#there are SO MANY SONGS I like but I will settle for these uwu

[thesinglesjukebox]

NEWJEANS - SUPER SHY

[7.60]

We're a bit excited to be back, if you couldn't tell...

Crystal Leww: NewJeans is a culmination of Min Hee Jin's career-long exploration of the many versions of girlhood and what it means. "Super Shy" is girlhood in 2023, which is to say, it's mostly just vibes -- uwu charm lyrics, wispy singing, and a dance made for Tiktok dancing with your homies. It is one of my least favorite NewJeans songs because it's so non-specific and made for viral meme repeatability than the embarrassingly sincere, sometimes wistful, heart-swooping songs about crushes that I love more from NewJeans but still, non-specific NewJeans still goes off in the club and that's good enough for me.  [7]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: Every NewJeans song (except for the League of Legends one) is an expertly constructed rush of joy, but "Super Shy" is perhaps the most complete demonstration of why their formula works. The production and songwriting -- here handled by Frankie Scoca and Erica De Casier, two key figures in the "dancing alone in your room" space -- are great, obviously. But they're great in a very precise, measured way -- every aspect of "Super Shy" plays to the particular strengths of its performers. The skittering drums and dreamy synths come in and out of focus but the vocals are always given center stage, the simplicity of the melody and the unfussiness of the vocal performances making the crush pop lyrics seem at once artificial and deeply real. The appeal of NewJeans -- for me at least -- is in that strange crux: the fun that they're having is found exactly in the effort they're putting in. [9]

Anna Katrina Lockwood: Probably the slightest of NewJeans' singles thus far, "Super Shy" is nonetheless a delight. A fizzing little bundle of feelings, this may also be the most distinctively teenage song in NewJeans' catalog, which is appropriate -- they are indeed still teenagers, a truth I feel is still relevant to acknowledge. The push-and-pull of the drum'n'bass underpinnings balance a batch of diaphanous vocals, even more subtle than the vocal performances customary for NewJeans to date. The melodies are simple and relatively consistent, in contrast to the beat, which never settles -- it skitters, then thuds, bounces, disappears, phases back in, pulses -- always in motion. This is a very brief song, aside from just being a minimalist composition, and its pace goes some way to disguising its length, but not all the way. Given the teenage crush subject matter of "Super Shy", not to mention NewJeans' oeuvre as a whole, it feels almost poetically unsatisfying -- much like the vast majority of my teenage crushes, there's a lot of excitement without a complete payoff. Still, a very charming song.  [7]

Michael Hong: NewJeans watch their crush from afar. And yet it feels close. The group might have positioned themselves at the forefront of K-pop's current infatuation with club beats, but it's the low-key nature of their music, the minimalistic simplicity, that's so captivating. They're easy: "find a lil' spot, just sit and talk," the idea enough to render them giddy. "I'm all nervous cause you're on my mind all the time," they hum in a low buzz on the chorus, close to the rapid flutter of the drum 'n' bass production -- something so thrilling about divulging a crush that it makes you wish you had the courage to voice it to the object of your affection. [8]

Leah Isobel: On "Super Shy," NewJeans approach courtship as if it's a game of hopscotch. There's no fear of failure as there might be on songwriter Erika de Casier's version of this concept. Instead there's just bouncy, breezy momentum, sourced from their confidence and collective joy. As the girls trade off lines it becomes less about the one-to-one specificity of an individual relationship and more about the sweetness of connection itself, how the dances and rituals and games are evidence of the vast history and scope of human love, how each relationship is really the individual, internal universe reminding us of its congruity with the universe outside. We are all both the lover and the loved, all special, all super shy. [9]

Nortey Dowuona: Erika De Casier gave this team a very well crafted pop record that could never get the push or interest that it could done by a girl group of five. They're all good singers, but mostly indistinguishable from each other, blurring into a bright lilt that just fades behind the club kicks and only sparks to life on the line, "you don't even know my name, do ya?" It's the only stand out lyric, a deeply felt one at least due to the emphasis put on it, and the low bass synths just pops up and down, leaving the drums to move the song forward. They can only get so far, even chopping the vocals behind the only distinct lyric but leaving off with very little impression that the only one to have is that Erika de Casier gave this team a very well crafted pop record that could... [5]

Oliver Maier: The deft, reserved feel of NewJeans' second EP has been largely - probably correctly - attributed to Erika de Casier, who maybe relished the opportunity to condense her introverted RnB into sugary pop morsels. "Super Shy" has emerged as the consensus favourite and it's not hard to see why, between its zeitgesty DnB beat and nuclear earworm hook. It's not perfect: the verses are a bit incidental and it's just too short. But the way each member's voice cartwheels over another's with every successive chorus loop is magic. [9]

Wayne Weizhen Zhang: This is all about the bubbling, butterflies-in-your-stomach space between "I'm super shy" and "Wait a minute while I make you mine." NewJeans punctuates it with the energy of five Powerpuff Girls on a mission to make their crush notice them. Super shy as in very shy, yes--but more so super shy, as in superheroes of shyness.  [9]

Andrew Karpan: Cool and iconically bouncy, it's a song about the ethereal placelessness of a crush, articulating a kind of online-era yearning that places the NewJeans crew in the present as much as any other literally bubbling club-lite touch. [9]

Kat Stevens: Hits the same buttons (Sweetness and Slaps) as T2's "Heartbroken".  [8]

Ian Mathers: I don't know what it says, about current trends in pop or about the amount of attention I've been paying, that this is a lot closer to the first PinkPantheress album than I would have guessed. Crossing my fingers that I'm not pulling a guy who has only seen Boss Baby about this. [7]

Alex Ostroff: If you had said even yesterday that I would be rating "Boy's a Liar Pt. 2" higher than "Super Shy" [spoilers!] I would have told you that you were crazy. But, weirdly, PinkPantheress' chorus has the ebullient bubbling fizzy burst of joy in the vocals that a song about a brand-new crush demands. "Super Shy" is an earworm, and the melody is everything I could possibly want, but NewJeans' delivery remains at the same level of enthusiasm throughout. I've had it on loop for the past 15 minutes and I could absolutely listen to it forever but every time we come back around to the chorus, I can't help but want the song to EXPLODE into emotions that match the subject. The closest it ever gets is circa "You don't even know my name, do you?" -- the group taking pleasure not in the feeling itself but in the safety of anonymity, the simple pleasure of a crush that makes you feel warm and makes you smile for a passing moment but which you know will never go anywhere, because you won't even say hi to them. Maybe that was inevitable for a song about being Super Shy, but I want them (and the song) to make that leap. [7]

Rachel Saywitz: I learned the entirety of the "Super Shy" dance a few months ago at an NYC studio I've been frequenting for the past year and a half. For weeks, I practiced waacking on the 7 train and went over complex step sequences in my apartment hallway in the dead of night. I'm not a great dancer, and K-pop choreography is often too advanced for my wobbly body to handle. But I saw something I could maybe replicate with "Super Shy": in the intricate poise of NewJeans' movements, the communal joy of their performances, that deceptively simple cheeriness. NewJeans reminds me of the times I used to practice T-ara's "Roly Poly" shuffle, The Wonder Girls' "Nobody" sway, Sana of Twice's "shy shy shy" part from "Cheer Up," almost every 2NE1 single. I think that's what makes the song sound so fresh, despite its obvious Jersey Club influences, its soft, plain vocal tones and innocent melodies, a trademark of co-writer Erika de Casier. There's no larger story that "Super Shy" ties into, no mind bending concept other than the pure thought of crushing on someone. I can embody that.  [9]

Alfred Soto: You could dance to "Super Shy" -- I could dance to "Super Shy" -- but the drums 'n' bass loop reflects the hum of a person struggling to get outside herself (think Everything But the Girl's run of mid '90s albums). The track is almost strong enough to support a conversation about the differences between shyness and introversion.  [6]

Katherine St Asaph: The drum-and-bass loop is super au courant but also super polite, meant less for the dance floor than one's interior headspace. And the headspace this song has in mind is curated and chill: no build, no tension, no dramatics, no end to repetition, just safe unchanging reverie. Which is pretty and all, but "Super Shy" is supposed to be a song about a crush, and this is not what a crush feels like. (For me, at least. Must be nice.) [6]

Jonathan Bradley: A drum-and-bass beat shrunk down small enough to fit inside a locket, a shimmery little keepsake to be tucked away close to your chest and swooned over in lost private moments. Even in the song's its final moments, when the rhythm picks up with an insistent pulse, the synths retain their smeared pastel sheen. It's shyness not as coquetry but seclusion: a pretty little song to keep on your nightstand next to a scrapbook and a compact mirror. [8]

Brad Shoup: I love drum'n'bass because it's as versatile as potatoes, able to soundtrack both speed-fueled mania and chaste lil crushes. Here, the drums are like home fries: tiny and crisp. "Super Shy" has the kind of massive hook that extends grace to everything around it: the perfunctory, rattled-off rap feels like the rehearsal for a heist. In fact, all the parts where NewJeans seem to be talking to someone else, rather than plotting around them, are less interesting to me. Dozens of listens on, the crush stuff seems like a fig leaf for the joy of devising the perfect scheme. [8]

Aaron Bergstrom: A song that peeks its head out from around a corner and then disappears down the street before you know what's happening, chasing a skittering beat that dissolves into finger snaps when the mood strikes. By the time you get to the corner there's nothing but a shimmer in the air. [6]

Joshua Lu: NewJeans's brand of easy listening music remains refreshing, but "Super Shy" feels like they're establishing a formula for the first time. The staccato percussion and the frantic vocals sound like they were imported from "Ditto" and then just laid over a different instrumental, this time some glacial muzak like you're on hold for the chicest insurance agency of all time. These sounds do combine nicely, but it can't help but feel undercooked, especially with the short runtime that stops the song from going anywhere truly interesting. [6]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: The genius of NewJeans began with "Ditto," when they flattened a Baltimore club beat into a wistful portrait of holiday gratitude: less a grandiose fireworks show than sparklers in a backyard. It transcended its modish, bedroom-pop approach to dance music because it wasn't strictly referential -- it toyed with musical conventions to capture the complex emotions of anyone too in their head. "Super Shy" is similar, adopting glossy drum 'n' bass as a conduit for crushing hard, fast, and with no plans for action. The secret is in the beat switch to Jersey club-isms, arriving right as "You don't even know my name, do ya?" provides the most sublime hook of the year. It's both a question and a proclamation, a sign of yearning and relief: if this crush remains a crush, then I can't get hurt, right? I heard "Super Shy" in the club the night it came out, but it's a song ultimately befitting daydreams -- the stuttering beat provides all the pleasure you need, no movement needed. Its antiseptic sheen isn't some utopian future, but the blissfully static present. [9]

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[brownieracha]

The college experience

Pairing: OC x Lee Know

Genre: college au, angst

wc: 9.5 K

A/N: This is my fic for the clownracha fic exchange (so excited!!) and I got @simpracha as the person I had to write for!!! So the main character is kinda based on Doe uwu (look I tried). My first idea was something completly different, too complicated for me since is the longest fic i've ever wrote, so I hope you like what I ended up writting hehe. I wrote it with all my love <3 I really hope you like it ♥

Sumary: This is your typical enemies to lovers (or at least I've tried lol), where Jess wanted to have her typical college experience, but it got ruined by Lee Know. (i'm sorry i'm bad with summaries)

Tags: @simpracha @wooyussy @georgenootfound

“But I want you to go too” Chaeryeong looks at me with puppy eyes. “It’s not going to be as fun if you don’t come.” I simply sip on my coffee without giving her an answer.

“Come on Jess!” Yeji insists. “We’re going as a group, if you don’t go, we’re not going.”

For the last (seemingly never ending) 10 minutes, they’ve been trying to convince me to go to this random party they heard of on campus. I really, really don’t feel like going. I tell them so.

Also I have way too many unfinished assignments.

“What do you mean if she doesn’t go, we’re not going?” Lia blurts “This is my opportunity to talk to him!” She turns to look at me “Jess please.” I sigh.

I’m seriously about to get dragged to a party just so Lia can flirt with whoever her new crush is this week. I just wanted to have a nice coffee before class and now I’m finding myself trapped in this conversation. Perfect timing for someone to take me out, I think. Violently, preferably.

I really don’t want to go to this frat party. Where’s a bus driver charging at full speed when you need it?

Yeji looks at me with puppy eyes, and I wince. I’m far too easy for them. Their puppy eyes fill with excitement, and they know they’ve almost got me to go.

“I have to think about it” I settle with.

“Oh my god, guess who’s also coming to the party” We look at Ryunjin, who is showing us a random group chat. All we can see is a ofc I’m going! from a random number.

“Girl, I don’t know people by their phone number? Who’s that?” I squint. trying to get a good look at the profile picture.

“Someone you might be interested in.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

If my face could, it would turn into one big exclamation mark with two big fat red circles for cheeks. The girls start giggling when they notice.

“So now you have to come to the party.” Yuna says. “It’s your opportunity to flirt with Hoongjoong” I turn redder, if that was possible.

“Can you keep your voice down? I don’t need the whole building to know I have a crush on him, jeez.” I get up and grab my things. “I’m going to the library now to finish some homework, because I guess we’re going to that party.” I finish putting my things away and I put my jacket on. “But as soon as I feel uncomfortable, we’re leaving.” They all nod.

***

Later that day we all met at Chae, Lia and Yuna’s apartment to get ready all together. We all bring our backpacks with different outfits and makeup because we love getting ready together and sharing clothes. We start drinking and blasting our favorite songs while we look through outfit options. After a couple of hours of laughing and trying on clothes, we end up a little tipsy, but we do end up being ready enough to leave the flat.

Ryunjin is wearing a pair of black cargo pants, paired with a dark blue butterfly top and white platform sneakers. Lia and I are both wearing dresses (mine is red and hers is black), and we’re both wearing the same black converse model. Chae is wearing a beautiful pink skirt with a white crop top and golden heels. Yeji and Yuna end up wearing a very similar outfit, all black, edgy vibes, paired with a leather jacket each.

At last, we arrive at the house where the party is taking place. As soon as we go inside the - host? designated rando? - offers us some drinks.

“What’s in here?” I ask, smelling the cup. The smell of alcohol hits my nose in return, strong enough to make it twitch.

The boy who just gave us the cups shrugs his shoulders and goes back into the kitchen. Oh, okay then.

“If I were you, I would rather drink out of the bathroom sink.” We hear a manly voice next to us.

“Stinks from here, girls. ” I look to my left and see three men standing next to us.

“Woo!” Ryunjin goes to hug the red haired one. “What the hell? I haven’t seen you in a minute! I missed you!” They hug.

The red-haired man is well known by us, he’s been friends with Ryunjin since she started college. They’re both majoring in dance, but Wooyoung is two years older than her, so they don’t go to classes together. 

“You know, I’ve been here and there, doing lots of stuff.” He shrugs with a smile, looking between us and his friends. “Let me introduce you to my friends, but I think you already know them.” He smiles. “He’s my best friend San.” Ryunjin laughs and San winks at her. “And this is Hoongjoong.”

As soon as he introduces the last boy, I feel an elbow poking my side, and I give Yeji a warning look. Zero subtlety, this girl has. Can’t fathom the idea that not everyone wants to be put on blast in front of their crush and an entire frat.

I’ve had a crush on Hoongjoong since I first started college - he was three courses ahead of me and he was one of the students that came into our class the first day to tell us about the course. He even offered his help with anything we could’ve needed. Ever since then -  since hearing how passionate he was about producing and writing music, I’ve felt naturally drawn to him.

The conversation runs smoothly from there. After introducing ourselves, we converge in a relaxed half-circle by the left far corner of the room. It’s fun, and I laugh at the retelling of my friends’ adventures in college and the venture of adult life.

A good thirty minutes must’ve gone by, when Lia and Yuna excuse themselves.

“We’re going to try and find Jeongin.” Yuna informs. “Let’s hope today’s Lia’s lucky day.” She winks, making everyone laugh. And with that they go into the living room.

The group falls into a short-lived silence, not uncomfortable. I take one look at the inside of my cup - I still haven’t thrown it away, I don’t know why. To my right, I faintly register Woo and Ryunjin catching up.

“Jess, right?” Hoongjoong says next to me. “I remember you from your first day. You were asking a lot of questions. You were so eager to start doing things” he smiles at me. My knees nearly buckle when he does.

“Yeah, I’ve always loved music. Ever since I was very little. I started playing the piano when I was a child. My parents say I always had some kind of music on.” I smile. “And if I wasn’t, I’d just make the music myself. I still do that - it’s like my brain is a living jukebox.”

I get a little shy - I usually do, when I’m talking about myself. I instinctively look down. “I ended up settling for a music major, it made sense for me. I have a hard time expressing myself sometimes, but - not with my music.” I look back at him. His eyes look soft around the edges, and I grin back at him. “Plus, it would be cool to make music that means something to someone. Music makes me happy - I want to give that happy back.”

“It’s kind of the same for me” he replies, and he’s still smiling as he does. I repress the urge to sigh lovingly - that would be embarrassing. “Ever since I started writing music, I’ve been able to express my feelings better, and-”

“And he can spend days in the studio working on a song. He’s a bit obsessive about it” a tall man appears behind him and hugs him by the waist. “I have to drag him out of the studio more often than I should.” He laughs. Hoongjoong looks down, biting his lip to repress a smile.

He’s so fucking cute.

“That’s not true.” Hoongjoong whines.

Suddenly, the other man grabs him by the chin, turning his face. Oh.

They look at each other for a couple of seconds. They’re not even doing anything, but I get the insane urge to turn around and avert my gaze. Oh wait.

The feeling flares as the taller man closes the space between them and kisses Hoongjoong.

Well. Fuck.

“Seonghwa! You made it!” Wooyoung greets the tall man. When they hear him, they separate from each other. They greet each other and Wooyoung introduces us to Seonghwa, who apparently is Hoongjoong’s boyfriend.

And apparently, they’ve been together for 2 years now. How could I not know this?

I can feel Yeji, Ryunjin and Chae staring at me from the corner of my eye. Fuck, I’m feeling properly embarrased right now. If I don’t leave right now I’m going to throw up all over Chae’s fancy shoes.

I say goodbye to everyone quickly and go try to find Lia and Yuna. I hope Lia has had more luck than me tonight.

I go into the living room trying to find my friends, but when I turn the corner, I run into a slightly taller man. I immediately stop before I crash into him. I look up to see who he was and apologize for not looking where I was going. To my surprise I find someone I wish I wouldn’t never have met.

“Oh hey, sorry, I didn’t see you there.” I say, and I try to get away.

“Hey! Jess! Wait!” I hear him calling me while I was leaving. “Wait! Can we talk?” I hear him coming behind me.

“I don’t have anything to talk with you” I turn around to face him. “You already said enough  a while ago, Minho.” And with that I turn back around and go away as fast as I can. I really don’t want to talk to him or even be in his presence.

Instead of looking for my friends I decide that it is a good time to go home. Alone. I don’t want to be here anymore. Seeing him reminded me of why I don’t like going to parties. I walk out of the house, and I see my friends as I’m leaving, but they don’t see me, so I decide to leave without bothering them.

Once I get home, I look in the mirror and I see that my makeup has smudged, I didn’t notice I was crying on the way here. I take of the rest of the makeup, put my pajamas, and get into bed, ignoring the calls and messages from my friends. Tomorrow would be a better day. I’m hoping.

The next morning the sun wakes me up, I check my phone to look at the hour and I see the messages from the group chat and calls from the girls.

I call them in order to tell what happened at the party. I press the videocall button and wait, not for too long because they immediately pick up the phone. Since Ryunjin and Yeji share a bedroom at the dorm, they appear on the same screen. They both look okay, they are the responsible ones, I’m guessing they didn’t drink much yesterday. On another screen I see Chae and Yuna, they look a bit hungover. I see myself on the screen and I wasn’t expecting to look this bad. Apparently, I didn’t take off my makeup very well yesterday.

“Woah Jess, are you okay?” Chae asks, “You look like you didn’t sleep well.” I see her worried face.

She’s not wrong though. I couldn’t sleep last night as I wanted to, all because I kept remembering all that happened last year. I was convinced I was over everything, but apparently, I’m not.

“Where’s Lia?” She’s not answering the video call and I don’t see her on Chae and Yuna’s screen. Then I remembered she was the one that wanted to go to the party to flirt with Jeongin, so I’m guessing she was lucky last night.

“Well, she hasn’t come home yet.” Yuna says, waving her eyebrows. So, I was right, she was luckier than me last night. I feel so happy for her, she’s had a crush on Jeongin since we first started college.

“Hey girls” Lia appears on the screen.

“Omg speaking of the devil. Where are you?” Yeji asks. She opens her eyes wide when she realizes.

“Do I have to say it, or do you already know what happened?” Lia whispers. We all laugh. “Let me go to the bathroom so I can talk.”

Once we’re all more calm with Lia’s news, I start telling them what happened. Since Yuna and Lia weren’t there when we met Seonghwa, I told the whole story.

“… so, when they kissed, I went to look for Yuna. And when I was going into the living room, I almost crashed into…” I stop.

“No dramatic pauses, Jess!” Chae exclaims.

“…Minho” They all become silent for a minute. They all know how much he hurt me.

It all happened when I first started college, I was so excited to meet new people, and to party. The whole college experience.

That’s when I met the girls, in my first year. I met Yeji, Lia and Yuna in class, we were paired together for a group project, and we instantly became friends. With that we started to go to parties, and we met Chae and Ryunjin. Yeji and Ryunjin were friends before that because they were sharing a room at the dorm, and Chaeryeong and Ryunjin had met each other in class. They were both doing a dance major. And with that we started going to a lot of parties together and meeting new people at every party we went to. That’s how we met Minho.

One party we went to was at this big house in which eight people lived. We were invited to it because three of our classmates lived there, Han, Changbin and Bangchan. They were known as 3Racha, and they were kind of famous in college for their music. They knew each other before going to school and they were already producing some music. So naturally I talked to them early on when I started the music major. Han and I instantly became friends, and that’s how we got invited to that party where I met the rest of that friend group. They were all very nice, Felix and Hyunjin shared classes with Ryunjin and Chaeryeong so they already knew each other. Minho was also a dance major, but he was older than them. In that party is where Lia met Jeongin and she’s had a crush on him since then.

