Seo Changbin
Author’s Note: Happy New Year Seoulmates! I was supposed to try and write with the 2 weeks I had off before the New Year, but I really wanted to rest and spend time with my family. So, that’s what I chose to do. I did write some parts of my other stories. But until I release those, here’s a cute fic about Changbin to tide you over. He’s literally an addiction for me… it’s not even funny bro. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it! As always, comments are appreciated 🩶🫶🏾
Internet Dad! Changbin x Cooking Show Host! Black Reader
Synopsis: You have your own show where you cook delicious meals with guests all while scoring exclusive interviews. Fans often express their love for your caring and humorous nature. But that’s your professional life. In your personal life, you have a baaaad habit of adopting various people into your “found family,” often joking on your show about the friendships you’ve developed. They’re like stray cats who keep showing up to be fed. Said adoptees begin referring to you as their Internet Mom for a running gag. Except, the Internet begins adopting that verbiage too. Things take a comedic shift one day when your “adoptees” blast it on social media that they’re vetting men so they can have an Internet Dad. As expected, chaos ensues.
Content: Idol cameos, ATEEZ at the scene of the crime always, reader is tired… like these kids really stress her out LOL, mother hen reader and her six ducklings, reader is genuinely their babysitter ATP, their managers needed a break tho LOL, meet cute, Changbin is oh so soft with reader, lovestruck fool syndrome Changbin, slight angst and misunderstanding
Word Count: 8.3k
It had not been your intention at all to become the mother hen you were now accustomed to being. It was purely accidental and slightly insane how you amassed the success that you did. When you first started documenting your eating experiences in Korea, you didn’t know that your mukbang-esque videos would be a hit for food recommendations across various demographics. That, paired with your easy going and humorous personality, had made you an entertaining individual to watch. Then, while perusing the streets for a new spot, you ran into Wooyoung and San of ATEEZ. You knew them from being a fan. Of course you were one. They were insanely talented and extremely humble. What surprised you, however, was that they were fans of you too. Rather, San was a huge fan and Wooyoung indulged him.
When you walked into the specific establishment that day, you hadn’t expected to be greeted by them at all. In fact, your order had just been taken, and you were in the beginning stages of your livestream when they came in. You had clocked each other instantly, their eyes glancing over at you warily from time to time as they waited to be seated. You chalked it up to them being celebrities and apprehensive of stalkers in their midst. But you were not like that at all. You value your own privacy, so there was no way you’d impose upon theirs. No matter how big of a fan you were. So, you left them to their own devices as your first dish was served. Imagine your surprise however, when a blunt voice interjects and asks if you are the mukbang lady. Seeing Wooyoung towering over your table with a stoic San in tow was much more intimidating than it should’ve been.
Nodding nervously, you watch as the loud man’s sharp expression morphs into a jovial one. “That’s what we thought! Sannie here is a huuuge fan. But he was too shy to come speak, scolding me saying, ‘Wooyoung, you can’t just walk up to people while they’re enjoying a meal. It’s rude. Plus, we don’t even know if that’s her.’” The excited man scrunches his eyebrows together, putting on his best impersonation of the latter. Behind him, San scowls exactly like that. You let out a chuckle of disbelief as Wooyoung rambles on.
“But then I had to convince him that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch you in the act! So, we had to come over and speak.” Finally, he slows down from his rant and has the realization that perhaps he should be conscientious of his domineering behavior. Sheepishly, he scratches his neck as San bows and apologizes for him. But you are stuck like chuck at being in their presence. So much so, that you forget you are streaming at all. When you remember, you glance at the screen to see comments flying by.
Fan 1: OMG! Was that Jung Wooyoung just now? He mentioned San. It has to be our Wooyoungie!
Fan 2: Imagine minding your business and then looking up to realize Wooyoung is minding yours.
Fan 3: LMAOOOO
Fan 4: Oh to be Y/N randomly eating out and running into one of the best kpop acts of our generation
Fan5: Imagine your fave celeb being a fan of yours
Fan 6: @Fan5 can’t relate
Fan 7: Ask them to stay! Or at least get an autograph or something
When you finally tune back into the conversation in front of you, you realize that both men are looking at you expectantly, as if a statement had just been made that you missed.
“Sorry, what?” You blurt out lamely. God, your words were tumbling out like the biggest loser on the planet. You were fumbling a conversation you had imagined in your head several times over by now.
Wooyoung giggles. San chuckles. “We were apologizing for Wooyoung’s behavior. Sorry for disturbing you. It’s just, I am a really big fan. I watch your videos often and take your recommendations very seriously. Wooyoung listens to me blab about your channel and food all the time. Never thought we’d run into you while you were in the middle of a video. So, it was surprising to see you here. We couldn’t help ourselves. We apologize once again.” They bow with sincerity and are about to make their way back to their seats when you unfreeze from the shock of them knowing you.
“Oh… uh, no worries. I’m a fan of yours too. So, it’s kind of funny.” Both men light up at this. “Would you… like to stay?” You ask awkwardly.
“Is it really ok?” Wooyoung asks in excitement.
“Yeah.”
“Well, in exchange, I guess you can ask us anything.” That livestream was spent enjoying good food while conducting an impromptu interview with one of your favorite music groups. All while respecting their privacy and keeping their faces from appearing on screen. That day marked a pivotal moment which shifted gears in your career.
