Kpop&Dog_lover

21 🫶🏻 She/her I love Ateez, Skz, 17 and plenty more

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

Question!

For writers that do series, is it better to reblog a masterlist or reblog each chapter? I like the idea of reblogging each chapter of a story to provide the support but then idk if that would count as spam or be annoying in general.

[yeostinys]

My Dear Darling

Master List:

your last year of university is going smoothly. until one night you are approached by a well know Fraternity who seem to have taken an interest in you.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

This is a very cute poly atz series so far! It hasn’t been updated in a bit but the chapters that are here are so cute! Honestly, I love all atz au fics, but college au is slowly making its way to the top!

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

Reblogs and Likes

Just going to apologize now to everyone who gets notifications from me. I’m redoing a bunch of my reblogs, going through my likes and previous reblogs to actually reblog individual chapters/parts of series instead of liking them and actually adding a message and tag to those. I used to use my likes page for a “I want to come back to this so I’ll just like this” page and now I’m actually following through lol. So sorry in advance if you get a ton of notifications that I’ve reblogged your post!! I’m trying to better support the authors that I like so they don’t leave!🥹

[alxtiny]

Ad Astra per Aspera

Episode 9

Pairing: Pirate!Ateez x Navigator!reader

Genre: pirate!au, fluff, angst

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: none

Notes: end of year exams kicked my ass (hopefully i passed :’)) i’m gonna attempt frequent updates again

Playlist : binary sea by death can for cutie | can’t you see me by tomorrow x together | politik by coldplay

Series Masterlist | Episode 10 | Episode 8 | Join my taglist!!

Seonghwa and Hongjoong soon joined you in the study. The temperature in the room seemed to drop, as they stood behind you while you carefully spread out the freshly drawn map across the worn wooden table. Every line, every tiny annotation, and the strange notes scribbled along the edges in an unfamiliar script were copied down with painstaking accuracy.

Hongjoong’s fingers traced the delicate letters, his brow furrowing. “I don’t understand this language. Do you?” he asked quietly, glancing sideways at Seonghwa.

Seonghwa shook his head slowly. “Maybe we’ll have to hire a translator as well,” he said, his voice low and thoughtful.

Hongjoong grunted in agreement, narrowing his eyes at the text trying to locate familiar words.

Just then, your voice broke through their murmurs hesitantly. “Um, actually…” you began.

They both turned to look at you

“I can read it,” you said with a shrug, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. “My grandmother taught me the ancient language when I was a child, along with a few others. So reading and translating this—“ you gestured to the map, “—comes easy to me.”

Hongjoong stared at you in genuine surprise, blinking blankly at your sudden skill reveal. You might as well have asked for his firstborn.

“Alright then,” Hongjoong said, crossing his arms. “What does it say?”

You stepped around the table and stood opposite him, your finger poised over the first line. “This part here,” you said, tracing the ink with a steady hand, “talks about a siren having lost its song. It’s described as the first test.”

You paused for a moment, “I don’t think any still exist though…”

Seonghwa leaned in, “Yes, they do,” he interrupted you sharply.

You blinked, disbelief clear on your face. “What?” you asked, incredulous.

Seonghwa nodded gravely. “The last few siren tribes have survived, just a handful. They live off the coast of Hell Volhard.”

You swallowed hard, voice quivering. “You mean the Land of the Dead? Going there… finding a siren without a voice… that would be the last thing we do.”

Hongjoong cut in harshly. “Look, unless you have another theory on what the riddle means, what Seonghwa says is our only option. There’s probably another part of the map hidden somewhere in Hell Volhard.”

You sighed, knowing he was right. “Aurora,” Hongjoong said, addressing you directly, “why do you think they call it the Land of the Dead? Ships vanish without a trace. The only explanation—besides the brutal fjord storms—is the siren’s song.”

You nodded, you didn’t like what that implied but unfortunately it made sense.

“Besides,” Hongjoong continued, his tone softer now, “you need not worry. I know who this test is meant for.”

He glanced between you and Seonghwa. “We can’t waste time. We’ll talk more aboard the ship. The others need to be prepared as well.”

You met their eyes and nodded solemnly.

With that, the two left you to pack up the supplies. The journey ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: your part in this was only just beginning. You still had eight pieces of the map to be found.

…

It took nearly an hour for everyone to finish packing and reassemble in the common room.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long golden streaks across the farmhouse floor, but there was still enough daylight left to make good progress before nightfall. You would have preferred to wait till midnight to leave, since it would attract the least attention but Captain insisted on returning early, why? You didn’t know.

Bumjoong leaned against the entryway, arms crossed, smiling slightly as he watched how their dynamic had changed since you became a part of the group. The usual tension that lingered around them, seemed to have faded away. Both of Wooyoung's brothers were there too– Kyungmin bouncing on his heels, waving enthusiastically at anyone who glanced his way, and Dongyoung making his way around to help others with their bags.

…

Compared to when you first arrived, there was noticeably more cargo–since the trip had stretched out, thanks to the unexpected chaos Myung had thrown into the mix, not that anyone was complaining now that he'd met his well-earned fate.

This time, you'd been given your own horse. A sleek, dark brown mare with a white stripe down her nose, who had quickly warmed up to you after you bribed her relentlessly with apples and occasionally sugar cubes.

Jihye had told you, laughing, "The way to a horse's heart is through its stomach. Just like men."

You'd taken that lesson seriously. Now, your horse nickered softly whenever you approached, nudging your shoulder, waiting for you to magically conjure up apples.

The only problem now was figuring out how to get on the horse. The extra side bags made it trickier than it looked. You stood beside your horse, staring at the saddle with mild horror. The usual methods seemed... impossible, considering you have never tried them. You tried to lift your foot, awkwardly hopping once, twice, then lowering it back to the ground with a defeated sigh.

Wooyoung, already nearby and chatting with Yeosang about his own horse, caught sight of your struggle. With an exaggerated groan, he excused himself mid-sentence and walked over.

"Need help, princess?" he teased, flashing you a bright grin.

You pouted at him half-heartedly. "Not all of us grew up leaping onto horses like circus performers."

"Lucky for you, you've got me," he said, giving you a dramatic bow.

"Alright, lesson time. See this?" He tapped the stirrup. "Left foot in here first. Hands— here and here." He guided your hands to the saddle horn and the back of the seat. "Then push up, swing your other leg over."

You nodded, following his instructions with your hands as he continued, "And don't worry about the bags. They're balanced to sit lower so they won't knock your knees."

While you checked the straps one last time, Wooyoung continued his conversation with Yeosang, still lingering by your side, casually holding out his hand to help give you a boost when needed.

You reached out automatically, but instead of the solid grip you expected-your hand passed straight through his.

A distorted ripple of shadow flickered where his hand should have been, for barely a second. Like a glitch in reality. Your eyes widened, heart skipping a beat. His hand reappeared mid-air, but now angled differently, as if it had shifted location in the blink of an eye.

"What the..." You instinctively pulled your hand back to your chest, clutching it as your brain scrambled to make sense of what just happened.

Wooyoung's gaze dropped to your now clenched fist, then back to your face. His smile faltered just for a beat. One eyebrow raised in silent question, but he didn't say anything.

You stared at his hand, then up at him. "I... thought….." you began softly, but the words caught in your throat.

"Something wrong?" he asked lightly, giving you a half-smirk like usual, but there was a flicker of worry behind his eyes.

"N-no, nothing. Just... tired, I guess," you murmured, forcing yourself to look away.

Determined not to make it more awkward, you sucked in a breath, reached for his hand again—this time, it was solid, warm… more humane. He clasped yours firmly, bracing you as you stepped into the stirrup and swung yourself onto the saddle.

"See? Easy," he said, releasing your hand once you were balanced. "You'll be a pro in no time."

You forced a smile, but your mind was still stuck on the strange occurrence. That wasn't the light... or was it.

For now, you shoved the thought to the back of your mind-alongside all the other strange things you didn't yet have answers for.

…

Reaching the boats sent out by the ship was surprisingly easy. Your horse, thankfully far more competent than you, seemed to understand the terrain instinctively. It navigated the rocky trail down to the cove with practiced ease, leaving you with only one task—holding on and not falling off.

The sun was dipping below the horizon by the time your party emerged through the trees. The light scattered across the water like molten gold, casting the boats waiting below in a dramatic silhouette.

Two longboats bobbed gently in the shallows, unmanned.

“Where’s the crew?” you asked softly, narrowing your eyes at the empty vessels.

“Not required,” Hongjoong replied offhandedly, already moving toward the shoreline.

You nodded slowly, deciding to not question his actions. You were beginning to wonder if the list of strange things happening around these pirates would ever end. Still, you wanted at least one question answered before the day ended.

Boarding the longboats was done quickly and with minimal fuss. You were grateful for the help loading the additional gear—Seonghwa had brought more supplies than seemed necessary, and Yunho had insisted on buying new blankets for “comfort purposes.”

By the time the boats reached the ship, darkness had settled in completely. The Treasure loomed above you like a floating fortress, its black sails folded neatly and its deck glowing with dozens of small lanterns that lined the railings, giving it an ethereal glow. It looked beautiful from a distance, but you couldn’t help but wonder if the lights might attract the wrong kind of attention.

As your boots touched the wood of the main deck once again, you couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at your lips. You’d hated this ship the first time you were here, wanted nothing but to escape it, even—but something about being back felt oddly… right.

Yunho, however, was having a full-blown emotional reunion. “I missed you,” he whispered dramatically, arms outstretched as he pressed his cheek to the main mast. “Did you miss me? I know you did.”

San snorted. “Should we give you two a minute?”

Yunho shushed him with a wave of his hand and hugged the mast harder. “Don’t interrupt us. This is a sacred moment.”

You rolled your eyes fondly and turned to follow the others below deck.

Apparently, while you were away, your cabin had been moved—no longer a damp, prison-like cell in the belly of the ship, it was now nestled beneath the forecastle. Seonghwa explained on the way that it had been part of the crew’s long-overdue upgrades.

When you finally opened the door, your breath caught.

It was still compact, but it felt more like a real room now. A sturdy desk and chair stood near a much wider porthole window that let in the sea breeze. A proper closet lined one wall, and a small bookshelf—already stocked with a few battered novels and navigation texts—rested beneath it. A heavy trunk sat near the foot of your bed with a real lock and key.

You let out a small, dumbfounded laugh. “This is… actually really nice.”

It took no time for you to begin unpacking your things—placing the compass carefully in the drawer, arranging your new weapons neatly in the trunk, and sliding your few new personal items into their places. For the first time since this adventure began, the room felt like yours.

A bell rang above deck, signaling dinner. The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread drifted down through the corridors. Your stomach growled in response.

In the mess hall, Wooyoung and a few other crewmates had somehow managed to whip together a feast in no time. Even though it was just fresh warm bread so soft it practically melted, and a steaming pot of thick vegetable stew—all of it tasted like something out of a dream. You didn’t bother with small talk. No one did. Everyone was too focused on stuffing their faces like they hadn’t eaten in days.

Between mouthfuls, you noticed a few unfamiliar faces among the crew—some younger, others older. They moved easily through the space, carrying trays, adjusting sails outside, or quietly observing.

You added it to your long list of questions.

…

After dinner, the warmth of the food settled in your belly, but your thoughts remained in disarray. You wandered out onto the main deck, hoping the open air and endless stretch of the ocean would help clear your head. A soft breeze tugged at your sleeves, and the rhythmic sound of the waves against the hull grounded you somewhat. Constellations danced in the sky as the ship moved slowly, replaying their eternal stories.

You found that you weren’t the only one seeking solitude.

Ahead, you caught sight of Wooyoung effortlessly scaling the ropes to the crow’s nest, his figure vanishing into the shadows. On impulse, you decided to follow him.

Climbing, however, proved to be much less graceful on your part. Your arms strained, boots slipped, and your breath hitched more than once as you awkwardly hauled yourself up. When you finally clambered into the circular platform, you all but flopped beside him, earning a small lazy smile but no comment.

Wooyoung nodded in acknowledgment, still looking out toward the horizon. “I suppose you have questions for me?” he asked without turning his head.

You nodded, brushing a strand of hair away from your face. “I saw what your brothers can do. It seemed… pretty straightforward. But what about you? What’s the nature of your powers?”

He glanced at you then, something in his gaze unusually grave, and took a deep breath. “Well…” he began, tone softer than you were used to, “to put it simply, I’m a light manipulator.”

You raised your brows in interest, silently prompting him to go on.

“I attract light,” he explained, “as well as shadow—and I can bend both to my will. Like this.” He flicked his fingers, and with a shimmer, his hand vanished before reappearing a second later. “Light can be powerful—sometimes even more than fire if wielded correctly.”

You watched closely as he spoke, the playful edge usually present in his voice now dulled to something more earnest.

“If light is concentrated into one place, it's dangerous. It can blind someone. Or…” he hesitated slightly, his jaw tightening, “It can make them burn.”

The final word landed heavy in the silence between you. He exhaled and shook his head, as if trying to physically shed the weight of his own explanation.

“But the other side of my power,” he continued, “lets me blend into shadows or bend light around me, making me disappear—good for sleuthing, sneaking around… spying.”

“Interesting,” you murmured, the science behind holding such a power inside, fascinated you. “Do you think there’s more? Things you haven’t discovered yet?”

Wooyoung smiled faintly, eyes unfocused. “Of course. But I think—no, I know—the greater the power, the greater the curse it brings. A balance of sorts.”

You tilted your head. “A curse?”

He nodded. “My dad used to say nothing in nature exists without balance. When you’re given something powerful, there’s always something else to stop you from abusing it. A limit, written into your very being. I don’t think many people understand that.”

You thought about that for a moment before asking quietly, “And for you? What’s your limit?”

His gaze finally shifted to meet yours, and the smile that followed was laced with quiet tragedy. “The possibility of disappearing forever.”

You blinked. “What?”

“When I use my power, I absorb pure energy—the kind that makes up light itself. Every time I do, my physical form weakens. I… waver,” he said, flexing his fingers as if trying to grasp at his own human shell. “Sometimes, I don’t fully return to my original form. You saw it earlier. My hand… glitched. Became shadow, then light. Not fully there.”

Your eyes widened. So you had seen it. You’d thought it was just a trick of exhaustion.

“Sometimes,” he added, staring up at the stars, “I feel like I’m just an illusion—a trick of light and shadow. Something that used to be human but is slipping into something else entirely. One day… I may just dissolve. Fade out. Like the light I command.”

The wind stirred between you. You stared at him, realizing—perhaps for the first time—how deeply intelligent and layered he truly was. Beneath all the flirty remarks and smug grins lived a man who carried fear, knowledge, and burdens of his own.

“I’ve accepted it…we all have” he said after a moment, voice low. “Unless there’s a way to stop it, it’s just… part of my path.”

You opened your mouth, unsure of what you were going to say—comfort him? Thank him for sharing?—but you didn’t get the chance.

“Hey lovebirds!” San’s voice rang out from the deck below. “Get down, the captain’s calling a meeting!”

Your face flushed instantly. “We’re not—!” you called back, but your voice faded into the wind.

Wooyoung turned to you with that familiar, mischievous grin, as if the past ten minutes hadn’t happened at all. “Well, you heard him.” He held out his hand. “Let’s go, princess. Duty calls.”

You grasped it, vowing to know more, to find an end, a cure, to the despair behind the light.

© alxtiny . Do not steal, plagiarise, translate, repost, or use my works on any platform in any way.

Comment under masterlist to be added to taglist

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS PURE FICTION AND NOT RELATED TO THE MEMBERS OF ATEEZ IN REAL LIFE PLEASE DO NOT TAKE IT SERIOUSLY

Taglist: @yandere-stories @passionandsuga @beabatiny @sadtoru @pixie0627 @nagynomi98 @bunnychui @nuggiesnuggetdog04 @life-is-a-game-of-thrones @daniela-f-uwu @klllerwaifu @imbaebi @ffenjoyerdazme @tesmari @septemberrain13 @tiny2018 @sophiemoloney @death-muffin @starryjoong-jeongcheollie @sassy-snassy @amazaynaastha @asweetblueberry2

Net: @cromerstudios

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

This is such a good pirate ateez au! Plus I love the fantasy like/scifi like aspects in this with the “powers”! Highly recommend!

[nervousdiythesimspsychic]

The fox and the treasure hunters

part 12: Trapped in Memories

pairing: ateez x fox fm reader

genre: mystery, thriller, adventure

warnings: violence, dark themes, Psychological Trauma, Psychological Stress, blood and gore, Physical Danger, Suffering, Emotional Growth, Trauma,

summary: (y/n) has been on the run her whole life. She is accompanied by the spirit of a fox, which was placed in her mind by a witch. Over the years, she has learned to work alongside the fox, but the trauma of her youth runs deep. Because of this, she is wary and trusts no one. One day, eight men walk toward the village; her instincts tell her that they are here for her. Can these men earn (y/n)'s trust and pull her out of the darkness while they search for the treasure, where (y/n) turns out to be a key player in ways they never expected?

xxx Ziezo

previous - masterlist - next

chapter 12: Trapped in Memories

The group moves forward in silence, searching for a safe place to catch their breath. The oppressive quiet between them is only broken by the soft rustling of leaves and the whisper of the wind. The mist has left them behind, but its traces still linger deep in their minds.

San is still carrying (y/n), her body limp against his. Her breathing has steadied, but her eyes remain closed, as if she’s not yet ready to fully let the world back in. Her fingers occasionally clutch at the fabric of his jacket, as if afraid he might disappear.

"There," Seonghwa finally says, pointing to a small clearing between the trees. "It's not perfect, but we can rest there for a while."

Mingi and Jongho quickly scan the area while the rest stay behind. Hongjoong watches Wooyoung, who still lags at the back, his gaze fixed on the ground. His shoulders hang heavy, as if the weight of his own thoughts is dragging him down.

"Wooyoung," Hongjoong says carefully, but he barely reacts. Yeosang casts him a worried glance but doesn’t know what to say.

They reach the clearing, and San carefully sets (y/n) down against a tree. She finally opens her eyes, but her gaze is unfocused, distant.

"(y/n)?" Yunho tries gently, but she doesn’t respond right away.

She seems trapped in her own world, her mind still filled with the voices of the mist. She hears the words again, those whispered voices that tried to break her trust, that reminded her of things she wanted to forget.

"These aren’t the men who held you captive. Are they new ones who will?"

Her breath catches.

"(y/n)," San says softer this time, his hand resting gently on her shoulder.

She blinks and finally looks at him, but instead of relief, there is only confusion in her eyes.

Wooyoung, who has sat down a little further away, slowly shakes his head. "This is my fault," he murmurs.

Seonghwa sighs. "That’s not true."

"I attacked her," Wooyoung snaps, his voice filled with self-disgust. "I saw her as a threat. I hurt her."

"That was the mist. Just like with Mingi, this isn’t your fault," Yeosang tries, but Wooyoung shakes his head again.

"No. The mist used something that was already inside me. A fear I didn’t even realize I had. And now…" His eyes flicker to the girl, sitting against the tree, detached from everything not saying a word to San nor Yunho. "Now she knows I don’t fully trust her."

No one knows what to say.

Hongjoong takes a deep breath and looks around at the group. "We stay here. Everyone needs rest. Then we’ll decide how to move forward."

No one argues. They don’t have a choice.

=============

Night has fallen, but no one seems ready to sleep. The air is heavy, thick with unspoken worries.

Hongjoong is the one who finally breaks the silence. "We knew she didn’t grow up with us. But this… this changes everything." His voice is quiet but carries a deeper meaning.

Seonghwa stares at the ground, his fingers clasped together. "The mist didn’t just attack her. It spoke directly to her. It knew her fears, her past… it knew exactly how to get to her."

Mingi slowly shakes his head. "It wasn’t lying." His voice is raw. "That mist… it twists things, makes them worse, but it doesn’t make them up." He casts a quick glance at Wooyoung, who has his knees pulled up, staring into the fire.

"She was used," Jongho says finally, his jaw tight. "Raised to fight, to kill. And the fox…" He pauses, searching for the right words. "If the mist was telling the truth, then the fox isn’t just an ability. It’s a survival mechanism. A weapon she was forced to become."

Yeosang exhales sharply. "And now she’s here, with us. But can we really expect her to trust us?"

Wooyoung clenched his jaw and held back tears. A silence falls. The flames of the fire crackle softly, but no one speaks.

"Maybe," Seonghwa finally says, "we should ask ourselves if we can trust her."

Everyone looks up—some in shock, others with a painful recognition.

"Not because she's dangerous," he quickly clarifies, "but because she’s spent her whole life learning to distrust people. Even if she wants to trust us… Yeosang is right can she?"

Hongjoong runs a hand through his hair. "What I don’t understand…" He looks at the others. "If she grew up in captivity for so long, how did she escape?"

Yeosang frowns. "The mist said she’s been here before."

Jongho nods slowly. "Maybe this swamp was her escape route. Maybe she hid here."

San, sitting against a tree with his arms crossed, looks at the rest. "That would explain why she acts differently in the mist. She’s not just afraid of it. She knows it."

Hongjoong leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "So, she was raised as a weapon. She was tortured and imprisoned. She escaped through this swamp, and now… now she’s back." He slowly shakes his head.

"Do you think that’s why she’s not saying anything?" Yeosang asks. "Because she’s afraid we’ll draw the wrong conclusion?"

Seonghwa glances in the direction where (y/n) is sitting still against the tree where San en Yunho had left her. "Or because she’s afraid we’ll draw the right one."

Silence falls. The night suddenly feels colder.

After a few moments, San stands up. "Either way," he says, "we can’t force her to talk. But what we can do is be there for her if she ever wants to."

Yunho nods and rises to his feet as well. "We can start by showing her we’re not enemies."

No one says anything, but something shifts in the atmosphere. The realization that (y/n) may never fully escape her past. That her trust isn’t something they can expect, but something they have to earn.

And the realization that, no matter how hard the mist tried, it hadn’t fully turned them against her.

==================

But the air around the campfire remained heavy. The mist may be gone, but its presence still lingers in their minds. No one speaks about it until Yeosang finally tosses a stick into the fire and straightens his shoulders.

"That mist…" he begins softly. "It knew exactly how to get to us."

A brief silence follows. It’s clear that everyone is thinking about it, but no one wants to be the first to voice their fears.

"It tried to lure me with my brothers." The words come unexpectedly, and it takes a moment before they realize it’s Wooyoung who spoke. He stares into the fire, his eyes dark. "I heard their voices. They asked where I was. Why I wasn’t with them. That they needed me." He swallows hard. "For a moment… I believed it."

San nods slowly, his gaze still fixed on the fire. "For me, it was my mother." His voice is flat, as if he’s trying to detach himself from the memory. "I heard her crying. She called for me, asked why I had left her alone." His fists clench. "I knew it wasn’t real, but… it sounded so real."

Mingi rests his head against his knees. "For me, it was… failure." His breath catches for a moment. "The mist showed me a version of myself that let everyone down. Every mission failed. You were all in danger because I wasn’t strong enough. You left me behind because I was a burden."

Jongho lets out a tired sigh. "You’re not a burden, Mingi."

Mingi lets out a bitter smile. "Tell that to the mist."

Another silence falls, but this time, it feels lighter. They acknowledge each other’s fears. They know they weren’t the only ones manipulated by the mist.

Yeosang leans against a rock and closes his eyes for a moment. "I saw myself… powerless. Like I had no control over my own fate." He opens his eyes again and looks at the others. "I think that’s what the mist preyed on. The idea that we have no say in our own lives."

Hongjoong, who has been quiet until now, exhales sharply. "The mist told me I made the wrong choices. That everything I’ve done… has only led us closer to destruction." He looked up, his gaze sharp. "That’s why it’s so dangerous. It doesn’t lie. It just twists the truth in a way that makes you doubt yourself."

Seonghwa nods. "It was never just about scaring us. It was meant to break us."

Jongho, who had been listening with a frown, finally lets out a deep breath. "And yet… we’re still here. Together. Not broken."

Yunho, who had remained silent until now, looks around at the men around him. "That says something about us." His voice is soft but firm. "We all have our fears. But we have each other."

No one speaks, but the message lingers in the air.

They let Yunho’s words settle. They had survived. The mist had tried to turn them against each other, to make them believe they were weak, that their fears were real. But they had each other. They reminded each other of what was real.

Silence.

Yeosang is the first to turn his head, looking toward the edge of the camp. His eyes land on (y/n).

The girl still sat against the tree trunk, exactly where San had placed her when they decided to rest here. She hadn’t moved—her knees pulled up, her arms wrapped around them as if trying to hold herself together. She doesn’t look up. She barely moves. As if she’s trapped in her own world with dried tear stains on her cheeks.

Slowly, realization dawns on them.

"If the mist did this to us…" Wooyoung’s voice falters. "What did it say to her?"

The air suddenly feels heavier.

San looks around at the others and sees the same thought reflected in their faces. The mist had preyed on their deepest fears. But the mist also had a voice… and it had spoken directly to (y/n).

It hadn’t just shown her what she feared—it had spoken to her.

It knew her.

Mingi looks at her, his fists trembling on his knees. "We now know that she has suffered. That she was imprisoned. That… she was used." He swallows hard. "If the mist knew that…"

"Then it made her relive it," Seonghwa whispers.

The thought hits like a hammer. They had barely been able to ignore the voices themselves. The mist had twisted their reality, but they had each other to pull them back.

(y/n) had no one.

Yunho slowly shakes his head, visibly shaken. "We were so caught up with ourselves… that we didn’t even ask how she was doing."

Hongjoong runs a hand through his hair, staring at the ground. "We just left her sitting there. Alone." he felt ashamed of himself. 

Seonghwa is the first to cautiously approach her. His steps are soft, as if afraid she might break if he moves too harshly. The others follow slowly, their expressions filled with concern.

(y/n) doesn’t move when Seonghwa kneels beside her. Her arms are tightly wrapped around her legs, her fingers white from tension. Her long hair falls like a curtain over her face, but he can see her shoulders trembling. She’s breathing fast but shallow.

"(y/n)," Seonghwa says gently. No response. No reaction at all.

Hongjoong crouches beside him and exhales deeply. "She can’t hear us."

"She’s stuck," San whispers from behind them. "Inside her own mind."

Wooyoung looks at the ground with a pained expression.

His voice is rough. "What if… what if the mist made her think I’m just like them? Like the men who held her captive?"

The thought cuts through the group.

San slowly shakes his head. He kneels next to Seonghwa and carefully extends a hand toward her. "(y/n)?" His voice is warm, reassuring, but her body remains rigid.

Seonghwa glances at the others and nods toward the fire. "Maybe we should move her closer to the warmth."

They nod, and with extreme care, San slides an arm under her legs while Seonghwa supports her back. She is light, too light, and she remains stiff in the same curled position as they lift her. It breaks their hearts.

They bring her back to the campfire. The rest of the group makes space, and San and Seonghwa carefully set her down on a blanket. She stays in the same posture—small, closed off.

Then, very softly, they hear her breathe out. "I don’t trust you."

The words cut through them.

Hongjoong kneels beside her and sighs deeply, not out of frustration, more out of shame. "I understand," he says honestly. "And you don’t have to. Not yet. But we’re not leaving you alone, (y/n)."

She finally moves. Her fingers grip the fabric of her pants. "Why not?" Her voice is hoarse. "Why don’t you just leave me by the tree?"

Seonghwa’s voice is firm. "Because you’re not alone."

Slowly, very slowly, (y/n) looks up. Her eyes are dull, exhausted, but deep inside, something still lingers—something the mist hadn’t been able to take from her completely.

Jongho, who had been silent until now, looks at her seriously. "You’ve always had to survive on your own, haven’t you?"

(y/n) says nothing, but the look in her eyes is an answer enough.

Jongho leans in slightly, his voice soft but strong. "You don’t have to anymore."

A long silence falls over the group. (y/n)’s gaze moves over their faces—everyone looking at her with the same determined, serious expression. No pity. No fear. Only understanding.

=========

Wooyoung lies on his back, staring at the stars above them. The night is quiet, except for the soft crackling of the fire. But sleep won’t come. His thoughts storm endlessly in his mind. Every time he closes his eyes, he sees it again—how his fist struck (y/n)’s face. How her eyes widened in shock. How the mist had made him believe she was the enemy.

He curses softly and rolls onto his side, but it doesn’t help. His guilt is a suffocating chain around his throat.

With a sigh, he sits up and glances at the rest of the group. Most of them are already asleep, exhausted from the long, heavy day. But then he sees her—(y/n), lying on her side, her back facing him. Her body is still, but Wooyoung knows immediately that she’s awake.

Before he fully realizes it, he’s on his feet, walking softly toward her.

He hesitates for a moment, his hands uncertain at his sides. But then he hears a soft sigh. “You’re not exactly standing still, Wooyoung.”

Wooyoung bites his lip. "You’re awake."

(y/n) slowly turns over, her eyes opening just enough to look at him. Her face is still bruised from the hit, her cheek now dark blue in the weak firelight. Seeing it sends a sharp pain through Wooyoung’s chest.

"So are you," she murmurs, her voice hoarse from exhaustion.

Wooyoung slowly sits down near her, leaving a small distance between them. He opens his mouth to say something, but no words feel right. How do you apologize for something like this? How do you make up for hurting her—for giving her that one fearful look he never wanted to see? How do you say that your sorry, but that real fox is a bit scary?.

"Does it hurt?" he asks softly.

(y/n) shrugs. "I’ve had worse."

Wooyoung exhales. "That doesn’t make it better."

She looks at him, her eyes tired but sharp. "You weren’t yourself, Wooyoung."

He shakes his head. "That’s no excuse."

She studies him for a moment and then turns her head away, her gaze fixed on the flames. "The mist… it knew exactly how to get to me. How to get to you. It twists everything."

Wooyoung lowers his head and runs a hand through his hair. "It told me you were dangerous." He looks at her. "That you would hurt us."

(y/n) tenses visibly but says nothing.

"I know it was lying," Wooyoung continues. "But it sounded so convincing. And when I saw you—" He pauses, struggling with his words. "My head told me you were hostile. But my heart… my heart knew better."

A bitter smile crosses (y/n)’s lips. "The mist uses truth to make lies believable."

"(y/n)..." Wooyoung hesitates. "What it said about your past… how much of it was true?"

She freezes. Her fingers dig into the fabric of the blanket around her. "It’s late, Wooyoung. You should sleep."

"That’s not an answer." Even though he knew what the answer was after she said that, nothing was lied by the mist.

She gives him a sharp look. "It’s the only answer I’m giving."

He wants to argue, but the look in her eyes is too closed-off, too locked away. Wooyoung knows he can’t force her to talk.

He bites his lip and looks down. "I hate it."

She frowns. "What?"

"That I hurt you. That I doubted you, even for a second." His voice wavers slightly. "I hate it."

(y/n) stares at him for a moment, and to his surprise, her gaze softens just a fraction.

"I know what it feels like to lose yourself," she finally says. "To doubt what’s real and what’s not. And I know what it feels like when people look at you with fear."

Wooyoung’s breath catches for a moment. "(y/n)…"

She exhales shortly and shakes her head. "I don’t blame you, Wooyoung."

His chest tightens. "But you don’t forgive yourself, do you?"

(y/n) looks at him for a long moment. Then, she smiles—small and without humor. "Sleep well, Wooyoung."

He scoffs softly. "You're only saying that to get rid of me."

"Correct."

He shakes his head and stands up. "Fine. But when you wake up tomorrow, just remember one thing..."

She looks at him questioningly.

Wooyoung leans in slightly, his voice sincere and soft. "You have us, (y/n). No matter how hard you make it for us."

For a fraction of a second, her mask seems to crack. But then she blinks, turns her head away, and says nothing.

Wooyoung sighs but decides to leave it at that. He walks back to his spot by the fire and lies down.

San and Hongjoong, who had been quietly following the conversation, exchange a glance.

"She's still fighting," San murmurs. "Do you think she'll ever truly believe that we won't abandon her?" he asks softly.

Hongjoong stares at the fire, his face cast in shadow. "I don’t know. But we’re not stopping until she does."

San and Hongjoong exchange another look before silently walking over to Wooyoung. He lies on his back, an arm draped over his eyes, as if trying to shut out the world.

San crouches first and gently pushes Wooyoung's arm away. "Come on, man. Let us see your face."

Wooyoung mutters something, a crack in his voice but makes no effort to stop him. Hongjoong sits on his other side and places a hand on Wooyoung’s shoulder.

"It wasn’t your fault," Hongjoong says calmly. "You know that, right?"

Wooyoung scoffs. "That’s what everyone says. But she’s the one with a bruised face."

San shakes his head. "Wooyoung... You don’t really think she blames you, do you?"

He remains silent, staring at the stars above.

"That’s not it," he says after a pause.

Hongjoong waits patiently. "Then what is?"

Wooyoung takes a deep breath, as if trying to summon courage. "The mist got to me. It was like my brain was being rewritten. I didn’t see her as (y/n) anymore, not as... our fox child." His voice falters on those last words. "I saw an enemy. And without hesitation, I attacked her."

San feels his own chest tighten at Wooyoung’s confession. He and Hongjoong know how protective Wooyoung can be.

Wooyoung clenches his jaw and shuts his eyes. "I just don’t know how to face her anymore."

Hongjoong and San both glance at (y/n), who went to sit back by the tree, staring at the fire, completely withdrawn from the world.

San sighs and drapes an arm around Wooyoung. "Then you start by just being there. Like you always do."

Wooyoung slowly opens his eyes and looks at San and Hongjoong. They don’t look at him with reproach, nor with pity—only understanding.

After a few seconds, he exhales a trembling breath and nods. "Okay..."

Hongjoong nods in approval and squeezes his shoulder. "Tomorrow is a new day. Get some rest, Wooyoung."

San notices that Wooyoung is still tense, his shoulders stiff and his breathing uneven. Without thinking, he shifts closer and pulls him into a hug.

"Come here, idiot," San mutters, wrapping his arms around him.

Wooyoung tenses at first but then gradually relaxes into the embrace. "You're so annoying," he mumbles against San’s chest, but he makes no move to pull away.

"Yeah, yeah. Just sleep," San murmurs, rubbing Wooyoung’s back reassuringly.

Slowly, Wooyoung’s breathing evens out, and the tension in his body melts away bit by bit. San feels him finally surrender to exhaustion.

Hongjoong, still standing by the fire, lets his gaze drift to the girl.

She still seems lost in her own thoughts, trapped in her own world.

He hesitates a few steps away from her, unsure whether to speak or leave her be. Eventually, he decides to sit down, a short distance from her.

"You’re still awake," he observes softly.

(y/n) doesn’t respond immediately. After a few moments, she gives a small nod.

"I know you don’t want questions," Hongjoong continues, "but… if there’s anything, if we can do something—"

"You can’t do anything," (y/n) interrupts softly, her voice flat.

Hongjoong sighs, resting his forearms on his knees as he stares into the flames.

"We won’t let you fall," he tries again, not knowing what else to say.

Deep down, (y/n) wants to believe those words, but her heart is too tired to allow it. She rests her chin on her knees and closes her eyes.

"Go to sleep, Hongjoong," she finally says.

Hongjoong watches her for a few seconds, but he knows he won’t get an answer. With a quiet sigh, he stands up and leaves her alone.

The night drags on slowly, but sleep refuses to find (y/n). Her eyes remain fixed on the flickering flames of the campfire, as if searching for something to chase away her thoughts.

Behind her, someone moves softly. She doesn’t turn around, but she feels it. A few seconds later, she hears a voice—cautious and mostly gentle.

"(y/n)…"

It’s San.

She doesn’t respond, but San sits down next to her without needing an invitation. For a while, he says nothing—just watches the fire like she does. It’s a silence that doesn’t feel awkward, but heavy.

After a few minutes, he takes a deep breath. "I just wanted to check if you’re okay."

San smirked faintly and looked at (y/n), who was still staring into the fire. The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable, but he could sense that something was weighing on her mind. She seemed to be hesitating, weighing something in her thoughts.

After a few seconds, she took a deep breath and, without looking at him, mumbled, “Sorry.”

San raised an eyebrow and turned slightly toward her. “For what?” he asked, curiosity lacing his voice.

(y/n) sighed and picked at the loose fabric of her sleeve. “For… crying. Or, well, for you having to drag me out of the mist like that. It wasn’t exactly my finest moment.” Her voice carried a hint of self-mockery.

San stared at her for a moment before shaking his head with a short laugh. “Are you serious?”

She shrugged. “I never cry. Or at least, not in front of others.” She glanced at him briefly. “So yeah, sorry you had to witness that.”

San scoffed and gave her shoulder a gentle nudge. “That’s a ridiculous excuse.”

(y/n) frowned. “What?”

San looked at her seriously. “You went through hell and back again today. And you’re worried about breaking down for a moment? Seriously, (y/n)?”

He was silent for a moment, and then—before she could react—he wrapped his arms around her. Not cautiously, not hesitantly. Just a warm, genuine embrace.

(y/n) tensed at first, her muscles instinctively stiffening. But when she realized that San expected nothing from her, that he was simply offering comfort, she slowly relaxed. Her head rested against his shoulder for a brief moment.

She opened her mouth, but he beat her to it. “You had every right to cry. Honestly, you could’ve screamed, cursed, even thrown things at me if you wanted—”

“Oh? So if I picked up a rock right now and threw it at your head, that’d be fine?” she interrupted with a smirk.

San sighed dramatically. “Okay, let’s draw the line there. No rocks, please.”

(y/n) let her shoulders relax slightly and sighed. “I just don’t know how to deal with… this,” she said more softly. “With all the—” She gestured vaguely toward her head. “It feels like the swamp tore open things I would’ve rather kept buried.”

San nodded slowly. “I know that feeling,” he admitted.

She looked at him again, this time holding his gaze longer. “What did the mist say to you?”

San inhaled deeply, staring into the fire before answering. “That I’m not enough. That I’m weaker than the rest. That I’ll always let people down.” He shrugged. “And in that moment, it sounded so real.”

(y/n) let those words sink in before she replied, “That’s not true.”

San offered a faint smile. “And you’re not a monster.”

(y/n)’s breath hitched slightly, and she looked at him sharply. But San held her gaze. “What the swamp told you, about not being able to tell the difference between friend and foe… that was a lie.”

She looked away, unsure how to respond.

San tapped her knee. “You’ve saved us, (y/n). More than once. So if anyone here should be apologizing, it’s me—for the fact that we didn’t trust you at first.”

She scoffed. “You sound just like Wooyoung.”

San grinned. “That’s probably the worst thing you’ve ever said to me.”

