At one point they were seeking constant validation from GRAMMYs. After years of getting a beautifully embroided golden rug rolled before them only to have it being pulled from beneath their feet they realized they were heading in the wrong direction and chose to go on hiatus to re-discover who they were.
So they return with an album titled after a traditional Korean folk song and respectfully tell GRAMMYs to shove that new category and award up their fucking asses.
my goodness bts are men of their words, they are the best.
Tags: WIP Fanfiction, yandere x reader AU, gender neutral reader
CW/TW: implied sex scene, but nothing explicit, sexual langauge
POV: Volt
AO3 Link
“I'm betting 20$ that Reggie doesn't make it to the top 5.”
“Are you crazy? That performance was wicked! Downright bodacious!"
“I’m betting 50$ that he makes it to the top 3!”
Whatever neat arrangement had been set up previously for the audience rows is now a messy disarray, chairs moved together in little cliques and betting circles, the chatter of the people drowning out the silence from the jury booths. It's a beautiful moment of intermission, where no eyes are directed at the little table in the corner.
No eyes to watch Volt in his solitude.
Ironic, isn’t it? To feel the ache in his chest when he is the one driving everyone away? Some part of Volt wonders what would have become of him if the split had truly helped Eddie. He wouldn’t have had to distract, to deceive, to use touch and word to create this perfect little illusion of a functional bar. Of a perfect, charming host, who is forever out of reach. Could he have had friends? Real friends? Not just patrons he gets along with, but people he can speak with when his worries are eating him alive, that are there for him when the world isn’t sunshine and rainbows. Perhaps some people think this way about him, but he knows that love is a two-way-street. Love cannot happen when one side is merely pretending, when all you’ve known is the carefully constructed image, and the scared stranger inside is merely a prisoner inside that mask.
And what about you? You, dear, wonderful live wire. Will you scream and run when you learn the truth? Or will you accept this devotion? Because Volt doesn’t know what he’ll do if he ever sees anything but love in your eyes.
In the end, none of it matters. Nothing good can come out of wallowing in self-pity, especially when Volt has the two people who he cares about the most right in the palm of his hand. Everything else will be over soon.
In that moment, both you and Eddie return from the bar after having had your moment of cheer and glory, with countless people congratulating you two on the performance, saying how beautiful you looked, surprised yet cheerful remarks on how Eddie was amazing on stage. It makes Volt happy, it really does. But he’s even happier when you slip in next to him while Eddie takes the chair in front of him. The arm around your waist is second nature now, his thumb gently brushing over your side.
“Alright, everyone is betting,” Eddie murmurs, leaning back in his seat, an air of conspiracy about him. “Wanna wager something, loves?”
Leaning closer to him, Volt raises a curious brow. “And what do you wish to bet on, dear Eddie?”
“Well, I would have bet on our live wire to win the competition. After all, you were the best act,” he hums, nodding towards you, “but since that's out of the question, let’s bet on who you think will win the contest. And, well…” A grin. “I think it would be fun to let the winner of our bet decide how we wanna spend the night.”
Oh? Someone is bold tonight. Seems that letting Eddie rummage in his closet did give him a boost of confidence. He looks dashing, really. The entire time his better half was on stage, Volt could not tear his eyes away. How could he? In that moment Eddie dipped you down, he could feel all the intensity of that moment flooding his veins, his own breath stolen and given to him, manifested in a siren song that instantly bewitched Volt. Did the two of them rehearse plenty beforehand? Yes, but seeing the performance on stage was more electrifying than the very current under his skin.
“The both of you are being way too forward,” you mutter, hiding behind a drink your two electric lovers insisted on being non-alcoholic. None of what's to come should happen while you're anything less than lucid.
Still, your phrasing makes both Volt and Eddie pause. Glances are exchanged, the same question popping up in both their minds: are they being too much? They aren’t pressuring you, right? That’s the last thing they want.
Suddenly aware of the silence you’ve caused, you’re quick to rephrase. “I didn’t mean it like that. I… I like the attention,” you mutter, gaze getting lost in the frosted rim of your mocktail. “I… Just…” A deep breath. “I’ve… never done something like… that…”
Oh. Right.
