🔮 preview. “When I’m balls deep in your pussy, watching you writhe under me, listening to your pretty sounds- that will be the cherry on top of this birthday,” he explains. “Thank you for wanting to make me feel good, but- usually, baby, I like to be the giver.”
tw/cw. mentions of past relationship abuse/trauma/cheating, alcohol, bar fights, Cheol gets grazed with a knife, unprotected sex, dry humping, hand job, blow job, pussy eating, fingering, pleasure dom!Cheol, breast worship, dirty talk, praise, size kink/manhandling, multiple reader orgasms, groping, Cheol is a big muscled tattooed man, creampie, birthday sex, etc… I pet names: (hers) baby.
👹 rating.18+ explicit I wc. 14.2k
🍭 aus. tattoo/motorcycle au, nurse!reader, soulmates, etc…
☀️ mlist + an. The tarot deck used in the prologue is ‘The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Guide Deck’ by Kim Krans. I had so much fun exploring a more spiritual-themed plot, the idea of soulmates and spirit guides and such :)
Prologue
It’s been six months since your breakup. Six months of self-work and healing practices. Six months of connecting with your spirit guides, hoping you can work through this dark period of your life and come out the other side.
You’ve just gotten off a long shift at the hospital, where you work as an emergency room nurse. Cleaning up other people’s messes makes you feel a little more whole every day, it shows you that while your wounds might be deeper than the skin, you have the resources to fix things that seem unfixable.
After a shower, you slump onto your couch, your hands reaching for one of your tarot decks. It’s as if you can feel the energy radiating off your spirit animal cards, and you remove them carefully from the box, holding them close to your chest.
“Spirit,” you say softly. “I think I’m finally ready to try dating again. But I’m scared. I’m scared I’ll end up in the same situation as last time, finding a man who needs to be fixed- I know my pattern is finding broken men, and I’m done with that. I need guidance. I need some sort of sign that will show up when I meet the right person.”
Part of your healing journey was writing down what traits you’d want in a partner. You’d made a list that included, ‘kind, smart, patient, stable, loyal, and protective,’ and you’d folded to your own physical tastes by writing ‘tattoos’ as well. You can’t help it, you like the way art looks on skin, and although all the tatted bad boys you’ve dated in the past have been assholes, you’re holding onto a hope that you can find a good man with tattoos. You know they’re out there, you just have to find one.
“Spirit, can you help me pull a card, and whatever animal is on that card could be a tattoo that my future significant other would have?” you ask. “Please don’t choose a lion or a wolf or something super common- I want an animal that is a little more unique, something that couldn’t just be coincidence… but, I mean, if my soulmate is meant to have a wolf then I guess I can make that work.”
You hate questioning your guides, hate putting boundaries on them. If your soulmate has a stupid, overdone tattoo like every other man with ink, then so be it.
Taking a deep breath, you begin to shuffle your spirit animal deck.
You’re not being too fast with your shuffle, you prefer to sit for a long time and wait for cards to pop out rather than force a reading with erratic motions. Focusing on your breathing, and your ask from the spirit, you wait patiently.
Soon, a card pops out, landing on the coffee table in front of you.
An Elk looks up at you, and you take a moment to assess the card before finding the guide book.
You flip to the Earth section, finding the Elk easily. There are a few keywords at the top of the reading, they say ‘Stable, resilient, headstrong, the father.’
Stable is a word you’d written into your boyfriend manifestation notes, and you consider that for a moment before reading further.
“The great Elk represents the Earth element in its masculine form. This means it provides underlying support and stability amidst life’s many changes. An Elk personality is fully established in themselves and knows their core values. They become known and respected for acting in ways that uphold those values. Sometimes the Elk’s ego can become inflated, but for the most part, they make damn good fathers, mothers, lovers, and friends. The world needs more elk energy.”
You think about the type of man who could be stable, whether that’s financially or emotionally. You’re hoping to find a man as set and in love with his job as you are- the kind of man you could build a future with. You’d be lying if you said you hadn’t been thinking about kids, and the note that Elk personalities make good fathers and lovers makes the feeling of hope stir within you.
However, the Elk - like the Lion and the Wolf - is a pretty common tattoo.
“I’m wondering if I should ask for a second card,” you tell your guides. “This deck has numerous animals connected to zodiac signs. Fish for Pisces, Scorpion for Scorpio… I know not all zodiacs have an animal correlated to them, so I won’t use this as a defining factor, but… maybe to make things even a little more specific, could you help me pull a card to represent the zodiac sign for my future Elk tattooed boyfriend?”
This feels like a lot. And you’re aware that there are only a few cards in this large deck that will actually connect to the zodiac, so you prepare yourself for a dud card.
You begin to shuffle, and this time, a card pops out even faster than the first. It’s face down on your coffee table, and you take a breath, willing this to be a sign.
When you flip the card, you find a lion staring up at you.
The lion is correlated with the Leo zodiac, and you swallow thickly, thinking about the traits generally connected to Leos. The words that come to mind are ‘confident, loyal, ambitious, and protective,’ two of which are traits you’d manifested.
You find your guidebook again, reading the top line of traits: “Patient, regal, a complete master.”
“The Lion is a master of the fire element and the living mascot of self-transformation. A lion personality dedicates their life to personal and spiritual growth. This dedication inspires some and intimidates others, therefore the Lion is respected by all but known intimately by few. Some mistake the Lion as hard to access or aloof, yet those with a keener eye know better. Lions are observant, stealth, and precise in their words and actions. They do not waste energy or resources. This card reminds us that self-mastery is available to all, no matter where our quest begins.”
You consider your reading as you put your deck away and head to bed. A Leo man with an Elk tattoo, someone who is patient, stable, headstrong, loyal, and maybe a little egotistical, but hopefully not in any ways that would be damaging to you like your narcissist of an ex-boyfriend.
You’re prepared to not find a man who fits this bill, but you feel a little better about narrowing down the traits you’re attracted to. Some people don’t believe in tarot, and while you can understand that, this reading has spoken to you in a way that you can’t quite explain.
There’s no timeline to the reading, and you won’t be restricting yourself waiting for a man with an Elk tattoo to sweep you off your feet, but it feels a little easier having some parameters.
When you fall asleep, you dream of a large man standing in shadows, Elk-like antlers protruding from his head.
One:
“Tell me again how you found out about this place?” you sigh, getting out of your best friend’s car to stare at the tattoo studio.
“God, I’ve told you a hundred times,” Sunmin rolls her eyes. “One of my sister’s boyfriend’s cousins’s boyfriends work here.”
“I’m going to need you to say that slower.”
“My sister’s boyfriend, Jeonghan, his cousin is dating one of the artists here, and he says they’re all super hot. And I figured, since your tarot cards told you a few months ago that you’ll find some dude with an elk, a tattoo shop is a good place to look for him.”
“Okay, but please don’t bring up the actual tarot,” you plead. “People judge me for that shit all the time.”
“My lips are sealed but my eyes will be wide open,” she grins.
The two of you enter the tattoo shop, and the air conditioning is a welcome reprieve from the hot summer outside. Your friend chats with the receptionist about her consultation with an artist named Vernon, and soon the two of you are being escorted deeper into the studio.
It’s an open plan layout, with small sections for each artist. Only one man is currently tattooing someone, and you suppose that since it’s the morning, they likely get busier as the day goes on.
There’s a large man who approaches you and your friend as you sit in Vernon’s section. “Hi! You must be Vernon’s ten o’clock consultation! I’m Mingyu. Vernon’s just chatting with our boss in the back, but he’ll be out pretty quick.”
“Hi, I’m Sunmin and this is y/n,” your friend introduces you. “We have no problem waiting.”
“Cool. I don’t have a client for a while, I can keep you guys company while you wait for Vernon if you’d like.”
“We’d love that,” Sunmin beams.
“How did you guys hear about us?” Mingyu asks, taking a seat on the tattoo artist chair.
“My sister’s boyfriend’s cousin is dating one of the guys who work here,” Sunmin explains.
“Is your sister’s boyfriend Jeonghan?”
You’re shocked the man was able to follow what Sunmin just said.
“Yup! That’s him!” Sunmin confirms.
“Love that guy,” Mingyu grins. “Yeah, I’m dating his cousin. He told me he’d tell others about the shop but I didn’t think he’d actually follow through with it.”
“Well, here he is, following through,” Sunmin laughs.
“So is this tattoo consult for you?”
Sunmin nods. “Yup! I’ve always liked ink, got a few small pieces, but I wanted something bigger for my thigh.”
“How about you?” Mingyu asks. “Any future tattoo plans?”
“Not at the moment,” you respond, gaze shifting to a door that leads to the office in the back. Two men have come out, they’re both quite handsome, dressed in oversized hoodies that obscure any ink on their torsos.
“I’ve actually been looking at elk tattoos,” Sunmin lies, “know anyone with anything like that?”
Mingyu opens his mouth to respond, but one of the men from the back is already approaching. “Hi, are you Sunmin?” he asks.
“That’s me,” your best friend beams.
“I’m Vernon,” the soft looking man smiles. Mingyu gets out of his seat, bidding a quick farewell before going back to his own section. As Vernon and Sunmin begin to talk about her tattoo plans, you find your eyes shifting to the man who must be the boss as he walks over to inspect the tattoo taking place.
He’s got a nice build, and you can see the outline of strong shoulders even from under his large black hoodie. He rolls up the sleeves, and you can see he’s heavily inked, but from a distance, you can’t make out any elk-like marks.
Sunmin had done her best to try to ask Mingyu about a tattoo fitting what your tarot had told you to watch out for, but you suppose you shouldn’t be shocked that your soulmate isn’t in the first shop you’ve gone into.
You relax against your chair, listening to Sunmin and Vernon talk.
You’ll do your best to find your Elk inked Leo, but you suppose you can’t rush the process.
Two:
You’re at a bar with friends when you hear a commotion just outside. As the designated driver of the night, you haven’t touched any drinks, and although it might not be anything serious, your emergency room nurse instincts kick in, drawing you to the possible danger as you quickly make your way to the front of the bar.
You catch the tail end of what’s happening, one bouncer chasing after some guy who’s booking it down the street, and another man being held back by a second security guard.
The man being held back looks enraged, and he manages to break out of the bouncers grasp- which is when you see blood on the back of his white shirt.
“Fuck that guy,” the injured man snarles, and when he turns, you catch a glimpse of his profile.
It’s the man from the tattoo parlour, the one you assumed was the boss.
While he looks extremely pissed off, you can’t help but approach. “Excuse me,” you say quietly, grabbing his attention. “You’re bleeding.”
“Am I?” He looks over his shoulder, grabbing at his shirt where the blood is. “Fuck, he must have grazed me.”
Must have grazed him… with a knife?
“I’m uh… I’m an ER nurse, do you mind if I take a look?” you ask.
“I’ll grab the first aid kit,” the bouncer tells you, darting back into the bar.
“I’m fine,” the tattooed man tells you.
“Then there’s no harm in me taking a look to confirm that.” You try to smile softly at him.
The man looks at you, narrowing his eyes. “Don’t I know you from somewhere?”
“I think I was at your parlour last week, my friend had a consult,” you explain. “I’m y/n.”
He looks you up and down. “Seungcheol.”
You can see the anger and tension dissipating from his shoulders.
“Why don’t you take a seat on the curb and I’ll look at your shoulder?” you suggest.
Seungcheol sighs, but does as he’s told. He sits down, grabbing at the back of his shirt. You catch him wince as he tugs the bloodied fabric off, and you’re shocked at what’s revealed.
It’s not the slight gash that makes you take a step back, it’s the Elk head tattoo on the center of his spine, with large antlers tangling up toward the back of his neck.
“Is it that bad?’ Seungcheol asks, looking over his shoulder at you again.
“No, it’s not that.” You do your best to compose yourself, kneeling down to look at the wound, although your eyes keep going back to the Elk.
The bouncer returns with the first aid kit, and Seungcheol sits there quietly while you clean the wound. “You’re right that it was a graze, but I still think stitches would be a good idea,” you tell him.
“I’m not going to the hospital,” Seungheol responds while you press gauze to the wound, bandaging him up with medical tape.
“Why not?”
“I just don’t like hospitals,” the beefy tattooed man says simply.
You release a sigh. “Listen, I’m going to give you my number, and if there’s any sign of infection, call me, okay?”
“You said you're an emergency room nurse, right?” he asks, standing up when you finish with his shoulder.
“Uh huh.” Words evade you as you look at his chiseled chest, and you do your best not to be too obvious at the way you’re gawking at him.
“Aren’t you going to ask me what I did to piss off the dude with the knife?”
“It’s not important,” you respond quickly. “You identified it as a knife wound, and that’s all I needed to know.”
“I was in the emergency room one time, got stabbed by some kid outside a strip club, the nurses kept pestering me about the details. It’s one of the reasons I don’t like hospitals,” Seungcheol explains.
“Well, your business is your business,” you tell him. “All I care about is that your wound doesn’t get infected, and you take care of it if you’re not getting stitches.”
Seungcheol’s gaze feels hot as he stares at you, and then he pulls his phone out of his pocket, handing it to you. “Here. For your number.”
Your fingers are shaky as you type in your digits before handing it back to him, and you can’t help but notice the way your hands briefly touch.
“I need a drink,” Seungcheol says. “You coming back inside? I’ll buy you something, as a thank you for not pestering me.”
“No thanks is necessary,” you try to assure him, but Seungcheol is already reaching for your hand.
“Don’t fight this,” he tells you. “Let me say thank you in the way that I know how.”
You allow the big burly man to guide you back into the bar. He orders himself a shot of tequila, then turns to you expectantly.
“Uh, can I get an iced tea?” you ask.
“Not drinking?”
“I’m the designated driver tonight,” you explain. “My friends are over there-” you turn and catch your whole table of friends staring at you.
Seungcheol follows your gaze and smirks, offering your friends a small wave. “Okay, so you're a stay in your lane ER nurse, and you’re a designated driver.”
“That sums it up I guess,” you laugh.
“She’ll get an iced tea,” Seungcheol tells the bartender.
You like that he’s not pushing you. Some people pressure you to drink when you’re out, but you like to have your head screwed on straight on your shoulders. You never know when an emergency is going to happen, and your soul calling is helping people. On top of that, it’s nearly midnight, and you’ve got a shift in five hours that you need to be sober for.
“I’m trying to find red flags with you, you know?” Seungcheol says nonchalantly. “But so far, I’m not seeing any.”
“Maybe that’s because I don’t have any?” you suggest.
“I’ve been told I’m a walking red flag,” Seungcheol muses.
“Tattoos can be deceiving,” you point out, although, studies do show that people with trauma are more likely to be inked- all your ex’s have had tattoos, and they’ve all had dark pasts. You can’t help you type, and staring at the man with the elk on his back, you wonder if this is going to be just another repetition.
Your drinks are set in front of you and you watch Seungcheol down his tequila shot. He shakes his head out a little at the taste, and you appreciate the way his dark curls look with the motion.
“Anyways, you’re here with friends, I won’t keep you,” he sighs.
“Thanks for the iced tea,” you smile softly.
“Don’t mention it,” Seungcheol nods.
You mirror the movement, grabbing your drink and heading back to your table.
The moment you’re seated, all your friends erupt into chatter.
“Who was that?!” one asks.
“He was hot!” another friend notes.
“Wasn’t that the dude from the tattoo shop?” Sunmin questions, looking after Seungcheol. “Is he… bleeding?”
“Yeah, it’s the guy from the parlour,” you sigh. “His name is Seungcheol, and yes, someone tried to stab him outside.”
“Jesus!” Sunmin’s eyes widen. “But… he bought you a drink?”
“I just cleaned the wound and bandaged it,” you explain. “He insisted on getting me a drink.”
“Well… that’s nice, isn’t it?” one of your friends says thoughtfully.
“I guess.” It’s clear you don’t want to talk about this further, and your friends quickly go back to discussing something else, but you inch closer to Sunmin. “He has a tattoo.”
“He has a lot of tattoos,” she laughs.
“No, he has like… this big elk head and antlers on his back.”
“What?!”
“Don’t make a big deal out of it,” you warn her, not wanting her to raise her voice too loud so your other friends hear. You’re quite private about your spiritual leanings. Being a woman of science, and ER nurse no less, sometimes it feels like believing in fate isn’t something that works well with your job.
“We’re talking about this later,” Sunmin tells you.
“Yeah.”
You sit back, thinking about it.
Obviously your interaction with Seungcheol was short. He came off as a bit of a hot head, perhaps you’d even use the word brash- there was certainly a level of ego that radiated off of him as well, but, at the same time, he’s one of the most handsome tattooed men you’ve ever met.
You’d asked your guides for a sign, and tonight, the Elk had bared its antlered head.
Now it’s up to you to decide if you trust in fate, or if this is all just a coincidence.
Three:
You’re about seven hours into your eight hour shift. Having started at five am, after being a designated driver and getting your friends home at three, you’re quite tired. Things were very busy for a while in the emergency room, but for whatever reason now that it’s noon, things have seemed to calm down a little.
You’re just sitting in the nurse station with your coworker Joshua when your phone buzzes in your pocket. It’s an unknown number, and at first, you’re not sure if you should answer it.
Against your better judgement, you bring your phone to your ear, “Hello?”
“Is this the stay in your lane ER nurse who’s also the designated driver?”
You let out a sigh. “Y/N.”
“Yeah, you.”
“Hi, Seungcheol.”
“Hi. So, I tried to stitch up the wound when I got home, and I’m not sure if I did a good job.”
“You tried to stitch it up?” you ask, already exasperated. “Why didn’t you ask me to do it at the bar?”
“I just didn’t,” he says simply.
“Send me a pic of the stitches,” you instruct.
“One sec.”
You wait patiently, and Joshua catches your eyes. ‘What’s happening?’ he mouths.
You quickly mute your call. “Some guy I helped at the bar last night got grazed by a knife, he didn’t want stitches, but decided to try to stitch himself up this morning.”
“What the fuck?” Joshua laughs.
“Okay, sent.” Seungcheol’s voice makes you hit the unmute button, and you open your messages to see the picture.
Joshua rolls closer, staring at your phone. While Seungcheol’s broad muscular back is a bit of a distraction, the stitch up job on the wound is sloppy, and draws most of your attention.
“Seungcheol,” you sigh. “I’m going to say this in the nicest possible way. You might be a tattoo artist, but your stitching skills are sub par at best.”
The line is quiet for a moment, then you hear a chuckle. “Someone’s in a grouchy mood.”
Joshua’s eyes widen, and he looks at you for your response.
“You would be too if you spent all yesterday sleeping, woke up to be a designated driver for your friends, got home at three and had to be at work for five.”
“Oh… are you at work now?”
“Uh huh.”
“I shouldn’t bother you then,” Seungcheol says quickly.
“It’s no bother,” you assure him. “Look, I’m off in an hour. I’ll swing by to your shop to check out the stitching. Most stitches should be sewn within six to eight hours, we’re bordering on twelve- I just want to make sure there’s no infection.”
“You should just go home after work.”
“You should listen to your ER nurse and let her help you,” you retort, too tired to argue with him over this.
Seungcheol makes a groaning sound. “Fine.”
“See you in an hour.”
You hang up the phone and Joshua looks you up and down. “What’s his deal?”
“Honestly,” you sigh, “I couldn’t tell ya.”
Four:
You and Joshua often have the same shifts, and you carpool together to feel more green, so it’s Joshua who drives you to the tattoo parlour when you’re done work.
Seungcheol is waiting outside, arms crossed over his broad chest, and he eyes Joshua as the both of you get out of the car.
“Hey,” Seungcheol says as you approach, “who’s this?”
“My coworker, Joshua,” you introduce them, and Joshua has the decency to hold out a hand.
You hold your breath, releasing it when Seungcheol gives him a customary curt handshake.
“He’s your ride?” Seungcheol asks.
“Uh huh, is that a problem?”
“I just don’t feel comfortable having him around while you check out my shoulder, even if he does work with you” Seungcheol explains. “Listen, I’ve got a motorcycle and an extra helmet in the shop, how about I take you home after this?”
Both men look at you, and for a moment, you feel flustered and put on the spot.
You’ve never been on a bike before- but fuck it, you’re too tired to work through Seungcheol’s weird alpha behavior and territorial mentality about you having a male coworker with you.
“That works,” you agree. “Thanks for the ride, Josh.”
“Text me when you’re home,” he warns, pulling you in for a hug.
You can practically feel Seungcheol staring daggers at the two of you when Joshua pulls away and heads back to his car.
Seungcheol’s demeanor is a bit icy as he leads you into the shop. You notice Vernon and Mingyu. Mingyu even says a loud “Hi, y/n!” and you nod politely as Seungcheol takes you into the back office, closing the door.
“So, is that dude your boyfriend?” he asks, heading to the first aid kit already open on his desk.
“No, I’m not seeing anyone right now. My last ex, uh… he did a number on me.”
“Yeah?” Seungcheol takes off his shirt while you grab medical gloves to pull on. “Wanna talk about it?”
“I’m not sure what there is to say,” you admit with a sad laugh.
“Then you don’t have to say anything,” he decides.
“How about you?” you ask, softly prompting him to turn away from you on his spinny chair so you can assess the wound, gently removing the gauze.
“What about me?” he counters.
“Are you seeing anyone?”
“Nope.” He’s quiet for a moment. “My ex was a bit of a shit show too.”
“Well I guess we’re kindred in that at least,” you smile, leaning close to get a better look at his shoulder.
Seungcheol shivers slightly, and you think your breath on his throat must have set him off a little, but he stays silent. You notice his hands balling into fists on his thighs.
“I think your stitching can stay, but I’m going to clean your wound again and rebandage it.”
“Sounds good,” Seungcheol responds gruffly.
“While I’m doing this, do you mind if I ask about your tattoo? This big Elk?” You gently graze your surgical gloved pinky finger down his spine, and Seungcheol shivers again.
“Jesus, don’t do that,” he snaps.
“Sorry. It’s a pretty tattoo, I couldn’t help myself.” Your skin is heating with embarrassment, and you notice Seungcheol’s ears turning red too.
“I uh,” he swallows thickly. “My grandma was a tarot reader. She was always doing these readings, very connected to the Earth and shit. She used to tell me I had an Elk soul, like her. Something about spiritual guidance, protection, kindred souls or some shit. I’m not super into that stuff, but when she died, I kept having these stupid Elk dreams. Sort of felt like she was trying to communicate with me- if you believe in that sort of thing. Anyways, I figured if I got the tattoo, I’d feel closer to her, like she has my back.”
This is not the tattoo explanation you’d ever considered would come from a man like Seungcheol, and it takes you a few moments to register it and decide on a response.
“It sounds like you were very close with your grandma, I’m sorry that she passed.”
“It’s okay,” Seungcheol shrugs it off. “Shit happens.”
And just like that, he’s closing up again.
You wonder if you should tell him about your tarot connections, but you don’t want to sound like some crazy chick if you mention your spirit guides pointing you toward an Elk. Instead, you bite your tongue as you finish up his wound.
“All done,” you announce.
Seungcheol doesn’t say anything as he stands up and puts on his shirt. “What’s your address?” he asks, pulling out his phone.
You show him on the maps where you live. “Are you sure you want to give me a ride? Don’t you have… clients?”
“I can get you home and be back in time for my next appointment,” he assures you. “Think of this as another way of saying thank you for fixing me up.”
So far, he’s shown two love languages. He’s bought you a drink, and now he’s doing an act of service. He’d seemed hesitant on touch today, unlike last night when he’d been drinking, and you wonder what his history in relationships is like.
It sounds like you’ve both had shitty past experiences.
You just want to figure him out.
“Have you been on a bike before?” Seungcheol asks, grabbing a small black fullface helmet off a shelf of motorcycle memorabilia.
“No.”
“Are you scared?”
“More tired than anything else,” you admit with a laugh.
“Well, my Harley has a sissy bar, so you’ll be okay.”
You don’t even know what a sissy bar is, but you follow Seungcheol out to his bike anyways.
“Here, we can put your stuff in my saddlebag,” he explains, opening a large additional compartment near the back tire of his bike. “I don’t always ride with these, but for whatever reason, I thought it would be a good idea to have them on today.”
He helps you put your work bag in his bike, and then, he helps you with your helmet, his fingers delicately grazing your throat as he tightens the strap there.
“If anything is wrong, just tap my thigh,” he tells you, swinging a leg over his bike and starting the engine.
Even with layers of protection over your ears from the helmet, his Harley is loud. It purrs, like a lion, and you stand in a daze for a moment before he makes a motion for you to hop on.
You’re careful of his injured shoulder as you slowly get on the bike, adjusting yourself on the seat.
Seungcheol reaches for your hand, settling it on his hip. He opens his visor. “Ready?”
You nod.
He nods back, and the bike roars to life. He pulls out of the parking spot, and you hold on tighter, thankful for the additional padding of a safety bar behind your back- is this the sissy bar he was talking about?
You can’t dwell on motorcycle terms as Seungcheol gets onto the street, the bike moving even faster. The feeling of summer air is hot but pleasant on your skin as you ride between cars. You get the sneaking suspicion that Seungcheol is holding back on his driving-
You could imagine him weaving between vehicles and being a general menace on his bike, but with you on the back, he’s trying his best to be a gentleman.
You’re shocked at the trust you already have in this man. A man who a little over twelve hours ago, was a stranger.
You’ve never considered yourself an adrenaline junkie, but on the back of Seungcheol’s bike, everything else slips away.
You’re at your home before you know it, and you almost feel sad when Seungcheol pulls up to the curb. He motions for you to get off, and he joins you on the sidewalk a moment later, quickly helping you with your helmet.
“How was it?” he asks.
“That was super fun,” you tell him, beaming.
Seungcheol grins when he sees the expression on your face. “Glad you enjoyed it.”
“Listen, keep the helmet for now,” Seungcheol says. “I have your number and I know where you live, so I’ll come back for it.”
You feel your expression drop, and Seungcheol cocks his head to the side, concern written on his face.
“You good?”
“I just-” you swallow thickly. “Sorry, my uh- my ex used to say that to me. That he knew where I lived when I broke up with him. It felt like a threat, and it’s one of the reasons I had to move a couple of months ago.”
Seungcheol is quiet for a moment. “Fuck that guy.”
You nod. “Fuck that guy.”
Five:
You’ve had Seungcheol stuck in your head. After he’d dropped you off, it had been hard to sleep, your mind preoccupied with his answer about his tattoo. When you’d finally woken up hours later, you hadn’t been able to help yourself, you’d pulled out your tarot deck.
“Spirit,” you’d breathed. “I think I may have met him. The Elk. And even though you’ve given me the sign with his tattoo, I feel like I need more confirmation. I’m going to shuffle, and if this is meant for me, can you please give me a love card?”
There are numerous cards within the deck that talk about relationships, partnerships and new beginnings, and you’re hoping that one pops out.
You begin to shuffle, closing your eyes and taking it easy.
It’s about a minute before a card pops out. It’s upside down on your coffee table.
You take a deep breath, slowly reaching out to flip the card.
The Two of Cups stares up at you, and you don’t even have to open your tarot guide book to know what that means. It’s a card of unity, of partnership. Other than the Lovers, it’s one of the most clear relationship cards you can get.
You stare at it for a long while. The Elk may have been a coincidence. The fact that his own late grandmother had been a tarot reader may have been a coincidence. But pulling the Two of Cups, out of any other card, when seaking confirmation- this feels like fate.
Part of you wants to be extra sure and ask for the lovers card, but you also think this might be a good time to trust your spirit team. They’ve guided you twice now, and maybe you have to look inward.
Why are you so cautious that Seungcheol might be the one?
Are you ready for a new relationship?
You’d thought you were ready- and here you are, meeting a man who fits your type-
Maybe it’s the fact that he is your type that you’re worried. What if he turns out to be a dickhead like the last ones? You’re still holding onto a lot of fear. You want to protect yourself, which you validate as a legitimate concern.
But… are you going to spend the rest of your life frightened?
Or are you going to try to let go of those fears and learn to trust again, even if it ends up biting you in the ass?
The possible risk is heartbreak, but the possible reward is endless happiness.
Fate can only do so much, this is the part where your own actions will dictate the future.
Six:
“So, how’s that dude with the tattoos doing?” Joshua asks, taking a seat next to you in the nursing station when things have finally calmed down.
“Cheol? I uh… haven’t talked to him since he dropped me off at my place two days ago.”
“Is that good or bad?”
You shrug. “I’m not sure. We’re both busy people. I work here, and he owns a tattoo shop.”
“I guess that’s true,” Joshua nods. “Maybe you should call him and see how he’s doing?”
You quirk a brow at your friend. “What’s your angle here?”
Now it’s Joshua’s turn to shrug his shoulders. “No angle. I think, as your friend, sometimes it’s important to give you a little push. After all, your tarot said he’s your soulmate.”
Joshua’s one of your only coworkers who you’ve felt comfortable opening up to. He knows about all your spiritual inklings, and you’d filled him in on your whole Elk, Leo, Two of Cups fiasco yesterday.
“Fine, I’ll give him a quick call,” you sigh. “Strictly as a nurse who wants to see how the wound is doing.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Joshua grins.
You roll your eyes at him, fishing your phone out of your pocket.
Seungcheol answers on the second ring. “Hey.”
“Hi, how are you doing?” you ask, putting him on speaker phone. Joshua might be encouraging you to do this as a friend, but you know better than anyone that he also loves some good tea.
“Doing okay.”
“And your shoulder?”
“Good as far as I know… why? You worried about me?” You can hear the grin in his voice, the fact that he’s loving the concern you have for him. “I’ve had worse, you know.”
“I’d just hate for it to get infected,” you sigh.
“Look, if you want to do your due diligence as a nurse and everything, how about you get drinks with me and assess it yourself?” he suggests.
Joshua grabs your thigh, eyes widening, waiting on what you’ll say next.
“We could do that,” you respond.
“Sounds good, when are you free?”
“I’m off tomorrow.”
“How do you feel about eight o’clock?”
“That works,” you nod.
“I’ll pick you up at eight then, and bring your helmet.”
You find yourself smiling. “Will do.”
“It’s a date. See you then.”
“Bye, Cheol.”
Your heart is racing as you hang up the phone, and Joshua immediately repeats Seungcheol’s words, “It’s a date.”
“It’s a date,” you respond, jittery at the idea.
“Some guys are assholes and say ‘let’s hang out,’ but this one says ‘it’s a date.’”
“That’s a good sign,” you insist.
“A very good sign,” Joshua agrees. “If this dude ends up being the one, I might just have to get into tarot.”
Seven:
You’re surprised to find yourself playing nighttime mini golf with Seungcheol on your date. “What happened to drinks?” you ask as he pays for your tickets and grabs your clubs from the attendant.
He shrugs. “Figured you’re a nurse so you might not wanna get on my motorcycle after I had a few drinks, also the fact that you were designated driver last time I saw you at a bar- I thought this might be more your style. But, I’ll warn you, I’m not going to go easy on ya.”
You laugh, pleasantly surprised at how astute this man can be. “I think this will be fun.”
“Me too.”
Seungcheol’s wearing black jeans and a charcoal v-neck that shows off his strong shoulders. He’s the epitome of your type: a bad boy with tattoos. Yet, when you begin to play, he’s shockingly patient.
“Let me show you how to hold the club,” he suggests on the second hole, waiting for you to nod before he steps behind you and wraps his body around your own. “Feet positioning is key.” He also gently adjusts your hands, and your heart leaps in your chest when he breathes against your throat. “It might take some time to get used to,” Seungcheol warns, “so don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t come naturally.”
You hit the golf ball, and it goes a lot closer to the hole than your first shot had.
“Did it take a while for you to get into mini golf?” you ask.
“Nah, I was always a natural,” he teases, flashing you a wink before he takes his own shot.
You admire the way his shoulders look with his back to you. “So what got you into being a tattoo artist? Into having your own place?”
“Well, my grandma passed, and she left me a pretty big inheritance. She always thought I could succeed as a tattoo artist, but before that I was stuck doing blue collar type shit. I think, the money was her final way of telling me to follow my dreams. I’m kind of obsessed with ink, if you haven’t noticed.” He holds out his arms, which are littered with patchwork. “How about you? How does someone get into being an emergency room nurse?”
“I just like helping people,” you explain. “When I was a kid, I broke my arm falling off the monkey bars. I’d always been scared of hospitals, but the nurse who helped me in emergency was an angel. She made it less scary, and when it was over, I realized I wanted to be just like her. When people come into the emergency room, it’s never fun. It’s frightening, and cold- and I want to be there for people who are going through that, to be a warm, friendly face.”
“My grandma had a light worker's soul too,” Seungcheol nods. “That’s what she always called it anyways. She wasn’t ever officially trained, but in her later years she got into herbal medicine. Anytime I was sick it was lemon and garlic chicken noodle soup with bone broths and the works- always made me feel a lot better.”
“She sounds like she was an amazing woman.”
“She was,” Seungcheol agrees. “I don’t know you that well yet, but I think she would have liked you.”
You grin. “Is that an important trait you look for when taking girls to mini golf?”
Seungcheol lets out a laugh. “It should be. My last ex wouldn’t have fit the bill, and at the time, I thought that was okay, but it didn’t end well.”
“Do you wanna talk about it?”
“I’ll talk about mine if you talk about yours,” he suggests. “You said your last boyfriend was a creep when you broke up, threatened to come to your place and shit, he sounds like a piece of work.”
“He was,” you sigh. “I’ve got this thing for big tattooed men, bad boy types. It always leads to me getting my heart broken. He would tell me I was the one and everything, but I found out he was cheating on me with some waitress at the bar he used to go to all the time.”
“So what I’m hearing is… I’m your type.” Seungcheol flashes you a wink and you roll your eyes at him. “I’m just fucking with you. I’m sorry to hear that. Cheaters are the fucking worst.”
“Sounds like you’ve experienced something like that too.”
“Looks like both of our ex’s were cheating fucks,” Seungcheol says. “I know it’s a red flag to talk shit about your ex or whatever, but some ex’s deserved to be talked bad about.”
You nod. “A hundred percent.”
“Did you think you were going to be with your last one forever?” Seungcheol asks after a moment.
“I thought so.”
“Me too with mine, I was just about ready to get her a ring.” He frowns, looking down at his golf ball. With a sigh, he easily knocks it into the hole. “Well, this is just the way life happens I guess.”
It’s clear you both have very similar wounds. You’re shocked at how easy it is to talk about this with Seungcheol. Some people say not to talk about ex’s on dates with new people, but this almost feels therapeutic. You understand Seungcheol better, and you’re sure he understands you too.
It’s promising to know he thinks about the future, that he’s ready to settle down, not all men are.
Maybe you’re both in the same boat with all of this, and that’s a hopeful thought.
Eight:
Seungcheol can’t seem to get you out of his head.
He’d never thought of himself as a particularly superstitious man. His grandma had been spiritual, and he’d always loved that aspect of her. He’d enjoyed doing tarot readings and making all sorts of elixirs with her in the garden. She’d told him he’d be a successful tattoo artist, she’d seen it in the stars, and while she’d been a big part of making that premonition come true, he wonders what else she might be right about.
Seungcheol’s grandma had always told him he’d end up with a healer like her. A doctor, a psychiatrist, a nurse- she wasn’t very specific, but she’d said his soul would call in a light worker when the time was right.
He feels drawn to you, his little emergency room nurse, designated driver, light worker.
It’s been such a short amount of time, but there’s something unexplainable about the way he feels.
“You look distracted,” Mingyu muses, coming to join Seungcheol outside the tattoo parlour where he’s puffing on his vape.
“Just thinking.”
“About your birthday party tonight, or that girl you brought through the other day?” Mingyu presses, grinning as he bumps his shoulder against Seungcheol’s.
Seungcheol can’t help but sigh at his friend’s prying ways.
“Look you don’t have to tell me anything, but summer is almost over and you need a backpack. My angel has been surrounded by testosterone motorcycle rides for months, and we’d all love another girl to be part of the group. You should invite her out tonight.”
Of course Mingyu’s coming at this from an angle of having a girlfriend. He and Wonwoo are obsessed with their ‘little angel,’ and Mingyu’s always talking about the joys of being in a relationship. It can get somewhat tedious for Seungcheol.
“Don’t you have a client soon?” Seungcheol sighs.
“Point taken, I’ll leave you be,” Mingyu says, patting him on the shoulder.
As soon as his friend is inside, Seungcheol pulls out his phone. He thinks about what he’s going to say to you, before typing out an easy, “Up to anything tonight?”
He’s shocked by how quick your response is. “It’s Sunmi’s birthday this week so we’re celebrating tonight since it’s Saturday.”
Seungcheol’s mood drops, and a moment later, you’re calling him.
“Hi,” he says.
“Hi,” you respond. “How are you doing?”
“Not so bad.” He wants to tell you that it’s his birthday tonight, wants to try to convince you to come, but at the same time, he doesn’t want to guilt you, doesn’t want to mess up your plans. “What’s up?”
“I just… I know we’ve only gone on one actual date, and I only met you a week ago, but… I just want you to know, when I go out tonight, I’m not going to be hitting on anyone or anything.”
He’s taken aback for a moment. “I wasn’t really worried about that.”
“Okay! Good! I just- I know with your ex and everything- and I just, I figured I’d clarify, even though we’ve only been on one date, I’m a one guy at a time kind of girl.”
He respects that you’re so direct about this, and he appreciates your loyalty. You really are a good person.
“I’m a one girl at a time kind of guy,” Seungcheol says finally. “Glad we’re on the same page about that.”
“Me too.” He can hear your smile, and it makes his heart swell.
“Anyways, I’ll let you go. Have fun tonight.”
“I will, bye, Cheol.”
Nine:
You’re having a great night. The drinks have been flowing, and you’re having a fun time celebrating Sunmi’s birthday. Things are fuzzy in the best way- until you hear a familiar voice say your name.
You turn to find your ex standing close to you at the bar, and your heart sinks in your chest.
“It’s been a while,” your ex states.
You can’t even find the words to speak, suddenly getting drunk seems like a horrible idea.
You’ve just started to feel safe again, to feel stable- you’d thought being out with your friends, you could let loose, but now your ex is here and your heart is beginning to race.
“Have you been drinking?” your ex asks, coming to stand closer to you at the bar top, where you’d been sipping a gin and tonic.
“I, uh-” your words catch in your throat, and you swallow thickly. “It’s Sunmin’s birthday.”
Your ex nods, and when you look toward your table, you see Sunmin gaping at you.
Turning away from Sunmi, your ex addresses you. “Is she still a huge bitch?”
“I-” you want to defend your friend, but you feel frozen. You can’t think- you’re completely overwhelmed, and you can hear the blood rushing in your ears, your heart like thunder in your chest.
“We need to talk,” your ex says next. “Come outside with me.”
He grabs your arm, and then a hand wraps around yours. You turn to see Sunmi standing there, glaring at your ex. “What do you think you’re doing?!” she asks.
“Y/N and I need to have a chat outside,” your ex sighs, being very dismissive.
“She doesn’t have to go anywhere with you,” Sunmi insists. “Honey, do you want to go with him?”
You quickly shake your head, moving closer to your friend for safety.
“She doesn’t know what she wants,” your ex rolls his eyes, tightening his grip on your arm to the point where it almost hurts.
“We’re going to the bathroom,” Sunmi insists, somehow successfully tugging you away from your ex.
“Run away, but I’ll be right here to talk to her when you’re done.”
It feels like a blur as Sunmi races you to the woman’s washroom. “Y/N,” she helps you to the sink, looking at your face. “Are you okay?”
“I-”
Sunmi pulls you to her chest, hugging you deeply. “We’re going to sort this out,” she promises.
“How?” You feel like crying. All the emotions come flooding back, the fear, the helplessness-
“We’re going to call Seungcheol.”
“What?” You’re in shock. “We can’t do that!”
“We can, and we will. Men like your ex only respond to other men. We’re calling him. Give me your phone.”
Reluctantly, you hand Sunmi your cell, turning on the sink to splash your arms with cold water.
“Hi, Seungcheol?” There’s a pause. “No, this is Sunmi. I’m out with y/n, we’re at a bar on Elm and fifth street, her ex just showed up- okay, okay, yeah, we’re in the bathroom in the back.”
She hangs up and you look to her for an explanation.
Your friend lets out a sigh. “As soon as I said your ex was here, Seungcheol said to give him five minutes. I’m going to keep you here and he’ll come get us, okay?”
You nod. “I’m sorry to ruin your birthday.”
“Honey, you’re not ruining anything,” she assures you, pulling you in for another hug.
You hold back tears while you wait with Sunmi, and in no time at all, there’s a knock on the bathroom door. Seungcheol pokes his head in, and you see his expression drop when he sees you.
“What happened?” he growls, coming to join you.
“Her ex was trying to drag her outside-” Sunmi tries to explain.
“He touched you?” Seungcheol asks, anger laced in his words.
You nod, pointing to your forearm.
“Grabbed is more like it,” Sunmi breathes.
