes a nervous gulp. His eyes dart between you and Siyeon before he scans the immediate vicinity. 

"Speak," you don't even bother to hide your annoyance. 

"Uh, well, uh. I think I found it."

Every two-bit Conservator had their own white whale, their own piece of knowledge they wished to conserve. 

For protection obviously. 

"It? That literally means nothing to me," Siyeon quickly points out, eyes boring holes into the poor Conservator. 

You swear you hear the ever so slightest scoff part through his lips. Even through the nerves, you were ants to him. 

Chosen… Probably. 

"The 8th quote-unquote faction. The Bogeymen if you will. I won't bore you with the details but I managed to ping a data drive in the hell pit that is the Melting Pot."

Part of you thinks about throwing your drink at him. Too bad it's the side with weaker resolve. 

"In the old quarter."

No one goes to the old quarter, not even the Vanguard. 

Your spoon stirs through your drink. If he was Chosen it would be a green flag, not a big one, but a flag nonetheless. 

"Taemin is my usual contact-"

He scoffs once again, "This is more important than his two-bit grunt work."

Definitely a Chosen. 

It also meant Taemin's cards were still tucked close to his chest. 

"Will you accept the request or not Freelancers?" 

Something between a chuckle and growl escapes your lips. 

You roll your eyes before peering into his soul. Leaning forward you can feel his fear like your own heartbeat for a second. 

His eye glows a subtle blue before flickering away. 

You would've loved to see him try, his bark was definitely louder than his bite. 

You pull up three fingers. "Three standard questions, what's the pay, what's the team size and what classifies completion of the job?"

He sighs slightly, his eyes counting the number of lights connected to the ceiling. "Upon the safe retrieval of the Data Drive into my possession, each member of my carefully selected squad will receive 200,000 in their currency of-" 

A geyser of liquor erupts from beside you, you could hardly blame her. 

That was a lot of money for a milk run. 

Your hand runs between her shoulder blades easing out a sputtering cough, she flashes you a warm thankful smile. 

Her eyes linger over you, it was up to you. 

Matua was going to die if you didn’t agree.

“Alright, count us in.”

It's not often you find yourself longing, reaching for anything. 

But on the eve of the big mission, you find yourself listless and anxious, a tiring thread pulling at the fabric of your brain. 

This wasn't like you, not in the slightest. 

Your muscles remain tense as you pace your room. 

Your fortress, though pace as you do, you make sure to keep the volume to a minimum. 

Your sick father in the adjacent room would only worry. 

Yet as you scan your room, your furniture is older than you remember. 

How often have you been around? 

As you hear a coughing fit rumble through the walls, you realise you weren't around enough. 

This would make up for it. 

Yet, the tension doesn't leave you, weighed down like concrete. Your fingers trace your bed frame, releasing an often ignored memory. 

For your sake and hers. 

Her fingers roll through your hair, you had never relished in human contact as much as in that moment. 

Your fingers grip tight on the fabric of her shirt, pulling her closer in your embrace. Your face nestles deep into the crook of her neck, a lie escapes your lips in the form of a yawn. 

A soft delightful giggle escapes her. 

The sound of an angel. 

You always felt better when she was around. 

That was the answer you needed, a smile refreshes your features as you hear her pick up on the other end. 

"Can't sleep?" She asks and somehow you can feel the smile on her face. 

"Yeah, something like that."

You hear her hum softly, "... Did you wanna hang out? Maybe scout out the old quarter before tomorrow?" 

A smile peers through your lips. "Yeah, sure why not."

"Great, there was a spot I wanted to show you." You can't help but raise an unseen eyebrow. 

"Should I be worried?" 

A light chuckle reverberates through your phone speaker. "If anything you have gotten me into more trouble than the reverse."

"Yeah, yeah I'll pick you up in five and then you can drive from there."

The journey is smooth, basked in the dying embers of sunset and the growing flames of the street lights. 

The weather is warmer than you'd expect from winter, almost like a lie told by the universe. 

"Hey there Manawa," she greets you with a honeyed smile. 

"Hey… So did you want to tell me where we're going or did you wanna keep me in the dark?" 

"Where's the fun in knowing everything?" she teases her eyes becoming pleased crescents. 