When I first met Minho, he was nice, and since he was older than us, he showed us around. He made sure we were always safe, and he was almost like our protector. Or that’s what I believed. I started to spend more time with him and his friends, and with all that the eight of them and the six of us became close friends.

One day after a party I started to realize that I was falling for him. I told the girls how I felt about him, and they all encouraged me to go and tell him about my feelings. I wasn’t confident about it until one night.

I decided to talk with him about my feelings and maybe ask him out. I was convinced and maybe a little tipsy. So, I went over where he was, and asked him if I could talk to him in private, since he was with two friends, Han, and another boy that I didn’t know. To my surprise his response was a laugh. I was very confused, because we have talked in private before and I didn't really understand what was going on. I took a deep breath and tried again to make him come with me to talk privately. He didn’t even look at me and started laughing, again, with this other boy and all I heard was “I told you man”. I looked at Han, not knowing what was going on, trying to look for an explanation. I was starting to be mad at him, I wasn’t understanding his behavior. Han looked at me with compassion in his eyes.

“Look, I know you’re obsessed with me or whatever” What! I couldn’t believe what Minho was saying. I’d never seen him behave like that before, he was always nice with all of us, even with me when we were alone. I wasn’t falling for him for nothing. “Do you really think I was interested in you? God, you’re so naïve. Not everyone being nice to you means that they want you.”

I start feeling like i’ve never felt before, my heart was broken and I was humiliated. I paralyzed, not knowing what to do, not even realizing that tears had started forming in my eyes

The other boy and Minho started laughing and Han got up to hug me.

“Man, you’ve fucked up this time, I don’t even recognize you.” Han took me with my friends and told them what had happened, as I wasn’t able to speak. I wasn’t, my brain was still not processing what had just happened. I was really shocked. I wasn’t expecting a love confession from him, I only wanted to talk to him in private. And if he really wasn’t interested, I thought he would have told me in a kinder way. I was sad and mad at him. With that I decided that I didn’t want to go to another party if he was there. I didn’t want to see him anymore. My feelings were hurt. The next day he tried to come and talk to me, but Yeji and Ryunjin didn’t allow that to happen.

I lost contact with some of the boys, since I didn’t attend any of their parties that year. I only talked to 3Racha when we were in class, and I never came across Minho again. Not until last night.

“And when I saw him all the feelings came back, I thought I had forgotten what he had done.” I feel the tears starting to fall from my eyes. “But I guess I can’t forgive him for what he did.” I start crying. 

“Well, fuck him.” Lia said, after they all stayed silent for a minute. “Let’s go grab breakfast all together and I’m sure you’ll feel better.” I smile at her words.

I get up from my bed to get ready for breakfast with them. Being with them always cheered me up when I’m feeling down. So that’s exactly what I needed right now.

Half an hour later we all meet at our regular café place, I’m the last one to arrive there. When I get to the table where they all were I get hugged by all of them at the same time. My tears threaten to start coming again.

“If you need to cry, do it Jess. You’ll feel better after it.” Yeji says after looking at my face.

I laugh while a single tear drops down my cheek.

“I don’t want to waste another tear on that jerk, he doesn’t deserve it.” They laugh. I feel safe with them.

“Of course, girl, he doesn’t deserve anything from you.” Ryunjin holds me by my shoulder as we sit side by side.

“Let’s change the topic, shall we?” Chae claps her hands together. “Ryu, how was last night?” She waves her eyebrows.

“Ryu?!” I turn to my side to look at her. Ryunjin turns red. Another one that was lucky last night. I can’t help but feel a bit hurt, but happy for them. I wish things were easier for me, but since that night I hadn’t had luck with love.

“Well…” Ryunjin starts speaking, turning redder every second, “I met someone…and” she giggles.

“Can you go straight to the point already, please?”

“Chaeryeong, don’t be impatient.” Yeji laughs. “But, who, who did you meet?”

“I met a girl, a really cute girl and we talked for a while” she stops, her face is the reddest I’ve ever seen her. She’s always confident when it comes to flirting and talking about it. “And she kissed me” Ryunjin covers her face with both hands.

“Wow, you must really like her! I’ve never seen you like this.” Yuna chuckles. “Who is this mysterious girl? Do you have pictures?”

Ryunjin shows us her Instagram.

We stay together until lunch time, talking about different things and laughing a lot. At this point I’ve forgotten about Minho and everything that happened last night. I go home to eat something feeling so much better.

Minho POV

I hadn’t seen Jess since last year, so running into her at the party was weird for me. After being so close last year, until I fucked up. I feel so sorry for what I did to her, all I want to do is apologize. So, when I saw her at the party, that was my plan. I overheard the boys saying that she and the girls would be at the party, so I thought that was the perfect opportunity to talk to Jess. But when she ran away from me, I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. I feel so bad for the words I said to her, I really wasn’t thinking and maybe a little drunk. Which doesn’t justify what I did. I wasn’t expecting her to forgive me, but she deserved an apology from me, at least that. I also needed to do it, I needed to heal from my past, and she was the last person I had to apologize to.

The day after I told Jess the horrible things I did, the boys sat me down because they were done with my behavior. I was mad at them because it was none of their business how I behaved.

“I’m old enough for you to tell me how to behave.”  I left the conversation. they were no one to lecture me. But then the next day Han came into my room, and we had a long conversation. I said horrible things to him, and he did to me. We both ended up crying, and when I saw my best friend crying for the stupid things that were leaving my mouth is when I realized that I needed to do something. I apologized to all the boys for what I said the day before, and they helped me find a therapist. Because that’s what I needed.

One year after I changed. And I realized how much I hurt one of the few people that cared about me. That’s why knowing she was going to be at the party was the perfect opportunity for me.

“So, were you able to talk to her?” Han approached me minutes after she ran away from me.

“I didn’t” I look at the floor. “I fucked up so bad, I wasn’t expecting her to forgive me. But what I wasn’t expecting was her running away. I feel worse than before, she deserves an apology.”

“Take it easy and expect her to run away from you.” Han puts his hand on my shoulder “You really hurt her feelings. You can’t picture how miserable she was after what you told her.” Han was still close to her since they shared classes.

“I know! I just want to tell her how sorry I am.” I look down. “I’m going home.”

On my way home I kept thinking about Jess' reaction, and it was clearer that she deserved the apology as soon as possible. The best option to get to talk to her was trying to see her at college. And that was my plan.

A couple of days have gone by since the party and I’ve already forgotten about it. Life went back to normal, going to class and spending time with the girls.

I was going to meet them at the cafeteria after finishing my classes for the day. So after putting all my stuff in my bag and saying goodbye to my classmates, I went there. None of them were there when I arrived so I went to a table and sat there, waiting for them. Suddenly I heard someone pulling the chair next to me, so I look up from my phone, thinking that it was one of the girls. To my surprise I see Minho sitting next to me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask in a serious voice.

“Listen, I want-”

“I don’t care, because I don’t want to listen.” And with that I get up from my chair in order to leave. I don’t need to listen to anything he has to say. He will hurt my feelings once again.

“But, Jess, please-” He looks up, and for a moment I feel sorry for him. But I have to be strong, I’m not willing to go through the same thing I went through last year.

“I’m sorry but I don’t have anything to talk to you about, so please leave me alone.” I go, without looking back at him.

As soon as I’m out of the cafeteria I look for a bench and I sit down. I unlock my phone and look for the group chat to ask the girls if we could meet somewhere else.

I don’t want him near me for now. Seeing him is opening old wounds I thought were closed.

For a moment I felt like he had changed, that he wanted to go back to where we were before. But then I remembered the pain I felt when he said those mean words to me. I will never forget, as much as I want to. I start to remember the good times that we had together as friends, and I start to feel furious. A single tear drops down my cheek.

A few moments later they all arrive at the coffee shop we talked about. When we all have our coffee, I decide to explain what happened, since none of them wanted to ask me why the sudden change.

“So,” I start, finding it hard to explain. Lia, who’s sitting next to me grabs my arm trying to calm me down. “I- He-.” I clear my throat before continuing. “He came up to me, to talk with me.” I finally say.

“Who? Minho?” Ryunjin exclaims. “What did he want?”

“I don’t know” I shake my head. “I didn’t want to talk to him” I look down. “When I saw him there, I thought that he had changed for a moment. Then every bad memory came to mind, so I ran out. I don’t know what he wanted.” I look up again just to see Yeji’s worried face,

“Are you okay?” She asks.

I don’t know what to answer, I’m not really sure. I’m feeling so many things that I’m not sure.

“I truly don’t know” I hold back the tears that are trying to escape my eyes. “I thought I was, until he tried to talk to me.”

“Maybe he wanted to apologize.” I look at Chaeryeong as she said the craziest thing I’ve heard in a while. “I’m just saying! Don’t look at me like that. I know how much he hurt you, but maybe he’s changed.”

“I don’t want to keep talking about him, let’s do something else, please.” I say.

We end up chatting about more fun things. Since Yuna’s birthday was coming soon, we were planning a party.

“We don’t have to throw a big party if you don’t want Jess. I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable.” She looks at me and grabs my hand. “I want all of us to have fun.” She squeezes my hand.

“I’ll be okay, really!” I know Yuna loves going to big parties and what better way to celebrate her birthday other than throwing a big party for her. “I think it will be fun actually.”

And I do think that I would have so much fun at that party. I’ll be with my friends, having a nice time without worrying about anything else. I just hope this party goes better than the last one. At least for me.

“Okay class, we’re going to do a project about music through history. This time I’ll make the pairs so there’s no problems this time.” The teacher looks over his glasses. He looks back at the paper he’s holding between his hands. “I’ll pin this paper on the board so you can take a look at the pairings for this project.” He does that and as soon as he gets away from the board, we all go to check it out.

“Jess!” I hear a voice behind me as I’m checking the paper. “We’re together!” I turn around just to see Han’s smiley face.

We get away from the people that are still checking the paper and we sit together.

“We’re going to do the best project.” Han claps excited. “I’m so happy that I get to do a project with you.” He hugs me from the side.

“Yes!” His excitement is contagious. I’m happy that he’s my partner for this project and not someone I don’t know that well. “We should meet up and decide on how we’re doing this.”

Suddenly his phone starts ringing. “I’m sorry I have to pick it up.” He gets up. “I’ll text you later.” He says as he goes out of the class.

I get up and go back to where I was sitting before, next to Yeji, Lia and Ryunjin. I find Lia and Yeji there.

“Who did you get for the project?” I ask them.

“We’re together for this project!” Lia exclaims. “We were so lucky. What about you? Who did you get?”

“Han! I’m happy to do a project with him to be honest.” I smile, remembering how excited he was to be paired with me. He was one of my best friends but after the Minho incident we hadn’t talked much, but I knew he was always there for me if I needed it.

We go where Ryunjin was talking to a boy from class I don’t recognize, it must be who she has to do this project with.

“We’re going to the cafeteria, are you joining us?” I ask her, hugging her from the side.

“I’ll go in a second, grab me a coffee please.” She hugs me back, and then turns back to keep talking to her project partner.

As soon as we get into the cafeteria, we see Chae and Yuna at a table, so we join them. We all order our coffees and Ryunjin’s. The latest join us five minutes later.

“What were you talking about?” She asks as soon as she sits down and leaves her things on the floor next to her.

“Yuna’s party.” Lia replies. “We have almost every detail planned.” We all nod.

“I have to say that I’m very excited to do this.” Yuna giggles. “It’s going to be epic.” We laugh. She always gets excited to go partying. A few minutes later I hear my phone and I check it, just to see that Han has messaged me about meeting up for the project. I unlock my phone to reply while they keep talking about the party.

I lock my phone and go back to the conversation with the girls about Yuna’s party. We have to plan this well.

“We can go tomorrow to pick up decorations.” Chae suggests.

“I can’t, I’m going to Han’s to do this project about music through history that we have to do together.” I reply. “Can you go without me? I could pick up the cake the day of the party.”

They all agree on that. The party will take place in two weeks at Yuna’s so we still have time to put everything together without forgetting about classes and homework.

Minho POV

I go inside the restaurant where Han and I decided to meet for dinner. After a day full of things, mostly classes and homework, what I need the most is to talk to my best friend. I’m still thinking about the interaction I had with Jess the other day.

When I saw her sitting alone at the university cafeteria, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk with her. And for a second I thought she had somehow forgiven me, for a moment she seemed like she wanted to listen to me. Just for a second. Then she ran away from me once again. I felt a pain in my chest when she did, when she went away without giving me a chance to apologize. When I felt that I realized that she must have felt like that when I rudely rejected her.

“Hey!” Han waves me from the booth he’s sitting at. I wave back and I go there to sit in front of him. “Are you okay?” He asks me as soon as he looks at me.

“Tired day, just that.” I sigh. “I had two different dance classes and that’s exhausting. And after that I had to study and work on a project. I have no energy left to be honest.” I rub my face with both hands.

“Are you sure that’s it? Minho, I know you and I know something is bothering you.” He does know me well. Damn. “It’s this about Jess, isn’t it?” Han is the only one who know how sorry I am for how I behaved last year. He knows what I felt for Jess, and how I fucked up because I didn’t know how to manage my feelings.

“It is about her.” I look down. “I feel awful for what I did.” I look back.

“Did something new happen?” I still haven’t told him about the other day at the cafeteria.

I nod, and I tell him about it. I also tell him how I’m feeling. As I’m telling him that I realize how easy it would have been knowing how to communicate my feelings. If only I knew how to a year ago, good thing the boys made me search for a therapist. I wish I perceived that I had a problem and I had to go earlier in life.

“You have to give her time. She was devastated when you did that. You’ll have to wait until she wants to hear you.” He was there for her, since they were good friends. “For now, keep trying, but don’t push it if she doesn’t want to talk to you. You don’t want her to hate you even more.” He laughs nervously. I know he feels awkward talking about this, and I would feel too.

I stay silent for a few minutes, thinking about everything. About how to approach her in a way she’ll feel comfortable if she can ever feel that way with me again.

“I guess I’m feeling guilty because she didn’t deserve to get her college experience fucked up by me and my stupid decisions.”

“We’ve already discussed this, don’t do that. Self-pity is not going to fix the past, you have to work on the future.”

Next day arrives and I wake up earlier than usual. I have to clean my apartment before going to Han’s house. I hate every second of it, waking up early has never been my thing. I always stay up late finishing stuff that needs to get done.

An hour goes by, and my apartment is somewhat clean, at least clean enough to me. I pack my things and go out to catch the bus to meet Han. Before going into the house, I buy two coffees since I know Han is not a morning person either and his energy is going to be low.

Just a moment before ringing the bell I realize that, if I’m going to be here, Minho is probably going to be around. I take a deep breath putting myself together, he cannot dictate where I can feel or not feel comfortable. I decided at that very moment that he doesn’t matter anymore, that he can’t hurt my feelings again. He doesn’t matter. Did it take me going back to his house to realize that? Probably, and I should have come to the conclusion earlier. But that doesn’t matter anymore.

I ring the bell and I hear voices inside. I can recognize Changbin’s loud voice, so I’m guessing he’s going to open the door. Seconds later I’m greeted by him, opening the door as I predicted.

“Hey Jess!” I hug him, and he hugs me tightly. “Come inside, Han is upstairs.” When I enter their house, I see Bangchan sitting on the sofa, so I go towards there to greet him.

“Jess! How have you been?” He gets up to hug me. I’ve missed this so much. I shouldn’t have distanced myself from them.

“I’ve been good.” I smile. Is this lying? I don’t think it is, technically I’ve been good. And bad. “I should probably go upstairs, I bet Han is waiting for me.”

“Or maybe he’s asleep again.” I hear Changbin shouting as I’m going up the stairs. I laugh.

I knock on Han’s door and enter his room, still laughing.

“What’s so funny?” He asks, turning his head to look at me. He was sitting on the floor, with his back resting on the back of the bed. I go sit next to him, giving him a coffee. “Thanks.” He smiles. He looks tired, he had probably pulled an all-nighter.

“Nothing, just Binnie.” I say between laughs. I put my backpack on the floor in front of me and I take out my laptop and a notebook. “Yesterday I was looking at the notes the professor gave us, and I figured out how we can distribute the work so it’s easier.” I hand him the notebook where I drew a diagram on which part of the project we have to do.

We get into it pretty quickly, just talking when we have any doubts about the information we’re finding. An hour and a half later we have pretty much all the information we need. We just have to put it together and make it look presentable.

“Come in!” Han says after hearing a knock on the door. Right after that Felix’s head pops through the door.

“Hi. I baked some brownies. Do you want to try them?” He offers a plate full of them to us. He’s so nice. I haven’t tried any of his brownies yet, but if they are as good as his cookies, I bet they’re going to taste amazing. “So, how’s your project going?” He sits on the floor in front of us while we eat his brownies.

“I think it’s going smoothly.” Han replies with his mouth full. “It shouldn’t take us long to finish it.” He looks at me and I nod, the project is easier than we both expected so it should be done fast.

“I will leave you then so you can concentrate.” Felix gets up and leaves the room, leaving the brownies for us.

After another hour we decide to stop. The project is almost finished, and we need to take a break.

“Oh, Jess.” I look up from my laptop to look at Han. “Do you want to listen to the last song we were working on?” I nod and he hands me an earphone.

I’ve always enjoyed 3racha’s music, and the whole process they go through to make new songs. I find it very interesting how the three of them manage to synchronize and make such good music. Since I’ve always worked on songs by myself, I find it hard to work with other people.

“It’s really good!” I exclaim after hearing what they’ve got so far. “Now I need to listen to the whole thing.” I look at Han and he laughs.

“I will show you as soon as we finish it. I’m glad you liked it.” He hugs me. I’m so happy that I got paired with him to do this project. This has made me realize how well we work together, and how much I like spending time with him. Fuck Minho for hurting me and making me distance myself from this wonderful people.

“I should get going.” I separate myself from the hug and start putting my stuff back in my bag. He gets up and goes downstairs with me.

When we get to the living room, I see an orange ball of fur looking at us, sitting on the edge of the sofa. I immediately go over there to try and pet the little cat, and he lets me do that.

“Hello, tiny!” I say as I’m rubbing his fluffy head.

“That’s Soonie, it’s Minho’s cat.” I slowly turn around to face Han, my face holds so many emotions and I can see he’s feeling those emotions.

“Don’t look at me like that Jess. I know how you’re feeling but maybe you should let him talk to you.” Rage. Rage is all I can feel right now. Soonie jumps from the sofa he was sitting on to go somewhere else.

“I don’t want to hear anything he has to say, he already said enough a year ago. Don’t you remember?” I spit out my words. I can’t believe he’s saying this to me, he saw how bad Minho made me feel, he was there. I thought he was on my side.

“He’s changed, he’s trying to be a better person.” I roll my eyes at his words “I do remember, but he’s also my friend. He was not in the best place and that doesn’t justify what he did, but at least let him explain.” He shrugs his shoulders. “It’s not my place to talk about this, this is between you and him. I don’t want to ruin our friendship, Jess.” He comes closer and hugs me.

Tears start forming in my eyes and I start crying, I have too many feelings right now to know how to manage them. I just want to go home, get in my bed and curl into a ball.

“Thank you.” I sob.

He separates from me without breaking the hug. “For what?”

“I don’t know, for being here.” I keep silently crying. “This has been too much for me, I don’t want to feel like this anymore.”

The day of Yuna’s party arrives and we’re all very excited. I’ve been feeling so much better after going to Han’s. We ended up talking about a lot of stuff and spending the rest of the day together, and I felt so much better after getting everything out of my chest. Since then, we have been keeping up with each other more, I’ve been to his house more often and I’ve hung out with the boys. All of them except Minho. The third time I went to their house I started to wonder where he was, because it was weird how every time I was there he mysteriously was missing, I mean, is still his house and I thought I would come across him there.

Since that day I’ve been thinking about what Han told me about Minho, not believing him that much. Not wanting to. But the thought that he might actually have changed never left my mind. What if Han was right? What if the boy I felt for was really there? I think subconsciously I didn’t want my feelings hurt again and that’s the reason why I didn’t want to believe Han. But deep deep inside I wanted to.

The party was going to take place at Yuna’s place, so we get there two hours before to get everything ready. Lia and I start placing all the decorations while Yeji and Ryunjin take care of the food and drinks. Chae makes sure to take Yuna out of the house to buy a nice birthday dress and get her hair done. Yuna wants to be the prettiest girl at the party, she wants to impress Jeongin even more. Since the last party they’ve been hanging out together more than usual, and we tease Yuna so much about it. Just like the boys tease Jeongin.

After the place is all decorated and everything is ready for the party to start, Chae and Yuna arrive there. We then start getting ready just like we used to do when going to parties, blasting our favorite songs, and having a fun time together. At nine o’clock people start arriving to the party, Jeongin, Seungmin and Felix being the first ones to arrive. As time goes by more and more people start coming and we start drinking.

“Hey!” I turn around just to see Han and Changbin coming to the kitchen, where I was alone, refilling my cup. “Jess!” Changbin hugs me. He smells like alcohol and cologne. Han goes straight where the drinks are and starts refilling his drink and Changbin’s.

“Don’t you think he’s had enough?” I ask Han, pointing my head to Changbin. Han shrugs his shoulders.

“Are you okay?” He gives me a side hug after Changbin releases me.

I nod while sipping my drink. “I’m doing amazing. I’m having fun with my friends.” I sip my drink again. Well, maybe I’m also a bit tipsy.

Changbin goes back to the living room, Han and I stay in the kitchen for a bit longer, talking and laughing. I don’t really know what joke that I’m laughing about, or if I even understood it. But I’m having so much fun with him.

“I should probably go back with my friends.” I say between laughs. He simply nods and we both go back to the living room.

For the next hour I dance with my friends to every song playing, we take pictures, laugh and in that moment, I feel like I went back to last year when I became friends with them, and we will all go to all the parties that we got invited to. I’ve missed this feeling.