“Okay,” Seungcheol nods. “Okay, I’ll get you out of here. Just hold onto me and we’ll get out of here.”
You nod again, allowing Seungcheol to gently take your hand. He guides you out of the bathroom, and you huddle close to his side as he walks you through the bar- you almost think things will go smoothly when your ex steps in front of you.
“Who’s this, you’re new boyfriend?” he asks, venom dripping from his words.
Seungcheol stops in his tracks. “So you must be the dip shit ex.”
“Say that again, asshole,” your ex growls, eyes narrowing.
“You must be-” Seungcheol broadens his shoulders, “the dip shit ex.”
Your ex releases a laugh, and then he’s taking a swing. It feels slow and fast at the same time, Sunmi tears you away from Seungcheol, who dodges the punch easily, only to land a blow to your ex’s stomach-
“Y/N! Sunmi!” Mingyu’s voice appears out of nowhere, and suddenly two strong arms are wrapping around you and your friend. “Outside!”
Mingyu keeps you close as he gets you and Sunmi out of the bar while a commotion ensues in your wake. Four motorcycles are pulled up on the curb. You recognize Vernon, and there’s another man you’ve never seen before.
“Cheol’s starting shit,” Mingyu tells his friends quickly.
“We heard your ex was here?” Vernon offers, giving you a sympathetic look.
“He threw a swing at Cheol when I got inside,” Mingyu tries to explain. “Y/N, we’re going to get you out of here, Wonwoo pass me the spare helmet from the saddlebag.”
“What about Seungcheol?” you ask, watching the men fuss.
“He can take care of himself,” Mingyu assures you, helping you put on the helmet.
“Cheol will meet us at our place,” the new man, Wonwoo, says. “When he gets hot like this, he doesn’t drive very safely.”
“Trust us,” Mingyu pleads. “We just gotta get you out of here, your ex made the first swing, and nothing good can come from this now.”
You turn to Sunmi and she squeezes your hand. “It’s okay, get out of here. I’ll text you what happens.”
You can’t even think as Mingyu gets onto his bike and you awkwardly take the seat behind him. You can’t comprehend how things happened the way they did- how fast the altercation had been before your ex had taken a go at Seungcheol.
As you leave the bar, heart thundering in your chest, it’s the most you can do to try to slow your breathing, your body still carrying the trauma that you’d endured with your ex, the wound you’d thought was healed now torn open.
Ten:
“Are you sure this is okay?” you ask as Mingyu covers you with a large fluffy blanket on his couch. “I mean- you just said your girlfriend is four months pregnant and sleeping in the other room-”
“It’s fine,” Mingyu assures you.
“I’m sorry if I ruined your night.” You’d found your ability to speak again once you felt safe and in Mingyu’s apartment, and now, you can’t help the anxiety bubbling inside of you. You feel like a burden- and it’s an all too familiar feeling from your time with your ex.
“You didn’t ruin it, we were almost done anyways,” Wonwoo notes.
“Are you sure?”
“Y/N, deep breaths,” Mingyu tells you, sitting on the couch next to you, offering your calf a reassuring squeeze.
“Is Cheol going to be okay?” you ask.
“He’s going to be fine, that man has never lost a fight,” Mingyu explains, smiling softly.
In the distance, you hear an engine revving, and Wonwoo sighs. “There he is.”
Not even five minutes later, Seungcheol is practically bursting through the door. His eyes find you on the couch, and you’re quick to stand, allowing him to envelop you in a hug. His heart is racing in his chest, he’s clearly panicked, and when he pulls away, he looks down at you with wide eyes.
“Are you okay?” he questions, cupping your face as if checking you for injury.
“I’m okay, are you okay?” you retort.
“Just a few bruised knuckles,” he assures you.
You find yourself laughing, and as you laugh, your eyes well up with tears. Now that he’s here, you finally feel like you can take a deep breath, and he’s quick to tug you back to his chest as you cry.
“I’m going to give you a moment, then I’m going to take you home,” he tells you, hand smoothing up and down your back.
You stay in his arms until you feel a bit better, and when you pull away, Mingyu is offering you a tissue. You clean yourself up, say your goodbyes, then Seungcheol walks you out with the spare helmet in hand.
He doesn’t say anything on the way down, but at the bike, he hands you his fullface. “Want you protected,” he tells you, grabbing the bucket helmet from your grasp.
You nod, putting on the helmet and allowing him to help you fasten it up.
You’re quiet as you both get onto the bike, and Seungcheol adjusts your hand to his hip, squeezing gently.
The bike roars to life and you take off.
It’s a different feeling to be on a motorcycle while still a little drunk, and you find yourself throwing your head back to look up at the night sky.
You’ve seen the stars before, but on the back of Seungcheol’s bike, it feels like you're experiencing them for the first time.
You lose track of time doing this, and the ride is done sooner than you’d like when he pulls up to your building. “Come on, baby,” he says softly, helping you take off your helmet. “Let’s get you upstairs.”
He holds your hand, helping you with your keys to get into the apartment complex. The elevator ride is quiet, but his hand is a reassuring constant, warm and large wrapped around your own.
He’s never been to your place, and you feel a little self conscious as you open up your door. It’s a modest apartment, one bedroom- there’s really nothing to be insecure about, but you think maybe your anxiety from the bar incident is just making you a little crazy.
“How about you sit down, and I’ll get you some water?” he suggests, helping you to the couch.
You kick off your high heels, curling up on the cushions while Seungcheol putters around your kitchen. He already looks like he belongs here, and for a brief moment, you can forget about your ex.
Seungcheol rejoins you on the couch, handing you the cup. “Here.”
“Thank you.”
You sip on your water, trying to breathe properly again.
Seungcheol gives you the space to unwind. He doesn’t pester you with questions about the altercation with your ex at the bar, and you’re grateful for it.
“You’re not hurt, are you?” he asks finally.
You shake your head, your eyes dropping to his hands. “You’re hurt though.”
“Just bruised knuckles,” he assures you.
“There’s blood,” you insist. “I’ll-”
“Tell me where your first aid kit is and I’ll grab it.”
You direct him to the cupboard in your bathroom, and he returns with it, setting the case onto your coffee table.
“How’s your shoulder?” you ask as you take out the tools you’ll need.
“Almost better, I heal fast,” he says softly.
It feels good to focus on his wounds rather than your own, and you gently clean the scrapes on his hand. His right fist is pretty badly bruised, and you do your best to treat it. Then you begin to slowly wrap his knuckles, taking your time. Two wraps around his wrist, diagonal across the top to his pinky, under the hand, to the pointer, diagonal-
It’s a nice repetition of motions, and when you’re all done, you lift his hand to your lips, gently pressing a kiss to his knuckles. “All better.”
You look up at Seungcheol, and he stares back.
Then, he slowly moves in, carefully watching your expression. He stops just an inch from your lips, and you can feel his breath on your face. He’s waiting for you to make the final move, for you to be the one with control.
With one last look at your beautiful, dark protector, you close the distance.
It’s a soft kiss, not the kind of first kiss you’ve ever had before. Seungcheol doesn’t immediately try to dominate you like men in the past have, he lets you set the pace. You lean in closer, grabbing his shoulders to stabilize yourself as you deepen the kiss.
Seungcheol’s arms wrap around you, and it’s a somewhat awkward position on the couch like this, so he simply pulls you onto his lap.
You lose yourself in the kiss, allowing all your anxiety to dissipate while you enjoy the safety Seungcheol provides.
After a while, Seungcheol pulls away, and you’re both breathing heavily.
“How… how do your knuckles feel?” you ask.
He laughs, looking down at his hands. “I might black out my fingers when this is all healed,” he admits. “I get into too many barfights. My grandma used to say it was the Leo in me.”
“The Leo in you?” you repeat, heard thumping wildly in your chest.
“Yeah, I uh…” he lets out a soft chuckle, “I didn’t wanna pressure you to come out or anything after I heard you were at a friend’s birthday party, but it’s sort of my birthday today.”
You’re frozen for a moment. “Happy birthday.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re a Leo,” you say again.
“Uh huh. You’re not about to tell me some weird zodiac rule about our signs not being compatible, are you?”
“No, it’s not that.” You take a deep breath. Just a short time ago, you’d decided not to tell him about the Elk tattoo meaning, and now here you are, about to tell him everything.
You’re not sure if it’s the adrenaline from the bar situation, or the slight tipsyness, but you think fuck it, if he could tell you about his tarot loving grandmother, you can tell him about this.
“A few months ago, I did a reading,” you begin to explain.
“A tarot reading,” he clarifies.
“Yeah. And I asked my guides to show me a spirit animal card that would be a tattoo on the person I’m supposed to be with. The card came up as an Elk- and before you tell me it’s a very common tattoo, I know it is, which is why I asked for further clarification with them telling me the zodiac of this person too-”
“And they said Leo,” he breathes.
You nod. “Then, when I met you, the Elk lined up, but I still wasn’t sure, so I did another reading on us, and the Two of Cups came out, it’s a love card. So with those two cards, and now the fact that you’re a Leo-”
“Is this your way of telling me you think I’m your soulmate?” Seungcheol grins.
“God, I should have guessed you’re a fucking Leo,” you roll your eyes.
“Don’t be rude,” he tuts, gently pinching your hip. “If it’s any consolation, my grandmother always told me I’d end up with someone in the medical field, and you’re an ER nurse.”
“She really said that?” you ask.
“Uh huh.” Seungcheol’s gaze dips to your lips then back up again. “I wonder if she saw this future.”
Your heart melts. After your last relationship, where the lovebombing came on fast, you’d promised yourself not to get burned by that sort of thing again- but here you are, falling for Seungcheol way quicker than you ever have with anyone else in the past.
Even so, something about this feels so right.
You let out a breath. “One time with the Elk may have been coincidence. Two times with the Two of Cups card was a little odd. But three times with your Leo Zodiac-”
“I guess the question is, do you believe in fate?” Seungcheol moves closer.
“I think you know that I do,” you laugh.
Seungcheol’s hands squeeze your hips, and he doesn’t say anything else as he brings his mouth to yours.
You kiss him eagerly, wrapping your arms around him, pressing your chests together. His tongue glides against your own and it feels like magic- there’s a bulge growing in his pants, and you can’t help but begin to grind down against him.
Seungcheol releases a small groan and it’s music to your ears, prompting you to apply more pressure to his cock when you wriggle against him.
With a sigh, Seungcheol pulls away. “Baby,” he says softly, “you’ve been drinking and I don’t want to take advantage tonight-”
“I swear that whole situation with my ex sobered me up,” you admit. “Besides, maybe I want to give you a birthday present.”
“A birthday present?” he repeats with a chuckle.
You nod. “Cheol, I haven’t even kissed anyone in months- I’m already practically drenched from making out, you won’t make me wait even longer, will you?”
He studies your face, and you can see the moment he folds. “We can do this, but at any point if I think you look drunk, we have to stop. I don’t want you to regret this being our first time.”
“I could never regret this,” you promise, leaning in to press your lips to his throat.
Seungcheol throws his head back, his fingers digging into your hips again. The low moan he releases tells you that he has a sensitive neck, and you enjoy simply teasing him for a minute while you mentally prep yourself for what’s to come next.
You do want to move on, and this is one of those steps.
You’re not afraid of it. You had been frightened about intimacy with someone new, but Seungcheol makes you feel more safe than you’ve ever felt in your life.
You want this.
You shift a little on Seungcheol’s lap, reaching down to cup his cock with your palm.
Seungcheol swallows thickly, his hands smoothing up and down your hips. “Are you sure?” he asks. “You don’t want me to take care of you?”
“It’s your birthday,” you point out. “And you took care of me at the bar, I think it’s my turn to show some appreciation.”
He doesn’t argue with you, and you can feel the tension leaving his shoulders. He lets out a deep breath. “I know it’s early,” he says, “but… if we do this, I don’t want any confusion. I want you to know that you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
“Honestly? I’ve been yours since practically the moment I saw you take your shirt off so I could clean your shoulder wound.”
Seungcheol releases a chuckle. “Really?”
“Uh huh, you make me fucking feral.”
He lets out a groan of appreciation. “It’s been hard to control myself too. That day at the studio, when you touched my back tattoo- I was so close to breaking. Wanted to throw you onto my desk and make you feel good.”
You imagine what that would have been like, and it makes you moan. “Why didn’t you?”
“I could tell you had a past, and I didn’t want to scare you off,” he admits. “I’ve been… trying to be a good boy.”
Your bad boy trying to be good to make you comfortable. You really hit the jackpot with Seungcheol.
“Cheol, I’ve told you I have a thing for bad boys,” you tease.
“So maybe I should take control right now,” he suggests with a grin.
“Let me suck you off, and then you can take control,” you tell him, pulling away. “I’m going to get on my knees now.”
Seungcheol watches you slip onto the floor infront of him, and your hands find his belt. You try to focus on your task of getting his pants off, but you enjoy sneaking glances at him, seeing his pretty face as he tries to keep composure.
He lifts his hips to help you tug his jeans down, and his cock slaps up against his lower abdomen, hard and already leaking.
He’s a decent size, somewhere between six and seven inches, and his cock is as girthy as the rest of him. You lick your lips, grabbing the base so you can adjust him toward your mouth as you lean in.
“No teasing,” Seungcheol warns, voice softening when he says, “please.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Liar,” he laughs, reaching out to stroke your head.
You slip the tip of his cock into your mouth, swirling your tongue.
“And that’s the teasing I was talking about,” Seungcheol muses. “Feels good though.”
You sink further down onto him, beginning to suck as you move up and down.
“Fuck, that feels even better,” he groans.
When you were with your ex, blow jobs were an expectation, and because of that, you never really enjoyed them. There’s something powerful about doing this of your own volition, about making the conscious choice to pleasure Seungcheol.
You close your eyes, getting lost in the motion of providing this for him. Hallowing your cheeks, you suck hard when you’re near the tip, and Seungcheol groans loudly, shifting further down on the couch so you’re not bent over him in such an awkward position.
“You’re good at that, baby,” Seungcheol says. “But there’s only one birthday present I’d enjoy more than this.”
You let out a “hmm?” sound, an inquiry.
“When I’m balls deep in your pussy, watching you writhe under me, listening to your pretty sounds- that will be the cherry on top of this birthday,” he explains. “Thank you for wanting to make me feel good, but- usually, baby, I like to be the giver.”
Your pussy throbs at his words, and you increase your speed on his cock, letting out a moan of appreciation.
“Yeah? You like that?” he asks. “Say the word, baby, and I’ll make it happen.”
You pull off of him, your hand smoothing up from base to tip to pump him while you address your beautiful dark protector. “I just want to make you feel good a little while longer.”
His expression softens. “Making me feel really good.”
You grin, returning to your task.
Seungcheol’s hand is gentle in your hair. He caresses you while you suck him off, never applying pressure or trying to get you to deep throat him. It’s an ever constant, soft touch, and you’re shocked at how much of a gentleman this heavily tattooed, bar fighting, Leo can be.
“Baby?” His voice draws you from your thoughts. “I know I said you could say the word and be done, but- this feels too good, and I don’t wanna bust the moment I begin to fuck you.”
You pull off of his cock with a pop, smiling up at him. “Okay.”
“Okay?” He lets out a shaky breath and grins. “Where’s your bedroom, gorgeous?”
“Right there.” You point at the door adjacent to the living room.
“Come on, baby, it’s my turn to take care of you.” He helps you to your feet, pulling his pants back up, and you’re shocked when he throws you over his uninjured shoulder, carrying you to your bedroom while you erupt in a fit of butterfly fueled giggles.
Seungcheol lays you softly onto your bed, staring down at you. He takes in your silky shirt and your dress pants, you like to be more classy when you go out, to keep up with your reputation as a nurse.
The two of you are very different people. He’s black ripped jeans, plain tshirts and tattoos. And you’re classy outfits, scrubs, and a healer’s touch. Somehow, even with these differences, the two of you work. Like Yin and Yang, complementary forces, light and dark.
“Can I take these off for you?” he asks, tugging at your pant leg.
You nod, watching the way he begins to undo your button and zipper. He’s slow with his motions, precise. It’s not a rush to get you naked, it’s an enjoyed exploration, and you love the way his eyes glow when you lift your hips to allow him to pull the fabric off your lower half.
“You’re so pretty,” Seungcheol muses.
“Yeah?”
“That day you were in my shop with your friend, doing a consult with Vernon- I was trying to act like I was watching my newest apprentice work, but… I kept looking at you. And then, outside the bar, when you showed up again-” Seungcheol shakes his head, his hand smoothing along your leg gently. “Baby, you’re going to turn me into a believer.”
“Invisible string theory, perhaps,” you grin.
Seungcheol chuckles. “If that’s what you want to call it.”
He takes off his own shirt, and you watch the way his muscles move under his skin. He’s littered in tattoos, patchwork on his arms and chest. There must be a hundred small to medium sized tattoos, and you want to know the story behind each and every one.
But there’s a time and a place for that, and right now, you’re eager for something else.
Seungcheol gets on top of you, and you immediately thread your fingers through his soft dark hair, pulling his lips to your own.
Your free hand explores his muscular shoulders, careful of the bandage still on his bar wound, and you’re practically tingling with how attracted you are to this man.
He kisses you deeply, cupping your face while his other hand braces him to the bed over top of you.
Your legs wrap around his hips, pulling him closer, and he grinds against your panty clad core.
The pressure on your clit has you moaning, and Seungcheol responds by kissing down your throat. He licks at your collarbone, and then his hand moves from your cheek to your shirt. “Can I take this off?” he asks.
“Uh huh, there’s a tie at the back.”
Seungcheol pulls off of you, and in one motion, he flips you onto your stomach. His warm hand smooths over your shoulder, toying with the tie there.
You hold your breath in anticipation as he begins to undo the corset style back of your slinky top. He leans over you, pressing a kiss to the nape of your neck that makes your body erupt in goosebumps.
You enjoy the way he takes his time with your shirt, and he slowly helps you slip it off. You’re laying flat on his bed, your tits pressed to the comforter, while Seungcheol explores your back with his hands. He traces the curvature of your sides, pressing kisses along your spine. Soft curls tickle your skin, and you’re grinning like the Cheshire Cat at how good this feels.
Seungcheol flips you over again, and his gaze dips to your exposed breasts. “You’re so pretty,” he muses, gently groping your chest, his thumb grazing over your nipple. You watch him swallow thickly, and then he’s leaning over, taking the sensitive bud in his mouth while you tangle your fingers in his curls again.
With his mouth on your breast, his free hand slips down your body, and he tugs your panties down just enough for him to access your core.
Two digits rub between your pussy lips and you feel him smile against your nipple. “You weren’t lying about being wet, baby.”
“Would never lie to you,” you breathe out shakily.
“No?” He circles your clit and you moan loudly.
“Never,” you repeat, pushing your hips up toward his hand, needing more friction.
Seungcheol rewards you by slipping both of his digits into your wet core, pressing his palm to your clit as he begins to finger fuck you. He sucks on your breast while he does this, and you’re lost in the sensations he provides.
“Fuck, Cheol-” you whimper when his teeth graze your nipple, your pussy clenching tight around his fingers.
“Wanna make you cum,” Seungcheol says, pulling away from your breast to look down at you.
“Then make me cum,” you respond, nodding at him.
Seungcheol presses one last kiss to your lips and then he shifts down the bed, pulling his fingers from your core. He gets onto his knees at the foot of the mattress, dragging you toward himself and pulling your panties off.
He spreads your thighs. “So pretty,” he muses. “Everything about you is so fucking pretty.”
Your skin heats, it can be hard to take a compliment, but something tells you that Seungcheol will get you used to this kind of praise.
He leans forward, eyes meeting yours as he presses a kiss to your clit. You jolt at the small contact, releasing a shaky breath.
No one has eaten you out in months, and your core is already throbbing with anticipation.
“Gonna take care of you,” Seungcheol promises, and you know that this promise extends far past the sexual setting you’re in right now.
He moves forward again, capturing your clit in his mouth while his digits easily slip into your pussy again.
You throw your head back, enjoying the sensation of him worshiping your cunt. He’s gentle with his motions at first, kitten licking your sensitive bud. You know he’s getting used to your sounds, figuring out what pressure works, what you enjoy, whether thats sucking, or more gentle stimulus.
“Feels good,” you tell him. “Like the way you crook your fingers.”
He responds by applying more pressure to the ‘come hither’ motion he’s making, and you release a whine at how good it feels.
“Just like that,” you whimper.
He sucks your clit harder too, and you moan louder, hips bucking toward his face.
Seungcheol’s free hand finds your lower abdomen and he pins you to his bed, keeping you still while he works on your pussy.
You can feel your walls clenching around him, and Seungcheol releases a groan of pleasure. It adds to your own feeling of euphoria that clearly he’s enjoying this. He hadn’t been lying when he said he’s usually a giver, and the fact that he doesn’t see this as a chore has you able to enjoy it fully, unlike certain past experiences where men had to be begged into eating you out.
Sex with Seungcheol - even foreplay like this - feels so natural. You’re not as in your head as you usually are, with his nonverbal communications and moans, you can be certain he’s enjoying this as much as you are, and it gives you the confidence to give yourself over completely to the pleasure.
Sex should always be like this, you realize.
There’s no pressure, no worrisome thoughts, it’s just two souls connecting physically in a way that’s mutually beneficial.
Having not been eaten out in a long time, it’s not surprising that you’re extremely sensitive, and Seungcheol works you all the way to the edge before you can even comprehend what’s happening.
“Cheol-” you whimper, threading your fingers in his hair, “I’m gonna-”
You don’t get to finish your sentence, he sucks harshly on your clit, and your words become moans as your orgasm surges through you.
His hand on your abdomen keeps you steady as he works you through your high, sucking on your clit until your legs are shaking on his broad shoulders.
Seungcheol pulls away, and you open your eyes to watch him wipe the back of his mouth, licking his fingers clean.
“Still want this?” he asks, hooking his fingers in the waistband of his jeans.
“More than anything,” you smile.
A moment later, Seungcheol is as naked as you are, and he gets between your thighs again, lips returning to your own. He doesn’t immediately slip his cock into you, instead, he grinds against your core, teasing your sensitive clit and driving you wild.
You kiss him eagerly, threading your fingers through his hair and groping his muscular shoulders, enjoying the feeling of him despite the need growing inside of you.
You’re reminded again that there’s no rush.
You can take pleasure in this without feeling like you need to be getting fucked to be worth something.
You’re a hundred percent sure that if you’d told Seungcheol you’re not ready for sex, he would have stopped, cuddled you, and not taken it personally. There’s this feeling that Seungcheol is going to be around for a long time- and as crazy as it is with how short of a time you’ve known him, you know that your connection runs deeper than your physical attraction.
Seungcheol shifts slightly, grabbing at his cock. You bite at your lip while you wait for him to line it up with your core, and you break your kiss, panting. Your eyes meet as he slips the head of his length into your wet hole, and you both groan at the feeling.
“Fuck,” Seungcheol moans, sinking in inch by inch. “You feel so fucking good.”
“You feel better,” you retort, kissing his cheek and nuzzling his nose.
“Impossible,” he grins, burying his face in your throat as he begins to fuck you.
You claw at his shoulders, crying out with each thrust. He fills you so well- he has probably one of the biggest cocks you’ve ever taken, and the way he stretches you out is like heaven, like he was made to be in your pussy.
The sounds he’s making are unlike any other pleasured noises you’ve ever heard.
Nothing has ever felt this right.
Seungcheol’s uninjured hand finds your own, and he laces your fingers, squeezing you reassuringly as he fucks you harder, his speed increasing.
His lips are hot on your neck, and it feels delightful. You love just laying back and taking everything he’s giving you. He’s so big, like a warm, weighted blanket covering your form.
Your toes are already curling at how deep he’s hitting, and your thighs shake desperately around his hips.
“Cheol-”
“Yes, baby?” he asks.
“You just- fuck, this feels so good-”
“You deserve to feel good,” Seungcheol tells you. “You work so hard for others, I’m lucky I get to be the guy working for you.”
Your heart swells at his words. Past boyfriends’ haven't ever truly appreciated how hard it is to be an emergency room nurse. You spend your whole shift taking care of others, and that high pressure, intense mentality bleeds into your personal life. It's a sweet relief to be the one on the receiving end, to relax and know that you can fully give yourself up to the pleasure and desire you feel, without feeling obligated to return this favour with future sexual gratifications.
Seungcheol’s lips meet your own, and you get lost in him, moaning desperately as he works your pussy open.
His thrusts slow, and he stays completely still inside of you for a moment, then pulls away.
“Can you shift onto your side for me?” he asks. “One leg straight on the bed, the other thigh pulled closer to your chest.”
It’s a position you’ve never tried before, but you trust Seungcheol, and you’re quick to adjust. You lay half on your side, one leg stretched between his knees while you bring your other toward your breasts.
Seungcheol’s warm hand finds your thigh, and he helps bend you, his free hand guiding his cock to your pussy again.
When he pushes in this time, it feels even deeper, and you let out a squeak at the stimulation.
“You like that?” he asks, hand moving from your thigh to your breast, where he gently pinches your nipple.
“So deep- I feel so full-” you whimper.
Seungcheol only grins, and he’s an absolute vision in this position. He’s practically on his knees, and his chest is all exposed and gorgeous. His tattoos are beautiful as he massages your breast with one hand, the other on your thigh, anchoring you while he fucks you.
You’re not sure if it’s the sideways angle or what, but he’s hitting a spot that has your toes curling tight, your pussy clenching.
“Fuck-” you moan.
“Shit, I should have asked this before-” Seungcheol says, voice shaky, “do I need to pull out or-”
“I’m on birth control,” you assure him. “You can cum inside.”
“Fuck,” Seungcheol groans, rutting into you even harder.
“Kinda want you to fill me up,” you admit.
“You’re way too sexy, baby, holy shit-”
You can tell your words are doing a number on him, and it makes your core throb with pleasure.
“Can you rub your clit?” he asks. “Want you to cum with me. I hate cumming alone.”
“Yeah.” Your hand slips between your thighs awkwardly, and Seungcheol decreases his pace to give you a chance to catch up to his pleasure.
His movements are slower now, more precise, his cock hitting that spot deep inside that has you crying out again.
“You look so good like this,” Seungcheol tells you. “My pretty little nurse.”
For some reason, his words just do something to you, and your core throbs even harder. “Cheol, I’m close-” you warn him,
“Tell me when you’re almost there and I’ll go fast again.”
You focus on the sight of him, on the tattoos and muscles, his strong features and the pretty dark curls. His small groans egg you on, and you’re at the edge in no time, giving him a nod. “Okay-”
He releases your breast, using both hands on your leg now to steady himself as he fucks you stupid, your whole body jolting with each motion. You let out a desperate whine, rubbing your clit even harder-
“Fuck, fuck-” Seungcheol groans. “Feels so fucking good- fuck, cum with me, baby, cum with me-”
You moan in response, your core clenching down desperately on his cock as your orgasm explodes through you. Your whole body shivers with endorphins, heart racing in your chest.
Seungcheol throws his head back, releasing an extremely sexy groan as he cums with you, fingers digging into your skin as he thrusts slowly and deeply, working you through your orgasms.
You rub your clit until you can’t take it anymore, tearing your hand away.
Seungcheol slumps forward, stilling completely, and you greedily grab at his shoulders. He collapses half on top of you, and you thread your fingers through his hair, panting hard.
His forehead rests against your own, and you both just try to catch your breath.
You’ve never felt connected to someone the way you feel connected to Seungcheol in this moment. It’s all consuming, and it makes you emotional as you come down from your high.
Seungcheol must notice your shaky breathing because he opens his eyes and looks at you. “You okay, baby?”
“I’m just-” you swallow thickly. “I don’t know-”
You can’t voice it, can’t voice the way you’re feeling. There are so many thoughts swirling around in your head, so many past traumas rearing their ugly faces and making you second guess yourself-
“I’m yours, and you’re mine,” Seungcheol breathes, pressing a kiss to your lips. “I’m not going anywhere.”
And just like that, he can clear all of your anxieties, as if he was able to read your mind and see your fears.
You’ve always been drawn to bad boys, to men who you envision as some kind of dark protector- and now, you think you’ve finally found the right one.
☀️ mlist + an. Thank you so much for reading! this fic is written in conjunction to my other story 'crossroads,' read more about Mingyu, Wonwoo, and their y/n here
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🔮 preview. Seungcheol’s thrusts get faster, and he rests his forehead against your spine while he rails you into the blow up mattress at a campsite where anyone could walk by. His baby fever is at an all time high, and he’s fucking you like a man who means every word he’s saying.
cw/ tw. Unprotected sex, sex in a campsite, exhibitionism, staying quiet during sex, pussy eating, fingering, large/muscled/tattooed Cheol, quickie, baby fever, dirty talk, breeding kink, praise, breast worship, etc…
👹 rating. 18+ explicit I wc. 2.6k I teaser wc. 180
🌙 starring. Choi Seungcheol x afab!Reader
bonus
It’s been just under a year since you started dating Seungcheol, and through him, you’ve found a family. Many trivia nights, and bowling excursions have been spent with Seungcheol, his friends, Sunmi, her sister, and her sister’s boyfriend Jeonghan. Once you’d met everyone face to face, it had been much easier to track Sunmi’s convoluted explanation of her connection to the tattoo parlour, and it’s been a joy to become so close with so many wonderful people.
Sunmi’s sister’s boyfriend, Jeonghan, is cousins with Mingyu and Wonwoo’s girlfriend, who’d had a beautiful baby girl this past January, and now, it’s the baby’s first summer. You don’t mind the shift of hang outs to be more baby inclusive, and now, you find yourself at a campsite with the whole gang.
While everyone is quite enamored with the little baby girl, Haesoo, no one is more obsessed than your boyfriend Seungcheol. You always get to see him coddling her while out and about as a group, but in the past three days at this campsite, you’ve contracted a serious case of baby fever.
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synopsis ➳ four years of obsessing over him. so what if he is taken. you don't mind being the villainess if it means you get to have him in the end. genre ➳ chaebol au, thriller, dark romance. pairing ➳ heir!seungcheol x villainess!f.reader wc ➳ 19.4k warnings ➳ manipulation, blackmail, cheating, guns, blood, destruction of evidence, murder, death of minor characters, cursing, accident, scarring, adoption, heavy make out, fingering, marking, every character is corrupt more or less basically, also for plot purposes reader's last name is kim.
pick your poison babe
i'm poison either way
When you met Choi Seungcheol for the very first time, you were 13 years old.
One sunny afternoon, while making your way to your grandpa’s study with your homework clutched to your chest, you were graced by the sight of him. He was stepping out of the room after meeting with your grandpa when the sound of your footsteps prompted him to stop and regard you with curiosity, head tilted to a side. He was only 18 back then, full of dreams and passion as he prepared to move abroad to finish his degree before returning home to inherit his father’s company.
“Hey,” he had said, unsurely. With a squeak, you ran away and hid in a nearby room, too shy to talk with a stranger. You remember him standing there for a moment, confused by your behaviour before slowly walking away with a shake of his head.
The second time you saw Seungcheol, you were 18 years old, five years after your first meeting. He had come back after finishing his degree and was preparing to take over his father's billion-dollar company. In celebration, Mr Choi threw a party inviting all his family and friends and since your grandfather was one of his oldest business partners, it was natural for you to be invited with him.
It was that fateful winter evening when you fell in love with Seungcheol for the very first time.
In all 18 years of your existence, dating never interested you. You preferred to keep to yourself, read and spend time with your grandpa. You had realized early on that observing and judging people was much more interesting than talking to them. Especially because no one could ever resist asking you about the big scar on your left cheek. It was irritating; the prodding gaze of strangers who stared at your scar with wonder, treating you like a science experiment. So it wasn’t surprising for you to grow up without having many friends. You didn’t need them anyway, you had your grandpa.
Life was mostly uneventful and you did not mind having it that way. But then, at 18, when you caught a glimpse of Seungcheol and the man he had become, you realized, your life would never be the same. The sight of him had thrown your heart into a frenzy, one you could never recover from.
Gone was the lean young boy with bright eyes and messy hair. In his place was a calm but serious man who knew how to command a room with just his presence. Everything about him; the way he moved, the way he talked, the way he brushed his hand through his slick black hair, the way his suit hugged his muscular frame made your stomach dip and heart throb.
That evening, your sole focus was him, following him around the party with your eager eyes but too shy to go and talk to him. You remember uttering one word to him when he was talking to your grandfather and his eyes landed on you.
“Congratulations.” You had said, giving him your best smile while your stomach was tied up in knots.
He gave you a small smile and a nod before looking away but that little interaction was enough for you to fall head first for him and fill your long nights with dreams.
“He has grown up to be a fine man, no? Choi Corporation is in very good hands.” Your grandpa had commented.
You had to agree.
Seungcheol was a fine man, the finest you had ever seen. So fine that the thoughts of him kept you awake at night, the memory of his smile filled your stomach with butterflies and made you want to write poetry about.
You had decided right then and there that you would make friends with him, grow close to him. It would have been easy to do since his father and your grandpa were already close.
Your plan began with you scouring the net, trying to find every possible information about him and the things that you could not find, you would discreetly ask your grandpa. You were going to set your plan in motion by visiting the golf ring where Seungcheol regularly golfed on weekends. On a Friday night in early February, as you were laying your golf outfit out for the next day with childish excitement, your grandpa came into your room to give you the worst news of your life.
Seungcheol was getting engaged that Sunday.
To the only daughter of Lee Media, the country's biggest media company. The holy union was agreed upon by the elders of the family since it was beneficial for both parties and most importantly, the heirs had no objection. They grew up in each other's presence anyway.
Even worse, after the engagement, Seungcheol was moving to Hong Kong to better oversee the company business and when he was to return, the marriage would take place.
That news would have made any normal person give up. It would have brought them back to their senses and forced them to focus on their own life.
You, however, did not.
Overnight, you were a changed woman.
You attended his engagement party with a smile on your face and watched as he put the ring on that disgustingly beautiful woman’s finger. That day too you spoke to him briefly, congratulating him on his engagement and wishing him luck for his work abroad. With his fiancee, Sumin Lee, you talked plenty; initiating the conversation by introducing yourself and carrying it on by complimenting her dress and her ring. You did not miss the way her gaze would repeatedly fall on your scar, judgment and questions flashing in her eyes. Something was unsettling about that woman, something in the look of her eyes that made you want to scream and warn Seungcheol to stay away.
You could not do that, of course.
Instead, you said goodbye to the man you loved and let him leave.
Your game began after that.
You played the first move by getting his number from your grandpa and texting him once he had left.
Hi, it's ____. Hope you have reached safely.
That was the first text you had sent him.
When he replied, you struck up a conversation, asking for recommendations for golf sticks since you wanted to get into golfing. The rest was surprisingly easy. You bonded with him over golf even though in reality you could not give two shits about that boring sport. The conversations flowed naturally and you always made sure it keep things casual, asking for recommendations and advice on anything and everything as if he were a brother to you.
And like that, four years has gone by.
You started living a life completely different from the one you had envisioned for yourself.
Once upon a time, you wanted to be a librarian. You had no interest in overtaking your grandpa’s business and he had accepted that. In the last few years, however, your previous notion changed. You realized that you needed to take over the company and actually get on the field to continue playing the game you were enjoying. Your grandpa was dubious at first but for the last two years, you have been in the position of the vice president of Kim Associations and you must admit, you have been performing beyond what you thought you were capable of. Your grandpa, who has been extremely pleased with your work, resigned a little while ago and assured you of your capabilities to take over.
And finally, today is the day.
Your inauguration ceremony which will officially mark the beginning of your journey as the president of Kim Associations.
“Are you ready, madam? The guests are all here.” Your assistant’s voice snaps you out of your thoughts. You blink, refocusing your attention on your reflection in the mirror. Combing your fingers through the strands of your hair that have been perfectly styled, you speak, “I’ll be out in a second, Yuna.”
“Yes, madam.” The door shuts quietly behind her.
Sucking in a deep breath, you stand up, carefully scanning your outfit in the mirror one last time. Pleased with how the white blazer and pants look on you, you strut out of the dressing room and into the hallway leading to the grand room where the guests await.
As soon as you can get over with the boring ceremony, you can move on to the bigger tasks. Seungcheol is supposed to return home this month which means your time is running out. As soon as he is here, the preparations for marriage will start and you cannot let that happen. You must act fast.
With the ending of your acceptance speech, you step down from the podium, slightly woozy because of the continuous camera flashes. Yuna holds out a bottle of water for you to take a quick sip. As you screw the lid closed, your eyes wander over the room before stopping.
A small gasp parts your lips.
On the other side of the hall, you see Seungcheol talking to your grandpa.
As if sensing your stare he turns his head and his gaze matches yours. A beautiful smile sits on his lips, his eyes shining as he starts heading towards you with a large bouquet of flowers resting on his arm.
Time slows down, and everything around you fades into background noise. Breathlessly, you watch him, soaking in every minuscule detail and committing them to your memory. And lord, is he a vision. Dressed in a three piece grey suit, his freshly styled hair and his blinding smile, you briefly wonder if he is a fragment of your imagination.
You blink a couple of times to snap yourself back to reality before schooling your expression as he stands in front of you.
“Congratulations, President Kim.” He grins, cheeky and proud as he offers you the comically large bouquet.
A huge smile kisses your lips as you accept the flowers. “Seungcheol, I am very pleasantly surprised.”
“That was the intention.” He laughs and it is then that you notice a figure standing right behind him.
It is Sumin, of course, standing next to him with a plastic smile as she congratulates you.
Your mood sours but you don’t let it show.
“You were supposed to return later this month, no?” You peer inquisitively at your love.
“What can I say, business finished early.” He shrugs.
“Which is good because we have a wedding to plan, no honey?” Sumin slings her arms through his as she throws a flirty smile at him. His hand rests on hers and your blood boils.
“Of course.” Your smile is so fake your cheeks hurt. “It was lovely to see you, Seungcheol. I have some investors waiting over there for me. We will catch up later, okay?”
“Of course. Go ahead.”
You push past Sumin, immediately dropping the fake smile as your fingers grip the stem of the flowers in a chokehold.
-
One week passes by and you fail to make time to catch up with Seungcheol— one-on-one at least. As the new president, piles of work awaited you every day at the office that you had to get through. With the very little free time you had after work, you would text Seungcheol only to get a reply that he was busy preparing for the wedding or visiting his in-laws.
Tonight you were invited to dinner by Seungcheol’s father as he held a small dinner for his close friends and family. You went with the hopes of seeing Seungcheol which were quickly crushed after your arrival. Turns out he and Sumin were out of town for whatever reason and would be running late. The sight of Sumin’s family making themselves comfortable and their boisterous attitude prompted you to leave as soon as dinner was over.
Another bad day has come to an end.
You lie in your bed, wide awake even though it is well past midnight. The work that waits for you in the day ahead along with another myriad of meetings overwhelms you. Your grandpa has not been feeling well so you need to visit him. Plus, there is this tiny issue of Seungcheol getting married to Sumin. You are not sure how you should approach this issue. Creating a scandal is always a good idea but that would end up harming the man you love. Of course, there is always another option…
One thought leads to another which leads you to sleep. At the crack of dawn, you are jolted out of your sleep by what you first think is your alarm. Then you fathom it is your phone ringing.
The caller is the caretaker who lives with your grandpa.
With your heart suddenly beating like you just ran a marathon, you pick up the phone.
“Miss Kim, your grandfather had a stroke. We are on the way to the hospital.”
The next few hours are a blur.
You have long lost your sense of time. After what feels like ages since you reached the hospital, you find yourself, along with some relatives, sitting in a sterile waiting room, the walls bleak and grey.
The clock on the wall reads ten in the morning. No sunlight peeks through, however, because there are no windows where you sit.
“You should have something to eat,” your secretary quietly suggests standing next to you. Her words reach your ears but you fail to register them, staring blankly at the floor.
Life without your grandpa sounds weird. He is the only person on this planet you love and trust unconditionally, the only person who understands and loves you the same way you love him.
He cannot just die, can he?
A while later, you don’t know how long, the doctor comes to give a briefing about the patient's health. He says a lot of words which can be summarized as this: your grandfather had a stroke that caused him to fall into a sleep-like state. When he will wake up from this coma is unknown, it could be days, it could be months. For now, his condition is stable and you can only pray it stays the same.
And just like that, there is a sudden shift in your life as you fall into a new routine. Working from dawn to dusk and then spending the evenings next to your comatose grandpa, holding his hand and hoping he would wake up. People come to visit, including the Chois. On the first day that Seungcheol visited, you shed a tear in his embrace before returning to your hollow, expressionless self. Soon, days blend into weeks which transform into a month.
You start becoming more accepting of your reality. A part of you wonders if this is how your grandpa is preparing you to live a life without him. He has always been in your life as a protective shadow since he adopted you at the age of ten. A car crash took your parents away from you when you were very young, so you never missed them. Your memories of your early childhood are next to non existent but after being adopted, every day was something worth remembering. A kind stranger welcomed you with open arms and legally became your grandfather. He was so much more than just a grandfather, though. He was akin to your parents, a best friend, a guardian.
