#xo kitty series

[mae-gi-writes]

rile you up | lee Minho (xo kitty)

You’re Minho’s latest form of entertainment and he cannot just get enough of riling you up.

Genre: romcom, slice of life, school!au, minho is a little dick

———

“Fuck you, Minho.”

“What a ray of sunshine you are on this fine day.”

You grit your teeth together, almost grind them to nothing, and repeat the words with even more conviction, “I said fuck you.”

”Watch that tongue sunshine, might fall out if you’re not careful,” Minho’s grin just widens at the way your eyes have narrowed into slights. If looks could kill, he would’ve been shot int he head twice, revived, and shot once again. But thankfully for him, your narrow-eyed stare is nothing scarier than a cute kitten ready to take her claws out.

It’s a boring, rainy and muddy Wednesday afternoon and you really don’t want to be here, in English Lit, listening to professor Lau drone on and on about love and friendship in the verses of Lord Byron’s poems and how, if you read in-between the lines and analyze the intonations, the words, the onomatopieas, you’ll find a much deeper definition of Lord Byron’s feelings.

And Minho sitting right beside you is not making it much easier.

“You’ve got a pimple growing on your left cheek,” Minho squints at your face as you turn away, cupping your face with your hands as your eyes find the lock tick, tick, ticking at the far end of the classroom. Thirty more minutes of this torture.

“Can you just stop hyper-analyzing me like I’m some kind of lab rat?I’m really not in the mood for this right now.” You snap back.

“Woah,” Minho sighs before he shakes his head, “you really did wake up on the wrong side of the bed today.”

“And you, my friend, need to mind your own business.”

“Minho and Y/N.”

Professor Lau’s voice causes both of them to wince, physically, before looking up to see the said old man with bespectacled glasses, the book of poems in his hand and his eyebrows raised as though he expected better.

If you’re being honest, you really do enjoy Professor Lau’s classes, normally. Normally.

But not today. Today, you’re having a completely off day. You woke up late, you couldn’t sleep at all last night, and all the coffee had run out by the time you’d made it to campus. Your grades are suffering and you’re currently trying to ploughing through all the assignments without drowning.

And the worst of it all, you miss home.

You miss your mom. You miss your family, your brother with whom you would fight with at every occasion and play Mario kart with. You missed your grandma, your aunts, the food they cooked, the shared laughter, the smiles…

You’re in so deep in your thought process that you haven’t even registered that Professor Lau is telling you off until he calls for your name that brings you back to attention.

“—yes?” Your eyes flit up to Professor Lau’s and a wave of emotion suddenly takes its toll on you. You try hard to blink back the sudden burn of tears at the corner of your eyes, crawling up your throat.

“I was expecting better of your behaviour, miss Y/N,” he says, pointedly looking between you and Minho with pursed lips, “in my office after class. You’re up for cleaning duty.”

Great. That’s exactly what you need. After everything.

Fucking. Great.

———

“These pretty hands cannot clean,” these are Minho’s first words as the rest of the class files out to leave you two alone on cleaning duty and as you had predicted, there are papers all over the place, test papers and pens and pencils, “I’ve taken care of my hands all these years. I am not ruining it just to clean a classroom.”

“You are so freaking dramatic,” you roll your eyes, standing up to find the cleaning supplies that are stacked at the back of the class, in the storage closet, “let’s just get this over with and we can both move on with our lives and I won’t have to see you again for the rest of this week.”

“What’s up your arse, dude?” Minho follows you, one hand leaning on the doorframe as you start pulling out the duster, the cleaning rags and the shiny new broom that Professor Lau is currently obsessed with, “you’ve been acting really weird.”

“What?” You scoff, proceeding to hand him the broom because you know he’s never going to be the one on his hands and knees cleaning the floors, “I’m not. I’m just tired.”

“No, you’ve been acting off all week. You’re all snappy, your dark circles are so prominent you look like a walking zombie and you keep asking me to go fuck myself,” Minho rolls his eyes, “also, how do you use this?”

“Jesus chri—“ you make a move towards him, grabbing the hand holding the broom while struggling to circle his back and grabbing the other, “you keep that thing steady, then you brush the dirt from this one—“ you grip his hand and shuffle it over the floor in a sweeping motion, “until it goes into the pan. Got it?”

It's only then you realize the warmth emanating from Minho's back. If you move a little closer, you could press your cheek against him. He smells like something citrus and fresh mint and man.

Somehow, it makes goosebumps explode all over your skin. You step back abruptly, noting the heat searing through your palms where you had touched him just as he turns to face you, "you seem to be a natural at this. Why don't you do it?"

"I'm gonna take care of the floors," you're glad for the distraction that comes in the form of the rag, for there's a knot of heat in the middle of your chest and you're not quite sure how to deal with it, "let's just get this over with."

There's a long moment of silence as both of you focus on your tasks, which helps to calm down your nerves. Somehow, the sound of Minho's brush is conforting to hear.

Until he speaks up, "so you're gonna tell me what's wrong?"

"Why should I tell you, of all people?"

"Because there's nobody else around and seeing you all mopey makes me actually feel bad for you."

You wipe off the dusty corner by the teacher's desk, "Do you have any ounce of decency in you somewhere?"

"Not when you're involved," Minho snickers.

You whip around, throw the balled-up rag at him and smirk in satiafaction when it hits him square in the head, "ow--what the fuck, Y/N?!"

Glad that you managed to piss him off, you turn and continue, "oops sorry. My hand slipped."

It's not ultimately Minho's fault that you're more anxious, more easily irritated than usual. So you can't really take it out on him. But he doesn't make it any easier either.

Thankfully, the rest of the cleanup goes smoothly as butter and he parts ways with the excuse that he needs to go find his aupposed lunch date, to which you merely rolles your eyes and headed for the dining hall alone.

It doesn't normally bother you to be alone. On the contrary, you relish in those silent moments of freedom without having to hear an earful from Kitty and Q, or having Yuri complain about yet another one of her life's family miseries.

But as you find a vacant seat by the door, you can't help but suddenly feel a little small in a room full of people who seem to be right where they should be. And something in your heart constricts and clenches so hard it causes a soft sob to die at the back of your throat.

You grip your spoon a little tighter and bite down so hard on your lip that you feel the tangy taste of blood.

It feels lonely.

------

You're kind of sick.

Not physically sick.

Just sick of hearing christmas carols ringing all over campus. Sick of smelling hot chocolate in the air, sick of seeing luggages being dragged on vacation.

Sick of being here.

For an international student, returning home for Christmas was never an option. The airplane ticket is too expensive for your familt to afford, and you wouldn't ever impose that on them. But if you had to admit to that selfish part of you; you wished you were privileged enough to get to fly out at every chance you got.

Alas, that is not the kind of life that you live.

So when the doorbell rings at seven-thirty in the morning on Christmas Eve, you're more than surprised to find none other than Minho standing by your door with his hands in his pockets.

"Wh--Yeah? What do you want?" You frown upon noticing the lack of luggage behind him. Knowing Minho, he packed like a diva.

He hums and peeks inside your flat, causing you to shuffle into his peripheral vision, "what do you want Minho?"

"You're not packed."

"Wise observation, smartass."

He brushes past you and strides inside, taking his shoes off casually by the door, "why not?"