"Fine, fine. Lead the way my dear accomplice," her smile deepens as she takes a seat on your lap. 

Your heart pounds in your chest for the briefest of moments as you pull her closer, the familiar scent of vanilla drifts through your senses. 

Something tells you to embrace these moments while you still can. 

Whether it's needlessly worrying or the unsettled foreboding clawing at your heart… you can't tell. 

You want nothing more than to stay in this moment, to stay with her. 

Streets pass like old frayed threads on an old worn-out sweater. You cling ever so tight to her as your bike comes to a crawl and then a stop. 

With that you part, you feel nothing but cold wretches of winter in her absence, even though it was warmer than most days. 

You're too lost in your thoughts and feelings, ironic considering how many you're actively ignoring. 

"... You alright?" You're pulled back into the lurch, her soft eyes glance at yours. 

You flash a smile and pull your coat tighter. "Yeah, just cold."

A blatant lie. 

She returns a soft sweet smile, "I know what you mean."

Part of you desperately missed the times she would've teased you, was this the effects of her maturing? Or something more? 

You heed not the second voice. 

She grabs you by the crook of your elbow and you could feel the slight tremble of excitement in her fingers. 

"Come on."

You're pulled-excitedly so-through old worn streets, greeted by exposed brickwork and barely working neon signs, the very edge before the old quarter. 

At every corner, abandoned buildings, any one of them could be Siyeon’s surprise. 

Yet, suddenly she comes to a halt, in front of arguably the brightest star in this would-be galaxy. 

An old-school music store lit with pastel blue and pink neon lights, shelves filled with ancient standards of media consumption. 

Cassettes and Vinyl, hell you could even spot a jukebox. 

It was certainly a vibe. 

Siyeon turns to you, her pinky loops with yours. 

A tender touch. 

A bright smile and you're fully committed to the journey. She pulls you into the breach and past the store's threshold. 

It felt like a different land, a different time entirely and all you can focus on is her brimming smile, the childlike wonder as her eyes dance across every feature. 

"What do you think?" 

You wanted to tell it was almost as beautiful as her, that you wished you could be lost in this effervescent moment for the rest of your life. 

Yet your eyes remain on her, as she prances and dances underneath hallowed lights. 

"Beautiful." 

“Good,” her smile wreaks havoc on your heart, she twists herself behind the counter, you see a small wisp of anxiety hidden behind her eyes as she pulls a small coffee machine out from behind the counter.

Odd to say the least.

There’s something on the tip of her tongue, yet you see her furrowed expression fight it off, choosing to switch to another subject.

“Coffee?” She offers tentatively.

You’re only more confused. “Suure… When was coffee your thing?”

Her lips scrunch together as her lidded eyes slowly peer up to you amidst her futzing. “Me? I prefer a choco mocha. But this?”

Her free hand pats the small coffee machine. “Only a recent thing.”

You can feel your head list to the side, maybe it was the confusion trying to escape? “Right… I feel like there’s something I’m missing?”

Probably more than one thing if you were honest.

She releases a deep sigh, you didn’t realise she was holding in. You weren’t used to this, gone was the typical confidence Siyeon held in a death grip, no she was stuck in the throes of an overthinker’s mind.

Her mouth moves but no sound escapes, almost unsure where to start. You almost speak your mind in turn, tell her to take her time… after all any time spent with her was treasured beyond belief.

“I’m not gonna be a Freelancer forever… At least…” She struggles once again, her words failing her. You grasp her hand and give her a slow nod, the offer of patience.

Yet there are other words left unspoken, memories of some of the other Freelancers of Class-13, 453144-4211 and 123124-3314, Ultra Rare and Blackout, both unstoppable forces in the Freelance world.

You were just lucky to never have them as opposition on a job. Though your luck would probably run out eventually.

She releases a small huff, squeezing your hand for support. Billowing warmth fills your heart.  

“I wanna make something of this place,” her arms spread wide, the whole store hers. “Maybe make it into some kind of cafe… maybe have some sort of music sommelier service where someone gets coffee and a song pairing.”

Had this been why she was late? You’d seen stacks of paper amongst her stuff whenever she’d swing by Turbo’s.