How does one cope with losing such a precious person?
Life sure will not be fun without him judging from the rumours that you hear going around your company. The way the board of directors and shareholders keep hinting that you may be an unfit candidate to rule over the company in the absence of an experienced man like your grandpa.
Why? Because you are young and unmarried.
How sensible that sounds.
While you may not be getting married any time soon, Seungcheol definitely is. His wedding with Sumin is set in exactly three months which does not leave you with much time on your hands. Your grandpa’s collapse was a momentary distraction but at the same time, it was a learning experience. People started showing their true colours and it helped you come to a decision.
You will play the long game and you will hit two birds with one stone.
_
The villa where Sumin’s party is taking place is situated a little outside the city.
She has recently launched her own clothing line with the money given by her in-laws as a pre-wedding gift but that part is a secret to the public.
It is almost dinner time when you arrive and the party is in full swing with the music blasting and people covering almost every place of the villa. The place is mainly littered with influencers and models and you recognize a few familiar faces who approach you first to say hi.
You see Sumin skirting around, talking to people animatedly, posing for pictures and ordering the staff around. She has not noticed you come in but you do not mind. You will be seeing her personally very soon.
Dinner finishes and you start saying your goodbyes, using a headache as your excuse. After ensuring everything is set and your plan is successfully in motion you head for the abandoned factory located about a couple hundred meters behind the villa. The place is quiet and poorly lit but best of all, it is a place without any CCTV cameras. People never bother to come here, one because it is an abandoned, dusty factory and two, it ends in a dead end which is also a junkyard pile.
The watch on your wrist reads five minutes to ten thirty which means Sumin will be here anytime soon.
You wait for her under the only lit lamppost in the area, watching the bugs fly around the light before fixing your wandering gaze on the autumn night sky, the faded echoes of the music from the party your background noise. The sky is glittering with stars tonight, you observe.
“Hello?”
The sudden female voice makes you turn around.
Sumin is standing there with a confused look which quickly morphs into caution when she sees you. “So it was you? You asked me to come here?” She questions with a hint of annoyance as she holds up the note you left for her at the dinner table.
Come to the junkyard at ten thirty. If you tell anyone about this it will be very bad for you.
Your reply is a sweet smile which you know will aggravate her.
“Seriously, I don’t have time for your games. I have a party to get back to.” She huffs, crumpling your note and throwing it down to the ground.
“Of course you do,” you nod, stepping closer to her. She waits for you to elaborate but you deny her the pleasure, instead observing her with a mysterious smile. Her petite, thin frame is drowning in an unbuttoned pink fur jacket. Underneath that, she is dressed in a glittery pastel pink crop top and a matching mini skirt with knee-high boots. As if that wasn’t enough glitter, her eyeshadow and her brown hair are equally shining in glitter.
Life must be so fun for her.
“Hello? Care to explain why you brought me out here?” Sumin snaps two fingers before crossing her hands over her chest, and tapping the tip of her heel on the concrete.
You release a deep sigh before looking her straight in the eye. “Break up with Seungcheol.”
She blinks three times as she processes your words before letting out the biggest scoff of amusement. “Come again?”
“You heard me. Break up with him while I’m asking nicely.”
Sumin appears only more flabbergasted which she expresses with a high-pitched laughter bubbling up from her throat. “The audacity you have! Coming to my party and then calling me here with a threatening note only to tell me to break up with my fiance? Holy shit, you really are crazy!”
You silently watch her with your arms crossed, unamused.
Her expression only grows brighter, lighting up with elation as if she just solved the world’s biggest mystery. “I wasn’t wrong! From the day I first saw you at my engagement party, I knew something was up with you. Your eyes were always following Seungcheol! You are delusional, thinking you can take him from me. Even if I break up with him, do you think he would take you as his wife? He treats you like a sister— no no, I’m being too kind. He tolerates you! You are a pesky little ant that keeps bothering him but he is kind enough not to crush you! You are so fucking unbelievable, ___.”
You warned her, she did not listen. Time to bring out the big guns.
Reaching into your handbag, you pull out a small rectangular envelope before tossing it to the ground in front of her.
“What is it?” Sumin asks, raising an annoyed brow. You remain mute as you wait for her to pick it up. With a huff, she does so as she pries it open and pulls out the photos stacked inside. After flipping through only two of them, the colour drains from her face as she screams and drops them all from her hands.
“You! You bitch! Where did you get them from?” Sumin’s eyes are as wide as saucers accompanied by a look of sheer panic on her face that brings you immense joy.
“Oh sweet Sumin,” You smirk. “You should be careful when having an affair behind your fiancee’s back. You are a chaebol, after all. People are always watching.”
“You psychopath!” She hisses, marching towards you. In a fit of wild rage, she grabs you by the collar and screams. “You think you can get away with blackmailing me! I am the future wife of the Choi Corporation’s president. Everyone will believe me. I can just claim those are fake and you are doing this out of jealousy!”
You cannot stifle a chuckle. Calmly, you grab her hands and hold them tight as you challenge, “Sumin, you are awfully noisy for a cheater. You know I can just send these to the press, right? No matter what your truth is, they are going to eat it up. Your reputation will forever be ruined along with Seungcheol’s. Do you think the Chois would let that happen? They would cut you off immediately.”
“You!” Sumin’s frustrated cry pierces the night silence. “You fucking scarred bitch! I will fucking kill you! Do you think my father would just let you go?”
You smirk. Gripping her hands tightly, you pry them off your collars before shoving her away. “You don’t get to touch me, you scheming cunt.”
Sumin stumbles back a few strides when you start taking slow steps towards her, your hands resting behind your back almost as if you were out on an afternoon stroll. A new look of horror sets on her face when you come closer and whisper in her ear, “I know that your daddy is broke. He has barely been keeping his company together for the last three years. The only reason you are marrying Seungcheol is so you can get half of his money and save yourself.”
A shaky breath comes out of her lips as Sumin steps back from you, her figure trembling. You smile, taking another step closer to her. “I also know the things your daddy did to keep this secret from getting out. But imagine what the Chois would do when they discover that your family— a bunch of thugs, was planning to use them from the very beginning. Partnership? Ha— That was never your intention. You just wanted to take advantage of Seungcheol and his company.”
Sumin keeps looking at you, eyes wide and full of disbelief, panting heavily. Her eyes are the personification of loathing and it creates a sense of achievement so big within you, you feel like bursting.
You have seen enough of her drama.
Stepping even closer to her, you sneer. “Break up with Seungcheol before I ruin you and your entire family to the ground.”
“Never!” She yells, taking you by surprise and shoving you down onto the ground. The hard concrete scrapes your palms which you use to brace yourself, leaving behind a sharp sting.
“I am not going to break up with him! Choi Seungcheol is mine, you beast! My father may be bankrupt now but you don’t know what we are still capable of. We have gotten rid of insects like you many times before. It won’t be hard to shut your mouth forever, you bitch!” She hisses, looking down at you.
You roll your eyes, dusting off the dirt from your palms.
“If I were afraid of dying I never would have joined this game, Sumin.”
She sputters, gritting her teeth, eyes shining with tears of frustration, her hands forming fists. She glares at you for a long moment and you can see the gears shifting in her head through her expression as she gradually composes herself before looking down at the ground, shaking her head and laughing. “That is alright. I will start with your grandfather, then.”
The blood in your veins runs ice cold, making you suddenly grow stiff.
She continues to laugh. “That old man is already on life support. It won’t be abnormal if he dies suddenly, will it? Right now, in fact?’’ She grins, pulling out her mobile and teasingly shaking it in her hand. “What do you say? Should I make a call? Show you how easy it is for me?’’
You breathe in and out sharply, your hands forming fists at your sides. Before you can open your mouth, she continues.
“Oh right! I forgot something important. Before I kill him, you should know a secret, ___.”
You remain rooted to your spot, glaring at her. She grins. “Your grandfather, Kim Han Oh? He is your real grandfather, not a kind old man who happened to see you one day and adopted you.”
What?
A scoff of disbelief falls from your lips. “The fear of being exposed has made you crazy, no? You’re saying anything now.” You sigh, standing up and shaking off the dust from your clothes, almost feeling pity for the girl. There is no way she could be serious right now.
Sumin’s lips break into a larger grin as she slowly moves closer to you, her eyes flashing dangerously. “Oh, poor you! You know nothing, sweetheart. Kim Han Oh is your real grandfather. You are connected by blood. But that is not even the best part.” She stops to let out a giggle. “The best part is, you ended up in that orphanage because of him.”
In the eerie stillness of the night, the only sound is the sharp intake of your breath as your body grows stiff. “You are lying.” Your breath comes out uneven.
You wish your words came out stronger.
“Oh, ___. I wish I were. Your father had you out of wedlock. Your mother was a waitress at a bar when she met your father. When you were 3 years old, he finally decided to confess to your grandfather about his secret family, hoping he would accept you and your mom. He never did. He kicked you three out of his house and while returning from his place, the accident occurred.” Sumin pauses, inspecting your behaviour carefully. She tilts her chin up, pointing to your face, “That scar marring your face? You got it because of him, sweetheart.”
By now, your entire world has collapsed as your body starts shutting down, making your vision blurry as you lose your footing. You choke on your breath, trying to form words of disagreement which comes out as a pathetic whimper. Your hands search pointlessly for something to hold onto and with nothing around you, you fall back down on the ground, panting harshly.
The dim ray of the street light falling over you gets blocked by Sumin as she towers over you with a fiendish smile of victory. Sitting in front of you, she places one knee on the ground and rests her hand on the other.
“It hurts, right? It will hurt more when I tell you that the Choi family is aware of this as well.”
Your eyes fly to her face, wide with alarm and despair.
“That’s right, they know what a filthy, low-born you are. Discarded by your grandfather and then taken back out of pity.” Her words are pure venom, each one hurting more than the last. “You prance around thinking you are the queen of the world, chosen among others because you have something special but in reality, you are a disgusting mutt who does not know her place.”
You cough which morphs into a sob as tears start to blur your vision.
This is not how this was supposed to go.
“How dare you,” Sumin breathes, reaching out her claws to tuck a piece of stray hair behind your ear, “even think of touching Seungcheol, hm? He is mine. Even if I fuck ten guys behind his back, he would choose me any day over someone like you.”
“Shut up!” You cry out.
Sumin chuckles. “You should not have poked your filthy nose in my business, ____. I have ruined you with just my words, now watch as I ruin Seungcheol right in front of you.”
“No!” You hiss, clutching her shoulders. She pries your hands off. “Oh yes. I will marry him and I will destroy him and everything he holds dear. Why? Because I can. Because this is my payback for thinking you can mess with me!”
Pushing you away, she stands up, giving you one last look of victory before marching away, the heels of her boots leaving behind echoes of mockery as you pant harshly.
At the last moment, you call out. “Sumin?’’
She turns around. “Ugh, what now—”
A gun goes off.
If there was no silencer, the haunting echo would ripple through the night air. In its absence, there is a small click followed by an eerie stillness as Sumin drops to the ground, falling on her side with a clean bullet hole sitting on her forehead.
Lowering the gun in your hand, you wipe your tears and stand up. Your handbag lies on the ground haphazardly and you pick it up, putting the gun inside like it was when you came here.
With a heavy sigh, you walk towards where her body lies and watch her remain still, looking at you with the blankest pair of eyes as rivulets of blood flow down her temple.
Surprisingly, you do not feel any remorse. For one second, before pulling the trigger, you hesitated, thinking this decision would come back to haunt you. Now, in the beautiful silence of the night, you do not. Somewhere deep down, you knew this was inevitable, hence you brought the gun.
“You should not have underestimated me if you knew where I came from. Filthy people like me will do filthy things for the people we love. We are villains.” You sigh. “Rest in peace, Sumin.”
You spare one last look at her before walking away from the scene, picking up the photos and the note she dropped earlier on the ground along your way.
_
Morning comes faster than anticipated.
As soon as you come downstairs after waking up, you find your secretary waiting for you with her tablet in her hands, standing at her usual spot even though it is the weekend. The look, however, on her face immediately tells you that the news of Sumin’s death has spread. Schooling your expression, you cross the stairs, heading straight for the kitchen. “Morning, Yuna. Is today not a Saturday?”
“Yes, madam. But…” She hesitates. “Did you hear the news?’’
“What news?” You pick up a glass of orange juice and sip on it.
“Sumin was murdered. Kim Sumin.”
You widen your eyes, setting down the glass with a loud clank. “What?’’
“Yes,” Yuna fidgets as she steps closer to you, eyes shining with mischief as if she is about to share a big secret. “Last night. Apparently, she was shot in the head. The Lees and Chois have given out special orders. No news outlet knows the details of her murder. It is being kept under wraps.”
“I see. How unfortunate,” You stare at the ground before going back to finish your juice.
“Since she was murdered last night while the party was ongoing, the police will be questioning all the attendees. You will also get a call sometime soon.”
“Hm, I left early so I won’t be much help but sure.” You pretend to be absent-minded. “Anyway, is there anything in my schedule today?’’
Yuna opens her mouth to speak but you get her off with a raise of your hand, “Never mind, it doesn’t matter. Cancel it. I need to visit Seungcheol and see how he is doing. He should be at home, no?”
“Yes, madam.”
_
There is a sort of eerieness in the air when you step inside Seungcheol’s mansion. A mais greets you, announcing that Seungcheol is busy seeing a visitor in his study. You lie, telling her he is already expecting you and march towards his room, your heels clicking against the marble floor. You ponder whether it is your imagination that makes his otherwise magnificent home look dull. Maybe it is because of the dark weather outside along with the empty hallways and the lack of usual decorative lights that cast this entire place with a bleak, grey spell. It feels like you have entered the haunted castle of a prince mourning the death of his lover.
If only he knew she was not a lover but a witch.
The voices inside Seungcheol’s study are loud and frustrated enough that you can hear them from the outside quite clearly. Standing in front of the wooden double doors, you lean closer and easily identify Sumin’s father’s voice as he yells. “I need to know who is behind this as soon as possible!”
“Trust me when I say that I will get to the bottom of this.” Replies Seungcheol. “The one who killed her is also an enemy of the Choi family.”
How dramatic.
You roll your eyes. Would he feel the same if he knew what she was doing behind his back?
“That is why I am telling you to trust me. You cannot make rash decisions now. I have employed a good friend of mine as the leading officer in this case. The truth will be out sooner or later.”
“It should be out soon! The bastard ruined us! He killed my daughter and ruined this entire family!” The old man keeps yelling.
You smirk.
It is a she.
He keeps going on about giving his trust to the Chois and telling Seungcheol that he has his full faith in him. You cannot help shaking your head in mirth. Of course, Mr. Lee will say that. He knows that the less he is involved in the investigation, the better because otherwise, all his dirty secrets will be uncovered. He just needs to act like a devastated father and let his daughter’s fiance take care of it.
As you sense their conversation coming to an end, you walk back a few steps, pretending as if you just arrived and are about to make your way inside. The door to the study opens as Mr. Lee steps out, frustrated, murmuring something under his breath. He does not look to be grieving at all which is not a surprise for you. You knew very well that Sumin was only a tool to get him what he wanted, money.
You greet him with a sad expression but he is too busy thinking to himself that he absentmindedly sends a nod your way before marching away.
Once again, you grin.
The entire situation keeps getting more hilarious.
With a deep breath, you take a moment to compose yourself before pushing the door and stepping inside his study. Seungcheol who was staring out the window with his hands on his hips turns around as he hears you step inside.
“___?” He is surprised.
Your heart skips a beat as his eyes meet yours. He looks beat down, like he did not get any sleep the whole night, his appearance dishevelled. His white shirt is crinkled, folded messily up to his arms, his hair unstyled and the slightest dust of stubble covering his chin. A glass of half-drunk whiskey sits on his desk.
For one horrible moment, you wonder if he loved Sumin. That would not be possible, this marriage was only a business deal.
“Hey,” You give him a sad smile which comes out genuinely. Stepping closer to him, you pull him in a gentle hug. “I heard the news this morning. I am so sorry.”
Seungcheol nods, reaching for the drink and finishing it in one go.
“Does the police have any leads?”
“No.” He grunts. “It is quite almost the perfect crime.”
Oh my.
“What do you mean?”
“There is no CCTV footage. It was a blind spot that remained empty most of the time. Sumin did not receive any text messages and there is nothing on her phone that indicates any threats. The last footage of her is her leaving the party by herself and walking towards the abandoned factory. The crime scene was also clean as hell. There are no signs of struggle and the gun is yet to be found.” He grows more frustrated with each word.
You reach to rub his arm soothingly, “Give them some time, I am sure they will find something.”
“I fucking hope so.” He sighs, rubbing his face with his palms.
A grim pause settles in the air and it slowly becomes unnerving. You promptly ask, “Seungcheol?”
“Hm?’’ You calling his name brings him out of his head and makes him turn around to face you properly.
For a horrible moment, your throat closes up.
As you look into his eyes, flashbacks of the previous night come to you in tsunami waves as you feel yourself slipping into an endless pit.
You have tried your level best to keep the things Sumin revealed yesterday out of your mind but when you look at Seungcheol, a loathsome sense of betrayal overtakes you. At the same time, there is fear. You are terrified that the look in your eyes gives you away, telling him about the crime you committed last night.
It is all-consuming, paralyzing.
Amid the battle of words and thoughts inside your mind, you end up asking, “Did you love her?”
He frowns.
You hold your breath, watching and waiting. A look of offence seems to cover his face and you hate it. He should be saying that he did not love her, they were in an agreement of convenience and she was like a friend to him.
“Why do you ask?’’
You shrug, “No reason. I was just curious. I wonder what it feels like to lose a loved one.” You look away, putting on a face of ponder.
Seungcheol remains silent and you start accepting your defeat, realising he probably fell in love with her.
What a horrible sensation.
“I was not in love with her if that is what you are asking. I was comfortable with her like a friend and I was happy to share my future with her. She was nice and kind and beautiful, so somewhere along the line I saw myself falling for her.”
For some reason, his words hurt more, despite him saying he is not in love with her. You detest that look in his eyes, a look that says he has transported back in time and is remembering her with fondness that you wish he would feel for you.
“I see,” you whisper. “Anyhow, I hope you find her killer. If you need any help, I am here.”
“Thanks,” he nods. “The police will probably drop by sometime to ask general questions.”
“Hm, I am happy to help even though I am not sure how helpful I can be.”
“It is just general procedure, so don't worry about it.”
“I am not.” You smile.
_
The next afternoon an officer in plain clothes pays a visit to your office. You have been expecting it and you welcome him in your space, offering him a seat on the large couch in the middle of your office room. As you sit down in front of him, an assistant brings two cups of tea before leaving you two alone in a room of silence minus the ticking of the clock.
The officer begins. “I am Sergeant Thomas. You probably know why I am here.”
“Yes, sergeant, I am aware.”
“Right.” He nods before producing a small notebook and a pen from his pocket.
“So this is a basic procedure. Please try to remember as many details as possible.”
“I will try my best,” You nod, crossing one leg over the other.
“Did you talk to the victim on the night of her murder?’’
“No. I arrived late and left early. Besides, she was already very busy talking to everyone.” Truth.
“Did you see anything different about her? Like she was uncomfortable or scared?’’
“No, she seemed to be her normal bubbly self.” Truth.
“Did anything unusual happen at the party?”
“Unusual?”
“Maybe any argument or fight? Between any of the attendees?” He shrugs.
“No, nothing like that.” You shake your head.
He nods. “And when did you leave the party?”
“Around 9.45 pm.” Lie.
“Why did you leave early?’’
“I had a long work day and a headache was creeping up on me.” Lie.
“Right,” he nods, jotting something down in his notebook. “And when you were leaving did you see anyone suspicious around the area?”
“Not that I remember of, no.”
“Did you see the victim outside? Maybe with someone or by herself?”
“No.”
The officer sighs loudly. “I guess that covers it.”
A smile creeps on your lips but you cover it by offering him a sympathetic look. “I suppose you have not found many leads yet.”
“Unfortunately so,” the man nods, sipping his tea. “This will be a tough case to break.”
You shift in your seat, “How did she die, if you don’t mind my asking.”
“She was shot in the head.”
You gasp, covering your mouth. “Oh no.”
He nods. “Thank you for your time, President Kim. If you remember anything else please contact me.” He stands up, holding out his card. You take it with a nod. “I will sergeant, thank you.”
“Good day, then.” He sends a nod your way before walking out of your office.
You watch him leave with a diabolic smile before crumpling his card and throwing it in the trash, heaving out a loud sigh.
Level one completed successfully.
_
2 months later
Life is mundane.
With your grandpa still being comatose and the investigation of Sumin’s murder coming to a standstill due to the lack of evidence, there is nothing to keep you on your toes.
With the lapse of time, you had grown to be indifferent about everything.
Until now, when debates have sparked about Seungcheol’s capability to lead the Choi Corporation. Finally, the time has come for you to make your second move. They have been facing a hard time, wavering stock prices and a heavy debate over being in favour or against Seungcheol as the company’s head. With Sumin’s murder and the end of the union with Lee Media, things are extremely unstable as the power-hungry board of trustees deems him unsuitable to lead the company. Not to mention rumours have been going around stating that the Choi family was behind Sumin’s murder.
Now is the perfect time to start working on the second half of your plan. You have been helping them secure investments, regularly sitting for meetings with Seungcheol and his dad to plan new projects. Your plan can now be initiated seamlessly.
Today is another one of those days and you, Seungcheol and his dad have come together in his office after work to go over the profits of the latest joint venture.
“This is good but we can do better.” Mr Choi says, setting down the sheets on the coffee table and rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Most shareholders are still against Seungcheol and they want quick results.”
At the mention of his name, the man sighs and looks at his father, exasperated. “Dad, we have gone over this. We need to keep working to rebuild what we have lost. And we’re starting to see results. The board will give up sooner or later.”
“We need something more solid, son. We need something right now to prove to everyone that Choi Corporation still has a very bright future.”
You cannot resist this perfect opportunity.
Setting down the spreadsheet you were holding, you lean back on the couch and cross your arms before looking at Seungcheol. “You need to form a union.”
Seungcheol raises a thick brow. Mr Choi shuffles, peering at you inquisitively. You have to stifle a pleased smile. “Choi Corporation needs to form a long-term alliance with another big industry.” You pause. “And what better way to do that than through matrimony.”
There is a stretch of silence followed by your words.
Seungcheol scoffs, “What non—”
“Aha!” His father interrupts with a look of pure elation on his face. “You are so right! Why did I not think of this before…” The light in his face starts to diminish. “But which elite family would agree to ally with us now, unless…” An unmistakable flash of hope sparks in his eyes as he looks at you.
Absolutely delighted, you wait for him to voice the words.
“___, would you… be willing to?” His voice is full of hope.
“Dad!” Seungcheol gasps, standing up and scowling at his father with bafflement.
Oh baby, you are yet to be surprised.
Completely ignoring Seungcheol’s outburst and holding eye contact with his father, you reply. “I would be honored to.”
“What?” Seungcheol whips his head at you.
“Then it is settled,” Mr. Choi stands up with a clap of his hands. “We need to start preparing.”
You finally let your gaze travel to Seungcheol who is looking at you like he cannot believe you just did that. There are unsaid questions in his eyes, mixed with confusion and maybe even suspicion which he does not get to voice because he is going after his father. “Dad, you cannot be serious. Sumin’s case is still unsolved and—”
“You can solve that after the engagement, no? It is important to save the company right now. I understand how you feel but this way we can secure your future. I have known ___’s grandfather for so long and this would be a perfect match.”
Seungcheol looks at his father, distraught. His mouth opens but he fails to form words, raking a frustrated hand through his hair instead.
Watching their interaction you know for sure, you have won this round as well.
-
The next day you pay Seungcheol a visit on your way home from work. When you step inside his mansion, there is a different air about you which is reflected in the way you walk; like you own the place. You find Seungcheol in his study as you expected, still dressed in work clothes as he sips a cup of coffee with his eyes trained on his laptop. For a moment, you let yourself admire the way he looks in that white shirt folded at the sleeves, the top two buttons undone and his perfectly messy hair that can only be made by continuously running his hands through it.
This man is going to be yours.
Knocking on his open door, you make your presence known and step in, “Hey there.”
Seungcheol looks up and when his eyes lock with yours you see the lack of shine they previously used to have when he saw you. There is also a change in his reaction as he greets you by simply uttering your name.
You had expected resistance from him so it is fine.
“I came to check up on you.” You state in your friendliest voice as you stop in front of his desk. Pointing towards the couch on your left, you ask. “May I?”
He nods, watching you sit down and place your crimson handbag on the mahogany coffee table. Then, he gets up and comes to take a seat on the couch opposite you.
“You don’t look well.” You start.
“Yes,” he watches you carefully. “I’ve been trying to adjust myself to the upcoming changes.”
You heave out a sigh. “Listen, I know you are not up for this change—’’
“That’s an understatement,’’ he remarks drily.
You frown. “I don’t understand why you are mad at me.” You do not hide the indignation in your voice.
Seungcheol regards you silently and you can see that he is trying to hold back questions; questions he has about this sudden partnership, your prompt agreement and your intentions behind them. You see it all in his eyes and you know he does not voice them because they would hurt you, because his suspicion is just a form of his own resistance and he has no proof to back up his theories.
After a long moment, he exhales loudly, letting his head hang low before rubbing his face with his palm.
“This is just…too sudden.” He huffs out a breath before shaking his head. “I still cannot believe you and my dad just fixed my engagement right in front of me without asking me once.”
A small smile graces your lips. “Seungcheol, you know that I will not get engaged to you if you are not fully on board with this idea, right?”
You hold his gaze and notice how his features visibly soften as he nods. You continue. “I understand you are still hooked on what happened and I won’t force you to move on. This will just be a business partnership which will benefit both our companies.”
“You’re right.” Seungcheol murmurs, his eyes cast down as if he is lost in thought.
“Your father wants us to get engaged next week. Are you okay with that?”
Your words make him sit up straight, newfound determination sparkling in his eyes. “That works for me. How about you?”
“Me too.” You give him your most flattering smile.
-
You get engaged to Seungcheol on a Saturday.
The ceremony is very small— almost nonexistent, taking place only in the presence of Seungcheol’s family, his secretary and yours. Somewhere within you, you sense an emptiness caused by the absence of your grandpa. At the same time, remembering him leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. You are still wrapping your head around the information Sumin revealed to you months ago.
Of course, you did some digging and went deeper to find out about your parents, which you never thought you would do. You never thought you would long for them or feel sorry for them, but you do now. Still, the anger does not fade away. It won’t until you get to confront your grandpa, which is why he must wake up. He has to.
Immediately after the short engagement ceremony, an official statement is released from both of your companies, sending the press into a frenzy. They treat it as if it is the biggest happening of the decade, even bigger than Seungcheol’s previous engagement, writing hundreds of articles and gossip tabloids. The general public does not hold back either, coming up with various theories linking you, Seungcheol, and Sumin together. Many say that you will be the next victim of the Choi family— they will get rid of you like Sumin.
Their words make you laugh. If the people knew the truth, what would they say? Would they understand you?
Probably not.
Which is fine, because your lifelong dream has come true.
You are going to marry Choi Seungcheol.
_
Just one week after your engagement, your grandpa wakes up from his coma.
You are stepping out of the plane after returning from your business trip to Hong Kong when you check the text from your secretary. Your grandpa woke up from his coma two hours ago and is very stable now.
The news has you standing still for a moment. There are mixed feelings but the most prominent feeling you sense is dread. You wonder what he will say. Would anything he say make you love him the way you used to?
Probably not.
When you step into your grandpa’s VIP ward, it is crowded. Your secretary, your grandpa’s caretaker and your future father-in-law are already there, hovering around his bed.
“Look who is here finally!” Mr. Choi grins as he spots you, standing up from his seat that is right by your grandpa’s bed. “Come in, come in.”
Your grandpa is seated on the bed, his back supported by pillows, looking a lot better than the last time you saw him. As soon as he sees you step in, his eyes shine and a large smile spreads on his lips.
A piece of your heart breaks.
“I hope you don’t mind, ____. I have already told him the good news.” Mr Choi says mischievously and you force a smile at him.
“Mr. Choi, could I have a moment with my grandpa, in private?”
“Of course, of course!” He nods and ushers everyone out of the room. When the door closes behind you and the silence settles, you step towards the bed.
“____, come, come! Sit.” Your grandpa motions to the seat by his bed.
Once you are seated, he immediately captures your hand in his, his frail, bony fingers clasping yours tightly as his eyes shine with unshed tears. “Oh ___! So much has happened. How could I miss it all! My little girl got engaged and I missed it!”
You cannot bring yourself to meet his eyes and for some reason, he fails to spot your weird behaviour. He continues, “I have missed you so much. Did you miss me? The nurse told me you have not been visiting regularly.” He looks at you expectantly.
You have to swallow a hard lump in your throat when you finally speak. “Grandpa, we need to talk.”
He lets go of your hands, pinching his brows together. “What is wrong?”
“Is there a secret you are hiding from me?”
“What? What secret?” He scoffs. “What are you—”
“You are my real grandfather, aren’t you?” You snap.
Time stills for a moment. Your grandpa watches you, his eyes slowly widening with alarm as seconds tick by. “I…y-you—” He stammers, looking bewildered.
You bite your lip hard to stop yourself from crying. “For the last two months, I have been waiting. Hoping, praying, that what I learned is not true even though everything pointed out otherwise. Please, tell me I am wrong. Tell me I am misunderstanding, please! Tell me you did not lie to me, grandpa!”
By now tears are rolling down your cheeks as you grab his hands in a desperate hold. He does not meet your gaze, looking down instead as he tries to stifle a sob.
“Why did you do it?” Messy tears blur your vision as you shake him, trying to make him look at you. “Why did you hate my parents so much? Why did you hate me so much, tell me!”
“I did not hate you, please— I…I did not know better.” He pleads, holding your hands. “I…I expected better things from your father. He was never the son I wanted him to be and when I found out he had a hidden family, I…I just lost it. I did not want them to die, you have to believe me.” His eyes are wide, his grip on your hands tightening as the desperation comes off him in waves.
“I felt so guilty that I…I could not look at you. You were so young and the accident left you with that scar and I felt responsible for it. So I sent you to that orphanage but that did not ease my guilt either. I sent you away but I did not forget you. I did not abandon you, I swear! I always had my eyes on you and I made sure you were taken care of. Years went by and as you grew up, I saw what an amazing future you had ahead of you. You— you were good at everything! So I decided to adopt you, give you the opportunity to fill out your potential—
“So I was an investment?” You cut him off with a glare.
“No!” Your grandpa begs. “It wasn’t like that! I…I learned to overlook my guilt. I…I did it out of love, ___. I was miserable without you. You have to believe me.” His eyes hold so much hope and desperation yet every word he says makes him appear more like a stranger to you.
“I don’t care!” You yell, snatching your hands from his grip. The rage flowing through your blood prevents you from remaining seated. You stand on your feet and look down at him, your teeth gritting in anger. “I don’t care if you did it out of love! You lied to me. If you loved me, you would have told me the truth when I was old enough. Did you think I never would have found out? Do you…do you know how awful it made me feel when I heard it from a fucking stranger!” The rage, the betrayal, the frustration you feel is maddening.
“My child, please, I’m sorry. Just listen—” Your grandpa’s pleas to listen fall deaf on your ears as you glower at him. How could he do that to you? How could he do that to your parents? How is it possible that your heart is ripping apart in pain for two people you don’t even remember?
Absentmindedly, your hand reaches to touch the faded scar on your left cheek, the surface still slightly bumpy to the touch.
Your grandpa grabs your hand once more, breaking the train of your thoughts. As soon as he touches you, you step back, snatching your hand away from his grip.
“___, please, listen to me.” He begs.
“No,” you shake your head. “I loved you. You were my rock, grandpa. And this is how you repay me?”
The longer you look at him, the crueler you find yourself becoming. The man you have known your entire life starts to appear more and more unfamiliar. Wiping all the tears from your face, you take a deep, shuddering breath. Your hands curl into fists as you look him straight in the eye and announce. “You are not invited to the wedding.”
“What?” He gasps, his mouth hanging agape as one of his hands reaches out to try to grab onto you.
“You heard me. Don’t try to contact me. If I want to see you again, I will come find you.”
You don’t look back as you storm out of the room.
The old man’s pitiful sobs do not make you turn around as you block the noises by loudly shutting the door behind you.
The first thing you do when you get back home is open a bottle of wine. Chugging a quarter of it, you plop down on the cold living room floor.
Your phone vibrates with a new message inside your pocket and with an annoyed grunt, you fish it out. There is a missed call from Seungcheol followed by a message from him saying how happy he is that your grandpa woke up. Along with it, there are a bunch of texts from different people in your company and other firms, telling you how glad they are for you and what gifts they have sent for your grandpa.
It is aggravating. In a fit of rage, you hurl your phone away as it hits the couch first before dropping face-down on the floor.
Fuck them all.
You down more of the red liquid, finding the bitter taste oddly addictive. The more you drink the sweeter it tastes as a soothing haziness settles in your brain that numbs every feeling, every thought you had.
With the bottle almost empty and clutched to your chest, you soon fall asleep on the floor.
Next thing you know, you are violently being shaken awake from your slumber.
The first thing you feel is a raging headache that leaves your vision blurry for a few solid seconds. When you regain it, you find Yuna hovering over you, grabbing your shoulders. Behind her, you spot the worried face of your housekeeper, Mrs. Min.
Your secretary keeps saying something but the throbbing headache prevents you from hearing any of it as you struggle to sit up straight. Taking a deep, staggering breath, you squeeze your eyes shut before opening them again.
“Madam, are you okay? Can you hear me?”
You finally manage to look at her straight. “Fuck— what is it Yuna? What are you doing here? What time is it?”
“It is 2 am, madam. We have been trying to reach you for the past two hours. Your fiancee is on his way. You were not opening the door so I called your housekeeper to let me in.”
Right, Mrs. Min knows your code.
“I don’t understand, what is the emergency?” You sigh, irately rubbing your temples to ease the headache.
“Madam,” your secretary pauses and you have to force yourself to lift your head again and look at her. “Your grandfather passed away two hours ago.”
Suddenly, your mind is clear.
Your body stiffens, and the headache instantly fades into thin air. You are more alert than you have ever been before.
Wide-eyed, you stare at her, waiting for something you don’t know. Maybe she will say that it is a prank, maybe you will wake up any moment from this nightmare, maybe she will repeat herself and you will realise you heard wrong.
None of that happens.
Yuna continues. “I am really sorry. He was in his sleep when his heart rate suddenly spiked before stopping. They could not bring him back.”
You pick yourself up from the ground before gently sitting down on the couch, your eyes trained on the blank wall ahead of you. An agonizing wave of anguish swallows your whole being as a gaping hole of numbness spreads within you with the passing of each second.
You don’t blink. You don’t move. You don’t cry.
You sit and stare at the wall until your secretary offers. “Should I drive you to the hospital?”
You nod.
“Would you like me to call Mr Choi and tell him to meet you there?”
You nod again.
-
At noon, the funeral ceremony comes to an end.
You get a glimpse of the fruitful life your grandpa lived by the number of guests who come to give you their condolences.
Thankfully, Seungcheol and his dad took over early on as they ran the ceremony and managed the guests while you sat in a corner in silence.
The entire ceremony finishes without you shedding a single tear. Neither do you cry in the car as Seungcheol drives you home.
However, the minute you step into your penthouse and tread sluggishly to your bedroom, you spot the photo of you and your grandpa on your nightstand and finally break down.
Holding the photo frame tightly against your chest, you curl into a ball on the floor and howl like a dying creature. Tremors wrack your body as your sob intensifies along with the soul-crushing remorse and pain for what you have lost.
Perhaps it is your ruinous crying that makes Seungcheol knock on your door as he steps in with a mug of hot tea and finds you curled up and wailing on the floor.
He looks distressed and unsure for a moment, debating whether to give you some privacy before going against it. Instead, he comes closer and sets the mug down on the nightstand before gently placing a hand on your shoulder.
You continue weeping and Seungcheol slowly maneuvers your feeble body into a sitting position before he scoops you up and sets you down on the bed. But he doesn’t let you go. His arm remains a firm hold around your body and without thinking you wrap your arms around his neck as tightly as humanly possible, trying to bury yourself and your sorrows in his body. Your action makes him only embrace you tighter as he uses one hand to stroke your hair repeatedly in an attempt to comfort you.
“I fought with him the last time I saw him,” you yawl between sobs, face mushed in Seungcheol’s shoulder. “I fought with him, Cheol! He hates me…he will never forgive me.”
“Hush, hush now.” Seungcheol soothes, holding you tighter if that is even possible. “It is alright. He knows how much you love him, ___. He could never be mad at you.”
“I should have told him how much I loved him!” You howl, digging your fingernails into his back. “What have I done, Cheol? How could I do that?”
“It is alright. Everything will be okay.” Seungcheol chants repeatedly while tenderly rocking your limp frame, allowing you to cry your heart out. The tears that had not flowed in the last ten hours pour out ceaselessly, making a mess on Seungcheol’s jacket.
Time ticks by. The tea grows cold. The sun starts to lower in the sky.
When you have finally calmed down and can breathe without choking from tears, Seungcheol lets you go.
He sits in silence next to you as you wipe your tears and snot using his handkerchief.
“You should eat something.” He whispers. You shake your head, crumpling the piece of cloth in your hands as you gaze at it in a blank stare.
Next to you, Seungcheol sighs. “Would you like to lie down for a bit? I will give you some privacy.” He stands up but you immediately pull him back down before wrapping your arms around him and resting your head on his chest. His arms snake around your body once more as you listen to his heartbeat.
You realize how glad you are to have him next to you. How could you ever go through a day like today without him holding you in his arms?
“Thank you,” your voice is the faintest whisper of gratitude. For a moment, you think he did not hear you but then he shifts, cupping your cheek as you look up at him.
“You don’t have to thank me. I am sorry this is all I can do.” He tenderly brushes a thumb over the scar on your cheek, making your heart soar.
You immediately shake your head. “You are doing so much.” You whisper, eyes trailing down to his lips. Mirroring your gaze, Seungcheol’s eyes also travel to your lips and unconsciously, you find yourself leaning a tad bit closer to him. Once again, he mirrors your actions.
Your eyes fall closed and a moment later, you feel Seungcheol’s soft lips against yours. The kiss is tender and shy as if the waters are being tested. You lean in, grabbing the lapels of his jacket to bring him closer. Against your touch, his body relaxes as the kiss deepens, drawing out a soft moan from you. You taste peppermint on his tongue, a sigh of pleasure escaping your lips when he returns your kiss with equal fervent, exploring your mouth.
The kiss is beautifully breathtaking. It is everything you imagined and more, your late night fantasies gift-wrapped in a pink bow.
Seungcheol is the first one to pull back as the two of you pant for air, still holding on to each other. His eyes trace all over your face as if he is trying to remember every small detail about you. You do the same, peering at him through your lashes as your thumb strokes his cheek and you lean in for another kiss.
This time, it is more passionate as Seungcheol envelops you with his body, gently pushing you behind so that your back meets the mattress. He lays on top of you, one hand holding on to the nape of your neck while the other explores your body, moving from your waist down to your legs. His warm hand traces down your leg under your skirt before coming back up as he squeezes your thigh.
A moan falls from your lips, breaking the kiss and he uses the opportunity to bite your lip softly.
His eyes lock with yours for a moment, his hand hovering near your inner thigh as he silently waits for your permission. You comply, reattaching his mouth on yours and opening your legs wider as he gives the flesh of your thigh a particularly harsh squeeze, the pad of his thumb stroking your inner thigh, so close to where you want him to touch you.
Then, you feel the warmth of his fingers over your core before he cups your pussy over your panties.
You whimper. “Please.”
“What?” He mouths against your lips.
“Touch me,” you reply, chasing his lips to reconnect with yours.
Seungcheol obeys you, his fingers slipping underneath your panties and brushing against your pussy. The sensation, the touch you have craved for so long makes you jolt in pleasure, a shaky breath falling from your lips. His biceps become your anchor as you grip them firmly to ground yourself.
Seungcheol’s lips trace your jaw before trailing down your neck while his fingers rub your pussy. Your hips writhe, chasing his touch while he peppers your neck with kisses before fixing on a particular spot beneath your ear that makes you whimper. Then, he pushes one finger in, dark eyes trained on you as your pleasure amplifies.
“Yes,” you shut your eyes closed, revelling the feeling of his finger inside you. Soon, one finger becomes two and he slowly moves them in and out of you. One of your legs wraps around his waist while you pull him closer to smash your lips against his. Your tongue meets his with a fiery passion, an urgency to claim his as yours. Inside you, his fingers pick up the pace, making your body taught as you start climbing your high.
“C-Cheol…” You pant, looking at him with pleading eyes even though you are unsure if you want to come right now or draw it out.