For starters, Wooyoung and San crashing your live had boosted your follower count on social media. Then, both men had gone home and followed you from their official accounts. And God, Wooyoung liked to creep in your comment section frequently, just to tease both yours and ATEEZ’s fans. The Sagittarian also made it very clear that you were their new friend now. He had made that declaration on his own social media livestream.
Then, you decided to shift gears and got into the habit of cooking for yourself. Which you live streamed from the comfort of your own abode. But Wooyoung, ever the party crasher, decides that you must give him the address to try your amazing food. Otherwise, how else would you know if it tastes good? Which is such an insane demand by the way. Because he is still very much a celebrity that you are a fan of, which still very much makes you nervous. And what the hell did he mean about the food tasting good? Did he assume you ate out often just because you were a terrible cook? Also, it's completely embarrassing to have your fave artist in your own personal space.
You tell him as much. He is very understanding and doesn’t pressure you at all. But he does make the point to emphasize that you are his friend and the difference in status means nothing to him. He’s just as human as you are and wants to spend quality time with his friend doing what said friend loves. And okay, that had pulled on your heartstrings a little. So, begrudgingly you give him your address and await his and San’s arrival.
Cooking parties, per San’s tipsy dubbing of this event, become a regular occurrence in your tiny apartment. So much so, that it gains more attention online. The hilarity and homeliness making your channel a rave. Which leads a media company to reach out to you. At first, you think it a scam, chalking it up to a group of sasaengs trying to get closer to ATEEZ through you. But after gentle urging from your two new friends, you come to realize that this is in fact a reputable production team interested in your talent. Which you don’t think you have by the way. But first meetings with this team beg to differ as they list all the qualities about yourself which makes you marketable. Thus, your fear of only being contacted for your connection to two celebrities goes out the window. And in its place grows the confidence that you could change people’s lives one entertaining meal at a time.
So, you privately sign an exclusive contract and quietly upgrade yourself to a nicer abode. That’s how your YouTube channel transitions from mukbang to an interview show inspired by cooking. 'Y/N’s Home' becomes a much bigger success than your team ever thought it could be after just one year. You had only ever entertained minor celebrities from E to D list ranking when liaisons from JYP had reached out to your team. Evidently, to promote their new comeback, Itzy’s Ryujin would appear as a guest. You were shocked to say the least. Especially knowing that the young woman herself had demanded to be on the show. Hitting it off with her had been a pivotal point too. She declared openly on social media how warm and fun being in your presence had been.
In an article, she discussed the dynamic between the two of you and how you had welcomed her.
INTERVIEW EXCERPT:
RJ: Being on the show was fun. Unnie is truly like an older sister or a mom. She takes care of people very well. I made sure to get her contact info so I can come back and receive a delicious meal. (The singer laughs.)
That had tickled Wooyoung pink, him sending you various emojis to signify his cackling at your maternal nature. Then came more and more interviews in which you subsequently, albeit subconsciously, started adopting more celebrities under your wing as time went on. Your favorite interviews had included Aespa, NCT Dream, Riize, and now Cortis. Obviously, Itzy was in contention purely from your love of Ryujin. You really couldn’t help it though. You were an only child and always wanted siblings, so it became natural for you to dote on others in your own way. However, cooking for San and Wooyoung had opened a plethora of opportunities for you to do so. And your favorite interviewees in question had received your food so well, it was only a matter of time before your love grew fond of them. Opening up space in your heart for them to reside.
Your blatant favoritism of these groups did not go unnoticed by the public at all. In fact, your endearment of said groups had led to your fans calling you a mother hen. As the joke ran further, you had particularly been bestowed six ducklings that liked to follow you everywhere. Literally. They were all over your comment section 24/7 interacting with your fans. Or calling and texting trying to come over to your house for a meal. Martin and Keonho particularly would swindle you into treating them to a meal whenever they could.
instagram • Y/N’s__Home
Liked by user and 18.6k others
Y/N’s__Home A home cooked meal from me to you
View all 12.3k comments
user ohhhh looks so good queen!
user literally foaming at the mouth for a taste 👅
user just one bite juseyo, i beg 🫴🏿🤲🏿
user bby u ARE the meal 👁️🫦👁️
martin_cortis sooooo where’s my plate 👁️👃🏼👁️
Y/N’s__Home at the store.
martin_cortis that’s crazy. You’d let me starve like this?
keonho_cortis hyung, I’d let you starve too
Y/N’s__Home Keonho, best boy 🫳🏾 🐶
keonho_cortis I’m her favorite 🤩
martin_cortis how does it feel to live MY dream? 🙃
user lmaoooo poor martin
user this is so amusing
user Mother Y/n’s children at it again
itzyRJin wow. Are you perceiving other idols besides me? 🧐🤨
Y/N’s__Home what a crazy statement to make
itzyRJin even crazier how you’re feeding other ppl bsides me
wooyoungieee Crazy how I was here first
itzyRJin 😧 Sunbaenim, r u bullying me?
