#wp slider

[alphabetboyluvr]

throttle │ jjk - one

this fic is my baby and has just hit 400k over on wp, so I'm sharing her here too he he

one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven

warnings - jungkook is blonde <3, he's also a bit of an asshole. dangerous driving, alcohol consumption, nothing major, we're setting scenes, building worlds just to ruin them woohoo. mentions of violence, gang dynamics. both the oc and jk swear like sailors.

word count - 17.8k

minors dni // posted to wp late 2021 // series masterlist

The bell above the gas station door always chimes just a little bit louder than is really necessary. 

In fact, the shrill clang of metal is so intrusive, that it feels borderline rude every single time a customer swings the door open. It's only natural for you to ignore it now, affronted by the way it distracts your focus.

It's not like you're ever doing anything important. Just flicking through the day's newspapers or counting stock. 

Although, come to think of it, you're never actually counting stock, either. You leave that job for Jieun, because you know she's a stickler for the rules, and likes feeling accomplished after her shifts are finished.

You're not really sure how much accomplishment can be derived from a part-time job at a GS25 attached to a gas station forecourt, but she seems to enjoy it.

This job really isn't for you - but it's better than following your father into local politics, and nepotism is all you really have going for you, considering you flunked the college entrance exam. An act of rebellion, for the corruption scandal your father had chosen to embroil himself in during your senior year, you had refused to write a single word on the paper. 

You thought it would embarrass him - and it did. Just at your expense.

And so, while it may not be your childhood dream of being a pop star, or a vet, or anything of any significance, ringing up bills at the gas station is how you're able to pay your own bills. It'll do for now.

You ignore the chime of the bell as the door to the service station opens once more. 

It's the start of the year, and the breeze is bitter whenever it rushes in. This time, the wind is accompanied by a guy in his mid-thirties. Dark slacks, burgundy jumper. His off-brand sliders scuff across the floor as he traipses round to the refrigerator, bottle clinking as he picks up a little soju and some beer for his evening. It's not an uncommon occurrence for men his age.

You hypothesise his next move. To the snack section to pick up something for his kids? Maybe straight to the kiosk to pay for his fuel? You check the screen, and notice he's barely added enough gas to cover the minimum charge. 

A scornful mutter of 'priorities' laces your lips, as you see him put back the soju and reach for the whisky instead.

Still, you can't blame him. It's fucking freezing. A little whisky to warm him up will probably be as cost-effective as getting a new boiler that actually works.

It's all just an assumption of course. 

You don't know this man, and you don't have a clue if his boiler works or not - but thinking about the lives of the people you meet for split fractions of time always helps to make your shift go quicker. 

He comes to the counter, pays, and leaves. 

You wonder if he's made up a life for you in his head, too.

Probably not. He probably already has an actual life to distract him from his thoughts. Maybe that's what the whisky is for.

And there you go again; hypothesising. Thinking. Putting your assumptions onto strangers.

The next customer is a girl around your age, wearing a fluffy pink coat and hoops big enough to be worn as bangles. She arrives on foot, pushing the swing door open without much care for excessive force. 

You decide, all rather quickly, that she must work at the gentlemen's club around the corner from the gas station. She's buying a coffee, iced, and nothing else. 

It's when she's at the kiosk that you realise your make-believe life for her is terribly inaccurate. She fumbles with her purse, dropping her staff I.D. card.

She's a nurse. Paediatric nurse, to be specific. The coffee she's picked up isn't for a boost before a shift on the poles, but to keep her going through a night on the wards.

And yet despite how your assumptions are so often so wrong, you still consider yourself to be a good judge of character.

It's a flaw, the way you always seem to think you can read people; think you can look at their demeanour, their clothes, and assume their financial status, what they do after the sun sets, and if they're going home to an empty house or not.

Your thoughts become lore. The gas station you work in is the thick leather cover that protects your make-believe world from outsiders.

When the bell chimes again, you don't look up. 

It's a habit. You don't want to make eye contact. It breaks the illusion that these people are just characters in your head.

Instead, you glance up to the curved mirror in the far corner of the shop. It acts as a second pair of eyes, and is ignored by pretty much all of the customers - except for the teenage girls who like to take selfies in it.

Tall, you assess when you finally find the new customer in the mirror. Broad. 

His posture a little sloped, but all things considered, he carries himself well. He heads for the refrigerators, just like every man above the age of 19 seems to do on a Friday night. There's that clink again, and you guess he's going for soju. He's young, so it seems apt. Whatever's cheapest seems to be the drink of choice for the guys your age, and you can't blame them.

You watch, cautious to not catch his gaze, as he heads to the food fridge. 

Gimbap, you guess. Tuna, not chicken. One roll, not two. 

He pulls out his phone to check a notification, and you notice just how hard his gaze is. There's a ridge between his brows, and a couple silver ballbearings accenting the brow farthest from you. Whatever he's reading on his phone, he doesn't like.

Girlfriend, you guess again. No. An ex. No, no. A FWB turned far-too-clingy. 

He looks like the type to be after something a little casual. 

The tattoos on his hands are nothing special - you've seen hands like his in countless 'sneaky' Instagram stories; a hand on the thigh, holding a bag. Y'know, the ones. The kind of shit girls post with the caption 'private, not secret' - but you both know there's nothing really 'private' about it. The owner of the hands will be blocked within a week or two, once the girl realises he's nothing special, just like his hands.

You hear him mutter beneath his breath. You can't quite make it out, but the way he shakes his head lets you know that it was most likely a curse. He locks his phone, tucks it into the back pocket of his jeans, and carries on looking for something to eat. 

You watch as his gaze lifts and falls.

That's it, you urge silently. Go for the gimbap.

You want to be proven right. 

He's already got a green bottle tucked into the pocket of his black bomber jacket, so you know you've got his choice of drink correct. You're assuming that your guess about his phone is correct, too, so you only need one more right to get a full house.

As he looks across the snacks - gimbap, vacuum-sealed meats, cheese, strawberry sandwiches and enough microwavable food to feed an orphanage - he pushes his hair out of his face. The way it falls back down almost instantly makes you smile. 

He needs a haircut - but you bet that his FWB (turned far-too-clingy lover) loves it, so he keeps it long for her satisfaction. It's bleached; pale as the sticky rice balls he's eyeing up, with dark roots that let you know he's trouble. No boy with hair like that has ever been good news. Especially not the ones who look like him.

Or so you guess look like him. He's wearing a mask. It's black, to match his outfit, cinched at the nose, hooked around ears that are studded up the sides. He must have, what? Five? Six? Little square studs in there. Airport security must be a nightmare.

You smile to yourself as he reaches for gimbap. One roll, not two. Tuna, not chicken. Bingo.

"Pump six," he says as he approaches the counter. You already know. It's been waiting on the screen since he walked in. There's no one else in the forecourt. "And these."

He tosses down the gimbap, and pulls the soju from his pocket, an old receipt coming with it. Kang's Auto Repairs it reads, but he stuffs it back into his pocket before you can read anything else.

"We're cheaper," you note, not really caring for revealing just how incredibly nosey you are. There's a perspex screen between you, which always makes you feel protected - from people, their judgements and whatever other airborne diseases they might be carrying. From the looks of him, the only diseases he'll be carrying are the ones found beneath the sheets. He's too well-built to be suffering from any ailments - but equally, too well built to not to be fucking about. "Cheaper than Kang's, I mean. He'll charge you an arm and a leg for the honour of his service."

"Hmm?" He raises a brow, obviously just wanting to pay for his shit and go. "Thanks, but I like Kang's. Been going there for years."

You hold back a laugh. He's no older than you. 24? 25? Yet he's talking like he's been loyal to that over-priced, under-qualified garage for decades. The neighbourhood is littered with garages, scrap part dealers and gas stations, and yet Kang's is the main competitor for your place. It's not even in this neighbourhood - it's across the river, which is a different district entirely, but the proximity is close enough. Your boss will never miss an opportunity to shit talk Old Man Kang and his 'con-artist' car mechanics. He doesn't think any of them are actually trained.

"Yeah, well," you smile, scanning his items, pretending there's a fault with the barcode on his gimbap just to be a little annoying. "Our guy, Yoongi, he's a specialist with those." You nod out of the window and towards the car by pump six. It's red; a little bit brash, but a classic. "Pony, right? Hyundai? '80?"

"Pony," he nods, tone neutral but eyes a little narrow. Doesn't know why, but he didn't expect you to know - and then he remembers you work at a garage. Of course you know. Got the year wrong, though."It's an '83. A mark two. I'll keep the suggestion in mind," he adds, though you both know he's lying. "How much do I owe you?"

He doesn't really listen as you list off the figure. Just hands you his card, hums when you ask for his signature - sign of a big spender, must be a full tank - and says little else. His phone buzzes on the counter as he stuffs his purchases back into his pockets, and you glance down - again, not caring for the discretion of your nosey tendencies.

KNJ. (1)   New Message.

Sneaky bastard, you think. How rude of him not to have his message previews displayed.

You're not sure if he caught you looking, but he snaps his phone up regardless and shoves it into his back pocket.

"Cheers," he nods, before he sets off into the night. Car unlocked, he slides into the driver's seat and empties his pockets onto the passengers' side. You watch on for a moment, before there's a rattle of his exhaust pipe, engine roaring into action - and like that, he's gone. You assume he's not on his way to his FWB (turned far-too-clingy lover). Wouldn't have bought tuna if he was. Then again, he's a guy. You don't expect him to care about such social cues.

Maybe he's just left hers. His neck did seem a little red, but then again, it's cold. Minus 3. The river you walk across to get to work is frozen over, and has been for about two weeks now. You've got a heat pack stuffed in either pocket of your work jacket. 

Well, Yoongi's work jacket. It's his name stitched into the breast pocket - but it's bigger than yours, so you can fit a few more layers beneath it. If the boss saw you in it, he'd have a bitch fit for 'not following company protocols,' and for not caring about the 'company brand image'. Which is true. You're neither following protocols, nor do you care about the company nor its brand image. 

It's just gone nine on a Friday night, though, and the boss clocked out a few hours ago with a bottle of makgeolli and the day's newspaper under his arm. He's not gonna see. And if he does, what's he gonna do? Fire you? Good luck to him finding anyone else who wants to spend their winter nights freezing half-to-death in this shit hole of a gas station.

By the time midnight hits, you've been yawning for at least an hour. Keeping yourself warm is a laboursome task.

"You're gonna catch a cold," Yoongi acknowledges as he enters the shop through the back entrance. He's still wrapped up in a calf-length puffa jacket, all warm and cosy. He heads out past the kiosks as normal, up to the fridges. Bagged americano and a cup of ice. You know his score - and you're proven right. "Tell me why I agreed to cover your night shift, again?" he says with a slight shiver as he scans through his own items.

Though he's typically out fixing up cars behind the service station, he helps you out at the kiosk too. Normally just when there are staff shortages - which in all fairness, occur more frequently than you'd expect.

"'Cause you love me," you sing, knowing that it's entirely plausible. 

Yoongi - stone-cold, stoic, as emotionally inept as you'd expect a bachelor verging on his 30s to be - could very much be in love with you. It's not like he really speaks to many other women, and he's never given you a reason to believe he's not interested. 

But he does give you his jacket, cuts you slack on the days you feel like shit, and covers the shifts you don't want to work without asking any questions. Sometimes he sneaks you the food that was meant to be tossed in the bin overnight, and other times he makes sure there's a peach tea waiting for you when you clock in.

"It's 'cause I love money," he corrects, as if the extra 30,000 won he'll make from the last three hours of your shift is really an incentive. He's already spent 3,000 on his coffee. "Now scram. Get yourself home. Fucking freezing tonight. Want me to call you a cab?"

That'll be an extra 7,000 to his evenings' expenses. You really don't think he does love the money. At least not enough for it to be a reasonable excuse.

"It's good," you shake your head. "You know I'm not far away."

He nods, not really fighting your choices. It's not like you ever accept his offer anyway. He learned quite a long time ago that if you want something done, you'll do it for yourself.

Y'see, you're not the only one who watches.

Yoongi watches you too, as you tap through on the screen to log yourself out and cash up the till. 

You've only run 260,000 through your till in the last four hours, barely enough to make ends meet for the gas station. No wonder the place hasn't had any upgrades - with the exception of tills and a new fridge every now and again - since the mid-noughties. The signs are rusting, and Yoongi still has to change the fuel prices by hand every morning.

On the rare shifts you work together, you like to make assumptions together. You guess what people are gonna buy, hypothesise where they're going, who they're going with. When you hear bottles clink, you guess which flavour soju they're going for, as if you don't only have 4 flavours stocked. During the summer, you like to guess who's filling up their tanks to go to the coast.

The door chimes as a new customer walks in, and Yoongi knocks his head back. "Go on, out. I'll cash your till up. It's all good."

You ask if he's sure, to which he smiles and tells you to leave again - so you do. Not without thanking him, and fluttering your lashes a little. Maybe it is your fault, just a little, that Yoongi might be a tiny bit in love with you. 

"I owe you the world!" You squeal as you skip out the door. He laughs, but says nothing. He just wants you home and safe as quickly as possible.

Yoongi doesn't mind covering your shifts, not this late at night. He knows this area doesn't have the best reputation, and despite your sharp tongue, he knows that you'd stand absolutely no chance if someone decided that it seemed like a good place to commit a felony or two. 

It's a debate you've had a few times before. You know he's right, but you fight against him regardless. It always makes him smile, and only adds to your theory that he might be a little bit in love with you.

You forget the quiet thrum in your chest as soon as the cold air hits you. Yoongi traded his jacket with you before you left; him now in his work uniform, and you in his thick puffa which reaches down to your ankles. Hands stuffed into his pockets, your shoulders hunch as you walk, a mask covering your face just to keep the heat in. Your scarf is wrapped around you so tightly that you might just suffocate, but it would be worth it, you think. You hate this time of year. So fucking cold, and for what?

The bridge lights are off by the time you reach it, illuminated only by a couple of cars. They're sat up towards the far end, facing you, and you sigh. Every fucking weekend.

It's not always the same cars, but quite often it is - or some variation of the same group, at least. They sit, waiting for traffic to die down and the lights to cut off, before turning the bridge into their own little speedway.

You should have guessed from the sound of that asshole's exhaust earlier that evening that he'd be one of them. 

The fact he goes to Kang's, too. 

It's obvious, when you think about it now. 

Guys his age never fill up their tanks - but he did. Filled it up just to spit it all out again, painting the road in iridescent speckles of gas.

You can see the Pony. It's the car farthest away from you, next to a black SsangYong. 

You can't make out the model of the SsangYong, but it looks fast. It's lowered, windows tinted, exhaust tampered with, just to create an almighty roar - which screams 'I have a tiny cock'. 

At least with the Pony, you can tell that the sound being delivered comes from his engine. Credit where it's due, and all that. He could still very much have a tiny cock, but at least he's better at hiding it.

Crossing your arms over your chest, you hug into yourself to preserve heat. The lights of the cars make you a little self-conscious, aware that you're the only thing in sight that's disturbing their peace. There's ice on the road, but you pay it no notice, knowing that there's no point in worrying about one of the cars swerving off-road as they inevitably shoot past you. 

If it happens, it happens.

The SsangYong is loud. Obnoxiously, so. You can hear pressure being put down and released on the gas pedal, clutch raised. He's teasing you. Warning you. Hurry up. 

Next to it, the Pony hums. He doesn't seem interested in taunting you as if you could fight a two-tonne vehicle as it hurtles towards you. That, or he doesn't want to waste his gas. Lord knows he'll be wasting enough of it tonight as it is.

"Try me, fucker," you mumble under your breath, eyes trained on the black car. You can't make out its driver, nor do you really care. 

It's at this point you notice a guy on the opposite side of the road. 

He flashes the torch of his phone, once, twice. The Pony kicks into gear now, too, revving to rival the SsangYong. You're halfway across the bridge, wishing they could have just waited, like, one more minute. But whatever. Assholes will be assholes.

The torch guy is out of your line of vision by the time you hear tyres screech against the ice-cold road, rubber-burning regardless. The Ssangyong bolts, fumes from the exhaust fogging in the air behind it. You expect the Pony to do the same.

It takes you half a second to realise it's stagnated, and another half to realise that things aren't going to plan for Mr Gimbap.

There's a thud from the back wheels as they lock and release, causing the wheels to spin out. You've seen enough wheel spins now to know one, and as the Pony lurches forward, you know that's exactly what it is - but you also know the road is icy. 

The fun of a wheel spin, or so Yoongi likes to tell you, is that brief moment of lost control. He likes to do it whenever he gives you a lift home, because he finds the way you freak out funny - but he's always in command of his vehicle. He's never done it with you in the car during the winter. He knows better. Doesn't actually want to lose control.

At least, not like the dude in the driver's seat of the Pony currently is. 

The back kicks out, sending him swerving. The front wheels are a fucking mess, his hands twisting the wheel in an attempt to rectify his fuck up. It's fruitless. He's off the clutch, the wheels aren't spinning, but he's already on the ice, and he's hurtling towards you.

You're aware you should run, but like the river, you're stuck. Frozen in place. 

Maybe you should have accepted Yoongi's offer of a taxi. RIP.