“I’m going to the balcony; I need some air.” I shout to Yeji, and she gives me a thumbs up as a response.

I try to get through the people to get to the balcony and once I get there, I see someone is sitting in one of the chairs there. I don’t pay much attention to who is it and I sit at the other end of the balcony. After a few minutes sitting there, relaxing, I feel the boy that was sitting there come closer to me.

“Hey.” He says in a soft voice, and I immediately recognize him. I slowly turn my head up to look at him just to confirm my thoughts.

“Minho…” I keep looking at him.

“Please before running away, I want to talk to you. You don’t have to answer, you don’t even have to listen. I just need to get it out of my chest.” He looks devastated, and I don’t know if it’s because of what Han told me or if it’s because I’ve been drinking all night and I’m letting my guards down. But I decided to give him an opportunity to talk. He sits next to me.

“Go ahead.” I turn my head back front and keep looking at the view. I don’t want to look him in the eyes while he talks.

“Uh… I… I just want to start saying I’m sorry.” He stops for a few seconds; I look at him for a brief moment and he’s also looking forward. “I’m sorry for what I said that night, I shouldn’t have told you that, it was so mean and I’m really sorry.” I hear him taking a deep breath. “I didn’t even mean those words I said, I wasn’t thinking. And I don’t want to justify myself for what I did, I just think you deserve an explanation.” I turn to look at him, my heart wanting to give him an opportunity, wanting to believe he had actually changed. But my mind is still resistant to believe it. “I wasn’t in the right place mentally and the alcohol didn’t help. I was being mean to everyone, and I wasn’t realizing it. Not until it was too late, and I hurt you.” I see a tear going down his cheek, my first instinct is to hug him, but I retract myself and I don’t do it. “All the boys talked with me that night and at first, I didn’t want to believe that something was wrong with me and that I was hurting people who loved me. After arguing with everyone, Han was the only one that kept trying to make me come to senses. And after a few weeks I reached out for help and started seeing a therapist. I’m still trying to be better, and that’s why I needed to apologize.”

We stay silent for a few minutes, not knowing what to say or do. He then looks at me and my heart hurts, I’ve never seen him like that. His eyes are red and swollen and tears are coming down nonstop. I feel bad for him, I don’t know what he has gone through or what got him into the place he was last year, but now I know it must have been hard for him.

“You don’t have to forgive me but thank you for listening to me.” Minho gets up from the chair and starts walking to the door.

 “Wait!” I get up from the chair and try to stop him from going back to the party. “Thank you.” We keep looking into each other's eyes for a few seconds, just before I break eye contact and get into the party again.

I don’t know how to feel, I don’t feel rage anymore, I even feel sorry for him. I’m starting to understand why he acted how he did, that doesn’t mean I forgave him, but at least I feel better after he apologized.

The last few weeks I’ve been meeting up with Minho and talking more with him. I’ve seen him more often at the house when we went there to hang out with the boys, and we’ve been talking about everything. It’s like we went back to the beginning of last year, but better.

Since Minho had started seeing a therapist, and he had progressed, it made things way easier. He would communicate his feelings and if he wasn’t having a good week, he would just say it.

And that led us to going out on a date. It all started because he invited me over to watch Felix, Hyunjin and him filming a dance they had to do for a class project.

“You’re staring.” I snap back and turn my head up to look at who was talking to me. Turns out it was Hyunjin that was taking a water break. “You can’t keep your eyes off him, right?”

I really couldn’t, he looked so good while dancing that I couldn’t stop staring. My brain was going numb watching him dance and I was having many thoughts I’ve never had about him before.

“You like what you see?” Minho smirks. I didn’t hear him coming where we were. He sits next to me and grabs his water bottle. I smack his arm in response.

I see Hyunjin leaving to join Felix at the other end of the room.

“We should go on a date.” What. I turn to look at Minho. I can’t believe he’s asking me on a date.

“Huh?” That’s all I can say.

He looks at me and smiles, “do you want to?”

Well of course I want to! But it caught me by surprise, and I don’t seem to find the words to express it.

“You can say no if you don’t want to.” He smiles. His stupid smile is making me not think straight.

“No! I mean yes! I do want to.” He laughs. “Don’t laugh!” I smack his arm once again.

I lock my phone and start getting ready for the date. I open my closet and stare at it for a good five minutes, not knowing what I should wear. We’re going to go to a restaurant for dinner, it’s not a bougie restaurant but I still want to wear something nice, but I don’t want to be overdressed. I end up choosing a cute but cozy outfit, I’m going to be wearing a nice black pleaded skirt with a white turtleneck. Since it is cold outside I’m wearing a pair of warm thighs and a pair of white leg warmers covering the black boots I decided on wearing.

I finish the final touches of my hair and makeup, grab my purse and go down the stairs of my building, since Minho has just texted me, he’s waiting for me outside.

As I’m going down the stairs, I start to feel nervous. It hasn’t hit me until now, seconds away from meeting him, that we’re actually going on a date. I check myself once more in the mirror that’s on the hall of the building, before going out.

What should I do? Do I hug him? God, I feel so nervous. “Hi!” He turns to look at me and immediately hugs me. He smells super nice.

“Hi. You look amazing Jess.” He separates himself from me. He looks so handsome. “Let’s go?” I can feel he’s also a little bit nervous and weirdly that calms me down a little.

The walk to the restaurant feels a bit awkward since none of us is saying anything. Once we arrive at the restaurant, we go to the table they’ve assigned. It’s a really nice restaurant, it looks fancy. We order our food and when the waitress leaves our table, make eye contact, without saying a word.

“Hey.” I chuckle. “Are you good? Is everything okay?” He nods.

“I feel like if I talk this moment will vanish.” He says softly and I blush at his words.

“I won’t go anyway.” I giggle and look down.

Why i’m i feeling so shy? I’ve gone on dates before and I liked other people but no one has made me feel like he’s making me feel right now, and he doesn’t even know it.

After that the date goes smoothly, jumping from topic to topic, laughing and enjoying our meal. As the time passed we started to feel more relaxed and more comfortable with each other.

I can’t keep my eyes off him, he looks so handsome, all I want to do is run my hands through his silky hair and hug him tightly. When he smiles he’s the cutest, he looks like a bunny and I can’t help but to smile back when I see him smiling.

We finish having dinner and after arguing on who’s going to pay he ends up winning. “I asked you on a date so it’s only fair that I pay.” He says while putting on his coat and I pout. We walk out of the restaurant.

“Can we go on a walk before going home? Please?” I ask, I don’t want this night to end, I want to be with him for a bit more. He agrees on that and we start to walk in no specific direction, wavering around the dimly lit streets, enjoying each other’s company without pronouncing a word.

His hand brushes against mine twice before I decide to take the lead and hold his hand. His thumb starts rubbing circles on the back of my hand. I start to feel my heart going faster at his actions. We keep walking for a bit, still in silence, until we both stop. At the same time. Like the universe deciding we need to take a step further. I look at him, having to look a bit up since he’s a little bit taller than me, and I find him already looking at me.

“Jess…” That’s all he says right before I stand on my tip toes and kiss him, just a little kiss on the lips. I couldn’t not do it, his look was saying many things.

Then he holds me by my waist and pulls me closer, my hands go to rest behind his neck, having to stand on my tip toes once again. I can only hear my heart aggressively pounding. I close my eyes as he makes me come closer to him, and our lips collide. I bury my hands on his soft hair. Finally. He licks my bottom lip, asking for permission to deepen the kiss. I pull his hair a little, earning a whimper. We separate after a while, when we feel like we need to breathe.

I look at him and I feel happy, like no one has ever made me feel before.

[agentnorthdakota]

4, 7, 8, 14, 17, 22, 24, 26, 31, 33, 34, 44? :3

Thanks Spencer!! uwu ilu <3

Answers under read more b/c long lol

4. how often are you on tumblr? Way too often lol. I check it many times a day, most of which are out of boredom :p

7. can you swim? I can! No, like, 'proper' styles or super well or anything, but I can swim! The last time was like 2 years ago tho and it's way harder than I remembered lol, I think it was easier when I was a kid and much lighter :p

8. have you had water today? uhhhhhh. I. can't recall. the last time I had just normal water. I've never really like the 'taste' of it, and still don't. p much the only time I drink it is if it's summer and I was exercising and am Super thirsty, in which case cold water is great. Otherwise I'm drinking something else, iced tea or juice primarily, I do still try and stay hydrated.

14. do you admire the clouds and color of the sky? Very much!!! Clouds are so pretty and there's so many variations, I absolutely love them. I'm admiring the clouds and/or sky at least once a day.

17. an earliest obsession you remember? Hmmm I mean I'd probably say Pokemon honestly. I had so much Pokemon merch as a kid (and still own much of it in storage boxes), and I'm p sure I had a Pokemon themed birthday one year (probably 2001? 'cause we went to see Pokemon: The Movie 3 in theatres, which would've made me 7).

22. do you have a collection of cool rocks? Heck yeah I do! Primarily ones I've bought from mineral shops. I used to also just have some cool river rocks I found, but I don't think I have any of them anymore.

24. what have you learned about yourself? Gosh this is such a broad question. I love bonding with friends over the same creative hobbies (cosplay, DnD, etc), I love fashion and eccentric clothes and shoes and heels now, especially after top surgery as I get to actually enjoy how they fit me! I'm a slut in theory but not in practice u.u I'm not 100% settled on a sexuality label, but I also don't have to be, sexuality and romantic orientation are fluid and also a spectrum. I have some poor behaviours I picked up from my parents that I'm not proud of. I've definitely improved some quite a bit, but I'm also still wary there's more that I haven't realized or had pointed out.

26. do you believe in aliens? I think the universe is far too unbelievably vast for other life to not exist out there. So in that sense, yes! Same goes for sentient life. But do I believe they've visited Earth, or even our solar system? Nada.

31. have you gotten bit by a dog? Depends on how you'd define 'bit' I suppose? There's only ever been one (or two?) cases in which it was enough to draw blood. Which was shortly after I got Rowan, and I was giving him a chicken treat before leaving for work, and I looked away and he snatched it out of my hand, and accidentally bit my pinky as well as the treat. He defs didn't mean to, and I wouldn't really consider it a bite, myself.

33. a song that gets stuck in your head? Oh boy this varies all the time. Like, daily or multiple times a day. Often I wake up with a song stuck in my head. It's usually just a song I like and have been listening to recently.

34. when you hear “ peace ” what do you think of? I mean, if this were one of those 'answer with your first thought/off the top of you head' things, it would just be the peace sign ☮ Or the two-finger peace sign. More philosophically though, just a beautiful nature view, a river or mountains or something, on a nice day that's not too hot. Beautiful scenery and relaxation.

44. do you collect anything? Yes!! The aforementioned rocks/minerals, and also feathers that I happen to find. And shed antlers that we've found out hunting (tho now that I don't go any more I haven't added to them in years), and some animal skulls and bones~ Oh and dice. As I ponder this question and look up to see my shelves full of Chessex dice lol (I thought I had photos handy but uh. apparently I don't. and my phone's storage is too full to take some whoops)

[rosespirit]

🎶✨when u get this, list 5 songs u like to listen to, publish. then, send this ask to 10 of your favorite followers (positivity is cool)🎶✨

Yay!

Day of the Dreamer - Renaissance

Oil and Water - Incubus

Curse My Name - Blind Guardian

Spread Your Fire - Angra

Field of Hopes and Dreams - Deltarune OST

[taromolktea]

▀▄▀▄▀▄ ｏ𝐏ｅ𝓡άｔⒾ𝔬Ｎ: 🄵🄾🅄🄽🄳 🄵🄰🄼🄸🄻🅈 ▄▀▄▀▄▀ (a Spy X Family AU) Chapter 3: Prepare for the Interview

Xiao X fem!Reader (2nd person)

word count: 5.8k

content: that uwu shit hehe, how many references to other characters can you find? some more mandarin in this chapter bc i couldn’t help myself- i’m v fond of xiao and qiqi’s chinese voices <3 my mandarin may not be the most accurate tho, but i did my best! i’m really happy w how this extra long chapter turned out and i hope you enjoy it, too!! what song do you think is playing at the end? hehe it could be any favorite of yours that you like to dance to, i personally think it’s shut up and dance (the acoustic version)

chapter 1: operation strix, chapter 2: secure a wife

tag list (message to be added/removed) 🏷 @citrussaurus @danibby @icedthoma @bajifairyy @lunavixia @random-names-stuff @crowsbirds @xoyumiqls @rul-of-demise @meowlumi @shineigami @cotton-eee @calxz @kaz3yo @yuuriihiime @yukanazz @xiaoscult @cnoxx @nottyyneysatall @strawberrykittyv

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

You step out of the taxi cab at the foot of your new home. It doesn’t take long to unload your packed boxes from the trunk. Truthfully, you don’t own many things to begin with. 

Xiao meets you at the foot of the stairs shortly afterwards. His smile is sweet and relaxed as he helps you bring in your belongings. You’re sure his late wife was a very fortunate woman to have enjoyed his presence in her life. 

It’s not until you unpack your bedding that you hug them close to your flushed face as the thought strikes you, “Xiao um… about the sleeping arrangements…”

Xiao waves his hand reassuringly, “We’ll be in separate rooms. Anytime we have guests over though, we’ll share one for appearances’ sake.”

You nod, ignoring the twinge of disappointment you couldn’t help but feel. Why? You weren’t sure. And trying to get an answer made your skin feel warm. 

Xiao recalled his realtor, Verr Goldet, who helped him find this new home. She took her responsibility under Morax to always find him suitable accommodations for his missions very seriously, and expressed her indignation with a mock hurt look when he told her he found the first apartment through a realtor that wasn’t her.

“You see what happens when you don’t let me help you? You barricade your daughter in the living room and end up having to move out because she got kidnapped!” She sighs, “This new complex is very homely though, perfect for you and your family. I think the three of you will be very comfortable here.”

Xiao shakes his head fondly. Verr was right though, and she truly outdid herself with the selection. Truthfully, he had only neglected to ask her for accommodations out of consideration because the start of Operation Strix happened to be Verr’s tenth anniversary with her husband, Huai’an. The two of them had always been kind to him.

Qiqi’s soft but enthusiastic greeting pulled him from his reminiscence, “Welcome to Qiqi’s home.” 

You smile, Xiao’s daughter gets more and more adorable every time I see her! To think I get to play the role of a mother to such a cute little girl!

“Thank you for the lovely welcome, Qiqi xiaojie.” 

Indeed, it was a lovely welcome into the strange family Qiqi called home. With a spy for a father and an assassin for a mother, it was certainly odd- but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She folds her small hands as a prayer of thanks to the love that found her.

“Qiqi is so happy to have a mama now.”

Your heart feels fluffy in your chest. Mama…!

Qiqi picks up one of the smaller boxes in hopes of helping you settle in while Xiao adds, “By the way, about our… contract, I had a friend of mine who’s a judge make it so we got married a year ago.” That is to say, she forged it. For someone who’s so well-versed in law, I guess it’s only natural that Yanfei knows every possible way around it. “We can figure out why we lived separately and what to tell your brother later.”

“Alright, thank you.” 

Of course, Xiao considered the school’s suspicions over the two of you getting married conveniently before the interview, hence the forged papers. But the thought still lingered- the thought of really being married to you for a year’s worth of time. It seemed more like a dream than anything else, to have that stability for so long.

You were eternally grateful to Ningguang for her heartfelt permission and blessing. While you explained that your marriage to Xiao was… simply a coverup, she looked more amused than convinced. Beidou herself laughed openly as she was in the room when you told her.

Qiqi watched yours and Xiao’s brief interaction with delight. Although you had all just met, she had never felt more affection and adoration, even if it was still mostly hidden beneath the surface. She was quick to assume the duty of your tour guide for your new home.

“This is the kitchen.” She states matter-of-factly, “Papa is a very good cook.”

“Really?” You echo, “How wonderful!”

Xiao’s ears grow warm from her praise and he’s grateful he’s on the other side of the room cleaning and putting away your things. Truthfully, he only knew how to make a few different meals for his own sake. 

For Qiqi however, he took up reading cookbooks and found recipes to be quite similar to missions. Each step is an objective to be accomplished, and the yield is hopefully something delicious. It seems Qiqi considered his efforts a success.

Qiqi leads you to the bathroom and stands up on her tippy toes to flick on the light switch, “This is the bathroom. This is the toilet. And this is the bathtub.” She scurried over to the sink and pulls out a wooden stool from underneath it, “Qiqi can wash her face all by herself.”

You clap your hands in amazement, “You’re such a big girl, Qiqi!”

You eye the two little cups on the shelf above the sink. Green for Xiao, and purple for Qiqi. How cute!

Despite Qiqi’s naturally monotone voice, her enthusiasm peaked when she opened the door to her room, “Welcome to Qiqi’s bedroom!”

Charming purple wallpaper made the space feel truly childlike and precious. Before Xiao, Qiqi never had toys to call her own. Now she had not only one, but two finch plushes keep her company in her large bed fit for a princess. She shows them to you with pride.

“She is Violet, and he is Grass.” Qiqi imitates their voices as she places them on her lap, “我是 Violet，我是 Grass. 见到你很荣幸，妈妈.” (“I am Violet, I am Grass. It’s an honor to meet you, Mama.”)

You bow your head politely, “也见到你们很荣幸. 我是七七妈妈.” (“It’s an honor to meet you both too. I am Qiqi’s mama.”)

Qiqi looked very pleased, then neatly put away Violet and Grass and led you down the hall, “This is Papa’s room.”

Although Qiqi let herself in, you remained in the doorway and nodded, “Very nice.”

Finally, Qiqi led you to the last room in between hers and Xiao’s, “This is your room, Mama. 进来, 进来.” (“Come in, come in.”)

You gasped when you took it all in, “This is really my room? It’s wonderful!”

Xiao appeared with the last of your bedroom’s boxes in the doorway, “I’m glad it’s to your liking. This should be everything. I just finished cleaning up.”

Qiqi hugged your leg and said, “Qiqi helped clean, too.”

You’re truly touched, “Really? You’re both so thoughtful, thank you!”

“Is Qiqi a good girl?”

Xiao rolled his eyes and laughed under his breath as he patted her head, “Aside from tripping and spilling the bucket of water everywhere, yes. You are.”

Qiqi pouted, unsure of how to accept his backhanded compliment. You couldn’t help giggling and as you turned to take in the beauty of your room once more, Xiao found himself smiling at you.

“It’s so lovely…” You said airily, “I don’t know what to do with myself!”

“It’s your home now too so… make yourself comfortable. I’ll take away your empty boxes when you’re done.” He starts to walk off but you’re already done in just a few seconds, “You’re… very efficient. Oh. Is this your younger brother?”

He examines the portrait of you two and you nod, “Yes, he’s also a civil servant like me but he’s been so busy lately, I can only catch him via phone calls.”

“I see. The two of you look very similar. Once Qiqi’s entrance exam is over, I’ll be sure to introduce myself properly to him.”

You fold your hands shyly, “O-Oh, about that… I’m afraid I don’t have anything nice enough for the interview.”

“Then let’s go to the tailor today.”

Qiqi spots an unopened box in the corner and rushes to help. The moment you hear its content shuffle around though, you rush even faster to get her away.

“A-Ah! Qiqi, I’ll take care of that! Please, don’t worry yourself over it!”

That’s all of my work equipment- there’s enough weapons and poison to take down an elephant!

Ack.

Qiqi steps away cautiously. The three of you make your way to the kitchen and soon enough, the smell of coffee fills the air. You learn that Xiao likes his coffee black, and that Qiqi likes her hot cocoa cold with extra milk and sugar. It’s peculiar to like a hot drink served cold but who are you to judge? You made sure the cocoa powder was mixed thoroughly so there weren’t any lumps.

You set the drinks down on the coffee table and Qiqi quickly cuddles up to your side. Xiao sets down a plate of almond cookies shortly afterwards. It all smells aromatically sweet, just like a bakery!

“Even your cookies are homemade? You’re quite the kitchen talent,  Xiao.”

He blushes and looks away while Qiqi helps herself to them, “It’s… only my first time ever making them. I just followed a recipe from a cookbook so they should be… decent.“

His heart pounds unreasonably hard as he watches you eat one up in a single bite, “Mm, delicious! It looks like marrying you comes with more benefits than I could’ve ever thought.”

Xiao hides his ever-reddening face behind his cup of coffee, “I-It’s not that impressive, really.”

Qiqi has helped herself to at least a dozen cookies at this point and points out, “Qiqi helped bake the cookies, too.”

“You got flour everywhere and ended up snaking on peanuts because you didn’t want to try cracking an egg.”

“Qiqi did not want to kill the baby finch inside. Not even for cookies.”

“For the last time, they’re not finch eggs!”

You laugh at their bickering as the three of you enjoy your morning snack. Afterwards, Xiao begins the mock interview practice. He whips out a pair of glasses and pushes his hair back absentmindedly as if to get into character. 

Wow, he looks really pretty like that… did he always have a purple diamond on his forehead?

You’re pretty sure you missed half his explanation of the interview because of your starry-eyed staring. Thankfully, the interrogation- ah, interview- starts with Qiqi.

“Please state your full name and address.”

Qiqi tilts her head, “Qiqi is… Gui Qiqi. Add…ress?”

“The place we’re at right now.”

She smiles, “Qiqi’s home.”

“That’s not what I…” Xiao sighs, “Qiqi xiaojie, how do you spend your days off?”

“Papa orders Qiqi to stay home so Qiqi watches TV all day all alone.”

Shit.

He clears his throat, “Let’s… try something else.” He glances at you and you straighten up immediately, “Why did you choose Sumeru Academia and how do you plan to pass this exam?”

H-How do people usually pass? Hm… pass… passing. Oh!

“Cardiac arrest.” You reply plainly, “Or perhaps, excessive bleeding? There is also the method of compound fractures throughout the body or even caving in their skull.”

While Xiao internally agrees that… in terms of passing away, those are certainly plausible, but his face says kill me now. Meanwhile, Qiqi looks like she’s seen a ghost from your graphic description. Xiao continues the interview, though he is starting to become less optimistic. And he’s already rarely, if ever, optimistic to begin with.

