You leaned over your balcony railing, scanning the balconies below for the bedsheet you'd left on the rooftop less than ten minutes ago.
Nothing.
You checked again, just in case the wind had somehow decided to play a very elaborate game of hide-and-seek with you.
Still nothing.
"Where did you even go?" you muttered, pushing your hair away from your face.
Your phone buzzed in your hand.
You immediately turned toward the building opposite yours.
There it was.
Your bedsheet was hanging proudly from a balcony three floors above, fluttering in the wind as if it had deliberately chosen a new home.
"...You're kidding me."
A few minutes later, you found Seungcheol in the hallway. He was leaning against the wall, looking far too pleased with himself, your bedsheet folded neatly over one arm.
"I caught it before it flew off the building," he explained, handing it to you.
You stared at the sheet, then at him. "How?"
"I was on the rooftop."
You narrowed your eyes. "The rooftop?"
"Yeah."
"At this hour?"
Seungcheol opened his mouth, then closed it again when he realized he didn't have a convincing answer.
Finally, he shrugged.
"...I like the view?"
You stared at him suspiciously for a few seconds before shaking your head. "You're weird."
He smiled. "Thanks."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"I'll take it anyway."
You tried to suppress your laugh, but it slipped out anyway. Seungcheol's smile widened when he heard it, and for a moment, the two of you simply stood there, neither of you seeming particularly eager to end the conversation.
Thenā
BANG!
A loud noise came from somewhere upstairs.
You and Seungcheol both looked toward the ceiling.
Your eyes widened. "Was thatā"
"Probably nothing."
You slowly pulled out your phone, already opening the building group chat.
Seungcheol glanced at the screen.
"What are you doing?"
"Finding out what just exploded."
His eyebrows lifted.
"Exploded?"
You looked up at him.
"That's what it sounded like."
He tried to hold back a laugh. "You really don't panic easily, do you?"
You gave him a look.
"I just like having information."
"Right."
"Don't laugh."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm absolutely not."
You narrowed your eyes at him while he smiled innocently.
my whole insta feed is filled with mingyu enjoying his vacation with his friends. I don't mind, he looks scrumptious. How sweet of his friends to hide his face with stickers for privacy. I am sobbing.
(let me enjoy these days. What am I supposed to after he leaves for m*li*ary )
Prompts: Youāre new boss is your ex from college + āDid you mean what you said last night?ā
Summary: She thought breaking his heart would hurt less than watching distance do it for them.
Years later, ___ starts her first job at Choi Enterprise, only to discover that her new CEO is none other than her ex-boyfriend, Choi Seungcheol, the man she never stopped loving.
Turns out, some goodbyes were never meant to be forever.
Genre: Office Au, workplace Au, lovers to exes to lovers, friends to lovers (backstory), fluff, smut, angst with Happy ending, slice of life,
Warnings: Smut, unprotected p in v sex (wrap it before you tap it), oral (fem. receiving), fingering, angst, miscommunication, my horrible attempt in humour,
Wc: 5.8k
Pairings: boss!seungcheol x employee!reader
A/N: Hello, everyone! This is my first time writing and posting anything here, and I'm so happy and excited to finally share my work with you all. This fic is part of @studiosvt A Midsummer Carat's Dream event for their second anniversary. Happy 2nd anniversary to the entire StudioSVT team! They're doing an amazing job bringing writers together through such wonderful collaborations. And the biggest thank you to @jakedustry for helping me throughout the entire writing process. You beta-read my work, helped me brainstorm, and even shared so many helpful tips. What more could a new writer ask for? A BIG SMOOCH TO IZZY. LOVE YOUUU!!!!! šš¤
It has been almost 3 weeks of your job in Choi Enterprise, and everything is going very smoothly. Everyone there is super friendly and helpful. You made friends on the second day of your work. Mind you, you don't open up that easily. So, considering that, you are quite surprised yourself. Everyone was so nice to you, including the boss who was a bit aged, since the first day, but the special three, Soonyoung, Seokmin and Seungkwan, really made office time so fun.
The only thing you can complain about is the amount of work they let you do. It's your first job and you really have to experience corporate life, so it's taking time for you to adjust, but that's fine considering the money they pay. Overall, you are having a fun time.
Today, there is a meeting organised in the office so that employees and the staff together can meet the new CEO after Mr. Choi retires next week. According to gossip monger Seungkwan, the next CEO will be Mr. Choiās son. Everyone is yet to meet and know him, as he was abroad from South Korea for his studies. Everyone is very excited and curious at the same time because no one has any clue how the new CEO is.
At 11 am sharp, Mr. Choi entered the auditorium of the office. But you didn't get a glimpse of his son.
That's weird. You thought.
But your thoughts were interrupted when Mr. Choi started speaking.
āIt's a very special moment for me and my family. After all, my son is taking over my spot, and I can't be more proud of him. I have seen him work so hard for this position. Any other person would have taken it for granted and would have not worked so hard. But I have seen him working day and night to prove himself that he was worthy of this position.ā
You smiled listening to him. It's a big day for Mr. Choi and his son. And seeing Mr. Choi getting emotional made everyone a bit emotional as well.
āHe studied at Seoul High School and graduated with flying colours.ā
Seoul High School?
You graduated from Seoul High School as well. You might know him.
āHow about you come to the stage, Seungcheol.ā
What?
Seungcheol?
You turned back with so much force that you might have snapped your head open. You looked behind and saw Seungcheol standing.
Damn, he looks good.
He always did, but now he looks like a man. A man you can be dependent on. He was all broad and muscular.
He is really hitting the gym hard.
Your mouth was so wide open Seungkwan had to physically close it. That's when you snapped back to reality. You looked at your surroundings and saw Seokmin and Soonyoung laughing while Seungkwan was judging you hard.
āStop giving him fuck-me eyes.ā
Now how will you say that you really don't have to give him fuck-me eyes? He used to fuck you anyway. How can you tell them that this guy is your fucking ex? The ex you promised to get married to, the ex you imagined a future with. Your one and only ex.
āYaahh, Choi Seungcheol. Come back.ā You chased after your boyfriend after he decided to steal your bra. That's normal for him. āNo way. Catch me and take it by yourself. Your mom didn't raise a loser.ā
He started twirling your bra with his index finger.
āThat's not your fucking basketball, Seungcheol. Give it back to me.ā You whined at the last part. āIf it's so important to you, then why is it in my bag and not on you or in your drawer?ā He asked, raising his thick eyebrows. āHow would I know that? I know you stole my bra.ā
Hearing your accusation, Seungcheol was stunned. He gasped and started sulking. āWhy would I steal your bra?ā He came closer to you, visibly pouting. āI don't know. Maybe because you're a pervert?ā
āA pervert? What do you mean?ā You started laughing after seeing his eyes go wide like saucers. āYah! Why are you laughing?ā He whined, complaining to you.
āMaybe because I find you way too cute. Now please give me my bra back, Cheol.ā
He rolled his eyes, but you could see his smile. āFineee. But give me a kiss first.ā You chuckled and connected your lips with his. He held your waist to deepen the kiss with a smile on his face.
You both were the schoolās sweethearts. All the PDA either made people coo in awe or just gag out of jealousy. You both were attached at the hip even before your relationship. Friends to lovers, they said. You never met anyone like Seungcheol, and it was natural to have a crush on him. But all you could think about was the friendship, and so you always stepped back.
One fine day, when a guy came up to you and asked if you were available, Seungcheol saw red. Before you could even reply, he rejected him on behalf of you. Turns out he was in the same situation as you. He had the fattest crush on you but couldn't do anything due to his fear of damaging the friendship.
Since then, you both became the āIT COUPLEā of your school.
Everything was going great until you realised that Seungcheol had to leave abroad for his studies and had no clue when he would come back. You were scared that he would never return and decide to stay there forever. And as much as you hate to admit it, you were quite dumb at making decisions back then. So you broke up with him, thinking it would hurt less, and eventually you would move on.
Well, jokes on you, because you were far away from moving on. Seeing him after so many years, all you could think about was that you still liked him. Or maybe loved him. You don't know anymore.
Seungcheol stepped onto the stage and started speaking.
āDad, you're too sweet for this, but it's because of your dedication towards me to make me a better child that I have reached this place.ā
Someone please tell him to shut up because it's not helping.
āAnd I will give my best to make sure that I make this place a safe and comfortable place for everyone.ā
āBut I also would like to say I might not be as sweet as my dad was. I believe in working more than anything. It doesn't mean that you are being restricted in anything. No, feel free to be who you are. But I want seriousness during work. I really don't like when people just roamāā
Shit.
He saw you.
His mouth parted like a fish. And he forgot where he was. Meeting the love of his life after so many years like this was not what he thought he would feel, but here we are.
āA-and yeah, that's it. It will be a pleasure working here. Thank you.ā
Why the hell was he stuttering now?
All you could do was stare right at him. Your body was not able to move. It felt like it had been glued to the seat.
Seokmin noticed this and came closer to you.
āHey, are you okay?ā You snapped out of the trance and forced a smile. āYeah, Min, I am fine,ā you said. āDo you by any chance know him?ā He nodded his head towards Seungcheol.
āUh... I think I do. We might have gone to the same high school, though I am not sure.ā You lied through your teeth, but you couldn't tell them this. Not yet.
āOh, that's great! I think he recognises you. He has been looking at you only.ā Seokmin was not wrong. After coming down from the stage, he had been staring at you. VERY OBVIOUSLY.
What's wrong with him? you thought. You avoided his gaze through the meeting.
After the meeting got dismissed, you were the first one to move out of the auditorium. If you had stayed there and seen him staring at you like that, you would have thought he still liked you or something.
Which is not possible after the pain you have given him.
You sat down on your cabin chair and started working, hoping it would distract you. But no, everyone had different plans. Every single female employee, and even some of the male ones, came to your cabin just to talk about how handsome Choi Seungcheol was. By the end of the day, you were so frustrated that you even ignored Seungkwan, Seokmin, and Soonyoung, who were waving their hands to say goodbye.
All you wanted was a warm shower to clear your head. But it wasn't helping. Whenever you closed your eyes, all you could see was Seungcheol. He had changed so much. All those boyish features had been replaced. He still had that aura, though. The aura that made everyone on the football field listen to him and helped his team win every match. You could still sense that same aura. You knew he could order the whole committee around, and they would do it without a single complaintānot because of his position, but because of the kind of person he was.
But behind all of this, you felt like your Cheol had disappeared. You still remembered his tear-soaked face when you broke up with him. It still hurts. It felt like the wound was still fresh. The way he sobbed so hard. The way he begged you to stay. Yet you still decided to leave him. He promised you he would come back. Instead of believing him, you chose to stay stubborn and broke up with him. Only you knew how much you hated yourself for taking that step.
It wasn't your fault, though. You had seen so many relationships fall apart because people couldn't handle long distance. You had seen people slowly start hating the person who once meant the world to them simply because they couldn't fulfil each other's expectations. You couldn't let that happen to you and Seungcheol. You couldn't bear the thought of the two of you ending up hating each other. So you convinced yourself it was better this way, never realising you were unintentionally making him hate you anyway.
You came out of the long shower, changed into your PJs, and plopped down on your bed. You weren't hungry enough to eat anything. Instead, you grabbed your laptop and opened one of your folders.
"Seungcheol and his side quests."
A small smile spread across your face as you looked at the folder before clicking on it.
"Ayoo! This is Choi Seungcheol, and today I am going to show you how to backflip."
Seungcheol placed your video camera on the edge of the sofa so it could capture his backflip.
"Can you please stop filling my storage with your hobbies?" you asked from the kitchen counter.
"You are at my dorm. Learn to respect me," Seungcheol said with an attitude.
"Okay. No kisses for a week."
And there you go. Seungcheol immediately came pouting towards you, asking for forgiveness. He started whining about how he couldn't survive a whole week without your kisses. You were hell-bent on not giving in. The camera had long been forgotten and completely ignored.
You noticed another video, wondering if you should click on it.
But you did anyway.
āHow do you think the first person on Earth knew that shitting is a normal thing? Like, did they eat it?ā You were recording the sunset when Seungcheol decided to ask you this horrendous question.
āSeungcheol, eww! I am recording. Why would you say that?ā He laughed, and you panned the camera towards him.
āGuys, you can see how some handsome men speak behind everyone's back.ā That only made him laugh harder. āYou called me handsome. I don't care what anyone else says.ā
He pinched your cheeks before taking the camera from your hands to record you instead.
āNow show us your outfit. Twirl... twirl... yeahhhh. Flip your hair. AHHHHH. So pretty.ā You blushed, smacked his arm, and took the camera back to record both of you. āOkay, so future ___ and Seungcheolāā
Seungcheol, ever the annoying human, interrupted you.
āHow about we say future Mr. and Mrs. Choi?ā You stared at him. āAre you proposing to me?ā āI don't have to propose, baby. We ARE getting married.ā You couldn't help but coo at him. ā You've already decided our future. Awww.ā
It all became background noise as you could no longer hold back your tears. You shut your laptop and drifted off to sleep.
One week later.
Today, there was going to be a farewell party for Mr. Choi and a welcome party for the junior Mr. Choi. What else were you supposed to call him? Until Mr. Choi was still here, you had to settle with Junior Mr. Choi. After that, the honorifics would do.
So where were we?
Yeah... the farewell party.
FAREWELL PARTY.