Y/N’s__Home Wooyoung, stop bullying my Ryuyu.
wooyoungieee I said 6 words! 😐
Y/N’s__Home six words too many
user Such a mother hen 🥰
user Wooyoung getting bullied is a never ending saga
user Ryujin is definitely her favorite 😍
itzyRJin 😁 ❤️
instagram • Y/N’s__Home
Liked by user and 22.4k others
Y/N’s__Home Grocery shopping for a momentous occasion
View all 17.6k comments
sannieee 👀👀👀
Y/N’s__Home San, I am tired.
sannieee I barely said a word 😟
user LOL San and wooyoung CANNOT catch a break 😆
user gatekeeping food from San is crazy. He’s surely going to cry
sannieee 🥲🥲🥲
Y/N’s__Home there is always food in my fridge for you
sannieee 😄
wooyoungieee so you hate me huh? 🤔
Jisung’s_Dream Noona, thanks for the meal today!!!
Y/N’s_Home i’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂↕️
Jisung’s_Dream Your cooking is the best! 👍🏻
user Another child collected like Pokemon!
instagram • Y/N’s__Home
Liked by user and 34.5k others
Y/N’s__Home Ning Ning was very upset with me for not treating her to a meal recently. So I cooked her favorite Chinese dish to make up for it.
View all 21.6k comments
user I just know all she did was pout and you folded
Y/N’s__Home not everyone can be strong! 😀
Ning2UrHeart I have that effect on lots of ppl 😏
user somewhere Cortis and ATEEZ are crying
user I can hear Martin and Wooyoung now
martin_cortis u wear betrayal so well 😒
Y/N’s__Home you are the most dramatic child.
martin_cortis growing boys need delicious meals to keep the doctor away! 🍎
Y/N’s__Home that is NOT what they say… but okay 👍🏾
user her interactions with celebrity guests are so funny. Like sis really adopted 6 kids
user she really went from mukbangs to babysitting
Y/N’s__Home it’s a gift and a curse
RiizeAnton Will you cook for me next?
Y/N’s__Home You’re still grounded for spilling flour on my floor…
RiizeAnton it was an accident
Y/N’s__Home you literally said, “I wonder what’ll happen if I throw this?” Accident my ass ‼️
RiizeAnton can’t I have a kid feeling?
user 🤣🤣🤣
user these ppl are crazy 😅
Random_User678 Has anyone realized that Y/N basically adopted members from various idol groups? Like she genuinely acts like she raised them
user ur kinda late to the party bud
user everyone already knows this
Random_User678 no, like!!! They may joke around, but she subconsciously does this!!! I’ll prove it
user pls don’t. A dissertation is not that serious…
instagram • Random_User678
Liked by user and 56.8k others
Random_User678 since some ppl wanted to be an asshole about this, I’ve compiled and typed up evidence to support the fact that the running gag Y/n is a mother Hen is in fact, not a gag. But she actually adopted these ppl into her found family. In this essay I will explain…
View all 31.8k comments
user okay, we heard u the first time. Why r u writing novels?
user Y/N once shared that she’s an only child? maybe that does have something to do with it 🤔
user at first, i thought it was a joke. Now I’m convinced
user I’m new to her channel and was so surprised to see the chemistry she had amongst some of her guests!
user this really isn’t surprising considering they make it so easy to want to take care of them 😫
user yeah, it’s actually funny but also a bit concerning how much supervision these people genuinely need 🤣
user LMAO yeah, bc this is Jisung’s first time on earth and he needs all the parental guidance he can get
Jisung’s_Dream yeah 😞
user HELLO?! Jisung comment???
user Ryujin is a bully and needs someone to intervene on her behalf lol
itzyRJin in my defense, ppl can’t handle this sass AND all this a—
user PLS 😭✋🏼
user Martin and Keonho were quite literally born yesterday. They need an emotional support human 24/7
martin_cortis 🤘🏻🤠 INTERNET MOM
keonho_cortis 😃😄😃😄😃😄😃
user Anton has a short attention span and will probably get lost somewhere. His only saving grace is following the scent of food 😭😭😭
RiizeAnton If lost, pls return to Y/N L/N so I can have a delicious meal 😁🙏🏼
user For Ning Ning, at least in Y/N’s household she doesn’t have to worry about eating last
Ning2UrHeart 🥹 literally y r u trying to re-traumatize me?
user Awww her ducklings 🐥🥹
Random_User678 I did not expect this thread to blow up 🧍🏾♀️
The random user of that Instagram post had gone viral for making such accurate comparisons. Martin’s introduction of the term “Internet Mom” had also garnered enough traction that the others started calling you that too. That’s how you got to the point of hosting them randomly off the clock for lunch or dinner when they weren’t busy with schedules. They all hadn’t really met each other before, except the SM artists of course. You kept different aspects of your private life separate from one another. However, the opportunity to host all of them at once presented itself one day when you randomly went live to showcase the big meal you had just prepared for no reason in particular. Fans flooded the comment section with grandiose statements about mouthwatering goodness.
It was just your luck when all six ducklings had tuned in almost simultaneously. Chaos ensued from there with them inviting themselves over to your establishment.
Jisung’s_Dream You wouldn't mind, Noona. Right? 🥺
And how could anyone say no to that?
