#so much it's gonna feel like forever anyway...

[enhaven]

dew drops ⤑ psh (m.)

summary: with the continuous change of weather, waiting for spring to arrive feels like forever. but when you unexpectedly had to volunteer in participating at your campus’ yearly Easter egg hunt, what you're searching for might be the least of your concerns.

pairing: sunghoon x reader

genre/au: smut, fluff, strangers to lovers, easter!au, university!au

word count: 15.2k

warnings/content: mentions of religion and folklore?, ovulation, making out, exhibitionism, pet names, explicit sexual content, breeding ig? multiple sex scenes, slight corruption?

author’s note: i had visions after i saw this ad back in february but only started writing this near the end of April. it's finally getting warmer here y’all, i hope you enjoy this late Easter treat <3

Easter weekend.

The long weekend that everybody has been looking forward to — particularly those who are working or always busy, you included. Preparations for the grand celebration that weekend took a long time, and it got particularly intense during the last few days. However, much to your relief, you’re free of religious duties on its final day so you were able to celebrate with your family.

But then here you are the day after, back at campus for your university’s annual Easter egg hunt. You weren’t supposed to attend the event but final exams have been rolling out since the second week of the month. There's no way to take ahold of any of your fellow club members to participate, leading you to volunteer as its representative in the end.

The student council already has a hard time to gain any participants since classes are technically over. Students are either busy studying for their upcoming ones or are already gone for vacation. What better way to promote engagement than emphasized that any club participating in the event will get extra funding for the next school year, bonus, if their representatives win the games as well.

So the option to ditch would be a waste.

Especially for you and your club. It's already not on the priority list for campus funding due to its size in comparison to other larger organizations. As an executive member, it's your responsibility to improve the status of your club as long as you're able and this is your chance.

Thankfully though, some of your club members cheered you on so it didn't feel like you were all alone.

“you guys are lucky i love y’all” you huff through the phone as you trudge through the pathway towards the wide clearing. It's located behind the natural sciences building which is right by the forest. There’s a trail here that leads to a bridge then a stream that runs by the clearing before the surrounding trees.

You didn't even need to follow the signs to reach there. The path is pretty familiar to you since you've taken walks here before to clear your mind.

“it’s a de-stressor event anyway! time to relax miss president!” your vice president, Ruka, cheers you on. You did miss her bright energy since she went back home to Japan after her exams finished a week ago. Most, if not all international students usually leave campus as soon as they’re done for the school year.

"yeah yeah whatever, I'm not gonna try to win anything" you roll your eyes even though she couldn't see you.

You're exhausted from all the festivities and had no time to actually rest. Joining this wouldn't be too bad since you're using this as an excuse to relax like she suggested. Find a good spot where you can hide and just sit there until the event is over. You can try to meditate or even sleep then retrieve your proof of participation later.

“you have to! for us!” she protests with a loud wail and jerk from the volume.

“well, none of you are here” you remind her and that quieted her down. You didn't mean for your tone to come out that way, already imagining her pouting at your playful scolding. You shake your head because she's seconds to giving you a long explanation.

“I'm not mad okay?” you clarify just in case. Despite how close you two have gotten, people often times assume things about you a lot. Not that Ruka would, but it became a habit for you over the years.

“i know but i do feel bad” she counters, sounding defeated. “treats when you get back then” you tease to break the awkward silence after and she brightens up. “souvenirs have been ready for you and the rest of course!”

The clearing came into view so you said your goodbye to Ruka. You're just in time when the host begins announcing the details of the event which you didn’t bother listening to. Their voice is loud yes so there's no way you'd miss anything regardless. You're not even taking this seriously, the bare minimum should do.

Walking up to the front, you picked a random small and round woven basket with pastel decorations from the table without much thought. Smiling at the volunteers, you head towards the forest to begin your “hunt”.

Trudging through the trees, the ground doesn't give you a hard time yet. Barely greenery is around and the soil was tender because of the rain from a couple of days ago. Today's weather is better than you expected, slightly cold but not too much that you’re able to wear your halter mini dress that you got from the seasonal sale before the long weekend.

Spring is a bit delayed this year but some flowers have started to bloom. As you walk further into the forest, the grass became more prominent and greener, lifting your mood immediately.

Looking around to check if there are other students with you, there are none. You've seen them dispersed earlier and you were surprised that you ended up alone. Granted that you really didn't want to participate but you thought there would be volunteers monitoring everyone.

They’re probably in the other areas hunting for the golden egg which is the grand price.

You're here to hunt something else and your eyes spots an area behind a blooming garden. It stands out between the trees, its surroundings is filled with luscious greenery which is a perfect spot for you to wind down. Where you are currently is probably beyond the designated area to search but that wasn't your goal anyways.

This one is and you finally found it.

You need to claim it before anyone does. If anyone sees you, they might follow you here and disturb your serenity.

Settling down at a nearby tree trunk, you place your basket to the ground beside you. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, you try to clear your head while you can. It's one of the only times that you can have a peace of mind. Not possible when you're home because it's always been loud.

Leaning back at the trunk, you've looked up to the bright blue sky before closing your eyes. Taking a short nap would be good but the little noise coming from your side snaps your eyes back open. Your heart pumps, debating if you should just go back to sleep and pretend you didn't hear it or not.

But then what if it's just nothing? or worst case, a wild animal who's waiting to pounce.

And you don’t want to alert it. Slowly, you turn to the side, cautious in the way you lift your body off the ground.

The noise stopped, making you pause. However, you're still curious, itching to check what it was just in case you hear it again. Following where you suspect its source could be, you proceed to enter a small clearing beyond the rows of tulips.

You couldn’t be more surprised at the scene.

A very gorgeous man dressed in a light pink polo shirt with a slightly darker shade of pink sweater vest on top. His dress pants matches his polo shirt, the whole fit complimenting your white floral dress.

You’ve never seen him before nor encountered such beauty.

It took you a moment before you start to speak. “excuse me, are you one of the volunteers?” you asked, noticing some colourful and shiny eggs around a small bump by his feet.

He must be so he's definitely here to report you. The council probably added extra volunteers to trick the participants who tried to break rules. You couldn't possibly be the first one to do so.

You spoke too soon.

He looks confused at your question but hesitantly nodded at you with a shy smile. You're taken aback at how dreamy he is from afar, looking extra adorable with his fluffy permed hair. You wonder if it was mandatory for them to dress up for this event. This gorgeous man definitely upped it up a few more levels.

You find yourself smiling so wide as you shift your weight from one leg and vice versa. Your hoping this polite looking volunteer just see it as your enthusiasm for the Easter hunt.

“i heard a noise and thought it was some wild animal” you begin explaining when he didn't even ask you a question. He looks like he wanted you to talk more so internally sigh in relief before you'll start to yap. It happens a lot when you’re nervous, especially around good looking guys.

And you don't want to embarrass yourself. It'll be his first impression of you.

“by the way, is this a special level? that’s why no one has discovered this area yet?”

The consequent questions fly out from your mouth before you could stop them. He didn’t reply, causing you to look at him nervously. He mirrors your anxiousness but maybe he’s just a little shy. Thankfully didn’t mind, nodding at you again.

You're unsure what to do next but he smiles at you, washing away your concerns. Deciding to approach him, you match his smile in the process, possibly brighter and gave him your name.

The area's grass is softer and less harsh. He's inside the circular sheepskin rug in a jaded green colour with huge light pink faux fur cushions that matches his outfit. Most of the eggs are placed on top of them, giving the ultimate Easter Egg Hunt display.

You walk towards where the dreamy volunteer is standing to look at the eggs, fascinated at how expensive they look compared to the other Easter eggs you've seen before.

Shit, what if this is the most difficult level? You're surprised that the university even allocated a big budget for this event. The promise of extra funding in exchange of participation made sense now.

“my name is Sunghoon”

He finally talks, in a soft and sweet voice. It made you pause flinging your Easter basket around. He bows slightly when you return your gaze at him.

He’s polite and pretty.

You’ve never met a man this pretty before.

And you’re smitten already.

This is bad because you shouldn't be falling for a man this quick. You need to focus on the eggs. Yes, right, the Easter eggs. The nearest to him seem to be the special ones.

“what’s the challenge to get one of those?” you ask, willing your focus on those shiny pastel eggs instead of his presence.

“just try to remove them from where they're placed" he mutters softly that you almost didn't hear him. Humming in response, you begin your mission to bring at least one inside your basket.

The thing is, you may have underestimated these eggs.

They ended up being heavy and glossy, which makes it harder to hold and carry without slipping off your hands. Another option is to roll them to your basket but it looks fragile and you don't want to risk breaking it.

You'd have to drop it slowly inside.

From your peripheral view, you notice Sunghoon watching you intently. Suddenly you're conscious since he's watching you struggle.

You can't let a pretty man witness your failure. It's embarrassing for a first impression but he doesn't say anything. You wanted to turn to him and watch his reaction but he's already distracting you this way. Besides these are merely Easter eggs. You may haven't participated in any hunts when you were kid but it couldn't be this hard.

"do you need help?" he offers and you almost lost hold of the egg you're holding on a lower level. You're literally squatting so the distance between the ground and the height of level is much closer. He must've been frustrated at watching you repeatedly try and fail again after a while.

"no! I'm still good to go!" you chirp, breathing heavily as you try to lift the vista blue egg. You decide to drop the previous one, your arms are now aching so you took a breather before trying again. This might be easier since located on the top of the ashy green hill-like stump. 

You're hoping gravity would cooperate, come on Newton.

Dropping your basket at the foot of the stump, you prepare to lift the egg off the ground. The weight was manageable but you've exerted yourself with the other eggs before. Add that you're wearing a lovely mini dress, the slope doesn't work well with your platform sandals.

Throwing you off balance.

You should've worn comfortable pants.

Instead of falling back, a pair of hands catches your body in time before reaching the ground.

"be careful," Sunghoon mutters softly beside you, abruptly cutting your yelp midway. His lithe fingers holding your waist gently offers a sense of immediate comfort. You're too flustered to respond, realizing that you embarrassed yourself once again.

At least you're in his arms.

What.

“t-thank you” you reply with a sharp intake, still processing what just happened and the feel of his touch. He hasn’t removed his hands from your waist yet but somehow, you like the feel of them on you.

Plus, he smells good. Like roses. The pink ones. Not intense like the red.

You find yourself leaning back against his chest as you close your eyes. The sudden comfort enveloping you with the way he’s holding you.

“you’re very welcome, beautiful” your eyes open at his reply, the way he called you beautiful. You were surprised at his effect on you and that he made the first move. Your ogling earlier might've been obvious but you didn't think he'd be this straightforward.