"None of your business."

He throws you an exasperated look, "you gonna keep being like this?"

"I don't know, are you gonna keep annoying the hell out of me?"

He can't help the grin that spreads over his face at that, "you're fun to mess around with."

"Well for your information, it's not fun. Not for me," you don't hesitate to walk over before grabbing onto his arm and tugging over to the door, "really. I'm fine. Now leave."

"I'm surprised you're not going home for Christmas," he continues as you're pushing him out of the door.

It stings, "why?"

"International kids usually do," he folds his arms, proceeds to lean into the open doorway and you got another whiff of his scent, "what? Daddy didn't want to pay for you this time?"

"My dad died. Two years ago."

There's surprise first, that flashes through his eyes. Then realization slowly dawns.

There’s some kind of weight in your chest. Like your heart has just broke.

"What?" You laugh but it's dry and twisted, "cat got your tongue? Too shocked to speak? Poor little Y/N, who doesn't have a father to pay off her credit card bills, right?"

"I didn't know--"

"Of course you didn't. You never asked."

"I'm--" he swallows, looks away, "—sorry."

You scoff, "don't. It's okay. I've been over it for the past two years."

It's not what he says but rather the way he looks at you that makes your insides shrivel up with dread and fear and the idea that he'll never look at you the same way ever again.

Because the thing is, no matter how much Mjnjo teases you, bullies you into oblivion, you do enjoy the attention, the banter. It's almost as if it's better than just being ignored altogether.

And amidst all his teasing and his annoying personaity, there are bite and smidges of Minho's kindness smattered in-between, flecks of tenderness that makes your heart soar, your brrath

To have such a man look down at you, pity you, makes you want to be sick.

"Y/N--" you cut him off before he can even try to make it up to you, "it's fine, Minho. Just drop it--"

"Wha--I said I was sorry, don't give me that look--"

"I said drop it!" You swerve around on him, anger bubbling from deep within your chest as blood pulses through, rushes through you, "for one goddamn second, can you just leave me alone?! I don’t need this—this constant bullying of your part! It’s tiring and it’s just so goddamn frustrating and humiliating so will you just stop?!”

The shocked silence that follows your sudden outburst is heavy. If the tension had been thick before, it’s now so hard you can barely cut it with a knife. You try to regulate your staccato breaths, try not to let your body take over your mind as you focus on breathing in, breathing out, breathing in. Breathing out. Just like that.

Calm. Like water. Like you’re a river that never stops.

“Just go, Minho,” your words are bitter. You can barely look his way, an overwhelming surge of irritation, guilt and hurt swimming through you.

Thankfully, the young man seems just as surprised as you are and leaves without even a backward glance. That’s when you finally cave in and allow your legs to crumble to your floor. Pressing your head against the door, your body instantly gives into the sadness that crumbles through you like used up tissue, soaking in all the tears that are suddenly cascading down your cheeks without restraint.

You cry yourself to sleep that night.

———

“Minho, I’m really sorry about my behaviour.”

You stare.

Your reflection stares back.

Shit. This doesn’t feel right. You close your eyes, exhale a soft breath, and open them once more only to find a set of familiar brown eyes gazing back at you.

It’s just the day after Christmas and though the majority of your friends were still off campus, you’re well aware that a certain Korean young man has decidedly stayed back because of his mother’s offshoot shooting commercial.

However, you still hadn’t gotten the guts to go back and ask him for a formal apology yet. Did you even need one when he’d been the one prodding you with a stick like he would with a nest of aggressive bees?

Oh well. You decided you’d be the bigger person and make the first move. As always.

So you look back to your reflection with renewed determination, take a deep breath before forcing the words out, “I am really sorry for my shitty behaviour, Minho, I should’ve—no,” you shake your head, start again and clasp your hands together for good measure, “I’m really sorry if I offended you in any way, I was hurt—no. God. I sound so pathetic.” You can’t help but curse at the mirror.

Inhale. Exhale. Deep breath. And you try once more, this time adding a small smile.

“I’m really sorry for everything that I said. I was being a bit insensitive and wasn’t in the right headspace—“ you break off with a frustrated snarl, “god! Why is it so hard to apologize to the dude?!”

“The dude’s standing right here.”

Shocked, you swivel around only to find none other than the said question in person leaning against your doorway, eyebrows raised and a semblance of a smirk lining his lips.

“M—Minho,” you feel like slapping yourself for sounding like a stuttering goldfish. Quickly, your hands smooth down your sweater, hiding them in the big bell sleeves as your eyes find everything — anything, to get off his face, “what—what are you doing here?”

“I was looking for you, actually.”

“Why?”

You’re still not looking, deciding that the faint crack in your dorm room is much more interesting.

Minho’s footsteps approach as he strides close, close enough that you get a whiff of his expensive cologne and restrain yourself from sighing out loud.

The bastard smells too good, you feel like crying.

“Why?” He scoffs, “isn’t it obvious?”

“Not really.”

“Alright. Fine,” you’re still not looking at him, which is why you almost jump out of your skin the moment you feel the gentlest graze of his fingertips at your jaw.

“Wha—“ you stutter, eyes flashing up to his on instinct.

Dark brown meets swirls of maroon. You almost lose your breath.

In the mid-morning light with sunshine falling over half of his face, Minho looks like he’d just walked out of some fashion magazine.

“What are you…doing?” You manage to murmur out. Barely.

It’s hard to concentrate when he’s right there, in your personal space, looking a little too dashing for his own good.

“You’re right. I was being a selfish dick to you two days ago,” his grip on your chin is firm, his dark eyes even firmer, “so I’m sorry if you took it the wrong way.”

You laugh, “wait—is Minho actually apologizing? To me?”

“Don’t get used to it.”

“But this is a legendary moment,” you fake a mocking gasp at him, “I should record this right now.”

“Don’t make me regret it, Y/N.”

Chuckling, your eyes crinkle up as you allow yourself to roam over his features, “okay okay, I’ll stop.”

Minho fidgets and doesn’t say anything back. Weird, considering that he has a comeback for everything. You feel his hand drop from your chin as he takes a step back, lips pressed together and face looking like he’s uncomfortable being here.

Do you make him uncomfortable? It’s not a sight you’re used to seeing. Something tugs at your heartstrings but you try and ignore it.

“What is it?” You ask instead.

“There is…” his eyes dart away, “something I need to tell you.”

“About?”

His hand drops. Instantly, cold swoops in.

“About me. And you.”

You squint, “Minho I swear, if this is one of your stupid jokes again—“

“I like you.”

You blink.

He gazes back. His eyes. They’re gazing straight at you. Focused. Intense. Hot.

So hot it causes a flame to burst in your chest.

Wait…your mind backtracks, what?

“You—“ your mouth opens. Closes. Opens once more, "I'm sorry--what?"

His eyes answer in his stead. Dark orbs swirling with a depth that makes your skin explode in goosebumps. You realize, all too soon, how close you are, how -- if you want -- you can diminish the space between just with one single step forward.

"I like you," he says it honestly. Somehow, you relish in the way he says it. Clear and transparent. No inside games, no beating around the bush, "maybe more than a little."

You sense a but. "And?"

He rolls his eyes, "and maybe I just don't know how to show it."

"You mean, acting like a five year old boy who bullies his crush for fun because he likes her?"