Which meant Junior Choi would also be there. Which meant ignoring him all over again. You were terrified of what might happen after he officially joined.
Whatever.
Right now, you were busy ignoring Seungcheol because he was making it his mission to stay near you.
What does he want? you thought. Why was he always so close to you?
He kept trying to strike up a conversation, even when you were standing with another group of people.
Another group meaning Seokmin, Soonyoung, and Seungkwan.
āSo, you went to the same high school as our ___?ā You looked at Seungkwan with wide eyes because why would he say that?
āOh yeah, how do you all know, by the way?ā Seungcheol looked at Seungkwan and then at you. His expression was unreadable.
āOh well, you see... Seokmin knows everything about ___. So that's valid. He knows this too.ā
Seungkwan chuckled. CHUCKLED? After saying something so diabolical for the situation you were in?
Seungcheol looked at Seokmin, then at the little space between the two of you. His jaw clenched, and so did his fist. It lasted only for a brief moment. No one noticed.
But you did.
Of course you did.
āBut on a serious note, we knew that ___ studied at Seoul High School. And when Mr. Choi announced that you studied there as well, it was obvious that you both knew each other.ā
Seungkwan clarified, making Seungcheol relax a little.
Why was he acting like that?
āWere you both in the same class? We keep asking her, but she never replies. She just says she forgot, which is ridiculous, by the way, because how can someone forget that, right?ā
Soonyoung started rambling, and you wanted to choke him right then and there. You were not comfortable talking about all this after what you had done. You couldn't even make eye contact with him without remembering what you did to him.
Before Seungcheol could even say anything, Seokmin noticed that you weren't comfortable and spoke up.
āI don't think ___ is feeling well. I'll take her somewhere less crowded. You all can talk. I'll bring her back once she's feeling better.ā
Now that's exactly why you loved Seokmin. Platonically. He knew you so well. After Seungcheol, if there was someone who truly understood you, it was Seokmin.
As you stood up, Seungcheol stood as well.
āUmm... Seokmin, right? I'll take her. I need to talk to her about the work she's in charge of anyway.ā
He gently took your hand from Seokmin's before he even had time to process what had happened.
āOnly if you're okay with it,ā Seungcheol said, his voice suddenly soft and gentle.
You realised you couldn't keep running away from him forever, so you simply nodded.
You both walked towards the corridor. An awkward silence settled between you, but he was the first to break it.
āUh... long time no see.ā You looked at him and gave him a small smile. āYeah... it's really great to meet you again.ā He smiled too. Slipping one hand into his pocket, he asked, āSo... how's life going?ā
He genuinely wanted to talk to you. There was no point in ignoring him anymore. After all, you were going to work under him now.
āIt's great. I love working here. Mr. Choi, your father, is an amazing man. I loved working for him. I hope I can say the same about you too, Junior Choi.ā
You joked. He let out a genuine laugh. āI like that name.ā His dimples appeared. Damn. You had forgotten just how cute those were.
āI like being creative. You know that.ā Seungcheol looked straight into your eyes before letting out a quiet breath. āYes. I know. More than anyone here.ā There it was. The conversation you had been dreading.
āSo... relationship status?ā Of course he would ask that. āUh... nothing. I just want to focus on work and life.ā You answered.
āSo you're single? What about Seokminie... or Seokjin... or whatever his name was?ā So he was jealous. This man never changed. āNothing. He's just my friend.ā
He nodded before turning to look out of the corridor window.
āI swear I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable... But what was the reason you broke up with me? I thought we were perfect. We matched each other. For me... you were it. I never felt anything for anyone after you.ā
You felt your eyes sting with tears. You have always been an emotional person. But you couldn't cry in front of him.
āSeungcheol... I know what happened wasn't fair to you, but I don't think we can go back to what we were.ā
You held his hand as you said it because you knew he would break down.
āBut why? Why, ___? Was I not good enough for you? Didn't I make you as happy as you made me?ā
By now, he was shaking, tears streaming down his face.
You pulled him into your arms, resting his head against your neck as you gently rubbed his back, trying to calm him down.
āSeungcheol, calm down. You're okay. Just breathe.ā
You knew he had gone through a lot. More than you, he had suffered. You left him without any explanation, and it was only natural for him to think it was his fault. But you couldn't let him believe that.
He was the best man you had ever met. He would have sacrificed everything for you, and that was never what you wanted. You wanted him to achieve everything he dreamed of without having to look back because of you.
But not anymore. He was back. He wasn't going anywhere this time.
And if he still wanted you, you would love to give the two of you the second chance you had both needed for so long.
āSeungcheol... I am really sorry. I know my apology won't change anything. But... I-I was scared. I was really scared. What if you left me forever? What if you never came back? I had seen so many people break because of long distance, and I really didn't want that.ā
You cupped his face and wiped away his tears.
āI was also scared because I knew you would've given up your dreams if I had told you the real reason. And you're too stubborn, you know that.ā You joked.
Seungcheol laughed through his tears.
āI tried to protect both of us, but I only ended up hurting you in the process. I really don't deserve you, Seungcheol.ā
That made Seungcheol look at you with wide eyes.
āAre you crazy? You're the one for me. I know what you did was wrong, but you did it because you wanted to protect us. You don't know how hard it was for me to survive. All I could think about was why I wasn't a better boyfriend to you.ā
You immediately shook your head.
āNo. Don't think like that. You were the best thing that ever happened to me.ā
You rested your forehead against his. āWill you give me a second chance, ___?ā Seungcheol asked, his eyes full of hope. āPlease. I really need you. I really do.ā
He held your hand and gave you those familiar puppy eyes. You had never been able to resist them. It was only fair that you gave in once again.
āYes, Seungcheol. I would love to give us a second chance. I really want to show you how wrong my decision was and how I regretted it every single day. I am really sorry, Seungcheol.ā He nodded.
āIt's okay. Just give me a kiss, and I'll be fine.ā
You chuckled and connected your lips with his. The kiss was filled with love and warmth. He pulled you closer by your waist and deepened the kiss. Your hands automatically travelled to his nape, pulling him even closer, if that was even possible.
After the lack of oxygen forced you to pull away from the kiss, he chased your lips like he always did whenever you kissed. You giggled.
āYou really didn't change a bit.ā Seungcheol bit his lower lip with a coy smile. āI'll never change for you.ā
That earned a laugh from you.
āEw, so cheesy. Wait, I need to ask you one thing. You never told me you were Mr. Choi's son back in high school. I was so shocked when I saw you.ā
Seungcheol looked dumbfounded. āI thought you knew. I thought you joined the company because of me.ā The audacity. āAre you serious, Seungcheol?ā
He giggled at your reaction before pecking your cheek. āOf course not. But I really thought you knew who my father was in high school. Because the day you joined, my father told me.ā
He cleared his throat before imitating his father.
āYour ex-girlfriend might have joined the company. So... yeah, that's how I found out.ā That's when it finally clicked.
His father had known you from the very beginning. Wow. āSo your father knew me?ā
He looked at you with a deadpan expression. āOf course he did. In fact, my whole family knew you. They still do. I used to boast about you to everyone. Even my one-year-old niece, remember? I used to talk to her about you all the time. So it's obvious my father recognised you.ā
You pinched his cheeks hard. He hissed in pain. āWhat the hell? Why?ā
Instead of answering, you shook your head and pulled him into another kiss. This kiss was nothing like the one before. The first kiss had been light, almost playful, a smile shared against each other's lips.
This one stole the breath from both of you. It deepened almost instantly, driven by all the emotions you had both kept buried for years. āOkay... so are we continuing this at your place or mine?ā You asked while panting. āMine is closer.ā He replied with a smirk.
āWhat are we waiting for then?ā
The door clicked shut behind them. The apartment was dim, lit only by the city glow filtering through the curtains. Seungcheol's tie was already loose, his jacket discarded somewhere between the hallway and the living room. You stood near the entrance, still catching your breath, the buzz of wine and goodbyes clinging to your skin.
He turned to face you, dark eyes scanning you from head to toe. There was no hesitation, no tenderness, just raw want, sharp and immediate. He crossed the distance in three strides, one hand gripping your waist, the other sliding into your hair, tilting your head back.
His mouth was on yours. Rough, demanding, tasting of whiskey and hunger. His tongue pushed past your lips, deep and possessive, while his hand slid down your back, gripping the curve of your ass through the thin fabric. You moaned into him, pressing your body against his, feeling the hard length of him through his trousers.
He backed you against the wall, breaking the kiss only to trail his lips down your neck, biting at the sensitive skin just below your ear. "I'm going to fuck you," he said, each word deliberate. "But first, I want to taste you. I want to hear you beg."
You nodded, breathless, as he dropped to his knees in front of you. His hands found the hem of your dress, pushing it up your thighs until the fabric bunched around your waist. He hooked his fingers into the waistband of your lace panties and pulled them down, letting them fall to your ankles. You stepped out of them, and he looked up at you, eyes dark with need.
"Spread your legs," he ordered.
You obeyed, widening your stance, bracing against the wall. He leaned in, his breath hot against your slick folds. The first touch of his tongue, flat, slow, savoring made you gasp. He licked from your entrance to your clit, then back down, circling, tasting, drinking you in. His hands gripped your thighs, spreading you further, holding you open as he buried his face between your legs.
"Oh, fuck," you whimpered, fingers tangling in his hair.
He responded by sucking your clit into his mouth, flicking it with the tip of his tongue. You bucked against his face, and he growled, the vibration sending sparks through your core. One hand left your thigh, and you felt his fingers slide through your wetness, circling your entrance before pushing in one, then two, crooked just right.
"You're so wet for me," he said against you, his voice muffled but clear. "This pussy missed me."
"Yesāgod, yes, it didā"
He pumped his fingers slowly at first, curling to hit that spongy spot inside you, while his mouth worked your clit in relentless circles. Your knees trembled. The wall was the only thing keeping you upright. The pressure built low in your belly, a coil tightening with every lick, every stroke.
"I love you," you gasped, the words tumbling out before you could think. "I love you, Seungcheolā"
He stopped. His fingers stilled inside you, and he pulled his mouth away, looking up at you. His lips were glistening, his jaw tense. For a moment, his eyes widened, something raw and vulnerable flickering across his face. A crack in the dominant facade. You saw the emotion hit him, the weight of those three words after everything. The breakup, the years apart. His jaw clenched, and his breath hitched.
Then he blinked, and the mask slid back into place. He curled his fingers harder, pressing against that spot again, and his mouth returned to your clit with renewed ferocity.
"Say it again," he demanded, voice rough.
"I love you," you repeated, crying out as he drove his fingers deeper, faster, his tongue relentless.
"Again."
"I love youāfuckāSeungcheolā"
He sucked harder, fingers pounding into you, and the coil snapped. Your orgasm crashed through you, waves of pleasure so intense you couldn't breathe. Your walls clenched around his fingers, and you felt the gush, warm, wet, spraying against his hand, his face, soaking his shirt. He didn't stop, licking and fucking you through it, drawing out every spasm until you collapsed against the wall, trembling, a mess.
Only then did he pull back, wiping his chin with the back of his hand, watching you with a satisfied smirk. He stood, crowding you, pressing his damp lips to your forehead.
"I love you too," he whispered, barely audible, but you caught it. "Always have. Always will."
Then he took your hand and led you to the bedroom, already unbuckling his belt.
The bedroom door swung open, and Seungcheol's hand was on your back, guiding you forward until your knees hit the edge of the mattress. He didn't bother with the lights, the city glow was enough, painting the room in shades of amber and shadow. The bed creaked as you fell onto it, your dress still bunched around your waist, your thighs slick and trembling.
He stood at the foot of the bed, silhouetted against the window, working his belt free with deliberate slowness. The metal clinked, and he pulled the leather strap through the loops, letting it drop to the floor. Then his hands moved to his button, his zipper. His trousers fell, and he stepped out of them, his cock springing free, already hard, flushed, the tip glistening.
"On your hands and knees," he said, voice low and even. "Face down. Ass up."
You scrambled to obey, turning over, pressing your chest into the sheets, pushing your hips up into the air. The position made you feel vulnerable, exposed, and you loved it. You could feel your own wetness dripping down your inner thigh, the ache between your legs demanding more.
He climbed onto the bed behind you, the mattress dipping under his weight. His hands found your hips, gripping hard, fingers digging into the soft flesh. He leaned over you, his chest brushing your back, his mouth at your ear.
"You're so beautiful like this," he whispered, his breath hot. "All mine. This pussy is mine. Say it."
"Yours," you breathed. "It's yours."
He pulled back just enough, and you felt the head of his cock pressing against your entrance, teasing, sliding through your slick folds without entering. You whimpered, pushing back against him, but his hands held you still.
"Not yet," he said. "I want to feel you come around me. But first, I want to hear you say it again."
You knew what he wanted. You turned your head, cheek against the pillow, looking back at him over your shoulder. "I love you, Seungcheol. I've always loved you. Even when I said I hated you, I loved you."
His jaw tightened. For a second, the dominant mask cracked again, his eyes glistening, a shudder running through his shoulders. He pressed his forehead against your shoulder blade, breathing slowly, steadying himself. Then he lifted his head and drove into you in one sharp, brutal thrust.
You cried out, a desperate, broken sound, as he filled you completely. He paused, buried to the hilt, letting you feel every inch of him. His fingers dug into your hips so hard you knew there would be bruises tomorrow.
