synopsis: sungho a star volleyball player, who is close to being benched for bad grades. and then you! yn. the top student, who he’s resented since high school, is assigned to tutor him. he makes her life chaotic—she makes him fall in love.
wc; updating later - half writ and screenshots
main
the walk back to your dorm was quiet.
not awkward — just heavy. like both of you were carrying the same memory and refusing to name it. the campus was dim, streetlights flickering as you passed under them. your footsteps stayed a little too close together.
sungho broke the silence first.
“i dont expect you to forgive me,” he said. not defensive. just honest.
you kept walking.
“i care about you,” he continued, voice low. “way more than i ever meant to.” he exhaled through his nose, almost like a laugh. “and i hate that it took hurting you for me to realize it.”
you slowed, just slightly.
“youre… too important to me,” he said. “thats what scares me.”
you stopped.
he did too, immediately.
“i’ve spent so long acting like you annoyed me,” he admitted, eyes fixed on the pavement. “like you made my life harder.” his jaw tightened. “but the truth is—you made it matter.”
silence stretched between you.
“im not good at this,” he added quietly. “i push people away. i mess things up.” then, softer:
“i mess you up.”
you finally looked at him.
“thats not something you get to decide for me,” you said.
he nodded. “i know.”
the dorm came into view. too soon.
“so why wait for me?” you asked. not accusing. just tired.
he didnt hesitate this time.
“because i couldnt keep pretending you didnt mean anything.”
you stood there for a moment longer, then reached for the door.
“goodnight, sungho.”
he stepped back without question.
“goodnight.”
you walked inside.
and sungho stayed where he was — realizing that falling in love wasnt what ruined things.
it was everything he did after.
⸻
sungho didnt remember the drive home.
he only remembered the door to the apartment slamming shut behind him.
“what the hell was that?” he snapped, dropping his keys onto the counter. he ran a hand through his hair, pacing the living room like a caged animal. “why did i say that?”
riwoo looked up from the couch. “say what?”
jaehyun muted the TV. “you look like you just got hit by a truck.”
he turned on them, frustration sharp in his voice.
“i old her. everything. that i care about her. that i mess things up. that im the problem.” he laughed, breathless and bitter. “like that was gonna fix anything.”
riwoo sat up straighter. “you waited for her, right?”
“for two hours,” he shot back. “and then i walked her to her dorm and basically handed her every reason to never talk to me again.”
jaehyun frowned. “did she tell you to leave?”
he stopped pacing.
“no,” he admitted. “thats the worst part.”
the apartment fell quiet.
riwoo exhaled slowly. “then you didnt mess up.”
he shook his head. “i did. i finally said the right things at the wrong time.”
jaehyun leaned back. “or you said them when it mattered.”
he didnt respond. he grabbed his phone instead, thumb hovering over the screen before locking it again.
⸻
he tossed his phone onto the couch.
the worst part wasnt that he might lose her.
it was that for the first time, he’d been honest —
*DING*
he stared at the message longer than he meant to.
a pause…did the convo end there..?
*DING*
he couldn’t let this be the last time you two spoke
just couldn’t..
so he texted as much as he could
⸻
FEB 12 — 3:25 A.M.
the streets were almost empty, lights flickering past the car windows as sungho drove with one hand on the wheel. no music. just the low hum of the engine and the quiet that didnt feel awkward anymore.
you ended up at a small place that was still open — nothing fancy. bright lights, plastic chairs, the kind of spot people only went to when it was too late to care. he paid without saying anything. you didnt argue.
back in the car, the food sat between you, half-finished. the windows fogged up slowly as you talked about nothing — classes, sports, how neither of you could sleep lately.
it felt… normal.
too normal.
you leaned back against the seat, staring at the ceiling.
“this is probably the worst sleep schedule i have ever had.”
he huffed a laugh. “same.”
silence settled in again, heavier this time. he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, stopped, then took a breath like he was bracing himself.
“hey” he said.
you turned to look at him.
“soo… valentine’s day is coming up.”
you raised an eyebrow. “is that your way of asking for tutoring?”
“no,” he said quickly, then slower, “i mean— yeah, no. not that.”
he glanced at you, then back at the windshield. “would you… go out with me? on valentine’s. like— properly.”
the word properly hung there.
you studied his face. he wasnt smirking. wasnt joking. just waiting.
“…youre asking me to be your valentine?” you asked.
he nodded once. “yeah.”
the corner of your mouth lifted before you could stop it.
“okay.”
he exhaled, tension leaving his shoulders like he’d been holding it in all night. “okay?”
“okay,” you repeated.
he smiled — small, real — and for the first time that night, he turned the radio on.
synopsis: sungho a star volleyball player, who is close to being benched for bad grades. and then you! yn. the top student, who he’s resented since high school, is assigned to tutor him. he makes her life chaotic—she makes him fall in love.
wc;
main
she called him back.
not because she was ready.
not because she forgave him.
just because silence was starting to feel heavier than words.
the call didnt last long.
there were pauses where neither of you knew what to say. his voice sounded rough, like he hadn’t slept. yours stayed steady — too steady.
“i just… wanted to know you were okay” you said.
“i am” he lied.
neither of you brought up the party.
when the call ended, nothing felt resolved.
it just felt… unfinished.
⸻
⸻
for sungho, practice ended the same way it always did — whistles, towels, the echo of sneakers against tile.
but nothing felt the same.
he sat on the bench long after everyone else stood up. his phone rested beside him, screen dark. he hadnt checked it in hours. maybe days.
three months had passed since the party.
three months since she walked past him without a word.
he told himself he was giving her space.
that it was the right thing to do..
some nights, that excuse didnt hold.
he still remembered the way she froze when riwoo called her name.
the way her shoulders stiffened before she turned away.
no yelling. no tears. just silence.
that hurt more than anything.
⸻
across campus, you had learned how to move on without really moving on at all.
your routine stayed untouched — classes, studying, late nights in your dorm. people stopped asking about him. you stopped waiting for a reconciliation that never came.
you didnt talk about sungho anymore.
not because you didnt care.
but because caring quietly was easier.
wednesday, the day your last class ended close to ten, the campus already half-empty by the time you walked out.
you didnt expect to see him.
at first, you thought you were imagining it.
sungho leaned against the low brick wall outside the building, jacket zipped up, hands shoved deep into his pockets. his hair was damp, like he had showered hours ago. like he had been waiting.
for a long time.
he looked up when the doors opened.
and there you were.
“i waited,” he said quietly, like an explanation. not an excuse.
“two hours.”
you didnt respond right away. your bag felt heavier on your shoulder. the air between you felt thicker than it had in months.
“why?” you asked.
he swallowed. “because i don’t get to hide anymore.”
silence.
“i hurt you,” he continued, voice steady but low. “and i kept telling myself space was the right thing, when really… i was just scared you’d tell me to leave.”
you crossed your arms, not defensive — just holding yourself together.
“and if i tell you that now?”
he nodded once. “then i’ll go”
that was the difference.
no begging. no excuses. no running.
just him, standing there, finally choosing to stay — even if it meant losing you.
you looked at him for a long moment.
then you spoke.
“walk me back to my dorm.”
⸻
⸻
prev ; next
ju; yooooo ill post another one tmrw heh (possibly a new taglist in the comments? maybe?? plz lmk..)
synopsis: sungho a star volleyball player, who is close to being benched for bad grades. and then you! yn. the top student, who he’s resented since high school, is assigned to tutor him. he makes her life chaotic—she makes him fall in love.
wc;
main
she called him back.
not because she was ready.
not because she forgave him.
just because silence was starting to feel heavier than words.
the call didnt last long.
there were pauses where neither of you knew what to say. his voice sounded rough, like he hadn’t slept. yours stayed steady — too steady.
“i just… wanted to know you were okay” you said.
