ᯓ★ 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: my first 'long' fic. how do you guys like it? ><
proofread but i apologize if there's any mistake ݁ ˖Ი𐑼⋆
Very carefully, you applied your lip gloss so as not to mess it up, which would be pretty easy, considering you were in a car with your friends driving to a party you’d been invited to.
– Oh my god, Steph, drive slower. I'm gonna end up with lip gloss in my eyes– you complained.
– I'm not even going that fast– your friend replied.
Your other friend, Yunjin, laughed from the passenger seat.
– I know you're not laughing– you scoffed, rolling your eyes.
A notification sound from your phone made you pick it up. It was a message from your best friend, Maki.
-Hey, you here yet?
Almost there, we're looking for a parking spot
-Bet, let me know when you're here
Will do :)
You put your phone down and packed your makeup into your bag, then looked ahead throught the windshield.
A friend of a friend had invited both you and your best friend to this party, but your other friends were faster, so you weren't able to go together. Not that it supposed a problem, as you had already agreed to meet there.
Soon enough, you parked and quickly made your way to the place, which turned out to be the host's house.
There were some people outside, either talking or just lying on the floor. You messaged Maki, letting him know you'd arrived and were by the door. Your friends started walking inside, so you followed right behind.
As soon as you stepped in, you felt two strong arms wrap around you. You would've been surprised if you hadn't recognized Maki's perfume right away. Your arms wrapped around him too.
– Hey, you're here, I'm glad you made it. Did you see that guy lying outside? He's been there since ten, bro– he laughed, pulling away from the hug.
– Damn, that early? That's crazy– you laughed as well.
He glanced at you, checking you out in a way that was so obvious it was funny, a cheeky grin forming on his lips.
– You look good. I like the necklace– he complimented, making you chuckle.
– Of course you do, it's Chrome Hearts– you replied, rolling your eyes at him.
Before you two could continue the conversation, your friend Yunjin grabbed your arm and started pulling you away.
– Let's go get drinks, I need alcohol right now– she insisted.
You gave Maki an apologetic look.
– I'll catch you later– you managed to say before being dragged to the kitchen.
Stephen was quick to grab some plastic cups, handing one to each of you before pouring God knows what liquor into them.
You took a sip, grimacing instantly at the flavor.
– What the hell is this? Give me some juice– you said, grabbing a bottle that seemed to be strawberry-flavoured.
Stephen laughed, pointing at you with the hand holding his cup.
– Come on, it's not that strong– he argued.
– I'm sure I could clean with it– you replied after coughing a couple of times.
You took some sips of your now toned-down drink. Looking around, people already seemed drunk.
– Let's dance, let's go– he said, making his way toward the open area of the house where most people danced carelessly.
It was dark, the only light coming in colored flashes. You three danced and drank for a while, loosening up as the alcohol hit.
At some point, someone came up to you, it seemed to be a friend of Yunjin’s. They started talking, Stephen joining in; you weren't that good with strangers.
– It's so hot in here, I'll go outside for a bit– you told Stephen, who nodded in response.
A soft breeze coming from the other side of the room showed you where the back door was. Slowly, you made your way through the crowd and stepped out into the backyard. It felt good to breathe some cold air after a while.
Your skin cooled. The music sounded distant, not as overwhelming. You felt relaxed.
That is, until you heard your name being called, making you turn in confusion.
– Oh, Taki. Hi!– you greeted with a big smile as you saw him.
The one calling your name turned out to be one of Maki's friends. You assumed they had come together. You weren't that close to his friends, but you knew them; and they knew you.
– Hi! I'm glad you came out, you can't even breath inside– he said sincerely, stepping closer to you, probably closer than he would’ve if neither of you were drunk.
– Yeah, it was getting unbearable– you agreed.
You noticed –or perhaps the alcohol made you notice– how his cheeks were softly flushed. Yours were probably too, you could feel the heat on your face, that was definitely from the alcohol.
You weren't close to any of Maki's friends, but you did have a soft spot for Taki. How could you not? He was younger than you, reinforcing the puppy-like energy he had going on. You'd always found him very adorable.
– You look very pretty today– he said in a sweet yet clumsy way, visibly nervous after realizing he had actually said it.
Even though it surprised you how out of nowhere the compliment was, you found it very cute, letting out a soft chuckle.
– Thank you. You look great too– you replied with a honest smile, glancing at him.
He never struck you like the flirty type. Perhaps it was the alcohol making him a little too honest.
– Are you okay? Did you drink too much?– you asked trying to keep the conversation going without making him more nervous.