“What are your parenting methods?”

You tap your chin, “Strike first and be victorious?”

How did your brother turn out normal and decent, and you… turned out as yourself?

Xiao sighs and stands up, “It’s pointless to continue trying to survive the interview like this.” His tone is stern at first but he bypasses his brooding and gives you and Qiqi a smile, “Let’s go out for a bit instead.”

Broadening horizons, becoming well-versed in what is normal for an upperclass family, and getting on the same page. Surely that would increase the likelihood of passing the interview. Xiao walks alongside you as Qiqi leads the way down the sidewalk before she extends her hand to you.

“Mama, please hold Qiqi’s hand.”

You nearly tear up and nod enthusiastically, “Okay!”

Xiao feels the pressure of his mission lighten as he watches you both. It warms his heart to see Qiqi adore you so much, considering she didn’t like Hu Tao or even Yanfei at first. Likewise, you’re over the Moon to have won Qiqi’s affections.

This reminds me of when my little brother was small and adorable like her… 

Hehe…!

And that one time I hugged him so hard I accidentally broke two of his ribs. Ehe, I should be more careful with little ones.

Eh?

Qiqi freed herself immediately and scurried off behind the flower planter. Wait, what? Maybe not. Xiao was pretty sure he could pinpoint the second your heart ripped in half.

“B-By the way,” You sniffle, clearly dejected, “Where are we headed again?”

Xiao retrieves three shiny slips of paper from his jacket pocket, “My connections at… work gave me some tickets to things for us to enjoy today.”

You examined them closely, finding them ever so prettily designed, “Oh! Yun Jin of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe and Heyu Tea House?”

While you had never attended an opera before, you’d heard all about the talented Yun Jin from Lady Ningguang. In fact, Yun Jin performed at the Jade Chamber many times for special occasions, including but not limited to Ningguang and Beidou’s wedding.

Unbeknownst to you, Xiao had also never attended an opera before, but had heard of the Stage Lucida’s stardom through Morax and actually got the tickets from him. She was quite a gifted storyteller and playwright, and the Heyu Tea House was one of Morax’s favorite establishments. 

The two of you enjoyed Yun Jin’s stellar performance of “The Divine Damsel of Devastation”, although, Qiqi had dozed off on the armrest. Next was the local but illustrious museum, per Ganyu’s recommendation. She seemed to greatly enjoy spending time there, reminiscing on the history as though she was actually there when it happened. Then again, she was there when it happened.

Xiao specifically asked Qiqi not to raise her voice indoors, but that didn’t stop her commentary on practically every piece she looked at.

“Tiddies.”

Archons.

“Decapitated.”

Qiqi.

“Body’s been choppy-chopped off.”

Please stop.

Not that you were much better. Xiao supposed everyone had their interests, but what was it about old world guillotines that fascinated you so much? Eventually, the three of you come across a children’s play area with large whiteboards and plenty of markers.

“Qiqi wants to draw.”

Xiao nods, “Go ahead. [ 🧸 ], let’s take a seat for a bit.”

You follow his suggestion and he goes to get you both water cups from the indoor cafe. Qiqi calls upon her greatest artistic vision to put onto the whiteboard. 

Qiqi’s house is a big castle. The bosses of the secret organization are Violet zhuren and Grass zhuren. Papa is a spy, pew pew. Mama is an assassin, slash slash.

By the time she’s finished, you and Xiao came over to see her work. Qiqi feels goosebumps rise on her skin. If Mama and Papa see this, they’ll know about Qiqi’s powers…! Her little body does absolutely nothing to cover up her drawing on the large whiteboard but it doesn’t stop her from trying.

“Quite a masterpiece.” Comments Xiao, “Is… that a wild boar in the mountains?”

“It’s Violet and Grass in the castle.”

“I see. And… Goldwing is there too. From your spy cartoon.”

“Mhm.”

“And that must be the princess. Is… she dying? Or killing someone?” Regardless, that’s a lot of red. 

“…”

“The cat is very cute, Qiqi.”

“It’s a puppy.”

“Sorry.”

Qiqi breathes a sigh of relief as Xiao ushers her over to the two of you. The next stop is the tailor to get you a new dress for the interview.

“Thank you for doing this on your day off, Xiao.” You mumble, “I hope it isn’t too much trouble.”

“It’s not.”

As straightforward as ever but that quality of his is reassuring. 

“Qiqi loves her new clothes. Qiqi thinks… this shop is wonderful. Qiqi loves this shop.”

The seamstress laughs as Qiqi twirls around in her periwinkle dress. She tied the ribbon on her dark purple cardigan all by herself when they were getting ready to leave. The ribbon was pink, and it matched the puffballs on her low heels. She loved the click-clack! sound they made when she hopped around.

“This is Qiqi’s first time wearing her new clothes, it makes Qiqi very happy.”

The seamstress nodded, “I’m glad! Today must be a very special occasion.”

“Today celebrates… Qiqi’s outing with Mama and Papa.”

You tug on Xiao’s sleeve and gesture to the portraits of well-dress customers on the walls, “Why don’t we stop by the photography studio nearby?”

“Okay.”

The seamstress recommended a rich navy blue to suit the semi-formal occasion of the interview, but you had expressed a preference for red and or black. Xiao affirmed that you indeed looked very lovely in those colors, although, he meant to say it in his head- not out loud.

The seamstress and the other employees in the boutique giggled at you both as your face heated up, “T-Thank you, Xiao. I’m glad you think so.”

“I- what? I mean, yes… y-you’re welcome.”

This color is nice-looking, but it would show bloodstains so easily… 

Qiqi gawked at you from behind your back. At the photography studio, Xiao rediscovered that hates cameras but he sucks it up for you and Qiqi. He admittedly looks a little uncomfortable in the final product but makes no comment on it. Really, he’s just happy you and Qiqi love it so much. 

Your new outfits will be ready by the time of the interview, and Xiao is sure they will look especially beautiful on you, too, “You got me so many new clothes…”

He shrugs, “I… wanted to. B-Besides… we’ll be going out together more often anyway.”

“Thank you, Xiao.”

The three of you happen to pass by a patriotic crowd on the way to Wanmin Restaurant. Xiao heard the chef is a very talented young lady, also per Ganyu’s recommendation. Participating in politics was far from his favorite pastime but as a spy, it was vital to staying in the know. You of course, thought the same. Both your lines of work called for information so, even with your shared dislike of loud places, you did what you had to.

Qiqi however, hid herself in the crook of Xiao’s neck. The unspoken opinions of the crowd were just as loud as the ones they were yelling with fervor. Their sorrows, resentment, and demands for action flooded her head until her nose started bleeding.

“Mama… Papa… Qiqi doesn’t like it here.” 

You noticed the trickle of blood and immediately cleaned it up with your handkerchief, “Xiao, we should get going.”

He nods, “You’re right. This is an intense environment.”

Upon arriving at the Wanmin Restaurant, Qiqi starts to calm down. You spotted an adorable Guoba teddy for sale alongside many copies in a corner with many other Wanmin-related merchandise, and are quick to purchase one. The cashier, an older gentleman who proudly announces being the father of the chef, explains to you that the Guoba teddies can even be heated up or iced. Perfect!

Wanmin Restaurant serves many family-style dishes. Since you had rushed off to buy a Guoba teddy for Qiqi, Xiao could only take a guess at what you might want to eat. Thankfully, the menu had a section of the bestsellers like boiled fish, shrimp dumplings, and bamboo shoot soup, all of which he ordered. The almond tofu in the dessert section also caught his eye.

“Qiqi,” You call gently as she holds your handkerchief against her nose to stop the bleeding, “I have a surprise for you- tadah!”

Her cerise eyes go wide as you knelt down beside her and present Guoba, “So cute… thank you, Mama. Qiqi loves it.”

She reaches out to Guoba as you snuggle her with him and hugs him close. Xiao’s heart lightens at the sight. You tuck her long lavender hair behind her ears before taking your seat. It doesn’t take long for the food to arrive. Like Qiqi, your eyes also go wide at the delicious choices before you. Xiao is also quick to serve Qiqi her portion and cut up any pieces that may be too big for her. In short, lunch is delightful!

The chef herself comes out and greets you personally when you’ve finished your food, “Hello! My name is Xiangling! I hope you enjoyed your dishes!”

Xiao nods, “All the praise Wanmin Restaurant gets is well-deserved.”

“You’re too kind! I’m honored you and your lovely wife and daughter decided to have lunch here. Can I interest you three in dessert?”

You and Xiao flush pink. It was the first time someone had referred to the two of you as being married with a kid. Qiqi, despite her aversion to strangers, held up the menu to Xiangling and pointed to one of the items.

“Qiqi wants almond tofu please, with cocogoat milk.”

Xiangling tilts her head in confusion, “Cocogoat? Is that a new kind of milk I haven’t heard of?”

“She means coconut.” Xiao replies.

“Ohhh!” Laughs Xiangling, “I got excited. Well, if there really is a cocogoat out there, I’ll be the first to serve something with it!”

Qiqi smiles, “Qiqi is… excited. Qiqi hopes you find a cocogoat.”

“Qiqi? What a cute name! And your dress is so pretty! Anyway, I’ll get that almond tofu whipped up for you three.”

When she scurries back into the kitchen, you can’t help but giggle, “Cocogoat sure sounds like some magical and mythical animal.” 

“It does.” Xiao agrees.

“Good job ordering dessert for us, Qiqi! I had my eye on the almond tofu, too.”

“Me too.”

Qiqi hugs Guoba closer to her, “Qiqi is happy Mama and Papa are happy.”

The almond tofu is creamy and cold and sweet. Even Xiao doesn’t hide an approving hum on the first bite. Cute! After dessert, the three of you decide to walk off lunch before heading home for the day. You spot a nearby park that you love spending time at on your days off. Xiao, holding a drowsy Qiqi, follows your lead.

“It’s quiet and calm up here.” He says when you reach the top, “I didn’t know there was a place like this.”

A gentle breeze rustles the grass as the three of you lean on the railing and take in the view, “It’s my favorite spot to relax. Oh, look Qiqi! A finch nest.”

Qiqi, now very much awake, follows your pointed finger to three finches in a tree, “Ah… finches… there’s a mama finch and a papa finch…”

“Mhm! And a cute little baby finch too!”

“There are eggs in the nest.” Comments Xiao.

Qiqi tugs on the collar of his jacket, “More baby finches. Mama, Papa… will you make Qiqi more babies, please?”

Both of your faces bloom pink like the nearby bushels of silk flowers. You know she means buy more finch plushes for her room. Yes, you know that has to be what she means! At least, that’s what you and Xiao tell yourselves to keep from a public, spontaneous combustion. 

“G-Guoba is your new baby, Qiqi.” You manage to say, “One baby at a time… okay?”

“Okay.”

Xiao, who is very intent on focusing on anything and everything that isn’t looking at you, people watches to calm himself down. It seems you have the same idea. People at the foot of the hill flit by on their daily routes like crystalflies. One person in particular though, catches your shared attention. He has a strange gait, and his features are suspiciously difficult to distinguish because of his sunglasses, mask, and hat. You and Xiao frown. He takes off in the next moment after a startled yelp from an old woman.

“Help!” She cries, “Thief!”

Xiao holds Qiqi tightly against him as he prepares to vault the railing, but before he can even place his hand on it, you’re already sprinting down the hill with fire in your eyes. While he wants to catch up to you as quickly as possible, ultimately, he takes the stairs to avoid startling Qiqi as she clings to his neck.

You grit your teeth as you chase the thief into a maze of alleyways, fists balled up when you can no longer spot him anywhere. With the high ground, Xiao has a better view of passersby, but the culprit was a clever one. Tch, he’s blending in with the crowd. His piercing gaze searches the crowd for the strange gait, all the while holding Qiqi close as she too looks into the seas of people. The collective thoughts begin to overwhelm her again, but she is determined to listen for the thief.

Score! That old hag was loaded!

Qiqi gasps, her eyes locked onto him. Xiao hadn’t seen him yet. How to direct his attention…? 

“Xiao, Qiqi!” You call, catching up to them, “Ugh… I lost him.”

“Me too.” He scoffs.

Qiqi keeps her eyes locked onto the thief, raises Guoba up, and launches him off the side of the hill, “Guoba! Get him!”

Startled by Qiqi raising her voice, and also the fact that she threw the Guoba plush you had bought her into the crowd, Xiao’s eyes follow where he lands. Conveniently, on the head of the thief with the strange manner of walking. There you are.

“[ 🧸 ], watch after Qiqi.”

He quickly passes her to you and the sudden gust of wind makes you and Qiqi shut your eyes. Quick as a flash, Xiao appears above the thief and plunges his foot into his back. Bystanders are shocked, but not as shocked as the thief who is now likely suffering a concussion and a spinal injury. Although drawing attention to himself goes against what he was taught, Xiao keeps the thief pinned against the cobblestone.

“Hand this purse snatcher over to the police.” He says flatly.

And just like that, he departs. You and Qiqi had gone to check in on the older woman when he reconvenes with you both, purse in hand. Much to your relief, she is unharmed, but you insist on personally escorting her to the nearby hospital.

“Thank you so much, you were a big help!” She says in earnest as she shakes your hand, “I had money in my purse to get my granddaughter a gift for her birthday.”

You smile and shake your head, “Actually, my husband was the real hero. He’s the one who got your purse back from the thief.”

Xiao looks at the ground, “You took off after him before I could even think about it, [ 🧸 ]. You deserve the praise.”

The grateful woman takes his hand in both of hers and smiles, “What a fine gentleman you are. Ah, but where are my manners? You can just call me Old Lady Ping. I run a flower shop in the city. I am deeply indebted to you both. Please, come by the store next time you get the chance. It’s not much, and maybe the younger generation doesn’t appreciate flowers anymore, but it’s the least I can do for your efforts.”

He wasn’t used to being put on the spot like this, let alone receiving such enthusiastic and heartfelt gratitude. In the past, Xiao completed his missions as Alatus, the Vigilant Yaksha, without any recognition. His mask always hid his face, but right here and right now, he had no way to hide the effect of someone’s thankfulness. 

Xiao cleared his throat bashfully. This… this is nice. Receiving thanks every once in a while… 

Qiqi giggled quietly. Papa is a softie…

“[ 🧸 ],” he says after composing himself, “Today was… an adventure. I’m glad we got to spend it together. You… you inspire me.”

He looks at you with an unexpected fondness that makes your heart leap. Those golden eyes of his, usually so calm and even fierce as you’ve seen today, gaze upon you gently and endearingly. Like the warmth of the sun without burn or glare. Any words to try and refute his praise are caught up in your throat. You can only smile at the ground sheepishly as Qiqi’s eyes dart between you and Xiao.

“Mama and Papa are flirting.” 

Hot red blush erupts on your faces as you and Xiao yelp, “We are not!” 

That wasn’t- I wasn’t…! I… I don’t f-flirt with anyone. I was just… 

He was just being nice! That… he wasn’t- b-but if he was…

The two of you try to distance yourselves from standing so close together the moment. 

Unperturbed, Qiqi pokes her chin and asks, “Does Qiqi get a thank you, too?”

Xiao coughs, grateful for the change of topic, “I suppose so. But did you have to throw Guoba off the ledge? [ 🧸 ] got him for you. You should be more considerate of your belongings.”

“Then again,” You intervene, “It’s thanks to Qiqi and Guoba that you found the thief. You’re a very good girl, Qiqi.”

Ping smiles at the three of you, “What a lovely family you are. Please, I insist coming by my flower shop on your next outing. I’ll have a lovely thank-you bouquet of glaze lilies ready. But until then, here’s some candy. My granddaughter, Feifei, loves them. I hope you like them, too!”

Feifei… Yanfei? Huh… it is her birthday soon. Must be a coincidence.

Qiqi accepts the candy, “Delicious…”

You laugh, “Make sure you say, ‘thank you’, Qiqi.”

.

.

.

At the end of a long and lovely outing, you, Xiao, and Qiqi return home. The joy of your precious family warms your heart as you hope for more and more times like these.

“Mama, Qiqi wants cold cocoa, please.”

You nod, “Of course.”

Xiao reexamines the interview questions while Qiqi watches you prepare her drink, “Qiqi, why don’t we try again with the interview.”

“‘Kay.”

“How do you spend your days off, Qiqi xiaojie?”

Qiqi ponders on it for a moment, “Mama and Papa and Qiqi go… to the opera, and… the museum… and we eat delicious food at the Wanmin Restaurant.”

He nods, “Very good. If you’re asked this question, think back to today. Now… what do you do if you see your friend do something naughty?”

Qiqi squishes and tugs at Guoba’s cheeks, “Qiqi would… throw Guoba at them. And jump on them. And beat them up.”

Your bright laughter resounds from the kitchen, “That’s a great answer.”

Xiao stares at the ceiling and covers his eyes behind his hand, “Maybe… pretend you never saw that.”

Qiqi frowns and hops over to him, reaching up to tug his hand away, “Papa was so cool.”

“He sure was.” You agree as you set three mugs down on the coffee table.

Qiqi manages to take Xiao’s hand in hers and whoosh it around like a weapon, “Evil shall be dispersed… lament! Hehe… that’s what Goldwing says on TV.”

“Those are some cool catchphrases. Why don’t you give those a try, Xiao?”

Xiao glares at you with the ferociousness of a kitten, blushing from ear to ear. Eventually, you and Qiqi stop embarrassing him as the two of you sit together on the couch. Qiqi takes a big gulp from her mug before cozying up to your side.

“Mama makes the best cold cocoa.”

You loop your arm loosely around her, “I’m glad you like it.”

The scene before him is one Xiao commits to memory. To think that the three of you convinced a kindly older woman that you were a family. Maybe the interview could be pulled off after all. He takes a sip of his evening tea as you reach for remote for the speaker to play some music. 

Qiqi kicks her feet along to the song happily, “Mama, Qiqi wants to dance. Please dance with Qiqi.”

“Huh? Oh, I-I don’t da-”

Xiao smirks at you, “You wouldn’t say no to a request from Qiqi, would you, [ 🧸 ]?”

Qiqi slides off the couch and tugs earnestly at your hands. Of course you can’t refuse her. You’re an assassin, not a monster. The song is plenty upbeat. One of your favorites actually. You’re overjoyed that Qiqi likes it so much as she hops in circles around your legs as you sway to the lyrics, though you can’t help the self-conscious butterflies in your stomach knowing Xiao is watching. 

“W-Won’t you join us?” You ask meekly.

He shakes his head a little too quickly, “I’m content just watching you tw-”

Qiqi twirls over to him and hugs his legs, “Papa, dance with Mama and Qiqi. Please?”

Those eyes would be the death of him as he sighs and you giggle, “You wouldn’t say no to a request from Qiqi, would you, Xiao?”

You extend your hands to him and the two of you manage a clumsy but cheerful waltz in the middle of the living room. Xiao finds that he can only maintain eye contact with you so… intimately… for so long. He backs away somewhat abruptly as warmth travels up his neck but hides it by crouching down to lift Qiqi and spin her around, passing her to you after a few turns. When the three of you are tired out, as in, when Qiqi is tired out, you and Xiao tuck her into bed and bid each other good night. 

Before going to sleep, Xiao rediscovers the written address to Ping’s flower shop in his jacket pocket. She had given it to him before she was taken into the hospital for a checkup. He places it next to his phone on his nightstand, determined to take you and Qiqi to there next time. It had nothing to do with his mission. It accomplished none of his objectives, and didn’t further any of his goals… but for the first time in a long time, Xiao decides he wants to do it anyway. Just to see the look on yours and Qiqi’s face.

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

[solaeter]

—The One ft. Bonten! Mikey | NSFW

in which titles are still very much a pain in my ass so I’ll be using song titles from my music library even if they don’t relate to what i’m writing :kek: Still getting used to writing dirty content, so please be nice and any feedback is much much appreciated!! ♡

Warning[s]: explicit sexual content, unprotected sex, window sex, fingering if that counts as a warning xD, author-chan tried to write something sexy and it turned tendy, possible ooc - but that’s fine cause I will always live for soft content uwu, unedited because I live dangerously. If I missed anything or something needs to be added, lemme know and I’ll fix it ^^

Request Status: OPEN , I will write just about anything so please send something in if you want! ♡

Word Count: 2.3k

✦ Rules | ✦ Masterlist

After a long busy night mingling with more people than you would have preferred, you felt immediate relief stepping foot in the posh, far too expensive luxury suite Mikey had reserved for the next three nights. 

Bonten was a part of a large, up and coming business that you paid no mind to. Whether it was legal or not, you didn't know or really care. You met so many snobbish individuals and ones who looked at you like you didn't belong. Which isn't wrong. Their judgmental glances had you nearly hiding behind Mikey who kept a protective hold on you all night, defending you without a second thought. 

Your life was calm and simple. You had worked hard to get an education in Floriculture, owning a cute little business near your hometown selling a wide variety of flowers and other things. You made a name for yourself and enjoyed what you did. Flowers were your friends as silly as it sounded, but at least they didn't judge you from head to toe. 

How did you end up at this event? It's simple really, you couldn't deny Mikey's request that you join him. He was a lost soul, far too gone for his own good and it broke your heart seeing how much he had changed since you last saw him. And you truly missed Mikey considering he was your first love, the one who took all your firsts and treasured them even to this day. So to spend a few nights with him was an easy choice. Perhaps even a little selfish as you clung onto old feelings that may not exist, but Mikey was very much in the same boat as you. He just hid it better than you. 

"The view up here makes this worth it." You muse, standing at the large floor to ceiling window overlooking Japan and its ever bustling city. Seeing how small some things looked from up here left you in awe, mystified by the beauty. Stars twinkled in the sky and it seemed all to perfect, even more so when you felt a pair of arms snake around your waist and a chin rest on your shoulder. 

"Nothing compares to you though, thank you for joining me." Mikey's tired voice is soft and your heart skips a beat at his charming words. He always knew how to woo you over, making you melt with little effort. It amazed you more that he treated you no differently than before despite how life changed both your fated paths. 