“i am” he lied.
neither of you brought up the party.
when the call ended, nothing felt resolved.
it just felt… unfinished.
⸻
⸻
for sungho, practice ended the same way it always did — whistles, towels, the echo of sneakers against tile.
but nothing felt the same.
he sat on the bench long after everyone else stood up. his phone rested beside him, screen dark. he hadnt checked it in hours. maybe days.
three months had passed since the party.
three months since she walked past him without a word.
he told himself he was giving her space.
that it was the right thing to do..
some nights, that excuse didnt hold.
he still remembered the way she froze when riwoo called her name.
the way her shoulders stiffened before she turned away.
no yelling. no tears. just silence.
that hurt more than anything.
⸻
across campus, you had learned how to move on without really moving on at all.
your routine stayed untouched — classes, studying, late nights in your dorm. people stopped asking about him. you stopped waiting for a reconciliation that never came.
you didnt talk about sungho anymore.
not because you didnt care.
but because caring quietly was easier.
wednesday, the day your last class ended close to ten, the campus already half-empty by the time you walked out.
you didnt expect to see him.
at first, you thought you were imagining it.
sungho leaned against the low brick wall outside the building, jacket zipped up, hands shoved deep into his pockets. his hair was damp, like he had showered hours ago. like he had been waiting.
for a long time.
he looked up when the doors opened.
and there you were.
“i waited,” he said quietly, like an explanation. not an excuse.
“two hours.”
you didnt respond right away. your bag felt heavier on your shoulder. the air between you felt thicker than it had in months.
“why?” you asked.
he swallowed. “because i don’t get to hide anymore.”
silence.
“i hurt you,” he continued, voice steady but low. “and i kept telling myself space was the right thing, when really… i was just scared you’d tell me to leave.”
you crossed your arms, not defensive — just holding yourself together.
“and if i tell you that now?”
he nodded once. “then i’ll go”
that was the difference.
no begging. no excuses. no running.
just him, standing there, finally choosing to stay — even if it meant losing you.
you looked at him for a long moment.
then you spoke.
“walk me back to my dorm.”
⸻
⸻
prev ; next
ju; yooooo ill post another one tmrw heh (possibly a new taglist in the comments? maybe?? plz lmk..)
you were still tangled together, skin warm, limbs lazy, the room quiet except for the hum of the city outside. it was supposed to be nothing—just another night, another “dont think about it tomorrow” kind of thing.
dick stared at the ceiling for a second too long.
“we fucked up.” he said
you turned your head slowly. “what?”
he exhaled a laugh that didnt sound amused. “you. me. this.” his jaw tightened. “i didnt care before. not like this.”
you shifted, pulling the sheet higher, suddenly aware of how close he was. “since when do you care?”
his eyes finally flicked to you. “since i started wondering who you’re with when you don’t answer. since i get pissed hearing names i shouldn’t even recognize.”
that landed.
you went quiet, fingers curling into the fabric between them. “you dont get to be jealous,” you said softly. “we never made rules.”
“i know,” he shot back, too fast. “thats the problem.”
the space between them felt heavier than the bodies pressed together, because now it wasnt just fun. now it had weight.
expectations.
fear.
you swallowed. “youre the one who said we keep it light.”
“and i meant it,” he said. then, quieter, almost bitter, “i just didnt think it would stop being true.”
they lay there after that, not touching any less—but somehow farther apart than they’d ever been.
————
j; first dc post..gotta get back to my sungho smau though…
IN OUR FINAL ISSUE FOR DECEMBER 2025, OUR BELOVED WRITERS WOULD LIKE TO CONVEY A MESSAGE FOR OUR READERS, STARTING WITH —
from: @hollyoongs
Well, I’m going to be so honest, my year on this platform has been a roller coaster, but I will never deny that this and a few other things have made my stay here such a pleasant moment. This Christmas collab especially reminded me why I decided to share my writing in the first place. I met amazing writers who soon became my friends, felt support in ways I didn’t expect, and, of course, created genuine connections that were filled with kindness. I really want to thank Gill for trusting me to join in this amazing collab, and I want to thank all of the people who are reading this for taking the time to read our pieces.
I wish I could say more, but then again, I might even go overboard and make it to 1k words, so I will leave it short and sweet lol. Forever grateful for this community and for everyone who made his experience so special. Have a holly jolly Christmas and a Happy New Year!🤍🎄
from: @riumori
hi everyone!!!!! 😁😁 first off i would like to say thank u for a good 2025 year, lots of writing opportunities came and in real life things as well!!!!!!!!!!!! something ive learned this year is that u always gotta set ur mind on things and to not force urself when it comes to writing certain stuff. once you’re unmotivated to continue, put it on hold or scrap the work!!!!!!! it should be a hobby, a fun one at that, not a chore where you’re forcing yourself to post things so your page doesn’t dry out. always take breaks!!!! your readers should understand that you are also a human being and breaks come with your writing life, they are a package, a buy 1 and get one free deal 😭☝️ but yes to wrap this up, my goal in 2026 is to be able to manage my time way more on blr and school, final semester before university soooo gotta lock in! but i dont want to leave you guys hanging again. sooo trust me, mark my words 🫰merry christmas and/or happy holidays!!!
from: @wooahoe
hey gang! i’m so incredibly blessed to have been a part of the caratblr, cortisblr, and bndblr communities this past year and i really do want to thank all of you for your continued support on my writing journey <3 i’m so grateful for everyone in this collab because genuinely this was so much fun and this was lowk my introduction to bndblr…oop! but thank you guys sm for the warm welcome, i’ve met so many new moots + friends and i genuinely love you all sm.
to my lovely writer moots, thank you for being such good friends like jinjja jinjja fr i don’t know what i’d do without you guys! you are all such amazing incredible writers and i love your works so so much 🤍 ygs inspire me to be a better writer and i hope you take care of yourselves! burnout is real 😞 and to my lovely lovely readers, thank you for reading! you really do keep me going and i’m so grateful for every note, reblog, and comment
i do want to say that despite all the good that’s happened this year, i am going to be taking a step away from tumblr to focus on my irl life 😢 things are getting really busy and real life is hitting fast and hard. hopefully this won’t be too long of a hiatus, but i just wanted to say goodbye in case i can’t come back 💔 i will try my hardest tho gang. #user wooahoe comeback 2026 😛 YES I WILL WRITE MY 20THCG WOONHAK FIC OK I PROMISE YOU THAT
from: @ihankaji
and that wraps up the year 2025... crazy how time literally flies??? despite the downs i have had this year, i wanted to say how i am extremely grateful for every single person and the happy experiences. even just with the last couple of months, i can already picture that 2026 will be a hectic year, especially academics wise for me. despite this daunting thought, i still hope that this message resonates to my fellow students 😢 and serves as a reminder that you should take the proper breaks you deserve! as important as grades can be, i have really learned the significance of simply taking care of yourself. whether it be spending time with others or indulging in your own hobbies, you should simply just go for it! that time in doing something you enjoy can improve your mentality soso much. as we open up to a new year, i hope every single one of you can remain positive to yourself! use the things you've experienced in 2025 as learning steps to become your better self for 2026! of course, not everything will be sunshines and rainbows, which is definitely okay! but regardless, please don't be too harsh on yourselves. don't be all up in your head and diminish your own capabilities just because of a setback. as there may be many changes you wish you could've established, i still want you all to be proud of the good things you've done :] anyway, thank you for making my time on this platform still enjoyable to this day. i can't wait to continue using this as my outlet as a way to let all my thoughts out and have some people enjoy them LMAO. i love you all soso much, thank you again and may 2026 treat us all well 🤍
from: @taestulipss
with the year coming to a bittersweet end, i wanna say how grateful i am to have met all these amazing people all because i decided to be impulsive and post a fic without expecting much from it. but it's brought me to some of my closest friends now and people I'll treasure for life 🤍. that includes the lovely readers who have left even a single nice comment on any of my fics, and keep me wanting to write for, even when some days are hard. i love you all from the bottom of my heart! and i wish everyone an amazing 2026 + the merriest of christmases ❄️🎄. i hope your days are bright and that life is kind to you. once again, i love you all!!!