It’s obvious you’d be overwhelmed. Look at you, poor thing. All that talk about wanting to get into your pants, when this is going to be your first time. Volt would be lying if he didn’t find your shyness cute, but it should be that: shyness, not discomfort.
“You do not have to do anything you don’t want to, live wire,” Volt assures, taking your hand in his.
“We can do this some other time,” Eddie nods, and Volt can feel how he’s chewing himself out at his brashness. He clears his throat. “Or never, if sex isn’t your thing.”
After all, you’ve never brought anyone home for that, at least from what they’ve heard. It wouldn’t be an issue, of course not. Your wants and needs are their top priority.
Taking a bit to compose yourself, you straighten up. “I-” A gulp. “I would like to try, really. Just… Be patient with me, please?”
“Of course, spark.”
“Take all the time you need. Nothing shall be done that you do not wish for.”
“...thanks.”
…
“Good evening, beloved gentlemen, ladies and pals,” Volt announces, his voice filling every inch of the club, “this is the moment you’ve been waiting for, the time to announce the winner!”
Thunderous cheer erupts within the Breaker Box, everyone’s anticipation palpable in the charged air.
With a hand gesture, Volt asks the crowd to be silent, before proceeding once more. “Now, I’m sure you’re all eager to hear the results of the contest. Before I get into it –” he is promptly interrupted by a ‘just get on with it!’ from the back row, but he ignores it. Such rudeness will not be tolerated, even less so today. “I’d like to take a moment to thank my beautiful, beloved partner, for making all of this possible.”
From your seat, Volt watches as you perk up, not surprised at all at his need to declare his love for you in the middle of the finishing speech, but curious nonetheless.
His grin widens, calling your name. “Would you like to join me on the stage?”
Another wave of cheers sounds through the room, and you leave Eddie’s lap to walk up the stage, with Volt stretching out a hand for you to take. A shy grin spreads across your face, unable to hide it from the mass of all the people who have been feeding off of you for the last months. A warm spark floods his veins at the thought that all of them are looking at you now, and that none of them will have you like they do.
Cheeky, he knows, but Volt can’t help but put his hand at the small of your back.
“Live wire,” he starts, “I don’t exaggerate when I say that you have transformed the lives of so many in this house. You have seen us at our best, and you have seen us at our worst.” He smiles. “And yet, you have never given up on us. You’ve sat through more than one relationship crisis, put up with confusion, hostility, fear, insecurity, and you’ve brought out the best in each and every one of us.”
Oh, how Volt loves the subtle blush on your face, the way your lips twitch upwards, somewhere between embarrassment and pride.
“As such, I, and all of us, want to thank you.” Gently, Volt raises your palm to kiss, just like he did the very first time you met. Then, he turns towards the crowd. “One final time: please give us a big round of applause for the homeowner!”
Once more, it’s almost repetitive, at this point, claps and whistles and screams resound in this tiny metal box, tucked away inside a hallway closet. Maybe he’ll miss this, the familiar crowd, the place he was created in, the only home Volt has ever known. Yet none of it compares to the thrill of a new life together, just the three of you.
Volt raises a brow at you. “Anything you’d like to tell the crowd before we finally announce the winner?”
It takes a second of thought from your part, before you nod, taking the mic from the stand. You speak into it, but when you notice it doesn’t work, Volt kindly turns it on for you. You offer a thankful nod.
A pause. “...just so you know, I don’t know who won.”
The audience laughs, and the silly moment gives way for you to say a few more words. “I don’t wanna treat this like a goodbye. Because it’s not like we’ll never see each other again, right?”
…ah.
“So, I’ll just say this: I gotta thank you all too. You brought me out of my miserable loneliness, and you showed me how nice it is to have friends, to go out of your way to be there for others, and to meet all kinds of new people.” A few shaky laughs leave your lips as you quickly wipe away a stray tear. “Alright, that’s enough ramblings. Getting all sentimental over here. Thank you guys, and good luck to everyone!”
With that, you slip from the stage with Volt in tow, letting major Celia take over. Ever so graceful, especially today, she takes the mic you left behind, a letter in her free hand.