There's another biting screech as you're doused in headlights, and you're pretty sure that this is what people mean when they say you see the light before you die. Fucking blinding. No way those lamps are regulation approved.

It's as you're bracing yourself for the inevitable end (and thinking about how embarrassing it's going to be when your family is tasked with clearing out your apartment after your demise - you haven't cleaned for weeks, laundry has been sat in the washer for two days, and there's a pizza box that you don't dare look in sitting next to the bin) that miracle seems to strike.

The Pony hits an uniced patch just in time for the driver to slam on his breaks. Handbrake, by the sound of it, but you're not sure. Not really sure of anything. Your heart is beating in your throat.

Steam is coming from the heat of the tyres, but the air around you is frozen, and so are you. You're not sure if it's from the cold or from the shock. A bit of both probably. You don't shake out of it until the driver's door pops open.

"The fuck are you doing?" He shouts. His mask is off now, not like it had been in the store. Light glimmers off yet more metal stuck in face, this time a ring around his plump bottom lip. His nose, though well proportioned, is blushed. "I could have fucking hit you!"

"Uh, yeah?" You almost laugh, too stunned to compute the fact that he was shouting at you. "Yeah, you could have fucking hit me, you asshole-"

"The fuck are you doing on the bridge? This late? Wearing all fucking black? I know you work around here, so I know you know what this place is used for-"

"Yeah, it's a bridge," you deadpan. It's notorious for racing, but who cares? It's not like you're in the wrong here. He's the one breaking laws. You're just trying to go home. "It's used to cross rivers. So, yanno, people working night shifts can walk home without rowing a fucking boat. Pretty neat actually, invented by the Greeks."

"Don't be smart," he scolds. "You saw us gearing up, you knew what was about to ha-"

"I'm sorry," you really are laughing now. "Are you telling me that I'm in the wrong? You? The asshole who's racing his shitty car on an icy fucking bridge? The asshole who can't control his aforementioned shitty car-"

"Can control it," he snaps. "If I couldn't, you'd be fucking dead."

"Oh, well thank you very much! How kind of you to not kill me as a result of your reckless driving. No, really. I appreciate it so much. How ever can I repay you?"

"You know what?" He calls after you when you begin to walk away. As far as you're concerned, the conversion is done. "Next time, I will just hit you."

"Be my fucking guest!" You shout back, holding your middle finger up to wave goodbye. "Stick to Kang's next time, you pretentious, self-absorbed cunt."

"Gladly."

"Oh, and by the way," you begin to say in a sickly sweet tone, which you just know is going to piss him off. You turn to find him standing, facing the bridge wall, looking at the river that's illuminated only by the headlamps of his car, like two little moons. The real one is hidden by clouds. "You'll have better control if you release the clutch a little slower. Wheelspin like that? Yeah, someone needs to practise their clutch control."

He looks like he wants to say something, but instead, he just flares his nostrils and grates his jaw. He knows you're right. Knows he missed the mark - but he'd been distracted when he noticed you on the bridge. You threw him off his game.

Equally, you know he's a good driver. The way he gained control of his car on the ice was borderline expert. Impressive. You won't go as far to say life-saving, because if it wasn't for his driving in the first place, your life wouldn't have needed any God Damn saving.

You walk backwards for a step or two, just to gloat in the knowledge you've gotten the last word. He glares at you, but stays silent. Victory.

"Oi, Kook. The fuck was that about?" A distant voice yells. The SsangYong driver, you assume.

"Nothin'," he yells back. His eyes are still on you, watching as you hunch a little, folding your arms over your chest. You must be freezing, he thinks. Stupid, too. The area is littered with taxis on Friday nights. Why anyone would choose to walk is beyond him. He casts you one final stare, his chest heaving from the adrenaline, before he turns away from you. "Stupid bitch almost got herself killed. Starting line. Let's go again."

────────────

You don't mention your near-death experience to Yoongi when you see him at work the following Monday. You know he'll just worry, and then he'll really start insisting on ordering cabs for you.

Worse yet, you think he might just order them to arrive when your shift finishes, and then you'll have to take them. No point in making mountains out of molehills.

Customers are always steady on Mondays; people fuelling up for the working week, replenishing stocks wasted on the weekends.

By the time it hits four, school kids are piling in. They're picking up snacks, something to fuel them between mandatory classes and the additional ones they've picked up at hagwons. Poor suckers, you always think.

It's been years since you did the same grind, and you still don't fully understand just why you worked yourself to the bone, only to end up working in a fucking service station. 

It had never been the dream. Still isn't - but it beats being hired on account of nepotism, thanks to a father with an unlawful influence in the city. 

Your family name - which you don't go by, these days - is on the side of buildings, in the list of hospital beneficiaries, even on the local soccer team's fucking shirts. You're cursed with it; no identity of your own. Even when did try to get a job without the backing of your family, people still knew. Your face has been at God knows how many press junkets, playing the role of the Mayor's darling daughter.

All bullshit, of course.

Your father is just as good at saving face as he is at making investments. Turns out there really is nothing money can't buy; support for a mayoral campaign, the silence of a nanny - of whom he started fucking when you were still in middle school - and enough pearls to keep your mother happy after she found out.

Cars, houses, material goods? You'd wanted for nothing as a kid.

Privilege. It's a funny little thing. You had the world, and yet none of it was yours. Not really. And so, as soon as you were of legal age, you were out of the family home, trying to find some concrete meaning for your life.

All you'd found so far was the harrowing knowledge that your father's mayoral tenure had been hell for those without the privileges you'd been raised with, and therefore you'd distanced yourself so far from your family that you weren't even sure they'd recognise you, anymore.

"You good?" Yoongi asks, around about the time the clock hits five. He's by the back entrance, wiping his oil-covered hands on an old rag. "Just finishing up."

"Good," you nod in response to his question. You give him a fond smile to let him know that the perplexed expression he'd caught on your face was nothing to be worried about, and then you ask him his plans for the evening.

There are only a few more hours left on the clock for you. It's a mid-shift, someone else coming in to work the night rotation. You've never liked these shifts - the highest influx of customers, but by far the least interesting interactions.

They come and go so quickly that it's hard to make up a fake life for them, before they're replaced by the next sullen face, wanting to get in and out as quickly as possible.

"Gimmie a call if you need a lift," Yoongi calls over as he gets his jacket to leave. Off comes his work one, tossed over to you, replaced with the black puffa you returned that morning.

"Will do," you nod - and you both know you're lying. Still, he's a gentleman through and through. Wouldn't have felt right if he didn't at least offer. The bell on the entryway door chimes, but you don't look over to see the customer, choosing to smile at your friend instead. "Catch ya later, Yoongs."

"Yeah, you too," he smiles back, zipping up his coat and pulling up his mask. He's walking home, too, but it's still light. It will be dark by the time nine hits, and even though he doesn't know about last Friday night, he still doesn't like the idea of you walking home alone.

You hear the clink of glasses by the fridge, but the view is obscured by an obnoxious advertising standee your boss has insisted you put up inside the store. You tried telling him that the whole point was to draw customers in, not block them from even entering, but he was having none of it. Doesn't trust the kids in the neighbourhood not to nick it.

There's a crunch as the lid of the chest freezer is slid open, a cup of ice rattling as it's pulled from the stack. You only filled it up half an hour ago. 

Annoying. And who the fuck is drinking an iced drink on a day like today? You think, as if Yoongi doesn't reach for an iced americano before each and every shift. You're just as bad. Your peach tea habit is becoming an issue.

You glance to the forecourt to check which pump to ring through - and that's when you see it. 

Sat in bay six, as proud as the paint is bright, is that stupid fucking Pony again. With a small scoff, you pull up the balance - just over 30,000. Half a tank. Already.

Hardly a surprise, with the way he had been ragging it about on Friday evening. Must be a common occurrence.

As he comes into your line of vision, you busy yourself. 

Turning your back to the kiosk, you're arranging cigarettes that don't need to be arranged, purely so that you don't have to look at him. The bottom of his soju bottle clinks against the counter, the ice and a coffee bag following suit. You still don't turn around, instead opting to look through the 'how-to' manual for the lottery machine, just to really reinforce the fact that serving him is the last thing you want to do.

Had you not told him to stick to Kang's?

"Ahem," he coughs.

You pause mid-page turn and look vacantly into the distance for a moment, before facing him with a smile so insincere it's almost comical.

"Sorry, didn't see you there."

He nods, but doesn't say anything further. He's in all black again, this time with a sweater beneath his bomber. Air quality is still bad, thanks to the cold temperatures and lack of rain to clear the skies, so he's wearing a mask again, but it's perched beneath his jaw. His poker face holds up well.

You ring up his total, ignoring the fact he's chosen to go for a peach tea, not coffee like you'd assumed, and ask if he wants a receipt. He declines, and heads on his way, scooping up his soju bottle, leaving the peach tea.

"Oi," you call after him, but he ignores you."Oi."

Still, nothing. He pushes the door open with his knuckles that are wrapped tightly around the neck of his bottle, not paying you any attention. He's just being a dick at this point. You know he can hear you.

"Oi," you shout again, sliding out from behind the kiosk and following him to the door. You don't grab his drink - he can go back and pick it up himself, the asshole. 

"Kook," you shout, remembering the name the SsangYong driver had called him by.

He stops now.

"Oh," he turns, lips pursed, before throwing your words right back at you. "Sorry, didn't see you there."

Neither of you say anything. It's fucking freezing, and you can see your breath as you huddle yourself together. His eyes are soft, expression gentle, to suggest he's only teasing, but you can't work him out.

"You left your drink."

He shakes his head. Holds up his soju. "No, I didn't. That's yours. You like them, right? It's what you were drinking the other day?"

You narrow your eyes, only for him to raise his brows. You aren't the only nosey one, doll.

"Bit weird," you tell him.

Retrospectively, he thinks you're probably right. It had seemed like a good idea at the time. He hadn't intended for it to be so strange - he just isn't great at admitting when he's in the wrong, so a peace offering is a far more tempting solution.

He digs a hand into his pocket, almost as if he's searching for the remains of his dignity, but simply shrugs. "I know I was a bit of a prick."

Acknowledgements of flaws are always welcome by you, but you really don't fancy just forgiving and forgetting. As stupid as it all seems, it was a life or death situation. A peach fucking tea wouldn't have resurrected you or uncrushed your bones.

"Yeah," you nod, biting down on your lip, a little unsure of how to handle the situation. "You were. And not just 'a bit' of a prick. Massive prick, actually."

He repeats your correction, and adds, "You just took me by surprise. I panicked. I'm not usually that..."

"Unreasonable? Arsey? Unable to control your clutch?"

"All of the above," he smiles, and you notice that he has dimples. Asshole. "Look, I won't bother you again. It just wasn't sitting right with me, the way I behaved. My mother would have been rolling in her grave if she heard me speak to a girl like that, especially so late at night. It was a dick move... and so," he inhales, looking at the ground before briefly meeting your eyes again. They're round and wide, almost as if he's incapable of telling lies. "I'm sorry."

There's silence for a moment, and then there's the flash of headlights as a second car rolls into the forecourt. You both turn to check the car, but it's just a standard family saloon. Nothing worth checking out, but it's enough to end the conversation.

"Stick to Kang's," you simply say as he pops open the door to his car. "I appreciate the sentiment, though. Was sweet."

He nods, fully intending on sticking to Kang's. He just needed to do this before he could move on from things. 

Or at least, that's the assumption that you make as he drives away. 

You wait for a little while, ignoring the man clicking the gas nozzle into the side of his car, just watching the now empty road where the small red car had sped off from. You wonder where he's going, but determine he's most likely going to that FWB you've decided he has.

Turning on your heels slowly, you let your body weight fall into the swing door, pushing it open with your shoulder. The bell jingles, like always, and for some reason, it kind of feels like the sound has settled in your stomach. It's all jittery and annoying, and you don't quite understand it. You definitely don't like it, whatever this feeling is.

It's the same feeling that washes over you next Thursday afternoon, when the bell chimes and you glance out the window, only to see a red Hyundai fucking Pony sat in bay six.

He begins to make a habit of it. Neither of you really address it. He just keeps showing up, filling his tank up, and buying whatever tickles his fancy from the snack fridge. It's nearly always gimbap. Occasionally he'll pick up something a little more substantial, and it's always accompanied with soju on Friday nights.

It takes about three weeks for you to be able to distinguish the way in which he opens the shop door. The bell chimes a little slower than normal, his casually cool demeanour preventing him from using too much force to open it. It will always 'ding' for just a bit longer than when other people push open the door. Doesn't matter where you are in the shop, what time it is. You always know when it's him.

It's a Saturday when you hear the unmistakable sound of him again, 4 weeks since that first time.

You can't see him, thanks to the standee that is still obstructing your view, but you can hear the fridges. One, two, bottles of soju. There's another clang. Three? Unusual. It's when he heads to the snack fridge that you realise you're off your game.

He's holding beers - four of them. Making the most of the four for 10,000 deal, you muse. The bottles are green, so you assume Terra, but there are some foreign imports in the fridge, too. You kind of stop guessing at this point, too busy watching. His hair is messy, like aways, and the flannel shirt he's wearing is in need of an iron, but you have to admit - there's a certain charm about him.

Your eyes flick to the door to check that nobody else has entered, and are proven correct - so why does your stomach still feel like that bloody bell chiming?

"Am I good to leave these here?" He asks, drawing your attention back to him. He's already putting the beers down on the counter, so it's not really like you can say no. "Haven't filled up yet, just wanted to check that you had what I was after, first."

"Beers?" You laugh almost immediately. "It's a GS25, dude. Course we have beers."

"Right," he nods, scrunching his nose up a little as he smiles. It was a stupid excuse, and he knew it. Part of you thinks he actually looks a little bashful. It's sweet. Confusing - but sweet, nonetheless. "I'll just go fill up."

"Uh-huh," you nod, when he doesn't leave immediately, almost as if he's waiting for permission. He laughs, and so do you. It's awkward, and you don't know why but you find yourself dropping his gaze. "Just go fill up your car."

"Yeah, yeah," he says. "Fill up. Right."

You move his bottles to the side just in case of another customer, and set about making yourself look busy, but you're a simple being. It's hard to do anything other than wistfully stare when a boy that pretty is stood in your forecourt. 

He pays you no notice as he unscrews his gas cap and positions the nozzle against the opening of his car.

There's a casual nature to his posture, leaning back ever so slightly as he slides the length of the nozzle into his car, displaying just how in tune he is with doing such a menial task. It's second nature at this point.

He watches the nozzle, then lifts his gaze above the car and out towards the road. His eyes are hard, focused almost, that little line forming between his brows again. Almost like he's looking for something.

There's a click as his gas reaches its limit, and he withdraws the nozzle slightly, letting the excess drip into the tank. He knocks it once, twice, against the entrance to be sure that he's emptied it of every last drop, before he slides it out and hooks it back into its holder.

You finally avert your eyes as he screws the cap back into place, your fingers working nimbly to bring up his total on the screen.

There's that ringing feeling again when you notice he's barely reached the minimum spend, yet you could hear the tell-tale sign of a full tank from the forecourt. He hadn't needed gas at all.

He could have just gotten a few bottles of beer from any of the convenience stores in the area - and yet for some reason, he made his excuse to come to you.

The silage of his aftershave lingers by the kiosk, and you remind yourself that he's probably off to see a girl you've made up in your head. The beers are probably to be drunk with her. The flannel shirt is still creased because what's the point in ironing something that will just end up on the floor, anyway?

It's these thoughts that have you acting a little frosty again when he returns. You ring up his total, instruct him to put his card in the machine, as if he doesn't know what he's doing, and then you offer him a receipt.

He's a little confused by the fact you're as cold as the air outside.

Had your interactions not developed past the point of a typical cashier-customer relationship? Maybe he'd read the situation a little wrong.

"Kang's have beer," he finally adds, accepting his receipt, studying it, just to see if it has your name listed under the cashier ID. It does. He takes his time to fold it up, instead of just stuffing it into his back pocket. He's biding time. Making more for himself. "But I'm a bit of a liar," he says, ending his statement with your name. The way he says it, hanging onto the last syllable, taking claim of your identity as his gaze meets your eyes, has that stupid ringing feeling back in your stomach. "I'm not here for beers."

"No?" you ask, almost nonchalant. You're divided by a perspex screen, and you've never been more thankful. It's cutting the tension for you.

"No," he shakes his head. He's about to speak, when the bell of the door goes again - for real, this time. Not just in your stomach. 

He steps aside to let the customer pay for their gas. It's a simple transaction, no added extras like Flannel Boy always has.

He stands awkwardly, toying at the bagged sweets with his ring adorned fingers. You decide that even if your assumptions about him are wrong, there's one that must be right: he knows he's hot.

The way he turns and smirks after the customer leaves, and says, "where were we?", only confirms this.

"You were saying how you weren't here for beer," you remind him, not that he actually needs it.

The perspex screen feels like a thick brick wall. You're simultaneously thankful for and annoyed by it.

"Ah, that's right," he nods. "You were saying how you're going to call in sick tomorrow night and meet me downtown."

"I'm gonna do what now?" You laugh, caught off guard by his boldness. He's smooth, you'll give him that much.

"You're gonna meet me downtown," he says simply, before adding, "Jungangno underground, exit two. The one near CGV. I can draw you a map-"

"Shut up," you laugh, blissfully ignoring the fact he's flirting with you. "I know Jungangno."