– Oh, no, no. Just... a little bit– he smiled shyly, though he didn't sound too convincing. – How about you?–
– Uh, I don't think so...– that was a greatly timed response, as you said it right before stumbling slightly.
He was quick to step closer and steady you, one hand on your arm and the other wrapping gently around you.
You stood there in silence for a second. Not because you didn't have anything to say, but out of embarrassment.
– I swear I didn’t drink that much– you said, your face already hot, now burning even more.
You were sure you were as red as a tomato.
That’s when you turned your head slightly, your eyes meeting his. The silence between you felt heavy for a moment. It took him a second longer that it should have to let you go.
– I-I'm sorry. Are you okay?– he asked nervously.
–Yeah, thanks– you replied, brushing off your clothes as if there were anything on them.
His hand moved to your hair, gently brushing a strand behind your ear. Your eyes lifted to his face, surprised.
The moment stretched, just from looking at each other.
But it broke when you heard your name being called again. This time in a very recognizable voice; Maki.
– Am I interrupting something?– he asked, walking closer, both hands in his pockets.
He had a half-smile, but you could tell it wasn't genuine. You knew him too well. Maybe something else happened, you weren't sure.
Either way, his comment created more distance between you and Taki. Enough for him to stand in between.
– Kei was looking for you– Maki said, glancing briefly at his friend.
– Oh, thanks for letting me know– he replied as he glanced your way, visibly embarrassed– It was nice seeing you–
With a clumsy smile, he turned and went back inside.
Maki turned his head slightly, looking in the direction Taki had left. There was silence between the two of you for a moment.
– Since when are you two so close?– he asked, his tone carrying a hint of something you couldn't quite place… or maybe you were just denying it to yourself.
– Oh, we're not. We were just talking– you replied.
– Yeah– he murmured– I bet you were–
– What's that attitude I'm sensing?– you questioned, your eyebrows furrowing.
– I don't know what you're talking about– he said, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and pulling you closer. –I don't think you should get too close to him tonight. He's pretty drunk–
You chuckled, finding his comment a little ridiculous.
– I think we're all pretty drunk, actually– you replied, a cocky smile on your lips.
He glanced at you, mirroring your expression.
– Are you that drunk?–he laughed softly, looking down at you.
– Are you?– you shot back.
He looked away as you rolled your eyes at him and started walking inside, his arm still around you.
– Let's go inside, you're cold– he said.
And the truth was, you were indeed. You just handn't noticed it before. But now, with the thought in mind, you became aware of how warm Maki was. As you walked pressed together, you could feel the heat of his body against yours. His hand resting warmly on your shoulder.
As you stepped inside, your phone vibrated in your pocket. When you checked, it was a message from Yunjin.
-Girl, you good? You've been gone for a whileeee
I'm okay, I just came inside
Maki seemed to be reading the messages too. You were so close that neither of you minded if the other glanced at the other's phone.
You looked around the room, spotting your friends, then turned back to Maki.
– I should go back to them– you said, pointing in their direction.
Maki followed your gaze and saw them. His arm didn’t move from around you.
– Alright, I'll be with my friends. We're right in the corner– he said in a neutral voice, though you could tell he was a little hesitant.
You walked back to your friends. From where you stood, you had an almost clear view of Maki and his group. Still, you tried not to get caught up in watching them and focused on enjoying the party.
You kept telling yourself to stop looking his way, but you couldn’t. It was harder to control your instincts when you were drunk.
Your friends noticed how distracted you were, how your eyes kept drifting in the same direction.
– You should just go with him if you're gonna keep staring like that. You look like you're about to eat him alive– he teased.
His comment caught you off guard, it showed on your face. Shaking you head, you denied it.
You forced yourself to focus on dancing with your friends, trying to enjoy the moment. Still, you couldn't shake the question of why you kept looking over.
You two were best friends. Of course he had other friends. You were having fun with yours, and he was with his. So why did it feel wrong to look away, even for a moment?
You didn’t quite understand what was going on inside you, but you didn’t like it. It felt off. It felt... wrong.
Either way, you managed to distract yourself for a while.
Well, not really.
Your eyes kept drifting back to him, like you couldn’t help it.
Yunjin danced with the friend she met earlier, and you danced with Stephen. The distance between you was almost nonexistent, but both of you were too drunk to care. Even so, you knew that, drunk or not, being that close wouldn’t have been a problem as you were that comfortable with each other.
That’s when you glanced over at where your best friend was; unintentionally. And this time, you saw something that made your stomach twist.
He was talking to someone. A girl.