(y/n) rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips twitched slightly. “Just shut up and let me sleep.”

San smirked and closed his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Goodnight, (y/n).”

She gave him one last glance before closing her own eyes.

San turned onto his side and looked at her with a lopsided grin, his eyes glinting playfully in the firelight.

“You know what you should actually apologize for?” he asked with an exaggerated sigh.

(y/n) cracked one eye open, eyeing him suspiciously. “What?”

San pulled a pained expression and pointed at his head. “For smashing my poor, innocent face against Wooyoung’s. My gorgeous face did not deserve that.”

(y/n) rolled her eyes, but a small smile flickered across her lips. She scoffed in amusement. “Well, maybe you shouldn’t have kept your head so low.”

San raised his eyebrows. “Oh, so now it’s my fault?”

(y/n) chuckled softly and turned away from him. “Goodnight, San.”

San shook his head with a laugh and closed his eyes. “Goodnight, fox girl.”

With a faint smile still lingering on her face, (y/n) finally surrendered to sleep, the fear and tension of the day momentarily pushed to the background.

=====================

(y/n) stirred slowly, her consciousness drifting between sleep and wakefulness. The scent of toasted bread and spices filled her nose, accompanied by the sound of hushed voices. She blinked sluggishly and felt something warm and heavy pressed against her.

Her brows furrowed as she slowly turned her head.

San.

San had shifted in his sleep and was now curled toward her, holding her firmly, his face peaceful, his breathing steady. His arm rested over her waist, loose but unmistakably protective.

By the fire, a few men were already awake, preparing breakfast. Yeosang and Mingi struggled to balance a pan over the flames, while Hongjoong and Seonghwa murmured quietly. Wooyoung, however, was watching her with an amused smirk, clearly waiting for her reaction.

(y/n)s eyes narrowed at the knowing looks. The others were well aware that San was still holding onto her, and they were thoroughly enjoying the situation.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to stay calm and carefully move out from under San’s arm. But just as she shifted, he mumbled sleepily and pulled her closer.

“Mmm… just a little longer…” he murmured, half-asleep.

The men held their breath, waiting for her response.

(y/n) stared at him for a few seconds, then exhaled sharply and pressed a firm finger against his forehead, pushing him back with gentle force.

“San,” she said dryly. “Let go.”

(y/n) squirmed slightly, trying to free herself from his grip, but he didn’t budge. Instead, he let out a soft, sleepy grumble and pulled her even closer.

Her eyes widened. “San,” she hissed. “Let me go.”

No response.

She cast a glance at the men by the fire, but instead of help, she saw grinning faces. Wooyoung had his hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh, while Yunho stared exaggeratedly at the fire, though his shoulders betrayed his amusement.

"San," she tried again, her voice slightly louder.

He grumbled again, as if still deeply asleep, and now buried his face in her shoulder.

She froze. "…You're doing this on purpose."

A brief silence—then she felt his shoulders shake. The bastard was laughing at her right to her face without saying a word.

Wooyoung couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing. "Oh my god, her face!"

The rest of the men also started chuckling. Mingi shook his head while flipping a piece of bread over the fire. "San, how old are you?"

Hongjoong let out an exaggerated sigh. "He just needs confirmation that he's a good hugger, that's all."

"I swear," (y/n) growled, her patience wearing thin. "If you don’t let me go, then—"

Before she could finish her sentence, she pushed her knee just a little too hard against his stomach. San groaned dramatically and finally released her.

"Oof, (y/n), that wasn’t very loving." He yawned, sat up, and stretched as if nothing had happened.

(y/n) shot up and marched toward the fire with an annoyed look, her cheeks warm as she crossed her arms.

Wooyoung grinned and leaned toward Mingi. "Think she realizes?"

"What?" Mingi asked curiously.

"That San could have let go just as easily last night… but chose not to?"

Mingi chuckled softly. "She has no idea."

(y/n) stubbornly kept her back turned to San, arms tightly crossed as she tried to ignore the heat on her face. But San was relentless.

"No, (y/n)!" he called out dramatically. "Don't leave me! I'm cold!"

The group almost burst into laughter but tried to hold it in. Mingi bit his lip, Wooyoung half-turned away to stay out of (y/n)’s sight, and Yeosang stared at a blade of grass with interest.

(y/n) slowly turned around, her eyes narrowed into slits. "San." Her voice was low and threatening.

San was still sitting on the ground, arms wrapped around himself as if he were actually freezing. "You were so warm, (y/n). How could you just abandon me like that?"

Yunho let out an exaggeratedly dramatic sigh. "So much love, so cruelly broken."

Seonghwa, who had been watching the scene with his arms crossed, rolled his eyes. "Enough." His voice was calm but firm. "You’ve had your fun. Now come eat."

(y/n) shot San one last deadly glare before walking to the campfire with her chin held high, plopping down next to Wooyoung. San stood up with a satisfied grin and followed her, whispering to Hongjoong, "I won."

Hongjoong glanced at him sideways and smirked. "I think you're the one who's gonna lose, man."

Wooyoung’s gaze unintentionally drifted to (y/n)’s cheek, now turning a deep blue. His cheerful expression faded, and his hands clenched into fists on his lap.

"(y/n)…" he started softly.

(y/n) immediately knew where this was going and rolled her eyes. "No."

Wooyoung frowned. "I haven't even said anything yet."

"You don’t have to." She took a bite of her food, avoiding eye contact. "It was the mist, not you. We’re letting it go."

Wooyoung opened his mouth to protest, but San nudged his shoulder and subtly shook his head. Wooyoung clenched his jaw but kept his eyes fixed on her cheek, as if he was looking at the bruise hardly enough it will go away.

(y/n) stayed silent as she ate. She could feel the group's occasional glances at her, but she ignored them. She knew they had questions. She knew they were worried. But the only thing she wanted right now… was space and some bread.

San, sitting beside her, noticed the tension in her shoulders and subtly shifted, letting their arms barely touch. A small, almost invisible gesture. But it was enough.

(y/n) slowly exhaled and refocused on her food.

After breakfast, the group started packing up their things. The atmosphere was still tense, but there was also a sense of determination in the air. They had to move forward, no matter how uncomfortable some truths had become.

(y/n) stood a little farther away, her back to the group, running her hands through her hair. The exhaustion still clung to her body, and the words of the mist echoed in her head.

"(y/n)."

She turned and saw Wooyoung walking toward her, his expression a mix of guilt and determination.

"I know you don’t want to talk, but—"

"Then don’t start," she interrupted flatly.

Wooyoung stopped and took a deep breath. "You can’t just ignore this. We can’t just ignore this."

(y/n)’s jaw tightened. "I am."

"I'm sorry."

She closed her eyes for a brief moment. "I already told you it wasn’t your fault."

"But it is," Wooyoung insisted, his voice softer now. "I didn’t see you, (y/n). I saw the fox. And I hit you."

She opened her eyes and looked at him sharply. "I am the fox."

Wooyoung swallowed and looked at the ground for a moment before meeting her gaze again. “I don’t want you to think we’re afraid of you.”

“You should be.”

Wooyoung frowned. “Why would you say that?”

She took a deep breath and glanced at the rest of the group, still busy packing. Then, she lowered her voice. “You all heard what the mist said. You know now. What I am. What I’ve done.”

Wooyoung stepped closer. “Yeah. And you know what else I know?”

She didn’t answer.

“That you were the one who led us through that swamp. That you were the one who kept us safe. And that you were the one who pulled me out of that mist, even after I hit you.”

(y/n) looked away. “It was the right choice.”

“That was your choice.”

She felt Wooyoung’s hand brush lightly against her arm—just a hesitant touch—before he pulled back. “You are not what the mist said you are.”

(y/n) let out a sarcastic chuckle. “No? And what if the fox stops distinguishing between friend and foe?”

“Then we trust that you will.”

She looked at him, and for a moment, there was only silence between them. Then Wooyoung turned and walked back toward the group.

(y/n) remained behind, her heart pounding in her chest, anger and frustration burning through her. She couldn’t understand how Wooyoung could trust her so easily when he had seen firsthand what happened to the hunters.

Wooyoung felt her fingers close around his arm, and before he realized it, she spun him around with unexpected strength. Her eyes burned with fury, but beneath it lay something else. Fear.

“The mist was right,” she hissed. “And you’re a fool if you don’t believe that.”

Wooyoung opened his mouth, but (y/n) cut him off.

“If the fox takes full control, I have no choice! Do you really think I can stop it? Do you really think I’m strong enough?” Her voice was shaking now, her breathing rapid. “I have no control, Wooyoung! You should be afraid. And you’re a fool for not believing the mist.”

Wooyoung held her gaze, but instead of recoiling or pulling away, he did something unexpected. He stepped closer.

“No,” he said calmly. “We’re not fools, (y/n). We’re choosing to believe you instead of the mist.”

(y/n)’s breath hitched.

“The mist wanted to break us, (y/n). To turn us against each other. Why would it tell the truth?”

“Because—” She stopped. She didn’t know the answer.

Wooyoung continued, softer now. “You think you have no choice, but that’s not true. You have one, right now. You’re here. You’re leading us. You’re protecting us. That’s a choice too.”

(y/n) stared at him, her fingers still clenched around his arm. Her body trembled, her mind screamed at her, but deep in her chest, something else gnawed at her.

Wooyoung raised his hand and gently placed it over hers. “You don’t have to carry this alone.”

Her grip loosened.

The anger in her eyes didn’t disappear completely, but it shifted into something else. She let go of Wooyoung’s arm, curling her hands into fists, her nails pressing into her palms.

“I don’t know how.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Wooyoung gave her a faint smile. “That’s okay. We’ll help you.”

She looked at him, uncertain. He didn’t know if she believed him. Maybe she couldn’t. But at least she turned her back to him and walked back to the others without saying another word.

Wooyoung sighed and ran a hand over his face.

San, who had been watching from a few meters away, stepped toward him. “That went well.”

Wooyoung let out a dry laugh. “Yeah, if you count ignoring all the death threats.”

San clapped a hand on his shoulder. “She has a lot to think about. But you made her hesitate. That’s a start.”

Wooyoung nodded slowly, watching as (y/n) rejoined the group.

He let out a deep breath, running his fingers through his hair. “She’s starting to trust me more, right?” he asked, his eyes unconsciously following (y/n).

San leaned against a tree and raised an eyebrow. “Well… she didn’t try to hit you again. So yeah, I think you’re making progress.”

A short laugh escaped Wooyoung, but his expression remained serious. “No, really. Did you notice? She let me finish. She could’ve ignored me or just walked away again, but she didn’t.”

San crossed his arms and nodded slowly. “Yeah… She’s listening. Even if she doesn’t want to admit it.”

Wooyoung smirked slightly. “Think she’ll ever admit we’re her friends?”

San pulled a playful grimace. “Maybe… in twenty years.”

Wooyoung laughed and gave San a light shove. “I’ll give her five. Max.”

San looked at him, his grin softening. “And you? Do you trust her?”

Wooyoung was silent for a moment. His gaze drifted to (y/n), who sat with her back to them. His fingers curled into his pocket as he thought about everything that had happened. Then, slowly, he nodded.

“Yes,” he said firmly. “I think I always have.”

San nudged him lightly, grinning. “Well, if you win her trust, you might as well take the whole group with you.”

Wooyoung chuckled, “That’s the plan.”

next chapter

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

this is such a good series so far! I love Wooyoung and fox reader’s playful relationship at times.

[solaris-amethyst]

💫Our Journey💫

✨Pairing: ateez ot8 x gn!reader ✨Chapter 2. After getting dropped in the middle of seemingly nowhere, scared of where you are and far away from home, Y/n meets a peculiar boy with a raspberry hat and a necklace with a topaz on it. Perhaps he can help you? ✨Genre: fantasy au, Elsa Beskow inspired, non romance, ✨Word Count: 6.1k ✨Tag list: ☀️Authors Note: Chapter 2 is here and it is longer than I had planned for it to be! Let me know what you think! It was so hard to decide what berry/flower each member was going to represent/wear.😭 Let me know if you'd like to join the tag list💓

<previous> <next>

You didn’t know how long you had been up at the air at this point. The greenfinch wouldn’t let you go no matter how much you had screamed at him. That was until he had gotten far enough where he would stop and just fly over the same spot for a while as if he was contemplating what to do with you now.

You feared that he would just drop you and from the height you were at you knew that you’d be hurt incredibly bad. Just as you finished that thought you were flung up in the air as the bird let you go allowing you to just free fall down and you once again screamed in terror, afraid of what would happen to you next.

What if you got hurt enough to actually die? Far away from home, far away from your family and the comfort they brought you. Far away from everything that brought you serenity. Would you not live to see yourself become old with time?

The trees and the ground got closer and closer and soon you just closed your eyes, deciding you didn’t want to know when you’d hit the ground. You then felt your body connecting with leaves and branches as you crashed into a big oak tree. It hurt so incredibly much you wouldn’t really be able to fully describe it, perhaps the closest you’d get to the same pain you felt as you fell down desperately trying to grab onto something was if you were bitten by a bunch of angry fire ants and also getting stung by nettles. It hurt so much and at one particular point your wrist was in more pain than you had ever experienced before.

You do not know what kind of luck had been on your side during this fall but somehow you manage to land on your bum at the stump of the tree, truly a miracle with how you weren’t hurt even more than you actually were. 

You sat up slowly in shock looking around with big wide eyes. Your surrounding was unfamiliar and instead of being welcoming and kind, the forest and greenery around you felt looming and threatening for someone so small. Your wrist was throbbing in pain as you looked around before looking down at yourself. You truly looked worse for wear, bruises were starting to form on your skin, some really big and ugly, soon you’d be hurting even more than you were now.

There were open wounds on your hands and arms and some on your legs, you weren’t bleeding much but enough for some panic to start again deep within you. You once again could not stop the tears from falling down your cheeks, at this point you would have thought you wouldn’t be able to cry anymore but it seems that you were proven otherwise as you bury your face in your hands sobbing loudly. 

It was scary, you were hurt and all you wanted was to be in the arms of your mama but she wasn’t here to hold you, to comfort you or to help heal your wounds. She was far away from where you were and it broke your heart into millions of pieces. You could vaguely hear wings flapping over you before something landed with a soft thud in front of you.

”Are you okay?” A voice asked and in your head it was obviously the greenfinch back to torment you even more causing you to lash out in anger at the creature in front of you.

”Stay away!!! Haven’t you caused enough harm to me you vile creature!” You scream as you flail your arms hoping that the bird will fly away but you realize when you opened your eyes that the bird in front of you wasn’t the greenfinch but a little robin, it’s red chest puffy as it’s little face tilts to the side looking at you curiously.

”Oh… I’m sorry I did not mean to scream at you.” You say in shock and the little robin hops closer to you.

”You are hurt. What happened to you? My dear you shouldn’t be outside all by yourself? Where is your family?” The robin asks concerned for your safety, hoping closer to see if you’re incredibly hurt.

”I was abducted by a greenfinch… he grabbed me from my home and flew me away and I’m scared. I wanna go home, i’m hurt and oh please do you think you can fly me home?” You ask the bird desperately and the robin looks at you sadly.

”I’m sorry but I can’t fly you home, my wing is hurt and I can only fly in short distances before I need a break.” It tells you and your face falls at the realization that this nice little bird cannot help you get home.

”Perhaps you should see if the other little people can help you?” The robin asks.

”O-other little people? Here?” You say surprised.

Sure you had known there were others like you and your family out there, it was usually a rare occasion meeting others since the world was big and everyone had different places they fit into. Some lived in the wild open fields with all the flowers because that’s what they were. Dhalias, marigolds, roses and so on.

Some lived in the forest like your family, disguised as blueberries, raspberries, pinecones and other species of plants. But it hadn’t occurred to you that perhaps there were others like you in this part of the world where you had been dropped off.

”Oh yes, I’m not sure where they are but they’re somewhere here. Perhaps you can find them and get help?” The robin chirps jumping back and forth excited to have given you some information that could help you.

”Thank you ummm… I never got your name?” You ask the robin wanting to thank it properly.

”Oh! My name is Stormcloud.”

”Stormcloud?” You ask surprised that the little robin had such a name.

”Yeah! I took my first flight as a little bird during a storm and thus gained the name Stormcloud. My parents thought it would be befitting a brave little robin like me.” Stormcloud puffs his chest out in pride.

”Wow you truly must be a brave little robin then.” You compliment Stormcloud before asking: ”You wouldn’t happen to know where I need to go to find the others like me?”

”They are usually seen deeper into the forest near the blueberry bushes.” Stormcloud tells you looking towards the forest. ”You’ll find them I’m sure of it!” 

”What if I get lost…” You mumble causing the robin to chuckle.

”You already are lost are you not? So why does it matter if you get even more lost in the process?” 

The two of you talk for a while, Stormcloud giving you information that you might need when traversing the density of the earth. And while he is helpful a lot of his information comes from how he sees things from above. Making it harder for you to understand at certain points what he might mean when he tells you that its next to the rock formation of a wooden stump from above.

Soon Stormcloud bids you farewell and good luck on your journey before he flys away, back to his home and his family. You shakily stand up on your legs. It still hurts and you cannot help but look up towards the sky scanning for the bird who had taken you away. Fearing he might come back to pluck you up again and take you even further away from your home. When the coast is clear and all you can really see is the blue sky and the clouds dancing around you take it as a sign to start walking.

You find a stick which looks good enough to use as a potential weapon to defend yourself with just in case anyone or anything tries to hurt you as you go looking for the other children of the forest. 

It’s dark and unfamiliar as you slowly traverse through the greenery and it forms a pit in your stomach. You have no idea what might be hiding in this part of the world. Perhaps swamp trolls or goblins or perhaps even wyverns. How were you going to defend yourself if any creatures like those came to attack you? They were bigger and stronger than you and your father had always told you that the only thing you could do was either run or hide and wish said creature wouldn’t find you. Not many of your people lived to tell the tales after an attack from a swamp troll or a wyvern. 

”Be calm and stealthy like a spider.” You mumble to yourself, trying to be as quiet as possible like spiders were but in reality you were terrified, legs trembling with each step they took. 

How would you even know where to find these other people? What if Stormcloud had actually been lying to you? And wanted you to get even more lost like the greenfinch that had kidnapped you and taken you far far away from home. From your mama, from your papa and from your siblings. 

Your family.

Were they worried? Had they noticed you were missing? What if they did not question it when you did not return? What if they did not care?

That made you stop in your tracks. What were you even thinking? Questioning your own family like that. You shook your head, trying to will away those mean thoughts. Your family would notice you were gone when you did not come home for supper. They would search for you because they cared, because they loved you. 

You told yourself that a few times and reminded yourself of the time Birk had gotten lost when you all were younger, perhaps around nine years old. Your father and mother had gone out looking for him and did not stop their search until he was found. Both were worried but determined to find him, they even got the help of their friends like the birds and the squirrels to help search for him.

Birk had been found all alone under a chanterelle, crying because he could not find his way home and when your father had found him he had hugged him tight that day. Your mother had hugged him even tighter and made sure he was alright before the three of them went back home. 

They’d search for you. 

They wouldn’t stop, not unless all the signs said you were gone for good. 

”My family loves me and they will search for me. Just like I would have searched for them.” You tell yourself before taking a steadying breath to calm your racing heart. 

It would be fine. You just needed to find the other children of the forest and see if they could help you. Help you find home and perhaps even help you with your wrist which was hurting terribly now after you had walked for a while. 

It irked you how eerily silent everything were. Back home the forest was lively and full of life, there were birds singing and chirping, squirrels bickering back and forth and it was just filled with warmth and joy. 

This place was dark and silent almost as if it was dead. Not a creature in sight and it bothered you and made your worries rise. Perhaps your worries earlier about dangerous creatures had been right and here you were walking around making noises and being out in the open. Perhaps you should be even more stealthy and hide with leaves so if something comes around the corner it would not spot you immediately. The thought of being spotted made you quickly pick up a big oak leaf that had fallen from its tree to hold in front of you as a shield. This way you could drop down on the ground with the big leaf covering you making sure you were protected if you could not defend yourself with your stick.

You wandered for what could have been hours without any sight of anyone like you. There were certain times where you felt like you were being observed as you tumbled around trying to find your way forward. 

There was a certain feeling you’d get when it felt like someone was watching you. Shivers running up your spine but no matter how hard you looked around you could not see anything that would indicate that there was someone in close proximity that would be watching you. In the end you had felt too tired to continue your journey and decided to rest under a cep, using the big leaf you had picked up earlier as a blanket and before you knew it you had slumbered away into dreamland.

What you did not see as you slipped away into dreamland was someone carefully stepping out of the blueberry bushes.

It was a boy.

He was careful, glancing around to make sure the surrounding area was safe before quietly making his way over to you. He was curious about you, never had he seen someone with a hat like you around these parts of the world. You were clumsy and absolutely not silent at all despite you probably thinking you were super stealthy with that stick and leaf in your hands. He had fought hard to not snort or burst out laughing at certain moments of your traveling like when you almost tripped over a little stone but instead stepped on the leaf and fell down anyway. 

You were interesting.

Something new and uncertain.

But still very interesting according to him. 

Otherwise said boy would not have followed you as you walked around mindlessly with no real destination in mind. He had been sure you would have taken a left near the chanterelle ring and make your way down to the meadow but instead you took right, down towards the caves for some reason.

”What do we have here?” He mumbled as he took a closer look at you. Inspecting your face closely, taking in all the details of the way your nose looked, to how long your eyelashes were and the way your lips were parted slightly as you slept. 

He moved on to your hat after studying your face for a while. It was different than his that’ s for sure. His was a pretty pink and looked cute whilst yours screamed stay away from me with the way it resembled a poisonous hat. Perhaps that meant you were poisonous as well? Before he could think if it was a good idea or not he poked your cheek but nothing happened so the boy concluded that you were most likely not poisonous. 

You had scrunched your face when he had poked your cheek but that was not something the boy took any notice of. He was too busy inspecting the spots on your hat to notice that your eye were fluttering open once more.

You blinked your eyes a few times before you registered the fact that someone was standing in front you and slightly above you. Before you could even think you pushed the person hard so he fell back on his butt.

”OW! What was that for?!!” The boy screeched looking at you very offended.

”W-what was that for?! What do you mean! You were standing over me like some weirdo!!” You screeched back in anger and fear taking your stick getting on your feet as quickly as you could taking a swing at him.

”WOAH!!” He managed to roll to the left avoiding getting hit by your stick. ”What’s wrong with you! I wasn’t even doing anything!” He glares at you and throws a stone at you that he had picked up as he avoided your attack.

”OW!” You let go of your stick to cradle your wrist which hurt even more bow thanks to the stone hitting it. Tears prickle in your eyes at the pain and you glare at the boy in anger.

”Oh no! Sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you!” He looks panicked for a second before getting up on his feet and takes a few steps closer to you.

”Stay away from me!” You say taking a step back every time he takes a step forward. ”I-i’ll bite if you come close!” You say hoping he will stop but he just snorts at that.

”I don’t believe you. You’re shaking like a aspen leaf and you look two seconds away from crying again.” He says before continuing ”Look I’m sorry I scared you like that, that wasn’t my intention at all. I’ve just never seen someone like you around here before so curiosity got the best of me.” He admits bashfully.

”Are you the one that’s been watching me?” You ask finally taking your time to actually observe him. He got a raspberry as his hat with black hair sticking out from it, he got a beautiful face with a mole right under his eye and you find yourself studying his face intently. His eyes are beautiful and they shine in a way only a person being truthful could have and his lips are thin but slightly pink. He looks gorgeous and when the sun flitters through the leaves above his skin practically glows in a way you had never seen before. 

Perhaps he had been blessed by the faeries? ”Ummm… Hello?? You’re staring at me.” He says waving his hand in front of you and you can feel your face heat up at that.

”No I’m not!”

”You totally were!!”

”No I wasn't!”

You two bicker back and forth for a while until you by accident slip up and says that you did causing the boy to cheer. That’s when you notice a necklace hanging around his neck. The stones on the necklace are beautiful, some are as pure crystal clear like the rivers back home and some of them are tinted yellow like the sunset.

”You like my necklace?” He asks cheekily, his hand coming up to touch it.

”It’s beautiful.” You mumble and he beams at you seemingly already forgotten the fact that you two had been fighting earlier.

”Thanks! It’s a stone called topaz! My birth stone in fact!” He tells you before taking a step closer causing you to take one backwards.

”Oh come on! I won’t hurt you!”

”How can I know you speak the truth!” You spit back and he shrugs.

”You just gotta trust me.” 

”Yeah sure like I will trust anyone right now. I shouldn’t have listened to Stormcloud I should just have tried to walk back home.” You say frustrated.

”Stormcloud? You know him?” The boy asks curiously tilting his head slightly.

”I met him earlier, he told me to find the others who were like me living in this place but I should have tried to go back home instead! Now I’m even further away from home and I have no idea on how to get back to my family. I’m scared and hurt and hungry and all I want is to be home.” You told him your voice growing thick with emotion as you fought back your tears.

”Wait… you’re not from around here?” He questioned and you shook your head as your hand went up to wipe away the tears that started falling again.

”No. I was kidnapped and dropped off here by a mean greenfinch! He took me away from my home and I really wanna go home.” You told him face crumbling into sadness once more.

”Oh I’m sorry that has happened to you! Perhaps I can help you? Me and my friends could? We’re good at traveling! I could take you to them and perhaps we could figure something out.” He tells you gently feeling sorry for you now when he’s realized your situation.

”You’d help me? You don’t even know me!” You ask sniffling.

”Yeah! You don’t seem like a bad person and we should help each other out should we not? After all it’s a big world for us so small! We need to look out for each other.” He says earnestly giving you a big smile.

”O-okay… I’m giving you one chance… mama always says to give someone one chance but screw it up and I’ll leave!” You tell him and he nods.

”I’m Wooyoung by the way!” He introduces himself as he stretches out his hand for you. You take it and shake it as you tell him: ”My name is Y/n. Nice to meet you Wooyoung.” You tell him and he smiles widely again.

You decided then and there that you like his smile. It’s warm and welcoming and comforting.

”Is it okay if I take a closer look at your wrist?” He asks and you nod allowing him to inspect it for a few minutes before he lets you know not to use it and that someone named Hwa could help you.

Who Hwa was you had no idea but perhaps you would meet this person down the line?

”Okay stick close to me so you won’t get lost while I take you to my place!” He says before turning around and walking towards the blueberry bushes. You hurry after him so you won’t loose him in the lush greenery that surrounds you.

”A-are there any wyverns or trolls around these parts?” You ask worriedly and he chuckles; ”Yeah a bunch of them!”

”What.” You feel dread entering your body before Wooyoungs body is shaking with silent giggles.

”I’m sorry that was a joke! I didn’t mean to scare you! As far as I’m aware there are no wyverns or trolls here.” He tells you looking at you over his shoulder with a playful glint.

”Oh why you!” You hit his shoulder lightly, unhappy that he thinks these are times to joke around like this. Especially after you just had told him about how you were kidnapped far from home. Perhaps you should hit him again with your stick just to make a point.

”Do something like that again and I’ll hit you so hard you’ll get amnesia!” You tell him and he laughs again.

”I’d like to see you try!” He bites back as he continues to lead you through the blueberry bushes.

The leaves are a vibrant green and it looks luscious and finally it looks like home making you feel a bit safer walking with this boy you had just met. But he seemed nice and Stormcloud had told you to find the others like you and Stormcloud was someone to be trusted you had decided. Robins were after all widely known to be birds you could trust because of their kindness and their friendliness.

As you glance around the bushes while following Wooyoung you almost get a heart attack when you realize that there seems to be a blueberry moving in a very weird way. It keeps going up and down slightly and moving forward as if it was walking. But that would be impossible would it not? Blueberries cannot walk unless it wasn’t actually a blueberry but perhaps something else. What if it was something dangerous? You start worrying again and before you can think your feet has speed up bringing you closer to your new friend, your hand reaching out to grab his arm causing him to look back at you surprised.

”Are you okay?” He asks, his tone indicating that he seems worried about your sudden behavior.

”I think we’re being followed.” You whisper trying to as subtly as you can motion towards the weirdly behaving blueberry. 

Wooyoung follows your movements and you can see how he is fighting back a smile. He thinks this is funny? You think to yourself. Before you can say something to him he calls out.

”Hey San! Stop hiding and come out and meet my new friend! They’ve already noticed you!” 

”What are you doing?!” You hiss at him and he smiles at you.

”He’s a friend, don’t worry! You would have met him back at my place anyway!”

”Did you have to call me out like that!” A man said as he emerged from the bushes, his hat was a blueberry and the shirt he wore were a darker green allowing him to truly blend in with the blueberry bushes. 

He was handsome you noted, just like Wooyoung. His hair was black and he had really wide shoulders and while that intimidated you, his face looked almost soft in your opinion, like a wilted dandelion, his eyes carving into half moons and the smile he shot his friend looked kind. 

Just like Wooyoung he seemed like a kind person and since you’re here trusting Wooyoung you might have to trust this man, San, as well.

”You gotta work on your hiding skills, like come on! Y/n here spotted you immediately!” Wooyoung chastised him and San groaned at that.

”I was trying a new techique but clearly it wasn’t effective!” He explains before turning to you. ”Hi! My name is San! Nice to meet you! I don’t think I’ve seen you around these parts before? I feel like I would remember if one like us with your hat were around these parts of the world.” He said giving you a blinding smile.

”I’m not from here… I got kidnapped.” You mutter before giving him your name. ”My name is Y/n like Wooyoung said earlier. Nice to meet you too.” You nod, still observing the newcomer.

”Kidnapped?! By whom??” San asks worry laced in his tone as concern starts to form on his face as he takes in your battered form.

”That darn greenfinch snagged them up from their home.” Wooyoung bristles clearly not happy with what had happened to you. ”So I’m bringing them back for Hwa to look over them and potentially heal any wounds and then we can maybe figure out if we can help Y/n home?” 

”Yeah Hwa should definitely check those wounds and your wrist looks really bad, I don’t think it should be that swollen.” He says stepping closer to look at your wrist. ”Does it hurt a lot?? Can you move it at all?” 

”It hurts a bit but it’s a bit numb now from the pain. I don’t think it’s broken, I’ve seen broken bones before and I don’t think I’ve been unlucky enough to break my wrist.” You tell him holding up your wrist for him to inspect.

San takes ahold of it with utmost care and such gentle hands you’d think he wasn’t touching you at all. The way his entire body demeanor change from big buff guy to making himself appear smaller and more approachable and almost fluffy, though you’re not entirely sure how he managed that, which makes you relax more. 

”You should not use it at all or I fear it might get worse to the point where you might not be able to use it at all for several days which will not be optimal for trying to get back to where you are from. Wooyoung why did you not take Y/n back quicker!!!” San chastises his friend irritated and worried.

”Hey I would have if they didn’t attack me!!” He defends himself causing you to bite back.

”I wouldn’t have attacked you if you weren’t checking me out whilst I was asleep!!”

”Wooyoung!!”

”What?!”

”You don’t go up to random people or creatures and check them out while they’re sleeping!!” 

”Ughhhh fine I was in the wrong!! There! Are you both happy now?”

”I’m so telling Hongjoong about this.”

”Please don’t he’ll chew my ear of.” 

”Serves you right.”

The two of them bicker back and forth and I makes you snort. They’re pretty funny arguing like this you don’t miss how theres no real bite behind their words and how their tones while annoyed are filled with adoration for the other.

”Now lets hurry back! It’s not long before were back home.” Wooyoung exclaims taking your hand and dragging you away from San who hurries after the two of you.

The three of you journey over logs and rocks and you’re grateful they’re both there to help you under and over all obstacles. You learn more about them and find out they’re best friends which doesn’t surprise you at all. San tells you that he and Wooyoung get into all sorts of trouble back home and that they’re known for their mischief in their little group. Apparently they love clinging to someone named Yeosang who is Wooyoungs longest friend and while this Yeosang acts like he hates it when they cling and play with him they both claims that he secretly love it.

”You will love everyone! They’re super kind and lovely.” San tells you as he points towards a place where they live which seems to be in a tree stump. You can see the outlines of a door which seems to have been crafted with lots of care and patience if the decorations of it were anything to judge by.

”Let’s just hope everyone are home so we don’t have to go around with introductions over and over again!” Wooyoung says as he opens the door cheerfully and calls out as he steps inside.

”We’re back and we brought a guest with us!! Come meet them!” 

San allows you to step inside first and closes the door once he’s inside as well. It’s slightly dark inside with the only lightsource coming from a crackling fire spreading some warmth in the room. You can vaguely take in six other figures dwelling about in the room and one of them makes eye contact with you. He looks kind and you noted he was another person with a berry on top of his head.

A strawberry to be exact.

His hair was long and a beautiful shade of black contrasting very beautifully with the red and green of the berry. His eyes were big and suddenly filled with concern as he took you in before he stood up and walked over to you slowly. The others in the space seem to be watching him to see what he’d do next.

”Ah! Seonghwa! This is Y/n! And as you can see they’ve been hurt and I was hoping you could look them over and help treat some of their wounds?” Wooyoung explains.

”Come here you’re hurt badly let me get a closer look in the light.” He gently takes your hand and guides you over to the sofa near the crackling fire. He makes you sit next to a man wearing a brown sweater, his own hat which looks like a dahlia resting on his lap as he takes you in silently. 

”Wooyoung, San, care to explain why our new guest is here with us?” A man wearing a necklace similar to Wooyoung with topaz in it asked and Wooyoung went to explain your situation to everyone, explaining how you had been kidnapped from your home, how he had trailed after you for a while and how you attacked him when you had woken up.

Someone had muttered that it served him right to get smacked for doing something dumb like that and Wooyoung had just smacked the guy who had said it on his bicep before continuing to tell everyone how he felt bad and thought that they could maybe help you. Help you find home or at the very least heal you, let you rest up before figuring something out. 

”This might hurt a bit.” Seonghwa said as he cleaned your wounds and you hissed a little at the sting but otherwise stayed quiet listening to the others conversation about you. It seemed everyone was inclined to letting you stay, especially as the sun was setting.

”We can figure out more of this tomorrow.” The other topaz man said before turning to you and that’s when you noticed the marigold hat he wore. ”My name is Hongjoong. You’ve met Wooyoung and San and Seonghwa as well, since you will be staying the night and eating dinner with us I’ll introduce you to the others as well, Jongho is the one next to you, he’s our youngest but don’t be fooled he is the strongest one out of all of us. Yeosang is over there by the fire.” He points at Wooyoungs and Sans friend who’s beauty makes you stunned for a second. It was very fitting that he was a rose, he was elegant and just downright gorgeous just like his flower. ”Then we got Yunho our resident daffodil and Mingi our resident poppy.” Hongjoong finishes as he points at two very tall people. 

They’re probably the tallest people you’ve ever seen in your life.

”H-hello everyone. It’s nice to meet you even though my circumstances aren’t ideal. My name is Y/n and as you can probably tell by my hat I’m not from around here. I got kidnapped while plucking wood sorrel for dinner when this mean greenfinch came from nowhere and plucked me up and wouldn’t let me down. He flew a long way before eventually dropping me off making me fall a long way before I ended up on the earth again.” You tell them tiredly and most of them nod. 

Some look saddened by the fact that you were taken from home and the others look like they haven’t really figured out what or how they should feel about you just yet. You don’t blame them, it’s good to be cautious of new folks, that’s something your father always told you.

”We got some nice hot stew ready to be eaten if you’d like a bowl?” Hongjoong asks and you nod appreciatively.

”That would be very kind of you thank you.” 

”No problem, we can figure out more tomorrow I promise.” He says as everyone gets up to get their bowls, Wooyoung comes over with an extra bowl for you as Seonghwa just finishes up wrapping your wrist while telling you to be extra careful and not overuse it for a while.

”Thank you Seonghwa and thank you for the food Wooyoung.”

”No problem!” Both of them exclaims.

The night continues slowly, the nine of you enjoy the warmth of the soup and fire and shares stories of what you’ve done and been through to get closer. There’s a lot of laughter and joy as they tell you all the funny or weird things they’ve been through. Like that one time Mingi had gotten stuck in a log and couldn’t get out so they had to ask for a beaver to help him get out or the time they had an encounter with a scary swamp troll. You decided to share stories about what you and your siblings had been up to as children, like how you befriended bats and sometimes rode them during the night or when you danced with the faeries in the early morning fog.

Back in your own home your mother was pacing worriedly back and forth. You had not come back for dinner yet and you would usually be first one home especially today when you were tasked to bring home wood sorrel for her.

”My dear has Y/n not come back yet?” Your father asked as he came back from his first route of searching for you. He, Opal and Birk were searching in every place they possible could trying to find you. 

”No and I am worried. What if they have gotten into trouble or hurt themself badly? Oh my sweet baby what if they’re unconscious somewhere?” She said trying to will away the thoughts of one of her children being hurt. It was hard enough as it was for her to have to lie to her youngest children about your wereabouts. 

”Mama? Papa? Where is Y/n? They promised to tell me a bedtime story.” Your younger sibling said tiredly, grasping your mothers skirt in her tiny little hand, hoping she would see you soon.

”Your sibling is staying with a friend right now. I am sure Y/n will come back tomorrow.” You mother says picking her up and holding her close.

”Go inside, I will find Opal and Birk and see if they found anything.” Your father says before kissing your mothers cheek and then your siblings forehead as they head inside.

The one who had found any clues about you had been Birk. He had found your pile of wood sorrel and he searched desperately for you, calling out hoping you would respond.

”Y/N!! This isn’t funny!! Please come home!” He called out and called out over and over again and yet no one responded.

It was like you were gone.

Disappeared from the earth and Birk refused to believe it. He wouldn't rest until he found you safe and sound again.

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

Omg this is so cute yet so sad at the same time! 🥹 can’t wait for more!

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

I’m looking for this Ateez fake texts fic that was about Ateez discovering your discord chat with friends. I can’t remember who wrote it either 😭

[lyracarvahall]

HeartBeat Sync Master List

My first ATEEZ fanfiction. Enjoy :)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

I am in love with Idol!Ateez x reader rn omg! This is such a good combo with soulmate au!