"Something like that."

"Okay," you drag out the word in hopes that it will hide the way your heart suddenly skips a beat, the way your legs feel weaker at the knees, "so what--what now?"

"Well, that's the part where you tell me you like me back--" Minho catches himself upon seeing you raise a brow at him, "--or not. Your choice, your rules, doll."

Doll? You can feel the flame bursting through your chest and squeezing your heart. It aches so much it hurts, though it seems that your smile can't help tugging at the corners of your lips as you watch him and despite his seeming nonchalance about the whole matter, there's the slightest sheen of pink that gives him away.

Cute. Your brain chants.

"Well," you tilt your chin up in what you hope is a confident manner, "you normally take a girl out to dinner first."

"Is that a yes?" Minho smirks.

"Did you hear what I said?"

"Yes, yes I heard alright. Fine," he sighs and crosses his arms over his chest, "tomorrow night. Dinner. Be ready by six. I'll pick you up."

"Tomorrow? But wait I--"

"You better be there, doll."

And with that, he swivels on his feet and walk away while whistling a soft tune, leaving your heart flooded with a tide of mixed emotions that erupt through your chest and butterflies running along your skin.

---

Minho: I'll come pick you up by six. Be ready then. Wear something cute but casual. Nothing fancy.

Y/N: i like how you're telling me how to dress up when you're the one who's supposes to be wooing me.

Minho: oh you don't have to worry about that.

The way he replies so smoothly has goosebumps running along the back of your neck and you squeeze your hands into fists. You're still sitting on your bed, trying to digest all this new information as another flurry of messages burst through your phone, probably fron Kitty's latest reaction your news.

Kitty: what?! Minho?! And you?! He asked you out?!!! Omg how did I not see this coming!!!

Y/N: i thought you were a matchmaker.

Kitty: well YEAH before he went and ruined it!!! Anyway, what are you WEARING?!

Y/N: i have absolutely no idea. He said something cute but casual, so I'm guessing there's not gonna be any fancy dinners or anything.

Kitty: omg!! Minho and casual doesn't sound right. Maybe he really is trying to woo you!!

Y/N: should I wear shorts? Pants? A skirt?

Kitty: definitely no pants. Maybe that cute skater skirt you wore to Yuri's party last semester?

So you do. The skirt's baby blue colour contrasts well with the simple white tshirt you decided to wear with it, and throwing on a beige cardigan and some white sneakers complete the look. You add a small blue bow into your hair to match, and take one last look at yourself in hopes that you're looking exactly how Minho wants you to--

No. That's the wrong way to go about it. Minho likes you. Yes. You. Not the girls he's always so uses to seeing. You don't have to impress him.

That’s how you meet him right outside your door, with your newly-found resolve as you catch the simple white tee and ripped jeans, hair styled just the way he likes it, just enough to make every woman’s heart swoon.

His eyes do a once-over, “not bad, Y/N. You clean up nice.”

“Not bad?” You scoff, “I’m sure there are much better adjectives to use.”

He grins, “we’ll see.”

Minho brings you over to the Han river by electric scooter, with you standing in front and holding on to the handlebars as he guides you across the street even though it’s technically illegal for people to do such a thing. But with the wind in your hair and Minho’s warmth at your back, you don’t find yourself complaining.

“Han river?” You raise a brow at him as he parks and pays for his e-scooter ride, “really? So cliche.”

“The Han River is a classic,” he looks at you pointedly, “and I’ll have you know, I’ve never brought anyone here before.”

“Ooh, does that mean anything?” You wriggle your brows and he scoffs, looks away, “shut up.”

You weren’t expecting him, of all people, to be a fan of romantic gestures such as this. But when he parks his scooter in favor of walking alongside you by the trail — even with his multiple complaints about the dirt being too dirty and people needing to revisit their wardrobe fashion — you can’t help but wonder how much effort he’s putting into just being with you. Because knowing Minho, walking on crushed grass and having his shoes in dirt is quite a big deal.

“Look, do you want to be swooned or not?” He replies when you ask him the question, even looks offended that you’d dared ask such a thing, “I thought girls loved it when boys brought them here.”

“Yes I know that,” your grin is so wide that you’re surprised it hasn’t broken your face in two yet, “and don’t get me wrong. I love it, but I never thought you—of all people — would bring me here, of all places. It’s just not…”

“Not what?” He scowls.

“Just not you,” you confess, and then, seeing that his frown seems to take a permanent fixture on his face, you quickly add, “so the fact that you’re doing it…thanks. It means…something. You know?”

Heat springs through your cheeks at the sudden confession and you quickly look away, anywhere, but not before glancing at Minho to see that he has a faint smile dancing across his lips.

As the evening wears on, you get to talk about everything and anything; from worries about your future and the rigorous routine of adult life, about which game box is better and which restaurant serves the best korean noodles, which Minho argues does not exist, considering that every single noodle joint in Seoul is a pro in making them.

"We're the city of noodles and gimbap, obviously there's more than one good noodle stop."

"You speak like someone who hasn't tasted Uncle Cha's food yet. You know, the snack from across the road to campus."

Minho's nose wrinkles, "nah I'm good--"

"Oh no you don't," you grab onto his arm before he has a chance to run away, "nu-uh. Let's go get them right now, actually."

Surprisingly awed by Cha's cuisine, Minho has no other choice than to grumble out a faint agreement. It's no secret that it makes your day.

"But the environment--" Minho shudders, "I think I saw a cockcroach scuttling about in there."

“Oh yeah,” you let your eyes follow the wall and trail back up to him, pointing at his face, “there’s one.”

Shoving you playfully, he pulls out his tongue in such a childish manner you can’t help but burst out laughing.

You decide to take the walk back along the Han River even if it makes a detour, stopping by a coffee shop to grab some hot chocolate. The city lights now illuminate the city like stars scraping the earth’s surface and you can’t help but feel amazed by how beautiful the scenery is, with the wind trickling through your hair and soft music from busking sessions in the background.

“I’ve never actually walked along the Han River before,” you confess to him as you gaze down at the black waters sloshing against the river edge, “thanks, Minho.”

He has the look of a satisfied five year old child who got a gold star for his best behaviour, “you’re welcome.”

“Who knew you’d be the one to bring me here?” You jostle his shoulder playfully before taking a sip of your hot chocolate.

“What’s that you’re implying?” He frowns.

“That you’ve surprised me and my expectations.”

“And that’s supposed to be a compliment?” He looks horrified and dramatic, “you’re harsh, Y/N. I’ll have you know, I haven’t—“ he stops himself just in time for you to swoop in and push, “yeah? You haven’t what?”

“Nevermind,” he sips his own drink and you notice the way his ears have turned red.

You giggle, “tell me, have you gone on dates before?”

“Wha—of course I have! What kind of question is that?!” You keep on laughing and laughing at his face, shaking your head as you try and muffle your chuckles the best you can, “oh god—oh my god, you never have. It’s written all over your face—“

“You talk too much,” he mutters into his drink and turns away from you, ears as red as a fire engine.

You nudge him, smiling, loving that side of him that he’s never really shown anyone before. Because you all know the cool, confident Minho. But this, this side of Minho is uncharted territory.

And you’re all here for it.

“Why not, though?”