“Hm?” He hums, eyes hazy with a film of lust. As if teasing you, his thumb brushes over your clit ever so slightly, drawing out a shuddering whine from your lips that makes him chuckle quietly. The sound feels like magic to your ears, a drug to your system that heightens your pleasure. His teeth dig into the soft flesh of your neck, undoubtedly leaving a mark.
“Please,” you heave, clutching his shoulder with one hand and wrapping the other around the broad expanse of his back. Humming against your neck, he uses his fingers to rub an even deeper spot inside you as his thumb rubs your clit mercilessly.
“Oh fuck, yes,” You hiss, throwing your head back, your toes curling as you clutch him tighter. “I’m gonna come.”
“Do it then,” his voice is a quiet order.
He curls his fingers inside you and flicks your clit hard which does the job for you. Your release is a tidal wave of mind-breaking pleasure as your body goes tense, your hips arching off the bed, your mouth hanging open as a reaction to the overwhelming pleasure.
The onslaught of pleasure leaves your vision blurry with unshed tears and your mind numb to everything as you slowly descend from the throes of heavenly bliss.
When your mind has regained some clarity, you see Seungchol still lying on top of you, his eyes locked in on your lips which he is touching with the fingers that were inside of you mere moments ago. Without breaking eye contact with him, you gently hold his hand and push his index and middle finger inside your mouth, sucking them. Seungcheol’s adam’s apple bobs, his eyes flickering with impure intentions that are clearly expressed from his hard-on digging into your belly.
Sucking his fingers clean, you pop them off your mouth, your hand still holding his. Your fingers trace over his knuckles and veins, your eyes never daring to stray from his. It is as if a sudden spell has been cast on the two of you that has locked you in a trance of breathless admiration. It is a shame all good moments must come to an end.
As if zapped by electricity, Seungcheol suddenly pulls his hand out of yours as he gets off your body. The air in the room suddenly shifts to slight awkwardness as Seungcheol blinks furiously, adjusting his pants.
“I…I am sorry.” He mutters, not looking at you as you sit up on the bed. “You were mourning. I should not have done that.”
“I asked you to.” You state with a frown. Does he regret it? “I needed to forget…things for a moment.”
Seungcheol’s eyes finally meet yours as a sigh escapes from his lips and he nods, looking unsure. “Right…”
“I liked it a lot.” You find yourself saying. The look in your eyes is heated, mirroring a newfound fire of desire he has lit within you. Seungcheol swallows, gaze transfixed on you before he clears his throat, the look in his eyes shifting.
“Get some rest.” He whispers, walking out of the room and gently shutting the door behind him.
-
Turns out one can live with soul-crushing guilt.
It has been a week since your grandpa’s death and you find yourself slowly falling back into your old routine. As the days pass by slowly, the pain somewhat lessens but your guilt remains the same, your conscience constantly reminding you of what could have been if you behaved differently with him that day.
That is an answer you will never receive because what is gone is gone, and you are forcing yourself to learn to live with it.
Things with Seungcheol are slightly tense as well. After that particular moment you two shared last week, he has been avoidant. Since that day there has not been any one-on-one interaction between the two of you as he has been checking up on you from time to time with brief text messages. His aloofness has bothered you of course but you have decided not to let it get to you, happy with the fading mark he left on your neck and the memories of that afternoon.
That is why, on a Tuesday afternoon at your office, Seungcheol’s sudden visit surprises you because it is the last place you would expect him to show up.
You straighten up in your chair, palms resting on the armrest as he marches into your office, dressed in his regular office wear that is covered underneath a long black trenchcoat, an odd sort of hurry in his steps.
Your silly assumption that he is here to take you on a surprise date quickly changes when you notice the expression on his face. His jaw is clenched, brows knitted in a frown as he regards you with an accusatory glare.
“Seungcheol?” You stand up behind your desk. “Hey, what brings you here?”
Seungcheol’s brisk steps eat up the rest of the distance as he stands in front of your desk, sparing little space between the two of you. Instead of replying, his eyes remain fixed on you for a moment too long, making you hold your breath.
Your gut senses severe doom from how he regards you, an unfathomable look in his eyes. Finally, he interrogates. “Is there something you are hiding from me, ___?”
“What?” You blink, stumped. “Why would you ask that?”
Seungcheol falls into silence once again as your mind starts running rampant. No matter how desperately you try to convince yourself that he could not possibly be talking about that thing, your mind ends up going there. The silence and the foreign look in his eyes make your fear unimaginably real with each passing second.
“I need you to be honest with me.” He says as he inhales deeply, as if trying to hold his emotions at bay, his eyes never straying from yours. “Please. I am giving you a chance.”
Your heart runs a mile a minute as you suddenly find yourself at a loss for words. The entirety of your body grows as stiff as a board while you find yourself falling into a bottomless pit of ruination. Seungcheol remains unmoving, watching you with a pointed gaze as you struggle to read him, struggle to find the right words. You feel so naked, so transparent right now as if he can read everything fleeting through your mind.
Damn it, how did he find out?
“Madam, the board meeting started five minutes ago.”
A sharp inhale transports you out of your spiralling mind as you whip your head away from Seungcheol when your secretary peers into the room with the reminder.
Like you have been struck by lightning, your body jolts. “Y-yes, I am coming. Give me a minute.” You give her a look of dismissal before focusing on your fiance. In your most composed voice, you say, “I don’t know what this is about, Cheol but we can continue this conversation—”
“I will send you an address.” He cuts you off with a seething glare, stepping away from your desk as if he is about to leave. “You will be there at 9 pm, ___.” There is no room for arguments.
He leaves before you can form an answer and you stand rooted in your spot with tremors in your hands and a parched throat, your feet suddenly too heavy to move.
You deep down knew this would happen one day, didn’t you?
You would be found sooner or later but you never wished to be caught by Seungcheol. You would have much preferred to be caught by the police and given a life sentence. At least that way, you did not have to face him.
“Madam?” There is a knock on your door once again, making you jump.
“Damn it, Yuna! I said give me a minute!”
_
It is one minute to nine pm when you arrive at the location Seungcheol had sent you earlier in the day. You realized karma had gotten you when you clicked on the location and realised it was the exact place where Sumin died.
The world stopped spinning for a moment too long.
Out of pure shock, you dropped your phone from your hands as your knees gave out and you fell to the ground, the realization that everything is coming to an end too much for you to fathom.
Surprisingly, though, it has been easy for you after the initial shock wore off. You had accepted your fate.
Gladly, in fact.
No more pretending now. It is a relief. He knows the real you and whatever decision he makes now, you will accept it gladly. You do not feel remorse for what you have done and you do not see a point in hiding anymore.
And so, you sit in your car, parked a few meters away from the place where he called you. Seungcheol is already here, his car parked a few feet ahead of yours. When you glance at the dashboard clock, you see it is two minutes past nine.
With a loud sigh, you pop the muscles in your neck before stepping out of the car. A gust of chilly air flows by, making you shiver slightly. With your hands fisted in the pockets of your trench coat, you walk ahead, the sound of your heels against the granite your only company.
All too soon, you find yourself in front of that abandoned factory and when you look left, it feels like deja vu. Seungcheol stands there, underneath that yellow street lamp, right where Sumin stood that night.
Your eyes meet his, cold and unblinking and if you did not know any better, you would think he was a statue. A very mesmerising one.
You inhale a lungful of the cold night air before turning left and walking towards him, trying your best to ignore the subtle tremble in your legs. With a few feet of distance left between the two of you, you come to a stop and breathe. “Good evening, Cheol.”
He keeps looking at you impassively but you start noticing the minute changes in his eyes. They shift from disappointment to betrayal to anger and you know very well what lies ahead of you.
Yet, you are unreasonably calm; so calm that you surprise yourself.
Just when you are preparing to start the conversation since he is immobile, Seungcheol reaches into his coat pocket to fish out his phone. His brows tangle in a soft furrow as he scrolls through it before lowering his hand and gently tossing it on the ground, a few steps away from your feet. The device remains face-up on the ground as a video plays.
A dash cam footage from the night of Sumin’s death. You can tell from the angle that the car was parked on the cliff right after the empty field behind where you stand, at an angle that is looking straight at the side wall of the factory, just a couple of meters before the left turn to the front of it. The video keeps running, grainy and slightly blurry due to the distance and the darkness of the night except for a faint hue of yellow light from this very street lamp. You know very well what the next footage will be.
As you imagined, the video plays on and a few seconds later, it shows you coming from the direction of the warehouse before marching away, out of the view.
“There were two cars parked on that cliff that night,” Seunghcheol points upwards, to the cliff behind you. “This is the dash cam footage of one of the cars. Care to explain, ___?” The fury in his eyes is unmistakable.
You breathe out a soft sigh. What does he want? He knows very well what this footage implies so why did he not just hand this over to the police? Standing here in front of him while he demands an explanation feels nothing short of torture to you.
“Go ahead,” He hisses, taking a step towards you. “Claim that it is not you. Tell me I am getting this wrong. Fucking say something!”
“You know very well, Cheol. What do you want me to say?” You finally find your voice which is as soft as a feather.
Furious, he marches towards you, grabbing you by the collars and it is truly a deja vu of that night. “Why did you do it?” He screams, shaking you, his pupils wide with bristling resentment. “Why did you kill her?” He hollers again.
His face is a mere inch or so away from you, so close that you can feel his warm breath puffing out in the cold night air, so close that you can feel the blizzard of emotions radiating off him.
He really cared for her. He might have loved her without even knowing.
Fuck, that thought burns like acid down your throat.
“She had everything I wanted.” You finally find yourself whispering. Seungcheol grows still upon hearing your words as you see the storm in his eyes die down. The entire world seems to quiten for a second as you only hear the two of you breathing. His brows remain furrowed as he regards you with confusion, his grip on your collar faltering. You breathe out, repeating. “Sumin had everything I ever wanted, Cheol.”
“And what was it?” He snaps.
You swallow a lump in your throat but never lose eye contact with him. “You.”
Like he has been electrocuted, Seungcheol lets go of you and takes an immediate step back. His pupils dilate as his mouth opens just slightly in bafflement. You find his reaction almost funny. Overdramatic as well.
Is it really that shocking?
“Stop playing fucking games, ___.’’ He scoffs after the shock has worn off.
“It is true.” You take a step towards him with a new surge of energy in your blood. “I have wanted you since forever…since I was 18. Since the day of your father’s party after you returned from abroad I have longed for you.”
With each word you speak, his jaw hardens and a look of disbelief and something akin to disgust graces his face.
“I have loved you for so long, Seungcheol and then Sumin appeared one day and took you away.” Your pitch loudens as your desperation grows.
He needs to understand you, he needs to see you.
You are not some cold-blooded monster. You are just someone madly in love with him.
“So you killed her!” He seethes.
“She was not right for you!” You cry, eyes blown out, teeth gritting. “She did not love you, Seungcheol! She was using you!”
He closes the gap between the two of you as he roughly grabs the side of your neck, tilting your head upwards. “Shut. Up.” He seethes, his eyes so dark, his gaze so fierce you almost feel like you have been burned down to a pile of ashes. “You are not only a murderer but also a fucking liar.”
A mirthless laughter escapes your lips as you take a step back from his grip and shake your head. You had expected this. You understand he will not believe you this instant but now that he knows what you have done, it will not take too long for him to find out what Sumin and her family was up to. He will believe your words then.
It is a shame you will most likely be behind bars by then.
“Stop laughing!” He shouts, frustrated. Raking a hand through his hair, he stares at the ground before looking back at you, his eyes shining in a look of desperation and betrayal. “I trusted you. You were like my family, ___. How could you do this?”
You cannot bear how disgusted he appears with you.
Why cannot he just shoot you like you shot Sumin?
“You are my family too, Cheol.” You blink back tears. “The feelings I have for you are beyond something anyone can ever comprehend and…it is fine. I prefer it that way. I would burn the world for you, Choi Seungcheol so please don’t look at me with so much hatred.”
“You—” Seungcheol shakes his head with a frustrated grunt. “Just tell me where the fucking gun is.”
There is a faint smile you cannot hold back. “I got rid of it long ago.” You pause. “But don’t worry, this dashcam footage will be enough along with my confession.”
He looks at you with disbelief.
You give him a sad smile.
“Don’t act noble, ___. I know what you are capable of.” He hisses. “I will not trust a word that comes out of your mouth.”
“I am not lying. I won’t run away, Cheol. I promise. Just don’t call the police to my office. I would rather be arrested at home.”
Seungcheol is perplexed with your attitude and after a long moment of silence, when you realize he has nothing more to say, you start walking backwards.
“Goodbye, Cheol. It was really nice knowing you.” With your vision blurry due to unshed tears, you flash him a smile before quickly turning around and heading for your car, not looking back.
You drive all the way home in silence before finally parking your car in the parking lot of your apartment. As the engine dies down, leaving you without its gentle hum, you sit in silence and let the reality of your life wash over you.
You have had a good life. You wonder what it will be like behind the bars. You will plead guilty no matter what your lawyer says and you have no intention of lying and claiming you feel remorse for your actions. A life sentence awaits you for sure, maybe with no parole.
Shaking your head at the absurdity of your future, you rest your hands over the steering wheel, putting your head on them and closing your eyes. Your engagement ring digs into your forehead and you look up to see the small diamond glinting softly. It suddenly feels foreign on your skin and the longer you look at it, the worse it appears. Prying it off your fingers you fist it in your palm, half tempted to break it.
“I hope we can have a good life.” You remember Seungcheol’s words when he slipped that ring on your finger.
And finally, the dam breaks. You clutch the little trinket to your chest as you curl your body into a small ball and weep with your head hanging low. Soon, you cannot stop stifling the noise as your sobs turn into violent cries and in a fit of rage, hopelessness and longing, you punch your dashboard hard enough for your knuckles to bleed.
At some point, the blood seeping from your knuckles dries but your tears don’t.
_
You do not go to your office the next day for obvious reasons.
Instead, you spend the day cleaning your apartment and setting everything in its place one last time while waiting for uniformed officers to knock on your door.
Hours tick by and it never happens, puzzling you.
When the remnants of colour start fading from the dusk sky, someone rings your doorbell. You open it to find Seungcheol’s driver.
“Mr Choi has asked you to come to his house.”
Baffled even further, you quickly change your clothes and follow him out. The man drives you to Seungcheol’s mansion and you hesitantly step outside of the car when you reach your destination all too quickly. The lady who is Seungcheol’s head of staff comes to greet you as she escorts you to his study, holding the door open for you to step in and then closing it softly behind you.
In the dimly lit room, Seungcheol sits at his desk with a glass of whiskey in his hand, his chair turned around so that he faces the window behind him. Tentatively, you walk closer to him and he slightly turns his head to look at you. His eyes are barren, devoid of any emotion, almost inhumane.
A breath catches in your throat but you do not break your eye contact.
“Why did you bring me here?” You whisper, for some reason too scared to speak out loud.
“To have a serious discussion about our futures.” His tone is flat as he swivels his chair to face you.
What is that supposed to mean?
Swallowing, you wait for him to elaborate.
“Does anyone else know what you did?” He asks.
His question throws you off slightly. “Just you. Though…in a way, my driver knows. I asked him to leave early with the empty car and told him to lie and say I was in the car if anyone asked.”
“So basically he knows.”
“Yes, but he is probably the only employee I trust. He has been extremely loyal to my grandfather and me.”
“This is a murder we are talking about.”
“If he wanted to rat me out, he would have done it by now. Besides, he did not witness it.” You frown, pausing. “Wait, I don't understand where this is going. Why are you asking me this?”
Seungcheol sighs, standing up. Pressing his hands flat on his desk, he looks directly into your eyes and leans closer. “Because I am going to cover it up.”
“What?” You had to have heard that wrong. There is no way—
“I am going to bury what you did.” He grunts, appearing disgusted with himself as he speaks the words. “I already got rid of the CCTV footage.”
Your jaw drops, as you subconsciously step back, gripping the back of the couch behind you. “I- I don’t understand…”
“I am not doing this for you.” He spits, scowling at you. “I am doing this for my family.”
You are still at a loss for words, trying to process everything coming out of his lips.
Seungcheol exhales a sigh of defeat, “I have thought about this long and hard. I cannot do this to my family, especially to my father. He was so excited about my marriage to Sumin and now he is ten times more excited to see us getting married. If he found out his ex daughter-in-law was murdered by you, his future daughter-in-law, someone he has always been fond of,” he shakes his head. “It would kill him. Plus, the company would suffer. The board wants to see me married and if my second engagement is ruined as well, I will not be running the company any time soon. My father would be devastated.”
You inhale a lungful of air. “So… you are saying you will still marry me.”
“That is the only way left is it not? Marrying a murderer.” He grits his teeth, his eyes shooting invisible arrows of fire at you.
“No.” Suddenly, your brain clears up. “No, it is not.” Your voice is determined. “This is not what I want!”
“Excuse me?” Seungcheol scoffs.
“I do not want to trap you in this marriage. You are marrying me against your will. I do not accept this. We will come up with an excuse. You can say I cheated on you or something.”
Seungcheol watches you in silence for a long moment before rounding his desk and coming close to you. Making you jerk in surprise, he grabs your arms and holds them tightly, his eyes flashing dangerously in the dimly lit room. “Listen to me very carefully, ____. You have ruined me enough to last a lifetime. Do not ruin my family and my company now. From now on, you will do as I say and play the part of the happiest bride-to-be. Is that fucking clear?’’
You stare at him in defiance.
“Is that clear?” His tone drops as his gaze darkens, giving you goosebumps. “You have done enough for me. No need to act noble and say that you don’t want to trap me when this was your plan all along.”
No, no. That is not true at all. You wanted him to love you. You wanted to be there when he needed help and you wanted him to come to you voluntarily. You were protecting him. He was never supposed to find out all this.
“Seungcheol, you are mistundertsanding me—”
“Are we clear?” He yells, shaking you by the arms.
“Yes.” You whisper.
“Good.” He releases you. “Get out of my sight.”
You blink back tears and swallow a lump in your throat, slowly stepping towards the door with unsteady feet. Just as your fingertips touch the knob, you come to a stop. “Seungcheol?”
You hear a sigh of annoyance. “What?”
You turn around and ask, “Is there anything that you have been hiding from me?”
He raises a brow. “What could you possibly mean by that?”
There is a slight shrug of your shoulders. “Nothing, I just… You know, something like the fact that you knew that me and my grandfather were in fact, related by blood and he adopted me not because I was the one who caught his eye among all the others at the orphanage but due to his guilt for killing my parents.”
With each word that leaves your lips, Seungcheol’s pupils dilate and, ironically, he looks more astounded now than when you confessed to killing Sumin.
For an achingly long moment, heavy silence hangs in the air and you never let your eyes stray from his, patiently waiting for what he has to say.
“How did you find out?” His tone is low.
“Sumin told me.”
You really did not think it was possible for him to look even more bewildered but he does. He abruptly marches towards you and leans forward, asking. “Sumin?”
“Yes,” you sigh, rolling your eyes at his shock.
“I don’t understand—”
“You know,” You cut him off. “I don’t remember my parents so I have never missed them and to some extent, I now understand why my grandfather did what he did. What I don’t understand is why he lied to me, why you all lied to me. And why I had to hear the truth from someone like Sumin. It doesn’t make sense, does it? You all were in the joke and no one once thought how I would feel if I found out.”
“You were not supposed to find out.” His tone is flat and the look he is giving you is enraging; like you have no right to be mad.
“And you were not supposed to find out that I killed your ex-fiance!” You scream.
Seungcheol exhales loudly, rubbing a hand over his face as he looks down at the ground. “Why did Sumin tell you this, ___?” His tone is sharp as if you are being investigated at a police station.
“Does it matter?”
“Of course it does!” He hisses, frustrated. “Why would she go out of her way to tell you that?”
“I found out some of her secrets and I threatened her with them.” You don’t let your eyes stray from his.
“What secrets?” His eyes darken.
You rub a frustrated hand over your forehead while resting the other on your hip. Not this again.
“It's better that you don’t know, Seungcheol.”
“Answer me, ___.” He inhales a sharp breath and grits his teeth, his patience is running thin.
So is yours.
From the pocket of your trousers, you fish out a recorder and toss it over to his table. “Since you want to know so bad, here you go. It has all the answers, the last conversation I had with her and her final moments.”
You see apprehension in his eyes as he watches the little black device sitting on his desk. “After listening to that, you might go back on your word.” You warn. Because the sound of you unlocking the safety of your gun is in there. Because the sound of Sumin’s lifeless body hitting the ground is in there.
“And if you decide to hand me over to the police after this,” You give a nonchalant shrug. “I completely understand. Just don’t destroy the record. There is only one copy and it is the best evidence you will have of this case.”
Seungcheol stands rooted to his spot, looking at you impassively as you close the door behind you.
-
Three days go by and the police do not come and you realize, once again Seungcheol has decided to brush what you did under the rug. It is a fixed feeling, mostly bitter if you are being honest with yourself. What lies ahead of you now is a bleak future where you and Seungcheol will live under one roof with stifling disgust. His friends and family will visit and you will have to pretend to be the happiest couple in front of them.
As you are returning home from work on Tuesday with all these thoughts bridling in your head, you receive a text from an unknown number.
Someone has texted you a location along with a message.
I have your man. If you want him to live, bring me 10 million dollars in this location within the next hour. Come alone or I will slice his head off.
For one moment you think— no, try to convince yourself that you are seeing things wrong and this is only a prank. However, you start to break into a cold sweat when you dial Seungcheol’s number with shaky hands and it goes unanswered. Petrified, you call his secretary next and he picks up on the fifth ring.
“Madam-”
“Where is Seungcheol? I cannot reach him.” You try to keep your voice as stable as possible yet a tremor slips through. Your gut prepares you for the worst when you hear a commotion in the background as his secretary takes a second too long to reply.
“Madam, I am really sorry. We were leaving work when two vans surrounded us on the highway and threw smoke bombs at us. They hit me in the head and took away Mr Choi after knocking him out. But don’t worry madam, the police have been informed—”
You hang up.
Fucking hell.
The first thing you do is dial your secretary, throwing her into a furor as you order her to arrange the money and have it ready in half an hour at your place.
When you reach home, you quickly discard your work clothes and put on a hoodie and sweatpants along with some good running shoes as a disguise. Your next task is to hurry down to your basement where you have stored your grandfather's collection of antic guns. You had it moved here after his death and thank god for that. Picking a long-barreled revolver, you check the chamber before tucking it in your waistband.
Upstairs, your secretary waits with a duffel bag in her hands, struggling to hold the weight. Her face is littered with unsaid questions as you snatch the bag from her hands and storm past her. The weight of the cash hi nders your mobility, making you slower.
“If you say a word about this to anyone else I will gut you. And if you keep your mouth shut and go home like nothing happened, I will triple your salary.” You hiss at Yuna who’s eyes widen hearing the reward.
Firing your Hennessey to life, you press the accelerator hard as you pull your car out of the basement and zoom down the street. The clock on the dashboard says you have exactly twenty-five minutes till your one hour is over and you whisper a silent prayer to whoever is up there for a traffic-free road.
As you near your destination, you realize the location that was sent to you is a small, old two-storeyed storehouse near the seaport, once used to store cargo. Located a little further from the main port, it is a dingy building with cracked walls and missing windows and a backdrop of thick, dense forest, appearing haunted in the darkness of the night.
With a deep inhale, you step out of your car and lock it. A slight shiver runs down your spine as you calculate your odds of rescuing Seungcheol safely. You don’t know who is waiting for you in there and if they even have him with them. Of course, you have a suspect in your mind and if they are alone, it should be easy to tackle them. Still, you make a risky decision.
You call the police.
“Hello, I have a tip about the kidnapping of Choi Seungcheol of the Choi Corporation. I am sending you my location. How long will it take you to get here?
“It will take about 12 minutes for the officers to reach the scene. Are you alone ma'am? Please do not go inside if you—”
You hang up the call and march towards the building carrying the duffel bag. With the reassurance that the police will be here soon, you step inside.
The ground floor is eerily quiet and almost shrouded in complete darkness.
Somewhere nearby, the wolves howl.
The utter lack of light and noise tells you that the first floor is empty so you follow the stairs up to the second floor, illuminated by tube lights hanging very low from the ceiling.
Your cautious steps lead you to a wide, poorly lit hallway on the second floor. However, as you step into the corridor, you see a faint glow of orange hue on your right.
This is it.
Feet moving automatically, your whole body tenses up as you grip the duffel with one hand and keep the other free, hovering over the back of your waist. Unlike the first floor, the construction of the second was left incomplete so at the end of the hallway there are no individual rooms but instead a big one.
And there is Seungcheol.
With his hands and legs tied to a chair, he sits with his head hanging low, his tired frame illuminated by the small fire lit in front of him.
Best of all, there is no one else in the room.
“Seungcheol!” You cry, running straight to him.
He is baffled, gaping at you as you rush over to him, scrambling to untie his hands and legs as fast as possible.
“___? I- I don’t understand…How did you—”
“Hush.” You whisper, untying the last knot to free his leg before standing up to take a look at his face. There is a wound on his head, half-dried blood soaking his hair as your stomach forms knots, worried.
“We need to get you to a hospital.” You whisper, throat dry as you reach behind him to undo his hands.
“What a sweet reunion it is, no?” A familiar voice echoes, halting your action.
You whip your head around and there he stands, the man you suspected.
Sumin’s father, Lee Ryunwoo. You should have taken care of him long ago.
The blood in your veins runs cold as you immediately step in front of Seungcheol to cover him. The man emerges from the shadows, waving a gun in his hand as he orders, “Try to play smart with me and I’ll blow your head off.”
“Why did you kidnap him?” You ask, watching his movements warily as you cover Seungcheol with your frame. “Do you think you can get out of this so easily?”
From behind you, Seungcheol’s quiet voice echoes. “He knows, ___.”
You freeze, immediately understanding what he is referring to.
What? How?
“You are awfully mouthy for a bitch who shot my daughter,” Ryunwoo smirks, stepping closer to you. He presses the barrel of the gun to your throat before pulling it away, flashing you a cruel smirk. You swallow the lump in your throat as your brain frantically thinks of the next move. Maybe calling the police was not the best idea.
“Imagine my surprise when I find that recorder.” You watch cautiously as he walks past you and kneels in front of the duffel back, his gun aimed at you. Using one hand, he opens the zipper, shuffling the cash around as he checks it. “Yes, I had someone break into his office after he started acting dodgy. I knew something was going on.” He pauses to look at Seungcheol. “Everything was going so wonderfully. You were so confident about a lead and then you suddenly claim it was nothing? You should have been more careful, son.” He chuckles with a shake of his head.
You assess the situation, carefully watching his body language. Despite the gun in his hand pointing at you, his eyes are cast downwards, focused on the money.
You realize this might be your only chance.
Ever so carefully, you pull your revolver from your waistband, pointing it just slightly over his arm and pull the trigger.
Your sudden action has both the men confused as the bullet flies a mere half an inch above Ryunwoo’s hand, making him drop his gun and fall on his ass.
“___! Stop!’’ Seungcheol yells from behind you, struggling to free himself from the chair while you step towards Ryunwoo, pointing the gun at his head.
“Where is the recorder?” You ask.
He has the balls to chuckle. “This little thing?” From the breast pocket of his jacket, he slowly pulls out the little black device.
“Hand it over.” You order, stepping closer.
His cackle echoes through the barren room, overpowering Seungcheol’s yells of protest.
“Come and take it.” It is a challenge.
You grit your teeth, popping a vein in your neck. “I could just shoot you right now.”
“Like you shot Sumin?” The smirk does not wipe off his face.
“___, for fucks sake! Don’t!” Seungcheol yells.
You would have gladly taken the shot had the police not already been on their way. Against your will, you decide to play his game. Pointing your gun with one hand, you extend the other, holding your palm open. “Give it. Now.”
The tip of your fingers brush against the device when the police siren is heard. Ryunwoo immediately pulls the device back as he bellows, “You called the cops, you bitch!”
Using his momentary distraction to your advantage, you lunge at him, knocking him down hard on his head and snatching the recorder from his hand.
The next moment someone grabs your arm to pull you off of him and you look up to see Seungcheol. “Cheol! You—”
“The police will be here any second. They will investigate you if you hurt him.” He warns, pulling you towards him. On the floor, Ryunwoo groans, cupping his head and spewing curses at you. Outside, the sirens grow louder as you hear the commotion and the footsteps of the officers entering the building.
“Come,” Seungcheol attempts to guide you away by your shoulders when suddenly, you are dragged down. Ryunwoo’s abrupt pull on your leg makes you fall face down on the ground as the gun slips through your fingers upon impact. Seungcheol tries and fails to grab onto you in time as you are pulled backward by a rough grip. His entire body comes to a complete halt with his eyes widening in fear when he looks behind you, slowly raising his arms in surrender.
At the entrance of the room, the officers crowd, yelling at Ryunwoo to drop his weapon.
That is when you actually feel the cold barrel of his gun pressed to your temple.
Oh fuck.
Exhaling a shaky breath, you turn your head ever so slightly to look at him.
“I am going to blow your brains out and then go to jail, you cunt. How dare you trick me?” he sneers, venom dripping from his tone. His eyes are akin to a madman’s as the warnings of the officers fall deaf to his ears.
He really is going to shoot.
Your eyes wander over to Seungcheol one last time before they fall closed the moment a gun goes off.
There is a ringing in your ears and you realise the right side of your face feels wet.
A couple of seconds pass by before you open your eyes to find Ryunwoo lying on the ground behind you with a bullet hole in his head. The police rush in as Seungcheol tugs you towards him, wrapping his arms around you as you stare at the dead body.
You feel like you are stuck in a trance as everything around you moves in slow motion, your eyesight getting slightly blurry as your heart thumps loudly in your chest. You do not know whether it is relief or trauma but your legs suddenly feel like jelly.
Seungcheol has to call your name multiple times to make you look at him. “___? Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”
You shake your head, blinking a few times to focus your vision. You are still lost in your own head, thinking about how close you were to getting exposed and how you managed to save yourself by a hairsbreadth. “The recorder?’’ You question quietly.
“Don’t worry, I have it.” He wraps his arms around you tighter.
A faint smile of relief comes to your face and you dare to rest your face on Seungcheol’s chest. To your utter relief, he does not oppose you but gently cradles your head.
“Thank you.” You hear him say. Surprised, you look up at his face to be greeted by a shocking sight. There is a beautiful smile on his lips that makes his eyes shine.
“For what?” You croak, suddenly emotional.
“For saving me.”
-
10 days later
Seungcheol’s best friend Jihoon is getting engaged today.
Clad in a pastel pink blouse and a matching skirt, you silently sit next to your fiance in the car, your eyes trained outside the window. Seungcheol, like most times, does not attempt to break the delicate silence.
It is frustrating, especially because this is how he has been for the past ten days. Silent. As if his ex-father-in-law did not hold a gun to your head and then got killed by the police. As if you did not murder his ex-fiance and the proof of it is in his hands.
The morning after that fateful night, both of you were asked at the police station for your statements. It was a basic procedure before they started uncovering the skeletons in Ryunwoo’s closet; the murders he committed right after he became the CEO of Lee Media to hide his corruption and the money he embezzled. His bankruptcy also came to light along with the millions of dollars of debt he was in and the shady works he did to earn money for it.
Soon after that, the news of Sumin cheating on Seungcheol also came out. Someone anonymously leaked pictures of her and the model she was dating and the public was ruthless with their comments even though Sumin was dead.
After all the news broke, they were the talk of the town. A group of reporters even tried to swarm you at every chance, hoping to get some details from you.
When you met Seungcheol later in the week, he did not bring up the issues at all and instead went about his day as normal, bewildering you. One might think that the news never reached him. He never addressed them and you were too anxious to bring them up, afraid to lose the minimum attention you were getting from him.
Still, your worries have not vanished into thin air. It has been a weird few days and the more time passes, you cannot help but think things will go awry any second and you will fall face down into a nightmare all over again.
The car comes to a halt in front of Jihoon’s house and a valet holds open your door, helping you step out. Seungcheol rounds the car to come next to you. “Come on,” he says, buttoning his suit and stepping forward. Your hands reach for him mindlessly as you stop him by grabbing his hand.
He turns back, a brow raised in confusion.
“Seungcheol.” You state, looking him in the eye.
“What?”
You have a lot to say; so much that the thoughts tangle into intricate knots in your head and provide your lips with nothing. He waits for you to speak and you finally whisper, “Do you still have the recorder?”
The look in his eyes changes as he steps closer to you, holding eye contact. “Why? Do you think I handed it over to the police?” He sounds amused.
“I—” You pause, unsure what to say. It is undeniable that a small part of you has been worrying about that.
A short laughter of amusement comes from his lips before he becomes serious. “I burned it, ___.”
Your eyes widen in astonishment. Parting your lips, you let out a breath of surprise.
“I…I don’t know what to say,” You whisper. “I was scared. You have been so quiet the last few days and—”
“I am trying to put what happened behind me.’’ He states, something foreign flashing in his eyes.
You remain silent, watching his face intently, hoping he can see the gratefulness in your eyes. His gaze is soft, brimming with an emotion you can’t put a name to but constricts your throat and makes your heart soar with hope. “Seungcheol, I—” You are cut off as he presses his lips to yours in a bruising kiss that makes your toes curl. You lose your balance, your body falling against his as you melt in his arms.
A heated look of mischief and desire swims in his eyes when he pulls back to look at you.
“Call me Cheol,” he smirks, gripping your hand tightly by weaving his fingers with yours. With long steps he heads for the entrance, tugging you with him who is now sporting a love-struck grin.
When a villainess loves, she makes sure to get the guy no matter what it takes.
A/N: okay, so that was that. how was it? do lmk your feedback. also, if you have any questions about the characters or anything you are curious about, send me an ask, I'll fill in the blanks for you. what did you think about the ending? i purposefully left it a bit open because i don't see them being all head over heels for e/o (i mean oc is a simp ofc but not cheol). in fact, i imagine a very different ending for them in the long run, lol. and who knows, maybe i will write a part 2 someday, no promises tho. and if you noticed (im sure you did) this one does not have almost any smut. the reason for that was one, i find it extremely hard to write and two, i might write a small smutty epilogue in my patreon depending on how well this fic is received. we'll see. anyways, i'll stop the rant now. stay healthy and happy!
I see! Will you be competing the fic? It's really interesting and I liked it a lot, I'm looking forward to seeing it finish
Yep!! I'm so glad you're taking interest in it! Surely enough I'll re-upload everything once again as a whole!! (A personal college play inspired me to write this) but thanks a lot!! Motivates me🧡🧡🧡
Summary: There's no doubt in the saying "Knowledge is Power" and with great powers come great responsibilities. When you accidentally tag Moon Junhui, the Lit&Theatrics' star, on IG, an uproar of drama has taken peak. Knowledge is your final play role and responsibilities are your real feelings.
CW: svt crack!au, uni!au theatre!au Blu-Blonde to dark hair Jun (he deserves his own warnings 😩), lowkey strangers to friends to idiots to lovers, Mingyu's onesided love :(with an abrupted ending, humor, heavy on the literature genre, college shenanigans with our original drama queen Boo, stage romance, minor flashbacks of past relationships, ghostly pining from Jun, and slight tension if you squint :") (smut warnings include a lot of oral plays, slight dirty talks, some, teasing, brat taming, use of a vibrator, praise kink/size kink/mild dacryphilia because jun is no saint here n has been patient for a while😈 denials, and maybe a bit of their play roles characters foreplay? Just wild fantasies)Minors DNI
A/N: hey caratdeuls and huihuis! It's been a while I've been zoned out but lately I completed EFT and Hidden Love (yes I choose pain) and it all clicked. Jun devoured(literally and figuratively) well this came out earlier than Mingyu fic but that may take a lil while to assemble the plot again. Meanwhile enjoy this fic and I hope I could entertain xp
The supposed symphony of words-n-thoughts playing out melodies as intricate as orchestral harmonies and as delicate as the petals of blue orchids in bloom, Literature, felt like the urban dictionary definitions of the words Affect and Effect where;
Affect is "Fuck Around"
Effect is "Find Out"
Not for you though. The night decided sleep at 1 was overrated and clung to you like a koala with FOMO. Your mission to CSI Geoffery Chaucer's first American potty break and decode why "Ernest" was suddenly a subject worthy of cracking seemed like stepping into the Bermuda Triangle – equal parts mysterious and bewildering.
You even caught a wave of relief, high-fiving your brain for handling this last subject showdown before the semester break, while your roommates Joshua Hong and Seokmin Lee were probably embroiled in sweet dreams of winning the elite Pyjama Olympics. They snoozed on, completely oblivious of the academic turmoil; not tonight but has been a consistent case the entire semester.
Amid the suffocating pressure, retreat wasn't your style. It has been the only reason your academic status was stable and decent enough to battle Beethoven in a verbal faceoff if he were alive. Literature wasn't everyone's cup of tea and you choose to sip every drop. It's the only subject that balances pain with pleasure.
The particular student lifestyle was something prone to your casual aesthetic. Even if you don't hit the books sometimes, you're in for the vibes. This nonchalant spirit and couple of good energy tiktoks, had somehow guided you through the maze of academic lifestyle, heart- breaks that were uncalled for, nonmandatory stage plays,other irrelevant activities. And finally here you are on the verge of graduating as an Art Major next year, all thanks to that carefree attitude and knack for catching the good vibes.
And once again, determination spurred you on as you reached for your phone, seeking solace in the particular IG Reels haven that's adored. Upon the first refresh, the college's official page posts the following video 45 minutes ago, with those spedup Ariana Grande audios, anyway those audio snips gather a massive audience. It was a random Aurora Boreallis timelapse from the Alaskas or Northerns, with the following:
"Tag your first/favorite @ who's your special one. Say something to them. (Be nice) ❤❤"
Your lips curled into a skeptical smile, "Cringe" is finally the first modern word you mumble, after escaping the 1800 core.
The page has it's official manager, Seungkwan. Not only instagram, but Tiktok. This guy's got a feisty attitude that could rival a fire-breathing dragon. While he posts memes, promotional edits of college events, and some irrelevant ones like mentioned earlier, He never holds back- tagging the entire fraternity into his posts. It doesn't ends here for Seungkwan- he's also the undisputed drama connoisseur of social media. Dude's stories could give a successful telenovela a run for its money. It's not about how he stirrs up chaos, it's the creativity of his asshole mind sometimes.
There was that era when Seungkwan turned a simple group photo of his healthy arch nemesis Jungwoo, Chan Lee and Yeonjun into a meme war of epic proportions. He started with a single caption, and before anyone knew it, the whole college was engaged in a meme battle that lasted for days. Rumor has it that some memes even ended up as screensavers on the subject professors' laptops. Vernon Chwe was also a long-running personality on everyone's phonecases because of his pathetic fashion sense. He ended up with 5 girls chasing his solo status for themselves and every recess was free subway surfers for everyone.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Boo Seungkwan's knack for turning the mundane into "the" ordinary & the ordinary to something extraordinary; it is a social media talent like no other that's equally entertaining and terrifying. He's like a hawk, zeroing in on the ignorant souls who dare not engage. A non-negotiable rule – tag or be tagged, because if you don't play ball, he's got the ultimate power move: withholding crucial notes and throwing shade at any question that has a 70% chance of making it to the exams. It's like academic warfare out there, n Seungkwan's the commander-in-chief of strategic engagement. The term "Calling the BOOLEECE" is an expression he often uses.
However, you're a person in his goodlist, and avoid conflict at most. Therefore you start skimming through 94 major comments, with one being from your evident admirer. You skip past his attempts, and then tag your unwilling comment for your dearest friend at two in the am, among a plethora of familiar and unfamiliar tags:
min9yukim @ y/n take it all <3 (80 likes)
naaayeonnnim- @ yongbokki study ffs (42 likes)
haexhannhae- ya'all she sent this reel to me how am I supposed to feel about it😭 (55 likes
ningning02- @ winwinwin wtv (33 likes)
eyesoftigurrr- @ ziwooziwoo homie break up w mozart for me as if u are my romeo (77likes)
s00binniec @ terryk @ yawnjun year 2 be grate 4 us ........and 88 others
yn_xx @ junh_96 it shall shape thee of scholars and wisdoms ❤ 45s ago
You don't exactly want to interact with this, but anything and all for your buddy bestfriend Junhee, your partner in mischief, the dynamic duo of shenanigans. Success may be earned, but your best friend, well he practically has a golden ticket to it. Once a 9th grade high school play where you were casted as Voldemort's right-hand associate in a bootleg Harry Potter's Deathly Hallows stage play, there stood Junhee with his rectangular glasses, complete with a snake-like charm that would make even Slytherins jealous. And now Junhee, was your official partner-in-crime on stage and, little did you know, in reality of your life too.
Now, most friendships are built on shared interests or profound conversations. Yours? Oh, it was cemented by Junhee's uncanny ability to schedule the most ludicrous adventures at the most inconvenient times. We're talking about spontaneous trips to the petting zoo at 2 AM and impromptu karaoke sessions in the city's famous aquarium (don't ask). How could you possibly say no to such unforgettable escapades?
