violetseaslug

[violetseaslug]

hiie hiie hiiie hiie!! i missss youuuuuuuuu abbyyy! ૮꒰◞ ˕ ◟ ྀི꒱ა

I MIIISSS YOUUU DOLLIE <3

[violetseaslug]

hiiie precious, i miss your writing too ૮꒰◞ ˕ ◟ ྀི꒱ა

HI LOVE! idk if ill ever write again bc ive been flopping and it feel like a waste of time BUT THANK U ANGEL

[violetseaslug]

this is us too! i'm the winter to your karina! (๑>◡<๑)

YEYYEYSYES ABSOLUTELY !!

[violetseaslug]

this is us, i repeat, this is us! (you're nana)

this is the cutest best thing ever omfg so cute

[violetseaslug]

being a writer is so fun bc i could post smth so obviously aimed or like... a vent of some kind and no one would ever know 🙏

[violetseaslug]

and who is you ?? an unknown girl byeee

ur getting jumped. (and touched)

[violetseaslug]

bet meet me at the local mcdonald’s hoe

us (i’m the girl)

ummmmmm no who even r u hoe ur NOBODY.

[violetseaslug]

yeah ykw so what if i harass you what you gonna do about it huh? HUH HUH BITCH HUH WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO

we're gonna DIVORCE. no just joking baby but we WILL fist fight and ill film it and frame u and report u to thr police. trust.

[violetseaslug]

Sunlight comes creepin' in

Illuminates our skin

We watched the day go by

Stories of all we did

It made me think of you

It made me think of you

is that hamster u after harassing me via tumblr requests

[violetseaslug]

ts pmo sm n sb rn ngl, r u srsly srs n fr rn vro? lol atp js go 💔... b fr vro, idek nm, brb gng gtg atm lmao, bt ts pyo 2 js lmk lol onb fr. N 808ts pmo sm n sb rn ngl, r u srsly srs n fr, gng dnt ev

this has to be harassment of some kind. WHO R U LEAVE ME ALONE

[violetseaslug]

who r u. get out of my requests hoe.

[violetseaslug]

KUINA X FEM READER PLSSSSSSS

heres an idea what abt (AU without the borderlines) the reader is dating Kuina and is friends with Arisu, Karube and Chota and introduces them all to her gf (Kuina💋) and then they have a great time or wtv

I hope my idea made sense😭 PLS AND THANK UUUUU

" because this is where i want to be "

⊹⁠˚₊ ⤷ pairings: kuina x fem!reader // wc: 500

⊹⁠˚₊ ⤷ my masterlist // " where it's so sweet, and heavenly "

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a/n: my first time writing for aib! thank u for the request beautiful! i hope u like it <3

cw/tw: nothing?? i think

synopsis: kuina finally introduces u to her closest friends, adventures, laughter and new friendships ensue! (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ

──────

the first time Kuina introduces you to her friends, you're nervous. not because you're afraid they won't like you—Kuina has assured you over and over again that they will—but because these are the people she trusts most in the world. people who have seen her at her lowest, who have lifted her up when she had nothing left.

you want to make a good impression, not just as Kuina’s girlfriend, but as someone who can belong in the circle she holds so close to her heart.

you meet them at a small ramen shop tucked away in a quiet alley, the kind of place only locals know about.

the moment you and Kuina step inside, you’re greeted by laughter—loud, unfiltered, the kind that comes from people who know each other like family.

arisu is the first to spot you. He waves nervously, his smile easy and welcoming. "hi kuina! is this her?"

"this is her," Kuina confirms, sliding into the booth beside you with a warm smile. "be nice."

Karube smirks, leaning forward with an appraising look. "damn, Kuina, you really outdid yourself. you sure she’s not too good for you?"

Kuina rolls her eyes, elbowing him in the ribs, and Karube just laughs. Chota, sitting across from you, gives a sheepish grin. "don't mind him. he's like this with everyone."

And just like that, the tension in your shoulders eases.

the night is full of stories—some ridiculous, some heartfelt. Karube talks about his grand plans for the future, all while slurping down his ramen like he hasn’t eaten in days.

Arisu teases him about how he never follows through, and Chota chimes in with a memory of the time Karube tried (and failed) to impress a girl by pretending to be a professional boxer.

"i had it under control!" Karube protests, but the rest of the table erupts in laughter. even Kuina, who has undoubtedly heard this story a thousand times, shakes her head with a grin.

at some point in the night, Kuina’s hand entwined with yours under the table, her fingers lacing through yours effortlessly. she squeezes, a quiet reassurance, and when you glance at her, her eyes are warm.

after ramen, the night doesn't end.

by the time you all step out onto the streets, full and happy, you feel like you’ve known them forever. Karube slings an arm around Arisu’s shoulders, Chota is still giggling about something, and Kuina walks beside you, her pinky brushing against yours.

Karube insists on stopping by a convenience store, grabbing cans of beer, and dragging everyone to a nearby park. there, the group settles onto a patch of grass, the city lights flickering in the distance.

Arisu and Kuina start playfully wrestling over a bag of chips, Chota starts rambling about a conspiracy theory he read online, and Karube keeps making you try different flavors of candy to see which ones you like best.

Kuina’s hand finds yours, her fingers lacing through yours effortlessly. she squeezes, a quiet reassurance, and when you glance at her, her eyes are warm.

"see? told you they’d like you," she smiles.

you smile, leaning into her just a little. "yeah. they’re pretty cool."

[violetseaslug]

hii do you do alice in borderland characters too? :3 sorry for bothering

YESSSS I DO ML!! 🤞 i write 4 anything mentioned in my carrd except for gnpp :P

[violetseaslug]

" nobody knows what it's like to be us "

⊹⁠˚₊ ⤷ pairing: no-eul x fem!reader // wc: 600

⊹⁠˚₊ ⤷ my masterlist

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a/n: part 1 to this fic flopped embarrassingly bad but i wanted to make a part 2 regardless

tw/cw: infidelity, codependency, unhealthy relationships/cycles, a break-up

synopsis: after the breakup, no-eul meets someone new and you both think the cycle will end, but it's never that easy.

──────

The first time you see no-eul again, it's by accident.

You're walking home from the store, plastic bags biting into your fingers, when you catch a glimpse of her across the street. Her hair is different—shorter, lighter—but her profile is the same. The tilt of her head, the curve of her mouth as she laughs at something the woman next to her says.

The woman is pretty. No-eul looks at her like she's the only person in the world. It makes you sick.

It knocks the breath out of you.

You force yourself to keep walking, fingers curling tighter around the bags, nails pressing into your palm.

You shouldn’t care. You shouldn’t want to cross the street, shouldn’t want to grab No-eul by the wrist and ask her if she still dreams about you.

But the ache in your chest is a familiar one. It never really left.

──────────────────────

She feels your gaze before she even sees you. Something in her gut twists, an instinct she’s never been able to shake. When she finally glances across the street, her breath stutters.

You look different too—thinner, sharper around the edges, like time has carved its grief into your bones. But you're still you. And she still wants you.

She tears her gaze away before the woman beside her notices.

She spends the rest of the night with someone who isn't you, laughing at jokes that don’t reach her chest, pressing her lips to a mouth that doesn’t taste right.

But the weight of your stare lingers

It lingers when she lies in bed beside a stranger, when she hears a song you once played for her, when she stares at the ceiling and wonders if you’re staring at yours, too.

It happens again. And again.

She texts you one night when she shouldn't. You respond when you shouldn’t. A meeting disguised as a mistake, a kiss disguised as closure, a touch disguised as nothing at all.

She tells herself she’s moved on, but when you push her against the doorframe, all she can think about is how it never feels this way with anyone else. When she drags her hands down your spine, you let yourself believe, just for a second, that maybe this time will be different.

But it never is.

She’s in a relationship. You both pretend that doesn't matter until the guilt creeps in, twisting its way between your bodies like a second presence in the room.

Afterward, she doesn’t say much. Neither do you. Because if you speak, you might have to call it what it is—a pattern, a sickness, a love so deep it’s rotting at the core.

She leaves before morning. You wake up alone.

──────────────────────

This time, you both try to stop it before it begins again.

You delete her number. She avoids places she knows you’ll be. You distract yourself with people who can only ever be temporary, and she buries herself in someone new, trying to force her heart to beat for a stranger.

But love has a way of circling back.

It takes months before one of you breaks. And when you do, it's like neither of you learned a thing.

She shows up at your door, eyes glossy, hands shaking.

"I tried," she whispers. "I really tried."

You shouldn’t let her in. But you do.

The cycle continues, a quiet, tragic inevitability.