Now, here you are watching with love as your ducklings finally meet each other officially outside of a professional setting. Your heart swells with more fondness than you ever thought it had the capacity to hold as you watch them laugh and jest. They looked so young and carefree here. As if the weight of the world had just been lifted off their shoulders slightly being in your presence. San had told you as much once that coming to your place was like coming home to tranquility after a loud day. “Your house is like a nest, and your love is a cocoon. You have so much space in your heart and a lot of love to give. I hope one day more people can fill it up besides Wooyoung and myself.” Looking at them now, you wouldn’t mind being the Atlas that lifts the responsibility from their shoulders if only for a day.
“Since you’re basically like our mother now, when are you going to find a father for us so you can settle down?” That question jolts you out of the fuzzy warmth of your daydream. With a surprised expression on your face, you blink owlishly back at Ryujin who asks the question. Six pairs of eyes stare back at you.
“What?” You mumble dumbly. Martin snorts.
“Way to break it to her gently.”
“What,” the Korean woman defends herself. “You were all literally wondering the same thing.”
Anton covers his face with laughter at the blunt nature of her statement. “You just rolled right into it.”
“Somebody had to.” Ning Ning comments in agreement. “You guys weren’t going to say anything. Women truly are the ones that make the world go round.” The two women high five at that. Jisung looks overstimulated with the entire conversation but is just happy to be there.
“How is that any of your business?” You scold playfully.
Keonho looks up at you with puppy eyes from his seat before delivering the crushing blow. “We don’t want you to die alone.” The rest nod their heads gravely at the dramatics.
“Like she said, you’ve adopted us and we don’t want to come from a broken home.” Anton mischievously chimes in. Ohhh, these guys were laying it on thick.
“My love life is perfectly fine.” You chuckle, entertained at the antics. Jisung stares at you forlornly, playing right along with them.
“Noona, admittance is the first step.” Everyone busts out in giggles at his serious facial expression.
“Okay, whatever. My love life may need a little TLC. But in my defense, I’ve been working and spreading positivity through cooking. Your company fills me with enough love to last a lifetime.” Yeah, they are not buying what you are selling if the silence and disbelieving facial expressions are anything to go by. You deflate and flop against the granite countertop. “Fine. My love life is non-existent.”
Leaning over your pitiful form, Ryujin gently pats your head. “Which is why we have a proposition.”
“What do you have in mind?”
Okay, asking that kind of question with six wildcard personalities has got to be the most eyebrow raising thing you’ve ever done. You don’t know what you expected. But chaos should’ve been the first thing. For starters, Martin had taken your phone and gone back on live to blurt out to your entire fanbase that they were doing an "Internet Dad" search just for you. You had damn near tackled the boy trying to get to your phone. All fans could see and hear was a shaky screen and howls of laughter as Martin dodged you and played hot potato with your phone, throwing it to Anton next. Who professed that this was a dire situation. When you made a beeline for him, he tossed it to Ryujin, who exclaimed that any man would be lucky to have you.
“Ryujin!” You screech as she catapults it to Keonho. Who prefaces that no weirdos are allowed and that your six ducklings would, in fact, vet these men for you.
“Not just anyone can be introduced into Unnie’s life.” Ning Ning hums into the camera dramatically when it is her turn. At the point where they tagged Jisung into the fray, your livestream had amassed 27,356 views… and counting. They were putting all of your personal business out there like the next issue of a hot gossip magazine. You didn’t smoke, but you needed a long drag of a cig after this. Jisung, ever the gracious one, does give you your phone back after giggling into the camera at the show they just put on. When you get it back, you see that the live has ended. But your phone is blowing up with notifications across social media with people already posting screen recordings of the event. San and Wooyoung in particular comment on everything they can get their hands on.
instagram • Wooyoungieee
Comment Internet Dad auditions are now open!!! 🤭🫣🤫
Sannieee 😆🤣😂
Pseudo motherhood is hard. Pseudo raising six kids all at once is even harder. After the metaphoric dust settles, and you deliver strong knuckle sandwiches to your knuckleheads, they sit around your countertop discussing potential candidates like strategy for warfare.
“We should introduce her to someone from one of our companies!” Ryujin gets the great idea. Her exclamation garners a resounding cheer from the peanut gallery. They completely ignore your squawks of indignation that this is a horrible idea.
“Noona likes to take care of people a lot. But who takes care of her?” Jisung mumbles softly. His question sparks another desk exercise.
“We should compile a list of men who have daddy energy!” Ning Ning co-signs.
“That’s not…” Keonho starts. Martin just shushes the perplexed boy.
“Hmmm, who’s good at taking care of others in their respective groups?”
That’s how they craft a list that includes SKZ Chan and Changbin, ENHA Jay, SVT Seungcheol, Jeonghan, and Joshua, &Team Fuma and Kei, TXT Yeonjun, and NCT Johnny, Doyoung, and Kun. The list actually makes sense surprisingly.
“What about BTS?” Martin wonders aloud.
“Oh my god, no. They’re celebrities.” You interject, horrified at the thought of being romantically perceived by any of their members.
There is a brief pause where they all just… stare at you. “What are we then?” Ryujin points out.
“Chopped liver apparently.” Ning Ning responds.
“Leftovers.” Keonho joins in. You roll your eyes at the antics.