"Fuck," he groaned, his voice strained. "You feelā¦ you feel like home."
He began to move, slow at first, pulling almost all the way out before slamming back in. Each stroke was deep and deliberate, hitting that spot inside you that made your vision blur. The rhythm built, faster, harder, the sound of skin slapping against skin filling the room.
He reached around, his hand finding your clit, rubbing in tight circles in time with his thrusts. The dual stimulation was overwhelming, his cock stretching you, his fingers working your sensitive nub, the pressure building again even though you'd just come minutes ago.
"That's it," he growled, his pace quickening. "I want to feel you squirt on my cock. I want to watch you fall apart."
You were already close, the coil tightening, your moans turning into incoherent pleas. "Pleaseāplease, I'm gonnaā"
"Come for me," he ordered, his voice a command, not a request. "Now."
And you did. The orgasm hit you like a wave, your body convulsing, your walls clenching around him. You felt the gush of fluid release, soaking his thighs, the sheets, everything. He kept thrusting through it, driving deeper, chasing his own release.
"Fuckāfuckā" His rhythm faltered, his grip on your hips going white-knuckled. With a guttural groan, he buried himself deep and spilled inside you, hot and thick, filling you completely. His body shuddered, his forehead pressed against your spine, his breath ragged.
For a long moment, neither of you moved. The only sounds were your mingled breaths, the distant hum of the city, the sticky warmth between your legs.
Slowly, he pulled out, and you collapsed onto your side, spent. He laid beside you, pulling you into his arms, his chest against your back, his arm wrapping around your waist. He pressed a kiss to your shoulder.
"I love you too," he said again, softer this time, the words settling into the quiet. "I'm not letting you go again."
You turned in his arms, facing him, your forehead against his chin. "Me too."
He chuckled, a low, tired sound. "That's my girl.ā
His hand slid down your stomach, resting just above where he'd been moments ago, his thumb tracing lazy circles on your skin. The night stretched ahead, long and warm, and you knew this was only the beginning.
You woke up at the crack of dawn to the sight of Seungcheol's broad back. Your fingernail marks were scattered across his skin, reminding you of everything the two of you had done the night before. A blush slowly crept onto your face.
āBaby?ā Seungcheol hummed sleepily āWhy are you awake at this time?ā he asked. You shrugged. āI don't know... I just woke up.ā
You sat up in bed, and he followed, a dorky smile spreading across his face. Wrapping his arms around your waist, he rested his head on your shoulder.
āSo, how are you feeling now?ā he asked. You looked at him, your faces only inches apart, before placing a small peck on his lips. āIām feeling great. Just a bit sore. Nothing I'm not experienced with.ā His smile widened.
āSo... did you mean what you said last night?ā He asked it so hopefully that he looked like an adorable little puppy. You decided to tease him.
āEh? What? I don't know what you're talking about. Why don't you tell me what I said?ā He immediately pouted and started whining.
āWhat do you mean you don't know? You literally said 'I love you' while I was... you know... and you said it again when we were together. Stop acting. What the hell? Why are you laughing?ā
You couldn't hold it in anymore and burst into laughter. He was definitely going to sulk, but it was worth it. āOh my... You still act like a seven-year-old, huh?ā
You smiled, cupping his cheek.
āBut yes... I did say I love you. And I meant every word of it.ā You paused for a second before smiling a little wider. āI also remember you saying you loved me. Now tell me... did you mean it?ā
Instead of answering, Seungcheol leaned in and kissed you.
āI'll always love you. No matter what. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I'm never letting you go again. You're stuck with me forever.ā
He finished with one last gentle peck on your lips.
You smiled before throwing your pillow straight at his face.
āOww! Why did you do that? Come back!ā
Maybe they would fight over whose turn it was to do the dishes. Maybe Seungcheol would still steal her bras just to annoy her. Maybe they'd survive stressful office days, celebrate promotions, build a home together, grow wrinkles, and one day laugh about how they almost let each other go. No one knows what the future holds. But if there was one thing they were certain of, it was this: whatever came next, they would face it together. And somehow, that made every tomorrow worth looking forward to.
IN WHICH the first time you meet Seungcheol is to give him a feedback on his creative writing assignment that leaves you questioning what it is you even read. He isn't the greatest at forming sentences on paper but he knows his way with words despite it, especially when it comes to the girls in his life that he desperately wants to save from everything bad in the world..
pairing Ā» college student!Seungcheol x fem!reader
genre Ā» college au, fluff, comfort, true beauty au
featuring Ā» original female characters, svt members, Liv (@livmarauder) and Kay (@orbitondgtl)
contains Ā» HEAVY MENTIONS OF BULLYING, reader has many insecurities due to past bullying, Seungcheol has a younger sister, Seungcheol is a sweetheart, he also has anxiety,
word count Ā» 14.4k
āŖ izzy adds... happy birthday, my favorite leader <3 I made this fic while rewatching true beauty because I always loved Seojun and seeing him again just woke something in me. As you can tell if you've seen the show, this fic is inspired by it but it's not the same story. It was supposed to be a little comforting fic but somehow along the lines I added more words into it and more pain, but to me it's still the same comfort I wanted in this, so I hope you guys enjoy it <3
Big shout out to my favorite graphic designer Liv for making this amazing banner and also to Olivia Rodrigo, whose songs I was listening to throughout the entire writing process.
seventeen m.list | scoups m.list
People suck.
That's something you learned much earlier in life than you think you should have. But it happened, and it made you into who you are.
Finishing up with a lip gloss, you look at yourself in the little mirror on top of your table again. A smile spreads on your lips on its own. You look pretty. Isn't that the most important? Looking pretty for others?
Brushing your fingers through your hair quickly to fix it, you hurry out. Grabbing your bag on your way, you're out of your dorm as fast as you possibly can, headed for your morning class.
There were many ways people told you college would look likeābunch of studying, parties on campus every week, new friends in all of your classes, or on the other hand how hard it would be to make friends, how you wouldn't have time for any parties because of exams, and how much you would wish to go back to high school.
Most of them were correct. But there is one thing that will never apply no matter what.
You'll never wish to go back to high school.
The place holds many memories, mostly the bad ones. You've been counting down days until you'd be able to leave for longer than not, praying to anyone who would listen at night to put you out of your misery. Saving never came, but high school ended eventually, and you didn't hesitate for a second before moving away to start over.
It was also when you got into makeup for the first time. Different eyeshadows, shades of lipsticks, brands of concealer, powdered and liquid productsāyou tried it all the summer before college started. And after many tries, you'd like to say you perfected your routine. You look pretty now, just like you wished all your life you would be.
"Look, that's her."
"Shh, idiot! She'll hear!"
"Both of you, shut up, I can't see!"
"If it isn't my pretty girl?" Liv's smile is the only one you pay attention to, ignoring the rest of your surroundings. You learned to do so quickly after classes started, pushing your nerves and worries about what others think aside and doing your best to focus on your lessons. If you must say, it didn't work as well as you wish it would at first, your head spinning every time you caught someone looking at you, worried if your makeup was still intact or if they can see right through you. Being pretty always came with a con. For you, it was that you were always on the edge about everyone finding out you're not such goddess you make yourself out to be.
As big of a relief it is to know that no one here knows the old you, that none of your classmates have been there to see how you were treated in high school or to laugh at you, you can't lie and say it's all just perfect.
But being around Liv makes you feel like perfect is pretty damn close.
"Hi," you greet her back, pulling a chair at her side. You've met Liv at the start of the semester, clicking instantly when you talked about anime and other shows you like. Everything was always easy with her, your worries disappearing for a moment whenever you'd talk to her about the stuff you both like. But you still wouldn't let your guard down, not even around her. No matter how much you sometimes wish you could, how the idea of just being yourself fully with her intrigues you, fear always wins.
"Did you see the video I sent you last night? They were going crazy," she laughs just remembering it.
You nod, taking out your books, "It's incredible how you always find yourself in the middle of the most bizarre stuff."
"Look, I just wanted to go for a shower, it's not my fault I found these guys wrestling in the middle of the hallway. One of them, I'm pretty sure his name was Chan, asked for my number by the way."
Raising an eyebrow, you give her a look, "And what does Joshua think about that?"
Liv shrugs. "I gave him Shua's number so considering he still hasn't questioned anything, I don't think Chan called anyway."
You laugh, shaking your head. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled about having to deal with another one of your suitors."
"Please," she scoffs. "What suitors? You're one to talk," she nudges your shoulder lightly, pointing with her eyes at the group of guys that watched you when you walked in. "I think someone is interested."
Quickly shaking your head, you don't even turn around to see who she means. "You know I'm not doing relationships."
Liv's smile falters just a little bit, the nod she gives you sad. You know she's cheering for you more than anyone, only wishing you the best, but it doesn't change anything about your decision. You knew coming here that you wouldn't fall for the tricks of another man again, no matter what eyes he gives you or how much he flashes his teeth when he sees you. Not only would it be a waste of time but it's also a lot safer and comfortable when you're on your own. Just you and the pretty parts of life.
"Well," she is fast to getting her smile back, "That only means more time for me to spend with you, so it's okay. Do you want to watch the new episode of the culling games later together?"
Your smile stretches from one ear to another as you agree, wanting to do exactly that more than anything.
You curse yourself out quietly as you check your face in the bathroom mirror, pulling out your powder from your bag to fix it up. Fortunately, it's nothing life ending, but your makeup still needs fixing. Dabbing the place under your eyes, you keep your eyes on the mirror. Other girls move in the bathroom around you but you don't pay them any attention. Someone on the side compliments you and you offer her a smile, complimenting her right back. You have no idea who she is but her hair is beautiful, so why not let her know?
You know she'd probably never speak to you if she saw you bare faced instead. The reminder sits in the back of your head without a break, but it doesn't stop you from spreading some of the love you needed so much back then.
Exhaling, you check yourself all over again before closing your bag and heading out of the bathroom to get something for lunch before your next lesson. Usually, you eat with Liv or your other friendāKayābut they both have a class today so it's on you to figure something out.
Keeping your eyes on the ground beneath your feet, you guide through campus with ease as you try to figure out what it is you're craving today. Without even realizing, your body takes you to a shop outside of campus. It's the one store you visited frequently when you moved here and needed to save some money as you were settling in. You've never had a ramen this good and cheap at the same time before you stumbled here.
Picking up your favorite instant noodles, you look around a bit more after exchanging greetings with the cashier, giving him your usual smile. Hansol has been in the store ever since you first found it, always chatting you up when you were paying. But just like everyone else, he is unaware of the two faces you carry, convinced that you with makeup on and you without are two different people he sees shopping here. And even though you know he is a good guy since he talks to you no matter what look you come in with, you can't bring yourself to tell him Neoguri girl and Mupama girl are the same.
"Does this look right to you? It tastes like shit!"
You don't pay any attention to the girl voice you hear somewhere behind you at first, picking up a drink to go with your noodles. But as soon as you hear the sound of laughter, your entire body freezes. It's too loud, too close. Snapping your head back to see what's happening, you almost get a whiplash. It feels like you know the laugh, like you've heard it all your life.
You never understood what people meant when they said they've seen their life flash before their eyes but as you stand between the two aisles in your favorite store, you finally get it. You see your entire high school years flash through your mind, every memory, every time you were the center of a laugh, every little hit you had to take because you weren't like they wanted you to.
Relief washes over you for a split second when you see the faces behind you, calming down a little when you realize it's not the same people you had to deal with.
But that doesn't make it any better. Your eyes fall down to the spilled coffee cup on the floor and the girl with her head down beside it, muttering an apology while everyone around her laughs. Swallowing hard, you do your best not remembering how it felt to be in that position, how much you hated yourself when you had to deal with the same thing or how much you prayed that someone would see and help.
You're sure she's doing the same, praying and hoping that by some luck, she won't be alone in this anymore.
Taking a wary step forward, you swallow all your worries as you make your way to the group, holding your groceries in one hand so you could use the other to drag the bullies away. Placing your free hand on the shoulder of the girl who you're pretty sure threw the cup, you tug her back so she can look at you.
You're taller than her but it's not by much. Her eyes are filled with disgust as she is forced to look away from her source of fun, a complain hanging on her lips. "What do youā" Her brows furrow when she looks at you, glancing around others confusedly. "Who are you?"
Judging by the uniform and the look in their eyes, you think they're all high schoolers. Of course they are. High school is when they all show their colors. "Who are you?" You ask her right back, eyeing her up and down. "To think you can throw a coffee at my younger sister like that, you two must be really close, hm?"
She blinks, clearly taken aback. "Iā"
Letting go of her shoulder, you look over to the girl in the middle, her head now raised as she watches you in awe. You got used to people looking at you with awe in their eyes ever since you started doing your makeup, the gaze usually followed by some sort of compliment or a question about your contact info. But this girl doesn't look at you like that. She doesn't look at you like you're the prettiest girl she's ever seen and she needs to get her hands on you to be happy. She watches you like you're a savior, someone she never thought she would find in this awful world.
"I didn't know I'd find you around here today. I was just grabbing lunch, let's eat together, my treat," you nod her head towards you, giving her a reassuring smile.
"Y-Yeah," she nods, avoiding eye contact with the rest of her classmates as she follows you away. Keeping her eyes down, she doesn't even see which ramen pack you're picking for her. All she knows is that she needs to thank you as soon as you're out.
