As a black girl, i'm really glad i've came across your amazing work, cos its harding finding x black!reader fics. Please keep it up, i always look forward to reading your fics. ❤️🥹
As a black girlie myself, discussions like this make my heart full of joy thank you so much for appreciating my works! And that’s the main reason why I started writing, we deffo need more representation and I’m here for it. Again that’s too sweet🫶🏿
ཐི ྐ❤︎ ཋྀ synopsis: meeting a rockstar and him giving you a piercing doesn't count as a date...right?
ཐི ྐ❤︎ ཋྀ warnings such as blood and needles
ཐི ྐ❤︎ ཋྀ author’s note : I plan on making a part 2 cause y’all lowkey got robbed ngl
You laid your back against the chair, watching as the cup vibrated with each strum of the guitar and each verse sung into the microphone. the crowds of people drowning out the loud music being played live on the stage, whilst you sat back, attempting to enjoy your friday night.
The last song started playing, all the fans going ecstatic over the first strum played on the guitar. They went even crazier when the lead singer of the band started singing, all of them singing along.
The song continued on as you watched contently, humming along to the song that you hadn't listened to as much as these people definitely have. You searched around the crowds of people, your head going in all directions, seeing if you could find your friend anywhere. She was supposed to be here an hour ago.
The music stopped, the lights shining on stage as all of the fans eagerly screamed. You noticed how the lead guitarist immediately left the stage as soon as the song ended. You chuckled, a someone must have had a bad day. Afterwards, the crowds of people broke off into their own little groups. You stayed at your table, letting out a long sigh and letting your head fall back. Your phone however, started to vibrate, which brought you back to sitting normally.
A text from your friend. She’s not coming, she's talking about some problems at work so she can’t make it here. You sighed. Poor girl, they make her go through hell and back in there. Shutting off your phone and slipping it into your pocket. picking up your drink and putting the cold glass to your lips, drinking whatever was inside.
A shadowy tall figure bought you out of your trance. placing the cup back onto the table, you were greeted by a man. He wore a ripped vest, ripped jeans and his face flashed with shiny jewelry. The anti eyebrow one was the first one you noticed
"Is this spot taken?" he asked, his Canadian accent masking over his words as he hovered over a chair.
"Not anymore I guess." you sighed.
The man moved the chair, sitting down across the table. The light from cars driving by shined on his face, the sweat trickling down from his forehead as he sniffled. His silver piercing shining. It did look so damn good on him. Your eyes moved down to his hands, his fingers were calloused, small bumps hovering over his hands.
"Ouhhh," you mumbled, "So you’re the guitarist right? The one who left the stage as soon as the song ended?" You questioned, slightly raising your eyebrow and teasing the man in front of you at the same time.
"I have a name y'know." he uttered, "But yeah that's me. I don't really fancy that song a lot you see..so when it's over i just leave." He explained, smoothly taking the drink away from you. "I’m Martin." He muttered, placing the glass to his lips.
You raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a confused gaze. "I could've drugged that, put some weird shit in it." you mumbled.
Martin took a gulp of the drink before placing it back down. "And why would you do that?” wiping the excess drink off of his mouth.
“You have the survival instinct of an açaí bowl” You chuckled softly, placing your hands on the table. Your flashy homemade rings are catching spiky head’s attention.
He stared at you, amusement written all over his face. "So what's your name then?" he asked, leaning in closer.
"Y/n" you replied, staring back at his flashy eyebrow piercings that stood out. It was distracting really, but not in a bad way. Actually, in a very very cool way.
Martin stopped for a moment, his eyes inspecting your face. Something about you entranced him, but also confused him. He couldn't tell why you were staring at him so fondly. "What are you looking at?"
His hands moving up towards his face, he felt the cold shiny metal, his eyes widening. "Ohhh, you like the piercings now do you?" he said, a sly smirk forming on his face.
You nodded. "They do look good on you, i like 'em." you muttered, taking a sip from the glass. Martin smirked, "You want one? I mean a piercing. I know a guy so you can get it for free." He muttered, slightly sniffling as he relaxed himself to the back of the chair.
You shook your head. "Now…how do I know you're not going to like try and murder me or something?" which made Martin laugh, his ripped vest slightly opening.
"Survival instinct of a navy I see. Trust me I think you'll be safer with me than any of the rest of this lot here." he muttered, standing up from his chair, his hands in the pockets of his vests as he let out a breath. Slow, he started to walk by you. stopping once he noticed you weren't coming.
He got a point, shaking your head as you rose from your seat. You did plan on getting a piercing real soon but it was surely not supposed to happen with a guy you barely knew. Quickly catching up to Martin who stood just inches away from you, waiting. Once you had finally caught up, the two of you started walking.
Folks bidding him goodbye and completely ignoring you. He didn't respond, he simply just nodded his head at the words.
It was dark outside, some cars passing by and some people hanging out on the sidewalks. All of them seemed to know Martin, each and every one of them getting excited once they caught a glimpse of his face.
"So you're popular one." you muttered, hoping it wouldn't make the rest of this walk uncomfortable.
"Eh?" Martin questioned, his face turning to look at yours. "Come out of it, I'm not popular, people just know me." he chuckled, one of his hands coming out of his pocket, keys jangling from his fingers. You peeped that.
"Getting piercings seems like a real proper date doesn't it?" he questioned, swinging the keys around on his fingers.
"A date?" you chuckled, raising your eyebrow, causing him to give you a confused glance. "Sorry to break it to you boy, but I don't date rockstars."
“Them crazy fans are enough for me.” You teased, your arms slightly brushing against his.
"Well it’s a good night to not be one." he replied. Once the two of you finally reached an apartment, the blond pressed buttons down on a keypad which made a buzzing noise. the apartment building doors opened as he walked inside. It seemed sort of run down but nevertheless, it seemed comfortable.
The two of you walked up stairs that squeaked with each step. Lights from the light post shining through the window as he stopped in front of a door, placing his keys into the doorknob.
"Wait, so this is really your place?"
Once he got the door open, he moved to the side giving you room to enter. You looked at him, your facial expression unreadable.
"You wouldn't have come with me if i said I was the guy. You can leave right now if you want, fine by me." he muttered, still continuing to hold the door wide open for you.
You shook your head. Can’t believe you’re doing this. You entered his apartment, a strong smell of wood chipping and cologne engulfing your sense of smell. He had a couch, two guitars in the corners of his living room and old posters on the wall. He also had a record player, a collection of vinyls sitting just underneath them.
Martin closed the door, throwing the keys on the couch as he took off his vest. leaving him just in his shirt and jeans as he made his way through the apartment and what seemed to be the bathroom.
"Make yourself at home." he shouted from the bathroom, rummaging through the cabinets to try and find everything he needed for an at-home piercing. "Found them!" he shouted, taking out a clear box and gloves.
You followed his voice, walking into the dimly lit bathroom as your gaze met his. Then trailing down to the box of assorted piercings, and needles. He was putting the gloves on, checking the needles to make sure they were sterile. He even had a tool to hold on and pinch your nostrils with, so they wouldn't move.
"You’re ready?" he asked, his gaze meeting yours again as he laid out all of the tools needed for the piercing.
"Blow your nose first, can't get snot all over the needle now can we?" he questioned, a slight smile forming on his face.
“Such a shame.” you did what he told you to, making sure your nose was clean from the inside and the out. Martin then moved the box from the counter, placing it on the toilet seat, and making room for you in the bathroom.