His eyes narrow as he looks back at you, “what?”

“Why haven’t you brought anyone out before?’ You fidget with your cup, glad that it’s warming your hands so you can busy yourself with something, “because I’ve seen you, with different types of girls. All the time—“

“Yeah that didn’t mean anything.”

“But you still went out with them.”

“Is that jealousy I hear in your voice?”

“What?” Heat flushes through you, “no, I just—“

That’s when you feel it. His hand, fluttering up to yours. He pries your hold from your cup gently before bringing it down between you, fingers entangling with yours like they’re meant to be there in the first place.

And when your eyes flutter to lock onto his, there’s liquid warmth in those pools of brown, a tenderness you’ve seldom seen before.

“This is new too,” he murmurs then, “all of this.”

Your heart skips a beat. There are no words to be said.

You swallow thickly, look away, and don’t miss the soft chuckle that falls from his lips as he keeps swinging your hands back and forth between you, his smile a permanent fixture on his face. One that your lips mirror faintly as you keep walking back towards your dorms in comforting silence.

———

“Was that romantic enough for you?”

Minho’s question is met with a chuckle from your part as you finally reach your dormitory. A few stray students are still studying deep into the night, some already asleep on the deep blue couches in the common room as you make your way through, hands still entertained from earlier.

Your heart has been skipping and rollerblading into ecstasy ever since.

“Hmm,” you hum, even tilting your head in thought, “guess so. Though if I had any complaints—“

“You wouldn’t tell me, because there aren’t any,” Minho finishes for you, “right?”

“Oh i have plenty, but I’ll keep it for another time,” you flash him a mischievous smile. You’ve reached your corridor by that time, your words causing Minho to shoot you a suggestive look.

“another time?” He repeats with a cock of his brow.

You bite your lip and look away to avoid the fact that there’s a faint, yet growing smile on your face, “yeah. Maybe.”

The said young man’s lips pulls into a small smile, “I can work with that.” He murmurs, and something warm pools in the middle of your chest.

It’s hard to control yourself around Minho especially when he’s not being a little shit. Because the fact is; he’s very enticingly charming and likable.

“Well, that’s me,” you’ve reached your door then, glad that for once your dorm room is free of activity since both your roommates have gone home for the Christmas season, and turn towards Minho.

“Thanks you, for tonight,” your cheeks are warm with heat but you can’t resist grinning up at him, “I had more fun than expected.”

Minho sucks in a dramatic breath, “wow. I think i finally got a compliment out of your mouth.”

“Trust me, that’s me being nice.”

“I know,” he flashes a grin at you and before you know it, his arm has gone up to press against the doorway, caging you in and suddenly making you feel smaller than you are already. His body heat rolls into you in waves, the scent of his boyish cologne making you dizzy as your body leans into him unconsciously.

“So,” he breathes. He’s so close, so close that if you move just a little, your noses would brush, “since I’ve taken you out on a date, do I get to kiss you now?”

Air stills in your lungs. Your teeth find your lower lip.

“It depends,” your whisper is so soft he barely catches it, too enthralled by the way your mouth curves and moves with the words, “will you take me out again?”

“If her highness wishes,” Minho chuckles, tilting his head so that your noses brush. Electricity zaps through your body, goosebumps raising at the back of your neck, “I’ll take you wherever you want.”

Your eyes lock. There’s warmth, want. Desire swimming through his own pools of brown.

“Sounds like a promise,” you breathe, “so when will that—“

“Y/N.”

The way he says your name has a knot tightening in your stomach. Your body tenses in anticipation.

He’s gazing at you as if he’s only just seeing you. His lips are so close, you can feel his breaths on your lips. Hot against cold. He smells divine.

You’re so lost in your own daydream that you respond a few seconds late, “y-yeah?”

“Do me a favor?”

One hand cradles your cheek. You freeze.

“Hm?”

“Stop talking.”

And before you can do anything else, his mouth presses against yours.

Fireworks explode. Behind your eyelids. Through your body. Blood races and your brain goes fuzzy with want and desire as Minho’s other hand wraps around your waist to tug you in, his other hand clasping your jaw firmly as he kisses you. Once. Twice. He’s a good kisser, yet so gentle and tentative.

You’re taken by surprise for a few seconds, before you finally melt into him and kiss him back. A sigh escapes you as your hands go up to wrap around his neck, and the groan of satisfaction he lets out makes your entire nerves buzz with delight.

Tilting his head to the side to kiss you deeper, longer, you let out a gasp against his mouth as he pulls you even closer still, as if he can’t get enough of you. You haven’t realized you’re pressed to the door until your back meets the hard wood underneath and you yelp softly at the way his tongue swipes over your bottom lip to ask for entrance.

He kisses you softly, yet so firmly as if you’re the only thing keeping him alive, satiated. His hand at your hip moves up, tracing the back of your spine, the side of your rib cage before brushing against the corner of your bra and making you squirm while your hands curl into his hair. You tug, causing a grumble to echo out of Minho’s chest. His tongue darts in and you part for him like melted butter so that he can kiss you and ravage you without restraint.

Everything falls away, with only Minho being your anchor. You smell him, feel him against you, and want nothing else other than the dizzying rush that makes your stomach erupt with fireflies.

Your mouths part with a pop and he takes this chance to nip at your jaw, littering kisses down your neck before suckling on a soft patch of skin. Your body reacts instantly, curving into him as your lips part in a soft, minuscule moan. That’s enough to snap him back to attention.

He gazes up at you, chest heaving and all heavy breaths. His lips are swollen and red and just so beautiful. Hair tousled like he’s just tumbled out of bed and you quickly decide that’s the look you love best on him.

The curfew bell sounds and he curses.

“Minho,” you murmur when he leans in, noses brushing to capture your lips into his once more. You sigh, eyes falling shut as he takes your next set of words away.

It’s almost as if he’s drunk on you, as if he just can’t get enough.

The thought makes you shiver. Your heart swells with emotion.

“Minho,” you murmur once more against his lips. He groans, pulls away onto to bury his face into your neck and humming, “yeah?”

“Curfew’s in two minutes.”

“I know,” he’s pressing open-mouthed kisses over your collarbone and you can’t help but whimper and cradling his head closer to you despite trying to make sense of your thoughts.

“Y—You should go,” you stutter out but it’s almost like you’re talking to yourself. He’s clearly in his own world, suckling onto your skin and leaving purple marks to claim you as his. He pulls away, groaning appreciatively at the sight you make.

“Do I really have to go?” His dark eyes — darker than you’ve ever seen them — flickers over your features. There’s a kind of hunger to them that makes you shiver.

“Yes,” you stammer out, heart almost bursting out of your chest when the boy merely tugs you close before he rests his head atop yours. He holds you, breaths you in, and your eyes close on their own accord, taking in the moment like it’s the last.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” his whisper grazes the shell of your ear and you shiver. He pulls back and there’s the kind of crooked smile that makes your heart tighten, “goodnight, Y/N.”

“Good night, Minho,” you murmur and dropping a last kiss atop your temple, you watch him walk away, raising a salute with his hand as he does so.

———

A/N: GAHHH IDK WHAT I WROTE AND I GAVE UP AT THE END I HOPE IT’S ALRIGHT BUT ANYWAY I’VE BEEN OBSSESSED WITH MINHO THESE DAYS.