from: @yunextdoor
hi everyone!! 🫶 firstly, i really want to thank everyone who has helped me get through 2025, not only in the writing aspect, but in life generally. thank you gill and everyone who has been a part of this collab (my first ever btw!!), my readers, my friends! i also would like to congratulate everyone for surviving yet another year in this world, you’re worth it!! 💘💘
i started high school this year (got into my dream school w my dream major!!! woooo) and just for the few months i’ve been here i’ve experienced so many different things i never thought i would, it feels genuinely surreal 🙂↕️🙂↕️it has been a hectic year over all, surely full of both great and not so great experiences and i hope next year is just like that too! after all, in order to live life we need to gain experiences, both good and bad! 🤍 once again, i’m truly thankful to everyone who’s helped me in some way this year and i wish yg an amazing 2026!! 🫶🫶
from: @gyurilla
this year was honestly one of the funniest and toughest years i’ve experienced. between college keeping me busy 24/7, personal life challenges, my relationship, and writing, i learned a lot about balance — or at least trying to find it. i learned that it’s okay to step back sometimes, and that creativity doesn’t disappear just because life gets busy.
i started writing in march, and that’s something im really proud of. i never regretted starting — if anything, i regretted the times i went on hiatus, couldn’t post, or forgot about my series. still, starting and continuing when i could was an achievement in itself, and writing became something i always came back to.
to everyone who reads my work: thank you for your patience, your support, and for sticking around even when i was inconsistent. it truly means more to me than you know. every read, like, and comment made me feel seen and encouraged!
going into next year, my wish and resolution is to be more consistent with my writing while also being kinder to myself. i want to keep improving, finish what i start, and create stories i genuinely enjoy sharing. i wish nothing but good health, happiness, and success for everyone reading this. thank you all so much for being part of my journey this year, and i hope we can continue creating and growing together. happy holidays 🩵!!
from: @tsanho
hi guys! i feel like this has been a lot to get through, but it will sad to see the collab come to an end. i didn’t expect things to work out the way they did as a writer on tumblr, and getting involved to be a part of this small but wholesome community after being away from it for so long has been something i didn’t really expect to happen either. despite joining bndblr, i feel like i didn’t truly become a part of it until early november, with the making of this account and getting a chance to meet and connect with these wonderful writers.
if anything, i hope that in time, i’m able to write more and really make a mark as have so many writers in the collab series. either way though, i only hope to improve. thank you for letting me be a part of this gill! and through days of hating how my fic was turning out to eventually posting it and actually being happy with how it ended up being, it was a learning curve with deadlines i thankfully met. not even sure if this makes any sense, but yeah… it is what it is i suppose. and to anyone really reading this, i hope you make the new year something you can be proud of yourself for. love yourself and spread that love to everyone and everything you see, and i wish you guys the best of the rest of the holiday season! <3
from: @riuscheri
hello everyone! first of all, im really grateful for this opportunity to work with all these writers on this amazing collab! It’s been such an honour to be able to write with all the writers that i’ve greatly admired since i started writing on tumblr earlier this year! i can’t believe that time flew by so fast and now, the collab has come to an end. im super happy to be able to interact with everyone here in this collab and new readers too! this year has been a huge rollercoaster ride, from major exams to personal stuff in life, im really glad for everyone who has been supporting my fics despite my little library having a small catalogue hehe 🫶
to the few readers who reblog, comment or even those who take the time to read my fics, im super grateful for your presence! every notification of a comment or a simple like really motivates me to continue writing even though i don’t upload frequently. im truly grateful for each and every one of you guys. to my fellow bndblr writers, thank you for being such inspiration to me with your works! every fic i’ve read (or reread!) always spurs me to improve my writing and become a better writer, and i truly appreciate and love every one of your fics that i’ve read so far. to my moots: kimmi, allie, hari, rara, gill, nini, rosy and aylin! thankyou guys for being moots with me! Im so glad to have been able to meet you guys and become moots with y’all (esp gill, nini, rosy and aylin! im still shocked that i get to call you guys my moots hehe) and esp to kimmi, allie and hari for dealing with most of my mid-writing crashouts & wacky ideas. love you guys sm!
and last but not least, boynextdoor. my wonderful, talented and silly 6 boys. thankyou for being the reason that i get to experience my youth despite the craziness of the world. being able to see you guys live during knock on vol.1 was such a surreal experience, up till today i still can't believe i got to see you guys live. you guys continue to inspire me in so many ways and i love you guys sm 🩵
im definitely looking to see what's in store for me next year! to more fics, a new group to write for and hopefully more frequent posts 😁 with love, bella
from: @tobiotaesan
hello lovely people, fellow haikyuu x bnd enthusiast. a message of appreciation to everyone and everything im thankful for this year.
this year has been quite eventful (mostly during the second half). first of all, i would like to thank everyone who enjoyed my taesan bday fic, as i really did not expect that to reach so many people. next, i am very thankful for this collab! not gonna lie, i am still clueless how i ended up here with all these amazing bndblr writers, but regardless i am very glad to have been able to be a part of this event. and also very thankful for being able to talk and befriend all these admirable authors! a moment of appreciation for all their hardwork and the effort they put into making these fics despite their very busy real life schedules.
to the people who have taken time to read through my archives, i am very thankful for all of you. to those who make simple acts of appreciation such as likes, reblogs, comments and sometimes being included in someone's "to be read" list, it really warms my heart.
finally, to boynextdoor. my beloved boys, who have stuck by my side through it all, and by that i mean, literally everything. i am so glad that i scrolled back up for that one myung jaehyun tiktok. they have been a huge part of my transition to adulthood, with songs that comforted me when i was leaving my teens. they truly hold a huge and dear place in my heart.
to wrap this up, i wish everyone a merry and joyous holiday season! may this year wrap up with warmth and happiness for all. and may next year be good to us and treat us well. i hope i get to write more and grow as a writer and as a person. i also hope to find more friends here! mga juandoor diyan baka naman, magsilabas naman kayo huhu, anyways! much love to everyone!
— love, you're number one kageyama x taesan enthusiast, steby ☘️🦋
from: @mirisss
Hey everyone! It’s been so fun being a part of this collab! I can’t believe that I’ve been invited to two collabs this year! I never thought that would happen when I started writing.
This year has been full of surprises and new friendships, both with other writers and readers! I’m so thankful for everyone who reads my works, and especially to those who leave heartfelt comments!
I hope next year will be filled with just as much love and laughter, and I hope everyone finds a reason to smile each day, even when you’re having a hard time. I’m so thankful for Gill, who invited me to join not one, but two bnd collabs! Thank you for all the hard work you did to plan these collabs; they would have been nothing without you! Lastly, I hope everyone has a good holiday season. See you again, next year 💕Lots of love / Mirisss
from: @woongelaatin
Hi, Merry Christmas to whoever's reading this! I'm just really awkward when it comes to starting letters like this, so sorry about that🥺✌
I don't really know how to start this short message but first of, I'm really grateful that I became a part of this wonderful collab and it's been so much fun talking to everyone else in this collab!! I remember Gill asking me if I wanted to join and honestly, I didn't want to because I would be really busy, but I wanted to challenge myself, which was lowkey a bad decision that I did hahaha, I stressed myself out but I'm happy that I did accept because I met these other writers that are so passionate about their work and I get to talk with them about stuff, I'm happy I accepted it!!