"This will be a lot easier if you sit upon the counter." he muttered. You nodded, making your way to the counter as you propped yourself up on it. He looked up at you, holding the needle in his hand.
" Tell me Spikey head, how many people have you used this trick on?" you questioned. He moved slowly closer towards you, getting in between your legs as your thighs rested on each side of his body. his eyes attentively on yours.
"Spikey head?" he squinted
You rolled your eyes. "Y'know the whole like come-back-to-my-place-and-i'll-give-you-a-piercing thing. Must have worked on a lot of people right?" you questioned, a slight smile forming on your face.
He chuckled slightly.
"My first time doing it to that pretty girl I just met. Why? Is it working on you?" he asked in a soft tone. One so soft it sent chills down your spine, you realized how close the two of you were. "It really is the first time I've done this, actually." he muttered, pinching your nostril.
"I'm going to put the needle in, it might hurt." he mumbled. The needle pierced your skin, sending a slight stinging sensation through your nose. You closed your eyes slightly, feeling them water up. You then felt something cool drip out of the needle, you looked at Martin with a worrying glance.
"It’s blood, but don't worry it's not a lot and it's normal." putting the jewelry in at the end of the needle.
In one swift move he took the needle out, replacing it with the jewelry. Then, he grabbed the end of the jewelry, screwing it tightly onto the piercing. "Ta-da." he smiled.
You looked back at yourself in the mirror, seeing the flashy piece of jewelry shining on your nose. You smiled softly, looking back at the blonde. It looks so good," you muttered, "What do you think?" you asked him, your eyes meeting his.
"Looks perfect on you" he muttered, a smile forming on his face.
The two of you looked at each other for a while, your faces just inches away from each other. And the tension keeps building. You're both aware of it now, this thing stretching between you like a wire being pulled taut.
The best part that makes your chest ache with how good it feels is the not-knowing. You don't know if that hand on your arm will slide down to your hand. You don't know if this is the beginning of something or just a perfect moment suspended in time.
And that uncertainty is delicious. It's what makes every word feel heavier, every glance feel significant, every accidental touch feels like the most intentional thing in the world.
You purposefully moved your face down closer, your lips ghosting, he’s about to cup your jaw when you’re fully pulling back last second. Slightly tilting your head to the side eyes filled with banter.
“What was that for?”
“Unfortunately I don’t do kissing on the first da-”
⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ summary : you meet a mysterious boy who only orders two things a slice of strawberry shortcake and whatever you decide is your favorite for the day. for weeks he comes in and sits in the same spot, talking to you for a bit before leaving. except he suddenly doesn't show up for a week, leaving you guessing to where he had gone. you'd never expected him to come in on a random night when you're closing shop, surprising you with the best "welcome back" gift of your life.
⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ content : tooth rotting fluff, kissing, Stella is her own warning
⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ author’s note : can ppl tell I was listening to peak illit while writing this?
Being the owner's daughter of a bakery in one of the most busiest and populous regions of South Korea as a foreigner had its pros and cons. At first you recognized all of the benefits-lots of generous tippers who'd recognized your business online, frequent regulars who'd become friends along the way, as well as an overall comforting community. You created a beautiful safe haven with your own hands. Literally.
You adored making sweets-even more the days you've made better and moods you've lifted with them! Well everyone knew a yummy chocolate chip cookie made everything better. It was truly a dream. Most of the time.
With a pretty popular and booming company, unfortunately, crummy clients were...inevitable. Bad reviews would be left, food would be thrown away or spit out-and hey, you didn't have to be everyone's cup of tea, but it still undeniably hurt that one could treat something you made with so much love with so much hate.
Within your mix of customers and all of the newfound connections you'd made through your business, there was one that you thought about just a bit more than the others, one who walked around rent-free in your mind.
The first time he came in, you were working the register, dressed in a pretty gingham patterned apron and matching headband. It was just another day, sun filtering in through the large bakery windows, casting glowy shadows over everyone that occupied it. It was beautiful, and you couldn't be happier.
"Hello! Welcome, what could I get for you?" Your smile was as warm as the tone of your voice, your eyes crinkling at the ends as you looked up at him. You weren't just some establishment owner-you truly loved your job.
"Hello." He replied. His voice was monotone and smooth like french hot chocolate melting onto your tongue. It was the first of many things about him that encaptivated you. His dark hair framed his face perfectly, slightly covering his eyes. A tiny detail that reminded you of the macarons you baked. Was this man simply a pretty little mix of the things you made, or a treat all on his own?
"One strawberry shortcake slice, please."
"Ah, right." You nodded your head, face warming beneath his gaze. Could he tell what you were just thinking? That he was something edible. You registered the item in before looking back up at him. Come to think of it, he was unusually close.
"Of course, anything else?"
"Hm." He hummed, thumb to his lip as he scanned the menu.
"And whatever you'd say is your favorite."
"My favorite?" You repeated, your eyes finally locking into his.
"Correct."
Your smile widened ever so slightly, eyes shining beneath the lights. "Of course, I'll get it to you quickly! That'll be-"
Before you could finish your sentence he was already walking away, making his way over to a tiny 2-seater table in the corner of the bakery.
"Huh."
For a moment you were left dumbfounded, blankly blinking at him until another customer walked into line. You were forced to avert your attention, gaze focusing on the kid now in front of you.
"Hi, sorry. What could I get for you today?"
"A chocolate cake slice, please!" She smiled, a lollipop in between her lips.
"Got it!" You eagerly registered in her order, surprised when she suddenly spoke again.
"Ma'am..is this yours?"
"Hm?"
She held up a $100 dollar bill, crisp with zero creases. "Oh-no, I don't think." You stammered, slowly looking back at the man in the corner-just for a second. Was that why he didn't pay? Well—he did, but it was absolutely too much. He probably didn't have change, and expected to receive the rest when he got his food. Yep! That's it!
"It-it is, actually! Sorry." You politely accepted the bill, shoving it into your pocket to make sure you didn't forget.
"Awh man, thought I got lucky." The girl sighed, eliciting a smile from you.
"Hehe, maybe next time..but for now it'll be seven dollars and fifty cents, hon."
"Darn it."
She handed you exact change, grumbling just a bit beneath her breath as she plopped down at a different table. Kids will be kids you suppose…
"Here you go, sir." You carefully set down two plates in front of him. One was syrupy sweet with strawberries and cake and the other was beignets. He gracefully accepted the sweets, resting one hand on top of his knees while the other reached for a fork.
'It’s a New Orlean’s recipe. Tiana made them in ‘Princess and the frog’. Also, have your change-"
"I didn't require change."
"Huh..?" You went silent, watching him munch on the cake as a bit of frosting decorated the corner of his lip.
"Consider it gratuity for excellent customer service..and" he took a moment to swallow, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "delicious desserts."
You smiled softly, a sudden bashful feeling overwhelming you. "Do you mean it?"
"Of course, compliments are earned and you deserve it."
"Thank you."
"Hm." He replied, taking a second to observe the croissant you'd also set down." "This is your favorite.?"
"It is."
A moment of silence passed before he went back to the cake, popping a strawberry into his mouth.
"Thank you."
"No problem." Your voice wavered for a second, a bit of confusion fogging your brain. You took his quiet eating as the cue to leave, walking back behind the register to get back to work-yet you could barely focus. Curse him and his stupidly charming face and compliments.