"The girls back there spilled some coffee on the ground so make sure they clean it up before they leave," you tell Hansol as you place everything on the counter, letting him mark you up. He blinks confusedly, his eyes flickering between you and the girl beside you before he nods, deciding it's not the right time to question anything. You turn to her once again as Hansol quotes you the cost. "Let's get out of here and eat at my place?"
"Iā"
"Please," you ask of her quietly. "I want to make sure they don't follow you."
Biting her bottom lip, she agrees without saying anything else, watching you pay for the both of you. Looking over your shoulder as you walk out, a smile spreads on your lips when you see Hansol heading to the group of girls, glad that they won't run away just like that.
It's the first time you're bringing someone to your dorm. The moment you realize it you start to regret asking her to have her lunch with you there, but you won't back down anymore. You're already in the building, leading her through the halls. It's way over late to turn around and eat somewhere else.
"What is your name?" You wonder as you watch her eyes scan every inch of your room, the same look she had when she first saw you on her face.
"Yuna," she turns to face you, extending her hand sheepishly. "Choi Yuna."
"Yuna," you smile at her, introducing yourself right back. "I know it's a mess in here now but sit down anywhere you like and I'll prepare the food."
"Thank you," she calls when you turn around, her voice now stronger. "Forā¦what you did back there. I don't want to be a bother."
"You're not a bother," you assure her, quick to face her again. "Who is a bother are those girls back there. Are they your classmates?" The hesitation in her eyes answers you before her mouth can, a heavy sigh leaving your lips. "They are in the wrong here."
Yuna shakes her head as if she disagrees with you. You narrow her eyes at her. "No, theyā It's fine. I deserve it."
Your eyes widen instantly. "Deserve it? Why on Earth would you deserve it?"
"I'm ugly," the words leave her mouth before she can stop them and it hits you like a punch. You can see your own body in her position, crying to your mom and asking her why she made you this ugly, why she even bothered giving birth to you if you were going to look like this. But you and Yuna are something completely differentāshe's adorable, beautiful, how does she not see that? So what if her eyebrows are a little more bushy? So what if her skin isn't perfectly clean? She's in no way ugly.
"Did they tell you that?"
"They didn't have to." You clench your teeth as her gaze drops to the floor, watching your flooring like it's the most interesting thing about your room. "If I was pretty like you, I wouldn't be in this situation," she mumbles.
Telling you she wishes she'd be like you when she is so much prettier feels ridiculous. Leaving the food your bought on the nearest table, you quickly cross the space between the two of you and place your hands on her shoulders. Yuna takes a second to raise her head and meet your eyes. "I'm going to let you know on a secret," you say softly, your eyes filled with sorrow. "I've been called ugly my entire life."
Her eyes widen instantly, almost as if you just hit her with a bus instead of just telling her how it's been for you. You should be joyous that your makeup is good enough to not make your face recognizable but all you feel is regret than you can't express how much you relate to her, how you understand everything.
"But you're soā¦. gorgeous," she blinks, her eyes flickering from your face down to your body. "You couldn't have been called names," she shakes her head, refusing to believe you.
"I was," you assure her, swallowing a lump in your throat. No matter how much you want to let her know, show her that there is a way out of the misery she feels and that she can show everyone she isn't who they tell her she is, you can't bring yourself to voice it out. You can't. The reminder of what happens when people see your bare face is too loud for you to tell her anything more. "You can't believe them. There is nothing ugly about you but a lot about them. It's not okay to act like they do."
She stays quiet after, her expression a mix of surprise and awe. You slowly drop your arms back down, keeping your eyes on her as you do. "Don't let them tell you who you are. You're beautiful, Yuna." The little flush of her cheeks when your words reach her ears is enough for you to know she's feeling better now, even if the change is small.
"Thank you," she whispers, feel shy all of a sudden.
"There is nothing to thank me for," you smile at her, fixing her hair for her before getting the food again, your stomach already calling for some filling.
When you signed up for a creative writing course, it was mostly a joke. As much as you always loved stories, the course was only supposed to be a fun distraction from the more heavy classes you take. You never expected to fall in love with it like you did. A part of your excitement might be because it's another class you share with Liv and Kay, but mostly it's just because you genuinely love what you do here.
It's the one and only class where you find the assignments fun and look forward to them most of the time. You had to write eight hundred words portraying a meaningful situation without using any form of speech for the last one. Focusing on only the inner monologue and body language of a person felt challenging at first, but once you fell into it, it felt like you couldn't stop.
"Had a nice lunch?" Kay asks with a smile and you hum as you slide into a seat beside them, Liv on your other side. "We went out for pasta and let me tell you," they sing, nodding in satisfaction and making you laugh.
"We have to go together," Liv encourages, a grin stretching on her face. "It's nearby and not overly pricey either."
"Let's do it," you agree without any hesitation. "Next week?"
Before you can get an answer, both Liv and Kay fall silent as the class door opens and your professor walks in, greeting the class. Mr. Han is a thirty-something year old who entered the first lesson in a button up and sweats, catching the eyes of almost every girl. He's always been the free spirited type, simply enjoying what he teaches. But today, he looks rather ticked off, his greeting not as enthusiastic as it always is.
Frowning, you look at your friends to see if they noticed it too.
"I apologize for the mess but I won't be able to lead class today," Mr. Han says and your frown only deepens. Your curiosity might be your greatest weakness because you can't help but wonder what happened on his way here. "I paired you guys up and I'd like you to use the class time to grade each other's latest assignments. Point out mistakes or what could use more work, give feedback. Leave the papers under my desk before you leave and I'll check over it before our next lesson."
He isn't looking at the class anymore as he finishes up his speech, clicking through some stuff on his laptop before turning the projector on. You barely get to register what's been said before the chatter around you starts, everyone looking for their respective partners. Kay is with some guy called Minghao, and Liv is with a girl named Amy, but you can't find your own name on the board no matter how hard you look.
You pull your gaze away when you hear your name called from a few roads away from a guy with his hand raised, looking around the room. You blink as you watch him, only snapping out of it when he calls your name again and you finally respond. You call your name, waving in his direction. An easy smile spreads on his lips when his eyes settle on you, passing by the people in his row to get to you.
"Hey," he greets you as he takes a seat beside you, plopping his bag on top of the desk.
"Hey," you repeat after him, glancing at the board again in an attempt to figure out his name and not make this awkward.
"Seungcheol," his little chuckle brings your eyes back to him, your mouth opening to answer before you close it again, accepting that he's seen right through you. "Choi Seungcheol, third year physical education."
Offering him a smile, you introduce yourself back to him. "I'm sorry, I couldn't find my name on the board."
Seungcheol shakes his head, "It's okay. I found you, didn't I?"
Your cheeks flush as you quickly avert your eyes, pulling out your assignment from your bag. "The writing. You've done it, right?" You ask when you find him watching you curiously, worried you'll just be wasting your time with him.
"I did," he agrees, opening his bag to prove his point. You watch as he pulls out a few papers from the mess of books. Raising an eyebrow, you question how it isn't all wrinkled. "Eight hundred words on the dot."
"Okay," you nod a little, unsure if he expects you to praise him for completing his work.
"Okay," he laughs, pushing the two papers with his writing towards you. "Be nice to me, I'm no Shakespeare."
"I think I know that," you hand him your work in exchange, eyeing him up and down as you do. "The Shakespeare I know is much older and wiser."
"Ouch," he pulls his palms to his chest, pressing where his heart is. "I just asked you to be nice to me."
"I said you look young, didn't I?" A smile spreads on your lips before you can realize it, finding him ridiculous.
"And then that I'm dumb."
"You're putting words in my mouth," you shake your head.
"Yeah, that's kind of the thing we are supposed to do in the course," he tells you, a teasing grin decorating his face. You roll your eyes but your smile doesn't falter even for a moment.
However, it does disappear when you start reading his work. Your brows furrow together as you underline two sentences in the first paragraph, putting question marks right beside it. Glancing his way, you find him focused on your work, his chin in his palm while he taps the pen against the table with his other hand. You already have questions for him but it'll probably be better to ask at the end instead.
Half of the things he produces don't make any sense. You didn't expect to mark so many things in red or that you would be fixing so much punctuation. He might have completed the assignment, but you have no idea what was happening.
"At least you didn't use AI," you try to excuse it to yourself more than to him, handing him back his papers. As soon as he lies his eyes on the writing he closes his eyes, not wanting to look any longer.
"I asked for you to be nice."
"I was."
Peering one eye open, he skims through the first page. "I don't find this very nice."
Sighing, you turn in your chair so you face him. "Tell me what you were trying to show. Without reading anything you wrote."
Placing the papers down on the table, he does the same and turns his body towards you. "The feeling of winning a competition for the first time. How proud one feels when they achieve what they've been trying to and that they didn't disappoint the people that were supporting them."
"I had no idea it was about winning something," you tell him honestly.
Seungcheol inhales sharply before pursing his lips together, clearly not winning this time around. "It was supposed to show excitement and joy."
Hesitating, you simply watch him for a second. "What did you think of mine?" You decide to change the topic, not wanting to make his day even worse than you probably already had. "Was it okay?"
"Okay?" He laughs, shaking his head. He hands you your papers, giving you a second to scan through his comments. Which you find almost none of. "It was amazing. More than that to be honest. You write inner monologue so well."
Your skin feels hot as you listen to him, reading through the very few comments he left. Were you too harsh on him after all? If this is how he marked your writing maybe you should have toned down yours. Your eyes flicker from the papers in your hands and his face, trying to get a better read at him.
"Are you serious?" You ask, hopeful.
"Absolutely," he assures you. "You should teach me instead of Mr. Han, maybe then I'd write something readable."
"It was readable," you quickly tell him, feeling bad about the review you gave him. "You just need to tweak a few things and it will be great!"
Seungcheol watches you freak out in amusement, a smile lining his face. He knows he isn't a great writer and he's okay with that, but seeing you try to make him feel better about it with your cheeks and ears all red makes him want to be even worse. If he can see you like this every time he fails at an assignment, he hopes he never learns.
"How would you write my paper? If you were to portray what I wanted," he wonders, leaning his hand on the table and resting his cheek in his palm. Keeping his eyes on you, he waits for everything you have to say.
Flustered, you blink at him at first. Clearing your throat, you quietly reach for his writing, reading over the first few sentences. "I'd probably start with a bit of body language. Sweating, heavy breathingājust point out the exhaustion one feels. You can go straight into his thoughts, there is no problem in that, it's just that you try to tell the reader what's happening immediately without executing it right. I didn't know he was supposed to win a competition until you told me."
He hums, listening carefully as his eyes constantly move from your face to his papers.
"Once you set the overall mood, showing how hard it was on his body, I'd move on to the mind and show the hardship there. Slowly show what he is thinkingāwhy he feels so proud, why it's such a big deal to him, and how tiring this all way for the mind. I think writing about the stress and pressure he feels because he doesn't want to disappoint anyone would be a good idea as well."
"You're incredible at this."
Your eyes widen as they meet his, suddenly nervous. "I'm really not," you disagree with a small shake of your head.
But Seungcheol doesn't budge, a knowing look in his eyes. "I don't know who you're trying to fool but it's not working on me. You really are amazing. This is great."
"You just need to practice and you'll be a lot better than me in no time."
He laughs at your comment, flashing his white teeth as he does. Didn't you tell Liv something about this being the exact thing you don't fall for just a week ago? You're not sure because as you listen to the soft sound of his laugh, you forget all the reasons why you're so adamant about not being with any of the guys that have been hitting on you.
"I can keep dreaming but I don't think that's going to happen."
"Why wouldn't it? I think you could be."
He smiles at you but it's clear he still disagrees. "I'd like to bet good money that if one of us becomes a successful writer, it wouldn't be me."
"I'm not going to be a successful writer," you shake your head. "This course is just for fun."
"Okay," he nods, still keeping his eyes on you. "But just know that if you do end up walking down the path, I will be telling everyone I'm the reason they can read their favorite book."
You giggle at him. Giggle. Someone should pinch you because this has got to be a dream.
The first time he averts his eyes from you is to pull out his phone from his pocket, unlocking it with ease and clicking through some stuff. You watch him, part of you curious and the other embarrassed that you're just sitting here while he plays on his phone. Turning the screen towards you, he offers you his phone. "Can I get your number?"
You blink at the screen, the new contact staring right at you. Your name is written on the top without a profile picture or the number filled. "Oh, uhmā"
"So that I can talk to you when I need help with other assignments. I think I could benefit from brainstorming like this with you," he explains and you hate how much his excuse works. Normally you'd apologize right away and refuse but something about Seungcheol makes you hesitate. You want to help him with his writing and you want to hear from him again. You're not sure why but you do.
Nodding, you watch as his smile grows when you start typing in your number. You let him save the contact himself, keeping your eyes on him as he does. "That's me," he says just as your phone pings, clearly having a message from him. Before you can check what it is, he is standing up from his seat and collecting both of your papers. "I'll leave it at the teacher's desk. Don't be a stranger. I'll see you around."
Your lips part as you watch him leave, "See you around," hanging on the tip of your tongue. But you end up not saying it, something in you stopping you. You squeeze your eyes shut, sighing. Why would you act like this over him? There is no reason to be disappointed in yourself for not being able to tell him your goodbyes. It's not like exchanging numbers actually means anything. So what if you normally don't do it? Liv and Kay also have your number. It doesn't make Seungcheol any special.