Maybe he wasn’t so shy after all.

“i can try again” you blurted out, leaving his hold because you feel awkward all of a sudden. You hear him clearing his throat, prompting you to turn to him.

You find Sunghoon back to his stoic facade but he's looking everywhere but you. You must've made him uncomfortable but he wouldn't call you beautiful if he was right? Or he was just being polite and calling you that to fluster you to get off of him.

Sunghoon picks up your Easter basket, handing it to you while you compose yourself. It’s not a big deal. It shouldn’t be but you’re stressing about it now. You're not impressing anyone here since Sunghoon's just doing his job as a volunteer.

And you're making it difficult for him even when you didn’t plan on hunting eggs in the first place.

“maybe try the ones by the base” he suggested, pointing at the peach and pastel red eggs.

Good. He's leering you back on track.

“you can sit down hoon, you can’t stand the whole time. this might take a while”

You honestly felt bad that Sunghoon has to stand because how perilous you are. However, the nickname slips out of you and it's too late to stop it. “wait, hoon?” he turns to you as he sits down at the hill’s base, looking at you expectantly.

“can i call you that? or is it too soon?” you ask with hesitation. He looks like he doesn't mind it but you've probably pushed yourself to him this early. It's just that you like giving nicknames in general; then he saved you from further embarrassment so you feel a little affectionate.

“you can call me anything,” he smiles a little, looking at you fondly for someone that he just met. You've been starting to question his shyness when he hit on you earlier but he's probably more comfortable with you now.

You smile at him before returning your attention to the eggs that he pointed earlier. I'm getting you both no matter what. Sunghoon seems to notice, following your gaze at your target. He gives a small chuckle which whirled your focus a little but you've conquered the temptation to look at him.

Placing your basket beside Sunghoon, you locked your eyes on the egg behind him. Reaching out with both hands, your fingers carefully test your grip on the egg. The thing is, you can feel Sunghoon's eyes boring through you from your peripheral view and you’re getting self-conscious again.

He's back to watching your every move and you've been doing your best to only get distracted but also succeed with one egg.

Crawling up the slope causes your thighs to be exposed further. There's no wind today so Sunghoon's saved from being flashed without his consent. Still, despite being used to wearing dresses, your proximity with Sunghoon is making you nervous. There's nothing to worry about since he's been a gentleman so far, proven with how gently he's held you and how he's only looking at your face, unlike most guys.

You've taken a pause, wondering if getting the egg is still worth it. So far, all you've done is try to retrieve any egg but you're close to giving up. Giving a push to the egg so it'll roll down the base, your Easter basket's been waiting to receive it but you might not have a basket in the end as a result. You can't even ask Sunghoon for help cause it'll be cheating.

Either you gave up now or embarrass yourself and waste both you and Sunghoon's time.

"i forfeit" you grumble, still trying to push the damn egg with no luck.

"you're almost succeeding," Sunghoon cheers on but it only made you upset. He moves at a respectable distance to convince you to continue. You gotta give it to him, he's still got the enthusiasm while yours drained out.

"no point, hoon. I've tried my best" you resign, switching to sit on your heels.

"that's alright. you'd still get something right?" he's looking at the bright side while something clicked in you.

He's right, you did, meeting a gorgeous gentleman like him. And you will, that is, get him.

Sunghoon must've felt the change of your demeanour. He tenses when he sees you smile mischievously at him. He tried to look unaffected but you're honestly confused at your sudden desire to be near him. The surprise is clear from his adorable pretty face when you reach out for his arm, wondering why you're pulling him closer to you instead.

"do you need anything?" he asks as soon as your attention solely on him.

"maybe" you whisper, staring at him like he's your target instead of those Easter eggs. You truly don't know what's gotten over you. It's like this man suddenly bewitched you to come after him. You were already enamoured of his beauty earlier, the comfort you felt with the way he treated you shifted your focus on having him instead of those eggs.

He inhales sharply at your vague answer, his head tilting to the side as he studies you with those wenged-coloured eyes. The gesture made you feel conscious with the way his eyes are scanning your body. It's the first time that he did and you're feeling hot all over, not knowing what to do next when his gaze descends further.

It's funny how the tides changed quickly, it's you who's now fiddling the hem of your mini dress because you're anxious of his next move.

"come here," he says softly as he straightens one of his long legs, leaving you confused.

Sunghoon then pats his thigh and you understood, crawling towards him. The thin grass pricks at the skin of your knees but you couldn't look away from Sunghoon searing stare. You again surprised yourself with how fast you obeyed his words.

All thoughts of the hunt and the Easter eggs flew away as soon as you reach Sunghoon. He cages your body in his arms, holding your waist like how he did earlier when he caught you. You're situated on his lap, waiting for you to say something but your brows only scrunches.

A teasing smile appears on his handsome face.

"do you know what you want now?" he asks again but instead of replying with words, you lean in, stopping only when your face is at a small distance from his. You don't know where this bravery of yours came from but it's now or never.

"yes", you answer before giving him a peck on the lips.

You wish it was too quick. Sunghoon's lips caught your eye earlier because of how pink and glossy they are. Now you know how soft they feel against yours too.

And you wanted more.

Sunghoon goes rigid the moment your lips touched. His hands jerked from holding your waist and now you're afraid if you got the wrong idea. After he gave you a sign earlier, you wanted to initiate this time. Or maybe it wasn't. Calling you "beautiful" is just how he breaks the ice with girls and you're no exception. It could be a part of his job, as a distraction and he definitely succeeded.

"I'm so-"

The apology was cut off when you feel Sunghoon's lips again. He didn't pull back immediately like you expected, the slight stickiness of his glossy lips attaches to yours as he moves his lips. But before you can open your mouth to deepen the kiss, he retreats. "may i?"

You're bewildered at his question since he already kissed you. Regardless, you nodded, only then realizing he's pertaining to touching you. His soft hand slides down from your waist, not stopping until he reaches the end of your dress. He pushes it up so he can slide in his palms along your bare thigh.

Sunghoon finally pulls your body closer to his, drawing a surprise gasp from you. Your hands that were on his shoulders automatically moves to hold the back of his head, your fingers tousling his fluffy permed hair that extends down to his neck.

You both stayed like that for a bit, just holding each other contently while staring into each other's eyes.

"i don't think I've told you how pretty you are, Sunghoon," you mutter, one of your hands moving to trace his features with the tip of your fingers. His skin feels so soft between your touches that you just want to hold his face forever.

From the thick eyebrows down the sharp slope of his nose, you couldn't believe someone with such beauty exists.

"you're more beautiful," he replies softly before he kisses you again.

This time, Sunghoon allows himself to drown in you, opening his mouth to deepen the kiss. The sudden hunger he's finally letting out has taken you back that you couldn't help but smile in between kisses.

You're both interrupted by the loud rings of bells, breaking your make out session. Your attention shifts to the series of faint voices clearly from a megaphone, clearly announcing the end of the hunt. You've gotten nothing done except being on Sunghoon's lap.

However, the man beneath you ignores when he just heard. He proceeds to kiss your jaw then his lips move down to your neck, breathing in your scent deeply.  

"you smell so good" he groans against your skin, clutching your waist at the same time. It's the first time you've heard him this way and it's making your whole body shiver.

Sunghoon's been holding back and you love testing boys.

"hoon, don't we need to head back? they might look for us soon" you nudge his shoulders, trying to bring your focus to the concern at hand. The other volunteers could be rounding up all the participants and will find out that you're missing from the list.

Although they knew that you weren't going to take this seriously, they still have to take an attendance.

Sunghoon’s touches are luring you back though. He cups your face with one hand and caresses your waist with the other; his way of reassuring you.

"we can stay, don't worry, i won't tell anyone" he whispers against your lips before capturing your them again.

Sunghoon's tempting offer begins to tug at you. His words did the magic, calming your worry and pushes you to focus on his kisses instead. Besides, maybe you can just retrieve the compensation for participating later. You'd have Sunghoon as a back up to prove that you did try your best.

“are you sure?” you ask again and he nods. “if i don’t get that extra funding, you’re to blame” you giggle, punching his chest playfully.

Sunghoon only smiles at your whims, knowing you've already succumbed to him. You resume kissing him, the both of you growing more hungry for each other as time passes by. His soft kneading of your thigh turned into a hard grip. Probably because you've unconsciously been rolling your hips against his crotch.

"do you need a break?" he breathes out as he releases you, licking his swollen lips in the process. Your gaze automatically landed on them, so shiny like it's calling you to take a bite. You'd love to but Sunghoon's lips have tasted so sweet, stopping your urge to draw blood from them.

He calls your name softly, urging you to take a breather. You didn't really need to, the need to kiss him rising the more stops to tease you. He has to be teasing you or he'd be all over you right away. Nevertheless, you lean back to take a good look at Sunghoon's current state. His hair's more disheveled with all your pulling but it's his dilated pupils that's boring through you that has your heart racing.

And the obvious hardness that's poking between your inner thighs.

"oh? are you sure you want me to, hoonie?" you tease, smirking at him. The new nickname perks his attention, breaking his desiring gaze. Only then he realized what you meant, his cheeks flushing as he looks down when you keep staring.

"it'll go away, don't worry" he mumbles shyly, still not meeting your inspecting gaze. 

Even when he's painfully hard, he's still adorable. So you take it upon yourself to let him know that you want him too. Feeling how hard he is further ignited your hormones. You're sure he can feel how wet you already are.

Guess he's the type to let to let others take charge.

Your hand reaches out to lift Sunghoon's knitted top along with his polo shirt, revealing a lean stomach to your hungry eyes. Skin unbelievably pale, you're tempted to scratch your nails along his visible abs but that's for another time. If there will be after this; you'd just have to convince him with your charms.

Sunghoon's breath hitches when you trace the lean muscles of his stomach. You can see them tightening the more your fingers skitters around the edge of his pants. You're tempted to tease him like he did earlier, of if he did actually, he was genuine but you never know.

The bulge in front of you further incites you to circle the buttons of Sunghoon's pants teasingly. He's anticipating what's to come, blown out eyes simultaneously drifting between your exposed thighs and your hand.

"may i?" you ask softly as you look up to his handsome face. Hearing the question he asked you earlier cracks a shy smile on his lips. He nodded after as answer and you swear you a soft glint in his eyes, a sign that he's touched.

Slowly, you begin unbuttoning Sunghoon's pants and he lifts his hips so you can pull it off halfway. Much to your surprise, he's wearing a white silk underwear that looks expensive. He's different indeed because you haven't met any guy that wore one before.