Junhee has always been the embodiment of "yolo" considering how he often drags you out of your extrovert slumps. Despite being his major’s 2nd top student after Wonwoo Jeon from History, he’s never once made you his second priority. He’s also an amazing teacher, considering how he taught his cat Morals to make great use of his paws to learn the dynamics of the turntable set in his basement because weekends there was a Steve-Aoki level havoc. Nonetheless, from supersonic charades to emotional heartbreaks, your bestie has always been superglued by your side.
Your chill demeanor hits its peak as you casually toss out that comment without even giving it a second glance, because your time on instagram was a supposed quickie. With a few scrolls, you're back to the books, ready to conquer academia and the piles of papers and books once again. After all, the world can wait, but this final exam just can't; especially when you're eager to get over with it.
In the blink of a snooze, a full-blown soap opera had been cooked up-talk about legit 5 seasons worth of drama! You wake up, grab your phone, and boom! In the era where you receive 33 notifs max, today it went 99+ notifications and it's like you've walked into an alternate universe where you're the lead character in the craziest reality show ever. "Damn Hol'up.." you mutter, your brain trying to catch up. Your obliviously slumbered roommates were at the door, laughing and exchanging glances secretively
"Mornin' y/n, brace yourself, today's gonna be as wild as trying to teach a Seokmin to breakdance," Joshua chimes in, his hand shaking like he's auditioning for the role of a human maraca, while he clutches the Lit Anthology in the other. Seokmin nearly snorts his coffee out in spite,at the comment and adds, "Seems like Sunday Morning Mingyu's Pain is calling collect, and it's an international call with extra charges!" They both make a dramatic exit, their laughter echoing through the corridor.
You can't help but chuckle at their over-the-top performance. Joshua and Seokmin have always been your partners in the "Mingyu pining era" escapades, but today they've taken it up a notch. It's not just because it's a Tuesday; something's definitely fishy here. You shake your head and focus on your simple breakfast, because, let's face it, food is life, even in the face of impending chaos. While contemplating your life choices, you munch on your omelet, occasionally glancing at your notes. After all, you're a self-proclaimed brainiac before a potential maniac; who knows when the roles might reverse and you find yourself deciphering the enigma that is Tuesday morning?
But nobody got time for existential crises when the clock is ticking and you've got an exam to face. You sprint to the exam hall, only to find your partner-in-crime MIA. And instead of noses buried in notes, eyes were on to your audacious online escapade. The twist in the plot had taken center stage, leaving you to wonder if you were now part of a different kind of curriculum – one that involved internet fame and a splash of unpredictability. Nothing could've prepared you for what you're in when you check your phone once again, prior to a message from your concerned party.
[7:42am] "??????" "Boo literally said he has earn free drama before free therapy now EXPLAIN?"
"I was almost contemplating my friendship for Jun why do I have a competitor? I've kept friends close, n u closr 😭😭
[7:45am]"where did Jun come from? What?😭 Help me cuz im fuckin confused bro tf??????"
Junhee attaches a screenshot to your response, the floor might as well be made of clouds for how quickly your jaw drops. The image in front of you leaves no room. You hastily open instagram and the notif panels – 450 likes adorn your @ mishap. And the twist that hits you like a truck? The tagged individual is none other than the Sorority Superstar Junhui Moon. His display picture was his side profile from one of his backstage photos, amongst roses candles and red curtains; maybe from one of his most dynamic stage plays."Damn it it can't be... this Moon Junhui???"
According to the crazy fangirls and as former spectator of his theatre plays, Moon Junhui, or mononymously known as Jun to the entire Drama Club, is in the same year as you with subject differences, and also the undisputed master of library naps, is like the superhero of slumber. While your ability is to seize every piece of knowledge while you're at it, his abilities are to catch Z's in the most unlikely places has reached mythic proportions. They say he's napped through lectures, study groups, and even once during a surprise fire drill – and still looks as fresh as a daisy. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as to why is he’s popularly known as “Mighty Moon”
But there's more. While majority of Lit Majors don't practice Theatre, the stage star Junhui- is not just a nap wizard; he's got some serious impactful acting chops too. Last Christmas, he didn't give any hearts, however he confidently took center stage as Romeo at the fanciest stage hall for the theater production of "Romeo and Juliet." And get this – he carried that role for a full three days straight, owning every line, every gesture, and even every melodramatic sigh.
But that wasn't the end of it. Later that year, he snagged the role of the Prince in Snow White for a charity gig among children. And let me tell you, Jun's fashion choices were...let's say, unique. It didn't matter if he was sporting raggedy clothes or outdated fashion, he had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand. Anyone would think he's a walking Vogue front cover. The man's charisma knows no bounds.
However(again) upon circulating sources, Moon Junhui offstage is a legend in his own right. He's the guy who turns a script rehearsal into a stand-up comedy routine. He's got a laugh that's as infectious as a catchy tune, and it's practically impossible to be in a bad mood around him.
When the final curtain falls, Junhui doesn't strut around like a diva. Nope, he's more like a stealthy ninja, slipping back into the shadows like he's got secret nap-capturing techniques to perfect. He's not just a nap guru or a theater sensation but definitely a walking paradox of chill and charisma, a master of unexpected entertainment. You never know if he's off for another power nap or casually collecting slipped-in phone numbers. Junhui, the enigmatic maestro of the offstage spectacle.
Back to reality, here is the juicy bit: you and Junhui are like two ships passing in the night. In a college where engagement with peers is a must, you can't even recall having a proper talk with him. Not even a Hello. Heck you don't even follow his public profile. And now you've gone and tagged him in a Instagram Reel blunder. It's like sending an accidental invite to a VIP party – and the VIP in question is a theater superstar.
"Oh the amount of bitch I've smelled today is going to register in the Guiness" you thought.
In an instant, the puzzle pieces slot into place – the lingering glances, the secretive murmurs – it all makes sense now. You've now unwittingly become the protagonist of a social media storm. Amidst the chaos, you find yourself caught in a plotline that could easily be ripped from the pages of a Netflix series, leaving you to ponder how a regular day could escalate to such binge-worthy proportions. Your phone buzzes again:
[7:52am]"Dude, what's the story?"
[7:53am] "Wait, aren't u junh_96 on insta?"
[7:53am] "Doofus I'm jun_96 on Tiktok, not IG......."
"OH..." You're staring at your phone, and it hits you like a ton of bricks: Moon Junhui and your bud Junhee have totally opposite usernames for TikTok and Instagram which they mutually agreed on, and you tagged Junhee's tiktok @ instead of his IG @ . And the person you actually tagged is apparently every delusional being’s prince charming-Junhui Moon.
What even forces you to pull your hair out is how foolish you were and too wrapped up in your studies to notice the whole mess you were creating. Everyone's got eyes on you while you're typing a response,
[7:55am]"Look, I got an exam. Can we not make this a thing right now?"But nope, he's not letting you off the hook: "Oh, you're definitely spilling the hot boiling tea about this bullshit!"
"Stop scaring me and making a huge fuss out of it I didn't do it on purpose get a grip mf..😫"
"No wonder why do I have all the attention" you contemplate. You're knee-deep in finals, totally stressed out. And then, oops! You accidentally tag Moon Junhui on a college Reel instead of Junhee. Pretty crazy right? Overnight you've become the Mia Thermopolis of instagram, from good ol' Princess Diaries.
Seungkwan saunters into the exam hall, with his usual tempting coffee, smirk and a clipboard of notes, looking like he about to drop the hottest tea unfortunately. "well look who do we have here" he offers his fist; and you fistbump him, a usual morning thing. "You're awfully absurd today Boo Seungkwan" it came out as a nervous whisper.
"Absurd is what you've stirred up honey" he retorts "I've waited for this my whole life" the silent backpack kid Vernon is finally taking interest while Boo pushes the piles of papers and books off the centre table and sits his ass on it. "Shakespeare who we have Seungkwan" he chimes along.
Even the duo who deliberately sits in the corner of the hall every exam, Hoshi and Yeji, rushes in the front seat for the first time in all these 2½ years with a loud "Spotlight on Seungkwan" you gulp at how Seungkwan's presence turns the mundane exam hall into a live entertainment set, where you never know what dramatic twist he's going to add to the day.
Today is the day where the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
"So Y/N I'll cut to the chase. Is Moon Junhui secretly your new co-star in a real-life drama? When did all of this begin?" Your roommates even jump right into this conversation as quick as they do when you bring takeouts and cold coke to the table. Shamelessly. No tacos tuesday for them.
"See it's all an innocent mistake I just mixed names thats it" you try to convince.
"What about the red lil heart then?" Seokmin, that backstabbing bitch proceeds.
"When are you getting your expelsion letter then? Seeing how the Dean's son Kim Mingyu always simped for you" another kid who never really spoke because he always gets away with a morning lollipop, Lino, speaks. Boy's had this name ever since the class representative suggested and he finds joy in it.
This whole thing turned into a total Gatsby affair. Because, you know, nothing says 'lavish party' unlike accidentally tagging Moon Junhui supposed college celebrity on the Reels.
"Well I meant it for Junhee my bestfriend"
"Then why didn't you delete the comment and rewrite Junhee" Seungkwan prods.
"I was academic drunk" you plead not guilty.
"Prove it" Joshua asks. "Dude you literally live with me" desperation drips your tone, yet nothing could prove it wasn't intentional.
It's like the FBI has taken over the interrogation room; questions keep piling up faster than late fees at a library. Even faster than Wi-Fi signal drops. Everyone's prime suspect is you. You half- expect someone to pull out a notepad and start jotting down notes. And then, just to top it off, another curveball "is tagging your new sport?" is aimed towards you. You pinch the gap between your brows. "When will this end"
Just when you thought that the spotlight you're under could rival the sun, the man in question, Moon Junhui strolls in with all the nonchalance of a pro. The chatter around you seems to magically hush-turn into whispers- probably as a sign of respect for his aura. His grey backpack hangs halfway, and you can't help but notice the mild amusement twinkling in his eyes. It's like he's seen enough dramas on stage to enjoy this real-life spectacle.
You mentally blame your sudden thirst for human interaction because, seriously, you can't help but notice how his unbuttoned yellow shirt layered over a white one looks like a snack-sized bag of Lays salted chips. And that blonde hair with blueberry blue streaks? Looks decent on him. And let's not ignore those onyx jeans that deserve their own spotlight. You're convinced they're flexing just as much as his forearms are while he tugs on his backpack and quickly analyzes his enviornment, to look back at your deranged self.
"Can I steal a moment of your time?" Jun finally asks, his throat clearing serving as an opening act; even Oliver Goldsmith would've admired. The collective "Ooooo" that ripples through the bystanders triggering heat into your cheeks, and a little on Jun's. All of this seems like you're the protagonist of a rom-com, and Jun just walked in, ready to deliver this plot twist.
He's the character who waltzes onto the screen, leaving everyone wondering if he's about to confess his undying love or reveal that he's actually an alien from the planet Awkwardus. The "Ooooo" is the background laughter track, reminding you that your life right now, this moment is basically a sitcom.
Jun instantly takes his leave. With a sigh and an expression of "it couldn't get any worse" sort which could rival a melodramatic heroine's in a Jane Austen novel, you gather whatever courage you have left and slowly follow Jun to the side, half-expecting the universe to provide a fitting backdrop for this pivotal moment – perhaps a rainbow or a flock of pigeons singing in perfect harmony.
Seungkwan can't help but chime in with his signature sarcasm, his tone dripping with playful exaggeration, "Oh, the suspense is killing me! Can we get an encore of the 'Ooooo' for extra dramatic effect" you glare at him, while you're following Junhui outside for a whatever he wishes to speak afterall he's unintentionally dragged into this. It wouldn't surprise you if all the crazy maniacs in there are eavesdropping.
"Must've been awkward," the type to get a head massage with eyes wide open blurts out, the words flowing like water from a leaky faucet. "I don't even mean to pry, 'cause hey, mistakes happen, but the impact here is... well..." You pick up his fragmented sentence like a detective assembling evidence, "like one of those applause tracks after a bad joke, am I right?"
You continue, feeling like you're dancing through a minefield, "Honestly, it's not even a big deal. I'm just trying to figure out why this has become the town gossip." Your face is a canvas of nervousness, but you focus your attention on the shrubs behind Jun, as if they're the most intriguing thing in the universe. "I've got a one-way ticket to this last exam right now. Can we please just catch up after this academic apocalypse?"
"Oh, uh, yeah sure, fine by me. Today's like my personal version of hell," he chuckles.
"Tell me about it." You exhale a sigh that could put out birthday candles. Seokmin jumps out of wherever his hiding spot was, surprising you two and snaps a flashy photograph of your flabbergasted expressions "can't let this slide when our new couple is looking moronic" he laughs. "SEOKMIN YOU CRAZY FUC- I'm sorry Jun, thankyou" you rush inside chasing him.
With a discreet wave and a bid for luck, Jun departs, slipping into the shadows. And just like that, you're left trudging back into the exam hall, mentally and literally facepalming as if trying to beat your own high score.
"Well, that was swifter than my Wi-Fi dropping," Joshua teases from the sidelines, analyzing the same photo Seokmin took.
"Seokmin, my friend, you might want to hit that delete button, because I'm gearing up for the revenge of the century!" you declare with a grin. Seokmin, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, replies, "Oh, revenge? I see you're embracing the drama, world famous protagonist."
A classmate chips in, "Oh, look, it's the next contestant on 'Tag Wars: College Edition'!" Laughter fills the room as you realize your outburst has lightened the mood, at least for a moment. You return to your exam with a bemused shake of your head, muttering, "Seriously, though, what is my life right now?" The absurdity of the situation isn't lost on you, and you can't help but find humor in the chaos.
"Sounds like suspension should be the logical verdict, especially with the college paparazzi on your tail and the pining Dean's Golden Boy is most probably writing a banner already, cuz they say action speak louder than words" Junhee, your bestfriend chuckles a reply with his arms crossed, that nosy expression plastered on his face. The guy's reeking of peak chismosa. You spill out the whole saga, your verbal roller coaster hitting all the twists and turns, and the audacity of this dude? He bursts out laughing as if you're hosting a stand-up comedy. "I'm no fan of ruining acrylics but your face is an exception, you moron" incredible criminal thoughts race your mind at the sight, which only makes him howl in laughter.
Around you, the world seems to have split into factions: there are haters, supporters, shippers, troll-ers, neutral mfs, and admirers, each in their own corner, like a real-life Divergent series unfolding before your eyes.
"I don't acknowledge any of Mingyu's pleasant confessions, so why is everyone suddenly treating assumptions about me like gospel truth?" You sigh, realizing the cons of being a social butterfly might be outweighing the pros.
Junhee nods in agreement, a knowing glint in his eye. "I mean, both Jun and Mingyu..and ofcourse, me" you roll your eyes at his unusual self obsession, "We could charm the socks off anyone just by breathing. Probably their colognes too." He smirks, "But on a serious note, it's wild how one little mistake can take you on a joyride to where you are now."
You scoff, "I thought today would be the bomb, celebrating the end of the semester, planning my epic peace. But nope, all thanks to that one of your drunken pact of swapping usernames, I'm in this mess." Junhee grins, trying to lift the mood, "Look at the bright side. Maybe this mishap will score you a spot in the college yearbook under 'Most Memorable Mishaps.' Now that's fame." You give him a playful shove, sarcasm dripping from your voice, "Wow, thanks for the pep talk, you're a real motivator."
Your pace comes to a temporary halt upon seeing a figure, "Fate must've thought, 'Let's toss a coin and see if we can ruin my day' " you sigh. Kim Mingyu; who usually walks like the granite is the red carpet, today his approach oddly synchronized with a passing monsoon season. He pulled off his black beanie followed by his usual black headphones, which seemed to be the only reliable part of the day. As if he's one page of either an Edgar Allen Poe book's chapter, or somewhere between the lines.
He usually hung out around this scenic area by the fountain and granite stairs, flashing his canines as if it's from a toothpaste commercial. But today, instead of his signature smile and posture, his face and body language resembled the grim clouds before a heavy downpour – insanely threatening and gloomy in general.
Junhee smirks, "Oh, what a coincidence! I've got some urgent... uh, texting to do. I'll just leave you guys to it. I'll catch up on you later" Junhee smirks "well then good luck with your accidental fame" he slips away from the scene and you're standing against the golden boy himself, in the middle of the spacious cafeteria.
"So you and JunHUI" he emphasizes, "hmmm?"
Me and JunHUI what?" You cross your arms.
"Don't play coy. I didn't peg you the bold type. You two close aren't you?"
"Close? We're practically inseparable, like a shadow and its dark sense of humor. Partners in crime with a PhD in mischief." Upon your response, Mingyu scoffs, turning his head,
"You know what I mean! Are you two hinting your secret affair to the campus?" He raises his brows. You redeem this the perfect opportunity to completely discourage his future attempts at unreciprocated rizz and end his pining for good.
""Secret affair? Oh, we're just dropping breadcrumbs for the rumor mill. As for today, let's just say my crystal ball for predicting your mood wasn't charged. It happens."
Mingyu stares, seeking for an easy explanation. You roll your eyes, adjust your bag on your shoulder, "what I meant is sometimes you do have to let the cat out of the box. Unless you're a dog person."
"Don't be so difficult, Y/N. Atleast not today when I'm at my worse. Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"Thought you'd catch. My bad if I forgot to turn in my updates on my love life."
"You know, a simple 'Hey, I'm not interested' would've saved me a world of trouble," Mingyu muttered, his tone filled with a mixture of frustration and disappointment. He bit his lips as if trying to control his emotions, and the word "trouble" seemed to linger with an unspoken weight.
It wasn't that you hated Mingyu; it's just that you weren't particularly keen on getting into a relationship. Besides, it's not exactly easy to be with a guy who's practically the campus's golden boy, majoring in Business as if he had a golden ticket to success.
"Oh, my bad!" you quipped, your sarcasm's the same viscosity as of honey. "Sure, let me just send out a mass text: 'Attention, everyone! Kim Mingyu, he urgently needs to know my dating status for his convenience, and I'm pleased to clarify that, yes, I'm dating. Someone, please save him trouble and the precious lost time!" You scanned the room, and it was clear that your love life, or rather the lack of it, wasn't exactly headline news until your own accidental tag had sparked this unexpected chaos. "Good for you" someone chimes. Most probably another bunch of nobodys who prefer solitude and their favorite flavor is Salt&Vinegar.
Mingyu sighs "you're impossible"
"And yet, somehow you're still here talking to me"you cross your arms, and shift your posture.
"Look, I just wish you had been honest about it before. I've been trying to get over you" he looks desperate at this point, it's infuriating.
"Nothing boosts my ego more than being someone's emotional challenge"
"Damn don't mock me, it's not easy"
"I guess Delulu is the Solulu" you smile coyly. It's supposed to come out as bitter as such but you've learnt that sometimes it's okay to recognize when something isn't working and to take a step back. And thats what you want to inflict into Mingyu's "it may work out" mindset.
"You're infuriating. I can't believe I ever thought you were right for me" it wasn't very pleasant to be hearing this from him, but you've had your share from your previous relationship, never again.
"Then you must be some kind of a masochist, to be standing here. Still."
"Unbelievable" he turns to the side, and let's out a loud, spittery scoff, "I'm..just gonna go"
"It's for your best, to go on" you try to sugarcoat "Whatever. I just don't want to ever cross paths with you." he puts his headphones back, and walks on wherever he was supposed to. Not even 10 steps ahead, he slowly walks back and returns, "I suppose, take care" and off Mingyu sprints. You too, Nepo Golden Boy you murmur.
Junhee's mind appeared to be caught in a never-ending loop, like a broken record that just wouldn't stop playing. It was as if he had latched onto a thought and couldn't let go, much to my amusement. "Trust me, not that big a deal. People have short memories when it comes to internet drama," he assures you, trying to sound all wise and chill about it. You side-eye him, before walking towards the vending machine.
Walking past a group of students from your class, some being your friends, burst into laughter and holler like they're on some infamous college dramas:
"Everyone!!! Watch out, we've got an Insta prodigy in our midst!"
"Note to self: never let her near my phone."
"Hey, can I hire you to accidentally tag my crush as well? Clearly she ignores me"
"If Romeo did that, he probably still had Juliet his side"
"Not a big deal, hmm" you crodd your arms at Junhee, who could only looks away because of the obvious embarassment. You check your phone upon vibration, and see a menacing DM from the concerned personality:
"7pm at Bonnie Sue's Cafe-Jun" "📍Location"
you're just staring at the DM like zoning out. Everything around you is white noise.
"What? Accidentally got a DM from Jun?"
"Yes and this seems no accident" you reply very monotonously. Junhee snatches your phone and reads it "that was quick I didn't think he'd ever show this interest? Impressive. See this one would be easy".
Bonnie Sue’s- Coffee Dreams and Golden Croissants
Is what the board said, with the letter E's lights flickering. The evident Sims characteristics were peaking when you stared at the board for a solid 30 second before entering.
Seven P.M, the golden hour of caffeine cravings, RnB music and aromatic smell of patissieres.
The soft lighting plays a game of hide-and-seek with the shadows, making it the perfect spot. You admit Jun has a sight for great things. This cafe seems to have borrowed its color scheme from the sunset itself, with warm, golden tones painting the walls and casting a cozy glow over everything. Even the cashier's cat was beautiful in it's dusky orange. "Step Down Matcha"
Typical caffeine addict name for a typical cat. As long as the cat wasn't Latte or Cocoa. But to your surprise, there were two more kittens named "Tira" and "Misu".
You strut in with an outfit that could only be described as chic, for the evening, rocking a cream graphic Feel The Power tee, effortlessly tucked into a pair of high-waisted, slightly distressed jeans. Your choice of sneakers tells you mean nothing longer than the quantity in your cup, even when you're going for the comfy-cool vibe.
A few silver accessories shimmer here and there, as if they're vying for attention in a subtle contest and your hair, the envy of all who've ever tried to achieve "effortless waves," frames your face with a touch of devil-may-care elegance. It's a look that screams, "I run on caffeine and sarcasm," and you can't help but be smitten by the combination.
It wasn't hard to spot Junhui in this small cafe, he was seated right at the corner, with round glasses on his nose, and an olive green shirt; evening glows illuminating the silver of his hair and his god-tier profile. He lifts his eyes, brows and then his face, engulfing a small smile.
"Sure enough my message wasn't accidental. You did show up" he begins, "Jun" getting up like a gentleman. You make sense of him for a particular 8 seconds which seemed like 8 minutes.
"Sensed there was a chance of free croissants, coffee and a side of drama, so how could I resist?" "Y/N" You scrunch your nose, and Jun lets out a snort. You shake his hand, being informal wasn't exactly the part of the script. However you shake hands and settle.
"First things First, what would you like to drink?" He inquires, scrolling the E-Menu on his phone.
You chuckle at his momentarily flabbergasted expression. "I say surprise me with the most complicated, elaborate, and hard-to-pronounce concoction on the menu," you jest, complete with a playful wink. "Just kidding, a basic coffee works for me. Some croissants, garnished with powdered sugar" Jun nods, grinning, and with a flourish of eloquence, he summons the waitress and proceeds to make the order, his voice smooth as silk.
Normally, you'd be glued to your phone when sharing a table with someone you barely know, but tonight was different. You were taken aback by the mesmerizing sight of his Adam's apple bobbing in its own rhythmic dance. This close encounter unlocked a whole new perspective on him in your eyes—his finely chiseled nose, the charming beauty marks that scattered across his face, and those eyes that seemed to play a coy game behind his glasses. "Perfect" didn't quite capture it; he was positively ethereal.
"Hmm Miss Y/N our reigning accidental tag queen" he clears his throat.
"If it isn't the mighty theatre prince Junhui in his glory gracing us with his presence" you may not exactly be the best comedian yet catching onto sarcasm is a hefty sport for you. You and Junhui instantly click and go in character. What exactly type of character, well it's unsure to confirm.
"How has it been in the realm of viral tags and unexpected notoriety?"
You lean back, feigning contemplation "Oh, you know, just basking in the glow of accidental prominence. It's not every day one gets to masquerade as a social media virtuoso" Jun chuckles, pushing his frame behind, looking even perfect, while doing so "my my, you're communication talents are unparalleled"
"I strive for excellency at all endeavors"
You two continue to talk back and forth, as if you never were practically strangers. You learn about him, his family, how he developed a career in acting at 2 years of age, he was basically born to showcase his talents at best. He was beauty with brains.
A loud chuckle buzzed when he shows Seungkwan's new story, embedded under "breaking news" template that says "Rumor has it, NASA's hiring her for her out-of-this-world tagging skills" with the same candid photo, Seokmin took earlier today.
"I've heard rumors that even Mingyu's pining for you has met its demise" Jun closes his phone and looks up. Your grin fades into a small smile "well that was destined to be" you tuck a strand behind your ear visibly uncomfortable and relieved at the same time.
"He's not the only one who fell for the accidental tag tease, you know.
You squint at him playfully, "Are you implying something here, Jun?"
Jun's leaning in, a glint in his eyes "Maybe I am"
"The mysterious theater boy strikes again"
"And the accidental social media sensation plays along" he leans back.
"So how do we exactly get us out of this circus" you question, swallowing the after-tastes of caffeine, while looking at the flushed up from laughing Junhui. The man who's read countless scripts gets back in character "The solution is quite elementary. We shall bestow upon the avid purveyors of collegiate drama a fresh enigma to mull over"
raising an eyebrow, you look at Jun "And that's all? We just continue this?"
Jun nods "Have faith, for I am confident that their focus will shift onto the subsequent scintillating narrative" another giggle escapes when he speaks in the "1800 Vocabulary"
"Ah, your scheme is as ingenious as it is bereft of traditional reasoning" you walk out of the cafe, with Jun's company towards the bus stop. He raises his fist in front of you "Fare well" You look at his feline-like features, waiting fir your fist to bump against his. "Thankyou, for a memorable first meeting"you return the fistbump, and his ears turn slightly pink; well it further darkens.
Next in scene, was the bus which pulls up to your stop, shattering the serene moment you were sharing. Jun gives you a friendly wave, and you reciprocate it with a smile and a wave. While seated on the bus, you find yourself reflecting on the day. Strangely enough, you've genuinely relished it. An entire day filled with chaos, conversations, and pure lunacy – it's like a sitcom episode starring you and Jun. It hits you like a plot twist that maybe, just maybe, old wounds can begin to heal, especially when they're covered in layers of sarcasm and laughter, all courtesy of the enigmatic Moon Junhui. You're not entirely sure where this rollercoaster is heading, but your heart chimes in with a cheeky "probably...towards some theatrical mayhem none seen it coming."
"So, do you need a cold compress on your face or a PhD in Love Diagnostics?" Minghao, Jun's very close friend, the former psychology diploma holder who possesses exquisite memory, and decided to trade his textbooks for a paintbrush filling his part of the apartment with canvases, flashes a sly grin as he quips with his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Minghao's usually the type to "spare me the details because I proritize my peace" kind of guy who enjoys his passion for art to great thoroughs. but he can risk an ear-n-limb for Junhui. Today it's the ear. Tomorrow, maybe knowledge.
Jun lets out a breathy chuckle, clearly relieved to have survived the initial encounter. "Minghao, my man, if only you knew. This was like trying to interpret abstract art with no clue what the artist was thinking." Minghao stares at him, watching his every move. "So?"
Jun takes a dramatic pause, as if he's about to deliver a modern-Shakespearean soliloquy. He clears his throat with exaggerated seriousness. "Well, I must be the stage maestro then," Jun finally responds, his breath still heavy from the ordeal. "Because, you see, I meticulously crafted my script in advance." He shows his notes to Minghao who could only facepalm in response.
In the land of obligatory chit-chat, our guy prefers to venture for a script like it's the secret sauce to conversation. For him, it's incredibly complex to hold a simple conversation unless he plans out a whole 700 page document about possibilities. He’s considered an ace flirt at his majesty but little everyone knows that the guy who naps backstage is a signal he can’t talk without stuttering unless he has something prepared. According to Jun "one doesn't birth with a script, you develop it past spontaneity"
His deteriorating socialising skills are now a standing-ovation worthy interactions. People are admired by his charms and he composes his emotions well, and appears articulated about situations. Minghao shakes his head, lightly stammering to fit the genre his friend,leaning towards the fridge cross-legged Minghao, who's eyeing Jun and quips, "Well why bother with spontaneous banter when you can rehearse your lines? Am I right, or am I saving the art of conversation single-handedly?" "You and your scripts, should seriously consider publishing a.. a 'Guide to.... Navigating Social Interactions colon, Script Edition' paperback. but that's the least of my concern, how have you been dealing with this…” Minghao swirls his hand in the air as if he's generating an aerial whirlpool, “at (@) fiasco. Any resolutions?"
Jun walks towards the fridge for a chilly glass of water,he raises an eyebrow, clearly amused by the playful challenge. “Broski, it's not just about scripts. It's about ensuring every interaction is a blockbuster hit. I mean you've seen my, five-act epic for ordering coffee, right? Anyways, our resolution is to continue this tag until people lose interest for something even spicier"
"And furthermore like her until you’re in the crazy level of Maslow’s Hierarchial need for love and intimacy?" The Psychology prude strives for mental peace and none for others when it subjects Love, a fit characteristic for his idiot friend who practices this art.
Jun's cheeks tint in deep shades of pink. There were no lies hidden. He did like you. Even at a distance he was enchanted by your ridiculous choice of clothing, and once in a lifetime attendances of Junhui's historical romance plays.
Over the next course of weeks, you two tag each other in completely outrageous scenarios, like you being a fashion guru or Jun being a master chef. The goal is to give everyone a good laugh, and fulfill the tag blunder.
As the college crowd scratches their heads and tries to decipher these quirky tags, you and Jun exchange knowing smiles and shared chuckles on texts, with questionable screenshots of the overall reaction. It's definitely a secret joke that only you can understand.
With each new tag, the confusion grows, and the drama surrounding your original mishap starts to slowly subside. To have the campus population wonder if there's a hidden message behind the tags or if we're just messing with them. This became a twitter trend that wasn't very popular, but enough to be trending #5 worldwide. Fame slithered it's way to you.
Accidental Tag Fiasco has taken a new level in the latest episode of Chaos Chronicles:- Read ahead
Seungkwan's Twitter adventures are epic. Although the matter was supposed to be an incampus joke, outside, the communities confusion was beyond focus. @ SushiLover instead of @ SootheLover in a relaxing spa day pic.
@ SushiLover: "Spa day? I'll have a side of wasabi with that massage! 🍣💆♀️"
@ SootheLover: "Looks like I'm ordering a seaweed wrap next time! 🌿💆♀️"
In a world where catwhisperers were termed as "carwhisperers", the mishap didn't last long but the target audience were approached. The joy for the time-being was appalling.
With every occassional exchange of messages with Junhui, you engulf ina turmoil of emotions. It's as if, you and Jun are in your own world, surrounded by peonies and fog, with rabbits and robins as our audience. It's like your secret garden of tranquility. Maybe it's the similarity of interests, majors or probably both. The passion for eloquent talks over a nice cup of hot tea and smelling the good ol' papers matches no other sense of comfort.
And Junhui. He's got more layers than an onion, and he's not just the stage star or any bookish brainiac. Sure, he's got that whole intellectual thing going on, but beneath it all, he's got a heart of gold.
On your everyday walk down the bumpy lanes to the public library, for your occasional Propaganda, you hear very, loud footsteps on the pebbles, fear slowly overshadowing the feeling of unwanted stalker behind. With your discreet manner of retrieving the pepper-spray from your "I'm Pretty Cool But I Cry A Lot" graphic Tote, you swiftly turn around, only to behold an endearing sight.
A specific blondie who recognized to be Junhui, was crouched down. Apparently he found a lost puppy behind you. It was a sight to see him, scooping up that little golden furball with the utmost care, like he'd just discovered the Holy Grail of cuteness. He even tried to have a conversation with the pup. "Aah, this little fellow was following you. Unlike someone who tags me and never bothered to follow back" he scowls, that was peak sarcasm "And yes. You're paranoid as fuck"
"Better paranoid than being dead" you roll your eyes and discreetly slid the keychain of self defence. Jun peacefully enjoyed the pepper licks from the little pup, "See my friend, two things are infinte. The universe and Humans" he shakes the little legs, "and paranoia"
"If you and your new philosopher friend have a deep chat about the universe, am I free to go?" Jun slowly gets up, watching the pup rush towards it's parent near the corner, and adjusts his new shoulder-bag on his shoulder(ofcourse) Once again he crouches to tie his shoelaces of his annoying-yet-cool Converse.
His back facing you, Jun craned his head upwards to flash a grin, "You know, sometimes a good conversation with a dog is all you need. See the significance of how this universe had a penchant for crafting connections that were simply meant to be, even if it involved deep canine philosophy" "Hmm" and you enter the library, leaving him still tangling the "aglets" of his laces. Out of everyday, today was the day set to deal with him.
He shuts that deep book of his, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' and says, "Not many care about my thoughts. Since you're the only one, currently paying attention...."
"No I'm not" you push your reading-glasses up your nose, without even glancing at the talkative-yet-handsome stage maestro
"Whatever it is, well listen. This book" he begins " It's all politics and fleeting opinions."Jun leans back in his chair, still holding that book. "Also, the book 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' it's a real journey into the human condition. Kundera delves into the idea of eternal return and how our choices are burdened by their irreversibility."
You finally tear your eyes away from the particular short stories and look at him. "Eternal return? Irreversibility? Sounds heavy," you say with a smirk. Jun chuckles, clearly used to this sarcasm by now.
Jun takes a moment, his eyes searching for the right words. "So Kundera suggests that we have to find our own meaning in this chaotic world. We have to embrace the 'lightness' of life and accept that our choices matter precisely because they're absolute. Umm hmmm it's..well about finding purpose in our actions, even if they don't have some grand significance. I've done no light reading, that's for sure. But it makes you think about the weight of our decisions and the consequences they carry."
You lean in, interested in his ted-talk. It was hard to tell if this library meeting was a part of the script or not. Jun didn't seem to care, except he flashes his cat-like smile and shakes his head to move the strands off his eyes.
"So, what's your take on it? Do you think we're doomed to repeat our choices, or is there a way to escape that?" Your eyes flutter at his sudden inquiry.
Jun pauses, looking like he's on the verge of unraveling some grand philosophical revelation. "Well, my dear scholar, I'd say Kundera is onto something there. Life is a series of choices, and whether they're as monumental as deciding your major or as trivial as choosing a coffee flavor, they all weave this intricate tapestry of our existence." He chuckles, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But hey, what's the fun in thinking we're 'doomed' to repeat them? If life were a play, wouldn't it be more entertaining to add some unexpected twists and ad-libs to the script?"
You nod, contemplating his words, but there's a flicker of something in your eyes, a hint of vulnerability. "You know, it's funny. I used to feel like I was stuck in this loop of making choices that didn't really matter to anyone but myself. It's like I was just an extra in someone else's blockbuster movie, always pushed to the background." You let out a self-deprecating laugh. "But maybe it's time to change that script, add some plot twists of my own."
Jun raises an eyebrow, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Ah, I see we're getting personal here. Care to share more about this movie you've been in?"
You chuckle, a mixture of bitterness and humor. "Well, it's a classic story. Girl meets guy, guy gets caught up in his own drama, and girl... well, she just ends up being the backdrop for his scenes. But who wants to be stuck in a supporting role forever, right?"
Jun offers a sympathetic smile, but there's an undercurrent of determination in his voice. "You're right. It's time for you to be the star of your own show. And hey, I'm here if you ever need a co-star or a script doctor." You chuckle and shoot Jun a wry look. "Oh, how generous of you to offer your co-starring services. Just remember, in my show, plot twists are the norm, and character development is questionable at best. Can you handle the chaos?"
He grins, undeterred. "I'm a method actor, ready to dive into any character's insanity. Done this once, will do it again in a heartbeat"
As you contemplate your response about the literature stories, you raise an eyebrow at him. "Well, Jun, when it comes to some of these short stories, I'd say they require a hefty dose of 'men logic.' You know, the kind that leaves everyone scratching their heads, just like trying to decipher a Hemingway novel. But hey, isn't that the fun of it all? With a playful smirk, you add, "Stay delusional, my friend. It suits you."
Ylu didng think jun's "costar" thing would manifest itself.
Summary: There's no doubt in the saying "Knowledge is Power" and with great powers come great responsibilities. When you accidentally tag Moon Junhui, the Lit&Theatrics' star, on IG, an uproar of drama has taken peak. Knowledge is your final play role and responsibilities are your real feelings.
CW: svt crack!au, uni!au theatre!au Blu-Blonde to dark hair Jun (he deserves his own warnings 😩), lowkey strangers to friends to idiots to lovers, Mingyu's onesided love :(with an abrupted ending, humor, heavy on the literature genre, college shenanigans with our original drama queen Boo, stage romance, minor flashbacks of past relationships, ghostly pining from Jun, and slight tension if you squint :") (smut warnings include a lot of oral plays, slight dirty talks, some, teasing, brat taming, use of a vibrator, praise kink/size kink/mild dacryphilia because jun is no saint here n has been patient for a while😈 denials, and maybe a bit of their play roles characters foreplay? Just wild fantasies)Minors DNI
A/N: hey caratdeuls and huihuis! It's been a while I've been zoned out but lately I completed EFT and Hidden Love (yes I choose pain) and it all clicked. Jun devoured(literally and figuratively) well this came out earlier than Mingyu fic but that may take a lil while to assemble the plot again. Meanwhile enjoy this fic and I hope I could entertain xp
The supposed symphony of words-n-thoughts playing out melodies as intricate as orchestral harmonies and as delicate as the petals of blue orchids in bloom, Literature, felt like the urban dictionary definitions of the words Affect and Effect where;
Affect is "Fuck Around"
Effect is "Find Out"
Not for you though. The night decided sleep at 1 was overrated and clung to you like a koala with FOMO. Your mission to CSI Geoffery Chaucer's first American potty break and decode why "Ernest" was suddenly a subject worthy of cracking seemed like stepping into the Bermuda Triangle – equal parts mysterious and bewildering.
You even caught a wave of relief, high-fiving your brain for handling this last subject showdown before the semester break, while your roommates Joshua Hong and Seokmin Lee were probably embroiled in sweet dreams of winning the elite Pyjama Olympics. They snoozed on, completely oblivious of the academic turmoil; not tonight but has been a consistent case the entire semester.
Amid the suffocating pressure, retreat wasn't your style. It has been the only reason your academic status was stable and decent enough to battle Beethoven in a verbal faceoff if he were alive. Literature wasn't everyone's cup of tea and you choose to sip every drop. It's the only subject that balances pain with pleasure.
The particular student lifestyle was something prone to your casual aesthetic. Even if you don't hit the books sometimes, you're in for the vibes. This nonchalant spirit and couple of good energy tiktoks, had somehow guided you through the maze of academic lifestyle, heart- breaks that were uncalled for, nonmandatory stage plays,other irrelevant activities. And finally here you are on the verge of graduating as an Art Major next year, all thanks to that carefree attitude and knack for catching the good vibes.
And once again, determination spurred you on as you reached for your phone, seeking solace in the particular IG Reels haven that's adored. Upon the first refresh, the college's official page posts the following video 45 minutes ago, with those spedup Ariana Grande audios, anyway those audio snips gather a massive audience. It was a random Aurora Boreallis timelapse from the Alaskas or Northerns, with the following:
"Tag your first/favorite @ who's your special one. Say something to them. (Be nice) ❤❤"
Your lips curled into a skeptical smile, "Cringe" is finally the first modern word you mumble, after escaping the 1800 core.
The page has it's official manager, Seungkwan. Not only instagram, but Tiktok. This guy's got a feisty attitude that could rival a fire-breathing dragon. While he posts memes, promotional edits of college events, and some irrelevant ones like mentioned earlier, He never holds back- tagging the entire fraternity into his posts. It doesn't ends here for Seungkwan- he's also the undisputed drama connoisseur of social media. Dude's stories could give a successful telenovela a run for its money. It's not about how he stirrs up chaos, it's the creativity of his asshole mind sometimes.
There was that era when Seungkwan turned a simple group photo of his healthy arch nemesis Jungwoo, Chan Lee and Yeonjun into a meme war of epic proportions. He started with a single caption, and before anyone knew it, the whole college was engaged in a meme battle that lasted for days. Rumor has it that some memes even ended up as screensavers on the subject professors' laptops. Vernon Chwe was also a long-running personality on everyone's phonecases because of his pathetic fashion sense. He ended up with 5 girls chasing his solo status for themselves and every recess was free subway surfers for everyone.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Boo Seungkwan's knack for turning the mundane into "the" ordinary & the ordinary to something extraordinary; it is a social media talent like no other that's equally entertaining and terrifying. He's like a hawk, zeroing in on the ignorant souls who dare not engage. A non-negotiable rule – tag or be tagged, because if you don't play ball, he's got the ultimate power move: withholding crucial notes and throwing shade at any question that has a 70% chance of making it to the exams. It's like academic warfare out there, n Seungkwan's the commander-in-chief of strategic engagement. The term "Calling the BOOLEECE" is an expression he often uses.