Before this, I actually stopped writing because I couldn't get motivation and ideas on what to write, which really affected me and in a way made me feel uncreative and useless. But yeah, I lost my spark when it came to writing, and this collab might actually be the last time I'll write. Nonetheless, I learned a lot from this experience, like don't cram your stuff ahah (did I ever mention I finished mine just as I was going to post it?), and to just have fun with writing, when I wrote my part, my mind was running MILES with ideas on how it was supposed to go which just made it hard for me to write it lol.
To the people who have read my works before, I'm just grateful you took your time to read them. I remember being so scared of posting my stories (overthinker much?), and doubting myself. I'm happy I was able to share my thoughts and imagination, Tumblr became my diary. Thank you to my friends (who will never see this), who really helped me with life in general, to the people in this collab, you all have inspired me so much, and obviously my ult, Boynextdoor, they're a big part of my life, they changed me so much in a good way, and I'm happy that everyone that knows me knows boynextdoor, because that's how important they are in my life. Live, laugh, love Boynextdoor!
This year will come to an end, but I won't forget this part of my life. Happy holidays and thank you to everyone!!
from: @starriniqhts
hihi everyone and merry christmas!! this year has truly been a wild ride, but i’m so glad i took the leap and made my tumblr account at the beginning of the year. and now here at the end… all i can say is thank you. to my beloved moots, ily all so much!! esp getting to know so many more of u during this amazing collab, i’ve had so much fun playing games and collectively losing our minds over our fics with y’all. you’re what keep me going to write a lot of the time and im truly so grateful to each and every one of you. to anyone who has read any of my works, thank you!! i hope you’ve enjoyed reading what i have so far, and stay tuned for 2026! I have lots of things planned, including more oneshots and series (smau?) upcoming - so make sure to stick around for what’s to come.
once again, thank you to gill and all the other writers in this collab! blowing kithes for all of u mwah <3 and to you, who is reading this, have a lovely holiday season <33
from: @moesthinking
I am definitely not good with words (funny cause I’m a writer right) but I have so much to say for this collab it’s crazy. I started writing for boynextdoor after almost 3 years of contemplating and I will never regret it, I’ve met so many of my good friends on tumblr and even through this collab and I can’t express how grateful I am!
For my collab lovelies, thank you for dealing with my never ending energy and my odd sense of humor. You all are the nicest people ever and I’m so lucky to have gotten to know you all! I hope we continue speaking even after this ends (UNREAL).
For Gill, thank you for inviting me and bearing with how bad I am with deadlines ily forever for that. You are such a sweet and caring person and I hope to be in another collab with you 🤍. Happy Holidays!!! 🫰
from: @lovehakie
hi everyone! i’m not very articulate with my words but i’d like to say how thankful i am to have met such amazing people and writers through this collab! i’ve truly enjoyed every moment with them and their crazy humour (pos). i still remember when gill first told us about the idea of a december collab and being so excited to be apart of it and i’m glad i’ve been able to participate even though there were a lot of times where i’d doubt myself on whether or not i’d be able to live up to the crazy standards i had for myself. to my readers, thank you. thank you for supporting and loving me for the last few months and thank you for making my writing experience so wonderful! i truly do hope to improve as a writer, and i will try my best to do so, for you! to boynextdoor, thank you for being my guiding light these past two years where i’ve gone through many ups and downs (mostly downs), you’ve truly shaped me into a better person and you were the ones i’d turn to at my lowest moments, so thank you for keeping me company during times i didn’t want to exist. and finally, to my twiddly twinkle kins; kati and rosy (and levy @/pupillary), you guys are probably the best part of my blr journey so far and i love you guys so so so much i don’t have the words to describe how grateful i am to have such amazing friends! You guys have truly witnessed every crashout, every happy moment and every one of my most distressing moments in the past few months and i hope that next year, and in the years to come, we stay friends 4eva (and get redbull and yanyan tgt when you come visit!) in 2026, i think i’d like to take a break from writing and focus a bit more on my studies, especially since i’m in my last year of high school and have to get good grades in order to get into university, but please don’t think i’m stepping away permanently, it’ll just be a short hiatus until i complete my exams! i also do hope to be able to write more once i’m free from school, i have so many ideas i’d love to share! anyway i’d just like to say that i hope everyone enjoys the holiday season and happy new year to everybody! I hope the new year brings you lots of joy and prosperity!
from: @htaesan
hi everyone!! gosh gill had done such a good job organising this event, and i applaud her for that ! i’d also like to thank her for creating this event because i got to meet so many good writers that, much to my surprise, knew ME (insane, i know). i truly enjoyed every single moment spent with them—the game nights (or mornings for me…timezones are insane), the random chats, the memes… you guys slowly felt like family to me, and i hope we’ll stay in touch even after this event ends…
guys i need to keep this short because i’m busy and i am running late for an event, but i wish everyone happy holidays! i hope you will keep supporting me even though i am not very active and consistent in posting, and i hope you will always join me in creating for our boys, boynextdoor!
sorry i had to keep this really short TT love, lili.
from: @astrae4
Happy Christmas everyone! I’m in awe of how much my account has grown the past 7 months that I’ve been back, and I couldn’t be more thankful to everyone for all the blessings I have received this year. Truly, in reality, this year has been the hardest for me yet (which was how I ended up coming back to writing for the blr if I am to be truthful…), and although not all of my problems have been resolved, I have never been more grateful for the support and community I have been given. I’m getting a lot of thanks these days, and while I’m grateful for them, in sincerity I am the one who should thank them most—for joining my event and for ending my days on a positive note after such a bustling day. In 2026, I hope to get my life more put together. I do believe that next year will be a lot more busy for me, and I hope to be able to maintain that balance. As The Doorstep Daily ends, I hope everyone who reads this series enjoys it and just as it made me smile, I hope the event has made you smile as well. Thank you so much and have an amazing holiday everyone!
WITH MUCH LOVE, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! — THE DOORSTEP DAILY
not literally, not this time—but you can feel it the moment the door shuts behind him. that residual hum in the air, like static after a storm. you glance up from the kitchen without needing to ask.
“ring hot?” you say.
he exhales, relieved you clocked it before he had to explain. “yeah.”
you turn off the stove and meet him halfway across the apartment. he’s already tugging the ring off, setting it carefully on the counter like it might bite if mishandled. the green fades to nothing, and his shoulders drop an inch.
“sit” you tell him.
he obeys. always does, when you use that tone.
you grab a cold pack from the freezer and wrap it in a towel before kneeling in front of him. there’s a bruise blooming along his ribs—half-hidden, poorly concealed. you press the cold gently against it.
he winces. “i had it.”
“i know,” you say calmly. “this is after.”
that earns you a small, tired smile.
you work in quiet familiarity. this isn’t the first time. probably won’t be the last. he watches you with that look—like you’re something steady in a universe that keeps shifting under his feet.
“you pushed too hard” you murmur.
“i had enough will” he replies automatically.
you glance up. “that’s not the same thing.”
he laughs under his breath. “you sound like the guardians.”
“i sound like your partner.”
he softens at that. always does.
you finish up and rise, settling beside him on the couch. he leans into you immediately, forehead pressing against your shoulder, breath finally evening out now that the ring is off.
“mission went bad?” you ask.
“not bad,” he says. “just… heavier than expected.”
you nod. you’ve learned the difference.
your fingers find his hand, tracing the faint indentation the ring leaves behind even when it’s gone. apermanent mark, like the job carved itself into him.
“you don’t have to be the lantern here” you remind him quietly.
“i know,” he says. “that’s why i take it off first.”
you smile faintly and kiss the top of his head.
he shifts, turning so he’s half-curled into you, one knee tucked between yours. his arm loops around your waist, grip firm but not desperate.