"they're breathable" he mumbles an explanation as he looks away, a hint of embarrassment in his tone which made you smile. He looks adorable pouting but you hope he's not getting the wrong message with your reaction. You're simply amazed, admiring how pretty he is down to details.

"fancy, I'd say. it fits you perfectly" you say fondly as you pull it down, freeing his rock hard cock from its confines. You catch it with your hand as it springs up, the twitching almost made you want to suck him off to reassure him but your impatience takes over.

Stroking it slowly, Sunghoon's breathing starts to heavy, bringing back his attention to your hand. You're like in a trance, eyes remaining on his cock, so focused on spreading the precum around his head. He starts moaning and your eyes perked up, catching his pleading eyes in time before he closes them. He'll never tell you to stop so you release him.

A small chuckle leaves you when his eyes opened the moment you did. You didn't let him have a moment, moving to straddle his lap. You can feel his bare cock rubbing against your clothed pussy and you'd want nothing but want him inside you. Your mini dress hiking up once again, much to Sunghoon's delight. He reaches under to pull your frilly undies down, cupping your cunt once.

"you're soaked" he comments, astonished how wet you already are before plunging two of his long fingers inside your caverns. You're unsure if Sunghoon's aware that you're ovulating. He would've felt how wet you are since earlier, dripping so much that you worry your juices will reach his cuff the more he moves his fingers.

"h-hoon, please?"

He nods, removing his fingers from you right away so you could guide his length to your core. Before doing so, you quickly move back to pull it off from one leg, leaving it on the other because you're too impatient.

You rarely beg but you couldn't care how desperate you sounded when Sunghoon's the same case. His rushed hands and the way his breath quickens when you touch him. Sunghoon's too irresistible for you to wait around, the need to have him carnally encourages you to drop your hips, sinking into his cock without second thoughts.

Whimpers escape you since Sunghoon's quite generous in both thickness and length. You wanted to watch yourself while taking him in but the slight sting had you closing your eyes. Sunghoon helps you by pulling your body in, leading to your hands that are holding his shoulders moves to pull his hair.

Your foreheads to touch one another and you felt a sense of steadiness.

"couldn't wait any longer" he breathes out, his fingers circling the sides of your waist to comfort you. He lets you adjust to his size, leaving feather light kisses along your neck until you feel comfortable enough to roll your hips.

When you reopen your eyes, you meet Sunghoon's blown out ones. It's the only way you can tell he's affected by all these aside from his heavy breathing and disheveled hair caused by you. Meanwhile, you're already a mess when you both barely started, hair's sticking on your skin with all the licking that Sunghoon has done.

Rolling your hips experimentally, you grab Sunghoon’s shoulders for stability. He's followed your suit with how quick you are on gripping him, his gentle caress of your back turned into desperate digging.

None of you talked save for the exchanged panting and moaning in between kisses. He's pretty quieter than other boys but that doesn't affect how good he is at fucking you.

Sunghoon’s mouth returns to your neck but this time, his face continues down to your chest. You’re expecting him to pull down your neckline but instead, he only nuzzles your clothed tits affectionately as he starts bucking his hips up into you.

His fluffy hair tickling your clavicle almost made you giggle but Sunghoon cuts it off when he suddenly delivers a sharp thrust.

“fuck, oh my���“ the loud moan escapes you when he unexpectedly finds the bundle of nerves. Noticing how loud you’ve gotten, Sunghoon thrusts up again, hitting that same spot, strangely not bothered that anyone could hear you easily. You’ve wrapped your hands around his head at this point, squeezing his face further against your clothed breasts.

Despite how tight your bodies are pressed tightly against one another, Sunghoon manages to slip his hand underneath your dress. He rubs your swollen bud as you grind more on his cock to get that satisfaction again. Your lower abdomen has been tightening and you scream Sunghoon's name as you unravel before him.

He gives you time to recover before he cages your body securely, moving you both down the mound of grass. He lays you down carefully, your back hitting the ground as he removes himself from you. You whine in displeasure, making grabby hands at him but he only chuckles.

Sunghoon's hand reaches for your undies to pull it off your leg completely, placing it on one of the cushions. You on the other hand, don't even care where it'll be, spreading your legs after to entice him to put his cock back into you. However, instead of indulging you, he flips you to your stomach. Not for long cause he hauls you up to your knees, surprising you with his strength.

Then he enters you again, ripping a yelp from you at the rough intrusion while you're trying to hold on to the soft grass beneath you.

Shit, this is why he asked you to take a breather.

"you feel amazing around me" he moans after delivering another precise thrust, increasing the speed of his hips that you have no choice but only whimper and spew incoherent curses. As far as you know, the quiet and shy ones are revealed to be freaks on the sheets, proven with Sunghoon's great ability at rearranging your insides.

"ngh–hoonie.." you cry, sensing another wave of orgasm rising from you.

"what if i make you mine? would you let me, pretty?" he asks in a steady voice, still so polite even when he’s fucking you into oblivion.

You take back what you said about Sunghoon usually letting others to take charge. You've clearly misread him. It crosses your mind that maybe everything was on purpose — that this has been his style all along.

Other than manhandling you, there's an edge to his voice beneath the politeness, something you should've noticed but you're too blinded by how dreamy he is this whole time. Aside from his cock's nonstop battering along your walls, your ears don't miss the loud smacks from your skin slapping that are echoing around the trees.

The thought of other participants or volunteers finding you both fucking here makes you tighten around Sunghoon. He groans at that and you did it again so you can hear more of him. You couldn't help it anyway when he fucks this good, anyone would. Then his questions finally sink in to your pleasure-muddled brain briefly.

You didn't like the thought of others fucking him.

"a-already yours," you moan out, mind too muddled to register the implication of your words to him.

Your sudden declaration breaks Sunghoon's composure. He lets out a loud and deep groan, body almost collapsing on top of yours. Although you can’t see him, you can tell he’s pleased with your answer. His fingers stroke your sides as he gets louder, a mix of humming and moaning emitting from him.

You're out of breath from his relentless thrusts but that didn't stop you from trying to meet his hips. Once he senses what you're doing, he moves a hand up to briefly squeeze your breasts, while his other one holds your hip for balance.

“I'm near, love” he rasps behind you, his hips pounding you intensely that you're almost being shoved down to the ground if it were not for your strong grip on the grass. A couple snaps of his hips later and his body pauses, filling you up with his warm cum. 

“so full of me..” he muses mindlessly, his tightened grip on your hips loosening as he rides his high. Sunghoon's rutting into you ever since, his pace slowing down but his strokes are deeper. He removes a hand from holding you, sneaking in front to rub your swollen bud, triggering another orgasm from you.

“y-yeah, hoonie..feels good!" you babble, too fucked out and messy to form any more words other than your nickname for him all while gripping the grass below you.

“You want more?,” Sunghoon coos and you nod desperately. You feel more of his cum spilling into your swollen cunt as he continues to fill you up until he has nothing more to give.

When your elbows finally give up, he begins to remove his cock from you, careful not to spill anything even though it's useless. You protest in return even when your body collapses after, whining because you want his cock back snuggled in you.

Your combined juices drip down your legs and you're too weak to clean yourself up. Sunghoon rushes to help you when you try getting up on your own, assisting you to stand up so you can rest on the nearest cushion. He's holding you gently, a real contrast to how rough he's held your hips earlier while he was fucking you.

Sunghoon helps you lie down and you immediately reach out for him to join you. He chuckles at your request, acquiescing without a word. He stretches out his left arm before he lies beside you, inviting you to put your head on it.

Only then you realized that he never removed any of his layered tops this whole time.

"you don't feel hot?" your voice came out hoarse from all the moaning, catching Sunghoon's attention. Although his permed bangs covered his thick brows, the rise of his brow is visible as he scans your sleepy face. "no, not at all," he quips, the curve of his glossy lips lifting into a small smile. 

Despite wearing a dress, your whole body's on fire with the intense fucking. You're just grateful that the weather chose to be perfect today, you didn't sweat as much as you expected. The man beside you however, didn't look any different than the first time you met him. Now that you've both calmed down, Sunghoon's looking at you like you've known each other for a while.

He's not the type to get attached easily does he?

It wouldn't matter since you're on the same boat. It could be your hormones talking but you feel like you can trust Sunghoon.

Never in your life you thought you'd have sex with a stranger out in the open and on campus grounds too. Not only that but you also let him finish inside you even when you just met which never happened before no matter how hot those guys were. Strangely though, you didn't worry as much as you'd expected.

Maybe it's all the exhaustion and you'll have a clarity later on.

You woke up lying on a soft cushion of baby pink fur, nuzzling your face to it as you rouse from a deep sleep. The sky has turned darker, with a hint of purple due to the rays of the setting sun. The clouds have turned pink, painting a beautiful landscape above you and Sunghoon.

It's a perfect way to wake up, feeling like you're in a dream or a main character in some movie. In addition, you feel Sunghoon’s arm wrapped around your waist. You haven't moved yet to indicate you're awake, relishing his gentle touches thinking you're still asleep. His body's not flushed against yours but his caress on your stomach sends a rush of butterflies through you.

You suddenly turn around to face Sunghoon and he jerks in surprise. The serenity in his face was replaced with worry that he woke you up from your slumber.

“am i making you uncomfortable?” he panics but you chuckle instead, finding his question adorable. You shake your head no, cupping his glowing face with your hands to not worry him.

He literally just fucked you hours ago and he's more concerned of how you perceived him after when you're currently very comfortable in his arms.

"I'm just not used to clingy guys…especially pretty ones" you say slowly, waiting for any reaction from Sunghoon. Usually, guys take offense at the word "clingy" but instead, he reacted the opposite. His cheeks turned pink at the word "pretty" and you poking his two moles made him flush more.

Sunghoon immediately hides his face in the crook of your neck, unable to face you after you pointed out his blushing by rubbing his cheeks.

Oh, he's too precious for you to let go.

“listen, i know we just met but do you wanna go with me to the spring formal?” you rapidly ask before you chicken out, nervously waiting for Sunghoon with your uncertain but pleading eyes.

It's not mandatory but there will be an award ceremony happening for the best clubs on campus which you don't want to miss. You can technically go alone, like most people who simply went with their friends. But this year, you want to go with someone for once. With how busy everyone is, you had no time to ask people to come with you so Sunghoon's your last hope.

He was quiet for a while but he looks surprised. Your mind's starting to overthink but you see the smile slowly forming on his pretty lips. "I would be honoured" he whispers, eyes lightening at your offer. His smile fully brightened when you grin in relief that you're able to see his beautiful canines.