[alxtiny]

Ad Astra per Aspera

Episode 5

Pairing: Pirate!Ateez x Navigator!reader

Genre: pirate!au, fluff, angst, maybe smut

Word Count: 4.2 k

Warnings: harsh words, gaping wounds (yay), violence

Notes: short chapter this time, late would be an understatement atp i swear my internship+classes are trying to k-word me, i might disappear for around another month after this, please don’t mind the slow updates 😓 side note any guesses on their abilities ;) since we see a little more in this chapter

Playlist : emergency by ateez | sarushibai by natori | playground by bea miller (arcane)

Series Masterlist | Episode 6 | Episode 4

You were shivering, dirt, and murky water clung onto you like a dense second skin. It felt like a layer of tiny needles prickling against your bruised body. The lightless room was suffocating, and you could barely make out your own hands in front of you. You didn’t know where you were, why you were there and if the scent of blood floating in the air was yours or someone else’s.

Your head throbbed, memories clawing their way back to the surface. You remembered following the lovely seamstress to the dressing room, and sharp sting at the back of your neck before the world went black.

Now, you were here—wherever *here* was—trapped and helpless. You couldn’t breathe or even move. You had been kidnapped.

Again.

A bitter laugh escaped your cracked lips. Perhaps the pirates had finally had enough of you, finally decided you were more of a burden than a blessing. Maybe they’d sold you off to someone else. Why wouldn’t they? You were expendable—a stowaway swept into their smooth sailing lives, useful only until you weren’t.

The sound of metal scraping against wood snapped you out of your dark reverie. The door creaked open, flooding the room with harsh light that made your eyes sting. You squinted at the figure entering—a tall man, his face obscured by a black scarf that only left his wary, darting eyes visible.

His gaze swept over you, lingering on the blood staining your clothes. His expression gave away nothing, but the tension in his stance betrayed his unease.

“Get up,” he barked, sparing no sympathy.

Your legs trembled as you obeyed, pulling yourself upright with great effort. Pain flared in your side, and you pressed a trembling hand to the source, only to wince when it came away sticky and red.

“Move.” The man gestured impatiently toward the doorway.

You stumbled after him, the journey up a flight of stairs turning into a blur of agony and disorientation. By the time you were shoved into a chair in a sparsely furnished room, your strength had all but drained away.

The ropes digging into your wrists were unnecessary; you had barely any energy left to sit upright, let alone fight back. The man left with a disgusted glance thrown your way, the sound of his heavy boots soon boring way into silence.

Minutes, or maybe hours, passed before the door creaked open again. A different man entered this time—older, balding, with sharp, hawk-like features and a perpetual scowl etched into his face. A large intimidating scar ran down the side of his face. He dragged a second chair across the floor, the screeching sound setting your teeth on edge, and positioned it in front of you.

He sat down, his body language unwelcoming, as he leaned forward.

“I will ask simply,” he began, his voice gravelly, “tell me where the rest of the map is, and I will let you go.”

“Map?” Your voice cracked, hoarse from thirst. “I don’t—”

“Don’t play games with me, girl!” he roared, slamming his fist onto the decayed armrest of his chair.

“I swear,” you croaked, shaking your head weakly, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

His scowl deepened, and his lips twisted into a sneer. “You think I’m a fool? You were with *them*. The Cromer’s map doesn’t just disappear. Where is it?”

“I don’t know!” you cried out, tears welling up in your eyes.

The slap came out of nowhere, the force of it snapping your head to the side. Pain bloomed across your cheek, and a coppery taste filled your mouth.

“Where. Is. It?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

“I don’t know anything!” you sobbed, trembling as the words spilled out in a desperate plea.

He slapped you again, harder this time, the impact reverberating through your skull. His rings cut through your skin, leaving smudges of blood in their wake. Your vision swam as hot tears spilled down your cheeks.

“You’re testing my patience, girl.” He stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. He grabbed a fistful of your hair, yanking your head back so you were forced to look up at him.

“You have one last chance,” he hissed, his face inches from yours. “Tell me where the damn Cromer is, or I’ll slit your throat and leave your body for the rats.”

“I don’t know!” you wailed, the words barely managing to come out. “I don’t know what you’re talking about! Please, I don’t know!”

His eyes narrowed into slits, and for a terrifying moment, you thought he might actually sacrifice you to the rats. But then he released you with a snarl, letting your head fall forward as you gasped for air.

“You’re worthless,” he spat, pacing the room. “Either you’re a damn good liar, or you’re more of a useless whore than I thought.”

He turned to leave, pausing in the doorway to glance over his shoulder. “Enjoy your last hours. You won’t be leaving this place alive.”

The door slammed shut, leaving you alone with the heavy burden of your soon-to-come demise.

You slumped lifelessly in the chair, your body wreaked with silent sobs. The last candle of hope too was soon snuffed out.

…

Somewhere far away, though, Hongjoong was furious.

Not at you for getting kidnapped—no, he knew this wasn’t your fault. And not even at San or Yunho for letting you out of their sight. Mistakes happened. What ignited the simmering rage in his chest was the audacity of the idiot who thought they could disrupt his plans by taking you.

“What were they thinking?” he muttered under his breath, pacing the narrow alley outside the dressmaker’s shop. His hand brushed against his gun holster, fingers twitching as if longing to shoot someone.

“They weren’t,” Seonghwa replied coolly, leaning against the wall. He adjusted his gloves, eyes flitting from Hongjoong to the people passing by. “These useless lackeys don’t ever think—they just act. Clumsy, predictable. Sloppy, really.”

“Yeah well, they won’t be so sloppy when it comes to keeping her under lock and key,” San interjected, his jaw clenched as he glared at a rat skittering down the alleyway, as if everything was its fault. “They know she’s important to us.”

“Do they?” Yunho frowned, shifting uneasily, arms crossed over his chest. “How would they even know she’s with us? She hasn’t been around long enough to draw that kind of attention.”

Hongjoong’s eyes narrowed. “That’s the real question, isn’t it? Someone gave them information. Someone tipped them off.”

“You think there’s a leak?” San asked, his voice laced with tension.

“Possibly,” Hongjoong muttered. “But we’ll deal with that later. Right now, we are focusing on getting her back.” He stopped pacing and turned to Seonghwa. “Can you bring forth enough shadows to handle this?”

Seonghwa gave a small nod, his lips curling into a faint smirk. “I can summon a few, but if there really is a leak, I can’t call back any from the ship,”

A tense silence settled over the group until San broke it, his voice low but steady. “So what’s the plan, Captain?”

Hongjoong’s gaze narrowed onto the sign board behind them. “We need confirmation of her exact location. First, we get that ‘seamstress’—the one you said was with her.”

San frowned, his brows knitting together. “She didn’t seem like much. I don’t think she could’ve done this alone.”

“She wouldn’t have,” Seonghwa interjected. “But that doesn’t mean she’s innocent. If she was involved, she knows something.”

Yunho gestured toward the dressmaker’s shop behind them. “She’s still inside. I saw her duck back in right before we met up.”

Hongjoong nodded sharply. “Then we start there. Move.”

…

The shop was eerily quiet as they entered. Bolts of fabric and half-finished garments lay abandoned, and the faint smell of perfume mingled with dust in the air. Yunho subtly pointed toward a figure hunched over a table near the back—a woman with sharp, birdlike features and a frailty that seemed at odds with the situation. She didn’t look strong or imposing, not someone who could overpower you even on your worst day.

Hongjoong studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable, before signaling the others to keep away.

He strolled over to the woman, his frame casting a shadow over her workbench. She glanced up, startled, her thin hands trembling slightly.

Mustered sweetness laced his voice as he leaned down, removing his sunglasses and asked softly, “What did you do to the girl?” His dark eyes bore into hers threateningly.

The woman’s eyes widened, her pupils dilating unnaturally as if a veil had been drawn over her consciousness. Her lips parted, and she spoke in a distant, entranced voice. “A man… he gave me a cloth. Told me to press it over her face until she passed out.”

Hongjoong’s expression remained impassive. “Then what?”

“He… he carried her out the back door,” she continued, her voice monotonous.

“And after that?”

Her face scrunched, as if trying to grasp at fading memories. “I don’t know… I swear, I don’t know where they went. He didn’t tell me anything else.”

Hongjoong straightened, his sharp gaze fixed on her as she slumped forward, her breathing ragged. Her eyes fluttered, coming back into focus. Confusion clouded her face as she looked around, disoriented.

“Did I… say something?” she murmured, rubbing her temple.

“Just that you don’t know anything useful,” Hongjoong replied, frustration lacing his voice. He offered her a faint, insincere smile. “Thanks for your time.”

Without waiting for her response, he turned on his heel and walked back to the others.

Seonghwa tilted his head expectantly. “Well?”

“She confirmed what we suspected,” Hongjoong replied. “A man had her do the dirty work. He took her out the back door, but she doesn’t know where they went after that.”

“She might be lying,” Yunho suggested, his expression skeptical.

“You know that’s not possible,” Hongjoong said firmly, his jaw tightening.

“Then we’re back to square one,” Wooyoung muttered, sighing dejectedly.

“Not quite,” Seonghwa said, eyebrows furrowed in thought. “If they took her out the back, my shadows should be able to track them from there. They leave traces—even the best of them.”

“But I can only do a max of five,” Seonghwa added, his tone slightly strained. “Like I said, the ones I left on the ship can’t be called back for this.”

Hongjoong nodded without hesitation. “Five will do. Send them ahead. I need one to scope out the auction house, one to the inn, and the other three to sweep downtown—places where someone might hide a person.”

Seonghwa shuddered slightly as he began his summoning. Black fog coiled around his feet, dark and cold as it spread outward. His eyes rolled back, and the energy around him shifted, feeling devoid of life itself. The fog thickened, swirling as it slowly formed into grotesque figures.

The first shadow had a face split in half, with jagged teeth visible along the edges of the gaping wound. The second bore a black sword impaled through its abdomen, the blade gleaming faintly as if alive. The remaining three were equally unsettling, with missing limbs, hollow eye sockets, and large, unhealed wounds that oozed dark mist. Their translucent, misty black skin revealed faintly glowing bones underneath, and a purple glow pulsed behind their rib cages.

Even San, who had seen Seonghwa’s ‘friends’ countless times, couldn’t stop himself from grimacing. “They’re as creepy as ever,” he muttered under his breath.

Wooyoung leaned closer to Yunho, whispering, “I don’t care how many times I see this process—I swear it’s nightmare fuel, makes me a little more afraid of Seonghwa each time.”

“Quiet,” Hongjoong ordered sharply, his focus on Seonghwa.

The dark fog surrounding the shadows began to dissipate as Seonghwa jerked back suddenly, blinking rapidly as his eyes returned to normal. He inhaled deeply, steadying himself before turning to the shadowy figures.

“You know your tasks,” Seonghwa said, his voice firm but reverent. “Find Aurora. Report back immediately. No delays.”

The shadows inclined their heads—if one could call the unnatural motions bowing—and began to move. Their forms shifted back into thick black mist, slithering away silently, merging with the darkness around them as if they’d never existed at all.

San exhaled deeply, watching the last trace of them vanish. “They better move fast,” he muttered.

“They will,” Seonghwa assured, brushing off some invisible dust from his hands.

Hongjoong turned back to the group, his eyes sharp as a blade. “Now, we move too. If those shadows find her trail, we need to be ready to act immediately. No mistakes, no hesitation. Killing should not be your last resort. Understood?”

The crew nodded, pushing back all apprehensions.

“What if…..they’ve moved her again?” Yunho asked cautiously.

“They can’t go very far without drawing suspicion…..not like we can, and is safe to assume their lack of creativity in choosing a hiding spot,” Hongjoong replied icily. He glanced at Seonghwa. “How long will it take for them to return?”

“A few minutes,” Seonghwa said. “They work quickly. But they’ll let us know if the trail is too cold to follow.”

…

Your head hung low, exhaustion weighing heavily on your body. The last remnants of your tears had dried against your cheeks, and your swollen eyes stung with each blink and your throat felt scratchy. You’d cried yourself into numbness, the despair swallowing you whole.

The darkness in the room felt suffocating now, the faint light that had once seeped in through the tiny window was gone. You’d lost track of time entirely—was it hours? Days? The heavy shackles on your wrists seemed to drag you further into hopelessness.

A faint movement in the corner of your eye made you jolt upright as far as possible, the chair teetering with the sudden movement. A humanoid figure appeared for the briefest moment before vanishing. Your heart raced, but you convinced yourself it was just your mind playing cruel tricks.

Once again dead silence hit the room, apart from the rats that scurried around again, their claws scratching against the damp floor. The man’s earlier threat echoed in your mind. How long before they tried you for food?

Minutes passed, you were slumped drowsily in the chair, exhaustion pushing you past consciousness, you could feel sleep tugging you towards itself.

Suddenly, a hand clamped over your mouth. Panic surged through you, and you tried to scream, but the pressure held firm.

“Shh, it’s me,” a familiar voice whispered urgently.

Wooyoung.

The hand slowly moved away, and his face came into view, skin looking as if it was glowing and casting faint light across the room. You didn’t think much of it as relief washed over you by the sight of a familiar face, so overwhelmingly that tears threatened to spill again. You nodded, your breathing uneven, as he put a finger to his lips, motioning for you to stay silent.

“You’re okay,” Wooyoung whispered softly, his voice laced with concern as he helped you to your feet. You winced, the stiffness in your muscles making every movement agonizing.

He gestured toward the door, where you noticed something odd. The lock was half-melted, the metal warped as if it had been exposed to intense heat. You had no time to dwell on it as Wooyoung led you closer.

Near the doorway, Yunho stood watch, his tall frame silhouetted against the barely brighter corridor. He glanced back at you, his expression instantly shifting from focus to alarm.

“You look awful,” Yunho said bluntly, though his tone was filled with concern.

“Gee, thanks,” you croaked weakly, your voice barely above a whisper.

Wooyoung shot Yunho a glare. “Now’s not the time for commentary, big guy. Help her with the shackles.”

Yunho moved quickly, stepping behind you. You felt his hand settle on the metal cuffs, and a moment later, an intense warmth spread through the metal. You flinched slightly at the heat, but before you could process it properly, the shackles fell away with a metallic clang.

Your hands were finally free.

You rubbed your sore wrists, your fingers trembling as you tried to soothe the raw skin. Tears welled up in your eyes as you looked at Yunho. “Thank you,” you murmured, your voice breaking slightly.

Yunho gave you a small, reassuring smile. “Don’t thank me yet. Let’s get out of here first.”

“Can you walk?” Wooyoung asked, his glowing form leaning closer to examine your condition.

“I… I think so,” you replied hesitantly, though your legs felt like jelly.

“Good,” Wooyoung said, giving you an encouraging grin. “Because we’re not sticking around for an encore. Stay close to me.”

As Wooyoung led the way into the corridor, Yunho placed a steadying hand on your shoulder. “We’ll get you out safely. Just trust us.” You nodded.

As you walked down the dimly lit hallway, the air felt heavier with each step. You emerged into a small amphitheater, the rows of seating and the empty center stage staring back at you menacingly. It wasn’t particularly grand or impressive, but something about it made your stomach churn uneasily.

Descending the stairs cautiously, Yunho took the lead while Wooyoung stayed close behind you, his soft glow illuminating your way. You reached another corridor leading to what looked like an intimate dining hall.

Before you could step inside, muffled voices reached your ears.

“Perfect score with this one,” a gruff voice said.

“Worth more than I thought,” another sneered.

You were disgusted. It took no genius to guess that they were talking about you. One of the voices was familiar, of the man’s who had taken you from the lock up, hatred bubbled dangerously inside of you.

Suddenly, you heard a faint whooshing sound from behind. Turning instinctively, you realized Wooyoung was gone.

“Where is he?” you whispered urgently to Yunho, your voice trembling.

Yunho pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for you to stay silent. “He’s handling it,” he whispered.

Your eyes darted around nervously as something shadowy moved near the arch joining the rooms. The figure slithered out of sight before your eyes could focus on it. Yunho adjusted the welding goggles perched on his head, sliding them into place.

“Close your eyes,” he instructed firmly.

“What? Why—”

“Just do it.”

Before you could argue, Yunho raised his hand, shielding your eyes. A moment later, you felt an intense wave of heat radiating through the corridor, accompanied by muffled screams and flashes of bright, searing light that even penetrated your closed lids.

The air turned stiflingly hot for a few moments, then all fell silent again. Yunho lowered his hand cautiously, pushing his goggles back onto his head.

“Okay,” he said casually, “all clear.”

Your heart raced as you peeked into the room, still unsure what had just happened. Before you could ask, Wooyoung sauntered out of the room, his grin as smug as ever.

“I think I’ve barbecued them successfully,” he quipped, dusting off his hands theatrically.

“What do you mean ‘barbecued’?” you asked, your voice laced with confusion and unease. “And where did you even disappear to?”

Wooyoung’s grin widened. “You mean…vanish like this?”

In an instant, he was gone again.

“Wooyoung?!” you called out, spinning around.

You heard his cackling echo faintly around you, and from the corner of your eye, you caught a glimpse of a dull shadowy figure darting through the corridor. Suddenly, he reappeared right behind you, leaning in close.

“Boo,” he whispered into your ear, making you jump and yelp.

“Ugh, don’t do that!” you hissed, clutching your chest as your heart pounded.

“Relax,” Wooyoung said, laughing. “Captain will explain everything later. For now, just trust us.”

You weren’t entirely sure how much trust you had left to give, but you followed as the three of you stepped into the dining hall, hoping that all this was just your addled imagination and Wooyoung was just really quick on his legs.

The air was thick with the acrid smell of burned wood and... something else. The ground was singed, blackened in streaks and patches. The voices you’d heard earlier were gone.

In the center of the room, a small pile of ashes rested, faintly glowing as if it had only just cooled.

You stared at the scene, your chest tightening. Something strange was going on, and your instincts screamed at you that these pirates were anything but ordinary.

“You okay?” Yunho asked, glancing down at you as you stood frozen in place.

“Yeah,” you mumbled, though your voice betrayed you. “I think I’m just... going insane.”

Wooyoung chuckled. “Not insane. Just not used to seeing our unusual side.”

Your brows furrowed. “Unusual? What is that supposed to mean? Are you all on drugs of some sort or something?”

Wooyoung winked. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

You weren’t sure if you wanted to know.

Finally, the heavy exit doors of the building came into view. Large, bolted, and seemingly impenetrable, the doors taunted your growing desperation to get out. Yunho took long impatient strides forward, and closed his hands around the rusted lock barring your way.

Curious despite yourself, you stepped closer, rising on your tiptoes to peek over his shoulder. His hands glowed an ominous red, and to your utter disbelief, the metal began to soften and melt, dripping onto the floor in molten rivulets. The glowing liquid hissed and cooled instantly upon contact with the cold ground, solidifying into harmless puddles.

When Yunho stepped back, the lock was gone, leaving only a faint scorch mark on the door.

Your eyes widened in horror as the implications set in. You stumbled back, putting distance between yourself and the two men, your heartbeat racing. “What... what are you?” you whispered, your voice trembling with fear.

Wooyoung’s playful demeanor faltered as he watched you retreat. “What’s wrong?” he asked, genuine concern lacing his voice.

“You’re not human,” you whispered in disbelief, panic creeping into your tone. You held up a hand to keep them at bay as they tried to step closer. “Stay away from me.”

“Wait, Aurora,” Yunho said, raising his hands in surrender, his expression softening. “We’re not going to hurt you. We’re here to save you.”

“Save me?” you spat, your voice breaking. “From what? You’re just like them! Who knows what you’re hiding—or what you’ll do to me when you’re done using me!”

A flicker of pain crossed Yunho’s face, but he stayed rooted in place, his hands still raised in a non-threatening gesture.

“That’s not true, Aurora,” he said, his voice low but tinged with frustration. “And you know it.”

“You killed them didn’t you, that’s what you meant by barbecued, you- you burned them alive…” you stared in horror towards Wooyoung, putting two and two together.

Wooyoung shook in his place, beside Yunho, his eyes trembling. You were afraid..of him. “Please,” he said softly, “just come with us. You can’t stay here.”

You shook your head, stepping back again, your mind a swirl of fear and confusion. As you moved, you caught Wooyoung’s eyes darting behind you. You froze, slowly turning around to meet Hongjoong’s piercing gaze.

His eyes were calm but commanding, locking onto yours like they could see straight into your soul.

“Go to sleep, Aurora,” he said evenly. “You’re tired and not thinking straight.”

You tried to resist, but his words were like a heavy blanket settling over your mind. Your eyelids grew heavy, and the tension in your body melted away. You barely registered the world going dark as unconsciousness claimed you.

“Mingi, carry her,” Hongjoong ordered, his tone brisk. “We have who we came for. Let’s get back to the estate.”

Mingi stepped forward, his expression conflicted as he gently lifted your limp body into his arms. He adjusted you carefully, as if afraid of jostling you too much.

As they began walking toward the exit, Mingi glanced at Yunho and Wooyoung, their faces still clouded with guilt and unease. “Don’t overthink it,” Mingi said in a low, comforting voice. “She’ll come around once we explain everything. She’s just scared right now.”

The words brought little solace to Yunho, who nodded stiffly, and Wooyoung, whose usual confidence seemed shaken.

Once outside, Seonghwa was waiting with the others, his sharp eyes quickly assessing the situation. His gaze lingered on your unconscious form in Mingi’s arms before flicking to Hongjoong.

“What happened?” Seonghwa asked, his voice clipped.

“She saw them use their abilities,” Hongjoong said, rubbing his temple. “She’s just... a little freaked out.”

Seonghwa nodded in understanding, though his jaw tightened. “Let’s move. It’s late, and the streets are quiet, but we don’t want to push our luck.”

Behind them, two of Seonghwa’s shadowy figures carried an unconscious man, his form limp and lifeless in their grasp. The group moved swiftly, slipping through the darkened streets unnoticed.

By the time they reached the Kim estate, parts of the events that transpired inside the auction house were known to everyone, their heads feeling disturbed by the reaction they were met with. They stepped inside, the grand doors shutting behind them with a soft thud.

“Get her settled,” Hongjoong instructed Mingi. “We’ll deal with everything else tomorrow.”

The others dispersed quietly, the tension still lingering heavily in the air.

© alxtiny . Do not steal, plagiarise, translate, repost, or use my works on any platform in any way.

Comment under masterlist to be added to taglist

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS PURE FICTION AND NOT RELATED TO THE MEMBERS OF ATEEZ IN REAL LIFE PLEASE DO NOT TAKE IT SERIOUSLY

Taglist: @yandere-stories @passionandsuga @beabatiny @sadtoru @pixie0627 @nagynomi98 @bunnychui @nuggiesnuggetdog04 @life-is-a-game-of-thrones @daniela-f-uwu

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

UGHH I LOVE PIRATE ATEEZ, like this is so good 😭😭😭😭

[ldysmfrst]

Incomplete (4) - 8 Makes 1 Team, But 9 Make...

Paring: Ateez OT8 x Plus-sized FemReader

Status: Ongoing series

Chapter number: 3 of unknown

Word count for Chapter: 14,942

Word count for Story: 33,808

Genre: Idol Soulmate AU

Warnings: NOT BETA READ!! This story will contain a bit of angst, fluff, smut, f/m, m/m, and m/f/m. This chapter contains panic attacks, the death of a non-main character, y/n having lots of negative emotions towards self, Protective San, and Shielded Jongho.

Story Summary: Ateez are soulmates who earned their way to Fame once they found each other. What happens when a new pull comes during their Towards The Light World Tour? Does 8 really make 1?

INCOMPLETE MASTER LIST / LDYSMFRST MASTER LIST

With their attention entirely on the oldest of the three ladies in the room, silence looms. There was a slight tension because they were finally learning something about you besides your name.

Seonghwa could feel your unease and– guilt?

Cindy looked at each of the bonded soulmates before stopping at Seonghwa and said, “Y/n… Y/n’s soulmate was murdered on June 15, 2016– on her 18th birthday.”

Ateez stared at Cindy wide-eyed and dropped chins because that wasn’t possible. Denial ran through the bonded group like a tide wave from everyone but Jongho, who still had minor reservations. As far as everyone they saw, all the signs were there that this woman sitting next to their oldest bonded mate was indeed another link in the bond.

They were your soulmates, not this other person, right? 

“I know this may seem like a stupid question, but” Jongho breaks the silence, his mind diving back into the secure walls he always kept around his heart. Maybe his soulmates were wrong, and this is just another game. 

“No, no. Let’s start with a non-stupid question… what do you mean Y/n has a soulmate already?” asks Wooyoung.

Another silent conversation happens between the three ladies before the younger friend speaks. God, what San wouldn’t give to gain mind reading as an ability instead of pinning. He doesn’t have to have Seonghwa’s ability to see your emotions, which are not in a good place right now, and it cuts his soul not to know how or why. 

“Darren Donahue. Y/n and Darren were instant friends when she transferred to our school in the middle of 3rd grade. They were inseparable all through the rest of elementary school and into high school,” says Kat.

“After growing up with soulmates as parents,” Kat smiles gently at Cindy. “I had an innate understanding of how to spot soulbonds or possibilities. It was resoundingly clear that there was a potential bond between them. Darren was a year older than Y/n when he turned 18 and could finally connect with his soulmate if he had one… but he never even looked.”

“Darren had asked Y/n’s mom to take her out for her 18th birthday. By that time, he had told several of us that his heart knew she would be his,” added Cindy. “All of us were supportive because we all agreed. Sure, there was a chance that we were all wrong. Ever since… we kind have wished we were.”

The boys watched as you sunk more into yourself. Now more than ever, Seonghwa wants to stop the feeling of guilt coming off you in waves, but looking at Jongho’s stern face, he understands that, for some reason, his ability cannot get through to you.

“Y/n, how did you know that Darren was your soulmate? Did you bond?” questions Hongjoong, hoping to get a clearer picture of what has happened and, in turn, what is happening. 

Looking at the Captain, you nod and show them a deep, still pink, rough scar carved into your arm. “He was with me at midnight when I turned 18. I gained my soulmate ability to feel emotions right away, but I don’t know what he was because we never got to...” your voice cuts as Ateez watches the tears fall. 

Glancing over at Hongjoong with his firm jaw, Yeosang feels helpless. He can see that the other members are feeling similarly. San blinks his eyes rapidly, trying to keep the tears at bay. Wooyoung hasn’t looked up since you answered his question. Yunho and Mingi look like they want to go on a murder spree because none of them know what to do to help you. 

They are useless to what their ladymate has gone through, and they don’t know what the future will hold since… well, since, according to popular belief, you only have one complete soulmate bond within a lifetime. The scar on your arm must be where your soulmate's mark formed when the bond was completed. Why it is a scar now will have to be discussed later.

Seonghwa watches your face as it silently contorts through what he can only think are memories and silently cries with you. If you and he had the same ability you gained once you bonded with this Darren… then you survived more than anyone will truly understand.

Jongho moves to stand behind the soulmate he can help and brings Hwa out of his small spiral of guilt for you for living with what happened. No one should have something so precious ripped from their hearts after such a short time.

“Maybe we are second chances,” comments Yunho. “They are practically unheard of and even rarer to be at the numbers we are.”

“Yeah, sure, Yunho,” scoffs Jongho. “If we were second-chance soulmates, then why would she not respond to all of our abilities? Where is our soulmate mark?”

The men are at a loss, and from the contemplative looks on your friend’s face, they see that they aren’t the only ones. None of them are well educated in the realm of soulmates and soul bonding. They don’t have answers for anyone, which doesn’t settle well with Hongjoong, Seonghwa, San, and Mingi. Is there anyone who they could talk to?

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulls everyone’s attention to their manager, which gains him some glaring from the demon line. “I hate to say this, but we need to leave for the BMO soon, Hongjoong-ssi,” he says nervously. 

San stands up quickly. “We can’t leave her right now. It won’t be suitable for any of us. Things are already strained as they are.”

“San-hyung, we don’t understand what is happening. It could be stress and timing that is causing all of this,” comments Jongho with an almost dismissive attitude.

“Excuse me?!!?” challenges San, squaring off towards the group's youngest member.

“Go,” you firmly say. “You need to be there for Atiny tonight just like you were there for us last night. I cannot be the reason for anything that affects the show or makes you all late. You did fine without me before. It’s not like I will be any help now.”

“Things have changed, Y/n. You made contact with San-ah and Seonghwa-hyung, meaning the soul-bonding has started with the two of them and yourself,” interjects Yeosang.

Ignoring Jongho’s not-so-silent scoffing, Hongjoong adds, “Once a soul-bonding starts in a group, it is fragile until the rest of the group bonds. It doesn’t finalize until everyone accepts it though.”

“You mean she has to follow you around now? Until everyone accepts her and vice versa?” asks Kat. “How will that work and not end up all over Dispatch or TMZ?”

“I can help with that, Miss Kat,” a young man says, stepping up from the corner dressed like he should be attending a kind of Paramore concert. “I am Mathew and I have been assigned to you three as a personal bodyguard for the remainder of your trip.”

“Excuse me?” questions Kat, their eyes looking the man up and down with confusion.

“I will explain later, Kat, before we leave the hotel,” intervenes Cindy. “How can you help?”

Mathew looks to Hongjoong and Seonghwa and then turns to their manager. “Tonight, I was supposed to have the night to watch the concert from the crowd. If we could get tickets for the three of them seated with me, we could attend the concert and reduce the distance between them all.”

“She would have to be closer than she was last night since the bonding has started,” adds Mingi. “Since we cannot have her on stage with us and hiding her backstage will pull the three of us in the wrong direction, she will have to be practically stage side like the photographers or VVIP.”

Nodding, Hwa speaks up, “Y/n, I know that this is probably more than you ever thought you have to deal with, but after tonight’s concert, we don’t have to be at the next stop until Thursday morning. We could sleep on it and talk in the morning?”

Seonghwa’s eyes are imploring and sweet in their gaze, while Jongho’s gaze is cold and calculating behind him. They watch your eyes bounce between them, your hesitation clear as day on your face. Ultimately, you look away from them, which deflates Hwa’s heart. 

“I'm sorry, but we really must leave,” their manager quietly says. “What do you ladies want to do?”

“We will go to the concert tonight,” decides Cindy. “I think it has been a lot and it has all happened a bit too fast.” 

Looking to Hongjoong, Cindy continues, “Let us talk to her, just us, and we will see you at the concert or afterward. If you could have someone show us our room for tonight we could talk about things till you want us to go to the concert?”

“Mathew-ssi, please?” orders Captain but nods to Cindy. He was right that their new soulmate isn’t hearing anything right now, but then again, who would? Especially not after everything the new soulmate has been through.

Ateez remains quiet as they watch Mathew and a few other guards escort you, Cindy, and Kat out of the conference room. 

“You have 10 minutes, then we have to leave,” says their manager before exiting to ensure everything is settled with the hotel.

Once the door is shut, all hell breaks loose among the members.

San is glaring and calling Jongho out for disregarding the new soulmate, to which Jongho defends that it doesn’t make sense, and Wooyoung is trying his best to keep them from actually getting into it.

Yunho tries to talk Mingi into staying in the room and not trying to start the bond before the concert, but Mingi swears it will help him concentrate better if he can connect through the bond with you.

Yeosang is watching everything fall apart at the seams as he holds on to each of his soulmate's mooring lines and your plaited silk line to ensure that none of them start to unravel. Tensions haven’t been this high for the eight-membered bond for a long time.

Hongjoong is lost in his own world, trying to figure out how this works. It’s clear to him that you are theirs. Your reactions to them in the parking garage were enough to dispel any thoughts of doubt from his mind. 

As Captain, he knows Jongho has dealt with lies and broken promises the most out of them all, so it is no surprise that their little bear has his paws out and is swinging. However, right now is not the right time for his insecurities to come out, but who can control what they feel when it comes to stuff like this? 

A broken hiccup is heard between all the voices, snapping everyone’s attention to Seonghwa, who has been sitting there motionless, staring at the door where you left. 

“Hwa-hyung,” calls Jongho with heaviness as he realizes their intense emotions overwhelm the eldest soulmate. He was too caught up in his argument with San to help keep everyone more level-headed because he doesn’t feel very level-headed right now, either.

“She felt it,” Seonghwa says, his voice wrought with pain and helplessness. His hands grasp the bottom of his shirt, wringing it tightly as he tries to sort everything running through his mind and heart.

Wooyoung kneels in front of Hwa, using his sleeve to dry the tears that have covered the elder's cheeks, “Felt what, hyung?”

“Y/n,” he starts before glancing at each of his soulmates. “She felt him die.”

Deafening silence encompasses the room, soulmates, and the remaining bodyguards taken back by this fact. Pulling Hwa’s hands from their current destruction of the shirt, Wooyoung holds them tight with comfort. “Hyung, what do you mean?”

“She said that her ability was the same as mine. She feels emotions, which means if this Darren guy was her bonded soulmate and he was murdered as Cindy said, then Y/n would have felt it,” Seonghwa almost whispers, his eyes searching his imagination, trying to fathom what that would feel like or do to a person.

The feeling of a soulmate bond breaking from being rejected or denied feels like a permanent emptiness, but a bond breaking because of a death is heard to be like your body being engulfed in fire. It is well known that soulmates tend to pass away together because the loss of one is too much for the other to handle without permanent crippling damage. 

The newer bonds are even more susceptible to extreme emotions. The mind and body must find a way to adjust to everything, and what is felt is already heightened, so distance between two bonding soulmates is not advised. But to have been granted the ability of your soulmate’s emotions, the immense or overwhelming feeling of the bond snapping into place, and then to feel the pain and life drain from that soulmate is beyond words. 

“Maybe that explains why her bond mark looks so ragged,” San wonders aloud. “I always thought they were supposed to be pretty.”

Standing slowly, Hongjoong says, “We don’t know what she felt or didn’t feel, and it will be up to Y/n to tell us more if she wants to. I don’t think this is a topic that we should push for details unless we have to.”

The rest of the boys nod in agreement, even Jognho, as he avoids the looks he is still getting from San. “Joong-hyung, how are we supposed to perform tonight?”

“I say we do just as Y/n asked. We need to be there for Atiny. We are Idols for a reason,” Hongjoong says, with no room for a counter.

“Can we wear the dark knight costumes for the opening act? And maybe the purple velvet too?” asks Yeosang. “I think with what we learned tonight the black would be appropriate and the purple might bring a smile to Y/n’s face.”

A soft smile forms on Hongjoong as he agrees, “That would be a nice gesture and besides we can’t wear the same thing as yesterday anyways.”

The ride to BMO was another Ateez-sardine-packed van. No one wanted to be left alone, but for San and Seonghwa, it was the only way to get them to leave the hotel. The ride was short and quiet. 

At arrival, the touring staff knew something was off with Ateez, but no one had the guts to ask what had happened in the last 24 hours. They had been around the group long enough to know they kept tight-lipped regarding internal issues. 

The wardrobe noonas were informed of the change requested for the costumes and quickly complied because the sad eyes and pouty faces of Yeosang and Seonghwa were not to be turned down. 

To say Ateez was distracted would also be an understatement. The make-up noonas or stagehands often had to call the members multiple times before they would snap out of their haze. The disconnect from how Ateez was before even caused some questions from the BMO event staff, but the touring team quickly found ways to reassure the BMO event staff that everything was fine, even if they didn’t know if it was true themselves. 

Once Hongjoong noticed his members' mental and emotional capacity for interaction was nonexistent, he tried to answer everything and guide the pre-show craziness away from his bonded soulmates. He knew there was a better time to unpack everything with each of them. There was only a short amount of time before Atiny was expecting them. It was his time to take his role as Captain seriously and stand strong for his soulmates, including you.

Seonghwa needed his makeup reapplied several times because he could not stop the tears from falling. The empathetic looks he got from the KQ team almost made it worse because they thought it was all for his grandfather when, in truth, it was for you.

Yunho felt a little lost in how to help. He agreed that you were a soulmate. He felt it in his bones that they were your second-chance soulmates. He also is abundantly aware of how much of a fairy-tale that sounds like, especially to Jongho. He also knows that he has heard of it happening, but he can’t remember who it happened with to save his life.

While Yeosang is typically the ‘baby girl’ and sunshine of Ateez, he also has the potential to be a member of the demon line, which is showing now. His face has taken on the resting bitch-face mode, not because he is mad at anyone but because he is concentrated on the soulmate lines. He is concerned about how his bonded soulmate's demeanor has changed and wants to know the moment you are nearby. He is unsettled because he can no longer feel the plaited silk line, and it is starting to feel like ants under his skin.

San is about to have his hyungs knock some sense into him because he acts more like a feral dog than a human at the moment. Out of all the bonded soulmates, San expresses emotions physically. It is one of the reasons why he took up working out and getting buff. He wanted to be able to protect his soulmates, but he also wanted to find ways to get out his aggression or libido without driving the loves of his life into the ground. Right now, he has decided to turn whatever he can find into a personal mini-gym in the guise of getting himself pumped up for a second night.

Unsurprisingly, the shorter of the two giants has secluded himself from everyone and everything. Mingi mentioned to his twin that he would be in the small room he found backstage to ‘settle himself,’ as he put it. In all actuality, Mingi was researching soulmate bonds, second-chance mates, bonding marks or scars, and one-sided soulmate bonds.

As an ESFJ, Wooyoung could see that his introverted Captain was stressing himself out, dealing with everything as if he was alone, and decided to help. Don’t get it wrong, Wooyoung was still processing everything but was good at multitasking. His ability to be social, talk someone’s ear off, and get things done while not breaking a sweat was something that most of the world found endearing. Right now, for him, it was emotionally draining when all he wanted to do was get San off the low-hanging rafter he was using like a pull-up bar and cuddle up until he could initiate the soul bonding with you.

Jongho focused on vocal warm-ups and paced anywhere that kept him away from San, Mingi, and, well, pretty much anyone else. He knew what he said in the conference room was wrong but didn’t want to get hurt again. Moreover, he doesn’t want his bonded soulmates to put too much into something that may end up causing damage in the long run. He is already beside himself because two of his hyungs have already started a soul bond with someone who hasn’t even once expressed that this is something that she wants. 

“Soundcheck is in 5, then BE:FIRST is up,” the leading stage manager shouts.

Looking at his soulmates, Hongjoong needs to figure something out to get them out of their funk.

“She is here!” Yeosang exclaims, springing up from his seat with the biggest smile. “She came. I think they are pulling up because it’s moving too fast for her to walk.”

Seonghwa and San close their eyes and lean into the bond they started with you, which pulses ever so faintly. Both members smile softly, and the tension within their bodies melts. The bond the two have with you is more solid than ever. You may not have verbally agreed or accepted their bond yet, but whatever your friends discussed with you has kept you from at least rejecting it. 

A few seconds later, Mingi swings open the door to his hiding room and jogs to the slowly forming group, “She is here and is in pain still. Are there seats with her ticket? Can she still see us if she sits?”