You love each other, but love isn't enough. You crave each other, but craving isn’t the same as healing. You hold onto something that should have ended long ago, mistaking nostalgia for fate.

Somewhere along the way, the love you share has twisted into something unrecognizable—an addiction rather than affection, a wound you keep pressing your fingers into just to make sure it still hurts.

And eventually, just like before, one of you will leave again.

Maybe this time, it will finally stick.

Maybe it won’t.

[violetseaslug]

" you'll just lead me on till im drowning in tears "

⊹⁠˚₊ ⤷ pairing: no-eul x fem!reader // wc: 600

⊹⁠˚₊ ⤷ my masterlist // reqs open :P

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a/n: i wrote this while sobbing bc my life is such a fucking joke but at least i get to put it into a fanfic ig </3

cw/tw: break-up, unhealthy on-and-off cycle but it isn't abusive, no comfort, the reader has referenced ptsd

synopsis: the habits/lives following the breakup between no-eul and the reader

──────

the bed still smells like no-eul.

It's a cruel trick of time, how the sheets hold onto her scent longer than she held onto you.

You bury your face into the pillow, breathing in something that no longer belongs to you. It’s faint now, diluted with distance and empty nights, but it’s there. Just enough to hurt.

Outside, the world moves on. Somewhere, No-eul is breathing, laughing, existing in a place where you are not. The thought unspools inside you, unraveling slowly like a thread caught on something sharp.

You think of her hands—gentle, firm, the same hands that once held your face as she whispered, "You're safe. I'm here." The same hands that she promised were going to hold a child between them, careful and reverent, as if the entire universe existed in that tiny heartbeat.

"We’re a family, you and me. No matter what." A promise broken, its sharp edges embedded in your ribs, pressing in with every breath.

──────────────────────

and no-eul -

She sits in the living room, lights off, the only glow coming from the streetlamp outside. It casts long shadows on the floor, stretching towards the empty side of the couch where you used to sit. She should get up, turn on the lights, do something.

But she doesn’t. Instead, she stares at the doorway, half-expecting you to walk in with that tired smile, mumbling about a long day, about how the world was too loud, about how you just wanted to be home.

Home.

She thought home was a place until she met you. Then she learned it had a heartbeat, a voice, a warmth that settled deep in her bones. Now, it's just walls and silence. The absence of you echoes in every room, a ghost she can’t chase away.

She presses her fingers against her temple, exhaling slowly.

She was the one who let go first. Or maybe you both did at the same time, hands slipping apart too fast to catch onto anything solid.

She told herself it was for the best. That love, no matter how deep, wasn’t always enough. But if that was true, why does it still ache like this? Why does she still reach for her phone in the middle of the night, forgetting that there’s no one on the other end anymore?

She remembers the way you clung to her after nightmares, whispering her name like it was the only thing keeping you tethered to this world. The way she’d wrap herself around you, murmur soft reassurances into your hair. "I’m here. We’re here. We’re a family, remember?"

But she isn’t there anymore. And neither are you.

──────────────────────

You hover over your phone, fingers ghosting over her name in your contacts. The weight of everything unsaid sits heavy on your chest. Just one message. One call. But what would you even say? That you miss her? That it still hurts? That your bed still smells like her, but it won’t for much longer?

Instead, you turn off your phone and walk to the laundry room. You gather the sheets in your arms, pressing them to your face one last time before stuffing them into the washing machine. The scent lingers on your skin for a moment before vanishing with the spin cycle.

──────────────────────

no-eul cks up her phone, staring at the empty screen. No notifications. No missed calls. Nothing. With a quiet sigh, she sets it down and turns off the lamp beside her.

But it's never really over.

Days, weeks, maybe months will pass before one of you caves. A late-night call, an excuse wrapped in something trivial—

"I left something at your place," or "I just wanted to hear your voice." And then you'll be at her door, or she'll be at yours, and the moment you see each other, it won’t matter how many times you promised yourselves it was the last time.

You’ll fall into each other like gravity, hands grasping, lips desperate, pretending for a few more nights that love is enough to drown out the reasons you keep falling apart.

And then, like always, one of you will walk away again.

The night stretches on, swallowing the both of you whole, in two different places, under the same lonely sky—for now.

[violetseaslug]

go read rn guys. it's so fucking good 🙏

INKED IN LOVE — player 380

synopsis. y/n has always been by her best friend’s side, even during his tattoo sessions at a local shop. but when se-mi, a talented tattoo artist, catches y/n’s eye, everything begins to shift. as the lines of friendship and attraction blur, both y/n and se-mi must navigate their own insecurities and past traumas. what starts as a series of inked moments becomes a slow burning romance that neither expected, but both desperately need.

content— tattooartist!se-mi x fem!reader. major angst. slowburn romance. mentions of trauma. emotional conflict. the fear of vulnerability, and the struggles of healing from a difficult past. mature themes (emotional healing and growth).

disclaimer. story is entirely fictional and in no way reflects real events, individuals, or their relationships. characters mentioned are fictional representations based on their on-screen personas.

wordcount. 12.3k words

you stood outside your local tattoo shop, ink & soul, the familiar buzz of tattoo machines vibrating in the air.

you’d visited this shop countless times before, always with dae-ho by your side, offering moral support during his tattoo sessions. your heart fluttered in your chest, and despite the cool breeze, there was a strange tightness in your stomach, an unease you couldn’t quite place.

"alright, alright," you muttered under your breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of nerves inside you. "you've done this before. it’s not like i'm the one getting the tattoo."

your phone buzzed, pulling you from your thoughts. a message from dae-ho.

dae-ho: dont be late pls i need u

you couldn’t help but smile at the simplicity of his words, but they only made your pulse race faster.

you pushed open the door to the tattoo shop, the familiar scent of fresh ink and antiseptic flooding your senses, grounding you in the space. the buzz of tattoo machines, the laughter, the occasional snatch of conversation, it all wrapped around you like a comforting blanket.

jun-ho, the shop owner and head artist, was standing behind the counter, wiping his hands on a rag. as soon as he saw you, his trademark grin spread across his face.

“y/n! glad you could make it,” he called, his voice warm and welcoming. “dae-ho’s been here for a while, trying to act cool, but i can tell he’s definitely freaking out.”

you rolled your eyes but couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at your lips. you walked towards him, eyes scanning the room.

“it’s not his first tattoo, but you’d think it was the way he’s acting.” you teased, your gaze drifting toward the back room where dae-ho must’ve been.

you could just imagine him trying to maintain his composure, all while his nerves got the better of him.

jun-ho chuckled, shaking his head. “you know him better than anyone. i’ll bet you anything that he’s trying to act all tough in front of se-mi.”

se-mi.

just the mention of her made your stomach twist. she was a tattoo artist here, of course, but to you, she was so much more than that. with her short, styled mullet, piercings glinting in the light, and the intricate full sleeve that decorated her arm, se-mi exuded an effortless cool.

her confidence was noticeable, like she didn’t have to try, and that was what drew people to her. you had admired her from afar, often catching yourself staring when you thought she wasn’t looking, wondering if there was more to her than the mysterious aura she wore so easily.

but you’d never really had a conversation with her, not outside of the occasional polite exchange. you had watched her work, exchanged brief words, but that was all to it.

“right,” you murmured, trying to shake the tension from your chest. “i’ll go check on him. see you later, jun-ho!”

jun-ho grinned knowingly. “good luck with that. he’s probably freaking out over there, trying to act fine, but you know how he is.”

your heart was racing, and you weren’t sure if it was from dae-ho or the weight of the tension surrounding se-mi.

the back room of ink & soul was as busy as ever, the low hum of conversation and the faint sound of tattoo needles buzzing in the background filling the space.

in the far corner of the room, you spotted dae-ho, already sitting on the tattoo bed with his unusual nervous energy. his eyes were fixed on the ceiling, his fingers tapping against the surface of the bed in a repetitive rhythm. his legs bounced restlessly, a nervous habit he always had before getting a tattoo. despite his bravado, it was obvious he wasn’t as confident as he tried to let on.

“hey, big guy,” you called as you made your way over to him. “you ready for this?”

dae-ho turned his head to look at you, forcing a grin, though it was clear he wasn’t fooling anyone. “yeah, totally ready,” he said, but his voice wavered just a bit, betraying the anxiety he was trying to mask. he raised one hand, which was trembling slightly. “no problem. just another tattoo. no big deal.”

you raised an eyebrow, crossing your arms as you leaned against the bed. “oh really? because you look so confident right now. scratch that, you look like you’re about to pass out.”

he sighed dramatically, slumping back against the bed as if the weight of the world had suddenly settled on his shoulders. “i don’t know why i keep doing this to myself.”

you laughed teasingly, leaning down to poke him in the side. “you’re addicted to the pain, aren’t you?”