You'd talk to him more next time. And you did.
He'd come in almost everyday around the same time, sit in the same spot, and order the same thing-except he'd always ask for what you were in the mood for, taking home an extra dessert with him every time.
You had not the slightest clue who the other pastry was for or why he had such a routine visit, but you weren't complaining...you were just curious. Not jealous. Not jealous at all. Maybe you'd ask if the dessert was for someone at home.
It's bold, but maybe it'll spark something? You couldn't deny the effect he had on you, but it was a bit embarrassing. How easily a simple regular could get you weak in the knees.
Unusually, there wasn't a next time. There wasn't a next time for a few weeks, actually and you were just a bit worried.
Almost a month and he'd never missed a day. Never. Your employees even began to call him "Strawberry guy", the tall, handsome, quiet boy that spoke to nobody but you and ordered nothing but a singular slice of strawberry shortcake and whatever you wanted.
"He'll be back. In fact I bet he's having withdrawal symptoms right now." Your best friend Stella spoke, trailing behind you as you delivered treats around the bakery.
"He probably got tired of my boring suggestions." You sighed heavily-almost comically as you placed a plate down onto a table. "Enjoy, sir.”
"You're hopeless! You don't have romance! He's simply so deeply infatuated he can't even face you! He's afraid once he does he'll immediately propose!"
"Oh god, you're the worst person to confide in.."
She stopped in front of you, dropping to her knees and grabbing one of your legs-just to prove her point.
"Marry me! Marry me, you beautiful bakeress! Take me as your doting wife! I won't live if you won't take me! I'll simply die"
You froze up almost instantly, eyes of the customers glued to you-and your best friend who apparently had no shame and loved to make fun of your love life.
"Folks are watching...stop humiliating yourself." You whispered through clenched teeth, wiggling your leg away before she even had a chance to speak.
"Fine..." she groaned, dusting off her pants as she got up before chasing you back to the register.
"You're simply..a small thinker."
You rolled your eyes, resting your cheek in your palm. "You simply read too much fanfiction."
"Low blow." She replied, clutching her heart in faux pain.
"Super low..."
"Ha-ha." You deadpanned, bonking her head with your free hand.
"Owch! Hey, I need compensation for that! You knocked some of my brain cells out!"
"Really? I thought you got all of them out when you started begging me to marry you."
"Eh, that did minimum damage." She sighed, rubbing her head where you'd lightly hit her. "Can I get a little cake for my troubles?"
You look to the side as if you were thinking, eyes slowly wandering back over to her. "Come during closing and I'll see what I can do."
"I'll be there."
Night time comes along sooner than expected, the entire bakery clean and ready for tomorrow. Stars were twinkling, shining a small light through the glass windows, creating a beautiful picture.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Moka!"
"See you!"
The last employee was on their way and all that was left was you, the treats on display, and lovely silence. It was nice to be alone sometimes, but most of the time when you were alone you started to think..and the only thing you could think of was him. Was he really gone forever now? People move to different places all the time..perhaps he's sick? Maybe..maybe he's found another bakery.
The chime of the door pulls you from your thoughts, and you quickly look up. "Moka.."
"Hello."
It's him, dressed in a simple white shirt and jeans-his posture the same as ever...Maybe you were imagining him. It was late after all...perhaps you were hallucinating from lack of rest. Strawberry guy ?
He walked closer, standing just the same way he had in front of you so many days ago.
"One slice of strawberry shortcake...and an almond croissant, please."
"I." Well, he's definitely real, but why is he here so late? After so long? ..Was this a prank? "Yes, of course. One moment, sir." You replied, auto-piloting your response as you tried to process the situation.
Without another word he went back to sit down in the exact same chair. All you could think of as you grabbed a slice from the display was all the questions he had yet to answer, and all of the things he could possibly say.
You let out a soft sigh, grabbing a few extra strawberries for a better presentation, maybe it'd sweeten him up too…
With careful steps you walked over to him, gently placing the plates down before sitting down in the chair across from him.
And for the first time-he ate the croissant first.
"Would it be odd to say I missed this taste?" He murmured, taking small bites of the fluffy pastry, his facial expression the same as always. Blank yet somehow slightly fond.
"I guess not. You're bound to miss something when you're away from it for a bit."
A pause.
"Speaking of, where have you been anyway?"
"Were you looking out for me?”
You raised an eyebrow. Answering your question with another one? This is your chance, just speak. Easy and slow.
"Family? Or maybe a girlfriend?"
"No. Just me."
"l meant if you had one."
"I do not."
A sound of what could've only been relief left you, a soft sigh escaping your lips. Would he take offense?
Quite the opposite.
The corner of his lips curved ever so slightly, his eyes glued to your face as you tried to hide your embarrassment.
"I just thought you must've..you probably brought those extra desserts to your...someone."
"You’d be dead wrong. They're for me."
"Noted" You quickly replied, thank God you can’t blush anyway.
A longer moment of quiet passed before he set down the bready treat, picking up a fork to bite into the cake before suddenly stopping.
"There's a few more strawberries than usual."
"We’ll take it as a welcome back gift free of charge." You joked, finally beginning to ease back into your usual self.
"You're extremely kind and trusting. Why?"
Your eyebrows rose a bit at the unexpected question, your lips parting ever so slightly.
"You never know what's going on in someone's life. I think it's always better to be kind, it's an even greater feeling to know you'd brighten someone's day."
"I see." He mumbled, before finally taking a bike into the cake, savoring the sweet syrup on his tongue.
"I guess you won't be frequenting as much then?"
"You’d be incorrect, again."
"Really?" You try to hide your excitement, but you can't physically find it in yourself.
"Of course. Perhaps then I could find an opportunity to repay you for those strawberries.
"Ah-I told you, they're free of charge." You chuckled, getting up from the chair to collect his empty beignets plate as you noticed it was getting particularly late.
But he stopped you, lithe fingers wrapping around your wrist to keep you from the plate. His hand was cold, but extremely soft. You'd only dreamed of him holding your hand. Not exactly in this situation, but you'd take what you could get.
"I wasn't speaking of money."
"You weren't?"
"Could I tell you what I would like to give you?"
You lean down a few inches, nodding your head as he tilted his own so his lips were just a centimeter away from your ear.
"A kiss."
You almost immediately turned your head, but before you could even utter your exclamation his mouth was over yours, overwhelming your senses until all you could think of was his warm and utterly smooth lips against yours.
He was careful in everything he did. From how he ate to how he held you now, his grip on your wrist loosening as you leaned into him, seeking more of his touch. You gratefully took all that he gave you, not once pulling away.
His tongue eventually grazed your lower lip, and all you could internally say was..
"Holy shit! I knew it!"
You squealed into his mouth before pulling away, watching your best friend stand at the front door-absolutely gobsmacked. How did you not hear the door!? She's probably here for her cake freeloader.
"You again.." You whispered under your breath, still holding his hand, still squeezing his palm. "And I thought I was the only one who could kiss you" She sighed, the most devilish smile adorning her lips.
You look back at him, his eyes staring blankly at your friend.
"You and your lying ass.”
"Fine! You should've just broken up with me instead of cheating on me like this!" She paused, staring right back at Juhoon.
"And I want my cake!!" With a dramatic exit, she left the building. Probably just to wait in her car for you to deliver her slice.
"She is not my girlfriend, I'm not even a lesbian.” You raised up your hands almost innocently.
"It's quite alright. I could tell she was lying."