“Relax, Mingi-ah,” Seonghwa says, pulling the tall one into a hug. “I am sure Mathew-ssi and manager-nim have everything under control. We can look for her during soundcheck and if we see anything needs to be done, there is still time. Okay?”

Nodding, Mingi smiles at Yunho and glances at Jongho, noting that the youngest also has a half smile. Mingi’s heart squeezes slightly at the thought that Jongho is more on board with you being a soulmate than he is letting on. 

“Ateez, it’s time,” says their manager, walking up to the circle they have naturally formed. Holding a hand up, he smiles and quietly says, “She is in the VVIP Section downstage right along the start of bridge with her companions, Mathew, Ji-ho, and Ha-Joon. They should find their seats soon. Now, please, I know it won’t be easy, but show her that she isn’t going to hinder your career but that you know she is there.”

Catching his arm before he walks away, San asks, “Did she say something, manager-nim?”

Looking around at the staff milling around, the manager leans in, “Mathew sent me a text while they were in their hotel room, mentioning that it seems to be one of the more prominent points of conflict for Y/n. She almost didn’t come.”

“She almost didn’t come?” Hwa asks again to double-check that he heard correctly.

The manager nods with a frown, but the next second, he smiles brightly when a stagehand comes up to mumble something in his ear. “Thank you,” he says to the stagehand before looking back at the group. “She is seated. Be yourselves. It’s soundcheck time.”

As the manager walks off, the soulmates look at each other. Hoongjoong steps toward the center, “We can do this. We can perform for Atiny. We can perform for Y/n. She is with us. Eight make 1 team, but nine make a family, and I have no intention of allowing Y/n to worry that she is anything but a blessing to our bond. Who is with me?”

Going on stage, the boys greet the Atinys, who are able to get special tickets for the show. It took everything for them not to make a beeline for the section you were in. They had discussed it as they walked to the stage to keep the same placements as the night before. 

However, Seonghwa, San, and Mingi couldn’t help but look for you immediately. Their hearts beat fast as they searched the crowd of screaming fans, only to have it skip a beat or three when they finally found you. 

You had dolled up a bit by adding some light makeup, put your hair up in a half-up, half-down style, and were wearing their tour hoodie from their Break The Wall Tour last year.

Mingi ended up pointing and waving to you, and the Atiny around you got excited at the idols' attention to their section. They smiled when they saw you shy away from their attention as you looked around momentarily before joining in the smiles and waves.

Hongjoong pulls the members forward to greet Atiny with their step out, asks some basic questions to engage the fans, and then gets the soundcheck on the road. Since this is their second show, the sound check is just for Atiny, as nothing needs to be adjusted. They start by running through Dreamy Day and Work. The members aren’t doing the full-out choreography, but each member can’t seem to go through a whole song without dancing some part of it.

When it comes time for the last soundcheck song, Hongjoong has noticed that you know some of the moves to the songs but are doing them more or less to yourself because everyone else around you is focused on singing or recording them. Wanting to give you a chance to dance, Hongjoong pulls out his Captain’s card.

“Wow,” he exclaimed. One thing I have noticed is we have a lot of good singers out here, but do you all know how to dance?” The crowd went wild as usual. Glancing over at you, Hongjoong and Yeosang noticed you were screaming along with them.

“Let’s see… Seonghwa,” the captain pulls the eldest soulmate’s attention, “Do you think you can show a little move of the next song?”

Smiling, Hwa moves forward a bit, saying, “I think Atiny really loves this move.” Rolling his hips with an outward fist, he pulls off the most basic version of the driving dance from Say My Name, causing all of Atinies present to go even wilder. As he turns, moving back to his space, his eyes land on you and note that you are moving along with him, making him smile even more. 

Mingi, Yunho, and Wooyoung look slightly irritated at the Captain for asking Atiny to dance because they are concerned that if you knew the song's moves, you would aggravate your injured ankle. Yunho turns in time to catch you moving along with Seonghwa and shakes his head. 

San has decided that avoiding the side of the stage you are on is best and looks the other way. He tries to keep Atiny happy and clueless about their internal struggles as they fall into their Idol mindset. 

The rest of Ateez do their best to fill in the gaps, moving around the stage and ensuring that all of Atiny gets attention. Yeosang still finds time to sneak you a smile or a wink, while Jongho mostly sticks to the middle of the stage. His internal excuse is his need to focus on the notes when he is actually trying to control his fear of showing because he knows there will be so many uploads of this to YouTube before the show even starts.

Once the song starts, the bonded soulmates kick in gear and dance to it at about 50% energy because it is just a soundcheck. Mingi is the least active of all the members as he goes through the motions but doesn’t change his level or hit extensions for several reasons. He is still feeling your pain, and he is too busy watching you under his sunglasses to ensure you don’t overdo it. 

By the song's end, the eight members have pumped themselves up as much as possible for the show. Pulling some last-minute screams and cheers from the crowd, the boys do one more step up and head backstage to prepare for the opening song. 

Each member, even Jongho, finds you in the crowd before they leave the stage to let you know that they are aware you are here and satisfy their worries about you enjoying a second night at their show. 

When Seonghwa can peel his eyes off of your form in the multitude of Atiny, he jogs down the ramp and right to his makeup chair because he knows that he will be the quickest to fix since his skin is naturally smooth and doesn’t need much attention. His mind is right; he is focused on this performance being for you, showing you that he can simultaneously be an idol and your soulmate.

Mingi, however, was the first off-stage and immediately went to their manager. “Manager-nim?” he interrupts. “Can you send something to her and her friends for me?

The manager’s face has a sly smile as he teases, “Let me guess Mingi bias merch package.”

Grinning with the tips of his ears turning red, he says, “She has San stuff on her bag, and I don’t know what she might have gotten yesterday other than our tour sleeveless tank, but I noticed she wasn’t wearing our tour sweater.”

“Yeah, she was wearing one from last year,” Jongho comments. 

“So you do notice her!” Yeosang says, poking the youngest’s side, which earns him a glare before Jongho moves to the wardrobe area. Turning back to Mingi, Yeo asks, “You okay?”

“Yeah, I am asking manager-nim if he can send a merch package to Y/n,” answers the giant. 

“Mingi-ssi and Yeosang-ssi, the VIP sections already will be getting a clear drawstring bag, postcard set, portable charger with flashlight, fan, and deck of gold-embossed playing cards. What else would she need from you?” asks their manager.

“A newer sweater? She had on last year's tour sweater on. I hope she wasn’t at one of the shows last year,” answers Yeosang, causing the manager to look confused.

Tilting his head like the answer is clear as day, Yeosangs explains, “If she was at an earlier show and we didn’t feel her at that show…”

“Then it is going to be that much harder to convince her that she is really ours at this show,” says San, finishing Yeosang’s thoughts and seeing the understanding come to the manager. 

“That… she had to have gotten it from a store. There is no way we wouldn’t have felt her before now, especially Hyung,” Mingi says with deep determination. Turning back to the manager, he says, “Add a beanie and a sweater to the VIP bag, please?”

The manager nods, pulling out his phone to text the request to the merch handlers to bring over before he gets a tap on his shoulder. Looking back at Mingi with a questioning face, Mingi’s ears get redder as he leans closer to whisper his request, “umm… can you add my picket so she knows who it’s from?”

Shaking his head, the manager adds the Mingi picket to the request list and shows it to the blushing Ateez member before he sends it over. “Mingi-ssi, Mathew will let me know when she gets it. I will also make sure her two friends get the VIP bag so she doesn’t stand out too much.”

“Oh, smart thinking. Maybe send a beanie to them, too. It’s supposed to be a cold night, and those two are important to Y/n, which means they are important to us,” smiles Mingi. 

“Got it, now go! You have only five minutes before you have to be in position,” playfully scolds the manager. The sounds of BE:First, they finally reach Mingi’s ears, and off he goes to get ready to show the world that he is ready for everything the world has to throw at him—including you.

Making it through the concert's start was just like any other concert. Atiny was screaming, singing, dancing, and bringing enough energy to light up the whole city from BMO alone. Even the BBTRIPPIN members seemed extra sharp and high-voltage for tonight’s show.

Seonghwa and San could feel your bond thrum to the music as you got lost in being at the concert. After the first few songs, the two shared a look as they went backstage during a scene change.

“Do you feel that?” asked San.

Smiling, Seonghwa answered, “So it wasn’t just me. You can feel it when she changes with each song right?”

San nods while Seonghwa hops in place. “This means we can learn which songs she likes the most. This feeling was stronger during Say My Name and Work, right?”

“What was stronger?” asks Mingi with his hands on his hips, trying to figure out why they are so happy. 

“Y/n, with the bond, we can tell which songs she reacts to,” explains Hwa. “We felt it during the soundcheck and again with Guerrilla. I think it’s when she knows or likes the songs.”

Looking at San, Mingi asks, “You can feel it, too?”

“Yeah, but it isn’t enough to distract us or anything,” answers San. “I wonder which song will be her favorite?”

Hearing their cue with the pop-locking music for their traveling dance crew, the three find their positions for the next series of songs. Yeo, Woo, Captain, and Yunho are already waiting with the makeup noonas fussing over minor makeup corrections. San barely makes it in time for his solo dance entrance as the rest ready their capes. 

When it comes time for the opening-ments, they each greet Atiny like they did the night before, but when they mention the night before or being happy for a second night, the soulmates can’t help but look your way because, to them, you are the deciding factor of just how great this stop will be. The only downside is none of them can see you past the glaring lights shining on them. Seonghwa and San are the only ones who have any indication that you are enjoying the show.

The show goes smoothly without any hiccups. 

Mingi sees you waving his picket during his solo rap, letting him know his little care package was received. The smile on your face and the lack of pain he feels is the only evidence he has that you are in a good place right now. 

Yeosang feels an extra pull from you at the start of It’s You, which makes him almost break character and laugh. He is well aware of how much Atiny enjoys that song, and it certainly isn’t for the melody. The lyrics and how they can now relate to you make him want to laugh. At that point, he decides to sing this song for you, to you, and about you.

Yunho, Hongjoong, Wooyoung, and Jongho are doing their best to be present. Keep their minds from wandering about how you are doing, what you talked about with your friends, and what will happen tomorrow. 

It’s about halfway through the show when Jongho is singing his solo, and he somehow sees you in the crowd. Your eyes are drilling into him. Knowing that he can sing this song in his sleep, he closes his eyes and reaches out to you with his ability, testing the waters to see if he can feel anything from you. 

It’s like a water spout comes, throwing him into a whirlwind of emotions as his ability pulls them into himself. The ability to absorb is devouring the confusion, shame, anxiety, uncertainty, and heartache coming from you. Walking down the stairs at the end of his song, he can’t help but find you again as his heart flutters, and he can no longer fight against it– you are his ladymate.

Walking backstage, Jungho collapses into Seonghwa’s awaiting arms. The suddenness pulls them both to the ground, causing everyone but Wooyoung to run to their side. Kneeling around the youngest, they hear him mumbling something as he gasps deep, uneven breaths. 

“San, get his wardrobe change. Joong-ah and Mingi-ah get everyone not bonded away. Yun, he needs an anchor,” Seonghwa calls out directions. Looking directly at Wooyoung, Hwa nods slowly, saying, “He will be fine. Go out for your solo; we will be there on time.”

Leaning down into Jongho’s face, Hwa can see that he isn’t crying but is within himself. Passing him to Yunho, Hwa steps back, looks toward Hongjoong with a frown, and says, “I think he may have finally found his connection to her but it isn’t a happy one.”

A few more seconds pass as the soulmates watch their big bear bring their little bear back into the present. Jongho’s breathing stabilizes, and the mumbled words stop before he looks around and finds San. 

Standing up and rushing to the older soulmate, Jongho hugs him and says, “I am so sorry, Hyung. I wanted to keep us safe. I didn’t want to fight with you, but she was empty. It was like she was hollow, and now I know why. She has walls, so many walls.”

Hearing the music change, they all jump as the time between sets runs out, and Hongjoong steps forward, asking, “Are you okay with continuing?”

“Yeah,” answers the youngest soulmate. “I got this. If she can live with that for who knows how long, I can live with it for the rest of tonight. Yunnie-hyung’s anchor helped.”

The rest of the show becomes a blur, as always. Heightened emotions, the heartfelt ending-ments, and the encore all come too fast as the second night in LA comes to a close. However, the night isn’t over for Ateez as they still have to go through their send-off, head back to the hotel, and see where the night takes them.

Jongho is peering through the cracks that give him the slighted view of where you would have to pass to be seated for the send-off when the manager's voice comes from behind, “She won’t be there.”

Spinning around, Jongho exclaims, “What do you mean?! She left?!” Jongho’s voice carried enough to draw the attention of the others, who were now approaching the two with variations of concern.

“No, she didn’t leave. I can still feel her line, she has to be close,” answers Yeosang. “Where is she going though?”

“For her safety, she is going to one of the vans with her friends and their security team,” informs the manager.

Ease falls over the bonded soulmates, each loving you just a little more for your desire to be fair and considerate to others you don’t know. Hongjoong says, “Then let us not keep our Atiny waiting and get through the send-off like we always do. Once we are done, we will go back to the hotel. San, Seonghwa, and Jongho should ride with Y/n and her friends. The rest of us will go in the other van, and security can take their regular positions.”

Making their way through the send-off feels like the longest part of the night but is, in all truth, shorter than the soundcheck. Atiny are smiling, laughing, snapping pictures, and getting autographs from their bias. Unknown to them, their bias is only focused on the Atiny soulmate in the van at the end of the long line of endless people. 

Hongjoong, Mingi, Yunho, Wooyoung, and Yeosang enter the first van. Their energies are still bubbling with the adrenaline of another completed show. Are they exhausted? Yes, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t buzzing. 

“How do you think she liked the show tonight?” asked Mingi. “I know people follow us like roadies on tours, but she hadn’t planned on going to both shows.”

Running his hand along Mingi’s arm, Yunho teasingly says, “She was enjoying herself. I could see her waving your face around like she was trying to extinguish a fire.” A warm blush graces Mingi’s face.

“She did seem to enjoy her care package, Mingi,” adds Hongjoong. His mind is trying to find a way to see into the van behind them. He wants to know where you are at now. Have you started to accept them? All of them? 

Is that why Jongho was able to collect your emotions? Is that why Hwa and San were mumbling about your reactions to songs? Is that why you decided to come tonight?

Curling into his soulmate’s side, Wooyoung whispers into Yeosang’s ear, “Hyung, did you see her smile during your dance? She couldn’t take her eyes off you. She practically ignored me and San during ‘It's You’.” 

Woo knows how easily flustered Yeo can get despite his on-stage persona. However, all the bonded soulmates know how passionate he can get behind closed doors. Placing a soft kiss at the dip behind Yeosang’s ear, Wooyoung comments, “May be she would enjoy a private dance?”

Blushing and biting his bottom lip, Yeosang nods. The thought of you accepting them and allowing for moments like that spike his emotions. The plaited silk rope tugged his chest the more he thought about giving you that private dance. He is happy that you are not in the same van right now. He is known for his control, but at the same time, he knows that soulmates with fated birthing dates have a unique bond, and he cannot wait to explore where that leads the two of you. 

A soft growl is heard as Hongjoong’s eyes close with his deep breath. “Yeo, baby, your scent is warming. As much as we are all on an energy high, we can’t do that right now. We have more pressing matters.”

Jabbing Wooyoung in the ribs and muttering playful threats, Yeosang apologizes to his leader, “I am sorry, hyung. I will be good. I don’t want to mess any of this up.”

“Speaking of messing things up,” interrupts Yunho. “Do you think Jongho is okay now? Will the two of them be able to work things through now? He is on board now, right?”

“I hope so. It’s one of the reasons why I had him go in her van. It will give them time to talk or feel each other out,” explains Hongjoong. “I just hope it’s not too late.”

When they arrived, the hotel garage was practically empty; however, that was not the case, and they were now a skeleton crew of makeup, wardrobe, and sound team running around. While parking, Wooyoung received a text from San telling him to bring everyone to the ballroom.

Spotting San pacing near a side entry, Hongjoong all but stormed over to him, “What is going on?”

“She didn’t get to see her favorite song,” answered San, like that explained everything. 

Watching the controlled chaos around them, over half of Ateez was still lost. Soon, the door behind San opened, and Seonghwa and Jongho, dressed in purple costumes, and their manager came out. Confusion still graced Wooyoung and Mingi’s faces as the light of realization dawned on Hongjoong, Yunho, and Yeosang. 

“Are we changing in there? Where is she?” asked Yeosang, already moving into the small impromptu green room. 

“She is in her room. Her young friend Kat knows Korean, apparently, and helped us plan this. We don’t have much time,” answers Hwa, pushing the rest of his soulmates to get ready. “We have a show to perform.”

Letting out a laugh, Wooyoung rushes after Yeosang, yelling, “Hey, you might get to do that private dance afterall!”

“Is this a good idea?” asks Mingi. 

Pulling his gentle giant along, Hongjoong says, “We won’t know until the end. Until then, she should see that being our soulmate means that while we are Idols who perform for the world to see, our eyes are only on her.”

“Gag. That was gag-worthy, and we still need to sing, hyung,” Jongho says, rolling his eyes at the producer. “Now, please, go get ready.”

Getting ready, the tour team kept their lips sealed and didn’t outwardly ask why they were doing this sudden mini-show, but then again, their contracts have a very detailed NDA that came with a hefty bonus when something soulmate-related happened. 

Seonghwa, San, and Jongho explained that they found out you had missed seeing them perform one of your favorite songs both nights in a row, and you were sad that there was a song they didn’t perform. It was Jongho’s idea to do the mini-show for you so that you would be content and happy when you went to sleep. 

They had a set list ready and would sing to their instrumental or acapella. The boys are ready and waiting in the darkened ballroom with nerves stronger than anything they have felt in a long time. It’s a good thing; they have all agreed because they want you to be theirs more than anything else. 

“Ready on stage,” whisper, shouts their temporary stage manager.

It’s maybe ten seconds later that the ballroom door opens, and the sound of your laughter spills in as you walk in, looking behind you, saying, “You would have thought Yunho was doing more than dancing on the stage with how loudly she was losing her shit over him standing there.”

When you face the front, you freeze at seeing the single chair in the ballroom lit by a spotlight. The bonded soulmates can see you try to squint to see in the darkness before you turn back to see your two friends and their manager standing just inside the door. 

“Remember everything we talk about in the hotel room,” smiles Cindy. “Dave completes me. You deserve to be complete, too.”

Your friend Kat walks forward, taking you by the hand, and they guide you to the chair. “Eight of them can be overwhelming, but I believe each holds a piece of your soul that you lost when it shattered.”

“I have known these boys for more than anyone else, and I have never seen a more dedicated soulmate group in my life, Miss Y/n,” their manager adds. “Listen with your heart to what they have planned.”

With that, the three left the ballroom. The lights went out, and it was time for the boys to convey their longing for you to accept their bond and give them a chance. 

Stepping to his microphone stand, Mingi starts singing an acapella version of Star 1117 as the floor lights come up. He focuses his eyes on you as he pours his soul into his words. Hongjoong and he know they wrote the song for Atiny. The title lends to the day the name Atiny was picked out and focuses on looking to the stars for love. It’s Ateez’s wish that they can look to you as their star in love and you can trust them to protect you forever as their star.

The next song starts sounding through the ballroom speakers as the members pull their microphones off and gather closer to you. Seonghwa takes the middle with Jongho as they serenade you with Light. Jongho, who wasn’t on board in the first place, uses this song to express he finally has realized that the nine of you are meant to be one.

By this time, the boys can see you are fighting back tears. Seonghwa and San feel the energy flowing through your partial bond with them, making it harder for them to finish the song without crying. Yeosang can feel your plaited silk rope pull and release as you sway to the song. He has felt it before, but now it’s almost as if he can see it linking the two of you. 

Quick steps are made as the eight Idols find their place before an upbeat synthesizer starts. Yunho starts the song with a smile when he sees your eyes light up. They haven’t performed this song in a while, but the bonded soulmates wanted to perform their song Promise because it is their promise never to leave you alone. It made their hearts light when they would notice you mouthing along with the words, doing the hand choreography, or wiping a straying teardrop from your cheek.

It was time for the final song, and the squeal you let out once they got into their starting positions made Wooyoung and Hongjoong chuckle. It was a song that Atiny took many different ways, but for the situation between the nine of you, it was about having you get out of the cold and darkness of being alone in the world and allowing Ateez to become your warmth and light.

The moment your friend announced the day your life came to a screeching halt was the first time since they found you in the garage that you finally had no eyes on you. While it gave you a chance to breathe, it also felt odd. 

Taking the chance to look around, you notice the shock on their faces as they stare at Cindy like she has grown another head. Clearly, the news of your past was not what they expected to hear. It’s rare to hear of someone having a dead soulmate and living to tell the tale. 

“I know this may seem like a stupid question, but” Jongho starts to speak before he is interrupted by Wooyoung.

“No, no. Let’s start with a non-stupid question… what do you mean Y/n has a soulmate already?” asks the worldwide playboy. 

Looking at Cindy and Kat, you beg them with your eyes not to be the one to explain what happened. A wave of guilt, heartache, and failure is starting to crush your chest. It had been a while since you had thought about the events of that day. 

It’s Kat who finally starts telling the beginning of your devastating story. You resign to an understanding that the eight men around you will change their thoughts of being your soulmates if they know all the details. 

“Darren Donahue. Y/n and Darren were instant friends when she transferred to our school in the middle of 3rd grade. They were inseparable all through the rest of elementary school and into high school,” says Kat.

Your mind supplements Kat’s regaling with images of Darren with his natural blonde hair in a cut like Jonathan Taylor Thomas from Home Improvement. His almond-shaped crystal-blue eyes always held his emotions clearer than the night sky. He was always shorter than you, but that was his appeal to you. He was pocket-sized, and although short, he held a strength that could rival anyone, especially if you were in danger. Unfortunately, that determination was his ultimate weakness. 

“After growing up with soulmates as parents,” Kat continues. “I had an innate understanding of how to spot soulbonds or possibilities. It was resoundingly clear that there was a potential bond between them. Darren was a year older than Y/n when he turned 18 and could finally connect with his soulmate if he had one… but he never even looked.”

“Darren had asked Y/n’s mom to take her out for her 18th birthday. By that time, he had told several of us that his heart knew she would be his,” said Cindy as she squeezed your thigh. “All of us were supportive because we all agreed. Sure, there was a chance that we were all wrong. Ever since… we kind have wished we were.”

All you could do was shrink under the weight of the words Cindy left unsaid. You can remember happily agreeing to dinner at Caza De Pizza and catching ‘Now You See Me 2’ afterward. The movie was set to be over right around midnight. You were so excited to see if you and your family were correct in thinking that Darren was your soulmate. Now you wish you had waited to find out at school on Wednesday morning. 

Your dark thoughts are interrupted when Hongjoong calls your name, asking, “Y/n, how did you know that Darren was your soulmate? Did you bond?” 

Nodding, you put up your arm and rest it on the table to show a long, lightening-like, ragged scar running along your inner elbow from the middle of your forearm to just above your elbow. “He was with me at midnight when I turned 18. I gained my soulmate ability to feel emotions right away, but I don’t know what he was because we never got to...” your voice cuts out as the ghost of his death engulfs your body.

It wasn’t just the pain of his death that haunted you but the joy of seeing your soulmate mark form on your arm as proof that you were his. The avalanche of love, devotion, passion, and pride came with it, and you quickly realized it wasn’t just your emotions but also Darren’s. 

However, those happy feelings lasted for about five seconds before you were shoved to the side, and a piercing pain tore through your chest that caused you to look up from the mark to watch as blood pooled from his chest. Your memories of that night are always silent, never hearing the gunfire, the screams of you and the witnesses, and the lost words mumbling from Darren’s lips as the burn of a soulmate dying floods your system at his last breath.

San's rapid movement brings you back to the present as he practically growls at his manager, “We can’t leave her right now. It won’t be suitable for any of us. Things are already strained as they are.”

With an epic side eye given to you from Jongho, he says, “San-hyung, we don’t understand what is happening. It could be stress and timing that is causing all of this.” 

It didn’t surprise you that one of them was already against you, adding to their well-rounded soulmate bond after it had been formed for years. What shocks you is that San looks like he is about to start a round of fisticuffs with his already-bonded soulmate.

“Excuse me?!!?” demands San, turning his attention to Jongho. 

This isn’t good. Fighting isn’t good for bonds, much less for a world-famous K-pop band that must leave to perform for thousands of fans like they did last night. “Go,” you say with as much strength as you can.

Looking briefly at San as he stares down the youngest member, you try to explain, “You need to be there for Atiny tonight just like you were there for us last night. I cannot be the reason for anything that affects the show or makes you all late. You did fine without me before. It’s not like I will be any help now.”

A slight tug on your chest comes before Yeosang says, “Things have changed, Y/n. You made contact with San-ah and Seonghwa-hyung, meaning the soul-bonding has started with the two of them and yourself.”

Jongho scoffs at Yeosang’s explanation of how the bond is forming. Hongjoong adds, “Once a soul-bonding starts in a group, it is fragile until the rest of the group bonds. It doesn’t finalize until everyone accepts it, though.”

“You mean she has to follow you around now? Until everyone accepts her and vice versa?” asks Kat. “How will that work and not end up all over Dispatch or TMZ?”

“I can help with that, Miss Kat,” a young man says, stepping up from the corner dressed like he got caught up in the group and doesn’t belong in this meeting. “I am Mathew and I have been assigned to you three as a personal bodyguard for the remainder of your trip.”

“Excuse me?” exclaims Kat. This new guy has already made the mistake of calling Kat a miss, but the question is, why would we need security?

“I will explain later, Kat, before we leave the hotel,” intervenes Cindy, always the mediator. “How can you help?”

Watching the young man as he thinks, you can’t help but notice how much presence he does have. His clothes may make him look like the Emo Guy USA 2024 winner, but you think it is a perfect disguise for someone to be undercover at a concert. 

“Tonight, I was supposed to have the night to watch the concert from the crowd,” the non-security-security guy starts. “If we could get tickets for the three of them seated with me, we could attend the concert and reduce the distance between them all.”

“She would have to be closer than she was last night since the bonding has started,” Mingi says. “Since we cannot have her on stage with us and hiding her backstage will pull the three of us in the wrong direction, she will have to be practically stage side like the photographers or VVIP.”

This is going to be too much. You can’t suddenly have VVIP tickets. Those are limited to the number of seats available. You are about to say something when Seonghwa says, “Y/n, I know that this is probably more than you ever thought you have to deal with, but after tonight’s concert, we don’t have to be at the next stop until Thursday morning. We could sleep on it and talk in the morning?”

Seonghwa’s boba eyes look hopeful and endearing as he waits for your answer, but the ice shooting from Jongho's death stare behind him keeps any words from making it past your throat. Understanding the need to answer your elders, you want to answer. However, the desire to not cause more conflict between the bonded soulmates causes you to turn away from the two.

“I'm sorry, but we really must leave,” their manager quietly says. “What do you ladies want to do?”

“We will go to the concert tonight. I think it has been a lot, and it has all happened a bit too fast,” Cindy answers for the three of you. “Let us talk to her, just us, and we will see you at the concert or afterward. If you could have someone show us our room for tonight, we could talk about things until you want us to go to the concert.”

“Mathew-ssi, please?” orders Hongjoong. 

As Ateez remains quiet and in the room, Mathew, plus a few other guards, escort you, Cindy, and Kat out of the conference room. A few moments later, their manager joins the small gathered group. 

“If you would follow me,” he asks, guiding you to the lobby. “The boys are all on the same floor, the tour entourage is on the floor below, and the security detail is roomed throughout both floors. The floor the boys are on is completely bought out so we will get you keys to one of those rooms.”

Tugging on Cindy’s sleeve, you shake your head to get her to stop this nonsense. She, however, smiles and turns to the manager. “That would be great! I think we can make do with one room as long as there are two beds.”

“Cindy!” you hiss. Kat takes your arm and pulls you along to the elevator, humming some song with a look of contentment. 

How can Kat look like that when you are going through this!? Why is Cindy letting this go on?! The three of you know this will end badly. They will learn you are damaged goods and realize you are too much to deal with.

“We will wait for you outside,” says the emo boy as he shuts a door. 

Looking around, you noticed you had lost track of time and movement again. You were inside a huge room. It had two queen-sized beds on one side, a walk-in closet, a kitchenette, and a door that you could only assume led to a bathroom that would put yours to shame. 

“Earth to Y/n,” Cindy calls as she sits on one of the couches off to the side with a large TV screen. “What’s going on with that head of yours?”

Making your way to the other couch, you take a moment because where were you? You wanted to run away in the garage but ended up in the conference room. You got lost in what happened all those years ago, and now you were supposed to see night two at BMO stadium with eight Korean Idols claiming to be your soulmate… well, seven.

“I… I don’t know,” you finally answer.

Kat sits beside Cindy before saying, “This isn’t going to be easy, Y/n. Having second-chance soulmates is nearly impossible, but this is a chance for you to be happy again. It’s been eight years since it happened.”

“Yeah, eight years since someone murdered my soulmate instead of me,” you cut in. “Eight years since Darren got shot because they thought it would be a good idea for an initiation. It… it..”

“It also has been eight years since you survived, Y/n,” adds Cindy. “You had the bond, mark, and death of your soulmate happen in less than a minute. It takes a strong person to live through that. It is also a strong person that would be able to handle a bond with eight other people, especially as their focus.”

The thought of being the focus of a bonded soulmate group didn’t even cross your mind. Being a focus was more than just being another soulmate in a bond. The point of a focus was to keep the bond together. If something happened to a group bond’s focus, then…

“Don’t go to the bad things first, Y/n,” Cindy interrupts your spiraling thoughts. “Being a focus isn’t a bad thing. In a typical bond, like Dave and I, we complete each other. What Ateez has is like a ship without a sail; they have all the parts to float and keep their heads above the water, but they need their focus soulmate, you, to set sail and discover what the world has waiting for them.”

“But I am a tattered sail,” you mumble. “I would only flap in the wind like a flag instead of giving them strength to ride the waves. Like, going to the concert tonight… why are we going? If this whole thing is true won’t they be too distracted by the pull to perform right?”

A knock on the wall brings your attention to the personal security guard emo guy. “We have secured your tickets. We will enter with the soundcheck VVIPs for security purposes but leave before the send-off. I took the liberty of obtaining some basic cosmetics and other toiletries if you wanted to be more concert-like. My sister always says concert wear and day wear are two different animals.”

Kat stands up and retrieves the bag from the guy, saying, “Thank you, Mathew. How much time do we have before we have to leave?” 

“About an hour,” he responds before nodding and leaving.

Pawing through the bag, Kat hums in approval. “Well, I think you have men ready to accept fate with arms wide open. This is a chance for you to live how you were supposed to live all those years ago. Besides,” Kat pulls out a pallet of eyeshadows, “if getting Cle de Peau Beaute is considered basic makeup then sign me up in your place. PLLLEEEAAASSSEEE”

You laugh at Kat’s love for expensive things, but it does catch your attention. You may only sometimes be on point with knowing most couture designers, but you were the go-to among your friends and coworkers when it came to makeup, and Cle de Peau Beaute lipstick alone can run over $100. 

The following 45 minutes are spent looking up the prices of what was in the bag, trying not to gag at the $270 1 oz foundation that matched your skin tone, and accepting that you would be treated like something precious.

When the three of you were in yet another van, you didn’t look like you were crying just a few hours ago, and you felt like someone who could afford the VVIP tickets you were being gifted. Mathew, the emo guy, went over some safety things– like he was a friend of Kat’s, but Ji-ho and Ha-Joon were friends of Mathew’s, and no one was supposed to leave the group alone. 

Arriving at BMO was strange because you were brought in what you learned was the artist entry and taken to your seats just as the other VVIPs were being let in for the soundcheck. To the surprise of the three of you, you had excellent front-row seats at the bridge area off the other side of where you were last night. This meant you wouldn’t have to deal with people blocking your view but also that you didn’t have anyone to hide behind.  

“Stop your thinking and enjoy,” scolds Cindy. “They are big boys. They know the difference between work and play. Right now, it’s time for them to work. You’ll see.”

The next moment, you become deaf as the girl behind you cuts loose a scream like she was getting eaten by a shark. Following her line of sight, the boys take the stage, and the world around you narrows to just them. 

First out is the flirt master Wooyoung, in black jeans and a black tank top. San looks like a professor with his dress pants and white button-up. Yeosang follows with blue jeans and a tucked-in tour sleeveless shirt to show off his tiny waist and muscular physique without trying too hard. Jongho looks like he is going to the mall with his dark pants and jean oversized shirt with straps hanging everywhere. Hongjoong is the epitome of the Beverly Hills dad in the world with his cuffed jeans and black and white Art Deco flowered shirt. Yunho went boyfriend-coded with what looks like a Michigan State jacket and baggy pants. Mingi makes your jaw drop in his black-on-black with silver jewelry and looks like the complete fuck boi. Last comes Seonghwa, with his effortless black tee shirt and sand-washed jeans and his hair in a pony, as if he didn’t spend 30 minutes with someone making sure each hair was in the right place. 

The boys go to the bridge and greet the Atinys for the soundcheck. You noticed that Seonghwa, San, and Mingi found you as they went to their places. Only Mingi waved, and the Atiny around you got excited like he just threw money at them. You couldn’t help but blush at his attention because outside of you, Cindy, Kat, Mathew, Ha-Joon, and Ji-ho, no one else knew it was meant for you.   

The soundcheck ended up different from what you expected. They wandered almost aimlessly around, singing songs and waving to the crowd. The choreography wasn’t consistently done. None of the men on the stage could help but move out of muscle memory or get the crowd riled up occasionally. You couldn’t help but sing along to the parts you knew and dance with Kat, your resident K-pop Dance challenge master. 

When the eight gathered again, you figured it was over, and it was time to take your seat. However, Hongjoong seems to have other ideas. “Wow,” he exclaimed. “One thing I have noticed is we have a lot of good singers out here, but do you all know how to dance?” 

The crowd went wild as usual, including you and Kat. You were hoping the next song was one you could dance to without looking like a newborn deer or a lost child. 

“Let’s see… Seonghwa,” the captain calls the eldest soulmate out of the lineup, “Do you think you can show a little move of the next song?”

The other six members' reactions confuse you because they all look like this wasn’t part of the original plan. The stage crew is talking rapidly into walkie-talkies, as Hwa says, “I think Atiny really loves this move.” 

The moment Seonghwa pulls the most stilted version of the driving dance, all of Atiny's present goes even wilder, and the crew starts running around like chickens with no heads. You and Kat move along with him as you try to remember the song's name to which it goes. 

Over the screams, Kat leans into and says, “It’s from Say My Name. Mathew says Captain is going off script by adding this song, which isn’t unusual.” You nod to let Kat know you hear them, and the two of you dance to the song as much as you can since it is one of your favorites. 

When it comes to an end, it is a simple see you later from the boys as they go backstage to get ready for the night. Taking your seat, you look around at how some other Atiny have dressed this time. You are happy that you are at least wearing a tour sweater and got a chance to spruce yourself up. Part of you wished that the boy could have seen you in your pirate-themed outfit from yesterday, but at the same time, you were glad they didn’t.

“Excuse me, are you Miss Y/n?” A man approaches you and is abruptly cut off by Ha-Joon.  Stepping back, the man looks at you and Ha-Joon before continuing, “I was informed that some of our VVIPs didn’t get their exclusive merch bags. Two regular and one special.”

Taking the bags, Ha-Joon has a smirk on his face when he turns around. He hands the two clear bags that match the rest of the VIPs around you to Cindy and Kat, then hands you another that doesn’t match. Kat and Cindy start pulling out tiny things from their bags. The first thing you must pull out of the bag is a new tour hoodie, followed by a matching beanie. Dropping the bag on your seat, you immediately pull off the hoodie you got from Facebook Marketplace and put on the new one.

“Hey, ours didn’t come with those,” teases Kat, pointing at the sweater before she reaches into the bag and pulls out a Mingi picket. “Huh, Seonghwa had better watch his place as your bias because Mr. Song here seems to be starting with the spoiling part.”

You blush at the thought. Sitting down, you take the picket and look at the image of Mingi, remembering his determination during the meeting to keep you close to the eight of them. He hasn’t even touched you to initiate the soulmate bond, but he looks and reacts as if the bond is already complete. Is this what it means to have a soulmate and to be their focus?

You were happy that Be:First opened for Ateez again so you could see them this time. You loved their collaboration. It was a unique way of blending the two groups while keeping them as their own. You didn’t know any of their other songs, so you sat through their set and enjoyed the ebb and flow.

BBTRIPPIN came out and started the show. Because BMO screwed up, you had missed seeing their dance sequence, but it was not surprising how good they were. What surprised you was the Dark Knight costumes the boys wore as they entered the stage. You couldn’t help but feel your heart flutter at how the color accented their skin tone and made them look like a force to be reckoned with. 

When Crazy Form kicked off, the three of you were on your feet, moving, grooving, and badly singing in Korean. The thoughts of these eight men began to fade into the background. Having the other Atiny with you and seeing how engrossed the bonded group was with their performances, opening-ments, and each other let you remain a fan in the crowd. 

You missed the lingering glances, the minor angle changes, and the special words the boys had meant for you and you alone. You focused more on enjoying the complementary waters and snacks in the bottom of your bags. Luckily, Mathew had also thought ahead and brought you some pain medications. 

What you didn’t miss was the look from the Atiny who saw the extra things in your bag, the teasing smirks from your friends, or the great view of Ateez’s asses during Halazia. While the view was ass-tronomical, you were happiest seeing the musicality flow through their being. 

It’s about halfway through the show when Jongho is singing his solo. You knew his voice was beautiful and underrated by so many before Hongjoong stole him away. Listening to the youngest member of the bonded soulmates' serenade made you think about how hard you cried when you looked up the English translation. You ended up playing it on a loop for days, thinking of how Darren was supposed to be your everything and what you wouldn’t give to see him just once more. 

You couldn't look away as Jongho sang the song from the top of the staircase, expecting the tears to fall again and the darkness to take over. As you watched him, it felt like every negative feeling was being taken away. The turbulence and apprehension from today, the internal ridicule, agony, and disgrace of your past, were just gone.

Watching Jongho walk down the stairs at the end of his song, you know he can see you in the crowd. The look in his eyes isn’t one you have seen from him before. Only Seonghwa, San, and Mingi have looked at you like this, and it makes you want to follow him backstage to learn what it means. Your heart skips a beat as he holds your gaze just a second longer before he turns away. 