“totally,” dae-ho muttered, his gaze flickering over to se-mi, who was in the process of preparing her tattooing tools. “i’d rather be as brave as you make me sound. can you just hold my hand and pretend i’m not about to pass out?”

you rolled your eyes but sat down in the chair next to him, your usual spot. “you know the drill, you big baby. you’ve literally done this a million times.”

just as you settled into your chair, se-mi walked into the room, clipboard in hand, her dark eyes scanning the space as she assessed the atmosphere. she set the clipboard down on the counter, her gaze flicking between dae-ho and you.

the corners of her mouth lifted into a knowing smile when she saw the two of you together.

“ah, it’s the duo again,” se-mi said, her voice smooth and casual as she approached. her eyes lingered on you for a moment, her smile softening. “i see dae-ho’s got his emotional support here. you really don’t let him off the hook, do you?”

you couldn’t help but grin, feeling a familiar warmth flood your chest at se-mi’s presence. you leaned forward, resting your arms on your knees. “what can i say? he needs me. i’m like his personal manager.”

se-mi chuckled softly, the sound like a melody to your ears. her eyes darted between the two of you. “i can tell. he looks more at ease already,” she said with a teasing lilt in her voice, her gaze never leaving your face.

dae-ho groaned dramatically, “you’re not fooling anyone, se-mi. i’m totally calm,” he said, though his shaking legs made it clear that he wasn’t fooling anyone.

se-mi raised an eyebrow, a sly grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. “you sure about that? because your legs are shaking like you’ve just ran a marathon.”

you stifled a laugh, watching dae-ho squirm in discomfort. as you did, something caught your attention. a subtle shift in the air, the way se-mi’s eyes lingered on you with an almost wistful expression.

maybe it was just your imagination, or maybe you were overthinking it.

as se-mi prepares the ink, dae-ho leaned in toward you, whispering in your ear with a mischievous glint in his eye. “you know,” he said softly, “i think se-mi’s got a thing for you.”

you froze, your heart skipping a beat at his words. you stared at him for a moment, your mind racing, before finally managing to stutter, “sh-shut up. you’re imagining things.”

but dae-ho only grinned wider, his voice lowering to a whisper. “nope. i’ve seen the way she looks at you. you definitely caught her eye, y/n.”

your cheeks flushed a bright red, and you quickly looked away, trying to ignore the sudden rush of warmth spreading through you. you felt a fluttering in your stomach, a nervous excitement you hadn’t expected.

it was hard to believe, especially with how cool and collected se-mi always seemed. still, the idea lingered in the back of your mind, gnawing at you.

“i’m telling you, you’re ridiculous” you muttered, giving dae-ho a playful shove as you tried to brush off the growing tension in your chest.

“yeah, yeah, i’m ridiculous,” dae-ho said with a laugh, though he was still looking over at se-mi, his eyes lingering on her as she prepared herself for the session. “but you’ll see.”

you bit your lip, your mind racing with questions. you had never been good at reading signs like this. you weren’t sure if you should even entertain the idea, especially since it felt so out of your depth. you didn’t know what se-mi was thinking, and the last thing you wanted to do was make a fool of yourself by assuming something that wasn’t there.

as the conversation died down, se-mi finished setting up her equipment, and the room grew quieter, the buzzing of the tattoo machine filling the space as she started to prepare dae-ho’s back for the tattoo.

you stayed seated beside him, your mind a whirl of thoughts. was dae-ho just trying to mess with you?

for now, you didn’t know. all you knew was that your heart was racing, your body tense with anticipation. as se-mi moved around, carefully working on sketching, you couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and confusion bubbling inside you.

nevertheless, only time would tell.

hours passed quickly, the steady hum of the tattoo machine blending seamlessly with the lighthearted chatter that filled the room.

you found yourself enjoying the easy rhythm of conversation between you and dae-ho, the banter flowing naturally as the session continued. se-mi, with her usual laid-back demeanor, occasionally chimed in with teasing remarks, keeping the mood light and relaxed. the nerves that had once plagued dae-ho seemed to fade as he adjusted to the tattoo's rhythm, his earlier jitters gradually dissipating as he became absorbed in their conversation.

after se-mi finished the tattoo, the room seemed to exhale a collective breath. the buzz of the machines died down, and the atmosphere shifted as dae-ho sat up, rubbing the back of his neck with a sigh of relief.

“well, that’s a wrap,” se-mi said, expertly cleaning the final touches of the tattoo as she stepped back to admire her work. “it looks awesome, dae-ho. you’re going to love it once it’s healed.”

dae-ho, who had been trying to focus on something other than the occasional sharp sting of the needle, stood up and turned his back to the mirror, his eyes widening in awe as he took in the sight of the tattoo.

the sprawling design of a phoenix, rising from the flames, was everything he’d imagine. every detail, every curve, every delicate feather was perfect, capturing the fiery essence of the creature in an elegant yet bold way.

“holy shit, it looks amazing,” dae-ho muttered, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “se-mi, you’re a freaking talent!”

se-mi smirked, obviously pleased with herself, but kept her cool as always. “well, you know, it’s what i’m here for. no big deal.”

you chuckled softly, shaking your head at se-mi’s humble response. “no big deal? that looks incredible. seriously, it’s perfect.”

dae-ho grinned, his eyes still fixed on the intricate design on his back. “i know, right? it’s definitely worth the wait. i think… i think i’ll take it as a sign that i should stop getting tattoos for a while. i don’t want to ruin the masterpiece.”

se-mi gave him a dramatic eye-roll, her lips curving into a playful smirk. “please, i’ve seen you come in here more times than i can count. you’ll be back in a couple of months, whining about how you need another one.”

you laughed along with them, the easy atmosphere of the moment comforting. but there was something about the way se-mi’s eyes looked at you, the soft glint of curiosity hidden beneath the playful surface.

you quickly pushed the thought aside. after all, you’d been here with dae-ho countless times, and se-mi had always been friendly, teasing the both of you without any sign of deeper affection.

“well,” dae-ho said after a moment, breaking your thoughts. “i guess that’s the end of the line for me... no more tattoos for a while.”

se-mi tilted her head, still holding the cleaning cloth. “sure, sure,” she said, half-smiling, clearly amused. “until next time, right?”

you smiled, but it didn’t quite reach your eyes. you felt… off. a little too aware of your surroundings. a little too aware of se-mi’s presence, of the slight tilt of her head, of the way her lips quirked upward whenever she talks.

“yeah,” you replied softly, your voice a little lighter than usual. “until next time.”

dae-ho caught your gaze for a moment and smirked knowingly, though he didn’t say anything. you quickly averted your eyes, pretending you hadn’t noticed, but something about his knowing look made you feel exposed. was it that obvious?

as se-mi wrapped up the final steps of dae-ho’s tattoo session, she turned back to him and gave him a satisfied nod. “it’s perfect. just keep it clean, follow the aftercare as usual, and you’ll be good to go.”

dae-ho grinned and stood up, pulling on his shirt with a satisfied stretch. “thank you so much, se-mi. you really killed it. i’m gonna have to keep showing this off.”

se-mi shrugged with a smirk. “of course. it’s my piece of art, after all.”

as you both gathered your things, dae-ho turned to you and, with a teasing grin, leaned in closer. “you’re awfully quiet. you good?”

you snapped out of your daze and forced a smile. “yeah, yeah. just thinking about how i’m gonna survive this entire aftercare process with you.” dae-ho laughed, clapping his hand on your back. “you’ll manage. you always do.”

as dae-ho and you went out of the room to leave, you followed him towards the counter where jun-ho, the shop owner, was finalizing a few last-minute details on the register. the familiar hum of the shop felt quieter now, the buzz of tattoo machines fading into the background.

jun-ho looked up, flashing you both a wide smile. "well, that’s another masterpiece done, huh?" he said, his voice warm and friendly. "all set to go, guys?"

dae-ho nodded, a satisfied grin on his face as he handed over his card. "yeah, man, just make sure to charge me enough to cover this beauty." he gestured his thumbs to his back, where se-mi’s tattoo work still shimmered fresh.

jun-ho laughed, tapping away at the register. "don’t worry, it’s a price worthy of the art. you know how it goes."

you glanced over at se-mi, who was carefully peeling off her gloves, a satisfied look on her face as she gave dae-ho a quick thumbs-up. "you’re sure you’re done?" you asked, your voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

"yeah," se-mi replied with her usual cool composure. "just keep it clean, and you’ll be all set."