"So you'll meet me there?"

"I didn't say that."

He begins to gather up his beers, two in either hand, a smile etched on his cheeks. "So I'll see you tomorrow, at, hmm, say, 8?"

"No," you laugh.

"Yes," he grins back, walking away so that you don't have even more opportunities to reject his advances.

"No, you won't."

You sound so full of conviction when you say it. Determined. Self-assured.

Idiot.

────────────

You tell yourself that you're not going to go.

You told Mr Gimbap that, too, before he left the gas station, not that he was listening.

You tell yourself it again when you're thinking about what you could wear, and then you repeat it like an oath when you're texting Yoongi to see if he can cover your shift.

It's not like you're actually going to go.

You just want to check out your options.

And yet, somehow, you find yourself sitting on a bench outside a shitty burger chain at seven-fifty-six the next evening.

You're dressed casually, in a pair of jeans and a slouchy sweater which is a few sizes too big, but you think it looks cute. It's covered by a thick puffa jacket, regardless - cropped to your hips, unlike Yoongi's mammoth calf-length one.

He told you he'd be happy to cover your shift tonight when you asked, but you still feel a little guilty.

Mainly because when he asked why, you panicked and lied, telling him it was a friend's birthday. 

You then also told yourself that you're definitely going to hell - but it's not like that's news to you. 

It's still freezing, and you're thankful that you changed out of your converse and into a pair of boots before you left your apartment. Your hair is clipped up, make up the same as it normally is, just with a little more mascara than normal. You don't want to make it look like you've actually made an effort - but you definitely have.

You're about a mile and a half from work, but you can feel that bloody door chime in your stomach, again.

Should you walk away, a little? You don't want him to see you waiting.

Appearing too keen is the least of your desires. 

Desperation isn't a good look for anyone. If anything, he should be the one waiting for you. Kind of rude that he isn't, actually. So you get up, and pace around a little, before thinking fuck it. 

You hop on the elevator and head down into Jungangno underground mall, painfully aware of your stomach doing that stupid ringing thing again. Maybe it's vertigo. From, like, the change in altitude, or some shit like that. You're almost able to convince yourself that it's plausible. Almost. 

The shops in the underground mall are a welcome distraction. Ajummas stand in dated clothing stores, offering low-quality clothes for even lower prices. It's crowded, and stuffy, but you're enjoying the distraction. You head for your favourite jewellery place, an emporium filled floor to ceiling with what must be thousands of jewellery pieces, and fumble through the racks of earrings. 

You aren't wearing any, and remember that he - Kook, though you're not entirely sure that's actually his name - wore enough to open up his own jewellery store. You settle on a simple pair, just a couple silver hoops. It's a subtle difference, but one that makes you feel a little more confident. A little more willing to awkwardly say hello, and go on a date (if you can call it that) with a guy you barely know.

Pulling your phone out, you check the time. Seven past eight. Do-able. A little late, but not so late that it's rude. You head up the stairs, and are greeted with almost the exact same scene you had left ten minutes earlier. 

Perhaps he's just running late. It's not embarrassing to be the first one waiting, not now that it's gone past the meeting time, but you can feel that ringing in your stomach begin to grate against your insides. 

It hits eight-fifteen, and you're feeling anxious. Embarrassed. Even if he does show up now, it's obvious that you've been waiting there like a tragic, desperate excuse of a woman. 

Five more minutes, you tell yourself. 

But five turns into ten, and then another fifteen, and then it's nearly nine. 

You pull out your phone and are barely able to type, thanks to how bloody cold it is.

How long until lateness turns into being stood up?

Opinions vary, but everyone on the little online forum you're reading seems to be of agreement that 45 minutes is the cut off point. 45 cold, lonely, mortifying minutes. 

You imagine he's watching you, laughing from the warmth of a cafe, with that friends-with-benefits girl you've convinced yourself is definitely real. 

God, you must look like a twat. You've been sat here for so fucking long. Your hands are numb, arse too, and you know you're gonna wake up with a cold - but none of these compare to your hurt pride. Not by a country mile.

With a sigh, you stand, admitting defeat. Being a jerk, you could get over. But this? Deliberately being cruel? You're proven right, after all. The guy is an asshole.

You hop on the 503 out of the downtown area and back towards home. The ride is lonely, city lights reflecting in your eyes as you gaze out the window and wonder at which point your life became this bleak. You work at a gas station, and got stood up by a guy who drives a fucking Pony. Mortifying.

The ding of the bus as it rolls into its stops reminds you of the chime of the gas station door - so you stay on for a few extra stops past your apartment building. 

You're gentle as you press the red button to let the driver know you'd like to get off, but there's a little more traffic than normal, so he lets you off ahead of schedule. Odd. The roads are never normally blocked, not at this time of night. 

You're only a couple hundred steps away from the bridge, but you notice the red and blue flashing lights across it almost instantly. 

Your heart sinks to your stomach, right into the pit where the chime has been grating your insides apart. Still, you keep on walking. It's only the road that's blocked. Not the path. One foot in front of the next, you keep going, until your pace begins to increase. You can see the police cars now, and where they're parked. 

Fuck the kid you barely know, fuck feeling sorry for yourself. 

All you can think about is Yoongi. 

There are four cars sitting outside your place of work, and you can hear an ambulance blast its sirens away from the gas station in an attempt to get through the crowd. 

You're gonna be sick. You can feel it - or is that just the chime resting too far up in your oesophagus, now? You ignore it though, and begin to run, faster, faster, faster, boots clicking against the pavement as you draw closer to the gas station. Your boss is there, locked in conversation with a police officer, but Yoongi is nowhere to be seen.

A cop notices you approach, grabbing onto you as you attempt to run past the tape and into the store.

"Woah, woah, woah. Calm down, little lady-"

"Where is he?" You panic, not even caring to offended by the officers choice in tone. "Min Yoongi. The guy who was working. Yoongi, where is he?"

"Who are you?" The officer counters, and you want to scream.

"Where is he?!" You struggle against his grip, kicking out, but the officer is firm. He's trained to handle situations like this; girls like you. The little but fierce. The kind of girls Shakespeare wrote about. "Where the fuck is he?"

From across the forecourt, your boss calls over. "She's one of mine. Was meant to be working this shift. Did a last minute switch with Min Yoongi."

The officer nods, understanding the situation, but not easing his grip. "In that case, I'm gonna need you to come with me to the station. Need you to answer some questions."

You stop struggling. "I- What?"

"You're not under arrest. It's voluntary, but we'll have to go to the station," he speaks calmly, straight to the point. You notice that his nose is slightly crooked. You wonder how many people have punched it. Quite a few, probably, considering that you'd quite like to do the same.

"Just go," your boss calls over, not even looking in your direction. Asshole, you seethe internally. City is full of fucking assholes.

"Where the fuck is Yoongi?!" You demand to know, this time shouting towards your boss, who looks like he's in desperate need of a cigarette. He just fucking shrugs.

"C'mon, station," the officer says, deciding that enough is enough. 

You don't know your rights. You can't fight back, not really, and you're starting to tear up, and everything feels like such a fucking mess. You just wanna know that Yoongi is safe, that he's well, that he's okay. If he's not, it's all your fault, and you don't even know how to process that. 

In fact, you don't know how to process any of this. Your cheeks are wet before you're even sitting in the back of the police car. The engine rumbles, and before you know it, you're back downtown, but this time you're at the city's main police office. 

It's hard to comprehend anything. You practically feel like you're dragged from the car and then dumped in the witness interrogation room. Some rookie cop is asking you questions, and you find yourself not wanting to answer a single one of them.

They're stupid fucking questions, for starters. Dumb shit.

Why did you switch your shift? Were you aware of a planned hold up at your place of work? Is that why you swapped? Who were you going on a date with? Why did you lie to Min Yoongi about your activities this evening? How do you not know the name of your date? Says on your file that you legally changed your name six years ago? Why? Anyone know of your family ties to politics? 

Dumb questions reap dumb answers though, so once they realise they're getting nothing of any substance from you, they admit defeat. Tell you they'll be in touch if they need to follow up.

And then, after they've watched you cry for an hour and half over Yoongi, they tell you he's fine. Came in for routine questioning, but was released without charge (obviously) and drove back. 

He's waiting for you in the lobby. 

That temptation to break the officer's nose? Yeah. Intensifies. 

"God, you fucking idiot," Yoongi speaks softly as you come into view, face all red and puffy from tears cried over him. He pulls you into his chest, and you can hear his heart thud, thud, thud, against your head. "Why did you go to work? Shouldda just gone home."

He calls you an idiot again, and you sniffle into his chest. There's a comforting scent to his clothes, a mix of gasoline and cotton, and it makes you feel a little calmer. 

You pull away, and inspect his face. There's a small graze on his cheekbone, which is beginning to bruise, and a little dried blood crusting around his nostrils. Other than that, he seems okay. 

He's silent as your fingers trace the pink flesh of his cheeks, lips resting a little ajar, unsure. Uncertain. He doesn't know what to make of such an outward display of concern - so he simply brushes it off. 

"I'm fine, trouble," he promises, bringing his hands up to clasp your wrists and stop your hands from roaming. Doesn't wanna stop you. Not really. Just knows that he should. "C'mon, let's get you home."

And it's ridiculous, 'cause Yoongi was the one who had been held at knifepoint by three men that evening, the tills forcefully emptied and his life threatened if he didn't tell them where 'the girl' was. 

He doesn't tell you that last part when he tells you what happened, though. Doesn't want to scare you. He's scared enough, himself.

It replays in his head, the way the guy with the knife doubled-down when Yoongi said he had no clue where you were. The clatter of the knife against the counter, the hands that tangled in his hair and slammed his face against the surface... yeah, they weren't memories he'd be forgetting any time soon.

Yoongi has few regrets in life, but taking the perspex screen down at the beginning of his shift to clean it definitely makes the list.

A conversation plays on loop, though, which scares him more than anything else. 

"You said she'd be here. She ain't fuckin' here!" "Well she normally is. You know I've been keeping watch for weeks-" "Not hard enough." "Oh fuck you, you do it next time, prick." 

Doesn't take a genius to work it out - and Yoongi's pretty smart, regardless. For whatever reason, they'd been hoping you'd be on shift.

"Do me a favour?" Yoongi asks as he rolls his car into your neighbourhood. He only lives around the corner from you, but it's too far, he thinks. 

"Mhmm?"

"Kind of feel a bit..." he pauses, but doesn't elaborate. He doesn't need to. You already know. "Don't really wanna be alone."

"Stay at mine," you offer, straight off the bat, not giving it a second thought.

He shakes his head. Makes some excuse about your place being small. Avoids mentioning the fact he's scared that someones keeping tabs on you. 

"I've got a spare room," he adds. "Makes more sense."

You'd be forgiven for thinking this is just another sign that the poor boy is helplessly infatuated with you. He knows he isn't really all that inconspicuous, but he also knows that the pair of you would never work. He just can't seem to help himself.

And so you end up in his bed, while he takes the pull out sofa in his spare room, because he's far too much of a gent to make you sleep on something so crappy. He leaves the heater on in your room, because you're always complaining about the cold, and tells you not to worry when you pout and mention the fact it will hike his heating bill. It's a small price to pay. 

"All the money I've saved when you refuse taxis can go on the heater, instead."

Still, you click it off as soon as you're confident Yoongi won't be back in to check on you.

In the morning, when his hair is all fluffy and cheeks puffy from a crappy sleep, he orders breakfast and double-checks that you're okay to work the shift you're scheduled on for. You remind him that he was the one held at knifepoint. Not you.

You're not surprised to learn that Yoongi thinks two iced americanos and half a bagel each qualifies as 'breakfast', but you appreciate it nonetheless. 

"I can cover, if needs be," he rambles, bagel in one hand, americano in the other, while you watch on with a smile. His cheek has bruised rather spectacularly, and you wonder if it aches as much as your heart does. "Boss gave me a couple days off, but I don't love the idea of you being there alone-"

The guilt of asking him to cover the night before is eating you alive. You don't think you'll ever ask him to cover for you again. Karma will catch up with you, you're sure, but for now, you'll be your own Saturn. 

"I'll be fine," you smile. "Lightning never strikes twice." 

────────────

When Jungkook drives, he drives alone. 

No music, no radio, just him and the open road. He likes to hear the way the tarmac sounds beneath his tyres, and how the engine purrs a little louder when he steps on the gas. It's therapy in a way - though, with the amount that he spends on gas, he's pretty certain that an actual therapist would probably be cheaper.

The roads are empty, morning sun breaking beyond the mountains that line Daegu, as he makes his way past the bridge over the river, and out towards Kang's. There's a boxing studio next door, owned by Old Man Kang himself, a little decrepit and definitely not the kind of place you end up by chance. 

It's the kind of place that's bestowed upon those who need it; the people looking for a home. A family. A cult, some like to joke, though Jungkook thinks they're half right. For him, it's somewhere to hide when the world gets too invasive; a shadow in the spotlight. 

Old Man Kang's boxing club is a shit hole, when Jungkook looks at it objectively. Wires hang from the ceiling, and the walls have needed a paint ever since he'd first stepped foot into the place six years ago. He thinks about doing it sometimes, just showing up early before anyone else arrives, with a can of white emulsion from Daiso and a few brushes. Never does it, though. Would be a thankless job. Old Man Kang probably wouldn't even notice. 

And if he did? He'd probably make Jungkook pay for 'defacing his property.' 

As he pulls his car into the forecourt, parking up by the air compressors, Jungkook sighs. He isn't expecting anyone else to be here so early, but he's having trouble sleeping. Pulling down on his sun visor, he's rough as he slides the mirror cover across to study his face.

He's not looking too bad - lip a little split, but alright, all things considered. Could have been a lot worse. Namjoon has a mean left hook, after all.

His thumb presses down on the buckle of his seatbelt, releasing it as he reaches over for his duffle bag in the footwell of his passenger seat. There's a clink as he does so, half a dozen bottles of soju ready to be transferred into the fridge by the entrance to the locker room. It's a free for all, used by all the members of the boxing club, but no one ever knows who actually stocks it up. It just kind of... replenishes. Like Christmas presents, or coins under pillows in place of lost teeth.

Admittedly, Jungkook never used to know, either. He still doesn't know who stocks up the waters. He knows who stocks the soju, though. Or at least, he's known for the last few weeks, now.

Where else is he gonna put all the bottles he buys from your store? It's not like he ever drinks them. He just needs an excuse to visit so frequently. 

"You're early," a voice says from the back entrance, as Jungkook is shuffling around with the bottles. The fridge light hums, illuminating his face, as he lets his perfectionism take priority when arranging the bottles. He doesn't turn to look, knowing the tone by heart.

"So are you, Minnie."

Minnie by name, mini by nature, Park Jimin is a 5'7 (though he swears blind he's 5'9 with shoes on) force to be reckoned with. He likes to get to the club early, before his shifts at the fishmongers. It gets his blood pumping, ready for a day of hacking away at marine carcases. 

"I'm always early," he teases, as he tosses his bag on an old wicker chair in the corner of the room. 

It's a large space - a disused rice store that was repurposed in the 80's, and taken over by Old Man Kang after the last owner gambled it away during a back alley game of poker. A large square ring is in the middle, red ropes a little tatty, but still usable. There are a few machines dotted around the corners of the room, but most people opt to use the plethora of punching bags hung up by the far wall.

Jungkook smiles softly as he begins to wrap his hands up. He's dressed down in just a black t-shirt and a pair of grey sweats. They're tapered towards his ankles, where they meet his beat-up black high tops. His laces are pulled tight, wrapped around the classic star logo, and tied in hasty bows on the back of his ankles. Double knotted, as always. "Couldn't sleep."

For how much of a liar he is, Jungkook is always honest with Jimin. 

Well. Nearly always.

Jimin heads for the far corner, where a skipping rope is strung up on a rusty nail embedded into the wall. He nods, figuring as much. "Joon isn't happy."

Jungkook rolls his eyes as he stretches out his back. He couldn't give a fuck if Namjoon is happy or not, especially not after-

"You should talk to him."

Squaring up to the coffee-brown punching bag, Jungkook knocks his head to the side. His jaw clenches as he gently presses against the leather to get a feel for the weight. He bounces, left, right, and then throws a punch. The smack of his hand against the weighted bag echoes into the room.

"Or not," Jimin adds, sensing that Jungkook is in no mood to talk to anyone - and definitely not Namjoon.

Unsolicited advice is never received well by Jungkook. If he wants it, he'll ask for it. Jimin knows this.

There's an art to the way his body moves, recoiling a little with every punch thrown until he disciplines himself. Back broad and triangular, calves strong and tense, it's clear to see that Jungkook can defend his own. If he had wanted to fight back against Namjoon, he could have. 

But Jungkook is a man of honour. Integrity. Respect. He'd never fight against Namjoon, no matter how much he disagreed with him - so instead, he takes it out on a punching bag that is so old it may as well be an antique. The echo of his assault against the leather rings in his ears like a warning bell. A siren. A chime. 

It's funny, 'cause a few roads over - just past the bridge and down the lane  - there's a ringing in your ears too. 