However, you're a person in his goodlist, and avoid conflict at most. Therefore you start skimming through 94 major comments, with one being from your evident admirer. You skip past his attempts, and then tag your unwilling comment for your dearest friend at two in the am, among a plethora of familiar and unfamiliar tags:
min9yukim @ y/n take it all <3 (80 likes)
naaayeonnnim- @ yongbokki study ffs (42 likes)
haexhannhae- ya'all she sent this reel to me how am I supposed to feel about it😭 (55 likes
ningning02- @ winwinwin wtv (33 likes)
eyesoftigurrr- @ ziwooziwoo homie break up w mozart for me as if u are my romeo (77likes)
s00binniec @ terryk @ yawnjun year 2 be grate 4 us ........and 88 others
yn_xx @ junh_96 it shall shape thee of scholars and wisdoms ❤ 45s ago
You don't exactly want to interact with this, but anything and all for your buddy bestfriend Junhee, your partner in mischief, the dynamic duo of shenanigans. Success may be earned, but your best friend, well he practically has a golden ticket to it. Once a 9th grade high school play where you were casted as Voldemort's right-hand associate in a bootleg Harry Potter's Deathly Hallows stage play, there stood Junhee with his rectangular glasses, complete with a snake-like charm that would make even Slytherins jealous. And now Junhee, was your official partner-in-crime on stage and, little did you know, in reality of your life too.
Now, most friendships are built on shared interests or profound conversations. Yours? Oh, it was cemented by Junhee's uncanny ability to schedule the most ludicrous adventures at the most inconvenient times. We're talking about spontaneous trips to the petting zoo at 2 AM and impromptu karaoke sessions in the city's famous aquarium (don't ask). How could you possibly say no to such unforgettable escapades?
Junhee has always been the embodiment of "yolo" considering how he often drags you out of your extrovert slumps. Despite being his major’s 2nd top student after Wonwoo Jeon from History, he’s never once made you his second priority. He’s also an amazing teacher, considering how he taught his cat Morals to make great use of his paws to learn the dynamics of the turntable set in his basement because weekends there was a Steve-Aoki level havoc. Nonetheless, from supersonic charades to emotional heartbreaks, your bestie has always been superglued by your side.
Your chill demeanor hits its peak as you casually toss out that comment without even giving it a second glance, because your time on instagram was a supposed quickie. With a few scrolls, you're back to the books, ready to conquer academia and the piles of papers and books once again. After all, the world can wait, but this final exam just can't; especially when you're eager to get over with it.
In the blink of a snooze, a full-blown soap opera had been cooked up-talk about legit 5 seasons worth of drama! You wake up, grab your phone, and boom! In the era where you receive 33 notifs max, today it went 99+ notifications and it's like you've walked into an alternate universe where you're the lead character in the craziest reality show ever. "Damn Hol'up.." you mutter, your brain trying to catch up. Your obliviously slumbered roommates were at the door, laughing and exchanging glances secretively
"Mornin' y/n, brace yourself, today's gonna be as wild as trying to teach a Seokmin to breakdance," Joshua chimes in, his hand shaking like he's auditioning for the role of a human maraca, while he clutches the Lit Anthology in the other. Seokmin nearly snorts his coffee out in spite,at the comment and adds, "Seems like Sunday Morning Mingyu's Pain is calling collect, and it's an international call with extra charges!" They both make a dramatic exit, their laughter echoing through the corridor.
You can't help but chuckle at their over-the-top performance. Joshua and Seokmin have always been your partners in the "Mingyu pining era" escapades, but today they've taken it up a notch. It's not just because it's a Tuesday; something's definitely fishy here. You shake your head and focus on your simple breakfast, because, let's face it, food is life, even in the face of impending chaos. While contemplating your life choices, you munch on your omelet, occasionally glancing at your notes. After all, you're a self-proclaimed brainiac before a potential maniac; who knows when the roles might reverse and you find yourself deciphering the enigma that is Tuesday morning?
But nobody got time for existential crises when the clock is ticking and you've got an exam to face. You sprint to the exam hall, only to find your partner-in-crime MIA. And instead of noses buried in notes, eyes were on to your audacious online escapade. The twist in the plot had taken center stage, leaving you to wonder if you were now part of a different kind of curriculum – one that involved internet fame and a splash of unpredictability. Nothing could've prepared you for what you're in when you check your phone once again, prior to a message from your concerned party.
[7:42am] "??????" "Boo literally said he has earn free drama before free therapy now EXPLAIN?"
"I was almost contemplating my friendship for Jun why do I have a competitor? I've kept friends close, n u closr 😭😭
[7:45am]"where did Jun come from? What?😭 Help me cuz im fuckin confused bro tf??????"
Junhee attaches a screenshot to your response, the floor might as well be made of clouds for how quickly your jaw drops. The image in front of you leaves no room. You hastily open instagram and the notif panels – 450 likes adorn your @ mishap. And the twist that hits you like a truck? The tagged individual is none other than the Sorority Superstar Junhui Moon. His display picture was his side profile from one of his backstage photos, amongst roses candles and red curtains; maybe from one of his most dynamic stage plays."Damn it it can't be... this Moon Junhui???"
According to the crazy fangirls and as former spectator of his theatre plays, Moon Junhui, or mononymously known as Jun to the entire Drama Club, is in the same year as you with subject differences, and also the undisputed master of library naps, is like the superhero of slumber. While your ability is to seize every piece of knowledge while you're at it, his abilities are to catch Z's in the most unlikely places has reached mythic proportions. They say he's napped through lectures, study groups, and even once during a surprise fire drill – and still looks as fresh as a daisy. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as to why is he’s popularly known as “Mighty Moon”
But there's more. While majority of Lit Majors don't practice Theatre, the stage star Junhui- is not just a nap wizard; he's got some serious impactful acting chops too. Last Christmas, he didn't give any hearts, however he confidently took center stage as Romeo at the fanciest stage hall for the theater production of "Romeo and Juliet." And get this – he carried that role for a full three days straight, owning every line, every gesture, and even every melodramatic sigh.
But that wasn't the end of it. Later that year, he snagged the role of the Prince in Snow White for a charity gig among children. And let me tell you, Jun's fashion choices were...let's say, unique. It didn't matter if he was sporting raggedy clothes or outdated fashion, he had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand. Anyone would think he's a walking Vogue front cover. The man's charisma knows no bounds.
However(again) upon circulating sources, Moon Junhui offstage is a legend in his own right. He's the guy who turns a script rehearsal into a stand-up comedy routine. He's got a laugh that's as infectious as a catchy tune, and it's practically impossible to be in a bad mood around him.
When the final curtain falls, Junhui doesn't strut around like a diva. Nope, he's more like a stealthy ninja, slipping back into the shadows like he's got secret nap-capturing techniques to perfect. He's not just a nap guru or a theater sensation but definitely a walking paradox of chill and charisma, a master of unexpected entertainment. You never know if he's off for another power nap or casually collecting slipped-in phone numbers. Junhui, the enigmatic maestro of the offstage spectacle.
Back to reality, here is the juicy bit: you and Junhui are like two ships passing in the night. In a college where engagement with peers is a must, you can't even recall having a proper talk with him. Not even a Hello. Heck you don't even follow his public profile. And now you've gone and tagged him in a Instagram Reel blunder. It's like sending an accidental invite to a VIP party – and the VIP in question is a theater superstar.
"Oh the amount of bitch I've smelled today is going to register in the Guiness" you thought.
In an instant, the puzzle pieces slot into place – the lingering glances, the secretive murmurs – it all makes sense now. You've now unwittingly become the protagonist of a social media storm. Amidst the chaos, you find yourself caught in a plotline that could easily be ripped from the pages of a Netflix series, leaving you to ponder how a regular day could escalate to such binge-worthy proportions. Your phone buzzes again:
[7:52am]"Dude, what's the story?"
[7:53am] "Wait, aren't u junh_96 on insta?"
[7:53am] "Doofus I'm jun_96 on Tiktok, not IG......."
"OH..." You're staring at your phone, and it hits you like a ton of bricks: Moon Junhui and your bud Junhee have totally opposite usernames for TikTok and Instagram which they mutually agreed on, and you tagged Junhee's tiktok @ instead of his IG @ . And the person you actually tagged is apparently every delusional being’s prince charming-Junhui Moon.
What even forces you to pull your hair out is how foolish you were and too wrapped up in your studies to notice the whole mess you were creating. Everyone's got eyes on you while you're typing a response,
[7:55am]"Look, I got an exam. Can we not make this a thing right now?"But nope, he's not letting you off the hook: "Oh, you're definitely spilling the hot boiling tea about this bullshit!"
"Stop scaring me and making a huge fuss out of it I didn't do it on purpose get a grip mf..😫"
"No wonder why do I have all the attention" you contemplate. You're knee-deep in finals, totally stressed out. And then, oops! You accidentally tag Moon Junhui on a college Reel instead of Junhee. Pretty crazy right? Overnight you've become the Mia Thermopolis of instagram, from good ol' Princess Diaries.
Seungkwan saunters into the exam hall, with his usual tempting coffee, smirk and a clipboard of notes, looking like he about to drop the hottest tea unfortunately. "well look who do we have here" he offers his fist; and you fistbump him, a usual morning thing. "You're awfully absurd today Boo Seungkwan" it came out as a nervous whisper.
"Absurd is what you've stirred up honey" he retorts "I've waited for this my whole life" the silent backpack kid Vernon is finally taking interest while Boo pushes the piles of papers and books off the centre table and sits his ass on it. "Shakespeare who we have Seungkwan" he chimes along.
Even the duo who deliberately sits in the corner of the hall every exam, Hoshi and Yeji, rushes in the front seat for the first time in all these 2½ years with a loud "Spotlight on Seungkwan" you gulp at how Seungkwan's presence turns the mundane exam hall into a live entertainment set, where you never know what dramatic twist he's going to add to the day.
Today is the day where the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
"So Y/N I'll cut to the chase. Is Moon Junhui secretly your new co-star in a real-life drama? When did all of this begin?" Your roommates even jump right into this conversation as quick as they do when you bring takeouts and cold coke to the table. Shamelessly. No tacos tuesday for them.
"See it's all an innocent mistake I just mixed names thats it" you try to convince.
"What about the red lil heart then?" Seokmin, that backstabbing bitch proceeds.
"When are you getting your expelsion letter then? Seeing how the Dean's son Kim Mingyu always simped for you" another kid who never really spoke because he always gets away with a morning lollipop, Lino, speaks. Boy's had this name ever since the class representative suggested and he finds joy in it.
This whole thing turned into a total Gatsby affair. Because, you know, nothing says 'lavish party' unlike accidentally tagging Moon Junhui supposed college celebrity on the Reels.
"Well I meant it for Junhee my bestfriend"
"Then why didn't you delete the comment and rewrite Junhee" Seungkwan prods.
"I was academic drunk" you plead not guilty.
"Prove it" Joshua asks. "Dude you literally live with me" desperation drips your tone, yet nothing could prove it wasn't intentional.
It's like the FBI has taken over the interrogation room; questions keep piling up faster than late fees at a library. Even faster than Wi-Fi signal drops. Everyone's prime suspect is you. You half- expect someone to pull out a notepad and start jotting down notes. And then, just to top it off, another curveball "is tagging your new sport?" is aimed towards you. You pinch the gap between your brows. "When will this end"
Just when you thought that the spotlight you're under could rival the sun, the man in question, Moon Junhui strolls in with all the nonchalance of a pro. The chatter around you seems to magically hush-turn into whispers- probably as a sign of respect for his aura. His grey backpack hangs halfway, and you can't help but notice the mild amusement twinkling in his eyes. It's like he's seen enough dramas on stage to enjoy this real-life spectacle.
You mentally blame your sudden thirst for human interaction because, seriously, you can't help but notice how his unbuttoned yellow shirt layered over a white one looks like a snack-sized bag of Lays salted chips. And that blonde hair with blueberry blue streaks? Looks decent on him. And let's not ignore those onyx jeans that deserve their own spotlight. You're convinced they're flexing just as much as his forearms are while he tugs on his backpack and quickly analyzes his enviornment, to look back at your deranged self.
"Can I steal a moment of your time?" Jun finally asks, his throat clearing serving as an opening act; even Oliver Goldsmith would've admired. The collective "Ooooo" that ripples through the bystanders triggering heat into your cheeks, and a little on Jun's. All of this seems like you're the protagonist of a rom-com, and Jun just walked in, ready to deliver this plot twist.
He's the character who waltzes onto the screen, leaving everyone wondering if he's about to confess his undying love or reveal that he's actually an alien from the planet Awkwardus. The "Ooooo" is the background laughter track, reminding you that your life right now, this moment is basically a sitcom.
Jun instantly takes his leave. With a sigh and an expression of "it couldn't get any worse" sort which could rival a melodramatic heroine's in a Jane Austen novel, you gather whatever courage you have left and slowly follow Jun to the side, half-expecting the universe to provide a fitting backdrop for this pivotal moment – perhaps a rainbow or a flock of pigeons singing in perfect harmony.
Seungkwan can't help but chime in with his signature sarcasm, his tone dripping with playful exaggeration, "Oh, the suspense is killing me! Can we get an encore of the 'Ooooo' for extra dramatic effect" you glare at him, while you're following Junhui outside for a whatever he wishes to speak afterall he's unintentionally dragged into this. It wouldn't surprise you if all the crazy maniacs in there are eavesdropping.
"Must've been awkward," the type to get a head massage with eyes wide open blurts out, the words flowing like water from a leaky faucet. "I don't even mean to pry, 'cause hey, mistakes happen, but the impact here is... well..." You pick up his fragmented sentence like a detective assembling evidence, "like one of those applause tracks after a bad joke, am I right?"
You continue, feeling like you're dancing through a minefield, "Honestly, it's not even a big deal. I'm just trying to figure out why this has become the town gossip." Your face is a canvas of nervousness, but you focus your attention on the shrubs behind Jun, as if they're the most intriguing thing in the universe. "I've got a one-way ticket to this last exam right now. Can we please just catch up after this academic apocalypse?"
"Oh, uh, yeah sure, fine by me. Today's like my personal version of hell," he chuckles.
"Tell me about it." You exhale a sigh that could put out birthday candles. Seokmin jumps out of wherever his hiding spot was, surprising you two and snaps a flashy photograph of your flabbergasted expressions "can't let this slide when our new couple is looking moronic" he laughs. "SEOKMIN YOU CRAZY FUC- I'm sorry Jun, thankyou" you rush inside chasing him.
With a discreet wave and a bid for luck, Jun departs, slipping into the shadows. And just like that, you're left trudging back into the exam hall, mentally and literally facepalming as if trying to beat your own high score.
"Well, that was swifter than my Wi-Fi dropping," Joshua teases from the sidelines, analyzing the same photo Seokmin took.
"Seokmin, my friend, you might want to hit that delete button, because I'm gearing up for the revenge of the century!" you declare with a grin. Seokmin, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, replies, "Oh, revenge? I see you're embracing the drama, world famous protagonist."
A classmate chips in, "Oh, look, it's the next contestant on 'Tag Wars: College Edition'!" Laughter fills the room as you realize your outburst has lightened the mood, at least for a moment. You return to your exam with a bemused shake of your head, muttering, "Seriously, though, what is my life right now?" The absurdity of the situation isn't lost on you, and you can't help but find humor in the chaos.
"Sounds like suspension should be the logical verdict, especially with the college paparazzi on your tail and the pining Dean's Golden Boy is most probably writing a banner already, cuz they say action speak louder than words" Junhee, your bestfriend chuckles a reply with his arms crossed, that nosy expression plastered on his face. The guy's reeking of peak chismosa. You spill out the whole saga, your verbal roller coaster hitting all the twists and turns, and the audacity of this dude? He bursts out laughing as if you're hosting a stand-up comedy. "I'm no fan of ruining acrylics but your face is an exception, you moron" incredible criminal thoughts race your mind at the sight, which only makes him howl in laughter.
Around you, the world seems to have split into factions: there are haters, supporters, shippers, troll-ers, neutral mfs, and admirers, each in their own corner, like a real-life Divergent series unfolding before your eyes.
"I don't acknowledge any of Mingyu's pleasant confessions, so why is everyone suddenly treating assumptions about me like gospel truth?" You sigh, realizing the cons of being a social butterfly might be outweighing the pros.
Junhee nods in agreement, a knowing glint in his eye. "I mean, both Jun and Mingyu..and ofcourse, me" you roll your eyes at his unusual self obsession, "We could charm the socks off anyone just by breathing. Probably their colognes too." He smirks, "But on a serious note, it's wild how one little mistake can take you on a joyride to where you are now."
You scoff, "I thought today would be the bomb, celebrating the end of the semester, planning my epic peace. But nope, all thanks to that one of your drunken pact of swapping usernames, I'm in this mess." Junhee grins, trying to lift the mood, "Look at the bright side. Maybe this mishap will score you a spot in the college yearbook under 'Most Memorable Mishaps.' Now that's fame." You give him a playful shove, sarcasm dripping from your voice, "Wow, thanks for the pep talk, you're a real motivator."
Your pace comes to a temporary halt upon seeing a figure, "Fate must've thought, 'Let's toss a coin and see if we can ruin my day' " you sigh. Kim Mingyu; who usually walks like the granite is the red carpet, today his approach oddly synchronized with a passing monsoon season. He pulled off his black beanie followed by his usual black headphones, which seemed to be the only reliable part of the day. As if he's one page of either an Edgar Allen Poe book's chapter, or somewhere between the lines.
He usually hung out around this scenic area by the fountain and granite stairs, flashing his canines as if it's from a toothpaste commercial. But today, instead of his signature smile and posture, his face and body language resembled the grim clouds before a heavy downpour – insanely threatening and gloomy in general.
Junhee smirks, "Oh, what a coincidence! I've got some urgent... uh, texting to do. I'll just leave you guys to it. I'll catch up on you later" Junhee smirks "well then good luck with your accidental fame" he slips away from the scene and you're standing against the golden boy himself, in the middle of the spacious cafeteria.
"So you and JunHUI" he emphasizes, "hmmm?"
Me and JunHUI what?" You cross your arms.
"Don't play coy. I didn't peg you the bold type. You two close aren't you?"
"Close? We're practically inseparable, like a shadow and its dark sense of humor. Partners in crime with a PhD in mischief." Upon your response, Mingyu scoffs, turning his head,
"You know what I mean! Are you two hinting your secret affair to the campus?" He raises his brows. You redeem this the perfect opportunity to completely discourage his future attempts at unreciprocated rizz and end his pining for good.
""Secret affair? Oh, we're just dropping breadcrumbs for the rumor mill. As for today, let's just say my crystal ball for predicting your mood wasn't charged. It happens."
Mingyu stares, seeking for an easy explanation. You roll your eyes, adjust your bag on your shoulder, "what I meant is sometimes you do have to let the cat out of the box. Unless you're a dog person."
"Don't be so difficult, Y/N. Atleast not today when I'm at my worse. Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"Thought you'd catch. My bad if I forgot to turn in my updates on my love life."
"You know, a simple 'Hey, I'm not interested' would've saved me a world of trouble," Mingyu muttered, his tone filled with a mixture of frustration and disappointment. He bit his lips as if trying to control his emotions, and the word "trouble" seemed to linger with an unspoken weight.
It wasn't that you hated Mingyu; it's just that you weren't particularly keen on getting into a relationship. Besides, it's not exactly easy to be with a guy who's practically the campus's golden boy, majoring in Business as if he had a golden ticket to success.
"Oh, my bad!" you quipped, your sarcasm's the same viscosity as of honey. "Sure, let me just send out a mass text: 'Attention, everyone! Kim Mingyu, he urgently needs to know my dating status for his convenience, and I'm pleased to clarify that, yes, I'm dating. Someone, please save him trouble and the precious lost time!" You scanned the room, and it was clear that your love life, or rather the lack of it, wasn't exactly headline news until your own accidental tag had sparked this unexpected chaos. "Good for you" someone chimes. Most probably another bunch of nobodys who prefer solitude and their favorite flavor is Salt&Vinegar.
Mingyu sighs "you're impossible"
"And yet, somehow you're still here talking to me"you cross your arms, and shift your posture.
"Look, I just wish you had been honest about it before. I've been trying to get over you" he looks desperate at this point, it's infuriating.
"Nothing boosts my ego more than being someone's emotional challenge"
"Damn don't mock me, it's not easy"
"I guess Delulu is the Solulu" you smile coyly. It's supposed to come out as bitter as such but you've learnt that sometimes it's okay to recognize when something isn't working and to take a step back. And thats what you want to inflict into Mingyu's "it may work out" mindset.
"You're infuriating. I can't believe I ever thought you were right for me" it wasn't very pleasant to be hearing this from him, but you've had your share from your previous relationship, never again.
"Then you must be some kind of a masochist, to be standing here. Still."
"Unbelievable" he turns to the side, and let's out a loud, spittery scoff, "I'm..just gonna go"
"It's for your best, to go on" you try to sugarcoat "Whatever. I just don't want to ever cross paths with you." he puts his headphones back, and walks on wherever he was supposed to. Not even 10 steps ahead, he slowly walks back and returns, "I suppose, take care" and off Mingyu sprints. You too, Nepo Golden Boy you murmur.
Junhee's mind appeared to be caught in a never-ending loop, like a broken record that just wouldn't stop playing. It was as if he had latched onto a thought and couldn't let go, much to my amusement. "Trust me, not that big a deal. People have short memories when it comes to internet drama," he assures you, trying to sound all wise and chill about it. You side-eye him, before walking towards the vending machine.
Walking past a group of students from your class, some being your friends, burst into laughter and holler like they're on some infamous college dramas:
"Everyone!!! Watch out, we've got an Insta prodigy in our midst!"
"Note to self: never let her near my phone."
"Hey, can I hire you to accidentally tag my crush as well? Clearly she ignores me"
"If Romeo did that, he probably still had Juliet his side"
"Not a big deal, hmm" you crodd your arms at Junhee, who could only looks away because of the obvious embarassment. You check your phone upon vibration, and see a menacing DM from the concerned personality:
"7pm at Bonnie Sue's Cafe-Jun" "📍Location"
you're just staring at the DM like zoning out. Everything around you is white noise.
"What? Accidentally got a DM from Jun?"
"Yes and this seems no accident" you reply very monotonously. Junhee snatches your phone and reads it "that was quick I didn't think he'd ever show this interest? Impressive. See this one would be easy".
Bonnie Sue’s- Coffee Dreams and Golden Croissants
Is what the board said, with the letter E's lights flickering. The evident Sims characteristics were peaking when you stared at the board for a solid 30 second before entering.
Seven P.M, the golden hour of caffeine cravings, RnB music and aromatic smell of patissieres.
The soft lighting plays a game of hide-and-seek with the shadows, making it the perfect spot. You admit Jun has a sight for great things. This cafe seems to have borrowed its color scheme from the sunset itself, with warm, golden tones painting the walls and casting a cozy glow over everything. Even the cashier's cat was beautiful in it's dusky orange. "Step Down Matcha"
Typical caffeine addict name for a typical cat. As long as the cat wasn't Latte or Cocoa. But to your surprise, there were two more kittens named "Tira" and "Misu".
You strut in with an outfit that could only be described as chic, for the evening, rocking a cream graphic Feel The Power tee, effortlessly tucked into a pair of high-waisted, slightly distressed jeans. Your choice of sneakers tells you mean nothing longer than the quantity in your cup, even when you're going for the comfy-cool vibe.
A few silver accessories shimmer here and there, as if they're vying for attention in a subtle contest and your hair, the envy of all who've ever tried to achieve "effortless waves," frames your face with a touch of devil-may-care elegance. It's a look that screams, "I run on caffeine and sarcasm," and you can't help but be smitten by the combination.
It wasn't hard to spot Junhui in this small cafe, he was seated right at the corner, with round glasses on his nose, and an olive green shirt; evening glows illuminating the silver of his hair and his god-tier profile. He lifts his eyes, brows and then his face, engulfing a small smile.
"Sure enough my message wasn't accidental. You did show up" he begins, "Jun" getting up like a gentleman. You make sense of him for a particular 8 seconds which seemed like 8 minutes.
"Sensed there was a chance of free croissants, coffee and a side of drama, so how could I resist?" "Y/N" You scrunch your nose, and Jun lets out a snort. You shake his hand, being informal wasn't exactly the part of the script. However you shake hands and settle.
"First things First, what would you like to drink?" He inquires, scrolling the E-Menu on his phone.
You chuckle at his momentarily flabbergasted expression. "I say surprise me with the most complicated, elaborate, and hard-to-pronounce concoction on the menu," you jest, complete with a playful wink. "Just kidding, a basic coffee works for me. Some croissants, garnished with powdered sugar" Jun nods, grinning, and with a flourish of eloquence, he summons the waitress and proceeds to make the order, his voice smooth as silk.
Normally, you'd be glued to your phone when sharing a table with someone you barely know, but tonight was different. You were taken aback by the mesmerizing sight of his Adam's apple bobbing in its own rhythmic dance. This close encounter unlocked a whole new perspective on him in your eyes—his finely chiseled nose, the charming beauty marks that scattered across his face, and those eyes that seemed to play a coy game behind his glasses. "Perfect" didn't quite capture it; he was positively ethereal.
"Hmm Miss Y/N our reigning accidental tag queen" he clears his throat.
"If it isn't the mighty theatre prince Junhui in his glory gracing us with his presence" you may not exactly be the best comedian yet catching onto sarcasm is a hefty sport for you. You and Junhui instantly click and go in character. What exactly type of character, well it's unsure to confirm.
"How has it been in the realm of viral tags and unexpected notoriety?"
You lean back, feigning contemplation "Oh, you know, just basking in the glow of accidental prominence. It's not every day one gets to masquerade as a social media virtuoso" Jun chuckles, pushing his frame behind, looking even perfect, while doing so "my my, you're communication talents are unparalleled"
"I strive for excellency at all endeavors"
You two continue to talk back and forth, as if you never were practically strangers. You learn about him, his family, how he developed a career in acting at 2 years of age, he was basically born to showcase his talents at best. He was beauty with brains.
A loud chuckle buzzed when he shows Seungkwan's new story, embedded under "breaking news" template that says "Rumor has it, NASA's hiring her for her out-of-this-world tagging skills" with the same candid photo, Seokmin took earlier today.
"I've heard rumors that even Mingyu's pining for you has met its demise" Jun closes his phone and looks up. Your grin fades into a small smile "well that was destined to be" you tuck a strand behind your ear visibly uncomfortable and relieved at the same time.
"He's not the only one who fell for the accidental tag tease, you know.
You squint at him playfully, "Are you implying something here, Jun?"
Jun's leaning in, a glint in his eyes "Maybe I am"
"The mysterious theater boy strikes again"
"And the accidental social media sensation plays along" he leans back.
"So how do we exactly get us out of this circus" you question, swallowing the after-tastes of caffeine, while looking at the flushed up from laughing Junhui. The man who's read countless scripts gets back in character "The solution is quite elementary. We shall bestow upon the avid purveyors of collegiate drama a fresh enigma to mull over"
raising an eyebrow, you look at Jun "And that's all? We just continue this?"
Jun nods "Have faith, for I am confident that their focus will shift onto the subsequent scintillating narrative" another giggle escapes when he speaks in the "1800 Vocabulary"
"Ah, your scheme is as ingenious as it is bereft of traditional reasoning" you walk out of the cafe, with Jun's company towards the bus stop. He raises his fist in front of you "Fare well" You look at his feline-like features, waiting fir your fist to bump against his. "Thankyou, for a memorable first meeting"you return the fistbump, and his ears turn slightly pink; well it further darkens.
Next in scene, was the bus which pulls up to your stop, shattering the serene moment you were sharing. Jun gives you a friendly wave, and you reciprocate it with a smile and a wave. While seated on the bus, you find yourself reflecting on the day. Strangely enough, you've genuinely relished it. An entire day filled with chaos, conversations, and pure lunacy – it's like a sitcom episode starring you and Jun. It hits you like a plot twist that maybe, just maybe, old wounds can begin to heal, especially when they're covered in layers of sarcasm and laughter, all courtesy of the enigmatic Moon Junhui. You're not entirely sure where this rollercoaster is heading, but your heart chimes in with a cheeky "probably...towards some theatrical mayhem none seen it coming."
"So, do you need a cold compress on your face or a PhD in Love Diagnostics?" Minghao, Jun's very close friend, the former psychology diploma holder who possesses exquisite memory, and decided to trade his textbooks for a paintbrush filling his part of the apartment with canvases, flashes a sly grin as he quips with his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Minghao's usually the type to "spare me the details because I proritize my peace" kind of guy who enjoys his passion for art to great thoroughs. but he can risk an ear-n-limb for Junhui. Today it's the ear. Tomorrow, maybe knowledge.
Jun lets out a breathy chuckle, clearly relieved to have survived the initial encounter. "Minghao, my man, if only you knew. This was like trying to interpret abstract art with no clue what the artist was thinking." Minghao stares at him, watching his every move. "So?"
Jun takes a dramatic pause, as if he's about to deliver a modern-Shakespearean soliloquy. He clears his throat with exaggerated seriousness. "Well, I must be the stage maestro then," Jun finally responds, his breath still heavy from the ordeal. "Because, you see, I meticulously crafted my script in advance." He shows his notes to Minghao who could only facepalm in response.
In the land of obligatory chit-chat, our guy prefers to venture for a script like it's the secret sauce to conversation. For him, it's incredibly complex to hold a simple conversation unless he plans out a whole 700 page document about possibilities. He’s considered an ace flirt at his majesty but little everyone knows that the guy who naps backstage is a signal he can’t talk without stuttering unless he has something prepared. According to Jun "one doesn't birth with a script, you develop it past spontaneity"
His deteriorating socialising skills are now a standing-ovation worthy interactions. People are admired by his charms and he composes his emotions well, and appears articulated about situations. Minghao shakes his head, lightly stammering to fit the genre his friend,leaning towards the fridge cross-legged Minghao, who's eyeing Jun and quips, "Well why bother with spontaneous banter when you can rehearse your lines? Am I right, or am I saving the art of conversation single-handedly?" "You and your scripts, should seriously consider publishing a.. a 'Guide to.... Navigating Social Interactions colon, Script Edition' paperback. but that's the least of my concern, how have you been dealing with this…” Minghao swirls his hand in the air as if he's generating an aerial whirlpool, “at (@) fiasco. Any resolutions?"
Jun walks towards the fridge for a chilly glass of water,he raises an eyebrow, clearly amused by the playful challenge. “Broski, it's not just about scripts. It's about ensuring every interaction is a blockbuster hit. I mean you've seen my, five-act epic for ordering coffee, right? Anyways, our resolution is to continue this tag until people lose interest for something even spicier"
"And furthermore like her until you’re in the crazy level of Maslow’s Hierarchial need for love and intimacy?" The Psychology prude strives for mental peace and none for others when it subjects Love, a fit characteristic for his idiot friend who practices this art.
Jun's cheeks tint in deep shades of pink. There were no lies hidden. He did like you. Even at a distance he was enchanted by your ridiculous choice of clothing, and once in a lifetime attendances of Junhui's historical romance plays.
Over the next course of weeks, you two tag each other in completely outrageous scenarios, like you being a fashion guru or Jun being a master chef. The goal is to give everyone a good laugh, and fulfill the tag blunder.
As the college crowd scratches their heads and tries to decipher these quirky tags, you and Jun exchange knowing smiles and shared chuckles on texts, with questionable screenshots of the overall reaction. It's definitely a secret joke that only you can understand.
With each new tag, the confusion grows, and the drama surrounding your original mishap starts to slowly subside. To have the campus population wonder if there's a hidden message behind the tags or if we're just messing with them. This became a twitter trend that wasn't very popular, but enough to be trending #5 worldwide. Fame slithered it's way to you.
Accidental Tag Fiasco has taken a new level in the latest episode of Chaos Chronicles:- Read ahead
Seungkwan's Twitter adventures are epic. Although the matter was supposed to be an incampus joke, outside, the communities confusion was beyond focus. @ SushiLover instead of @ SootheLover in a relaxing spa day pic.
@ SushiLover: "Spa day? I'll have a side of wasabi with that massage! 🍣💆♀️"
@ SootheLover: "Looks like I'm ordering a seaweed wrap next time! 🌿💆♀️"
In a world where catwhisperers were termed as "carwhisperers", the mishap didn't last long but the target audience were approached. The joy for the time-being was appalling.
With every occassional exchange of messages with Junhui, you engulf ina turmoil of emotions. It's as if, you and Jun are in your own world, surrounded by peonies and fog, with rabbits and robins as our audience. It's like your secret garden of tranquility. Maybe it's the similarity of interests, majors or probably both. The passion for eloquent talks over a nice cup of hot tea and smelling the good ol' papers matches no other sense of comfort.
And Junhui. He's got more layers than an onion, and he's not just the stage star or any bookish brainiac. Sure, he's got that whole intellectual thing going on, but beneath it all, he's got a heart of gold.
On your everyday walk down the bumpy lanes to the public library, for your occasional Propaganda, you hear very, loud footsteps on the pebbles, fear slowly overshadowing the feeling of unwanted stalker behind. With your discreet manner of retrieving the pepper-spray from your "I'm Pretty Cool But I Cry A Lot" graphic Tote, you swiftly turn around, only to behold an endearing sight.
A specific blondie who recognized to be Junhui, was crouched down. Apparently he found a lost puppy behind you. It was a sight to see him, scooping up that little golden furball with the utmost care, like he'd just discovered the Holy Grail of cuteness. He even tried to have a conversation with the pup. "Aah, this little fellow was following you. Unlike someone who tags me and never bothered to follow back" he scowls, that was peak sarcasm "And yes. You're paranoid as fuck"
"Better paranoid than being dead" you roll your eyes and discreetly slid the keychain of self defence. Jun peacefully enjoyed the pepper licks from the little pup, "See my friend, two things are infinte. The universe and Humans" he shakes the little legs, "and paranoia"
"If you and your new philosopher friend have a deep chat about the universe, am I free to go?" Jun slowly gets up, watching the pup rush towards it's parent near the corner, and adjusts his new shoulder-bag on his shoulder(ofcourse) Once again he crouches to tie his shoelaces of his annoying-yet-cool Converse.
His back facing you, Jun craned his head upwards to flash a grin, "You know, sometimes a good conversation with a dog is all you need. See the significance of how this universe had a penchant for crafting connections that were simply meant to be, even if it involved deep canine philosophy" "Hmm" and you enter the library, leaving him still tangling the "aglets" of his laces. Out of everyday, today was the day set to deal with him.
He shuts that deep book of his, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' and says, "Not many care about my thoughts. Since you're the only one, currently paying attention...."
"No I'm not" you push your reading-glasses up your nose, without even glancing at the talkative-yet-handsome stage maestro
"Whatever it is, well listen. This book" he begins " It's all politics and fleeting opinions."Jun leans back in his chair, still holding that book. "Also, the book 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' it's a real journey into the human condition. Kundera delves into the idea of eternal return and how our choices are burdened by their irreversibility."
You finally tear your eyes away from the particular short stories and look at him. "Eternal return? Irreversibility? Sounds heavy," you say with a smirk. Jun chuckles, clearly used to this sarcasm by now.
Jun takes a moment, his eyes searching for the right words. "So Kundera suggests that we have to find our own meaning in this chaotic world. We have to embrace the 'lightness' of life and accept that our choices matter precisely because they're absolute. Umm hmmm it's..well about finding purpose in our actions, even if they don't have some grand significance. I've done no light reading, that's for sure. But it makes you think about the weight of our decisions and the consequences they carry."
You lean in, interested in his ted-talk. It was hard to tell if this library meeting was a part of the script or not. Jun didn't seem to care, except he flashes his cat-like smile and shakes his head to move the strands off his eyes.
"So, what's your take on it? Do you think we're doomed to repeat our choices, or is there a way to escape that?" Your eyes flutter at his sudden inquiry.
Jun pauses, looking like he's on the verge of unraveling some grand philosophical revelation. "Well, my dear scholar, I'd say Kundera is onto something there. Life is a series of choices, and whether they're as monumental as deciding your major or as trivial as choosing a coffee flavor, they all weave this intricate tapestry of our existence." He chuckles, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But hey, what's the fun in thinking we're 'doomed' to repeat them? If life were a play, wouldn't it be more entertaining to add some unexpected twists and ad-libs to the script?"
You nod, contemplating his words, but there's a flicker of something in your eyes, a hint of vulnerability. "You know, it's funny. I used to feel like I was stuck in this loop of making choices that didn't really matter to anyone but myself. It's like I was just an extra in someone else's blockbuster movie, always pushed to the background." You let out a self-deprecating laugh. "But maybe it's time to change that script, add some plot twists of my own."
Jun raises an eyebrow, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Ah, I see we're getting personal here. Care to share more about this movie you've been in?"
You chuckle, a mixture of bitterness and humor. "Well, it's a classic story. Girl meets guy, guy gets caught up in his own drama, and girl... well, she just ends up being the backdrop for his scenes. But who wants to be stuck in a supporting role forever, right?"
Jun offers a sympathetic smile, but there's an undercurrent of determination in his voice. "You're right. It's time for you to be the star of your own show. And hey, I'm here if you ever need a co-star or a script doctor." You chuckle and shoot Jun a wry look. "Oh, how generous of you to offer your co-starring services. Just remember, in my show, plot twists are the norm, and character development is questionable at best. Can you handle the chaos?"
He grins, undeterred. "I'm a method actor, ready to dive into any character's insanity. Done this once, will do it again in a heartbeat"
As you contemplate your response about the literature stories, you raise an eyebrow at him. "Well, Jun, when it comes to some of these short stories, I'd say they require a hefty dose of 'men logic.' You know, the kind that leaves everyone scratching their heads, just like trying to decipher a Hemingway novel. But hey, isn't that the fun of it all? With a playful smirk, you add, "Stay delusional, my friend. It suits you."
Ylu didng think jun's "costar" thing would manifest itself.
Hiiiii I was reading through your new Junhuo fic and I feel like the entire thing wasn't posted? Unless there's gonna be a part two I'm a bit confused
Hi! I hadn't realised until I received this inbox and my god I've accidently posted this draft I had been writing. I had zero idea I didn't even press save i must've posted by accident. The damage has been done :(
Summary: You need an inspiration for your next artwork. Luckily Jeonghan has a lot to spare.
Genre: Artist!Reader x BF!Jeonghan
Themes/Warnings: Boyfie, slight long hair Jeonghan (we must prioritize his sexy lil evil mind babygirls) , the following contains NSFW content(heavy on smut, straight to the point, love use of cameras, , mature language, overall it's just things we good girlies want men like Jeonghan to do) MINORS DNI!
Songs- Angels by Chase Atlantic, So Wet by Elita, Often by TheWeeknd, Feel That by Junny, 34+35 Ariana Grande, Close with Desires by Thuy, Wet by Jooyoung&Superbee,
WC: 3.5K
A/N: Happy Hannie Day<3 speciaIly for our 1004 boy. Tbh I don't think so I'll ever be sane when Jeonghan's got black hair. Blonde Hannie drives me bonkers but HIM? I would devour every single pride of his phhhew~~ enjoy this lowkey philosophical scrumptious piece caratdeuls!! Hanniehae💜💜
"Fuuu-uuck This won't do" you let out an agitated, low yet soft grumble resonates in thick air among stenches of erasers, fresh papers, acrylics and graphite pencils.
With tousled hair and pencil smudges on your hands, Y/N definitely embodied the tormented artist archetype in a world where questionable AI and digital art has taken over. Your eyes darted critically across each failed attempt, a mix of determination and irritation etched on her face. Despite the exasperation, your sketches hinted at an inexplainable beauty that seemed to elude your grasp. The past hour unfolded with a string of complaints, grappling with the current sketches, that seem to fall short of expectations in a creative mind disrupted by the stark reality of the artistic struggle.
Meanwhile Yoon Jeonghan, your smart-mouth, overly encouraging, sharp yet short-tempered boyfriend provided a contrast as the calm in your artistic tempest; occupying the quiet corner of the room perched on the bed in his usual white shirt-grey sweatpants, with his phone in hand and snacks as companions.
It wasn't a brand new thing for him to see you covered in pencil smudges, a few shavings stuck to your wooly clothing and beads of sweat, followed by smears of paint intact on your skin. Swallowing the last bits and dusting the crumbs off his finger, Jeonghan, engrossed in whatever had captured his attention on the screen, abruptly paused. He clears his throat, as a sign for you to turn around in his chair, and lean back, both of your hands on the arms of the chair; a worn-out disappointed expression plastered on your face meeting Jeonghan's unaffected lazy sunday cool and chill vibes, all while fidgeting a pencil between your fingers.