"thanks again, se-mi," dae-ho said, reaching for his card to pay. "i’ll be back again when i get the itch. hopefully not tomorrow."

se-mi smirked at him, her eyes flickering towards you before she casually added, "well, when you come back, hopefully i’ll be able to tattoo you this time." the offhand comment caught you off guard, and without thinking, you blurted out, "i would... but i'm terrified of needles.”

you chuckled nervously, unaware of the look se-mi gave you. a soft, almost longing smile, with an edge of something more, something that went beyond friendly teasing.

se-mi didn’t say anything else, just nodded and gave you a small, playful wink before returning to her station.

"alright, you two are all set," jun-ho said, handing dae-ho the receipt and making a quick motion with his hand to wave you off. "catch you next time." you and dae-ho walked towards the door, but before you could step outside, dae-ho suddenly dragged you lightly by the arm.

“ow! what the hell, man?” you winced, rubbing your arm.

dae-ho shot you a glaring look, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark. “tell me,” he said, raising an eyebrow, his voice playful yet laced with something a little more serious, “did you realize what you did wrong?”

you frowned, confused. "what? i didn’t do anything." dae-ho rolled his eyes. “seriously? you didn’t notice it, did you?” his voice was stifling now, almost as if he were trying not to laugh, but there was something heavier in his gaze.

you were genuinely puzzled now, stepping outside into the cool air, the door closing behind you. "notice what?"

dae-ho shoved his hands into his pockets, walking beside you with a grin. "se-mi, man. she was lowkey flirting with you. and you didn’t even notice." a jolt shot through your chest at his words, but you couldn’t help the laugh that slipped out, trying to dismiss the idea.

"have you turned insane? no way. she’s just being friendly. you know how she is, she acts like that with everyone." you shook your head, still convinced you were right, and tried to brush it off, but a nagging feeling began to stir inside you.

dae-ho gave you a knowing, almost incredulous look. "you seriously didn’t see it? the way she was looking at you, the way she kept talking to you when she didn’t have to?" he shook his head, clearly amused at your obliviousness. "and then you go and reject her like that."

your breath hitched for a moment. “…was she really?”

dae-ho stopped walking for a moment, turning to you with a mix of exasperation and disbelief. "bro. it was so obvious. she’s not exactly subtle, even i noticed it!" he threw his hands up dramatically, exaggeratingly clutching his chest. "and you just laughed it off, like you didn’t even care!"

you felt a flush creep up your neck, the weight of the situation finally settling in your chest. "i... i didn’t realize," you muttered, your voice small. "i thought she was just... i don’t know, being se-mi."

dae-ho grinned, giving you a playful shove. “well, guess what? you’re in for it now. good luck trying to figure out how to fix that one.”

a feeling of embarrassment washed over you. as you and dae-ho walked down the street, you couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling in your stomach.

you sighed, rubbing the back of your neck. "well, this is awkward."

it was a quiet evening in the dorm’s living room. the kind of evening where the only noise was the hum of the refrigerator, the soft clicking of a video game controller, and the occasional cussing from dae-ho as he sprawled on the couch, his eyes glued to the screen.

you, sitting cross-legged on the floor, had been fiddling with a loose thread on your hoodie, your mind wandering. you’d been thinking about a lot of things lately. college, money, the constant low hum of stress hanging in the air. the dorm wasn’t exactly luxurious, but it was home.

even if the dryer in the corner had been on the fritz for the past month.

"man, i can't believe we still don't have a new dryer," you muttered under your breath, not really expecting an answer.

dae-ho, with his eyes still locked on the game, responded lazily. "yeah, that thing’s been making weird noises for weeks now like, it’s trying to talk to us or something. it’s practically begging to be put out of its misery."

you laughed, but the humor didn’t quite reach your eyes. you grabbed your phone off the floor, scrolling aimlessly through social media apps. "i can’t even remember the last time i had properly dried clothes."

“hey, it’s not that bad,” dae-ho said with a grin, but it faded when he saw the expression on your face. he sat up, rubbing the back of his neck. “alright, fine. i get it. the rent's been brutal this semester. but what do you want me to do about it? i’m still trying to recover from last month’s pizza binge, remember?”

you rolled your eyes, playfully tossing a pillow at him. “you and your food habits, man. the rent’s been kicking both our asses. i swear, every month it’s the same thing. just scraping by.”

“i feel that,” dae-ho said, his tone softening. he paused the game and set the controller aside. “you know, we could probably use a new dryer if we—”

“—had the money, right?” you finished for him, a little bitterly. “i mean, i'd love to just buy a new one. but between that stupid rent, utilities, tuition... it feels like there's no room left for anything else.”

dae-ho shifted in his seat, thinking for a moment. “well, you’ve been talking about wanting a side gig for a while. have you actually looked into it?”

you glanced over at him, a small sigh escaping your lips as you hesitated. “i’ve thought about it... but i don’t know. what am i even qualified for? i mean, all i’ve got are random hobbies. who’s gonna hire me with that?”

“doesn't hurt to check,” he said, offering a crooked smile.

“you're pretty good at managing stress. maybe a barista job or something? might help you out with the fees. plus, you’d get free coffee, and who doesn’t love that?”

you hesitated, biting your lip. "yeah, i guess you're right. i could at least try…"

with a few quick taps on your phone, you opened a job search website. your fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before you typed in “coffee shop hiring” in the search bar. several posts popped up, but one in particular caught your eye,

218 Roast & Co. barista wanted - fast hiring, no experience necessary.

“hmmm… this one’s close by, and they’re hiring asap,” you mumbled aloud, more to yourself than to dae-ho. “could be worth a shot.”

a few days had passed since you've started training, and by now, you had settled into a part-time job at a nearby coffee shop.

at first, you hadn’t realized how close it was to ink & soul, the tattoo shop where you’d first met se-mi. the cozy little café was only a short walk from the shop, nestled on a quiet street with large windows that let in plenty of natural light.

it felt like the perfect escape after long days of university lectures and late-night study sessions. the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, the hum of the espresso machine, and the soft chatter of regular customers had all come together to create an atmosphere that made you feel at ease.

it was the kind of place that had a calm, welcoming energy, and it quickly became your favorite spot to unwind after a long day. the steady rhythm of taking orders, brewing drinks, and chatting with customers made you feel productive, but also helped you forget about the stress that had been weighing on your mind.

the only thing you didn’t expect was how soon your worlds would collide in this very space.

it was a quiet wednesday afternoon, the kind where the sun was dipping low enough to cast a soft golden glow across the street, when the door chime rang out, signaling a new customer. you’d just finished brewing a fresh pot of coffee and were busy setting it on the counter when the bell sounded. you glanced up, expecting the usual office worker or a sleepy student looking for their caffeine fix. but instead, your heart skipped a beat when you saw the familiar figure step into the café.

se-mi.

your hands froze, the coffee cup you’d been holding nearly slipping from your grasp. you hadn’t expected to see her here, especially not in this setting.

se-mi’s presence was unmistakable. the way she walked with that easy confidence, and how her gaze immediately locked with yours made your stomach flip. it felt like everything around you had stopped, and the world had narrowed down to just the two of you in that moment

se-mi stopped in front of the counter, her usual cool and collected demeanor radiating off her like she owned the place. she leaned casually against the surface, one hand resting on the edge, a small, teasing grin tugging at her lips as she looked at you.

it made your heart race even faster, and you felt a blush creep up your neck, your pulse quickening despite your best efforts to remain composed.

"se-mi! it’s been a while." you asked, your voice coming out a little higher than usual, betraying the surprise that shot through you.

se-mi raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening slightly. "didn’t know you worked here," she replied, her tone light and teasing, as though she was enjoying the subtle discomfort she could see flicker across your face. "this place has the best coffee. guess i’ll be seeing more of you."

you fought the heat rising to your cheeks, grateful that the coffee machine blocked most of your face from view. you busied yourself by wiping down the counter, trying to regain some sense of composure. "well, i’m glad you like it here," you said, doing your best to sound casual. "what can i get for you?"

se-mi leaned in just a little closer, her eyes never leaving yours. "just the usual iced caramel latte," she said with a grin. "but make it extra whipped cream today. i think i’ve earned it."