[peeta-mellark]

XO, Kitty Will always love a good enemies to lovers

[mazojo]

Anyways XO Kitty love interests summarized

Dae

Min Ho

Yuri

[crowleyscardigan]

Chaotic bisexual and their gay bestie <3

[honeydewpie]

Episode 1

Welcome to Kiss

The plane ride was unbearable in itself. The loud crying children even the small musk of sweat from other foreigners in the plane. You looked out the window with your last minutes on the plane. The beauty of Seoul peeped through the clouds and you seemed to burst with energy. The PA rang and everyone around in unison looked alive: which just enhanced your excitement.

You thought the plane was the worst part, but no. It was navigating through a foreign airport. You looked around trying to use an app and what little Korean you learned through Duolingo. You wandered around looking at the little symbols of signs for clues: all led you a circle. Then you saw shops with cute survivors and suddenly you were at every pop up shop buying at least one thing from each shop. You looked at your bounty with pride swelling up. You reached for your phone to take a picture when someone rudely bumped into you. Offended, you looked up at the jerk who bumped into you without apologizing. “Um, annyeonghaseyo?!” You said with an irritated tone. The guy turned around with an annoyed look. “annyeonghaseyo.” His voice was dull and his body was screaming “what do you want” all over it. “Aren’t you gonna apologize?” You said with your English slipping through. He replied, “Oh sorry, me no speak English.” With a broken Asian accent. You looked at him with embarrassment but before you could make a remark he left. Leaving you embarrassed you thought it’d be the perfect time to get back on track.

You felt lost and felt everything was becoming too overwhelming. While looking at your phone trying to translate something someone bumped into you again. This was getting ironic you thought. “Oh I’m so sorry!” Your body seemed to perk up; you turned around. “ You speak English?!” You said with excitement . “Yes! Yes! Me speak English.” She shared the same sense of relief and excitement as you. “Hi I’m Katherine, but call me kitty.” She extended her hand out with a smile and you gladly shook it. You introduced yourself with the same gestures. “I’m trying to find the exit I have a bus to catch.” You said with worry. “Really?! Me too! How about we look together? It’s better than being lost by ourselves.” After a while you and kitty both sat down tired and at the break of giving up. You grabbed your phone and jumped with panic. The bus was about to leave in 10 minutes. Your body seemed to melt into failure and despair. You let out an annoyed groan as everything felt so impossible in the moment. “Hey! Get up! I think I found the way out.” With those words your body seemed to jolt with a sense of hope. “Follow me!” Kitty said eagerly.

You both bolted out of the entrance: with kitty slightly behind due to her suitcase. You looked frantically left and right until you spotted the blue bus with the words “KISS”. Your body seemed to relax as you quickly headed to the bus. You barely made it as the last person boarded. With a relieved smile you looked at the chauffeur, “annyeonghaseyo.”, “annyeonghaseyo.” He said back with a smile. Before you boarded you looked back to see if you could catch Kitty before you left. You saw her frantic with her bags tripping over her. She locked eyes with you and yelled “HOLD THE BUS!” You gave her a confused look before the pieces clicked. You looked at the bus driver, “Can you hold on for just a bit.” You said with a grim smile.

“I can't believe you go to kiss too.” You said in disbelief. “Me too! It must be fate.” Kitty said with excitement oozing out of her. “Why are you going to kiss? Kitty asked.“I’m going because of a scholarship and to learn about my culture. Seeing as my dad wasn’t too in tune with his culture. What about you?” “Me too! Well not my dad, but more so my mom. She died before she could teach me much, and my dad’s white so he can’t really help. Oh and I get to see my boyfriend, his name is Dae. We’ve been talking for like years, and this’ll be the first time in a while that we get to see each other.” You looked at her dumbfounded, but she just gave you a cheeky smile which you gladly returned.

The bus ride seemed like a blur. Before you knew it you and kitty were standing on the sidewalk with your loads of luggage. You and her looked at each other with wonder as you both faced a new school. Looking for the student center was easy. There were signs with English and Korean text. Many of the assisting staff also were fluent in English, so you and Kitty had an easy navigation. Walking into the center was underwhelming. There wasn’t a long line: kitty being the only one in front of you. Once Kitty was done you walked up,“Annyeonghaseyo, welcome to KISS what’s your last name.” You told her and she shuffled through files until she came across yours. “Please fill this out and turn it to the dorm residents,” You nodded and thanked her then went straight to Kitty. “Lemme see your paper!” Kitty said with urgency. You both looked over your paper’s and as you skimmed down both of your smiles flattered. “That sucks.” You said bluntly. “Hey! On the bright side it seems that you have a single room.” Kitty said sheepishly. “Yeah I guess. . . Meet you at the welcome party?”, “Totally!” You and kitty then parted ways to your respected dorms.

Now looking for the dorms was a little harder than the center. You looked at the map provided, but somehow it was more confusing than the signs at the airport. The school had many buildings; which isn’t surprising since it’s an elite school. While walking around the school you noticed many things. Each bush had buds ready to bloom in the spring. The air was sweet and savory; it smelled like home. Around the campus there were traditional aspects, but also modern architecture incorporated. You wandered around for a bit until you finally stumbled at the dorms. Walking in there were hints of floral and vanilla scents. People were coming in and mingling amongst each other. Heaps of fancy or extravagant carriers laid around the hobbies as everyone was getting settled in. You looked at your paper one more time then you walked in the elevator.

The dorm was very modern. The living room had one double couch and one single couch. There was a nice sleek counter with storage underneath and a desk beside it with cubbies above it. On the right there was a spacious bathroom with a granite glossed sink. Accompanying it was a tub and or shower, with a Snow White finish. The kitchen was homey. The countertop was wood with a shine finish: on it was plugged in stove. Across the kitchen was the one bedroom. The room was average sized. A window shined through light and made the room seem like it was glowing. The curtains had two layers: one was sheer, the other was thick enough to block out light. Just like the ones in the living room. You set down your bags next to the desk then proceeded to unpack. After you finished unpacking you grabbed a change of clothes then proceeded to the bathroom.

You turned on the shower and undressed as you waited for the water to warm up a bit. Once at a reasonable temperature you stepped in. The water was soothing and comfy; you seemed to melt into it. You grabbed your strawberry scented shampoo and lathered it before massaging it in your scalp. As it foamed up you stopped and washed it off. Thoroughly getting any excess shampoo out. Then you proceed to get your conditioner and comb it through your hair; moisturizing it to a silky texture. Finishing the shower you scrubbed your body before rinsing and turning it off.

Once your body was dry you dove into the plush sheets: the jet lag finally catching up to you. You grabbed your comforter and tucked yourself in before completely knocking out cold. You woke up in a cold sweat and in a pitch black room with nothing but the moon’s light. Dazed, you sat up and looked at your window. It was night time you thought. The stars were twinkling and more vibrant than in the city: where the street lights drown the stars. You grabbed your phone and opened it “Reminder: Welcome Party at 19:00”. Your eyes drifted to the time it was “18:23”. Your eyes widened at and hurried out of bed. You skimmed through your drawers until you found your black dress. It was a tight fitted body with mesh long sleeves from your shoulders from your wrist. You grabbed some three inch heels from your shoe rack, and some complimentary jewelry from your desk. While at your desk you put on a simple Douyin look. To finish off the look you put your hair in a nice sleek look casting away any fly always or imperfections. Before leaving you brushed your teeth and put on strawberry blossom perfume leaving you with a sweet yet sophisticated smell.

