#this is a light cute romcom. I don’t have strong feelings about it but I think I’m just. not the audience for cute YA romcoms much lol

[aroaessidhe]

2024 reads / storygraph

The Summer Love Strategy

YA conteporary romcom

after another unrequited crush, a girl and her best friend come up with a plan to each get a girlfriend over summer, by doing all the tropey summer activities like hanging out at the beach, and going to pride, and concerts

but when their plan starts to work she realises she might have feelings for her friend….

lesbian MC, demi-aroace autistic trans girl LI, other queer & neurodivergent characters

[buckysdollbarnes]

you are in love series - part one

one look, dark room

PAIRING: tfawts!bucky x grad student!reader

Summary: Moving to NYC to go to grad school, your friend's dad has a connection with the owner of a rental building in Brooklyn where you can live on your own, for cheaper than you could get anywhere else. On a student's budget, you strive to still make your place your own by thrifting as much decor as possible. Meeting your quiet and somewhat secretive neighbor, James, you gain some free labor to help you move the random stuff you buy, and with that he may be growing to love parts of the modern world he has been missing. With you in a big, new city feeling alone for the first time and Bucky wanting to make a connection with someone other than Sam and his therapist, maybe online marketplaces and a turntable will bring you both what you need most.

warnings: mild language

word count: 4.7k

a/n: this is my first time EVER writing fiction, usually I only ever write academic papers so this is fun. :) I read over and revised this chapter so many times, so I hope you enjoy it! Feedback is always welcomed and I'm excited to start on the next chapter.

a/n: also!! sorry for it being so long genuinely just so much had to happen in this chapter for it to be set up the way I wanted, which I think I did well enough. lmk what you think <3

Why did I think carrying this by myself was a good idea? It might be cute and a great deal, but I don’t think I'll be able to feel my arms tomorrow. I might need to hit the gym again before I find more bargains like this. Hell, maybe I'll even invest in a neck towel, because this heat is unbearable. I’ve been searching for some larger pieces to fill my apartment, and this vintage bar cart should fit perfectly. Just five more blocks to go.

Moving here alone has certainly come with its challenges: being on my own in such a big city, dealing with a lot of stress, and managing on a tight budget. But I’m determined to make it work though and prove everyone wrong. Growing up, you see so many romcoms where the heroine leaves everything behind to chase her dreams in NYC, landing a job at a magazine or fashion house, living in a gorgeous high-rise, and meeting the perfect guy. It’s a beautiful fantasy really, but the reality is much tougher. New York isn’t a movie set; it’s a real city with real people, and you have to work just as hard, if not harder, to be here. I know that, but it feels like a majority of my people back home DON’T know that I know that.

I came here for school. In about two months, I’ll be starting my Master’s program at NYU. I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud as when I received my acceptance email. I worked my ass off in undergrad to earn strong recommendations and good academic standing, and seeing it all come together was a huge relief—until the reality of the cost hit me.

Luckily, a friend's dad has a connection with a landlord in Brooklyn and got me a good deal on a place of my own. It’s incredible not to have a roommate in this market, especially in a place where your bed doesn’t touch your stove, though it can be a bit lonely.

Finally, reaching the stoop, out of breath, you set the cart down on the pavement. Wiping your brow, you notice the street is unusually quiet for this time of day. The city never truly sleeps, but the residential streets seem to take occasional naps. A little breath of air somewhere where it feels like oxygen is running out sometimes. Light filters through the trees, momentarily blinding you, and you turn back toward the building.

“How on earth am I going to get this up to my floor?”

Carrying it down the street was one thing, but hauling it up the stairs is a whole different challenge. Plus, who knows when the building's maintenance has last been here, the steps might not hold up under the cart’s weight. They usually feel like they could give away holding one person.

Deciding that falling to your death and being crushed isn’t really how you want to go, you open the double doors and drag the cart into the lobby, using the wheels on one side. Passing the main desk where the worker, who looks completely uninterested, engrossed in a crossword puzzle, you make your way to the end of the hall and start pulling the cart backwards up the incline of the stairwell.

“Nah, I can’t,” you say aloud, after struggling up two floors, letting the cart rest on the landing. There’s still three more floors to go, but your body is clearly telling you the cart belongs right here. Maybe the universe wants it to stay here—who knows, maybe the entire second floor needs a communal bar more than you do.

“Excuse me,” a quiet but rough male voice comes from behind me. You turn around to see him—a guy you’ve seen around your floor a few times, though you’ve never talked. One of the neighbors. You quickly realize you’re blocking the entire staircase.

“Sorry! Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. I’ll move this um — just give me a second.”

You shove the cart closer to the wall to make some space for him to pass, but he stays put, his gloved hands in his pockets. He’s definitely handsome—tall and solid, but not intimidating. His furrowed brow and tight-lipped expression don’t exactly scream “welcome,” but he’s still got a certain charm.

He shifts a bit, clearly wanting to say something but hesitating. Feeling a bit awkward under his gaze, you decide to try talking to him again.

“You can just squeeze by if you want. It’s just really heavy, so I’m taking a quick break before I try lifting it up again.”

After a moment, he seems to make up his mind and asks, “Do you need help?”

Looking back at him, you consider saying no. You pride yourself on being independent and capable, and part of you wants to insist you can handle it. But then you think about the struggle of getting the cart up the last two flights of stairs—only this time, it's three—and decide against it.

“You wouldn’t mind? You’re headed down, I’m sure you’ve got somewhere else to be.”

He gives a little smirk that makes you feel a bit dizzy.

“Well, I’m already here so.”

You nod slowly, a small smile appearing on your face.

“Sure, you can take this end, and I’ll get this o—” you start to say, but before you can finish, he’s already in front of you, lifting the cart with ease and starting up the stairs without breaking a sweat.

“Hey! Be careful, uh—,” you pause, realizing you don’t know his name.

He picks up on your hesitation and hesitates himself, considering whether to give his name. He’s wary of how others might perceive him, potentially recognizing his name from past news broadcasts or papers, still dealing with the shadows of his past despite his efforts to make amends. Not wanting to be dishonest, he chooses the safe option.

“James.”

“Be careful, James. I don’t want you tripping and falling on my account.”

“Won’t happen, doll.”

“What-,” you start, caught off guard by the pet name, “what if it does?”

“It won’t, see?” With the last few steps, you and James arrive at your floor. “Already here.”

He must have seen you around before too, to know where you live.

He gives you a quick look and then carries the cart to your door.

“This is yours, right?” He turns and looks at you expectantly. You rush over, fumbling for your keys to unlock the door. If he’s willing to move it all the way, who are you to turn him down?

You lead James into your apartment, wondering if it looks anything like his. The layout can’t be that different; it’s not exactly a luxury building.

He strolls further into the room.

“You can set it right here,” you say quickly. “Thank you for bringing it up for me. I was honestly thinking about giving up when you showed up.”

Setting the cart where you indicated, he straightens up, rolls his shoulders back, and gives you a look that feels intense.

“It’s no problem.”

His gaze wanders around your apartment, taking in the mix of vintage furniture and eclectic decor. On a student’s budget, you’ve filled your space with secondhand finds. It’s more affordable and personal that way. The place might not be filled with new things, but it’s entirely curated by you. Finding beauty in the mix of old and new is something you do well, and now, thanks to James, you have one more piece to add.

James’s eyes land on your turntable setup. He seems intrigued by your collection of records but doesn’t say anything, turning his attention back to you.

“I have to go.”

Your eyebrows lift at his abruptness. Sensing your surprise, he quickly adds, “I’ve got an appointment.”

You nod vigorously, urging him to go and thanking him again for his kindness. Feeling a bit sad that this chance encounter with your new neighbor is ending so quickly, you call out as he heads for the door.

“I’ll see you around then? Since you live here too.”

He turns on his heel, giving you one last smirk.

“Yeah, you’ll see me.”

As he heads down the stairs, you shut your door and lock it behind you. Wandering over to where James’s gaze lingered, you pull an album from the shelf, lift the acrylic cover on your turntable, and set the record down. You close the cover, push play, and let the needle softly drop onto the vinyl. As the music starts, your mind drifts back to James.

Embarrassingly, you find yourself hoping this isn’t a one-time encounter. You don’t know much about him beyond his name, but there’s something about him that makes you want to see him again.

“Two hundred bucks for this is crazy,” you mutter to yourself, staring in disbelief at the sofa you’re eyeing on Facebook Marketplace.

“People are practically giving this stuff away.”

Not wanting to miss out on such a good deal, you message the seller to check if it’s still available.

Since you got the bar cart about a week and a half ago, you haven’t picked up anything else. With the July heat blasting, just thinking about moving a sofa in this weather makes you want to rip off your skin to cool down.

You can’t help but think of James, who you’ve seen briefly in the hallway since your last encounter. He just nodded as he passed by, and that was it.

Your phone dings, snapping you out of your thoughts. The seller confirms the sofa is still available and offers to deliver it since they have a truck.

Excited, you reply with a yes, and they let you know they’ll head your way soon.

You get up to rearrange your furniture, making space for the new sofa. You don’t have much to move since you’ve been slowly collecting things. As you shift the pieces around, your turntable stops, signaling it’s time to flip the record. After you do, you take a moment to picture how the sofa will fit in the space.

Then it hits you—moving a sofa is way heavier than the bar cart. If you struggled with that, how on earth will you manage this?

“Independent woman, my ass.”

With the delivery imminent, you decide on the only solution you can think of. Without hesitation, you head to the apartment across the hall and knock softly on the door. You wait, hoping James will answer. After a moment of shuffling and then silence, you start to wonder if you should just try something else.

Just then, the door cracks open, revealing half of James’s face. He looks curious but not annoyed—no one usually visits him.

“Hey! James! Great to see you again! I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but I was wondering if you could help me out a bit? I just bought a sofa from this marketplace deal, and the seller’s coming to drop it off right now. He said he’d deliver it, but didn’t offer to help get it up to my apartment. I realized a sofa is way heavier than a bar cart, and you saw me struggle with that, so I was kinda sorta hoping you could help me bring it up here?”

After your rambling, you offer him a hopeful smile, waiting for his response.

A few moments of silence later, that smirk you’ve been missing appears on his face. Opening the door wider, he comments with a grin.

“You bought another thing you knew you couldn’t get up the stairs?”

“I honestly didn’t think it through. The deal was too good to pass up. I’m really sorry for bothering you. I can try to find someone else if you’re busy.”

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t help, doll.”

The smile that blooms on your face is unavoidable.

As the delivery guy drives away, James shows you where to grab the sofa and effortlessly lifts the other end. He encourages you to take the lead, making sure the weight is on him as you both navigate the stairs. With minimal effort, you get the sofa up to your place.

After some awkward maneuvering, you finally get the sofa into your apartment through the thin door and set it down. You put your hands on your hips and exhale deeply, only to find James already looking at you with that same intense gaze from before. It makes you a little nervous.

You can’t help but feel grateful—there’s no way you would have managed this on your own.

“I could have handled the bar cart,” you say, nodding toward the cart now adorned with bottles in the corner, “but this? No chance. Thanks so much for your help.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he replies. “I wasn’t busy.”

As you look at him, you start to feel like you know him from somewhere beyond being just a neighbor. Maybe you’ve seen him around the city before you moved?

Brushing off the thought, you offer, “You’ve helped me out twice now, and it doesn’t feel right not to return the favor. If your whole evening consists of not being busy, why not stay for dinner? I promise I’ll cook something totally good and not poisonous.”

James looks surprised by your offer but quickly hides it.

“You don’t need to do that. You don’t owe me anything,” he says, not wanting you to feel obligated or uncomfortable. He worries that his presence might not be enjoyable.

He wishes he could be as charming as he was back in the 40s. Being friendly used to come easily, and if he were still the same person he was at 26, he wouldn’t have left so quickly after helping you on the stairs the first time. He wouldn’t have had a therapists appointment to go to and he wouldn’t have a hidden arm made of metal. He’d have asked you to dinner or for you to let him take you dancing instead in return for his brawn. Now, he struggles to make new connections beyond a few familiar faces, like Sam, and asking someone for a dance feels out of reach.

“No, no! Stay, I insist! It gets kind of lonely around here, doesn’t it? Why not have a friend dinner?” you press, hoping he’ll take you up on the offer.

Seeing your sincerity, though still feeling a bit miffed, he finally agrees.

“Yeah, sure. I can stay.”

James settles onto the sofa while you work in the kitchen. You’ve decided on making some stuffed ravioli and garlic bread—easy, delicious, hard to mess up.

Before getting into cooking, you switch out the record, letting new music drift softly through the space. Unbeknownst to you, James watches closely, paying attention to how you handle the records and the turntable. The care you take when putting a record back in its slip, taking a new one out of its dust cover, and gently putting it on.

Seeing you focused on cooking, James gets up and strolls over to your setup. He runs his fingers lightly across the spines of the record sleeves, feeling a surprising sense of comfort. He hadn’t realized people still used record players so often.

The setup looks quite familiar to him, with many aspects reminiscent of the record players he used back in his earlier days. In his life before this one.

As you finish preparing the pasta and pull the bread from the oven, you call out, “Hey, food’s ready!”

You glance back to see James hovering by the turntable. He quickly moves to the table and sits down.

Over dinner, the conversation flows comfortably. James seems to be relaxing a bit, his initial reserve fading. He’s still somewhat guarded, but what he does share is genuinely interesting. You sense that opening up is challenging for him, so you respect his pace and take whatever he is willing to give. Laughing with each other a few times and getting through some odd topics, he mentions that he hasn’t had a home-cooked meal in quite a while and thanks you with a smile.

After a pleasant dinner, you decide to bring up something you’d been curious about.

“You like records?”

Caught off guard by the question, James tries to answer without revealing too much about himself. It feels strange to be here, knowing you don’t really know who he is, but he worries that being too open might scare you away. He decides to keep his secrets for now, selfishly hoping to get to know you better before revealing more.

“Yeah, I used to have quite a few records as a kid. My ma would play them too, especially when she was cooking, just like you. I didn’t realize they were still so popular.”

Excited by this glimpse into his past, you push further.

“Oh, there’s definitely a huge market for vinyl. Lots of people who think it makes them superior, but also a lot who just love the physical aspect of it.”

“So which one are you?” he asks.

You laugh and reply, “Maybe a bit of both.”

You glance up at him from beneath your lashes, catching his rare smile.

“But really, I just like having it. There’s something different about the listening experience. It requires more effort than just hitting play on a playlist. It’s about choosing a full album and actually sitting down to listen. That feels more intentional to me, and that’s why I do it.”

James seems to ponder your answer, his expression softer than before. He then turns his gaze back to the turntable.

“So, since you mentioned you had records as a kid, do you not have any now?” you ask.

He shakes his head.

“Haven’t had any for a long time. Talking about it makes me miss them. Everything these days feels so complicated. I like simple things like that.”

Watching him as he looks away, you hesitate but notice the nostalgic shine in his eyes. You sense he might appreciate physical music even more than you do.

“If you ever get any and don’t have a place to play them, you’re welcome to use mine.”

He turns to face you, his expression unreadable.

“I mean, I know it’s not the most convenient offer, but it’s there. One record lover to another,” you add with a smile.

He returns your smile, saying, “Okay… thank you. I’ll keep that in mind, Doll.”

That night, Bucky lies on his makeshift bed on the floor, staring up at the ceiling and replaying the events of the day. You knocking on his door for help with the couch, inviting him over for dinner, and all the easygoing conversation you shared. It was such a stark contrast to his usual rigidity. He'd let his guard down just a little—letting himself smile or flirt ever so slightly.

He wishes he were better at this. It used to come so naturally. Hell, before he left for war, he’d gone dancing with both his own date and Steve’s at the same time. Now, he finds himself listening to you talk while struggling to share anything of his own.

He doesn’t want to pass up your invitation, especially since you’re inviting him into your space again. Clearly, his reserve hasn’t put you off too much.

“What would I even bring?” he wonders aloud.

All he’s ever listened to is 40’s music and big band. He doubts that’s readily available these days.

Rolling onto his side, he grabs the cell phone Steve had insisted he get before he went back in time to live his real life, without Bucky.

“You can do anything on here, Buck!”

Scrolling through the three contacts he has, he taps on the name of the guy who’s been trying to reach him for weeks.

“So, is there a valid reason why you haven’t picked up my damn calls?” Sam’s voice comes through.

“Sam, hi.”

“Did you finally learn how to click the screen? Is that why I’m hearing from you now, old man?”

“Look, I’m sorry. I just don’t like the thing. Too confusing,” Bucky says, grimacing as he fiddles with the phone.

“Okay, okay, what’s going on, man? You doing alright?”

“I’m fine. I just have a question and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t harass me about it.”

“Is it about wizards?”

“What?”

“Wizards. Is the question about wizards?”

“No, what the hell. Look, I had dinner with one of my neighbors tonight—”

“Was it a girl?”

“Does it matter?”

“Hell yes, it matters. And from that response, I KNOW it was a girl, so—”

“It doesn’t matter. She has a record player, which I didn’t know people still used, and she offered to let me use it, but I don’t have anything to play on it.”

“I’m not getting the problem.”

“I only like the stuff from the 40’s and—”

“Did you listen to that Marvin Gaye playlist I sent you?”

“Not interested.”

“C’mon, man, it’s good stuff. Give it a listen.”

“Not feeling it.”

“Alright, your loss, I guess. Still not seeing the problem though.”

“What do I bring? I can’t just bring around the stuff I know because where would I even get it?”

“Whoa, man, what do you mean, where would you get it? Just go to a record store and hit up the vintage section or something.”

Bucky pauses, mulling over Sam’s words.

“They have that?”

“Duh. You know, you could answer these questions a lot easier if you just looked them up on your phone—”

“Thanks, Sam. Talk to you later.”

Lying back down, Bucky decides that the next time he’s out to see his therapist, he’ll first stop by a record store to find something to bring over to your place.

Your easygoing presence was so comforting, and he found himself longing for it as he drifted off to sleep. He’d see you again soon enough.

Later in the week, as you wind down from a busy day, you focus on making your space as calming as possible.

You light some candles and turn on an orange floor lamp, the soft glow wrapping around you and setting the perfect mood to sink into your sofa with the book you’ve been neglecting.

You’ve just started settling into your reading when you’re jolted out of your half-nap by the sound of someone knocking on your door.

You get up and peer through the peephole, and there’s your dinner guest from earlier in the week.

Opening the door with a smile, you greet him.

“Hey James, unexpected visit! What’s up?”

His eyes linger on you for a moment before he speaks. You glance down and realize your outfit—shorts that really lived up to their name and a tank top—might not be the most guest-appropriate.

Brushing off your embarrassment, you look back up at him.

“I’ve got something I’d like to play, if that’s alright?”

Bucky’s mind races. Standing at your door, he worries maybe you only offered your place to be nice, and now he’s making a fool of himself. Of course, you didn’t want him there—he could barely talk.

Just as he’s about to get lost in his own head, your bright smile pulls him out of it.

“Oh my gosh, please, come in. What do you have?”

His doubt fades away as he sees your genuine excitement.

“Brought some Sinatra. Not sure if you’re into that, but I used to like his stuff when I was younger.”

You spin around abruptly, staring at him in disbelief.

“There’s no way you think I don’t know who Frank Sinatra is…”

Bucky stumbles over his words.

“Well, I mean, it’s not exactly new stuff so—”

“You think I wouldn’t know ‘Fly Me to the Moon’? ‘Singin’ in the Rain’? ‘New York, New York’? I mean, I even moved to New York—I had to get the romanticism from somewhere.”

“What are those?”

You pause, confused.

“Like, the most iconic Frank Sinatra songs. You are talking about Frank Sinatra, right? Not some other Sinatra I’ve never heard of?”

“No, you’re right, it’s Frank.”

“Then what do you mean?”

“I guess I don’t know those ones.” He admits.

“So, what era are we talking about?” You ask, reaching for the record.

As you grasp the sleeve, you notice a glint of light catching James’s bare hand. Realizing he’s not wearing gloves, confusion sets in before it clicks. You HAD seen James before.

Looking up at him, he seems frozen, obviously panicking. He planned to tell you eventually, but not like this. Not when you weren’t close enough yet.

He thought there is no way you are going to want anything to do with him now.