For you, it actually is a chime - the one of the gas station door, and it's a scathing reminder of how badly you fucked up by asking Yoongi to cover your shift.

You spend your morning lamenting, hypothesising. You're so busy thinking about the stupid boy who drives that god-awful red car, that you don't even bother making assumptions about other customers.

They're all about him. Where he was, who he was with. Why he did what he did. 

You decide that he grew up in a single-parent household. He's already mentioned his late mother, and suggested that she influenced his need to apologise, so a father figure didn't really seem to fit the profile you have of him. 

He wears so much black because he's scared of having an actual personality. Scared that it makes him vulnerable. Or so you assume. In fact, you decide that 'scared' is the best way to describe him. 

A scaredy-cat. A chicken. A pussy. No balls. 

After all, he was too scared to show up, and didn't even have the bottle to find a way to let you know. Did he have your number? No - but perhaps that was deliberate on his part, too.

Your final assessment of his character comes in the form of his FWB (turned far-too-clingy lover). If she's real, which again, you've decided she is, then you don't think it's her fault that she's developed an unhealthy dependency on him. He seems to be the type to lift others up, only to drag them back down with him.

Enough thoughts about him, though. 

If you're not worthy of his time, then why should he be worthy of yours?

The next few days are spent in a subliminal haze; body moving, mind still. It's Wednesday before you know it.

Jieun is on shift with you, after she complained about not wanting to work alone following the raid. You told her that no one would be stupid enough to rush the place again so soon after the first time, but she's having none of it.

"We don't get paid enough to put our lives at risk," she states whenever the topic of conversation is mentioned. And she's right - you don't.

But as you look at the grainy CCTV footage still-image that's taped up above the counter, you can't help but think they wouldn't have actually killed either you or Jieun. Realistically, they barely left a scratch on Yoongi. Physically, at least. Mentally, he's a little more wounded. 

There had been three of them; two rather tall, the third shorter. About Yoongi's height, you guess. Dressed in all black, it's hard to really distinguish any features or their bodies, let alone their faces, which had been covered in ski masks. Run of the mill robbers. The kind you see in crappy action films. Background characters. Just a way to move the plot along, no real personalities, no actual significance to the lives of the protagonists, other than causing a mild inconvenience.

You don't even realise when you're making assumptions, these days.  You think in hypothesis more often than not.

The thieves had run off on foot and down the back alley behind the shop, which is where the trail to find them ends. The CCTV for the alley has been out for months. The boss didn't deem it a necessary investment - "Well, we'd never been robbed before!" - so it had fallen to the bottom of his priority list. The issue with the back alley is that it leads to an underpass with so many blind spots that it's easy - almost too easy - to slip into nothingness. 

It's when you're staring at them, thinking about the assumptions you could make for your mystery men of misdemeanours, that the door chimes. 

You don't ignore it, anymore. The raid has spooked you. So you look towards it, and are met with the sight a broad back. The shoulders, strong and well-defined, are covered in a brown flannel shirt. It's tucked into a pair of jeans, that cling to the contours of the customer's legs. He's not wearing a coat - just hopped out of his car, where the aircon is keeping him toasty - and you realise you recognise his posture. 

The mop of bleached hair is pretty damn recognisable, too. 

"Jieun," you hiss quietly, drawing her attention from the stock she's counting in front of the kiosk. She glances towards you, eyes startled by your tone. You beckon your head back, and she scurries over to you.

"Can you man the till?"

She looks confused for a second. "Why?"

"Girl issues," you lie, knowing she won't be able to say no. "Just came on my period. Need to, yanno-"

"Go, go, go," she nods, hurrying behind the counter, ushering you away and towards the staff room door. 

As you leave, you glance to the curved mirror in the far corner; the one that only you look in. It's your second pair of eyes - but you find another pair staring back at you. It's brief, and his gaze drops as soon as he sees you focus on him, blonde hair covering his dark eyes from your view. He's looking at the gimbap again, now.  Pretending like he never saw you.

Good, you think. Fuck off. 

It's been three days since he stood you up; three days since you jeopardised one of your best friends lives to see him, only for him to be M.I.A. You don't know the kid, not really. Why waste any more of your time on him?

You stay in the bathroom for upwards of five minutes. Just enough time for him to leave. Jieun must be wondering what you're doing, but you'll just explain it away.

You're quite good at that. Lying. Just little ones, white lies. Porkies. Fibs. Never anything that will harm another person, just things that will protect you instead. 

"Who's the blonde dude?" Jieun asks when you return. You furrow your brows and play dumb. "The one with the brow piercing," she adds, as if you need any clarification. Blonde dudes aren't really the norm around these parts. He sticks out like a sore fucking thumb. "Tattoos."

"Dunno," you say with a smile. It's the same one that laces all of your little lies.

For once, Jieun looks at you, her thick brows hard and poised, as if she knows you're lying. 

And then she nods towards the counter, where a peach tea and a cup of ice sits. "Left this for you."

"Hmm," you purr. "Must think I'm someone I'm not."

Yeah, you think scornfully. Must think I'm an idiot.

It worked as an apology once before - but it's a pattern of behaviour, now. He's a leopard, spots unchanged as he runs away from the consequences of his actions, suffocating you in the dust clouds he leaves behind.

"He's cute," Jieun muses.

"No," you smile. It's the same one. That little one full of lies. "He's not."

────────────

The peach tea sits on the counter by the till for two days. It's tucked behind a box of pocket money candies, which are waiting to be restocked; hidden in such a way so that only you know it's there.

Y'see, you've been making assumptions again - though you wouldn't really call this one an assumption. It's acceptance of a habit that's been proven: he will return.

He always does, it seems. 

And sure enough, that afternoon, two days after you'd last been graced with his presence, he returns.

Jieun spots him first, eyes darting immediately towards yours. You're like a deer in headlights, ready to bolt - but she doesn't let you.

"Gotta go," she squeaks, before mouthing 'girl issues' to you, with a smile she reserves moments like these; her little victories. 

He does his usual rounds, and you're already mentally ringing it up: a bottle of soju, and a tuna gimbap roll. You glance out to the forecourt, towards pump six - but it's empty. Not a single car in sight, let alone his trusty red pony. You're confused. Brows furrowed, nostrils a little flared. Lips pouty. You big baby. 

When he eventually comes to the kiosk, it takes all of your strength not to ask, 'why the fuck are you here?'

And just like all of your assumptions about him, you're wrong. Again. 

No soju, no gimbap. Banana milk and bibimyun ramyeon, instead. A great combination by all accounts, but you're not gonna give him the satisfaction of letting him know you think his choice is elite. 

As far as you're concerned, he can take his banana milk and shove it up his ass.

Frustratingly, he appears to find amusement in your outward expression of annoyance. There seems to be a small grin on his face, cheeks appled beneath his mask, as if he's not aware that it's painfully awkward between the pair of you.  

He has no manners, you decide. No spine. No awareness of social cues, either. A triple whammy. What a catch.

But you believe that silence is a virtue, so you say nothing as you ring up his items. You don't even tell him his total - just nod towards the card machine. He follows your line of sight, watching the machine light up for a moment, before putting his card in the slot. 

While he does so, you reach for the peach tea and add it to his stockpile. 

"You forgot your drink again."

He looks at the pouch of tea, then up towards you. And then he repeats it, several times.

"Ouch," he says, ending his declaration of pain with a small laugh. You've got half a mind to rip the pouch open and pour it all over his shitty flannel shirt. It's blue today, paired with sweats, because apparently that's fashionable? 

Boy looks like he got dressed in the dark, you think scornfully - but really, you're just annoyed with how hot you think he looks. Unreasonably hot. He's the bloody Sahara storming through Daegu's coldest winter. He's melting the river, leaving everyone wet in the process. 

Or maybe not. Maybe just you-

"What's the grin for?" he teases, and you realise that you've been paying too much attention to your thoughts.

"No grin," you snap, face flushed.

"Service with a smile, as always."

"Your transaction is done," you say, this time smiling as if butter wouldn't melt. "You can leave, now."

He holds up his pot of ramyeon and shrugs, before glancing over to the food station, where the hot water and microwaves are waiting for him. "Actually, I think I'm just gonna eat here."

Without even so much as a glance back towards you, the asshole picks up a pair of chopsticks, wrapped in thin paper, and heads towards the food station. You're in a state of disbelief. Entitled prick.

Jieun returns almost as soon as he's left the counter. She still doesn't have a clue about whatever's happened between the pair of you, but she did see you hiding up the peach tea a couple of days ago, so she figured it was something. 

"You gonna take it to him?" she asks, nodding down towards the tea, which he's left at the counter, again.

"No."

"Take him the tea."

"No."

"Take it."

"No.

"Fine," she huffs. "If you don't, I will-"

"Fine!" you whisper, though it's definitely a shout. You might not want anything to do with him, but you also don't want to watch him work his charms on Jieun. For her benefit. Not yours. Definitely not because you don't want to see him flirting with her instead.

Him, with his stupid tattoos, and dumb blonde hair, and annoying smile and-

"Go," she grins. 

"Just... give me a minute."

You watch as he fills up his ramyeon bowl, hot air steaming around the jet of water. It's been a while since you ate, and you're a little jealous. Your break isn't for another few hours yet, though, so smelling his food throughout the store will be torture. Asshole.

He sits down, and Jieun pesters you a little more, but you're trying to wait it out. If a customer comes in, then you can just deal with them instead - but the forecourt is empty, just like it always is at this awkward time of day. After lunch, but before the end of school. This is the real ghost shift of a gas station - after midnight is when it comes alive. 

Admittedly, it was a little too lively the night of the raid. You make a mental note to text Yoongi on your break, just to check-in, and then you glare at Jieun and her shit-eating grin, before heading towards gimbap-less Mr Gimbap. 

Tossing the bag down onto the cheap plastic table, you're indifferent as you speak. "Like I said. This is yours."

"Is it?" he asks, unpierced brow raised. "Doesn't look like mine."

"Well, it is," you say, clearly fed up with him. "And just while we're talking - where's your car?"

His eyes narrow ever so briefly. Almost like he knows you're onto him. For what? No clue. But something.

"Taillights out. Just needs a repair."

You nod. Seems plausible. At least he sticks to the highway code - even if he does break it after the clock strikes twelve every other weekend. 

You're not quite sure what to make of him as he looks at you, eyes only lingering for long enough to let you know that there's something he's not telling you. 

The air quality isn't bad today. There's no need for him to be wearing a mask, but he's hiding. From you? From something else? You can't work him out.

Perhaps it's shame. 

After all, this is a boy who came and apologised to you for being a little bit mean in the heat of the moment. Being deliberately cruel doesn't really seem like his motive, no matter how cold his demeanour is.

And so, instead of just letting your assumptions fester, you voice them.

"You're hiding something." 

You're met with silence. 

"Behind that mask," you clarify, before repeating yourself. "You're hiding something."

He looks at you for a moment, before dropping your gaze, and glancing towards the door. 

Thinking about making a run for it, you lament internally - but he's not. He just doesn't like how sometimes - just sometimes - your assumptions are entirely correct.

He lifts his ringed index finger to his ear, unhooking the thin black elastic that keeps his mask in place, before letting it fall. His skin is clammy beneath it from the heat of his breath, and the chill of the winter breeze outside, but your eyes fall to his bottom lip. 

It's split, the centre crease darker than the soft pink flesh around it. There's a bruise beneath it, still tender and sore. You don't mean to, but you gasp at the sight of it. It's no worse than Yoongi's graze, the placement makes it so much more bothersome.

Uncomfortable with the way you're looking at him - like you feel sorry for him - he hooks his mask back up again. 

"Happy now?" he asks, knowing that you just love to be proven right.

You scoff, a little offended. "Obviously not. What happened?" You take the seat opposite his. "Are you okay?"

"Nothing happened," he lies, avoiding your eyes as he does so. It's funny how you haven't noticed that little trait of his yet. You will. Just not yet. "I'm fine."

"You're quite clearly not fine."

"Quite clearly am," he bickers, before nodding to the food on the table. "Just hungry."

Ouch. You're just trying to make sure he's okay, but if he wants to be hostile again, then fine. No skin off your back. 

You nod, looking away. It's awkward, and when the bell chimes to indicate another customer entering the shop, you find your stomach lurching. 

Still, he toys with the softening noodles in their pot, as if they're the most fascinating things in the world. 

This isn't how he wanted this conversation to go. Hell, he doesn't even know what the outcome should be. He's just feeling uneasy, as if he's making all the wrong choices.

"I heard about the raid."

You nod. It's been on all the local radio stations. Thankfully Yoongi is the only employee being name-checked. You aren't ready to give up your own personal paradise just yet, which is exactly what will happen the second your family gets notice of where you're spending your days.

"Yeah, me too," you deadpan. It's a fault of yours, giving back the same energy you receive, unable to just suck things up and be nice all the time.

Thankfully, he smiles. You kind of expected that he would. He seems to get you, get your humour. It's something you both share, like a little secret. A smile rests on his lips as he glances up towards you, like he's a school kid trying not to giggle in class.

And then you find yourself making assumptions again. You wonder what he would have been like in school, if he would have been just as charming. You bet that he was the kind of kid who could get away with murder in class. All he'd have to do was flash those of eyes of his, and he'd be off the hook.

Sort of like how he does with you. Why else would you be giving him the time of day after he stood you up?

"Oh really?" He entertains your attitude."What did you hear?"

You lean against the table, a little bit provocative, but only 'cause his tone of voice matched it. "Heard that I'm lucky some prick asked me out, even if he did leave me waiting for hours in the dark."

His smile falters a little, but only for a fraction of a second. He likes the flirt; doesn't like the acknowledgement of what he did. "Hours?"

"Nah," you scrunch your nose up, and sit up straight again. You're still smiling, to let him know that you're feeling fine about it, now. "Didn't stick around for that long. What?" You laugh when he raises a brow, and begin to tell white lies. He'll see through them, but you want him to. "You think I don't have other eligible bachelors lining up, trying to take me on dates?"

He shrugs, and you can tell that he's pouting a little behind his mask. "I'm still the one you skived off work for, am I not?"

"That's neither here nor there."

"Yeah, it is," he speaks softly, leaning forward on the table. Closer. "What time do you clock off today? I wanna talk. Properly."

"Are we not talking properly now?" You say, unable to resist being difficult. It takes everything within his power not to roll those pretty eyes of his - but you're grinning, and he finds himself doing the same back. His mouth may be covered by his mask, but you can still tell.

He thinks about his response for a moment. If he's being honest, he wants to make some crude remark; tell you that he wants to get you talking just so he can think of ways to shut you up. You're not at that level yet, though. Coming on strong is unfavoured by him, so he opts for something a little cooler.

"We're talking about talking," he reminds you, picking up the pot up and leaning over to the sink by the food station to drain the excess water. "I wanna talk about... well, anything else."

You purse your lips, folding your arms across your chest. There's part of you that really wants to say no, to tell him to go fuck himself. But there's a teeny tiny part of you that wants to say-

"Nine. I'm off at nine."

"Nine," he nods. "I'll be here."

"Sure you will," you tease.

"I will."

"Yeah, yeah. Course. You're really good at that." You're nodding enthusiastically, a stupid smile on your face, eyes all wide as if you couldn't be more naive. You can tell he's smiling again, and it's like that door chime in your stomach is bloody broken. "Yanno, the whole showing up when you say you will, thing."

"Shut up," he laughs, but it catches in his throat like a low growl. "I'll be here, but not if you keep being a little bitch."

Your teeth cushion themselves on your bottom lip, and you nod. "See you at nine... Kook?" You question, realising that you're yet to actually ask his name.

"Jungkook. But Kook works, too. Just depends on how well acquainted you're planning on getting."

He doesn't give you a chance to reply, simply standing as he pushes the pot of noodles over to you. "Eat up. You look hungry."

Turning on his heel, he heads for the door. 

The bell chimes, and it's like it's harmonising with the feeling in your stomach.

You prod around at the noodles, and sigh, posture defeated. This is not good.

────────────

The rest of your shift trudges on. It's slow, the hands of the clock seemingly frozen - until, suddenly, it's nine.

"You're late," Jungkook greets you, perched on a bollard by the side of the forecourt. He's wearing a coat, now, wrapped up a little warmer than he had been earlier. His sweats have been traded for jeans, but he's still in that big blue flannel shirt. You like it. 

And he's not wrong - cashing up your till took a little longer than normal, thanks to an old note that wouldn't read properly in the sorter. Just another thing your boss refuses to upgrade.

"At least I'm here," you quip back.

"Touché." He holds out his arm, almost as if he expects you to link yours with his. "Shall we?"

You look at his arm, then up towards him. And then you repeat it, letting out a soft laugh, not accepting his arm, instead turning to walk in the direction of home. "C'mon," you call back. "You walking me home or not?"

It's his turn to laugh now as he ups his pace to catch up with you. "Not."

"Not?"

"Not," he repeats, seemingly unable to say anything else - until, of course, he does. "My cars around the corner. Wanna go for a drive?"

"Sorted the taillight?" You ask, curious, figuring that it would have been at Kang's overnight.

Jungkook hums a response, not really saying yes or no, but as you turn the corner and it comes into vision, you can see that his taillights seem fine - not that you can really judge. A car as old as his doesn't come with central locking systems, so it's not like you'll see the lights flash as it-

Oh. Nevermind.