The stage lights change and the music starts for Wooyoung’s piece, drawing everyone's attention to the island at the end of the bridge. You, however, are left with a calm sense of emptiness as you watch the stage door. The sounds of the concert are gone, and all that is left is the sound of your heartbeat. It’s the first time that you start to believe that maybe, just maybe– they were right. 

You attempt to enjoy the rest of the show, but you can’t help but study the eight men on the stage. How well they complement each other shows that they must have polarizing abilities. The light in their eyes allows anyone, Atiny or not, to know they are living their dream and not being forced on stage. 

So, where would you fit in as the odd woman out?

“Excuse me, Miss? We have to go to the van now,” Ji-Ho instructs as Atiny starts to make their way out of the stadium. You nod and follow. Kat and Cindy have already figured something must have happened as they can see the wheels turning in your head. 

Mathew comes up to the front with you and explains that for safety reasons, the three of you will not be at the send-off, but due to the strain of having you separate from the already bonding soulmates, you will be traveling together. He leads you through what feels like a maze of metal under the stage and behind some fake walls before coming out a side door and to the vans. You can tell you are close to the send-off because of the deafening screams, and the pull on your chest seems lighter. 

Inside the van, you notice two rows of bench seats, one slightly shorter than the other,  and two captain’s chairs in the back, causing you to pause. “Umm, where should we sit?” you ask. 

“I didn’t know you could get vans with… seven seats in the back,” comments Kat before she jumps in and heads to the far back bench. 

You go to follow, only to have Cindy push your butt onto the short bench. “Nope,” she says, wagging her finger when you scowl at her. “You have at least two joining us, and you need to sit with them.”

You are about to reply when a single scream of “MINGI MARRY ME” hits a new level you never thought possible. The three of you burst out laughing as you watched the newly propositioned Idol run out of the stadium and into the first van, followed by Hongjoong, Yunho, Wooyoung, and Yeosang.

Mathew silently laughs as he sits with Cindy and Kat in the back row, leaving the bench seat with you and the two captain chairs for San, Seonghwa, and Jongho. The three of them walk to the van, to you, at a more measured pace, and they pin you in your seat with their eyes. 

You scoot to the far side of the bench seat, making room for San to take the seat next to you as he was the one who reached the door first, but to your surprise, he sat in the captain’s chair in front of you. Seonghwa took the other captain’s chair. Leaving Jongho to sit next to you, his eyes never leaving yours as you looked at the two bonding soulmates. 

You can hear a ‘hmph’ from behind you and know you weren’t the only one taken back by the seating choice. However, that is the only sound made as the door shuts and the van returns to the hotel. You can feel that someone is looking at you, but you can feel the tension more than ever.

“Miss Y/n, did you enjoy the show?” asks Jongho, breaking the silence. 

Looking at him, you suck in a breath, thinking of an answer. His eyes search yours as if he is asking about something more than the show. “Mr. Choi,” you start, then blanch, looking at San, who is also a Mr. Choi.  “Ahh.. Younger Mr. Choi..”

“Jongho, please. Jongho is fine, please,” the younger man says with a smile. Nodding, you glance at Seonghwa to see him smiling softly as well. 

“Jongho-ssi, I enjoyed the show, it was different and I never thought I would ever see a concert that close in my life,” you admit. 

“Different, how?” prods San. “We did the same songs.”

“That’s true, but you wore different clothes.” You can’t help but glance at Seonghwa again with a blush as you remember his leather strap shirt and purple velvet outfit. 

Smirking, Hwa leaned forward, pointed at your clear purse bag, and said, “We agreed to wear the purple because you seem to like that color. Yeosang thought the Dark Knight costumes to open would be appropriate as well.”

Giggling can be heard from the backseat before Kat says, “Oh, that was a great decision. You should reward him for that. Y/n’s favorite color is purple and black, not to mention she has a thing for leather.”

Turning around, you swat at your friend and say through gritted teeth, “Shut! Up!” However, it has the opposite effect, and the two start laughing so much that the rest of the van joins in as you feel your face heat up. 

“I see how it is,” you glare, turning back to Seonghwa. “Mr. Park,” you grin. “If Hongjoong or Yeosang ever need fancams from this weekend, they can reach out to Kat and Cindy respectively.”

“Hey! Why am I getting dragged into this?” exclaims Cindy, which brings in even more laughter and breaks all the tension. 

“To be honest, I want to say thank you for letting us attend again and not shove us in a green room somewhere,” you say after catching your breath. “I was.. I was excited that I could see you all even once.”

“We are glad you could see us too,” adds San. “But why do I feel like there is something else?”

Your eyes widen slightly at the fact he could tell. Looking between the three of them, you finally say, “I wanted to see you sing Star 1117. Well that and I missed seeing you guys dance Halazia last night and then tonight you guys were facing away when you danced it so…yeah..”

The bonded mates look at each other and start muttering in Korean, leaving you out of the loop. They don’t seem particularly upset by their expressions, but they aren’t happy either. Maybe you shouldn’t have said anything; keep your mouth shut and not complain. They have been doing this for years, and it isn’t your place to say anything anyway. 

It isn’t until Mathew and Kat jump in that you feel really lost. Glancing back at Cindy, she shrugs at you before leaning forward, “Maybe you should sign up for lessons.”

“Lessons?” Jongho asks, catching what Cindy said. 

Your eyes widen as Cindy says, “If she is going to be your focus, then she needs to learn to communicate with you all.” That catches Seonghwa and San’s attention as the van goes silent.

“You don’t know Korean?” inquires San.

Shaking your head, you answer, “Nope. I only know the typical K-drama watcher quotes. I… ahh, I am new to Korean stuff in general. These two dragged me into K-pop after they realized how bad things got after…”

“So, you are a baby Atiny? That’s awesome! We can teach you so much,” San says with a smile. “Most of us know enough English to get by, but don’t worry, we are all taking lessons, and either we can get you into lessons or teach you ourselves.”

“Hongjoong and San are the best at English,” adds Seonghwa. “If you need help you can always talk to one of them.”

You simply nod. The implications of them already planning a future with you are causing conflict for you. Their explicit acceptance of having another soulmate is a blessing, but accepting that acceptance when you had given up on ever being whole again is hard. 

The rest of the car ride is filled with small conversations, half in English and half in Korean. You tried to participate but just left it to everyone else. Once back at the hotel, you excused yourself quickly to your room with some flimsy excuse of needing the bathroom before the bonded soulmates could get out of the van. 

Cindy and Kat caught up with you in the lobby and picked up their manager along the way. The manager was talking with Cindy about logistics for tomorrow and getting them to their flight, so his presence didn’t bother you. The four of you went to the room you got ready in.

You did find yourself in the bathroom splashing your face with water. The day's weight was on your shoulders, but since Jongho’s song, it hasn’t crushed you like it was in the conference room. Sitting on the toilet, you pull out your phone and look up group soul bonds. 

+ Group soul bonds are believed to be formed because one or more of the soulmates within the group have experienced a trauma or injury to their soul, which causes fractures. The science behind this splintering of the soul is still being researched. + Group soul bonds are bonds between multiple soulmates. It is believed that a group bond can consist of  3 to 25 soulmates. Groups over nine tend to have a looping soul connecting one bonded group to another.  + Group soul bonds consisting of more than four soulmates must have a focus for the group to be considered complete; without the focus, a soulmate group will face mental and emotional damage over time. It is typically the passive ability-enabled soulmates that will fall to these damages sooner rather than later.  + Group soul bond’s focus is considered a central point for bonded soulmates. The name focus is used synonymously with core and heart. The other bonded soulmates must pay close attention to the soulmate who becomes the focus and maintain a consistent or relative closeness. Disconnections or distance from the focus over time will become more tolerable, but it is not recommended to maintain them for extended periods.   

Knock knock knock

“Yo! I am hungry. Get out here and come with us to raid the hotel convenience store,” yelled Kat. 

Closing your phone and tucking it away, you open the door, “You always are hungry. You literally ate like half the snacks from my bag. How can you eat more?” you tease them.

Grabbing your hand, Kat whines, “That was all like sugar stuff that has burnt off by now. You know I can’t sleep well with an empty stomach. Come on, I am sure they will have some kind of protein bar or fruit.”

Rolling your eyes, you take your hand back and start heading to the door. “Fine, but I am not paying, and you owe me coffee in the morning!” you call back, not waiting for anyone to follow you. You don’t see the sneaky smiles on Cindy, Kat, and Ateez’s manager’s face as they quickly follow you.

The elevator conversion is easy as it returns to the concert and all the Atiny outfits, reactions to the boys, and song choices. Their manager is a nice guy, funny too. You wouldn’t think someone with his sense of humor would be an Idol Manager instead of a comedian, but you guess he likes to stay behind the scenes. 

Finally arriving on the correct floor, you follow the manager down the hall to the store. As Cindy makes an impression of one of the Atiny who practically lost her voice from screaming during the encore, you nod thanks to the man holding the door. Walking in, you glance back at her, laughing and saying, “You would have thought Yunho was doing more than dancing on the stage with how loudly she was losing her shit over him standing there.”

When you face the front, you finally notice how dark the room is except for the single spotlit chair. You stop dead in your tracks as you wonder what the hell is going on. 

When you look back and see them standing at the door, Cindy breaks the silence, saying, “Remember everything we talked about in the hotel room. Dave completes me. You deserve to be complete, too.”

Taking your hand and pulling you to the only chair in the room, Kat says, “Eight of them can be overwhelming, but I believe each holds a piece of your soul that you lost when it shattered.”

From behind you, their manager adds, “I have known these boys for more than anyone else, and I have never seen a more dedicated soulmate group in my life, Miss Y/n. Listen with your heart to what they have planned.” 

With that, the three left the ballroom. 

As the lights went on, you sat straight in the chair, your heart beating a million miles a minute. Could you listen with your heart? Were you willing to allow these eight men to try and complete you? Would you be able to handle being their focus? Their heart of the bond?

Soft steps are all you hear before Mingi's unmistakable, rough but soulful voice starts singing without any music, and the floor lights come up. Here they are, all eight of them dressed in your favorite costumes from the shows. You knew they had to be tired after going back-to-back with shows. All you could see was longing, hope, tenderness, and willingness.  

Mingi’s eyes never leave you as he sings one of the most meaningful songs he and Hongjoong have ever written for Atiny. You recognized it immediately as it was one of the first Ateez ballads you had heard. You knew what the song meant from interviews. It was a song about finding love in the stars, finding their destiny, and protecting it– protecting you.

As Star 1117 ends, music fills as the men get closer to you. You brace for the feeling of being cornered to take over you that never comes. The most accepting and closed-off members stand right before you and begin singing a song you had only heard a few times because they performed it on a couple of shows. You don’t know the name, but you can remember words and phrases as they sing: Who are you? We were meant to be one, and the dark knight is shining; we’re shining in it. It takes you back at how honestly Jongho sings his parts; maybe he isn’t closed off at the idea of you anymore. 

Tilting your head back, you try to keep the tears from falling. You may not know Korean, but your heart, mind, body, and soul don’t seem to have the same language barrier. Their energies fill you as they move around you. While you cannot understand what you are feeling, you know the mix of deep emotions is not just emotions of your own. Closing your eyes for just a moment, you remember what your friends said to you – maybe it is time to be complete. 

When you finally look back at the soulmates, they are standing in a formation you haven’t seen in a long time as one of their older songs starts pumping you up and bringing a smile to your face. The song Promise was one of your favorite early songs of the band. When you first heard it, you thought either Hongjoong or Mingi had met their soulmate, and this was a song they wrote in dedication to them. Now you know, while that may have very much been true, they are singing it now to make a promise to you. 

Emotions overwhelm you as you do your best to mouth the words along with them, not wanting to ruin their harmonization with your botched Korean. Happy tears start to fall as you lean into the song and the pressure in your chest, no longer completely frightened by what you think is where the bond will hold to you. 

Thinking the mini-show is over, you watch them all gather in front of you and mill around. It isn’t until they all stop and you notice their positions that you let out a very embarrassing squawk, which turned into a series of ‘oh my god’s and clapping when you heard your absolute favorite song from the show, that you had complained about not seeing well, was about to be danced less than two feet from you. 

It was one of their songs that you knew every word, every move, and you couldn’t believe they would be doing this song for you. This song was the song that pulled you out of your depression after Darren was murdered. The song caught your heart with its words, your eye with their stunning visuals, and your soul with the timber of their voices. 

Midway through the song, you realize what these songs mean to the eight soulmates looking for you to be their focus and their heart, but your mind still has the dark voice telling you that someone like you cannot be strong enough for them. 

However, your soul starts whispering to you, telling you to find guidance with Hongjoong and home in Seonghwa, make Yunho a pillar and Mingi your solace, seek safety from San and security beside Wooyoung, and obtain tranquility through Yeosang and foundation with Jongho.

Maybe you don’t have to be strong enough for them…they have to be strong enough for you.

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[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

I just binged this and I love soulmate au sm!! This is a really good series so far!!

[whimsicalwritingsandmore]

The Elite Four | stray kids x reader

Pairing: ot8!straykids x fem!reader, ??? x fem!reader

Genre: fantasy au, romance, magic

Warnings: you get attacked.

Word count: 1986 words

a/n: well well well, it is I! And I bring you a new story! Hope you enjoy and reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated as it'll keep me motivated! <3

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Chapter 1

It rained when everything fell apart.

But before that, you loved the rain. You were from the lone district, a place that only experienced either clear skies and intense sunlight or overcast skies with steady or torrential downpours. Usually Summer was much more prominent so when it rained, you welcomed it with open arms. The weather held sentimental value to you and you were certain there was nothing that could make you dislike rainy weather.

It rained when you met Chan. You were only 12 years old, and he had just moved right next to your home. As the droplets began to splatter and become more intense, Chan tried to make a run inside with his childhood dog in his arms. Unfortunately for him, the cheerful and friendly pooch had other plans. The small and cute creature broke free from his embrace and barreled its way right into your legs as you appeared into its view. You fell into the mud with Chan screaming “Berry, noooo!” and rushing to your side to help.

It drizzled when you met Minho and Jisung. It had actually rained earlier in the day so the forest was a muddy and slippery ground at the time. While you and Chan mindlessly tossed pebbles into the vast lake that was nestled in the forest, out of nowhere, two boys came skating and screaming down the hill. Jisung was at the forefront and he tightly grasped Minho’s hand like his life depended on it while the latter wailed and yelled at him to let him go. They both fell right into the cold water.

It was foggy when you met Changbin due to the sudden torrential downpour that lingered for days. You were at the border that separated the lone district from the capital city, Pruvine. The border was adorned with lush berry bushes that bore the sweetest berries you ever tasted. However, it was a risk to be on the border alone. Pruvine Surviellants, just like the citizens, were not fond of people from the district, unless you were able to be of use for something. Surviellants would antagonize your people before finding some excuse to arrest them and bring them in for questioning. You were forbidden from going to the border by yourself but unfortunately for your parents, you had selective hearing and nothing could stop you from your berry addiction. So when you were ambushed and chased by a guard dog, Changbin grabbed your wrist to prevent you from falling down a slope and pulled you with him to safety.

And it had a torrential downpour when you met Seungmin, Felix and Jeongin. They were three close friends who spent most of their days lounging on top of the highest trees in the forest, staring out the Academy that stood beautifully in the capital. When a downpour began, they remained in their spots protected by the trees while the five of you were down below seeking shelter. Jisung who was panicked as he began to recall the last time he was in the forest and the muddy ground, scampered up one of the trees which Felix was on and refused to come down. The rest of you joined him on the other trees in close proximity and befriended the trio as you waited for the storm to pass. By the end of the day, your group was now a total of eight.

Truly you believed there was nothing to make you dislike rain.

You enjoyed living in the lone district despite the political unrest between Pruvine and the undercity. Pruvine is the city that flourished and prospered with wealth and the latest technology. The metropolis was a sprawling canva of urbanity as it was always buzzing with ceaseless activity from merchants, politicians and important people who came from all over the world. Its market was always bustling with activity and it was a buzzing hub for commerce. The city was adorned with towering buildings and pillars that were a testament to its grandeur and the ancient walls that were deeper into the centre were steeped in history, whispering tales from long ago.

On the other hand, the undercity was a dystopian community that was tucked away in an underground somewhere right off the cliff at the end of the forest. It was a community that felt the heavy injustice of the Pruvine Council after the failed rebellion centuries ago. It was said to be a gloomy landscape with a sprawling labyrinth of alleys. However, you also heard that the nightlife of the undercity was a spectrum of neon signs and lively bars. The city came alive at night and the after-hours was a playground for night owls with rumored rooftop bars, offering panoramic views of the starlit cityscape.

The lone district was right in between the two parallel cities. Your home was a petite town that was neatly crammed right next to the neighbouring vast forest. Descendants from the district were rumoured to have been from the undercity, who sought to establish their own home due to the continuous unrest and then failed uprising. It would definitely explain why Pruvine civilians did not take too kindly to your people.

But despite the neverending social turbulence, you liked your home - you had your friends and family and that’s all that mattered.

Until, Chan went off to the Academy. Despite the personal vendettas Pruvine citizens may have towards your people, there was no law barring you or anyone from your district to attend the Academy. You could if you chose to but it did require a very heavy and lengthy entrance examination. Perhaps it was the city’s way to show their equality and egalitarianism. 

Since that courtesy was not extended to the undercity’s civilians. 

Chan always considered potentially trying to enrol into the Academy. And after he met you and the boys, he was determined to secure a place and further his education. It would mean that he could create an avenue for a better life for everyone. He envisioned that you all would come to the city to live and have the most comfortable lifestyle the city had to offer. Despite your uneasiness and uncertainty with anything related to Pruvine, you trusted Chan and supported him in his efforts.

Till, he returned with a new friend. Kiara was the daughter of wealthy politicians and her mother sat on the Pruvine Council. She was nice, to the others at least. She avoided any one-on-one conversations with you and steered clear of your company if the others had left the two of you alone in the room. She kept close to Chan (much to your chagrin) and befriended Changbin, Seungmin, Felix and Jeongin easily. As far as Minho and Jisung were concerned, she seemed nice but neither really found it important to be close to her. However, Minho in particular began to notice her odd behaviour towards you. She would make back-handed compliments and subtly discredit any achievements you had. The others didn’t pick up on it since she was good at making it seem like a harmless and normal conversation. Minho wasn’t there the first few times she did it but then she made the mistake of saying it in front of him, and he was quick to reply to her with a snarky remark. She laughed it off initially but then sulked to Chan that Minho didn’t like her. Chan comforted her but their close proximity was a little too close to your liking.

But who were you to say anything? Chan wasn’t your boyfriend, so while your heart felt like it was being tugged mercilessly, you bit your tongue. You ignored it as best you could until you couldn’t.

 It was raining when Kiara decided to host a party at Chan’s to celebrate him completing his first year. She refused to leave his side and it was clear, she did not want to leave the two of you alone even for a second. She invited a few of their classmates and dragged him along to mingle with her. You could feel the stares and hear the whispers of gossip that were about you, because every time you tried to approach Chan, she would pull him away.

Ultimately, it all became too much, the living room you knew so well at Chan’s that was always homely, cozy and welcoming, began to feel too small and suffocating. So when nobody was looking, you ran off into and headed to the forest to breathe.

You felt like a failure. Although you knew Kiara was horrible and whatever issue she had with you was one-sided and clearly rooted in some kind of jealousy, you couldn’t shake off the feeling of inferiority. She was pretty and educated, she had seen the world while you never left the district, she was ambitious and talented at dance. And just yesterday, you heard Chan’s mom tell yours what a good match she would be for Chan.

And of course she would be. You were just a girl from the lone district, you did not want to attend the Academy, quite frankly, you would never step foot in Pruvine if you could. 

You were just you.

The rain had stopped for a while. As you got deeper into the forest though, you felt light droplets on your skin - it was beginning to drizzle. Just as you were about to make up your mind to turn back, you heard a marching of footsteps coming your way. Immediately, your heart began to hammer in your chest. It was already late and the sky above you was starting to become unnaturally dark with layers of gigantic and heavy clouds giving off an ominous and threatening feeling. There was a sudden flickering of white light bursting across the sky and in the distance, thunder began to rumble. It was beginning to get foggy and the wind seemed to escalate in strength, rattling the branches of the trees.

Before you could even take a step, you were shoved to the ground with a menacing figure towering over you ready to attack. With all your might you kicked him and bolted deeper into the forest. More foreign voices filled your ears and you distinctly heard a gruff voice yelling to ‘get her.’ A torrential shower hammered down soon after and you tumbled with every step you took as the ground became slippery and muddy. You were covered in mud and your hands were covered in cuts. You were freezing cold as the temperature dropped. You felt nothing but blind terror and dread twisted in your gut as you came to the clearing of the cliff. You were trapped. Suddenly, you were being attacked and hit from all sides. You felt the blood beginning to leak down your face, and as it mixed with the rain it stained your clothes. One of the perpetrators grabbed your arm and as you tried to pull back your sleeve was ripped. 

You were bruised and bloodied as you fell to the ground. Just as one of the goons was about to land the final blow, Jisung’s voice rang through the forest calling for you. The group scampered away and a blurry Jisung came into view. He cried and screamed your name, running to you and hugging you close, begging you to remain conscious. You faintly heard him mention the words help and Chan before running as fast he could back into the forest.

There were a few things you remembered that night. As you laid on the ground slowly teetering into unconsciousness, you saw three silhouettes come up from the bushes. Fear spiked in your body but there was nothing you could do. As your eyes began to flutter shut and you slowly accepted your fate, a gentle hand caressed your head.

That’s all you remembered as everything faded to black.

Oh, and you also never liked rain again.

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a/n: Never fear, Hyunjin will appear in the next chapter! if you would like to be on the taglist, please send me an ask or private message, that way I'll see it faster!

Taglist: @wealwayskeepfighting

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

Ahhh I love this!! I live for the drama and slight angst!! Can’t wait for the next part!

[lani-heart]

|| series masterlist || next // previously ||

genre(s) -> smut, fluff, non-idol, hybrid au, poly au paring(s) -> yunho ( centric ) x reader warning(s) -> smut, mdni. 18+ words -> 2.4k

abstract -> collateral damage is inevitable for lifetime karma...

y/n’s perspective

Mingi fit in perfectly… but he missed his lifelong friend.

He admits he does and often has his mind wander with a sad look of reminiscence when reminded of Yunho… but he acknowledged that he wouldn’t change anything as long as he was here again.

“You’re doing quite well with the book right?” Chenle asked, taking me away from my thoughts while I nodded. 

“I'm halfway done, but I’m thinking of adding one more character to the main six,” I said. They nodded as Jising read my outline and Chenle skimmed through it.

“I still can’t believe how many hybrids you have now,” Chenle said and I smiled softly.

“But at the same time it makes sense,” Jisung said and we laughed. “To think you have Eunchae to thank for that,” Chenle said and he was right.

She pushed me into going to an adoption center where I met San and that was history. 

“I say we’re gonna have to start putting a cap on how many hybrids you have” Chenle released and I laughed. “Hmm… eight?” Jisung suggested and I rolled my eyes. 

“y/n, he’s all good to go!” I heard as I saw Kun and Mingi. 

“The sweet life changed him a lot you know,” Chenle said and I was confused and so was Mingi. “He looks way happier and healthier than when he came. Besides, he looks good in designer” Chenle and Jisung teased. 

“Her hybrids have a better life than me and Haechan,” Jisung said and I sighed. I turned to Mingi who seemed to be happy by their comments. His tail wagging behind him as he grinned at me. 

“Ready to go?” I asked and he nodded as we left the pair outside of the kennel. “You seem happy after your session,” I said and he nodded. “The doctor said I've improved so much I might be finishing my sessions soon!” he grinned and did the same. 

“We should celebrate!” I said and he looped his arm with mine as we walked to the cafe. I always took him too. As we made it there we waited for a bit to get seated like normal but noticed Mingi tensed up. “Mingi!” I heard as I saw two little kids run up to us. He seemed scared…

“What did I tell you two about running off!” I heard and I sighed… she-devil. “Oh, you… I see you actually adopted the mutt” she said and I rolled my eyes. I noticed behind her carrying leftovers, coats, and her purse was Yunho. 

He seemed wide-eyed seeing Mingi again… I even saw a soft smile appear on his face. 

“You’re quite the hybrid collector, aren't you… runts darling aren’t valuable to anyone though” she said and I scoffed. “Am I supposed to take advice from you?” I asked and she glared. 

“You’re such an immature brat” she muttered and I smirked. “I guess… hey how’s bankr–” “Shut up!” she yelled and left with Yunho sighing and bowing to me before leaving. 

“Are you okay?” I asked and Mingi nodded sadly… “What’s wrong?” I asked and he sighed. “It's strange… seeing Yunho on the opposite side of things. I bet she treats him with the bare minimum unlike how she treated me but… I also never thought I was worthy of being treated better” he confessed and I smiled and held his hand. 

“You're with me now,” I said and he smiled and nodded. “Yeah… thank you,” he said and I chuckled. “You never have to thank me for that. And Mingi? This is the bare minimum… not what she does” I said and he nodded. 

“It’s fine… I was thinking we could order something different today?”

mingi’s perspective

Seeing Yunho confused me… it was a mix of emotions. 

I finally accepted that y/n wanted me. Me of all hybrids. Seonghwa, Hongjoong, Yeosang, Wooyoung, and even San wanted me there. Not Yunho… not him. Never have they ever asked about him either. 

Never have I had something that was solely mine away from Yunho and I was happy. 

I missed him… I did. But when I think about how much I missed him, I realize I would have to share this with him. Share them with him. Share her with him. 

It made me feel sick otherwise. 

Sure she has five other hybrids. I shared her with them… more like they shared her with me. But… the thought of Yunho stepping in would destroy me… even makes me feel bitter feelings towards him. 

“You’ve been stuck staring at the ceiling since you came back… do I need to tell y/n you’re acting up again?” Hongjoong asked and I shook my head. “I’m fine…” I said and he huffed as if he didn’t believe me. 

“I am… honest. We saw Yunho at the cafe we go to after my sessions, I just have mixed feelings” I said and he looked at me as if he was analyzing me. “You’ve talked less about Mingi recently… you’ve been here for two months and I haven’t heard you talk about Yunho since… probably a few weeks ago,” he said and I nodded. 

“He’s my best friend… there will never be anything to doubt that but, im content with the life I have now without him” 

y/n’s perspective

For some reason… She requested that our hybrids not be present at all, which worried me. I felt like she was planning something and I didn’t know what.

It was also strange cause Hongjoong was the one who always came with me and now to be alone was worrisome. “You’re here early” I heard as I saw Jaehyun. “Want this over with,” I said and he chuckled.

“I get what you mean, sorry by the way about no hybrids today,” he said and I shook my head. It’s not his fault…

I was just anxious about what she had planned. 

She was an unprofessional woman!

I was currently sitting on a bench trying to cool down and not cry over her comments. She had her kids run around and even spilled water on me several times… not even just once and the girl kept on grabbing my bag plus even put spilled juice on it so now it was sticky. 

The boy also tried to put gum in my hair… I wasn’t having a good day... 

“I’m sorry!” I heard as I saw… Yunho? “I remember you! You’re the hybrid who stole from people! You stole five hundred dollars from me!” a man yelled at the hybrid. Why was he… out and without a collar? 

Yunho couldn’t do anything but let the man scold him. I sighed and took out five bills and tapped the man’s shoulder. “Huh? Who are you?” he asked and I saw Yunho look at me shocked… “Just take it and stop yelling” I said and he seemed embarrassed but took the money and ran away. 

“You didn’t have to do that… I deserved it” he said and I sighed. “Come on Yunho,” I said and he looked confused… but besides that still followed me. We walked in silence until we made it to the hybrid center.

“y/n! What brings… why are you wet?” Haechan asked and I sighed.

“Long story… is Kun or Doyoung busy?” I asked and he shook his head before leading me to Kun’s office while Yunho followed me closely. 

“What are you doing here? And why are you a mess?” he asked and Yunho came inside with me. “Yunho?” he said, confused. “He was on the street alone, with no collar,” I said and he nodded while telling me he’ll be a minute. “Why are you helping me?” he asked and I gave him a soft smile.

“Cause you don’t seem like a bad hybrid… and you’re also important to Mingi,” I said and he nodded. “Is he here then? Last time I saw him, he said you were only fostering him for a week” he said and he looked desperate to see his friend. 

“I actually ended up adopting him,” I said and he grinned. He seemed happy at the sudden news.

“Is he okay then? Happier?” he said and I saw how his tail wagged at the thought of his friend being happy. I smiled and nodded. “He fits in well with everyone,” I said and I saw how his eyes lit up. 

“I’m glad…” he smiled to himself. 

“I’m sorry by the way what she did… she was getting the twins ready to misbehave today and I'm assuming they did,” he said and I sighed. “You can say that,” I said and he looked apologetic. “But it shouldn’t be you apologizing, you did nothing wrong,g” I said and he shook his head. 

“I did… I robbed you and I caused you trouble, so much trouble, and I–" "Yunho, I forgive you. Mingi explained it… you did it cause you needed to. I understand” I say and he sighs. 

“Yunho?!” I heard as I saw the she-devil herself. “How dare you! I’ll sue for stealing my hybrid!” she yelled and I sighed. Was this her plan? “Yunho, can you explain why you were alone in the street?” Kun asked and he looked at me nervously. Was he also in on this? 

“She left me alone in the middle of Seoul… she told me to find y/n and make sure I went with her but I didn’t want to, I promise! She was gonna lie and try to make this a civil affair, I'm sorry!” he apologized and she scoffed. “He’s lying… he must’ve learned that from the filthy wolf hybrid,” she said and I scoffed. 

“I’m sorry, miss but this is going to become a hybrid mistreatment case”

 I finally made it home where I was greeted by Wooyoung’s excited yell welcoming me back. He was rambling as he led me to the kitchen saying they already ate since it was late but how he was gonna prepare a plate for me. 

“Why are you… sticky?” I heard as I saw Yeosang as he touched the stain on my coat. “Little kids will be kids especially if their parents are as immature as them,” I said and he sighed, seeming to know what I meant. 

“Where’s Mingi?” I asked and he hummed. “Why… did something happen?” he asked, looking right through me and I sighed. “I found Yunho in the middle of the street being berated as the thief and… apparently she planned to sue me for stealing her hybrid but he confessed to her tricks,” I said and he looked surprised. 

“She’d go that far? What happened to the giant dog anyway?” he asked and I sighed… “Hybrid Mistreatment Case is now open… I doubt he’ll be under her care anymore but he’ll officially be up for adoption” I said and he nodded. 

“And you want to talk about it with Mingi,” he said and I nodded. “I just… I don't know. He seems to have mixed feelings about him especially when seeing him around with me” I muttered and he nodded. 

“He did say he always had to share things with Yunho… never felt superior to him so it makes sense” he muttered. “Still… I know he misses him. I want him to at least talk to his old friend” I said and he stared. 

“They're bonded aren’t they?” he asked and I nodded. 

“Wooyoung bonded himself to me while San and him are also bonded. The tigers to each other as well… separating a bonded pair can be damaging to the hybrid’s mental health” he explained. “If… you were to one day decide you didn’t want us or… me I’d feel lost too. Like nothing will be the same again” he confessed. 

“Are you bonded to me?” I asked and he smiled. “You’re my mate, angel. Of course, I'm bound to you… even though I could function… other hybrids of yours wouldn’t. Senghwa and I are probably the only ones…” he said and I knew what he meant. 

Like how Wooyoung’s depressive episodes can get and how San lost some of his memories due to the trauma… Hongjoong though as of recently put his life purpose to protect me.

“Don’t dwell on it too much” he said and I nodded. 

“Oh! I wanted to make sure that you didn’t want to go anywhere? I can still make reservations for you–" "And while I appreciate the offer, no thanks… I would rather not leave if I can avoid it and besides with Wooyoung cooking meat for Mingi these last two months I'd rather just order a bunch of fried chicken and eat it here with some cake” he said and I smiled. 

“Ok… but if you change your mind–” he smiled softly and shook his head while I talked “–the offer stands I'll make it work I promise!” I said and he chuckled. “Thank you, angel”

I can’t believe it sometimes…

It's been a fast year with San and Wooyoung but Yeosang as well… next month will mark a year. 

yunho’s perspective

Everything I did… was to make Mingi happy. It made his life a little easier but I think in the end I always did the opposite. I’m the reason he was so down… so bad with his own self-esteem. The reason he thinks he doesn’t deserve the world. 

And yet… I still hope that she changes that. Even if he hates me now.

Every time I’ve seen her with him… he’d look at me with a look of uncertainty… envy, or simply just annoyance…

I deserved what fate brought upon me. In a cage… with nothing else in here but my thoughts. They said I'd surely get adopted again… but it would never be the same. Mingi wouldn’t be with me.

“Yunho, in an hour you’ll be in touch with a social worker in charge of hybrid cases and a lawyer so we need to get you ready” I heard and I nodded. They were now putting on a collar and any procedures they needed for me to talk about her verbal abuse and neglect…

Everything… since I was a kid. And everything that I witnessed Mingi goes through… every punishment he had and the punishment I took in his place to lessen his pain. 

Every physical altercation… any humiliating thing she made us perform. 

Everything I… had to go through in this miserable lifetime… was just me paying for the collateral.

@wonuangel @danirael @angelsaway @krissroo @minkysmilk @mayonnaise-on-toast @robertsbbygirl @superbbananananana @hyukssunflower @kitty4hwa @justconniez @senpai-of-doom @kibs-and-bits @caityelise99 @ilovekinny @ateezennie23 @wooahaelemons @purplelady85 @watamotee33@chidess97 @littlelostdemonofthelight @maliamaiden @burntarm1n @spooo00oky @eastleighsblog @momo-peachy @kitstar1117 @quartzpirate @sunnyhokyu @iwishiwasrichasfuck @theginger543210 @pandolinka @ddaeing @kpopnightingale @slid3er @kekdo-520 @puppyminnnie @sparklinghwa222 @calicanbeevil @itsvxlentine @atinism @loumin908 @smally97 @rxnexxi @acetruepunk @majesticbeluga @namjooncrabs @tashizxy @itstheghostofmypast @smilefordongil @teeziny @totallynotlyntv @kyeos4ng @prodsh00ky @acescavern

please don't be a silent reader !! reblog, comment, and like <3

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

Circus has updated!!! Yay!!! I love Hybrid Ateez especially how @lani-heart has developed each character!! I am glad we got Yunho added and can’t wait to see how he develops! Read this amazing series if you like hybrid fics!!!

[sp4ceboo]

Maniac: OT8!Stray Kids x Reader

genre: a/b/o au, omegaverse, medieval au, ot8 x reader, pack dynamics, afab!reader, smut and angst and fluff

summary: you're your pack's only omega - when your alphas are taken from you, you refuse to rest until you're reunited with them

A/N: i loved writing this so come get your food i hope u guys like it <33

tw: 18+, a lot of smut (p in v, bath sex, knots and all that a/b/o shit, mentions of breeding ofc, 1 accidental pass out, oral - m&f recieving, face fucking, so much cum oh god, crying during sex, bit of mxm at points, somno but not much, lots of praise, one instance of finger sucking, manhandling, overstimulation, a spank, no mentioned protection because sorry it's medieval times, back scratching and biting, creampie, reader basically gets run a train on, a few 3some type things, dw there is also soft smut, guys please pee after sex), gore, blood, death, fighting, evil creepy dude, mention of past trauma, swearing, mistreatment of omegas, half assed editing, porn plot 50-50 split i reckon

wc: 12.98k

The moment the heavy wooden door of the smithy splinters and gives way, you bolt upright. Minho is already out of bed, the sheets still warm from where he was lying beside you, and you catch the glint of steel in his hand as he stands by the window, peering out at the street below; Seungmin is gone, his side of the mattress cold. Your heart stutters, and you stiffen at the all too familiar musky scent that permeates the air, rising up from between the rickety floorboards.

‘Goemul?’ You ask.

Minho nods grimly. ‘Who else?’

‘Fuck. He won’t leave me alone, will he?’

‘We won’t let him anywhere near you,’ he replies, voice low and full of anger.

You squeeze your eyes shut when Minho tucks an arm around your waist and presses you to him, pushing your nose into his neck; breathing in his scent - rain and sweet vanilla - you allow yourself a moment of comfort in his strong embrace before breaking away. A crash sounds below, and you grab your staff.

Jisung bursts in. You smell the fight on him before you see the bruising blooming across his face; there’s adrenaline spiking his scent and blood splattered across his front - not his, you note with relief. There’s a wild look in his eyes, the same look you saw the first time Goemul came for you.

‘He’s back, and with more troops,’ he gasps. ‘Chan says - ’

A chilling battle cry rings out, cutting him off.

Ice skitters down your spine. None of your pack are arrogant enough to have a signature war cry - there’s only one person that could be. Minho visibly bristles, his fingers flexing on the hilt of his sword before he shoulders open the bedroom door and you hear his footsteps pound down the stairs. You move to follow, but Jisung grabs your wrist.

‘Chan says you have to go. You need to run.’

You scoff. ‘Absolutely not. This is my pack.’

An edge enters Jisung’s voice. ‘And you’re our omega.’

You give him a look and he can see there’s no way he can convince you - you sprint down the stairs, him hot on your heels. Immediately, the smell of the fight overwhelms you as your feet hit the floor: at least twenty other alphas versus your eight, and a few betas fighting amongst the enemy too. Face twisted fiercely and teeth bared, Hyunjin barrels by, slashing at a stocky, snarling alpha with a rusted sword. It’s one of the ones Felix had scavenged for melting down, and you can see the wooden hilt is rotting.

Without hesitation, you raise your hand, and the attack runes painted there for an occasion just like this glow azure blue, so bright they’re almost white, and the alpha collapses, his heart ruptured in his chest. Panting, Hyunjin glances up and gives you a nod before diving back into battle, aiding Jeongin with the two betas tag teaming him.

You thrust yourself into the melee, fighting with both a sword you snatch off a fallen knight and your runes and staff. Energy begins to flow from you, leaking from your soul each time you use your runes - you’re careful to rotate your usage of the different ones inscribed on your skin, making sure you don’t tire a specific one, yet still you feel the itch of their overuse, and the knights pouring in aren’t thinning.

You catch sight of Goemul through the grappling bodies, and a flash of pure fear rivets you to the spot despite yourself. He’s locked in combat with Chan, but the spike in your scent catches both their attention, Goemul’s roar piercing through the sound of clashing blades. Chan hands seamlessly over to Changbin, and you feel his gaze pinpoint on you as he cuts through any attackers that try to stop him as he approaches.