"extra whipped cream, huh?" you managed to mumble with a smile, trying your best to focus on making the drink. your hands felt a little shaky as you fumbled with the milk and ice, but you quickly steadied yourself, hoping she wouldn’t notice.

you couldn’t stop thinking about how she was watching you so closely, the way her eyes seemed to study every movement you made. it was almost like she was savoring this moment, as if you were the only thing that mattered in that instant.

as you worked, you couldn't help but feel her presence hanging in the air. se-mi didn’t say anything else, but her gaze didn’t leave you. you felt her watching you so intently that it made your skin tingle, and every time you glanced up, she was right there, her smirk still present, her eyes gleaming with something you couldn’t quite decipher.

when the drink was finally ready, you slid the cup across the counter, doing your best to act natural, though your heart was racing. “here you go,” you said, forcing a smile, but it felt stiff even to your own ears.

se-mi’s grin softened slightly as she reached for the cup, her fingers brushing against yours in the process. her eyes flicked up to yours briefly, and for that fraction of a second, it felt like the whole world had paused. there was something unspoken in that look, something that made your stomach do flips and your mind go blank.

“thanks, y/n,” she said, her voice dropping lower for a moment. it was softer, more sincere, and it caught you off guard.

“you know, i wasn’t expecting this. but i’ll definitely be back. maybe next time we can hang out outside of work.” she winked playfully before adding, “see you around.”

your breath caught as she turned to leave, the sound of her footsteps echoing in the quiet shop. you stood frozen behind the counter, gripping the edge as you tried to process what had just happened. as the door shut softly behind her, you felt a sudden rush of questions flood your mind. did that really just happen?

as you stared out the window, watching her walk away, you couldn’t help but wonder if things were about to change. you let out a quiet laugh, shaking your head in disbelief.

guess i’ll be seeing more of you.

the thought sent a flutter of butterflies through your stomach, each beat of your heart a little quicker than the last. what would happen the next time she came in? would your poor heart even survive it? or would you just act like nothing had happened, pretending everything was normal?

one thing was certain, whatever this was, it was far from over. you had no idea what se-mi was thinking or what she wanted, but the pull you felt toward her was undeniable. it was magnetic, like a force you couldn’t fight even if you wanted to.

for now, you had no answers. just a growing collection of questions, and an excited, restless anticipation you couldn’t shake.

you turned back to the counter, your hands still a little shaky as you prepared another drink for the next customer. but your mind? it was far away, lost in thoughts of se-mi. what is she thinking of right now? what did she mean by that wink? you couldn't stop replaying her words in your head, hoping for a clue that would make everything make sense.

but deep down, you knew, this was just the beginning.

the next few days blurred together, but one thing was constant in your mind, se-mi.

you couldn’t shake the image of her sly, teasing grin, the way her voice lowered just slightly when she said your name. it was as if the entire encounter at the coffee shop had shifted something between you two, but you couldn’t figure out what exactly.

that feeling of being watched lingered every time se-mi walked into the shop. you tried to focus on your work, making lattes, brewing espresso, but your thoughts kept drifting back to the short-haired woman.

it had only been a few weeks since that interaction, but now, every time se-mi came in, you felt that familiar flutter of nerves in your chest. the door chime would sound, and your heart would race for a split second before you turned to see her standing there, cool and effortlessly laid-back, as always. she’d greet you with that smile, the one that held so many layers, making your pulse quicken.

as the bell above the door jingled, you looked up to see se-mi walking in, her usual stride carrying her through the door. she flashed you that familiar smile, one that made your heart skip a beat.

“well, well, what a nice sight to see before work,” she said with a playful grin, leaning against the counter. “good morning, y/n.”

you blinked, caught off guard by the warm tone in her voice, and you struggled to keep your composure. “morning, se-mi. back for your usual, i take it?”

se-mi gave a small chuckle, her eyes twinkling as she casually slid her hands into her jacket pockets. “you know me too well. i’ll take the usual iced caramel latte, extra whipped cream. and don’t hold back, make it extra special today, yeah?” you nodded, feeling a slight heat rise to your cheeks, but you kept your focus as you started on her order. “of course, extra special for you. anything else?”

she tilted her head, her gaze lingering on you with an almost predatory intensity. “hmm... just you making it. i think that’s enough for today.” she said, her voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. your hands faltered slightly as you prepared the drink, trying to ignore the way se-mi’s eyes seemed to be watching every inch of you.

the casual flirtation was clear now, and it was making your heart race even faster.

“mhm, extra whipped cream, just how i like it,” se-mi said as you handed her the drink, her fingers brushing against yours as she took it from you. “you really do spoil me, y/n.” your breath caught at the contact, heart fluttering even more.

of course, se-mi noticed. she always noticed.

“how’s everything been going?” she asked casually, leaning against the counter, taking a slow sip of her latte. her eyes never left your face. “any new developments in your world? or just more of the same?”

you were caught off guard by the question. it was the usual small talk that the two of you always shared, and it felt like se-mi was trying to get to know you each day, and that made your heart race even faster.

“you know... university’s has always been pretty hectic, i guess. i'm just trying to juggle everything right now,” you said, your voice a little quieter as you wiped down the counter, avoiding se-mi’s gaze for a moment.

there was something about the way she was looking at you that made you feel exposed, almost nervous in a way you couldn’t quite explain. her attention had a way of making your skin heat up. “and, the part-time job here is… still as good as ever. it's actually pretty chill the longer i work here.”

“sounds like you’re adjusting well,” se-mi replied, her voice laced with something you couldn’t quite place. she tilted her head, watching you as though she was trying to read you, see beyond your words. “i’m glad you like it here. you’re a good worker, y/n. makes me want to come here more often.” she smiled, her lips curving with something playful and inviting, and the way she said your name made your heart race.

“well, uh, i’m always happy to see you here… again,” you stuttered, biting your lip nervously. “i mean, it’s good to see you.”

se-mi’s eyes twinkled, clearly catching the nerves in your voice. “you know, you’re pretty cute when you get flustered,” she said with a grin, and your face immediately turned a deep shade of red. you tried to laugh it off, but it came out more like a nervous squeak. “y-you must be seeing things.” you said quickly, but that only made se-mi smile wider.

“i think you are.” se-mi teased, her voice warm and playful. “but that’s okay. it’s adoring, actually.”

your heart hammered in your chest. you didn’t know whether to hide behind the counter or just sink into the floor with embarrassment. the attention she was giving you had your nerves sparking in every direction.

it was thrilling, but terrifying, and with every word, you found yourself wanting more.

“well, you know…” you began, trying to regain some composure, though your hands were trembling slightly. “it’s hard not to be flustered when you’re… so confident all the time.” you cursed yourself internally for how awkward you sounded.

se-mi chuckled softly, clearly enjoying this side of you. “you think i’m confident?” she asked, her voice dropping a little lower, the words almost pulling you in. “you’d be surprised, y/n. confidence can just be a mask. i’m not always as sure of myself as i look.”

you blinked, surprised by her honesty. “really?” you said, your voice softening. “but you always seem so… put together.”

se-mi shrugged, her expression unreadable for a moment. “we all have our insecurities. you’d be shocked what goes on behind the scenes.” your curiosity piqued, you leaned in a little closer to the counter. the conversation was taking a turn you hadn’t expected, but it made you feel more connected to se-mi. there was something raw beneath her cool exterior, something real. you felt like you were seeing a side of her that no one else had.

“well,” you said, feeling more at ease, “i’m glad you’re here. i think… maybe i’m not as great and confident as you think either.”

se-mi’s gaze softened, her eyes locking with yours in a way that made your breath hitch. “you don’t have to be,” she said quietly, almost seriously. “you just have to be yourself. that’s more than enough.”

you could feel the tension between you grow, a strange connection building in the silence between your words. se-mi’s tone, her presence, everything about the moment had your heart racing. you didn’t know where this was going, but you couldn’t deny the pull you felt.

before you could form another thought, se-mi gave you a playful wink. “i’ll be back tomorrow, y/n. maybe we can talk more then.”

you watched her walk out of the shop, the door chime echoing behind her. as the door clicked shut, you stood there, your heart pounding in your chest. a mix of excitement and confusion swirled inside you. se-mi had been flirting, there was no doubt about it, but what did it mean?

for the first time in a long while, something inside you stirred. it was an unfamiliar feeling, something that made you want to take a chance. the idea of leaning in, of exploring what this unpredictable connection could be, made your pulse race.

you didn’t know where this would lead, but you were starting to think that maybe, just maybe, it was worth finding out.

the first few days passed without much thought, but after a week, you started to notice something strange, se-mi hasn’t been showing up. at first, it didn’t seem like a big deal. maybe she had other things to do, after all, she does have a job of her own. but then the days turned into weeks, and she still wasn’t coming by the café.

you tried to brush it off, telling yourself it was probably nothing. people got busy, right? but deep down, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. you hadn’t seen her pass by the coffee shop, nor stroll in with that effortless grace that you’d gotten so used to.

that familiar flutter in your stomach was gone, replaced by a strange emptiness.

you found yourself standing behind the counter, your mind wandering as you took orders from the steady stream of customers. but even amidst the usual bustle of the café, all you could think about was her.