Slowly reaching for your phone, a smile spreads on your lips again when you see the message from him, chuckling. He sent a bunch of emojisābooks, pen, and a confused looking face. You shake your head at him, putting your phone back down. "See you around, Seungcheol."
You honestly didn't expect for Yuna to text you again but she did, and you're extremely grateful. You gave her your number the day you ate lunch with her at your dorm but she hasn't messaged you until now. Seungcheol, who has gotten your number on the same day, has on the other hand texted you almost every day.
It started of slow, him saying he saw you at lunch, or that he's been trying some of the writing tips that you shared with him. You kept the conversation going but it wasn't anything mind blowing like Liv likes to make it out to be. She's thrilled about you "stepping out of your bubble and chatting with him," as she likes to say. You can't say you wouldn't enjoy talking to him, whether it's about writing or him simply reaching out, but Yuna's text is much more exciting to you.
She sent you an online ticket to this show in town, asking if you'd like to come see her sing. Your response was an immediate yes.
Walking through the halls with your coat in your hands, you keep looking around you in hopes to find the backstage like you promised you would. You regret it as soon as you do, the sound of laughter making you feel sick. It's the same sound you heard when you met Yuna for the first time so it doesn't take a genius to figure out what's going on.
Stepping inside the room, you're thinking about a plan on how to get her out. As much as you wish it's not her this time, that she isn't the center of their fun this time around, you know what you're going to find.
"What is that? You think that's going to help your face?"
"I can't even look at her."
"Someone save my eyes!"
"You should just go home before you embarrass yourself more. The solo was supposed to go to me either way," the girl in the front nudges Yuna until she stumbles back, hitting the table behind her.
It's the same group as in the convenience store, all of them dressed for the show. Clenching your teeth together, you stop yourself from doing something stupid. "Yuna!" You call for her, her eyes finding you instantly. Your eyes widen slightly when you see the makeup on her face, realizing they are making fun of her for trying her way with it. These girls are never going to be happy. No matter if she walks around barefaced or with the prettiest art on her skin, they are still going to find a reason to laugh at her.
You quickly push past them, grasping Yuna's hand and tugging her with yourself. You don't say anything to the girls around her, knowing it won't do anything. You hear them say something behind you, asking what you're doing, but you don't care. What's important now is fixing this mess.
Only stopping when you find the bathroom, you encourage her to take a breather while you take out your makeup from your purse. "Is it that bad?" She asks, her eyes sad as she takes a look at herself in the mirror.
Your heart breaks a little at the sight. Shaking your head, you bring her attention to yourself again. "It isn't," you assure her. Her cheeks are overly red, her eyeshadow is way too loud, and her attempt at eyeliner went sideways, but you'd never tell her she's not beautiful. Because she is. In your eyes, she's so incredibly pretty, you wish she could see it too. There is a tiny part in your heart yelling at you as you think about it, calling you a hypocrite but you push it aside. You and her aren't the same. She's way prettier than you are. "It just needs a little more blending. Let me help, hm?"
She nods and you offer her a smile, ready to get to work.
Your seat is great. Not too close to the podium but not too far away either, letting you enjoy the show properly. Based on the students you see performing, you assume they are all from Yuna's high school, all the teachers taking up the first road. It puts a smile on your face to see them cheer for their students so much. You wish you would have had something like this as well. Not that you'd go performing on a stage, especially not in front of an audience this side. But it would have been nice to see this kind of support when you were in high school.
There is a group of guys covering a 5 seconds of summer song, there are girls singing songs by girl's generation, and there is a guy singing some sort of a trot songāwhich you later find out is his own and it's called God of Light Musicābut the performance that catches your eyes and ears the most is the one Yuna is a part of.
There are eight girls on the stage, three of them the ones you saw bullying Yuna before. They stand on the sides, clearly annoyed looks on their face whenever they glance towards the middle. That's where Yuna stands, smiling brightly as she looks at the people in front of her, singing to them. Her voice is so beautiful she leaves you in awe, your grin stretching from ear to ear as you listen to her.
The applause when the song comes to an end is much stronger than any of those before, loud cheers coming from every direction. Yuna's eyes lock with yours for a second and you can see how genuinely proud she feels. Cheering for her as well, you watch as she giggles at you, averting her eyes from you and looking somewhere on the other side of the audience.
"She's beautiful," some guy besides you nudges his friends.
"Yeah but her voice is even prettier," his friend answers, both of them looking ahead at the podium. You have to bite back your smile as you watch them praise Yuna, thinking the exact same thing.
The grin that stretches on your face when you hear Yuna calling your name is filled with excitement. She's at your side faster than you can proceed anything else, a laugh bubbling out of you when she hugs you. "Thank you so much! I've gotten so many praises after out performance."
"That's all because of you," you tell her, keeping her at your side a little longer. "You were incredible up there. I can't believe you didn't tell me you have such talent for music."
Her cheeks flush as she takes a step back, clearly happy. "It's nothing," she shakes her head. "But it felt good to see everyone enjoy the show."
"Looks like you found your calling," you smile.
"I've been telling her for years," a man's voice interrupts your conversation, causing you to glance to the side. Your eyes widen when you're met with Seungcheol, a bouquet of pink roses in his hands. "You did so well," he says, pulling Yuna into a hug. You can't tear your gaze away, confusion written all over your face as you watch them. What is he doing here?
Clearing your throat, you stumble over your words as you try to find an excuse to slip away. "I should goā¦ it's been amazing, Yuna. Text me more often."
"You're going already?" She quickly pulls away from Seungcheol, stopping you before you can even take your first step.
It makes him look your way as well, his eyes flashing with recognition. Your name slips past his lips in a question, your cheeks catching a hint of redness. "Hey, Seungcheol," you smile a little.
"What are you doing here?"
"She's the one I told you about," Yuna nudges his side. "She helped me with my makeup before we started."
Seungcheol smiles as he takes the sight of her in before his eyes fall to you again. "Maybe I should save your contact as the Choi Savior. First you help me with my writing then my sister with her makeup." The look in his eyes is nothing if not admiration and it makes you nervous for some reason.
"Your sister?" You blink at him.
He chuckles, pulling Yuna under his arm and leaning closer to her, "Don't we look alike?"
You stare at them, your eyes flickering from her to him. Somehow, this is the most ridiculous yet absolutely believable thing he could have said. You nod slowly, "You have the same eyes."
"We do?" Yuna frowns, pulling away from his hold. "I don't think so."
He rolls his eyes at her before handing her the bouquet he brought. "Keep working hard," he smiles. As much as she wants to hide it, you can see how grateful she is, bringing the flowers to her nose instantly.
"I should really go now," you smile at them. "It was so nice to see you." You don't add a name at the end, unsure which one of the Choi siblings you're referring to. It might be both.
"Wait," Seungcheol blurts out. They really don't want to let you go, do they? Raising an eyebrow, you question what he needs. "Have you eaten yet? We wanted to go get food to celebrate."
"We did?" Yuna frowns in confusion and he quickly nudges her feet with his.
"Your favorite sushi place, remember?" He interrupts his sister before she can say anything else, keeping his eyes on you. "What do you say?"
You hesitate, glancing between the two of them. "I could eat," you finally agree and it feels like another small win for Seungcheol.
When Yuna first mumbled something about mean girls to Seungcheol it made his blood boil. Every cell in his body wanted him to get out of the house and find them all to have a talk, tell them to grow up and mind their grades instead of finding entertainment in her sorrow because he knows she wouldn't do it on her own. But she refused to give him names or anything, assuring him it was taken care of already. Still, his worrying wouldn't stop until she told him about you.
She didn't give a name or anything that could help him connect the dots but she did say that this college student stood up for her and helped her feel a bit better about herself, which was enough for Seungcheol to know he appreciates you.
He's spent all of Yuna's life trying to prove her that she's amazing and deserves all the good in the world, but it felt like he wasn't doing anything. Every time he'd see his sister come home late with tears in her eyes a part of him broke, the fixer in him needing to make everything better. But she stopped talking to him when he started college, building this invisible wall between them that made him feel helpless. He did his best to be by her side despite it all but there was nothing he could do if she refused to tell him what was happening.
So when she finally told him something that night, it felt like a step forward. He refused to let the chance go, wanting to make everything right again. He thinks it got betterāhe hopes it didāas she hasn't told him that something would be happening again after. To his surprise, she actually came home with a smile on her face after that, at least until the parts for their performance were decided. Yuna got a big part, which he couldn't be more proud about, but the laughs came back with that as well.
He didn't need to be told this time around, noticing the moment she got home and her smile wasn't as bright as before. He asked about it, begging for her to let him help, but she refused to pull him into it, promising she has it covered. And as much as he wished it was true, he knew it wasn't going away. It left him praying for you in the past few weeks. He wasn't sure what to pray for, who would be able to help, but he couldn't stop and hope that who ever helped his sister back then would do it again.
And then you showed up, turning up to Yuna's performance and blowing his mind away. When he got paired with you in the writing course, he noticed you were pretty, of course he did. But then he started enjoying the conversation the two of you had as well and it was over for him. He found himself reaching out to you too often, wanting to get to know you better and know if the pull he felt was just a figment of his imagination because he's been single for so long or if it actually means anything.
Now as you walk in front of him, smile on your face when you talk to his sister, he knows for sure that it wasn't just some fleeting want. You were already cool when he read your writing assignment and now when he knows you are the same girl who had Yuna's back when he couldn't, he knows for sure that he wants to try. That he wants to take you out and get to know you more if you'd just let him.
With his hands tugged in his pockets, he walks behind the two of you, listening in on your conversation. You ask Yuna about music a lot and she asks you about writing in return, seemingly catching on the comment he made earlier. He doesn't need to be a part of the conversation to feel happy, enjoying just trailing behind you.
"Ladies! How lovely is it to see you here!" That however doesn't make him happy. Peering in front of you, he finds a trio of clearly drunk guys, eyeing his sister and you.
"Yuna getā"
"We aren't interested," you say without even looking at the group. "Plus, we are underage, do you really want to risk that?" You lie as you glance their way, eyebrow raised. They don't say anything else, muttering something to themselves as they turn to walk the opposite direction. You scoff, wrapping your arm with Yuna's. "Works every time."
And just like that, he is smiling again, shaking his head at himself for ever doubting you. "You deal with this often?" Yuna asks, worried.
"Not often," you assure her. You can't tell her that this only happens when you're out with makeup on, that whenever you go out barefaced you don't have encounters like this. You don't think anyone has even looked your way when you were out without your makeup on. "Justā¦sometimes."
"I don't want to be pretty anymore," she breathes out, shaking her head. You laugh at that, reminding her she already is pretty as she tugs you into the sushi restaurant Seungcheol promised you.
Taking a table for four, you sit beside Yuna and opposite Seungcheol, your eyes wandering to him on their own every few seconds. But he doesn't seem to be doing any better, meeting your eyes every time he raises his from the menu. You smile at each other, leaving Yuna confused on the side.
You let Yuna order you your food after she claims to have the best taste, trusting her fully. You laugh a lot with both of them, listening Seungcheol's embarrassing stories that Yuna loves to share much to his dismay. But he never interrupts her or curses at her for talking about him, simply closing his eyes and pretending not to hear. You must say, he looks quite adorable like this.
You're not sure how but somehow he managed to circle the conversation around to you, trying to get to know you better. He asks about your family the moment Yuna mentions their parents, he asks why you decided to chose your major when Yuna talks about Seungcheol always used to teach her all kinds of sports until he decided to purse it further. Every little fact she shares about their life he turns into a question for you, wanting to know more about you.
You answer him what you can, purposely avoiding questions about middle or high school and childhood friends. But you tell him about Liv and Kay, as well as Joshua who even though you don't meet often has always been nothing but good to you. You also tell them a bit about your family but if you're honest, you like listening to their stories much more than yours. Whenever they mention a happy memory from their childhood it warms something in your heart. And that feeling is much better than the one you have when you look back at your past.
Seungcheol decides to pay for everyone at the end of the night, no matter how much you insist on covering your own portion of the bill. He dismisses you without hearing you out, shaking his head. "Let me buy you a dinner, will you? You've done so much for my sister, it's only fair."
"I just fixed her makeup a little," you disagree.
He shoots you a knowing look, "Not just that."
"I really didn'tā oh," your voice dies down when you realize he is referring to your first meeting with her, surprised that he knows. Then again, you never had an older brother you could tell about the things that were happening to you. Maybe if you did, it wouldn't have been so hard for you. "It was nothing."
His easy going smile falters as he looks at you now, much more serious than he was throughout the dinner. "Thank you, really. For everything. I don't thinkā¦ I think she only told me because of you. I'm not sure if she'd ever tell me has it not been for meeting you. I think seeing that not everyone is putting a blind eye to what's happening showed her that she could tell me as well. So, again, let me pay for your dinner as a thank you for all you did."
You can't argue with him anymore, simply nodding. You don't know if meeting you really did what he thinks it did but you're glad you could help her, even if it was just a little. "She's lucky to have a brother like you," you tell him.
The two of you share a look, one you don't think you'll ever forget, because despite your attempts to hide everything, his eyes carry understanding that makes you feel more seen than you ever had. And as scary as it is, it's also a feeling you could get used to.