Sunghoon leans in for a kiss which you welcomed, feeling his hand move down lower from your belly. He kneads your thighs before he sneaks under your dress to cup your soiled pussy. A soft gasp escapes you at the contact, breaking the kiss as your body squirms with his ministrations. Your back arches a little when you feel the tips of his delicate fingers trace your sodden folds, checking to see if you need more of him.

Sunghoon's radiant eyes are so focused on the faces you're making. He's looking at you like you gave him a pot of gold when you should be the one feeling that way since he agreed to be your date. The only thing left to worry about is the dress you'll wear to the event. You've got a date now who's currently making you feel amazing that you're tempted to fuck him again.

Can't let that happen. Good thing nature's on your side too.

“do you wanna head out? it’s getting darker” you tug his sleeve, getting up from the cushion. You feel better now but you still struggle as you feel each muscle contracts, the impending sore waiting for you has arrived. Sunghoon didn't notice and you didn't want him to; following your suit as you fix yourselves. He hands you back your panties and you find it in you to still feel embarrassed.

“don’t forget your basket,” he reminds you softly, looking at the ground behind your shoulders. You turn to find your cute basket filled with about a dozen of smaller shiny pastel Easter eggs.

Did he just search the forest to fill it up while you were asleep?

The gesture touched your heart since you'd be able to surely claim your compensation later. You look Sunghoon gratefully who's waiting for you at a distance until you're ready to go. However, just as you were about to leave after picking up your filled basket, you notice all the props around you.

“shouldn’t we clean up here? we probably missed the end already” you suggest to Sunghoon, looking around at how much work you both need to do before it gets fully dark. The nap you took felt like a waste of time but Sunghoon's good pounding made the Easter egg hunt fully slipped your mind.

None of you expected to stay here this long so you only have your phone as a source of light. There will be lampposts when you return to the path but it's going to be very dark here soon. You suspect Sunghoon didn’t have bring flashlight while decorating this area since the event's bound to end before late afternoon.

“no need, we can just leave it as it is. at least that’s what I've been told” he shrugs, taking your unoccupied hand with his. As an over thinker, you're not fully convinced with Sunghoon's reason. For all you know, you both would get fined or get a penalty for not following proper protocol.

Not just following the rules but also for public indecency when you both had sex during the duration of the event.

Despite your doubt, you let it go, grasping Sunghoon's hand between your fingers. Together you walk back towards the line of trees, hands intertwining until you reach the main clearing where the main table was. No one’s left so you’re probably just gonna drop by the student centre to let them know or just email them a picture of your Easter basket that Sunghoon meticulously arranged.

There's a rush of excitement in you at the notion that one of their volunteers basically let you cheat off of the event. No one caught you and Sunghoon so they'd have nothing to prove until then. Besides, it takes them ages to actually send any prize anyways so funding would not be any different and possibly will have a longer process before approval.

“do you wanna grab a bite? we can discuss what to wear for the event then” you tug Sunghoon towards the banquet hall and he nods. You actually wanted to at least buy something there if he refused.

None of you talked as you saunter to the building where the hall is and you've actually appreciate the quietness. Being with Sunghoon who's not a talkative type of a person would've been relaxing if not for all the staring that you both get as you walk along the hallways.

“you’re quiet. are you tired? we can just head back” he asks worriedly after noticing you tightening your hold in his hand.

“nothing, it’s just..it’s stupid. ugh this is probably so normal for you” you ramble, avoiding his gauging gaze.

“it’s not if it’s bothering you” he insists and his words warm your chest.

“they can’t stop looking at you” you admit shyly, looking at Sunghoon briefly and a small grin replaces the worry in his face.

Great, you’re probably feeding his ego even more by admitting it.

“not just me” he replies, continuing his steps like he doesn’t notice the eyes that are boring at you both. What reason could they have to be staring at you? Sunghoon might be used to staring, but not you.

You've been feeling conscious as soon as it happened and it remained even as you order your supposed dinner. You told Sunghoon to find a table but he insists on staying with you. After you both got your trays your food, you beeline towards the rows of tables and fortunately found one near the windows, your preferred position here to see the view outside.

It's mostly lights but the stars are visible on the sky tonight.

“do you have an idea for the colours? if not, we can just go by the typical spring ones” you start so you’ll divert your attention to the important matter at hand instead of the lingering gazes around you.

None of the people here would think that you and Sunghoon just met in less than a few hours ago with the way you're both acting with one another. He holds your hand after unloading the food from the trays, flustering you to no end. You look like a couple to anyone's eyes with how affectionate he is. The comfort he gives you definitely helped ease the awkwardness you mostly have with strangers.

You could get used to this.

“I'll match whatever you pick”

In the end, you decide to go for a mix of pastel pink and some green while Sunghoon will match your dress with a black suit and a pastel green tie.

A true gentleman that he is, Sunghoon walked you to your dorms after. It’s already late at night when you both finished dinner — discussing the Easter egg hunt down to the origins of the holiday. You've told him what you learned growing up from a religious family and he in turn, told you the other versions of it.

The path towards the house that you share with four other girls is surrounded by trees. It’s relatively safe though since it's your university's student housing. Still, Sunghoon insisted on walking you for extra safety.

Right when you're nearing the door of your dorm, Sunghoon brings your hand that he’s holding up to kiss your knuckles. You're again taken aback, your heart racing since you weren't expecting this because you've hooked up already.

He really is different than other guys.

“you’re endearing,” you say before switching the Easter basket you're holding to your other hand. Staring into Sunghoon's eyes, you grab his neck to kiss him.

Sunghoon was surprised at first but immediately returned your kisses, placing his hand on your back to pull you closer. At this point, you feel like kissing one another is going to become a habit the way how natural it is for you both. You break the kiss to catch your breaths but also because you almost lost your balance (again) while kissing him.

"careful" he holds you steady, eyeing the Easter eggs inside the basket in your hand. You chuckle at his mild concern, finding him even more endearing with how attentive he is to them. Of course, you'd take care of it like a gift. Sunghoon made an effort to gather those for you even when he didn't have to, risking his volunteer position just to help you.

"thank you.." you drawl after letting out a small chuckle when his gaze returns to you. Eyes still lost in his, you're debating if you should say more but Sunghoon smiles, seeming to understand what you meant.

“I'll see you until then” he smiles fondly as he releases you. You can tell by his hesitant eyes that he doesn't wanna let go. You begin to miss his touches already as soon as he did, turning around with grace as he leaves the porch.

“wait, we didn’t exchange numbers!” you call for him and realization hits Sunghoon as soon as he heard you. He starts patting his pockets and his face morphs into panic when he can't feel his phone. He looks up at you with a defeated expression but you shake your head with a reassuring smile.

“oh, i must’ve left it somewhere. we were rushing earlier” he concludes calmly, trying to look composed but the embarrassment is apparent on his face even in the dark — his light complexion shows clearly how he abandoned his belongings because he was too focused on you.

"it's okay hoon, meet me here maybe about an hour and a half before it starts" you say excitedly, already thinking of the event which is going to be in three days.

It'll take you longer to get ready and you don't want to be late. The venue's outside your campus and although not far, you would like to be early to enjoy the candy bars and photo booth before everyone arrives.

And of course, more time with Sunghoon without much prying eyes. For sure, you'd have a deja vu and might bother you for the rest of the night.

"alright then, have a good night __" he shows that soft smile again and you respond with a quick "night, hoon".

Sunghoon turns, heading towards the main road while you wait until he's out of sight. Your mind's still processing the unexpected events of the day and the Easter season definitely surprised you. You couldn't believe you're out here sending off a man who you just met and hooked up like some girlfriend.

“girl who the fuck was that hottie?”

A loud voice belonging to one of your housemate, Aeri, booms behind you, breaking your thoughts.

You whirled around, clearly surprised and wondering if she's been behind the door the whole time.

“and why was he kissing you?” another voice, belonging to Karina follows as you and Aeri entered back into the house.

Yup, Aeri did sneak. Both her and Karina did through the window curtains.

“You got a man and never told us?!” Minjeong chimes in from the kitchen as soon as you all enter settle at the living room.

“not my man, just my date for the spring formal" you respond sheepishly, still overwhelmed at Sunghoon's parting gift and their rapid questions.

"I've never seen him before. where did you even meet him?" Yizhuo, who's coming down from upstairs, adds and the rest zero in on you for an answer.

"at the hunt" you quip, feeling defensive at this surprised interrogation. You know their questions are harmless, purely out of concern but you honestly haven't felt this way for so long.

For someone on that matter.

"damn, why have i not ever joined?" Aeri asks dramatically, shaking your shoulder which made you laugh. "I'm missing this whole time? next year it is" she says with determination before any of you could answer her.

"just today? or did you know him before?"

The laughter between you and Aeri ceases once Karina followed another question. She's looking at you suspiciously and Aeri looks unsure on what to do next. Yizhuo's still torn whether to but in or not.

Out of all, Karina's the only one who can actually confront you but you're too happy to deal with their prodding questions right now.

"we shared a class last year" you lie through your teeth. They didn't seem convinced with your clipped answer, eventually letting it go once Minjeong called them for dinner.

You followed to greet Minjeong and excused yourself to your bedroom, telling them that you had dinner with Sunghoon already before coming home. As you leave, you didn't miss the way Karina's eyes lingering you on your figure or Yizhuo's subtle indifference at your little story.

Only Aeri seems to be unbothered, her focus solely on the food Minjeong prepared.

.

Before going to bed, you checked your socials to try finding Sunghoon. Since you didn't get to have his number, its the only way you'd be able to communicate for the spring formal. It's not that you didn't trust that he's not going to show up; you just like being ready in case of emergencies. It's the most basic form of communication especially that you're bringing a date — meaning you'd have more things to prepare for.

You contemplated asking your housemates, maybe just Aeri or Minjeong but you don't want to hear any type of scolding if ever. None of them outright showed it compared to the other two but you can feel the slight judgment when you told them about Sunghoon.

You're aware that it might be too soon to invite him as a date when you just met. But on the other hand, some people literally hook up once and maintained some sort of connection whether that'd be friendship or something more. You and Sunghoon are still strangers to one another, yes, but that’s the reason why you invited him to the spring formal.

To get to know him better. And for your friends to meet him.

You never cared before, not really. Never cared what your friends would think about them. Barely any guy gets your interest enough for you to meet them again after the first time. Whether it's a simple chat or sharing a night together, no one was able to maintain your hold on them.

Sunghoon however, was different. Yes, you were instantly attracted the moment you saw but you're more intrigued with how peculiar his ways are compared to other boys. Sure you've met boys on the quieter side, there are ones that almost are like him too with how they treat you. However, it's Sunghoon's tenderness that sets him apart from the rest.

It’s definitely a part of his charms that he may be using on you this whole time.