“Alright, alright. Everyone, please calm down,” she orders, calming the room once more, “I will now read out the results of the votes. Once the winner is announced, that person will win the first ticket to Realization, which will take place tomorrow morning.”
How people aren’t tired from clapping is a mystery to Volt, but as long as they are having fun, he’s happy to be back in his seat, next to his lovers. Although his curiosity for the winner is not particularly high, he’s not indifferent about it either. After all, whoever goes first will pave the way to life as a human, and they’ll likely face most of the struggles the others will learn from. Interesting weeks are ahead. But no need to look into the future just yet. So: who will win the first and only Housevision?
“And the winner is…”
For once, it’s completely silent. Anticipation hangs thick, just waiting to snap into celebratory chaos. Volt thinks to see the Hanks collectively holding their breaths, cheeks puffed and eyes closed.
“...the duo of Curt and Rod, and their performance of Stereo Hearts!”
Never before has the Breaker Box experienced the amount of decibels that now ring in Volt’s ears, and he watches the two winners jump up from their seats, scream in victory, and then hug each other close, before running up to the stage. They fight for the microphone for a second, then Curt gets his hands on it.
“Thank you guys so much!”
“Heck yeah, thanks everyone!” Rod adds, leaning into Curt so his face can be close to the mic as well.
The two of them wink excitedly at a mass that excitedly claps, and most importantly, politely hides possible disappointment or anger behind a friendly smile. White eyes are staring at each and every one of them – so better be nice.
“Everyone, I just wanna say: your performances were amazing, and we honestly had so much fun, and thank you guys for voting for us!”
Behind them, the screen flashes with the results of the contest, and Volt grins to himself. Seems like he’s going to have a lot of fun later.
Curt throws an arm around Rod and pulls him tight. “Dude, we’re getting realized!”
“Heck yeah!” Rod grins wide, “ready for the biggest adventure of our lives?”
“You know it! And you’re gonna be there all the way!”
“Well of course I’ll be there! You wouldn’t last a day out there without your best bro.”
Ah, a classic ‘burn’, as they call it. Admittedly, Volt is going to miss the gossip: it was always quite fun to hear the duo throw shade.
Just as Rod is about to say something again, Celia politely clears her throat, Volt’s and Eddie’s cue to be good hosts and announce the start of the afterparty. From his seat, the two rise up.
Volt thanks Celia with a nod, and with a snap of his fingers, the lights turn to their usual state. Warm light floods the club, and the dancefloor shines in the light of the disco ball.
“Let’s celebrate!”
…
A short time later, everyone is mingling about, congratulating each other on their spot on the podium, making light conversation, or reluctantly shoving money at each other to pay up for lost bets. Some patrons seem to have left early – a pity, really. Oh well. Their loss, Volt’s gain.
His eyes wander to the stage once more, analyzing the results. For a second, Volt had thought about finding a way to rig the contest’s result in his favor, but that would be too much, even for him. It’s one thing to make sure live wire is cared for, and another to take away someone’s win over a silly bet. Now that wouldn’t have been nice at all. In the end, he didn’t even need it. Curt and Rod’s performance was the best, plain and simple, something he is happy to tell the duo in person.
Since both you and Eddie have gone off to mingle with people (well, more like ‘was dragged away by Rainey for a dance’ in Eddie’s case), Volt too decides to do what he does best and enjoy himself by chatting with people. The hours pass, and as the clock strikes twelve, marked by Timothy leaving the bar at that exact moment, it feels like a good moment to come and pick the two of you up. He can already feel Eddie growing impatient…
“Beverly,” Volt calls out, approaching the redhead behind the bar, “is everything going well? All sorted out?”
She nods, setting down some lemon peel she had been twisting into little decorations. “Yeah, everything is going great! Chairemy, Holly and I got everything under control, so if you wanna go up, you can count on us! We’ll handle things down here.”
A genuine smile spreads on Volt’s lips. “Thank you, truly.”
“Ah, don’t mention it,” she waves dismissively, “you and Eddie have helped me out plenty of times too. Hope you have fun with your partners,” she adds with a wink.
Oh, he definitely will.