The evening concludes with plans for them to set you up on a blind date with a candidate amongst the list they curated. You feel a bit apprehensive and slightly giddy at the prospect of it. You have no idea who it’ll be. But weeks go by, and you don’t hear anything back regarding it. In fact, it’s crickets on the kids’ end. The only response you do get regarding it when you inquire is a simple, “All in due time.” So, you just shrug your shoulders and keep it pushing. But not without periodic teasing from your dearest Wooyoung.
Three weeks after the disastrous fiasco of housing six guests for dinner, your production team tells you that they have a surprise guest coming to the show. Typically, you always know beforehand what celebrity will be coming to your show so that you can prepare recipes in advance suitable for their specific palates. But this time, the crew is strangely tight lipped about the individual. Citing that the guest in question would like whatever you make. So, deeming it a challenge you pick out a lunch and dessert recipe you had been meaning to try yourself.
The day of filming, you couldn’t help but be slightly nervous. The director and producer still have not told you who the esteemed guest of the afternoon was. They just told you it was someone you would like. Checking your breath and making sure you didn’t have any boogers in the nose, you allow the makeup artist to do one last brush of blush on the apples of your cheek. Then filming begins.
“Welcome back everyone to Y/N’s Home! I’m your host, Y/N. What’s cookin’ good lookin’?” The staff all giggle at your opening punchline. It was a staple component to your quirky intro. “As you all know, every week we host a new guest. This time however, I’m just as surprised as you are for who the guest will be today. Some people,” You glower cutely at the directing crew. They chuckle on the sidelines. “Wanted to keep it a secret even from me. Whatever that means.” Giggles resound in your kitchen space.
“Do you have any idea who it’ll be?” The director asks.
“Mmmmm, is it a member from a girl group?” The staff shake their heads no.
“Is it a comedian?” Another no.
“An actor?” You ask, becoming more intrigued. Still a no.
“A member of a boy group?” This gets you a solid confirmation.
“Do you have any idea what the theme of today’s show will be?” You squint your eyes suspiciously at the staff after this question is asked. They had kept that a secret from you too. So, you really were a fish out of water planning the recipes for the day.
“No…” You drag out with distrust. The crew laughs once again.
“You’ll probably figure it out as the show progresses.” The director laughs. “Would you like to announce for the guest to come out now?”
Nodding, you turn your head toward the entrance of the kitchen that leads to the front door. “Guest, you can come in now!”
The sound of padded footsteps round the corner. You make out muscular legs in dark wash denim pants, before trailing up to a buff physique. You nearly drool at the fit nature of the body. As the person finally comes into full view, your heart nearly stutters to a stop at the handsome face that greets you.
“Hello,” He bows at a 90-degree angle. “My name is Seo Changbin from Stray Kids. Nice to meet you.”
Your heart is so close to beating out of your chest at being in the presence of such an attractive guy. “Oh,” you mutter dumbly. “Hi.” Everyone busts out laughing at your shy countenance.
“Oh~” Changbin grins. “Your face is getting redder than your blush. Do you perhaps have a crush on me?”
You splutter out some excuse for your dumbly starstruck face as more laughs surround the space. “It’s not like that!” You playfully scold the crew. Nobody takes you seriously. Fanning your face, you look away as Changbin comes to sit on the other side of the island from where you will be cooking.
“You’re cuter in person.” He comments casually. Your eyes bug out of your head at his bold behavior.
“Do you flirt with everyone you meet?” You giggle.
“No,” He sobers up intently as he says it. “Just the ones who look like you.” Oh. Your heart is leaping out of your chest. You totally get why his fanbase is head over heels for him. You grab a piece of raw asparagus and shove it in his mouth just as he is about to tease you again.
“No more flirting. We have to cook!” Chewing on the veggie with a languid smirk, he looks you up and down with heated eyes before giving a salute.
“Yes ma’am. What’s the meal of the day?”
Turning back to the camera, you get giddy about the recipe. It was simple, but something you had never tried for yourself. “Lamb chops with a honey garlic marinade, parmesan seasoned asparagus, and a side of potatoes. Paired with a nice bottle of red wine. Then for dessert, chocolate dipped strawberries.”
There are exclamations of surprise at the recipes you presented for the show.
“Pulling out all the stops I see.” Changbin comments.
“Very fitting for the theme.” The director hums.
“Well,” you drawl sassily, “I don’t even know the theme. So, it’s a lucky guess.”
The buff man across the counter from you tilts his head in astonishment. “You really don’t know what it is?”
You shake your head back honestly. He stares at you for another second before turning to glancing at the crew with a smirk. There are looks exchanged amongst all of them at the admittance. “What?” You question exasperatedly.
Changbin whips his head back towards you, sensing slight frustration at you not being included in whatever inside information you are not privy to. “Nothing,” he says, rubbing your hand gently across the counter. You freeze up momentarily at the physical affection. “You’re just really cute at guessing.” There is a moment of silence where you both stare into each other’s eyes before someone coughs awkwardly.
Pulling back, you shuffle to the sink to wash your hands for cooking preparations. “Come on, you too big boy. We gotta stay within health regulations. Otherwise, the show is canned.”
Getting up, he makes his way to stand beside you. You not so subtly try to sneak glances at the size difference between you two. His muscular build was a contrast to yours. Noticing your stares, he flexes his muscles. “Like what you see?”