“did i scare you?” he asks after a moment.
you think about it. about the news alerts you turned off hours ago. about the way you’d paced until the door finally opened.
“yes,” you admit. “but not because i don’t trust you.”
he exhales. “i hate that part.”
“i know.” you rest your forehead against his. “i hate that you carry it alone.”
“i know” he says softly. “not anymore.”
the words sit between you, heavy and true.
the ring hums faintly from the counter—contained, patient, waiting.
you press a kiss to his lips, slow and grounding. he kisses you back like he’s relearning how to be human every time.
when you pull away, he stays close, eyes half-lidded.
“stay like this" he murmurs.
“we are like this" you reply.
outside, the city glows.
inside, the light finally rests.
---------
ju: yes my fanfics will almost always have a kiss in it.
if you enjoyed this and dc x bnd, check out out my masterlist! (yes it has a content warning but its all SFW ;-;)
synopsis; leehan belongs to atlantis. you belong to the shore. at low tide, the sea retreats just long enough for him to choose you— even when he’s been ordered not to.
wc:563
leehan is not supposed to come anymore.
the council’s order was clear: no surface contact, no distractions, no attachments that weaken the crown. his betrothal has already been announced in atlantis, carved into coral and ceremony, spoken like fate.
and yet—
the water parts.
you don’t look surprised when he steps onto the shore. you stopped being surprised weeks ago. if anything, you’re relieved, because the waiting always hurts worse than the knowing.
“you’re late” you say.
“i had to be” he replies.
tempest of atlantis stands before you with the sea clinging to his boots and defiance in his eyes. his armor is subdued, magic held tight beneath his skin like a secret burning to be spoken.
“they’ll sense you” you warn.
“they already have,” he says calmly. “i came anyway.”
you sit on the rock. he joins you without asking. the ocean curls close, attentive, complicit.
“you’re getting married” you say. you’ve said it before. it still doesn’t sound real.
“yes.”
the word is steady. practiced.
“and you’re still here.”
“yes.”
that’s when it hits you—not the sadness, not the fear, but the weight of what he’s doing. this isn’t longing. this isn’t weakness.
this is refusal.
“you’re throwing everything away”you whisper.
he turns to you fully now. “no. im choosing what was never given a voice.”
you laugh softly, broken. “i can’t give you a kingdom.”
“i don’t want one from you.”
“i can’t live underwater. i can’t stand beside you in council chambers and pretend—”
“i know,” he says gently. “that is why this matters.”
the tide rises enough that his magic reacts instinctively, lifting you both just out of reach. even now, even like this, he protects you first.
“they expect obedience,” he continues. “a union that looks strong from a distance. a wife chosen for lineage, not love.”
“and her?” you ask quietly.
he doesn’t dodge it. “she deserves honesty. i will give her that much.”
your chest tightens. “and me?”
he reaches for your hand, no hesitation, no restraint. his magic hums—dangerously bright.
“you are the only thing i have never been ordered to want,” he says. “that’s why i will not give you up.”
the words land like a vow.
“they’ll exile you,” you say.
“they may,” he agrees.
“you’ll lose your title.”
“yes.”
“your future.”
he studies your face like he’s memorizing it for battle. “no.”
you realize then that he’s already crossed the line. this isn’t a stolen moment before duty wins.
this is the moment duty loses.
you stand, heart pounding. “say it plainly.”
he rises with you, sea wind tugging at his hair, eyes steady.
“i will marry for atlantis,” he says. “but i will not belong to it.”
your breath catches.
“i choose you,” he continues, voice unwavering. “not in secret. not in shame. whatever comes after this, i choose you.”
you step into him, pressing your forehead to his chest, feeling the power he carries, the cost he’s willing to pay.
when he kisses you, it isn’t desperate.
it’s resolute.
when he pulls away, the ocean calls sharply, urgently.
"”i have to go,” he says.
you nod. “i know.”
this time, when the sea takes him, it isn’t gentle.
it’s furious.
and for the first time, you don’t feel like the one being left behind.
because he didn’t come to say goodbye.
he came to make a choice.
————-
ju: let me lock into these comics..also two more possibly coming out after ??? keep an eye out??
not literally, not this time—but you can feel it the moment the door shuts behind him. that residual hum in the air, like static after a storm. you glance up from the kitchen without needing to ask.
“ring hot?” you say.
he exhales, relieved you clocked it before he had to explain. “yeah.”
you turn off the stove and meet him halfway across the apartment. he’s already tugging the ring off, setting it carefully on the counter like it might bite if mishandled. the green fades to nothing, and his shoulders drop an inch.
“sit” you tell him.
he obeys. always does, when you use that tone.
you grab a cold pack from the freezer and wrap it in a towel before kneeling in front of him. there’s a bruise blooming along his ribs—half-hidden, poorly concealed. you press the cold gently against it.
he winces. “i had it.”
“i know,” you say calmly. “this is after.”
that earns you a small, tired smile.
you work in quiet familiarity. this isn’t the first time. probably won’t be the last. he watches you with that look—like you’re something steady in a universe that keeps shifting under his feet.
“you pushed too hard” you murmur.
“i had enough will” he replies automatically.
you glance up. “that’s not the same thing.”
he laughs under his breath. “you sound like the guardians.”
“i sound like your partner.”
he softens at that. always does.
you finish up and rise, settling beside him on the couch. he leans into you immediately, forehead pressing against your shoulder, breath finally evening out now that the ring is off.
“mission went bad?” you ask.
“not bad,” he says. “just… heavier than expected.”
you nod. you’ve learned the difference.
your fingers find his hand, tracing the faint indentation the ring leaves behind even when it’s gone. apermanent mark, like the job carved itself into him.
“you don’t have to be the lantern here” you remind him quietly.
“i know,” he says. “that’s why i take it off first.”
you smile faintly and kiss the top of his head.
he shifts, turning so he’s half-curled into you, one knee tucked between yours. his arm loops around your waist, grip firm but not desperate.
“did i scare you?” he asks after a moment.
you think about it. about the news alerts you turned off hours ago. about the way you’d paced until the door finally opened.
“yes,” you admit. “but not because i don’t trust you.”
he exhales. “i hate that part.”
“i know.” you rest your forehead against his. “i hate that you carry it alone.”
“i know” he says softly. “not anymore.”
the words sit between you, heavy and true.
the ring hums faintly from the counter—contained, patient, waiting.
you press a kiss to his lips, slow and grounding. he kisses you back like he’s relearning how to be human every time.
when you pull away, he stays close, eyes half-lidded.
“stay like this" he murmurs.
“we are like this" you reply.
outside, the city glows.
inside, the light finally rests.
---------
ju: yes my fanfics will almost always have a kiss in it.
if you enjoyed this and dc x bnd, check out out my masterlist! (yes it has a content warning but its all SFW ;-;)
🎄 DAY 19 OF THE DOORSTEP DAILY: A DECEMBER ISSUE. ۶ৎ woonhak x fem!reader ﹙ WC. 4k ﹚
𝓢YNOPSIS. It’s Christmas Eve. During that time you’d usually be with your relatives—having dinner as wholesome speech and the warmth of family dance in the air around you. However, this year, you have something planned. Something that requires you to leave dinner halfway through and make your way to your best friend’s place. More specifically, the rooftop of the building where he lives. What could possibly happen under the pitch black sky, where all the stars have aligned?
𝓦ARNINGS. swearing ( if you squint )
𝓖ENRE. fluff, best friends to ?
𝓝OTE. my first ever collab omg this is so exciting!! i really want to thank gill for letting me join this event and everyoneeee who participated in it because it's been so fun and the organisation has also been impressively thought out :)) i'm not sure how well i executed this fic but i hope u guys enjoy it!! P.S. i had my first kiss a few hours ago as i'm writing this AHHHH this is soo surreal
────────────────────────────
“DON’T YOU THINK WE’RE GOING TO LITERALLY FREEZE TO DEATH?” You had skeptically asked Woonhak over the phone, still doubtful about his questionable ideas when it comes to Christmas plans.