You've always loved the creative writing course, but after having dinner with Seungcheol and Yuna a few days ago, you look forward to the class even more. Even if you don't exactly sit with him or talk to him during class time, you still love knowing he is in the room with you, listening to the same lecture.
Liv and Kay both noticed apparently, because as soon as you glance around the room in hopes to find him, they're both giving you a knowing look. "What?" You swallow nervously, leaning back in your chair.
"Who are you looking for?" Kay grins, leaning forward on the table.
"Yeah, who are we trying to find?" Liv joins them immediately.
"No one," you're quick to shake your head but your eyes betray you, falling to the place you first saw him. "Okay, well, Seungcheol isn't in yet," you admit with a sigh.
"Seungcheol," Kay taunts and you roll your eyes.
"We became friends," you shrug. Kind of. You can call the two of you that, right? Considering the amount you two text for no particular reason it feels right.
"Is he sick?" Liv suggests, tilting her head.
You nod, "probably." Fortunately, they don't get to question you for much longer as class starts, focusing on the teacher. You do your best paying attention as well but eventually give in, taking out your phone and opening your chat with him.
you: everything okay?
you: should I send you notes after class?
cheol: do you know the girls who bother Yuna?
you: huh?
cheol: I'm sorry, I'm okay and yes, if you could send me your notes that would be perfect
cheol: I need to know who the girls are though
you: I don't know their names
cheol: but you could recognize them?
you: yeahā¦.
you: what are you doing, Seungcheol?
cheol: can you meet me at Yuna's high school when class ends?
you: what is going on??
cheol: someone posted a video of her
cheol: making fun of her
cheol: I need to deal with this
cheol: please
you: I'll be there as fast as I can
You lean closer to Liv, tapping her shoulder to get her attention. "I need to go, could you send me your notes later?"
Liv takes you in confusedly, nodding. "Of course, yeahā what's going on?"
"I'll tell you later," you assure her, quickly collecting all your things and pushing your chair back. The sound causes everyone to look your way but you ignore it, ignoring the confused call after you the teacher makes as well.
"She isn't feeling well," Liv excuses for you, glancing back at you as you hurry out of the classroom.
Running is not your strongest suit but you still run as fast as you can to get to the bus stop. Panic has taken over your body, worries for what happened to Yuna clouding your judgment. You need to help her just as much as Seungcheol does, not wanting her to go through the things you did. You want to prove to both her and yourself that it doesn't always have to end up bad. That her high school years can be better than yours.
You keep staring at Seungcheol's texts as you sit in the bus, your leg bouncing on its own. You debate texting Yuna herself to ask for more but you already know she won't answer. You wouldn't either.
You see Seungcheol as soon as you step out of the bus, his head down as he shifts his weight from one leg to the other. He's dressed in a pair of jeans and a dark gray hoodie that swallows him. Some might not recognize him if they saw him like this, you can't exactly see his face after all, but you're confident it's him. You can tell exactly how he feels even just looking at him from afar. The worries are written all over him, accompanied with nerves and impatience. "Cheol!" You call and he raises his head instantly, meeting your eyes.
He breathes out in relief, crossing the space between you and wrapping his arms around you before you can say anything else. You freeze for a second, blinking in surprise. But it's quickly replaced by a different feeling as you hug him back, reassuring him you're here, that he doesn't have to deal with this alone. "Tell me everything," you encourage. "Where is Yuna?"
"She's not picking up her fucking phone," he complains, holding you close. "The principal called me since mom wasn't picking up, she didn't come to school. Then he told me about this," he pulls away from you, trying to calm himself down as he unlocks his phone and shows you the video that's been haunting him this entire time.
You wait for him patiently, wanting to pull him into another hug and tell him it will all be okay, that you can deal with this together. He hands you his phone and your eyes widen as soon as you see Yuna on the screen. She's in her uniform, somewhere in school you'd assume, with her head down. "Go on," someone in the video says, already laughing. It's quiet for a second before someone throws a tomato her way. A fucking tomato. You turn the video off, refusing to watch any more.
"Did you see the whole thing?" You ask him. He nods, not meeting your eyes as he takes his phone back. "Let's go," you say, grasping his hand in yours and tugging him forward. You don't have a plan yet but you're going to solve this. You're going to make sure those girls don't get away with what they are doing. You know Seungcheol feels the same, sharing your determination, even if it's for different reasons.
It's currently break time when you make it into the school halls which only plays in your favor. "Do you know which class Yuna is in?" Without saying anything his grip on your hand tightens as he leads you towards one of the classes, pushing the door open with his free hand. Your eyes scan the students instantly, disappointment taking over you when you don't see any of the girls you know are behind this. "They're not here," you whisper, leaning into his side.
"Wait," he smiles at you brieflyāa sign of reassuranceābefore stepping forward. "Who here knows where I can find whoever posted that video?" Murmurs start around the class, everyone looking at him but still acting as if he wasn't there. Slamming his palm against the door, causing a few gasps. But it works how he wants, everyone's attention now on him. "I'm not playing around. Do you guys think this is funny? You think laughing at others is making you better than others? Have you ever for a fucking second thought about how this must feel?"
"Cheol," you tug at his sleeve, glancing around. A circle of curious student formed around you in the hallway, blocking the entire path. "It's not worth it, let's go. Let's find the principal."
"Harin and her friends," one of the guys speaks up. "She is the one speaking in the video."
Seungcheol meets his eyes before tugging you out of the class again. You almost stumble over your own feet as you follow him, trying your best to keep up with him. "Cheol! What do you want to do? You need to be smart about this!"
"I'm trying!" He turns to face you and you drop his hand. His eyes fall to it right away, already missing your touch. He takes a deep breath, running his fingers through his hair. "You're right, I'm sorry. Fuck, Iā" Your eyes widen, completely forgetting about the rest of the students in the hall as you look at him, realizing what's going on. This isn't just some anger outburst. He's panicking so much it's causing an attack. Okay, you can deal with this. "I just need to fix this."
"Let's fix it then, okay? Together, calmly," you suggest, reaching for his hand again. "Let's find the principal office and talk to him about this. We can make it better again, I promise." He nods and you take it as a small win.
There is honestly not much you can do when you do find the principal. Despite your attempts to calm Seungcheol down, his voice raises either way when he starts feeling powerless, trying to get the head of school to do something about this. He shares the name of the girl he learn before and you say that you've been a witness of the bulling earlier outside of the school property. Still, all the principal asks of you is to go home and let him deal with this.
"Let's find Yuna instead," you offer but it's like he can't hear you, desperately begging the principal to do something now. "Cheol, the teachers will deal with the girls. We need to find your sister."
"She is right," the principal assures. "We will make sure this won't repeat again and I completely understand if you will ask for a transfer. What's important right now is the well being of miss Choi."
"See, we are on the same page," you squeeze his biceps, hoping to ease his mind a little. "Please, let's go."
Seungcheol exhales, the sound so weak yet heavy. You feel bad for him. But you feel bad for Yuna more and you know he can't get himself any more involved in this than he already has. "Okay," he agrees, reaching for your hand again. You let him take it, squeezing him tight.
Trying to find Yuna takes you hours. You go to all the places Seungcheol can think about that might be her escape, the panic in him worsening with each hour that passes. You don't let go of his hand the entire time, knowing that if you can't do more, at least that's calming him a little.
The sun is long gone by now and you find yourself in front of the Choi's house again, both of you dialing Yuna's number again. It goes straight to voice mail and you curse quietly.
"You can stop calling me now." You both look up instantly when you hear the voice, seeing Yuna heading towards the front door with her hands in her pockets.
"Are you kidding me?" Seungcheol sounds angry, but you also catch onto the hint of relief in his tone. "Where have you been?"
"Around," she mumbles, refusing to meet his eyes. "I'm okay, let's go home."
"You're not, though," he disagrees, letting go of your hand for the first time since you left to school as he crosses the space between him and his sister. Without saying anything else, he wraps his arms around her, squeezing so tight she won't be able to escape his hold even if she wants to.
It's then that you hear the soft sound of tears. You take a slow step back, trying to give them more space. But Seungcheol has other plans, turning his head to see you. He motions for you to come join and you quickly shake your head. If you've learned something about him though in the time you've known him, he doesn't give up easily. Giving in and walking to them, you let him pull you into the hug as well, wrapping one of your arms around Yuna's shoulders and the other around Cheol's back.
Yuna sobs quietly in your arms while you both hold her, exchanging worried looks. You understand why he wants to fix it so much. Seeing her like this breaks your heart so much you can't bear the thought of someone hurting her just because they can.
"Let's get you to bed. We can talk tomorrow," Seungcheol whispers into her hair and she nods, brushing her tears away with the back of her hand. She slips away from both of you, offering you a grateful smile before disappearing inside.
You watch her leave, only taking your eyes off when the door closes behind her. "Text me if you need anything. Both of you."
"I need something now," he says, the smile you're so used to him wearing now nowhere to be seen. You blink at him confusedly, waiting for him to say more. "Stay the night. It's late. I don't want you getting back home alone."
"Oh," you breathe out.
"You can take my old room and I'll sleep on the couch. I can drive us back to campus in the morning so you can make it to all your classes." You can tell he's desperate, needing to have you somewhere when he knows you're safe after the day he's had. Hesitating, you pull out your phone to check the time.
"Okay," you agree with a nod. "I'll stay for the night."
You feel awkward walking around the house, Seungcheol right beside you as he leads you to his room. It's half empty which you assume is because most of his stuff is at his college dorm. Your room at your parents' house is just as empty for the same reason. You sit down on the edge of his bed while he searches for new sheets for you. You watch him, unable to take your eyes off him. It's been a long day yet he stays as handsome as ever, his caring side never leaving. You would have been perfectly fine sleeping anywhere but he'd be damned if you don't get the best.
Carrying the clean sheets to the bed, he stops in front of you as he does. You watch him curiously, your head tilted back slightly so you can see him. You watch as his breath hitches before he drops down, crouching in front of you. "Thank you," he exhales, dropping his forehead to your knee. You open your mouth but close it right after, unsure what to say. You're not sure what to do with your hands either, letting them awkwardly hang in the air instead of wrapping them around him. "I would have done so many stupid things has it not been for you."
"You would have figured it out on your own eventually," you shake your head. "You're smart."
"But also anxious," he chuckles as if it was a matter to laugh at. "I know you realized."
You frown, finally touching him again. You run your fingers through his hair, getting him to raise his head. "And? That doesn't make you any less. You're a great brother to Yuna, Cheol."
He smiles, his hands resting on the side of your thighs to stable himself. You cup his face, wanting to make sure he understands. "I like it when you call me Cheol," he whispers, leaning into your opened palm. "It makes me feel like we are close." He keeps his eyes on yours as he speaks, unable to look away.
"We are," you whisper back, suddenly too nervous to speak louder.
"Yeah?" You nod, your cheeks flushed. "I'm glad." Turning his head to the side, he presses a tender kiss to your palm, slow and careful as his eyes find yours again to see your reaction. "I like how you take care of my sister," he whispers, planting another kiss. "I like how happy you look when we talk about writing," another one. "I like how you smile and look at me the most, though."
Before he can give your palm another kiss, you lean down and press your own lips to his. His smile grows as soon as he feels you kiss him, pushing himself back up to his feet. It forces you to lean back down, your back pressed into his mattress. "I like you," he finishes up, pressing another kiss to your lips. One of his hands squeezes your waist, the other resting on your side and steadying him. You slide your hands to the back of his neck, your body moving on instinct as you pull him closer. It feels good, he feels good.
"I like you," you breathe out against his lips. You didn't think you'd ever confess to a guy again after the shit show it was in high school but Seungcheol makes you feel safe and comfortable, he makes you feel like maybe liking him wouldn't be so bad. "Sleep here instead of the couch?" You suggest softly, your eyes busy taking in every inch of his face. He seems so happy. You forgot this is how someone is supposed to look at you.
"I'd love to," he nods, pressing a kiss to your cheek. The tingle of his breath on your skin makes you smile. "I'll find you a towel and something to wear to bed. Do you want to shower first?"
Fuck. You didn't think that through. You don't have your makeup bag or anything. All you have on you is the few products you carry in your school bag for touch ups, which definitely can't give you a full face in the morning. But what's more important, you can't possibly sleep beside him without him noticing. God, this is a bad idea. This is a terrible idea. You should have just went home and not give in to his beautiful eyes when he asked you to stay.
"You can go first," you pipe out, your head a mess as you try to figure out a solution to your problems. But there really is none, is there? You can't hide your face from him and you can't have this. You can't have a man that actually wants you because the moment he sees you without makeup it will all go sideways.
Nodding with a smile, he pushes himself up again, telling you to pick whatever clothes you want from his closet while he showers. You try to smile back but it doesn't quite reach your eyes. You're too nervous and in your head for that.
Taking a deep breath when he leaves the room, you try to think straight again.
Seungcheol is lying on the bed when you come back to the room after your shower, the sheets already changed. One of his hands rests beneath his head while he uses the other one to scroll on his phone, his eyes lifting to you as soon as he hears the door close. "Oh. My. God." he breathes out as soon as he takes you in, the sight of you in his clothes messing with his head. His shirt swallows your whole, ending in the middle of your thighs and making it seem like you're not wearing anything underneath. For the sake of his well being he hopes you are wearing something underneath.