You thought there is no way was there's an actual Avenger in your apartment right now.

You’re frozen, just like him, but more in shock rather than fear.

“Do you… usually go by James?” you ask cautiously.

Hesitating, he shakes his head.

“What do you usually go by then?”

Bucky feels anxiety creeping up his back. You’re both still holding the record, and he can’t tell if you’re scared or just surprised.

“Bucky.”

You stay silent for a moment while Bucky’s nerves are on edge.

“So… metal hand…”

Clenching his jaw, he replies, “Arm.”

“You’re that Bucky.”

“Yes.”

After a long pause, you start again.

“You’re an Avenger and you didn’t tell me?”

Bucky hesitates, his discomfort visible. “I’m— I’m not an Avenger.”

“What do you mean? You’re totally an Avenger! Why wouldn’t you tell me? How did I not recognize you before?” you ask, laughing in disbelief.

Bucky’s taken aback. You really thought he was an Avenger? You’re not scared of him at all, which surprises him. You must not know much about his past if you’re still standing this close.

“No wonder you don’t know ‘New York, New York,’” you say, almost to yourself. “It’s from after your time! This is crazy, I—”

You’re interrupted by his response.

“Are you not scared?”

“Of course not.”

Bucky closes in on himself, panic evident. “If you really knew me, you’d want nothing to do with me. I’ve—”

“I might not know the version of you you’re talking about, but I’ve met James, who helped me not once, but twice  carry stuff he definitely didn’t have to up the stairs, stayed for dinner, has been very polite to me, and has given me zero reasons to be scared of him.”

He looks at you, his piercing blue eyes revealing an internal struggle. That one look holds more weight than his words. You can see the battle within him, torn between his past and the present moment.

“Listen,” you say, finally letting go of the record, “if you don’t want to stay, you don’t have to. But I’m not scared of you, and I actually like your company. So, regardless of whether you’re James, Bucky, or whoever, you’re still welcome here.”

You pause, adding, “And we can still play this if you’d like.”

Bucky struggles with his inner turmoil. The idea that you know who he is but still want him around is foreign to him. He doesn’t feel worthy of the kindness you’re offering, but it’s been so long since he’s received such warmth that it’s almost impossible to turn it down.

He’s not comfortable with his identity or his past, but in this moment, he wants to push it aside. If you don’t care, maybe he can allow himself not to care, even if just for a bit. Maybe he can prove something to himself, or even his therapist.

Handing you the record, he relaxes his face slightly. You’ve always thought him handsome, but in the dim light of the dark room, he looks almost ethereal.

You’re hoping he believes you because your excitement for his company tonight feels more significant than it probably should, but you’re okay with that.

“I’m Bucky.”

You smile warmly at this change. “Alright, Bucky. What do you want to do?”

He gazes at you deeply, his look sending a shiver down your spine and warming your chest. “Play it.”

a/n: well, hope this was alright. as I mentioned before, ive never wrote fiction before, but ive definitely read enough to get the gist.

[kdramaxoxo]

do you have any drama recs for those who loved run on? doesn't have to be about sports just its overall vibes and sweetness. i need something sweet after binging on action and thrillers djjdsksk

Run on is a literal GIFT!

I'm glad you're open to other kinds of dramas that have that light and fluffy slice-of-life vibe, because there aren't a lot of shows that I feel like are super similar?

K-dramas with Slice-of-Life Soft Romance similar to Run On:

Melo Is My Nature (slice of life/found family with some romance): This drama is by far my favorite slice-of-life drama of 2019. Found family, strong and complex characters, I laughed, I cried. Plus a gay character that’s an actual character, with the gay as a casual side note (classy k-drama!!) It was just a perfect show for me. There’s romance, but all of the stories are super interesting.

A Piece Of Your Mind (soft romance): A bit more on the melo side, this kdrama really captured my heart. Using an AI software to capture the personality of someone, a group of people are pushed together by a person they care about who is no longer alive. It’s an unusual premise, but the AI takes a back seat to the romance, friendship, and drama that happens between 5 people and the music studio they work at. The drama had 4 episodes cut so I was worried I would notice but I think it helped the drama keep it’s lovely pacing and tone. Soft Couple Alert (the girl is just the most amazing character!)

Your House Helper (friendship/found family/ romance): A group of girl friends move into their friend’s house to help with the rent and support her through the loss of her father. This is a quiet and sweet slice of life with a ton of great friendship and romance too.

The Package (slice of life/travel/romance): This show’s unique setting of Paris features a bunch of different pairs of Korean tourists as part of a group. You get to learn about each pair and the complexities of their relationships. The male romance lead had a sweet and open personality and I just honestly loved that about him. When the couple argued they actually used their communication skills! If you’re looking for a quiet slice-of-life drama that’s a little different, check it out.

The Happy Loner/ Individualist Ms. Ji Young (mini drama/romcom): This mini drama features a puppy-like boy trying to befriend a “cold” female. He is persistent in winning her over but not overbearing by any means. I had a couple of issues with this show but overall it’s one of the better mini dramas I’ve seen.

Reunited Worlds (fantasy/romance/soft couple): Hae Sung, a senior in high school dies and through k-drama magic, travels twelve years into the future to solve the mystery of his death. He reunites with his high school sweetheart (a now 31 year old woman) and the two fall back in love. He’s really smitten with her regardless of her age, and works hard to make her feel comfortable with their age difference. He’s a lovely friend with a pure heart and is completely adorable. The SLS is also incredibly beta (though not a very charismatic role - people complained about his acting skills). I don’t know a lot of people who liked this show as much as I did, but Yeo Jin Goo melted my heart and I felt all of the feels (plus I love the fated lovers and time travel tropes).

Fight for My Way (slice of life/romcom): I love this drama! Always a fave for me, this drama is funny and heartwarming! The leading lady is a strong female which I LOVE, and Park Seo Joon plays her really cute down to earth best friend. It’s a childhood friends to lovers trope with a group of regular people (no rich heirs in this show!) and has a happy ending and a lot of cute flirting, cuddling and kissing. Argh I love these two!

Into The Ring (workplace/romcom): The perfect slice-of-life rom com! Goo Se Ra has trouble holding down a job due to her passionate personality so after she loses her latest job working for the ML, she decides to run for a small government office position because it pays a salary. Literally she does it for the money which is just *chef’s kiss.* The show is about her dealing with local politics and it’s SO FUNNY and smart and the OTP is the best!

Her Private Life (workplace romcom): Park Min Young really knows how to pick dramas. I loved this one about a museum curator who is secretly a fangirl obsessed with an idol. It’s fun and fluffy but does have a very mild childhood trauma thing with his mother but I mean, 99% of dramas like this do? If you like this one, Touch Your Heart and Why Secretary Kim are by the same person and have similar vibes.

When the Weather Is Fine (slice of life but a little melo in the romance department): A girl returns to her quaint hometown to live with her estranged aunt. She is reacquainted with a class mate and gets a job at his book store. The highlights of this drama are the soft romance scenes, and the side characters. The sister and friend (played by Lee Jae Wook) are so much fun to watch and I’ve never seen characters with their specific personalities. It’s a bit angsty and frustrating in the communication department if I’m honest (her and her whole family are just the worst with talking to one another when they could just move forward, so that portion of the story was a bit hard to watch), but the rest was really good.

Because This is My First Life: I’m always so annoyed that I love this drama so much, when the lead has an icky irl scandal but this show is off the charts amazing. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I don’t want to punish anyone else involved with the show AND all of the characters are so well done that it’s just worth the recommendation (just make sure you are aware of the leads possible scandel.) It’s a contract marriage/slice of life drama with AMAZING female leads (and a stunning kitty). This show has my favorite female character of all time aside from Scarlett in Search: WWW (Soo ji!)

12 Nights (soft romance): While not a very popular drama when it aired, I really enjoyed the slow pacing and the extra soft leads. I mean they might be the most beta couple in the entire kdrama universe. The relationship is a quiet and lovely one that takes a long time to build and the couple is super sweet together. Plus there are more characters than just the lead, and they all get their own story over the course of eight years as well which is interesting. It suffers from a lot of filler which is it’s biggest flaw but I’m still glad I watched it.

[bokutosworld]

seconds, hours, minutes, days | kenma k. 

pairing: kenma kozume x gn!reader  word count, genre: 2.2k words, fluff, university au, strangers to friends to lovers.  summary: love is nothing more than just a fleeting feeling. until he meets you and suddenly, he finds himself looking forward to every moment he can spend with you.  press play: blueming by iu, leo by bol4 ft. baekhyun 

The door to the cafe opens, the addicting aroma of coffee beans travels through the air and greets Kenma when he steps inside. He scans the room, finding the familiar figure of his longtime friend who was currently chatting the barista by the counter. He’s walking towards Kuroo and he could already hear excited laughter coming from the front. 

When he enters the scene, the stranger directs their friendly gaze to him and the second that their eyes meet, Kenma feels he’s in the middle of a meet-cute of some romcom movie. 

The first thing he notices is the way your eyes crinkle when you smile, the corners of your mouth turning upwards as you greet him. He hears your voice, but he couldn’t make out what you were saying—as if he was entranced by a spell, too busy to pay attention to anything else and finding it all too easy to become drawn to your aura.  

Kuroo watches it all unfold before him: his best friend who was too stunned to do or say anything, and his other friend, you, who was too clueless to figure out their effect on him. He chuckles before putting his arm around Kenma, steering the situation to introduce you two to each other. Something about you was captivating and Kenma knows he’d be lying if he said that he wasn’t already bewitched by you. 

As he stood in line with Kuroo, who was ordering the drinks they’d need for an all-nighter, his mind is occupied—thinking about how of all the things he’d expected to happen when he agreed to help out for a project, falling in love at first sight wasn’t on the list. You left a strong impression on him, and Kenma knows he wouldn’t be able to stop thinking of you in the days to come. 

—

He encounters you for the second time when he attends a party organized by Kuroo’s college org. This wasn’t his usual scene, on a typical weekend, he’d much rather stay at home and catch up with either his studies and papers or his games. As he’s standing in the middle of the room, surrounded by loud and drunk college students, he considers going back to his dorm. 

But the moment that he’s about to leave, he hears a familiar voice. 

He stops in his tracks, because there you were—so full of life, so mesmerizing standing surrounded by different people. He could see a spotlight shining down on you, naturally attracting the attention of everyone in the room. He’s sure that this was the reason Kuroo had been persistent on getting him to go to the party (the boy spent days on end pestering him about it to the point that he had no other choice but to say yes).  

Eventually, Kuroo finds him and they go around, with the former introducing Kenma to his classmates and acquaintances. The night draws on, and some time past midnight, he rests on the available seat on the couch. He takes deep breaths to calm himself before he spots your presence again in the corner of the room. It doesn’t surprise him that you were still full of energy and stories to tell your friends. 

What surprises him is when your eyes meet his. His heart skips a beat when he sees that look of recognition and that knowing smile on your face. He watches as you apologize and leave the group, steadily making your way towards him and taking the empty space beside him. 

You beam at him, “Hey.” 

“Hello.” 

“I remember you.” He watches you take a swig of the drink in your hand. “You’re Kuroo’s best friend, right?”

“Yeah. I’m surprised you do.” 

“Who wouldn’t? I think you’re cute.”  Kenma was flustered. Your words sending his mind into a spiral, struggling to form a coherent reply to your straightforward statement. 

“I didn’t think I’d see you here. Figured this,” you wave your hands in the air exaggeratedly. “…might not be your cup of tea.” 

“Well, I had no choice.” 

“Oh, yeah? Tell me about it.” You scoot closer to him, knees almost touching at the reduced space between you two. “I want to get to know you, Kenma.” 

Kenma couldn’t find it in himself to say no. And before he knew it, he’s openly sharing bits and pieces of his life. You ask him about his past with Kuroo and he’s eagerly taking you to a flashback of his childhood, narrating embarrassing moments (mostly of Kuroo) and he feels happy whenever you found it amusing.

You ask him about his interests, his hobbies, his pet peeves; he learns about you, the charming barista from the 24-hour cafe, a business management student who has too much bills and college loans to pay.

Every minute that passes, every minute he enjoys himself in your presence—with you, making him laugh like he had never before, lighting a spark in his heart and sending the butterflies in his stomach fluttering about, he finds himself falling head over heels for you. 

—

For the weeks that passed after the party, people started noticing the two of you getting closer. The pair of you were inseparable. In breaks and lunches when it was only him and Kuroo, along with few of their friends, you’ve managed to sneak yourself in their social group, earning a permanent spot in their table right beside Kenma. 

And often, the others would observe how his attention would solely be on you whenever you were present. It was a mystery to them, but also a source of amusement, how Kenma would become a different person—breaking out of his shell as he became more talkative and more teasing, exchanging playful banters from time to time. 

But at the same time, there was something painful about watching the two of you as they become witnesses to the coming-to-life of a slow-burn romance. 

And neither of you was admitting it: the push and pull, the undeniable tension that existed whenever the two of you were in the same room. The force of attraction was clear, and everyone had been wondering why neither you nor Kenma were making a move. 

That all came to a head on a weekend when you visited him at his dorm. 

“What are you doing here?” Kenma opens the door wider, giving you space to easily slip in his living area. His eyes follow you like a hawk as you settle your things on his floor, going from room to room and finally sitting down on his couch. You look at him excitedly, grinning from ear to ear as you wave him over to sit beside you. 

“Movie night!” Kenma watches as you take out your laptop and a bag of his favorite snacks. “There’s a new crime thriller on Netflix and I figured we can binge it together.” 

He throws you an incredulous look, “It’s 8 P.M. Shouldn’t you be at your dorms right now? Did you forget the curfew?” 

“Oh, screw that!” You open the Macbook and place it on his center table. You cuddle to his side and Kenma instinctively adjusts, making you comfortable. He grabs the blanket that he’d taken out before you arrived and drapes it over the two of you. He studies you as you navigate the web, logging in to Netflix and pulling up the show you’ll watch for tonight. 

“I can’t believe you would just appear in front of my doorstep and force me to watch this with you.” 

You look at him playfully, “Don’t be such a killjoy.” Your gaze on him lingers for a second longer, the atmosphere shifting to something more intimate. 

He clears his throat, quickly bringing his attention on the laptop screen. “Stop. Why are you looking at me like that?” 

“Kenma.” 

He tries his best to focus on the show. But he couldn’t, not when he feels your soft hand cupping his face, turning him so you could get a good look at him.  

“I like you.” 

His mind goes blank, but one thing was certain: he was elated, and his heart was currently doing a somersault inside him. So, when he tries to reply, all he could give was a shy smile and an, “Okay.” 

And that was enough. Because for the time that you’ve known Kenma, you’ve learned that he has always preferred actions over words. 

You hum and wrap your arms around him. He reciprocates by pulling you closer to him, until all you could hear was the erratic beating of his heart drowning out the loud sounds from the show. 

The hours flew by just like that. It doesn’t occur that the both of you have fallen sound asleep, leaving the laptop on. When Kenma awakens, the words Are you still watching? are now flashing on the screen. He feels something heavy on top of him and his eyes drop to your figure laying on his body. He feels overwhelmed with contentedness at the moment. 

Maybe your barging in his door and inviting him to watch Netflix wasn’t such a bad idea after all. 

—

If somebody were to ask Kenma when he had been the happiest in his life, he’d gladly say it was every second, minute, and hour that he has spent by your side. The boy couldn’t ask for a more fun, supportive, and kind-hearted partner when he already has you. You have given him so much, made him feel so loved and special, that he often asks himself if there was anything he could do to repay you. 

The past few months with you has been nothing short of amazing, with every single day feeling like literal heaven in your presence. And now, he’s counting down the days to your birthday which coincidentally also marks the six months of his relationship with you. It was on this special day that Kenma decides to surprise you. 

One of the things that you and Kenma have in common is how you both prefer the simple things. Where others favored to go outside for dates, sleepovers and movie nights in either his or your dorm has always been the norm in the relationship. You also didn’t mind small gifts, not one for flowers and plushies, as you always told him that it is the thought that matters the most. 

And he thinks about it now as he’s standing outside the same cafe where his paths crossed and connected with yours for the first time. 

He goes over his plan one more time when the automatic door slides open, and he goes inside. He finds you entertaining a customer, and he admires how hardworking you have always been. He joins the queue, nerves flying through the roof as he patiently waits to reach the front of the line. 

“Kenma!” A look of genuine surprise takes over you when you finally see him. “What are you doing here?” 

He does something you never thought he’d do: placing his hands on the counter, he leans and plants a soft kiss on your lips.     

“I love you,” he says out of the blue and it sends your mind in a frenzy, your heart fluttering. His words don’t even register anymore when he says his order and tells you, “Your shift ends in ten, right? I’ll wait for you and we can get something to celebrate your birthday.”

Kenma keeps his gaze at you as he waits for your shift to end. He sighs of relief when he sees you come out of the staff room and meets you halfway. He intertwines his hands with yours and guides you out of the shop. The sun is setting coloring the streets in red orange hues and everything right now looks like a painting. 

You walk in silence, stopping by your favorite Chinese takeout shop to buy something to eat when you arrive at his dorm. He orders for the both of you, and when he’s done, you pull him to the side and finally ask the question that has been bugging you. 

“You said you loved me back there, right? 

He chuckles, “Yeah, I did.” Kenma tugs you closer, arms encircling your waist and resting his head on your shoulders. “Should I have not said it?” 

“I was just surprised.” 

“It’s nothing to be surprised for.” He leans to your ear and his voice low when he whispers, “I just said the truth. I have been falling in love with you since the first day we met.”  

You feel warm when you realize that Kenma beat you to saying those three magical words in the relationship. But it was another thing when he reveals to you how he’s been taken with you since your first meeting. And right now, all you could do was to thank your lucky stars for bringing you to him.  

You look at him, reaching a hand to outline his features before returning his kiss with one of your own.

“Thank you. And I love you too, more than you’ll ever know.” 

At your words, Kenma falls for you over again and he decides he wouldn’t mind spending more seconds, hours, minutes, and days with you.  

[kpop-cakepops]

Hello! Can I request a drabble with Wonwoo where fem reader invites him over to watch a horror movie and he’s scared of horror movies but she doesn’t know? He keeps flinching and shutting his eyes through the movie and then he ends up burying his face in reader’s shoulder as she comforts him. Maybe it could be linked to ‘Snuggle donation’ if you think it fits together. Thank you so much! ☺️💝

STOP! THIS REQUEST IS SO CUTE!!! This was not edited so excuse any grammar mistakes! Also, I'm actually terrified of scary movies myself so if something doesn't add up about the movie, just know I googled the plot okay?! 🤣🤣🤣

Warnings: very light cussing

Genre: Fluffy fluff

Word count: 1,064

Snuggle Donation: Coward// Jeon Wonwoo X Fem!Reader

"Are you sure you want to watch the conjuring? We can totally change the movie and watch something different. Maybe do one of those dumb romcoms you love so much" Wonwoo was trying everything in his power to get Y/N to change her mind about the horror movie they had planned to watch.

"Woo, are you scared? If you're scared we can-"

"I'm not scared! I'm just saying it for your sake, but fine, If you want to watch it so much then let's just put it on and get it over with." He snapped. It was the stubborn little frown on her best friend's face that made Y/N suppress a smile.

After debating for the past hour on who of the two was the coward in their friendship, Y/N decided to bring up horror films. She knew well enough that her best friend, albeit tall and strong, was a scaredy-cat when it came to horror films, and that alone would give her the victory. "You want popcorn?"

The man shook his head as he dropped on her couch. His long limbs stretching out leaving no space for Y/N. He was starting to get huffy and puffy and the girl could tell. "Make space for me"

Wonwoo, however, refused to budge. "Make me"

"God, you're so annoying" she grumbled and forced her way onto the couch. Half of her body on top of his.

"Excuse me, do you mind? You just burst my personal bubble" the tall man's words said one thing but his reddened ears said a whole other story.

"I asked you nicely to make space for me" Y/N shrugged causing Wonwoo to scoot to the side slightly, his arms finding one of the couch cushions and setting it on his lap. "Alright big boy. Here we go" Missing Wonwoos large gulp, Y/N played the movie.