Your silence communicates something she misconstrues: A slight frown paints its way onto her face, such a small sign was only smoke for an internal fire. 

“Maybe it’s a bad idea you-” You squeeze her hand once again, inviting the strength you need.

“It’s a sound idea.”

Her frown quickly shifts into an upbeat smile, a toothy grin slowly crests its way through as she notices your pun.

She quickly pulls out a notepad, jotting down your words.

“You know that’s not a bad name,” she adds.

You’d care to disagree, but maybe that’s because you said it?

If it came out of her mouth? 

You would love every syllable.

Excitement trembles through her fingers, passing you your coffee. 

A mistake occurs, a happy little accident.

Maybe you were too caught up in how her fingers feel against yours, or her sugary sweet smile.

The coffee cup slips against your fingers, precariously hot liquid escapes from its confines.

An attempt is made by your accomplice, a split-second reaction pulls your coat out of harm's way.

Mostly.

God bless Siyeon’s attempt at preservation, a thought that remains even as searing hot liquid lands by your ribs and stains your inner coat pocket.

Pain clings to your skin, wrestling into each and every nook and cranny. You fight through a grimace of a smile as Siyeon quickly pulls at your shirt, a paper towel wipes and tabs what it can from your bare skin.

A frown etches itself on her face, a slightly pained chuckle is all you can muster. 

Her fingers delicately crest over your sensitive skin, you feel no pain at her touch, just soothing warmth.

You nearly choke on your heart as it soars from her touch.

“Shit, I’m so sorry Manawa,” a brief sigh funnels out as she inspects your coat.

You miss her touch already.

Her frown deepens, and your eyes shift to the front of your jacket, a faint stain, only the outline had made its way through.

It looked like a heart.

You raise your hand to her cheek, “It’s a memento of your dream.”

She nuzzles into your touch ever so slightly. A soft, weak smile cracks across her lips.

“Would now be a bad time?” you almost didn’t notice the anxious tremble in her voice, the slight waver you’d come to know over the years.

A part of you was hopefully clinging to her words, did she have the strength you lacked? To cross the threshold into something more.

Your head tilts slightly to the sides, your eyes searching for any clues in her eyes.

She takes a deep breath.

“Well…” her face scrunches slightly. “It’s okay if you don’t want to… but…”

Her eyes shift away from you, focusing on the small little coffee machine. The tremble spreads to her breathing, an uneven shake as her thoughts run rampant.

“I was thinking… maybe,” her voice shrinks to a whisper. “That this could be our thing.”

A smile teases your lips as her eyes snap back to you.

“Well, that’s if you wanted.”

You’re almost surprised at how loud she is in comparison.

Your thumb strokes her cheek.

“I’d love that.”

A smile crests her lips that rivals the sunrise, a loving enveloping warmth. Her hand clasps over yours pulling you to the jukebox.

A cause for celebration no doubt.

Yet as her fingers thrum over every button, she frowns. A grunt signals her frustration at the ancient box.

You can’t help but chuckle even as her eyes roll.

“Stupid machine.”

Almost as penance for her words, the lights flicker and falter. 

“Miss the power bill or something?” you tease.

“Something like that.” an absentminded tone as her face flashes with surprise, her fingers present you with a cassette tape. 

White with a worn baby blue sticker, the words are two worn for you to make anything out.

You accept it gingerly as you fish out your phone and earbuds, an idea brimming from the edge of your mind.

You didn’t realise having a cassette player would ever come in handy.

You slot one of your earbuds into Siyeon’s ear, as the sounds of drums fill your ears.

To you

Yes, my love to you

Yes, my love to you, you

To you

You slowly drift together lost in a sea of music as her head rests on your shoulder. 

A soft delicate dance.

Her hand crests through your hair. A tired comfort weighs on your eyes. “You ever think about dying your hair or replacing it with synthfiber?”

A twitch of a smile licks at your lips. ”Hm, not really, ” you muse.

You hadn’t really considered spending money on yourself like that, you were just happy to be, to exist in the same time and space as the ones you love.

“Why?”

Her nose crinkles slightly with a smile. Her starry eyes kissed your very heart. “I think you’d look cool with silver or grey.”

“Cool, huh?” 

She pulls a strand of her own hair, “Blue would be cool too and we could match.”