“It won't even be that cold.” The boy had uttered in reply, the usual confidence in his voice still just as audible, as if he was certain that the weather will be on your side—even if the said plan you were so dubious about includes hanging out with your best friend, Woonhak, on a rooftop, during December, specifically around midnight on Christmas. You kept reminding him the weather forecast had not changed and it was still predicting heavy snow, that even if both of you stack as many levels of clothing as you physically can you’ll still be cold, but the poor boy kept insisting how fun it would be, how it would be the greatest night of your life. Woonhak tends to exaggerate about these sorts of things, so you don't even bring yourself to question his choice of wording. You simply pray that his unwavering confidence about the weather being “nice” is accurate.
PART I—UNDER THE FAMILY ROOF
Picking on your food is the only thing you can do as you sit at the dinner table, shoulders hunched over, surely too many relatives gathered in this room, considering its size. The space is buzzing with life. Probably too much for you right now. It’s not that you don't want to be here—you just seem to have somewhere else that you’d rather be right now. With someone else.
The smell of the food you’d usually see on Christmas Eve is filling up your nostrils: the roasted turkey along with its rich seasoning, the chocolate cake your mom typically makes only during this time of the year and the ginger spice that becomes unquestionably impossible to avoid once the cold season arrives. You make a miserable attempt at not eating a lot due to a promise your best friend made you a few days ago. “My mum is making those gingerbread cookies you like,” He had casually muttered in between bites of the cinnamon rolls you had baked for him on account of his request (because he had insisted he had been craving them for “too long” now), “If you want to, I can bring some when we hang out that night. She actually asked if you wanted some, so..” He had continued munching on the pastry, his gaze entirely engrossed on it. Of course, you asked him to bring some. The first time you had tried his mum’s gingerbread cookies was last Christmas and ever since then, you haven't stopped mentioning them around your best friend. He had clearly gotten the memo. Therefore, you’re striving to keep your stomach at least slightly empty to make space for them. And thank god, your grandma, possibly the only person who can manage to feel worried for you if you don't eat at least twice as what you normally would, is too focused on a conversation with some distant relative about the latest gossip on her neighbours.
You stare at the half-eaten, half-abandoned plate of turkey placed in front of you, wondering what time it is, if there’s even a slight chance the guests will be leaving soon. Unfortunately for you, you left your phone in your bedroom, along with the rest of the useless stuff you promised you’d bring Woonhak on the rooftop. You take a small glance at everyone sitting around the prodigious table, a glance that totally does not have an ulterior motive. An ulterior motive that surely does not include seeing if anyone seems to be in the mood to leave early, so that you have an excuse to bolt out of here. Taking a glimpse at your mum, she tilts her head, almost asking “Is something wrong?” solely using facial expressions and gestures. You make a few motions with your hands, a shot at reminding her of your plans with Woonhak, and thank God you had told her about it a few days prior because she understands your vague hand signals. “Go”, she mouths, and you feel like getting on your knees for her. After whispering a “thank you”, you excuse yourself from the table and swiftly go into your room.
You glare at the tote bag that you prepared in advance, laying on your mattress, specifically the teddy bear keychain hanging off its straps. Holding back a chuckle as you get reminded of your best friend, you briskly grab the bag and head out to the front door. As you get the warmest jacket you own, you check the time—11:29 pm, your phone reads. Plenty of time to arrive before midnight. Hopefully.
PART II— THE PATH TOWARD ALIGNMENT
If one more man stared you down, you swear you’d go around throwing punches. You aren't even wearing anything revealing! But what were you expecting, walking to Woonhak’s place during the peak of darkness. Originally, your best friend opposed the idea of the hang out emerging on the rooftop of the building where he lives—he was convinced you shouldn't be walking around late at night, and he should be the one to make his way to your place. However, at the end, you settled on it taking place at his apartment’s building, due to the breathtaking view of the city it has. You had been there before, with him, needless to say. It was during sophomore year, right after finishing your classes at school. You intended to simply go to his apartment, so you could be able to pick up some things you’d entirely forgotten there a few days ago. But your best friend and his impulsive tendencies could never be stopped, so the moment his mind became aware of the possibility of showing you the rooftop, he didn't hesitate to enliven the thought. The two of you had sat there, staring at the beauty the view was presenting you during the sunset. And truthfully, you were exceptionally excited about seeing that intensely gorgeous view, yet again. So you simply choose to ignore the gazes of men, possibly the age of your father, browsing up and down you as you do quite literally nothing. Men.
Finally spotting the familiar building, you can barely contain the grin that blooms on your cheeks. You skitter towards it as you take the phone out of your hand bag and briskly dial a number: Woonhak.
“Hey, are you here?” You can hear his voice on the other line, and you can spot a slight hint of anticipation in his tone.
“Yup. Right in front of the building.” You answer, barely containing your excitement at this point.
“Coming right down!” He utters, faintly out of breath, a signal for him already coming down the stairs.
Tap, tap, tap. You continuously tap your foot against the ground, biting your lips in an effort of holding back a smile as your hands naturally fidget with your jacket due to the coldness of the gloomy night. Then, suddenly—a muffled rustle of keys on the other side of the entrance. A few clicks. The door opens. And now, there’s someone standing in front of you. No, not just someone. It’s Woonhak. Once he takes in the sight of you, the beam that appears on his face is irresistible. He straight away goes forward to hug you, his arms wrapping around your back with a sense of gentleness and care so thoughtful it feels unreal, before he pulls away and takes another look at you.
“God, your cheeks and nose are unbelievably pink. You must be so cold.” He mentions and hardly withholds the giggle on the back of his throat, when saying the second sentence, “Let’s go inside. I got you some stuff I think you might appreciate at this exact time.”
You’ve not even comprehended a bit of the scenario, that just took place, when you feel your hand’s coolness collide with somebody else’s skin’s warmth, as that somebody leads you inside.
PART III—”STAR-ALIGNED”
The inside of the building is exactly as you remember. From the somewhat gray-ish ceramic flooring to the elevator that still doesn't seem to be repaired—all the same.
Once you get to Woonhak’s apartment, he mumbles a “Wait here for a sec, I’ll go get the surprise,” with his signature toothy smile occupying his face.
It takes him less than a minute to go back out, where you’re standing. He’s holding two cups, apparently warm because he hurries to hand you one of them. And yes, it is steaming. Hot chocolate. You had mentioned that as your favourite drink to have during winter. He clearly remembered. You’re not sure why that makes you feel this touched.
“I have more!” He states before going inside again for some seconds. The boy comes back with gingerbread cookies in his right hand and a box of cinnamon apples in his left.
Suddenly, you feel very grateful towards yourself thirty minutes ago for not stuffing your stomach with food. “Ugh, I could kiss you right now.” You groan, already thinking about how the food will taste.
Being too absorbed in these thoughts you don't even notice the blush that appears on Woonhak’s cheeks after your appreciational speech. “Right.. Anyway,” You can hear him murmur before he clears his throat, “Shall we get going?”
Taking the stairs up to the rooftop, Woonhak can't hold back his questions. “Hey, nothing happened on the way here, right? You’re all fine? When I went out earlier, it was so dark, I honestly got worried.”
Your reply comes immediately—”You need to stop worrying so much, Hak-a. I survived. Just a few stares. But honestly, that was expected, knowing I was walking towards here at almost midnight.”