"Of course, I wouldn't miss out on seeing you again." You admit rather quietly, eyes locking onto the city lights and how they glimmered so brightly. Mikey hums in agreement, his breath hot on your neck as lips brush along your soft skin, sending a chill down your back. 

Peaceful silence settles between you both as he kisses your neck, trailing up to your ear before taking your earlobe between his teeth and nibbling just to feel you shiver and release a shaky breath. You were so easily wound up, affection of any sorts being your ultimate weakness. Mikey used to know how to make you crumple and perhaps he never forgot. You were his favorite, the one who taught him what actual love was that wasn't just platonic. And when he had to let you go, it hurt more than anything. 

If Mikey had it his way, you'd never leave his side again. Your presence had this effect over him, twisting his bleak thoughts into ones that were more lively, less negative. Your aura did well in fighting off his darkness, it was so odd. One person shouldn't have that power, yet you did. Mikey's hands slipped down, fingertips fiddling with the hem of the dress he picked out for you. He didn't know where his mind was taking him, but all that screamed out at him was that he needed you. 

“You’re so beautiful [Name],” Mikey breathes, nuzzling his head against yours while his hand slides between your legs and his fingers skim lightly over your clothed pussy. It felt like you didn’t know how to breathe anymore, not when your head spun in every which way. You exhale and grip the wrist that was slowly hiking your dress up. Not to stop him, but rather to just have something to hold onto. “Remind me why I let you go?” He asked, more to himself. The question lingered in his mind for ages and more so now that you were right before him, allowing him to touch you so intimately. 

You bite your lip as Mikey circles your clit, the fabric of your panties rubbing into the bundle of nerves and making your eyes flutter shut. "Tell me why I should let you do this?" You retort on a shaky breath, earning a low chuckle and a bite on the neck, lips sucking to leave a pretty little mark. A claim that you were his, only his.

"You can't deny the spark between us baby, plus I'm crazy about you." Mikey slips past your panties, fingers sliding along your wet folds before two sink inside your hole, curling against your gummy walls and causing your back to arch as a moan spills from your parted lips. It wasn’t fair because he was right, so right. But you wanted to show a tiny, minuscule piece of resistance that quickly crumbles.

“Even though you’re the one who said we wouldn’t work?” You pant, the heat pooling in your lower stomach almost being too much to handle as Mikey works you toward your first orgasm. His fingers thrusted and curled so expertly inside you, knowing where to rub and how to have you unraveling in no time.

“I lied, never wanted to let you go.” He mumbles in your ear, pressing his growing election against your back while he nuzzles his face in your hair, inhaling your intoxicating scent. You were perfect, too perfect! He loved how your walls clamped around his fingers, sucking him in so deliciously. You were close and he knew it, so he moved a little faster and pressed the palm of his hand against your clit. 

“S-Shit,” You stutter on a moan and come around Mikey’s fingers, juices gushing out of your hole and leaking down your legs as he continues to move inside you, working you through your orgasm. Your head was spinning and your thoughts were a jumbled mess, but you still whine when Mikey pulls out of you and shoves his fingers in your mouth. 

“So beautiful,” Mikey murmurs, watching you through the reflection of the window. Your eyes were wide as you cleaned your juices off his fingers, sucking them all nice and slow. It nearly drove him mad and his cock twitched in his pants, desire overruling much of his rational thoughts. “Gonna make you mine again.” 

You hum around Mikey's fingers, thighs squeezing together as he presses himself against your back while removing his fingers from your mouth. God you wanted to feel him inside you, stretching your walls in ways you haven't felt in so long. Reaching back, you palm his bulge and Mikey groans in your ear, lips returning to your neck to leave yet another pretty mark for all to see. 

Mikey's hands travel down to your hips, fingers kneading the tender flesh through the fabric of your dress, a moan slipping past his lips when you move your hand and put it on the glass of the window. "Take me now," You breathe and bend slightly, ass rubbing against his erection, need heavy in your voice and how could Mikey deny you? 

The idea of having you pressed against the spotless glass, high above Tokyo where if someone were to look up they'd see you being claimed by the most dangerous man in gang related history, had Mikey pushing you forward gently until your breasts pressed against the cool glass. He didn't care if you were naked or not, he just needed to be inside you before he lost his mind. 

So he hiked up your dress, taking his bottom lip between his teeth when he saw the beautiful lace adorning your ass, your hips swaying slightly, almost teasingly as he made quick work of his pants, freeing his cock and pumping it a couple times. "I've thought about this moment more than I'd like to admit," Mikey says, grabbing a handful of your ass before pushing your panties to the side and admiring how fucking wet you were for him. The breeze makes you shiver and you look at him through the reflection of the window and your chest swells because not just anyone could see the great and mighty Mikey showing this side to himself. "how this pretty pussy should only belong to me." He adds, dragging the leaking tip of his cock along your slick folds, teasing at your entrance. 

"M-Maybe if you don't leave me again–" You moan, eyes nearly crossing as Mikey slides inside you, stretching your gummy walls until he's bottomed out and gripping your hips like a vice, "Oh god.." You don't even finish what you're trying to say, instead you focus on how he drags his cock out and then slams back in. It felt heavenly, being stuffed again after quite some time. It felt even better knowing that you kept pressing against the cool glass each time he thrusted into you. Mikey knew your body like a book, the bulbous tip hitting your most delicate spot that had you seeing white and drool pooling at the corner of your lips.

Surely you looked ridiculous, or so you thought but Mikey would easily disagree. You were fucking angelic, a sight that was reserved for him and any fortunate soul curious enough to look up. Your moans sounded like music to his ears, a symphony only he could hear day after day. "so fuckin' perfect," Mikey groaned, reaching around to rub your clit, smiling to himself when your legs tremble and moans get louder. 

You didn't have any coherent thoughts, they vanished into thin air and you just wanted to stay like this forever. Being fucked by the one man you truly loved– still love and relishing in how his cock felt so nice inside you. Heat pooled in your stomach, the coil that tightened daring to snap at any moment had you throw your head back, voice caught on a needy whimper. Mikey knew you were close, your cunt was so tight around him, clenching and sucking him in with each snap of his hips. 

"Let go baby, I got you." Mikey coos, his own release nearing as he circled your clit a lil faster while his hips only stuttered for a moment. You just felt too good! He was surely about to lose himself and you cry out as the coil in your stomach snaps, legs quivering as you come hard around his cock.

Juices leak down your legs, mind numb and body coming down from a blissful high while Mikey chases his own release, forehead resting against your back as he suddenly stills with a low groan, hot spurts of cum painting your walls, filling you thoroughly. 

Slumping against the window, you release a shaky breath when Mikey pulls out of you, hole dripping and clenching around nothing. Hands soon fumble with your dress, pulling it back down for the sake of decency before gently turning you and pulling you in for a hug. You didn't care about the mess between your legs or how you felt wobbly on your feet, Mikey treated you so delicately, lips peppering little kisses against your neck and it had your stomach fluttering as you let your mind wander.

"What does this mean for us?" You ask quietly, feeling a little tired but more curious. Not being one to sleep around or have flings, you hoped that this would be the start of something new, continuing where you both left off from all those years ago. Mikey hums, pulling away from you to meet your droopy, yet lust blown eyes. The corners of your lips quirk into a little smile, shooting straight through his heart.

"It means I'm never letting you go again." He says, reaching up to caress your cheek and you lean into his touch, eyes closing with a delighted sigh. Mikey was a fool to end things with you and even more lucky that you held onto feelings for him instead of turning him away with resentment. He took a chance asking you to join him and he's so, so glad he did. 

"'M tired," You slur, everything hitting you at once and sleep sounded nicer by the second. Spending an entire evening enduring judgemental stares, listening to boring business propositions and ending the evening with your guts being rearranged, you'd say it was a nice night after all. Mikey smiled, pressing a kiss to your forehead before leading you to the bed. Bath time would just have to wait. 

He helps you get comfortable before nestling behind your body, arms snaking around your waist to keep your back pressed close against his front. You wanted to say something, across the lines that you loved him but when you go to speak your words are slurred and jumbled, incoherent as you fall asleep. 

Mikey feels the hole in his heart fill with the all too familiar feeling of love and he knows that it's a dangerous game. He lost you once, lost ones he's cared for and now he was willing to let it all happen again. Except this time, Mikey refused to let you go. Or let anything happen to you. You completed him, the missing puzzle piece that turned his world upside down. 

Burying his face into the crook of your neck, Mikey feels the grips of sleep start to pull him under. "I love you," he mumbles even though you can't hear him and lets himself fall into a peaceful slumber he hasn't had in forever. 

[jungkookienoona]

Total Eclipse Pt 2

Recommended Song: The Night by Disturbed (I know this is a heavy metal song so only listen to it if you want)

|Chapters|Masterlist|

Summary:

After a fateful day in an Egyptian tomb, things have never been the same for Jungkook, or you, after a certain vengeful god decided to make him its fist.

Genre: Angst, Actiony, Romance, F2L UWU

Pairing: Moon Knight!Jungkook X Reader (Y/N)

Warnings: Swearing, Violence, Blood, Near Death of Major Characters, Death of Minor Characters. Talk of these subjects. Future Smut

Word Count: 961

Note: Jungkook will not be having DID in this fic. Khonshu has had many avatars over the millenia and I'm pretty sure Marc is the only one that has DID. Although there will be some slight overlap between Marc and Jungkook such as mercenary work.

I apologise for my shitty photoshop, my partner who does freelance design tried to help. Needless to say photoshoping is hard. In fact other than Jungkook, my partner did this whole little banner.

Since that day, Jungkook's life had been in upheaval. He hadn't taken any jobs since that day because Khonshu was a rather demanding god. He demanded Jungkook's nights, leaving him no time to rest unless it's the day which meant he couldn't exactly work a day job. So he moved in with you, as after that traumatic day you settled down as a museum tour guide in the British Museum. No more life of adventure for you. You still woke in cold sweats as memories linger and resurface as twisted nightmares. As the pain you experienced that day sears your skin anew. Jungkook would somehow always be around to just hold you in the moments you would jolt awake with a shout. He'd be there in that suit, the same one he gained when he made the deal with Khonshu.

Jungkook stumbled through your doorway exhausted as the sun was just cresting the horizon.

"Werewolves. Would you believe there are werewolves in London? I thought they'd be, like, allies since they get their power from the moon and I get mine from a moon god. Boy was I wrong." 

He sounded almost winded, his hand resting on his ribs like he was in pain. You knew there wouldn't be a wound there though, the suit heals all injuries pretty much instantly. Most likely the pain lingered though.

From what he had told you about his deal, Khonshu had made this grand speech about rising up and protecting the travellers of the night and avenging them should they come to harm. Which meant that he was fighting anything from alleyway robbers to creatures thought to be just myth. What he got in return was a suit that healed him and supernatural strength. To be honest, you wouldn't want to be in his shoes.

You grabbed a pack of paracetamol from your medicine cupboard, poured him a glass of water and handed them to him.

"That sounds… wrough."

Jungkook chuckled at you stupid pun, "I feel so drained that I'm almost dead Y/N, I swear. It’s like I’m bleeding out all over again. Only managed to beat that pack of wolves because the sun started rising and they transformed back to regular humans."

Looking at Jungkook's eyes told you that it wasn't just the fighting that had him tired. Being Khonshu's vessel and dealing his justice meant it was kill or be killed. Before that day in Egypt Jungkook had never taken a life. Isaac was his first, a mix of betrayal, rage and duty driving him. But without the betrayal and anger, he was haunted by the lives he ended. Sometimes you wished you could do more to help than give him general sale pain meds.

“Go get some rest Kookie, I’ll wake you when breakfast is ready.”

Jungkook groaned as he sank onto the sofa bed he occupied since your flat was only a one bedroom. 

“You’re a star, Y/N, a real one.”

Your heart skipped a beat. A new side effect of living with Jungkook, you’re exposed to his charms everyday and it was wreaking havoc on your heart. Which meant only one thing, you had to cover it with banter.

“And you’re a housecat. You sleep, eat, fuck off for hours doing lord knows what then come back wanting attention.”

Jungkook pouted, “Rude. I’m out there doing essentially Godly pest control I’ll have you know. Is it so bad to want praise from you when all Big Bird over there does is insult me?”

You had a small replica idol of Khonshu in the corner of your living room, a frame of reference for your sake. Whenever he talks to Khonshu, he talks to the statue instead of empty space like he did in the first few weeks. You also had him wear at least one wireless headphone when he was out and about so if need be, he could talk without looking insane. Well, as sane as you can when a god is egging you on to kill people for justice. 

“I’m surprised he hasn’t asked you to break into a prison to kill the inmates yet.”

Jungkook stretched and you heard bones click, like the suit hadn’t quite done its job in rehoming dislocations, “That’s because they are already being punished. I have to deal with the ones that aren’t caught, who get away with it or humans don’t know about-”

“Like the werewolves.”

“And vampires. Met a cool dude who deals with them mainly. Calls himself Blade.”

You made yourself busy with cooking breakfast, “Is that his real name or hero name, Moon Knight?”

You barely contained your laughter, still unable to take the title seriously.

“Haha, very funny, I didn’t choose the name. Though it does mean I was literally your knight in shining armour.”

You could see in your mind's eye the playful wiggle of his brow.

“More like a knight in bandages.”

You heard him huff and mutter something unintelligible before speaking up, “Do you have work today?”

You dished out the meal and walked back over to him, handing over a plate with cutlery, “Nope, closed for exhibit maintenance. Why?”

He beamed as he accepted the plate, “I thought we could hang for the day. Like nap together, watch a movie then I dunno, go out for dinner before I have to do my knightly duties.”

If you didn’t know Jungkook like you did, that would have sounded like he was asking you on a date. Which was ridiculous. Jungkook would never ask you on a date.  You nodded absentmindedly.

“Yeah, sure. That sounds good. I slept awful last night.”

There was something unreadable on his face as he muttered, “I know.” Something you couldn’t quite put your finger on.

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Note: Part 2 so soon! As you can tell I am very inspired

Copyright © JungkookieNoona and protected under UK and international law. All rights reserved. Any unauthorised broadcasting, copying or reposting will constitute an infringement of copyright.

[quirklessidiot]

title : cigarettes and parfaits [3] pairing : older!nanami kento x younger!reader [13 year age gap, ft toji fushiguro] Genre: romance, fluff, slice of life, josei, angst, comedy, strangers to lovers au

Summary: you’re pretty sure you’d remember marrying a man 13 years older than you, right?

Warnings: alcohol, smoking, mild smut, y/n making stupid decisions, everyones a human-au so yeh non-canon stuff and everyone’s happy (periODT) i keep forgeting to add that this isnt beta-rread..all of my stories arent so yeah shshs Notes: ah, i feel like this story will be lengthen more than 8-10 chapters shshshs i wanted to add a little spice anyways thanks for all the comments uwu ily all!

Masterlist || taglist || [prev ; next] [updates; every saturday!]

“Y/N-chan!!!”

You cringe in embarrassment as soon as you hear that awfully familiar and cheerful voice, you could barely remember this man and the events that transpired the night before but here he was, acting like your new best friend. You weren’t even sure if you wanted to go here but you needed clarity. Surely you didn’t just legally marry a man at an Izakaya out of all places last night?

“Oh, you actually did marry him.” Gojo Satoru proclaims as soon as you take a seat across him, he gestures around his face, “I could tell by your whole, ‘I hope this guy is messing with me’ face. You have it, signed and sealed. Even got the cute matchy rings that I had one of my assistants delivered.”

You pale at the thought of his assistant coming in with a silver ring. Wasn’t he sober? How could he not have stopped you two from doing something as reckless and stupid as this? Weren’t older men supposed to be more responsible than this?

“Why the hell didn’t you stop us?” You groaned, burying your face in your hands, embarrassment painted all over your features.

“I was just as drunk as you two.” He confessed, scratching his head, “probably even more drunk but anyways back to the topic in hand, I only remembered it when the same assistant came in and congratulated me about it. It’s good I had your number on my phone before you two bailed.”

“So you don’t really remember?”

“Bits and pieces.” Gojo grinned, this guy was a maniac, how did the serious man you met just this morning have friends like this? You probably wouldn’t even last long, “I did call Nanami-”

He’s cut off by the rough sound of someone pulling a chair out, you immediately jump on your seat when you realize it’s Nanami Kento, the guy from this morning. The man you had recklessly married!

“This better be some prank you’re pulling, Satoru.” His voice was anything but kind that you almost wanted to hide behind Gojo’s back.

“Hey, hey.” Gojo raises his hands, “Don’t look at me. I didn’t force you into anything and stop scaring your poor little partner.”

Nanami snaps his gaze towards you and you notice how his eyes soften just a bit when he sees your red ears and your eyes looking away from him, “You better call Geto and fucking fix this, I refuse to bother this young-”

“It’s fine.” You cut him off, still shy and red, “It’s...fine...I just…Please don’t think I’m burdened by it. It was technically my fault for even agreeing immediately.”

Nanami clenches his jaw and turns away, “Nevertheless. L/N-san’s young. I hope to not be such an uncouth man like you.” he retorts, voice sharp as he eyes the white-haired businessman up and down. Gojo, seemingly used to it, rolls his eyes behind his dark shades.

“Maybe you guys should try it out.”

The blonde man looks like he’s about to smite the white-haired man out of existence yet Satoru remains oblivious to his friend’s gaze, “Don’t ya think so? It will take a while for those divorce papers to settle in so why don’t you two go out and get to know each other? Who knows…” he sing-songs the last part and Nanami is so close to chunking his briefcase towards the tall businessman, not even caring 

“Ah, he’s not exactly wrong, Nanami-san.” you try to calm him down, placing a small hand on his broad shoulder.

“Don’t tell me you’re actually listening to this idiot’s idea.” Nanami replied, gaze narrowing.

“Not really but you have some problems I can help you out on and I have problems that you can help me out on...Of course, the last say is on you...”

“Told you I actually had a brain.” Satoru piped in.

“Shut up, Satoru.” he quips, then turns to you, “I’m thirteen years older than you, L/N-san. I have two high school kids that could pass off as your siblings, and-”

“Well, I technically did marry you.”

“You were drunk.”

“Doesn’t exactly really excuse it.” You laugh nervously, “The whole divorce process usually lasts up to a few months, some even takes a whole year. I could help you out with the boys and I can use you to ward my family off from moving back home.”

Nanami is quiet for a moment, actually thinking about it. Weighing the pros and the cons, not only would you be able to help him out but you’d also be able to get Gojo and blind-dating out of his back.

There really wasn’t anything he could loose, really.

“Or you two might fall in love.” Satoru teases, making Nanami throw him another side-eye, as if saying ‘I dare you to say another word.’

It’s a Thursday today and Sukuna absolutely loathed Thursdays     apparently because it reminded him of Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. They all were far from the weekend     Everyone seems to be happier than usual though. Maybe it was because you were there teaching some basic shit at the board or something.

“...and if we transfer this here and change the positive to a negative, you’ll end up having five as your answer.” You smile, placing your chalk down, “Does anyone have any questions?”

Echoes of no’s resonated throughout the room.

“Alright then, let’s end the lesson here so you guys can have an early lunch. I don’t think an assignment is in order since many of you were able to get a perfect score in the activity awhile ago.” You winked. A couple of whoops resonated throughout the whole class right after. 

As the kids shuffle out of the room of the class, Sukuna remains behind. The ojisan had cooked them something delicious this morning and he wanted to eat it in peace without that pesky Nobara grabbing a share from his bento and Yuuji’s annoying babbles about horror movies with his best friend Junpei (the only one who was really bearable was Megumi, really)

“Sukuna-kun?” you called out, snapping him out of his small trance,  “Are you alright?”

He notices a glint of worry in your eyes, he had to admit since his transfer here last Monday, you were the least annoying teacher in the academy     the blue-haired professor in Japanese literature was absolute shit since he loved to tease him a lot and that bald-headed teacher in science who looked a lot like Mike Wazowski was an annoying twerp who loved dawdling in him and Yuuji’s business     and you were kind of good at your job. Not only did his idiot of a brother stop coming to him and their ojisan for help in math but he could actually do the worksheets right and get an actual decent grade at it.

“Yeah.” he roughly replies.

“That’s good.” You smiled, he watched as you bind their worksheets together and clip them in utmost delicacy, “You should head to the cafeteria now, I heard they’re serving milk bread today.”

Without saying anything more, you left the room, leaving him there in the silence.

Well, the Christmas tree idiot was right.

You kind of had a motherly aura on you and it didn’t even look forced.

No wonder, everyone in this room was whipped for you despite your subject being a pain in the ass.

“You look like an idiot.” You mumbled as you slapped Mahito’s hand away in annoyance, your workmate wiggling his eyebrows like the little shit he is.

You completely forgot you did have someone like Gojo Satoru in your life and it was one of your co-workers, Mahito, a Japanese literature teacher who was too nosy for his own good.

“You’ve got a ring on your ring finger and a mailman comes in and gives you an invite for Zen’in Toji’s fortieth birthday.” he whistles, “Even Jogo-sensei gossiped by the water cooler awhile ago, saying that you had eloped with the man. Not that I’m judging you or anything...”

You choke on your saliva, clearly thrown off by the backhanded comment. That darn bald-headed fool that looked like the green eyed monster from the DreamWorks cartoon, he sure needed to lay off the gossip and actually focus on his job as the head of the science department, “You’re not denying it.” Mahito stated, narrowing his eyes in suspicion, “Why aren’t you denying it?”

“I’m not dating Megumi-kun’s father.” You grumbled, finishing up your paperwork, “That man is off limits.”

“Right,” he drawls on sarcastically, “...because you have a strict rule against dating hot older men with money.”

“I also teach his kids and his cousin…” You deadpan.

“We don’t even have a rule against that.” He retorts, rolling his eyes, “If we did, Hanami-sensei would’ve been fired a long time ago.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“And you’re so secretive. If it isn’t Toji Zen’in, who’d ask you out?”

“Hey, I do have a man.” You huffed, “and he’s very kind and considerate...”

The image of the tall and lean man sleeping next to you slowly wormed its way back from your memory and you feel your cheeks start to flush. Good god, what were you? twelve? How embarrassing.