Somehow, a minuscule atom of irritation seemed to dissipate from your demeanor just by seeing him exist.
He arched an eyebrow with a playful smirk gracing his lips "Perhaps the profound muse for your next masterpiece lies in the gripping scenario of that snobby neighbor attempting to assemble something, which seems like a drawer to me. That's interesting. Hanging a hammer be pulling his jeans though" Curious, you turned your head to observe exactly whatever Jeonghan had claimed the neighbor to be doing. Tucking a strand of his newly growing hair behind his ear, he wore a lazy smile on his everlastingly beautiful face.
He continues, "well, since you're seeking for your savior, I'd say you take a good look around this room. Maybe your next stroke of genius could be inspired by the epic tale of my lone sock that always goes missing in the laundry. A true masterpiece in the making" He bites into his crackers whilst he rubs his chin and you roll your eyes, silently comply according to his suggestion. Your gaze shifts from the failed crumples of sketches on these white sheets, to the walls adorned with your vibrant creations among ivory canvases.
You realize that you do,have a discernable mood to your work. Your artistic endeavors, mostly landscapes with a touch of fantasy or nature, displayed a restraint from the chaotic realm of "multicolors on a canvas." Unless a particular idea sparked your imagination, your aesthetic embraced simplicity, classic elegance, and a penchant for monochrome. Safe to say your aesthetic was always something that's not too much work. Something that radiates simplicity, classic and monochrome.
Your distinctive perspectives, where focus and pressure converged on the canvas, propelled you towards an 8-week apprenticeship among renowned artists in the enchanting city of Paris. During this artistic sojourn, you didn't just participate; you left an indelible mark with your meticulous approach and unwavering passion.
Jeonghan as well tagged along your journey. He possesses an enchantment for photography, turning moments of your artistic journey into captured treasures. His lens became a portal to the nuances of your triumphs, framing the dedication etched on your face during meticulous strokes, the palpable joy of artistic breakthroughs, and the undeniable chemistry between you and your boyfriend amid the vibrant backdrop of Paris. What went on in the streets were no secret, but what went under those sheets certainly were.
Each photograph was a narrative, telling the story of your artistic evolution. The peculiar enchantment of Jeonghan's photography wasn't just in freezing moments; it was in capturing the soulful connection between artist and muse, the shared joy, and the unspoken dialogues spoken through brushstrokes and stolen glances. Among these visual tales, a particular photograph held a special place. Attached near your Paris Masterpiece artwork, it became a center of the collage photo-set. This photograph encapsulated a moment of shared triumph, where you and Jeonghan, in the city of love, converged in a harmonious blend of creativity. The collage itself became a visual symphony, each candid frame resonating with the echoes of your artistic journey, all with the ever-present, enchanting gaze of Jeonghan.
Your boyfriend's sharp remarks were that each of your piece has always radiated not just simplicity but a timeless beauty, where the pressure on the material seemed to extract the essence of your creative soul.
However, on this particular day, a subtle roadblock seemed to challenge your artistic flow, leaving you searching for that elusive spark amidst the familiar canvases that held the stories of your passion and precision.
Following Jeonghan's suggestion, you survey the room until your eyes land on him. He's immersed in his phone, savoring the crumbs off his lips with a casual yet endearing demeanor. In that moment, a realization dawns – a silent connection between the imperfect sketches scattered around, the vibrant stories on the walls, and the living work of art himself, your boyfriend, on the bed.
He, the constant cheerleader, has observed your artistic reverie. According to his shrewd observations, whenever you zoned out, you stood in a particular position-arms crossed, head tilted at a precise 75 degrees, and your lower lip caught between your teeth. All accompanied by the rhythmic tapping of your right foot. According to him, it's the hottest and weirdest thing ever.
"What?" He questions, because at this point you've most certainly lost in your thoughts. He rise on his knees,adjusting his waistband while calling your nicknames. eyes still didn't move. "Y/N? Hey Y/N? Babe? Baby!!" His soft vocals exhaust on the common affectionate names he often calls. Finally, you snap out, a downward smile suggesting a revelation.
You meet Jeonghan's gaze with eyes that now hold a bright spark, silently claiming, "Well, I have an idea." Clasping your hands together, you take a deliberate breath, a pencil poised smirk slowly overshadows your expression, "I've found my muse. And it's you!"
Jeonghan, who was now sipping the life out of his juice raises an eyebrow as loud as an 'objection' in court, "Oh, have You now? Think you can capture my snack-induced radiance." You flash him a teethy grin, "I don't think so, I know so. Your carefree vibe is a challenge, but there's nothing I can't do."
Jeonghan can be a hassle sometimes. When he willingly agrees to something, he plays hard to get. It's so frustrating at some point you have to fuck it out of him. It makes him equally attractive and annoying. You toss your book onto the white blankets, with the title "Simplicity meets Seduction" which is a part of your new artwork theme. Lets be honest, nothing ignites the fire- a lava in you unless it's Jeonghan. The warmth of lust pools in your body whenever he gazes at you, touches you. You don't boost his ego much but the way he handles you, forces you to do add some catalyst in his already sky-high mentality. He's equally the meanest and the kindest person you've ever known.
"Simplicity and seduction, interesting" he scoffs "you definitely know how to take a challenge. Since you're adamant, I'll let you do the honors. Ask and you shall receive my permission for a tester sketch" he fixes his posture, grabbing a lollipop from the jar of candies he loves to keep at bedside. You lean towards him, capturing his now frozen body between your arms, and meet him at eye-level, "Hannie, do you mind being my model for my artwork.." you move towards his ear for a whisper "please?"
The effect is immediate – a swallowed gulp, a beetroot red face, and his gaze darting toward the window as if seeking refuge in the bright corner of your creativity sanctum, all while holding the lollipop between his lips, contemplating the fragility of his sanity.
With a wicked grin, you add, "Oh, I can already see the artistic brilliance oozing from this 'tester' sketch. Brace yourself for your immortalization, Hannie."
Sitting between Jeonghan's legs for the next hour, capturing every meticulous details. Defined face, long lashes, gravity defying, soft loose strings of hair. Cheekbones subtly accentuated, with the faint mole that adds the sophistication. He looked a whispered tale of care.
Throughout the process, Jeonghan couldn't help but steal glances at you, his gaze lingering on your focused eyes and the loose button-up cardigan that slipped off your shoulders, revealing collarbones equivalent to a blank canvas begging to be painted.
"Here," you say, breaking the artistic spell, showing him your sketchbook. "Took you forever...phewweee" you hand it over, both of your hands linger dangerously close to his middle, a move that was evidently driving him crazy. Another strong gulp betrays his inner turmoil as he shifts his gaze to the book, his lips parting in anticipation.
When he sees your work, his eyes widen, and for a moment, he's utterly speechless. The sketch, beyond expectations, captures not just the physical features but the essence of Jeonghan's charisma. The defined face, the playfulness in his eyes, a shade of graphite to enhance the blush he had earlier, the tousled crown of hair – it's a mirror reflecting the unique cocktail of sophistication and mischief that makes Jeonghan, well, Jeonghan.
He continues to examine the sketch with an appraiser's eye, and his expression shifts from playful to genuinely impressed. "This is more than just a sketch. It's like you captured the essence of a moment, frozen in time. The daisy, the playful expression – it's a piece that breathes life."
As he sticks it over the headboard, he adds, "Perfection deserves a place of honor. And this, my dear, is perfection." His compliment is laden with a sense of appreciation that goes beyond mere words.
"This is simplicity at its finest, and you know how it meets seduction?" He smirks, that is a signal of danger His tone holds a hint of admiration, his eyes lingering on the sketch as if unraveling its secrets. "Follow"
As you follow him, his grasp on your wrist adds an unexpected thrill and the exact "warmth of lust" pools in your veins. He leads you to his perfect yet contained studio.
"You're an artist with a wicked touch, turning the ordinary into a seductive masterpiece." He continues, each remark a dance of words that adds another layer to the charged atmosphereIn his studio, surrounded by the remnants of his photographic pursuits, Jeonghan's remarks don't cease. He positions his camera at a distance on the tripod, capturing the two of you against a rich, simple pearly beige background. Jeonghan's scent wraps around your senses, leaving you without control over your escalating feelings.
Standing behind you, he wraps his arms around your body, creating an embrace that feels like a hypnotic spell. It's more than a mere hug; he decides to unravel layers, unbuttoning your cardigan to expose the glistening skin of your collarbones and shoulders. Soft, sloppy kisses descend from your ear to your neck, rekindling familiar sensations. Without hesitation, he nibbles on your skin, each touch tinting it with the subtle intensity of his teeth, and a soft whimper of pleasure escapes your lips, the dance of his actions rendering you momentarily lost.
The timer he had set on the camera, ticking away while you were in a delightful haze, finally clicks, capturing the perfect shot – a half-shot from the nose. His slender fingers rest on your left side, and his mouth on your right collarbone, creating an intimate composition that radiates a sense of closeness. Another timer is set, this time his arm wrapped around your shoulders, his thumb teasingly between your lips. The camera goes off once again, capturing a moment that transcends the boundaries of conventional photography.
Jeonghan, with a voice laden with appreciation, murmurs, "This, my dear, is the beauty of our connection. Every click of the camera is a testament to the warmth we share, frozen in time for eternity. You're a canvas, and we're painting a masterpiece of shared intimacy." Once again the camera goes off. The final shot was a distance shot of his deprived lips between your breasts, while he fists your hair. Again the shot comes out perfect as ever and he didn't stop.
With a jerk he lifts you up, and kisses you feverishly. Desperation dripping the dews off the fresh grass. You could almost feel his erection had he held you a bit lower. Everything about a horny, flushed, swollen lips Jeonghan drove you insane. "Yoon Jeonghan" you moan.
"You're truly an artist" he pants, "to be making such fuckable faces"
"What's stopping you from fucking me then?"
"You're right" he smirks "it's been a while I've heard you beg, and rammed myself into that cunt of yours babygirl" Against your better judgement you began imagining it. Jeonghan's large hands squeezing your thighs, peeling them apart. His mouth on your breast, biting and sucking in turn, tongue running over your hardened nipples. Nails digging into your skin, shoulders wedging between your legs. Fingers working you open just enough to fit his dick without causing you pain, careless otherwise. Life does flash beneath your vision.
"Want it?" You could only nod in response.
Jeonghan definitely isn't the most patient one. One moment your tongues dance against each other as he keeps you distracted, while he takes you upstairs, which isn't a long journey from his studio, to the next where you're already out of breath, and lay flat naked on your bed, while he tosses his clothes off. Chilly air and his lustful gaze have your nipples hardening and a shiver running down your spine. As if he can sense your thoughts, his eyes move downwards, onto your breasts before going lower. He hums, pleased. He holds up his camera, and gets another shot, and all you see is flashes. Placing the camera aside, his attention draws all to you, for you, towards you. You could read his mind through his eyes.
You gasp as he tugs at your legs to pull you closer. His face hovers over your covered core as you feel his warm breath and it is enough to make you lose your mind. “hannie, please.” You plead.
He grins evilly, clearly enjoying this as he presses a kiss on your covered pussy. Then his mouth trails down, between your thighs where he takes his sweet time nipping the flesh, making you whine in pleasure.
pulling back just a little and thrusting back in. “Feel good?” He breathes. You almost choke on your words. "Stop being a ppm.pp.paintbrush" He laughs; movements are slow, taking way too long to mark the sensitive flesh of your inner thighs. He licks and sucks at the blooming marks and stops when a wet patch forms in your panties and your moans increase their pitch. “Desperate, aren’t we?” He whispers, hands reaching for your soaked panties to peel them off. The cool air on your core makes you shudder and release another whimper. “I- I need you Jeonghan, please.”
He hums and suddenly licks a stripe from your core to your clit, eliciting a scream of surprise from you. Your hands immediately fist in his hair to pull him closer and you are scared he is going to ask you to let him go but he doesn’t, busy sucking your pussy. He devours you with no break, tongue working skillfully to tease your opening and your clit. Your pussy gushes more and more at each of his movements as you keep chanting a series of pleases.
He slides a finger inside you, slowly, as your cunt greedily takes it all in. He curls it inside you simultaneously tonguing your clit and you wail in pleasure, tears brimming in your eyes. He enters another finger and then another before moving the three of them tirelessly inside you, curling them against your sensitive spot that has your whole body shivering. That feeling paired with him torturing your clit brings you close to your orgasm.
“J-Jeonghan…I'll cum.” You breathe and much to your disappointment, he gives you one last suck before pulling away with a satisfied smirk. “Jeonghan!” You call for him, half wanting to smack him from taking your orgasm away from you. The man has the audacity to laugh. “That’s what you get for being too perfectionist. Being mine"
"I'll blow...hnmmmmmmmmyour brains" you roll your eyes, in pleasure.
His habit of pushing your buttons to your peak irritated you so much, you muster your fucked-out energy and pull him by the neck over you, and swiftly roll yourself on top of him. Your sweaty body slithers down Jeonghan's pale, beautiful body down towards his cock, and as you promised, it was Jeonghan who was so loud with his whimpers, moans all while he was helpless and feeling his senses pop out of his ears. He was melodic. He was whiny. You loved to take him all your capable of.
Oh fuck-” Jeonghan grunts, head lolling back as you feel the grip on your hair strengthen. “Fuck, that feels so good.” His praises make your pussy leak as you start bobbing your head with new vigor, one of your hands trailing down to rub yourself, the sinful sight of Jeonghan moaning making you extremely needy. That one shiver he does, is a clear sign he's dangerously close and with a pop, you move your mouth off. He opens his eyes, moving the sticky hair off his forehead to look at you.
"Hannie" your soft voice, paired with the needy, doe-eyed look you give him is enough to make Jeonghan lose his damn mind. With a growl, he captures your lips in a bruising kiss as his hands move to line up his cock to your pussy. “You asked for it.” He warns and that’s all you get before he’s pushing his entire length inside you, a high pitched shriek falling from your lips as an overwhelming feeling of fullness consumes your entire body.
He pulls you on his chest by your arms, and rams himself in you. "Ride it" he whimpers and you do not hesitate to hold his hands and bounce on him.
With a swift turn, Jeonghan turns you, pinning you below him. He increases his pace, his sharp thrusts hitting so deep inside you, your whole body shakes. Mindless babbles fall from your lips as your hands clutch into his back tightly, your nails digging into his skin which makes Jeonghan hiss in pleasure. His sweet words paired with the way his lips venture down towards your breasts, sucking and biting while one of his hands plays with your oversensitive clit make you release a loud cry of his name.
Soon after, you come for the second time, your orgasm brain numbing, making your toes curl and your whole body twitch. Jeonghan feels you tighten around him as you come and he can’t hold back either as he fills you up for the second time, calling your name softly, his warm breathes fanning your face.
“Fuck, I don’t think I’m gonna last long.” He mutters, eyes moving onto your face, the fucked out look on you making him groan, as he buries his head in your neck, painting the skin with pretty marks. He didn't even spare your lips and mercilessly nibbled onto them until they're red and swollen. He held pride in himself and at this rate, your heart was godspeed.
His soft whisper sends shivers down your spine and without thinking, you nod, holding him tightly, burying your face in his neck. Your brain has stopped functioning properly long ago and all you can feel are the way Jeonghan’s hips snap into you and the warmth radiating from him. You feel vulnerable yet safe at the same time as you hold his body close to yours and breathe in his sweaty scent.
Soon, your orgasm is brain numbing, making your toes curl and your whole body twitch. Jeonghan feels you tighten around him as you come and he can’t hold back either as he fills you up for the second time, calling your name softly, his warm breathes fanning your face.
Your ears ring and you are too tired to move a muscle as you lie there, with Jeonghan panting harshly on top of you, careful not to crush you with his weight. For a while there is silence, nothing other than the harsh breathing of you both before you feel Jeonghan soften and slide out of you, making his release drip down your pussy and you wince. "No paint is of this consistency as my cum" even with zero energy, he made you laugh a little too hard, your ribs ached. The "tester sketch" had long fallen on the carpet, and the sheets were wet.
He helps you to the bathroom, carefully takes care of you and himself and back to another lazy position on the couch, because none of you had the energy to deal with the bedsheets.
"When simplicity meets seduction..." he strokes your hair, hugging your tinted body closer to his stiff chest "an artistry in shared intimacy blooms" he completes. "Those photos, are your reference for the artwork. Make better use of it, babe" "I don't see why wouldn't I" you snuggle closer "anyways simplicity and seduction won me a good sex and dirty sheets"
"That's the harmonious convergence of elements that generate a symphony"
There he goes. Good thing is you've love him endlessly.
In 2016, your first love Mingyu's hardwork and a couple of years worth training finally turns to fruition when he sets to debut the next year and hopes to have you by his side. Difference is he debuts, and he has 12 members beside but no you. 4 years later, smaller in size, you got paws for hands, a tail, and limited time to solve your own death. So how do you exactly get to your boyfriend?
WC: TBD (teaser wc is 500)
Genre: more of like fantasy romance? With a small thriller into it?
Theme: lovers!au(childhood sweethearts) typical idol training au (we do not letting the green room slide by :) ) in the beginning, my style of writing is a bit 2017 :3 , flashbacks and transitions(I'll try to make it less confusing as possible), humor, some murder mystery, angst(major), implied smut (no details) Tsundere!Mingyu but eventually turns a new leaf in attitude, alterated seventeen debut timeline (they debut in 2017 with DWC)
A/N: hello readers, carats and gyuldaengies! This one is for you! Not too long ago, I finished See you in my 19th life and you know the phase where you're unable to get out of a particular fantasy-romance lore for a while! Its basically what inspired me to create this whole Korean setting of sojus and starry nights :) I'm actually enjoying the showcase of my work on tumblr even though it's just the beginning but thank you so much for reading my work and liking it! Unconditional gratitudes 😔💙 here's a small teaser from somewhere, in the fic. Feel free to drop comments/or if you're interested for a tag!
From the twelfth-story vantage point of his dormitory building, Mingyu stood on the balcony, his thoughts mirroring the expanse before him. "Is this how the height felt that day?" he wondered, his gaze drawn to the distant city lights that spread like a sea of stars. Beside him, Wonwoo, his roommate and fellow member, along with Seungkwan, offered silent companionship, their presence a comforting assurance.
"You'll only hurt yourself, so cry as much as your heart has always desired to, Mingyu" Wonwoo's voice, soft and understanding, carried the weight of empathy. The full moon hung in the sky, its luminous glow casting light on the scene below. A subtle shift in the atmosphere seemed to whisper that this was an opportune moment to unburden himself, to relinquish the facade he had worn for so long.
And so, within the embrace of the moon's radiant embrace, Mingyu let his emotions cascade forth. A torrent of feelings, suppressed and concealed behind his persistent smile, surged from the depths of his being. His tears flowed, an uncontainable torrent that mirrored the city's night lights, shimmering with raw vulnerability. Each teardrop he shed resonated within you, a mirror of the emotions you felt, transcending the boundaries of species.
Unbeknownst to Mingyu, the same Calico who had been jumping in and out of the balcony railings, silently witness Mingyu's vulnerability of the misunderstood turmoils he's being put into. He leans on his members, and let the tears paint his pain more vividly than words could.
Your feline instincts yearned to leap across the balcony and into his arms, to nuzzle against him and purr your concerns and comfort him. But the confines of your new existence held you captive. A silent observer.
"Trapped within these fur and paws, I long to bridge the divide, to whisper words of understanding to you, Mingyu" even if you're in your feline form, your heart and mind worked as how it used to when you were a human. But it was this very struggle that fueled my resolve. You couldn't stand idly by, separated from him by a veil of existence. You yearned to show yourself, to bridge the divide that separated our worlds and provide him with the reassurance that he must overcome you. He must live.
Yet, the question of how remained a daunting puzzle. "How could I convey my presence, my empathy, without words or gestures he could perceive in the conventional sense?"
Another glance at Mingyu, your heart beats with a fierce determination. You knew that time was of the essence, that the threads of fate were aligning in a way that demanded action. The moonlit night seemed to hold a promise, a promise that if you could find a way to breach the boundaries that constrained you most certainly could offer him the comfort he so desperately needed. And that's when you muster your courage, in the same moonlit of mystery and determination.
Hand in hand, you sat comfortably on the couch with your beloved baby Kkuma, and your husband, Seungcheol. Time usually races to midnight, but when you're eagerly awaiting its passage, it seems to drag. Nonetheless, you embrace the virtue of patience and immerse yourselves back into the movie that both of you had been thoroughly enjoying. The silence and occasional glances to the clock from Seungcheol made it evident he's anticipating something. It's hard for him to remain discreet about something he's excited for, or he's eagerly waiting. However, you pause the movie because of how boring the plot gets, and switch off the TV. "Kkuma's asleep, so is my leg" you whine. Seungcheol grabs her and lays her comfortable on her bed, while you slowly get up and get in the kitchen.
"Where to?" He inquires, voice deepening with the amount of seriousness in his tone. "Oh just for some water. I'll be quick" you take out a bottle from the fridge. He stands for a while, as you glance his figure from the corner of your eye, hoping he goes in the room. Soon he does, and you quickly take out your prepared cake, with the candles and lit it. Unable to control your ecstacy, you hold your gift, and party caps, and slowly get in the room. Seungcheol, who was seated on the bed with a huge pout, legs crossed by the ankles, immediately lightens up in a huge, huge smile.
"Happy birthday Husband! Looks like another year of putting up with me is in the books" you chuckle. He laughs a little, and you proceed to sing him a birthday song. Kkuma who tends to be awaken by slight disturbance, rushes into the room and jumps onto her dad's lap. You put the cap on his head, and take some pictures to capture this simple moment. Calm has always been the aesthetic of the two of you.
"Well, they say practice makes perfect. Thanks for giving me so much practice then! But seriously, I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you so much, love" he pulls you on the bed, and blows on the candle. You rip out a piece from the corner and feed it to the birthday boy himself and he swipes a fluffy peak of cream on your lips to help himself on the sugar rush. He couldn't be more happier.
You pull out the gift you've prepared for him; the perfect watch for a man who holds luxury. "Hopefully you'll keep track of time when you're late" you sneer. He holds the watch in his hands and thanks you, "oh darling I have all the time" and you share a chuckle. Smiling, you look in his eyes and ask him, "what did your dad call your grandfather?" He looks at you, confused but proceeds to tilt his head and say "well he'd call him dad or father"
"And what did you call your dad?"
"Tch, Aunty" he scoffs "ofcourse dad"
"And what if someone else calls you dad?" You ask, your heart now racing in your chest.
"Honey, who would call me da-" he stops mid sentence, to look you. He raises his eyebrows, surprise all over his face. You finally take out the ultrasound sonogram and hand it to your surprised husband. He puts Kkuma on the bed and gets up, pacing back and forward in the room, texting his friends in his groupchat, absolutely frenzy with happiness.
"I'm going to be a dad? Me? Father? Oh my god" he picks you up and twirls you around. "Oh my- Cheol stop I'll fall!!" Laughter filling the room, he's on the moon right now. Nothing could bring him down from his peak of excitement.
"Thankyou so much for giving me the BEST gift ever" he slowly gets teary-eyed, hands on your belly as he hugs you from behind. You hold his hands, feeling every inch of his warmth onto you.
"You know how you're always worried about being late? Well, get ready to be 'late' for diaper changes and feeding times"
"Wait, are you saying we're starting a new trend of fashionable lateness?"
"Exactly! Our little one is going to set the trend for parents who arrive fashionably late to everything."
"I guess I'll have to update my wardrobe to match our baby's schedule then!" Seungcheol laughs. Safe to say your child will have the best parents in the world, and quite an interesting father.
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Thankyou for reading this and giving so much love to my fic!!
Summary: Silence has always been a long-term paying guest between you and your husband. It took a cohabitation and more, to turn things around for Seungcheol and you, to figure out your true feelings.
Themes: romance, fluff, smutty, old money Seungcheol cuz he's your rich, cold but tender husband and you're his smart wifey, scenes of a firebreakout(please skip if you're triggered), some nice scenes of Singapore, and the first smut happens already (virgin!couple, slight inexperiences, orals, vanilla!) Cheol's very warm please I love him so much we'll save the real Cheol monstercock for the future ;3
WC: 7.7K
Playlist: Seventeen's (To You, All My Love, Falling for You SDSMSN, Darling), By My Side by Junny, Better Siopaolo , Alina Baraz (Floating, Alone with you, if you let me) I.M Flower-ed, Bibi Step
feel free to arrange them sowwy they're a lil mis arranged
A/N: helloo carats!! Had to make my first post about my man Cheol(thank u to my man) with the good ol' husband!au. It's evident im in my "oh husband cheol feelings" where we loving him real good! I've been impatient so I posted it a bit earlier than expected :D my comfort loving carats, this is based off All My Love and To You lyrics <3 I hope you enjoy this piece of writing as much as I enjoyed writing this! Happy Cheol Day you living legend coupranghae btches :")
Updated: mini sequel here <3
Life was divided into four distinct categories, after one whole month of your brand new status as Mrs. Choi, or Mr. Choi Seungcheol's wife:
Breakfasts with and for Seungcheol because he confessed he anticipates what you offer in the am
Touring the exquisite royalty of the mansion built by his great grandparents(specially the crimson paints)
Spending time with Seungcheol's Mom since she adores you more than her son!
Dinner n Slumber, where you sleep with a wall that separates you from your husband.
You don't exactly think it'd change; however you do expect it to. Everyday, you wake up in your own room, without the warmth of your husband because neither of you are exactly ready to sleep on the same bed together, and neither of you can sacrifice your comfort on the couch. Therefore a shared decision convinces your elders to grant your marriage the gift of time, a chance to understand one another before embracing a shared room and shared life. All credit to Seungcheol's mom, who chose you to be her son's perfect match, a decade ago. She envisioned you as the one to be her son's beacon of illumination in his life, and the way your personality coincides with his. Who knew you'd be repaid for your kindness of tagging along with your grandfather to meet his ailing friend, (Seungcheol's grandfather) with a coerced, arranged marriage to their youngest grandson. It was on you to navigate this relationship towards love and the more easier it sounds, the harder it gets.
Your husband's honesty shines through, expressing that his family holds the utmost importance in his heart, and he could never deny his mother's wishes. Although he initially declined the marriage proposal, the elders' persuasion led him to reluctantly agree. Absolute zero differences in both of your situations. Despite the arranged marriage, he promises to ensure your comfort and well-being. Polite knocks on your door in the morning signify his presence, seeking breakfast if you're up for the task, and he would either leave a note saying "ThankYou" or he would leave a fresh flower on the dining table as a small gesture of appreciation for your efforts in preparing breakfast, letting your pride swell with all this generosity, although you'd wish he says it with his own mouth, overcoming those barriers. Considerate compliments follow whether you're dressed in your best, try some new hairstyles, or ofcourse, after enjoying your delightful meals, was one thing that made you hopeful about this relationship.
It's evident he lacks communication, since he only speaks to you at mornings and occasionally on texts, whenever he's late. He possesses no punctuality but you're quick to realize he has a pattern in timings of when he wakes up, when he returns, when he sleeps. Throughout the day, you don't exactly see him. At nights you barely sit with him. He's either in his room or on his laptop. Nothing, among you two, seems like you're in a bond with the youngest heir of this luxurious business.
"Don't forget, the dinner's scheduled tonight" you chime, while he was leaving. He nods and drives his way out for another busy day.
Marrying a business tycoon of "old money" and serving him great breakfasts, were the last thing you expected in your simple life, where you were focused on academic and personal glowups, and rarely had any serious past relationships, or have slept with anyone.
You just believed better things await for you, and if those better things were in the shape of a young handsome husband, who were you to complain.
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"So! Have you decided a honeymoon destination?" Seungcheol's sister-in-law questions, at a calm family dinner. Seungcheol takes a sip from the drink, "I'm positively considering Greece or Bali, or maybe Fiji. We haven't played rock papers scissors yet to choose one destination" earning a small chuckle from everyone, Seungcheol continues to feast on the delicious dinner you had prepared. A variety of topics continue to be discussed and that was the only response Seungcheol ever said throughout dinner.
While the family members took their departure, after another hour of dessert sessions, you thought about his remark, if there's any depth to it. The honeymoon idea and what he has said so far, made you a bit ecstatic.
Seungcheol's seated on the couch, of the lounge upstairs, sipping his usual coffee. you lean towards the railings of the top floor, where yours and Seungcheol's bedrooms neighbored. He looks at you, with tender eyes, yet a cold expression. "So, about the whole honeymoon thing, are you-"
"Oh "don't worry about it," Seungcheol's dismissively remarks, taking another sip of his coffee. "Family dinners are meant for prying into things we wouldn't discuss on a typical morning," he explains. "And Honestly, I don't see the need for a honeymoon." Your heart sinks at his response, disappointment clouding your expression. "But I thought we could at least look at brochures together? Atleast discuss this thoroughly" you respond, trying to mask your disappointment with a glimmer of hope that he might consider it.
Seungcheol lets out a weary sigh, his tone becoming more serious. "You don't have to give in to everything my family demands. They can be nosy, but they'll eventually drop the topic after a few days." He glances down at his laptop, signaling that the matter is closed.
You can't help but feel a pang of hurt as Seungcheol's words crush your hopeful expectations. The thought of a romantic getaway had brought some solace, but now it seems like a distant dream.
"But Seungcheol," you protest softly, trying to keep your emotions without losing your temper, "it's just that a honeymoon could be a chance for us to spend some quality time together, away from only meeting on breakfasts, away from the hustle of daily life, away from being silent everyday, and both of us make an effort, to get to know each other better" He glances up from his laptop, his expression stoic, but you can sense a hint of frustration in his eyes. "I understand your perspective," he replies calmly, "but I'm not sure a honeymoon is the right way to achieve that. We can spend time together here, without the pressure of a fancy trip. We're not close enough nor we're a match to be doing this in the first place"
at this moment, you find yourself getting defensive...
"It's not about a fancy trip, Seungcheol. It's about creating memories, experiencing new things together, and building a connection outside of this huge mansion... where we live in distant bedrooms" you gesture around you, emphasizing the splendor of the place that seems to distance you both from the real world.
His eyes widen momentarily at your words, and you see a flash of emotion that he quickly hides. "It's not that," he retorts yet defensively, "I just think this honeymoon is an unnecessary pressure, and we should be honest about our feelings and not pretend."
You take a step back, hurt and anger welling up inside you. "So, all this time, we were just a pretense? You're quite audacious to say we're incompatible, considering the amount of time you spend with me. Count the days we ever went out? That's right. Zero" you scoff, "you know what, let's just forget this. Forget I ever asked you anything. Thankyou, for lightening my evening, Good Night" Before he could utter a response or rephrase everything, you stomp your way into your bedroom, hiding your face in your palms, feeling a bit guilty of losing your cool already when it hadn't been a while.
Seungcheol stood there, a mix of regret and realization washing over him. He knew he had made a mistake, once again, with his poorly chosen words to convey his thoughts. The truth was, he had never really learned how to express himself properly; heck he couldn't even say a proper "you're so pretty, I think I have started to find some meaning into this relationship?" to the woman he's been living with, in the same house. Unfortunately words often tumbled out of his mouth without a second thought, and he rarely considered how they might sound or how they could impact the other person. As a result, he found himself remaining silent at critical moments, fearing that his words might only cause more harm than good.
The argument with you had brought this flaw to the forefront of his mind. He recognized that his lack of effective communication had hurt you, leaving you disappointed and disheartened. He raises his fist to knock at your door, wishing he could take back his words and find a way to bridge the growing distance between the two of you, yet again, he retreats.
The same gesture was for you standing in front of your door, trying to atleast add a subtle apology, but an instant realization made you stomp your foot dramatically and jump into the warm bed.
The next day, you refuse to make any breakfast, or contribute to the daily household activities like you usually do. You sulk in your room, either pacing back and forth, ordering your meal,coffee and everything upstairs.
It angered you how much you like Seungcheol. How deep of an infatuation you've developed towards him, in such a short time, finding glimpses of someone beneath the surface that you want to know better. Yet, the argument hangs heavy in the air, making you doubt whether your budding emotions stand a chance. You journal everything; how much of an asshole he is to not communicate properly, how many layers are there to him, and the only time you two talk, is for an arguement? Everything frustrated you. You hear Seungcheol in the distant, and as much as you were cross with him, you want to look at him, and admire his presence. Although its the first ever arguement you two share, the typical wife in you, expects flowers and apologies first from your husband.
Seungcheol, on the other hand, would often glance upstairs, or at your door. He would expect to see your charming face, he silently admires. Only to slump his shoulders and leave for work everyday.
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Two days pass by, and midnights strike, as you sit alone in your room, the argument with Seungcheol still fresh in your mind, you try to calm your emotions, occassionally collecting your thoughts in process of reading. Lost in your contemplation, you fail to notice the faint smell of burning wires in the air. The faulty switch connected to the lamp had been giving you trouble for a while, but you hadn't paid much attention to it, thinking it was a minor inconvenience, and indeed the most minor issues ignite major disasters.
Suddenly, a small spark ignites near the switch, and within seconds, the flames start to spread rapidly. Second situation of the night escalating this quick. Panic sets in as you realize the danger you're in.
Your heart races as you rush to the door, only to find that it's jammed, likely due to the fire's heat warping the frame. Fear grips you, knowing you're trapped. With no time to waste, you quickly grab your phone and dial the emergency number. Your voice trembles as you explain the situation and your exact location in the house. You yell out Seungcheol's name, as loud as possible, but unable to do so with the smoke rising.
Soon it starts to fill the room, making it hard to breathe. You look around for something to cover your mouth and nose, finding a nearby cloth to protect yourself as you wait for help to arrive. With all your remaining strength, you fan the rising smoke outside the door, to trigger the smoke alarms.
Seungcheol, who was now downstairs fetching a glass of wine trying to prompt an apology for the day he gathers his courage to, smells the smoke and hears the faint crackling of flames; soon he's shaken by the fire alarms sensing smoke. Panic overtakes him as he realizes this leads to your room. As he rushes upstairs, he hears faint bangings from your room, which stops. He calls out your name, but there's no response. Fear for your safety drives him to take action.
Seungcheol approaches the door, with all his force, he breaks it open. only to find the room engulfed in flames. Your figure is barely visible through the dense smoke. He rushes towards your feeble helpless frame, ignoring the scorching heat and billowing smoke. He finds you near window, trying to escape the inferno. With tears in his eyes, he wraps you in his arms and guides you towards the window, with the flames slowly engulfing the entrance door of your room.
In a span of a few minutes, sirens grows louder, and moments later, paramedics and fire brigades arrive, rushing to extinguish the flames and rescue both of you. They break through the main gates, helping you and Seungcheol escape to safety.
"Please check on her! She was unconcious and barely breathing I'm -I Plea-" Seungcheol fails to form a proper sentence.
"Please calm down sir, we're checking on her, and we'll assisst you. You are...?"
"Her husband! Please hurry and check on her god damnit!!" He yells in frustration hoping you're safe.
Soon, you were able to breathe on your own, and slowly you flutter your eyes open, chest heaving from the sudden attack of the horrific accident. Before it could escalate any further, you were given appropriate medications to trigger your drowsiness.
In the aftermath tranquility of this burning situation, Seungcheol stand outside, watching as firefighters work tirelessly to put out the remaining flames. Grateful to have survived the terrifying ordeal, he holds onto your numb hands, finaly letting his tears slip his eyes. He was so grateful to stop a major tragedy, and you're safe, with him.
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The morning sunlight gently seeps through the curtains as you feel it, only to be met with haunting flashbacks of the previous night's terrifying fire, your hopeless voice calling your husband's name, beneath your vision. You shot your eyes open and sit up, heart pounding in your chest as the vivid memories replay in your mind, leaving you trembling with fear. Tears stream down your cheeks as the trauma overwhelms you, and you find it hard to catch your breath.
Seungcheol's immediately awaken by your distress, pulling you into his arms. " I'm here y/n calm down shush..." he whispers tenderly, stroking your head, trying to comfort your trembling body as best as he can. He embraces you tightly in his arms, allowing you to cry and release the floodgates of emotions open from the harrowing experience.
He listens to your trembling sobs, his heartbeats a steady rhythm against your ear, and he continues to stroke your arms and back, comforting you through the turmoil. As you find consolation in his warmth, your clenched fists loosen their grip on the fabric of his shirt, his touch brings a sense of safety and reassurance that you desperately need in this moment. You look at him through your red eyes, as he smiles at you endearingly.
"Seungcheol- I...I'm so sorry" you sniff, gripping his hand, "I never knew that faulty switch would bring this huge mess upon us. You must be the one affected the most. I'm so sorry you had to go through this because of me. I should've let you known" you sob.
He gently wipes your tears, resting your head back on his shoulders "as long as you're safe, I'm at peace. It is my fault that I'm so...uh..quite unapproachable? But I went through hell when I saw you. I was sick worried. I'm sorry I should've protected you better. I should've run a new repair scheme as soon as you moved in. It was my insensitivity to let the most minor things slide" he slowly lies down, with you close to him. He smelled nothing like how the entire house did. He smelled sweet and strong. Everything indeed happens for a reason, as you sense how you're into the man, who rarely touches you, holding you dear.
Throughout the day, your husband Seungcheol stayed by your side, enveloping you in comforting embraces. He ordered breakfast to be delivered to his room, encouraging you to take small steps towards regaining your strength and energy to get on your feet. He offered the support you needed to gather the courage to move on your own and freshen up with a soothing shower.
While you were in the shower, he quietly left the room, allowing you some privacy to release the pent-up emotions that had been bottled up inside you. As the water washed away your tears, the conversations from two nights ago still loomed heavily, unresolved between you both. Yet, amidst the silence and uncertainty, there were his tender gazes - soft and caring. They were like ice on a sunburn, cooling your worries and offering a glimpse of hope. Though words may not have been spoken, his presence spoke volumes, showing that he was there for you in this trying time. You peer outside the window, to see the iron gates glistening with the fog, pitch black sky and the time's almost 11.
Once again, your husband returns into his room, after confirming you've changed, and he smiles at you, approaching with a plate of fruits and berries of all kinds. He was unsure of what your favorite fruit was. He felt unfortunate, of how unaware he is of your preferences. He hands you a bowl of strawberries, and elegantly peels an orange, handing the fruit to you.
"I'm sorry about the previous night" he begins. It catches you off-guard, yet you figure out you're the listener now. "I'm not the best with words, and I do realize I've hurt you-or even worse, left you disheartened. Yet again, I'm at a loss of what should I say, except that let's go on with the honeymoon plans. It may not be the best time right now, but whenever you're sure of doing this, tell me every detail about it; everything you desire for. We'll discuss it." he lifts his eyes towards you, with a subtle smile.
"I thought about everything, and upon contemplation, I realize I do want to give us a chance" you couldn't contain the bubbling happiness, and immediately hug him "thankyou so so so much Seungcheol. I'm glad you get my point" he was frozen at this sudden gesture, yet didn't fail to chuckle. Although he smiled discreetly knowing how wife-coded you are. "Let's begin as friends? Married friends? We'll know each other little by little" you suggest. "Sure, whatever you suggest" he smiles, shaking your hand.
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Amidst the haunting shadows of the accident's aftermath, and quite some insomnias later, time became your ally, gently coaxing you out of the horrors that had shaken your world. However you found an unexpected haven of love and affection with your husband. In your head, this friendship has escalated rapidly. A realization dawned upon you - the past may have shaped your paths, but the present had the power to rewrite destinies. Over time you had found solace in cohabitation with your husband, late-night conversations about life's intricacies, you delved into shared preferences, whispered dreams, cherished birthdays, and bittersweet memories of childhood. And everyday you discover new sides of him. Soon, you call him "husband" essentially finding pride and power in doing so. He was surprised at first, yet now he loves being called nicknames like "Cheol" or "Cheollie".
In Seungcheol, you found everything you admired in a man - daring, possessive, with a stunning face and a strong physique. He loved to be in shape, and encouraged you to stay fit, though romance wasn't his forte, he never faltered in taking care of necessities. While you weren't sure if you brightened his world, he became your epiphany. His struggles with eye contact and occasional mindless words unveiled the emotions he guarded, making you grateful for the accident that brought you together; without it, you might have given up on him. Now, you cherished the connection that had grown, exploring the depths of both your hearts.
Seungcheol realized soon that the collision of your worlds had a purpose, unveiling the potential for love and connection he hadn't dared to imagine. He slowly felt a major change in himself. Slowly, a transformation took place within him. Moments that were once filled with hesitation and distance, now became opportunities for seeking your attention, for his eyes to meet yours. He longed to be closer to you, finding comfort in watching you sleep peacefully at night and waking up to your smile each morning.
However, amidst this newfound affection, he couldn't decipher where his heart truly lay. Your mother's loving gestures and his sister-in-law's respectful fondness were easy to understand, but when it came to your feelings, he was left uncertain. Did you like him back? Would you ever be able to reciprocate his love? The questions lingered, leaving him vulnerable to the unknown, anxiously awaiting the day he could unravel the mysteries of your heart. It's an endless marathon in his mind.