You try to ignore his insistent stare, instead whacking one of the intruders over the head with your staff and forcefully bringing your knee up into his stomach. Chan is sweaty, his shoulders heaving from the fight, and guilt stings your chest - if it wasn’t for you, Goemul and his pack wouldn’t be here.

‘I thought I told Jisung to tell you to run.’

His voice is rough, raspy no doubt from shouting orders to the boys, and nearly drowned out from the din of the fight, yet you hear him clearly, attuned to the sound of your pack leader’s voice.

‘I wanted to stay and fight. It’s my fault, anyway.’

‘This is not your fault,’ Chan snaps. ‘We all knew Goemul would come after you.’

‘And yet you took me in anyway,’ you mutter.

He gives you a sharp look. ‘You need to run. We’re not going to last much longer. We’re tired, and we weren’t expecting it. We need you to break us out when they take us prisoner.’

You don’t think about the other option, the option that doesn’t include taking prisoners and includes death, instead breathing out an anxious: ‘What if I can’t?’

‘I know you can. I trust you, omega.’

Even in the midst of a fight, Chan knows what to say to put you at ease. He knows what is needed to look after his pack, and you know that he knows this, without doubt. You can see that your alphas are tiring, can see that this attack came as a surprise - Changbin is fighting with a hammer used for shaping swords, for fuck’s sake.

You swallow thickly. ‘I love you, Channie. Keep them safe, please. Keep yourself safe.’

Curtly, he nods. No promises. You turn on your heel and run.

You’ve been told all your life that omegas don’t fight, that omegas aren’t fierce. Omegas don’t retaliate, and they take whatever they’re given by their alphas without complaint.

Too bad that’s all been proven official bullshit.

The night is hostile. Clouds scuttle across the sky, polluting the moon’s pure silver light, and the soggy leaves beneath your feet muffle your footsteps - it’s cold, dark, damp, but you’re kept warm by the hot fury that you’ve been nursing since that night, knotted in a ball nestled right beside your heart.

Leaves are flattened beneath your boots. Wind weaves its way thinly through the tree trunks, singing lowly to itself. The stars are blotted from the sky, the moon a thin, faltering sliver. You walk onwards, staff sturdy against your palm.

Tonight is a perfect night for revenge.

Tonight you’re going to make sure Goemul leaves your pack alone for good, and tonight you’re going to make sure that you’re reunited with your alphas. It doesn’t matter that you’re an omega - you will fight. You can fight.

Your staff is testament to that. So are the attack runes painted in practised calligraphy on both your hands, the black ink winding up your forearms - you’ve added more since your alphas were taken from you, enough to extinguish the possibility of exhausting all of them. There are runes to boil a man’s brain in his skull, runes to explode his lungs even as he draws breath, runes made so you can protect your pack.

You are also half feral with the beginnings of your heat.

Blood rushes through your body, your heart pumping so hard in your chest you think it may punch through your ribs; your pupils are fully dilated, anticipating the fight. There’s a roaring in your ears, and intertwined in the thunderous, earsplitting noise of it is an insistent whisper: protect, protect, protect.

There’s no preventing this timing. Every second you spend without your pack, they could be hurting, bleeding, worse. All the preheat does is give you a vicious edge - the desperation of a cornered animal, the strength of one who has nothing else to lose.

You think this is what your ancestors must have felt, back when there were no cities, no castles made of rock, no swords or books, just the primal urge to hunt and fight and protect. You wonder if they smile down on you. You wonder if they slip silently across the narrow path before you, guiding you with ghostly hands, spurring you forward, closer to your pack, closer to the keep.

Closer to Goemul.

Once, he owned you. Owned you, because he does not believe omegas can belong - they can only be owned. You would spend nights curled on the stone floor, trying to rid yourself of his awful scent, nights where you would stare up at the pitiless rafters - even they smelt like him, wishing you were anywhere but where you were.

And then came Seungmin, carrying with him the scent of warm embers and freedom.

Somehow, here you are again, back on Goemul’s territory. You knew he wouldn’t let you go easily; you are proof to those he crushes beneath his boot heels that there is an escape.

There are two knights posted outside the keep’s wide wooden doors - thankfully ones that won’t recognise you. Faintly, you can hear the sounds of a feast within, yellow light spilling out into the night. Overhead, the clouds coalesce, and something in the air sharpens - the first patter of rain hits the tree canopy, muting your footsteps as you step forward.

‘Halt,’ one of the guards commands. ‘State your purpose.’

‘I’m just a blacksmith, sir,’ you reply meekly. ‘Looking to sell my wares to the lord and his men.’

The other guard grunts, sending a nod to the one who spoke, and swings open a hatch set in the big doors, the hinges groaning in protest. Ducking your head, you step into the great hall: it’s a huge, cavernous room made of rough, dark granite with flaming sconces fixed to the walls and violent tapestries hung between them; it’s where Goemul receives his guests.

Just the sight of the place makes your stomach turn, but it’s the heavy stench of musk that forces you to hide the shaking of your hands in the folds of your cloak. The musk in Goemul’s scent is heavy and suffocating, like a dirty, soaked blanket dumped discourteously over one’s head - nothing like Chan’s.

You glance around the hall. There are about three alphas to every omega in the room; the latter are interspersed throughout the former, either chained or collared - something that you remember all too well. Two lounge on the podium beneath Goemul’s chair, which is really more of a throne with its gaudy ornate carvings, their hands on him, their eyes brimming with fear.

You remember that, too.

And there, in the corner, you see them. Your nails dig into your palms. Your pack. Your pack. Crammed in a tiny cage, chained to a ring set in the wall, curled against each other. Nothing can hide the anger that rises in your scent when you see that Chan has pushed his way to the front, protecting his boys, bruises flowering across his face and neck and arms, dried blood smeared on his tattered shirt.

You know Goemul. You know that the cage is purpose built to hold prisoners used for entertainment.

Unmistakable now, fury soars on you, permeating the smell of the feast, permeating Goemul’s pungent musk.

Slowly, heads begin to turn. They don’t recognise you - you’ve masked your scent with runes scrawled down your collarbones and ringing your wrists, written over twice to hide the smell of your preheat. Still, they stare, with a sort of reluctant curiosity.

‘A blacksmith, my lord,’ one of the guards announces from behind you.

Goemul narrows his eyes, trying to see your face from the shadows of your hood. ‘What for?’

‘Looking to sell her wares, she said.’

He guffaws, and the sound of laughter ripples through those sitting at the banqueting table even though they don’t know what’s amusing him. Slowly, he gets to his feet, the two omegas scrambling to give him space - you see the glint of a chain pulling tight, fixed to the base of the podium. The guard beside you shuffles his feet nervously. Somewhere within the darkened cage, you swear you see someone stir.

‘What wares, guard?’

Gleefully, Goemul inhales like he’s feasting upon the guard’s fear as he realises you carry nothing, just the staff in your hand. You hear his muttered curse, the whoosh of air when he takes in a hurried breath, preparing to spill out apologies, not knowing how this has raised his lord’s wrath so intensely but knowing that he needs to beg and scrape if he wants to live.

‘Leave.’

Goemul’s voice hasn’t even finished ringing through the hall before the guard is tripping over himself to slam the hatch behind him, not waiting to see if his lord will withdraw his mercy. Slowly, Goemul settles back down on his throne, the omegas assuming their previous positions, their hands running over his legs as if to appease his anger.

You let your cowl fall back, revealing your features.

A murmur ripples through Goemul’s men.

He waits until they’re quiet. Around the room, the omegas watch you with wide eyes - you know they recognise you, you know they’re wondering why you would ever choose to return to this cursed place. Nearest to you, one jerks his head a little, as if to tell you to run.

‘I knew you’d come crawling back, my omega,’ he grins, smiling with too many teeth. ‘Although, I guess I do have something of yours, don’t I?’

‘I am not yours, Goemul,’ you hiss.

Lightning flares outside, followed by a strident clap of thunder.

‘Your pack is, though,’ he chuckles. ‘We had so much fun together, little omega. Channie and I are well acquainted now, since we had our nice pack leader to pack leader conversation.’

‘You keep his name out your mouth,’ you snap.

‘He bled a lot, though,’ Goemul muses, faking thoughtfulness. ‘I can’t seem to understand why.’

His dark eyes bore into yours, waiting to see your response. You can tell that he knows his goading is getting to you - he’s smiling that infernal smile, the one that makes you want to peel his skin from his bones and force it down his throat with a dagger.

Outside, thunder growls, low and furious.

You raise your staff. ‘You leave me no choice.’

Eyes locked on his, you bring it down. The oakwood hits the stone floor with a sound far louder than it should be, as if the very rock beneath your feet has split, rended apart down to the Earth’s very core. A muffled whoompf follows, and one by one, the torches in the sconces are snuffed out by an unseen force. Darkness descends.

All around, you sense scents spiking - they may be Goemul’s men, but they still feel fear; you doubt any of them have met someone who wields sorcery, let alone an omega. A hush falls over the hall, loaded with the anticipation before a fight.

‘A little bit of shadow won’t scare us, omega,’ Goemul calls.

You don’t reply. You’re busy stalking silently across the room, a key in your hand. It doesn’t matter that it’s not the one from the ring on Goemul’s belt - it’s covered all over with unlocking runes moulded right into the metal, something you forged yourself.

There’s a tinge of wild anger in Goemul’s voice when he speaks again. ‘Omega?’

When you reach through the bars of the cage, a warm, calloused hand is already waiting. Now that you’re close, you can smell their individual scents, the hurt and the exhaustion on them. Your eyes have adjusted to the gloom just enough that you can see Felix curled against Changbin, and although they’re both smiling proudly at you, eyes fierce, you can see the pain in their faces too. It sets bitter anger roiling within you, as deep and wrathful as the storm outside.

You know Goemul is listening. You hope he is, as the sound of a key in a lock and the clatter of chains rings out through the room. You hope he feels the control slipping through his desperate, clawing fingers as nervous whispers riffle through the great hall, as alphas reach for their swords, disbelieving that Goemul failed to make a single, lone omega submit to him.

And then, low and menacing and crystal clear, Chan growls.

You feel everyone in the hall freeze at the sound. There are no words to the deep rumble vibrating in his chest, just the white hot, primal fury of a leader whose pack has been hurt. Simply the tone of it roots half the men in the hall to the spot, the hairs on the backs of their necks rising, their palms slick with sweat as they stare wide eyed into the darkness.

‘Goemul,’ Chan snarls, stepping from the cage. ‘I swear I will not rest until you are dead.’

The last part comes out as a roar, and with it, chaos descends.

Before the echo of Chan’s voice has even died down, air whooshes past you - what must be Changbin and Minho shooting out of the cage. A strangled cry sounds as they finish off the closest two alphas, wrenching their swords from their belts to fight with. Someone’s hand brushes your waist as the rest of your pack members swiftly exit the cage: Felix, by the gentle scent of violets that washes over you, and yet on it you can almost taste the yearning to fight.

Your alphas are not vengeful. Protective, however, is a different story, and as each of their unique scents spread out across the room, meeting Goemul’s alphas that slash out blindly with their swords blow for blow, you know each of them are thinking of what all of you have gone through under Goemul’s orders.

Above it all, Goemul’s battle cry rings out, but you don’t flinch, don’t bat an eyelash - you’re ready for him this time, fresh runes all over your skin. Your alphas may be injured, but they’ve been cooped up in a too small cage for almost a week and they’re sure as hell fucking angry.

A feverish, clammy hand grabs your wrist. Hot air laced with the stink of ale puffs against your cheek. ‘Witch.’

You take a step forward, stabbing out with the butt of your staff and catching your attacker in the stomach. A throng of them have formed around you, angry and growling and still reeling that one omega has caused this much havoc, their movements uncoordinated and laced with more fear than any of them would ever admit.

Under the low illumination of the lightning strikes, you can just about see they’ve made a ring around you. Maybe they think that their numbers will prevail over your sorcery and they’ve got a quick kill, because some of them are smiling as if the fight’s already over. You almost feel sorry for them.

Almost.

As you strike out with your staff, you think of Chan, welcoming you into his pack, back when all you could do around alphas was flinch - patient, soft spoken Channie, bloodied by Goemul and his men from shielding the boys with his body, half conscious from the violence.

You think of Minho as you break a man’s nose, Minho who said little to begin with but would always be silently checking on you, making sure you were comfortable, leaving you an extra blanket in winter before he eventually slept by your side, his body warm against yours, currently with a split lip and cracked ribs.

You knock a man’s sword from his hand, catching it in your own, and think of Changbin, always there to make you smile and feel safe with his big arms and tight hugs, always acting tough but in truth all soft and gooey on the inside, his knuckles now bloodied and face twisted in pain.

While you cut down another alpha that runs at you, you think of Hyunjin, who calls you his muse, who crafts the most beautiful ornate daggers back at the smithy, and who gave you his favourite one with a sweet kiss on your forehead and a promise to never leave you, painted with bruises that spread wide over his back.

Your stolen blade clashes against an attacker’s as you think of Jisung, your Jisung who never fails to make you laugh, never fails to wrap his arms around you from behind when you need it most, beaten until he blacked out, his eyes almost swollen shut from the bruising.

The runes painted on your palms glow bright while you think of Felix, who baked you sweet treats and wiped your tears every day that they fell, who healed your soul with his sunshine smile, nose bloody and near broken from repeated blows.

Fatigue makes your arm tremble as you swing your sword, but you fight on, thinking of Seungmin, who was the first to find you, the first to plant the seed of hope, always the one who dispels your doubts with the sureness of his words, his head now bowed and teeth gritted to fight to keep down the cry that builds within him from the pain.

Your blade gets stuck between an alpha’s ribs, so you whirl your staff in your hands and think of Jeongin, sweet, sweet Jeongin who would hold your hand after the nightmares, whispering reassurances and holding you until you could fall asleep again, his big hands carding through your hair, bloodied and beaten for nothing but sport.

You fight, and as you do, you think of your alphas. You let the insistent whisper from before rise to become a roar, rise to drown out the sounds of the battle: protect, protect, protect. It burns like liquor as it rushes through your veins, and you find it strengthens you, even as the energy spills from you through the usage of your runes; it guides your blade, guides your staff, ensuring your strikes hit home.

And then, all of a sudden, no one’s attacking you any more.

No one is running at you with swords, derisive words on their lips, no one is throwing punches at you or trying to sweep your legs out from under you so they can kick you when you’re down. You sway a little, half expecting someone to appear out of nowhere, but all the remaining alphas subservient to Goemul are fighting elsewhere or have fled - they weren’t prepared, instead lulled into a false sense of safety within their own keep. There’s a ring of bodies slumped on the floor around you.

Something wrenches in your gut, twisting. A warning: your heat will be upon you soon - the longest you have left is a few hours. Sweat suddenly pricks at your body. You need to finish this, and quickly.

Chan blurs by, exchanging hurled punches and vicious kicks with Goemul. You’re leaning against your staff for support, catching your breath, but as three alphas dive into the melee, clawing at Chan’s back and hauling him off Goemul, and as you spot the two omegas, still chained to the podium and cowering under a half collapsed table, unable to escape, you find you aren’t really that tired after all.

You’re on Goemul within seconds.

He grins. ‘Hello again, my little omega - ’

You punch him across the face. Hard. His head snaps to the side, and you grab his shirt, slamming him once, twice against the hard, unforgiving floor of his great hall, savage red fog hazing your vision, not letting up even when you feel the crunch of his nose beneath your knuckles.

‘You’re stupid, Goemul,’ - you spit the name he’s created for himself - ‘for underestimating omegas. You think you’re destined to lord over us all, when all you are is a fucking scared little pup clinging to control and power you don’t deserve.’

Despite it all, he laughs, and blood glistens on his teeth. ‘You’re driving yourself crazy, little omega. I can smell the heat on you - you can’t kill me if your body needs my knot. All you need to do is to ask for it, sweet thing, and I’ll give it to you.’

Your grip on him falters, and he flips you, pinning you to the floor beneath him. Struggling against his grip, you thrash, your careful runes long forgotten, crimson rolling in like mist over the hills, and something wide and primal yawns open within you - your lips pull back, and you bare your teeth at him, pupils dilating as you lurch your head forward, snapping at his throat.

Goemul dodges just in time, holding you at arms length even as you claw at his face and neck. All you can hear is protect, protect, protect and the hidden voice beneath it saying kill him and end it, make him pay, do it for the pack, for your alphas.

His eyes widen. ‘You’re a maniac.’

You look up, over his shoulder, past him, your laugh chilling. ‘Yes.’

Impossibly, his eyes open further, bulging, and a low, strained gurgle sounds from deep in his throat. Trembling, one of his hands comes up to his chest, and he looks down, surprise and fear contorting his features as his finger gets sliced open on the tip of the blade protruding from between his collarbones.

Goemul’s eyes roll back, and his body slumps over you, deadweight. Dazed, you gaze up at Jeongin, admiring his handsome features, albeit splattered with gore from the fight and covered with a look of disgust as he places a foot on Goemul’s back and wrenches his sword out. It makes a wet, sucking sound as it goes, and your alpha dumps the sword on the floor in favour of heaving the cooling body off you and pulling you into his arms.

Mint and lavender, clean and fresh and soothing, rush at your senses as you take a deep breath in. You’re clinging onto Jeongin so hard that it must be hurting him, but he doesn’t seem to mind, holding you just as tightly to him, burying his face in your neck, his nose right against your scent gland as he just inhales.

Eventually, you jostle him, your senses coming back to you. You need to grab your staff; you can still fight, even though the ink of more than half of the writing on your hands and wrists has flaked off, the exhausted runes leaving light burns in their wake.

‘Where’s my staff?’ You mumble, wriggling in his grip. ‘I can still - ’

A hand smooths over your hair, someone coming up behind Jeongin so they can look you in the eyes from where you’re peeking over his shoulder, searching for the familiar oakwood. You blink. It’s Minho, his eyes soft, hair a mess.

‘It’s over, jagiya,’ he murmurs. ‘You don’t have to fight any more. We’re safe now.’

Eventually, his words echo in your head, beginning to register - over, safe now - and you go limp in Jeongin’s arms, burying your face in his shoulder and letting out a damp, shaky breath, hands fisting in his shirt. Your impending heat burns at your core, pulling you this way and that, but the nearness of your alphas grounds you, keeps you tethered to them.

You have just the presence to reach out to Minho, fingers brushing over his side as the healing runes written around the tops of your forearms flare to life, their glow different from the ones intended for attack - they’re the orangey pink of a rising dawn, like tiny suns pulsating beneath your skin. They begin to burn, uncomfortably hot as you heal Minho’s cracked ribs, then Felix’s nose and Han’s swollen black eyes, followed by all the injuries of your alphas that you can with the energy you have spare.

You’re panting by the end of it, drained. You’ve still neglected some of the less serious flesh wounds, but the well inside of you that was full to the brim with potency when you first entered the keep has run dry. If it weren’t for your heat fast approaching, you might have more energy, but you don’t, so that’s what you’re forced to settle with as you close your eyes and try to stop yourself from wriggling too much in Jeongin’s grip.

‘I’ll take her,’ someone says, and you’re being transferred into another’s arms.

Clean linen and cinnamon, crisp and familiar, crashes over you, and you nestle into Jisung’s arms, trying to absorb his body  heat as he kisses your face - the urge to nest is beginning to grow stronger, now that the adrenaline from the fight is leaving your system, and he’s so warm.

Somewhere far away, you can hear Felix’s low, comforting voice as he talks to Goemul’s omegas, and Chan’s too, instructing them and pointing them towards the east wing of the keep - you know at some point, they’ll want to talk to you, but for now you rest your chin on Jisung’s shoulder, closing your eyes and leaning your weight against him. Some of them remain in the hall, putting the bodies in neat piles up against the wall to be buried later or tending to anyone with injuries.

‘We’re going to find somewhere for you to nest now, baby,’ Jisung says into your hair. ‘Hyunjinnie is going to take you while we look.’

Another set of arms wraps around you, lean and wiry and smelling like roses and grapefruit but mainly roses, achingly close, strong enough to make you want to cry. He nuzzles at your neck, his long hair tickling your face and collarbones. Part of you is singing, happy only now that you’re surrounded by your alphas, happy that -

Hyunjin’s tongue flicks over your scent gland.

You know he doesn’t mean to set off anything - he does it a lot, just to calm you or show affection, but you’re teetering on the brink, hanging in the balance, and this is what tips you over. Just like that, your first wave of slick comes, and all of a sudden there’s an insistent ache between your legs. You stiffen in his arms.

‘Alpha,’ you whine, voice small.

Around you, you hear rather than see the boys pause. No doubt their instincts are kicking in, already perked up at the heady spike in your scent, telling them to look after their omega and knot and  breed and give you pups. There are the other omegas in the room, too, but even they freeze, affected by the possessive twang rolling off each of your alpha’s scents.

Hyunjin shifts just a little against you, and you feel his hardening cock heavy against your hip. A gasp escapes you, and it’s like the sound of it jolts your alphas back up to the present, because they’re moving again, hurrying, in a slight frenzy as they continue to help move the bodies and organise the rest of the omegas.

The fog of your heat is descending, and the rational part of you hates this timing - you need to look after your alphas, tend to their wounds that you couldn’t heal, but the animal part of you clamours over it, making you squirm uncomfortably, pushing Hyunjin away as you spin around, searching for a place to nest. You breath comes out in gasps: you can’t have your heat without a nest, but you don’t know if there are rooms free, if -

A firm hand sweeps up your back, landing on the nape of your neck and holding it, not quite scruffing you but breaking through your rising panic, making you listen. The scent of cocoa and gentle musk overcomes you, and when you look up at Chan, his dark, authority filled eyes pinning you down, another round of slick gushes out of you, and he smiles a little at your response to him.

‘Pack leader,’ you yip, ducking your head. ‘L - leader, alpha - ’

‘You’re going to be okay,’ Chan soothes. ‘Your alphas are here, okay? We’re going to get you to the bed Changbin and Jisung have found for you so you can nest. Just hang in there, omega.’

‘What about the other omegas?’ You ask, struggling to meet his eyes.

‘They’re in the other wing,’ he replies, then preempts your next words. ‘We’ll find new packs for them; we’re not going to replace you, sweetheart. Just let your alphas take care of you, yeah?’

Gently, he takes your hand in his and rubs his thumb along the scent gland at your wrist. A quiet, needy noise tears itself from your throat, and suddenly your legs are buckling - Chan catches you and scoops you up, one hand cradling the back of your head as he carries you through the passages leading from the hall and into the guest wing.

You’re lowered onto the softest mattress you’ve ever felt. It’s funny how all your time trapped in this keep, you never slept on anything but the cold stone floor - but now, your alphas are here, either still in the great hall, here with you or in what you understand is the bathroom next door, and Goemul’s dead, and you’re safe.

Chan kisses your crown and leaves you be for now as you hurriedly arrange the blankets. The bed is huge, wider than you are tall, yet you still crave your nest at home, items of clothing hoarded from your alphas tucked neatly amongst the bedding you’d padded it with - the sheets here are clean, but devoid of smell. It doesn’t compare.

You sit back on your heels. ‘The nest, it’s nowhere near good enough.’

Seungmin appears by your side, rubbing his thumb over the scent gland in your neck, his lips in your hair. ‘No, omega, it’s perfect. You’re perfect.’

The praise relaxes you, calms you, and you melt into his touch, leaning against him and pushing your face into his side, resting your cheek on his bare skin - like the others, he’d surrendered his shirt for your nest without complaint. His touch is feather light as he strokes your hair, and your eyelids droop a little.

Seungmin pecks your lips. ‘You need to sleep now, before your heat fully hits. We’ll all be here when you wake up.’

He watches you lay down, perching on the mattress so you have an alpha close to you while you fall asleep. Yawning, you curl up close to him. This will be the last proper rest you get until the end of your heat.

You close your eyes, the scent of warm embers washing over you.

You wake up sweating.

The ache between your legs has spread upwards and outwards, and you curl into a ball from the pain of it, eyes blurry as you blindly reach your hands out, searching for an alpha. You can hear yourself babbling, begging for a knot, begging to be filled up, because they’re all right there, curled up on the mattress, surrounding you, but they’re all asleep, all eight of them leaving you here in heat on your own, without a knot, and you can’t think beyond the need; you’re going to implode if someone doesn’t -

Sure hands unfurl you, flipping you so you’re spread flat on the mattress. The weight of one of your alphas traps you in place, and you moan, back arching when a hot tongue slides along the column of your throat, halting at your scent gland and sucking the sensitive skin there.

Sweet vanilla rolls over your senses. His teeth bite and suck at your collarbone, and you groan, head all jumbled with need, your body still locked up from the cramps as you fumble with his boxers, urgency rendering you clumsy.

Mercifully, one of your alphas has stripped you down to your underwear while you were sleeping, and you find you don’t even have the time to take them off, instead hooking your leg around Minho’s hip and grinding your throbbing core down on his hardening cock. Lightning pulses through your cunt at the way his lids half close in pleasure, filling you with the need to please your alpha, to be of use to him.

He tears your underwear off with a flick of his wrist. Your pussy is only getting wetter.

Dipping his head, Minho claims your lips, and the brush of his tongue against yours makes your head spin faster than it already is, your hands coming up to tangle with his hair as his hips roll to meet yours.

‘F - fuck,’ you choke out, jolting when Minho sinks two fingers inside you and scissors them.

His lips travel lower to trace down your sternum. ‘Gotta stretch you out for the boys, jagiya.’

You find yourself squirming a little; his fingers are curling, pumping in and out of you at exactly the pace you normally like, but your body is working itself up to the wild throes at the peak of your heat and you need more, so much more. You tell him so, and he chuckles, kissing you again like it’s going to distract you from the way he’s lining himself up at the entrance of your cunt.

Barely the tip of him is in before you’re clenching hard, painfully hard, scrabbling at the bedsheets and crying his name so loud it’s a wonder the boys don’t stir. He licks and sucks at your scent gland, relaxing you until your muscles ease up and he can move - despite all your slick, you still feel the burn of his cock. He’s stretching you out, just like he said he would.

Agonisingly, he pulls out, just to slam back in again, balls deep, punching the air out of your lungs. Minho fucks you roughly, like you need at the start of your heat, his cock reaching so deep inside you you think he might be in your guts - he’s not fast, just so intense that tears are forming on your lash line and you’re panting, fighting for breath.

Then, he’s forcing your legs up onto his shoulders, and the new angle makes you wail, because he’s destroying your cunt in a way that has your thighs shaking and your chest heaving, pleas for more spilling out of you uncontrollably.

Minho has a way of wringing pleasure from you, fucking you so good that you can’t do anything but repeat his name over and over; you feel yourself suspended on the edge, fire licking up your sides, so close, so close, so close -

Mid-thrust, he pauses.

‘Alpha,’ you scream, voice breaking pitifully. ‘Alpha, please - ’

There’s something half sadistic in his eyes when he looks down at you, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips, teasing as he enjoys the way you struggle, bucking against him desperately, begging like it’s the only thing you know how to do.

‘Sungie’s woken up from all your noise, omega,’ Minho remarks impassively. ‘Maybe you should give him a hand.’

No sooner has he finished speaking than an achingly hard cock makes its way into your palm, and you cast your teary eyes upward, only half there as you witness Jisung’s head fall back in pleasure when you begin to jerk him, because thank all that is good, Minho’s moving again, tearing you apart and putting you back together with those powerful thrusts of his hips.

He’s hitting that spot inside you, and each time he does, paralysing bolts of pleasure shoot down your spine. Your orgasm crushes you with its magnitude, whiting out your vision, and through it, you blindly beg for his knot, beg him to fill you, beg him to stuff you with load after load.

‘That’s right, omega,’ he grits out. ‘Let it all out for me.’

Tears finally spill over, trickling down your face, the pleasure leaving you rapt, brows drawn together and mouth hanging open, and still he fucks into you; you can feel the slight burn as his knot begins to engorge, and you know he’s so close, so almost filling you up.

Your thoughts grow indistinct the moment Minho spills hot inside you, his knot popping into place and locking you together. Jisung comes not a moment later, letting go with a short cry all over your chest, and if you were not full and happy with Minho’s knot, you’d be fretting about the waste. Instead, you close your eyes and murmur a pleased ‘alpha’, fingers brushing lightly over a bandage on Minho’s arm as the two of them begin to lick the come off you.

You must drift off, because when you resurface, Jisung, Minho and his knot are gone, most likely to the bathroom, and instead you can feel Seungmin’s long fingers working lazily between your legs, just enough to take the edge off the bite of your cramps. He’s got your back propped up against his chest, and you wiggle, bucking your hips up into his touch, inhaling the smell of warm embers.

‘What do you think you’re doing, omega?’

You freeze at the dominance in his tone. Remaining silent, you gaze up at him, wide eyed and head full of cotton as he pins you beneath him, the ravenous look on his face making your neck and cheeks flush. You can feel his cock against your thigh, but he doesn’t allow you to move, doesn’t move himself, just stares down at you, waiting.

Slowly, you tilt your head back, exposing the vulnerable expanse of your throat - a display of utter submission. A low whine escapes you when his breath caresses your skin, his nose brushing against your jugular as he inhales your scent.

‘Good omega,’ Seungmin murmurs. ‘Our omega.’

‘Yours,’ you echo, and this time, he lets you buck against him.

Another hot rush of slick leaves you at the friction of his clothed cock against you, and you gasp his name, rubbing your cheek all over his neck and chest, trying to cover him in your scent. He allows it, letting you press yourself against him, desperation soaking your scent, your hands roaming his body urgently, trying to tell him that you need his knot because all your mouth can seem to do right now is say ‘alpha’, again and again and again.

In one smooth sweep, Seungmin gathers your wrists above your head and pins them there. A sound leaves you, so eager and pathetic that your cheeks flush and you struggle half heartedly against him, but he’s yanking off his boxers and running his fingers through your folds to transfer your arousal and make sure his dick will be wet enough. If you stay still, you think you might die.

Yet another round of slick is pouring from you. He chuckles, seeing your cunt clench as he spits in his hand and wraps his fingers around his cock - you know he’s doing it to taunt you. Whoever goes first always makes sure you’re prepped.

‘Ready for my knot, omega?’ Seungmin coos. ‘Think you can take it?’

‘Yes,’ you whine. ‘Yes, alpha, yes, give it to me, I can, I can - ’

Your mouth snaps shut when he thrusts into you, your eyes widening and back arching as thrill after thrill races up your spine, making your cunt bear down on him, squeezing him tight and  greedily sucking him in further. The moment he starts moving, you know he’s not going to go easy on you.

Seungmin is going to make you earn it.

He releases your hands, letting you grab onto him as he fucks into you, fast, unrelenting. Almost sly, his fingers drag down your stomach so he can rub them over your clit in tight circles - your pussy flutters in response, clamping down on him. A muttered curse escapes him; you can feel every muscle of his back taut under your grip, the vein in his neck beginning to strain, yet all he does is go harder.

Something within you buckles. Not a second later, you come, clenching around his cock, squeezing him so tight he’s forced to grind into you further, your cunt refusing to let him pull out. You expect him to ease up, give you a moment to rest but he continues the moment he can, unforgiving.

Overstimulation sears at you, cutting through the cloudiness fogging your brain, and you yawp, scrabbling at Seungmin’s back, thighs jumping with every drag of his cock against your walls as you rake your nails against his skin in a way that must be hurting his battered, not quite healed body, but he doesn’t shake you off, doesn’t seem to mind.

‘Stop thrashing if you want your alpha’s knot,’ he snarls.

‘W - want it,’ you babble, trying to stay still for him. ‘Need it so bad, alpha.’

‘Then take it.’

He punctuates his words with deep rolls of his hips, and this time you can’t not move, because the pads of his fingers are back on your clit, torturous, creating friction so impossibly blissful that it hurts, and he’s hammering his dick into you, so quick that you can’t form words any more, and then - and then -

Once again, you come, and he slams his knot inside you.

Your back bows, your fingers twisting into the sheets until someone grabs your hand and squeezes it as tightly you are squeezing theirs. It’s not Seungmin’s, you realise - his are too busy propping him up, holding him above you. Turning your head to the side, you smile: it’s Minho, half asleep with his eyes almost closed and a silly little grin on his face.

Huffing, his breath ruffling your hair, Seungmin pokes at your face, bringing your attention back to him. You tip your head up and fit your lips to his, a warm, happy buzz engulfing you now that you’re full, and he lowers himself on top of you so you can lie there together, joined by his knot nestled inside your sated cunt as sleep tugs you both under.

You wake up to cacao and musk, lips closed over your scent gland, gently sucking. Whatever Seungmin’s knot and the orgasms he plucked from you did to appease your heat have worn off, and fast, because you’re sweating all over, hips moving against the firmness below you and you don’t know where you are, just that there are hands on your body and a mouth on your neck keeping back the flames.

‘Leader,’ you mewl, half crazy on his scent. ‘Alpha, need your knot,’

‘I’ve got you,’ Chan croons. ‘Alpha’s got you.’

It begins to dawn on you that you’re straddling his lap, grinding down frantically on his thigh, his hands cool where they coast over your burning skin, smoothing circles over your back. Taking your chin in his fingers, he tilts your face up until you’re looking at him. The moment you meet his eyes, you still, hips hovering over his.

‘You going to behave for me, omega?’

You nod so hard it hurts your neck. ‘Yes, alpha, so good, so good for you. Promise.’

‘Sweet girl,’ he coos. ‘My omega.’

Leaving trails of goosebumps behind, Chan’s hands slide down your torso, down to caress the curves of your hips, down to right where you need him. There’s a moment where he just holds your cunt, fingers pressing between your folds until you break and rock against the heel of his palm, chasing away the building pressure between your legs in favour of momentary relief, wobbly voiced pleas rushing from you as your slick soaks him to the wrist.

Nosing at your throat, he laves his tongue over your scent gland, one hand coming round to grip your ass as he positions you closer to him. When he looks up at you, you see the same haze that blankets your mind clouding his eyes - you must be nearing the peak of your heat for your scent to affect him so. He’s barely holding himself back.

‘Okay?’ He verifies. ‘Can take it?’

‘Y - yes, yes,’ you reply, grinding your hips down despite his steady grip on you, searching for his cock.

That’s all it takes for him to lurch upwards, sheathing himself in your heat like it was made for him. The remainder of the sentence on your tongue dissolves into a keening moan, your lips falling open, eyes unfocused and rolled back; he gives you barely a second to adjust to his thickness before he’s pounding into you, holding you in place above him with his nails digging into the flesh of your ass.

You grab at his broad shoulders, needing something to anchor you with the way he’s jerking your whole body up and down with every punishing thrust. Chan’s fucking up into you like he wants you to forget your own name, like he wants you to forget everything but the surge of his cock through your spasming walls; he’s got you dumb, mouth agape, the sounds that leave you wordless but pleading.

It’s as if your senses have narrowed to the giddying scent of your alpha and the promise of his knot in the snap of his hips against yours - you can’t think of anything else.

Dimly, you realise he’s speaking between the sloppy kisses he adorns your neck and chest with, groaning and mumbling against your skin as his teeth nip at your scent gland, stimulating you in a way that brings century old instincts to the surface - it has you shuddering, nails buried into the meat of his biceps as you twist your head back to bare your throat to your alpha.

‘Good omega,’ he’s gasping, words slurred, reaching so deep inside you all you can do is take it. ‘Made for me, omega - fuck, fuck, squeezing me so well - gonna give you my knot, sweetheart, give you my pups, gotta breed you, gonna - ’

Chan moans so loud it’s almost a howl, slamming you down on his cock to the hilt one last time, fingers furiously working your clit. The hot spill of his seed yanks you unceremoniously over the edge, and you feel your pussy constrict around his knot - he hisses at the feel of it, his chest, mottled with bruises, heaving as he comes down from the high, eyes beginning to focus on you.

Fuck, he looks good, all sweaty and panting and still a bit dazed, his curls ruffled and a dumb little blissed out smile plastered on his face. Tugging you close, he lets his forehead fall against your collarbones, pushing his face between your tits - you giggle as he sighs happily into their plushness, tucking your arms around him and holding him close, sated and so incredibly, wonderfully full.

‘So good for me, sweetheart,’ he mumbles, voice muffled against your skin.

You preen at his words, and his hands move up from where they were splayed out on your back to stroke your hair, smoothing it down and untangling some of the knots with his fingers. Curling up as much as you can in this position, you lean your head on Chan’s shoulder, basking in the reassuring presence of your alpha.

Something warm presses against your leg, and you look down to see Jeongin, balled up facing Seungmin with his back pushed up against the length of your thigh, his angular face softened in sleep. Grinning, you brush a hand over his cheek, and he stirs, humming drowsily before settling again.

A hand rubs at the small of your back, and you turn to see that Felix has woken up. Despite the fact that his blonde hair is mussed and he’s squinting against the light of the torches in the sconces on the walls, he’s smiling sweetly at you, gaze bright and soft.

‘Felix, please could you grab that for me?’ Chan’s gesturing to a small platter on the bedside table.

Clambering over a slumbering Minho and Jisung and almost tripping up on Changbin’s outstretched leg, he retrieves it and hands it to Chan, who supports you with a hand on your waist so you can sit back and tuck into the slices of bread and cheese on the plate. You hadn’t realised how hungry you were until now - your stomach rumbles at just the smell of the food.

Through a mouthful, you beam. ‘Thanks, Lix.’

He leans over Changbin to kiss you sweetly, filling your nose with the scent of violets and sunshine. ‘Once Chan’s knot goes down I’ll take you to the bath, okay?’

‘Yes, please,’ you reply. ‘I’m all sticky.’

‘My bad,’ Chan chuckles, rubbing his hands up and down your sides and making your brain all fuzzy.

By the time you’ve finished the food, Chan’s knot has come down enough to slip out of you - both of you groan when he pulls out, his come rolling down your thighs. You glance over at Felix and see him watching, and when you look down you can see he’s semi hard and sending you a sheepish grin.

A great yawn splits your face in half, and you stretch your cramped legs as you shuffle awkwardly off the bed, pausing to give Chan a kiss before he scoots down and tugs the blanket over him, nuzzling close to Jeongin. Lifting you up, Felix carries you to the bathroom - Hyunjin looks up from where he’s perched on a rickety wooden stool in the corner, holding something delicately in his hands and smirking.

‘That cavewoman omega in you really likes it when Chan fucks you like that, huh?’

You roll your eyes. ‘Go on and pretend you weren’t hard.’