You needed to get that image off of your head, it wasn’t right.

It was all temporary, anyways and he doesn’t even see you in that sort of way-

“Yes, I’m Sukuna and Yuuji Itadori’s guardian…” a very familiar stoic voice could be heard from the nearby table, cutting your thoughts short. Wait, were you so head over heels for the man that you started imagining him here? Yuuji and Sukuna’s guardian? Wait a minute.

All color drained from your face as you snap your head behind you to find the same man you were imagining.

Oh no.

Oh no, indeed.

There stood Nanami Kento in all his glory;  crisp suit, stoic face, and eyes laced with mild worry.

“...L/N-sensei is Sukuna-kun’s adviser, by the way. It would be best to discuss this with them.” Akari somberly informed the man, turning to your direction. You don’t miss the shift of expressions when he sees you standing there.

Your mouth parts and you know you look like gawking fish trapped in a small aquarium.

“Akari-sensei’s looking at you with the new hot daddy.” Mahito mumbles next to you, eyeing him up and down, “Definitely wonder where all these old men come from these days.”

You were only half-listening to your co-worker because your head was all over the place, just what were the odds that he was the guardian of the new transferee’s? Just how awkward would everything be? Why did it even have to be at this school out of all places?

Never ending questions pop out of your head as you approached them, “Good afternoon, Nanami-san.” Your smile comes out very stiff and awkward while you hold your hand out for him to shake, clearly there was no memo on how you were suppose to act around your sort-of-fake-husband-whos-kids-you-actually-taught.

Nanami reverts back to his stoic expression as he clears his throat, “Yes, good afternoon to you too, L/N-sensei.” he greets, maintaining a straight-laced tone.

“Akari-sensei says that Sukuna has been quite...rude...in class…” you try to rack your brains up to describe his kid.

“Your son literally pointed out that the history lesson I was teaching was fake and that I should study again so he could get his tuition’s worth.” Akari looks clearly perplexed and ready to throttle the boy if it was legal. You had to admit, Sukuna went overboard with that insult.

You knew how passionate Nitta was about her job and what Sukuna just said to her was like a big ‘fuck you, you suck.’ to her.

“I’ll be sure to talk to him about this,” he sighs, bowing down, “I’d like to ask for forgiveness for that, the boy is a good and smart student-”

“Nanami-san, the school not only cares about grades but character as well.” Akari Nitta sighed, cutting him off, “I’ll let this slide once, if he does that again, it goes on the record.”

You internally bit your cheek, still trying to process everything that was going on.

“I understand. Thank you for that.”

“I’ll walk him out, sensei.” You immediately say soon after, wanting to have some alone time with him, “Let’s go, Nanami-san.”

You walk right next to him silently, some students peerlessly glancing at the tall blonde next to you but you were too immersed in thought to notice the stares, “Nanami-san?” you ask softly as soon as you reach the exit.

Nanami Kento looks at you, his eyes still laced with a bit of worry, “It’s okay.” you silently comforted him, “Just talk to him calmly.”

“That’s not the problem.” he sighed, “I just didn’t expect that the person I married would be the boy’s teacher.”

You sweat drop, “Aren’t you worried about talking to Sukuna? I mean, he literally just disrespected a teacher and you said that he and you weren’t in good-”

“It’s easier to talk to him about that rather than…” he paused, showing his ring, “this.”

You blinked.

Seemed like Nanami knew what to say about the little attitude problem his son had, “So you must be used to this?” you asked, “Him disrespecting the teacher?”

You notice the shift of expressions on his face, you had only known this man for a few days so far but he was starting to get easier to read. His eyes shed more emotion than his face, no wonder he likes wearing those funny sunglasses a lot.

“It’s something I’ve scolded him over a couple of times,” he gruffed, trying to dance around the subject, it seemed like he had such a soft spot to the point where he had a problem with disciplining them, “At times I believe it’s just because he’s way too smart for his age. The boy has read history books for fun when he was a kid and solved quadratic equations to prove that he’s better than me when he was ten.”

“It still doesn’t give him the free pass to say things like that to a teacher”

“I know,” he acknowledged, “I’ll be sure to give him a better scolding-”

“No, you see. This is why he thinks he can get away with it. He isn’t afraid of you. You’ll only probably tell him that you can’t do that.” you frown, crossing your arms, “You do know that not all sensei’s are as nice as Akari-sensei and he could get in trouble for that even more in the future, right?”

Silence lingered between you two for a moment and suddenly you realize that you must’ve said something way off the rails.

“I..” you turn red, embarrassed by the sudden outburst, “That was too much, wasn’t it?”

You look at him directly in the eye, the worry-filled ones are now replaced with a softer gaze. God, he really needed to stop looking at you like a kid. It would only make this set-up more awkward!

“No,” he mumbles, “It...It wasn't too much…”

“Oh.” you cleared your throat, flustered and looking away from his face, “Well, okay then goodbye then Nanami-sa-”

You needed to get out of this conversation quick.

“Kento.”

Your gaze snaps directly towards him, clearly taken aback by the correction.

“What?”

“We’re technically married now, right?” he softly corrected, “Call me Kento.”

“Oh,” You uttered again, this time softly. You looked down on your shoes, it seemed like the floor looked really interesting now, “Then bye-bye, Kento.”

“Bye Y/N.”

He leaves you standing there, cursing yourself because of your erratic heartbeat at the way he says your name in that voice. First name basis? okay, totally normal for sort-of lovers, right?

taglist [if crossed out, i can’t tag u ; - ;]

; @coldbookworm  ; @frankenstein852  ;  @neavil  ; @shephard17895  @kristineyoshaii ; @airybnb ; @okachansenpai ; @amortentiaxo ; @rinvtaro ; @franko-pop ; @kozutenshi ; @kaldoesthings ; @moonlitdabi ; @chococroissant ; @bleepop ; @kaldoesthings ; @moonlitdabi ; @chococroissant ; @pettybroccoli ; @nixxona ; @kiyoo-omi ; @omibaby ; @bokkunto ; @peccobagnaia​ ; @sangwoahbigbussy​ ; 

@Kurok1717 ;  @hcn421 ;  @shinhiromi ;  @airybnb ; @katshuya ; ​@atsuhaya

[nateezfics]

ATEEZ headcanon: wedding day

Seonghwa

Nervous, but super ready to marry the love of his life

He’s dying to see you walk down the isle

He’ll definitely tear up when he sees you walking down the isle towards him

Once his eyes are on you, he doesn’t take them off you

You can see just how much he adores you by the gleam in his eyes

His voice gets shaky when reciting the vows because he gets a little emotional

And he’ll wipe your tears away if you cry during the ceremony and everyone there just coos at the sweet action

He cradles your face in his hands before leaning in to kiss you :’)

Hongjoong

Nervous, nervous, and nervous

You’ll do a first look before the ceremony and he’ll be standing there twiddling his fingers anxiously as he waits for you

He’s not scared per se but marriage is a huge responsibility and he doesn’t want to screw things up

All his nerves settle once he sees you

He won’t outright cry, but there will be tears in his eyes

His vows are handwritten by him and later on he turns them into lyrics for a song

He bounces a little just before the officiant gives him permission to kiss you

He’ll kiss you and then he’ll blush and giggle

Yunho

Bubbly boy

He’s beaming the entire time

His ears and cheeks are rosy :’)

He’ll bend over and giggle happily as he watches you walk down the isle looking absolutely stunning

Has to fight the urge to kiss you crazy when you finally get next to him

He doesn’t cry but he’s giggling the entire time even during the vows

Will interlock your hands and swing them side to side

He’s the type to flip you over in his arms and kiss you because he’s extra like that

Yeosang

Stars are in his eyes and a soft smile is on his lips

He’s not going to cry but when he sees you for the first time, his face is bright

He grins and looks down at the ground to collect himself before gazing back at you

His hands are shaky as you take them in yours uwu

His deep voice is soft but full of emotion as he says the vows

He beams ear to ear as he slips the ring on your finger, cheeks pink

He’ll mutter a ‘hehet’ as the officiant announces your marriage and it’s just loud enough for only you to hear

His kiss is unbelievably soft and sweet

San

He will outright gasp when he sees you for the first time

It’s a first look so it’s just the two of you and he takes the opportunity to take you in his arms and kiss you

Will gush over how stunning you are

And even though he’s already seen you, he’ll tear up when he sees you walking down the isle

He’ll wink at you as you walk closer

He’s brave enough to kiss your cheek as you stand before him even though traditionally he’s not supposed to kiss you until the end of the ceremony

Vows are short but he pours all of his being into the words

He’ll fist pump into the air as he kisses you

Mingi

Oh my goodness is this guy nervous

Needs lots of reassurance from his friends and family before the ceremony

He loves you so much and worries that he won’t be a good enough husband

The sight of you before him, looking as radiant as ever, is enough to quell his worries

He’ll let a tear or two slip down his face and you reach up to wipe them away

He trips over his words as he says the vows because he’s so overwhelmed by emotion

It’s so endearing and it makes you cry

He kisses you and then hugs you tightly, burying his face into your neck

Wooyoung

This guy sneaks into the dressing room to see you before the ceremony ;)

He laughs loudly as you send him away

His laugh turns into tears as he sees you walk down the isle

Will turn to look at San in disbelief like ‘omg I can’t believe I get to marry this stunning human’ and San gives him a thumbs up

He’s literally bouncing with excitement during the whole ceremony

His vows are handwritten and he cracks so many jokes he has the audience chuckling

At the end though he cries a bit

Will kiss you deeply and make you blush because he just kissed you like that in front of everyone

Jongho

He’s got a lot of ideas for pictures that he wants to do

You’ll have all the pictures taken before the ceremony

He’s a little nervous but his excitement overrides his nerves

That gummy smile of his is in full swing when you’re walking down the isle

Just before the vows he sings for you

It’s so cute because he looks straight at you while he sings

He’s all blushy after that :’)

He picks you up and spins you around just before he kisses you

[leejungchans]

juliet on kingdom (episode 10: finale).

juliet’s masterlist

from june 3’s live broadcast

note: read the tweets from the bottom up 💕

‼️ keep in mind that this contains massive spoilers since it’s the finale ‼️

— juliet’s outfit (ateez’s stage);

— juliet’s outfit (special dance stage);

disclaimer: the blurring of faces in my outfit collages is in no way meant as a form of disrespect, the sole purpose is to put the focus on the hairstyle and there is absolutely no ill intent. thank you for understanding!!

sorry, did you say the groups’ biggest supporter 😋😋

look juliet was already their personal cheerleader from the first episode, but that was before they all got closer and things were still slightly ✨awkward✨

but by now they’re all besties so her cheering was ramped up all the way 🥳

when they were listening to each other’s songs before the finale she was vibing to all of them like 🕺🏻🕺🏻

so ateez’s performance!!!!!

looking like that pokémon gym leader everyone had a crush on 😋😋

we have been getting so much rapper juliet lately and this performance was no exception 😋✨✨

since she had fewer lines in the song she got more centre parts in the choreography especially during the chorus!!

towards the end she, woo and joong went to the audience where btob and skz were 🥺🥺🥺

giving us our mayfly crumbs 🤧

jichanlix being her besties and we’re next to her like 🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻

she was so smiley during that part pls :’)))))

you could tell they all had so much fun performing that 🥺

she sat there after skz’s performance like 😦😦😦😦 trying to process everything

changmin asked her to say some of her thoughts in english after peniel!!

the boys pass juliet the mic, and she beams before saying, “as always, stray kids-sunbaenim gave us an incredible performance! like peniel-sunbaenim said, they literally tore up the stage and i have nothing but praise for their performance. stray kids, i love you! wolfgang! woof-woof!”

yes she barked on national television ✨

ateez at juliet barking: 😅🤣😬😦

the other groups and changmin: awww uwu 🥺🥺

they’re so whipped for her that they will find her barking cute smh get a grip people 🙄

after that she just sat back and enjoyed the show basically!!

juliet vibing with her front row seats to the other groups’ performances ✨

okay so i contemplated for the longest time on whether i should add this part or not but fuck it ✨

our baby got a special dance stage with minho (skz) :3 (they performed before the vocal stage!!)

they each got a solo part before rejoining at the centre stage for a duo dance

the inspiration for this stage in my mind is taemin and seulgi’s performance of drip drop from smtown live 🤩🤩 something powerful but also smooth

4th gen main dancer things ✨

skz and ateez the biggest cheerleaders obviously 🤧

she literally ran back to her seat after her special stage bc there was no way she’s missing the vocalists’ special stage

her phone banner makes a reappearance 🥺🥺

when the camera panned to her she went 👍📱🥰

she didn’t really want to cheer too loudly since the atmosphere was so soft and she didn’t want to disturb the other groups :3

so she settled for gently rocking side to side while being completely absorbed into the performance 🥺

but trust that she was internally screaming at how ethereal they all sounded 🤧🤧💕

okay but she got kinda emotional when they played all the clips during the ‘memories’ montage 🥺

even though filming and preparing for kingdom was tough, she met so many friends through the show and that was one of the best parts for her

she ran to aussie line right when it was announced skz won 🥺🥺🥺🥺

you could hear her in the background cheering loudly when skz went to get the trophy 🥺🥺

she was literally hugging everyone at the end of the show 🥺 everyone gets a hug especially for everything they all went through while filming for the show 🥺

and of course we’re wrapping this up with another lixliet hug bc these two have been with each other through thick and thin :’))))))) from childhood friends to both being in 4th gen leader groups 🤧💕

— fan reactions;

a/n: trust me i was this close to not adding the special dance stage but oh well it’s not like chan has a problem with it hehe 😈😈 icb kingdom finally ended?? these two months really flew by but anyways congratulations to ikon, btob, sf9, skz, ateez and tbz for being free from msnake 🥳 and ofc for also giving us incredible performances the entire show and i hope they get lots of well-deserved rest 💕 feedback is always highly appreciated!! take care and ily ❤️❤️

[scintillasofbeomgyu]

˚ · . 𝘁𝘅𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! — 𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙨/𝙤

pairing: txt x fem!reader

genre: fluff!

word count: tbd

a/n: I took the longest time with this, I’m so sorry anon! I tried the best I can to make it good but it still doesn’t feel quite right. anyways, I hope you enjoy!

᠃ ⚘ choi yeonjun:

this was a little tough for me to do, bc Yeonjun is the oldest member and I feel that even if they did do something that’d upset him he wouldn’t really go off? If you know what I mean

but at the same time, he is also your boyfriend and he loves you to bits and pieces

so when they were messing around this time and didn’t break just anything, but the gift that you had gotten him for his birthday

he’d try to keep his cool, but would be visibly distressed

“Ah, come on guys do you see what you’ve done?” he’d whine

Thinking about how you had saved up to get him this cologne (you loved nice smells, and nice smells + your boyfriend = yes pls), and the face you had made when you cutely insisted he only where it when he’s with you

it’d just hurt his heart so much

but at the same time Hyuka and Soobin were standing at the crime scene looking like they’d burst into tears at any given moment

he’d eventually just settle on telling them off in a serious-but-not-serious tone, and he’d make sure to remind them of this mistake every freaking day skks

he’d make them apologise to you as well, which resulted in you sucking in a sharp breath through your teeth before you hit the back of his head playfully

you’d asure them (and Yeonjun) that it was no big deal

“I’ll be buying you cologne for the rest of our lives anyway,” you’d whisper into his ear, pressing a kiss to his cheek – for effect, ofcourse.

And although he’s still pretty bummed about the broken gift, man’s would just get extremely smiley and giggly cause he WEAK for you

᠃ ⚘ choi soobin:

we all know this boy about to put himself through the most sksks

he’d wear the bracelet you got him for your 2 year anniversary EVERYWHERE and blush a little each time he looked at it

(the members would drag him so bad omg)

so when Beomgyu’s piercing got caught in it while he and Yeonjun were messing around in the van on the way to the next schedule, his heart started doing laps

he tried to gently move it away, but the van hit a pothole, and the next thing he knew, the beads were scattering everywhere

even though he’s clearly not to blame, he’d so blame himself for it

“I’m so sorry, Hyung” “No, it’s okay, I should have taken proper care of it”

he’d tell everyone it’s fine and it’s not that big of a deal, but there’d be a visible dark cloud hanging over his head 24/7 and he’d be completely despondent

he wouldn’t know how to tell you, so when Yeonjun and Beomgyu eventually apologized to you, you sighed, realizing that this was the reason he’d been avoiding your calls and texting back so dryly

“It’s okay, baby,” you’d coo, running your hands through his hair and giving his scalp gentle massages as he nuzzled his head into your chest.

᠃ ⚘ choi beomgyu: 

As I’m sure you can imagine, a large can of the Daegu satoori will be whipped out for this one

mans would be going through the five stages of grief as he watched Taehyun’s coffee seep into the handmade songbook that you had made for him last Christmas

they had been deciding on a title for a song that Beomgyu had initially written, but had now become a collaborative piece, when Huening had suggested that they just play rock-paper-scissors

them being them, they got way too into it, and Taehyun had accidentally knocked over his coffee onto the song in question

“H-hyung, I’m sorry...”

His heart would ache so bad omg, and he’d try and hurry and wipe the coffee off or something ugh this poor baby

I don’t feel like he’d be angry about it, but I do think that he’d be thinking about you and the amount of time and thought went into this gift and how much it meant to him to have received it from you

heck, the only reason he even used the book was because you had to convince him for weeks that it was meant to be used and not to gather dust

like Soobin, he’d also struggle to tell you about it, worried that it might hurt you which would hurt him – so he’d just resort to being playful about it and tell you in a roundabout way

“See, Y/n! This is why I didn’t wanna use it. I knew something like this would happen; I live with animals you know”

you’d just laugh it off and wrap your arms around him, knowing all too well that he more than likely cried about it before coming to tell you what had happened

he’ll NEVER let the members live it down lmaoo

“Remember that time you destroyed that gift from my girlfriend”

playfully obviously, ya know mans is a professional chain-tugger

expect that the next time you come over you’ll find that songbook framed and on a shelf in his room with a polaroid of you on the outside corner

᠃ ⚘ kang taehyun:

He really strikes me as the kind of person who wouldn’t normally get upset about something like this happening, but because it’s a gift from his s/o he’d be ticked off – at the very least

however, despite being ticked off, he wouldn’t let his emotions get the better of him.

You know our king of rationalism

He’d see the glass shatter as it hit the laminated floor of the dorm room, and he’d simply just stand there looking at it, absorbing the situation, trying the best he can to keep himself as calm as he possibly can

Yeonjun had came into the room to smother Huening with affection again, when he had accidentally knocked the watch off the dresser (it probably sent shivers down their spines as they imagines the many ways Taehyun could kill them in their sleep for this one)

“It’s okay, it’s not the end of the world,” he’d say, but really it felt like it was.  

Taehyun may come off as someone who is cold, but in reality he’s just such a soft boi who’d take care of and show affection to his s/o in his own ways

he hates to see you sad

it’d break his heart to know that the first gift he had ever gotten from you was in smithereens just bc yeonjun and hyuka couldn’t sit still for five minutes sksk

he’d want to tell you right away and he’d apologize in the sincerest way possible

“I’m really sorry about this, Y/n. I’m sure you spent a lot on this gift; I should have taken proper care of it,” he’d say, eyes literally begging you to forgive him

and you’d just slip your hand into his, giving it a squeeze, before snuggling into his figure and telling him that it was an accident, and how warm it wakes you feel knowing it meant that much to him

he’d gently push you aside and frown, before planting a kiss on your forehead, “Of course it means that much to me. It’s a gift from you.”

᠃ ⚘ huening kai:

“ANDWAEEE!”

you and I both know that we can hear that

Soobin and Taehyun had been teasing him about his plushies again – his collection was growing way too big for the space which he and Taehyun were supposed to share; and even he knew that

and as per usual, every time they picked a few to give away, Huening would get really sad and be unable to part with any of them – so they decided to tease him a little

they picked the plushie they knew you had given to him (the big, fluffy pink one with the floppy ears :((( )

he’d beg them to not tease him as they tossed it amongst themselves (THIS POOR BABY PLS)

“Please be careful! It’s going to break!” he’d whine

and it did :((((

one of the ears tore, and poor Huening just stood there with upset tears rimming his eyes, looking like his world just ended oml

Soobin and Taehyun would be extremely apologetic, and like Soobin, Huening would say that it’s okay even though it isn’t; he’d probably need like an hour to himself before being himself again

oh but he’d so rat them out though lmao

“Y/n! Look what they did! They hurt our Ae-Cha!” he’d say, playfully pouting as he showed you the tear on the plushie; to which they’d simply roll their eyes while Beomgyu and Yeonjun laughed

“Oh no! Our Ae-Cha!” you’d gasp in response, pouting just as much, before giggling and taking out the needle and thread from your bag

he’d wrap his arms around you and rest his head on your shoulder as you fixed the toy, telling you every other minute how lucky he is to have such a beautiful and talented girlfriend uwu ^.^

[seokmins]

0) Twilight — KHJ

the soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon, caused by the refraction and scattering of the sun's rays from the atmosphere

【ˢᵉʳⁱᵉˢ ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡⁱˢᵗ || ᴬᵀᶻ ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡⁱˢᵗ || ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳᵖᵒˢᵗ】

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💞 🄿🄰🄸🅁🄸🄽🄶: Kim Hongjoong x female!reader 📚 🄶🄴🄽🅁🄴: Fluff, Teeny angst (?), Established relationship!au, College!au, Fashion designer!au 🌟 🅁🄰🅃🄸🄽🄶: R 💬 ⓌⒸ: 5.6k ⚠️ 🅆🄰🅁🄽🄸🄽🄶🅂: Cursing, Mentions of long work and exhaustion, Good ole college/life stress, Elv’s infamous pov and tenses switching, Cringe combo of korean and english bc that’s just how i write it, Prolly some innuendos but nothing extreme — just humor, Eating and also alluding to not eating/skipping meals, Domestic shit, Me knowing absolutely nothing about the music or fashion industries tbh, alcohol consumption and parties.