There's a beep, and the car flashes in front of you, mocking those damn assumptions of yours.

"Since when do Pony's have electric locks?" You ask defensively, almost as a reflex for having your assumptions disproven.

"Since I decided to install them," he says, as if it's the simplest job in the world. You've heard Yoongi mutter 'bastard locks' enough times to know otherwise.

"Kang's must make a killing from you," you joke as he nods towards the passenger side, indicating for you to get in.

"Kang's don't make shit from me when it comes to the wires."

You wait for him to pop his door open before you do the same. The interior is leather, all black, and is cold to the touch as you get in. The windscreen begins to fog almost instantly, the minimal heat you're letting off proving just how cold it's been getting lately. 

It's curious, you think. There should be a little heat left in the car from his drive to meet you.

"No?" you question, choosing to ignore the temperature of the car. It's below zero, you rationalise. Of course it cooled quickly.

"No," he shakes his head, turning the key in the ignition.

The car rumbles - purrs - softly. You can tell he's listening to the engine, making sure that it sounds okay before he sets off. Standard old car problems. Running gas through the motor before it warms up only causes issues.

Like his locking system, you notice that the stereo isn't exactly true to the era in which the car was built (even if the lack of insulation is). It's got an aux cord hanging from the headphone jack, which he picks up and places in your lap. "Don't put anything shit on."

He avoids clarifying your question, and it annoys you - so you choose to be direct about it, not plugging your phone in at all. If he doesn't want to listen to shit music, he should be a more specific.

You're stewing, clearly irritated, but you're also casually enamoured, watching him as he carefully observes the dashboard, checking the revs, trying to heat the car up a little.

"Just the electrics? What about everything else?"

He doesn't look your way as he replies. "Just the electrics. Put your seatbelt on."

"Why?"

He's still not looking at you. "'Cause if I crash, you'll go straight through the windshield."

"Not the seatbelt," you reply, though he's got a point. You haven't clicked it into its buckle yet. Nor has he, though. "The electrics."

Still. Not. Looking. At. You.

It's not even like it's an important question. You couldn't give a flying fuck about his shitty car's electrics. You just don't like that he's deliberately avoiding answering something so simple, as if you're asking him how old he was when he lost his virginity.

Eventually, he cracks. It's as he's sliding his seatbelt down, the smooth noise of  fabric scruffing against plastic filling the car. He's bargaining - hopes that if he does his belt up, then you will too. 

Then again, he knows that you're difficult, and that you'll probably use it as a bargaining tool. You won't do it up until he gives you an answer.

"Electrician by trade," he says with a little sigh, before turning to face you finally. "Happy?"

You don't want to say yes - but you are. You're smug in the knowledge that you know just as much about him now as he does you.

"By trade?" You push a little further as your buckle clicks into place.

"By trade," he answers, in that annoying way he so often does, not really giving you an answer, just confirming what you already know. "I'm in between jobs at the moment."

"Ah," you smile, finally putting the aux into your phone. The windows are beginning to clear. "That explains why you're always in the garage at such weird hours."

It doesn't. There's an entirely different explanation for that. Not one that he'll give, though.

He hums a response, not wanting to tell more lies. He knocks the car into first, and lets the handbrake down, easing the car into motion as it rolls gently from the curb and into the road. 

It's at this point you realise you're in the car with a near-stranger, and that it's probably the dumbest thing you've done in a while. You're smarter than this. Been raised better.

Jungkook smiles at your statement, though. "You ever stop making assumptions?"

A laugh falters in the back of your throat. "No," you muse. "I don't think I do."

His palm rests on the gear stick, thigh pressing down against his seat as he dips the clutch. There's a simple joy to be found in watching his movements like this, as if you're getting to see something reserved for very few people. He's smiling as he knocks it into second gear. Smiles a lot around you, actually. 

Perhaps he's just like this all the time. Naturally light natured, despite the dark clothes and even darker eyes.

"Tell me mine," he says as the car moves from the slightly beat up side road, towards the main street that leads up to the bridge. There's a change in pressure beneath the tyres, the new road far smoother, far easier, than the one you'd been on previously. "Your assumptions. I wanna hear them."

"I can't," you reply, as if they're some closely guarded secret. In a way, they are. You've built up this idea of Jungkook; of who he is, who he associates with, what he does in the dark.

If he confirms or denies a single one of these assumptions, then it could all be in tatters.

"Can't? Or don't want to?"

You watch his hands as he flicks on an indicator. There's no one else on the road. Seems redundant. It's interesting, though, how he seems to care about the rules of the road now that you're in the passenger seat.

"Why can't it be both?"

And just like that, you're going round in circles again. Always talking, but never quite saying anything. It's a strange little dance you like to do, one that you don't know the steps to, but seem to get right anyway.

He uses the palm of his hand to turn the wheel, back on the bridge now. It's less icy today, but you find your heart resting in your chest just like it did the first time you were here with him. He glances over to you, but you keep your eyes straight ahead.

"I'm sorry," he says quietly. "About that time. When we were here, yanno?"

You nod. It's a weird thing to think about. You could have died. Came pretty fucking close to it - and yet all that really lingers in your mind from that night is the way he stared you down.

"Mhmm," you press your lips together, and cross your legs.

He doesn't like it. The way your body sort of angles away from his. It's cold. Cruel, almost.

So he lifts his hand from the gear stick and taps your knee. A request, not a demand. He's gentle as he nudges, encouraging your legs to unhook, until they're back in their original position. You just kind of let him. Neither of you say anything, but there's an awareness that he doesn't want you to close off from him.

Your arms move instead, without much thought, crossing over themselves.

"Don't."

The silence is so loud you think the windows might shatter.

"Please," he follows it up, then decides that he needs something to fill the void that you're leaving in the conversation. "Put some music on," he says, before backtracking on his earlier statement. "I don't mind if it's shit."

It earns a small smile from you, an exhale from your nose letting him know that you find humour in his words.

You unlock your phone and head to spotify, confronted with more playlists than you know what to do with, and settle on the one you use when Yoongi lets you control the music in his car. It's pretty inoffensive, you think. Nothing too shit. No noughties classics, at least, though there are a couple from the 80's. If he complains, you'll just remind him of how old his car is.

"So what's the deal?"

The fact you only start talking as he exits the bridge isn't lost on Jungkook.

"No deal," he replies just as casually as you asked.

"Well you aren't taking me home," you muse, glancing over to him. There's a smile on his face. Dimples present. "And I'm hoping that you're not chauffeuring me to a date with the Grim Reaper - so where are we going?"

"We-" He turns to face you, now. Just briefly. Just a glance with a smile that has a chime sounding in your tummy again. "-are heading into town. I don't think the Grim Reaper's gonna be there, but you never know with that dude. Always showing up at the worst of times."

"Mm," you agree with a small laugh. "His social skills are atrocious."

"You give him a run for his money, yanno," Jungkook teases you.

It's reflex, more than anything, that has you swatting at his shoulder. The fabric of his shirt is soft, and there's a waft of his aftershave as you draw your hand back to your lap. Oaky. Mature. Probably more than he seems to be.

"My social skills are fine. You're just shitty company."

"Me?!" He sounds affronted now, but there's a grin plastered all over his pretty little face. "Sorry, little miss clutch control. Forgot you were queen of making casual conversation."

"Uh-huh," you say as you shift in your seat, body angled towards his. The smile on his face grows. There's one on yours too. A pretty fuckin' big one, at that. "That's why they hired me. Could see I'd be great with the customers."

He snorts, crown of his head tipping against the back of his seat. "Oh, yeah?"

You hum an affirmation, and Jungkook looks towards you briefly, chin lifted, eyes narrow, curious of what you'll say next. 

"Well, I seem to have done alright with one of the customers, at least."

His teeth begin to show as he looks towards the road again. "Poor fucker. I'd hate to be him."

And then you're both laughing. 

It's how it remains for the rest of the evening. 

You're laughing when he parks in the furthest corner of the lot, just to make sure no one scrapes his paintwork. You're laughing when he can't figure out the QR code for the automatic parking fee, and you're laughing when he tells you to fuck off for laughing. 

But he's laughing too. 

Laughs when you can't figure out the apron in the dakgalbi place off the side of the main shopping street, and laughs when the middle-aged lady running the shop comes to help you out. Jungkook had refused. He was enjoying the struggle too much.

See, your cheeks go all red when you get flustered. He's never seen that look on you before. You get a similar look once you realise the spice of the galbi is a little hotter than what you're used to, and you get it again after you've had a few shots of soju.

He matches you, shot for shot, but also makes sure to keep filling up your stainless steel water cup. In fact, he fills it more than he fills his own.

Unlike you, and your perceived ability to judge characters, Jungkook actually can read people pretty well. He knows his limits, and he's guessing at yours, but doing a good job doing so.

It's not until Jungkook's paying that you realise just how many bottles the pair of you have gotten through. You're steady on your feet, but you can feel the alcohol in your system, and know that he must be the same.

"How we getting home?" You ask, as the chime of the door rings behind you. Within seconds you're pulling your arms over your chest, trying to preserve heat. You fucking hate January.

"C'mon," he mumbles, looping his arm around your shoulders, rubbing at the side of it quickly to build up some heat. He's all hunched up too, clearly feeling the cold. "Taxi? I can pick my car up in the morning."

It's gone twelve on a week night. You both know there's no way in hell you'll be able to score a taxi, not without a 45 minute wait, at least. The curse of downtown Daegu. Should have just gone to eat in your neighbourhood, but Jungkook felt like he had a point to prove. He wanted to make it up to you. Properly.

You drop Yoongi a text as you load up your taxi app, just checking in, letting him know that you're all good. He replies pretty much instantly, but you're distracted by Jungkook letting you know that his app says no cabs are available.

"Shit," you hiss, bouncing around on the balls of your feet, trying to keep warm.

Jungkook weighs up his options. On the one hand, he knows he needs to get you home. On the other, you're hopping around like a fucking bunny. It's borderline cruel to keep you out in the cold like this. Especially when his place is only a ten minute walk away, in the heart of town, compared to your hour long trek back to the outskirts.

"My place isn't too far."

The suggestion is out of his mouth before he knows any better. He's getting himself in too deep already. All it's taken is a couple weeks of awkward flirting across a gas station kiosk and exactly one (1) shared dakgalbi. Maybe the 6 bottles of soju didn't help.

"You can wait it out in the warm for a taxi, at least," he adds on, before realising that you're both as tipsy as one another. Both hovering a little too close to one another. Both feeling that weird pull, of which he's telling himself to ignore, but he just can't seem to help himself.

He's a simple man, of simple pleasures - and sex is the most simple of them all.

If he wants it, then you probably do, too.

Might do, he corrects himself. Best not to make assumptions about things like these.

"Wait it out," you nod, a little grin resting on your lips. They're a little plumper than normal, partially thanks to the galbi spice, but also thanks to the you've been biting down on them all evening. It's okay, though. Jungkook's lips are just as bad. All plump and pretty and - fuck. You know you're staring but it's kind of hard not to.

He knocks his head to the side and holds out his hand for you to take. "C'mon. I'm this way."

And so you do take it. Fingers neatly linking between his, hooking on and holding close as if it isn't the first time that it's happening. It's been so long since you did this with another person that you're almost not sure you're doing it right. His grip adjusts, and then his other hand reaches behind your shoulders to prop the hood of your jacket over your hair.

"For the wind," he says. 

Definitely not so that the pair of you are a little more incognito. 

It's why he puts his hood up, too... For the wind. 

After all, he's not hiding behind his mask like he was earlier. Not hiding from you. 

But he's hiding from something.

And you should be, too.

────────────

minors dni // posted to wp late 2021 // series masterlist

[serankpro]

How to Add JavaScript to WordPress: A Simple Guide for Beginners

JavaScript is a powerful scripting language meant for bringing life into WordPress websites. JavaScript takes away all the staticness from your site and turns it into an interesting user experience with interactive forms, content that updates dynamically, and smooth animations. The newbie in WordPress finds it quite confusing as a matter of fact: how, really, does one typically add JavaScript to a WordPress site?

Worry not- including JavaScript in WordPress is far from the daunting task one might think. In this very guide, we present several easy methods to include JavaScript on your site, some best practices to keep the exercise smooth, and a few tips on avoiding common pitfalls.

Why Add JavaScript to Your WordPress Site?

Before diving in, here is a quick review of the importance of adding JavaScript:

 Enhances User Experience: Makes the website interactive and engaging.

 Dynamic Content: Updates content without loading the page.

 Form Validation: Validates forms and instantly gives feedback.

 Animations: Adds sliders, fades, or even hover effects.

 Third-party Tools: JavaScript is required by many third-party services such as chatbots or tracking software.

Now that you know why it’s beneficial, let’s see how you can add it to your WordPress site.

Method 1: Using the Theme Customizer (Small Scripts)

If your script is just one small snippet (say, a tracking code), then the WordPress customizer can be used.

+ Step 1: Go to Your WordPress Dashboard

Log in and navigate to Appearance > Customize.

+ Step 2: Find Additional CSS/JS or Additional Code

Some themes and plugins offer the ability to add small code snippets (labeled Custom JavaScript or something to that effect).

+ Step 3: Enter Your Script

Paste the JavaScript code between the <script></script> tags.

+ Step 4: Publish

Click Publish to make the changes live.

Example:

<script>

  console.log("Hello, this is my custom JS!");

</script>

Note: This method works great for short snippets, but anything bigger will require the use of a child theme or plugin.

Method 2: Using the “Header and Footer” Plugin (Easiest for Non-Coders)

For the average user, installing this plugin is probably the easiest method.

 Installation of Plugin

Navigate to Plugins > Add New and search for “Insert Headers and Footers.” Install and activate it.

 Access to the Plugin

Navigate to Settings > Insert Headers and Footers.

 Provide Your JavaScript

Insert your JavaScript code in the appropriate box (Header, Body, or Footer).

 Save

Save, and you're done!

Advantages of this method:

- No editing is done in the theme files.

- Compatible with most themes.

- Safe and plugin-managed.

Method 3: Adding JS to a Child Theme (For More Control)

If you’re comfortable with a bit of coding, using the child theme is a serious way to introduce JavaScript.

Why would one want to use a child theme?

Because editing those core theme files directly can cause your site to break during a theme update. The child theme keeps your modifications out of harm’s way.

The steps are:

Create a Child Theme

If you haven't yet, create a child theme with a style.css file and a functions.php file.

 Enqueue JavaScript

Open your child theme's functions.php and insert this code to enqueue your JavaScript file:

function my_custom_scripts() {

  wp_enqueue_script('my-custom-js', get_stylesheet_directory_uri() . '/js/custom.js', array('jquery'), null, true);

}

add_action('wp_enqueue_scripts', 'my_custom_scripts');

What it does:

- tells WP to load your JavaScript file custom.js;

- and, of course, this file should lie in the /js/ folder inside your child theme.

Create the JavaScript File

Create a new file named custom.js in the /js/ folder inside your child theme.

Write Your JavaScript

Put in your code in custom.js.

document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() {

  console.log("Custom JavaScript loaded!");

Clear Cache

Clear your browser and site cache to see the changes.

Method 4: Through WordPress Block Editor (Individual Posts/Pages)

If you want the JavaScript only on a very particular page or post, you can add the code to it right in the Block Editor (Gutenberg).

 Edit Your Page/Post

Open the page or post inside the editor.

 Add a “Custom HTML” Block

Search for a block named "Custom HTML" and insert that.

 Add Your Script

Paste the script inside the block.

<script>

  alert("Hello! This is a page-specific script.");

</script>

 Preview and Publish

Preview it to test and publish!

Best Practices for Adding JavaScript to WordPress

 Enqueue Scripts Properly

Make use of wp_enqueue_script() instead of manually editing header.php or footer.php so that compatibility is ensured.

 Avoid Inline Scripts for Large Code

Large inline scripts tend to slow down a website. Instead, keep the JavaScript in external files.

 Use a Child Theme

Never keep directly editing the parent theme so that your changes don't get wiped out upon update.

 Minify and Combine

Consider minifying JavaScript files and combining them for better performance (using plugins like Autoptimize).

 Test Before Publishing

Tests should always be done for your JavaScript in a staging environment prior to pushing it to a live site.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

 Script Not Loading?

Check to see if the file paths are indeed correct and if all caches have been cleared.

 JavaScript Errors?

Look into your browser's console for any errors; trace those errors back and resolve them.

 Plugin Conflicts?

Plugins might sometimes load conflicting scripts. Disable the plugins one at a time to find the culprits.

Adding JavaScript to the WordPress site is a complete game-changer in the high-level interactions and engagements of users. The path may be simple if you are using a simple plugin, editing a child theme, or injecting snippets into the editor. Key Takeaways for You:

•            Plugins like Insert Headers and footers should be used for quick and easy jobs.

•            Use a child theme and enqueue scripts for more involved use.

•            Lastly, try to test always and follow the best performance and security practices.

This guide can help you kick-start some dynamic and interactive stuff for your WordPress site! Looking to make the switch? Talk to a Digital Marketing Company in Chandigarh that knows exactly how to take you from the street corner to the top of Google.