“No.” You mumble moving aside to dry your hands. He chuckles but does as you ask and washes his hands. From there, you get down to business.
Cooking with Changbin is more fun than you realized it would be. He wasn’t the best cook in the kitchen by any means, but he did his best to adhere to your instructions. “After all,” he says. “I’ve got a woman to impress.” Then he winks stupidly at the camera. Laughter bubbles from the pit of everyone’s stomach. Especially since the wine was working overtime on both of you. Words and actions become slower with the weight of it.
Changbin was doing so well playing this flirtatious character that he had conjured up the minute he set foot in the room. At least, you think it’s some type of persona he concocted, up until a certain point. You’re working diligently on stirring the chocolate while he dips the strawberries. Feeling a tickle on your cheek, you reach up to rub it. Not realizing that you left a dab of chocolate in your wake. But Changbin sees it. He gets alarmingly quiet, which keys you into the fact that his focus is trained elsewhere. When you glance to the side, you notice his gaze fixated intensely on your cheek. Getting a bit self-conscious, heat blooms upon your face.
“What,” you ask. “Is there something on my fa—”
You don’t even have time to finish the question, feeling a wet mass on your cheek as Changbin leans close to you and licks it off. Pulling back, he smirks at your baffled stupor. “There,” he whispers. “Fixed it.” And goes right back to dipping strawberries like it’s the most casual thing.
There are muffled squeals somewhere in the room. But all you register is the white noise that rushes to your ear. Changbin glances at you again with a sultry smile. “What? Cat got your tongue?”
Your next move is impulsive, hoping to get him back for catching you off guard. Thinking with a one-track mind, your hand moves on its own as it makes direct contact with his right ass cheek. He jolts forward in shock at the attack. “Did you just… smack my ass?” He questions with a mischievous glint in his eye.
Sensing danger, you start to back up as he dips his finger in more chocolate. “C’mere.” He murmurs darkly with a grin on his face.
That minute battle ends with chocolate fingerprints all over your face. Changbin carefully helps you wipe it off in the end. Both being playfully scolded by the makeup staff and director. You both finally settle down to eat the dessert as you steamroll into the last part of the interview. It is answering one of your questions that Changbin makes an interesting statement.
“To be honest, I have a confession.”
Looking up from your fruit with a confused set of eyes, Changbin can’t help but coo at how cute you are. “Enough,” you grumble. “Spill it.”
Smiling, he meets your little glare. “I’m not necessarily on this show with pure intentions.” This gives you pause, a sense of dread settling in the place of confusion.
“O…Kay…” you mumble.
“You’re confused by what I mean. Right?” You nod your head; voice having left you in what feels like impending doom.
“It has to do with the theme of the show today. Which you didn’t guess by the way.”
“What is it?” You ask warily.
Changbin stares at you momentarily with a look you cannot define. “Blind Date.”
Your brain short circuits at the words. “Blind… what?”
He nods his head humorously. “Yeah. A blind date. I heard about your search from Wooyoung and Ryujin. They insisted I had to come to the show as a surprise for your blind date. She said something about her and some others trying to set you up to find the perfect ‘Internet Dad.’ Whatever that means. So, they got in contact with your film crew and pitched the idea to them for an episode.” He chuckles without a care in the world. But you are hardly listening, instead, color draining from your face.
‘So, this whole thing really was a gimmick then.’ You can’t help but think. He didn’t actually have an interest in you. He was just doing it as a favor and for exposure. Not that he needed any clout from your show.
“I watched some episodes after the two recommended it. It seems pretty fun. So, I thought I’d try my luck on the show. I’m a terrible cook though, as you can see.”
He is just rambling on and on as you fight to maintain some semblance of a neutral expression.
At some point, between the shock of his statement and fighting against yourself, you end the interview. But you know it is lackluster if everyone’s concerning expressions are anything to go by. “Are you okay?” Changbin asks lowly, trying to gain some form of privacy for you in the space of prying eyes.
“I’m fine.” you rasp, making a dash for the sliding door. “Just need some air.” Then you’re stepping onto your deck and encapsulated in silence. You breathe the cool air in deeply as your mind works to unjumble itself. Damn. Wooyoung and Ryujin played you. Didn’t they? Obviously not intentionally. They couldn’t help Changbin’s over-dramatization of the role he was supposed to play. Still, you couldn’t help but feel a bit jilted at the turn of events. Perhaps there had been something lost in translation with their communication. Maybe then Changbin would’ve acted like a normal guest instead of laying it on thick with the flirting and bedroom eyes. Or, better yet, if someone had clued you in to what today’s theme was, maybe you wouldn’t have embarrassed yourself by wearing your heart on your sleeve. Which was now in your throat by the way as you had to swallow the ditzy semi-crush you began developing for Changbin.
Just as his name circulates through your mind again, he steps out onto the deck behind you. “Everything alright?”
It takes a moment for you to respond. You have to school your features to appear somewhat okay. Turning towards where he just came from, you make eye contact. Eyes flitting across his face, you see worry to start to pool within them. ’Must be fake concern.’
“All good.” You exclaim with faux happiness; voice an octave higher than it should be. You don’t even have it in you to wince at how blatantly fake it sounds. He observes you in a moment of silence before addressing you.