A warm chuckle trickles from your lips, you didn’t even notice her new blue hair. You had been too lost in her eyes to spare a glance.

She giggles, angelically so. “Yeah, I figured you didn’t notice.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry I had other things on my mind.”

She gives you a soft knowing nod, “That’s fair, the mission is a lot.”

Your smile falters for a second. 

“Not about the mission.”

Her head quirks slightly to the side, offering her a better look at your face in the dim darkness.

Moonlight, her only assistance.

Even in the dim light, you could see the fragments of worry in her eyes. Almost like she knew your hidden secrets.

“Yeah?” Her eyes drift for a fraction of a second, lingering on your lips before returning to your eyes.

Your heart begged for you to act, to pull her lips into a delicate tender embrace. To bring forth your unspoken desires.

To break the wall you both had built.

Yet as temporary courage emboldens you, she presses a single finger to your lips.

“Leave it till after the mission,” a cocky smirk teases the edge of her lips. Yet slowly her features soften as she pulls you closer.

“Just stay with me like this for tonight.”

“Of course.”

Stay with me

Knocking on midnight's door

Begging you not to go home 

Your mind is a reeling mess, a high-pitched ringing noise still present in your mind long after it has parted. You scramble, through your mind clawing, reaching for any semblance of order.

But your memories are nothing but fractured stained glass, it’s hard to make out the whole picture with just fragments.

One thing was for certain, the mission didn’t go well.

Pain rocks through your skull as you remember a surge of light as you pull the flash drive, a heavy-handed ringing noise filled your skull.

Time doesn’t move right in your head, it’s like watching your own actions through a warped lens, a distorted replay now reaching the brain.

A ripple-like distortion appears, a silhouette or was it three? All different colours reconverge on a single point.

A person, a tinted glass helmet.

Pain, white-hot like how you imagined a laser would feel.

Everything else is a blur… Someone died... You remember the feeling of wanting to vomit as you watched their body slump over, anxiety etched into your veins.

Please don’t let it be Siyeon.

You’re too busy fighting for your life, you don’t have time to check the body as heat ripples past your face.

You grab their badge in a frenzied hurry, your breathing is all over the place. You watch as the nearest assailant fades into three different colours again.

What was that called again?

Chromatic aberration.

You move on instinct, backpedalling ever so slightly as a knife skims your cheek. The flickering aberration had barely stopped.

Bogeyman was correct. 

What did the badge say?

3511-1344 

Not Siyeon.

Your memories are a mess, you still feel the ringing, and at some point, you rally what’s left of your team.

That was a lie.

You remember coughing blood after one particularly bad hit, “113535-3115, I need you to run. Someone needs to make it out of here alive.”

A desperate plea punctuated by your own blood and pain, something familiar to Matua.

You held confidence in your last stand, you’d take at least one of the bogeymen with you.

You can’t even remember if you gave her the flash drive before she made her escape, you were too focused on finding Siyeon.

Your wounds made you slower than you liked, weaker too.

Siyeon, an angel amongst hell on earth, bolts of energy skimming past her only made her look more radiant, even with blood matting her hair.

A weak smile was all she could offer, something unspoken lingered in her eyes.

Your pulse quickens as a silhouette flickers behind her, you push through the pain lapping at your muscles and the pleas from your body to stop.

You'd pay any blood price.

Siyeon was in danger and that was all that mattered, she tilted her head to the side, surprised at your sudden burst of speed.

The realisation dawns on her too late as a blade strikes at her throat. A grunt leaves your own throat as the attack fails to meet its mark.

Epilogue locked against the assailant’s blade, yet as your muscles ache and complain against the pain, you realise you’re stuck in a stalemate.

Your worry is only exacerbated as they begin to flicker once again. Hues of red green and blue came off of them, another flicker and they’d blink out again.

Then you’d be fish in a barrel.

You flinch instinctively at the sound of another impact, the sickening sound of a stab. Yet pain doesn’t bloom through your body, instead, your opponent’s blade slackens as they slump over you.

You hear an exasperated grunt escape Siyeon’s lips as she pushes the bogeyman off her blade. 

A brief moment of reprieve, her soft smile is all you need. For a moment that’s when you feel the most lucid, for a moment it feels like you aren’t recounting moments lost to the sands of time. 