And you’re falling too easily on them.

You don't mind though. This chance is too rare for you to pass. For once you're finally considering dating if things go well with Sunghoon during the event.

After a while, you gave up searching for his socials. You've forgotten to ask for his last name at least. It would've been easier to look for his accounts. You've looked through people's mutual friends as well, trying out every combination with his first name but to no avail.

It doesn’t matter. You have a date to prepare for and you’ve got three days until then. Sunghoon will show up. He never showed you any indication that he wouldn't. He was even hesitant when he left.

You're going to hold on to that until then.

Looking for a dress went better than you expected. Haunting dresses in boutiques on your own felt a little adventurous. You only have this option really because you wouldn’t get it on time if you purchase online. Thankfully, you found one that matches the theme and is up to your taste. It’s a floor length halter dress with a pleated corset in baby pink colour, with flowers and light green leaves as a pattern.

You hope Sunghoon would like it. Make no mistake, you picked this for yourself but unlike past events, you have a date this time that you wanted to impress. You'd have to make an effort to keep up with Sunghoon's beauty although it wouldn't be a big deal to him. He crossed your mind several times while searching for dresses, wishing he was with you during the process.

You can't wait to see him again.

The remaining days until the event consisted of you going home and your dorms back-and-forth. Your housemates are staying around even if their exams are over to wait for the spring formal. The awkward tension that surrounded you all vanished the next day. Part of it was that you haven't mentioned Sunghoon ever since and they've been cautious too.

You've done shopping and getting pampered with them which was always fun, something you'll miss once summer starts. None of them every stay, going on summer vacations every year which leaves you the caretaker of the house from time to time since you stay in the country during those months.

Your parents found out of the Spring event at the last minute and your Mom panicked. You reassured her by catching her up everything, completely skipping the part that you almost didn’t get any tickets for you and Sunghoon. Thankfully, you knew someone that could help. Jungwon, one of your former mentee, is currently part of the campus council and was able to score you late bird tickets with a discount.

The day of the spring formal finally arrives and you’re more nervous than you anticipated. You've stayed with your housemates the night before just to prepare, waking up the earliest among them which surprises the girls since you’re usually the latest.

“calm down girl, you look great!”

Aeri cheers you on as she finishes her makeup touch ups by the hallway mirror. You smiled at her gratefully, the other girls parroting the same thing.

It's not about how you look that you were worried about. You do think you look great today. A stupid reason but negative thoughts have been popping up your mind as soon as you wake up. Prepping distracted you but they've returned as soon as you're done. Since you had no way of contacting Sunghoon, a little part of your brain thinks that he might be late or worse, not show up.

“You have nothing to worry about. I used to overthink a lot before but Jaewook came through”

Despite Karina's indifference of Sunghoon as your date, she kept reassuring you, noticing how anxious you've been since this morning.

“Yeah, Heeseung and Jay will most likely be the latest to pick us up” Minjeong chimes in as she ties the strap of her heels around her ankles. “Might not be! Jay’s actually punctual when needed,” Yizhuo smiles cheerfully as she defends her date. She's sitting beside Minjeong who's scrolling on her phone, typing furiously to her date, you're guessing.

“thank you girlies” you looked at each of them with another wave of appreciation.

They’re right. You should only focus on positive things today to avoid any misfortune on your way. Small talks resumed between you and your housemates, about the dresses and everyone's predictions of which clubs will earn awards for tonight's spring formal event.

Then a doorbell ring disrupts your conversation.

"oooo i think it's him!" Minjeong throws her phone on the couch and excitedly parts the curtains to see who it was on the porch.

She's right. Opening the door revealed Sunghoon, the first to arrive out of all your dates. He's dressed in a black tuxedo with matching pink polo shirt underneath and peering from his breast pocket is a light green pocket square handkerchief.

He looks nervous but it all vanishes as soon as he sees you.

“you look breathtaking” he says first, eyes locked on your first then they down to the dress you're wearing.

"so do you.."

You're awestruck at how gorgeous Sunghoon is today. His natural beauty had you smitten when you first saw him but he's extra hot with the straightened, slicked back hair. Gone were the perms that made him look adorable and your thrilled to meet this side of him.

"greetings to you ladies" he says softly, sweeping his eyes at your housemates before bowing with such grace.

The girls of course are stunned, just like how you were when you first met Sunghoon. Yizhuo hits Aeri's arms with a giggle, who's smiling so brightly at your date while Karina gives you teasing eyes and Minjeong wiggles her eyebrows at you both.

Certainly the opposite reaction than before. Maybe it's because they've finally heard his voice and see him up close.

"we'll go ahead guys, see you at the venue!" you circle your arm around Sunghoon's as you both head outside. The girls wave their goodbyes from the couch, just lounging while waiting for their dates to pick them up. It's still early but Sunghoon actually arrived at the time that you both agreed on.

Another plus point.

Sunghoon assists you as you both walk down the cemented path of the neighbourhood. The long walk is a bit of a hassle due to your heels plus the long trail of your dress but it's manageable. When you both reach the parking lot, that's when you see a white luxury car waiting by the spot nearest to the parking gate.

The sight of the car made you pause on your steps, trying hard to hide your surprise. Judging on Sunghoon's elegant manners and the way he dresses himself, you've had a hunch that he could be rich the first time you met him. However, seeing this luxurious car and the driver in uniform inside, you didn't think he'd be this rich. That must've been why you couldn't find him on online. He probably doesn't have any social media. People from wealthy families often not want to be on the public eye for many reasons.

The driver comes out and greets you both then opening the car door. He gestures you to hop in but Sunghoon stops you.

"Hold on, I have something for you."

He unclasps your arm around his left elbow then takes your hand to put on a flower corsage on your wrist. It matches the pocket square that he has, light green petals with small pearls adorning the wire. 

"hoon, this is so pretty" you muse, turning your wrist around after he's done. You quickly retrieve your phone from your evening bag, putting your palm against Sunghoon's chest to take a picture.

"i made it," he confessed and your eyes widened. "really? what can't you do huh?" you tease and he only smiles, guiding you to enter the car and following after. Openly flirting with Sunghoon may look pointless but his shy smiles and blushed cheeks are enough for you even if he doesn't flirt back directly.

The ride was pretty quick. Sunghoon held your hand the whole time while many thoughts cross your mind. One of them with you wondering if Sunghoon owns this car or just rented it. Based on his conversations with the driver, he might be Sunghoon's personal one but you didn't ask. Not that it mattered since it's just a random thought. He's here to drop you and Sunghoon off, nothing more.

Your date got off first before opening his hand for you to take. You turn to the driver to thank him and he only responded with a curt smile as you get off the car.

Not many students have arrived at the venue yet so you're relieved to be the first ones.

Watching them however, makes your stomach churn. Something roots you to where you're standing.

"let's go inside?"

Sunghoon asks you softly but you don't look at him. You had a feeling that he wanted to ask you more but he doesn't press on it and just waits for you to tell him.

"I'm a bit nervous, hoon. i haven't gone to this in a while" you shyly admit, a bit frustrated that you let it takeover your excitement for today. Sunghoon holds your hand immediately, willing you to look at him. "I'll never leave your side", he reassures you again with his words and if it weren't for your makeup, you're sure he would've caressed your cheeks too.

True to his word, Sunghoon stayed by your side the entire time. He snakes an arm around your waist as you enter the venue and you've calmed down. His presence have always been comforting, much more when he touches you. Everyone sneaks a glance at you both, some subtle, some outright. It made you smile, feeling a bit secured that you've managed to get him as your date.

When you reach the reception table, Sunghoon excuses himself to the washroom. You've reminded him where your seating table was before he leaves and he nodded. Turning to the table, you've noticed the attendants looking at Sunghoon but shifted their eyes to you with an awkward smile.

"Sorry but he's not on the system," the girl tells you, clicking away the mouse to find Sunghoon's name after you told her.

That's odd. You've managed to ask him his last name earlier so you can tag him on your posts later.

"It's Park Sunghoon. I'm sure it's there, please check again" you hurriedly tell her after spotting Sunghoon emerging from the corner. He walks to your designated table, patiently sitting down to wait for you.

The lines are getting longer as the students flock the reception table for the attendants to check their tickets and register.

“is everything alright?” he asks worriedly, pulling the chair beside him for you to sit down. But you didn't because you're in a rush.

“did you bring your ID perchance? i didn’t but they couldn’t find your name” you ask, truly wondering how they can find yours and not his. Since he was one of the staff at the Easter egg hunt, he's probably more involved than you so there's no way he’s not in the system.

“no, didn’t think we’d have to” he answers without much thought. “should we head back there? i should’ve stayed with you then” he adds, sounding regretful.

Both you and Sunghoon did and like other students who’ve stolen glances at your date, the girl behind the table was no different.

She’s awestruck at seeing him up close, like how you were when you first saw Sunghoon in the forest. You felt a little conscious because she was only looking at him without giving you any regard so you had no choice but to put your hand on Sunghoon’s chest.

This caught the girls attention who then smiled brightly at you; courtesy or embarrassment that you caught her ogling your date. With the way she’s looking at him, you wonder if she even remembered you from earlier.

Sunghoon’s surprised at your hand on his chest, turning to you with the little corner of his lip curling upwards.

"family name is Park, kindly check again" he says while looking only at you. His soft voice accompanying his politeness was enough for the girl to just nod, her smile widening but it somehow irritates you a bit.

"you can just register him as a guest right? we wouldn't want to be an inconvenience" you say, looking back at the line of people waiting to check in with tickets in their hands.

"don't worry, he's all good! i hope you enjoy the event!" she exclaims, more joyous than ever, her eyes only lingering on Sunghoon. You've circled your arm again with his, dragging him back inside the hall.

You didn't miss Sunghoon trying to stifle his laugh but he never bothered confronting you which you truly appreciate. Whatever he found funny during the entire interaction is none of your business. The problem was settled so you should just enjoy the night and this lovely time with Sunghoon.

It might be the last time you'll see him.

Even though you both seem to be comfortable with each other, you technically only met and talked twice. You don’t know much about each other yet and you’ve been planning to change that tonight.

Instead of returning to your table, you pulled Sunghoon towards the photo booth area. You’re the type that treasures memories a lot, therefore, pictures are important. Sunghoon has not said a word since you both arrived at the booth but he follows your whims with all the poses that the photographer recommended.

“perfect! you looked good together!” the photographer cheers on and Sunghoon’s hold on your waist tightens. Your heart beats fast as well, the idea of you and Sunghoon being a couple warms your chest.

You just met for goodness sake, why are you already thinking in advance?