"Oh well.”
He's still squeezing your fingers, rubbing his thumb against the back of your palm like it's muscle memory, and for a moment you feel completely at peace.
"If you don't mind..! I haven't finished repaying my debt."
It is just me who’s noticed that in most fanfics that specify the reader being black, they tend to make the reader the “stereotypical black girl trope” where they’re aggressive, hard headed with “queen behaviour” with impractical behaviour and unnecessary outbursts.
As a black woman, I understand that yes there are black women who present like this,I’m not shaming anyone about it, not judging or anything but the lack of fics presenting black women as soft spoken, delicate, fragile women is lowk a lil concerning, because there’s a lot of us who aren’t like that, but it just seems to me that that is how we are all presented.
When the readers race isn’t specified,they’re written to be softer and more “feminine” who don’t fight, they’re shy but when they’re specified to be black it’s a whole different story.
hii girlie!! THE ANSWER IS YES I’ve got so many ideas and drafts…but exams szn is lowkey beating my ass right now so I’m slow af asf as fuck but trust me I got y’all real good🙏🏿
I wanna start writing too, but I'm a bit embarrassed and don't know how to go about it. Your works are amaze balls and I wanna write like that! Do you have any tips?
Hii first of all thank you so much I’m glad for all the love I’m receiving🫶🏿 A major thing that helped me is telling myself to make it exist first, so then I could always polish it later on.
I could go on and on about creativity as its amazing process you know. I daydream a lot so I guess I transform those thoughts into scenarios. Also I’m a big music lover, so i happen to stumble upon inspiration in a lots of tracks! I think music and writing go well together.
English is not my first language so I try enhancing my vocabulary by using synonyms and wording things differently. I read a lot of books and fics too, it helps.
Also don’t be embarrassed!! It took me years to get into writing again and I started thinking about posting here about 10 months ago.
You can search up scenarios and plots ideas on the internet but most importantly you have to make it yours again! There’s something so exciting about it. And to help you visualize better, use Pinterest to make mood boards and curate images off of the vibe you wanna build around you fics.
Please let me know if there’s anything else you want to know, I’ll be your first supporter 🙏🏿
boyfriend!Juhoon who gets ragebaited by tomodachi life
It’s no secret to anyone that your boyfriend Juhoon is a complete video game lover. So when the new tomodachi life : living the dream was announced, you immediately made sure to preordered it so as to give it to him when it got officially released. He thanked you by naming his island after your name.
Now, why won't his mii get married to yours? he has been laying in his bed for hours trying to get the two fictional characters to marrying each other. Still stuck at "sweethearts" step, he's actually not in the mood for playing but got addicted because the interactions between the two of you keeps him company when you're not here.
He did try his best : forcing the two to meet and eventually think about marriage. But he would fail miserably. It took him hours, no, days to finally get the chance, and when he did, his face would turn into a frown when failing the fuck ass mini-games to get them to propose. "This game is such a hassle anyway.." “How do you even get ragebaited by a game such as tomodachi life?”
Juhoon changed positions, even playing while eating just to get this game done with. So imagine his face when he successfully fulfilled his mission, probably the greatest sigh of his life. The adorable cutscenes played as he got a small smile at how his mii looked at yours. At that time, you were laying half asleep beside him, so he showed the nintendo screen to you. It was late at night and really dark in the room. The brightness of his switch was all the way up, you squinted to let your eyes adjust themselves, chuckling at how cute it was. “Oh my, that's so sweet."
"I wanna give them a baby though." he looked at you as he said that and you nodded, "That'd be cute, Jju." he nodded, and so he's gonna spend at least another day playing despite almost deleting it when they didn't wanna get married to one another.
"Oh yeah, I'm surprised you kept playing that game for so long." you pointed out and he shrugged. "It gets frustrating sometimes, sure, but it's a good game." he mumbled and you smiled as he laid his head on your lap and you ran your fingers through his hair.
In which Juhoon, yearns for your presence and is tormented by his feelings. During a trip to Jeju island, he confesses whether you reciprocate the same or not.
Themes : friends to lovers, fluff, angsty with happy end
Autor’s note : got inspired by distant lover by Marvin Gaye and two Substack articles. Lmk if you wanna know more about it
⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖
“Juhoon’s been acting weird lately.” you confessed to Stella.
This was one of those rare times you have the opportunity to come visit your friends especially because of your schedule. Long-distance friendship came most of the time with big life updates, sure, but you cherished the way you could keep talking about everyday life as if you were part of it.
“What makes you think that? He’s the one who insisted we should surprise you by planning the whole trip to Jeju island.” she paused, “Don’t tell him I told you that.”
You softly smiled at her, amused. It was a place you mentioned very few times, that never compared to how much you actually set your heart on it and you're surprised he remembered it.
Martin, Stella, you and Juhoon stayed at that cute airbnb they found near the sea, the sight, breathtaking. The boys went out for a walk and you’re currently helping Stella refresh her hair, the dark roots contrasting with her blonde dye.
You did learn how distance would reshape closeness, and how friendship bends without always breaking, but deep down you feared it could potentially collapse, like a house of cards.
You didn’t notice the plastered smile on her face when she was drying off her hair. You’re too busy overthinking the whole situation.
“He seemed okay last time we all were on FaceTime call last week though.. I think the two of you need to communicate.”
-
There was a small private patio outside the room where you had your breakfasts and dinners. That evening Martin chose to rather eat at the beach around the bonfire with everyone.
Juhoon sat on the sand across from you, the bonfire at the center of the little group, his eyes lingering on you, always on you, scanning your slightest movements. The warm orange light from the fire glowed, highlighting your face the best way possible.
From his point of view, you seemed pensive, — almost absent — lost in your own thoughts. He knows you well, you would be sharing random but interesting stories from overseas.
It hit him hard in the face when you finally looked up to glance back at him, shortly after you quietly excused yourself, something about your exhausting flight. You did not even try to hide the lie, nor thought how much it affected you.
-
Alright, maybe the flight did tire you. You don’t even remember falling asleep. It was unexpected that you woke up around five in the morning, a part of the word still asleep.
Wandering around the house, you realize Juhoon’s shoes are missing near the entrance. It wasn’t very concerning, aware of how the boy was a morning person. Brushing your teeth, your face reflecting in the mirror, you took the piece of advice Stella gave you earlier and you decided to go look for him.
It’s an early summer morning and the dawn takes over the sky little by little. You’re one of the only few people awake, there is the smell of fresh cut grass and a light humidity that adds to it.
-
It did not take you long to finally see him from afar. You’re approaching him taking in the fact that he is sitting on a large beach blanket big enough for him to sit in the middle, but he’s sitting on one side as if he was waiting for someone.
Or maybe he knew you were coming. His gaze came to rest on the ocean, his body not even flinching when you sat next to him noiselessly.
“You’re not a morning person.” He stated.
“Jju, you've been acting weird toward me lately. I wanted to know if maybe I did something that offended you so I could properly apologize to you” You had the habit of fidgeting with your fingers when nervous or overwhelmed, he was mindful of it.
“So that’s why you got up this early?” He smiled at the nickname.
“Stop playing.” You gently shoved his shoulder with yours. It’s so sweet the way you lean your head on his shoulder for the first time in so long and the way he rests his head over yours in return.
“It’s been consuming me like crazy for quite sometime now.” His gaze dropped to the sand “I thought I’ll let you know that I’m in love with you. I can’t hold it anymore.” His voice cracked when he pronounced your name.