“You don't have to lie. There’s obviously something wrong. Just tell me. I’ll do my best to help--”
“Nothing of concern to you, Changbin.” The delivery comes out more icily than you intend it to be. Though you really can’t help it. He pauses to really look you over. Getting confirmation for whatever he sees, he presses on, stepping towards you with a type of temerity that makes your blood boil. You just want to be left alone in your embarrassment to be honest.
“I think it does concern me, Y/N. I can't help but think something shifted in you after I mentioned the blind date. Is that what this is? Did I read the situation wrong?”
“I said,” you emphasize as you step toward him menacingly, irate that he keeps pushing the matter. “That it’s not your concern. If you’re gonna be fake, at least do it honestly. Stop laying it on thick.” The vitriol pours from your mouth with a hiss. Changbin steps back a fraction like this volcano has just decided to erupt, and he is standing in the line of fire of your words, which burn like molten lava. Something shifts in his eyes before he schools it behind a mask. Nodding his head, he backs up slowly with resignation. Clenching his jaw, he looks at you one last time before turning away.
“Thanks for allowing me on the show.” Then he is gone like a ghost in the wind.
It is not easy to face your staff after that, obviously hearing the disagreement outside. However, everyone smiles at you pityingly as you bid them all a goodnight. Embarrassment will probably come in the morning. Or when the episode airs.
You don’t speak to anyone for the next few days leading up to the episode drop, instead keeping to your own devices. You can’t help it though. You are still desperately trying to swallow the frog in your throat which has startlingly taken the shape of betrayal. You literally fall off the face of the earth despite being bombarded with various text messages from your ducklings and Wooyoung. He and Ryujin particularly want to know if you “enjoyed yourself” with Changbin. You don’t respond, of course. Choosing to wallow in self-pity for a bit. You know it’s not rational to be upset about this. But for a second there, you genuinely thought Changbin was flirting with you because he liked you for who you were. Come to find out, he was only laying it on thick because he was pressured by Ryujin and Wooyoung to come on your show as a “blind date.” Which is also no ideal at all considering this is your profession and they treated it like a playground.
You know it’s not ideal to just ignore the people you care about, but… you're really still upset, feeling a bit stuck on stupid for believing in Seo Changbin’s actions and words. You hide out in your place… but only for so long. When the episode drops, you watch it. Your editing team, like a bunch of unfunny comedians privy to the joke, title it “The Hunt for Internet Dad.” Yeah, someone was getting fired.
Watching everything back, you feel like there’s no way you could’ve been delusional about how Changbin had been treating you. Even the comment section lit up in surprise at his bold actions and the fact that you were actively being hit on by a member of Stray Kids. And like, okay, the audience sees it too, right?! Evidently the male idol was just good at faking though. He could go into acting if he wanted to.
The episode drop leaves another onset flurry of text messages from your friends and expressions of concern at your deliberate absence from your social life. You still neglect it though, mending the last bits of your fragile heart on your own. That’s how Ryujin and Wooyoung find you. Well, they kinda bang on the doors of your establishment until you let them in. Which you do because their incessant banging was quite frankly annoying as it was disturbing the peace. What you do not expect however is a fluffy haired mess of masculine hunk accompanying them. When you lay eyes on him, yours promptly turn as wide as saucers before trying to slam the door in their faces. But Ryujin’s strong ass wasn’t having it. With Wooyoung in tow, they both push open your door with force, refusing to let you shut them out again.
“Nuh uh,” Wooyoung states disappointingly. “We need to talk.”
Thus, you are sat on your couch and berated about the concern your absence left. Then they get down to the real issue of the night.
“This is about Changbin Oppa, right?”
The male she’s referring to doesn’t say anything, instead staring at the ground with sad eyes as he huddles further into the hood of his jacket. Part of you feels remorse at reducing him to that, pang in your chest signifying your desire to get up and hug him. But what about what he reduced you too? Are you not owed an apology yourself?
“I don’t want to talk about this.” You mutter with sadness.
“No ma’am missy,” Wooyoung grunts. “You’re gonna talk this out like adults or so help me, I will bring out the big guns… San’s puppy eyes!” You have no doubt in your mind that Wooyoung will get on Facetime right now and drag San into your show of dramatics. And you did not have time for his theatrics paired with your own. So, begrudgingly, you get up and jerk your head to the sliding doors of your deck. Changbin follows you without a word.
Soaking in the chilly air, you turn on your automatic fire pit before wrapping yourself in the blanket you procured before stepping outside of the house. It is silent between the both of you as you sit on the comfy patio couch waiting for the fire to warm you both up. When the quiet drags on for too long, it is Changbin who breaks the silence.
“I’m sorry.” He whispers in the stillness of the night.
“For what?” You drawl with boredom.
You hear him suck in a breath to calm himself rather than see him. “For getting the wrong idea. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”
Eyebrows raised to your hairline; you can’t help but feel like you are both on two different wavelengths. “I appreciate the apology. But I’m confused on what you mean about getting the wrong idea.”
Changbin slowly looks up at you from where his head was facing downward toward the drooped arms folded over his legs. “I laid it on thick thinking you were interested in me. And it made you uncomfortable to discover it was a blind date. I did entirely too much in the span of filming that could’ve come across as sexual harassment. So, I’m apologizing for that.”