She had impeccable style. Long, dark hair fell down her back, somehow untouched by the crowded space around her. Her sharp features looked like they belonged on the cover of a magazine.
You found yourself focusing on Maki. On the way he smiled, the way he laughed, the way he looked at her.
You noticed everything.
Maybe too much. More than you would’ve liked.
She talked to him with such ease, moving around him like they had known each other for a long time.
Suddently, she placed her hand on his arm, closing the distance between them. He didn't pull away. He just stayed there, letting her do whatever she wanted to. And for some reason, that bothered you more than anything else.
Something about the sight made you feel sick. You told yourself it was just the alcohol. Maybe that's what you wanted to believe.
You looked away, trying to focus on anything else, but it was no use.
– I'm going to the bathroom– you told your friends before slipping away as quickly as you could.
You found the stairs leading upstairs, where you assumed the bathroom would be. Once you found it, you went inside, locked the door, and sat on the closed toilet lid, taking deep breaths.
– What's wrong with me?– you muttered to yourself.
Your thoughts drifted back to the backyard. Then to how you couldn’t stop looking at him. Then to that moment; him, laughing with her.
Things slowly started making sense in your head. Just… not in the way they should have.
She's prettier than me.
He probably likes her.
He'd chose her over me any day.
I know him well... I'm probably right.
Why is it always like this?
It's never me. It will never be me.
This is so embarrassing...
You took a deep breath and stood up, walking over to the sink. You stared at your reflection in the mirror.
– This is low-key pathetic. Get it together– you told yourself, meeting your own eyes.
After pulling yourself together (enough), you walked out of the bathroom. Right outside, you saw someone’s back. They turned at the sound of the door opening.
It was Maki.
He looked concerned.
– Are you okay?–he asked, scanning you up and down as if checking for anything wrong.
– Uh... yeah. What are you doing here?– you replied confused.
– I... I saw you rushing out, so I got worried– he said, averting his gaze.
He saw you? Rushing out? Had he been watching you too?
– I'm okay. I just needed to go to the bathroom– you said, looking down.– You didn't have to come check on me. I bet you were having a better time down there– you added, your tone coming out sharper than you intended.
Maki frowned slightly, confused at first, but quickly enough he seemed to understand.
– You looked like you were having a great time dancing with your friend... what's his name? Steven?– he said, stepping closer.
–Stephen. Yeah, well... It was fine– you murmured, not backing away.
– Or did you have more fun out there with Taki? You seemed like you were having a blast too then– he added, now him being the one that sounded sour despite trying to sound casual and unbothered.
You let out a small, humorless laugh.
– Yeah, I probably was having a better time than I am right now– you shot back, stepping closer, meeting his gaze.
– Oh, really? Then go back to him– he replied, the irritation now obvious.
You hesitated. Your eyes dropped to the floor, where your feet stood almost touching his.
– I don't want him– you said softly, but loud enough for him to hear over the music.
You slowly looked up at him again. There was a hint of defeat in your posture, but something else in your eyes. Something clear.
Silence settled between you.
Each second felt heavier than the last. This wasn’t the comfortable silence you were used to. This one was tense. Uncertain.
Neither of you moved, almost like you were both waiting for the other to do something.
Until a warm hand cupped your cheek, hesitantly pulling you closer. Your lips meeting his.
It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t intense.
But it was undeniable that both of you had wanted this for a long time.
Your hands slid up his chest, resting around his neck, while his other hand found your waist, pulling you closer.
He tasted like alcohol. You probably did too.
Even so, you kissed each other like the world might stop if you pulled apart.
Your hands tightened, tracing, holding, pulling closer.
Eventually, you had to break apart for air, your breaths uneven, the heat inside the house not helping.
But only for a moment, because soon enough yours lips met again. This time with more urgency, more certainty, as it became clear what both of your hearts had been holding back.
ᯓ★ 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: this is still so bad lmao but thanks everyone for the interest 𑣲⋆ also working on loger fics but it's taking a while; but just fyi, maki, martin, james...... hihi ₍ᐢ. ̫.ᐢ₎
requests are open! i'd like doing some shorter ones in between so i don't get burned out from the long ones, so go ahead if you like (๑ᵔ⤙ᵔ๑)
ᯓ★ 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: as the leader of cortis, you wanted to get close to the members so they could feel comfortable with you, so you tried your best to bond with them.
ᯓ★ 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: I don't think there's anything I need to warn about (lmk if there is!)
ᯓ★ 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: it's my first full written post in here so, lmk if y'all like it :]
P.S: I know Martin's is a bit longer than the others, leave me alone (╥ᴗ╥)
Also please lmk if there's any mistakes!