‘Why are you holed up in here, anyway?’ Felix asks as he helps you into the wooden tub.

‘Changbin was rolling around in his sleep,’ he shrugs. ‘Didn’t want to stab him.’

Proudly, Hyunjin holds up the piece of wood he’s been whittling - it’s a lovely piece of limewood, light and creamy in colour, and it must be a maquette for a sword hilt he’s planning on making, because it’s carved with whorls and flowing arches, as if the wood itself is malleable clay in his skilled hands.

‘I like it,’ Felix says as he helps soap your back. ‘It’s pretty.’

Hyunjin gives him a look. ‘Of course.’

You chuckle. ‘Yeah, Felix, when did he ever make something that wasn’t pretty?’

‘Hey, what about that time when - ’

‘No, it was pretty, you just - ’

Closing your eyes, you listen to the two of them bicker playfully, relishing the warmth of the water and the way it eases your sore muscles - you want to enjoy the momentary lucidity. You’re still somewhere in the highest intensity of your heat, and soon your body is going to want a knot again, even after having Chan’s so recently.

Right on queue, as if just thinking about it sets it off, your scent spikes, and you feel a wave of slick spill from you - it goes straight into the water, but both Hyunjin and Felix fall silent anyway, sensing your need from a mile away.

There’s a moment of silence, and then Hyunjin drags his stool closer to the tub.

Without further delay, Felix shucks off his boxers and climbs in. The water swills but doesn’t spill over, and he takes your chin and kisses you softly, careful not to lean too much of his weight on you; the moment he pulls back, Hyunjin is there, swiping his thumb over your bottom lip before pushing it into your mouth, and you moan around him when you feel the nudge of Felix’s cock head at your entrance.

All three of you groan when he slides in, and you turn your head to the side, unsurprised to see Hyunjin’s slender fingers curling around his cock, his carving abandoned to the side - your eyes glide upwards, locking on his as you suck on his thumb, still resting against your lips, and he visibly picks up his pace, face twisting in pleasure.

Hiding his face into your damp neck, Felix groans, low and deep, thrusting his hips forward until they kiss yours, so close that his pubic bone grinds over your clit. He fucks into you slowly and tenderly, and as he does, Hyunjin hooks his thumb under your chin and crams three of his fingers into your mouth up to the knuckle, grunting when your tongue swirls over them.

You’re still sensitive from Chan, maybe even from the two orgasms Seungmin coaxed from you, and the way Felix’s cock drags through you is driving you insane - almost as much as the praise they’re both showering upon you and the pump of Hyunjin’s fingers in and out of your mouth. Water is sloshing over the sides of the tub with each movement, and it’s as if you’re floating aimlessly, muscles lax and surrounded all over by this warmth.

Hyunjin comes first.

It’s Felix that sets him off: kissing you over the fingers buried in your mouth, his tongue sliding over them before he licks at your lower lip, sucking it into his mouth, and suddenly Hyunjin’s coming with a gasp, wrenching Felix off your front by his shoulder so he can spill over the part of your chest that’s above the water.

That’s what makes you come.

The sight of Hyunjin bent double over you and Felix, jerking himself until he’s spent and then some to overstimulate himself, the hand that had been in your mouth gripping the side of the tub so hard his knuckles run white - it’s too much. Your pussy convulses around Felix, and only then do you find your words, gasping that you need a knot, begging for his come.

It’s all too easy for him to give you what you want - more water splashes out of the tub and straight onto the bathroom floor as he seats his knot inside you, plugging his seed in so not a drop is wasted. He flops over you, panting.

‘I didn’t expect it to come back so fast,’ you remark as the three of you catch your breath.

‘So much for the bath,’ Felix laughs. ‘Maybe we should draw another one.’

The next time you open your eyes, it hits you full force. The ache in your core is so intense that all you can do is flail, thrashing and writhing and crying, all tangled up in the blankets which are soaked with your sweat and twisted around your legs, all tangled up in the consuming flames of your heat. There are warm bodies all around you; you can hear their breathing, but none of them are responding, and fuck it hurts -

This can’t be happening again -

You squeak in alarm as someone manhandles you onto your front so quickly that your head spins, holding your arms down so you can barely move - you’re grinding desperately down on the mattress, and you can feel the sheets beneath you grow wet with your slick.

‘Stay still, omega,’ a voice growls. ‘You’re going to push someone off the bed if you don’t.’

‘Alpha?’ You whimper, rubbing your thighs together. ‘It’s not enough, please - ’

‘Binnie’s here,’ he soothes, tone gentler now. ‘Binnie’s going to take care of you, okay? Hands and knees for me, omega.’

Tears of relief trickle down your face and seep into the cloth beneath you - Jeongin’s shirt. You scramble to obey your alpha’s command, only halting when Changbin pulls you in for a quick kiss that leaves you dizzy, as if he sucked the air from your lungs and replaced it with pure, unadulterated need. Squeezing your ass, he fucking bullies you into position, manoeuvring you until you’re face down, ass up.

You fist the sheets in your hands, trying to stay still but he’s taking his damn time. Arching your back, you push back on him, feverish, reduced to the urges of your idiot omega brain that you can’t ignore for the life of you. Your thighs are trembling as he lines himself up, your breath coming out in harsh pants.

With a harsh stab of his hips, he ploughs into you.

You wait for him to move, wait for him to fucking destroy you, but he doesn’t; he just holds himself there, infuriating, playing with you, and you’re wailing and trying to push back onto him more but he’s got you in his iron grip and then he’s cracking a hand down on your ass and you howl and finally -

Finally he’s moving.

Changbin is railing into you, unrelenting. You’re clenching so hard around him, desperate for his knot that your vision keeps blanking out, your voice breaking as you call his name, and surely it’s waking up the boys, but you don’t really care because you need him, need -

‘Need it, alpha,’ you sob, ‘Need it.’

‘I know, omega,’ he grits out. ‘Let your alpha take care of you.’

And then he gives you all you ask. He gives it to you, alright. He gives it to you so that the slick is running out of you and down your twitching thighs, he gives it to you so you’re hoarse from screaming his name - he gives it to you until you feel all limp and boneless beneath him, and still he draws you out, drilling into you like he was born to do it.

Just when you think he might be satisfied, Changbin hooks a hand under your arm and pulls you upright, pinning you against his chest and hitting a new, cataclysmic angle inside you; roughly, he bites down on the spot where you shoulder and neck meet, and his hands come up to cup your tits, pinching your nipples and sending jolts of pleasure through you. He’s fucking up into you endlessly and you can’t even remember if you came already because he’s got you drowning in ecstasy, losing yourself in it.

And then his fingers are on your clit.

You can feel his knot, pressing against your core, so close, so close.

Inside your stomach, something pulls up tight, and you come so hard everything goes black.

You come to about half a minute later, cradled against Changbin’s chest, his knot safely within your cunt, satisfying you, and he’s hugging you to him, kissing every inch of your sweat coated skin that he can reach. He shifts against you when he senses you waking, nuzzling against your scent gland as he kisses a hickey on your neck - most likely from Minho.

‘Are you okay?’ Changbin asks. ‘Did I go too hard?’

‘No,’ you reply drowsily. ‘Was good. So good.’

Your hand meets his, and you smile a little as you twine your fingers together. The scent of roses and grapefruit fills your nose, and you close your eyes at the feel of Hyunjin nestling closer to you, sandwiching you between him and Changbin, your breathing slowing as you drift off.

You’re woken by a puff of air against your clit. Hyunjin chuckles when the muscles in your thigh jitter at the feel of it, looking up at you from where he sprawls between your legs, grinning like he wants to devour you. Whatever you’re lying on rocks to the side, and you bleat in alarm and narrowly catch yourself, glancing over your shoulder to find that your head was  resting on Jeongin’s chest, who is now smirking at you, eyes glittering mischievously.

The feeling of two alphas looking like they might eat you does something to your cunt that has Hyunjin transfixed. He licks his lips and you get the distinct sense that he might accidentally pop a knot too soon if he isn’t careful.

‘You two look like you’re plotting something,’ you mumble, trying to ignore the attention your pussy is demanding.

‘Yeah,’ Jeongin confirms casually. ‘Hyunjin’s going to go down on you and I’m going to fuck your mouth.’

‘Oh,’ you say, and this time you can’t ignore the way you clench around nothing.

Hyunjin groans, and you feel the mattress dip a little as he grinds into it. He buries a finger into your fluttering heat, cursing under his breath, and your eyes widen as Jeongin props your head up with a pillow and straddles your chest, his flushed cock nudging your lips. Your tongue darts out, flicking against his head, and he adjusts himself so he’s kneeling over you.

Opening your mouth, you take him as far as you can, and almost like he’s rewarding you for it, Hyunjin’s lips close around your clit. Surprised, you yelp around Jeongin’s length, hips bucking into Hyunjin’s face of their own accord; in response, another finger is eased into your core and you suck in a sharp breath of air.

That’s the moment Jeongin chooses to thrust shallowly into your mouth. You gag and get embarrassingly close to coming - Hyunjin lifts his head, feeling your weeping pussy seize his fingers.

‘She liked that,’ he remarks.

You don’t even get to reply because there’s an alpha cock fucking itself down your throat, surrounding you with the scent of mint and lavender. You’re not sure when you moved your hands but now they’re curled under the backs of his thighs, your nails sinking into his skin as he uses your mouth, and he’s got your hair fisted in his fingers for better leverage - even through the haze of your heat you can see his knuckles are still swollen and cut up from the fight.

He must have been pretty wound up because you can feel him tensing under your palms, curses flowing from his lips as he wrenches himself out of your mouth and basically shoves Hyunjin out of the way. There’s a moment where you’re painfully empty, bereft of Hyunjin’s nimble fingers, and then Jeongin slams his cock inside you, rutting into you once, twice, before he comes, his knot swelling within you and filling you up.

‘So good for us, omega,’ Hyunjin coos, appearing at your side.

Cupping your chin, he kisses you and you can taste yourself on him as he licks into your mouth, tangling his tongue with yours. Jeongin pushes him to the side, grumbling and barging him with his shoulder so he can press his lips to your scent gland, sucking a love bite just below it, his teeth grazing over your skin. You giggle at the look on Hyunjin’s face, cute and pouty despite the fact that you can feel his cock, stiff and leaking precum all over your thigh.

While you wait for Jeongin’s knot to go down, the two of them take turns kissing you, Hyunjin sometimes sneaking kisses to Jeongin too. It’s like you’re in heaven: stuffed full and content, with two alphas paying their utmost attention to you.

Finally, Jeongin eases out, and you feel the hot spill of his come - and maybe some of Changbin’s too - ooze from your stretched out pussy. He scoops up as much of it as he can and pushes it right back in, licking his fingers after: your body is wracked by a shiver at the sight, cunt aching to be filled again.

‘Need another load?’ Hyunjin teases, seeing the hungry look in your eyes.

‘Get on with it already, alpha,’ you snark back.

Eagerly, Hyunjin slots himself between your legs, gliding his cock head through your folds a few times before he plunges in. It shuts you up, fast. Throwing his head back, he groans, just a little louder than the wet, sucking sounds your pussy makes as he begins to move; there’s come slopping out of you with each thrust, smearing over the tops of your thighs and his, and he fucks it right back into you until you’re keening, bucking into him.

‘Shit,’ he moans. ‘Keep on fucking doing that, sweet omega.’

Breathless, you obey, rolling your hips to meet his so fervently that your muscles begin to burn, but it’s the good kind, the type of sensation that comes before your legs lock up, trembling uncontrollably as pleasure hits you so hard you go limp.

Pinching and rubbing at your clit in a way that is glorious, Hyunjin dips his head, giving you another kiss that tastes like you, and suddenly, at the touch of his lips to yours, you’re coming, shaking so hard that you’re shaking him. He groans your name, hands tangling in your hair to hold your face to his, and he travels a little lower to mouth at the hollow of your throat.

‘Taking me so well,’ he rasps. ‘Fitting around me just right, omega.’

A little jolt of lightning shoots through you as he lurches a little further into your cunt, coming, and there’s already so much seed inside you that a little bit seeps out around his knot, fat drops slipping down your skin. Sighing contentedly, you stretch your arms above your head as Hyunjin rests his head on your chest. You can feel the dull pain of your heat receding, giving way to a hint of lucidity, and now that the adrenaline is leaving your system, you start to feel aches flaring up all over your body.

Lifting your head, you keep a hand on the back of Hyunjin’s head so he doesn’t slide off you as you search for the familiar scent of clean linen and cinnamon, craning your neck as you twist to check he’s not among the boys dozing on the mattress around you. Just before you call out his name, the door to the room opens, and he walks in, cheeks full with some food he must have raided from the keep’s storeroom.

Jisung sees your face and immediately strides over. ‘Feeling okay, omega?’

You nod. ‘I think it’s almost passed.’

A stab of guilt punches through you. Jisung’s waited his turn, and there’s a chance that if you fall asleep now, you’ll wake up and find your heat has broken. He must smell the worry on your scent, because he leans forward and tucks some of your tangled hair behind your ear.

‘It’s okay, jagi,’ he reassures. ‘This is about you. Rest now.’

You’re already dreaming by the time he finishes his sentence.

‘Are you sure?’ Jisung clarifies again, even though you’re certain he can still smell the lingering honey of your heat on your scent.

‘Yes, alpha,’ you huff, unable to hide the petulance in your voice.

He raises an eyebrow.

‘Please,’ you whine. ‘Need your knot, Ji, please, alpha.’

‘Okay, but you tell me if you’re too sensitive, alright?’

You nod, already bucking your hips which succeeds to do nothing but drag his cock head through your folds. You’d woken up surrounded by Jisung’s crisp linen and cinnamon scent, the low burning need for a knot clawing at your insides, subdued at least by the seven other knots you’ve taken but still insistent enough that you needed Jisung inside you.

A wretched cry leaves you as he seats his cock inside you - he pauses, throwing his head back, biting his lips to stifle a moan - and you feel him twitch from within your squeezing walls. You’re not surprised; he’s been stuck in a keep with his omega’s scent rubbed all over him, the mattress and his pack mates, driving him crazy.

‘Fucking hell, omega,’ he mumbles, nuzzling at your face before he kisses you. ‘Don’t know how long I’m gonna last.’

Jisung begins to move, slowly but deep, a little smile pulling at his lips as he looks you right in the eyes, lacing his fingers with yours where they rest on the pillows beneath your head. He’s gentle, aware that you’re sore, pressing feather light kisses to the hickeys decorating your skin - some of which you don’t even remember exactly who gave to you, your memories clouded by your heat - and slowing his pace if your face screws up or your fingers tighten too hard on his.

Wrapping your legs around his trimmed waist, you pull him closer, crossing your ankles at the small of his back. His hand trails down and begins to rub steadily at your clit, and you feel the stirrings of heaven beginning to rouse within you: your toes curl, and a drawn out whine escapes from your throat, urging him onwards.

Jisung’s fingers speed up on your clit. ‘Come for me, omega.’

You keen as shockwaves run through you, leaving you spent, out of breath, pussy raw. Fractionally, Jisung slows the pace he’s thrusting into you, whispering sweet nothings onto your lips like prayers - your fingers sweep through his soft hair, the rest of your body limp against the mattress as you gaze up at him, eyes glazed.

‘Alpha,’ you whimper - it’s all you have the energy for.

‘Shit, omega - ’

Jisung cums with a gasp, knot locking into place as he trembles above you, trying to control the way he rocks his hips , grinding himself impossibly deeper into you. A tear slips down your cheek and he licks it off, the tender look in his eyes leaving you all melty in his arms.

Your pussy flutters around him, constricting around his knot as he carefully rolls the two of you over for you to lie on his chest, legs curled up either side of him so you can soak up the feel of his skin against yours. His arms wrap around you, and another hand, calloused from hours working in the smithy, brushes over your back before lips press against your shoulder blade.

‘How’s she doing?’ Chan whispers.

‘Good,’ you hum, answering for Jisung and cracking your eyes open a millimetre. ‘Really good. Really tired, too.’

He chuckles. ‘I’m not surprised, sweetheart.’

Minho speaks up, saying something that makes Jisung’s wide chest vibrate beneath your ear with a quiet laugh, but you don’t really hear it at all - your brain feels like it’s made out of cotton, and your limbs feel light and airy, Jisung’s skin so soft it’s as if you’re floating on a cloud.

‘Love you, alpha,’ you murmur.

You don’t clarify, and they don’t ask, but they know you mean each and every one of them.

When you next rouse yourself, you’re fully lucid, and Changbin’s shouting at someone from inside the bathroom. Groaning, you rub your eyes, and a low, tired throb emanates from between your legs - solid proof that your alphas took care of you through your heat, like they always do. You remember it: most of it vividly, some of it in flashes.

Flopping your arms out, you’re met with unpleasantly cold sheets. A frown furrows your brow and you lift your head - now that you’re shaking off the last dregs of your heat and the long sleep that has left a small bit of drool on the pillow beneath your head, you can faintly hear your pack’s voices. From what it sounds, most of them are in the corridor or the great hall, and you can just about pick up other voices too: the omegas you rescued.

You can also hear Changbin, clear as day, muttering grumpily to himself. Snickering, you listen closer, catching something about Seungmin, that little shit and damn towel. You open your mouth, ready to call out to him -

‘Seungmin!’ He yells, so loud you jump. ‘I know you can hear me! Where’s my towel?’

With a groan, you heave yourself upright and pull on the first shirt available: immediately, Jisung’s scent wraps tight around you. Choking on a laugh that you fail to stifle, you shuffle to the edge of the bed and climb off, taking pity on Changbin, while - rolling his eyes so hard it looks like there’s someone behind them pulling them with strings - Seungmin bursts through the bedroom door.

Just in time to see your legs buckle.

He darts across the room and manages to break your fall as you crumple to the floor, muscles protesting. Unfortunately, you manage to take him down with you and he laughs, loud enough for Changbin to hear it and think he’s the one getting made fun of, but with a mischievous spark dancing in his eyes that you know is aimed at you.

‘You’re acting as if you didn’t contribute to this,’ you retort, attempting to pull yourself up.

There’s a steady burning in your thighs, and once you’re upright, you’re wobbling like a newborn calf. Seungmin snorts, knocking you backwards onto the bed and kissing you, fending off your hands as you attempt to punch him in the ribs. Eventually, he lets up, mostly because Changbin has started screeching threats from inside the bathroom that can be heard over your giggled protests.

He sorts out his mussed hair. ‘I don’t regret contributing whatsoever. In fact, I enjoyed it.’

‘You’re always so smug after knotting me, huh?’ You send him a rude gesture.

‘As if you didn’t - ’

‘Seungmin, I swear - ’

Both of you giggle, and Changbin splutters, hearing your laughter. Still chuckling, Seungmin scoops you up in his arms and retrieves a towel that’s been stowed behind one of the pillows, taking his time to open the bathroom door and hand it back to him. Seeing Changbin, his damp hair hanging over his eyes as he grumbles at the two of you, unable to fulfil his threats with Seungmin using you as a human shield, sets the two of you off again.

The sound of your laughter attracts your other alphas. They file into the room, and Chan smiles fondly as he sees you Seungmin’s arms. Jeongin walks over and nuzzles his face into your hair, kissing your earlobe and pausing there.

‘Legs out of commission after being fucked too good, huh?’

‘Jeongin,’ you hiss, slapping his arm. Seungmin has the audacity to high five him.

Chan attempts to hide a laugh. ‘I’m going to ignore that.’

‘Well, you better not ignore Seungmin stealing and hiding my towel,’ Changbin mutters.

Seungmin laughs again, and you get passed to Jeongin while he wards off Changbin, who is still clad in just a towel. Warmth fills you - it’s good to have your boys happy and playful after seeing them taken and hurt by Goemul. You’re whole again now that you’ve got them back.

Eventually, the two of them calm down, and Chan smiles at you in a way that makes your heart swell and overflow in your chest.

‘Ready to go home, omega?’

taglist: @0bticeo @hyunjinsjeans @sleepyleeji @milkslovehotel

fyi: goemul = monster in korean

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

smut. Smut. SMUT!! Ot8 alpha skz is a whole new level of smut I have just stumbled upon and now I need to go explore ot8 skz fics

[mint-yooxgi]

{14} - Morning Mist - Yandere!Dragon!Ateez X Chubby!Reader

Yandere AU & Dragon AU

Genre: Mature, Horror, Angst

Pairing: Ateez X Reader (Focus on Yeosang and Yunho)

Words: 8,901

Warnings: Allusion to assault/boundaries not being respected. Violence/Fighting. Brief moments of fatphobia and homophobia near the end (not done by any of the guys). I think that's all, honestly. This is a Yandere story, it will contain themes such as stalking, violence, obsession, possessive natures, and just general overall creepiness and swearing. You have been warned.

A/n: Oof, it's really been forever since I've updated this series... my apologies for that! Honestly, I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and I might focus a bit of my attention to getting out a few more parts of this series over the next few weeks or so, but that's still to be decided. Anyways, a bit of a nicer, longer chapter update for you guys. I really hope you all like it! As always, feedback is greatly appreciated! Enjoy~

Also, gentle reminder that I do not do tag lists.

Chapter One - Chapter Two - Chapter Three - Chapter Four - Chapter Five - Chapter Six - Chapter Seven - Chapter Eight - Chapter Nine - Chapter Ten - Chapter Eleven - Chapter Twelve - Chapter Thirteen - Mini Masterlist

“Good morning.” A soft smile tugs at your lips as you greet the two males already waiting for you at the entrance to your village. 

As soon as they hear your voice, they’re both turning to face you. A satchel is slung over your one shoulder, the material a deep green in colour as you adjust the strap lightly.

“Morning.” The corner of Yunho’s lips twitch upwards.

All you receive from Yeosang in a stiff nod in response.

Perhaps he’s not a morning person.

“Ready to go?” You inquire, looking between them both.

A grunt is all you receive from the shorter male as the taller of the two nods in response. You quirk a brow.

The first few steps down the path and out of the village are silent, each male settling in on either side of you.

“Have you both eaten this morning?” You inquire casually.

“Joong wouldn’t let us leave unless we had something.” Yunho hums in acknowledgement. “He’s always looking out for us in that way.”

The corners of your lips twitch upwards as you nod faintly, “He’s a good clan leader.”

Little do you see the way Yeosang’s one eye twitches at your words.

“Have you eaten?” Yunho’s tone is light, sparing a glance at you out of the corner of his eyes as you continue down the path.

“I’m not much of a breakfast person.” You reply, a simple shrug to your shoulders.

“You should eat something.” Yeosang’s first words to you this morning are terse, the male staring straight ahead.

“I will. When I’m hungry.” The corner of your lips twitch upwards in amusement.

“How far is it to Rose Village?” Yunho asks, keeping pace with you as he spares a glance over at his brother on your opposite side.

“About a forty minute walk,” you hum. “Five, if we were to fly.”

“So, we’re walking because…?” Yeosang’s brow furrows, finally turning to you for the first time today.

“You should learn to not always rely on your wings,” You reply, somewhat stiffly. This time, it’s you who doesn’t meet either of their gazes as you stare straight ahead. “You may not always be able to use them.”

“Well, I think utilizing our legs will be good for us.” Yunho grins, purposefully stretching his arms above his head. “It’s nice to get out of the house every now and then.”

“Yes, the world is quite beautiful, if you’re brave enough to explore it.” You hum in agreement. “It has much to both offer and to teach us.”

You see understanding pass over both male’s features.

“Hwa told Joong that you said you’re willing to begin training us?” Yunho attempts not to look too eager, but there’s a certain gleam in his eyes that you still pick up on.

“If you are all still willing to be taught-“

“Yes.” Yeosang clears his throat, noting the way both you and Yunho immediately turn to look at him. “Please.”

“Very well.” You smile faintly. “When would you like to begin?”

“As soon as possible, if that’s alright with you.” Yunho responds, a sudden giddiness to his steps.

“That can be arranged.” You nod once, firmly. “We can start now, if you’d like?”

“While we’re walking?” Yunho’s brow furrows.

“While we’re walking.” You confirm. “Though, I must say, learning is a collaboration, so you shouldn’t hoard what I teach you to yourselves. You’ll never grow as a clan that way.”

Yeosang’s breath catches slightly in his throat. “We understand.”

“No wonder San and Wooyoung have been so eager to share your teachings with us,” Yunho mumbles.

“My rule of thumb is: if you can teach someone else what you’ve learned after you’ve learnt it, then you understand the lesson being taught.” You say, adjusting the strap of your bag over your shoulder lightly. “Everyone learns differently, and of course you can cater specifics to your own needs, but the base is usually the same.”

“You’ve been saying this whole time that you wouldn’t teach us, but you have been.” Yeosang observes. “Through them.”

“I take no credit for what you’ve learned from your brothers.” You shake your head. “That’s all from them.”

“Hwa’s got some catching up to do…” Yunho sighs, an amused quirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Something tells me that both him and Canary Man are getting the rundown on everything while we’re gone today.” You hum, somewhat knowingly.

“I don’t know how you did it, but there seems to have been a shift in Seonghwa over the past few days. Ever since he came back home from seeing you, it seems as if he’s calmer.” Yunho states, his gaze darting to you once more.

“All it takes is one moment of kindness to show you a new perspective on life,” you smile softly. “I simply extended a hand out to him, just as I wish someone did for me when I was in that situation. He was the one that accepted the offer.”

“When you were in that situation?” Yeosang is quick to catch on to your words.

“Your eldest and I are a lot more alike than you think.” You tell them. “I was in the exact same place as he was, once. I almost lost myself, and he could have, too. I’ll be damned if I ever let anyone go through what I went through without helping them.”

“You’re wise beyond your years.” Yunho praises.

“You make me sound so old,” your nose scrunches in distaste.

Yeosang actually lets out a puff of laughter at the way Yunho begins sputtering out apologies. 

“I’m just teasing you, Young One.” You chuckle. “I appreciate the compliment, all the same.”

The tips of his ears begin to turn red as he clamps his mouth shut.

Yeosang clears his throat. “Our training?”

“Ah, yes,” you nod. “How would you like to begin?”

“Shouldn’t you decide that for us?” Yunho quirks a brow, managing to get his bashfulness under control for the moment.

“I don’t want to be teaching you stuff you already know.” You shrug. “I’ve never seen you in a fight, nor do I know how strong your senses have become since the first time we met.”

“I thought you knew everything.” Yeosang blinks, almost innocently at you.

You laugh, “Not everything, Yeosang.”

You swear you see a shiver caress his spine as you say his name.

“Well, what do you know of our powers?” Yunho asks, nothing but curiosity shining in his eyes.

“If you’re incurring whether or not I know what type of dragon you are, Yunho, then you should be specific.” You shoot him a small look. “Speak of your own desires before you assume to know someone else’s.”

He swallows thickly. “Then, do you?”

“Do I, what?” You press, quirking a brow all the while.

“Know what type of powers I possess?”

“I do.” You hum.

He frowns, “How?”

You smile, almost tenderly. “Your youngest seems to enjoy talking about all of you to me as much as he enjoys talking about me to you.”

You hear Yeosang take in a deep breath beside you, almost exasperatedly.

“So, Jongho told you.” Yunho nods his understanding.

“For the most part,” you tighten your grip on the strap of your bag. “I can sense more than presences if I focus, you know.”

“Is there anything you can’t do?” Yunho breathes, a wondrous look shining in his eyes as he looks at you.

Yeosang lets out another puff of air.

“Quite a few things, actually,” you confirm with an amused grin. “But that’s not important right now.”

“So, then,” Yunho hums, his body half turning more towards you in eagerness, “What’s my power?”

Nothing but mirth dances within your gaze as you see Yunho practically vibrating with excitement as he continues to walk alongside you. Yeosang seems to have slowed slightly, his shoulders curling in on himself as he crosses his arms over his chest. A small frown pulls at his features, and if you didn’t know any better, you’d say he looks irritated.

You meet Yunho’s gaze.

“Earth.” You state. “Rather, the minerals that fill the ground.”

Yunho smiles, nodding quite enthusiastically along with your words.

“It’s very fitting,” you add. “From what some of your brothers tell me, you are quite a stable rock in their lives.”

His blush returns, Yunho suddenly wiping his palms on the sides of his thighs bashfully. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me,” you chuckle. “Thank your brothers.”

Yunho spares a brief glance at Yeosang, noticing how the aforementioned male looks so irate.

“What’s the matter, Yeo?” Yunho’s head tilts slightly in worry. “You were probably the second most excited after San when we learned she would teach us.”

At this, your brow quirks.

Heat immediately flares to Yeosang’s cheeks, the male avoiding your gaze as he mumbles out a ‘just tired.’

“Well, it is quite early,” you hum in agreement. “We’ll be at Rose Village soon, anyways.”

“Is there anything we can practice while we walk?” Yunho inquires eagerly.

“Hone your senses.” You reply, almost instantly. At the way they both spare a curious look at you, you’re quick to continue, “You’ve been doing so already, that much I can tell. However, it isn’t enough. You,” turning your sharp gaze to the side, you meet Yeosang’s eyes, “should be able to sense things with the breeze for miles. It should get to the point where you don’t even need to expel any excess energy to do so; it should become second nature.”

He nods, eyes sharpening as he focusses on sensing the wind almost immediately after you stop talking.

“And you,” you turn your pointed stare to Yunho who straightens almost immediately, “should be able to sense the vibrations in the earth as to where your enemies are. Know your surroundings; hone your senses.”

“How do we know if we’re doing it properly?” Yeosang questions, his lips slightly pursed in concentration.

“You will feel as if you’ve become one with your surroundings.” You reply. “Having the powers you do helps tremendously, for when the time is right, such elements will feel as if they are speaking to you. Train your ears to notice the slightest of sounds. Train yourself to notice every scent in an area, and pick up on when they shift even the faintest bit. Trust your senses, and rely on your instincts. You’ll soon begin to notice things that were never there before.”

“And we’re supposed to do this while walking?” Yeosang frowns.

“The constant sound of our feet crunching the gravel is a good practice for a monotonous sound.” You go on to say. “It is repetitive, so you should be able to drown it out. You won’t always have time to gather your bearings while standing still. Search for the abnormalities within the constant, and you’ll master your senses much quicker.”

“I think I get it,” Yunho nods, almost absentmindedly.

“I know you’ve both already been expanding your sensory reach.” You comment. “It’s time to take it a step further. I have faith in the both of you. Don’t just think,” your eyes flash briefly as your head whips to the side, a bird taking off from a branch in the next second, “feel.”

Two nods are all you receive in response as the males begin to thoroughly concentrate on their surroundings. You can tell how intently they’re focussing, for they stare straight ahead, standing to their full heights as they continue down the path with you.

A small breeze picks up, and you can feel the ground beneath your feet beginning to hum with life.

“Good,” you nod casually. “Once you both feel as if you have a better understanding of our surroundings, let me know. I’ll test you.”

“Test us?” Yeosang’s head tilts curiously.

“I’ll start easy on you,” you grin, a knowing gleam in your eyes. “For example, there’s a squirrel somewhere close by. Find it.”

Both of their heads whip off to the right, a brow squirrel running down the side of a tree in the next second.

“Good.” You nod approvingly. “This is exactly what I mean. Everything is interconnected, and by the time you hone your sense, nothing will escape you.”

They both nod, soft smiles pulling at their features.

“This is also a good way to discern what you need to work on to hide yourselves better.” You continue. “Scent, sound, sight: everything can both work for you, or against you.”

“Now that you mention it, I can smell you a lot more, Yeo.” Yunho’s nose scrunches.

A small laugh escapes you, and you see the aforementioned male’s cheeks dusting red.

“Yeah, well, the sound of your footfalls are like a giant upon the earth.” Yeosang snaps back.

Again, you chuckle, noticing how Yunho’s ears begin to turn red once more.

“See, these are things you both can work on to hide yourselves better.” You spare a glance at both of them. “If you really want to test yourselves, ask Jaemin to track you. He’s the best of our clan.”

You do not fail to miss the way they both stiffen at your words.

“I don’t know,” Yeosang grimaces slightly, shooting a pointed look towards Yunho. “Wouldn’t want to stink him out.”

“If you’re worried if you smell or not, you don’t.” You reply, noticing how he falters slightly in his steps. “You actually have quite a pleasant musk, like fresh juniper and oak.”

Instantly, Yeosang’s spine straightens, puffing his chest out slightly as the corner of his lips tug upwards smugly.

Yunho, on the other hand, begins to pout.

“We’re almost there,” you comment, motioning ahead on the path with your chin.

Glancing forward, the two males can just make out the entranceway of Rose Village. Flowers surround the grand archway, and faintly, they can both begin to smell the pungent aromas drifting through the air.

“Who’s a better tracker, then? You, or Jaemin?” Yunho attempts to change the subject, if only slightly.

Your knowing smile says it all. “Do not forget that I was the one who taught him everything he knows.”

“Then, we should just ask you to track us.” Yeosang replies.

You shake your head. “You’ll never learn that way, and I won’t always be around to train you. My Neos are your best options if you even want to attempt to best me at anything.”

“Which is why you sent Woo and San to Ten and Taeil to start.” Yeosang hums in understanding.

“Exactly.” You nod in confirmation. “You should partner up with them if you want to learn how to better utilize your powers. If you want to hone your strength, ask Jeno to train you. He’s our strongest fighter.”

“Something tells me we’ll have to go through them before we can even get to you.” Yunho spares a look at you out of the corner of his eyes.

You meet his gaze, the corners of your lips twitching upwards.

“We’re here,” you pause just before the archway, observing the village with such a fond look in your eyes as you see people milling about just through the entrance. “Continue to hone your sense, you never know what you might learn.”

Without saying another word, you enter the village.

A smile pulls onto your features as you take in your surroundings. Many different stalls have been set up, lining the paths with different vendors selling their wares. There’s a fruit stand off to the side, a few different herb sellers, and multiple florists all chatting with potential customers.

Walking through the main road, you cannot help the wondrous shine in your eyes as you observe the daily lives of the townsfolk. That feeling of nostalgia that floods your senses almost serves to overwhelm you, your one hand tightening its grip on the strap of your satchel.

Little do you see the fond looks either dragon send your way.

“This way.” You voice lowly, shifting almost wistfully through the throngs of people towards the very back of the street.

Reaching the end of the row, the area opens up into a large square with a beautiful trickling fountain in the centre. Vines creep up the sides of the buildings, more flowers blooming from every angle and filling the space with vibrant colours of pink, purple, red, and orange.

There’s almost a renewed giddiness to your steps as you round a corner, more vendors lining the street. Your steps are precise and steady, heading directly to a specific counter right at the end of the row.

Silently, the two males follow but a step behind.

Two females can be seen conversing behind the stall counter. Both are quite tall in stature with dark skin. One wears her hair in tight braids, the tips resting just below her shoulders. The other has shorter hair, tight curls adorning the strands. Around their stand, three rambunctious children - two girls, one male - can be seen running around, hitting each other with different flower stalks.

Stopping in her tracks, one of the children seems to take notice of you approaching the stand. A large, dramatic gasp escapes her, causing her siblings and mothers to turn their heads in your direction.

“Auntie!” The little girl squeals, immediately running over to you with her arms outstretched.

The two males share a look as you wrap the little girl in your arms, picking her up and hugging her tightly as she giggles loudly.

“My goodness, you’ve gotten so big!” You grin, holding her against your hip as she rests her hands on your shoulders.

“What about me!” The other little girl says, tugging at your shirt lightly as she stands beside you.

“Yeah!” The little boy adds, standing tall with his hands on his hips. “It’s not fair you always pick up Delilah first!”

“Well, I do have two arms, Marcus,” you chuckle, shifting Delilah over slightly so you can pat his head affectionately.

Just as you go to reach for him, he runs away.

“No, wait! I’m too old for you to be picking me up!” He whines, hiding behind the stall counter with his parents.

“I’m not!” The other little girl says, running right into your arms so you can pick her up.

A moment later, and you’ve hoisted her into your free arm, giggles falling from her lips as she places a big kiss onto your cheek.

“It’s good to see you again,” the woman with the braids smiles kindly, an overtly affectionate look shining in her eyes as she stares at the scene before her.

“We’ve all missed you.” The other woman says, standing just a smidge taller than her wife beside her.

“I’ve missed you all, too.” You return their fond looks, nuzzling your forehead affectionately against the girl’s own.

They giggle in response, Delilah leaning into you further.

“Auntie, did you bring us anything?” She inquires innocently, blinking at you all the while.

“You know I always do.” You chuckle fondly, placing both girls back on their feet for the time being. “Jungwoo was very adamant about me giving these to you.”

“Oh, they’re from Uncle Jungwoo?” Marcus’ eyes instantly light up, coming back around the counter to stand before you.

Sliding the strap of the bag off your shoulder, you open the satchel. Reaching inside, you pull out three small wooden figurines. The deer you hand to Delilah, the eagle to Marcus, and the little dragon figurine you hand to the final little girl.

“Wow,” she gasps, nothing but pure awe in her eyes as she turns the figure around and around in her hands.

“Minnie, what do we say to your Auntie?” The woman with the braids smiles knowingly.

Immediately, the girl looks up into your eyes, a bright smile on her lips, “Thank you, Auntie!”

You chuckle, “Don’t thank me, thank your Uncle Jungwoo.”

“Auntie,” Marcus begins lowly, leaning into you as if discussing something secret. His eyes briefly dart past you to the two males still standing silently behind you. “Are you cheating on Uncle Jungwoo?”

A boisterous laugh escapes both you and the two females still standing behind the counter.

“Oh, no, Marcus,” you pat his arm assuringly. “Your Uncle Jungwoo and I are not together.”

“So, then, are these your new boyfriends?” Minnies ask, walking up to Yunho and tugging on the side of his pants. “Are you married to my Auntie now?”

You swear Yunho’s eyes nearly bulge right out of his head as he splutters over his own words.

“No, Minnie,” you chuckle, “We’re not married.”

“Why not?” Minnie turns back to you, blinking almost owlishly.

“Minnie, relationships don’t work like that,” the taller of the two ladies shakes her head endearingly.

“But you and mommy are married!” She scurries over to the both of them.

“That’s because we’ve known each other for a very long time.” The woman answers.

“Uncle Jungwoo and Auntie have known each other for a very long time.” Marcus voices.

“Not as long as Uncle Renjun, or Uncle Taeyong, though.” Delilah adds, matter-of-factly.

“My Neos are like family to me,” you explain softly. “Like my brothers.”

“What about Uncle Kun?” Minnie asks innocently.

“Children, that’s enough.” A sharp look is given to the three of them by the woman with the braids.