You sit up in disbelief at the words. He thought… he misread the situation and sexually harassed you on your show? “That is not what upset me, Changbin.” you state firmly.
“It’s not?” He questions with confusion.
“No. What upset me was the fact that I only found out near the end that this was some sort of blind date our friends set us up to. Except, based on the way you spoke, it sounded like you agreed to be on the show as some kind of gimmick. So, I thought you had been playing the role of a flirtatious person this entire time to fit into the elements of the theme. I was feeling you but thought you were making fun of me in the end. That’s why I was uncomfortable.”
He stares at you momentarily, before his eyes soften at the admission. “How could you ever think that I was playing around? Look at you. Everything about you is to die for.”
“You don’t even know me. You don’t have to use petty words to butter me up.”
“Yes, I do. I know plenty of things about you. Wooyoung and Ryujin talk about you all the time. How can I not?” He stares at you oh so softly, eyes shimmering with such a fondness you hate to betray yourself for. You shake your head and look away. He moves closer as you try to deny what he is saying.
“Yes,” he blurts out desperately. He grasps your hand with a gentle sense of urgency. As if this is his final chance to prove himself to you.
“I know more than you think. I know how much you love taking care of other people because it fills an absence that you have in your heart. I know that you would give someone the clothing off of your back if it means giving them the last of the parts of yourself that you own. I know that when you cook, it’s not really for the person and more so about what you gain from it. I know that you selfishly get more gratification from doing for people than you do about how your actions make people feel. I know that you love Ryujinnie with your entire being and do your best to cradle her heart in the palm of your hands to protect her from malicious comments of the cruel world. I know that you love Wooyoung just the same and you will do everything in your power to make sure that he learns to love himself the same way. I know all these things about you not just from what they tell me, but from observation. I misspoke the last time and put my foot in my mouth when I said that they recommended I watch your show after learning about the blind date. In actuality, they told me about you way before then and had me watching your shows prior to. I indulge in everything regarding you because it makes them happy. And in turn, I discovered that you make me happy too. I like you, Y/N. And I’ve been entirely miserable these last few days.”
You sniffle as he pours his heart out to you. “I’m nothing to be miserable over.”
“You gave me an ounce of your time and then took it away. Y/N, of course I’m miserable.” He rebuts.
Your heart flutters at the confession. Seo Changbin was… something else entirely. He was the makeup of the stars, the galaxy, and the cosmos. He was a flirt and an even bigger Casanova. All for you. This bold, buff man was as gentle as he was strong. And he was willing to hand him the world if you would let him. All it took was a leap of faith to believe that he absolutely wanted you. Breathing the crisp air of the night, you silently make a wish that you’re doing the right thing. Then, you do what your heart has been longing to do.
“Okay, Seo Changbin. Prove it to me.”
Somewhere in between apologetic confessions and cuddling, you fall asleep tucked up underneath Changbin. With embers of the long-forgotten fire dying out, he lifts you up and carries you into the house. Ryujin and Wooyoung blink blearily at him as he cradles you close to the side of his chest where his beating heart resides.
“Finally.” Ryujin mutters sassily. Wooyoung snickers at her attitude.
“Shhh.” Changbin rebuffs before making his way down the hall to find your bedroom.
“Third door on the left.” Wooyoung calls out knowingly. Changbin tucks you into bed before delivering a kiss to your forehead. He leaves you a sugary sweet saccharine text for you to wake up to, per prying your number out of Wooyoung’s clutches.
This is Changbin. Sleep well, gorgeous. See you in the morning.
In the end, you suppose it all worked out. Despite your epic misunderstanding of sorts. Two months of private dates and many, many confessions bode well for you and Changbin. Both making it official via where it all started, social media. Yeah, you were gonna break the internet with this.
instagram • Y/N’s__Home
Liked by user and 158.4k others
Y/N’s__Home Internet Dad is finally home. @jut_dae
View all 111.6k comments
user HELLO?! Is that SEO CHANGBIN?! 😧
user oh my god. OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD!!!
user EVERYONE STAY CALM ‼️‼️‼️
user I AM NOT CALM 🤧
Ning2UrHeart excuse me????
Jisung’s_Dream soooo this is crazy 😲
itzyRJin not telling me first is diabolical.
martin_cortis I should’ve been the first to know. 😬
itzyRJin CAN IT. I literally did all the hard work!!! 😒
wooyoungieee BEG UR PARDON? 🤨
keonho_cortis Mom? 😨
RiizeAnton How can u live with urself after keeping such a big secret??? 🙂↔️
Sannieeee finally. Wooyoung was getting worrisome. Hongjoong almost kicked him out for the random night terrors he kept having about you.
Joongstagram this is true, I fear
Han_123 woah Hyung, talk about full circle moment 🤯
innie_outie noona, do you know he talks about you all the time? Even before he went on the show 🤩
jut_dae SHUT YOUR MOUTH YANG JEONGIN
Y/N’s__Home 🧐
jut_dae luv you wifey 💋
jinnieret i thought that was me… 😠
Taglist: @lonenymphaea @user-0703
© seoulfulbliss— all rights reserved to this archive. please don’t repost without my permission. modifications of any kind is not tolerated, this is my creative content.