It wasn't long before the big man started to fidget in his seat, the urge to cover his face had him bumping his thumbs nervously but he refused to let you win. That is until the first jump scare came in. He flinched automatically, the cushion that had been resting on his lap fell to the ground, but Y/N didn't seem to notice as she was far too engrossed in the movie to care about what Wonwoo was up to... and that made him even huffier than before.

"I'm going to turn off the lights" he spoke trying to get the girl's attention, but Y/N simply nodded her head.

He stood from his seat and walked over to the light switch taking the opportunity to take a couple deep breaths only to come to the realization that turning off the light was only going to make him even more scared than he already was. "I hate this fucking movie" he mumbled to himself.

"What's taking you so long?"

"I'm going to pee." He lied as he rushed over to her bathroom and locked the door behind himself.

Y/N chuckled under her breath and stood to check on him. Her hand shaking at the doorknob. "Woo, you okay in there?"

The sudden movement and the loudness of her voice made the man stumble in fright. His long legs running into her laundry basket. "Jesus Christ, Y/N! Can a man not piss in peace?!"

Y/N in turn had to bite down a laugh. "Sorry, I just thought that maybe you were too scared to come out"

"Shut up." He turned the faucet pretending to wash his hands before pushing his way out of the small bathroom, completely ignoring the girl as she laughed at him.

"You good now? Can I play it?" She asked.

Wonwoo grabbed the remote himself and pressed play. He grabbed the cushion again, this time hugging it to his chest as he watched the movie unfold. Suddenly the scene where the spirit of an elderly woman is perched on top of the cupboard in the main character's room starts. Wonwoo instantly hides his face behind his cushion but peeks at the screen just as the spirit pounces on the girl and attacks her. 

"Oh shit!" He was unable to control his reaction, his whole body flailed over to the side, grabbing Y/N by the arm and pulling her towards him so her body landed with a thud onto his chest and was perfectly shielding his.

"WONWOO YOU SCARED ME!"

He tried his best to sound nonchalant as he pressed his face into the crook of her neck. "W-what perfume do you use? It smells nice."

As soon as the girl realized the position they were in with him fallen back into the couch and her laying over him, her face burned hot as she became flustered. That, however, was luckily concealed by the darkness of the room. "I- I don't know... did you have to pull me on top of you just to ask?"

Wonwoo peeked over her shoulder and at the screen before deciding he was too scared to let go of her. "What's wrong with a man getting the sudden urge to hold his best friend?"

"I don't know, Wonwoo, best friends don't exactly lay on top of each other like this?"

Wonwoo loosened his hold on her and cleared his throat because despite being scared shitless by the movie, there was still a question he'd been meaning to ask since the first time they'd cuddled to sleep. "Does it make you uncomfortable?"

Y/N was caught by surprise. She fixed her position so she was not directly on top of him but rather huddled to his side in an almost spooning position, all that wriggling about just to avoid his eyes. "Well, no. Not really..."

Something warm filled both of their tummies as soon as she said that. "Okay... then just let me hold you," he told her, his hold on her tightening once again before fixing himself so he was properly spooning her from behind, his chin rested on top of her head.

Turned out he was the biggest coward between the two because the question he'd been meaning to ask Y/N wasn't what perfume she used or if snuggling her best friend made her feel uncomfortable. The question he'd meant to ask was if she liked him because he sure as hell seemed to like her... a lot.

[sannieboy]

the kinds of kisses i think the boyz would like most

_______________________________

i know i know i know, i never update. especially with writing works. but, i suddenly got inspired bc thrill ride and they all look phenomenal, and decided to write about my boyz and what sort of kisses they would like. so, i hope you enjoy my blatantly obvious touch-starved self and her writing :D

if you do end up enjoying this, maybe consider checking out my masterlist for similarly sappy pieces of writing

_______________________________

（＾＿＾）☆

sangyeon: a kiss given after being swept off of your feet

sangyeon gives the big sweetheart vibes. he’s a romantic, he’s strong, he’s gonna sweep you off of your feet. his favourite part about kissing you as he’s holding you from falling is the sweet noise of surprise that escapes your lips before he captures them in his own, followed by the way you can’t help but smile into his kiss. there’s just something so sweet and homey about sangyeon. sangyeon feels like dancing with your significant other in the lounge to your favourite songs, stepping on each others feet in the process, but there is nothing but smiles and eyes filled with adoration. sangyeon wants to do that with you; he wants to twirl you around the house and dip you in his arms, looking at you with warmth in his eyes before pressing his lips so sweetly against yours, sharing with you all of the love his being is capable of producing.

~

jacob: a kiss pressed to the crown of your head

anything relating to jacob bae instantly entails warmth and comfort; and i feel that a loving kiss pressed to the crown of your head conveys exactly that. these sorts of kisses often happen as you stand, swaying back and forth embraced in each other’s arms. he’ll kiss the crown of your head softly and slowly, lips gentle and full of love. jacob loves giving these kisses to you, mostly because he adores being the recipient of them. he finds that a kiss to the top of his head manages to fill his whole being with a sense of home and surety, so he gives them to you in hopes that they give you the same, tingly feeling (they do). so please, give this man a kiss on the top of his head, it’ll make his whole day.

~

younghoon: kisses shared in a stairwell, creating an artificial height equality

when i think of younghoon, i think of his playfulness, his soft and gentle nature, and how much of a hopeless romantic he is. younghoon is a cheesy man; he’ll never admit to it though. but you can see it in the way that his ears will turn a rosy red whenever you give him a kiss as you stand on the stairs above him, allowing you to hold his face and kiss him from above. younghoon relishes in the way it feels to look up at your face instead of down, and how nice it feels when you hold his face so tenderly in your hands. moments like these make younghoon feel as if he’s been cast in a sappy romcom, one that he would pretend to cringe at but would secretly make his sweet heart flutter. kisses like these make him glad that you’ll indulge him in the cheesy little moments he so deeply adores. kissing you like this makes him fall in love with you all over again.

~

hyunjae: kisses shared whilst you’re sitting on his lap

hyunjae lives for having you perched upon his lap, and will take absolutely any opportunity to have you there. watching a movie together? pillows litter the other couches, and he insists that you MusT sit on his lap because there’s NO room anywhere else. walking past him as he’s sitting? you’re always yanked down onto his lap. so it makes sense that his favourite kisses would happen in his favourite spot to have you. hyunjae loves having your body weight and warmth on him, he likes feeling how real you are, and how you are really his to embrace and love. these kisses can range from needy and rough, to slow and sanguine; more often the latter. hyunjae is a romantic lover, although he tends to keep that part of himself hidden. but it’s not hard to tell that he is one from the way he kisses you when you’re settled on his thighs :D

~

juyeon: pulling away from a kiss, whispering confessions of love against your lips, before reconnecting them

juyeon is spontaneous. sometimes, he is a quiet, more reserved lover. whereas other days, he wants to do nothing but smother you with love and affection. whenever he’s smiley and happy and just full of love for you, he likes to kiss you softly yet deeply, lips moulding against yours as he sways back and forth. he tends to pull away early, enjoying the way you chase after his lips, and rest his forehead against your own, whisper a sweet confession of love before reconnecting your lips. juyeon likes feeling the way your lips curve upwards as you kiss, and the way you push yourself further into his being. juyeon loves that even though he doesn’t show you affection all of the time, that though these kisses, he can make sure you know just how hard he has fallen for you, and that sometimes, you’ll do the same to him.

~

kevin: small, quick kisses littered across your face

kevin moon is a playful man, and that is present in both the way he loves his friends and family, and in the way that he loves you. even though he’s constantly joking around and making everyone around him light up with laughter, he still wants to make sure you know how much you mean to him. smothering you in quick, little pecks makes kevin feel as if he’s covering every part of you with his love. when you’re both snuggling in bed and he starts pressing kisses all across your face, you giggle at the ticklish nature of his lips’ feathery touch; but you can feel flowers of warmth blooming wherever his kisses land, his warm, passionate love for you seeping from his lips onto your skin.

~

chanhee: slow, draw out kisses in which neither of you want to let go

chanhee is a man of quiet passion. he has a lot of emotions, but the way in which he shows them is more discreet. now don’t get me wrong, chanhee loves a passionate, steamy make out session, hands in hair and bodies pressed close, but he prefers to show his love through a different sort of kiss. chanhee adores kissing you whilst holding you close to him, his arms hanging daintily around your waist, bodies pressed tenderly against one another. like this, he’ll press his lips against yours softly, slowly, yet wholly. with kisses like this, where your lips move in tandem languidly, chanhee feels as if he’s showing you the utmost sincere affection and love he has for you, and that he feels yours for him too. kisses like these make chanhee feel so warm and loved, taking immense pleasure of the feeling of your fingers toying with the hair that rests at the nape of his neck whilst his hands wander the expanse of you back, your waist, and sometimes coming up to cup your jaw as he kisses you with his whole being.

~

changmin: a small, hesitant kiss, proceeded immediately by a passionate, hungry kiss

ji changmin is a cheeky man; a trickster, if you will. he’s a very playful and lighthearted person, these personality traits translating into his relationship with you. whenever he goes to kiss you, he’ll hold your chin softly before sweetly pressing his lips against yours, nothing but the warm feeling of lips against lips. these kisses are quick and leave you wanting more, he knows this because of the way you chase after his lips once he’s pulled away. he’ll giggle at your desperation before holding your face more securely and truly connecting your lips together; full of ardour that his innocent kisses simply lack. changmin likes to catch you off guard, whether that’s by giving you a spook or by surprising you with a passionate kiss proceeding a soft and airy kiss. he revels in the way that you take a second to process what’s happening before you reciprocate his affection. changmin loves the reactions you make when you’re caught by surprise. he thinks that you are devastatingly cute, and finds that he doesn’t want to stop kissing you.

~

haknyeon: morning kisses before either of you have opened your eyes

haknyeon treasures the moments of solitude he spends with you, the fragments of time in which he feels as if there is no one in the world but you, him, and the feeling of the sun streaming through the window. waking up in bed next to you is one of these times. haknyeon loves to love all of the parts of you that you feel insecure about, such as the drool-stained face, tousled bed hair and groggy expression that you wear just upon waking up. the way he kisses you groggily when you’re both half asleep is filled with such raw, unadulterated affection and hearth-like tenderness; the feeling of your lips and his melding together under the eyes of the rising sun fills you with a tingly warmth, kisses sharing unspoken confessions of love.

~

sunwoo: tracing your lips with his finger before tilting your chin up for a kiss

sunwoo, much like a few of the other members, is a hidden romantic. sometimes he acts as if he doesn’t like being showered with affection; typically in the physical sense, but he truly loves the feeling of being loved up by you. he loves giving you these kinds of kisses, because they usually only happen in a more intimate, romantic setting where the two of you are alone. sunwoo loves tracing his finger around your lips, adoring the soft warmth of them. he hopes that you can feel his love for you in the tenderness of his thumb brushing against your bottom lip, and in the way he looks at you before he connects your lips; eyes becoming doe-like with affection. these kisses are so so special to sweet sunwoo, and he hopes that you hold them as close to your heart as he does :)

~

eric: hugging you close before passionately kissing you on the lips

eric is a man filled with passion that just bursts at the seams of his being, and this passion transfers over to the way he loves you. eric always wants to show you the fierce love he holds for you, whether that be through his words, or through his actions. he often uses these types of kisses as a greeting and a goodbye to you. it’ll happen when eric stumbles through the door, having just returned from practise. he finds you, wherever you are, pulls you into a tight hug that lets you feel his heartbeat against your own body, chins buried in each others neck. he’ll then pull back, just a smidge, and smash his lips onto yours, communicating the passionate adoration he holds for you through a sweet kiss.

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i’m sad and lonely :D

[killuaisaprincess]

Mi Amor

Gon isn't surprised to be woken by a blood-curdling scream. He isn't, but when amber eyes snap open, his sternum aches with how choked out it sounds. The way the scream lingers in the air, pained, so desperate. It cuts right through his muscle and skin and smashes through bone, making him jump out of the bed, instincts taking over.

He shouldn't have let Killua convince him they should sleep in different rooms. Sure, outright confronting him wouldn't have worked. Killua had been especially cagey all day... but Gon could've used something, anything... three different rooms would be too expensive. Then again, Killua had already accounted for that, and Alluka ended up in the same room with Gon, Killua a separate one. Gon should've pushed harder. Killua had been distant and weirder than normal... his smiles clearly fake for Alluka's sake.

His heart is pounding so loudly in his ears, fear, and rage trickling down in pools of sweat, hands clenched in fists of iron, veins popping. He was terrified someone was actually hurting Killua... with how he sounded... even though Gon knows Killua is more than capable of taking care of himself, in his sleep even...

Gon doesn't waste time. His adrenaline is spiked with fear; he punches a hole straight through the wall to Killua's room. It probably wakes everyone in the little motel up, including Alluka, but Gon doesn't care.

"Killua!"

Gon steps over debris from his newly created door, panic rising in his chest. His best friend was slumped over in a heap on his bed, legs entangled in a sheet, and slim digits grasping at his thin tank top as he gasps for air.

Gon pads across the room, trying to temper how loud his footsteps are as he rushes over, dipping a knee into the creaky bed, before settling down. He's slow with his movements, despite how much he wants to grab Killua and pull him into a bone-crushing hug. He tentatively brushes his fingertips against Killua's shoulders, lifting him up in hopes that'll help him breathe easier, ever so gently looking into those scared, broken eyes.

Those giant blue eyes blown wide open in fear, tears pooling at the corners, making Gon swallow his rage. To kill whoever hurt Killua this much a thousand times. Seeing that fragile look, feeling Killua shake under his light grip, and hearing his mumbles is enough to make Gon's heart split clean in two.

"No... no, please... I'm sorry... I'll be the perfect assassin... no more... please. It hurts. No more... please... I don't want to. I don't want to. I'm scared. I'm scared."

Like a mantra over and over, every word is another knife plunged and twisted into Gon's chest, making it hard to breathe. Killua... knowing Killua was in so much worse pain, had been in so much worse pain...

How.

Dare.

They.

He has to bite back every urge to tighten his grip.

Gon's hands are strong, strong, and rough; they have been since he was little, running around Whale Island, climbing trees, and befriending animals much larger than him. He makes sure to be as gentle as possible with every touch. Tugging his fingers up to brush some of Killua's sweat-soaked hair out of his eyes, the pad of his thumb pressing under Killua's cheek. Softly, tenderly wiping away some of those tears. There's a flicker of recognition in Killua's eyes, one that makes Gon's heart soar. He presses Killua flush to his chest, fingers draping across the younger's thin waist, protectively. Every touch is strong, but not in the way Killua is used to. Not strength that would restrain him and hurt him. Strength that would protect him, gentle, profound strength.

Gon rubs light circles against Killua's back through the soaked fabric of his over-shirt. Killua doesn't say anything, but Gon listens carefully, full of intent to every breath Killua takes. The heavy gasps like he's being plunged underwater, choked with sobs, slowly start to calm down. If it didn't get better Gon would have used the techniques he asked Leorio about.

Killua seems so tiny in his arms, pressing his face into his chest like this and sobbing. Despite the fact that they are relatively the same size, he seems impossibly small and fragile, and Gon tugs Killua closer, squeezing his eyes in pain, burying his nose in Killua's hair.

It hurts more than anything that he can't do anything more for his best friend; Gon wishes more than anything he could go back in time, go back and time and save Killua. A small broken child, crying on the cold dark floor, bleeding out. They are fifteen now, but whatever small time they have left of a 'childhood,' Gon won't let Killua suffer anymore... he won't be selfish this time.

"It's okay. I've got Killua... I won't let anything happen to him. I'll protect him, I promise. I've got Killua..."

His own mantra repeated over and over. He wouldn't let anyone lay a hand on Killua.

Killua's sobs eventually reside to a stop, only a few sniffles. Gon's heart still feels heavy, but when Killua shifts under him and Gon pulls away, offering Killua the biggest brightest smile he can.

The ashamed look on Killua's face as he rubs the heel of his palm under red puffy eyes makes Gon's heart break again.

"Kil-"

"I'm fine."

Killua snaps, voice hoarse, eyebrows pinched together, tears slowly welling up in his bloodshot eyes, and Gon can't take it. That pretty face being scrunched up in pain. The kind, gentle soul he loves more than anything distraught. When a sob tears from his lips, that's all Gon can take.

Gon tugs Killua right back, ignoring how he squirms, even weakly hits Gon in the chest. He shushes Killua will all the love he can, running featherlight touches against his spine. Killua shivers under him, and Gon's shirt is a mess of snot and tears by now, and Gon doesn't care. He just mummers soft reassurances to Killua. Over and over.

"It's okay. I've got Killua... it's okay, my love, it's okay."

Killua stiffens, and Gon freezes, his breath catching in his throat as Killua looks up, confusion flickering in those perfectly beautiful eyes. Gon's heart feels like breaking again because Killua is confused. He's staring wide-eyed and dumbfounded.

"W-what? My... love...?"

Gon can't take it. That Killua would be confused by something Gon feels so truly. It's because of them, them, and their sick, twisted, hateful love.

"Did you bonk your head, stupid?"

Gon shakes his head, leaning forward and pressing his forehead against Killua's, grinning widely, his small dimples showing, fingers tugging Killua in closer and never letting go.

"Nope! Killua is my love! Killua's my everything! My sunshine! My moon! My stars! My sun!"

Every word he fills with strength and love, love they never gave him, as Killua's blotchy cheeks, pale ivory, and pink, go red. It's beautiful. Killua's beautiful. Gon doesn't want him to be in pain anymore. Some might think it nothing more than childish adoration, making him say something out of a romcom. That's not it at all. Despite what it seemed, his childish nature, and baby face, Gon was intelligent, and he knows with all his heart he loves Killua.

Killua blubbers, those long slim beautiful fingers, digging into Gon's shirt as he buries his head into Gon's shoulder. Gon smiles so softly, fingers petting Killua's locks of hair. Killua is light as a feather, really, but the weight of his head and body craning into Gon makes Gon's heart skip a beat. He hums happily, tracing circles around Killua's bony shoulder blade. He isn't even sure how long they stay like that... Gon feels his eyes get heavy a few times before he shakes himself awake.

Killua's light breathing and drooling all over his shoulder makes Gon peer down fondly as he lifts Killua up with ease, warmth ebbing in his chest. He wouldn't let Killua have any more nightmares, not tonight, not ever; he'd never let the Zoldyck's touch Killua again.

Gon walks through the hole in the wall, sort of sad he can't see the cute little blush that will bloom across Killua's features when he tells him he punched a hole through the wall for him, but Gon supposes he can wait. To alas also be scolded too... although he might already get scolded as big blue eyes stare at him, Alluka standing there in her pink pajamas, worry pooling in her eyes.

Alluka must have heard her brother's screams, now and before; she probably always worried about him... So Gon grins, ending up on the side of the bed almost falling off, Killua pressed against his chest, Alluka on the other side, hugging her brother from behind. Gon lovingly caresses Killua's cheek, and Alluka yawns, peering at him through sleepy eyes.

"You really love big brother, huh?"

"Mmm. I love him lots."

Alluka grins, slowly closing her eyes.

"Nanika's glad, so am I."

Gon smiles, although she or Killua can't see, reaching over and tugging the sheet over her and Killua more, leaving one of his hands to rest on Killua's waist, the other Alluka's shoulder.

He was glad too.

[lizacstuff]

Your thoughts on the epi? I thought it was a good episode overall. Serkan is acting the way I thought he would: he wants to be the perfect Dad, is scared she won't love him, is spoiling her but also teaching her things. I'm not quite sure why Kiraz isn't calling him Baba, maybe she needs time to adjust to calling him that. I have mixed emotions when it comes to the way Eda spied on Serkan. I understand she's worried but trust the man a little. No comments on Aydan and Ayfer! They are too much!

Hello! I liked the episode. It felt very light, very romcom-y and I thought it was very enjoyable to watch. Loved every minute of Serkan trying to be the ideal dad and I'm here for the Edser UST this ep brought. They want each other sooooo much. And, yes, Eda wants him, she wants him bad. I thought the custody thing at the end was silly and convoluted, but, hey, I'm totally here for the "they're not together and fighting their feelings, but forced to live together" trope so I will just ignore how unbelievable it would be for Edser to be drowning in hearteyes for each other all ep, getting along in regards to Kiraz, AND seemingly aware that Aydan/Ayfer were up to something and still allow a misunderstanding over their shenanigans to spiral to that nonsense degree.