“Just a few stares?” Your best friend is clearly surprised, “Oh, God, these creeps are really unavoidable. I shouldn't have let you walk here alone.. Next time you’re coming here you either take a taxi or– no actually, a taxi won't do it either. Some of the drivers are just as creepy. I should just walk you myse-”
“Hak. It’s fine, I’m here now, right?” You make an attempt at reassurance, “Next time, we just won't plan the hang out this late..”
“You’re right..” He mumbles under his breath right when you reach the top.
“Damn, it’s cold.” You grumble as you feel the forceful wind against you, flipping your hair in all directions.
At the instant Woonhak hears that, he lets down all of the things he has brought with him and takes off his jacket, putting it over your shoulders. “Here,” He mutters, “I’ve brought a blanket in the bag over there as well, I guessed it’d be really cold. Especially since you kept talking about how we’ll freeze.” The last sentence’s tone is clearly directed to you, just for the sole purpose of teasing you. You make a fake annoyed expression before leaving your stuff on the ground as well.
You hadn't taken a look at the view before that due to how busy you were with the wind and conversing with Woonhak, but now that your gaze focuses on it, you’ve lost any means of speech. “Wow.” is the only word that manages to escape the depths of your throat as you stare at the night sky—there’s something rather magical about being able to observe the city from this angle. The way the massive buildings look normal sized, or the way humans look like ants makes the whole already fascinating experience even better. You really should go up here more often.
After silently appreciating the beauty on your horizon for probably a minute, you fall back into the bustlingly alive present. You take a look at Woonhak, fully expecting him to be lost in the perfect vision just as much as you, however he’s looking straight at you, causing you to freeze. You blink a few times.
“Sorry-” your best friend says, once he realises to you his admiring gaze might look like a creepy stare, “I zoned out.”
You giggle at his almost ashamed expression. You’ve always found him so cute whenever he gets embarrassed. “It’s okay,” You reassure the worried boy, “You just caught me off-guard.” Even though you don't see it as you’re busy making your way to sit down on the cement, Woonhak lets out a deep breath. One of relief. If there were one thing that worries him most, it’d be making you feel bad, or worse—ruining his friendship with you.
The moment he notices you sit down on the cold, dirty cement, he grabs his bag. “Gosh, Y/N, do you take me for a stupid person?” He sighs before taking out a blanket out of it, which turns your face of confusion into one of adoration. How can he be so thoughtful? You hadn't even thought about bringing a blanket. Well, you did bring him a piece of your mum’s chocolate cake and a mini snow globe with this cute snowman inside of it (reminded you of him way too much not to buy it) though, even if you hadn't given them to him yet.
“You know you’re the bestest best friend ever, right?” You smile and give the boy a quick side hug before getting the blanket to spread on the cement. Usually, in this situation, Woonhak would instantly come and help you out. However, as of right now, he’s way too busy being flustered. Even though he’d never admit that out loud. It’s not like you notice either. Woonhak can't understand himself—whenever his hyungs tease him, yes, he does get embarrassed but with you it’s on a whole another level. Even the slightest bit of a touch or a smile can make his heart race faster than a math test ever did. He fights back the urge to slap himself and sits down right next to you, on the blanket you fixed by yourself. Damn, even thinking about how he didn't help you makes him feel bad.
Lost in his thoughts, Woonhak barely even realises when he spots a box, seemingly occupied by a dessert and a snow globe right in front of him that, apparently, you put there.
“Y/N, I told you not to buy me things,” He whines but even the simplicity of the gesture itself makes him jolly.
You grin once you notice a smile cracking through his attempt at an annoyed look. “The snowman reminded me of you so much. You know how I always say you look like a teddy bear? A snowman is definitely your second look-alike.” You reason your gift, “And the chocolate cake is my mum’s. You couldn't try it last year, so I decided to bring you a slice this time.”
His distinctive toothy smile comes out as he listens to your explanation. “I mean, I can't refuse a good chocolate cake.” A laugh escapes your lips. Woonhak sets the gingerbread cookies packet on the blanket as well.
“Try them.” He mutters and even though he sarcastically says it as a command, oddly, you can spot a shyness behind his voice, “I helped with making them this time..”
Well, that explains the shyness. “Awh, Hak-a, are you shy?” You tease and he frowns—”Fine then, don't try them.”
“No, no, no.” You say in an instant and pull the box packet towards your chest. “They’re mine, okay?” Opening it, you grab a cookie. It’s in the shape of a star. You bite through it, and thank God your best friend didn't take them away from you, because the taste makes you ascend to Heaven.
“Woonhak…” You start, purposefully acting like you’re disappointed, creating suspense, “You know, you won't get to eat even one of these, right?” The expression of slight worry on his face immediately disappears.
The boy sighs, a sound of relief, before leaning back onto the blanket, using his elbows as a tool to balance his body. “You seriously don't know how worried I was if you’d like these.” He grumbles, “Since, you know, you loved them so much when my mum made them but I really wanted to help this time. But, like, halfway through I was already messing things up.”
“That’s cute.” You mutter, not even thinking about what words you’re letting escape your mouth.
“Cute? What’s cute about messing up? Seriously, you amaze me with the bullshit you say sometimes.” Woonhak laughs, throwing his head back but even he himself cannot deny that his cheeks got warm regardless of the cold wind blowing everywhere.
“I don't know.” You mumble, “Just imagining you messing up while baking and then getting grumpy about it is kinda cute.”
Late night does things to people. It makes them more honest. You always tease Woonhak by saying how adorable he is, but you very clearly say it in a sarcastic and joking manner (even though you do actually find him cute in 99% of those situations), however this time your comment is genuine. And it’s obviously genuine. You know Woonhak can tell. But for some reason it solely felt right to let that haphazard thought out—those are the exact effects night time, especially with him, has on you.
“Stop sounding this genuine when you joke around like that.” He says and the tone of his voice completely gives him away. That comment flustered him.
“I’m not, though.” You utter a nonchalant dissent, “What’s wrong with calling my best friend cute? I mean, it’s not like I’ve seen the situation happen but it sounds cute.”
“Just- don't say things like that.” Woonhak says, his stomach suddenly feeling rather weak—a feeling he has only managed to experience when he’s with you.
“Why? Does it make you flustered?” Now this comment was meant as a joke, you even laugh along while emitting those words. However, when you look at Woonhak, his cheeks are actually pink. Like, really pink. You know that hue is exceptionally defined because you wouldn't have seen it in the darkness of this night if it wasn't.
“You’re actually blushing?” You ask, though it isn't truly a question as you know the answer.
“Stop teasing me like that.” Your best friend says, and he sounds annoyed but more at himself rather than at you, “I don't like you or anything. Don't get it wrong, you’re my best friend. It’s just that… I don't know, you’re the only person who can form her words well enough to actually make me this flustered. I really have no idea how you manage to do this every time.” He attempts to explain but his explanation doesn't feel frankly right. And for no reason, his words make you feel a little.. weird. You’re not sad, you tell yourself, because you don't like him either. You think. Do you? Suddenly you feel even weirder.
“Yeah, right.” Is all you say as a response. You don't do it consciously but you move slightly away from the figure on your left. He notices, but doesn't say anything about it. It gets quiet for a minute and the air is tense. It’s never been like that between you two before—it’s always been comfortable. Like, home if it wasn't a place. You’re thinking about leaving after finishing the food but Woonhak says something first.
“Hey, Y/N, have you heard of star-crossed lovers?” You almost question if you heard him properly.
“Suddenly?” You mumble and he nods, “Yeah. I’ve heard. What about that?” You ask him back.
“Well, what does it mean? I just thought about it now, staring at the night sky, since, you know, there’s tons of stars right now.” You’re not sure why this sudden topic of conversation throws you off. You haven't really talked about relationships or any stuff like that more deeply with him before.
“Well, star-crossed lovers are like lovers, whose love is doomed from the very start, it always has a tragic end.” Woonhak lets an oooh in understanding your explanation.