💫 (っ ◔◡◔)っɛƖ۷'ʂ ŋơɬɛʂ 💕:

Part of Cee’s (@yutasgalaxy) collab Flashing Lights, Part of The Teezer’s series, First part to Hongjoong’s story (and a prequel to the series tbh — his second part that truly matches the theme of the series will come later on). We get a sneak peek at the reader and Hongjoong’s dynamic *smirks* if you know what I mean I lit rally love Ateez’s song Twilight and the rapper bois helped write it *soft uwus* — before I even read the song’s translation, I knew I wanted to write a story for it and coincidentally this lined up! Thanks for including me in this collab and giving me ample time to complete this, Cee! Please note that each female s/o of the boys for The Teezer’s series will be given an “oc” name outside of their respective stories — more details can be found in the series’ masterlist and character profiles (boys | girls). I stuck way too many Easter Eggs in this omg kdsjfkds

“Babe — what are you doing?”

Your boyfriend’s huff of surprise contained more curiosity than annoyance after you’d practically ambushed the poor man upon his arrival home. In all honesty, it was rare for you two to even cross paths these days. Hongjoong couldn’t remember when that pattern began but the gentle squeeze of your palm had his heart swelling with its usual warmth in your presence accompanied by a twinge of guilt.

Meanwhile, you were giddy with excitement. The lingering tiredness that settled into your bones around the third year of high school and still weighed your body down five years later had miraculously disappeared tonight. Children never understand the privilege of their childhood and teenage years, so eager to grow up. You had been one of them — the possibility of having nobody to answer to seemed like a fantasy that couldn’t come soon enough. A shame that we all fall subject under the brutal hand of capitalism. Now, almost entering the middle of your second decade in life, you realized the true meaning of being ‘an adult’ was nothing but a repetitive cycle of playing catch up but never quite caught up.

Maybe that’s why tonight it was easy to cast away the worry over the next deadline due. Tomorrow would only be another day to wash, rinse, and repeat — and just like right now, Hongjoong was always the lotion to soothe your aching hands.

“Seriously, [Y/N], baby… what are you doing?” Hongjoong let out one of his cute little giggles as you turned to face him with a sneaky grin and placed a gentle finger on his plush lips.

“Shh, you trust me, yeah?”

“Always.”

It was an immediate reply, purely instinct. It was true — your boyfriend trusted you with his very life just as much as you did in return. But maybe… just maybe… it was the tiny change in your tone that had his pulse beat faster, the sudden feel of smooth silk brush across his fluttering eyelids. Maybe it was the way your scent he was so accustomed to enveloped him completely, the tug as you secured the oh-so-familiar scarf around his head, your sweet hum in his ear to confirm that it wasn’t too tight. All of his senses were honed in on you, and you alone, waiting for your next command. Just like always.

Hongjoong would be the first to say that you were the only one that had complete and utter control over such a man like himself. Even the rest of the boys were amazed how their captain changed from his strong leadership personality to an obedient, lovesick puppy around you. But little did they know…

“This again? Didn’t we just do it like this recently?”

… what a lil shithead he was.

“Joong! Get your mind out of the gutter!”

“Could’ve had me fooled,” he griped, gesturing to his covered eyes.

You rolled your own even if he couldn’t see. He wanted to play?

“Just be a good boy for me.”

Fine — you’d play… but only a little. Soft hours were very much overdue. As much as you’d like to tease and test one another’s control — or lack thereof — you had a goal to fulfill and precious time was slipping away.

Step-by-step you guided Hongjoong up the steep, concrete stairway. Giggles bounced off of the narrow walls as you fumbled against each other. Despite your boyfriend’s confident dancer's feet and unlimited confidence in you, you sorely failed him as your foreheads and noses bumped once too many times. You had suspicions he was doing it on purpose though.

“Was the blindfold really necessary?”

“Yes. Left foot up… you’re too smart — now, right — for your own good.”

“You mean, I just catch on quick.”

“Much too quickly,” you agreed. “Let a girl surprise you for once.”

“What do you mean, I’m always surpr — ”

Hongjoong's statement was cut off by the sudden adjustment of light after you'd taken the scarf off quite abruptly. His tiny gasp of wonderment had you smiling with pride. This was what you had been looking forward to the most. This was what energized and motivated you to take the time out of your busy schedule for a breather. It was all him.

The apartment you had rented your freshman year was small but still at least two times bigger than the average dorm. The quality wasn't bad and you had been able to make ends meet with your part-time job over the years. It became even easier when your boyfriend moved in during both of your first senior semesters. Plus, the spontaneous visits of your hoobaes for almost a year by now, had them acting like it was their second home. You didn't mind too much — most of the time they had the courtesy to knock.

But you had kindly asked them not to drop by tonight. Even with tons of sweet offers to help, it was something you'd wanted to do by yourself. Atop of your apartment was everyone’s favorite place and probably the best part of the whole building — the rooftop.

“So, what do you think? Did I succeed?”

The brown-haired man looked around with starstruck eyes. His heart warmed at the thought of you scurrying around before he came home to set up the pillow and blanket fort beneath the string lights Jongho hung last month. Sneaking his arms around your waist, Hongjoong lovingly nuzzled the back of your shoulder.

“Like I was saying, you always find ways to surprise me.” He laughed as you pouted at not hearing the answer you wanted. “But yes, baby, you did a good job.”

Both of you snickered at the inside joke. The rooftop was high enough that the sounds from the city were only a low hum compared to the birds making their nests nearby. A neighboring family dinner had your mouth watering as the appetizing smell of the sizzling barbecue wafted over.

“You probably had something to eat, courtesy of Yeosang but I, for one, am starving.”

Hongjoong frowned. “Did you not eat today? I have leftovers and a care package made with love for their favorite sunbae, let me go grab it.”

“Uh-uh,” you caught him before he turned towards the door. “Get over here and relax, I already prepared everything.”

The sweet nature of the otherwise, quite wild, hoobaes you and your boyfriend basically looked after was never lost on you. It never failed to make you smile, especially when someone made a noise too loud while visiting (harassing) Hongjoong during his late-night production hours. Oftentimes the combined whisper-scolds of “Shut the fuck up, dumbass!” were louder than whatever the offender had done.

You popped a cube of cheese into your mouth followed by a grape offered by Hongjoong. Somehow the both of you had managed to squeeze into the fort without toppling it down — although it had taken a few bumps and careful wiggling. One of those battery-operated mist fans gently blew the baby hairs on Hongjoong's neck and left your skin with a dewy glow.

“So, what creative brain cell sparked this?”

You hummed thoughtfully. “The lack of one, quite honestly. But mostly you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, I’ve missed you. Us. We deserve a breather.”

“Missed you lots too, babe. Sorry, I’m trying to finish this project — I can’t wait ‘til it’s done.”

“It’s not your fault, Joongie, you’ve been working so hard and you’re almost there.”

“So have you, how’s it coming?”

“Please don’t ask,” you groaned, “actually let’s not talk about work at all.”

You really didn’t want to think about it. Even after holing yourself up in your studio every night after sorting through different magazines that showcased styles over the years to now, there had been zero progress. It was like you hit a roadblock and it didn’t help that you needed to have a design finalized soon to complete this internship. You were sure your boyfriend felt the same given his situation was very similar to yours.

“I know, babe, I know. Do you know how many times I’ve stared at a blank screen? Even if the file got deleted, I wouldn’t care.”

“That’s a first. Better not say it too loud.”

He laughed, snaking an arm around your waist to pull your hip bone square to his despite the humidity. After all, moist skin-to-skin contact was not a foreign concept to you two.

“Okay, but seriously — how is it going? I thought you came up with a rough sketch already?”

“Ugh, I did but…” you wanted to scream. Not at him but at the situation — your shitty mentor, the world, life — anything except your lovely and loving boyfriend. “It’s just not it, you know? Has to be like that Lady Gaga meme or else it won’t catch anyone’s eye this summer. It has to sell.”

“Did Dyan say something again?”

“No, it’s all me this time, I mean, she’s right. It has to sell.”

The hand around your hip squeezed briefly. Hongjoong often heard you mocking the words of your mentor’s obsession with profits and sales with exasperation and exhaustion. He’d waded through enough discarded designs littering your floor to convince you to take a rest. He’s soothingly rubbed your shoulders and back when the defeated sighs clearly emphasized how badly you wanted to quit even if you’d never vocalize or do it.

It was the same kind of little comforts you did for him. Pulling him away from his computer when you’d wake up in the early dawn for work and his side of the bed was still cold. Always prepping the Keurig with a full reservoir of water, K-cup, and mug around the clock. Sneaking into his studio and pressing kisses to smooth away the concentrated frustration between his brows. Even the most exciting, wildest moments you’ve shared intimately with one another could not compare to the mundane little actions that came about in your daily lives, reminding each other why you’ve stayed with each other for so long.

Just like now, Hongjoong felt his heart lurch at the evident defeat in your voice. Despite everything, you had still prepared all of this for him — for both of you — and yet a gray cloud of doom hung above. Pressing a kiss to the top of your head that rested on his shoulder, he thoughtfully stared at the colorful skyscape pleasantly painted in front of your view.

You were by no means untalented. In fact, the two of you were the famous senior campus couple at the top of your class, natural-born leaders in every aspect and area, and obviously the perfect match. But whereas your boyfriend had pressure to lead his production team to victory with another self-composed song after an unbreakable record his entire college career; you had to generate a quick profit with a design of your own to prove yourself not only for the internship but your rightful place in the fashion industry.

If anyone could do it, anyone would say it would be [Y/L/N] [Y/N] and Kim Hongjoong.

But right now, those expectations weighed heavily on both of your shoulders. Hongjoong had his whole team relying on him plus even the college and his reputation were at stake. It might not seem all that serious, but he couldn’t help but feel the pressure with everyone so focused on it. Creativity easily gets blocked and he couldn’t count how many times he’d gone over the same sequence of beats only to delete them once more. The lyricism that once poured out like a waterfall faster than he could write it down felt like it had dried up. Something was blocked up and Hongjoong was tired of it.

Meanwhile, you had designed all kinds of different clothing and accessories for multiple occasions across campus throughout your four years. You had even revitalized the once-cringey fashion show your club used to hold every other year. Now, as president, you’d successfully hooked everyone’s interest into attending a show once a month — many fought to get a ticket be it through raffles, early-bird deals, and even… bribes. All admission fees went to local charities while the showy clothes strutted on stage were later revamped into more practical, functional wear and donated to GoodWill.

All of those were impressive deeds, truly commendable. But there was one major key missing — popularity. You hadn’t sold a single one of your designs, not even a piece. Once your little additions were removed and the ensemble was disassembled, the articles looked like every other generic item that could be found in the store. That was the whole point but it didn’t help your case. Begrudgingly, you admitted Dyan was right. You hadn’t sold a single thing or even started a trend… and trends bring in profit.

“I don’t want to be a trendsetter,” you admitted. “Trends are like fireworks. Big, loud, and fierce but then bang — gone… just like that. I don’t want to fizzle out.”

“You won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do know you’re way too loud to fizzle out so easily.”

“Yah! Kim Hongjoong!”

He snickered as you jabbed him with your elbow after your offended outburst, which led you to groan because you were only proving him right. Still laughing under his breath, your boyfriend wrapped his arms fully around you despite your protest.

“Sorry, babe, I know you didn’t want to talk about work.”

“It’s okay. I know you’re only trying to boost me up.”

“But I’m serious — you make incredible designs. I know whatever you have floating around in your head with doubt is actually not as bad as you think. Maybe you should just take the plunge and see what happens.”

You booped his nose. “I could say the same thing to you, now couldn’t I?”

As he let out a weary sigh of agreement, the both of you turned your attention back to the splendid view in front of you. You marveled how even though the sun had sunk behind the distant hills to paint the skyscape in a myriad of colors, the humidity still hung low and heavy as if the lingering sun wasn’t ready to say goodbye. The stars peeked through the smog of the city with an occasional twinkle. You hadn’t felt this sense of peace in a long, long time.

A bird flew past, a black blur twittering and swooping through the soupy air. You absent-mindedly hummed a tune as you watched it with a sense of almost longing.

“Just think about flying in the sky, with no worries or responsibilities.”

“Yeah… ” Hongjoong mumbled, about to inform you that even airborne creatures have stress in their life when he suddenly froze. “Where’s that melody from?”

You wrinkled your eyebrows as you tried to pull it back from the wells of your unconsciousness. “Ah, that? I think it was a demo playing the last time I was in your studio.”

It took a bit but finally, you think you got it right, albeit a little more off-key this time. You felt a bit self-conscious with your boyfriend suddenly stiff as a board — and not necessarily in the sexy way.

“I think I just hit nirvana.”

“Oh my god, Joong, we’re not even drinking.”

“I’m serious, is this enlightenment?” He felt like a dam had broken. “I love you.”

Without hesitation yet definitely mild confusion, you replied, “I love you, too,” before your boyfriend was scrambling out of the fort. But not without a gentle kiss to your forehead, something he always made sure to do no matter how distracted.

You didn’t see him the rest of the night. In fact, you didn’t see him for two more nights but the constant visits of his production team were entertaining, to say the least. This wasn’t anything new — you chewed on the end of your sketching pencil as each boy dropped by to say hello while their leader focused on the perfect mix of vocals and music. After bickering all night long with Seonghwa that “clothes do make the man but that doesn’t mean the man is good news — for example, you, good sir,” you woke up after three hours of sleep to a certain brown-haired man smiling fondly at you.

“Ya know, you’d be really creepy right now if it was nighttime.”

“Then good thing you didn’t wake up when I came in.”

You opened your eyes a little wider to see the extremely dark circles under his eyes and mussed-up hair that probably mirrored your own. Frowning, you made grabby hands his way. “Get your ass in bed.”

Hongjoong chuckled and held onto one of your hands, placing a kiss on each knuckle. “Okay. But after I show you something first, hm?”

“Later.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“C’mon baby, the boys and I worked really hard on it.”

“... God, you’re such a brat.”

“And you love it ~”

Somehow you managed to make it down to his studio, sitting on Hongjoong’s lap in his sturdy office chair. Trying to work out the kinks in your shoulders, your jaw cracked as you yawned for the umpteenth time.

“This won’t take long,” he promised with a squeeze of your hip, “I think this might actually help you out, too.”

“Help me?”

“This is how I feel about you Twilight It's like twilight, yeah Oh baby, I just wanna see that twilight Wanna see that with you”

The precious, honey-gold vocals of your hoobaes filled the studio and you instinctively smiled with pride. Curiously you listened, the beats following an in-tune, upbeat version of what you had hummed on the rooftop.

“Just think about flying in the sky Just think about flying in the sky, Yeah 내 손을 잡아봐 이제는 Fly with us”

A fake-gasp. “You did not.”

“I did.”

“How do I file a complaint? I demand proper rights over my intellect.”

It was only a joke, of course. Nuzzling into the crook of Hongjoong’s neck, you were in awe of how he encapsulated what felt like the feelings of that night. Summer nights, the longing of freedom from the mundaneness of life, a slow-burn romance, a re-boost of energy, soft lips on moist skin, the hug of humidity — twilight.

“Wow, the talent, I love it. Since when did you learn to write love songs?”

“Since we met,” he replied sincerely. “Did you already forget how many I wrote to try and woo you?”

“Of course not. Just didn’t think you and the production team would be able to do one but it turned out great.”

“Well, it was harder, considering most of them don’t even know what love is.”

You snorted. “I am surprised, is this going to be for the competition?”

“Yeah, Yunho and San are coming up with choreo ideas this week.”

“Oh, how fun. I’m so glad you were able to kick through that composer’s block, babe!”

“It’s all thanks to you, which is why I have a proposition.”

You remembered what he said earlier but couldn’t think of how this might help you. But then again, the man was always full of surprises. With the smug smile on his face, he definitely had something up his sleeve.

“Okay, I’m listening.”

“Alright, well Mingi brought up how different this was from Pirate King which reminded me how we worked together on that.”

“Ah yes,” you smiled fondly, “that’s how we started dating.”

Hongjoong nodded. “So I was thinking last night about how you usually design our performance clothes for us. We didn’t really consider asking you this time due to how busy you are but what if… what if instead of simply wearing your designs we also promoted them?”

“Promote? You already do, in fact, that’s how our fashion shows keep their momentum. And I have such good-looking models.” You thought about it and your heart warmed at his efforts to help you out. “I know I somehow helped you out but you don’t have to worry about repaying me with assistance too, love.”

“It’s not like that, I want to help you either way. And you were amazing help.”

“I know, I know, look. I don’t mind at all drawing something up for you guys, it can be something simple. Honestly, I think a casual look would suit your concept quite well this time.”

“That’s it!” You flinched in surprise as he snapped his fingers. “Something simple! You know how everyone was dying to get their hands on their own version of our team jackets but couldn’t since it’s an exclusive design?”

“Yeah, well… that’s because I didn’t want anyone else to have your name pretending to be your girlfriend.”

“I love when you’re possessi— don’t distract me! I’m trying to help!”

You shrugged. “I was just admitting the truth. But… I do like where you’re going with this.”

“Right?”

Hongjoong beamed as you began mumbling to yourself, similar to the way he sank into his brainstorming phase. It was comforting to have a partner that was in the creative field too. Both of you understood one another’s so-called “distracted moments” and neither of you could get frustrated over such things. In fact, you were often mesmerized by each other just like now. He tapped your head to bring you back to the present moment before you got too carried away.

"You know you have connections when Dyan gets difficult, too."

"Connections? Like Woo's grandma?"

"Bless her heart, you know she'll have her knitting club buy anything that involves him."

You both laughed whole-heartedly. It was true — Wooyoung's grandmother always made sure to get first row seats to watch the apple-of-her-eye hip-thrust in skinny jeans on a stage surrounded by men and women screaming at the top of their lungs. You like to think it was because of you, though, since she never failed to compliment you about the clothes you designed to flatter her grandson.

"If I made a jacket with his face, the whole church would buy it after being bribed by her cooking."

Hongjoong grinned. "Hey, now, even I would do it — I can just hide the jacket in the closet and never look at it again."

"Rude."

"Pssh." A comfortable silence fell once more before he spoke up again. "Not that that's actually a bad idea but I was thinking more along the lines of San."

"Sannie?"

"Mhm, you know Aria? She's one of his friends and a model."

"... Yes, she is."

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"No reason, she's a gorgeous girl."

Your boyfriend tilted his head, clearly wondering what he was missing. "Is she? I've never seen her before."

"Oh, well. I don't know for sure, we've only talked a few times, but there's prolly something going on between her and the boys. Maybe."

“Really?” He quirked an eyebrow. “Interesting, I'll keep that in mind. Oh! Why not ask Naomi to take some pics, Yeosang says she's good with a camera. We can draw up posters or something."

"Why do you have such good ideas in that head of yours?"

"Because it's all for you babe, all for you."

You fiddled with the loose drawstring on his sweatpants. "I hate to ask everyone on such late notice, though."

"We're all college students, [Y/N], getting things done last minute is kind of our specialty." A loving kiss was pressed to the side of your head. “I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help their favorite sunbae out but I’ll always support whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“Likewise, love, thank you."

~ Three Weeks Later ~

"Thanks to everyone who made it out tonight and here's what you've all been waiting for… the results!"

Cheers filled the open stadium, the emcee's face dripping more sweat than the dancers who had just finished their performances.

"I present to you… the reigning kings, born from the blood, sweat, and tears of this very campus field you are standing on right no— "

" — Good lord, can they just fuckin' announce it already? What's with the dramatics?"

Black fingernails tapped annoyingly against a camera screen and you snickered at Naomi's comment, wondering if she had paused from recording. Her fancy set-up was just as impressive as the expensive desktop area she had in her dorm.

"This is a huge accomplishment, though, and the boys just happen to be attractive as demigods. Everyone wants a piece of them."

"Well, they can't have Yeosangie. He's all mine."

"Agreed, the same sentiments go for Joong." You nudged Aria. "And who are you calling dibs on?"

She sent you a blinding smile. "Er, none of them?"

"Smart decision."

Naomi snapped her gum and nodded in agreement with "At least someone here has a functioning brain cell," when the announcer finally finished his spiel.

"… and first place goes to… The Teezer's!"

The stadium erupted into the loudest screams and shouts ever heard even during a football game. Your ears may be numb by the time the gates let out but that didn't stop you from joining in the thundering stomps, the excitement rippling through the crowds like a big tidal wave.

You watched Hongjoong accept the trophy with a bittersweet mixture of insurmountable pride and melancholy. It didn't help that the youngest was already beginning to tear up as the emcee congratulated them.

"It's no surprise that you won but wow — what a bunch of exciting milestones this year! It is your fourth major win in a row, you've built such a great reputation, anything you'd like to say to that?"

"As a whole, we'd like to extend our gratitude for all of the support our lovely fans have shown us," Yunho waved around to the crowds. "Without you all, we wouldn't have the adrenaline to make it this far!"

The emcee nodded. "Without a doubt, the support you've garnered has only helped boost your success. Look how many are decked out in matching clothes — even I'm wearing one!"

Hongjoong took the mic, running a hand through his sweaty pink bangs with a smirk that incited a chorus of screams from the audience and an eye-roll from you.

"Exactly, I'd like to everyone to give a big round of applause for my lovely girlfriend!" The team began clapping followed by the bemused emcee. "If you haven't bought it already from the campus store, the Twilight jacket series will be sold at the gate while supplies last."

"Plus, you get a free copy of our latest mix-tape with Twilight, the song we performed today on it!" Mingi shouted as the applause grew.

Your boyfriend beamed as you visibly cringed and tried not to shrink away at the sudden attention. Even though many of your friends were normally surrounded by the spotlight, you were content with staying behind the scenes. Having control over the main scene of action was more your style.

Yeosang saved you with a shout of "Hey, my girlfriend helped too," which only got him a finger-heart-turned-middle-finger from Naomi that had Wooyoung's grandmother and her knitting club even burst into laughter.

"See what you're missing?" You teased Aria. "Thanks for all your help, by the way. It was a godsend."

"Please, it was nothing! I just happen to know a lot of people through work and stuff."