Maybe the folks that think that Serkan & Eda were playing all the meddling family and friends are right, and they set it up beforehand, it's just that I've thought things were a fake out on this show so many times, only for them to be real, so at this point I'm operating under the assumption that this is just a romcom plot point to throw our romantic leads together and it's not worth examining it too closely.

I'll give my thoughts on the "Baba" vs "Serkan Bolat" thing and Eda's actions after we talk a bit about the B, C and D players... Thankfully we had plenty of Edser and Kiraz screen time this ep so the supporting stories didn't overwhelm the episode too much.

(much more under the cut)

That being said, who can we pay to get these people to mind their own f-cking business? LMAO. At least Engin and Piril weren't annoying and were actually trying to be helpful. I mean, Piril is still cancelled, but if she's not causing trouble now then she's not at the top of my shit list. However, I did laugh at her when she's sort of pleading with Serkan: "We've been friends for a long time, you'll understand why I did this." Um... what, Piril? You're sitting there approximately 72 hours after Serkan found out he has a child and he's already proven that he's ALL IN on being a father, and you expect Serkan to think you were right for hiding it from him? Cause why? He has already proven that any concerns you had about him rejecting Kiraz were invalid. The only thing wrong with Serkan's anger at Piril is that it will probably only last for that scene.

Anyone else think Kerem the assistant is an ass? Seriously, do they really want us to root for sweet Pina to be with this dickweasel? He's insecure, he thinks he knows it all, he's snarky and lashes out, he's vindictive. No thanks.

As for Aydan and Ayfer. Ooph. As punishment for their unprecedented assery this episode they both need to be stranded on a desert island with only each other. Only then maybe they'll learn not to insert themselves by such underhanded means. They're both giant pains in the ass, but Ayfer still annoys me more than Aydan. Because here's the thing, once Edser is back together and Serkan is happy, Aydan will fully embrace Eda again, but I don't think the same can be said for Ayfer. Did you see some of the bitchy, sour faces Ayfer was making, taunting Eda about her soft spot for Serkan. She's insufferable.

Turning to the nonsense meddling custody plot line, Kemal and Seyfi were just following orders, but what is Melo's excuse? It's unfortunate that the narrative pulled her into this. Ayfer may have her head in the sand, and not really care what Eda wants, but Melo does and she knew that Eda wanted to cooperate with Serkan and bring him into Kiraz's life, she knew that Eda was about 2 seconds from melting every time she was near Serkan, and that they were likely on the cusp of rekindling their relationship. There is no way she should have been complicit in trying to get evidence against Serkan or visiting lawyers behind Eda's back.

However, even after being complicit in Ayfer's nonsense, she still deserves a helluva lot better than Burak. That guy was annoying af this episode. What exactly does he think he's doing? I'm sorry, in that situation you step back and give the people going through such a monumental life change some space. Again, it's not like it needs to be forever, but you don't try and monopolize the kid's time the night of and 2 days after she meets her long-lost father. He needs to fuck all he way off.

Also since Eda had no interest in this guy, why is he coming over to tuck in the kid EVERY night? I get that he's been good to Kiraz and they have a nice relationship, but that's soooo overkill, it's just not normal. Especially since they've said they've only been living there a year. The only reason for a dude to revolve his entire life around a kid like that is because he's actively trying to get in the mom's pants. So when it comes to Burak's intentions, Eda is as dense as Serkan used to be with Balca/Selin/Actress. Burak only took that level of interest and inserted himself into their lives because he wanted Eda, and Eda should realize that and have a frank conversation with him. Eda doesn't even have to be cognizant that she will inevitably get back together with Serkan, she already knows she has no interest in Burak. She should tell him. And if she's already told him (which it seems she might have from her comments to Ayfer and Melo) she should put some boundaries in place because his presence was ridiculous.

It still blows my mind that this sad sack thinks he has a shot with Eda. Seriously, while the dude isn't hideous, he's also not attractive and he has the personality of dead grass coupled with the charisma of warm mayonnaise. He's not worthy of either Eda or Melo. The scene of Melo and Burak walking on the beach made me a bit uncomfortable. They're totally setting that relationship up, but so far all we see is Melo obviously harboring feelings for him as Burak broods over his Eda delusions. We'll have to see how this plays out, but I feel like Burak didn't need to be this upset over Eda for the story to work, and it would be a lot easier to root for him with Melo if by episode 5 if he wasn't still actively trying, as Engin said, to take over Serkan's family.

On to Edser and the newly forming Bolat family unit. It's funny, I'm not someone who thinks a woman needs to take her husband's last name, I think people should do whatever they want, but for whatever reason I really, really want Eda and Kiraz to have his name. Maybe because I think they all crave having people to belong to in a sense. Serkan because he was unloved and sent overseas alone at such a young age, Eda because she was an orphan, Kiraz because she didn't have a dad in early childhood. So for that reason, I really do feel like it will be meaningful to have them tied together that way as a family unit. They belong to each other now (or they will soon).

Along those lines, you say you're not sure why Kiraz isn't calling him Baba, narratively, I think it's because that will be a big milestone in their relationship. When she feels comfortable enough, connected enough, and secure enough with him to do that, it's going to melt all of our hearts right out of our chests. If she'd done it right away it wouldn't feel as special as it's going to feel when it eventually happens because she feels it (not just because it's a fact).

As for her calling him Serkan Bolat, I think it's adorable. That's how she knew him before, it would be weird if she called him anything other than that or Baba, (like Serkan or Abi) because then it would be like she was settling on that, but calling him by his full name, which is such a part of his identity, is cute and charming and pays tribute to the interactions they had before they knew of their relationship, and it's a signal that it's only temporary. Baba is coming, don't worry.

Loved Kiraz showing Serkan her room and all of her things, and really loved Eda standing there, smiling, soaking it in. I've seen a lot of criticism of Eda in this episode and she did have a few moments that were unnecessarily harsh, but I think it's also valid to give her a minute to adjust because this is a lot of change in just a couple of days. While she now knows Serkan had understandable, and even noble, reasons for what he did and said, that still doesn't erase the heartbreak and pain he put her through, or the 5 years of being a single mother and not having anyone to consult or needing to consult anyone on decisions regarding Kiraz.

I do think, though, that we didn't see Eda give him enough credit when he covered for her lies to Kiraz. When Kiraz asked her why she didn't tell her Serkan Bolat was her father and then asked him when mom didn't answer, he could have easily told the truth and thrown Eda under the bus, big time, but instead he comes up with something that passes as an explanation, doesn't make anyone a villain, but also doesn't make him look great. I wish we'd seen Eda recognize that. It was a magnanimous gesture on his part, since he and Kiraz were the ones who were lied to for 5 years.

However, her running a bit hot and cold this episode makes sense. On one hand when she's around him her heart feels that strong orbital pull towards him. She loves him. She always has loved him, she always will love him. Just like with Serkan, that will not change, and obviously didn't after heartbreak and separation. But it also makes sense that at times her head takes over and with it the fear and the memory of the pain and she freezes up a bit. It doesn't ding her or their love, she just needs time to let herself believe that this is really happening. That Serkan is back, that he still loves her, that he loves their daughter and wants to be a father and form a family. From the way she recorded those videos, how many times do we think she dreamed of them being a happy family together? I'm guessing a lot. Now it's within her grasp and I think she just needs to be sure that Serkan is for real before she fully succumbs to this dream.

She also needs to get over her pride, I'm sure there's a part of her (Ayfer's voice) telling her a woman doesn't go back to a man who hurt her that badly. But as we saw, girlfriend was snuggling with his shirt, she still has it so bad for him. But, pro tip, Eda, he wanted to stay the night, wouldn't it be so much more fulfilling to snuggle with the real thing? I promise it would... just let him in. The lawn scene was hilarious. Kerem is really and truly a gifted physical comedian. We know how tight the timelines are on this show and they don't get to do a lot of takes, but his stumbling over the furniture and falling was flawlessly done. Hande was great too... that bat! Of course the sexual tension in the robes and towel scene was magnificent. When she first walked in wearing that towell I thought my man was going to combust. That look on his face, priceless.

Speaking of priceless, what first-day Baba makes his little girl's dreams come true like Serkan Bolat does? Staying up all night to build her flying house? MY HEART!

What a fantastic first gift. It was incredibly thoughtful, it was meaningful to the two of them, and it was also Serkan giving a piece of himself (using his skills in what he does best as an architect) to her.

Absolute perfection.

And how sweet that Serkan wanted to spend the day with her alone!?! I really liked that because we all know he loves Eda, he wants Eda back, and he will use any excuse to spend time with Eda. And he could have done that here, but he doesn't. So the fact that he wanted to spend the day alone with Kiraz, clearly illustrates that his interest in Kiraz, his desire to be her father stands on it's own. Kiraz is not just an excuse to get close to Eda, he is pursuing both relationships, and they are both important to him.

Also you said that you have mixed emotions on the way Eda spied on Serkan, that she doesn't trust him, but honestly I really don't think it's about that. She might have been a little discombobulated by the idea because the man has never really spent any time with children and here he's thrust into fatherhood, but she trusts him and knows Kiraz is safe with him. Honestly, I think her biggest driving factor in following them is FOMO.

She doesn't want to miss this! She has wondered what kind of father he might be for years, and now she wants to witness it. She wants to be there and see what he's like when he's spending time with her. She also wants to be a part of it, and a part of her might be a little jealous. For years she's been the only parent, and now another parental bond is forming and it's natural she is curious what that's going to look like.

Melo even sees through her during their conversations while they're out spying. Eda pretends it's because she's worried that Serkan doesn't know what he's doing, but Melo susses out that it's really because she missed Serkan. I think she really just wanted to be a part of it.

And her ulterior motives are exposed when she reacts with jealousy over the park moms and then with Hulya. She's jealous over Serkan, but also over what it might mean if Serkan had a woman in his life that's not Eda. (Real simple way to ensure that doesn't happen, Eda, just saying). On first watch it was a little frustrating to watch Eda be upset about Huyla and not have it cleared up immediately. However, on the second time through I found it incredibly enjoyable to watch. Hilarious even. Knowing that Serkan is going to let her off the hook just a few minutes later, and it's not going to be a drawn out misunderstanding, it's very fun to watch him just totally bask in her jealousy. The way he sits there and giggles and is just so chuffed at her display was very endearing. Since he's been celibate for 5 years, I suppose he's earned an incrediulous laugh at her thinking he has all these women on the line.

Eda is not wrong to be concerned about the Bolat's ability to spoil Kiraz with material things, Aydan can get out of control, however I can't be mad at the pony. The girl asked him if he had horses the first day they met, she said she wanted a dad like Serkan who had horses, he HAD to get her one she could actually ride! The girl was deprived of her father for 5 years because both of her parents are stubborn, so, let's be real, she kinda deserves a pony. Besides Eda should be more worried about the "spoiling" she gets from her camp, where she, Ayfer, Melo and Burak let her get away with constantly running away/running wild, eating ice cream whenever she wants, being rude to strangers etc. The fact that she's taught it's okay to knock a customer's water over without apologizing is more damaging to a forming personality than a pony. (Yes, that was another dig at Burak.) The point is, spoiling isn't only about material things, and from the glimpses we've seen of Baba Serkan he's already taught her about taking responsibility (confessing to breaking the window and apologizing), being self sufficient (tying shoelaces, putting pjs on herself), and setting behavioral boundaries (don't shoot arrows at people in hotels, you shouldn't hug strangers). He's going to be a very good influence in her life, because despite growing up with material privilege the man believes in hard work, effort and personal accountability.

Anyway, loved that when Serkan told Eda about dinner with Engin/Piril/Can she looked so secretly pleased when she casually agreed to go. I think that goes hand in hand with why she was spying, she won't let herself admit it, but she so badly wants them to do things as a family. That was part of her tug o' war this episode. Wanting that, but then suddenly worrying that maybe she shouldn't want that after everything that's happened, those feelings are helped along by Ayfer's judgemental looks and comments, and Burak trying to assert his place and Eda maybe feeling guilty.

Eda's behavior at dinner perfectly summarized the war going on between her head and heart this episode. First she fights with Serkan, going so far as to tell him she hates him, but the second she gets good news she flings herself into his arms. He's the person she wants to celebrate with, he's the person she wants congratulations from. So even if she was mad at him, she can't help herself. Also thank you Engin for telling Eda how Serkan lost weight and didn't come to work for months after she left. Those are important things for her to know. Also reinforced later by Aydan.

And thank you, Jan, for planting that fear of her dad leaving again with Kiraz, because it gave us sleep over at the Bolat house. It also gave us Kiraz asking Serkan if he will leave her. A good question and I'm glad we have Serkan's promise to never leave her. Just with the way tragedy (and meddling family members and obsessed stalkers) seems to find both Eda and Serkan, it's good he's made that promise. And it's good that he knows she needs that promise.

Now onto the secret room. I suppose if you're going to keep all of that and you have a large house, then you might as well keep it in a special room. This was a huge missing piece for Eda. Something tangible that she can see with her own two eyes that proves that he never forgot her and has been pining for her since the day they parted. I thought Eda was suitably touched by it all, and the fact that he got her gifts for every birthday. Anyone else think that they're going to get married on the beach and she's going to wear those flip-flops, that white dress, and the locket when they do? That's what sprung to my mind. The Neslihan scarf product placement made me roll my eyes, though.

To be honest I really didn't care what the gifts were, all I cared about was that thank you cheek kiss. I DIE. The birthday-present-thank-you cheek kiss he gave her in 7 is one of my all time favorite scenes and this parallel was a long time coming and wonderfully executed. And then they delivered on the USTy stare off where they clearly want to make out, but they're not quite there yet. It was going to have to be Eda that broke them out of it, because up to Serkan they either kiss or he stares at her for the rest of time.

Did anyone else feel a crick in their back, neck, legs at how Eda slept on that couch? Serkan was as comfy as can be, stretched out using her legs as a pillow and her torso as a blanket, lol. I wish the editors would have given us a couple of more seconds lingering on them all contorted like that. It was too precious. It would have been sweet if they'd had Kiraz find them and watch them for a minute before waking them up. Show the parent-trapping gears turning in her mind.

Buba absolutely deserved Serkan showing up to spoil his outing. And of course both ladies instantly gravitated to Serkan. I liked this scene because it gave us over-the-top BDE Serkan, a whiff of "Drain the pool" Serkan, the comedy of Engin and Serkan doing the Cyrano thing, and the obvious little "fish" measuring metaphor. But what I really liked was Eda telling him that he didn't need to try so hard to win Kiraz, that he just had to be himself. That was important and lovely, and illustrated to him that she really did want him to develop a good relationship with Kiraz.

The best moments of the episode for them, though, came during their family stargazing outing. Loved Serkan's extra safety precautions, including the mirror just so he can see her in the backseat. Though, if he's that concerned about it, maybe a larger car, lmao? Kiraz tricking them into kissing was an auspicious start to the evening, hopefully that's a taste of things to come. I'm here for her forcing the two of them into intimate situations.

The way Serkan was looking at the two of them throughout the stargazing was something else. He was looking at them with such longing. Like he couldn't believe they were so close, but he wanted them so badly. DUDE, they are right there, continue to play your cards right (and not let Ayfer and Aydan spoil things, spoiler alert, they do) and you're just days away from having everything you want. Loved that he changed the Apollo story to give it the happy ending he wants. Hopefully, that gave hope to any doomsdayers out there that think this show is going to end in tragedy. (Spoiler alert, it's not).

The only shame is that they have that nice (if not detached from reality conversation since they pretend they're not going to be together raising Kiraz) adult conversation about cooperating and working out how they're going to deal with Aydan and Ayfer, only for things to go totally off the rails during said conversations. As I said off the top of this marathon post, it was totally unbelievable in the context of the rest of the episode, but as I always say you can't take this show too seriously, and I prefer to just enjoy the situations as they come and not get too annoyed when they take these writing shortcuts to drive the plot. I plan on very much enjoying Eda and Serkan forced to live together while they're (or at least she) is still pretending they're not going to end up together. Looks like next week is another fun romcom romp, and I'm here for it!

[djemsostylist]

Every once in a while a show sort of creeps up on you, you know? You don't really expect much of it, and then it sort of quietly wows you. Ada Masalı is that show.

At its surface, AM is about a city girl who falls for a small town boy, and all the clichés that entails, and that is the core of the story. I think that's part of why it's so good--bc this story had a premise and it's kept that premise solid. City girl moves to small town and falls in love with a local and everyone learns lessons along the way.

But AM takes the tropes and clichés and does them well. I've written before about how they take the basics and give them just enough "oomph" to make them special. I'll quote myself here, if I may:

Haziran and Poyraz both seem to fit into pretty typical roles: gruff, silent man and bubbly, talkative woman. But they’ve given each character enough nuance to move them out of the typical mold. Yes, Haziran is bubbly and talkative and a little overly loud, but she has a reason for it–silence in her childhood meant anger and fighting with her mother, and she learned how to fill the silence with talking. She is also very competent at her job, genuinely kind, smart, and driven. Poyraz is the “strong, silent” type, but he manages to subvert the “asshole” which far too often comes with the role. Like Haziran, he has some difficulties in his past, but he also seems well adjusted, smart, genuinely kind, focused, and again, competent. He and Haziran are true equals in this show, which is rare in romcom couples, particularly Turkish ones. They both are in similar financial situations, they both seem to have similar philosophies and outlooks, and, perhaps most importantly, they are both head over heels for each other and they both know it, even if they are unable to say it out loud just yet.

At the time when I wrote the above piece, I believe we were just before episode 6 or 7, so the secret hadn't been revealed yet, and at the time I speculated that it was likely to drop before their relationship started, and I was correct. This show continues to take the obvious and turn it on its head.

Poyraz and Haziran are one of the few dizi couples, and certainly the only romcom couple, I've seen where they have entered into a relationship that isn't built on a fragile house of cards held together by mutual attraction. This couple is completely and totally all in, and it makes sense. They've had conversation upon conversation about their parents, their past, their fears, their insecurities, their concerns. They've seen each other vulnerable and hurting and scared and been there for each other at their lowest. They have complete and total trust in each other, in their love for each other, in their relationship.

There is attraction yes, certainly, god is there ever, but there is also a deep affection. They like each other, which may seem a silly thing to fixate on, but so many times with couples I ask myself "okay, but do they even like each other though?" and in this case, they genuinely do. Poyraz loves her rambling and her overreactions and the way she hops from one idea to the other but somehow always manages to make it work. He loves that she works hard and never pawns off the hard jobs and he loves how genuinely kind and caring she is. He memorizes everything because he liked her before he loved her, and that's huge. And same for her. She loves his kindness and his empathy, his ability to fix broken electronics and his stubbornness when it comes to getting his way. She loves his honesty and his pride and the way he can't ever really say no to her. I think she also really loves that he doesn't let his past affect who he is. There's a connection between them that started with a spark but grew into something actually real.

The best bit, though, is that this is the first romcom couple I've seen (there may be more) that enter the relationship on completely equal terms, no secrets, and no uncertainties. All their secrets from each other were cleared up long before they ever said I love you. They are both in a similar place life wise--financially they are both probably around equal in terms of overall assets, they both have equal romantic histories (probably a series of short term relationships but nothing big or long lasting), they both value hard work and honesty and kindness, they are both mature adults who have been "out" of their parents house so to speak (yes, both still live with their respective parents, but neither play the typical "kid" role--they both are honestly more in the caretaker role), they are both college educated with business acumen. They both have had difficulties in their past, but neither allow those issues to hurt others--they both possess enough self-awareness to know how their issues effect them personally and they both work to ensure their issues don't become someone else's burden. Poyraz helping her with her fear of water or Haziran talking him through his mother are not them burdening each other, or using their issues as a reason to avoid a relationship--on the contrary, they build their bond by supporting each other through their pain. And, and this one is perhaps most important, they both love each other equally, and they both knew it before it was ever said outloud. That Poyraz could say "I love you" and Haziran could say it right back, no hesitation, speaks volumes to where they are both individually and as a couple.