“It’s alright, Kamille.” You smile, but it doesn’t quite reach your eyes. You crouch down so you’re eye level with Minnie. “Uncle Kun finally found his special someone, and I’m happy for him. We agreed to just stay friends.”

“His loss,” the taller of the two mumbles.

“Trisha,” a sharp look is sent her way by you.

She shrugs, “Just saying.”

“Auntie! We have something for you!” Delilah exclaims excitedly, scurrying into the house behind the stall with the other two children in tow as they all remember their gifts for you.

You stand back to your full height, a curious quirk to your one brow.

The two women offer you knowing looks in response. Except, once they see what each of the children hold on their way back out of the house, they attempt to stop them. Only, they don’t manage to catch them.

“Mommy said these were your favourites, once.” Minnie extends a few flowers out to you, both Marcus and Delilah standing on either side of her doing the same.

Your breath catches in your throat as you see the children each holding out a few stems of bluebells to you with smiles on their faces.

A soft call of your name from Kamille sounds from behind the children. “We’re so sorry, we told them-“

“Did you grow these yourselves?” You cut her off, not even sparing her a look as your eyes begin to water.

Three proud nods greet your blurry vision, and your first tear falls. Softly, you grab the flowers from their hands.

“Look at you three!” You smile through the pain in your heart which suffocates you from the inside out. “You’ll be giving your mother’s a run for their money pretty soon. These flowers are beautiful!”

Happy giggles reach your ears, the girls twirling eagerly from side to side as Marcus avoids your gaze.

“Okay, children, why don’t you go grab some snacks for all of us at the bakery.” Trisha grabs a few coins and hands then to Marcus. “We have some things to talk about with your Aunt, here.”

“Okay!” Three cheers are heard as they all rush off down the street, disappearing into the crowd.

“I’ll go with them.” Yunho offers, already following after the three children.

Kamille simply raises an eyebrow.

“He heard the word ‘bakery,’ and now that’s all he can think about.” Yeosang sighs.

“I don’t blame him,” you wipe your tears from your cheeks, gazing almost longingly down at the bouquet of bluebells in your hand. “Rose Village bakery is one of the best around for miles. Seeing as he bakes, he probably wants to check it out.”

“Ah, found yourself a baker this time, have you?” Trisha jokes.

“I haven’t found myself anything.” You shake your head, a slight huff escaping you.

Both women finally step out from behind their little stall.

“It’s good to see you again,” Kamille says as she wraps her arms around you, making sure to avoid your back all the while.

“We weren’t lying when we said we’ve missed you,” this time, it’s Trisha’s turn to wrap you in her arms, hugging you tightly as you do the same back.

“I’ve missed you, too.” You pat her back affectionately.

“I thought you said you were going to come visit more often,” Kamille shoots you a playfully accusatory look.

“Yes, well,” you chuckle, motioning to Yeosang with your eyes, “Some things came up.”

“Oh, where are our manners?” Kamille immediately turns to the single dragon by your side. “I’m Kamille, and this is Trisha. We’re the Delaris’. Those three you saw earlier are our kids, Marcus, Delilah, and Minnie.”

Yeosang bows respectfully, introducing himself and his brother in the next moment.

“Yes, we’ve heard whispers about you Halas.” Trisha crosses her arms over her chest, a minor quirk to her brow.

“How did you-“

“The forest speaks in many tongues.” Kamille replies easily, moving behind her stall and rummaging around in a bin.

“You’re dragons?” Yeosang sounds more surprised than he figures he should be at this point.

“Not quite.” Trisha grins knowingly.

“They’re my oldest caster friends.” You explain, placing the flowers onto the counter before you.

Understanding passes across his features.

“Seriously, we cannot apologize enough about the flowers,” Trisha grimaces, her arms falling back to her sides.

“It’s alright,” you smile weakly. “At least they weren’t daisies.”

“But these were meant to replace daisies with-“

“Trisha!” Kamille’s sharp voice cuts her wife off as she pops back up behind the stand.

Both women spare a worried look in your direction, only serving to make Yeosang even more confused than he already is. At the pained expression you wear, nothing but concern pulls at his features, stepping the slightest bit closer to you. All he wants to do is ease your distress in whatever ways he can, his earlier irritation long since forgotten now.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve received bluebells from anyone.” You say, voice barely above a whisper. Gently, one of your fingers traces over a bloom. “They don’t grow on this side of the fjord. Naturally, at least.”

“We haven’t sensed any of them crossing over in quite a long time.” Kamille comments.

“They shouldn’t.” You meet her gaze, your eyes flashing. “Nor will they ever again.”

“What about Bokkie?” Trisha’s brow furrows slightly.

You simply shake your head in response.

Yeosang frowns.

“Anyways,” Kamille clears her throat. “I take it you’re here for your usual order?”

“I can’t come to see my old friends?” You tease.

“Hey!” Trisha protests. “We’re not that old!”

“You’re almost as old as I am.” You chuckle, your eyes crinkling at the sides.

“Give or take about a hundred years.” Kamille mumbles, a playful roll to her eyes.

Yeosang’s eyes widen in shock.

“Oh, you’ve gone and stunned the poor baby dragon.” Trisha tuts, turning to meet Yeosang’s gaze in the next second. “Us witches know quite a few tricks to staying youthful, you know.”

“Of course, it helps to keep your nose out of trouble.” Kamille adds.

“You two, staying out of trouble?” You quirk a brow. “Unlikely.”

The two women share a look.

“Guilty.” Trisha chuckles, shooting a wink in your direction. “Now, come with me and I’ll help you get those herbs you like so much.”

A simple nod is all you offer her in response, following her into the house and chatting idly as you leave Yeosang with Kamille.

“Are you sure the kid is going to be okay with Kami by himself?” Trisha asks from over her shoulder.

“I heard that!” Kamille calls after you both.

You chuckle, “I’m quite certain Yeosang can handle himself.

Little do you see how the aforementioned male straightens slightly, the corner of his lip twitching upwards faintly.

“Alright,” Trisha chuckles, guiding you into the back room of the house where their rarer herbs reside. “Well, as always, you’re welcome to anything and everything you’d like.”

“I literally cannot thank you enough,” you smile, already harvesting some thistle wart from its pot. “Oh, actually, before I forget, I brought something for the two of you, as well.”

Pausing in your movements, you reach into your satchel once more and pull out two leather-bound books, and two small carved crystals.

“I finished compiling that tome you asked me the last time, and I think you’ll enjoy the other one, too. The crystals are a gift from me to you, as a thank you for everything you two have done.” You place each item carefully into her own hands. “They’re also good luck charms.”

Trisha places both books onto a side table before carefully examining the carved crystals. One is in the shape of an obelisk, symbols carved along its side. The other is smooth like a river stone, perfectly oval in shaped. Both are milky white in colour, and her eyes flash with understanding.

“Thank you,” she bows deeply before wrapping you in another hug. “You’ve always done more for this family than we deserve.”

“Nonsense,” you shake your head, holding her at arms length once she pulls away. “You guys are my family, not just My Neos.”

“Then, you know if you ever need anything, all you need to do is ask, right?” She quirks a brow at you.

“Of course.” You nod, quite firmly at her. “Know that the same is true of me with you.”

Trisha returns your smile.

A moment later, and you return to harvesting the plants scattered around the room.

“So, are you going to tell us about you and those Hala dragons of yours?” She inquires, somewhat knowingly.

“There’s nothing major, really.” You shrug, placing some herbs into your satchel. “I consider them my friends, for my part.”

“There hasn’t been a raid from them since they attempted to harm your village.” She observes, and at your mildly surprised look, she clarifies, “Renjun’s been by a few times with Johnny.”

“Has he, now?” Understanding crosses your features. “Well, they’ve certainly calmed themselves since I’ve met them.”

“Any of which your doing?” She leans against the side table, tilting her head in your direction.

“I do not control other’s actions.” Comes your quick reply, but even she can tell you’re now avoiding her gaze.

“Normally Taeyong joins you on a day like today.” She observes. “Yet, two Halas are here instead. Either he knows something we don’t, or he’s currently on his deathbed.”

“If you’re suggesting Taeyong set me up, you’d sadly be mistaken.” You reply, glancing up at her from the plant you’re currently harvesting. “The two of them simply convinced him to let them take his place. Which reminds me… Yongie said he wanted some more of your roses, if you’d be so kind.”

“I’ll let Kamille know,” Trisha hums, watching you carefully.

A moment of silence.

“I’m going to train them.”

Trisha blinks at you in shock. She clears her throat, “Are you sure?”

“I said I would.” Comes your resolute answer.

“You haven’t offered to train anyone since the Wolves-“

“I know.” You cut her off, exhaling a deep sigh as you stand back to your full height. “I can’t keep living my life in the shadow of his betrayal, Trish. I’m tired of letting it control me.”

“This is about more than just training, isn’t it?” Her tone is soft as she takes a step towards you, placing a gentle hand onto the side of your arm in comfort.

“It’s been over fifty years, Trish-“ your voice catches in your throat as she begins rubbing your arm soothingly. Tears begin to gather once more in your eyes, your own hands clinging desperately to the strap of your satchel. “I don’t want to watch my life pass by from the outside anymore. I want to start living again, and maybe-“ you swallow thickly, “maybe even learn to love again.”

She smiles softly at you, giving your arm a light squeeze.

“And honestly, Trisha,” you suck in a sharp breath, “I’m terrified. I want to believe him- I want to believe in him so badly, it hurts, but I don’t know if I can. And then what happened with Kun…” You trail off. “I can’t go through another-“ you choke on a sob, “I can’t-“

“I know, sweetie,” she coos, shushing you all the while as she wraps you in her embrace. “I know.”

“The most terrifying thought, though, is that I am.” You whisper lowly. “I am starting to believe him.”

“The one outside?” Her brow furrows slightly.

“No, his brother.” You shake your head.

“The baker?”

“No, their youngest.” You clarify.

A noise of understanding echoes in her throat.

“Why do you-“

“I think it’s more than just the youngest that’s making you believe.” She observes. “Sure, he may have been the catalyst, but I know you. Even you would have had a difficult time agreeing to let anyone but Taeyong come with you to see us today. Hell, even bringing them to this festival is something you would have denied to anyone whom you didn’t trust.”

You take a moment to consider her words. “I suppose you’re right.”

“I’m not going to sit here and tell you what you should do. Only you can decide that for yourself.” She says, pulling away to stare deeply into your eyes. “What I can tell you is this: you are not the same person you were all those years ago. You know both Kami and I strongly believe in things always happening for a reason, and perhaps what happened with Kun was meant to happen so you could find them. Perhaps letting yourself believe won’t be such a bad thing.”

You nod lightly.

“Besides, I can sense the magic of this youngest’s Drygg Promise all over you.” She tilts her head knowingly. “It’s the strongest, most sincere form of magic I’ve ever seen from anybody. Even from you.”

“He is quite convincing.” You chuckle fondly.

“Convincing, or sincere?” She squeezes your arm once more. “Come on, the kids should be back by now.”

“I’ll be out in a minute, I just have a few more herbs to get.” You tell her, noticing how she begins to head towards the front.

A call of her name from you stops her.

“Thank you.” You meet her gaze, clearing your throat lightly as you compose yourself. “For everything.”

Trisha smiles. “You know we’re always here for you. I think it’s time you let some new people in, as well.”

Without another word, or waiting for a response from you for that matter, she leaves back out through the front door.

Perhaps she’s right. Maybe it is time for you to allow yourself to grow and let go of your past.

Finally, you think you’re ready to move on.

Stepping back out of the house a few minutes later, you see both women conversing with Yeosang. The tips of his ears are dusted a faint red, and even you can see the way he seemingly lights up as soon as he sees you.

“There you are,” Kamille nudges your side gently as you come to stand beside her. “Yeosang was worried you got lost.”

“I was not!” His eyes widen, greatly scandalized by Kamille’s words.

“Right.” Trisha laughs. “And you weren’t just thinking about storming past us to make sure she was still alive.”

The way he begins to splutter says it all.

“It’s okay,” Trisha pats him affectionately on his arm. “We know the signs all too well.”

“What signs?” Yeosang shifts his gaze between them, a confused, almost defensive furrow to his brow.

The two women share a look. “Denial.”

“The kids aren’t back yet?” You cut in, glancing around the area briefly and not seeing them, or a much taller male in sight.

“Not yet,” Kamille shakes her head, a worried pull to her lips downwards.

“Not that we don’t trust your brother,” Trisha adds, sparing a brief look at Yeosang, “but they should have been back by now.”

Your head tilts, and you notice Yeosang’s does, too.

“Mommy!” A cry is heard just through the crowd, and you see both Delilah and Marcus pushing their way through the throngs of people.

Immediately, you intercept the two children, their parents at your side.

“What’s wrong?” A frown is prominent on Kamille’s face as she picks Delilah up.

“Where’s Minnie?” Trisha is quick to grab ahold of Marcus who clings onto her side.

“That new bakery lady won’t leave Yuyu alone.” Delilah pouts.

“She’s worse than when you and mom start making kissey faces at one another.” Marcus’ nose scrunches in distaste.

“Minnie’s trying to save him, but it’s not working.” Delilah adds.

“I thought Rylie was married.” Kamille says, more to herself than anything.

“I’m sure Yunho can handle a few flirtatious comments sent his way.” Yeosang chuckles. “It’s not like it hasn’t happened before.”

“He popular like that, or something?” Trisha quirks a brow, somewhat teasingly.

“Or something.” Yeosang grumbles.

“Didn’t take you to be one to get jealous,” you hum, and you notice how his cheeks begin to dust pink for the nth time today.

“I’m not jealous.” He grumbles, gaze flicking over to you every now and then.

“Mom!” Delilah whines. “This is serious! Yuyu is in big trouble!”

“We’ll go check it out. Don’t worry.” You assure them.

“Hurry!” Marcus begins to tug Trisha down the street. “There’s bad energy coming from him.”

The three of you share a look.

Almost instantly, you and the two witches take off down the row, pushing your way through the crowd.

“What’s going on?” Yeosang manages to just keep pace with you.

“Marcus can sense shifts in energies, it’s his specialty ever since he was small. If he gets a bad feeling, almost always something bad will happen.” You explain quickly. “Your brother may be in danger.”

Rounding a street corner, the crowd thins slightly. You can see the awning of the bakery in sight, and you hurry your pace, the others following behind.

The bell above the shop door jingles as you six enter the shop. The owner, Nina, sends you a warm smile from her chair behind the counter. Once she adjusts her glasses, she’s offering you a friendly wave in recognition. Age, it seems, is catching up with her. 

You have just enough time to wave back before your attention is drawn to the side where you see Yunho backed into a corner, the new girl - Rylie - holding him hostage with her arm beside his shoulder. The way she’s leaning into him, and his stiff demeanour, says it all.

“Mommy!” Winnie scoots out from between them, panic clear on her features.

Kamille is quick to embrace the girl, cooing at her to calm her down.

“Rylie.” Trisha’s stern call of her name has the women sighing dramatically before turning her head slightly in acknowledgement.

Still, she does not move from her position.

“What?” Nothing but irritation lines her voice as her gaze flicks over to your little group.

“Tell her to stop bothering Uncle Yuyu!” Winnie crosses her arms, frown prominent on her features.

Your eyebrows raise slightly at the name she calls him, mirth dancing on your features.

“You heard the little lady.” You address the woman before you, noticing how she purposefully trails her gaze over you in disgust.

“If he wanted me to stop, he would have pushed me away by now.” She retorts, rather pointedly.

“Actually, I’ve been asking you to give me space this whole time-“

“Shhh,” she turns quickly, placing a finger over his lips as she leans into him. “You don’t have to lie to save her pride. I know I’m a better match for you than she is.”

You blink, not being able to keep the appalled expression off of your features. Honestly, you’re more amused than anything, but you contain your laugh of disbelief for now.

You share a look with both Kamille and Trisha. You smirk.

If this is how this woman wants to play, then you’ll gladly succumb to her games.

“What makes you think I enjoy the company of men?” You quirk a brow, beginning to slowly step towards this woman. The way your suddenly hooded gaze remains locked on her has her faltering for a moment. “You caught my eye since I first stepped foot in this little bakery, here.”

“What are you doing?” Her brow furrows, and she takes a step back and away from Yunho as you creep closer.

“It seems to me you enjoy assertive people.” You continue to approach, backing her into the corner and away from Yunho. “I’m just emanating you.”

“Don’t come near me.” She pushes herself against the wall.

You stop in your tracks, leaving a good two feet of distance between your body and hers. You blink at her in curiosity, tilting your head all the same.

“If you wanted me to stop, you would push me away.” You throw her words back at her, making sure never to lay a single finger on her the whole while.

“Just leave me alone.” She spits.

“To be clear, you’re asking me to stop?” You inquire, staring straight into her eyes expectantly.

“Yes!” She hisses. “Do you not understand the word ‘no’?”

Your eyebrows raise, but you remain silent. Your expression says it all.

A scowl is pulling at her features in the next moment as she pushes past you, knocking into your shoulder quite harshly. “Fucking bitch.”

The sound of the bell jingling above the door is the only indication you have that she’s left.

“Oh, I suppose it is time for her break.” Nina hums, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

“Seriously, Nina,” Kamille sighs. “You should find better employees.”

The old woman either doesn’t hear her, or chooses not to answer as she begins humming a soft tune to herself.

You shake you head, turning to face Yunho in the next second. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” his reply is somewhat breathless as he stares at you, blinking to clear his vision soon after. He clears his throat, seemingly coming back to reality. “Yeah.”

Winnie immediately runs over to Yunho, grabbing his hand in hers.

“Uncle Yuyu, you promised to buy us flowers!” She begins tugging him towards the entrance.

You quirk a brow, “Upgraded to Uncle now, are you?”

He grins, a red creeping onto his ears. “It was all them.”

Out of the corner of your eyes, you notice Yeosang pouting.

“Hey kids, why don’t you drag Uncle Yeo along with you, too.” The corner of your lips twitch upwards knowingly.

“Okay!” Delilah immediately rushes over to Yeosang, grabbing his hand and tugging him towards the door now, too.

“Have fun!” You wave them off, seeing as Marcus now holds the door open for them all.

The moment the door swings shut, the three of you breathe a sigh of relief.

“Crisis averted.” Kamille sighs, sitting herself down in one of the chairs nearest to her.

“Rylie has been a piece of work since she started here last month.” Trisha sits opposite Kamille, you joining them quickly.

“She new to town?” You inquire, noting how quiet the bakery is for a day like today.

“Yeah, her and her husband moved here about two months ago. She’s stirring up trouble wherever she goes, and we usually have to clean up the mess.” Trisha frowns. “Flirts with every male she sees, then usually her husband steps in to ‘defend what’s his’.”

You grimace, “Sounds like they’re both a piece of work.”

“You’re telling us.” Kamille nods. “We’ve had to step in a number of times before things get too out of hand. He’s already received two major warnings.”

“One more and we kick them out of here for good.” Trisha says. “Perks of being the heads of council.”

“You two run this village flawlessly,” you comment. “Of course you have final say. I’m honestly surprised you still let them live here.”

“Who knows, maybe we’ve become too lenient in our old age.” Kamille hums, the three of you sharing a laugh.

A few minutes later, the three of you are sharing a pastry, talking idly as you wait for the kids and the two males to return. The more you converse with your friends, the more your shoulders relax. Though, with the sound of the bell chiming above the door, and the ominous presence you feel entering the bakery, that happiness soon plummets into unease.

“That’s her.” You hear a harsh whisper behind you. “That’s the bitch that touched me.”

You nearly roll your eyes, but at the way the two women in front of you stiffen, you opt to sigh instead.

“Oi, you!” A loud voice draws your attention to the front of the bakery to see a burly man standing there. His arms are crossed as Rylie practically clings to his side, sneering in your direction. “You think you can just go around laying your grubby paws on my wife?”

“Actually, Sir, I never touched your wife.” You reply calmly, resting an arm over the back of your chair as you turn to face him. “It was your wife who continuously threw herself at one of my own friends, even after he repeatedly asked her kindly to stop.”

“So, you’re a fucking bitch and a liar?” He scoffs, rolling his eyes. “Should have expected that from a fat queer such as yourself.”

Your head tilts slowly in understanding. “Do you have more of an issue with me because I’m fat, or because I’m queer?”

“A smartass, too? Damn, I’m going to enjoy knocking your teeth in.” He cracks his knuckles. “No, I have an issue with you. You came onto my wife, and now you’re going to regret it.”

“I have no desire to shatter your already fragile masculinity any further, Sir.” You reply. “I’m sorry you seem to be stuck playing your wife’s desperate, attention seeking games. The two of you should strive to do better.”

“How dare you!” Rylie seethes, but is soon consoled by her husband.

“Shh, Honey, I’ve got this.” He pats her shoulder before rounding on you. His furious expression says it all. “How dare you!”

“Oh, I think we’ve got a pair of parrots on our hands.” Trisha remarks. “Too bad they can’t remember any of the important lessons.”

“Yeah, like ‘final strike and you’re out.’” Kamille hums, shooting the two of them a pointed look.

“Like hell you can kick us out of this town.” The male spits, brow creased as his face begins to turn bright red in anger.

“We can, and we will.” Trisha replies almost instantly, no remorse at all in her tone. “We’ve already warned you sufficiently. Please do not make us mad. You will not like what happens.”

“Are you threatening me?” He straightens, hands balling into fists at his sides.

You stand calmly to your feet, returning the plate to the counter where you see Nina has managed to doze off. Soft snores fall from her lips, and you spare her a small smile before turning to the couple fuming at the doorway.

“Depends,” you hum, leaning back on the counter as your cross your arms over your chest. “Do you feel threatened?”

“By you?” The man scoffs. “Not likely.”

“You should be.” You smile, and you notice them grimace slightly at how unnerving you suddenly look. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, my nieces and nephew are waiting for us to return to the festival.”

Just then, the bell above the door chimes and in walk both Yunho and Yeosang with the children in tow. A white pansy is tucked into Yeosang’s hair, just behind his ear. It seems to have been placed there very carefully so as to display his birthmark, and you just know Minnie probably had something to do with that, seeing as he holds her against his hip. Marcus holds onto Yeosang’s free hand, a yellow daffodil, a pink rose, and a sprig of lilac held in Marcus’ opposite hand. On Yunho’s back rests Delilah, her giggling suddenly cut short as she peeks over his shoulder to observe the tense scene before them.

“Auntie…” Winnie’s worried gaze is suddenly on you, and you notice how Marcus begins to tremble as he looks at the man before him.

“It’s okay, Winnie,” you smile assuringly. “We were just on our way out to meet you when Rylie returned with this fine gentleman here.”

The couple stiffens.

“Bad man.” Marcus begins mumbling, taking a wary step backwards. “You’re a bad man.”

“Don’t worry, Marcus.” You begin to usher both Kamille and Trisha out, you following close behind. “We’re finished here, anyways.”

Marcus immediately clings onto Kamille as she walks passed, Trisha taking Winnie from Yeosang’s hold instantly. You don’t even spare another look at the couple as you exit the bakery, both Yeosang and Yunho observing you carefully.

Only, you don’t manage to get very far outside of the shop.

“Don’t you walk away from me, you bitch.” The man grabs your arm, quite harshly at that.

Two low growls get muffled by the bustling sounds of the festival around you.

“Sir, I recommend you release my arm before you come to regret it.” You state calmly, angling your body away from him as a crowd begins to form around you.

“The only thing I’ll come to regret is not putting your smartass in your place.” He spits, tightening his hold over your arm.

You sigh, shaking your head as you slide you bag off of your opposite arm. “Trish, be a dear and hold my bag.”

Wordlessly, she grabs it from you.

You turn your full attention back to the man in front of you.

“This is your last warning,” you meet his gaze with a dark look of your own and you notice how he falters slightly. “Release me before you lose this hand of yours.”

“Like you could ever harm me.”  He guffaws, purposely raising his voice for the now growing crowd.

At the side, both Yunho and Yeosang stand, tense. They can barely keep their eyes from flashing, both males beginning to tremble in rage the longer they observe this scene going on before them.

Faintly, you begin to hear whispers around you, all in defence and worry of you and how often this man seems to pick fights with absolutely anybody.

“I don’t think you’ll enjoy it very much when I knock you flat on your ass.” You comment.

He scoffs, “I’d like to see you try!”

The moment those words are out of his mouth you have him pinned on the ground, a light cloud of dust floating in the air. Your knee digs harshly into the man’s back, his arm twisted unnaturally behind him as you shove his face into the dirt.

Rylie’s hands come up to cover her mouth in shock, a silence settling around the crowd.

“I warned you.” You hum, almost condescendingly at the male beneath you.

A scowl is all you receive in response.

“Normally, I would have broken your hand for touching me, but I think the fact that you’re being kicked out of this village is punishment enough.” You spit quite harshly. “After all, you’ll need all the strength you can get in order to vacate the premises as quickly as possible.”

A moment of silence before a small cheer is erupting from the crowd, murmurs of glee reaching your ears. Many even go so far as to exclaim that this couple’s reign of terror is over.

“You bitch!” Rylie shrieks, running over to attempt to tackle you off of her husband.

Easily, you dodge her, watching as she trips over her husband’s legs and lands in the dirt beside him. Not even a second later, you stand, dusting off your knees all the while.

“Be grateful this is all that you’ve received from me.” You crack your neck, grabbing your bag back from Trisha in one fluid motion. “Now, I don’t want to hear you’ve bothered anyone else ever again, and you better hope I never see your faces around here again. You won’t like what becomes of it, then.”

Slowly, the man pushes himself to his feet, Rylie helping him stand all the while.

“Get back here, cunt!” He bellows, closing the distance between the both of you in a few great bounds and swinging for the back of your head with his fist.

A sickening crunch sounds around the area, followed by a pained filled cry and a high pitched shriek of horror.

Turning reveals Yeosang crushing the man’s fist in his grip, his eyes the darkest you’ve ever seen them before turning their natural gold. A snarl paints his lips as the man desperately attempts to break free from Yeosang’s grip, blood beginning to drip slowly into the dirt at the male’s feet.

“If you ever lay a hand on My Fated again,” Yeosang growls, voice ringing out loud and clear through the deadly silence that now surrounds the area. His eyes flash. “I’ll kill you.”

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

Our lord and savior Kang Yeosang steps in to save the day once again!! We love this man🥹🥰

[mint-yooxgi]

{2} - Morning Mist - Yandere!Dragon!Ateez X Chubby!Reader

Yandere AU & Dragon AU

Genre: Mature, Horror, Angst

Pairing: Ateez X Reader

Words: 5,203

Warnings: OC gets called a bitch again. Mention of injuries and vomiting. This is a Yandere story, it will contain themes such as stalking, violence, obsession, possessive natures, and just general overall creepiness and swearing. You have been warned.

A/n: Alright! Next chapter!! Hehehe, there’s so much to be revealed as this series progresses, so I really hope you all like this part! I’m so happy with the support I’ve been receiving already for this series, so I really hope you’ll all enjoy the rest of what I have planned. As always, feedback is greatly appreciated! Enjoy~

Chapter One - Mini Masterlist

Keep reading

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

Poor Jongho 🥺. A pouty gummy bear😭

[ot8xbangchansgirlsblog]

ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕜🧸

Summary (Short series):

The story follows an omega, enslaved and owned by JYP, who encounters Felix, a kind-hearted member of the SKZ pack. Felix feels sympathy for her and decides to bring her back to his pack, only to discover she is the last remaining soulmate. While Minho shows a protective side toward her, Hyunjin and Seungmin are openly hostile, leading to tension within the pack. As the omega grows closer to Han and distanced from Felix due to the negativity, Felix becomes affected by the situation.

The plot thickens with Felix’s impending heat and a studio lock-in with Chan. After winning an award, Hyunjin’s rejection of the omega drives her to isolate herself, exacerbating her discomfort. A vacation to the cabins sees new threats as wolves attempt to kidnap Felix, the omega, and Han. The situation leads to intense heat cycles, and the pack dynamics become even more strained. I.N struggles with his feelings towards the omega, bound by pack rules that only Bangchan can mark her first.

Despite challenges, including social media backlash against Felix and overwhelming experiences in public, the omega finds solace in gardening and caring for animals. The story resolves with pack members addressing their conflicts, accepting one another, and finding a balance in their complex relationships.

𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕕𝕦𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕘𝕦𝕚𝕕𝕖🧸

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕠𝕟𝕖: Love at first site

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕨𝕠: Why is she here?

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖: Rules of the pack

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕦𝕣: "who used my kitchen?"

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕚𝕧𝕖: Soft pillows

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕚𝕩: short skirts and pretty omegas

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟: Sleeping beauty

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕖𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥: Fresh start

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

This series is fantastic so far💖🫶🏻🥹 can’t wait to see how the dynamic changes!!

[mimikittysblog]

♡08:00♡

Pairing: poly! Husbands! Yunsan x Fem! Wife! Reader (mentions of Poly! Ateez, takes place in The Princess universe)

Genre: Fluff, smut

Warnings: It’s a poly! Story so FxMxM, Vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex (f receiving), threesome, minor choking. ⚠️MDNI⚠️ Thats all honestly. If I forgot anything please let me know also not proofread.

A/N: ITS HERE! Yay! I am.. not good at writing smut so this might be shit 💔 I apologize dear friends. Hopefully you’ll still be able to enjoy the dynamic of Yunsan here cause theyre so Aksjsojsksjsksjs. Thank you all for always enjoy my works! It really does mean the world to me! Love you all!

Tagging: @stay-tiny-things @jaerisdiction @bee-gremlin @gae-ping-boosay @faeprincess777 @starygw3n @pinkpearlstar @sweetinsaniiity (if you’d like! You can join my Taglist!)

.✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ✧.

Sunshine just started to seep into the room where 2 of the 9 lovers were cuddling. Here one of them started to flutter his eyes open. Right in front of him, the oldest of them all still sleeping peacefully and so beautifully. San smiled and let out a soft sigh. Relieved he finally gets to wake up in the arms of any of his loves again.

He leans in close and softly kisses Seonghwa on the lips before sitting up and stretching. He then carefully gets out of bed then tucks Seonghwa back in again. He puts on his slippers, boxers and fur coat before quietly leaving the room.

As per his lovers wishes he had started dressing like this more often. It was kind of a freeing feeling so he really didn’t mind. He soon made it to the kitchen where he finds you making their cups of coffee.

“Good morning princess.” He smiles.

“Good morning Sannie.” You reply back still turned away from him.

“Oh? How did you know it was me?” He asks amused before hugging your waist and pulling you to his warm chest.

“You think I wouldn’t recognize my husbands schedules, footsteps and voices?” You say cheekily.

“..I understand schedules and voices but footsteps??” He laughs.

“You all walk a certain way and pace! I’ve been with you for.. wow almost a decade now! I think I should recognize the sounds of your steps by now. And I do!” You giggle.

You then turned around softly and handed San his mug. He then thanks you with a kiss on the head before taking it.

“Almost a decade huh? Feels like longer. Feels like we’ve been together forever.”

“I know what you mean. Well we get to spend forever together now.”

“Hmm. Shall we go on vacation for our anniversary?” He asks wiggling his eyebrows.

“I always say we don’t have toooo but you all never listen so sureee” You say with a sigh.

He can only chuckle before taking a long sip of his coffee that you made to perfection. He then sighs content.

“I’ve said this a million times but I really missed this.”

“We know.. we missed you too our love.” You smile softly kissing his jaw as your fingers lightly traces the hickeys and marks left behind by Seonghwa. “Oh my, he really did a number on you.”

“Hmm you should see how I left him.” He chuckles.

“Owh don’t make me jealous now.”

“Oh?” He quirks an eyebrow as he sets his mug down. He then picks you up by the waist and sets you on the counter.

“No need to be darling. Just say the word. And I’ll do it all to you too.” He whispers against your lips.

“Please.”

“Good girl.”

He then quickly captures your lips in a searing passionate kiss. You pulled San even closer wanting to feel his touch all over you. You moan against his lips as he softly grinds against your clothed core.

“Take me to my room please?”

“Anything for my princess.”

He then picks you up and carries you to your room. There he lays you on the bed as he sheds his fur coat once more.

“I’ve missed you, my beautiful wife.” San groans as he kisses you again. Then begins to trail his kisses down. Leaving marks all over you like he said he would.

“I’ve missed you too Sannie. So so much. I’m so glad you’re home again.” You moan out softly as San begins taking off your robe.

“Me too.” San mumbles as he kisses the valley between your breasts before giving each some attention. Your yelps and whimpers are music to San’s ears.

“Have you gotten more beautiful while I was away darling?” San chuckles as he softly kisses down your body even more. Gripping onto your thighs before slowly taking off your soiled panties.

“I don’t believe so. Why would you say that my dashing husband?” You ask before running your fingers through his hair.

He kisses the top of your pubic bone as he feels your grip his hair. Groaning into your flesh.

“Because my heart is racing much more than it used to.” He says before giving your slit a kiss and a long lick. You moan out loudly before looking back down at him.

“Hmm must be just because you missed me too much.” You giggle.

“Maybe.” He starts before giving your clit a soft kiss. “But honestly, you really do get more beautiful whenever I look at you. It happens even whenever I blink. Like I blink and wow, you’re ten times more beautiful.” He chuckles before feeling you push his head into your awaiting cunt.

“Hush.” You giggle.

“Impatient.” His voices one last time, muffled. He then doesn’t waste another second before eating you out like how he always does. Like a starving mad man that hasn’t eaten in weeks. Which he probably is as this is the first time he’s tasted your pretty cunt in weeks.

Your loud moans and the sound of his tongue lapping you up are the only sounds that can be heard in your room.

“Ugh you’ve gotten so much sweeter too. God my wife truly has the best fucking cunt.” He groans out as he goes even faster and his tongue reaching even deeper in you. Before going back to suck on your throbbing clit.

You could barely hear him as unbelievable pleasure courses through your veins. You could only reply with a whimper anyway.

“Mmm. Well isn’t this a sight.” A voice suddenly sounds from the doorway.

Your head snaps up to see Yunho leaning against the now closed door.

“Y-yunnie..! Mmm! Good morning!” You giggle, completely ignoring the fact that your cunt is being eaten right now.

San simply hums to acknowledge he heard Yunho. Not even pulling away and continuing his ministrations.

“Good morning princess. I see San gets to have his breakfast early.” Yunho says as he walks up to you.

“First come first serve.” San muffles out. The vibrations causing you to moan out louder.

“Fuck sannie!!! My love I’m gonna cum!”

Suddenly without warning, you were being choked. Yunho leans down and kisses your ear as his hand stays on your throat.

“Cum for him.”

So you did. You almost screamed in pleasure as you came straight onto San’s tongue. The boy lapping up everything, swallowing what you gave him happily before pulling away. Kissing your core one last time.

“Fuck she’s so sweet..”

“Mmm let me have a taste.”

The hand on your throat quickly changes target. Yunho pulling San to him, smashing their lips together. Yunho hums satisfied, your taste and the natural taste of San’s lips coating his tastebuds.

“Yunho… fuck.. me…” San moans out as Yunho’s hand tightens around his throat.

“Aw? Princess and Seonghwa weren’t enough for you baby?” Yunho chuckles.

“You know I can’t get enough of all of you! And those weeks in that disgusting mansion was practically hell now both of you please! Just fuck me?!”

“No need to tell us twice.” You breathe out. Tugging onto San’s hand, you pull him on top of you once more.

“Is this okay sannie? Me under you and Yunho from behind?”

“Yes yes please!” San moans out desperate especially now he feels Yunho’s hands rubbing on his ass cheeks.

“Prep?” Yunho asks softly as he kisses San’s back.

“N-no.. I’m sure my night with Seonghwa is enough.”

“Okay, I’ll still go slow baby.” Yunho says as he quickly strips and gets some lube from your drawer. Rubbing some onto his dick to make sure he doesn’t hurt his husband.

“Sannie put it in..” You whine, also getting desperate.

With a groan, San positions is dick by your entrance before pushing in slowly.

“Oh fuck!” He groans even louder, dropping his head into the crook of your neck.

“Ready for me Sannie?” Yunho asks one more time, kissing San’s spine.

“Yes Yunho baby please! I’ve missed your big cock so much please!” San whines out.

Yunho can only chuckle before slowly inserting himself into San’s hole. Making him sigh out in relief.

“I’ve missed your tight ass too baby.” He whispers into San’s ear before thrusting sharply. Immediately hitting San’s spot.

“FUCK! God yes!” San screams out before both men started moving in a fast pace.

Soon enough a rhythm between you three were formed. Heightening your pleasure immensely. San thrusting in you, as Yunho does the same to San. It really couldn’t get better.

“God fuck! Yes yes!! Ngh I’m so fucking close already!” San groans. Hearing that you claw into San’s shoulders before starting to grind your hips up to meet his thrusts. “OH YES!! Fuck me like that both of you fuck keep fucking me like that!”

“Shit I’m also close!!” You whimper.

Yunho groans and you both know he isn’t far behind.

“C-cum for us Sannie! Please come for us! Show us how you missed us yeah??” You say into San’s ear.

“Shit!! Yes! Ugh I’ve missed you all so fucking much! Ugh!! I’m cumming!! Yes!!” San screams out before giving you one last thrusts and paints your insides white with his warm cum.

The feeling of his dick twitching in you and his abuse on your clit makes the coil in your stomach snap. Your eyes roll back into your head as you scream out in pleasure cumming all of his dick. As finally the pure pleasure on your face and the feeling of San clenching does it in for Yunho.

“God!! F-fuck I’m cumming to shit! Fuck I’m cumming!!” And with that he pumps his cum into San’s hole.

You all take a breather before the men pull out and flop onto the bed. Still panting, you slowly roll over to snuggle up into San, as Yunho des the same on his other side.

“I love you both..” San pants.

“We love you too hubby.”

“I’m glad you three had fun.”

As you three look up, you see Yeosang standing by the door.

“Hi honey. Morning!” You exclaim.

“Good morning princess. Now all of you rest a bit, then go and take a bath. I already set it up for you in the master bathroom.” Yeosang explains.

“Oh how sweet of you darling. Thank you.” Yunho pants out still exhausted.

“No worries baby. Now rest up, after your bath come join us for breakfast. Also Sannie, my room tonight?” Yeosang asks with a smirk.

San laughs out a bit before giving his husband a wink. “Wait for me.”

Yeosang’s smirks widens and he blushes a bit before closing the door.

“Rest well my loves.”

.✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ✧.

© mimikittysblog 2024

[nuggiesnuggetdog04]

@mimikittysblog has uploaded another masterpiece for their mafia ATEEZ au!!