Sunghoon surprises you when he kisses your cheek, the same time as the countdown ended for another picture.

“thank you, very much for this” Sunghoon says in a very sincere way as he stares at the pictures on the screen. You’re busy picking which poses to fit in the frame but you noticed that the photographer sounded touched. “please, it’s just part of my job but thank you”

Usually, it takes so long for you to pick which poses to include but Sunghoon looks great in every picture. Finalizing the photos turned quick, all credits to your date but you look like you could keep up with him too.

“here are the copies, one strip for you and your boyfriend”

Your cheeks warmed at the photographer's insinuation. You're about to object but Sunghoon hasn't said anything, only taking hos copy from the machine. You follow his suit, smiling gratefully at the photographer as you take your copy.

“thank you again”

You take Sunghoon’s hand in yours as you leave the photo booth area. He intertwines your fingers, caressing your hand with his thumb finger.

“do you want to walk around? we have couple of minutes before it starts” you beam against him, smiling so wide, the remarks of the photographer still lingering in your mind.

“you’re feet are okay, right?” he asks, looking down at your ankles. The only way he could see your heels was through the slit of your dress mid thigh, something Sunghoon appreciated with the way he’s gaze lingered at your exposed skin.

“please hoonie, I'm used to walking in them” you tease, parting your dress further so he can see more of your thigh. Sunghoon was fighting to not break his composure, struggling to stop his attempt at biting his lip as he stared at it and then you.

The other pairs of students that were assigned to the same table as you have also arrived and you all introduce yourselves with one another. Sunghoon might be a shy person but he was pretty engaged with anyone who talked to him. It probably helped that his hand was holding your bare thigh as comfort.

You can feel how cold his palm was at first, trembling a little until you put your hand over his.

"thank you, love" he leans in to whisper in your ear, kneading the meat of your thigh.

"of course hoon," you smiled at him, wanting to kiss him right then and there if it weren't for the other students at your table. You wouldn't want to make them uncomfortable with your public display of affection.

There will be plenty of those later.

You noticed someone waving at you over Sunghoon’s shoulders, Yizhuo with her date who must be Jay.

Sunghoon turns to the pair, looking at them longer than you expected. You then realized that it's the Jay you shared shared in a class last semester. He meets your eye and smiles politely, then he shifts his gaze on the man beside you.

His inquisitive eyes are squinting as the smile on his handsome face drops.

Classic Park Jongseong.

Park. His last name from what you remember last semester.

He shares the last name with Sunghoon then. It’s a common last name so there’s a possibility that they’re not related or wouldn’t know each other.

Maybe there won’t be any harm to ask if he knows of Sunghoon. If not, then your date could use a new friend. You haven’t seen Sunghoon with any of his friends. The topic never came up in your conversations but you realize that he hasn't greeted anyone since arriving here.

Before you can get up and pull Sunghoon with you to approach another table where the rest of your housemates are, someone calls your name from behind.

“do you wanna dance? if that's okay with your date of course”

Sunoo's a good friend of yours who you've shared many courses with before due to you both being in the same program. He's always been lovely and is down to your spontaneous study dates. Asking you to dance so you two would be the first ones on the dance floor is just one of his whims.

“you asked me, remember? so he’ll be fine with it” you turned to Sunghoon who’s staring at Sunoo with guarded eyes. He shifts his eyes at you and gives a hesitant smile. His reaction confused you. He couldn’t still be shy right?

Unless…

Sunoo opened his hand for you to take, giving Sunghoon a strange look like he’s studying him subtly. As soon as you got up and walked towards the centre of the dance floor, you couldn’t help but voice out the question that’s been bothering you.

"noo, why were you looking at my date like that?" you ask, truly confused with their interaction. You were still thinking of the small interaction between Sunghoon and Jay earlier. Now you'd have to add this one too.

"i was just trying to see if I've seen him somewhere," he answered, stealing a glance at Sunghoon on the table.

“don’t you know each other? he also volunteered for the Easter egg hunt” you press on, your browse crunching in deep confusion. Your brain’s trying to wrack up everything you remember on the day of the hunt.

“no, did he participate? he’s not one of the volunteers for sure. i would’ve remembered his face during the workshop”

Sunoo’s answer made your body freeze. Your heart's starting to beat faster, your fitted dress starting to feel suffocating — the plated parts caging your abdomen. Your breathing's changing, the nerves are catching up on you.

“smile, he’s watching. everyone is since we're obviously the best” you didn’t realize that you were gripping Sunoo’s shoulders for the past few seconds. You're obviously nervous and tried to play it cool so he won’t suspect any but he's giving you a knowing look.

That's what Sunoo is the best at — reading people. He's one of the smartest in your year for a reason.

You then realize the face that you must've been making, revealing what you truly think of your date in front of your friend. You close your eyes to calm yourself a little, taking a deep breathe before asking Sunoo the questions that have been in the back of your mind since the hunt.

"the eggs..are they shiny? glass like and in pastel colours?" you start, hoping for Sunoo to nod but he only raises a brow at you.

"we literally bought the typical Easter eggs from the dollar store, you know, the bright and patterned ones" he answers, the sassiness in his tone apparent now with how your questions have sounded ridiculous in his ears.

The eggs you had didn't look like any of those that Sunoo described.

"what's wrong? did you even manage to get any eggs? i saw you before you left to the forest and you didn't look interested at the event at all"

You'd wish Sunoo would stop talking. He's exposing you like this when Sunghoon or even anyone could be listening. The music's not so loud and you're both far from everyone but you didn't want to risk anything. Not until you can confirm what you just found out.

All these have started to overwhelm you and you're glad Sunoo's here to keep you grounded. You know he's been suspicious this entire time, just masking all of it unlike you who couldn't even handle any of this information.

This is not how you want this night to go.

"i got some eggs. s-special ones actually" you mutter, your voice shaky and Sunoo's eyes twitch a bit as soon as he hears it. You knew he's been trying to act normal as much as he can but hearing your voice is the last straw. The music's almost ending but you don't feel like going back to your table yet.

You want to stay here for a couple of minutes to calm down and gather your thoughts before facing Sunghoon again.

"everyone, please take a seat. the opening ceremony's about to begin"

Sunoo's eyes meet your nervous ones and reluctantly releases you as you near your table. His bright smile never changed but his grip on you tightened, almost like he doesn't want to let you go. You had no choice but to go back now because of the announcement. However, you spotted the washroom sign by the corner and you found your escape.

You immediately grab your evening bag as soon as you're out of his grasp.

Sunoo's words didn't fully sink in until you hear Sunghoon calling your name.

"are you okay? did something happen?" Sunghoon's concerned voice momentarily stops you and you force yourself to act normal. He eyes Sunoo behind you and that's when you put your hand on his chest to get his attention back on you.

"everything's fine, hoon! I'll be right back" your voice came out chirpier than you intended so he can tell you're in distress despite the smile you were trying to put up.

"let me come with you"

"no need, I'm okay i swear" you insist but Sunghoon's not convinced.

"i have to make sure you're okay," he says, voice full of worry while the confusion is obvious in his pretty face. You almost felt bad for suddenly treating him like this. Despite what's going on, he's still prioritizing your comfort.

It could be his last effort, you think.

Sunghoon was already suspicious of Sunoo earlier and you were failing to be inconspicuous. Plus, you don't want to get the attention of the other couples at your table.

One of them's already looking warily at you and Sunghoon. You smiled at them for reassurance, thankfully they reciprocated and returned their attention to their partner. You turned to Sunghoon and nodded, leaving your table hastily so you both could return quickly.

It'll be time to eat after and they'll call the table numbers one by one. Your table is in the middle of the order so you still have time. Nevertheless, you just want to be surrounded with other people as soon as possible.

You rush to the mirror as soon as you reach the washroom while Sunghoon closes the door. Closing your eyes, you force yourself to focus and fix your composure.

Fear looms you as soon as you feel Sunghoon focusing on you.

"you look troubled while dancing with sunoo" he starts as he nears you. The mention of your friend's name almost choked you on your breath, bringing back your conversation earlier where you've heard his answers the first time.

"it's not him. it's just.. one of those times" you try to explain but your heart's been hammering since being alone here with Sunghoon. You had a hunch that he already knows what's up based on your behaviour earlier.

You'll try to act normal at least.

"is there anything i can do to make you feel better?" he asks, voice becoming gentle again as he scans your face. You meet his eyes for the first time since hearing all the answers from Sunoo and you're beyond conflicted. Sunghoon genuinely looks worried at your sudden change of behaviour but you couldn't confirm if he figured you out already.

Maybe you still can keep this up.

"you being here is enough hoonie" the nickname encourages Sunghoon to come near you, taking a hold of your elbows to pull you towards him. You stare into his eyes once more, hoping that he'll see the need in your gaze.

Sunghoon steps closer and your eyes shifts down to his shiny lips, the ones that lured you into him the first time you met. He starts leaning when you don't move away, his lips nearing yours but never pushed further.

"let me make you feel better" he whispers against your lips, hands slowly rubbing your elbows. You can feel Sunghoon's desperation to touch you further but you haven’t given him any permission yet so he didn't.

Still polite.

Relief courses through you at the thought. At least, that never seems to change. You could use this as an opportunity, giving him a false sense of security now then he might be vulnerable enough later for you to confront him with the truth.

Smiling as you nod, you wrap your arms around Sunghoon's shoulders. He took this as a sign to hug you fully, rubbing your back for comfort. While doing so, he slowly backs you up until your ass hits the edge of the sink, releasing him from your arms.

Sunghoon's hand comes up to grab the side of your neck, pulling your face closer to his. You're expecting a kiss so you close your eyes, only for him to pull back. Instead, you feel his other hand lifts the hemline of your slit, his fingers brushing against your exposed skin.

“hoon not here…” short gasps escape you at his bold move. Granted the first time he had you was out in the open but this is different. The risk of getting caught is higher with many people nearby.

“not yet love, but don't worry, i will be quick” he reassures you, turning your body around to face the mirror. You didn't protest as Sunghoon meets your eyes through the reflection, looking thrilled to make you feel better.

His hand returns, slipping inside your dress to palm your thigh in one go. Locating your bud right away, he briefly touches it before the tips of his fingers trace along your clothed opening. Sunghoon's studying your face for any other reaction aside from the arousal emerging on your features.

Your body's squirming by being flushed against his and you berate yourself. You're soaked even before Sunghoon starts touching you. He just had that effect on your body that it almost made you forget everything you learned since arriving here at the venue.

Sunghoon sticks to his words, sliding your undies to the side and slipping his fingers in as soon as he deemed that you're wet enough. His pace is slow at first, allowing your walls to get used it but he gradually increases his speed.