It took him 4 days to gather his courage and ask you for coffee. You laugh and obviously agreed to accompany him to the city's famous coffee spot. Like the man he was, he memorizes your order and pulls into a drive thru.
Seungcheol drives to a spot he usually stops by, to ease his frustrations; Parks. Laughter of children, romantic couples sharing pda, and a bridge that separates cherry blossoms from the playground, you're immediately in love with this scenario. Both of you share some laughter, and enjoy your coffees and croissants, while the petals of the blossoms shed upon you. The look of love you two exchanged was long; to leave your coffees cold and croissants dry. Both of your worlds revolved around each other, only for Kkuma's barks to bring you back in reality, being greeted by Seungcheol's brother and his wife. Your delightful evening ends with a comfortable dinner and living your best chances of being Kkuma's mother, something your two month marriage with Seungcheol lacked.
Soon enough, you persuaded Seungcheol to shift houses permanently. Despite your old room being perfectly repaired, the trauma of sleeping alone had left a lasting impact. Bonus was Kkuma finally moving in with you and Seungcheol. Understanding your perspective, Seungcheol readily accepted to have you in his room in this house, and the new one seeking, welcoming the idea without hesitation.
Within a mere three days, you both found yourselves settling into your new furnished apartment, which, wasn't expansive, it rather held the essence of a cozy aesthetic. With only one guest room upstairs and a spacious bedroom, you had insisted on sharing the same space, declining any notions of personal separation. He made sure to double check every single thing, to disapprove any mishaps.
"Cheol, this is beautiful! I-I love it!! Thankyou so much, husband!" To him it's no new information, but his cheeks flushed shades of cherries. You were too busy exploring your new house, and he couldn't help but adore every inch of your ecstacy.
"Any time, wife" he replies after clearing his throat, and containing his ecstacy.
You poured your gratitudes to Seungcheol the entire day and actively joined hands with you, playfully engaging in household tasks, cherishing every moment as you transformed the apartment into your shared abode, a place that signified the start of your new world together. Nothing changed in terms of routine, however, you two communicate often,and now there were sparks of mischief from Seungcheol, indicating that silence was no more a welcoming guest. And now Kkuma being an addition, you enjoyed being indoors and outdoors with her. It wasn't often both of you enjoy going out often unless its something such as icecream dates or coffee, or some relaxing walks, because neither of you go anywhere out of your comfort zone; except for a business trip or grocery shopping, however the joy of turning down people who ask for your status, was thrilling. You felt a sense of superiority.
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The next evening he returns home a little earlier than expected, searching for an important flash drive in his drawer. It seemed you were in shower, considering how loud you were singing. He smiles, hearing your soft voice echoing in the room, and suddenly the door knob twisting open. Seungcheol quickly slides open the closet door and gets inside.
It was foolish of him to hide instead of leave, but he thought maybe his presence would freak you out. He slowly opens a little to take notes of the surrounding and was taken aback, seeing you in a towel, and your hair wrapped. He gulps, seeing your glistening body smell like lavender, spreading in the room.
Seeing you in this new light, he couldn't help but feel a surge of desire mixed with love. He had never viewed you with such intense admiration before. Tempted to touch and hold you, he controlled his impulses, knowing it was too soon for his hands to explore your curves yet this is the most skin he's seen of you.
You lie down on the bed, laughing and smiling to everything that went in your beautiful mind. Soon you dial your best friend and start off a conversation. Seungcheol senses this was a grave mistake, because phonecalls are obviously long. He had no choice but to stay inside until you're distracted. He facepalms himself, and slowly leans towards the side. You put the phone on speaker while you do your post shower rituals, moisturizing yourself in view of the full length mirror.
"Is Seungcheol home right now? Or should I say your husband" your friend teases you
"Good lord, no he's not. Infact a business trip awaits his presence"
"Tch that's sad. No wonder why you're calling me and not him"
"My man's busy. Sometimes I just hope come early one day and catch me like this? My mind goes places whenever I get out of shower and think of him coming in without notice" you smile coyly "darling you're on my to-do list tonight" you chuckle. Seungcheol could only smirk, after hearing your fantasies.
"Honey you're too inexperienced for this" she retorts
"Inexperienced my foot, I miss my husband already.... and safe to say I actually love him" you sigh.
"Have you told him about your feelings? Have you told him you've never been laid and are deprived" Seungcheol closely listens to everything, occasionally holding his laughter.
"No" you pout again, falling on your back, unaware of seungcheol who was shamelessly hearing you, while admiring your raised chest, that was swollen out off the unknown feelings of you, from him.
"I want to. Everytime I look at him, I want to tell him 'oh Cheollie I love you' " you laugh with your friend, "I'm seriously in love with him and it scares me how quick and sudden it all was. And now its- he's giving me mixed signals. Sometimes he's distant, and sometimes he makes me the most lucky woman ever. I want to tell him I love him, I just don't know when or how" you continue
"Dont say anything. Just go on your honeymoon, and sit on his face, the 2nd hour. Afterall actions speak louder than words" both of you laugh heartily. Seungcheol breathes out a laugh yet onto it, knowing it's over if he's caught.
"Tell me about it" you sigh.
"Seriously! Talk with him and confess! Since when did you become such a big pussy"
"Honey I'm the one with the pussy"
"Goddamn, you- seriously- talk to him. What if he s involved in someone else the time you say the words"
You went silent, the thought just made you sit back up, nd think about it. Could he really have someone else?
"I...highly doubt that. My mother-in-law said he's never really had a serious relationship, since he was focused on training back then"
"Honey its not written on your face that you've never had a man, it aint written on his face that he may have a potential girlfriend before you. What you'll be doing then?" Your friend continues "I hope he's not doing this out of sympathy, considering that whole incident"
Again you felt numb all over, it would've killed you inside out if the signs of Seungcheol's empathy and love was all out of sympathy. However you shake your thoughts, and put a heavy heart on your words, "Then what I'm the one who married him, and I get to choose if I stay or take the other way"
Seungcheol gulped, knowing time is definitely ticking and if he still don't do anything, he'll surely regret.
"Atta girl!"
Suddenly Kkuma runs out from underneath your bed and into the bathroom, and you chase her. "Ahhhhh kkuma stop you frenzy lil- I'll call back later" you chase your daughter, and Seungcheol seeks this as a perfect opportunity to escape.
"Kkuma!!!! That's your dad's favorite shampooo aaa!" You exclaim. Seungcheol takes this opportunity to sprint out of the room, laughing a little at your banter. The smile plastered on his face was priceless. His chest heaved with happiness, ego swollen with pride, heart relieved and thrilled with all the revelations. If he knew anything as a businessman, it was to have a plan. He needs to be prepared for everything beforehand and time was a precious investment. And it was finally time he need to make his first move.
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"Are you interested in accompanying me to this business trip?" Seungcheol asks, out of the blue during breakfast.
"Well, I don't see exactly why wouldn't I" you raise your brows "thought I'd say no"
"Hey hey, it's not that! I just wondered if you'd be up for some adventure, that's all."
"Adventure, huh?" you reply, pretending to ponder dramatically. "Hmm, only if you promise to bring some fun into this 'business' trip."
He smirks, tapping his fingers on the table. "Deal! I'll make sure it's the most adventurous business trip you've ever been on" you're aware of your husband's antics, and it's evident he's brewing something.
You laugh, finding his playful demeanor contagious. "Alright then, you've got yourself a travel buddy. But you better keep your promise, Mr. Businessman."
Seungcheol winks, flashing you a charismatic smile. "Oh, don't you worry, Mrs. Businesswoman. It'll be an unforgettable journey" Kkuma barks in excitement
"Exactly Kkuma" he cheers.
You couldn't help but smile, at how domestic life has turned ever since the coast is clear between you two. The idea of being overseas with Seungcheol sparked a new imagination for you.
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Whoever said travelling is easy, it never is.
After hours of a tiring flight, you found yourself in Singapore, the astonishing city of tourism. The sights were indeed beautiful, with city skyscrapers and landscapes that mesmerized you. The fresh air was a welcome change, adding a touch of excitement to this trip. Your husband, with his penchant for luxury, had chosen a hotel room at a height, providing a stunning view of the city and the rivers below."It must be even more beautiful at night," you thought, taking in the scenery.
Seungcheol's voice broke through your thoughts, and you turned to see him leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, looking incredibly attractive in his white shirt.
"Like what you see?" he teased, clearly enjoying the attention he was receiving.
"Sure I do," you replied with a nervous smile, trying to contain your admiration for him.
"I'll shower first then! I'll be heading out soon, so please order lunch for me as well," he said, scrunching his nose playfully before disappearing into the bathroom.
Following his request, you ordered lunch and kept yourself busy taking pictures of the breathtaking views from your room. Lost in the beauty of the city, you were interrupted by the doorbell, and to your surprise, there stood Seungcheol, clad only in sweatpants, with the towel hanging around his shoulders. You tried your best to keep composure "Oop! Quite a timing, lunch is here" you tried to maintain eye contact but it was hard; both for your eyes to keep to his face, and for his nipples to remain soft in the chilly air of the A/C. It was thrilling and embarassing, considering you now know what he is inside that white shirt he always wears.
"Sure, Thanks. Heard my phone ring" he walks over to the side table for his phone "I'll be quick" he chuckles knowing the effect he had on you. You swore you felt tingles everywhere, and bury your face in your hands, hiding the flusters of your red face and feels. Unbeknownst to you, Seungcheol could see your flustered reactions through the reflection of the window; full enough to capture the city's highlights. He knew he has unlocked a new level.
"Sure this journey will be unforgettable"
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While Seungcheol's been busy attending meetings and chats with his clients, you took this opportunity to explore the city's famous landmarks, enjoying some street shows, and a visit to art galleries and ice cream parlors. The times he's available, he shines as usual; enjoying different flavors, mingling with the dancers, and spending like anything on ferris wheel rides, and to exquisite places you've either seen on searches, or never heard of it.
"So Mrs Businesswoman how are you enjoying your stay so far?" He inquires, leaning rowards the railings of the bridge.
"Amazing, you really know how to explore, Mr Dora" you smile. "How long is your business work though?"
"Why is it? Don't you like it here?" He frowns
"No no, it's that you must be tired commuting back and forth, just making sure you don't get sick"
"Don't worry, besides, weren't you the one to be enthusiastic about a honeymoon" he looks up at the starry sky. An instant realization came to you
"Ooh.... I-damn you sneaky lil I should've known why would you ask me to accompany you all of a sudden" you squint at him "I'm not complaining though. You have quite an elite taste" you smile
"Then lets go get dinner and we'll chill on some champagne later" the idea sounds wonderful already. Seungcheol holds your hand, and your heartbeat accelerated at this gesture
"You don't mind...this do you?" He asks, eyes glistening with innocence as if he doesn't tease you every morning.
"No, Honey" you smile. Despite Seungcheol's occasional flirty tactics, you realized that he had eyes only for you.
The next hour after a delicious dinner, you were in shower, and decided to make him suffer twice the time he does, so you come out in slippers, and a piece of towel barely covering your body, just enough to enhance your curves. Your husband who was pouring champagnes, turns around, to his absolute shock, he was foaming, eye-fucking you. You instantly knew you hit the bullseye.
"Forgot my toner here" you smile innocently, and unintentionally fulfilling your fantasies. Whatever was hard, was definitely not because of the temperature. Soon you return in just an oversized shirt and some shorts, that has been your usual night-fit. He hands you your glass, looking a bit horny. There was silence. Quite a sexually tempting one. Lights were dim, the view was spectacular.
It's when he realized he's had enough and pulls you on top of him, your lingerie-less body hitting his hard chest
"God..Seungcheol what is-"
"I'm I hav- Oh god I don't know how to say this" he contemplates, as you see his soft lips between his teeth
"What the hell you're the one to pull me on you" you roll your eyes
"Sorry I'm I-"
"Never mind" you hold his face and attach your lips with his. To be frank, you've had tolerated enough and it's time you do sit on his face.
The synchronization of your lips moving with his, was very perfect for a first time. You kept on kissing and kissing, exploring every inch of his mouth until he pushes you for a catch of breath. You flutter your eyes open and smile, slowly transcending to a laugh
"God you're so...menacing" he speaks "about time you finally do what you said to your frien-" he stops knowing he said a little too much. You look at him in shock "does that mean you-"
"Sorry" he nervously says. You squint your eyes at him again, very suspiciously "how much did you listen"
"Everything" he confessed "it was unintentional, you were busy on the call and I came for something then I forgot common sense. Sorry" he apologizes. You knew the cat had been out of the box, you were unable to notice it. You sigh, after a quick contemplation
"Well, it's no secret anymore. Here I'll say it fir-" he puts a finger on your lip, switching positions, where he is on top of you now. It earned a small squeak from you, yet you felt your core getting a bit wet by how attractive that was. His leg rested between yours.
"Let me" he stares in your soul. You gulped, kind of getting wet by how his built is hovering on you.
"Y/N, I'm foolishly, in fucking love with you" the sudden profanity made you grin a little harder, all while he strokes a loose strand off your face "honestly. I can't believe it took me this long to express my..sheer love for you, y/n. Back then, i would've died without you but now I...would die for you. I can't imagine a world without you, so if you please let me be yours forever?"
"I hated every inch of air I shared with you then, and how we were just bonded without sharing a hello" you smile, cupping his face "I never imagined I'd find every moment with you, so profound. Every minute with you was magical, and it only concludes how destined we are for each other"
"I love you Seungcheol"
"I love you too..."
With that, he took the "action speak louder than words" a little too serious. His lips wrestle for dominance with yours, and the thigh that was calm, started stirring up a storm between your legs, as he continuously grinds on you. You pull onto the hem of his shirt, and he immediately does, while his hands explore your body inside your shirt. He slowly makes his way from your lips to your neck. Everything felt so ecstatic; it was your new high. You clenched onto the soft pillows for dear life, when Seungcheol slides himself into your oversized shirt, his lips between the valley of your perky breasts, craving his attention. He admires every inch of your perfectly created body.
"Stop...teasing" you moan. He feigned ignorance, continuing to play with your sensations. He pulls you up by your back, and swiftly removes the shirt and throws it on the floor. "There's no stopping me tonight y/n," is the last thing he says before pinching your nipples, and making the best use of his mouth on them. He enjoys hearing the profanities escape your lips, and how your voice changes upon pleasure.
You push him by his shoulders and get down on him, sliding the waistband of his shorts down to his knees, his dick springing high on your face. You gaze at his length before mindlessly taking every inch in your hands. "You..you..do..nt hhhave to ddoo t-ohhh" he groans. "You don't tell me what to do...."
"Such a brat" he smirks, letting you rule his excitement. He felt his high, once you slowly took him in your mouth, taking in as much as you could without gagging (yet) it's a matter of time he shifts from a thread of "oh ffuckk" "you're doing it so good" to "I'm gonna cum" and it's when you stop. You hastily take your shorts off and slowly grind on him. Seungcheol was panting manic. He was a mess. The entire room reeked of lust and his musky scent overshadowing, with his sweat. It proved how much of an authority you held on him
"Slide all the way up to my face beautiful I don't bite"
That's all you needed for your dripping core to slide on his nose, to his mouth. His tongue did wonders. You were sure you wouldn't last long considering this is your first oral ever, and sure you didn't, his tongue toyed with your nerves, and used every "shits" "fucks" "oh cheol" as his drive to go deeper in your cunt. "I'll cum I'm cumming I-" you release on his lips, and like a man, he devours it all.
"Delicious"
"You...you sound like cand..candy crush for god's sake" you breathily chuckle, and he follows, slowly getting up, to position himself on you.
"Then allow me to...'smash' " he presses a tender kiss on your forehead, before entering your core. You squeezed his hand, asking him to be gentle and burying your face in his neck, fingers in his back. It felt so...weird the first few minutes, but as he slowly moves, the funky feeling, the pain, it all vanishes. It's all when you realize you're actually getting laid. The sounds you've never considered you'd make, were too loud, way too unholy. Seungcheol was holding your leg, and was going slow till you adjust to him. His low groans and breathy moans turned you on even further, where you move your head to face him and slap his arm
"Giv...give me e...every..thing, husband. Take me all the way up" you breathe out. It's when he increases his pace, once he received your green signal. The slow slaps, were now louder and faster. Your bed was also giving up on concealing it's squeaks. He holds you in his arms, and continues thrusting in you.
Nothing else in the world mattered but the pressure you felt in between your legs and your delicious heat wrapping around him, engulfing him in until he bottomed out. His head falling into the crock of your neck, whispering sweet nothings against it while he started to fuck you slowly.
“Y-You feel so good, so w-warm.” Seungcheol kissed you, feverishly, swallowing your moans. His soft lips whimpering against yours. “I want to be inside you forever.” His hips moving against yours slowly, making sure you could feel all of him inside you. His hands never leave from your back and pushed you against him, chests heaving against one another’s. You arched your back, gripping the blankets underneath you. "Oh Seungcheo...god....cheol..." you breathe. He continued tinting your neck with his masterwork, and swiftly positions you on all fours. The joy you felt by the way he dominated you, and messed with your fucked out state, was bringing you heaven. You go low, arms stretching towards the headboard, while he grabs them, locking them behind your back, and even going hard.
There was no stopping him, all while the whole city from your foggy windows witness you making love witb your husband.
"Look at yourself, love" he turns your head to the mirror on the right "look at us..mmm..." he moans in your ear his hand snaking in between your bodies searching for the little bud of pleasure. You scream in pure ecstscy.
He turns you around, so swiftly, with his thumb hovering over it, the suspense had you withering, begging for him to touch you the only way he knew how. You whimpered feeling the ghost of his touch, your fingers tweaking at your nipple, sending a rush of pleasure through your body. "C..ch..chheoll..., mmm, I-I need to cum.” You pressed your chest into his back, turning your head all the way up, watching as his face contorted into pure bliss, his thrusts getting sloppier, his connected thumb with your clit and rubbing slow figure eight, constrasting the speed of his thrusts. You gasped raising your hips rocking against his hips and hand, feeling the sweet coil start to build up "im..fucking serious oh....my..."
"Release all on me, love" he demands amidst moans "Cum with me. Savour every drop of it" and it's all you needed to finally finish on him. He groaned finding your free hand and interlocking your fingers with his. You clenched around him. He was pumping as well, and you felt all warmth being filled inside you. Every thing about this was so surreal, so new, so perfect. You breathe as if you had run a marathon; a marathon of lust. Seungcheol hugs you, and stays inside you, caressing your head, showering you with compliments that you were brave and did well for your first time. The sense of encouragement brought tears to your eyes as you bury your face in his chest. He caressed your back with tender touches, and slowly lays you on your back, plopping down next to you.
"You're officially all mine" he kisses your shoulder. You hold his hand tightly, "you're mine as well, babe"
For the first time, you felt real comfort, real love, and an unimaginable intimate experience with your husband. And a shower too.
Seungcheol's heart hadn’t stopped palpitating since. His stomach erupted into butterflies whenever he had held you close throughout the immoral escapades the two of you had engaged in all night. He never wanted to let you go and now as he looked down into your glittering eyes with the heat of the golden sun rays hitting your sensitive bodies.
"Wake up husband"
"I think I want to sleep all day tonight" he shuffles closer to you.
"Oh who knew it would hard to wake my husband up from his slumber"
"Blaming on your irresistable charm" he squeezes your butt under covers.
"Owh! I'll need my own room again if you do th.." his hands cup your clothed core
"Hmmm...you were saying?"
"You.." you fail to form sentences once he starts rubbing your core, slow dense circles.
"Hands to yoursel..f or I'll bite" you whisper
"Oh, my damsel in distress" his voice is contagiously attractive;waste no time as he goes down on you undercovers.
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"We're really leaving Singapore as lovers" he chimes, an ear-to-ear grin fixed on, enhancing his dimples.
"Yeah if it weren't you to have the same traits as you family, you nosy lil witch" you exhale, standing in front of the fountains, almost nearing the airport
"I'm always nosy about everything" he smirks
"Honesty is not always the best policy Mr Choi"
He pulls you dangerously close "You have no idea, Mrs Choi"
"You need a haircut"
"All I'll ever need is...you" he holds onto you like a sloth on a branch, as you two harmonize in a melodious laugh.
It is you, he wants to tell everything to. He'll express his love for you, while he holds your hands in his.
And if there's eternal love, Seungcheol is that person for you.
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Thenkyoui for reading!! Stay bias wrecked by him <3
It's Nice To Have A Friend | yjh x reader [currently incomplete]
Rating: M (18+) | Current Word Count: ~15.2k
You and Jeonghan have embarked on your fifth annual Best Friends trip, but it's a bit different than usual, considering he made the reservation under Yoon Y/N and told them he was your husband.
warning(s): smut under the cut!! (mdni), porn with minimal plot, switch!reader, switch!seungheol (though more dom leaning), SENSE DEPRIVATION, thigh fucking, use of a color system, bondage, cum play?, princess and baby are used as a pet name, idol!seungcheol, marking kink? (kind of not really), unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it kids), dick riding, BIG DICK CHEOL (like monster dick), creampie, alludes to shower sex, mentions of food, pussy slapping, thigh smacking, man handling, body worship, nipple play, fingering, sense play??? (kind of, it’s like smell play i guess but it’s just barely barely there), let me know if i forgot anything! - don’t mind grammatical errors/typos (i tried)
cheol hasn’t had a break in what feels like years. from the months he spent on tour entertaining fans, exploring different countries, and making sure the boys stayed in check, it was safe to say he needed a break. and what better way to take a break than to go home to you, his perfect little baby who waited so patiently for his return.
the countless videos calls, and endless text messages did nothing for him (or you) while he was away, and even if the phone sex was enough to satiate him for the night he still missed the way your body felt under his, the way you scratched up his back, and the smell of sweat and sex in the air after hours of calculated thrusts and praise that was reserved only for when you were on your best behavior (which was 99% of the time).
that 1% is saved for rainy days, ones where you want to take control and ruin seungcheol the same way he ruins you; which it's rare for him to allow you to be on top, knowing you like to run with the power but today, after months away from you and working his ass off, he allows you to take control.
the ropes were soft on his skin, the twisted red silk accentuated his pecs and hips as you worked hard to weave out a pattern (that you so diligently learned while he was away, using your pillow as the test dummy). he couldn’t help but chuckle quietly at how concentrated you were, your face heating up more as you brought the rope down to his thighs, tugging it enough to squeeze them deliciously - the plush flesh pooling around the rope.
“you look so pretty.” he coos quietly when your eyebrows knit together, your look of concentration turns to frustration as you undo the knot you just did.
“you’re going to look even prettier once im done with you.” you smile as you finally get the last knot correct. sitting back on your heels you marvel at the masterpiece that is your boyfriend. his hands are bound to the headboard with poorly tied rope, the dark burgundy contrasting greeting from the cherry red that adorned the rest of his body.
“do i not look pretty right now?” he fake pouts at you before he's wiggling around to get more comfortable with the rope around him.
“of course you look pretty cheollie, youre the prettiest boy to ever exist.” he leaned down to kiss the tip of his nose.
“not the prettiest to ever exist?” his eyebrows raise a little as he tries to watch you trial kisses down to his collarbone but one harsh nip to the underside of his jaw has him hissing, his head lulling back to give you more access.
“always the prettiest to ever exist,” you mumble against his neck. “so pretty and all mine.” those words were familiar, the countless times cheol would say it to you played in the back of your mind as you smiled at the faint blush that spread down his neck. you had to bite your tongue to keep from teasing him, knowing that if you pushed your luck too far tonight he’d be sure to give back whatever you give him ten fold.
slowly you make your way down his neck and collarbones, leaving behind marks everywhere your lips touch. you poured months of love into every love bite, ensuring they won't fade until the end of the week.
with a featherlike touch, your fingers ghost over his left nipple, the bud hardening almost instantly as he gasps loudly. just as he started to mumble something you pinch it, the small shock of pain and pleasure causing his back to arch.
“watch it.” he breathes, there were rules put in place when you dommed. there were a lot of gray areas - his nipples being one of them, not that he didn’t enjoy it (he very much did) but when he was rendered helpless under you he'd rather not give you the advantage of attacking his weak spots (and yeah it's hypocritical of him, don't get him wrong he knows but you happily agreed to the rules because it gave you the perfect opportunity to use that 1% to freely be a brat).
you liked to bend the rules, it was the fun part about being the dom in situations like this. it wasn’t every day that you got cheol to submit under you, and god does he look pretty when his eyebrows pull together as his mouth falls open at the feeling of your pussy gliding along his painfully hard cock, the vein pulsing already from months of pent up energy.
“you’re already twitching and i’ve barely started touching you,” you giggle quietly, sitting so that you can run your hands up and down his stomach, the muscles in his abs flexing as he rocks his hips up against you, eliciting a quiet moan from you. “don’t be bad cheollie..” your voice trails off as you bite back your smug smile when you see the way his eyes widen a little.
“bad? the only one that's being bad right now is y-” you smack his thigh lightly, effectively stopping his words in their track as he groans quietly.
“watch it.” you repeat his words back to him, this time you couldn’t help the smirk that played on your lips as his jaw clenched. he was giving you time to fix yourself when he allowed you to continue with your ministries.
despite the hours you want to spend making him fall apart you can’t wait too long, the frustrations of not feeling each other in so long will have you both cumming before you’ve sat on his cock. however, it was a miracle you both lasted as long as you have - the foreplay starting the second he walked through the door when you jumped into his arms and started messily making out with him, his hips grinding into yours as he backed you up against the wall. it’s not like much changed now as you grind down against him harder, his cock sitting between your folds nicely - the tip knocking against your clit.
“if you don’t fuck me right now i am going to-” your hips stop moving again.
“you’re not going to do anything because you’re not the one in control here.” his lips twitch a little, he has to bite his bottom lip to keep from saying something. you were one more silent strike away from having your control ripped away.
“good boy.” cheol can’t help the small whine that leaves him at the praise. one thing that he will always admit is that you’re so hot when you praise him and he can’t help but melt every time. he relaxes back into the bed, allowing you to rock your hips again, your quiet whimpers music to his ears. it didn’t take long for you to get tired of the slow grinding, you needed more relief and with a new found determination you sat up on your knees.
you reach down to grab his cock that was warm and heavy in your hand. the sheer girth of it would be intimidating if you haven’t taken every inch down to the hilt a million times already. your fingertips don’t even touch as you squeeze gently, seungcheols eyes roll a little as he moans lowly at the feeling.
“fuck.” he breathes out when you start to pump your hands, precum leaking out of the tip. gently you swipe your thumb through the pearlescent liquid causing your boyfriend to moan louder, his head falling deeper into the pillows. you swipe your thumb a little harder as you squeeze him tighter in your hands, a quiet giggle leaving you when he tugs on the restraints around his hands as he groans, his head tilting down so he can watch you.
“getting impatient?” your eyebrows raise as you move to rub the tip of his cock against your clit before moving it towards your entrance where your pussy swallows the head instantly. your eyes flutter as you bite your lip hard to keep the loud moan from slipping out as you let gravity take its course as you sit down on his cock.
“i’m not the only impatient one,” he groans as he bucks his hips up to help you bottom out quicker. “fuck, you took me all without any prep.” his eyes were a little worried as he watched your shift around a little with your eyes squeezed shut tightly. the stretch definitely burned, you haven’t been stuffed this full in a long time, none of the toys you owned compared to seungcheol who nestled perfectly against your cervix and stretched you open as wide as a monster can.
“feels so good,” you whine after adjusting to having him inside of you. rocking your hips experimentally your nails dig into his stomach where his muscles are tensing - he was willing away the orgasm that was right there. “fill me up so perfectly cheollie.” he can’t help but whimper at the nickname, his hips snapping up into yours causing you to jump forward a little.
“fuck you feel so perfect around me baby,” he groans as he keeps rocking his hips up into yours, his feet planted on the bed so he has a better angle. “god, i’m not gonna last long like this.” his head falls back as his hands grip at his restraints. you let him rock his hips into yours a couple more times before you’re moving forward enough that his cock slips out, but his hips keep bucking up trying to chase your warmth. “wha-“
“you’re not gonna get to cum if you keep acting like you’re in control.” you’re finally able to catch your breath - not that it lasts long because just as the words leave your mouth there’s a loud snap as seungcheol breaks out of his restraints (effectively breaking the eighth headboard that year). you just hit strike three.
“whos in fucking control?” he gets you pinned in the blink of an eye, the weight he puts on your thighs is enough to keep you in place as he gets his hands out of the rope so he can tie yours to one of the bed posts at the foot of the bed.
“cheol-“
“i don’t want to hear it, you’re a brat you know that?” he cocks his eyebrow at you, challenging you to bite back at him like he’s so sure you’re going to do.
“but-“
“where the fuck is your gag.” he gets up off the bed to go find the little red gag he likes to shove in your mouth.
“cheollie please.” you try to reason with him, a pout on your face and arousal dripping all over the bed.
“color?” he stops in his tracks to look over his shoulder at you.
“green.” you smile sweetly at him.
“good,” he grins back before he’s holding up the gag. “any last words princess?”
“fuck me hard please?” you give him your best puppy dog eyes before opening your mouth to let him secure the gag.
“we’ll see if you deserve to get fucked after the shit you pulled tonight.” the harsh words were back as he went back to where he grabbed the gag, coming back a minute later with headphones and the pretty lace he likes to blindfold you with. “are these ok?” you nod your head in excitement as you lift your head allowing him to secure the lace around your eyes, you could barely see his outline as you settle back against the bed. the headphones were soundproof so the only thing you had to go off of was his touch on your body and a fuzzy silhouette.
seungcheol knew his limits and he knew how vulnerable you were like this. he knew what was good to do like this and what wasn’t, the boundaries set for sense deprivation played in his mind as he slowly ghosted his fingers up your stomach watching the goosebumps rise.
he wanted to ruin you, just like how you wanted to ruin him. he knew when he agreed to let you dom tonight and you brought the ropes out that he wasn’t going to get pampered in the way he thought - not that he minded because seeing you so reactive to him right now was so much better in his mind.
his fingers ghosted down your stomach towards your dripping cunt and the way your legs instantly parted had him chuckling to himself. he let his fingers wander down to your swollen clit where he rubs slow circles, a muffled moan leaves you as your back arches. he’s quick to pull his fingers away as he pushes you flat against the bed again.
seungcheol thought you were finally going to behave since he was being so nice with your punishment, but boy was he wrong. slowly your foot had crept up his inner thigh, catching him off guard a little before he grabbed your ankle and pushed your leg to the side so you’re spread wider for him, giving him the perfect opening to smack at your clit. it wasn’t hard, but it was enough to make you jolt and whine around the gag.
“such a brat.” he mumbles to himself as he sits back on his heels after setting your foot back on the bed. he watches as you use your foot to try and find him, it taps around on the bed but he sits just out of your reach.
shaking his head, a loving smile on his face he sits up on his knees so he can untie the rope from around his body. as much as he loved it he needed it gone if he wanted to feel every inch of your body against his. once he is free from the rope he moves around so he’s comfortably on his hands and knees right in front of where you’re laying.
i’m an effort to not startle you, he gently ghosts his fingers over your calf before he’s leaning down to kiss where he just touched. your body stills as you relax at feeling him again, you stay in place as you let him work his way up your body. his lips leave a warm trail up your legs and over your thighs as he skips over kissing near your cunt, instead jumping straight to your tummy where he kisses from one hip to the other before he slowly makes his way up to the valley between your breasts. he kisses between them and up to your neck, only stopping once he makes it to your cheek.
by this point his body is draped over yours, his cock sitting against your wet cunt as he kisses the other cheek so he can trail back down your body, kissing everywhere that he didn’t kiss the first time until he’s at your other calf.
“so pretty.” he whispers against your calf before he’s sitting back to assess what he wants to do next. subconsciously his hands rub at your calves, messaging them gently - only when you whimper does he get an idea.
slowly he pushes your legs together so your thighs are squished together. from there he pushes your legs up until you’re almost folded in half, your ankles held together in one hand. using his free hand cheol reaches up to push one of the headphone muffs off your ear.
“are you ok still? is this ok?” you nod your head while trying to mumble out a ‘yes’ before he readjusts the muff on your ear. he readjusts himself so he’s comfortably lined up with your thighs while making sure you’re comfortable as well.
with his empty hand he grabs the base of his cock and gives it a couple pumps before he’s rubbing the tip along the middle of your thighs before he slowly pushes between them. your arousal made them slick enough for him to comfortably slide between them as he started to thrust his hips.
“fuck.” he grunts to himself as he picks up speed. he wasn’t going to last long, he was so pent up and he just wanted release - so he rocks his hips faster. he lets your ankles go allowing your legs to rest on his shoulders as he uses his hands to push your thighs together more to give him more stimulation.
he groans and whimpers as his eyebrows knit together. his mouth fell open as his hips stuttered as he unloaded his hot cum all over your stomach. the way you whimpered, goosebumps rising on your skin and your back arching off the bed at the warm feeling on your skin.
seungcheol pants quietly as he lets your legs go, he rubs gently at your hips knowing that folding you like that took its toll on the joints there. humming quietly to himself he scoops some of the cum off your stomach so he can push it into your tight cunt. he pumps his cum into you slowly, enjoying the way your plush walls felt around his pointer and kindle finger.
“you feel so good around my fingers baby,” he smiles to himself as he trails the other hand up your stomach, smearing the cum all over you till he groped at your left tit, squeezing it and rolling his thumb over your nipple as he continues to pump his fingers slowly in and out of you.
as much as he wanted to fuck your properly, he also had to put you in your place. he could be cruel most nights, but to turn he was being nice and rewarding you with his fingers, allowing you to have some of his cum and an orgasm - but only because it had been so long.
just like him your orgasm was fast approaching, and sure you were stretched out on his cock but it was still satisfying as your back arched. this time he didn’t push you back down against the mattress as he kept playing with your nipple and fingering you slowly, his thumb rubbing on your clit. finally, like clockwork, the coil snapped in your stomach as you clenched around his fingers. he helped you ride your orgasm out before he pulled his fingers out to lick them clean, both of your juices mixed on his tongue.
“fuck.” he groans at the taste before he’s moving to hover over your body again. your legs part instantly against as he settles between them so he can lay against you, his lips attached to your neck as he leaves wet kisses everywhere.
you nose against his hair as he kisses and sucks gently at your neck, his body warm against yours as he lays against you. you can’t help but take in a deep breath, whimpering quietly when you realize he’s wearing your favorite cologne, it was faded at this point - hence why you couldn’t smell it until now, but it was still there enough for you to squeeze your legs around his waist.
“no no no,” he mumbles against your neck. he sits up to rub at the sides of your legs.l before he’s pulling the headphones off your head. “not tonight.” you weren’t able to argue back so you squeeze your legs tighter, trying to get him to give in when he feels the warmth of your cunt nuzzled up to the underside of his half hard cock.
“you’re covered in cum, and we didn’t put another blanket down so it’s gonna soak into the mattress if i don’t get you cleaned up and these sheets off.” he mumbles as he rubs his hands up your waist before he’s reaching up to pull the gag off, smiling when you take a deep breath instead of fighting him.
“but i asked so nicely for you to fuck me hard.” there’s the little brat he loves so much.
“not tonight, this was a punishment, remember? be happy that i even gave you my cum let alone an orgasm.” he grunts quietly when you tug him closer with your legs. “stop that.” he pulls the blind fold off of you before he leans over you to untie your hands.
“you’re wearing my favorite cologne.” you mumble, you wanted to argue more with him some more, wanting him to fuck you stupid.
“i’ve worn it everyday since being away from you,” he helped you sit up as he fixed your hair enough for it to stay out of your eyes. “it reminded me of you.” he smiles before leaning down to kiss you.
“i love you.” you mumble against his lips when he pulls away.
“i love you too princess,” he kisses you again. “now let’s get you cleaned up.”
—
when you woke up the next morning without cheol next to you, you couldn’t help but pout. sighing as you sit up, the apartment was cold as you grumpily threw the blankets off of you.
“of course he went to practice today, he’s been home not even a full twenty four hours and he’s already ditching me to-“ your ramble was cut off when you saw the stack of clothes sitting on the dresser with a note on top.
‘get comfy and text me when you’re awake princess’ singed cheollie.
that fucker was so going to get it later when he got home, you thought to yourself as you put his hoodie and oversized sweats in (thank god for a drawstring). throwing the hood over your head you couldn’t help but smile when you realized the hoody was sprayed (freshly) in your favorite cologne. the undertones of sweet blackberries has you squealing as you go to curl up on the couch to text cheol that you’re awake.
sure he wasn’t there with you right now but that didn’t stop him from spoiling you, he ordered you breakfast and even threw in extras of your favorites after you told him you were still pretty sore even though he was barely in you for a couple minutes.
did you want to spend the whole day with your boyfriend after he spent months abroad? yes. did you understand how important his job was and how much it meant to him? also yes. it’s why you put up with being alone all day, cuddled up in his clothes, covered in his cologne.
so when he got home later that night, tired and covered in sweat you were quick to drag him to the couch. you straddled his lap and ran your fingers through his semi damp hair, asking quietly about his day.
“i’m tired,” he mumbles as he looks up at you with so much love in his eyes. his hands rested on your waist as he rubbed and kneaded gently at the fabric covered flesh. “we have to leave soon again, you know that right? only for a couple days but we’ll be out of the country.”
“i know,” you pout a little as you settle in his lap. “that’s why i want to spend as much time as i can with you before then.” you start to rock your hips gently, after last night you were still very needy.
“does that include fucking me whenever you can too?” he tilts his head as he gives you a big smile, one that showed off his dimples.
“maybe..” you mumble, your cheeks heating up when cheol moves his hands to grope at your ass, squeezing it as he helps you rock against his hardening cock.
“you’re so cute when you’re needy,” he mumbles lowly before he’s leaning down to kiss you. it was safe to say he was needy too as he leans back into the couch, bringing you with him as he kisses you harder. “just wanna be inside you now.” you giggle quietly when you pull away from his lips. he huffs as he tries to follow your lips, not wanting to be away from you for long either.
“i need to take my pants off.” you wiggle out of his lap, earning you a scowl as he watches you untie the sweats slowly. “don’t look at me like that.”
“i’m going to rip those fucking pants off you if you don’t get back in my lap right now and ride me till you’re filled with my cum.” it was safe to say you’ve never moved quicker in your life, the pants were thrown somewhere behind you as you settled back in his lap, his own pants were pushed down allowing his cock to be free.
“suck a pretty dick.” you mumble as you watch him stroke it a couple times before running the tip through your folds. you bite your lip and whine quietly as you rest your hands on his shoulders to give you some stability as he pushes into you slowly, this time allowing you to adjust as he slowly bottoms out.
“fuck, so tight,” he groans as he wraps his arms around your waist to pull you flush against his chest. “and all for me.” you whine quietly.
“all you’re cheollie,” you bury your face in his neck when you experimentally rock your hips. “only yours.”
“good,” he grunts as he lets you take the reins in setting the pace, allowing you to have that ounce of control because physically he was tired and just wanted to relax while you rode him. “all mine, just like i’m all yours.” he kisses the side of your head before you pick up your pace, your hips bouncing slowly as you find a rhythm you like.
considering you were already dripping by the time he got home and he was pent up with frustrations from practice you both didn’t need a lot before you were falling apart. your hips rocked and bounced and circled around on cheols as you felt the muscles in his body relax and tense up again when his orgasm came crashing over him like a tidal wave.
“fuck, y/n.” he moans as he squeezes you tighter in his arms, your hips unrelenting as you simultaneously helped him ride out his orgasm while chasing yours.
your lips left open mouth kisses on his neck much like he did with you last night, your fingers tangled in the hairs at the base of his neck as your moans got whinier, breathier. you were determined to milk him dry. even when your hips started to feel sore you refused to stop moving your hips, wanting to ride till you were sure you were stuffed full.
cheols face was buried in your shoulder as he pushed you down on his cock one last time before he stilled you, the overstimulation was making him go fuzzy with warmth. he holds you in place like that for a couple minutes, allowing you to messily leave love bites all over his neck till he was sure the makeup artist was going to hate him come time to perform in a couple days.
“i’ve missed you, did i ever tell you that yesterday?” cheol finally speaks when you finish sucking at his neck.
“yes, a million times as you walked through the door.” you giggle, squealing when he stands up abruptly, his softening cock slipping out causing a mix of your cum to drop down your thighs and into his shirt.
“well i’m going to tell you a million more times as we go shower and have dinner.” he smiles as he kisses your cheek before hoisting you up higher in his arms so he can reach down and fix his pants enough so they don’t fall and trip him as he carries you to the bathroom.
and as he starts the shower and undresses you he mumbles a million ‘i missed you’’s and while you pee, before stepping into the shower, he orders you guys dinner that’ll hopefully arrive just as you guys are finishing up. (it might get cold sitting outside the door though because cheol underestimates just how insatiable you both as as he fucks tou properly up against the glass shower door).