“hey, have you noticed that se-mi hasn’t been around lately?” you casually mentioned one afternoon to min-su, one of the other baristas. you had hoped it was just you overthinking things, but you couldn’t ignore the knot in your stomach that seemed to grow tighter the more you thought about her absence.

“huh... now that you’ve mentioned it, i haven’t either. she was a regular, wasn’t she?” min-su said, his voice thoughtful as he wiped down the espresso machine. “i’m sure she’ll be back soon, though. people come and go.”

but something about min-su’s nonchalant tone made your stomach churn. you weren’t so sure anymore.

you couldn’t shake the feeling, so you started asking around. every time you swung by ink & soul to drop off jun-ho’s usual, you’d casually mention se-mi, trying to sound indifferent. but every time you asked, the question felt heavier, lingering in the air longer than you intended. jun-ho’s response was always the same,

“she’s probably just busy, i think,”

his voice light and dismissive. but you couldn’t help but notice how he’d always sidestep the question, quickly redirecting the conversation to something else. it left you with an unsettling feeling, as though he was purposefully avoiding giving you a direct answer.

after a few visits, you couldn’t help but feel the weight of the silence between you and jun-ho whenever you asked. it was like se-mi had become a subject no one wanted to talk about. you tried to push the feeling aside, but it lingered, gnawing at you with each passing day.

then, one afternoon, you couldn’t help yourself any longer. you took a deep breath and asked him, “do you know where se-mi’s been? i haven’t seen her in a while. i thought she’d come by for her usual coffee.”

jun-ho, usually so easygoing, seemed to hesitate. he looked at you for a moment, his eyes unreadable. “i’m not sure,” he replied, scratching his head as though trying to come up with something casual to say. “she’s just... been a little distant. i guess work’s been keeping her busy, or... something.”

you tried to hide your disappointment, offering him a tight smile before quickly changing the subject. but the question lingered, unanswered, and your heart sank.

that night, you found yourself lying awake, staring at the ceiling. you couldn’t stop thinking about se-mi and why she’d been avoiding you.

was it something you said? or maybe it was just... you.

you had started to wonder if maybe your feelings for her had been all in your head, that maybe she was just being friendly and you’d misinterpreted it. maybe she had never felt anything more.

the thought made your chest ache, and you squeezed your eyes shut, trying to block out the painful feeling. you had started to like her, and now it felt like you were losing something before you ever had a chance to figure it out.

the days dragged on, and se-mi’s absence became a constant weight on your mind. it was a friday afternoon when you saw something that made your heart drop. you were at the counter, chatting with another regular customer, when you caught a glimpse of a familiar face through the café window.

your heart skipped a beat as you saw se-mi walking by outside. you stood frozen for a moment, your breath catching in your throat. she was looking down at her phone, not noticing the café. but for some reason, the sight of her walking past without even glancing in made your heart ache.

you quickly wiped your hands on your apron, rushing to the door as if you could catch her before she disappeared into the crowd. but by the time you reached the door, she was already out of sight. you lingered in the doorway for a moment, staring out at the street, but she was gone.

back at the café, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed, something you couldn’t quite understand. every time the door chimed and you looked up, you expected to see her walk in, but she never did. and you couldn’t stop wondering, had you done something wrong? or was it just you, imagining things, hoping for something that wasn’t there.

as the weeks passed, the emptiness grew. you missed her in a way you hadn’t expected, and the more you tried to brush it off, the more it hurt. what had you even done to make her pull away? it was frustrating, painful and you didn’t know how to fix it.

one thing was clear, you missed her more than you ever thought you would. and now, with each passing day, the question remained.

would you ever see her again? or had she already slipped away?

se-mi couldn’t remember the last time she felt this conflicted. it had been weeks now since she’d started pulling away from y/n, and the weight of it was getting harder to carry. the more she saw y/n’s face, the more she realized how much she was beginning to care about her. but the more she cared, the more terrified she became. it wasn’t supposed to be this way.

it was just playful banter, harmless flirting. at least, that’s what she told herself. so why did she start feeling like there's something more?

se-mi had never been the type to get attached easily. she was used to keeping people at arm’s length, maintaining that cool, confident persona that made it easy for her to slip into casual relationships without anything more. she’d had her share of flings, none of them ever really meaning anything. and for a long time, that was enough. until y/n.

when y/n first walked into ink & soul, sitting in the waiting area with that awkward smile, se-mi had thought she was just another customer. but there was something about her, something that drew se-mi in. her soft-spoken nature, the way she smiled shyly, the way she seemed to genuinely care about the people around her, even when they didn’t deserve it. it made se-mi want to know her more.

and that was the problem.

she hadn’t planned on getting close to y/n. she hadn’t planned on falling for someone who actually made her feel things. but it happened anyway, and it terrified se-mi.

at first, it was just the little things. the way y/n would clock in for her usual coffee orders, the way her eyes would light up when se-mi teased her about something, the way y/n’s laughter made se-mi’s heart race in ways she didn’t want to acknowledge.

but then it escalated, slowly but surely, until se-mi realized that every time she saw y/n, her chest would tighten. she’d catch herself thinking about her even when she wasn’t there. the things she said lingered in her mind long after they parted ways.

se-mi hated it.

she hated how her heart would flutter in the most embarrassing way whenever y/n looked at her, how she’d feel a little too warm when y/n was close, how the slightest touch, even if accidental, made her skin tingle. it wasn’t supposed to feel like this. she had a rule, no attachments and no real connections. but y/n was different.

the breaking point came one evening when se-mi found herself sitting in the tattoo shop late, going over some designs when she got a text from y/n. it was a simple message. nothing more than a—

y/n: hey someone just ordered a single cup of only whipped cream and it just made me think of you. hope you’re having a good day!

and it felt like a punch to the gut.

y/n had always been kind to her, but there was a sweetness in that message that made se-mi's heart skip a beat. and that scared her more than anything.

she looked at her phone for what felt like an eternity, fingers hovering over the screen. she wanted to text back, something casual, something easy. but she couldn’t. the words stuck in her throat. she was afraid. afraid of what her feelings for y/n meant. afraid of how much she was starting to care.

the last time she let herself care about someone—really care—was a mistake. it was a mistake she was still paying for.

her ex had been a beautiful, captivating person, someone who had made se-mi feel things she had never felt before. they had been inseparable at first, each moment they spent together felt like something out of a movie.

but that perfect image crumbled quickly. the relationship was full of lies, manipulation, and trust broken into a thousand pieces. se-mi had given everything to that person, and in return, they had taken it all, leaving her hollowed out.

the worst part? she had seen the warning signs, had ignored them. she had let herself fall, let herself believe that maybe this time it would be different, that maybe this time love would be worth the risk. but it wasn’t. and when it ended, when her heart was shattered in a way she hadn’t thought possible, se-mi swore she would never let herself get that close to anyone again. no one would have that power over her again.

but then came y/n. and that rule, the one she had built up around herself like an impenetrable fortress, crumbled like paper in the rain.

at first, she tried to ignore it. she tried to convince herself that it was nothing, just another fleeting attraction. but the more she saw y/n, the more it became clear that she wasn’t just some passing fling, some fleeting desire.

y/n made her feel safe, made her feel seen in a way that se-mi hadn’t felt in years. but that was the problem.

when she started seeing y/n’s eyes light up when they spoke, when she felt the warmth in her touch, when she realized how much she actually wanted to be with her, se-mi was terrified.

so, she pushed y/n away. she stopped texting, stopped coming to the coffee shop as often, made excuses when y/n asked her to hang out. she didn’t want to—couldn't, let herself fall.

but the avoidance didn’t stop the feelings from coming. in fact, it only made them worse.

one night, after y/n had sent another casual message asking when they could meet up again, se-mi made the decision to cut things off completely. she didn’t want to hurt y/n, but she knew this was the only way to protect herself. she couldn’t go down that road again, not when she knew how much it could hurt. she had to shut it all down before it went too far.

the next day, she told herself it would be easier if she just ignored y/n’s messages, made herself too busy to hang out, too unavailable to talk. she tried to make it seem casual, like it was just life getting in the way, but inside, it was tearing her apart. every time y/n texted her, every time she asked for her in the tattoo shop, se-mi felt a pang of guilt so sharp it made her want to scream.

she hated herself for doing it. she hated the way she had to pretend like she didn’t care, when deep down, she cared more than anything.

but she had no choice. she couldn’t let herself get hurt again.

se-mi sat in the shop late one evening, the quiet hum of the tattoo machines in the background. her eyes flicked over to the counter, where she saw the empty coffee cups and the soft glow of the neon sign through the window.

y/n hadn’t come in today, and se-mi knew it was her fault.

she closed her eyes, her chest aching. she knew what was coming. eventually, y/n would give up, stop texting, stop trying. and when that happened, se-mi would be left with the one thing she feared most, the crushing weight of regret.

you had been walking down the street after your shift, your thoughts swirling around the confusion of the past few weeks. you had tried to push aside the worry that had been gnawing at you, tried to convince yourself that maybe se-mi was just busy.

but the longer it went on, the harder it became to ignore. it was like something had changed, something that had left you feeling like you were missing out on an opportunity you hadn't even fully understood yet.

as you rounded the corner near ink & soul, you nearly collided with a familiar figure walking out of the shop.