You tried to bite back a smile, something inside of you felt lighter, the anticipation left your soul. You pulled back to watch him, his hands scrambled to his face, quickly wiping the forming tears away like they were never there. He’s crying and his voice is small, almost punched out.
“I swear, I’m not trying to be selfish or a burden to you. I don’t want to make your life difficult.” He had to face the facts : both of your worlds were linked, sure, but your life was unfolding somewhere he was not. He tried many times to bury his feelings for you. To Juhoon, choosing to love a girl from thousands of miles away is declaring that absence is not a threat, but rather a measure of worth.
Of course it ached every time you’d leave him at the airport. But it would still cherish those special goodbye’s, because your arrival felt like seeing you for the first time, something he could never forget.
The longing for you was worth it though he’d yearn for your presence close to him daily, pure torture. There was something intimate, in how easily he would show his vulnerable side shamelessly when it was only the two of you.
His face — wrecked by the tears — was filled with desire and desperation. Most importantly it was now all written over his face that these feelings were for you.
You cupped his face, life it’s the most fragile thing in the world at the moment. He leans in your touch, his lips lingering over your palm, still hesitating. His reddish eyes looked up at you, searching for permission, your eyes told him everything he needed to know. He raised his hand, now covering the one holding his face. Juhoon left soft kisses all over the inside of your hands.
Maybe the affection for each other that had always loomed over you both was built for this moment.
⋆‧°𓏲ּ𝄢 in which you’re the reason behind why blond James is happening right now
⋆‧°𓏲ּ𝄢 suggestive, established relationship, kissing, skinship, fluff
⋆‧°𓏲ּ𝄢 author’s note : i just had to hop on this
As a hairstylist, dying your ‘fro was like therapy to you. You liked to change your appearance whenever you got bored, like customizing your videogame character using the new characteristics you've unlocked but in real life. What you usually unlocked were new hair dye colors. You absolutely loved having fun with your hair, styling it, braiding it, and of course, playing with colors.
Sometimes, you'd dye them a brown-looking shade close to your skin color whenever you had special occasions that required some kind of composed, elegant look to present in. But every once in a while, you'd go crazy with colors. You went teal once.
Your relationship with James has been going on for more than one year now and each time he saw you with a different appearance, it’s like he would fall in love with your personality and your look a little more each time. Just like how it was probably going to happen this afternoon.
You'd texted him earlier, asking him to come over as every Saturday night, and of course, he accepted it before you could even tell him what you wanted to try; a detail that made your plan even better.
Once he arrived, using the spare keys he knew the location of, he heard loud, incredibly yours, music from the bathroom. He made his way there and opened the door, eyebrows already furrowed as his handsome figure appeared in your mirror's reflection. He immediately noticed the bowls, the brushes, a bunch of bottles of hair bleaching, and of course, your wet, sectioned and now kind of yellowish coils. But no worries, the toner sat not far from you.
He smiled, before stepping behind you, patting your hip and picking up your cup. "Hi babe"
"Hi, love." You said, smiling to yourself, happy to have him with you.
"I thought we'd meet to watch a movie or something, and of course you're dying your hair."
He picked up the dye bottle, his adorable confused expression appearing. "It's not even the brand you usually use."
You actually finished wrapping a towel on your head. "My supplier recommended this brand so I wanted to test it first before using it on my clients. Plus, I guess I'm apparently changing too often, so I thought I would kind of need to use lighter products this time."
“Talking ‘bout lighter products”
By taking a closer look, his face became even more shocked. "Did you cut your hair? Could be shrinkage but your ‘fro seems smaller”. You let out a chuckle. "Just split tips, don't worry." James sat on the edge of the bathroom's bath tub, fidgeting with his fingers for a while before whining like an impatient kid wanting his favorite toy back. "What do I do? I'm so bored, I wish we could do something fun right after." He trailed off the end of his sentence, side eyeing you innocently.
Your smirk appeared, amused, and your plan started. "Oh, gosh, won't you stay still?"
Half an hour later, you were sitting on your bathroom sink, legs slightly parted just so his hips would fit in between them. That man felt under zero pressure, he kept moving his head side to side, trying to see what the heck you were doing to his hair.
You'd decided to do something actually cool and that would make him even hotter than how he already is. So you'd start bleaching the back of his head just like you first did, which was a dangerously good idea.
"You know im nosy as hell." He justified himself, before starting to detach his attention from his reflection to your face in front of his. Suddenly, he'd gone quiet. He started to analyze your bare face, from the forehead to the nose, faint acne scars here and there on your cheeks. His gaze lingering on the places where you had moles, he had learned to remember each one of them.
You used your hand to gently guide his face to look sideways, and check your work of art. You were very satisfied, and you couldn't wait to see the result.
"Alright now, it’s looking good."
"You look better." He said, voice dropping an octave.
"Woah," You chuckled and released his chin, putting the brush back in the messy looking bowl and shaking your head. "That was smooth."
All of a sudden, his hands grabbed your waist a little firmer than usual, making you instinctively look back towards him, only to be shut up from his lips on yours. You let go, enjoying your time with your man, since you two don't always kiss for a long time or make out, that was kind of secondary. James treasured different types of quality time. But rarely you two also shared your little heated moments.
Your arms automatically wrapped around his neck, careful not to mess up with the bleach on the back of his upper neck, even though, while you kissed, you always adored touching his hair (and he did too). His hands slid down to your hips and brought them closer to his own, seeking closeness and contact.
Your pajamas, being brushed from his gentle yet bold hands, internally making contact with your skin, had this kind of effect that made your spine shiver. The kisses got bolder, and with bolder, it meant him towering over your figure and forcing you to lean back against the mirror, as you both started letting out little, clumsy yet incredibly hot sounds against eachother's mouth.Also, tongue wasn't absent at all.
"Yufan.." You murmured breathlessly, your voice rough and uneven from the kissing. He pulled away just an inch and opened his eyes, staring into yours deeply.
"Yeah?"
You smiled and held his shoulders with your hands, ignoring what just happened but mentally replaying it for the tenth time. “Just let me finish, after that, we can do whatever you want yeah?.” The hint of a little smirk became clearly visible, before he hugged you tightly and carefully buried his face into the nape of your neck.
Days later, during his stream, he'd proudly hide his hair under one of his beanies like he does each time, making everyone freak out knowing the fans will eat it up. Because he liked it so much that you ended up dying his whole head.
“See this guys? A new era is coming real soon thanks to my hairstylist.”
Synospis : James is looking for friends's gift and he can't decide. You're working at that cool record store.
Autor's note : english is not my first language so bear with me. very small fic, just to get used writing in english again.
The first time James met you was by pure coincidence.
He went outside for a walk, taking in the beautiful sight of Itaewon’s neighborhood. Folks all dressed up in warm clothes, the bone-chilling wind hitting his face like it was on purpose.
That’s when he remembers, Seonghyeon’s birthday is coming up next week and he still hasn’t found a gift. He didn’t have to worry about that pressure of finding “the perfect gift”, that kid was easy to love with and always thankful even for the smallest gestures.
As James kept thinking about it, his eyes randomly darted on a record store sign. Looking at it from afar, without knowing why, he had to give it a try and maybe find a gift for his soon-to-be-17-year-old friend.