"And you're good-looking too. You and Hwa were the reason those photos sold."

"Oh my gosh, you're buttering me up too much, I just might fall for you, [Y/N]!"

Your eyes twinkled mischievously. "I'm not opposed to that, although I might have to convince Joong to share me. Think you'd be up to model for me again in the future?"

"I'd love to."

Although you weren't sure when you would have something ready for her to model — you weren't even sure what next step you'd take towards your future — you did invite Aria to the celebratory party the Teezer's were hosting tonight. Luckily, she was able to slip away far before you could. You had gone to check how the jacket stand was doing before leaving but the poor girl was swamped with hoards of people. There was no other choice but to lend her a hand, after all, they were your finished designs and miraculously people parted like the Red Sea when you came through.

That didn't mean they stopped their craziness, though. You were at your wits end with a boy and girl fighting over one of the last Large jacket sizes when a fresh-smelling, clean Jongho appeared. Although his appearance could have only stirred them up more, it was the girl who you recognized as Yunho's little sister that broke it up.

"I told her to be our bodyguard since she insists on using her fists to always solve things," the youngest explained, looking proud of himself so you ruffled his hair fondly.

"Kids these days. That's why you use your connections to get what you want." Wooyoung's grandmother swatted your butt playfully and placed a kiss on Jongho's cheek. She left with her head held high, cane clutched, and proudly wearing the all-exclusive Twilight Wooyoung jacket that had a shimmering sequins display of her grandson's handsome face.

It would've been nice if you were done after the last jacket was sold but that would've been too easy. Many people wanted to talk to you even if it was just to plead that you would make more jackets for them to buy. Finally, just when the sun was beginning to set and the true twilight lit up the sky with a palette of colors, were you able to leave. Hongjoong welcomed you into the Teezer's frathouse and you promptly cuddled into his arms — aching for some rest and your boyfriend.

All of the Teezer's parties were exclusive and invite-only. But tonight, it was an intimate gathering of only close friends. The uncertainty of what the next step for them as a team would be now that their leader was graduating hung heavily in the air.

"Hwa can take over now," Hongjoong announced quite abruptly, startling everyone.

It was quite sudden. The both of you had been reclining on the sofa, marveling how your hair had taken the pink color a whole lot better than his. Seonghwa had been trying to convince Jongho to take a swig of alcohol this whole entire time while Mingi snoozed on and off in the corner chair. You pretended not to notice that Naomi and Yeosang were nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Yunho and Aria were playing Never Have I Ever ft. Alcohol with Wooyoung and San — the former two already looking like they were more than a little tipsy.

"I think the fuck not. I did not take a gap year to come back for this."

"You took a gap year because they paid you," you piped up. "Otherwise, you'd be graduating now too and not have to even contemplate this."

"I thought you were on my side, [Y/N]," Seonghwa whined and you shrugged.

"I'm just stating facts."

Naomi magically appeared with her boyfriend in tow and everyone acted like there wasn't a hickey on her neck that wasn't there before or that Yeosang's buttons didn't align on his shirt. Combing her hair down, she pointed out that Yeosang should be made the next leader.

Jongho snorted. "But then he won't be free to make your special blend."

"Wha— never mind. Make the twerp leader then, he's all mature and everything."

"You could make one of the dance captains leader," Aria suggested. "Since they're technically already a 'leader' in their area."

"Are we supposed to have a dance-off or something?" San scoffed and she frowned at him.

"You've been acting so strange lately, are you drunk already or something?"

Wooyoung clutched his head and began to groan. "Please don't fight!"

"They're not fighting, bud."

"You know, love, I don't think it's the right time for this. Everyone's already emotional after today…" you watched Yunho try and console his friend, "and not entirely sober."

Hongjoong let out a sigh. "But I'm serious about this… I'm just not sure when's the right time and it's better now than later."

"I know, but you still have time." Your eyes crinkled. "Besides, you're not entirely sure you're going to graduate… you still have to turn your demo in."

"Shit!" Everyone jolted in surprise once more. Hongjoong looked at you with panic in his eyes. "What time is it?!"

"It's ten 'o fi— "

"— Shit! I have to go, babe, you can stay longer if you want. Sorry everyone, see you later!" He zoomed towards the door muttering more curses under his breath.

"I'll be right behind you ~."

"What the actual fuck, just like that? You're magical, [Y/N]."

You shook your head at Mingi's remark. "Someone's gotta keep him in line. Alright, it's been lovely, congratulations on winning again, my kings, I'll see you soon!"

"I should head out too," Aria pulled San up as she stood. "And I should take him with."

Seonghwa quirked an eyebrow. "By yourself?"

"Yeah, a walk will sober him up. It's a cool night."

He still looked doubtful but you wrapped an arm around his. "C'mon Hwa, you and Yunho can walk me home, yeah?"

You discreetly sent her a wink her way before hauling both of the tall boys with you.

"What are you up to, [Y/N]?" Seonghwa asked without accusation once you were headed towards the direction of your apartment. You sneaked a peek at Yunho who only had a knowing look on his face.

"I'm not sure but something tells me it's a good idea. Hopefully."

"That doesn't sound all that confident."

"Then," you linked arms with the two of them, "tell me what in the world is going on between the four of you?"

« || Next »

dokyeomblr: July 2021 — The Teezer's: Twilight ©

[4dtk]

belonging (seq. to coming home)

anon: “can you do a part 2 w angst but fluff ending for coming home w johnny 👉🏼👈🏼🥺” hi anon!!!! yes! original fic is here; fluff in this constitutes more of talking it out rather than the uwu stuff but yes there is physical affection in this as well hahah. enjoy ❤️

loud screams shake the stadium as the members carry on with the concert. the song progresses from one to the next, taking the fans through ments and dance breaks.

soon, however, the fun comes to an end as the boys sing their encore song, not alone.

in the midst of running around the stage, the members frequented the stage in front of you, no doubt collecting johnny from his longing stare.

you could do nothing but offer smiles of comfort as well as your cheers as everyone sang the extended chorus together, bidding the crowd and fans goodbye with nostalgic messages.

as the venue’s lights came back on, your feet took you back to the same place, eager to at least congratulate them, even if you couldn’t exchange words with johnny.

the directions in your mind are clear, finding the dressing room instantly in a few minutes.

“(y/n)!” taeyong calls out, ushering you into the messy dressing room where they were still all celebrating, although some outerwear were removed to beat the heat.

“congrats on your last concert! how do you guys feel?”

“oh maaan, mostly sleep,” haechan groans, wiping off his make-up delicately as mark hangs off his hip.

“at least we get an off-day tomorrow,” jungwoo yawned, prompting a few others to follow him while your eyes naturally drift to johnny.

taeyong catches on, saving the day by gathering them around for a leader speech. despite their individual turmoils, they had come this far while getting lots of love from the fandom.

taeyong gives the group a warm smile, no doubt proud of all their efforts.

before you had a chance to escape, though, johnny lets out a quiet question.

“can i take you back to the dorms in the staff’s car later?”

you gulp, but nod anyways. it was better to face the problem sooner than later.

for most of the packing, you kept your distance as the stylists and make-up artists neatly sorted out their items and resources, a quiet night accompanying the secret passage the boys had to take.

you kept your strides long, a little scared and dreadful if you were to face johnny at the back of the line. there’s easy, light conversation among the group, but other than that, everyone falls silent when they board the bus with fatigue.

“see ya guys later,” johnny waves while taeyong sends you a thumbs-up, the bus taking off toward the dorms.

small talk falls flat on the way to the staff car, the manager having had to board the bus with the boys to give you some privacy.

you stop johnny before he can open the door to the driver’s side, something in your eyes telling him that he’d be the passenger today instead.

“you looked tired, and you probably are. let me drive tonight.” the other nods obediently, making his way to the other side of the car.

as the journey progresses, the distance between the two of you increases, staying to either side of the car. luckily, you’re saved by the radio, diminishing the awkward absence of conversation.

“so…”

you turn to him at a traffic light, seeing him look anxious and small. it was different from viewing him in a different light of confidence and assertiveness as he always had.

“how are you?”

you can’t help by giggling, stopping to answer his question curtly.

“i’m good, you?”

johnny nods, fidgeting with his fingers and the bag strap and in the process, irritating the pads of his thumbs.

“look, i don’t think i can ignore it any longer, (y/n). it’s been hell through the past few days that it was difficult to sleep.”

in a desperate moment, you panic.

panic leads you to step on the accelerator, avoiding the argument residing in your mind as well as johnny’s proposal to make up.

“(y/n)? (y/n)!”

in record time, you’ve managed to evade the cars on the road, reaching the front of the dorms in a few minutes on your end.

“okay, state your case,” you breathe out, calming your heartbeat by leaning on the steering wheel.

“i don’t want us to end.”

that causes you to sit up immediately, looking at him through your unkempt hair as he fully faces you.

“what?”

“i don’t want our relationship to go to the trash, (y/n).”

“well if you put it like that…” johnny rolls his eyes at that, placing a cautious hand on your thigh. unconsciously leaning into his touch, you squirm under his hand while you struggle to find the right words to say to him.

“i don’t want it to either, johnny,” you whisper, boring holes into the warm hand on your leg. it distracts you from everything else, the faded pop song playing on the radio cancelled out by your thoughts.

“then why are you so afraid?”

“what kind of question is that? i’m afraid of many things. will we fight again? will we split for real the next time we do? what will i do if i see you on TV and bawl dramatically?”

“the last one’s a joke,” johnny laughs.

“yes… yes it is,” you chuckle, laying a hand on his. his hand feels familiar after several days, even more when he twines his fingers with yours.

“i think, that’s something we can counter together, then. that’s what being in a relationship is, right?”

“okay smartypants, no need to flex on me with your experience,” you climb over the gearshift, knocking over a figurine situated on the dashboard while you were at it.

johnny plays the safe card, switching off the engine before accommodating for your body against his in the squeeze front seat.

“i think this was the most anti-climatic talk i’ve had after a fight in the relationship.”

that earns a hard smack from your free hand, before settling in a comfortable position on his chest.

the other could only grin at that, wrapping an arm around your middle so the two of you could enjoy the lost time at three in the morning.

“i missed you.”

“man, you’re the one falling asleep?” johnny laughs softly, cradling your frame in the night, happy to be with you again.

[maadorii]

Hinata with a Hispanic s/o pt.2

max.note’s: so the first one did really well so i made a continuation!  NOTE: you don’t have to read part one, but it’s recommended and translations available at the end!!

warnings/tags: mentions of drinking

Pt. 1

       - the first time he meets your family, it was one of your little cousin’s birthday party. hinata didn’t think much of it, thinking it’ll be just you, and a couple of your immediate relatives. when y’all pulled up to the house... let’s just say, the house was over flowing with your family. like, why the fuck were they’re so many people? almost had a nervous break down in the car. “(y/n)! there’s so many people here––! jesus christ how big is your family?? there’s gotta be... ten, fifteen... twenty–– ahhh theres too many to count!”

 - you sometimes forget that hinata doesn’t have that big of family of his own, it’s only himself, his mom and sister. you offered to just skip the party and go home (granted, hotel since you moved to japan permanently to live with hinata after high school), but he said it was okay. literally, the moment you both walked through the front door, you were bombarded by all the tias and abuelitas (1), news spread pretty fast in the family that you had a boyfriend... cause some people don’t know how to keep their mouth shut. 

- your mother would not stop gushing over hinata, pinching his cheeks till they were red and hurt to the touch. or just simply fawning over him in general. “¡ay (y/n), él es muy lindo! ¿dónde le encontraste?”  (2) she’ll ask, much to your own embarrassment. 

- after spending the next hour introducing every aunt, uncle, cousin, etc., you managed to pull hinata to the kitchen to eat, which was very happy about. he literally inhales every plate of food you put in front of him, a seamlessly never ending worm hole. 

- funny enough, hinata finally begins to warm up to everyone at the party, participating in conversations with the men (and in spanish because he’s been practicing) or playing games with the little kids. you even managed teach him how to dance bachata when the playlist suddenly switches up. he was a little stiff at first, but eventually, he got the hand of it. personally, i think hinata would love bachata and dancing to it because of the intimacy of it. he just wants to be close to you and he’ll twirl you around (AND ON BEAT by the way) with the cutest smile on his face–– oh my god i need to stop, my inner simp is showing

- you don’t leave till 4am, with a slightly drunk hinata hanging off your shoulders slurring the lyrics to “la canción.” (3) hinata hiccuped, giggling afterwords, his body swaying left to right next to yours. “this is the first, and last time i’m letting you drink with my uncles.” 

- okay, moving on to more general headcanons––

- because hinata spent a lot of time learning spanish, you can’t hide certain conversations anymore like how you used to in the beginning the relationship. we all know he has a brain like a sponge.

- speaking of languages, if y’all ever decide to have kids, them being able to speak both of their native tongues is necessary. and not only just being able to speak both languages, but hinata will ingrain both of y’all’s cultures into your kids too. he believes it’s important that they know where they came from and be proud to be able to embrace both uwu 

- he loves pan dulce (4), specifically conchas (5). especially the chocolate flavored ones. (oh my god, conchas are so difficult to make... trust me, it took me forever to make them T^T)

- he’ll learn how to make your country’s dishes!! you’re working late tonight, you come home and you see a steaming plate of arroz con pollo (6) sitting on the table. 

- hinata is the life of party once he settles into the family, he becomes the “favorite tio (7)” to all the kids in the family, which makes all the other uncles lowkey kind of jealous of him (i mean... he do energetic as hell so it makes sense.) 

- the quinceañeras (8) ?lord have mercy... he eats half of the damn food AND he will not leave the dance floor, you literally have to drag him out of the damn ballroom. he goes all out for the occasion and you can not tell me otherwise. but you find it endearing in a way. 

- you still refer to him as your gordito (9), because... yes

(1) aunts and grandmas (endearingly) 

(2) oh (y/n), he is very cute! where did you find him?

(3) the song, song by j blavin + bad bunny

(4) sweet bread 

(5) sweet bread roll, meaning “shell” 

(6) rice with chicken

(7) uncle

(8) “sweet fifteen,” party celebrating girls transitioning to womanhood

(9) chubby one or little fatty (endearingly)

copyright © 2020 maadorii. all rights reserved.

[kageyuji]

OOWWOO h-hewwo lowe u-uwu cwongwats own 9k ╰(*°▽°*)╯

h-hwews mwy mwatchup form thingy (uwu speak is hearder then i thought)

— your pronouns : any pronouns !! 😄

— ideal date : cat cafe but my allergies will kill me so normal cafe smh

— your love language : like the one i give to other ppl right? i usually like to buy ppl gifts bc its fun to see their reactions

— your ideal partner’s love language : quality time very nice rawr

t-twake youwr twime uwu nwo nweed to speedwrun this unwess you want two

[Translation (for those who do not understand): OwO hello lore UwU congrats on 9k, here's my matchup form thingy [form] take your time UwU no need to speedrun this unless you want to]

; SPEEDRUNSVHBD ty bestie but uh nyoom 😎 (i really did nyoom, believe me this post is just queued 😞🤚)

matchup loading . . .

matched with: kenma kozume!

⤷ song: in love, khai dreams — “don't like to ask too many questions, hate to complicate things, so, baby, won't you help me”

it was early in the morning. he thinks so, anyway, he hasn’t had a proper sleep schedule in ages. the first thing he notices is a lack of the warmth he’s usually met with when he wakes up. his eyes open then, looking around the room.

eventually they settled on you. you, who was smiling and digging through one of his dresser drawers. he would have asked what you were doing, but part of him was still half-asleep.

eventually you tossed one of his shirts at the foot of his bed. “c’mon, we’re going to get breakfast.”

[send-allmyloving]

Could you write some Akutagawa Ryunosuke fluff? Like what being his girlfriend would be like?

Of course!

Akutagawa relationship headcanon 

- To be honest, the only way you’d ever be able to truly interact with him is if you were in the mafia, so let’s say you were in the mafia!

- You took on the secretary position in the mafia hierarchy, so you often saw off Akutagawa on missions and met with him for briefings.

- Babie Aku here would never voice it, but he honestly thought you were the prettiest thing he’d ever seen!

- The first time he saw you, he stuttered. That’s right folks, the great Akutagawa Ryunosuke stuttered!!

- Eventually after frequent meetings with you over the span of a few months, Aku mustered up the courage to ask you to go out with him <3

- It went a little something like this:

“Akutagawa-san... why aren’t you saying anything?”

“.......Uh”

“Are you sick? You look really pale right now--”

“IWANTYOUTOGOOUTWITHME”

“...”

“...”

“What”

- anyways hes a dumbass but hes gonna be the best boy 4 u owo

- This poor boy literally doesn’t know what he’s doing

- He’s never experienced romantic attraction until now, so as you can expect he’s having an internal battle on who the hell he’s supposed to ask

- Eventually he settles on Chuuya, the master of being suave lmao

- With his help, he at least sort of has a clue on wtf to do when he’s with you

- The first couple months of dating he was struggling really hard to at least display some physical form of affection

- When you saw him nervously shaking while gripping your hand you had to reassure him that he didn’t have to force himself to be so touchy

- And that’s when Aku realized how much you meant to him; you genuinely cared about him and wanted him to feel comfortable when with you, you didn’t force him to do something he didn’t want

- For the time being he just wanted to hold pinkies with you, nothing more

- But let’s be honest, this boy is literally touchstarved, at that point he just wasn’t used to the idea of physical affection

- So eventually he decided that he was okay with you touching him

- It sort of started with him shuffling over to sit next to you while you were on your phone, and he just suddenly put his chin on your shoulder and started pouting at you

“...Aku? What’s up sweetie?”

“Pats. Now.”

- Literally deadpanned that part LMAO

- He loves loves LOVES when you pat his head or pet his hair

- He likes lying on your lap while you play with his hair, it’s really soothing

- Also loves back rubs uwu

- Likes forehead kissies too, his eyes light up when u do that so pls always give him a forehead kissy thank u

- He’s really scared of baths so you have to be understanding with him on that part

- You have to call Chuuya to help him clean himself bc he’s just not ready to be that vulnerable around you

- But maybe 5-6 months into the relationship he starts letting his guard down around you and building up his trust with you (being his gf requires patience, he has a lot of trauma)

- You’ll encourage him to start to relax when he’s in the bath while you clean him

- He especially likes when you’re scrubbing his back or putting shampoo in his hair because it’s like when you’re giving him back rubs or hair pets

- He’s like a puppy tbh

- At this point he’s definitely okay with hand holding

- That’s sort of like his go-to when comforting you

- If you’re feeling sad or crying he’ll just hold both of your hands while his thumbs rub the back of your hands until you feel better <333

- When he’s feeling sad he tends to hide mask his emotions with his tsundere vibe and you have to talk to him about not bottling up his emotions bc that’s his bad habit >:((

- When he cries it’s heartbreaking, but not to worry bc a back rub and a kiss on the head does wonders to make him feel better!!

- You tell him it’s okay to share his insecurities with you bc love requires trust!

- He’ll start warming up to that idea slowly, and he’ll start getting used to venting to you

- Maybe a year or so into your relationship he finally gets used to full on cuddling and kisses

- NO PDA though, he absolutely hates PDA, he doesn’t like looking vulnerable to others.

- When you’re out on a date, the most you’ll get is holding hands, and if you’re lucky a peck on the cheek

- Speaking of dates, he likes going to places with fewer people, such as the theater, private karaoke rooms, and small cafes. By the way, he’s surprisingly good at singing when you go on a karaoke date, and he’s always up for doing some stupid songs if it means it’ll make you smile <3

- When you’re alone together he likes giving you back hugs

- Sleepy babie Aku waking up to you preparing breakfast and giving u a sleepy backhug in his pajamas :(((

- He likes letting you lay on him while you guys are relaxing on the couch, playing with your hair and occasionally giving you a kiss on the head, talking about whatever you want

- Sometimes if he’s in a good mood he’ll cup your cheeks and give you a kiss on the forehead and nose, grin, and walk away and you just smile bc hes the most adorable thing in this fucking universe

- You lead the kisses bc he’s not used to that stuff, and you make sure to be really gentle bc this guy has been hurt way too many times, he’s rlly scared

- The best way to ease him into a kiss is by running your fingers through his hair and massaging his scalp, and he’ll easily lean into your touch

- Pepper his face with some little kisses and slowly, slowly guide his lips to yours

- Kissing and makeout seshes are really soft, those are intimate times where you pour out your love and trust for each other

- Loves having you on his lap while kissing, he gets to hold you close to him and he feels stronger with you in his arms, he feels like he’s protecting you and that way he doesn’t feel so bad when you’re always caring for him

- He also loves laying side by side with you when cuddling; he loves being cradled in your arms while you look lovingly into his eyes and stroke his cheek and hair before pressing a little kiss to his nose followed by a really soft “I love you”

- That’s when he smiles softly and buries his face into your neck bc he’s so so in love with you im actually crying help me pls

- When you sleep, he is the little spoon. No I do not take constructive criticism

- Sing him a lullaby, press a goodnight kiss to his neck and wrap your arms around him and he is off to dreamland

- I’m pretty sure he has nightmares often, so when you wake up to him shaking in a panic the best thing to do is gently touch his hair so you don’t scare him

- If you touch his hair he’ll know it’s you, that’s his comfort spot

- Hugs you so tight when he sees you’re there with him

- Back rubs and soft words of comfort will stop him from trembling and crying so much from his nightmares, he’ll be so familiar with your touch at this point that it’s like you’re his safe haven (you are)

- He’ll fall back asleep with his face buried in your chest and your hands stroking through his hair bc he feels really safe that way

- If anyone tries to hurt you he would literally kill them, no one and i mean no one hurts his lover and gets away with it

- Super protective of you when it comes to Port Mafia things

- He can’t bear to lose you, you mean the world to him

- He might not express it often verbally, but he really loves and cares for you

- Being his girlfriend is a delicate task and you have to really care for him, but boy is it worth it bc his love for you is so strong

thx for reading! i think this was pretty long but aku’s character has a lot of struggles and self-doubt, so it would be hard for him to ease into a romantic relationship so easily. Hope this was to your liking!!