Perhaps what's been the most refreshing is them communicating, constantly. When these two fight, they share their issues, their anger, their irritation, and then they work through it. The way they talk through their issues, every time, is honestly stunning for how completely refreshing it is. When they get mad at each other, they don't act like everything is fine while actively treating the other like crap--they explain the reasons behind their anger/irritation, they listen, they talk. The scene this episode of their banter after their fight on the first date was incredibly refreshing--bc it wasn't actually fighting. Haz was upset bc Poyraz ruined their first date--which he acknowledges, apologizes for, and then makes up to her, and she accepts. Their playful flirting in the kitchen the next day is just that--fun and playful and both of them are in on it. It's not Haz treating him like shit under the guise of "comedy", it's not him purposely being an obnoxious pain in the ass. It's them being cute and flirty and light after their fight the night before, which they already solved with a text conversation.

What I love most about their relationship is that I buy it. Completely. These are two people who aren't going to run when things get tough, who aren't going to play coy about their feelings, who aren't going to fight just to fight. We've seen them be honest and straightforward in their feelings, good, bad or otherwise. We've seen them fight for each other and their relationship. We've seen them encounter problems (whether in their relationship or in life) and work through them, together. And perhaps the greatest part of their relationship is that they allow each other to be exactly who they are. They are both allowed to feel the things they feel, and the other lets them. They are given a safe space to be themselves, and to know that they will always have the support and love of the other person, no matter what.

I said I thought this show was about love, at it's core, and all the ways love manifests, and I still think that's true. But I think this show is also about happiness--and about the idea that we can't always know exactly what is going to make us happy. True happiness can't always be predicted--what you think might make you happy isn't always what actually does, and sometimes that's a hard thing to accept. All of the characters on this show have a view of the world and what will bring them joy, and one by one I think we are seeing that change. Sometimes what makes you happy is the thing you didn't expect.

This show is hardly perfect. It's a dizi, and it has it's flaws. And without knowing how long it's set to run, the chances of it losing focus is not an impossibility. But this show continues to delight and surprise--from introducing new characters like Batu who are far more than they appear, to continuing to keep us guessing with old ones, I think AM has the chance to be a romcom people remember as being special. I'm hoping right now for between 20-25 episodes, which would allow us to explore their island and it's story in the detail I think it deserves, without leaving too much room for nonsense to creep in.

I think I'll leave this here for now--sometimes a show is more than it seems, and sometimes a show is exactly what it seems. AM is both and neither, and I'd be willing to argue that it's the summer's best. The focus in the diziworld seems to be entirely on the summer's other two romcoms, but AM stays quietly getting better by the week. I look forward to what these writers have in store for us in the weeks to come!

[blu-joons]

BTS Reaction: When You Pout At Them

Jin:

The two of you scrolled through the endless list of movies on the channel, whilst a comedy caught Jin’s eye, you couldn’t help but smile as you spotted your favourite classic romcom.

“I reckon we watch this one,” Jin smiled, hovering over the play button of the movie. As he looked down to you, he spotted your eyes roll. “What?”

“Nothing, it’s just I’ve been wanting to watch the other film, I’ve not watched it in so long, and it’s so good.” You tried to assure him, but he shrugged his shoulders.

You weren’t having the best luck, so instead opted for a new tactic, pouting sweetly, fluttering your lashes, watching the corner of his mouth turn up into a smile.

“Please don’t do this to me.”

“Do what? I’m doing absolutely nothing Seokjin.”

“You know exactly what you’re doing,” he smiled, knowing there was no way he was going to win this time, he reluctantly pressed play on the movie you had chosen.

“Nice of you to put my choice on, I promise you won’t regret it,” you teased, pressing a delicate kiss to his cheek. “Maybe we can watch your one after.”

“Sure, you’re not going to pout again, how do you always know what to do to get your own way?” He chuckled, settling down on the sofa beside me.

“I have my skills, it’s easy to persuade you.”

Yoongi:

All day you’d sat at the studio watching Yoongi hard at work, as it neared dinner, you were convinced he had forgotten you were even there with him.

“Can you get some food please?” You asked of him, the sound of your voice making him jump. “You can’t stay here forever; you need food to get your brain working.”

“I’ll be done in just a few moments, don’t worry,” he assured you, staring at his computer as he began to lay a new track that he had been working on.

You stood up, walking up behind him, wrapping your arms around him. His eyes fell on your pout, silently pleading with him to hurry so the two of you could get some food.

“I guess all of this will still be here when I get back.”

“Exactly, and you’ve worked hard, you deserve a break from it all.”

“You’re a bad influence on me,” he smiled, taking your hand in his, standing up, whilst grabbing his wallet from one of the drawers in his desk.

“Put your money away, tea is on me tonight, let me treat you and look after you for a while,” you spoke, silencing him before he even had a chance to protest.

“Well, that’s very sweet of you, if this is how things are, maybe you should come to the studio more often,” he teased, peppering several kisses along your neck.

“That’s an invitation I would never turn down.”

Hoseok:

The morning was by now over, as Hobi still slept peacefully beside you, tucked into the white sheets of the duvet, small snores escaping as he was lost in his dreams.

“Love, you need to wake up at some point,” you whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the tip of his nose. “It’s almost twelve, the day is nearly over by now.”

“It’s barely begun,” he protested, reluctantly opening his eyes to be met with your wide smile, silently encouraging him to get from the bed.

A slow pout began to form when he didn’t move, running your hand along his arm, staring out at the bright blue sky that shone through the gap in the curtains.

“Fine, give me five minutes and I’ll get up.”

“It’s unlike you to sleep in anyway, you’re normally an early bird.”

“I thought we could spend a day together doing absolutely nothing,” he giggled, snaking his arms tightly around your waist, pulling you close.

“And we can, soon, but I’ve got a little something planned for today, for the two of us, it’s been too long since we’ve done anything properly.”

“I guess that’s true, I can sleep in with you any day,” he whispered, kissing the side of your face. “Especially now that I’m back home with you.”

“Exactly, right where you belong.”

Namjoon:

The airport always broke your heart, the word goodbye was the hardest word in the world, yet, as Namjoon’s flight was called, it seemed all words failed you.

“I hate having to leave you here,” Namjoon whispered, his lips lingering against your forehead as he made the most of the last few minutes with you.

“Do you really have to go?” You asked, but the answer was one you already knew, he had far too much in his schedule to be able to forget it all.

What made things worse was the pout of disapproval on your face, the hurt expression broke his heart too, knowing he wouldn’t be able to spend every second with you.

“I’ll be back before you know it.”

“I know you will, it’s just sucks that I have to let you go.”

“As much as I’d love to stay, I really should get going, the gates will close soon,” he huffed, tightening the grip around you that he had.

“I’ll see you soon,” you whispered, fighting back the tears that threatened with every last bit of courage that you had, “have a safe flight.”

“You don’t need to pretend for me,” he replied, his own voice faltering. “I love you, and I promise I will see you soon.”

“I love you too Joon, I’ll see you soon.”

Jimin:

His eyes stared down at his phone, stretching an arm across for you to tuck into his chest, ignoring the stares you sent up at him.

“Jimin,” you whispered, desperate for his eyes to meet yours. “Why won’t you just look at me?” You asked, pecking his cheek sweetly.

“I’m busy,” he argued, but you refused to listen, poking lightly into his hips making him squirm, watching him wriggle around.

He was strong for a few moments, but soon found himself glancing down at you, giggling at the soft pout that had formed on your face, craving his attention.

“How do you always manage to look so cute?”

“It’s the only way to get you to give me attention.”

“Why do you need me anyway? What’s going on with you?” He asked, finally willing to put his phone down and draw his eyes onto you for the first time.

“Not much, I just wanted to be your focus for a little while,” you blushed, feeling his lips press to the top of your head. “I’ve missed having you around recently.”

“I’ve missed being around you, and that adorable face,” he teased, “but I think I owe you a couple of tickle attacks for all of this teasing.”

“No! Wait, I’m sorry, please don’t!”

Taehyung:

His mind was elsewhere, lost in the documentary he watched on his phone, propped up with your shoulder as he laid facing inwards towards you.

“Taehyung,” you breathed, waving your hand over his face, “do you think we could have an actual conversation with each other tonight?”

“Yeah, the episode is nearly done,” he replied, taking one of his headphones out to respond to you before quickly turning his attention away again.

You still weren’t happy, waving your hand once again, only this time your lips pouted, softening until they wracked him with enough guilt to start paying attention.

“Do you really want me that much?”

“Of course. You’re my boyfriend, I’ll always want you.”

“I guess the rest of it can wait for another day,” he sighed, placing his phone under his pillow, discarding his headphone to the floor beside him.

“Tell me about your day, like you usually do, I want to hear about all the fun things you got up to,” you smiled, cuddling closer into his side.

“Well, I think we’ve got the choreography down for tour, we had our first proper run through today which went well,” he informed you, kissing the top of your head.

“That’s amazing, I can’t wait to see it!”

Jungkook:

You were exhausted as the two of you walked into the hotel suite, you threw yourself down onto the bed whilst Jungkook carried your bags, dropping them at the table.

“Please can we sleep now,” you pleaded, barely bothering to get under the duvet before you reached for his hand. “I don’t think I can stay awake any longer.”

“I just need to get a few things done,” he replied. He’d been left with a heavy workload after the concert, which he knew he had to get through.

Whilst usually you understood, tonight, all you wanted to do was grab Jungkook and fall asleep, the whole evening had been tiresome for the two of you.

“Please don’t pout, I hate pouts.”

“Then please come lay with me, don’t worry about work tonight.”

“You’re impossible.” Your bottom lip began to protrude, leaving him little choice but to strip himself down and join you on the big king size bed.

“I knew I’d get my way eventually,” you giggled, rolling straight across so you laid by his side, your exhausted bodies moulded perfectly into each other.

“It’s a good job you always manage to look cute,” he chuckled, reaching across to turn the light switch of the room off, creating pristine darkness. “Get some rest.”

“I will, sleep well Jungkook.”

---

Masterlist

[be11atrixthestrange]

Waking Up In Vegas Chapter 13

After a night of debauchery, Ron and Hermione wake up in Vegas... married.

Muggle!AU. Romcom!Romione. Slow burning, smutty, angst-fest.

Rated M for reasons.

Ao3 | FFN

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More Chapters

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[Ron]

The moment immediately after Ron admits his feelings, and before he draws up the courage to snog Hermione senseless in public seems to last a lifetime, and it's bursting with questions.

Why does he hesitate? He can't simply tell a girl he's falling in love with her, pause to stare at her lips, panic, and then do nothing.

But that's what Ron does. Maybe she's thinking the same things he is: that they agreed not to kiss, and they weren't expecting to admit such strong feelings, nor were they expecting them to be reciprocated. Although it feels silly not to kiss, doing so would feel like breaking a promise, and they have all night to kiss, so what's the rush? Why risk outing their relationship at the wrong time simply because of the heat of the moment?

Or maybe she's simply wondering why the fuck he isn't kissing her.

However long the moment lasts, it's over when a drunken Seamus staggers up to them and interrupts.

"Ron, Hermione! I've been looking for you," he says, stumbling through the crowd to greet them, oblivious to what he's barging in on. "We're going on the Deathstick. Come on!"

Seamus points to the ride in question — the Deathstick — and next to Ron, Hermione groans in response. In the middle of the venue is a thrill ride that towers up and through the ceiling. Riders pair up into compartments and rotate around a tall pillar, rising through the ceiling until they… well, Ron doesn't actually know. Presumably, they drop, but it all takes place above the roof, out of sight. That's probably part of its appeal.

The pair follows behind Seamus, and Ron can sense the reluctance from Hermione. One glance at her pale face tells him she's not much of a thrill-seeker.

"You good?" he asks.

"I'm not sure about this," she says, eyeing the tower with trepidation.

"You don't fancy an adrenaline rush?"

Hermione laughs. "Oh, I do. It's just that my idea of an adrenaline rush is a glass of wine and a murder mystery."

A glass of wine and a murder mystery sounds fantastic right about now, and Ron can't help but smile at the thought of Hermione curled up on the sofa with a book, her legs on his lap, and a cabernet in her hand.

In the London flat that they share, of course.

"Well, that sounds amazing," says Ron. "We don't have to go." His heart sinks the moment he says it, and he's suddenly aware of how much he wants to go.

"You should go," she says, noticing his reaction. "I'll wait for you."

Ron smiles at her and turns toward the ride. The rest of the wedding party has already partnered up for the two-person compartments — Harry with Ginny, Dean with Seamus, Neville with Luna, and Demelza with Lavender. Ron's all alone.

Ron looks back at Hermione and follows her gaze to a group of girls — possibly another hen party — running into a similar dilemma. Hermione scowls as one of the partner-less girls scans the crowd, looking for someone to ride with. He can hear a faint suggestion from her friend, "Why don't you ask that red-head? He's cute…"

"I'll go with you," Hermione says, smiling back at Ron. "How bad could it be?"

"Are… are you sure?" he asks, unable to stop the smirk that spreads across his face. She's jealous.

"Yes, I'm sure," she says. "I wouldn't want you to ride alone, or worse, with a complete stranger."

"Agreed, I'd prefer to ride with my wife than a girl I just met," says Ron, winking at the girl who's both. They proceed to the ride entrance, and Hermione hesitates before letting Ron pull her along.

"I'm sure the view up top will be worth it," she says, her voice shaking.

Once they reach the front of the line, they pile into the tiny cell and strap themselves into their harnesses. Hermione's fingers intertwine with Ron's as the doors close, and she lets out a small whimper. Ron squeezes her hand.

"It'll be over soon," he assures her, even though he's not sure he wants it to be. It's probably only a five to ten minute ride, and the small compartment has a lot of privacy.

As if on its own accord, his thumb starts caressing the top of her hand.

They start their slow ascent to the top, passing through The Slug Club's ceiling into the night sky. Hermione squeezes Ron's hand more firmly, and Ron can feel her rising pulse through her fingers.

"How are you doing?" he asks.

"I'm okay," she says, her voice trembling.

Las Vegas shrinks as they ascend into the night sky, until they're floating above a sea of sparkling lights. The neon signs, vehicle headlights, and illuminated windows pepper the desert floor, now looking like tiny, electric legos that Ron could pick up and hold between two fingers. From up high, the city looks like the perfect set of pieces to rearrange and create something new from scratch. It reminds him of his childhood daydreams when he would build castles and fortresses with blocks and imagine he could fit inside and live there. He'd write himself into stories about knights, talking statues, princes, and princesses, and play out the unlimited possible futures and happy endings.

The weight of Hermione's hand pulls him out of his reverie, but only partially. There's something magical about the moment, hovering above the world, with the commotion of the city reduced to candlelight, that keeps him tied to the innocent optimism of his younger self. As a child, Ron lived his life guided by a heart that had never been broken, and he would have had no issues falling in love with a princess before learning her middle name. Maybe there's wisdom in that forgotten mindset because right now, the idea of building something beautiful from nothing and writing his own happy ending feels more relevant than ever.

"Check out that view," says Ron, breaking the almost silence.

They rotate on the axis, and Hermione's eyes tear up as she admires the electric grid below. Ron continues to rub circles onto her hand, matching the calming pace of his breath. Hopefully, she feels a moment of peace too.

Away from the ambiguous city noise at ground-level, it feels like he's been submerged in silence at first, but as his ears adjust, the subtle sounds of their breath fill the space. It's a sound he hasn't heard in a while, and upon a closer listen, he starts to make sense of it — it's like its own language, nuanced but informative. His calm, rhythmic breath matches the peace of the moment, and as they slow to a stop at the ride's highest point, Hermione's choppier, erratic breathing reminds him that at any second, they'll drop into freefall.

"It's beautiful," she says, squeezing his hand back and admiring the view.

"So beautiful."

Hermione must sense by the closeness of his voice that he's looking at her, not the view, and she turns toward him with a smile on her face. They lock eyes, and the heat in her gaze suggests that if she weren't strapped down by a harness, she'd be snogging him senseless by now.

Then they drop into freefall.

The quiet of their carriage turns to screams of adrenaline as they plummet toward the ground, only to rise and drop again; how many times, Ron doesn't know, but he grips her hand as the only still, unmoving anchor to reality as the world blurs around them.

Eventually, their screams turn to laughter, and Ron's relieved to see Hermione smiling wide, her eyes sparkling. Her face is red, her hair is frizzing out every which way, and Ron has never seen anything so gorgeous.

"That was amazing!" he says once he catches his breath, and his heart rate returns to normal. "How do you feel, Hermione?"

"I don't know yet. Give me a second," she says, but her smile suggests she's just fine. "A little dizzy."

"Well, let's get you to a bench."

As they exit the ride and head over to a bench to rest, the rest of the wedding party pours out of their compartments, unsteady on their feet, and Ron has to stop himself from looping an arm around Hermione. Instead, he reaches for her arm under the guise of supporting her balance.

"I'm so proud of you!" he exclaims when she plops to a seat.

"What? Why?" she groans, leaning back on the bench and closing her eyes. She deepens her breath as if staving off nausea.

"Because you just did something that terrifies you, and it took a fuckload of courage."

Hermione laughs. "You did it too."

"Nah. Stuff like that doesn't scare me," he says as he sits next to her and waves off her questioning glance. "You're amazing, Hermione. Really."

Her eyes crack open for a moment, and she smiles at him. Ron's extra aware of the distance between them and how easy it would be to close it. He could just pull her into his lap for a quick snog. Who's really watching?

He doesn't have the chance to act on the temptation before Harry's panicked voice diverts his attention.

"Ginny! Are you okay, love?"

Harry sprints past their bench faster than a lightning bolt to where a sick Ginny is leaning over a rubbish bin.

Without a second thought, Harry rolls up his sleeves to hold her hair back. He doesn't bat an eye when she's sick yet again, and when she finishes, Harry pulls her into a hug and kisses her forehead, paying no attention to the risk of contaminating his shirt.

"I want that," mutters Hermione, staring wistfully at Harry and Ginny.

"Want what?" asks a confused Ron.

"Aren't they cute?"

Ron scoffs. "No, they're not. Look at them. They've never looked worse," he says, laughing.

"Well, that's exactly what I mean!" says Hermione, turning toward him now.

"Explain yourself."

"You and I think they look… awful right now," she says, gesturing toward Harry and Ginny, who are still embracing. "But even though they're stumbling drunk and covered in sick, they still think the other is the most attractive person in the world. I think it's sweet."

Ron watches his sister and future brother-in-law. Harry mutters something in Ginny's ear that makes her smile. The look in his eyes is one that Ron never wants to see directed at his sister, but Hermione has a point.

"I want to know what that's like," she says.

Ron looks over at Hermione, and he can't help but smirk.

"What?" she asks, her eyes narrowing.

"You do know what that's like, Hermione."

For good measure, he tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. She catches his hand and leans her cheek against his palm. Her cheeks flush pink, and in a bold moment, she turns her head and presses a kiss to his hand.

He almost gets lost in the moment before he remembers that the reasons he can't kiss her are the same reasons he can't stay here and cradle her face. She seems to have the same realization and lifts her head, letting his hand drop back to his side.

She smiles at him, and there's a glint of something in her eye — mischief, maybe.

"What are you thinking about?" he asks, fully knowing his tone comes off as suggestive. He doesn't care.

"That I owe you a drink."

Ron raises his eyebrows. "But didn't we agree to stay sober tonight?"

She raises hers back. "Just one drink?"

Ron smiles. The way he sees it, his best life decisions have been made while drunk with Hermione Granger.

"Just one drink," he confirms.

Hermione grins, and by the look she gives him, he knows that she doesn't mean just one. It's okay, though, because he doesn't either.

When they reach the bar, Ron's disappointed to discover that they aren't the only ones in the wedding party with the idea. It appears that the adrenaline rush of the Deathstick has made everyone thirstier, so their friends scatter in pairs around the taproom. With everyone's attention a quick shout away, Ron's hopes of stealing a kiss from his wife diminish.

"Hello again, Mr. Weasley. Miss Granger. Can I get you a drink?" asks Rosmerta, approaching them with a smile.

"Sure," says Ron. "Madam Rosmerta, what is the most popular cocktail at this bar?"

"Madam! I like that!" smiles Rosmerta. "Our most popular drink would probably be Felix."

"Never heard of it!" says Ron.

Rosmerta leans across the bar as if preparing to tell him a big secret. Hermione and Ron lean in to listen.