[wpfrank]

Would you be interested in a powerful image slideshow solution? The Slider Responsive Slideshow plugin offers Touch and drag support, RTL compatibility, Lazy loading, and Video slideshow support. Get started: https://bit.ly/43lPWsf. Use the WP Life Coupon Code "AWPLIFE" to get a discount.

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Optimizing WordPress Bootstrap Themes for CRO Success

Learn how to optimize Bootstrap WordPress themes for higher conversions and better user engagement.

Source: https://cro.media/insights/strategies/optimizing-wordpress-bootstrap-themes-cro/

Bootstrap-based WordPress themes are popular among developers for their flexibility, responsiveness, and speed. These themes, built on the mobile-first Bootstrap framework, ensure websites are optimized across all devices, a fundamental principle for both user experience and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). By combining CRO strategies with the powerful features of Bootstrap themes, businesses can enhance their websites, improve user interaction, and maximize conversion rates.

Building Responsive and Engaging User Interfaces

One of the key advantages of using Bootstrap for WordPress themes is its ability to create fully responsive designs. This is crucial for CRO, as user experience is directly linked to conversion rates. A responsive theme ensures that visitors have a seamless browsing experience on any device, which can significantly reduce bounce rates and increase time spent on the site—two factors that directly contribute to higher conversion rates.

Themes like WP Bootstrap Starter and Shapely offer customizable templates and mobile-first design, ensuring users on smartphones and tablets have an optimized experience. For CRO, it’s essential to use these responsive themes to provide an engaging experience for all visitors, regardless of their device. The more engaging the site, the more likely users are to interact with key conversion elements, like forms, calls to action, and product pages.

Enhancing User Interaction with Customization

Bootstrap-based themes come with built-in features that enhance the user interface, such as customizable widgets, sliders, and contact forms. Themes like Futurio and Nisarg offer various customization options, allowing users to adjust layouts, colors, and widgets without extensive coding. From a CRO perspective, these customization options are vital for tailoring the site to align with branding and the specific needs of the target audience.

For example, the CRO MEDIA WordPress plugin integrates with these Bootstrap themes, allowing businesses to capture and engage visitors with forms, live chat, and email interactions. This integration not only facilitates lead generation but also helps businesses gather valuable customer data to personalize user experiences and increase conversions.

Optimizing Performance for Speed and Conversions

Site performance, particularly load speed, is a critical factor in CRO. Themes like Bootstrap Basic and Quick are lightweight, ensuring that your WordPress site loads quickly, which is essential for retaining visitors. Slow-loading pages can drive users away, significantly reducing the chances of conversions. By choosing themes that prioritize speed and performance, businesses can ensure visitors stay on the site longer and interact with key conversion elements.

Additionally, SEO optimization built into many of these themes, such as NewsMag and Bootstrap Basic4, helps improve search engine rankings. Higher rankings lead to increased organic traffic, providing more opportunities for conversions. Using SEO-focused themes in conjunction with CRO practices ensures that the website not only attracts traffic but also optimizes for actions like form submissions, purchases, and sign-ups.

Testing and Experimentation for Conversion Improvements

For continuous CRO improvement, running A/B tests and experiments on ad placements, CTA buttons, and page layouts is essential. Many of the Bootstrap-based themes, like Vega and Scope, offer flexible layout options that allow businesses to easily test different configurations. Running tests on varying layouts, CTAs, and content placements can provide valuable insights into user behavior, helping businesses fine-tune their websites to improve conversion rates.

Additionally, incorporating Google Analytics and heatmaps with Bootstrap-based themes can provide detailed feedback on where users click, how they navigate, and where they drop off, giving businesses the data they need to make informed decisions.

Improving E-Commerce Conversions with Bootstrap

Themes like Envo Online Store and Seller are tailored specifically for e-commerce businesses, providing responsive designs that ensure a smooth shopping experience across all devices. These themes, combined with WooCommerce, offer powerful features for product display, checkout optimization, and user engagement, all of which are essential for improving e-commerce conversions.

From a CRO standpoint, optimizing product pages for speed, clarity, and ease of navigation is key. Multi-step checkouts, clear product descriptions, and review systems can help increase conversions by building trust and simplifying the purchasing process.

Maximizing User Engagement and Retention

For CRO success, keeping users engaged and encouraging repeat visits is crucial. Features like infinite scrolling, parallax effects, and interactive sliders—found in themes like Sparkling and Illdy—can make the user experience more immersive and keep visitors engaged for longer. The more users interact with the site, the higher the chance they’ll convert.

Furthermore, integrating features such as email sign-ups, personalized recommendations, and live chat using the CRO MEDIA WordPress plugin ensures that businesses can engage visitors in real-time, offering them the information they need to make a purchase decision or take another conversion action.

Customizing for a Unique Brand Experience

For businesses that want to stand out in a crowded market, customization is key. Bootstrap themes like Moderna and Corlate provide flexibility in design and functionality, allowing businesses to create a unique user experience that aligns with their brand. Custom branding, intuitive navigation, and personalized content can help foster a stronger connection with users, ultimately driving higher conversions.

Continuous Monitoring and Optimization

Once a website is live, continuous monitoring and optimization are vital to maintaining high conversion rates. CRO is an ongoing process that requires constant adjustments based on performance data. With the detailed analytics provided by Google Analytics and the CRO MEDIA WordPress plugin, businesses can track user behavior, test different elements, and optimize for better performance.

By leveraging the power of Bootstrap-based themes combined with CRO strategies, businesses can enhance their websites' user experience, improve conversion rates, and ultimately increase revenue. The right mix of responsive design, performance optimization, user engagement, and customization is key to achieving long-term CRO success.

[sumaeoa]

Elegant and Affordable: Discover the Magic of Gold Plated and Crystal Jewelry Online

Jewelry is no longer just a luxurious—it’s a assertion of persona, temper, and man or woman style. With a upward thrust in on-line shopping and fashion-aware consumers, low-priced yet fashionable portions are dominating the market. One of the pinnacle developments redefining beauty and affordability is bold and timeless gold-plated earrings, decorated with shimmering crystals and problematic designs. For those trying to increase their appearance without burning a hollow of their pocket, formidable Stainless Steel Gold Plated Jewelry is an appropriate choice.

Why Gold-Plated Jewelry Is the New Fashion Favorite

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Shine and spark with crystal jewelry

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Zircon Jewelry: The Modern Sparkle Revolution

For those who adore diamonds however want an lower priced alternative, zircon jewelry is a dream come genuine. Its diamond-like shine, affordability, and versatility have made it a favorite amongst fashion fanatics. You can now explore a massive collection of formidable Zircon Jewelry Online that consists of earrings, pendants, and bracelets designed to in shape both traditional and cutting-edge outfits. With their radiant shimmer and high durability, zircon accessories are a must-have in any rings box.

Stylish and Elegant Gold Chain Earrings for Every Occasion

Earrings are often the of completion that completes any outfit. If you are looking to upload a splash of beauty and charm, cross for formidable Gold Chain Earrings Online. These jewelry are cutting-edge, lightweight, and perfect for each day and night wear. From sensitive chains to layered patterns, on line collections provide a extensive range of designs that in shape all face shapes and personal patterns. Whether paired with a cocktail dress or a informal top, gold chain earrings enhance your look effortlessly.

Elevate Your Jewelry Collection Today

Today’s cutting-edge lady wants greater from her add-ons: style, fine, and fee. Thanks to the ever-growing on line rings marketplace, locating the proper piece has in no way been less difficult. Whether you're looking for statement necklaces or dainty rings, portions like bold Stainless Steel Gold Plated Jewelry, bold Buy 18k Gold Plated Jewellery, and formidable Crystal Jewelry Online In India will let you shine in style. Add to that the brilliance of bold Zircon Jewelry Online and the elegance of ambitious Gold Chain Earrings Online, and your jewelry game is entire.

[nulledclubproblog]

WooCommerce Photography nulled plugin 1.2.3

Unlock Creative Freedom with WooCommerce Photography Nulled Plugin Are you a professional photographer, artist, or visual creator looking to sell your work effortlessly online? The WooCommerce Photography nulled plugin offers an intuitive, seamless solution tailored for creatives who want to showcase and sell their high-resolution images. By using this powerful plugin, you eliminate the hassle of complex eCommerce setups and focus entirely on what matters most—your creativity. What Is WooCommerce Photography Nulled Plugin? The WooCommerce Photography  is a robust WordPress extension specifically designed for photographers and creative professionals. It simplifies the photo-selling process, allowing you to upload, manage, and sell images with just a few clicks. Built on the widely popular WooCommerce platform, it blends simplicity with advanced features, making it the perfect solution for selling digital art, event photography, and client galleries. Technical Specifications Plugin Type: WooCommerce Extension File Types Supported: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, RAW (converted), and more Digital Download Support: Yes WooCommerce Compatibility: Fully Compatible Responsive Design: Mobile-Friendly Interface File Protection: Secure download links & time-limited access Top Features and Benefits By installing the WooCommerce Photography nulled plugin, you gain access to a feature-rich toolset designed to optimize your digital store: Bulk Upload Capabilities: Drag-and-drop hundreds of images at once to build your online gallery in minutes. Client-Specific Galleries: Deliver personalized galleries for weddings, events, and corporate shoots with password protection. Digital Rights Management: Secure your images from unauthorized access and offer time-limited download options. Integrated Ordering System: Enable easy image selection, preview, and one-click ordering for your clients. Easy Customization: Tailor your storefront’s look and feel to match your brand’s visual identity effortlessly. Use Cases of WooCommerce Photography Nulled Plugin Whether you’re a freelance photographer or running a professional photo studio, the WooCommerce Photography nulled plugin fits seamlessly into your workflow: Wedding & Event Photographers: Share galleries with clients quickly and allow easy image selection and purchase. Art Sellers: Showcase and sell fine art prints, digital illustrations, or stock photography directly from your site. Commercial Studios: Provide secure client access to photoshoots and commercial projects, streamlining approvals and downloads. Simple Installation and Usage Guide Getting started with the WooCommerce Photography nulled plugin is quick and painless: Download the plugin from our website. Log in to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to Plugins > Add New and upload the ZIP file. Activate the plugin and configure it under WooCommerce > Photography. Start uploading and categorizing your images for sale instantly! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is the WooCommerce Photography nulled plugin safe to use? Yes, the version available on our website is scanned and tested for safety. We ensure all downloads are free from malware and function as intended. Can I use it with other WooCommerce plugins? Absolutely. The plugin is fully compatible with popular tools such as Slider Revolution Nulled, enhancing your site's visual appeal even further. Do I need coding skills to use it? No coding is required. The plugin offers a user-friendly dashboard and is designed with non-technical users in mind. Is there an external tool to optimize performance? Yes, for faster load times and smoother performance, consider using WP-Optimize Premium nulled, which complements your site’s efficiency and boosts SEO rankings. Conclusion If you’re a photographer looking to monetize your visuals effortlessly, the WooCommerce Photography  is the perfect tool to turn your WordPress site into a digital storefront. Take the next step toward

creative independence—download the plugin for free from our website today and experience the power of streamlined photo sales!

[wpnulledthemepro]

Coaching nulled theme 3.8.7

Coaching WP is a versatile WordPress theme designed for speakers, mentors, trainers, therapists, and training coaches. It offers a unique design and simple template solution, making it easy for individuals and businesses to market their services globally. The theme is user-friendly, easy to use, and compatible with WP Bakery Page Builder, a popular premium WP page builder. It features an attractive portfolio, slider revolution, introduction boxes with special effects, and a unique testimonial area. The theme is mobile-first, responsive, and retina-ready, suitable for various devices. It includes LearnPress LMS, a powerful LMS course management plugin, and various payment methods. The theme includes a wide range of features, including a one-click importer, WordPress support, a slider with Revolution Slider, drag-and-drop page builder, countdown event management, custom widgets, fully responsive support, 600+ fonts and 700+ icons, and more.

[pinnaclethemes]

Top WordPress Themes in 2025 That Deliver Style, Speed, and Smart SEO Features

Creating a smart, well-designed website in 2025 doesn’t require advanced coding skills anymore. Thanks to top-performing WordPress themes for smart website builders, anyone can design an elegant and powerful website—whether for personal use, a business, an online store, or a portfolio. These themes are not only stylish but also offer SEO features, fast loading speed, and compatibility with modern web-building tools.

Whether you're launching a blog, opening an ECommerce site, or showcasing your portfolio, choosing the right theme is key. In this blog, we’ll look at a detailed list of free and premium WordPress themes built for all types of websites—offering impressive performance, eye-catching layouts, and useful tools. Let’s explore the WP Themes That Fit Every Website Style and Goal.

1. Lightweight and Customisable

Lightweight and customisable remains a top favourite in 2025. Known for its blazing speed, Astra is a lightweight theme that loads in under half a second. It offers deep integration with Elementor, Brizy, and Gutenberg, making it ideal for smart website builders.

Key Features:

Pre-designed templates for blogs, eCommerce, and business websites

Fast performance with clean code

Powerful SEO features built in

WooCommerce support

Flexible customisation without touching code

Whether you're a beginner or advanced user, Astra is made to support your creative ideas and business goals without slowing you down.

2. Perfect for eCommerce

Perfect for eCommerce is one of the most powerful themes for online stores and complex websites. It’s ideal for businesses wanting a mix of style, speed, and advanced features without hiring developers.

Key Features:

Modern eCommerce layouts

Full WooCommerce compatibility

SEO-friendly structure

Responsive design for all devices

Page builder support

Its ready-to-import demo sites help you launch faster, and the built-in performance options keep everything running smoothly.

3. Modern, Fast, and Flexible

Modern, Fast, and Flexible is a great choice for smart builders who value both design and function. It’s suitable for blogs, startups, portfolios, and even local business websites.

Key Features:

AMP compatibility for mobile performance

SEO-ready and optimised for search engines

Works great with Elementor and Gutenberg

Easy header and footer builder

Fast loading and responsive

Neve offers a simple yet professional look, making it one of the top-performing WordPress themes for smart website builders in 2025.

4. Stylish and Performance-Focused

Stylish and performance-focused is built for performance lovers. Its sleek, modern designs are backed by strong backend performance, perfect for content-heavy and business-orientated websites.

Key Features:

SEO features for better rankings

Drag-and-drop header builder

Starter templates for fast setup

Optimised for speed and responsiveness

Deep integration with WooCommerce

From portfolios to corporate sites, Kadence balances function and form very well.

5. Built for Speed

Built for Speed is often chosen by developers and professionals who want fast-loading sites with custom functionality. Despite being lightweight, it offers plenty of tools for smart builders.

Key Features:

Under 30 KB in file size

Clean, schema-ready code for SEO

Compatible with all major page builders

Accessibility-ready and fully responsive

Easy to customise and expand

Whether you run a personal blog or a small business website, GeneratePress ensures top performance across all devices.

6. Business-Focused Design

Business-Focused Design is perfect for companies and professionals who want to showcase their brand online. It's modern, business-ready, and comes with plenty of custom options.

Key Features:

Full-screen sliders and hero sections

Parallax background effects

SEO optimisation built in

WooCommerce support

Custom Elementor blocks

Sydney gives your business site the visual presence it needs, all while keeping your pages clean and optimised.

7. Sleek One-Page Theme

If you're looking for a clean one-page theme with modern design, Sleek One-Page Theme is a great pick. It works well for portfolios, creative agencies, and startups.

Key Features:

Material design interface

Built-in SEO features

WooCommerce-ready layout

Seamless with Elementor and other builders

Optimised for mobile and desktop

Hestia focuses on the essentials—speed, design, and usability, all in a compact package.

8. Gutenberg-Friendly and Fast

Gutenberg-Friendly and Fast is built with the modern WordPress editor in mind. It is perfect for smart website builders who use Gutenberg and want full control over site design.

Key Features:

Ultra-fast performance

Enhanced SEO setup

Custom header, footer, and layout options

WooCommerce customisation

Developer-friendly features

Whether you're building a blog or a product-focused website, Blocksy gives you full creative control.

9. Minimal and Builder-Focused

Minimal and Builder-Focused is a starter theme made by the Elementor team. It's extremely lightweight and works as a blank canvas for users who want full control using the Elementor builder.

Key Features:

Super lightweight, under 20 KB

Perfect compatibility with Elementor

Fast performance

SEO-optimised layout

Ideal for smart builders and businesses

It’s best for users who want to design everything from scratch but still enjoy fast speed and clean coding.

10. Complete Website Solution

Complete Website Solution by Elegant Themes remains a favourite in 2025 due to its powerful visual builder and design flexibility. It’s great for businesses, freelancers, and agencies.

Key Features:

Built-in drag-and-drop builder

Global design settings

Advanced SEO features

100+ layout packs

Smooth integration with WooCommerce

Divi is an all-in-one premium theme for those who want total control without writing code.

11. Flexible Multi-Purpose Theme

Flexible Multi-Purpose Theme, whether you need a personal blog, business site, or eCommerce shop. It comes with starter templates for quick launch.

Key Features:

SEO-optimised for better rankings

Multiple header styles

WooCommerce-ready design

Compatible with major page builders

Responsive on all devices

Zakra is easy to set up and customise, making it a great option for smart site builders.

12. WooCommerce Official Theme

WooCommerce Official Theme is the official theme from the creators of WooCommerce. If you're building an online store in 2025, this is one of the best free themes available.