Speaking of his partners: Volt scans the room for you, trying to find you in the crowd, and he knows that Eddie is doing the same. Once he spots you, the way you perk up makes him chuckle, cocking his head towards the door that leads upstairs. Do you know how cute you look when you blush like that? Excusing yourself, you return to his side, just in time for Eddie to join you two.
“You want to just leave the party like that?” Blinking in confusion, your eyes flicker between the two men.
Eddie nods. “My social battery is dead by now, so I’m going up anyway.”
“We have left Beverly and the girls to close the club after us,” Volt adds as reassurance. “Still… If you’d like to keep celebrating a bit more, we can go ahead, and you can join us later. If you don’t mind us starting without you, that is,” he chuckles.
At that, you swallow, gaze finding the floor. You look over your shoulder, looking over the crowd of people. Then, you turn back, and the rising nervousness is present in your every feature. “...no, I… I’m coming.”
That’s it. Volt’s arm finds your waist, lips brushing your ear. “Good little spark.” His lips wander down, finding your nape and pressing another tender kiss to your skin.
Volt thinks that the best spot to kiss on you is just below your ear, the softest touch already making you shiver. Perhaps he'll find a new favorite spot soon. After all, who knows how many other sensitive places he'll discover tonight?
“We’re gonna make this fun,” Eddie hums, pressing into your other side, “and we’re not stopping until you tell us to.”
The small buckle of your knees doesn’t go unnoticed, and Volt pulls you tighter with a laugh.
In what must feel like eternity to you, or maybe just the blink of a second, the three of you find yourselves in the bedroom. It’s a bit funny, the way you so stiffly sit up on the bed, waiting for something to happen.
Volt gently takes your hand, thumb brushing over your wrist. “Easy, dear. Just relax.”
“We’re not gonna bite you,” Eddie nods, the corner of his mouth quirking up. “Unless you’d like that?”
The incoherent string of noises you let out deflates you completely, embarrassment getting the better of you as you succumb to your boyfriends’ teasings. In the meantime, Volt’s free hand gently traces along your thigh, not grabbing, merely caressing for now. Still, he can’t help but be a bit cocky.
“Come on, live wire. Don't tell me you're all bark and no bite…” He smirks, leaning down to kiss your neck again. “Just earlier, you were saying how you’d like to… what was it?” The question is purely rhetorical, meant to fluster you even more. “Ah, yes. You wanted to bend me over the table and make me shut up…”
Eddie whistles. “You said that? And here I thought you were a clueless virgin.”
A glare from you is all it takes to make Eddie shut up. “I'm not clueless, just… inexperienced.”
Alright, that’s enough teasing. Volt’s hand trails up, finding the first button. “May I?”
Trembling is such a fascinating concept. Humans tremble when they’re cold, when they’re scared, nervous, when they’re bursting with anticipation, with want and need. Is there something that connects all these emotions? Is it just the sheer intensity of it? As Volt leans over you, he wonders whether he’ll tremble, once he’s human. If he’ll feel what you feel, too.
What follows are loving touches, gentle guidance. You don’t need to be taught much, just instructed, shown what feels nice for your partners while they familiarize themselves with every nook and cranny of your body. Every sound you let out, every twitch is documented, catalogued, translated into the energy that burns in his veins and becomes a pattern of electricity that is wholly yours. Perhaps your first time should have been with one person only – but the way you squirm so beautifully beneath Volt, above Eddie, at their sides and between them, it leaves Volt and Eddie with the satisfaction of knowing that they were your first. And if everything goes well, their everything. The first round was experimental, exploring each other, finding out what works. The second round was chasing bliss, basking in each other’s company. By the time the third round was over, you were already panting and limp, grateful for the water bottle in your hands and the tender touch of your lovers cleaning everything off your skin.
Eddie is the first to break the comfortable silence, tenderly kissing your cheek. “Had fun, spark?”
“I hope we weren’t too much,” Volt hums, somewhere between loving and teasing.
It takes a moment before you can speak again. “You can… say… ugh,” you pant, putting the bottle down, “say goodbye to all that stamina once… once you’re… realized.” A gulp. “And hello to the refractory period…”
Ah yes, human biology will likely make things new and different. It’s somewhat cute, though: they were your first, and you will be their first, once they’re human. Volt couldn’t ask for a more poetic way to end the night.