Before entering you texted Kitty: hoping she just pulled up too. You waited for a good minute with no response. Throwing caution in the wind you entered. Some k-pop songs were blasting with low blue lighting. Conversation engulfed the room: everyone was looking consumed into their conversation. There were a few stragglers who eventually engaged into a conversation. You made your way to the punch and poured yourself a cup. You sat there idling waiting for a buzz from your phone. Standing there made you feel awkward as everyone emerged into their conversation. As you waited you felt a tap on your shoulder. You turned around expecting Kitty, but no. It was a tall lean guy with a middle part and flirtatious smile.

“Hello there, I don’t think we’ve met before.” His voice was relaxing and smooth; with a hint of seduction. You looked at the guy head to toe eyeing his body and features, as if you were pinpointing any imperfections. There wasn’t any. You looked at him with suspicion but replied, “No we haven’t, you look very familiar though.” He chuckled away before coming back and looking deep in your eyes. “It’s probably because I’m the man in your dreams.” He replied cooley. You merely scoffed at his charms: which only enticed him more. “I never got your name?” He said getting a little closer. You challenged his proximity and got closer as you whispered in his ear with a captivating tone your name. His grin seemed to enhance with your advancements: encouraging him. He dipped down to your ear and whispered ever so softly, “What a beautiful name for an even beautiful girl.” He said as his warmth grazed your neck which triggered shivers to run down your spine and leaving you breathless. You swallowed down your nerves and looked him in the eyes: trying to hide your nerves. His grin only got wider as you stood your ground. He swooped down to your ear once more and whispered in a low voice, “What’s wrong sweetie? Cat caught your tongue?” He proceeded to slowly pull away until he was standing tall once more. He looked at you intently watching you as you squirm under his gaze. Trying to collect yourself you cleared your throat before speaking. Before you could get a word out someone accidentally bumped into him. He turned around at the guy annoyed than spoke “Watch where you're going.” He said in a snobby voice. Something right then and there clicked to you. “You're the asshole from the airport!” You stated. “Excuse me?” He said stabbed by your words. “You bumped into me at the airport, and when I tried to get your attention you said you didn’t speak English. Damn you're a snob and liar. He stood there stunned at your words. Then your phone started aggressively buzzing which captured your attention. You started digging through your small bag until you finally retrieved it: 15 unread messages from Kitty. Smiling at the little gesture you found this a perfect excuse to leave the situation. You gave the guy a teasing smile before heading to the entrance to find Kitty.

Authors Note: AHHH this is my first series I’m enjoying writing this and I have so many things plan! Guess what trope I’m doing!! Also please excuse any copied paragraphs or missing stuff I’ll try any look over it but I might not catch it. My tumblr is bugging out 🙏🏼

Anywasy if you enjoy please like and share and comment some feedback 🤗🤍

Chapter 2 coming soon ‼️

Word count: 2k

Tags:

[bugboysgf]

Hate + Love

Chapter 3

series masterlist 

Previous chapter 

Summary: There is a thin line between love and hate but what if it's way thinner than you thought?

“Do you think that's his boyfriend?” Q asked.

“I don't think so,” Kitty said.

Right now you,Q, Kitty, and Min ho were sitting at the lunch table having lunch, you were too busy on your phone laughing to even hear what they were talking about.

“I don't see the problem, just ask if he is seeing anybody.” Min Ho said.

“If only it was that simple.” Q huffed. “What do you think y/n.”

You didn't respond, you were smiling at your phone not having a care in the world. Min ho thought it would be a good idea to throw a chip at you to get your attention.

“What the hell dickhead.” you glared at Min ho.

“Why do you keep smiling at your phone?” Min ho asked.

“Oh Derek was sending me pictures.”

“So what's going on between you?” Kitty asked

“Nothing really, he asked me on a date yesterday.”

“Wait what?” Minho looks at you in shock.

“You heard me.” “When's the date?” he asked.

“If you must know it's on saturday.”

“I'm so happy for you.” Kitty said.

—-

“I don't get it.” Min ho said to Q.

“Get what?” Q sat up on his bed.

“Why is y/n going on a date with Derek.” “I don't know. What's the problem with it anyway?” Q asked, confused.

“Why would she choose him, that's all.” Min ho wondered.

“Maybe because he gave her his number.” Q said like it was obvious. Minho just stared at the wall thinking. “Listen man if he bothers you that much just tell her.” “It doesn't bother me.” Min ho said a little too fast. “You're lying, it does.” “I don't understand why I care so much.”

“Maybe because you like her.”

“I will not stop saying that.” Min Ho said, clearly annoyed.

“There's obviously something there, if it does bother you.”

“It doesn't, I was just thinking.” Min ho defended himself, but deep down he had this feeling about you and he couldn't figure out what it was.

—

“Q come on, open the door.” you said knocking on the door. You heard footsteps so you stopped knocking on the door.

“What are you wa- wait are you crying?” Min Ho asked.

“No” you swiped your tears. “Where Q” you asked.

“He's not here, he's sleeping at his friend's dorm tonight. What's wrong.” Min Ho asked concerned.

“Nothing, I'm going to go.” you turned around but Min ho grabbed your hand pulling into the dorm. He shut the door and looked at you.

“Just tell me what's wrong, I'm not going to make fun of you or judge you.” all you did was look at him, you were not believing that. “Pinky swear.”

“I'm not five Min ho, can i just go, it's not a big deal.” you explain to him.

“If you're crying, it has to be a big deal,” he says.

“Okay…it's my necklace my dad gave me.” you open your hand and show it to him. “I broke, and i don't know what to do, it was the last thing he gave me and-”

“Slow down y/n, its okay”

“It's not,” you said in a weak voice. “I can't tell my mom, she's going to be so mad, and i dont have the money to fix it.” Min ho looks at you not knowing what to say, he's never had a girl cry in front of him.

“I'm sorry for putting this on you.” you apologize.

“I'll fix it.” Min Ho said.

“What?”

“Give it to me, I'll try to fix it.” you had no choice to hand it over to him, you didn't know what to do.

“I should go, it's past curfew.” you said.

“Stay here”

“Why?”

“I just want to make sure you are okay,” he says.

“What if I get caught?”

“Nobody is going to see you plus there's no class tomorrow. You can take my bed” he explains.

The next morning you woke up in his bed, then it hit you that you cried to Min ho last night about a necklace. You cringe at the fact that Min ho saw you cry. You get out of the bed and go into the kitchen and sit down.

“Good morning.” Min Ho says.

“What time is it?” you ask. “2pm”

“Oh my god, I have a date at 5.” “You have time,” he says. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a box and hands it to you. You look at him confused but you open the box. In the box was your necklace that you gave him last night.

“Oh my god, you fixed it.” you smile. “How?”

“I went to a jewelry shop early in the morning.”

“How much was it? I will pay you back, I swear.” you tell him.

“Don't worry about it and I apologize.” “Apologize for what?” you asked him confused.

“Apologize for bumping into you at the airport.” “Who are you and what have you done with Min ho.” you joked.