"Years ago, a customer came in and handed over directions to concoct a very specific drink. He called it 'liquid luck'," she says, winking. "At first, we laughed at him; thought he was taking it way too seriously. He was a very superstitious type. The joke was on us, though. He hit up the casino and left five million dollars richer. We ended up naming the drink after him."

"Bloody hell. We'll take two of those!" he says, sending a questioning glance toward Hermione, who nods.

"Don't get too excited," says Rosmerta as she fixes up two shimmery golden cocktails. "No one's ever been able to mimic that level of luck, though many have tried." She slides the drinks across the bar to Ron and Hermione and shrugs. "It tastes good, though."

Ron reaches into his pockets to fish out some cash for Rosmerta. She deserves a big tip for putting up with a rowdy crowd like this one, and who knows what rude customers she's had to deal with today.

"Thanks, Rosmerta! Can you hold the straws on those, please?" he asks, just as Rosmerta is reaching under the bar to grab two plastic straws to plop into their drinks.

"You sure?" she asks, hesitating before the open cabinet.

"Yeah," says Ron. "Save the sea turtles, right?"

"As you wish!" says Rosmerta.

Ron turns back toward Hermione and opens his mouth to speak, but pauses when he catches her eye. There's a fiery passion in her gaze, and it's something that Ron has never before seen in a woman's eyes, at least not directed at him.

Her look is like a spotlight, yet he doesn't mind the attention. It feels like he's on a stage, and no matter what he says or does, it will earn him a standing ovation. He can't help but wonder if Hermione's ever looked at a man like that before, but before his insecurities can take root, she springs forward and crashes her lips against his.

It takes some time for Ron to process what's happening before he responds. He's not entirely sure how much, as time might as well stop turning. When he gets his bearings, his fingers snake into her hair, and he holds her head in place, although he doesn't need to as she makes no effort to break away from him. She kisses him with a passion that Ron would expect behind closed doors only; the way her tongue slides between his lips is slow and sensual, yet eager and full of lust, and the sound she makes when he gently tugs at her hair sends Ron's mind spiraling into dangerous fantasy territory.

With great reluctance, they pull away, panting to catch their breath. Ron doesn't even think to look around and check if anyone saw them. As far as he's concerned, they're the only two people in The Slug Club.

"I know we were trying to keep this quiet, but—" she says, but Ron cuts her off by pulling her lips back to his.

The second time is even hungrier. Ron can feel Hermione's teeth bite his bottom lip, teasing him, as her hands slip around his shoulders. She lets out a soft moan as her fingers trace the muscles of his arms, and any negative thoughts he's ever had about his body — too lanky, too scrawny, not athletic enough — float to the background and become irrelevant. The increasing pressure in his shorts suggests he's close to getting carried away, and although he wouldn't mind, he doesn't want Hermione to get a slap on the wrist for public indecency, so he forces himself to pause.

When they surface for the second time, Ron notices that she's ditched her bar stool and is standing before him, leaning her weight against his leg, dangerously close to his growing erection. His arms have managed to wrap around her hips, and his hands are shamelessly resting on her bum, but again, he pays no mind to the crowd. There's only one person that matters.

"I haven't even had a sip of Felix yet, and I already feel like the luckiest man in here," he says. "What inspired this?"

"It was everything. I swear every time you look at me, and every little thing you say, it gets more difficult to keep my hands off of you."

Ron pulls her against him, tilts his head up, and presses a light, chaste kiss to her lips. He loves that she's short enough to reach his lips when he's sitting down, and her face is just as beautiful from this new angle. He wants to see it from every vantage point possible.

"What was the tipping point?" he asks, his tone playful.

"The straws," she says. "And the 'save the sea turtles' bit."

Ron beams. Straws. Of course.

"What did sea turtles do to make you love them so much?" he laughs, tightening his embrace. "And can they give me some tips?"

Hermione smiles down at him and toys with the hair on the back of his neck. "You don't need any tips," she says, inching her lips closer. "You'll be just fine."

She closes the space between them, and once again, he immerses himself in kissing her. As if they're back on the Deathstick, the ambient noise of the surrounding crowd fades away, and he finds no difficulty tuning into the sound of her breath and the taste of her lips.

Nothing can distract him from this moment. The wolf-whistles around them fade away, and Ron has all but forgotten about the two sparkling gold, untapped glasses of Liquid Luck on the bartop. He could kiss her forever, taking mental notes on every response, every reaction, eager to discover this growing language between them, and the endless stories it can tell.

[haneybun123]

Cuddling with Dreamcatcher!

masterlist

JIU / Kim Minji

- isn’t she the cutest oh my god

- big or little spoon doesn’t matter to her, she just wants to sleep on you.

- I feel like after all that dancing and being such a cute leader, and using her entire social battery, she wants nothing more than to come to you and fall asleep. So she’ll be warm and sweaty the entire time bless y’all Jiu stans.

- she’ll wake up after a while but she’ll want to do stuff with you once she gets up. Cute quality time is her love language, so she won’t be able to chill for long. She’ll want to bake or play games or something- but that isn’t about cuddling so moving on.

- probably her favourite is cuddling into your neck. She can hold your arm or hand that way, and you can keep her upright while she sleeps lmao.

- one thing I do want to mention though is that she won’t go out searching for cuddles unless she’s tired. she wants to seem reliable and strong, someone you can lean on and go to whenever you need help. seeming needy is not her style. this will change eventually but give her time- she’s a teddy bear on the inside.

- no matter when you cuddle she’s a goddamn queen and so comfy. 1000/10.

SUA / Kim Bora

- LITTLE SPOON. She’s a BRAT that demands ATTENTION. But it’s very cute.

- loves all positions that let her be as close to you as physically possible. She WILL snuggle closer no matter how close you already are. It’s so cute when she does though, because she always makes whines if you have the heart to move away how dare you

- doesn’t matter if either of you are hot or cold because you’re gonna be boiling to death from the close proximity. She will also litter kisses on every close area so you better believe you’re gonna have lipstick marks everywhere too.

- A big talker when you cuddle. Wants to hear about every detail of your day no matter how boring and she’ll do the same. Will literally listen to you ramble off the groceries you bought just because.

- literally so babey. This women will make you feel so loved. 10000/10 better than my therapist.

Siyeon / Lee Siyeon

- I see this women as little spoon, purely because it’s the easiest way to look up at you. So, lying on your chest is the favourite position.

- she’s utterly infatuated by you and I think she’d take any and all chances to give you the love she thinks you deserve. Neck kisses, chest kisses, hugging your arms, playing with your hair if it’s long enough, staring longingly into your eyes.

- Her cute and funny side comes out in cuddles but her actions portray her love for you. She likes light conversation in cuddles, as in funny stories from your day or telling you about the girls antics in dance practice. Only gets deep if either of you need a rant, in which case she’ll play with your hair or sit in your lap and comfort you/you comfort her.

- loves a good bit of mood setting for cuddles. Dim lights, blankets, cups of wine or something similar if you don’t drink (like juice or flavoured water). Maybe a movie if not much has happened in either of your days- but it’s always a romcom or an animated film.

- such a sweet romantic and I would die for her. 10000000/10 I’m not biased at all.

Handong / Han Dong

- I think Handong is a big spoon. I feel like she’d enjoy the security that provides overall, especially if she hasn’t been able to see you for a long time.

- I feel like she’s the type to fall asleep during cuddles lmao. Cuddling is the easiest way for her to relax. Plus you make her extra relaxed and she doesn’t feel the need to be “on” around you if that makes sense.

- I don’t know if its her smile look at that cute ass smile I'm whipped or her cute personality but I feel like she’s very warm. Not uncomfortably warm but more like a human blanket. Very nice in the winter.

- watching cute rom coms with popcorn and your human blanket (*´∇｀*). Ideal date. Would recommend. She loves doing that with you, so you between her legs is her favourite.

- I love this women. 100000000/10.

Yoohyeon / Kim Yoohyeon

- I don’t think she’s here nor there when it comes to big or little spoon because cuddles end up kinda playful? She’s always joking around in cuddles.

- for example, she’ll hold you close to her chest but she won’t hesitate to start tickling you. She’ll tuck your head into her neck but only as an excuse to attack you with kisses.

- overall, I see relationships with Yoohyeon as very playful and I don’t think cuddling is different. She’s a ball of energy, so you’ll be sweating by the end.

- if you ask her to cuddle calmly she will oblige though she’ll still cover you in kisses either way. She’ll hold you however you want and calmly listen to you talk, rub your arms and run her thumb across your hand calmingly expect playing after though.

- I love this women and would let her do anything for a smudge of attention. 10000/10 she’s so cute.

DAMI / Lee Yubin

- Big spoon. Man idk I feel like she just likes being intimate and super close to you

- Big fan of the her chin on your head position. I feel like she’s a hair person so she likes to be lying on it, playing with it, maybe smelling it if you have nice shampoo (can totally tell if you’ve changed it)

- I don’t think she’s very talkative. Will ask about your day and how you’re feeling but I think it’s more of a chill, safe space away from the world when you guys cuddle. She’ll even fall asleep if she’s tired enough. You can just vibe together and she likes it calm like that. It’s nice after a stressful day with the other extroverted members.

- I also think she’s very cold so when she traces shapes on your arms or hips you’re gonna get goosebumps. Better bring a blanket or cuddle in bed because she won’t stop if you complain about it.

- I think she’s just a big baby that loves to hold you and be close to you. Cheesy babies are my favourite. infinite/10

GAHYEON / Lee Gahyeon

- She’s such a sassy lil puppy I honestly think she’d be a little spoon kinda perks because I love her hair and I bet it’s super soft and fun to play with

- I also think she’s not great at staying still so she’d be here for playing with your hands and giving playful kisses. Kind of a wriggler but don’t mind it cause she’s hot in both ways and it gives you both time to cool down.

- she likes traditional spooning because it gives you all wriggle room and she can hold every part of you from that position. Hand on the thigh? Yes. Holding hands? You betcha. Kisses? Hell yea dude.

- she likes showing you memes and watching YouTube videos that reminds her of you in cuddles. I think she’s the type to bring snacks to the cuddles too because she expects to be there for a minute lmao. Very cute since she’ll feed you. Overall, it’s like hanging out with hugs.

- very chill but fun at the same time. Would recommend 100%

[mendesficsxbombay]

loving you is the antidote | s.m

A/N: I wrote most of this with two badly injured fingers, but when creativity strikes, it strikes! his name hasn't been mentioned in this fic... at all. hope you like it! 

requested fluff from this prompt list

17: mmm… you’re warm

18: you’re so cute when you’re sleepy like this 

19: I’ve had a rough day and honestly all I want right now is a hot drink and someone to cuddle with 

“And up next ladies and gentlemen is a very special guest, she’s starring in Golden - hailing from India and known over the world is a critically acclaimed actress with awards lining up longer than the line of fans waiting to see her, and let me just tell you that line wrapped around the block!” James Corden jokes. The audience goes wild as he announces her name and she walks out onstage, the cheers nearly deafening as she crosses the room, all smiles and poise in her red bottoms, taking a seat opposite the host’s desk. 

“Can I just say something we start, you were the most requested guest on the show after BTS, and there was a damn near riot for the last two days for people who wanted to catch a seat here!” He exclaims motioning to the audience and a faint blush rises to your cheeks at the attention of the audience cheering and hooting for you again. 

“Hey, can’t compete with BTS!” She grinned back at him, “I don’t know if everyone knew this already, but I love those guys! They’re taking over the world aren’t they? And, can I just say something, too? I’ve loved the Late Late Show since the first time One Direction were invited as guests and that was a long time ago…”

“Wow, a fan is amongst us, that’s so nice to know! But enough about bands, let’s talk acting,” He moves to hold up a poster of her upcoming film, the sole reason for her to be on the show, “Golden comes out in just a few weeks, and from what we’ve seen so far it’s going to be everyone’s new favourite romcom very soon! Tell us a bit about the film!”

“I’m so excited, I can’t put it into words - Golden was like, the movie of my dreams, it was a story that I always wanted to see on a screen but playing a part in a movie like that was really just unbelievable,” she dishes out, filled to the brim with love for her upcoming project, “It’s a story about new love, the whole process of falling for someone and the new feelings that come with it and how different people address it differently, I think there’s something everyone can take away something from it - there’s something for everyone.”

“You said it was your dream project! Really?”

“Yes it was! I think when it comes to love stories we tend to see most things in black and white, but it’s high time we told stories that address the grey areas, too, you know? Like there’s going to be insecurities, there’s going to be doubts and second thoughts but whoever you’re in love with, you need to fight through problems and you’ll only come out stronger. A great love story isn’t the one where things get hard and fall into place immediately after, it’s the one that’s seen it all, it’s the one that’s worn in and still stands as it was the day it started - so I think it was a really important project for all of us to be part of,” she replies sincerely, nothing but pure honesty and now a little coyness dripping from her words, “And I hope it’s an important film for you, too,” she shyly looks over to the audience, which, listening intently so far, now responds with more hooting and clapping. 

“Is there anything from your personal life that made you feel closer to your character? I mean we all do have doubts here and there but I don’t think someone as like you would have to go through that” He adds, and while she knows this is just to butter her up the crowd’s reactions are varying affirmatives. When James sees her shake her head in disagreement he quickly speaks up, “It’s literally impossible, I mean, you’ve been titled most desirable woman in Europe and you’re not even European!” He’s exasperated in a way she’s seen before, but only through her television screen. A light spark is felt in her chest when she realises that this may only be one late night show of many, but she’s finally ticking off her childhood dreams. 

“Alright I’m gonna be honest, I’ve never really had very serious long term relationships before so I thought I was pretty much immune to these feelings but there was this one incident that really stood out for me - and even if it did or didn’t help me while filming it taught me an important lesson so - would you guys wanna know? I don’t wanna bore you or anything…” she baited the audience, her eyes glinting with mischief. She didn’t plan on giving out any details if she were being honest, they’d been so good so far but this seemed appropriate. She found it to the correct time to show off how mature and amazing and sensitive he is, and how lucky she was to have fallen in love with him.

“Ah! Do tell!” The host leans forward, propping his chin on his hands as he was ready for story time. 

“Well, this was in London last year. We had basically set up camp in the city for the movie for about… 7 months, I think. I had a few days off between schedules, but there was this one day that went really bad.”

She’d slipped and hurt her ankle right before leaving her apartment that morning. Her favourite jacket was nowhere to be found and she’d had a fight with her agent by mid day. The last few days of filming before she got a break were taxing, mentally and physically, but the exhaustion was now catching up to her. Whether she liked it or not, her day was nowhere near good and she hated to have to whine about it to anyone. 

“This boy I really, really liked was also in London at the time, and he - well he,” is a multi platinum selling artist that tours the world and plays shows for tens of thousands of people every night, “travels a lot for his job and that would’ve been the last day I would have a chance to meet him. And our relationship was still fairly new, it was just the beginning and I mean - you know what it’s like at the start - you never want this person to see you in your worst condition, I knew he wanted to see me, but I told him I wasn’t really in the mood for it and there was no option but to put this off for another time.”

A meeting with her team had confirmed that she would be working on her birthday this year. There was a photoshoot with British Vogue lined up the same day that could not be moved to another date, and she had fought tooth and nail to free up the date, so far as requesting for them to just free up those 24 hours and she was willing to put in double the work through that week, but they wouldn’t budge. To anyone else this would look and feel like a diva meltdown, and she felt guilty, too. It’s just that - her birthday was always spent with her family. Every year without fail. Her family would free up their schedules to spend a good day together, and she already saw very less of them since her career had taken off, this just felt like she didn’t hold the reigns to her life anymore. 

Getting out of the meeting, she texted him for a rain check. The words felt heavy to even type out, this really was the last chance they’d have of seeing each other for another two months until his Europe tour ended and she wrapped up her film. But there was no way she could let him see her in this condition. She needed to go home and curl up in a ball and cry a bit to just have an outlet - but she also needed him, his body pressed against hers and his strong arms wrapping her in, making her feel safe. Her fingers flew over the keypad for a second, pursing her lips to try and think of what could possibly soften the blow, not only for him but also herself. 

hi my love, I hope you’re having a good day so far. I know we planned on you coming over today but I’ve had a rough day and honestly all I want right now is a hot drink and someone to cuddle with, and I think I’m in love with y- she tutted at herself, pull it together. She hit backspace, wiping out the text and typing again. hi my love, I hope you’re having a good day so far. I know we planned on you coming over today but I’ve had a rough day and I think it’s best if I spend some time alone, I’m really sorry for cancelling

“So you blew him off so you could go home and cry? That was your big plan?” James asked, clearly amused and you could only laugh at how silly it all was. 

“Absolutely! That’s exactly what it was! I wanted to go home and wallow in peace. When I cry it’s not pretty at all and I didn’t want him to see that but he ruined all my great plans!”

She could see that he had opened the text within five minutes of her sending it, and didn’t reply. Was he mad at her? She would understand if he was. With the way the past few days had tested her emotions, this was the one thing she could take full responsibility for. She reached home soon after, washing herself up and changing into the fluffiest pair of pajamas she could find. She fixed her hair into a loose bun, scrubbed her face free of makeup and took her contact lens out to wear glasses. She’d given up on the week and now she looked like it, too. 

She had only just found herself comfortable in front of the large flatscreen in her living room when she heard three sharp raps on her front door. Great. Now she would have to tell off the poor person who chose to come her way today of all days. When she swung the door open, her jaw fell open, too. 

There was the boy who took up space in all her daydreams lately, with two big bags of what looked like food, dressed down in a baby pink hoodie and a pair of sweatpants. Grey sweatpants. 

Seeing her unmoving for a few moments he welcomed himself in, and shut the door behind himself. He took off his sliders by the door, a habit he learned from her, and walked further into her apartment. He stopped for a second, only to place a soft kiss to the side of her head. He rounded off into her open plan kitchen, unpacking the two bags. He pulled out two large pizzas, and a crate of what looked like Nesquik chocolate milk. 

“What, um, babe what are you doing here?”

He turned around, as if he was surprised she was talking to him, even with the two of them being alone in her apartment. “Hmm? Oh, don’t mind me, just dropping off some food for you, I’ll be out in a second.”

“Why?”

It’s his turn to stay quiet. 

“You said… you said you didn’t have a good day, and I didn’t want you to be alone,” his voice was soft, keeping in mind the energy of the space between them. If she wanted she could just reach out and touch him, make herself believe he wasn’t a figment of her imagination, but not just yet. “I don’t really know what happened… and I don’t want you to tell me unless you feel comfortable and uh,” he ran a hand down his neck, slowly looking back up at her, “I got you your favourite food… it won’t make things better but… you can have it if you need. Got the toppings right as well.”

He opened the lid of the pizza box and slid it over to her on the counter. A large veggie supreme with no corn, extra olives and jalapeños. Just how she liked. The longer she looked between him and the food the longer he felt like he messed up. 

“I - I just wanted to drop all this off and be on my way, sorry for bothering you I just needed you to know it’s okay to have bad days and I know you wanted to be alone but I jus-“

“Stay.”

His eyes snapped back up to read her face, catch any signs of discomfort or annoyance or anything that would let him know she didn’t actually want him to stay. 

“Really?”

“Please stay,” she whispered, overwhelmed. She rounded around the kitchen island, pausing just for a moment to take a good look at his face and then pushing onto her tiptoes to hug him as tight as she could. If he felt the stray tears on his neck, he didn’t say anything. 

She’d planned on camping out in her living room and binge Brooklyn 99 ’til she eventually passed out but now that he was here, she wanted nothing but him. Turns out he did, in fact, think she would ask him to stay, and the second pizza he got was for himself. Sneaky bastard. Also a really lovely, thoughtful bastard, she thought. 

“And then we spent the rest of the evening just catching up, I drank like, four gallons of Nesquik, so I think I got high on that. But the one thing he taught me that day was that some things just aren’t in our control, and it’s not correct to punish ourselves for what could have been, y’all know what I mean?” She saw a few heads nodding in the crowd, proud of herself for sharing this story. “I think we’re all willing to forgive others no matter what, but we should learn forgiving ourselves, too. Also - crying is the best form of therapy - always!”

“And - so how did this night end?” James batted his lashes at her, causing her cheeks to flush even though there was nothing of the sort that he was implying. 