He approached, carefully noticing how the warm colored lights inside contrasted oddly perfectly with the cold atmosphere that prevailed in the streets. Without waiting any longer, he pushed the door open and gently closed it behind him, a faint melody echoed probably to inform the owner of the arrival of a potential customer.
Ab inexplicable feeling of satisfaction settled in, the warmth of the store was very pleasing. This place smelled like music had a smell but in a good way, though vinyls and CDs didn’t have any particular smell. He took time appreciating the record store’s decoration, from the ceiling down to the floor. Small lights hanging from the ceiling, loads of posters and album covers from groups and solo artists he sometimes recognized slightly brightened by the sun, a CD player and a vinyl record player in the back. The floor was neat, he could see the sweeper peaking behind the counter.
Walking through the small aisles of the store he knew Seongyeon like his back pocket. Brent Faiyaz was definitely who he was going for. The question is which project should he choose. That man had so many good songs.
He stopped in his thoughts when he felt a presence by his side.
You were casually placing or putting back various CDs where they belonged. That when you noticed him as you got up. You guessed he was your age, his hair dyed in a dirty blond color was covered by a fashionable beanie with cool patterns.
His gaze lingered on you for a beat too long and he realized how dumb he might have looked at the moment.
“Oh, so you like Brent Faiyaz ?” You pointed your chin at that vinyl he was holding.
A bit taken aback by your straightforwardness, “ No..I mean I’m just a casual listener, I got a friend of mine he really loves him”, he stumbled over his words. “I’m way too indecisive”.
“I got you.” was what you pronounced. A head movement was enough for him to start following you in the aisles like a lost puppy. He found it amusing, seeing how natural it was for you to easily find vinyls of a given artist within minutes, as if you knew the store by heart.
You took your time. Explaining to him what choices he had based on little you knew about his friend — that was enough for you — James’s attention fully focused on you.
He saw you, you really saw you. He admired the way your eyes flickered, communicating very passionately and nerding about an artist he had little knowledge in. This conversation was very smooth, it’s like he already knew you, when that wasn’t even the case.
“If you have time you’ve got to listen to his debut EP, it’s fire and I’m so so serious about it.” You suggested. It was that deep.
His laughter echoed in the store. It was only the both of you anyway. There was something gratifying in the way he perceived you.
“I‘ll have to trust you on that one” he carefully picked one of them vinyls. “I’ll take that one too and give it a try” he referenced to the one you were holding — the one you just recommended — to your surprise.
“You don’t have to take both if you’re not-” he cuts you off “But I want to.”
“No really It’s alr-“,
“And I do trust you” he was staring at you for so long, that poster of Prince on the wall never seemed even more interesting than right know.
He laughed it off, heading back to the front of the record store near the counter. You quietly followed, silenced.
You cashed the two vinyls, as he kept chatting with you about how another friend of his, Juhoon, successfully thrifted a vintage vinyl record player not far from her the other day.
He glanced at your name one last time before waving you goodbye to which you happily responded.
On his way home he facepalmed himself thinking about how his dumbass forgot to ask for your number.
Later, after finishing wrapping Seonghyeon’s gift, James flopped on his bed. Arms up analyzing his new vinyl, he couldn’t get your face out of his minds. He absentmindedly checked the back of the album pocket — that’s when he straightened in his elbows — a sticky note a bit crumpled with your name and your precious number on it, his jolly ass read :
Summary : a typical slow sunday morning with Yufan, turning into a major exception this time
pure fluff overload, lowkey confession?, slow dancing, kissing and skinship
As you stepped out of the shower, you reached for the towel hanging on the rack.
Dressed in one of James’s graphic tees, you padded back into the kitchen, finding him leaning against the counter with a mug of tea in his hands. He looked up as you entered, his eyes automatically dropping to take in your attire. He said nothing, but you could see the flicker of something in his gaze.
Any tension laying dormant was pushed aside as you reached into the refrigerator, selecting ingredients for today’s culinary endeavor: crisp bok choy leaves, thick udon strands slightly sticky to touch, and leftover samgyeopsal marinated with sesame oil, which filled the air with a slightly charred meaty smell while cooking yesterday. The symphony of chopped vegetables thudding on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by a sizzling pan flanked by the soft purring of the refrigerator, announced another evening feast showtime.
Finally, you couldn't take it anymore.
“Stop staring and say something, Yufan.”
He blinked at the name, his gaze lifting from the coffee mug in his hands to meet yours. “You look…”
“Don't say it.”
"Okay."
You let out a sigh of relief, turning back to the stove.
"I wasn't going to say you look good"
"No?"
“Nope," he said, maintaining eye contact while parking his well-loved first edition Red Panda mug with a soft thud. "You've got this 'This is my kitchen' glow about you—no make-up, and my shirt on your body... You look like you belong at home, in this kitchen, with me.”
"Oh, shut up, Yufan. Are you sure the tea wasn’t spiked? That bag of Oolong you've been hoarding since you bought it from that traditional tea house back in Taiwan?”
He laughed then, a deep, rich sound that echoed warmly around the room, bouncing off the peeling sunflower-yellow wallpaper and the worn-out, wooden cabinets. "I promise, it's just regular tea. But if you're not careful, I might start spouting poetry next."
"I'd like to see you try," you challenged as you moved to add the noodles to the boiling pot.
At the same time, however, a soft melody began to fill the room. Turning, you saw James’s back turned towards you. He was hunched over an old radio placed precariously on the window ledge over the sink—an old one with a cracked case. It had been his mother's; he kept it out in the barn and listened to it while he was choring.
He now keeps it in the window because it's the only place where it will pick up local stations. It was secondhand even then, when he gifted it to her after earning his first paycheck, but when it was unwrapped and she saw what it was, she grinned until it seemed her face would crack and how she thanked him. Over and over!
The tinny sound of the old device was playing a song that you recognized immediately-it was your mother's favorite song. A smile tugged at your lips as you watched him, his fingers delicately turning the knobs to get the best reception.
At the end, he cocked a thumb at the radio and said, stupidly proud of his useless knowledge,
"This one is Ella Fitzgerald’s. The original version."
"Yufan...I-"
You had no idea where to go from there, and it seemed there was no need. The man raised the forefinger of his left hand like a teacher who meant to make a particularly important point, and the smile actually resurfaced on his lips. Some sort of smile, anyway.
"Wait," he said.
"Wait?"
He looked pleased, as if you had grasped a difficult concept. "Wait."
And before you could say anything else, he simply walked off behind you, turning off the stove before his hands found your waist. His warm body pressed against your back, his head burying itself in the crook of your neck.
The aroma of your cooking, mixed with the familiar scent of his and the sound of the old song playing on the radio, transported you back to simpler times. Times when life was all about grades, and saving up.
It’s about enjoying moments like these. He began to sway, his movements leading you in a slow dance around the kitchen. His touch was gentle yet firm and you allowed him to lead, your body moving in rhythm with his as you danced barefoot on the cold ceramic tile floor.
Beyond the rustic kitchen windows, Mother Nature cooed her own ballad-soft chirps cushioned in cool country air under the moon's watchful eyes, dressing everything in stretched-out shadows-that played on repeat. It felt so simple and yet intimate. You were just a woman, dancing in the kitchen with the man you secretly might like.
Turning you around, he looked down at you, his gaze soft and filled with emotions you could not decipher. Your heart pounded in your chest as you looked up at him through your eyelashes, your fingers idly playing with the hem of his worn-out shirt.
The world outside did not matter at this moment.