Yet as you speak the words come out muffled and distant, like someone else spoke them. 

You wanted so desperately to say something different, to tell her how much she meant to you. You beg for your body to pull her close but you can’t.

Instead, you shove her towards the exit with blood-stained hands and shallow breaths.

The last ones left in a death trap.

Her expression freezes in your mind like an icicle.

Hesitation lined her worn and bloodied features, you must’ve looked terrible. 

You can only offer a wry smile, even when terror bloomed across her face.

Distantly familiar cold pain envelopes you, lurching your mind back to the present.

Each shock, each sudden jolt as Epilogue and Prelude collide is another impact on your soul, slowly peeling away at the veneer of your memories.

An abandoned dam was no place to fight.

Prelude is a dastardly weapon, something you do your best to focus on and not the person wielding it. You do your best to avoid her eyes, scared to see what you find.

Or what you won’t.

Another clang, as you push her back, slowly but gradually you are winning, your strength greatly outweighing her own.

Prelude’s deceptive reach almost catches you, the dagger’s reach easily rivals Epilogue, your behemoth blade. 

Your feet grind against hard concrete as you’re slowly pushed back, her strength or your own hesitance? You weren’t strong enough to bring this to an end.

Another impact sends your mind reeling, spiralling into memories best left forgotten in the recesses of your mind.

The forest with Matua, the calm breeze and verdant nature.

The pained shriek that escaped his lips as the tree collapsed on him, you didn’t catch the behemoth that did it.

That stupid fucking tree, you wouldn’t be reeling physically and emotionally if it weren’t for that stupid tree.

Yet even as anger jostles through your brain, you also know you wouldn’t have met Siyeon.

You have to push through the melancholy as her strike is narrowly deflected, despite its size Epilogue was easy to handle in your experienced hand.

Almost as quick as Prelude.

Even now you find it hard to fight her, even as your eyes avoid hers, your body moves purely on instinct.

Would it be enough?

At least she didn’t have a gift like Ryujin, her heat absorption was something you thought would’ve stayed in the past.

Even as you briefly peer at her helmeted figure, you could almost see her devilish grin that haunted your nights before this moment, held as a prisoner away from Siyeon’s warmth.

She was enjoying your torture.

Your body aches as you move, every block, every parry threatens to open your barely treated wounds, you fight through what you can with shallow breaths.

Any deeper and it hurts to breathe.

She manages to nick the skin by your ribs, you almost don’t notice it through all the pain. You only notice when your blood pools over where the coffee stain would be.

A weak, almost shallow sigh leaves your lips, as you launch a heavy-handed strike.

An attack she can barely block in time, surprised at your sudden speed through your wounds. 

Another clang, reminds you of home, of when she held you in her arms as sickness held you over. When you peeled her persona back and felt intimate kindness. A sweet-savoury kind of warmth akin to chicken soup.

Her crooked smile as you snuggled in her embrace.

You push your advantage as she stumbles backwards against your strength, your body surges with adrenaline and pain.

Your wounds had reopened, every slash you had taken protecting Siyeon, every drop of blood paid as sacrifice, the toll to keep Siyeon out of harm's way.

Now you were the harm she had to face and that hurt you more than any wound, any scar that you had.

But you had to, a desperate plea you tell yourself to believe. 

You had to live.

Not for Matua.

Not for Mino.

Not for yourself.

She didn’t deserve to spend the rest of her days drowning in an ocean of guilt and grief, so even as your wounds cry out you strike again.

Another clash of your blades, sparks fly venomously across your horizon.

Would Matua be proud of you? A thought that echoes through your mind, as your muscles flex power into your blade. 

A thought you try to avoid.

It had to be done.

It had to be done.

What about Mino or Jinu?

It had to be done.

A desperate mantra.

Your soul cries in anguish as her blade skirts away from its defensive position—she was dangerously close to the edge—One shove was all it would take.

One small push out into the precipice below.

A painful death.

You grab the damaged vestiges of her clothes, and your own shallow breaths ring through your ears, a chorus with the heavy beat of your heart.

You summon what strength you have left, your damaged soul wants so desperately to pull her into your embrace, to soothe her and tell her everything will be okay.