"tight..because you're tense. let's loosen it up a bit, yeah?" he notes fondly, his breath fanning along the shell of your ear. He curves his fingers, reaching deeper in your caverns. You've been trying to roll your hips slowly to meet his thrusts but Sunghoon's holding your waist firmly, wanting you to just take what he's giving you at the moment.

His actual plan, that's why he followed you here.

Your moans are increasing in volume but Sunghoon's not covering your mouth to stifle it like you thought he would. Maybe he does want other people to catch him fingering you here. It's clear that he has a thing on it and you've grown to have it as well.

"hoon..there..there..fuck" your hands grabbed his neck for support and Sunghoon groans now that your ass rubbing against his crotch. He tried to put a distance between your bodies since his goal is to only make you cum but you don't care about anything other than his fingers inside your cunt right now.

You managed to switch your moans into quiet whimpers but Sunghoon's fingertips brushed your spongy spot and you're back to zero. Sunghoon notices though since he's been muffling his own sounds by mouthing your neck. His grip on your waist tightens the same way your cunt's clenching erratically around his digits.

You're so wet that apart from the minimal voices you and Sunghoon try to maintain, the squelching noises from your pussy echoes throughout the washroom walls. Someone could knock at any minute and you're praying that Sunghoon at least locked the doors.

"come on, love, let go for me"

Sunghoon's words strike multiples inside you. Both for letting go of your moans and your wary inhibitions of him. Not long after, your breathing starts getting heavier, throat dry from swallowing your moans. Few pumps of his fingers and you're unraveling in front of his eyes.

You tried to keep your eyes open but the rough pads of Sunghoon's fingers have paid special attention to your pulsing bud. Your eyes ended up rolling at the back of your head, your lips swollen now with the times you bit it to keep yourself from screaming his name out loud.

"can't..anymore.." you whimper, feeling like collapsing in his arms.  You took a glimpse at Sunghoon and he's watching you with awe, still sliding his fingers in and out slowly as you ride out your high. Your knees buckle at its intensity and if it weren't for Sunghoon cradling your body, you would've fallen forward.

He removes his fingers slowly when he feels your body twitching a little. You watch all his actions through the mirror, a whine eager to come out of you as soon as he slips his coated fingers into his mouth to taste your juices.

"sweet, like i know you will" he smiles after and releases you, helping you sit on the marbled surface beside the sink.

Sunghoon proceeds to wash his hands, retrieving some tissues after to clean you up. Your body's still shaking from the intense orgasm he just gave you, breathing heavily as you lazily spread your legs. Sunghoon parts your dress, staring at your ruined panties for a bit before his eyes zeroes in on your core.

His tall frame bends and meticulously wipes your core and legs, making sure that your dress didn't get any stains. His hands are shaking a little and you can see his inner struggle to not reinsert his fingers and fuck you here.

Sunghoon's sweet and that remained constant since the first time you met. Too sweet in other people's eyes if they find out that you haven't known each other long enough.

"i haven't been honest to you" he starts as soon as he finishes cleaning you up.

"about what hoon?" you're relaxed now like Sunghoon intended you to be. You're more collected thanks to him but your apprehension from earlier is still around. Ironic really when he's the reason why you were in shambles in the first place.

You wait for Sunghoon as he stands straight. He looks nervous and couldn't meet your gaze.

"I'm not what you think i am"

His admission surprises you. Out of guilt or probably, you were too obvious this whole time so he had no choice.

"what do you mean hoon? obviously you're not or i wouldn't be in this event with you"

Your tone was neutral but your after remarks could send a different message. This is the most nonchalant you've ever acted and you're just hoping to be convincing. Beckoning Sunghoon closer, he followed without breaking eye contact.

Damn those beautiful dark brown eyes.

"I'm different. not your kind" he continues, studying your face to figure out what you're thinking.

Sunghoon's confirmation should've shaken you up but it never did. Because you had no reason to fear him. He's never shown any indications that other people would consider otherwise, an abnormal behaviour. He's just odd, with even weirder habits. When he told you that he's different, you only thought it was just part of his quirkiness. You know, closeted rich boys with weird kinks so you played along even when you didn't really believe him.

"i don't understand"

"allow me to explain?" he offers, the hint of panic in his tone.

You got off the sink with his help to fix yourself. You're both facing the vanity mirror again, with Sunghoon returning to hold your waist tightly. You've noticed how his eyes seem a little different and the smile he's wearing, it's not in a threatening way but his sharp incisors spiked your heart a bit.

“you wouldn’t hurt me right?” you ask cautiously, gauging his reaction to your question. He didn't even get to start with his explanation yet but you need to know. There's no point going in circles. Whatever is happening, you need to hear those words just in case.

“hurt you? i would never dare to, darling” he sounds slightly offended at your assumption.

Sunghoon pulls you closer to him again, your body naturally melted in his arms right away. The notion terrified you a bit even if he reassured you already. It's basically a promise and he's never broken any of them so far.

"o-okay" you hate that you stuttered because Sunghoon might interpret it differently. Your heartbeats begin picking up, your throat closing up due to the wave of anxiousness suddenly hitting you.

You need to leave.

However, Sunghoon wraps his one arm around your waist, hugging your body flushed to his. He presses a kiss on your bare shoulder then noses your neck, inhaling your scent until he reaches the top of your jawline.

You're not sure if he can sense your nerves but you succumb to his touches. Not that it's difficult. You'd have to until you can send a text to Sunoo. Your hand itches to grab your phone from your evening bag, eyeing it desperately. However, Sunghoon rubs your stomach gently, distracting you from your plan. Draping your arm above his, you close your palm around his hand.

You're unsure of what Sunghoon is planning. Despite his comforting touches, your heart palpitates once again. He nudges your jaw to pay attention to him again so you meet his eyes through the mirror.

And they're gleaming with something darker than you anticipated.

“you said you’re already mine and i intend to keep it that way”

e/n: i haven't written this long since 2021 and it's also the first time that i wrote for a singular POV with this fic length but i hope it's okay! it’s still spring and easter's technically not over until pentecost in june so…

[sensesdialed]

can i talk about how much being around other spider people would mean to peter after he's been so incredibly lonely post-nwh. can i talk about it

[bizarrelittlemew]

calling it right now that season 3 starts like this

[degenerateshinji]

LONG POST!!!⁉️

happy birthday to me and by proxy happy 4 years since i've (more or less) started digital art!! i've never talked too much about my art journey on here but i thought it'd be fun to share a few of my pieces over the years to showcase my growth

2021

i literally did not DARE draw without reference. I hated drawing characters with their eyes open because i never knew how to draw them exactly, and i hated drawing hands more than anything cause i just couldn't get them to look right. My colours weren't horrible, but they definitely weren't always great.

2022

aaaa!!! colourful!!!!! i started doing more anime fanart! i was kinda afraid to do it beforehand since i was worried i couldn't get the characters looking right since i didnt really have an anime artstyle and was mucchhhh more comfortable with more realistic proportions, which is why for the pieces here i also mostly used reference and then just plopped the characters' designs on top. my faces & hands were definitely improving, but not quite there. Also ocs!! i love my ocs!!

2023

welcome to the year of sskk and also the year i finally started posting comics!! (we ignore my webtoon that i definitely didnt have in 2022) im trying not to post too much art i already have up on my tumblr here but you can look up the sskk tag on my tumblr you can see how insane i was!! in fact, because of how much i drew them that year, i think i very rapidly improved at my anatomy and expressions AND hands compared to 2022. crazy what a hyperfixation does to you

2024

getting daaaangerously close to tumblr's image limit and also 2024 was probably my most active year on tumblr to date, so it's all here anyways, but here's some of my favourites for my overall improvement. i'm not sure i drew a single background all year.

2025

anyways!! we're all caught up now! These two have been my favourite drawings from 2025 so far (one of which im techincally not supposed to show yet, oepsie) and i hope i can make hundreds more that i'm proud of! i've never really set up my art and looked at it side by side, so seeing how far i've come in the last four years is actually kind of heartwarming. thank you so much to everyone who's followed me and supported me & my journey! im getting sappy now so i'll stop jaja

[clownakai]

Akam Princess Mononoke AU with Shuuichi as Ashitaka and Rei as San. That is all

[bloodyhandprint]

post posting clarity is brutal

[from-stars-to-shadows]

Just an FYI not that any of you would know because I've just been writing privately and gushing to myself but Leo is becoming a big big main... (like up there with Cesar and Ani)

I'm gonna marry my golden retriever boyfriend 💜💙

[mayo-productions]

good evening tumblr (it's literally midnight..)

I'm back in the Miguel trenches and I just saw this and I just about fell to the floor in tears because this is literally what's gonna happen to Mateo..

(incoming nonsense rant in tags, sighh)

[wuntrum]

yknow, maybe i need to become the gnc butch in tech that i wanna see (date) in the world

[iknowwhereyousleepatnight]

almost january which means it's almost st sebastian's feast day which means it's almost light yagami's death day which means it's almost february which means it's almost valentine's day which means im six months behind on all of my projects

[sherlock-is-ace]

.

[evilkaeya]

love when i give a piece of media my 110% attention and still walk out confused

[ghostzzy]

the edible is just hitting and i'm gonna cry about dogs.

[neon--nightmare]

forest fire by ajj is SUCH a loveball fresh song to me bro

[spideysatan]

life is great when you're not a HUGE bitch that is mad with life and love and whimsy and you can simply enjoy different love stories without comparing them

[softquietsteadylove]

I have an idea for the lawyer au. Inspiration from Boston legal season 8 episode 9.

A girl, make her young like sprite, comes to Gil one day and asks if he is a lawyer and if he can help her. Gil thinking she is being a kid jokingly asks how much money she has and when she answers 10 bucks her father comes and wants to take her with her. But she holds onto Gil and says please help me, if I go back to Poland they’ll force me to marry a man in this country. in this moment he realizes it’s a serious matter and protects the girl. At the end of this case it’s a very depressing situation for him. Thena is there to gently lift him up

Im sure you’ll manage to do something with it

"Gil."

Gil didn't even pick his head up. He was all but sleeping in his mug of guinness. "Gil's not here."

Thena didn't let him get away with it. She did pat his shoulder with some sense of pity for him. "Come on, Gil. It's well past midnight and you have another court date tomorrow."

He groaned at even the mention of going into court again. He didn't know if he had it in him after his day today. "I'm not going back there."

Thena shuffled her purse on her shoulder and perched herself on the stool next to his. "You don't mean that."

"I do," he huffed, pushing the goblet away with distaste. All he could smell was the thick, sweet stench of it. "And I should have punched that judge in the face."