You chuckle at his reaction, climbing into the bed. His arms wrap around you as soon as he can reach you, pulling you on top of him. "You're beautiful," he tells you, a blush creeping up your cheeks instantly. His hand comes up to brush your hair behind your ear, resting on your cheek after. His thumb brushes your skin softly, confusion written all over his eyes as he does, "Why didn't you take your makeup off? I'm sure there is that water for it somewhere in the bathroom."
Your smile falters, this is exactly what you were worried about. "I can't take it off," you shake your head.
"Why?" He frowns, trying to understand what you're saying. "I thought it's not good for the skin to sleep in makeup."
You sigh as you watch him, a part of you yelling at yourself for just not confiding in him because deep down, you know he would be on your side. But it doesn't change the fact it's scary. It's scary to show someone you like a side of you that's been hated all your life. It's scary to be vulnerable. "It's complicated," you mumble.
"Tell me," he encourages. "I want to know all your complicated."
He makes you hesitate, making this all even worse. You had a plan. You were okay with sleeping with your makeup still on and hoping it will be okay-ish in the morning so you could fix it when you arrive at your dorm, but he's going off the path you counted on. "Don't worry about it," you shake your head. "Iā you might get angry again."
Way to make him even more confused. His eyes flicker all across your face, trying to read you and what's going on in your head. But you're not making any sense. If anything, you're making him worried. "Why would I get angry?" You stay quiet, averting your eyes from his and looking at his chest instead. Your name slips past his lips in a mix of desperation and determination. "Why don't you want to take your makeup off?" He asks again, tilting your chin up with ease so he can see your face.
You hate how welcoming his eyes are and how he makes you want to share everything with him. "I'm not as pretty as you think," you mumble, watching as he raises an eyebrow at you. It's absolutely not the time to be thinking about this, but he's incredibly attractive when he does that. "It'sā I'm ugly, really. Makeup is the only thing saving me," you sigh.
Seungcheol's frown only deepens as he listens to you. "What on Earth are you talking about?" You can tell he is ticked off already by the tone of his voice, not liking what you're implying. "Who told you that shit?"
You shake your head, a bit sad as you bring your hand to his face, brushing your thumb over his cheek. "It's okay, Cheol. It's the truth and that's fine I just don't reallyā¦ I want you to keep thinking I'm pretty."
It feels like you're slapping him with every word that leaves your mouth. You're right, he is getting angry. Not at you, though, god no, but at whatever had to happen for you to think that. When he thinks about how you've always cared about his sister even though you didn't properly know her, it's only fueling him more. The thought of you relating to her crosses his mind and he hates it. He hates it so much.
Your name on his lips makes you close your eyes, already knowing that whatever he is about to say will be hard to hear. He sounds so serious, desperate for you to listen to him. "There is absolutely no way I could think you're not pretty. I don't care if you have a sixth finger on your foot or whatever it is that makes you think you're ugly, but there is no way I'm suddenly not going to be attracted to you anymore. I think you're so gorgeous, but not just because of your face or your makeup," he gives you a reassuring smile when he sees your eyes watering, ready to brush away any tears that might escape. "I fell for you soul. This," he taps the side of your head gently, "is this most attractive thing about you. Your mind."
"I don't know what happened or why you think I could just stop liking you but I want you to know that I'm here and you can tell me. Whenever you feel ready, you can tell me." You bite your bottom lip, nodding softly. "Let's get it off, hm? I promise you, I'll still be just as into you as I've been until now."
As worried as you still feel, you nod.
Somehow, you don't feel nervous in the slightest when you sit on the washing machine in the bathroom, Seungcheol standing between your legs and gently removing your makeup. You watch him, holding back a smile at how focused he looks. "There," he nods, taking a step back to really look at you. A genuine, loving, smile spreads on his lips as soon as he does, your cheeks turning red under his gaze. "You're so beautiful," he shakes his head, unable to comprehend how you ever though anything else.
You give him a knowing look, ready to tell him that's not true, but before you can do so, he closes the space between you again and presses his lips to yours. He cups your cheeks to keep you close, causing you to melt under his touch. "I promise you," he whispers, resting his forehead against yours, "I think you're beautiful."
"But I have acne everywhere," you argue.
"I don't care," he shakes his head, pressing a kiss to your cheek, right where the breakout is the worst right now.
"My cheeks are chubby," you continue.
"They are what makes you so adorable," he argues right back.
"But Iā"
He stops you before you can say anything else, "There is nothing you can say that will make me dislike you or change my mind. I don't know what standards you're using in your head to put yourself down like this, but in my book, you're all I could possibly ask for."
Oh-oh. Have your cheeks always been this wet? You don't realize you're crying until his thumb swipes across your skin, an understanding smile on his lips. "Yuna is so lucky to have you there for her," you sob, quickly brushing your tears away with the back of your hand.
"Let me be there for you as well," he pleads. "Let me bear this with you."
You shake your head and he drops his hands to your sides, keeping his eyes on you. "I'll be okay." He says your name, needing for you to understand this doesn't have to be just on you. "You need to worry about yourself and your family. I justā¦ have some issues I need to learn to deal with." He sighs but doesn't say anything else, helping you down from the washing machine.
You feel a bit awkward as you lie in his bed, your back turned to him. It's been a while since you left the bathroom and by the sound of his breath, you think he is already asleep. You can't bring yourself to turn and check, though. You feel bad for putting your issues on him without giving him an explanation like he asked. You know he is a good guy. You know he would be there for you. Deep down, you know it all. But it's hard to let someone in after you went for so long without anyone.
You remember him in the bathroom, his eyes begging you to share your pain with him so he could understand and help. You think about the two of you there, about how it would go if you just told him. "Kids didn't like me," you whisper, closing your eyes as the memory of the first time you cried because of someone else crosses your mind. "They made fun of me for my looks andā¦ I just never got to experience nice people. Which is why I'm so grateful Yuna has you. And me. I hope I make her feel safe as well," you sigh, knowing exactly what he'd say. He'd tell you that Yuna loves having you here and that you do make her feel safe. It immediately eases one of your worries.
"I grew up being told I'm ugly and that no one would ever like me because of it," your voice is quiet as you think about the disappointed look he'd give youānot because of you but because of the people who told you that. "And when you're constantly told thatā¦ you start believing it no matter how much you don't want to."
It feels good to talk about it. Even though he can't hear you, it makes it feel like weight eases off your chest when you say it out loud. There is so much you could talk about, but you think this is all you can manage tonight. Revisiting memories and crying in Cheol's bed while he is sleeping is not something you want to do tonight. Tonight, you'll gladly do with the idea of how he'd react.
Except you don't have to rely on just your imagination for his reaction as his hands wrap around your waist, pulling you closer to him. You gasp as soon as he does, your eyes widening as you turn your head back to look at him. And there he is, not asleep at all and with pain written all across his eyes. He lowers his head to your shoulder, pressing a tender kiss to your skin. "You have me now. You have Yuna," he tells you and you close your eyes shut, a small part of you regretting ever saying anything. "You have your friends. Liv and Kay?"
You nod against him, your hands resting on top of his as he holds you close. "I'm sorry," you whisper.
He shakes his head, "There is absolutely nothing you could be sorry for. I'm the one who is sorry."
"You didn't even know me back then," you remind him.
"I wish I did. I wish I could have punched everyone who ever told you those lies."
Slowly turning around to face him, you pout at him as you meet his eyes, almost breaking into another wave of tears. But you hold it in as best as you can, melting into him instead and mumbling your "thank yous" into his shirt as he wraps himself around you, hoping to make you feel better.
Today has been a long day and as you lie in his arms with the reminder than not everything has to go sideways for you anymore, you easily fall asleep.
Seungcheol has apparently made it his mission to prove to you that he doesn't think any less of you and you deserve the world after the night you spent at his family house.
He dropped you off at your dorm the next morning like he promised, watching you in admiration while you got ready for your day before kissing your lip gloss off without a single care, soft words of praise leaving his lips all morning. He didn't walk with you to class like you thought he would though, skipping his classes and going back home to talk with Yuna about everything.
You weren't able to think about anything else all day after, hoping that she is okay. She never deserved any of this, and because of Seungcheol, you're starting to realize you didn't either.
It's hard on you, if you're honest. Accepting that someone genuinely finds you beautiful no matter what you look like, if you're put together or not, but it's been getting easier every time he tells you.
It's been two weeks since you slept over and you've been together every day since, so much that Liv and Kay keep asking you when you're finally going to make it official. It's funny when you think about how much you convinced them before that you weren't looking to get into a relationship when you met them because with each day that passes, you wish for Seungcheol to ask you more and more.
It's easy with him, comfortable. He makes you love yourself, and on the days that feel like you just can't, he makes sure to do it for you.
Your name being called makes you turn around, your eyes softening as soon as you see Seungcheol trailing behind you, one hand in his pocket while the other waves at you. He's got his easygoing smile on and his eyes locked on you. You quickly stop Liv and Joshua from walking any further, letting him catch up to you.
Exchanging greetings with your friends, he falls to your side and offers to take your bag, which you roll your eyes at. "I can carry my bag to class. You're not even going the same way, are you?"
He shrugs, "I'm going wherever my feet take me."
"Way to say you're walking her to class," Joshua laughs and Liv nudges his side.
"You don't need to," you remind him, looking up at him.
"Yeah, I know," he smiles, holding your hand in his as he walks with you to your next class.
It's when you're sitting down that you notice Seungcheol managed to slip a note in your pocket when you were walking together, confusion evident on your face as you unfold the little paper. Your eyes widen when you do, scanning over the writing.
It's a simple note, little praise he tells you every day as well as a restaurant and time scribbled down, asking you to meet him there for a date. It creates a smile on your face and you quickly pull out your phone, shooting him an exciting yes back. He doesn't question what you mean, sending you a heart back in an instant.
The sight of Seungcheol in a button up and rolled up sleeves is one worthy being at a museum. Your cheeks are red as you walk to the table he is sitting at, unable to keep your eyes off him. He's absolutely beautiful.
"Hi," he smiles at you as you sit down, his eyes trailing down your figure. You greet him back, your ears catching the same red as your cheeks as he tells you how pretty you look, his hand finding yours on top of the table. "I thought it was about time we'd get a proper dinner together."
"We've had dinner together before."
"One someone else cooks for us I mean," he corrects, the reminder of you sitting in his dorm and waiting for him to finish making dinner crossing his mind. It's one of his favorites. You talked into the night that day, both of you tired but also having so much to say to one another.
"Thank you, for taking me out," you smile, your eyes falling to your connected hands on the table.
The food is amazing, but the company is even better. You can't stop smiling when you talk to Seungcheol, no matter what the topic is. He is so attentive, always asking you questions. You'd think there isn't something he wouldn't know about you anymore but you still manage to find so many things to talk about.
You talk about Yuna as well. He tells how she's doing well at her new school and that she's made a new friend that's apparently been coming over a lot lately and you laugh and tell him you already know. He plays offended that his sister talks to you more than him, which only makes you laugh more.
The night is easy, comfortable, just like every one you spend with him. You especially feel it when you leave the restaurant and walk around the park together, holding hands and looking at the starry night.
"You make me feel lucky," you whisper as you watch the night sky. You feel his eyes on you but don't turn to meet them, your cheeks already red enough without it. "I'm so glad to have you."
Seungcheol squeezes your hand tighter, a bit nervous as he looks at the sky as well. "That's how I feel every day," he admits. "And I've been thinking," he clears his throat, tilting his head with a sighāirritated with himself for being so awkward about it.
He decides to look at you after recollecting his thoughts, finding your curious eyes already on him. He smiles at you, brushing a messy strand behind your ear. "I'd like for you to be my girlfriend."
You're convinced that anyone walking past you two would think he just brought you the stars from the sky with how you look at him. It's exactly how you feel. He always makes you feel like this, like he could give you the entire world if you just asked for it. Smiling brightly, you don't hesitate with your answer, nodding your head. "Yeah?" ā "Yeah," you giggle, quickly pushing yourself up to your tiptoes so you could press your lips to his.
Holding you close, he kisses you lovingly, trying to tell you exactly how he feels with the tender touch. He's absolutely smitten with you and he's honestly been for a while. No matter how much you tried to convince him you're not worth it, that your issues aren't worth it, he doesn't plan on going anywhere. If anything, he is planning to show you just how life should have treated you all this time, showering you in so much love you're going to be sick of him.
As a Team Seojun, I absolutely loved this. It was so cute and heartwarming. It actually reminded me of my lockdown days. I really loved Seungcheol's character too.
You stared at your router as though glaring at it might somehow bring the Wi-Fi back.
Nothing.
You restarted it.
Nothing.
You unplugged it, waited a few seconds, plugged it back in, and watched the little light blink at you before going completely dark again.
Still nothing.
"Come on," you groaned, dropping your forehead against the wall beside it. "Please don't do this to me."
You had an assignment due tonight, and naturally, your Wi-Fi had chosen the exact moment you needed it most to disappear.
A knock sounded at your door.
You frowned before opening it, only to find Seungcheol standing on the other side, one hand tucked into his hoodie pocket and the other holding a mug.
"Hey."
"Hey."
His eyes moved past you, landing on the router sitting miserably on the table.
"Wi-Fi?"
You let out a dramatic sigh. "Dead."
His lips twitched.
"Can I take a look?"
You stared at him for a second. "You know how to fix it?"
"Not really."
Your eyebrows lifted. "Then why did you ask?"