"se-mi," you blurted, your heart racing. it had been so long since you'd spoken outside of those light exchanges at the café. you hadn’t expected to see her now, especially not like this. unprepared, raw with all the things you’d wanted to say but hadn’t had the chance to.

se-mi froze for a moment, eyes wide in surprise. her hand clutched the strap of her bag a little too tightly, as though it was the only thing keeping her grounded. the warmth from the late sunset made her look almost ethereal, yet her expression was guarded, distant.

"y/n," she said, her voice low, almost strained. it didn’t feel like the usual easygoing se-mi, the one who had teased you with a grin. this time, her gaze flickered, almost nervous, and it made your heart sink. "uh… hey."

you took a step forward, your throat tightening. you didn’t want to let this moment slip away. "i’ve been trying to get in touch with you. you’ve been… avoiding me."

se-mi’s eyes darted away, as though she couldn’t meet your gaze for long. "i’m not avoiding you," she said, her tone too sharp to be convincing. "i’ve just been busy with work. you know how it is."

you could hear the lie in her voice, the way it wavered, and it only made you more determined to get to the truth. "no, se-mi, i don’t think it’s just work. you haven’t been around the coffee shop in weeks. you don’t respond to my texts. and when i try to talk to you, you… pull away."

se-mi looked at the ground for a moment, chewing on her bottom lip. she didn’t say anything, and the silence between you both felt heavy, like there was so much left unsaid.

"i don’t know what happened," you continued, your voice softening. "i just… i thought maybe we had something. something more than just our casual exchanges, but it feels like you’ve been pushing me away, and i don’t understand why."

se-mi took a deep breath, her hands shaking slightly as she ran them through her hair. "y/n, you don’t get it," she said, her voice quieter now, almost a whisper. "i can’t... i can’t do this. i can’t let myself get close to anyone. not again."

you took another step forward, your heart pounding in your chest. "what do you mean, ‘not again’?" you asked, your voice barely audible. "why are you shutting me out? i thought we were—"

se-mi backed up a step, her face flushed, but not with the usual teasing lightness. no, this was different. this was fear. "i don’t want to hurt you, okay?" she said quickly, her words spilling out in a rush. "i’ve been here before. i’ve let myself care too much, and it didn’t end well. i can’t go through that again. i’m not good at this. i’m not good at relationships, or being vulnerable. it’s just... it’s easier to push people away."

your chest tightened as you tried to process her words. you had always known there was something behind se-mi’s walls, but this rawness, this fear, was something you hadn’t expected.

"i’m not going to hurt you, se-mi," you said, the words coming out before you could stop them. "i’m not like that. i just… i don’t want to lose you. i’ve been trying to figure out what happened, but you’re making it so hard."

se-mi shook her head quickly, her voice almost desperate now. "you don’t understand, y/n," she said, her eyes glistening with something you couldn’t quite place. "it’s not about you. it’s about me. i’m scared. and i’m not ready to let someone in again. not like this."

your throat tightened as you reached out, almost instinctively, but se-mi stepped back, the distance between you growing wider. "se-mi—"

"i’m sorry," se-mi interrupted, her voice breaking slightly. "i can’t do this. i’m not... i’m not good for you."

and just like that, she turned on her heel and walked away.

you stood there for a moment, frozen in place, your heart sinking as the realization hit you. you hadn’t been rejected. no, it was more complicated than that.

se-mi was afraid. afraid to care. afraid of the very thing you wanted, of a connection, of something real.

the sound of se-mi’s footsteps faded into the distance, and you felt a mix of anger, confusion, and a deep ache in your chest. you had wanted to understand, to make things right, but it seemed like there was nothing you could do to make se-mi let you in.

taking a shaky breath, you closed your eyes, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions that was swirling inside of you. you had no answers. you didn’t know what the future held, or if se-mi would ever come back. but for the first time in a long while, you felt helpless. you didn’t know how to fix this.

but one thing was for sure, you couldn’t just give up.

it had been a few days after your encounter with se-mi. the next evening, as you walked into your apartment, you heard the ping of a message. the screen of your phone lit up, and you saw a text from dae-ho.

dae-ho: y/n, i know you’ve been asking around about se-mi. i found out something that might help you understand why she’s been acting this way. i didn’t want to say anything, but after talking to jun-ho, i think you should know

a cold shiver ran down your spine as you stared at the message. you hadn’t expected to hear from him, especially about se-mi. what did jun-ho have to do with this? and what was it that dae-ho thought you needed to know?

you quickly typed out a response.

y/n: what’s going on?

a few moments later, the reply came.

dae-ho: se-mi had a really rough time with someone a while ago. jun-ho told me about it, something about a relationship that ended badly

dae-ho: idk all the details, but it seems like it left her with some pretty deep scars. she’s terrified of getting close to anyone again, that’s why she’s pulling away from you

dae-ho: she’s scared, y/n

you stared at the message, your heart sinking into your stomach. the words deep scars echoed in your mind, but you knew that it wasn’t enough to just hear this from dae-ho. you needed to confront se-mi, to understand this for yourself, even if it was going to hurt.

without thinking any longer, you grabbed your jacket and made your way to ink & soul. the walk felt long, like the weight of the truth was slowly pulling you down. you couldn’t let this go. you had to know. you had to understand why se-mi was pulling away, why someone who had once looked at you with warmth and genuine affection now seemed like a distant memory, a ghost in the places you once shared.

a question burned in your chest, refusing to be ignored. you couldn’t walk away without answers.

your thoughts scattered in every direction, your heart hammering in your chest as if it had a rhythm of its own.

the evening air was cool, with the faint scent of rain teasing at the edge of your senses. the familiar hum of tattoo machines filled the space, but the shop had a different feel tonight. it was quieter than usual, a calm energy hanging in the air, with no customers in sight and only soft murmurs of conversation, as the shop is about to close.

your eyes quickly scanned the room, searching for se-mi, the one person who had unknowingly drifted out of your life just when you'd believed something special was beginning to bloom.

she wasn’t at the front desk, but you knew where she'd be, at the back, taking a break, away from the constant hum of the machines. without hesitation, you moved toward the small lounge area at the back. there she was, se-mi. sitting alone, her tattooed arms resting on the table, hair falling into her face as she stared at the screen of her phone.

your breath caught in your throat. the sight of her again felt like an ache that had been building for weeks, a longing you could no longer ignore. she didn’t look up when you entered. she didn’t acknowledge your presence at all. for a moment, you just stood there, frozen, the weight of everything unsaid hanging between you.

"se-mi," you called out softly, your voice edged with a desperation you hadn’t meant to let slip.

se-mi blinked, as if startled by the interruption. her face softened briefly, but then it went neutral again. there was something in her eyes, a guarded distance. that hurt more than you were ready to admit.

"y/n," se-mi said softly, she looked up, and you could see the wariness in her eyes. but it was different this time, it was like she already knew why you were here.

you stood taller, the words pushing past the lump in your throat. "can we talk now?"

se-mi hesitated, and for a brief moment, you saw something in her eyes, an internal battle, maybe. she then glanced toward the door, as though considering escaping. but finally, she nodded, standing up slowly. "we can talk. but i’m not sure there’s much to say."

the words hit you like a punch to the stomach. your pulse quickened, the ache in your chest intensifying. "i don’t think that’s true," you said, voice tight but resolute. "i’ve been waiting for you to come back to the café. waiting for you to talk to me again. what happened, se-mi? why are you acting like this?"

se-mi’s jaw clenched, her face hardening. "i’m just busy, y/n. you’ve got your life, i’ve got mine. no big deal."

but you weren’t going to let her off that easily. the frustration that had been building inside you spilled out. "that’s not it, though. you’re not just busy. you’re shutting me out. i deserve to know why."

se-mi’s eyes flickered with something, regret perhaps. but she pushed it away quickly. taking a step back, she said, "you don’t need to know. it’s not your problem."

before you could stop yourself, your hand reached out, grabbing her wrist. "it is my problem," you said, your voice trembling with raw emotion.