You muster a heavy pull, your muscles and your heart complain. 

Cries fall on deaf ears, all you can hear is the booming collisions of a descent against the dam’s exterior walls.

Prelude.

Your eyes shift over to your weaponless opponent, a mistake on your part?

Maybe.

Even as anxiety ticks away at your heart, you know it was the right choice. 

The harder choice.

To kill the person you loved with your own hands.

You can feel yourself start to hyperventilate as you ready your blade. You’d been so desperate to avoid her eyes in the heat of combat, even just a moment of weakness would spell the end for you.

You were honour-bound, to look her in her eye as her killer, even if trepidation wreaks havoc on your heart, a subtle tremble.

Were you strong enough to look her in the eye?

Were you strong enough to end it all?

All you feel as you look her in the eyes is white-hot pain as your heart tears itself asunder at the fear in her eyes.

The regret, the quiver in her lips as her eyes meet yours. Yet despite her imminent death, you realise she isn’t worried for herself. Even as she instinctively cowers beneath your blade.

Even in her final moments, she worries about you.

She’d accepted her fate.

Everything comes to a crawl as your mind drifts to the moments you could’ve been stronger.

You remember the briefest moments with Siyeon when you could’ve should’ve told her how you felt. Moments where the seeds of your feelings would have blossomed and bloomed.

A sweet comforting embrace as she pressed a washcloth to your forehead, your eyes linger for but a moment against her own. Too weak to kiss her or maybe too afraid.

The moment she begged you to stay, a wisp of her past anxieties in the driver seat, you should’ve pulled her close, pressed a kiss to her forehead and told her you weren’t going anywhere.

Instead, you offered your heart in the form of a knife, a welcome consolation.

Your mind lingers for only a fraction of a moment on the night before the mission, a time so fresh in your memory. Her excitement and your shared newfound dreams and the moment you just wanted to say those three words that lingered on the edges of your mind whenever you thought of her.

As melancholy clutches your heart in a death grip with your weapon ready in hand, your mind stumbles back to a similar memory buried in the recesses.

A moment best left forgotten.

The first time you weren’t strong enough.

Siyeon speaks but all you hear is Matua’s voice, “Please Manawa… I’m in so much pain.”

A pained croak.

The vulnerability of feeling like a child again chokes at your throat, you couldn’t put Matua out of his misery back then.

Not even when he begged through pained breaths.

You made him live.

No matter what fruit the tree bore, it was born from rotting soil.

You weren’t strong enough then, unable to bring harm to someone you loved so dearly. 

Epilogue trembles in your grip before it finally clatters to the floor. 

You were too weak now.

Tears flood through against your will, you were meant to be strong. 

To carry the burdens for those you loved.

You had been so caught up within yourself you didn’t notice Siyeon’s grip against the collar of your jacket, a sombre expression pressed into her features.

You feel like you’ve been pierced by moonlight, an oddly calming experience.

Time dilates as she pulls you into a kiss.

And you taste divinity itself, the birth of cosmos itself against your lips. You feel at one with the universe at its most serene.

Even as pain rips through your jugular and you choke on your blood, the pain must be ten times worse for her.

Her breath shakes as she pulls away from you, sobs wracking through every breath, all you can offer is a weakening smile as life slowly leaves your body.

“I’m so sorry Manawa.” Her hands shake and tremble under the weight of her own guilt.

You try to speak but nothing comes out, nothing but the gurgling of your own blood. 

You had precious few moments left, your hand clutched at your throat feeling the familiar handle of Siyeon’s pocket knife.

A weird fondness tickles your heart as you remember being so on edge around Siyeon when you first met her.

Would-be killer wasn’t too far from fact after all.

Hands soaked in your own blood, you hold her still with fading strength. You’re barely able to move let alone breathe as you slowly drown.

Yet you remain focused on her coat pocket, a heart drawn from your own blood and a barely legible sentence. A brief smile dots your lips, a reminder of the coffee stain.

Its ok

You stumble backwards slowly as your legs begin to fail. 

She tries desperately to grab you, to hold you. As her cries become desperate, you swat away her attempts with the last of your strength as you slip off the precipice.

As your body slowly drifts through the wind, you’d find acceptance in your death.