It doesn’t take long for your exhausted form to fall into slumber, and as you lay pressed between Eddie and Volt, sleeping so peacefully in their embrace, the two men exchange a glance.
“...tomorrow?” Volt asks tentatively.
Eddie takes a deep breath. “...soon.”
Soon, but not yet. Not yet.
Hey guys, sorry that you had to wait so long for this. I've been losing motivation due to a bunch of reasons, but it doesn't feel right to abandon a fic so close to the end. I apologize if the quality isn't what you're used to.
On to good news: there's only one chapter and the epilogue left! I won't give an estimate for this because I don't wanna disappoint people again when I say something is coming in X and I don't hold up the deadline. But I am finishing this fic, I promise. Thank you to everyone who has stuck around for so long!
hi!! i have been very tired lately with a big workload from both work and school 🥲 i was wondering if you could write an imagine of the members helping out/comforting a stressed or burnt out reader (could be platonic or romantic)? i love your writings so much and they always bring me a smile after a long day!
💌 Reply:
hi there... 💜
thank you so, so much for this request. first off, I'm sending you the biggest, warmest virtual hug. please know that you are seen and you are absolutely not alone in feeling this way. 💜
writing this was honestly a little too easy and relatable 😅 I've definitely been in that headspace lately, where everything feels like too much and you're just running on fumes. So, thinking about how the boys would handle it was a genuine comfort to me (thanks for that)
and yeah... I feel you on the work front!! i wish i cpuld tell all the BS i have to listen to every week (it honestly is ridicoulous... you can't make this up, plus people keep quitting ahaha and i am stuck there until the end of september next year RIP)... THO we keep fighting! And I am sure you're doing amazing just by getting through each day.
... meanwhile BTS never misses. they have a way of motivating me and making me smile even on the toughest days. 💜
I really hope this was what you were looking for! If you ever need more specific comfort scenarios or just want to chat, my inbox is always open. Thank you again for the wonderful request... you've got this...
— c — 💜
BTS REACTING TO - AND COMFORTING BURNT-OUT READER
Pairings: BTS (solo) members x reader (Platonic & Romantic versions)
Rating: G
Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Angst
Warnings: depictions of burnout, stress, emotional and physical exhaustion (collapsing), mild arguments
KIM NAMJOON (RM)
WAKE-UP CALL (How He Notices)
Evidence
you’ve alphabetized his vinyl collection by genre...
then by release year, then by color
a half-finished cup of cold tea on his desk
a second one next to it, both forgotten
you’re staring at a single sentence on his computer screen for 15 minutes
unmoving
he hears you mutter:
"The inherent semiotics of this spreadsheet are oppressive."
His Internal Analysis
"Her processing is looping. High cognitive load, low output. Classic burnout precursor. She’s building walls instead of pathways."
INTERVENTION (Breaking Point - Angst)
his home library
2:17 AM
you’re aggressively dusting the top shelf of his philosophy section
RM: "Jagiya. The books aren't the enemy. Come to bed."
You: "Just go to bed, Namjoon! Not everyone can just solve their problems by reading Thoreau and going for a walk!"
he physically flinches
the silence is heavy
he removes his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose
his response = quiet and measured
"You're right. My solutions are not a universal panacea. But your pain... that is not yours to carry alone in this house. Let me share the weight. Please."
DECONSTRUCTION (Comfort - Fluff / Platonic)
Step 1: Halting the Cycle
gently takes the duster from your hand
leads you away from the bookshelves
his hand a steady pressure on your back
"The pursuit of knowledge includes knowing when to stop. The library is closed for renovations."
Step 2: Sanctuary Shift
he doesn't talk
drives you to the Han River in silence
his playlist= ambient, wordless music filling the car
parks away from the lights
rolls down the windows
cool air as a sensory reset
passes you a thermos of warm citron tea
"No metaphors. Just tea. And quiet."