“I'll take the apology back.” he smiles.

—

“I'm nervous.” you said to Kitty.” “Dont be you look good.” She says.

“He's supposed to be picking me up any minute now.” you tell her.

10 minutes go by and he doesn't text you saying he's going to be late. You text him ‘hey when are you going to be here?’ but you get no response.

Another 20 minutes go by and you finally get a message

From derek: Sorry but I can't do this, i dont think it's going to work out.

“What did he say?” kitty asked

“He says it's not going to work out.” you say quietly.

“Oh I'm so sorry y/n. He doesnt deserve you.” “Min ho was right, it had to be a dare.”

The next day you decided to not let it get to you. Kitty asked if you wanted to go to breakfast most of the time you skip breakfast but you were really hungry.

“What are your plans for today?” Kitty asked.

“Not sure.” you said. Kitty looks behind you and sees Derek walking towards you.

“Don’t freak out but Derek is walking this way.” “Oh my god.” you roll your eyes. He sits next to Kitty and gives you a look that's supposed to say ‘I'm sorry.’

“y/n-”

“Save it, I don't want it here,” you cut him off.

“y/n i really wanted to go but Min ho-” “Min ho? What does he have to do with it?” you cut him off once again.

“He threatened me, he said he would release a video of me. I can't let it get out it would look bad on my parents company.” he explained “So he threatened you to not go on a date with me?” “Yes and a lot of other guys.” “What the hell, why?” Kitty asked.

“I'm not sure but he doesn't want guys dating you.”

“This doesn't make any sense.” you said.

next part

[zanephillips]

Sang Heon Lee XO, Kitty Episode 5 “TBH”

[xo-lesserafim]

FALLING FOR YOUR SMILE AND EYES

synopsis: As Kitty’s twin sister Andrea, going to K.I.S.S was so nice since they were able to go to Korea, and to learn more about their mom. Everything was so new but exciting, but what happens when one guy that catches your eye show you a new experience, Love🩷

STATUS: ON HOLD

Started: June 14, 2023/Ended: —

PAIRING : XO Kitty’s, Minho x fem!reader( Andrea Song Covey)

Genre: romcom, high school au , enemies to lovers( more to added)

WARNING: swearing, angst, reader as thoughts to kill her self , metions of alcohol, underaged drinking, kissing , making out?, and suggestive? ( please tell me if I’m missing anything

Authors Note: Hey everyone! This is my very first fanfic ( with some smau things). I am excited to show what I am planning<3 I am also not korean so please tell me if I did something wrong<3 But please note that I am 10-15 writing a cheesy, cringy fanfic so yea… I will also add extra stuff after the airplane scene in episode 10. So if you don’t like that please don’t read this<3 AND READ THE TEASER!

POV:First and maybe Third?

Extra:

Bold: Korean

Italics: Over the phone

Bold and Italics: Korean and over the phone

Teaser ———-> READ ( there is information to help)

Episode 1. XO

Episode 2. WTF

Episode 3. KISS

Episode 4. TGIF

Episode 5. TBH

Episode 6. BYOB Min ho Pov.

Episode 7. TIL

Episode 8. LFG

Epsiode 9. SNAFU

Episode 10. OTP

Epsiode 11. 😍

Episode 12. 📸

more to maybe come

Taglist: @chaewon-slays @cherrriesss @lysira340 @delulu4-life

(bold cant tag)

Copyrights © 2023 xo-lesserafim. All rights reserved. I do not own XO, Kitty , Netflix does. do not copy, translate, or repost anything without my permission.

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[ickybugslime]

XO, Kitty spoilers kinda !!!

Sosososo many thoughts on XO, Kitty, but mainly I’m loving that, while yes there’s loads of unnecessary drama (like any tv show tbh), they let the teens be teens, and not sex obsessed, way-to-old-to-actually-be-in-high-school, party animals. Like, I feel like I’m watching a show about people younger than me finally, and not some 17 year olds with adult problems. And also ??? Love the queerness. Yes. Idk. And the drama is messy and I’m all here for it. Kitty and Yuri should be together, yes definitely, but also Kitty and Dae are so good for each other, but also ??? Kitty and Min Ho satisfy that enmities to lovers itch that I so adore. And all of the Kitty-centric pairings are still so wholesome and such. Idk. And don’t get me started on how the show draws from kdrama tropes. The pacing, the shots, the music, AHHGG it’s just so good. As far as teen dramas go, I was actually really pleasantly surprised. Solid 9/10 would watch a second season

[personinthepalace]

Olympia has grown up!

Anna Cathcart as Agent Olympia in Odd Squad (2016) and Kitty Covey in XO, Kitty (2023)

[mae-gi-writes]

01. the note under your desk | minho (xo kitty)

”it all started with a note under her desk.”

genre: mentions of suicide, professional swimmer athlete! Minho x marine biology student! Reader (Nina Shim)

Thanks for reading &lt;3 @myahwritesss @sparkysparking101 @suzzie63 @upsidedownjill @lovely-hao @lupinette @seoli-16 @rory-cakes

——— masterlist | 01. DEAR K. | NEXT ———

Everything sucks.

From the university, to the students that inhabit its walls, to the dining hall food that has nothing but salt to make up for its lack of taste, to the annoying jocks that keep partying every night, to the girls who can’t stop gossiping about who got laid first—

Yes. Nina Shim is convinced that everything sucks indeed.

Opening her door to her shared apartment dormitory, she catches sight of the stale pan that has been sitting over the stove for over two weeks, despite her reminder to her roommate this morning that this should be gone by the time she gets back. Nina sighs, pushing off her boots in one swift, clumsy motion before staggering over to the small kitchen island that makes up most of the kitchen space, grocery bags in hand her backpack still slung over her one shoulder.

October is almost over in Toronto and people have been hyping up the idea of Halloween since last week. As Nina puts away her stuff in the fridge, she takes note of the scattered pumpkin-coloured paper streamed across the couch, the paper-mache ghosts in a stack on the coffee table. Her roommate, as depressed as she states she is, is gearing up quite nicely for Halloween. Too bad she can’t be as excited to clean up her own flat space. Nina has been granted all of that in her stead.

And it isn’t that Nina wants to complain. She’s not one to, has a pretty high tolerance level if she says so herself. But the thing is, it’s starting to get on her nerves. She might not be as outgoing, as carefree, as Hanni is, but that doesn’t mean that she needs to clean up after the latter like a mother would do for her children.

She has a life, even if that extends to merely hanging out in the University Aquarium lab and checking in on the goldfish every now and then.

Her phone rings in the silent stillness of her flat. Nina quickly fishes it out from her back pocket, pressing the green call button before placing it at her ear, “hello?”

“Nina!” Her mother’s voice is so warm on the other end of the line. So warm that it makes Nina’s eyes sting with tears, “how are you doing?”

“I’m okay,” she forces the words, glad that her mother can’t see her face, for she would’ve read right through her like an open book. Instead, she puts away the remaining biscuits in the cupboard above her head, “and you? How’s dad? He’s feeling better?”