ִ ࣪𖤐 MARTIN
It was a day when you worked in the morning and got the rest of the day off. So, you and a few members decided to stay home while the others went out to do whatever.
Once you got home, the first thing you did was put on something comfy and jump into bed. You slept for a bit, probably around an hour. When you woke up, you noticed you were probably not going to be able to sleep again, so you just stood and walked out of your room into the living room. The first thing you noticed was Martin chilling on the sofa.
— Yo— You greeted him.
He glanced up at you, greeting you back. As you slowly walked by him, you didn't take your eyes off him; not in a weird way, more of an observing way.
He was looking at his nails with a slight displeased expression as he picked at the polish left. You stopped, standing a bit past him.
— Is your polish coming off?— You asked. — Yeah, I need to paint them again— He answered .
You kept silent for a few seconds before speaking again, slightly nervous inside.
— I could paint them if you want— A soft tone in your voice.
He glanced at you again with those cute, big eyes of his, his mouth slightly open in surprise.
— Really?— You nodded, a small smile forming on your lips. — Yeah, I'd appreciate that. Thank you!—
He smiled as well, like a kid who just got free candy, only making your smile grow wider.
He was quick to stand up and go get his black nail polish. While he did, you went to pick up a small towel from your room. Then you both settled on the sofa. You sat right in front of him, cross-legged, with the towel on top of one of your knees. You patted there, indicating Martin to place his hand there. He seemed a bit nervous about putting his hand on your knee, but did so either way.
You opened the polish bottle and gently grabbed his fingers as you painted his nails with nothing but the utmost care. As you did, you unconsciously leaned closer to his hand, to make sure you didn't paint outside of his nail. You knew how annoying cleaning it could get.
While you concetrated on that, Martin's face slowly picked up a little color involuntarily. He also kept an eye on the way you painted his nails, from time to time stealing a glance at you. A shy smile escaping of his lips.
He was scared to say anything in case that would distract you and make you make a mistake, but the silence kept between you two was comfortable and warm in a way.
Upon finishing, you closed the bottle and looked at him, expectant.
— What you think? Be careful, they're still wet though—
Martin spread his fingers, looking at them, a bright smile appearing quickly.
— Yo! My nails have never looked this clean! That's crazy— He shared excitedly.
A soft laugh left your mouth, happy that he liked it. — I'm glad—
— Thank you so much, really. I might have to ask you again next time—He said with a funny smirk on his face.
— I might have to charge you next time...— You replied in a funny tone, taking a laugh out of him.
Martin did indeed ask you to paint his nails again, and you gladly accepted again. You felt like from that day, a little bond grew between you two, as you only did but grow closer to each other.
ִ ࣪𖤐JAMES
It was a little late at night. The other members were likely in the studio making some beats. Meanwhile, James was in the dance practice room, choreographing for a new song.
You walked in, yet that didn’t interrupt his work. Glancing at him, you made your way to the back of the room to be able to see him in the mirror. After a while, he stopped to look at you, who had been monitoring the whole thing he had. He looked as if he were waiting for feedback, as you were also one of the main dancers of the group. You walked a bit closer to him, thinking.
— I like it a lot, you’re doing great— You stopped for a second, recognizing that look on his face— Are you struggling with something?— You asked gently.
He nodded, preparing to show you a bit of the dance he had.
— I don’t know what to do here to connect these parts smoothly, everything I do looks awkward— He replied, frustration slightly noticeable in his voice.
You hummed, thinking what could look good. You came up with a few ideas and showed them to him; he seemed surprised by some of them.
— Ooh, yo, that’s cool. We could do that one— You smiled at him, glad that he liked something — Do you wanna stay and do it together?— He asked, looking a bit worried you might say no.
— Of course, let's do it— The excitement escaping off you.
You and James got to work together, coming up with different steps for the choreography. You noticed that while working together, even though he was focused, he seemed to be enjoying it, which made you glad you stayed. You even finished that one night. You worked until very late, 4 am-ish. But it was worth it.
Now, anytime James had or wanted to work on something, he would ask you if you’d like to work together, or sometimes he’d ask for your feedback on stuff he’d been working on, making you feel like your bond grew stronger every time.
ִ ࣪𖤐JUHOON
After your practice in the morning, you had a lunch break. That day, everyone brought something to eat; you had some pork belly that you made in the morning before leaving.
You sat with the members, everyone eating together. Next to you sat Juhoon, enjoying his favourite ramen. You and James ate in silence as the other members struck up a conversation from time to time, something that you enjoyed listening to, but not participating in that much.