“Nothing that you think - I ended up falling asleep before midnight and he had to leave soon because he was supposed to catch a flight the next day. That’s it! That’s my great story!”

“mmm… you’re warm,” she mumbled into his shoulder as he carried her up the stairs to her bedroom. Her voice was scratchy and worn out, she did cry a good amount, after all, and then they’d eaten, finished half the crate of the chocolate milk he brought after which she’d snuggled up to him, and slowly drifted to sleep. He’d made her comfortable on the couch while he cleaned up after them, deciding to tuck her in before he had to return to his hotel. “I’ll really miss you when you’re gone, you know that, don’t you?” She continued mumbling things into his neck that he couldn’t quite understand, and then pulled away.

Slowly blinking up at him, she bit her lips, hissing at how sore they felt because she’d forgotten how he had kissed her, slow and deep, after their meal. No wandering hands, no further moves. Just them, just kissing, as the 99th precinct continued to save the day in the background. This had quickly become her favourite day they had spent together and she was clutching onto the last fleeting moments. 

“And I’ll miss you just as much,” he replied, laying her on the mattress, moving away to turn on her night lights, the room now lit in hazy gold from one corner. “You’re so cute when you’re sleepy like this.”

Her eyes followed him around the room, biting the inside of her cheek to keep any second thoughts at bay. “Can you keep a secret?” She whispered, mind suddenly more conscious than it had been all evening. What could she say, being this close to him caused cross connections sometimes. 

He sat down on the edge of the bed next to her, taking her hand in his again. “Of course.”

“I think I’m in love with you, and it scared me to let you leave without you knowing.”

The biggest smile she had seen all day slowly broke out on his face, bringing their entwined hands up to his lips so he could kiss the back of her hand. “Can you keep my secret?”

When she hummed, he sighed out dreamily. “I know I’m in love with you. I have been for a long time.”

Tears gathered in her eyes for the third time that night, and soon he was gone. 

“So this boy you say you liked, what’s he like? Do we know him? Does anyone here know him?” James perks up cheekily, and she knows exactly what and who he was aiming at. She can feel her cheeks heat up under the makeup, thank god for full coverage foundation. 

“I think he might get by… maybe you know him, maybe you don’t…” she trails off but she knows James would want more. She knows most people who consider themselves her fans must’ve seen the few times she was spotted with him over the last year. There was a grainy video of the two of them standing very close at a small pub in Toronto, a few photos of the two of them walking hand in hand in Hyde Park while she was still filming in London, the one 35mm photo he posted of himself by the fireplace in her house, the same house that was the backdrop of many of her own photos. She knew they knew. But the two of them had never confirmed or denied anything, keep ‘em guessing and all. The sneaking around was half the fun. The other half was not having the media and the general public up their asses for every minuscule detail of their private lives. 

“So it probably wouldn’t be someone we’ve seen before right? You don’t happen to know this devilishly handsome Canadian singer - his face looks like it was carved from marble - has the voice of an angel?”

She tapped her fingers on her chin as if in deep thought, “Nope, sorry doesn’t ring a bell. But it sounds like you do know someone like that,” she smirks back at him, “What say, James, wanna set me up?”

“An opportunity to set up an Oscar winning actress? I wouldn’t dare pass up on that!” He seemed delighted, fully aware that his show was the first and only one to have had her spill any details about her personal life at all. 

Soon, he thanked her for being on the show, reminding the viewers to grab tickets to her upcoming film before announcing the next guest. She was brought backstage to pack up and head home, but not before she had her promotional photos taken with James, and in their signature photobooth. By an absolute coincidence she pinned her photo next to her love’s, smiling at how pathetic and mushy it was. 

Later that night as she got ready for bed, she saw herself tagged in a video by the Late Late Show’s Instagram account. It was the one of her talking about how “the boy she liked” taught her a life lesson and how she asked James to set her up with interested suitors. 

She found herself smiling at the video, when she felt his presence behind her, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her into him. She let out a blissed sigh, and felt him nosing at her neck, dropping stray kisses as he liked. He cleared his throat lightly, sending chills down her spine due to the proximity. 

“Heard you’re looking for handsome Canadian singers to be set up with, where do I apply, Miss Golden?”

taglist: @shawnwyr​ @mendesstories​ @lanallaa​ @sleepybesson​ @rulerofnocountry​ @luvluvxx​ @wholesomemendes​

dm to be added or removed ♥️

[heyitsrcoor]

Meet-cute

Genre: Fluff, unrequited love, friends-to-lovers

Pairing: Day 6 Jae x Reader

Length: One-Shot

Meet-cute [noun] /ˈmiːtˌkjuːt/:

(in a movie, etc.) a humorous or interesting situation in which two people meet, that leads to them developing a romantic relationship with each other. (Cambridge Dictionary)

ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: Absolutely Smitten (Dodie Clark)

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◄◄⠀▐▐ ⠀►►⠀⠀ ⠀ 1:17 / 3:48 ⠀ ───○ 🔊⠀ ᴴᴰ ⚙ ❐ ⊏⊐

•••

Your 12-hour shift at the hospital just ended. The census hasn’t gone down for days and while you’ve gotten so good at convincing yourself that you’re strong and resilient, you can feel the weariness seep in through your bones.

While walking to your apartment, you noticed that the bookstore on the corner of the street has finally opened its doors. A part of you wanted to walk past it, visit another day when you’re not wearing your nurse’s uniform, tired and sweaty. But the urge to scan the book selection was much stronger and so you find yourself pushing its glass doors. The bell chimes welcome you.

The warm lights and the smell of new books were enough to calm your weary soul. The bookstore was smaller compared to the well-known ones located at the malls, but it had the organic and cozy vibe of a library which you’re very much well pleased with. And the fact that it’s not crowded yet means you’ll be able to roam around freely.

You were feeling giddy when you finally reached the non-fiction section. Your eyes scanned each title, looking for any familiar ones that could be in your TBR list.

Finally, you see a white spine, “When Breath Becomes Air.” You grabbed for it hastily which caused the books beside it to topple down.

You bowed down to reach for the books but a hand beat you to it.

“Oh thank you.” You said as you stood upright. The person was really tall that you had to tilt your head a little bit to be able to see their face. You held your breath as you stood face-to-face with a handsome, bespectacled, human being.

“Was just looking for this.” He smiled as he held the book you accidentally dropped—Being Mortal by Atul Gawande.

You pretended to be cool about it like it’s not at all a big deal to meet your ideal guy (superficially speaking) in one of your most favorite places.

“Yeah? Sorry for accidentally pushing it to its death.” It sounded alright in your mind but having said it in words made you internally cringe.

He held the book and scanned it for dents. He shrugged, “Nah, it survived the fall—despite being mortal, oh God, that was so bad.” He let out a hearty laugh which you swore could melt an iceberg. “Anyway, thanks!” He smiles once more before turning his back.

Your heart deflated a little bit. Sharing a joke with a handsome stranger at the bookstore. Isn’t that the perfect recipe for a meet-cute? Except you’ll probably never meet again. Just another statistic of your “could-have-beens”.

Well, he could have asked for your name or YOU could have offered a book suggestion. Except he probably doesn’t find you attractive enough and you don’t have the guts to make the first move on a stranger.

You shrugged the thought away. Too much Kdramas and romcoms do screw your brain a little bit. You looked at your book once more. Right, maybe you should just fill your mind more with philosophies and thought-provoking stuff. Nonetheless, you can’t contain the smile forming on your face. Butterflies should stay in the gardens and not on your guts.

•••

When you said that book guy is just another statistic of a failed meet-cute, you were pleasantly surprised to find yourself wrong.

Two months later, you’re at a coffee shop waiting in line when you spot him sitting near the window.

He was wearing a white uniform, busy typing on the laptop in front of him. Unlike the scattered papers on his table, he looked serene. He adjusts his eyeglasses and you notice how slender and beautiful his fingers are.

“He’s a student.” You thought. Before you knew it, you started computing for your possible age gap. Given it has only been a year since you’ve graduated, 5 years would be the maximum gap if he’s a freshman. You cringed at the thought of dating someone younger. Moreover, you cringed at the thought that you’d actually date someone out of your league.

“Good morning! What’s your order?” The barista’s voice booms as if calling you out back to reality.

“Oh…yeah, uhh..” You proceeded to recite your order and another 5 orders of your co-nurses at SICU (Surgical Intensive Care Unit).

Waiting for your orders, you purposefully sat on a table that could give you the best vision of him in a very lowkey manner. Whatever that is.

You tried your best to be nonchalant but your eyes would subtly glance at him.

Oh wow, is that a great view from the window? You thought as you glide your eyes to where he was. To your surprise, he was looking at you too.

You dropped your gaze for a few seconds and looked up at him once again. He was smiling and your heart starts to palpitate.

Did he recognize you?

You watch him raise his hand, waving.

Entranced, you almost waved back but a person walks past you, her white skirt blocking your view of him. You watched her sit right in front of the book guy. Your book guy. She was wearing the same uniform as him. A classmate. A really pretty classmate.

You clenched your hand. You felt embarrassed, angry even. Angry at yourself for always expecting that someone would actually look at you. And stupid for thinking that meeting your soulmate would eventually be as exciting and memorable as the Kdramas.

The barista calls your name and you get up. You picked your orders and left without turning back.

•••

The thing about reality and romance is that not every encounter will be explosive. No, it won’t be as fast as love at first sight. Sometimes, love would come in the most mundane and gradual way possible.

A week later, you’d see book guy at your workplace. He’s one of the two med students on their clerkship assigned in your unit. He’d introduce himself as “Jae” and before you could do the same, he’d utter your name and everyone would be curious to know how you knew each other.

You’d dread the fact that he’d recognize your embarrassing moment at the coffee shop but he’d say that he actually recalls meeting you at the book store. And that he just read your name from your name tag.

Days, weeks passed.

Coincidence or not, your schedule would almost be the same and so you’d spend most of your shifts with Jae. You’d almost feel tired answering his seemingly endless questions.

You’d give him a heads up on what to expect on his first observation in the OR and he’d let you borrow a book in return.

You’d still catch yourself sneaking a glance at him but work would eventually drown his presence.

You’d sometimes spend your lunch together and you’d learn that you share the same taste of music and that he plays an instrument too.

You never seemed to run out of things to talk to and sometimes—a lot of times, you’d entertain that idea that he could actually like you.

But you knew that expectations lead to disappointments so you’d eventually settle your heart that whatever you had is just purely platonic friendship and you’d convince yourself that you are totally fine with that.

You thought that once he leaves your unit, whatever connection you had will mellow down. But then he asks for your number and his first text would be “Started benign in the morning, now I just assisted in delivering a baby. Is it normal to feel like crying?”

He’d send you memes about cats and your fave shows and soon you’d develop your inside jokes.

You tried your best to keep cool and ignore the butterflies but then something actually happens.

1 year later, he’d confess to you in the same coffee shop.

"I like you. I really like you." He said.

You’d be left speechless and be teary-eyed.

“How…? When?” You’d ask.

He said he could not forget how he was amused at your facial expression when you were picking your book at the bookstore. He said he would have stricken a longer conversation if not for his dad waiting on his car who was his ride at that time.

At the coffee shop, he noticed you while you recited the lengthy orders of your workmates and he was impressed.

He did smile at you but his classmate and partner in a school activity coincidentally arrived.

And no, he did not read your name tag. He knew about it when he heard the barista called you and he remembered.

When he saw the hospital he was interning at, he wondered if you’d be there. When he saw you at the unit he was first assigned at, his heart felt like it could jump out of his chest. He thought it was “fate” and it felt like fate because your schedules would usually coincide. He said knowing you more each day excites him and gives him joy. You were his kindred spirit and confidant. You just clicked.

And just like that, your unrequited-love streak comes to an end.

"Thank you." You answered and Jae's eyes started to quiver. He opens his mouth but no words came out.

Realizing your mistake you started to say sorry which made everything worse.

Jae forced himself to smile but you can see the pain in his eyes. He thought he was being rejected!

You took his right hand on the table and held it firmly. "I like you too, Jae."

His eyes widened and he started laughing.

"Oh God, I can't believe I'm capable of having 5 different kinds of emotions in less than 10 seconds."

"Cute," you muttered.

"Did you just call me cute!?"

You shook your head and smiled. "I mean... I guess you're my meet-cute after all."

-END-

[jojoreadwhat]

stuck in quarantine. | joe mazzello x fem!reader

- I’m the worst. This took so long, I fell into a small case of writer’s block in middle of writing this. but it’s up and I hope you all enjoy!

prompt; quarantine time equals baby making time.

words; 3k

this piece includes unprotected sex(please wrap it before you tap it!) if you’re not interested don’t read under the cut! :: breeding kink, oral(f!m!receiving), handjob, pet names, strong language and other materials that may not be suitable for others.

taglist - @supernaturalee @im-an-adult-ish @jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels @fairestkillerqueenofall @theindiealto @xmxisxforxmaybe @fallingoutofthe1975 @puffnstuff08 @liar-yourelyingtome @deacyspatronusisacheesetoastie @ask-mr-baldis-class @johndeaconshands @shadycupcakefox @michael-is-bae @rocketrhap917 @glimmeringlife @freddiefuckingm3rcury @m90schick @90sledger @thediscotomydeacy @artemisiaarm @spunky-town @crazylittlethingcalledlobe @brinteylovesaliens @mcdeaks @nurseemilyblog @underratedmisfit @briarrose26 @kateshorrorstory @belladonichaaze @mrsjosephmazzello @thosequeenboys @lukewarmatbest @anotheronebitesthedick @amethyst-serenade @miojodetomatin @joemazzello-imagines @taronegertonthewelshboi2 @rogerina-owns-me @berltsworld @importantpersonllama @deacyblues @stephydearestxo @punkebass @acdeaky @cherry-holland and to all my joe wives and joe enthusiasts!! (Theres a stupid 50 tag limit on these and I apologize if I didn’t tag you 😐 it’s tumblrs fault.)

I listened to this while writing.

Days ago your governor declared a state shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak officially making its rounds across your city and other counties close by.

At first, you and many others were taking the whole pandemic as a bit of an exaggeration.

You heard about the symptoms which seem like nothing to a young, healthy person like you. You couldn’t help but giggle about the crazy line stories at the stores you were hearing. Everyone’s reactions and precautions, like an apocalypse was about to ascend.

But once it began hitting home, affecting your job and livelihood. It had stop becoming a joke to you. It was more serious than you thought.

Luckily for you, you weren’t facing this troubling time alone. Your boyfriend Joe had flew back home after the production of his latest movie had been put on hiatus indefinitely. You did feel terrible that his project got cut short but.

You’d be lying if you weren’t happy about having Joe all to yourself until... god knows whenever the glass globe surrounding the world would be lifted.

So the both of you laid cozied up along the sofa, Joe’s warm chest was pressed firmly against your back, with you lying closely in front of him, filling in every curve and crevice of his body. Limbs entangled together as you cuddled, keeping warmth at a high with the living room throw draped over you both. Feeling his soft breaths against the crook of your neck, Joe’s toned arms tightening around your waist every so often, while you traced your little fingers upon his arms.

Aimlessly watching the blue screen across from the sofa, Joe had moved his arm that was wrapped over you down to your leg, overlapping his. Left exposed from the skimpy fabric you called sleep shorts you were wearing. Giving him access to the fresh shaved smoothness you worked on the night before.

At first it wasn’t anything, just nonchalant, gentle circles drawn from the pads of his long slender fingers along the top of your thigh. Joe enjoyed touching you any chance that he could. Tracing your soft, delicate skin that felt like a road to home.

It was the moment when you relaxed closer into him than he thought possible. Sighing sweetly, vibrations passed your lips and onto him.

That it pinged an array of ideas of spending this time, thoroughly.

Joe continued his exploration, watching for signs of you catching his drift as his hands reached higher levels along your thighs. Moving further till his hand crept under the hem of his shirt you were wearing. Still engrossed by the tv, Joe had to up his attempts.

He nuzzled his face and lips into your vanilla scent hair, savoring and feeling the softness against his lips, planting a kiss under your ear. Beginning a short trail, he freed his hand from under the throw and moving your hair off your shoulder and neck.

You giggled into the sensation of Joe’s lips meeting your neck, igniting your attention. Trailing from your neck, to the back, back again and up to your face and temple.

“What are you doing, Joseph?” You muttered low, taking your bottom lip between your teeth.

Trying to but poorly subside the tingles dancing down your spine. His plump, determined lips now covering the silk skin, further out across your shoulder before they paused.

“Appreciating you.” He answered, his voice silvery and low to your ears. Continuing on. Shading your cheeks pink by his words.

You chuckled soft, “Really?” Joe humming a short “Mhm” before proceeding the assault.

“Well I think this is you distracting me.” You said in a matter of fact.

You two were watching a silly romcom you had found after being elected to pick next. It was cute, light and whimsical. Marriages and little babies being born. Keeping your mind off a time like this.

You smiled at the feeling of his muffled laugh by his lips on your skin.

Moving and lifting himself behind you to give more space. He placed his hand on your shoulder, pushing you down onto your back, lightly to get a better view.

“You think so, huh?” He smirked, hovering over you now. Catching his chestnut orbs with your own while gazing up at him.

His dark auburn hair disheveled from laying about, tinted in bronze hues from a lamp nearby. You wrapped your arms around his neck, playing with the little hairs at the back of his head in your fingers. You nodded, “Mhm, I do.”

Joe cackled, throwing his head back before he looked back down at you, smirking. “You got me! I am.” He admitted. You scrunched up your face, playfully pinching his bicep. He cried an ouch in between laughs before he took both of your hands in his. Setting them at the sides of your head in his large ones.

He stared at you momentarily, just taking in your current state beneath him, his favorite kind where you were just your natural, beautiful self.

“But you know,” he began then, lowering his face closer to yours. “there’s something else we could do instead of watching babies in movies.”

You rolled your eyes up at him, a playful tude already cascading your face, preparing for the antics he had under his sleeves.

“Oh, and what’s that?” You asked, then.

Joe then placed a light kiss to your lips before disappearing from your view and to the left side of your face.

“Making one.” He whispered, his hot breath grazing the lobe of your ear before it followed with a firm kiss at the spot below. Causing a swarm of chills descending down your spine and right to your core. A mixture of both desire and shock from those words un-expectancy.

“You want to have a baby with me?” You questioned, makingsure that you heard clearly.

He removed one of his hands from yours, moving it to the top of your head, his long fingers feather-like to your skin as he moved the flyaway strands around your face. “Of course.” He clarified.

You’ve discussed the idea here and there, after he proposed to you a few months back. The topic was more fluid with comfort for the forever commitment between the both of you. Any chance you got, the comments were thrown and “A mini Mazzello” was aspiring. You both loved children, it was a long time dream. So why wait any longer?

“Babe?” Joe broke, removing you from your thoughts, “Hm” he chuckled before smiling at your bewilderment. “What are you thinking?” He asked, then.

Smiling, you freed one of your hands from Joe’s ginger locks. Cupping his cheek and running your thumb over his lips “About what you’re waiting for?”

You swore you never seen Joe’s eyes grow so wide, he deviously smile at you, “Dont have to ask me twice.” Not getting a second to react and his lips were on yours. Kissing him back so sweetly having only be just as needing as he hummed when he deepened it, and the kisses trailed all over your face.

You wrapped your arms around his neck. Joe took this as a invitation, straightening himself out over you, parting your legs with his knees before he slotted between them. Hovering over you now.

Both trying fast enough to help one another out of each other clothes. The instant your shirt hit the floor, Joe’s lips latched to your skin. You smiled at his neediness, eyes closed, melting into the feeling of mouth on your skin like it was the first time. From your neck to your collarbone, letting out a short gasp when you found the sweet spot. Skillfully taking his trail along the tops of your breasts. His large hands, perfectly cupping them. Kneeding them and his thumbs over and around your harden nipples.

Joe came back to your face, planting another chaste kiss to your lips, “I’ve waited for” he spoke in between speckling your jaw and mouth, “this moment.”

You giggled at his confession, securing your arms him. “Yeah?” You got out edgewise between a moan. “Mhm” he nodded, trailing his lips now further down to your breasts.

“There’s not a moment in the day that I haven’t thought about you pregnant.” he began, pressing a kiss to the valley “I think about putting a baby in you all the time.”