“Oh you know how he is, always so stubborn,” her mother sighs, “he doesn’t want to take his medicine! And then when he falls even sicker he complains like a baby! Aiya, sometimes I wish he would just stop making my life so difficult—“

On and on she goes and that causes Nina’s mouth to twitch upwards into a smile. She misses her mother dearly, more than she will ever admit, and hearing everything that’s been happening back home makes her feel a little better about being far away despite it all.

“—but Nina, tell me, how has your roommate been? Still as dirty as always?” Her mother’s question brings her back to attention.

The girl leans against the kitchen counter, “she’s alright…just, yeah—not clean. But what else is new?”

“You should report her, you know. It’s a violation of your space and if you can't cope then--"

"Ma it's fine. Just--leave it."

"I'm just saying it would help."

"Anyway, how's dad doing?"

"Dad's been...he's been good."

"Going to his appointments I hope?" Nina asks while pulling out a glass from the drying rack.

"Yeah, it's tough for him. You know how much he hates it."

"Yeah I know."

"And you? We never get news, Nina. How's school? Do you go out with friends? You should--" she's grateful when she hears someone call her mother from the other end of the line and quickly fishes for an excuse, "oh it's okay mom, you can go. I'll catch up on homework anyway."

Her mother leaves the call with another apology, and when Nina cuts off the call and tosses her phone back onto the table, she lets out a prominent sigh. Looking up at the ceiling, she forces her eyes to stay dry, to not cry. Because crying means that she’s giving up.

She’s never felt so alone.

———

“I can’t fail.”

Minho’s seatmate and good friend going by the name of Q, just chuckles before looking down at his friend’s paper, “uh sorry bud, but I think you already did.”

“What happened to you?” His other friend Dae asks with furrowed eyebrows.

“I don’t know, man,” Minho musses up his hair and moans as if the world is about to end. Well, to him it is.

“Maybe you need a tutor,” Q suggests as the class slowly starts to file out of class.

“Or maybe Mrs. Chung hates me,” Minho says snarkily.

“Or maybe,” Dae’s hand falls onto his shoulder, “you need to get your head back in the game. You haven’t really been focused lately.”

“Yeah he’s got a point,” Q says, “anything you’d like to get off your chest?”

“Girl problems?”

“Family problems?”

“Love problems?”

“Oh shut up,” Minho rolls his eyes, slinging his backpack over his shoulder as the trio exit the lecture hall and file out into the main corridor where lingering students are waiting for the next class to begin.

“You know what’s your problem?” Dae suddenly says.

Minho looks at him with a raised brow.

“You’re skipping too many lectures.”

“Aha,” Q snaps his fingers, “now that, my friend, makes a lot of sense.”

“In my defense I have to—“

“Yes yes, we know, you have a rigorous swimming schedule,” Dae rolls his eyes, “but I think maybe it wouldn’t hurt to talk to Coach Choi about it. He might understand.”

“You mean, he’ll kill me,” mutters Minho sourly.

“Or maybe you need help from someone smart,” Q reasons, “why don’t you ask uhm—what’s her name again? The girl who’s always sitting in the front row by the right corner?”

“Ah Kimberley Chen? Yeah she’s hella smart. I’m sure she can help you,” Dae says.

While it sounds like a good idea, Minho’s pride cannot take it. Him? Asking for anything from anyone? He’d rather eat chicken feet, and god knows he hates that stuff.

Though…that doesn’t mean he can’t ask her in secret.

So that’s what he decides to do a few days after their small discussion. He stalks her social media accounts with no success. Apparently, this Kimberley Chen character doesn’t want any distractions from the digital world, hence her lack of presence on Facebook or Instagram.

Minho had no other choice than to stalk her in-between classes. Finding out where this famous Kimberley Chen sits is an easy feat considering that she’s a creature of habit. Having gathered some information on her beforehand, Minho had found out that she’s actually in the block right after his lectures, meaning that he has full chance of getting his personalized note to her.

He waits for the right moment. As soon as the bell rings to dismiss class, Minho quietly sneaks between the rows of desks before smoothly slipping in the note in the shelf right underneath. Then, assuring that no one has spotted him doing such a thing, quickly walks out with his head held high.

He should probably mentally remind himself to check that said desk during their next lecture.

———

“There’s a study group happening in the library. You coming?”

Nina shrugs at her seatmate, knowing full well that it doesn’t matter whether she comes or not. The girl had just been asking out of politeness.

Honestly, her days at university had proven to her that it was almost impossible to make friends on her own. That, or maybe she had just been destined to be alone.

It hadn’t been the case in high school. Nina remembered the happiness, the excitement about attending events with her friends.

Now, she barely had any energy to get out of her house.

“Okay well, if you wanna come, it’s at three thirty,” the girl whose name she doesn’t remember gives her a quick wave of her glossy nail-polished fingers, “bye!”

“Bye,” Nina mumbles to no one in particular. She lets out a soft breath, waiting for the rest of the seats to empty out, before quickly gathering her stuff from her shelf underneath.

It’s as she’s packing up her books that a note falls from her stack. Curious, Nina reaches down to pick it up, turning the plain white letter over. No name. Weird.

Was it money?

Would it be rude of her to check?

It isn’t addressed to anyone, meaning that Nina isn’t practically breaking any boundaries by doing so.

Maybe it belongs to someone. Someone important.

She lets her curiosity get the better of her, breaking off the sealed tip and opening up the page as her eyes scan the contents:

Dear K,

My name is Minho. You’ve probably heard of me. After all, I’m on the professional athletics team. I’m writing you this to ask you for your services. I heard that you’re the top student in class. Well, since I am failing Mrs. Chung’s class, I would really like some help with some additional notes or some studying sessions. You will be rewarded for this.

Let me know if you’re down for it. Cheers.

Minho

Whoever this Minho guy is sure has some great nerve. Nina wonders who in the world would have such a big ego to write such a thing. It sounds almost too absurd to be true.

Wait…Minho. The name somehow sounds familiar…

Or not.

She crumples it up in growing annoyance and is about to throw it away, when she thinks better of it and slowly un-crumples the note.

Maybe she should answer back. Teach him a lesson. And what is this about “You will be rewarded for this”?

Uncapping a pen and flipping the paper over, Nina bends over the table and starts scribbling down her response. Satisfied, she then folds it back into its letter and places it under the desk.

Reward, my ass.

———

[sunniewr]

⠀➧ㅤ໋࣮𖦹𓈒۫ 𝆅 𝔣ִᥱᥱ𑂲⠀꯭ׁ❥꯭ 𑂲𝗂ׅ𝗄ᥱ ❜ּ⠀⠀꫶ׂ ꔫ 🧺࿔⠀໋ᷧᥱ𑂲ᥱvᥱᥒ ⃯ᷧ⠀࣪|| ꯭͝🪞

[rhfffas]

that one girl failure x gay mess ship

[ashlakh]

Just binged Xo Kitty n tbh i was expecting a full romcom kinda tv show like To All The Boys but omgg it was all so unexpected n d plot twists r insane...m going insane it was so awesome i hope thrs another season!!

[moonchildicons]

Xo Kitty Like or Reblog

[cafeandarsenic]

XO, KITTY SPOILERS

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I’ve been reflecting on XO, Kitty and when I tell you I’ve just cracked open the narrative case

I gotta rewatch the whole series bc when I tell you I just realized they been settin Kitty + Minho up since the BEGINNING

Might make a later post about it after I gather my evidence but until then