The only thing that mattered was Yufan and the way he held you, the way he looked at you. You could see a mirror of your own feelings in his eyes-longing, mostly vulnerability.
As the last note of the song played, you rose to your tiptoes, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. It was filled with promise, with hope-a kiss that said more than words ever could.
As you pulled away, you rested your head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His arms wrapped around you, holding you close as the two of you stood in the middle of the kitchen, the smell of your cooking still lingering in the air.
"Welcome back to me, sweetheart." he whispered, his voice barely audible over the soft hum of the radio. And for the first time in a long time, you felt like you belonged.
It has been the case for so long that the word got lost on the blurred line between friendship and romantic love. Friends who spend way too much time alone during (allegedly) casual music sessions on one’s bed. Friends that may feel something building, the curiosity growing and still know when to pull back when needed.
“The most unrealistic part in the movie is the fact he never got to pull anybody.” You shamelessly stated, lightly kicking your feet.
It was one of those times, average movie night at Martin’s place. Small warm lights here and there — nothing too aggressive — just enough to set the mood right. The large Moroccan rug you successfully bagged for his studio last time you went thrifting with him, two months ago or so. You’re both currently settled on the sofa, your head softly resting on his shoulder.
He side eyed you at your statement, “He was lowkey a loser in it.”
“Wait, was it supposed to be a bad thing?” You slowly raised your legs back to your chest, holding them together.
“I can’t believe you.”
“Hey, you can’t blame me, I think we as a society moved on too fast from guys wearing eyeliner.” you raised your hands up, admitting.
“Oh, so you're into boys wearing eyeliner?” He huffs a laugh, his eyes flicking toward you amused, then staying there. An idea just popped in your head, you’re already biting your lips to stop yourself from smiling, slightly. There’s a switch in his composure, he can read you like an open book by now.
You’re immediately rushing to his bathroom, it’s crazy how Martin has memorized the way you laugh, how you stop right away whenever you make a piggy noise. He wanders toward the speaker and puts out something you love before heading back to you.
He leans into the door frame, easily grabbing it at the top and you feel his eyes staring at your soul from behind. You’re currently kneeling, struggling to find the makeup bag you left here last time you came.
“Try the left drawer at the bottom, that’s where I store the things you leave here.” You searched and found a bunch of items you thought you would never see again, like that small jar of shea butter for your hair, the content almost melted due to the temperature.
You glanced back at him, now holding the precious object that’d potentially make the night even better.
“You bought me a new eyeliner? And it’s the same one thank you!” He rubbed the back of his neck a bit awkwardly. It is possible that he looked through your makeup stuff and noticed that your liner was finished, so he decided to buy you a new one.
You got up and you sat upon the countertop. Your back facing the mirror, you gesture two fingers at him to come closer and he acts instantly.
“It’s waterproof so we might struggle to take it off but it’s worth it!” you explained all smiley, little to no reassurance at all.
Martin stepped into the space between your knees, bracing his hands firmly against the countertop on either side of your thighs. The move effectively caged you, leaving you nowhere to go but closer to him. The proximity makes it impossible for the blonde haired boy to look anywhere but into your eyes.
You swiftly cupped his chin with one hand before he could change his mind, he leaned in your touch anyway, effectively holding you captive in his own bathroom.
“Now look up for me..” He obeys and you're already focused on testing with a first and small stroke at first.
A year or two of friendship had passed since, months of exploring the tension and ambiguity in this relationship neither of you could put a name on it where boundaries are never clearly defined. It’s a mix of mutual hesitation and curiosity about whether to take it to the next level. Is it worth risking a friendship for the possibility of something more?
“Your hands aren’t so steady anymore.” he notices and his eyes are already back at your face. “I don’t..know what you’re talking about” your voice came out quieter, maybe hoarse even.
“You’re thinking way too much about it.” you felt the weight of your hand holding his chin shifting, as he leaned his head to the side. It was so subtle that you wouldn’t have even noticed if it weren’t for your hand.
“I’m done with the makeup.”
“Well I’m not done with this conversation.” For a moment, neither of you move. You let the silence hang and it narrows to the music speaker playing from the living room.
Martin could describe that special state of your relationship as feeling something and not immediately trying to act on it. It’s about wanting to get closer, wanting to define it, wanting to lean in faster and choosing not to. That’s the part he never really told anyone about. The way he feels something building, seeing the patterns of constant push and pull and feeling the curiosity growing altogether, still give it space. Still let it unfold without trying to control the pace of it.
“Tell me you don’t want this, and I’ll stop here.” He whispers, his eyes desperately chasing yours for something, anything. That’s when you bring your gaze up to his, and the clock ticks once more.
That tiny moment before lips meet is when everything inside you goes still. When you know it’s coming, but it hasn’t yet, and the air between you becomes unbearable. The inhale before collision. The second before surrender. In that space, the universe holds its breath. Whatever answer you were gonna give him immediately died between your lips when he pushed his on yours.
Tentative enough that it almost felt questioning, like Martin was waiting for you to change your mind halfway through. Somehow, that encouraged him more. He kept it slow and intentional like he’s been fantasizing about it too many times and was terrified of ruining it now that it was for real. Years and years of tension, pent up frustrations, and almost’s, leaked into the kiss.
The quiet exhale he let out against your lips when you parted ways made you fold like crazy.
“So you like it?”
“What? The kiss or the makeup?”
You ran a hand through his blonde hair, hiding your nervousness. “Shut up.”
“Let me go find my digital camera, wouldn’t want to miss out on immortalizing this moment.” You got up from the counter and Martin let you pass through the door first. He giggled at the fact that you almost tripped on the coiled cables of his music and recording gear lying messily on the floor, your legs probably feeling numb for sitting too long.
In which Juhoon, yearns for your presence and is tormented by his feelings. During a trip to Jeju island, he confesses whether you reciprocate the same or not.
Themes : friends to lovers, fluff, angsty with happy end
Autor’s note : got inspired by distant lover by Marvin Gaye and two Substack articles. Lmk if you wanna know more about it
⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖
“Juhoon’s been acting weird lately.” you confessed to Stella.
This was one of those rare times you have the opportunity to come visit your friends especially because of your schedule. Long-distance friendship came most of the time with big life updates, sure, but you cherished the way you could keep talking about everyday life as if you were part of it.
“What makes you think that? He’s the one who insisted we should surprise you by planning the whole trip to Jeju island.” she paused, “Don’t tell him I told you that.”
You softly smiled at her, amused. It was a place you mentioned very few times, that never compared to how much you actually set your heart on it and you're surprised he remembered it.
Martin, Stella, you and Juhoon stayed at that cute airbnb they found near the sea, the sight, breathtaking. The boys went out for a walk and you’re currently helping Stella refresh her hair, the dark roots contrasting with her blonde dye.
You did learn how distance would reshape closeness, and how friendship bends without always breaking, but deep down you feared it could potentially collapse, like a house of cards.
You didn’t notice the plastered smile on her face when she was drying off her hair. You’re too busy overthinking the whole situation.
“He seemed okay last time we all were on FaceTime call last week though.. I think the two of you need to communicate.”
-
There was a small private patio outside the room where you had your breakfasts and dinners. That evening Martin chose to rather eat at the beach around the bonfire with everyone.
Juhoon sat on the sand across from you, the bonfire at the center of the little group, his eyes lingering on you, always on you, scanning your slightest movements. The warm orange light from the fire glowed, highlighting your face the best way possible.