The vulgarity of that sentence slipping pass his lips left you a blushing mess, “tell me more. Please.” You said, turning into a round of moans the second his lips clasped around your nipple. He pulled away momentarily, his eyes on you, “I think about how even possible, you could be more beautiful. With our a baby in you.” lowering himself again. Bringing your neglected nipple into his mouth.

For Joe, this had been an ultimate goal for him ever since he could remember. The whole concept was a fascination to him. A human being, being created with parts of him and favorite parts of the love of his life? To the magic of a woman’s body, molding that little person, bringing it into the world. And that woman being you? You bearing a child, his child... to say that Joe wanted it the worst way, really was an understatement.

Moving away once more, inches away from your skin. “How” Beginning a scattering of kisses around and under your breasts,

“How strong.”

“How caring.”

“How loving.

“How smart.”

Stopping to look at you, “how wonderful of a mother your gonna be.” He finished, then. Diving in again. You bite your lip, concealing yourself to not break down right then and there at his words.

It escalated, his mouth was everywhere. Traveling down your body. Throwing your head back further into the cushion behind you, gasping when he took your harden nipple again into his mouth, tracing X's and O's over and around. Bringing Joe closer to your chest as he worked you up. Your fingers grasping at his dark ginger locks. Him kissing, licking, sucking, biting at every bit of your bare skin. Earning him moans and whimpers from you, who was a mess now beneath him.

You wanted him now, you were done with the way he toyed with you. You smiled into a moan when you felt his erected shaft underneath his briefs, graze inside your leg. Giving away that he wanted you just as much.

You wrapped your legs around him as you felt your clitoris throb, drenching the fabric of your panties. Joe smiled at you, wanting to say something witty about your eagerness but he didn't say a thing. He came back up to kiss you one more time before going back down your body again. Kissing above your panties, his fingers rubbing at the outside over your heat.

“Feels like you’re ready to see that happen too.” He said, you nodded ferociously. He groaned,  not waiting a moment longer before he pulled down your panties. You moaned as you felt the sharp chill grace your cunt.

Joe continued to tease, starting from your knee and aligning kisses on your inner thighs. You bucked your hips once at him, immediately his hands meeting them and his chestnut eyes flashing up at you to be “hold on, baby.” he muttered against you. Leaving you irritated as your head forcefully met the pillow. Your essence of a tantrum beginning helped you, when you felt his mouth kiss your mound.

You shuttered in surprise, only to then feel it strike of his tongue like an electric shock to your body. Soft and slow, a divine misery he caused. As he was careful, building you up till you thought you were ready enough for him. You moaned loudly, echoing through the living room. Feeling hot to the touch, as he set fuel to your fire. You squirmed, reaching for his hair as you were reaching your peak. Joe knew, taking your legs and throwing them over his shoulders. Intertwining your fingers as he devoured you until you came.

He moved away a bit. Kneeling between your legs after he was done tasting you, you caught his gaze. Being it was hard to follow when you seen his cock hard and waiting to spring free from his briefs. It made your mouth water, you wanted to taste him. You couldn't wait for him to be clenched around your walls. Your hands met his hips, fingers slipping under the elastic of his briefs. Sliding them down to his knees and watching his harden cock slap against his stomach. Licking your lips at the delicious sight.

You took your hand, wrapping it gently around his shaft. Pumping slow, “Y/N, please.” He begged, wanting to feel your mouth. You wrapped your lips around the tip of his cock, beginning to work him. You looked up through your long lashes, watching as he threw his head back, lips parting to let out a sweet moan pass his lips, groaning. You moaned around him at the sight above you, proud of the praise.

You then began to bob your head around him, swirling and running your tongue down and around his shaft. Earning more appreciation with every moan, groan and praise he gave you. “You feel so good around me. Such a good girl..” the whole dictionary of filth keeping you going. Joe loved the way your mouth and tongue felt against him, but he was growing close with each stroke, each suck, each pump and he didn’t want to meet the finish line yet.

Joe tapped your cheek, backing away from your grasp. You began to chased him but he cupped your face, tilting you up to look at him, leaning down to kiss you, “Lay down for me.”

You obliged then, feeling you back meet the couch cushions and Joe follow after. He kissed you again, a hard, longing kiss. His hands running from your waist to your hips, directing to wrap your legs around him. Joe then grabbed himself, pumping himself, lining himself to your entrance. He placed his cock between your folds, sliding back and forth to lubricant himself in your juices before he began pushing into you.

It wasn’t very often that Joe didn’t wear a condom. Feeling him raw was amazing, even more so now with the reasoning behind it. He slowly entered you, feeling every ridgid egde, every vain and crevice of him until he completely disappeared in you, bottoming out.

You both waited just a moment to adjust to the new feeling, sharing sweet kisses and affirmations before you gave him the go to continue. Slow, careful thrusts into you. Hands all over each other, you couldn’t count how many times you kissed. Both your moans, groans, whimpers and sweet nothings colliding with the faint sounds of the television still on across.

The mix of paces, fueled of love and passion, it drove you insane how amazing it felt. There was no longer a filter for neither of you, words you didn’t know fell from one another, sounds you didn’t know you could make were sounded out. You swooned when he groaned and moaned for you. Watching the twinkle in his smile everytime you praised him, “you’re going to be such a great dad.” Only to have him pick up more, drive you further to the edge. Pulling you closer to him, furthered fleshed to him then you could imagine. Just so enraptured by the moment.

Your climax was growing closer by each second, Joe knew with every signaling tight clench around his throbbing cock, “Joe, I-I’m close, Baby.” You mustered the energy to call out, Joe nodded, “So am I, y/n. Come with me.” He kissed you swiftly.

Suddenly surprising you when he brought your leg to rest on his shoulder, burying himself deep inside and thrusting erratically, pounding into you. You were in awe watching Joe furrow his brows from time to time as he grew closer too. Before resting his forehead to yours now, and you beginning to feel the heat rising quickly, engulfing from your curled toes to your belly.

Without another warning, you met your orgasm. Screaming out in absolute pressure. Your back arching, closing any gap possible between you two and letting the feeling wash over you and take over any little control you had of yourself. Joe met his second a behind you, groaning loudly as he road it out, holding you close as you trembled and you kissed him so much as he came and twitched inside you. Before breathlessly collapsing onto your chest.

Joe still kept a grip on you as he rested on you. You combed through his now sweaty and damp hair. Just lying there motionless for a while, both hot and sticky, the good kind. Processing and waiting for your breathing to regulate its patterns again.

“That was... wow.” Joe broke through the thick air of the room. You chuckled beneath him, vibrating against his ear and causing him to smile weakly. “It was.” You replied, quietly. “That could’ve been the one.” You said once more, allowing your thoughts free. Joe turned his head up to you, placing on hand on your stomach to rest on.

You watched him take his lip between teeth before slowly nodding. You smiled down at him as he picked himself up to reach up, cupping your face in his hand. and kiss you, deeply once more.

He pulled away, laughing lightly when you chase his lips before he kissed the tip of your nose and rested in the nook of your neck and chest. “But you know,” he started, tracing over your collarbone with his fingers. “We can always go another round.”

You let out a loud chuckle, before looking down at Joe who was already looking up at you, with a goofy toothless smile. “Oh yeah?” You questioned, then. Joe nodded, “Mhm.”

“You know, for safe measures.” You shook your head, rolling your eyes before looking at him again. “Well then,” you began. “what’s the hold up?”

And before you could say anything else, Joe and you were up on your feet. Scurrying like two fools in hopelessly and utter in love with each other, to the bedroom.



[princecharmingmendes]

Heartstrings | Chapter XII | Shawn Mendes

“ ‘It’s like a best friend, but more. It’s the one person in the world that knows you better than anyone else. It’s someone who makes you a better person, well, actually they don’t make you a better person… you do that yourself because they inspire you. A soulmate is someone who you carry with you forever. It’s the one person who knew you, and accepted you, and believed in you before anyone else did or when no one else would. And no matter what happens..you’ll always love them.’ - unknown”

“Shawn was a huge believer that the ‘soulmates’ situation’ was the most stupid thing on the planet, specially since it was such a rare thing to find someone with the same mark as you. He would do anything he could to prevent the so called 'destiny’ from happening, but could he?”

hi, i know there’s so much going on right now and i’m not going to take this too far cause this is not a political centered blog or anything, i just think somethings need to said. i just thought i might ask you guys to see what is going on, sign the petitions, vote and if you can, donate. you can find links on my blog and even all over tumblr, it won’t take you too long to do it. and please stay safe. and in the middle of it, i’m just posting this for you to have something to ease your minds a bit and keep you occupied for a few minutes during quarantine. anyway, i hope you like it, and please give me some feedback.

*Word Count: 2.6K+.

*Warnings: cursing, angst, drinking, mentions of car crash (in case that triggers).

*Posted: June 4th, 2020.

                                                   -*-

It’s been almost a week since the last time a had an actual conversation with Shawn. I mean, even though he’s been dodging me like the plague, I wasn’t totally available as well, finals started and I was going insane. It’s no secret to anyone that I take my education pretty serious, so the whole week I’ve been studying like crazy. Mel likes to say I’ve been doing this more than ever to avoid the topic and the whole conversation with Shawn, I just like to think it’s just myself as in any end of semester. And he wasn’t ignoring me, he was just avoiding being alone with me, and according to Brian, he had been pretty off lately, and even though I really wanted to sit down with him and see what was actually happening, I didn’t have the time to, and if he wanted, he knew he could come to me.

The week went on pretty fast. Soon was Friday and I finally would have a night to myself to chill for a bit before my last week of finals started. Melissa took the opportunity to run to her boyfriend’s place, aka, Shawn’s condo, and the guys invited me over for a game night, but I told them I needed to just stay quiet and sleep. They ended up accepting it, especially cause this was no news for everyone.

So I ended up opening a bottle of wine and ordering some pizza. I took a long and warm shower, deciding to do some skin care and paint my nails nicely, and while I was doing that, I chose a random thing to let playing on my computer on Netflix to watch and just enjoy the whole night. The pizza arrived around nine and it was perfect, cause my nails were finally dry, so I went outside and grabbed it, paying and going back to my room. But ten minutes later, when I was finally eating my first slice, someone knocked on the door and it was weird, I wasn’t expecting anyone. But when I opened the door, I was just so shocked.

Shawn was standing there, looking completely lost with glassy eyes, his cheeks were pink, his hair was a mess and so were his clothes. He didn’t say anything, he just kept staring at me with a confused yet grateful expression. Shawn opened his mouth to speak but nothing came from it, so he closed it and tried speaking again, looking still like a lost puppy. I gave him some space and he just dragged himself inside, stumbling through the room and basically plopping down on the mattress, throwing his backpack on the floor and just looking straight ahead. I closed the door and walked to him, but he didn’t look up and I was starting to get worried about him, so I kneeled down in front of him, carefully placing a hand on his cheek, which caused him to immediately look down at me. I started lightly caressing his face and his eyes fluttered shut.

“Do you want to tell me what happened?” I asked and he nodded, but not a single word left his mouth “is it school related?” he shook his head “is it me?” he shrugged “It’s okay, have you been drinking?” and with that he nodded and I could literally see the tears forming on those gorgeous brown eyes “oh, Shawn”

I got up to my feet only to sit down beside him, quickly wrapping my arms around his torso as he nuzzled his face on my neck. I started rubbing circles on his back as he sobbed on me, pulling me tighter to his body. I’ve never seen him so broken before, at least not in a long while. Shawn was always the type that felt his emotions deeply but didn’t show, only to a few lucky people, that included his family, Brian and me, and yet, I’ve never seen him crying this bad before. He’s whole body was shaking and he was curled up seeming a lot smaller than he really is, and my heart was shattering at every little sound that left him, but I knew I couldn’t cry, even though my eyes were brimming with tears. I knew I had to be strong for him.

I kept on trying to coo him and mumble a few comforting and soothing words, but it was hard not knowing what made him feel like this. His breathing was starting to even out slowly and I was feeling a bit more relieved, and still, I didn’t stop trying to make him relax a bit, but gently playing with his curls, feeling him shiver and sigh against the sensitive skin of my neck. I placed a tender kiss on his hair and kept on playing with it. He slowly backed up a bit, his face a little bit red, with swollen and puffy honey eyes looking up at me like a little kid who’s afraid. I squeezed his hand softly to assure him that I was here for him.

“Do you want to take a warm shower?” I offered the first thing that I would like to do if I’m feeling sad and he nodded softly “it’s okay if you want to, maybe it’ll help you relax a bit”

“Okay” it was barely above a whisper but it was already enough.

“I’ll get the shower ready and-“ I was cut mid sentence by him grabbing my hand as I was standing up and keeping me by his side “come with me then, I just want to help, I’m not going anywhere, darling” I said placing my hand on his cheek and he leaned in on my touch “come on, baby”

He slowly got up, still holding my hand, and followed me to my bathroom with Mel, in which I turned on my fairy lights that I had hanging there and turned off the lights so he could have a chill environment. I turned on the hot water and back into the room to grab the backpack he brought with him, so I returned as he was taking off his pants, so I placed it there and left him to his own business. I went back to the room to kinda change the mood in there, by lightning up a candle and a few fairy lights, separating my wine and a glass for him and arranging the pizza and the bed for us in case he chose to stay.

Shawn left the bathroom with damp hair and dressed in sweatpants and a hoodie, looking so so so cute, he rubbed his eyes to adjust to the light and when he focused on the room his shoulders dropped and suddenly I couldn’t breath. I didn’t want to make him feel worse, I just wanted to help.

“I’m sorry, everything can go back to normal if you want”

“It’s not that” he mumbled softly “this is perfect, you’re perfect”

“I’m not, I just figured you needed to relax a bit, want to lay on the bed? You arrived a bit after the pizza”

“‘M not hungry”

“I know, but you should eat a bit, there’s also wine” I offered with a tempting smile and he gave me the smallest one in return, but it enough to make my heart flutter.

“Kay”

“Do you want to spend the nigh? Mel is not coming back” I asked and he nodded coming to me and holding my hand, plopping down on my mattress and pulling me to him “wait, I’ll grab the pizza for us, want wine?”

“Yeah” he answered and I grabbed to glasses that were not wine appropriate and a slice of pizza for each of us.

I sat down beside him and gave him his stuff, quickly pulling up the covers and placing my notebook on my lap, quickly logging in on netflix and picking a romcom I knew he liked deep down. So we just drank a glass of wine each and ate few slices. We were just there watching and I decided to put on a face mask while the movie wasn’t over.

“What is it?”

“It’s a charcoal face mask, want to apply it too?”

“Is it good?”

“Yeah, you have to peel it off later”

“Okay, can you put it on me?”

“Sure” I said spreading the product over his face, careful with his hair, until I gave up and pulled his curls back with a headband, and cleaning my fingers on a towel I had there “done”

“I have to wait?”

“Yeah, until the movie is over”

“Okay” he replied and got back to watching the movie with me.

After another half an hour the movie was almost over and I turned a bit to look at Shawn, only to find him already looking at me with glassy eyes.

“Oh, Shawnie, what’s wrong?” I mumbled softly and he shook his head.

“Let’s take off these masks”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah”

“Okay, just peel it”

“How?”

“Like this” I said poking and end and starting to pull it.

“Holy shit, this hurts”

“Don’t be a whiny baby”

“You and I both know I am a whiny baby” he mumbled with a cute pout on his pink lips.

“Yeah, that’s true, just do it” I said holding back a laughter as I finished taking mine off.

“It hurts”

“Want me to do it?”

“Yeah” he answered and I peeled it as quickly as I could with him basically whisper-yelling “hey, you weren’t careful!”

“But now it’s over, it’s just like a band-aid”

“But all over your face”

“Yeah” I said reaching back for my moisturizer and applying a bit on his face, alongside with my lip balm “all done”

“Can I put this on your face?”

“Sure” I was honestly about to say he could do anything if that meant he would be feeling a bit better or at least distracted, just as he was right now, his tongue poking out in concentration and he softly placed the cream all over my face.

“I’m sorry for showing up out of nowhere” he said closing the lid and looking at it as if it was the best thing ever.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to talk about it if you’re not comfortable yet”

“But I feel like I owe you an explanation”

“You don’t”

“I do” he said sighing softly and I decided to just give him space to talk since he wanted.

“Okay”

“I- Mum was involved in a bad car crash yesterday”

“Oh God”

“I know, and no one told me ‘cause they were afraid of how I would react and if that would ‘cause me to not take the test I had today, and I got so pissed when I found out, I just wanted to punch something, and that’s when I noticed why they’re concerned about my reaction, I guess I’m explosive and that stopped them from telling me my mother was at the hospital unconscious. And then I went straight to the hospital to see her, and then I had to come back from home cause I have tests monday and the first thing I knew I was parked outside your dorm room and I- I’m scared, Y/N” Shawn struggled to finish his sentence as he got back into sobbing and crying.

“It’s okay to be scared, baby” I said pulling him into a hug and he nestled his head on my chest, sobbing into it, as I tried my best to coo him “Karen’s going to be okay, Shawn, she’s already getting medical help, okay? You just gotta be strong for her and for Liyah, and I’m here for you, just don’t forget to breath a bit”

“Mhmm” he mumbled into my chest and I started playing with his curls.

“I would get upset too if they didn’t tell me and I would’ve gone there, and probably would’ve come back to you too, so just know you didn’t do anything wrong” I placed a kiss on his forehead and cupped his jaw “you talked to her?”

“No, she was out due to the meds they’re giving to her”

“How was your dad?”

“He said she’s out of danger when I got there, but that didn’t help me much”

“Okay, that’s a good sign, you just need to let the info sink in, right?” I asked and he just shrugged as I tried drying his tear stained cheeks “it’s okay, sweetheart, she’s going to be alright, okay?”

“I love you” he mumbled placing his chin on my sternum “so much”

“I love you too, Shawn, I’ve always loved you”

“Thank you for being here for me, this means so much” he said with puffy eyes and blushed cheeks.

“It’s my job and I’ll always be here”

“I’m here for you too”

“I know that” I smiled at him and pushed his hair back before holding his face on both of my hands “but right now, you’re the one who needs to relax and to just let go a bit, okay?” and to that, Shawn just nodded.

So I got back to playing with his hair as he nuzzled his face deeper in my chest, basically laying on top of me, not that I mind or anything, it actually feels good. We just spent so much time in silence, just waiting for his heart rate and breathing to calm down a bit, and when it did, I was so sure he was asleep, but when I tried moving to reach for my bottle of water I heard his whine in protest, and his arms tightening around me. Shawn looked up at me with his eyes lids struggling to be open and pink tinted cheeks, with a small pout and I couldn’t even move, so instead of doing what I was meant to, I just pressed a light kiss on his curls.

“You want me to leave?”

“Of course not, just wanted to reach for my water bottle, thought you’re asleep”

“Sorry, I wasn’t”

“But you should try to, specially ‘cause we still have finals and stuff, how can I help you?”

“Just keep doing what you do, baby”

“What?”

“Just this, just being here”

“Okay, can we just get ready for bed, in case either of us end up falling asleep?”

“Sure” he mumbled but didn’t move a muscle.

“Shawn, sit down for a sec, buddy” I asked nicely and he groaned, but obeyed either way.

I quickly rearranged things around us so we could actually fall asleep in peace and grabbed an extra blanket for us just in case he stole mine, even though I feel like he sleeps like a log. When I was done, Shawn just laid back on the pillows and outstretched his arms to me, making grabby motions with his hands, and I ended chuckling but also ended giving in, and then he pulled me into his chest, wrapping his arms around me and holding me tight against his body. He started pressing soft kisses all over my face as I kept on giggling like a school girl.

“Stop moving” he groaned as I kept on leaning away from his face”

“God, you’re needy”

“I’m just trying to give you some love”

“Okay, but you can give it to me tomorrow, you need to rest baby”

“But-“

“No buts, Mendes, sleep”

“Fine” he mumbled with a pout that I had to resist very badly not to kiss.

“Goodnight, Shawn”

“Goodnight, baby” he said placing a kiss on the tip of my nose as I resumed playing with his hair.

And then I fell asleep, wrapped on his warmth and hoping this wasn’t just a dream or that things would finally work out to be like they’re supposed to.

                                                   -*-

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