"i care about you. you’ve made me care about you, and now you’re acting like i don’t even exist. how can you do that? how can you just walk away from what we had?"

for the first time, se-mi froze. your words had struck a chord, and for a moment, her eyes softened, just the tiniest hint of vulnerability breaking through the walls she’d built. but she pulled her wrist from your grip before you could hold on, her expression hardening once more.

"i don’t know what you think we had," she said, voice quiet but firm, almost defeated. "but i’m not ready for this. i’m not ready for... anything right now."

your heart sank, confusion clouding your thoughts. was it really that simple? was se-mi really pulling away because of fear?

you didn’t waste time. "dae-ho texted me," you started, your voice flat, but the words heavy. "he told me about what happened with you. about what you went through,” your voice barely above a whisper, breaking under the weight of your desire to understand.

se-mi bit her lip, her gaze falling to the floor. " i didn’t want you to find out like this," she murmured. "i just... i can’t let myself be vulnerable again. i can’t let anyone in like that. i’m sorry, y/n. i didn’t mean to hurt you. i just don’t know how to do this. how to be close to someone again." her voice cracked with the confession, and for a brief second, you saw the raw vulnerability beneath the cool exterior.

your breath hitched, and the words she spoke washed over you, pulling you under. your hand reached out again, this time gently cupping her face, making her meet your eyes.

"you don’t have to be afraid," you whispered. "i’m not going anywhere. i won’t hurt you. i promise. you don’t have to be perfect. i don’t need you to be perfect. i just need you to trust me."

for a second, se-mi’s eyes were glassy, like she was holding back tears, and the pain in them tore at you. she swallowed hard, her lips trembling as she struggled with the emotions she was holding back.

"i don’t know if i can trust anyone again. i don’t even know if i can trust myself," she whispered.

you saw the walls se-mi had built around herself, the way she was pushing you away even though part of her wanted to pull you closer. you felt her hesitation, her fear mirroring your own, and you knew this wasn’t something you could fix with just words. but you couldn’t let her walk away this time, not without trying.

"i don’t want you to be alone in this," you said, your voice steady, but full of the emotions you’d held back for so long. "we don’t have to figure everything out right now. but i want to be here for you. i’m not leaving, se-mi. if you’ll let me, i’ll help you get through this. together."

for a long, tense moment, se-mi didn’t speak. her eyes locked with yours, and the world seemed to freeze around you. the air thickened with every unspoken word between you. and then, as if the weight of everything she’d been holding back finally became too much to bear, se-mi broke down.

no words came from her lips, but tears welled in her eyes. she didn’t try to hide them. and before you could even react, se-mi stepped forward, her hands trembling as they reached for you.

she pulled you into an embrace, her head falling against your shoulder, her body shaking as a quiet sob escaped her lips.

"i’m sorry," she whispered, her voice muffled by the tears. "i’m so weak."

you held her tighter, pressing your cheek against her hair, and whispered softly, "it’s okay. i’m here. i’m right here."

se-mi clung to you, her sobs racking through her body, and you didn’t mind the tears, didn’t mind the silence that followed. all that mattered was that you were there, facing each other, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the distance between you was finally closing.

se-mi pulled away slightly, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. she looked at you, her eyes red but softened, still full of that raw vulnerability.

"i don’t know what’s going to happen between us," se-mi said quietly, her voice thick with emotion. "but i want to try. i want to see where this goes."

you smiled softly, relief flooding through you like a warm wave. "we’ll take it slow," you said, your voice steady with determination. "one step at a time."

and for the first time in a long while, you both felt the weight of a shared truth, a truth that wasn’t about perfection, but about taking a chance on each other, despite the fear, despite everything.

you kissed her forehead, the moment feeling like a quiet promise. "we’re in this together."

and this time, se-mi didn’t pull away.

as the weeks passed, y/n and se-mi’s relationship slowly but surely blossomed into something beautiful. the uncertainty that had once clouded their connection began to fade, replaced with a deeper understanding and respect for one another.

every conversation, every touch, every shared moment seemed to stitch together the fabric of something real, something neither of them had expected, but both had been yearning for.

at first, there had been hesitation. the scars of se-mi’s past were never too far away, lurking in the corners of her mind, threatening to pull her back into the shadows of fear and doubt.

but with every step forward, with every moment spent together, those walls that had once felt so impenetrable began to soften. it wasn’t that the pain disappeared. no, it would always be there, woven into the fabric of who she was. but it was no longer something that controlled her.

and you? you were also there, standing beside her, unwavering in the face of her fears, not pushing, not rushing, just letting her take her time to heal.

there were moments when things felt heavy. days when old doubts crept into se-mi’s mind, moments when she questioned whether she was strong enough to truly open herself to someone else.

there were times when she’d pull away, retreating back into herself, scared of how much she had already allowed y/n in. but y/n never gave up. she never took it personally. she understood. and when se-mi needed space, y/n gave it to her. but when se-mi came back, needing comfort, needing a safe place, y/n was always there, with open arms and an open heart, ready to listen, to hold, to understand.

weeks turned into months, and with each passing day, they became more entwined in each other’s lives.

they celebrated little victories, like when se-mi finally opened up to her co-workers about her past, or when y/n got a promotion at work. there were quieter moments too, like when they spent a saturday afternoon curled up on the couch, watching movies, or when y/n taught se-mi how to take care of a plant she had bought from a local flower shop. it was in the small, seemingly insignificant moments that their bond grew the strongest. they were building a life, not just a relationship.

and as their love deepened, there was the promise of new beginnings.

one evening, after a particularly busy week, se-mi pulled you into the tattoo parlor. her hands were shaking with excitement and a hint of nervousness. she led you to the same spot where you had shared your first real conversation weeks before.

“i’ve been thinking,” se-mi said, her voice soft but full of intent. “i want to add something to my tattoos.”

you raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “oh yeah? what do you have in mind?”

se-mi pulled out a small design from her pocket. it was a simple outline of two interlocking hearts, one filled in with bold black ink and the other with delicate shading. it was a symbol of your connection, of the way they had come together, imperfect but beautiful, and how they had each filled in the pieces of each other’s lives.

“i want this,” se-mi said quietly. “i want this to remind me of how far we’ve come, and how much we still have ahead of us. it’s... it’s a symbol of us. of what we’re building together.”

your heart fluttered at the gesture. you had both been through so much to get here, but it was moments like these that made it all worth it. “i think that’s perfect,” you said, voice thick with emotion.

the tattoo was done the same evening. as a fellow artist worked, y/n sat next to se-mi, just like how you used to sit beside dae-ho before, your fingers intertwined, the weight of the moment not lost on either of them.

when it was finished, se-mi touched the fresh ink gently, smiling to herself. “it’s not just a tattoo,” she said, her voice low and full of meaning. “it’s a promise.”

as the weeks stretched on, y/n and se-mi found themselves navigating life with more ease. they weren’t always perfect. they fought, like any couple does, but they learned to communicate, to work through their differences without letting them tear them apart. they had learned how to forgive, both each other and themselves, and that was a lesson worth more than anything else.

in those quiet moments, when se-mi would brush her fingers against y/n’s hand, or when y/n would hold se-mi close after a long day, they knew that what they had was worth fighting for.

they knew that even though the road ahead would be filled with challenges, as long as they were together, they could face anything.

the journey was far from over, but with each passing day, it felt more and more like a beautiful adventure. an adventure they were no longer afraid to take, hand in hand, ready for whatever came next.

and just like that, y/n and se-mi’s story unfolded, one step at a time. filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a bright future.

they knew that the best was yet to come.

a/n— this took a lot longer to write than i originally expected but im so proud of myself for pushing through and finishing it! it took me a few weeks to find the right inspiration (and maybe a little bit of procrastination..…) but i am beyond thankful i didnt give up! writing this story has been such a rewarding experience and i hope you enjoy reading it as much as i enjoyed pouring my heart into it. this is definitely my favorite piece out of all my fics so far ദ്ദി´▽`)

[violetseaslug]

getting lovebombed has to be the most embarrassing thing guys its been the millionth time and im begging for someone to actually truly love me FOR ME AND NOT SWITCH UP (◞‸◟；)