From his point of view, you seemed pensive, — almost absent — lost in your own thoughts. He knows you well, you would be sharing random but interesting stories from overseas.
It hit him hard in the face when you finally looked up to glance back at him, shortly after you quietly excused yourself, something about your exhausting flight. You did not even try to hide the lie, nor thought how much it affected you.
-
Alright, maybe the flight did tire you. You don’t even remember falling asleep. It was unexpected that you woke up around five in the morning, a part of the word still asleep.
Wandering around the house, you realize Juhoon’s shoes are missing near the entrance. It wasn’t very concerning, aware of how the boy was a morning person. Brushing your teeth, your face reflecting in the mirror, you took the piece of advice Stella gave you earlier and you decided to go look for him.
It’s an early summer morning and the dawn takes over the sky little by little. You’re one of the only few people awake, there is the smell of fresh cut grass and a light humidity that adds to it.
-
It did not take you long to finally see him from afar. You’re approaching him taking in the fact that he is sitting on a large beach blanket big enough for him to sit in the middle, but he’s sitting on one side as if he was waiting for someone.
Or maybe he knew you were coming. His gaze came to rest on the ocean, his body not even flinching when you sat next to him noiselessly.
“You’re not a morning person.” He stated.
“Jju, you've been acting weird toward me lately. I wanted to know if maybe I did something that offended you so I could properly apologize to you” You had the habit of fidgeting with your fingers when nervous or overwhelmed, he was mindful of it.
“So that’s why you got up this early?” He smiled at the nickname.
“Stop playing.” You gently shoved his shoulder with yours. It’s so sweet the way you lean your head on his shoulder for the first time in so long and the way he rests his head over yours in return.
“It’s been consuming me like crazy for quite sometime now.” His gaze dropped to the sand “I thought I’ll let you know that I’m in love with you. I can’t hold it anymore.” His voice cracked when he pronounced your name.
You tried to bite back a smile, something inside of you felt lighter, the anticipation left your soul. You pulled back to watch him, his hands scrambled to his face, quickly wiping the forming tears away like they were never there. He’s crying and his voice is small, almost punched out.
“I swear, I’m not trying to be selfish or a burden to you. I don’t want to make your life difficult.” He had to face the facts : both of your worlds were linked, sure, but your life was unfolding somewhere he was not. He tried many times to bury his feelings for you. To Juhoon, choosing to love a girl from thousands of miles away is declaring that absence is not a threat, but rather a measure of worth.
Of course it ached every time you’d leave him at the airport. But it would still cherish those special goodbye’s, because your arrival felt like seeing you for the first time, something he could never forget.
The longing for you was worth it though he’d yearn for your presence close to him daily, pure torture. There was something intimate, in how easily he would show his vulnerable side shamelessly when it was only the two of you.
His face — wrecked by the tears — was filled with desire and desperation. Most importantly it was now all written over his face that these feelings were for you.
You cupped his face, life it’s the most fragile thing in the world at the moment. He leans in your touch, his lips lingering over your palm, still hesitating. His reddish eyes looked up at you, searching for permission, your eyes told him everything he needed to know. He raised his hand, now covering the one holding his face. Juhoon left soft kisses all over the inside of your hands.
Maybe the affection for each other that had always loomed over you both was built for this moment.
Synospis : James is looking for friends's gift and he can't decide. You're working at that cool record store.
Autor's note : english is not my first language so bear with me. very small fic, just to get used writing in english again.
The first time James met you was by pure coincidence.
He went outside for a walk, taking in the beautiful sight of Itaewon’s neighborhood. Folks all dressed up in warm clothes, the bone-chilling wind hitting his face like it was on purpose.
That’s when he remembers, Seonghyeon’s birthday is coming up next week and he still hasn’t found a gift. He didn’t have to worry about that pressure of finding “the perfect gift”, that kid was easy to love with and always thankful even for the smallest gestures.
As James kept thinking about it, his eyes randomly darted on a record store sign. Looking at it from afar, without knowing why, he had to give it a try and maybe find a gift for his soon-to-be-17-year-old friend.
He approached, carefully noticing how the warm colored lights inside contrasted oddly perfectly with the cold atmosphere that prevailed in the streets. Without waiting any longer, he pushed the door open and gently closed it behind him, a faint melody echoed probably to inform the owner of the arrival of a potential customer.
Ab inexplicable feeling of satisfaction settled in, the warmth of the store was very pleasing. This place smelled like music had a smell but in a good way, though vinyls and CDs didn’t have any particular smell. He took time appreciating the record store’s decoration, from the ceiling down to the floor. Small lights hanging from the ceiling, loads of posters and album covers from groups and solo artists he sometimes recognized slightly brightened by the sun, a CD player and a vinyl record player in the back. The floor was neat, he could see the sweeper peaking behind the counter.
Walking through the small aisles of the store he knew Seongyeon like his back pocket. Brent Faiyaz was definitely who he was going for. The question is which project should he choose. That man had so many good songs.
He stopped in his thoughts when he felt a presence by his side.
You were casually placing or putting back various CDs where they belonged. That when you noticed him as you got up. You guessed he was your age, his hair dyed in a dirty blond color was covered by a fashionable beanie with cool patterns.
His gaze lingered on you for a beat too long and he realized how dumb he might have looked at the moment.
“Oh, so you like Brent Faiyaz ?” You pointed your chin at that vinyl he was holding.
A bit taken aback by your straightforwardness, “ No..I mean I’m just a casual listener, I got a friend of mine he really loves him”, he stumbled over his words. “I’m way too indecisive”.
“I got you.” was what you pronounced. A head movement was enough for him to start following you in the aisles like a lost puppy. He found it amusing, seeing how natural it was for you to easily find vinyls of a given artist within minutes, as if you knew the store by heart.
You took your time. Explaining to him what choices he had based on little you knew about his friend — that was enough for you — James’s attention fully focused on you.
He saw you, you really saw you. He admired the way your eyes flickered, communicating very passionately and nerding about an artist he had little knowledge in. This conversation was very smooth, it’s like he already knew you, when that wasn’t even the case.
“If you have time you’ve got to listen to his debut EP, it’s fire and I’m so so serious about it.” You suggested. It was that deep.
His laughter echoed in the store. It was only the both of you anyway. There was something gratifying in the way he perceived you.
“I‘ll have to trust you on that one” he carefully picked one of them vinyls. “I’ll take that one too and give it a try” he referenced to the one you were holding — the one you just recommended — to your surprise.
“You don’t have to take both if you’re not-” he cuts you off “But I want to.”
“No really It’s alr-“,
“And I do trust you” he was staring at you for so long, that poster of Prince on the wall never seemed even more interesting than right know.
He laughed it off, heading back to the front of the record store near the counter. You quietly followed, silenced.
You cashed the two vinyls, as he kept chatting with you about how another friend of his, Juhoon, successfully thrifted a vintage vinyl record player not far from her the other day.
He glanced at your name one last time before waving you goodbye to which you happily responded.
On his way home he facepalmed himself thinking about how his dumbass forgot to ask for your number.
Later, after finishing wrapping Seonghyeon’s gift, James flopped on his bed. Arms up analyzing his new vinyl, he couldn’t get your face out of his minds. He absentmindedly checked the back of the album pocket — that’s when he straightened in his elbows — a sticky note a bit crumpled with your name and your precious number on it, his jolly ass read :