After a bit, you noticed that Juhoon had already finished eating, but to be fair, you thought it wasn’t much for lunch. Once finished, he just glanced at the other members, adding to the conversation from time to time. You also picked up that he peeked at your food from time to time. Turns out pork belly is one of his favourite foods.
You thought for a second, as you didn’t want to make him uncomfortable, but after some consideration, you picked a piece of your meat and gave it to him. He stared at it for a few seconds, thinking whether he should accept it, perhaps. At the end, he accepted it, a small smile forming on his lips.
— Thanks— He said softly, as always.
— Eat more, here— You picked another bite, giving it to him. He accepted it.
You were glad he did; it felt nice. Juhoon wasn’t one to eat much, and sometimes it worried you a bit, but you felt relieved he would take food from you.
From that moment, when you shared your food with Juhoon, he realized that you really cared, and so he felt more comfortable and cared for around you. Happiness, from being able to make your members feel safe, filled you. You were more than happy to be able to provide that feeling to them.
Now, whenever you ate together, you always gave him a little something from your plate, and he took it happily. Sometimes, he shared too.
ִ ࣪𖤐SEONGHYEON
Seonghyeon was someone who was used to silently taking care of the other members. Whether it is holding them closer when walking in crowded places, fixing their clothes, or performing other acts of service.
It took you a bit of time to realise this, as you were one yourself to serve others and care about them yourself. You noticed once you guys were preparing for a showcase.
You went member by member, checking they all were ready and looking good, making sure their clothes looked good as well as their hair and makeup.
You were dusting James' pants because he decided it was a good idea to sit on the floor while wearing black pants. As you did so, before heading to Keonho, you took notice of how Seonghyeong was already helping him. For some reason, that was the moment when you realized he was also helpful towards the members, the same way you were, bringing a smile to your lips.
Once finished with James and Seonghyeon with Keonho, you walked towards the older one, adjusting his clothes. After all, wearing so many layers created the need to adjust them often so it wouldn't be uncomfortable.
A little strand of his hair also fell out of place, so you helped with that, too.
— Thank you— He replied shyly, smiling slightly.
He looked extremely cute when he was shy. You smiled back, nodding in acknowledgment.
This wasn't the one moment you grew closer. It was slow. Every chance you had to help him one way or another.
A different time was when you guys were practicing. You had a little break, and the guys were talking about wanting a drink.
— So, we three want coffee, right?— Martin asked two other members, who agreed.
— Yeah, me too— You added as you lay on the floor.
— I want tea, you too?— Juhoon asked Seonghyeon. He nodded.
— I'll go get it— Seonghyeon said, ready to stand up. You stopped him, getting up yourself first.
— I'll get it, don't worry. You guys rest as much as you can, I'll be fast— As you left, you patted Hyeon softly on the head, showing him a smile.
He knew you knew he naturally wanted to help, and that you were grateful for that, but you liked helping them as well, so he didn't put up a fight. He was thankful for your actions.
That's how both of you grew closer, validating each other's acts of service and helping each other even with little things.
ִ ࣪𖤐KEONHO
There was a rule you had, which was to not snack. But sometimes you get hungry, you can’t help it. Sometimes, like now. It was probably 2 am when you walked out of your room silently, making your way to the kitchen.
You remembered you hid some cookies in the cabinet, and you wanted them now. As you walked in, you saw someone. It was dark, but you could recognize that messy hair even with your eyes closed. It was Keonho. When he heard you behind him, he turned around as if he just gotten caught doing the worst thing ever. Which is kind of what happened, because he had some chips in his hands. When he noticed you looking at the bag, he quickly hid it behind his back, like that was going to make you unsee it.
— Noona… You’re not sleeping?—He said, as if nothing happened. Grinning like a good kid.
— Keonho, what are you eating?— You asked knowingly.
— Uh… Nothing— He giggled slightly, thinking that was going to do it.
— You know we’re not supposed to snack, right…?— You asked with a little grin as you crossed your arms. He just replied with a soft and elongated ’yeah’.— Well, I’ll keep a secret if you keep a secret— You made your way to the cabinet, taking out your well-hidden cookies.
When he saw them, a smirk pulled at his lips, a soft chuckle coming out.
— Noona, you’re so bad…— He joked. You smiled at him.
You guys kept snacking together, as quietly as possible. Luckily enough, nobody found out. Not the members, and not the manager.
Keonho really did appreciate you not snitching on him or taking his snacks from him. Since you kept the secret, he grew closer, knowing he could trust you with secrets and things he couldn’t tell others. And from time to time, he would softly knock on your door to go snack together at night.