He gave you a completely shameless grin. "Because I'm confident."
"That's concerning."
He laughed, stepping inside when you moved aside for him. "Don't worry. I have a very professional approach."
"And what exactly is your professional approach?"
"Press buttons until something works."
You burst out laughing. "Oh, you're useless."
"Wow." He placed a hand over his chest in mock offense. "And here I was trying to save your time."
"You haven't saved anything yet."
"Give me five minutes."
You watched as he crouched beside the router, checking the cables with an exaggerated seriousness that made you smile.
For the next few minutes, the two of you tried everything. Seungcheol checked the connections, restarted the router twice, and eventually called the service provider when neither of you could figure out what was wrong.
You stood beside him, watching as he patiently followed the instructions.
Then suddenly, the little green light blinked back on.
Your eyes widened.
"No way."
Seungcheol looked up at you. "What?"
"The Wi-Fi!"
You practically bounced toward the router, checking your phone to make sure it was actually connected.
"It works!"
Seungcheol laughed as you turned toward him with the biggest smile on your face.
"You did it!"
"I barely did anything."
"That doesn't matter." You pointed at him dramatically. "You're officially my favorite neighbor."
His smile softened, and for a second, he just looked at you.
"Favorite already?"
You blinked.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased with himself.
"It's only been a couple of days."
You crossed your arms, trying to hide your smile. "Don't get too excited. You're currently winning because you fixed my Wi-Fi."
"So there's a chance I could lose my position?"
"Definitely."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Then I guess I'll have to work harder."
You stared at him for a moment before narrowing your eyes.
"Are you flirting with me?"
A laugh escaped him, and he looked away as if suddenly very interested in the router.
"Maybe."
Your cheeks warmed, but you quickly turned back toward your laptop.
"Well... it's working."
Seungcheol smiled.
"Good to know."
Meanwhile, three floors aboveā¦
Seungcheol stared at his phone.
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Three floors above you, the rooftop door creaked open.
Seungcheol stepped outside carrying two grocery bags, the morning air immediately greeting him with a cool breeze. He barely had time to set the bags down before five stray cats came running from different corners of the rooftop, their tiny paws pattering against the concrete.
"Morning, guys."
An orange one immediately began meowing at him, circling his legs impatiently.
"I know, I know. I'm late."
He laughed as he crouched down, pulling out the food and pouring it into the small bowls lined neatly against the wall. The cats gathered around him almost instantly, their attention completely devoted to breakfast.
Mrs. Han had started feeding one stray cat a few months ago.
Now there were five.
Seungcheol had somehow become responsible for all of them.
"They're going to think I'm weird," he muttered, scratching the orange cat gently behind the ears.
The cat responded with a loud, contented purr.
Seungcheol smiled to himself. "I'll take that as a compliment.ā
Later that afternoon, you were struggling with two overstuffed grocery bags as you pushed through the apartment entrance. The handles were digging into your fingers, and you were beginning to regret buying everything in one trip when a familiar voice came from behind you.
"Need a hand?"
You looked up and immediately recognized him.
"Oh."
The elevator guy.
Seungcheol.
He gave you that same easy grin you'd seen yesterday, looking entirely too amused by your current predicament.
"You always show up at the right time?"
He shrugged. "Good timing, I guess."
Before you could protest, he'd already reached for one of the heavier bags.
"I can carry it."
"I know."
You frowned at him. "...Then why'd you take it?"
He glanced at the bag in his hand before looking back at you. "You looked like your arms were about to fall off."
"...Rude."
"Honest."
You rolled your eyes, but you couldn't stop the small laugh that escaped you.
He laughed too, walking beside you toward the elevator with your grocery bag in hand.
For some reason, you didn't mind.
You stared at the message.
"...Well."
Maybe the guy wasn't so bad.Too bad Captain Chaos definitely was.
Seungcheol's phone buzzed in his pocket, and he paused before pulling it out. One glance at the notification was enough to make him sigh, his shoulders dropping as he read the message.
Mrs. Han, who had been watching him with barely disguised curiosity, leaned over to peek at his screen.
"Oh dear..."
Seungcheol gave her a sideways look. "You can laugh."
"I wasn't going to," she said, far too innocently.
He raised an eyebrow. "...You absolutely were."
Mrs. Han's lips twitched before she finally gave in, letting out a small laugh. "I absolutely was."
She reached over and patted his arm sympathetically, though the amusement in her eyes completely betrayed her.
"They don't know you're helping me, do they?"
Seungcheol shook his head, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "No."
"It's okay," he reassured her when she gave him a slightly guilty look. "It's not a big deal."
"You should tell them," Mrs. Han insisted. "Otherwise they'll keep wondering why there's drilling coming from my apartment every other day."
A smile slowly spread across Seungcheol's face as he glanced toward the crooked shelf.
"Nah."
Mrs. Han looked at him suspiciously. "Why not?"
He shrugged, picking up the drill again.
"It's funnier this way."
Mrs. Han stared at him for a moment before shaking her head, laughing under her breath.
"You're a strange young man, Seungcheol."
"I've been told."
And with that, he turned back toward the shelf, completely unaware that the noise, and his little secret, was about to become someone else's problem too.
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The elevator chimed softly as the doors slid open.
With a sigh of relief, you stepped inside, balancing two grocery bags that dug into your fingers. You leaned against the mirrored wall for a second, silently hoping (praying) that no one else would squeeze in before the doors closed.
Maybe, just this once, you'd get to enjoy thirty seconds of peace.
The doors began to shut.
Almost.
A large hand slipped between them at the last second.
"Hold it!"
The sensors caught the movement immediately, and the doors slid back open with a reluctant hiss.
A tall man hurried inside, slightly out of breath. Dressed in a black hoodie and a baseball cap pulled low enough to shadow his eyes, he looked like someone trying very hard not to be recognized. Three overstuffed grocery bags hung from his hands, looking twice as heavy as yours.
He straightened up and let out a small, embarrassed laugh.
"Sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Didn't mean to make you wait."
You shook your head with a polite smile.
"It's okay."
The elevator doors closed once more, and the quiet hum of the ascent filled the small space.
One floor.
Two.
Three.
Silence settled comfortably between the two of you.
Then, as if the universe decided you hadn't embarrassed yourself enough today, one of your grocery bags tipped over.
An orange escaped first.
It rolled across the elevator floor with shocking determination, bouncing gently off the opposite wall before continuing its dramatic getaway.
"...Traitor," you muttered under your breath.
Before you could bend down, the stranger was already crouching.
His reflexes were quick. One hand reached out, stopping the rebellious fruit before it could escape through the tiny gap beneath the elevator doors.
He picked it up carefully and placed it back inside your bag.
"I think," he said, fighting back a smile, "it was trying to escape."
A laugh slipped out before you could stop it.
"I guess so."
For a brief second, your eyes met.
Even beneath the cap, there was something warm about him. Familiar, almost. But before you could dwell on it, he looked away, adjusting the grip on his grocery bags as though nothing had happened.
The elevator continued climbing in comfortable silence.
When the soft ding announced your floor, he shifted to the side without hesitation, making room for you.
"You go ahead."
You smiled, gathering your bags.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
The doors slid shut behind you.
You never noticed the elevator continuing its climb.
Past your floor.
Past the tenth.
Past the fifteenth.
Until it slowed one final time...
Ding.
The display above the doors glowed with a single number.
17.
"There."
Seungcheol took a step back and rested one hand on his hip, giving the newly installed shelf a long, hard look. The silence stretched as he tilted his head, hoping that if he stared at it long enough, the obvious problem would somehow disappear.
It didn't.
The shelf was crooked. Not just a little uneven, but noticeably slanted to one side, as though it had already given up on staying attached to the wall.
Across from him, Mrs. Han beamed with satisfaction. At seventy-eight years old, the woman from Apartment 1705 had the kind of smile that could convince anyone the world wasn't such a bad place.
"It looks wonderful, dear."
Seungcheol glanced at her before looking back at the shelf with an expression that bordered on disbelief.
"...Mrs. Han."
"Yes?"
"It's leaning."
She followed his gaze and narrowed her eyes, inspecting the shelf for a few thoughtful seconds. Then, with complete confidence, she nodded.
"Oh. I see it now."
Another pause settled between them.
"It's artistic."
A quiet sigh escaped him as he rubbed the back of his neck, trying very hard not to laugh.
"I don't think shelves are supposed to be artistic."
"Nonsense," Mrs. Han replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. "People pay good money for things that aren't perfectly straight these days."
He couldn't argue with that logicānot because he agreed, but because he had absolutely no idea how to respond to it.
Instead, he reached for the drill resting on the floor and crouched in front of the wall again.
"One more try," he murmured, mostly to himself.
The drill whirred to life with a deafening buzz that echoed throughout the apartment.
Mrs. Han instinctively covered one ear, wincing at the sound. "Goodness," she said once the noise stopped. "Your neighbors are going to hate you."
Seungcheol paused for only a second before lining the screw up with the wall again.
"...Probably."
The drill roared once more, and somewhere beyond the apartment door, a faint click echoed down the hallway.
so this is a really cute premise - ofc cheol is helpful and sweet and lwk oblivious to his behavior, mostly lol (thanks mrs han for at least suggesting he might be being loud) - and iām enjoying that itās a blend of prose and messages (which are time consuming to make btw so hats off to the writer for working with that and doing all the scrolling and adjusting so we can all experience the fun of the ficās world)
The elevator chimed softly as the doors slid open.
With a sigh of relief, you stepped inside, balancing two grocery bags that dug into your fingers. You leaned against the mirrored wall for a second, silently hoping (praying) that no one else would squeeze in before the doors closed.
Maybe, just this once, you'd get to enjoy thirty seconds of peace.
The doors began to shut.
Almost.
A large hand slipped between them at the last second.
"Hold it!"
The sensors caught the movement immediately, and the doors slid back open with a reluctant hiss.
A tall man hurried inside, slightly out of breath. Dressed in a black hoodie and a baseball cap pulled low enough to shadow his eyes, he looked like someone trying very hard not to be recognized. Three overstuffed grocery bags hung from his hands, looking twice as heavy as yours.
He straightened up and let out a small, embarrassed laugh.
"Sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Didn't mean to make you wait."
You shook your head with a polite smile.
"It's okay."
The elevator doors closed once more, and the quiet hum of the ascent filled the small space.
One floor.
Two.
Three.
Silence settled comfortably between the two of you.
Then, as if the universe decided you hadn't embarrassed yourself enough today, one of your grocery bags tipped over.
An orange escaped first.
It rolled across the elevator floor with shocking determination, bouncing gently off the opposite wall before continuing its dramatic getaway.
"...Traitor," you muttered under your breath.
Before you could bend down, the stranger was already crouching.
His reflexes were quick. One hand reached out, stopping the rebellious fruit before it could escape through the tiny gap beneath the elevator doors.
He picked it up carefully and placed it back inside your bag.
"I think," he said, fighting back a smile, "it was trying to escape."
A laugh slipped out before you could stop it.
"I guess so."
For a brief second, your eyes met.
Even beneath the cap, there was something warm about him. Familiar, almost. But before you could dwell on it, he looked away, adjusting the grip on his grocery bags as though nothing had happened.
The elevator continued climbing in comfortable silence.
When the soft ding announced your floor, he shifted to the side without hesitation, making room for you.
"You go ahead."
You smiled, gathering your bags.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
The doors slid shut behind you.
You never noticed the elevator continuing its climb.
Past your floor.
Past the tenth.
Past the fifteenth.
Until it slowed one final time...
Ding.
The display above the doors glowed with a single number.
17.
"There."
Seungcheol took a step back and rested one hand on his hip, giving the newly installed shelf a long, hard look. The silence stretched as he tilted his head, hoping that if he stared at it long enough, the obvious problem would somehow disappear.
It didn't.
The shelf was crooked. Not just a little uneven, but noticeably slanted to one side, as though it had already given up on staying attached to the wall.
Across from him, Mrs. Han beamed with satisfaction. At seventy-eight years old, the woman from Apartment 1705 had the kind of smile that could convince anyone the world wasn't such a bad place.
"It looks wonderful, dear."
Seungcheol glanced at her before looking back at the shelf with an expression that bordered on disbelief.
"...Mrs. Han."
"Yes?"
"It's leaning."
She followed his gaze and narrowed her eyes, inspecting the shelf for a few thoughtful seconds. Then, with complete confidence, she nodded.
"Oh. I see it now."
Another pause settled between them.
"It's artistic."
A quiet sigh escaped him as he rubbed the back of his neck, trying very hard not to laugh.
"I don't think shelves are supposed to be artistic."
"Nonsense," Mrs. Han replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. "People pay good money for things that aren't perfectly straight these days."
He couldn't argue with that logicānot because he agreed, but because he had absolutely no idea how to respond to it.
Instead, he reached for the drill resting on the floor and crouched in front of the wall again.
"One more try," he murmured, mostly to himself.
The drill whirred to life with a deafening buzz that echoed throughout the apartment.
Mrs. Han instinctively covered one ear, wincing at the sound. "Goodness," she said once the noise stopped. "Your neighbors are going to hate you."
Seungcheol paused for only a second before lining the screw up with the wall again.
"...Probably."
The drill roared once more, and somewhere beyond the apartment door, a faint click echoed down the hallway.
stormborns
2087
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romaincrisis