You deserved it, after all, you hated anyone that made her cry.

You couldn’t help anyone now, you couldn’t even repay Matua with your own insurance, The Exchange wouldn’t honour it without a body.

“Matua what does Manawa mean?” He smiles so strongly even in the evening air, firewood slowly cackling to life by your tent.

“It depends, it can mean a great many things, patience, tolerance. But if you’re asking about the way I use it?” His eyes linger on you, you never thought you’d see him as your father, but the warmth he gave from his soul made it… easy.

“Heart, the heart of my home and the seat of my affections my dear child.”

Your heart brims with affection and a cosy warmth.

“What about Kare a roto?”

His smile softens as he looks away, a melancholic sort of smile. “You saw my pocket knife huh?”

His eyes return back to yours with a slow nod, the brimming light from the fire only highlights his sorrow. “It means Soulmate,” he pulls out the knife. “A gift from the love of my life.”

He wrestles with something before he reaches for marshmallows.

“I hope you get to experience a love like that one day.”

[authorforrosie]

Dating Siyeon from Dreamcatcher Would Include:

•Siyeon first met you when she went into a shop for marvel. After going into the cinema for endgame. She saw you grabbing collection figure's of avengers. Where she definitely decided to flirt with you. She thought that you are absolutely glorious and that she needs you to be her wife someday. At the end of the day she got your number with a kiss on her cheeks.

•You love at scare the wolf Siyeon in the most unexpected moments. Even when she's on tour with her bandmates. Sometimes Dami would ask you to prank her with them. It always ends up with tears and laughter.

•Siyeon jumps up and down while crying when you get her marvel fan merchandise. Especially limited collection figure's or card's of Captain America. After a few minutes she would attack your face with kisses.

•You would buy all the merchandise of Siyeon and her bandmates. You watch her fancam's almost every day on repeat. Siyeon caught you a few times with her cheeks flushed red in a blush. When she heard you compliment her almost the whole time.

•Siyeon always ask you to go into the cinema with her when a new marvel movie is released. She often would ask you to watch marvel series with her on Disney plus. You would bring the drinks and she would buy or get the snacks before. You both wear your marvel merchandise.

•You would go on many date's with Siyeon for around one year before she asked you out. You both are best friends.

•Siyeon would be extra dancing when she see you at the front rows on their tour's. Sometimes she would even take your hand singing to you while making eye contact. Her bandmates would smirk with an amused expression on their face's. Especially SuA and Dami would make fake kissing noises with Handong who joined them.

•You would feel your cheeks flushing red in a blush when she makes PDA with you in public places. Sometimes she attacks your whole face with kisses when you less expect it. Siyeon has a happy expression on her face while doing that.

•Siyeon would ask you to marry her at the shop where she first saw you and flirted with you. She ask you in a very cliché way where you ramble about your favourite marvel character. Then she went on one knee when you was distracted and with your back towards her turned. When you turned around and saw her you started crying. Everyone in shops applauded, hugged you both and congratulations you.

•You would curl up in a ball into Siyeon's body on the bed when you feel down, have a bad day or  get depressed. She would ran her fingers through your hair which causes you to relax in her arms. When she feels down or has a body day you would go into a bath with her. Later you would cuddle her on your bed while eating a pizza and watch marvel movie's with her.

•Siyeon pouts while whining when you couldn't be by her side which make's her bandmates giggle with a sympathetic expression on their face's.

•You would kiss her in the most unexpected moments she pouts while she is demanding another kiss then. So she could be prepared for it.

•Siyeon cries when you make her meet her role model Hyolyn. You would watch them interact with a proud expression on your face.

•You marry Siyeon in a glorious aesthetically venue surrounded by many roses in different colors. Especially red roses. Everyone cries when Siyeon kisses you on the lips after saying 'I do.'

•Siyeon often does a impressions of Pikachu's voice while she wears a Pikachu costume. You kiss her forehead in these moment's and watches her with admiration in your y/e/c eyes.

•You both would often hang out with her bandmates, Twice, Blackpink, Red Velvet, CL and Jessi. Sometimes you even go partying together in nightclubs. Where you would sit in one of the VIP lounge’s. You both always stay loyal at each other’s side.