"It wouldn't have changed the ruling," she pointed out in a very Thena way. "Unless you want to be barred from practising law for a year, if not the rest of your life."

He shrugged. He wasn't sure how he felt about the law after today. He had always thought he was on the side of the good guys, as cliche as it sounded. Sure, the law was far from perfect, but he really thought he was doing some good with his job.

"You did everything you could for that girl, Gil."

He scoffed and rubbed his eyes. The dim lighting and loud music of the bar were making his vision blurry, and all he could taste in the back of his throat was cheap beer. "Is that what you call letting her get shipped back to Poland to get married to some old creep?"

She was a kid, no older than Sprite. It was a sickening 'case', no matter how sudden or pro bono it had been. She had even offered to pay with the only 10 dollars to her name, kept safe inside the birthday card it came in and everything. But none of it had done any good.

"We don't win every case, Gil."

"Well, you'd think this one would matter more!"

A few heads turned. He had been quietly sulking at the bar for hours, by this point, enough beers in that the bartender was beginning to eye him every time he asked for another.

Thena didn't even flinch.

Gil groaned again, scrubbing his face with his hands even though he'd been touching the bar that was cleaned only god knew when. He sighed, "I'm sorry."

But she understood his outburst, maybe even condoned it. "It's okay. I can't say I blame you for coming here and burying it under...how many is it now?"

More than he wanted to admit to. So, instead, he ruffled his hair and attempted to pull himself up in his seat with some dignity. "Doesn't matter. I'm pretty sure he's cut me off quietly anyway."

The bartender turned around, ears already burning and a towel slung over his shoulder. "Time to pay up, Boston Legal?"

"Very funny," Gil snarled at him. He knew it wasn't this guy's fault he'd had the worst day of his entire career, but that didn't mean he was in any mood for it. He slapped his hands over his jacket, his rumpled tie and then his suit pockets. "Shit."

"Oh come on, man, you're a lawyer, I know you've got-"

"It's okay, I'll pay it," Thena held her hand up, already reaching into her purse.

"Fuck," Gil cursed, hanging his head (as if he needed any more reason to be ashamed of himself tonight). He misjudged the distance, even knocking his forehead against the counter edge. Maybe it would be a little sobering, if he was lucky. "Thena, you don't have to-"

"It's okay," she assured him yet again, but she was still sounding more like 'work' Thena than the Thena had come to know and prefer.

Gil watched as the bartender took her card to close out his tab. He couldn't get any more pathetic anyway--what was a little more humiliation? "What are you doing here? Are the girls okay?"

Thena finally smiled at him, and it was the real Thena he saw, no matter how blurry. "They both asked to have sleepovers tonight. It's rare, but tomorrow is a half day at school, so I dropped them both off. When I asked how you were, the response wasn't all that clear, so I figured I would try here."

Gil made a face. He didn't remember talking with her. He felt around again for his phone, which he didn't so much pull out as clumsily drop it onto the bar. He blinked a few times, really trying to focus on reading his messages.

She had texted him, asking if he was doing okay and where he was. His response was a jumbled mess, but he unfortunately could make out something resembling him telling her that he was going to drown himself in beer and that she could join if she wanted.

He couldn't even remember reading, let alone responding to it. He really did need to be cut off for the night. He wasn't young and in college anymore--he would probably have a hell of a hangover tomorrow morning (afternoon).

Thena nodded as her card was handed back to her, Gil's debt settled. She turned back to him, "think you can walk?"

He grumbled. If he wasn't already, he would flush with guilt at the insinuation. "I'm not that bad, Thena, really."

She was kind to say nothing about him wobbling a little as he got up at first. But he made it to the door easily enough with her behind him. Maybe he did need a little hand on his back, but as soon as he was out in the cold night air it was at least a little better.

Thena pulled her jacket tighter around herself. She should have been at home, relaxing during her kid-free-evening. She could have been curled up reading or watching that funny ghost show she liked with a glass of wine or a mug of tea or something. Instead, she was picking up his drunk ass from a dive bar a block away from work.

"I'm sorry, Thena," he began apologizing, for the first time of many, he told himself. He owed her plenty more, and that was beyond his bar tab, which he would pay back with interest, too. "I just...that kid-"

He pushed his nose deeper into the soft material of her white turtleneck. The cotton or cashmere or whatever it was soaked up his tears. "She was just a kid."

Thena probably didn't consider herself a hugger, but she gave really nice ones. She was really gentle, and soft, and even if she was small boned, she still felt warm. Even in her boots, she was up on her toes just slightly to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling his face into her shoulder. "I know it's terrible. But you did everything you could, and we're just going to have to live with that."

"I know." Thena did know--she had sat in for the final leg of his plea. She had witnessed his loss and she had been the one to restrain him from mouthing off to the judge presiding and possibly losing his license. "It's not fair."

"What are we doing?" he asked, even hiccuping faintly as he closed his arms around her as well. He was a mess, probably stank of beer, and he shouldn't have been here in the first place. But he melted into Thena's good graces, letting her absorb some of his misery for him. "What good is any of this if I couldn't protect her?"

"That wasn't your job today," Thena whispered to him, and it felt as if it was right next to his ear. "Your job was to argue for her in her place, and you did that. You fought with all you had. But the law wasn't on our side, today. And there will be more days like this."

He knew that. He'd had hard cases before, lost cases before. But never anything like this. He'd had his faith in the judicial system and the court system and the social work system waver before--it came with the job. But now he wasn't sure how he was ever supposed to go back to work again.

"You lost a case, and it's never easy. But what that girl's parents are enforcing is not your fault."

It sure fucking felt like it was. Gil could still remember the look on the kid's face as it sunk in that it really was over, that they had lost and that her parents had every right to drag her back with them. He had handed her back the card with her birthday money in it, unable to accept it after their defeat.

"Come on," Thena leaned back, putting a hand on his cheek, probably checking his eyes to see if he was sober enough to make it back to his car. If she even called him an uber and watched him slump himself into it, it would already be more than he deserved.

"Yeah," he cleared his throat, swallowing the lump in it. He looked around the parking lot, increasingly empty by this time on a work night. "I, uh, left my car back at work. It's probably where my wallet is, a-actually. I should-"

"We can get it tomorrow, Gil," she cooed in that melodic voice of hers. She insisted it was like cold, hard ice, but he thought it was gentle and elegant, like a curtain dancing in a window.

"I've gotta get home," he all but whimpered. What a wet blanket he was being, but whatever. He pulled out his phone again, attempting to find an uber she could toss him into and be rid of him.

"I know, come on," Thena pulled at his arm gently. And when he stumbled anyway she leaned closer, letting him rest his big, meaty shoulder against her little one. "I'll get you home."

He just stared. She looked really pretty in the streetlight glow, all blurry at the edges like it was a dream sequence in a movie. "You didn't have to come and get me."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Was I to leave you drowning in your beer?"

It would be a fitting end, at least. But he shrugged, leaning on her as little as he could afford as they made their way to her car. "You shouldn't have to deal with the aftermath of my shit."

But she shouldered him easily, getting him to the passenger door first and unlocking it with her fob. "We have the same job, Gil. Same job, same shit--I know what it's like to want to dive head first into a pool of cheap wine coolers and forget everything we've ever learned."

But she didn't, that was the difference. Because Thena had other obligations and responsibilities. And took them seriously, unlike how he had come over here without even his wallet somehow.

Gil leaned against the top of the car before letting her elbow him in. She was supporting him under his other arm, tucked into his side. He would rather be supporting her, like he had after she broke her arm. "Thanks, Thena--even if you're seeing me make a huge ass out of myself."

She gave him a really sweet smile as she separated herself from him at last, letting him get into the car seat. "Quite impossible."

She even closed the door for him, being a real gentleman to his drunk ass. Gil crossed his arms, tilting his head as he looked out her windshield. "I don't think that's true."

But she climbed into the driver's seat without a word, not wasting any time as she began backing out. "I've only picked you up a few times, but I believe I remember the way."

"You'll be fine," he murmured, still with a slight slur to his words. He would let her go and if he really had to correct her, he would. "Just look for a depressing bachelor complex and I'll be on the left."

Thena let out a laugh, which added at least some levity to the night.

She had a cute laugh. He looked at her again, although hopefully with her focused on the road she would just think he had a sore neck or something. "Y'know, maybe we should change firms."

"What makes you say that?"

He shrugged, his eyes getting fuzzy again. He was tired. "I mean, we're not allowed to do any pro bono work, which sucks. I know it's a small firm but come on."

"I do agree with you on that one," she muttered quietly. She could act all 'ice queen' if she wanted to, he knew she also had a soft spot for the kids they ended up working with.

"And the guys at the office," Gil made another face, but Thena was driving so she couldn't appreciate how funny it was. He made a noise to accompany it. "I don't like the way they look at you."

Thena didn't answer for a few minutes, probably trying to actually focus and navigate amidst his yapping. "I didn't think you noticed."

He blew a a raspberry, although with his dry lips it really sounded more like a wet fart. "Please, those pigs think they're being subtle when they look at you like--well, they're not, is what I'm getting at. And they wonder why I don't like them."

Thena let out a faint laugh again as she made a turn. She was driving a little slowly, but that was probably because she was afraid she would jerk him around too much and risk him hurling on her nice off-white interior. "I figured you were just too nice for their crass tastes in drinking buddies."

"Not disgusting enough, more like," Gil huffed again. He had to reel himself in and keep from divulging anything else. He didn't ever want to have to repeat to Thena the kind of language he'd heard them use to refer to her when they thought no one was listening.

And it didn't matter how many times he told them not to talk about her like that. All it ever did was get them convinced he was sleeping with her and beg him to tell them all about it.

"You would leave the firm just because of them?"

He slumped down further in his seat. He wasn't paying nearly enough attention to direct Thena if needed, but it was kind of nice just being in the car with her. Just them, a quiet drive, not even Sersi or Sprite or the loud, bouncy pop they liked to listen to between them.

Well, he did like some of the music they made him listen to.

"It wouldn't be just for that reason, there are more," he sufficed to say. But then he dragged himself up again and looked at her. "But I wouldn't leave without you."

Thena, driving, spared him a quick glance. She seemed surprised. "You wouldn't?"

"Of course not," he scoffed more lightly this time. Because that question was actually funny. "If anything, you're the reason I stayed past my probation period."

He wasn't supposed to tell her that. Well, he hadn't wanted to admit it to her, and certainly not like this. Whoops.

"Well," Thena began as they pulled into the parking lot of his building (unfortunately). Her voice really was like a lullaby. He had to wonder if he would even make it inside, at this rate. "If you decide to leave...then so will I."