“Is there anything that’s kind of the opposite of it?” He asks yet another question that throws you off.
“I’m not sure. I can't think of anything right now.” You mumble as a response before munching on a cookie. Halfway through the bite something makes you realise you distanced yourself from the boy earlier, noticing the gap between the two of you. You want to fill it in. You don't.
“Hm,” Woonhak murmurs, “Okay then, I’m gonna make a word for it!” You flash a smile at his idea. You’ve always been impressed by how differently from you he tends to think.
“Okay, what is it then?” You mumble, turning your head to look at him.
He thinks for a few seconds before you can audibly notice his eyes light up. “Hear me out,” He starts, “Star-aligned. Star-aligned lovers.” You’re surprised because it’s actually really suitable. That’s already a real word, obviously, but you thought Woonhak wouldn't think of something like that.
“That’s.. pretty.” You mumble and his gaze turns to you at those words, leading to the two of you making eye contact. You’re not sure why it feels so different from the past times you’ve done that. You know he feels it differently too due to his expression giving him away once again—surprise plastered onto it.
“Uhm,” Woonhak clears his throat, breaking the eye contact, “Anyway. We can be like… star-aligned best friends.”
You giggle at his words. “Is that even a thing?”
“Well, I don't know but it is now.” He looks at you, again. Except this time you don't make eye contact. Because Woonhak’s gaze has dropped straight to your lips. You can see his Adam's apple move due to him gulping.
“God, sorry-” He immediately looks down once he realises his actions, placing his hand over his eyes. “I didn't mean to-”
“It’s okay.” You cut him off. Woonhak wasn't the only one who realised something—you did too. Just a few moments ago, your heart was racing, your cheeks burning. You couldn't help but wonder, what would happen if Woonhak looking at your lips led to something more? How would you feel? You’ve come to the sudden, terrifying comprehension you wouldn't mind it. And that changes things. A lot.
But you don't shy away. If it was daytime right now, if it wasn't for the night sky full of all these gorgeous stars, if it wasn’t for the earlier tension, you might have. However, none of these things apply right now. So you turn off any rational thought process you might own and ask the boy next to you—”What if we weren't star-aligned best friends, though?”
Woonhak stops moving for a second, his eyebrow raising. “What do you mean? We wouldn't be star-crossed best friends, would we? I want us to have a happy ending.”
You take a deep breath before speaking, mentally hyping yourself up so that you don't lose the courage you obtained moments ago. “I meant star-aligned lovers.” It takes the boy some time to get aware of what you just said. His silent response is making you panic. What if you just imagined the earlier tension? Did you just ruin the best friendship you’ve ever had? But your panic soon turns into startlement.
And the reason is that the gap between the two of you has been closed. You can feel his lips on yours, and you blame yourself for not realising these feelings earlier. Woonhak cups your cheek with his hands, those damn slim hands you noticed before but just decided to stupidly ignore. Your own hands ride up to his neck, your fingers wrapping around his soft hair and you’re so lost in the hotness of this moment, the cold night air around you suddenly feels like summer against your skin.
Well, in the end Woonhak was right. Even if not exactly astronomically, the weather really was on your side. And despite you not believing his words earlier, it really might be the greatest night of your life.
not literally, not this time—but you can feel it the moment the door shuts behind him. that residual hum in the air, like static after a storm. you glance up from the kitchen without needing to ask.
“ring hot?” you say.
he exhales, relieved you clocked it before he had to explain. “yeah.”
you turn off the stove and meet him halfway across the apartment. he’s already tugging the ring off, setting it carefully on the counter like it might bite if mishandled. the green fades to nothing, and his shoulders drop an inch.
“sit” you tell him.
he obeys. always does, when you use that tone.
you grab a cold pack from the freezer and wrap it in a towel before kneeling in front of him. there’s a bruise blooming along his ribs—half-hidden, poorly concealed. you press the cold gently against it.
he winces. “i had it.”
“i know,” you say calmly. “this is after.”
that earns you a small, tired smile.
you work in quiet familiarity. this isn’t the first time. probably won’t be the last. he watches you with that look—like you’re something steady in a universe that keeps shifting under his feet.
“you pushed too hard” you murmur.
“i had enough will” he replies automatically.
you glance up. “that’s not the same thing.”
he laughs under his breath. “you sound like the guardians.”
“i sound like your partner.”
he softens at that. always does.
you finish up and rise, settling beside him on the couch. he leans into you immediately, forehead pressing against your shoulder, breath finally evening out now that the ring is off.
“mission went bad?” you ask.
“not bad,” he says. “just… heavier than expected.”
you nod. you’ve learned the difference.
your fingers find his hand, tracing the faint indentation the ring leaves behind even when it’s gone. apermanent mark, like the job carved itself into him.
“you don’t have to be the lantern here” you remind him quietly.
“i know,” he says. “that’s why i take it off first.”
you smile faintly and kiss the top of his head.
he shifts, turning so he’s half-curled into you, one knee tucked between yours. his arm loops around your waist, grip firm but not desperate.
“did i scare you?” he asks after a moment.
you think about it. about the news alerts you turned off hours ago. about the way you’d paced until the door finally opened.
“yes,” you admit. “but not because i don’t trust you.”
he exhales. “i hate that part.”
“i know.” you rest your forehead against his. “i hate that you carry it alone.”
“i know” he says softly. “not anymore.”
the words sit between you, heavy and true.
the ring hums faintly from the counter—contained, patient, waiting.
you press a kiss to his lips, slow and grounding. he kisses you back like he’s relearning how to be human every time.
when you pull away, he stays close, eyes half-lidded.
“stay like this" he murmurs.
“we are like this" you reply.
outside, the city glows.
inside, the light finally rests.
---------
ju: yes my fanfics will almost always have a kiss in it.
if you enjoyed this and dc x bnd, check out out my masterlist! (yes it has a content warning but its all SFW ;-;)
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DOORSTEP HOLIDAY EDITION — STEP THREE
FIND YOUR SPARK UNDER THE LIGHTS By the Doorstep Features Desk
Dateline: The City at Golden Hour, Snow Pending
Our December coverage reaches its final chapter.
After the cocoa spills, the confessions, and the blanket treaties, we arrive at the brightest part of the story—where everything glows a little warmer, beats a little faster.
Step Three is simple on paper and catastrophic in practice: Find your spark under the lights.
Experts define it as that sudden flicker between people, equal parts electricity, timing, and maybe divine mischief.
Below, six field reports from locations known to conduct such currents.
First to file, @yunextdoor reports from a residential rooftop where Woonhak proves that best friendships are statistically most vulnerable to becoming something more when stars align on Christmas Eve.
@mirisss follows with Jaehyun, whose casual stroll through a glowing market is officially reclassified as a mistletoe-assisted ignition event.
@riumori submits a domestic dispatch in which Riwoo’s at-home caroling chaos confirms that sparks often arrive disguised as noise, laughter, and minor disasters.
@woongelaatin then takes us rink-side with Sungho, whose willingness to fall—repeatedly—establishes effort as love’s most visible signal.
@htaesan delivers a historical field report as Taesan steps out of armor and into a winter festival, holding hands at the edge of duty and desire; and finally—
@lovehakie closes the series finale with Leehan, whose city-lights kiss serves as definitive proof that some sparks don’t just flicker—they glow.
CONCLUSION? Sparks build by those who LOVE!
The BoyNews team concludes its December coverage with unanimous results:
Home can be built.
Love can be given.
Sparks can absolutely happen under 20,000 fairy lights.
For archival purposes, the official record reads: Two hearts, one guitar, multiple mugs of cocoa, and a happy ending.
From our newsroom to yours—keep making, keep giving, keep glowing.
End of Series ( Seasonal print includes bonus crossword: “Find 12 synonyms for love.” )
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