Key Features:

Seamless WooCommerce support

Speed-focused design

Built-in SEO optimisation

Clean product layout

Secure and stable updates

It gives your business a professional shopfront while focusing on product performance and search visibility.

13. Magazine and Blog Theme

For magazine-style blogs and content-driven websites, Magazine and Blog Theme offers unmatched style and layout choices. It's perfect for publishers and bloggers who want a premium feel.

Key Features:

6000+ homepage demos

Built-in SEO support

Speed-optimised for fast reading

Multiple post layouts and sliders

WooCommerce integration

It offers the design control bloggers dream of while keeping the experience smooth and fast for readers.

14. Design-Centred Multipurpose Theme

The Design-Centred Multipurpose Theme is made for designers and creatives who want visually beautiful websites. It works great for photography, fashion, or business portfolios.

Key Features:

Elementor-optimised performance

SEO-friendly features

Responsive image sliders

One-click demo import

Parallax effects and gallery options

Phlox gives your work the space it deserves—stylish, smooth, and ready for business.

15. Official WordPress Default

The default WordPress theme for 2025 is clean, modern, and fully compatible with the latest editor tools. It’s a simple option for minimalists and bloggers.

Key Features:

Full site editing with blocks

SEO-ready

Fast and responsive

Customisable fonts and colours

Great accessibility

If you want a clean, focused site in 2025, this official theme offers everything in a simple package.

Conclusion

There you have it—15 carefully chosen themes for every type of website builder in 2025. Each theme provides a unique mix of design, speed, and SEO features, helping you build a stylish site without compromising performance. Whether you’re setting up a business, launching a blog, or starting an online shop, these themes have been tested for reliability and flexibility. They are the true top-performing WordPress themes for smart website builders because they are adaptable, fast, and built for the future.

In the end, no matter what your vision is, there are WP themes that fit every website style and goal—from free tools to powerful premium themes. For those seeking quality, performance, and flexibility, this list contains the best WP themes to choose from.

Summary

This blog lists the top-performing WordPress themes for smart website builders in 2025, including free and premium options suitable for blogs, eCommerce, portfolios, and business websites. Each theme offers a powerful mix of speed, design, and built-in SEO features. Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing an existing site, these themes are built to help you create fast, stylish, and flexible websites. With support for Elementor, Gutenberg, and WooCommerce, plus performance-focused features, these themes meet the needs of smart builders who want professional results. Explore this list to find the best WP themes for your next project.

[udayadaequarelistany]

Why Is My eCommerce Site Slow Even with Good Hosting?

Introduction

You’re paying for high-performance hosting, but your eCommerce site still loads slowly. Pages lag, product images crawl in, and your bounce rate is skyrocketing. Sound familiar?

Good hosting is only part of the performance puzzle. In this blog, we’ll explore why your eCommerce website development efforts might still result in a slow site — and exactly what you can do to fix it.

Common Reasons Your eCommerce Site Is Still Slow 1. Unoptimized Images Large image files are one of the top culprits of slow load times. Avoid uploading raw photos from DSLR or phone cameras. Use tools like TinyPNG or WebP formats to compress images without losing quality.

Tip: Use lazy loading for product images and carousels.

2. Too Many Third-Party Scripts Live chats, trackers, heatmaps, and plugins often add JavaScript bloat. Scripts from Facebook Pixel, Google Tag Manager, and review widgets can block rendering.

Tip: Load non-critical scripts asynchronously or defer them.

3. Heavy Themes or Builders Are you using a feature-heavy theme or drag-and-drop builder? Themes built for flexibility can be bloated. Shopify and WooCommerce themes with unnecessary animations or sliders slow everything down.

Tip: Use lightweight, performance-optimized themes (like Dawn for Shopify or Astra for WooCommerce).

4. Inefficient Code or Customizations Custom code by freelancers or agencies might not be optimized. Loops, queries, or AJAX calls in product pages could slow down your site.

Tip: Audit your codebase regularly or use tools like GTmetrix and PageSpeed Insights to find bottlenecks.

5. Uncached Dynamic Content Even with good hosting, uncached pages can cause lags. Product pages, category filters, and carts are often dynamically generated.

Tip: Use page caching (e.g., Varnish, WP Rocket) and CDN edge caching (Cloudflare, BunnyCDN).

6. Large or Unoptimized Database Your store database grows with every product, order, and customer. Poor indexing or bloated tables cause slow queries. This is especially common in WooCommerce or Magento.

Tip: Optimize your database monthly using plugins like WP-Optimize or direct SQL commands.

7. Overloaded Frontend with Too Many Requests Each button, font, icon, and script is an HTTP request. Too many requests slow everything down.

Tip: Minify CSS and JS files, combine where possible, and reduce HTTP requests using tools like Autoptimize.

8. No Content Delivery Network (CDN) Even with fast hosting, visitors farther from your server face delays in loading your website.

Tip: Use a CDN like Cloudflare or BunnyCDN to serve assets closer to your users worldwide.

How to Diagnose the Real Problem Use these free tools to pinpoint the exact cause:

Google PageSpeed Insights — shows Core Web Vitals

GTmetrix — waterfall view of every request

Chrome DevTools — identify blocking assets

Pingdom — great for global speed tests

Hosting Alone Isn’t Enough Your hosting might be fast, but your site architecture, plugins, and content delivery strategy matter just as much.

Think of hosting as a highway. If your store is a traffic jam of scripts, bloated images, and detours, speed still suffers. That’s why many businesses turn to a best eCommerce website development company that can take performance optimization seriously from the ground up.

Conclusion If you’re wondering, “Why is my eCommerce site slow even with good hosting?”, the answer likely lies in:

Poor frontend performance

Unoptimized assets

Database or plugin bloat

Start with a full site audit. Optimize images, scripts, and theme. Use caching and a CDN.

Speed isn’t just about user experience — it’s an SEO and sales factor. A few strategic improvements can significantly reduce load times, improve conversions, and lower bounce rates. For scalable and reliable results, consider working with an experienced eCommerce solutions provider in India that understands performance, user behavior, and growth strategies.

[advancetoclassesandmaterials]

MS Office Legal and Corporate - Simulating Motion In Brochure Cover

Scenario: The supervisor has asked the WP Center of a mid sized firm to come up with a brochure cover showing a busy law office meaning a brochure cover showing movement and activity. Many firms have their own “Promotional Department” but this particular firm does not, so the task falls to the Word Processing people.

Either way, here is the opportunity to learn an easy technique that will come in handy whether you work in legal or corporate. Let’s examine a few places to go (there are many), that will allow you to easily complete this request known in the industry as “Motion Blur”.

AIEase:

Adding motion blur to smartphone photos, AIEase allows precise background separation with customized motion blur effects, making it easy to use for beginners.

On the AIEase website, click on AI Tools, and select All Tools. Scroll down to the AI Blur Backgroundsection and choose the Motion Blur tool. Upload your image, select Motion from the blur types, and adjust the strength slider to your liking.

Photoroom:

Photoroom is a bit more streamlined and will give you a quick result without much ability to fine tune..

Go to the Photoroom website, click on Photo Editor, and select All Tools. Scroll down to find the Motion Blur option, upload your image, and the app will give you a quick result.

LunaPic:

Unlike others that Isolate the front portion image from the background, LunaPic applies the effect to the entire image—including the frontal portion. This creates images that are good at presenting a feel of nostalgia and a more artistic rendering of the picture.

Go to LunaPic, click Adjust in the menu, and select Motion Blur from the dropdown menu. Upload the image, and there is a slide bar to control the intensity of the blur effect.

Requests such as discussed above, give us the chance to add to our existing knowledge. Try them yourself so your are familiar with creating the blur effect.

Training From An Inside Perspective…

One Of The Very Few That Teach Top Tier Legal!

www.advanceto.com

https://advancetoffice.com/

www.awalkinthecenter.com

888-422-0692 Ext. 1 and 2

Email:

Louis@advanceto.com

students@advanceto.com

Hey Students: AdvanceTo offers a very informative and information packed Litigation Formatting and Styling class. This 4.5 hour hands-on Zoom or Phone class will go through a number of litigation documents piece by piece. You get to learn and experience a number of procedures, vocabulary and reasoning as to why things are constructed the way they are.

This is your opportunity to attain another large block of knowledge that you can put to use right away. We will cover everything from Caption Boxes to Table of Authorities. This high value class is $175.00 and includes narrative material as well as homework, so you can practice your new found skills. For those people who purchase 2 or more classes you receive a nice discount. All Groups receive a discount. Give us a call today! 888-422-0692 Ext. 1 and 2.

[udaipurwebdesigner01]

How WordPress Plugins Enhance Business Website Performance and Features?

When it comes to building a powerful and feature-rich website, WordPress leads the way—not just because of its flexibility, but because of its vast library of plugins. These small software tools add specialized features to your website, allowing it to do everything from SEO optimization to e-commerce, lead generation, and beyond.

But with over 59,000 plugins available, choosing the right ones and configuring them correctly can be overwhelming. That’s why working with a professional Web Design Company in Udaipur can help you unlock the full potential of WordPress while avoiding performance and security issues.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of using plugins and how businesses can use them to enhance their websites effectively.

What Are WordPress Plugins?

WordPress plugins are extensions that add new features or expand the capabilities of your website without requiring custom coding. Whether you need contact forms, image sliders, booking tools, or e-commerce integration, there’s a plugin for nearly everything.

Plugins make it possible for small and medium-sized businesses to build dynamic websites with minimal technical knowledge, while still offering scalability and customization.

Essential Plugins for Business Websites

Here are some core plugin categories that most business websites can benefit from:

SEO Plugins

Tools like Yoast SEO and Rank Math help optimize your pages and blog posts for search engines. They also assist with meta tags, sitemaps, and readability analysis.

Security Plugins

Wordfence and iThemes Security help protect your website from malware, brute-force attacks, and spam.

Backup Plugins

UpdraftPlus is a trusted solution for automatic website backups and one-click restores in case of data loss or site crashes.

Performance Plugins

WP Rocket and W3 Total Cache speed up your site with caching, minification, and image optimization.

Contact and Lead Capture Plugins

WPForms, Contact Form 7, and Fluent Forms are great tools for creating interactive forms and collecting leads.

E-Commerce Plugins

WooCommerce is the most popular plugin to turn your WordPress site into a complete online store with product listings, payments, and shipping.

Why Not All Plugins Are Good for Your Site

While plugins are powerful, not all of them are reliable or necessary. Using too many plugins can:

Slow down your website

Cause compatibility issues

Introduce security vulnerabilities

Lead to plugin conflicts or crashes

This is why expert guidance is important. A professional WordPress Development Company in Udaipur can help you identify high-quality, lightweight, and secure plugins that align with your website’s goals—without sacrificing speed or performance.

Custom Plugin Development: When You Need Something Unique

Sometimes, existing plugins can’t do exactly what your business needs. That’s when custom plugin development becomes essential.

Custom plugins offer:

Features tailored to your business process

Seamless integration with existing tools and CRM

Better performance compared to multi-purpose plugins

Full control over code and future updates

With custom plugins, you’re not limited by generic solutions. You get functionality built specifically for your audience and business goals.

Plugin Management Best Practices

Here are some tips for using plugins effectively and safely:

Install only well-rated, frequently updated plugins

Avoid installing unnecessary or duplicate plugins

Always back up your website before updates

Use a staging environment to test new plugins

Keep all plugins updated to the latest versions

Delete inactive plugins to improve speed and reduce risks

Following these practices ensures your website stays fast, secure, and scalable.

How Developers Help Optimize Plugin Usage

Professional developers do more than just install plugins. They:

Audit your current plugin setup for performance issues

Recommend better alternatives with fewer resources

Customize plugin functionality to fit your needs

Ensure compatibility with your theme and WordPress version

Implement caching and speed optimization with plugin integration

With their expertise, you avoid the pitfalls of plugin overload while gaining the full benefits of smart automation and functionality.

Final Thoughts

WordPress plugins are powerful tools that can transform a simple website into a high-performing business platform. From boosting SEO and security to enhancing customer engagement, plugins play a vital role in creating feature-rich websites.

However, using plugins the right way is critical. A trusted web design company in Udaipur can guide you through every step—ensuring that your site is fast, secure, and tailored for growth. And with the expertise of a dedicated WordPress Development Company in Udaipur, you gain access to advanced functionality, custom solutions, and long-term technical support.

[fromdevcom]

Live Demo | Download TemplateMonster has produced one of the most efficient WordPress themes for a real estate business. You will like this professional WP template from the first click for sure. The neat design will be a perfect fit for any real estate agency. The color scheme is very pleasant to the eye with lots of blue, black and white. Guests will be met with a full-width slider where you can insert the best offers you have at the very moment. There is also a short preview of the hottest premises at sharp prices. While you scroll this real estate WordPress theme down you will discover one of its most useful features. A revolutionary search form will make the search process a real pleasure. Your clients will be able to search by location, area, status and type of property they are looking for. This widget comes with a Google Maps plugin to give your guests as more information as it is possible. They will see the exact location on the map which will facilitate the decision making. On the front page, you will find sections for agents, featured property, testimonials and a contact form. With their help, you will present your property business in the best manner on the web. The footer is quite informative and has a ‘Recent Posts’ section, a newsletter subscription form, and social media icons. Watch a video below to get acquainted with a Bellaina’s functionality closer: Also, look up this sophisticated WP template in the selection of the Best WordPress Themes in 2016. The GPL v3.0 license allows installing Bellaina real estate WordPress theme on different domains. Thanks to a handy drag-and-drop admin panel, any user will set this theme to the requirements of the particular business. No special skills are needed, everything is done on a basis of the user-friendly practice. The design is 100% responsive and mobile-friendly. It means that your future website will adapt to any screen and resolution. Cherry Real Estate Plugin The real estate plugin is a true windfall for online property agents. You just need to add your offers with the help of admin panel and update the page. Then guests will be able to find them by means of an advanced live search. On the right side, they will see the map with locations displayed. Also, they will be fitted with preview markers. Once you click on a marker, you will see all the details about the offer. In case there are special requirements, a request form is there to help. Cherry Projects Here is another plugin that will make the customization process easier. The Cherry Projects plugin is aimed to help you create the striking presentations of reality you offer. You can choose the most fitting style among the variants this plugin supports. The range of product listing layouts, hover and loading animations enable to create a beautiful projects gallery. Also, users will be able to filter the items. Power Website Builder You will definitely enjoy working with a ‘Power’ website builder. It doesn’t matter, if you are new to web development, or you are a skilled web professional. Its drag-and-drop functionality, the variety of modules and a preset library will let you set this estate WordPress theme up in nothing flat. Live Customizer The Live Customizer will help you make all the modifications with ease. Moreover, you will track the changes immediately without reloading a page every time you do something. Content Modules By means of Content Modules, the variety of elements can be embedded. There could be audio and video files, calls-to-action, blog posts, contact forms and more. Each module can be adapted to your corporate colors and design peculiarities. Custom Widgets There is a bundle of advanced Custom Widgets to make a successful resource offering premises for sale on the web. Unfold the pre-loaded widgets like a post carousel, a newsletter subscription form, a simple slider etc. And as it was mentioned before, the real estate widget allows making a smart search. The Recently Added Property widget will showcase the freshest offers you have for your clientele.

Agents Listing Page And, of course, you should present your best employees and agents. For this purpose, Bellaina is fitted with a separate page for real estate agents profiles. The page includes work experience, contact details and social media icons linked to the employee’s profile. Also, there is a map at the bottom with locations the agent works with. Property Search Results Page Any professional real estate agency can’t go online without a well-crafted page for a property search. So, can’t this real property WP theme. Search results will be displayed on a map with the help of markers. Users can click on them and will see the preview of premises with a basic info. There will be a link which will drive to the property page itself. Simple User Registration It is well-known that the user registration has to be as easy as a pie today. No extra moves, everything should be set in such a way that a user will spend minimum time and effort to register on your web page. The Bellaina WordPress template provides registration by entering an email address and that’s everything needed. In addition, the visitors will be able to send a personal request to any agent they want to. It’s not a full set of Bellaina’s features. Besides benefits mentioned above, this premium WordPress theme has a basic package of pages - about, pricing pages, contacts, 404 and coming soon. A header and a footer offer 3 different variants of style each. The blog page goes with a number of layouts and post formats. Check out the feedback from a client who is already using this WP theme: Andrew W. Super awesome! Well, finally I came across a proper theme for real estate websites. Guys, if you're looking for a real estate WP theme, go with this one. I've stumbled upon many themes on the Internet that were only pretending to be real estate themes by showing off fancy images, but this one has all the functionality to back it up.  You can create listings, search for properties, showcase properties from the IDX database... hell, you can even let your visitors submit their own properties. And the last thing I was amazed to learn about is that this theme is under GPL license, so I'm not limited to only one website and can use it for as many projects as I want. It is obvious that Bellaina is one of the top-quality WordPress themes launched in 2016. So don’t miss a chance to try all its advantages with your own hand!

[wordpresslover]

7 Best Dropbox Plugins for WordPress for 2024

Dropbox is one of the most common free cloud storage offerings. It functions very well as a secure platform for storing your WordPress backups, media files, and vital documents together. No matter the device or your location, your files are always safe with cloud storage. Dropbox let you take advantage of several benefits that can greatly amplify your website's performance, functionality, and safety.

A major reason to implement a Dropbox plugins for WordPress is the consistent approach it delivers save hosting space and manage files on cloud . The rise in the file size of your website means that the number of media files, documents, and other digital assets you have to observe increases over time. Dropbox integration for WordPress provides a feature-rich and efficient solution that improves your website experience.

Why Use Dropbox In WordPress

Dropbox WordPress Plugin allows you on your WordPress site to scale up storage capability incrementally with no need to make physical changes to your hosting. The key advantage also consist in security. Not only that, Dropbox and similar cloud storage services offer better security than traditional computers but also include encryption, secure transfer, and constant security audits for your data.

By storing files on Dropbox you contribute to relieving the pressure on the hosting server enhanced loading time and allow your web site to how in server resources for fast page downloads.

Popular plugins For Dropbox Integrations with WordPress

Integrate Dropbox

Updraft Plus

WP Media Folder

WooCommerce Dropbox

Dropr

Zapier

Out-of-the-Box

Top Reasons to Choose Integrate Dropbox over competitors

Conclusion

Integrate Dropbox free Dropbox plugins for WordPress, but we do offer premium plan in you need more advanced features from us has several compelling reasons. It offers seamless allowing users to access Dropbox files directly within the WordPress Media Library,  Users can upload and download files directly from the WordPress dashboard, with automatic syncing to their Dropbox account.

Search function for Dropbox files and folders within the WordPress dashboard, enabling users to generate shortcodes for frontend display, complete with live search and thumbnail previews.

Price: Free for the base plugin, This plugin has Premium Plan

Key Features

✅ User-Specific Folders: Set up folders specific to individual users. ✅ Auto Sync/Update: Automatically (1-3 mins) sync and update new images to web pages. ✅ Media Library Integration: Seamlessly integrates with WordPress media library. ✅ Elementor Widgets: Offers custom widgets for Elementor builder. ✅ Classic & Gutenberg Editor Support: Compatible with both Classic and Block (Gutenberg) editors. ✅ Folder & File Management: Create, upload, and sync your account. ✅ Shortcode Builder: Easily generate shortcodes for custom functionality. ✅ WooCommerce Support: Works with WooCommerce for downloadable products. ✅ Slider & Carousel: Includes slider carousel for better media display. ✅ File Browser: Allows easy navigation of folders. ✅ Gallery & Media Player: Displays media in galleries and supports playback. ✅ Embed, Download, & View Links: Share using embed codes, download, and view links. ✅ File Search: Quickly search files and folders. ✅ LMS Integration: Compatible with MasterStudy LMS and Tutor LMS.

UpdraftPlus functions as a leading WordPress plugin that simplifies how to back up and restore items. Dropping in Dropbox allows users to safely and effortlessly save website backups in a cloud environment. This plugin has embodied excellence in feature delivery, especially with the functionality to make automated backup schedules that simplify recovery from any moment while also giving incremental backup options which only save modifications made since the last full backup, consequently reducing both space and resource needs. Also, UpdraftPlus guarantees that backups are encrypted before they go to Dropbox, adding an additional level of security.

Price: Free for the base plugin, This plugin has Premium Plan

https://codeconfig.dev/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Plugin-For-WordPress-WP-Media-Folder.jpg

WP Media Folder ties your WordPress media library to Dropbox, delivering you a centralized control experience. From the WordPress dashboard, this tool provides direct means to manage and organize your Dropbox media. The user interface akin to that found on desktops makes it easy to use. The cooperation between Dropbox and WordPress reflects that all changes or updates are reachable on both platforms at each moment. With features for advanced media management such as the creation of galleries from Dropbox images, WP Media Folder serves as an efficient method for managing website media.

Price: This plugin has Premium Plan

WooCommerce Dropbox

WooCommerce Dropbox brings a way for store owners to connect their digital goods to files already in Dropbox. WooCommerce Dropbox serves to increase the capabilities and usefulness of the e-commerce platform besides ensuring the customers get their products, especially the digital ones, on easily and on time. This setup really helps those selling digital items like software music or videos.

Shoppers get fast and simple downloads without slowing the website down. Using less server effort helps the site stay strong when many people visit. WooCommerce Dropbox plugin changes the usability of downloadable products as it is connected with Dropbox storage answers. This integration enables the e-commerce site owners to be able to host their downloadable content on Dropbox so that they can conserved server space and make their customers gain faster access to their downloads.

Price: Free for the base plugin

Dropr makes it straightforward to connect Dropbox with your WordPress site. By setting Dropbox as the primary storage for media files, it ensures that all uploads are directly stored in Dropbox, thus freeing up local storage space on the server. Dropr is the cool solution to share Dropbox files as your WordPress media library and embed them in your posts. When it comes to uploading images, videos or documents to your site using Dropr is as easy as working with local files.

This integration proves to be the most advantageous for sites containing a lot of posts and other resources, that would need constant updates and availability of different types of media. With help of Dropr ordinary file transfers take less time and you are able to deliver fresh and active contents for your site all the time.

Price: Free for the base plugin, This plugin has Premium Plan

Zapier  get expanded by WordPress and Dropbox  to perform processes connecting the two applications. While they are not regularly considered as plugins, Zapier can interconnect these platforms and create complex automated workflows which can then increase efficiency and cooperation. For example, when you need the content to be posted on your WordPress site and files are included in the Dropbox, one can set a Zap to accomplish this duty. It is especially helpful for teams that can get overwhelmed when they need a constantly updated and efficient web-based operations dashboard.

Price: Free for the base plugin, This plugin has Premium Plan

Out of the box provides a new way of handling Dropbox files by integrating it within the WordPress environment. Its integrates your Dropbox media into your WordPress Website and dragging and dropping of the contents into your content is possible in real time. Its allowing for a seamless user interface when dealing with content on WordPress platforms.

Price: This plugin has Premium Plan

Integrate Dropbox Free dropbox plugins for WordPress makes it easy to link your WordPress site to the Dropbox account and it is the best tool when it comes to organizing files. These are particularly useful to site owners with frequently updating content on the web and requires a single platform to manage it. This way, Integrate Dropbox helps users avoid numerous difficulties connected with files synchronization and access with the help of WordPress dashboard only.

The File Browser provides a web-based interface for convenient access and management of Dropbox files from any device. The Media Player allows users to play Dropbox media files using a customizable player on WordPress site. Users can easily create and name unlimited shortcodes When buy premium for integrating content anywhere on the website, compatible with popular themes.

These features collectively enhance usability, integration, and media management, making the "Integrate Dropbox" plugin a strong choice for WordPress users.

🧩 RICH INTEGRATION WITH POPULAR PLUGINS

▶️ Media Library Integration Simply use your Dropbox files from WordPress Media library and add the images in pages and posts as media, featured images, galleries, etc. Get the Image from Dropbox directly.

🔀 Gutenberg Block Editor Integration Integrate Dropbox allows 7 blocks for using File Browser, Gallery, Media Player, Slider, View, and Download link modules in the Gutenberg editor.

🔀 Elementor Website Builder Integration This plugin integrates with Elementor, offering over 7 widgets for File Browser, Gallery, Media Player, Slider, View, and Download link modules.

Conclusion

Integration of Dropbox on WordPress has turned into a necessary technique for current website administration. These successful tools deliver an effective solution for increasing file organization, improving backup processes, and supporting smooth collaboration. Using plugins developed to link with Dropbox, integrate dropbox, or WP Media Folder, website administrators and content developers can remarkably accelerate their workflow efficiency and digital media management.

Eventually, having the right Dropbox WordPress Plugin may change the way users control their WordPress website, both saving server space and increasing website performance. Hosting and putting into action these integration tools enables WordPress users to establish a more productive online workspace, securing their content and making it ready for effortless deployment across their various online platforms.

[wpfrank]

Enhance your website with Ultimate Responsive Image Slider Pro! Perfect for creating stunning, SEO-friendly slideshows that adapt to any device. Boost engagement and keep visitors hooked. Explore now: https://bit.ly/3ZCI6YL #SEO #ResponsiveDesign #WordPressPlugin Use the WPFrank coupon code "I Love WP Frank" to get a discount on your purchase.

[rotapixinteractive]

Customizing User Experiences with Advanced WordPress Development

User experience (UX) plays a crucial role in the success of any website. A website that is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and interactive keeps visitors engaged and encourages them to return. When it comes to creating a tailored and effective website, wordpress development is a top choice. The user experience defines how visitors interact with your site. A well-designed UX improves navigation, reduces bounce rates, and increases conversions. Whether it’s an e-commerce platform or a blog, a positive user experience builds trust and makes your website memorable.

Why WordPress Is Ideal for Building Tailored User Interactions

WordPress stands out because of its flexibility and vast library of plugins and themes. These tools make it easy to customize your website to suit your audience. For businesses focused on web design in sydney, WordPress allows for creative designs that resonate with local audiences while maintaining global standards.

By incorporating advanced features like dynamic forms, interactive elements, and tailored content delivery, WordPress ensures every visitor has a unique and engaging experience.

Designing Interactive Features with Web Development

Tools and Techniques for Creating Dynamic Website Elements

Interactive features not only make your website more engaging but also help retain visitors by providing value and entertainment. Combining advanced wordpress development with modern web design in sydney techniques can elevate your site’s functionality and appeal.

WordPress offers a wide range of tools to add interactivity to your site. You can use plugins for sliders, galleries, or live chat features. For example:

Elementor or WPBakery: Drag-and-drop page builders for creating interactive sections.

Popup Maker: For personalized pop-ups that grab attention.

Formidable Forms or Gravity Forms: To build user-friendly forms for feedback, quotes, or sign-ups.

These tools ensure your website isn’t static but actively engages users with interactive elements.

Combining Advanced WordPress Development with Modern Web Design in Sydney

Professional web design in sydney integrates creative layouts and functional design to cater to a diverse audience. By pairing this with WordPress, you can create a website that’s not only visually stunning but also highly responsive and user-friendly.

For instance, incorporating animations, hover effects, or interactive maps can make your site more dynamic. These features are especially effective for businesses that want to make a strong first impression.

Personalizing Content Delivery for Visitors

Using WordPress Plugins to Deliver Customized Content

Every visitor has unique needs and preferences. Personalizing their experience can significantly boost engagement and retention. With wordpress development, personalizing content delivery becomes simple and effective.

WordPress offers a variety of plugins designed to help you tailor content for your audience. For example:

GeoTargeting WP: Displays content based on the visitor’s location.

If-So Dynamic Content: Adjusts site elements depending on user behavior.

MemberPress: Provides personalized content for registered users.

These tools allow you to adapt your website to suit individual visitors, whether it’s showing location-based offers or recommending products based on browsing history.

How Personalized Experiences Improve Engagement and Retention

When visitors feel like your website speaks directly to them, they’re more likely to stay longer and interact with your content. Personalized experiences create a sense of connection and value, which encourages repeat visits and higher conversions.

For businesses leveraging web development to enhance their online presence, personalizing content can set you apart from competitors. Whether through tailored recommendations or localized content for web design in sydney, personalization builds trust and loyalty.

Optimizing Navigation and Layout with Advanced WordPress Features

Enhancing Usability with Intuitive Menus and Layouts

Navigation and layout are critical elements of user experience. Visitors should find it easy to explore your site and locate the information they need. Using advanced wordpress development features, you can create seamless navigation and intuitive layouts that elevate usability. Intuitive menus and layouts guide users effortlessly through your website. WordPress makes this process simple with features like drag-and-drop menu builders and flexible page templates. You can organize menus by categories, services, or user intent, ensuring a logical flow.

Sticky menus, breadcrumb trails, and search bars further enhance navigation, keeping users engaged and reducing frustration. An intuitive layout ensures your website looks clean and professional while being functional.

The Role of Professional Web Development in Crafting Seamless Navigation

Professional web development ensures every navigation element is well-placed and user-friendly. At Rotapix, we focus on creating layouts that prioritize user experience, combining functionality with modern web design in sydney techniques.

Advanced features like mega menus or mobile-friendly navigation systems make it easier for visitors to explore your site on any device. This ensures your audience enjoys a seamless experience, whether they’re browsing on a desktop or smartphone.

Integrating Third-Party Tools to Boost User Interactions

Popular Integrations for Chatbots, Analytics, and Social Media

Incorporating third-party tools can take your website’s functionality to the next level. From engaging users with live chat to tracking behavior with analytics, these tools enrich your website and improve the overall user experience.

WordPress supports a wide range of integrations to enhance user interactions:

Chatbots: Tools like Tidio or LiveChat let you respond to user queries instantly, improving customer support.

Analytics: Google Analytics and MonsterInsights help you monitor user behavior and optimize your site’s performance.

Social Media: Plugins like Social Warfare or Smash Balloon enable users to share content and interact with your brand on social platforms.

These integrations not only engage visitors but also provide valuable insights to help refine your site’s design and content.

Why Rotapix Excels in Building Functional and Engaging Websites

Rotapix specializes in combining wordpress development with advanced integrations to build websites that are both functional and interactive. By tailoring tools to your specific needs, we ensure your website delivers an engaging experience that resonates with your audience.

Testing and Refining the User Experience for Better Results

Tools for Testing Usability and Gathering Feedback

Once your website is live, testing and refining its user experience is crucial. Continuous improvements ensure your site remains relevant and meets user expectations.

Several tools make it easy to evaluate usability and gather insights:

Hotjar or Crazy Egg: Track user interactions through heatmaps and recordings.

Google Optimize: Test different layouts, buttons, or content to see what works best.

Feedback Forms: Use plugins like WPForms to collect user feedback directly.

These tools help identify areas for improvement, from navigation issues to content clarity, ensuring a polished user experience.

How Continuous Improvements in WordPress Development Enhance Overall Performance

Updating your website regularly not only keeps it fresh but also ensures it performs well. Whether it’s optimizing load times, updating plugins, or refining layouts, continuous improvements in wordpress development keep users happy and engaged.

At Rotapix, we believe in ongoing collaboration to ensure your website evolves with your business needs. With regular updates and feedback integration, we ensure your site consistently performs at its best.

[nulledclubproblog]

YITH WooCommerce Popup nulled plugin 1.5.2

Boost Your Conversions with YITH WooCommerce Popup Nulled Plugin Are you looking to elevate your WooCommerce store’s performance without investing heavily in premium tools? The YITH WooCommerce Popup nulled plugin is your go-to solution. With its ability to create stunning and highly customizable popups, this powerful plugin enhances user engagement and boosts conversion rates—all while being completely free from our site. What is YITH WooCommerce Popup Nulled Plugin? The YITH WooCommerce Popup is a premium-quality tool that lets WooCommerce store owners display strategically timed popups to their customers. Whether you want to capture emails, promote offers, or redirect traffic to specific pages, this plugin offers limitless possibilities. And the best part? You can download it for free and unlock all its pro features without any restrictions. Why Choose the YITH WooCommerce Popup Nulled Plugin? In the world of eCommerce, timing and presentation are everything. This plugin gives you complete control over how and when your messages appear to your audience. The YITH WooCommerce Popup nulled plugin helps you improve your marketing strategy by enabling dynamic popups that respond to customer behavior—without slowing down your site or requiring any coding knowledge. Technical Specifications Plugin Version: Latest release with all premium features unlocked Compatibility: Fully compatible with WooCommerce and most WordPress themes Responsive Design: Yes, fully mobile-friendly Dependencies: Requires WooCommerce and WordPress 5.0 or higher Updates: Manual updates available from the download page Key Features and Benefits Customizable Triggers: Set popups to appear based on user activity, page scrolling, or exit intent. Mobile Optimization: All popups are fully responsive for a seamless mobile experience. Template Variety: Access a wide range of pre-designed templates for quick implementation. Advanced Targeting: Show popups based on user role, location, or device type. No Coding Needed: Easy drag-and-drop builder makes it simple to design popups. Practical Use Cases Here are some smart ways to leverage the YITH WooCommerce Popup nulled plugin in your online store: Promote limited-time deals and discounts to increase urgency and drive sales. Collect user emails with eye-catching opt-in forms to build your mailing list. Redirect traffic to high-converting pages like Slider Revolution Nulled. Display exit-intent popups to reduce cart abandonment and improve retention. How to Install the YITH WooCommerce Popup Nulled Plugin Download the plugin file from our website. Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Plugins > Add New. Click on “Upload Plugin” and select the ZIP file you downloaded. Click “Install Now” and then activate the plugin. Configure popup settings through the YITH menu in your dashboard. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is the nulled version safe to use? Yes, we carefully check all plugins for malware before sharing them. The YITH WooCommerce Popup on our site is safe and secure for use. Will I receive future updates? You can manually download updated versions from our website whenever they’re available. Does this plugin work with other YITH tools? Absolutely. The plugin is fully compatible with other YITH plugins, making your eCommerce setup more powerful and dynamic. Can I use this plugin on multiple sites? Yes, there are no usage restrictions. Install and use it on as many WordPress websites as you like. If you're looking to optimize your site even further, consider enhancing performance with tools like WP-Optimize Premium nulled. Final Thoughts Downloading the YITH WooCommerce Popup is a smart move for any WooCommerce store owner who wants to increase engagement, grow their email list, and boost conversions—without spending a dime. Get it now and transform how your store communicates with customers in real time.