Step 3: Cognitive Reframing
speaks after the silence has calmed you
he's staring at the water
"Your mind is not a machine to be optimized. It's an ecosystem. Even the most fertile rainforest has a dry season. This is your drought. We will wait for the rain together."
presents you with a beautiful, blank, high-quality journal and a fountain pen
"This is not for to-do lists. This is for the static. For the anger, the fear, the exhaustion. Give it a page so you don't have to carry it in your head."
FOUNDATION (Comfort - Fluff / Romantic)
[all of the above, but with intimate nuances]
his hand finds yours on the center console
lacing your fingers together during the drive
his arm is around you
pulling you into his side
his cheek resting on your hair
his voice a low rumble you feel in his chest
"I have spent my life searching for the right words to define truth and beauty. But the most true, most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed is the quiet courage it takes for you to simply rest."
draws you a bath with cedar-scented oil at home
sits on the bathroom floor
back against the tub
reads aloud from a book of Mary Oliver poems
(not the complex ones, but the simple ones about grass and light and geese)
continues reading until he hears your breathing deepen
KIM SEOKJIN (JIN)
WAKE-UP CALL (How He Notices)
Evidence
you left half of his homemade kimchi stew uneaten
unthinkable
the sound of your laughter is absent for three days straight
the house feels unbalanced
you're picking at your food
pushing it around the plate instead of enjoying his "culinary masterpiece"
he sees you opt for a stale protein bar over the fresh kimbap he made for you
His Internal Analysis
"The battery is low. The spark is gone. The most reliable indicator—the appetite and the laugh—are both in decline. This is a Code Red for the soul."
INTERVENTION (Breaking Point - Angst)
at the dinner table
he's made your favorite
you've taken one small bite
he tries to lighten the mood
"Yah! Is my cooking not good enough for you anymore? Should I disband as a chef?"
gives you his signature wink
you don't even look up
then snap
"Can you just... not? I don't have the energy for the jokes right now, Jin."
his playful expression melts off his face
it's like watching a light switch off
puts his chopsticks down with a quiet, definitive click
his voice is uncharacteristically soft
"That's how I know it's serious. When I can't even make you smile. The jokes are my first aid kit. If they're not working, it's time for the intensive care unit."
DECONSTRUCTION (Comfort - Fluff / Platonic)
Step 1: Nourishment Offensive
he disappears into the kitchen
returns 10 minutes later
not with a complex dish
with a perfect, fluffy gyeran-mari (rolled omelette)
cut into cute shapes
smiley face drawn in ketchup
places it in front of you with a glass of cold strawberry milk
"Emergency comfort rations. Doctor's orders. My degree is in Worldwide Handsomeness, but I'm minoring in Emotional First Aid."
Step 2: Mandatory Distraction
pulls you to your feet
"Mandatory 3-minute 'Super Tuna' dance break. Resistance is futile."
does the entire dance with full, ridiculous commitment
making sure to be extra dorky until he coaxes a tiny, reluctant smile from you
"See? The muscles still work. The smile muscles are the most important."
Step 3: Creating a Safe Harbor
ushers you to the couch
drapes his favorite fluffy blanket over you
places a RJ plush in your arms
puts on a mindless, funny variety show
"Your only job for the next two hours is to breathe and laugh. No thinking allowed. I'll handle the world."
sits with you
providing a running, humorous commentary on the show
his presence is warm and steady
FOUNDATION (Comfort - Fluff / Romantic)
[all of the above, but with intimate nuances]
hand-feeds you the first bite of the omelette
"Open up. I got you."
(with a tender, not condescending, smile)
his dance break becomes a slow sway
his arms around you
humming a soft tune instead of singing loudly
tucking the blanket around your shoulders
"Worldwide Handsome is officially off-duty. Right now, it's just your Seokjin. And he thinks the sound of your quiet breathing is more precious than any applause."
stays on the couch
letting you use his chest as a pillow
his fingers gently combing through your hair until he feels the last of the tension leave your body
you drift off. He whispers
"Rest now. I'll be here when you wake up. I'll be there."
MIN YOONGI (SUGA)
WAKE-UP CALL (How He Notices)
Evidence
you’ve been coming home 45 minutes later each night for a week
your key turns with a tired, heavy sound
the light under his studio door is his nightly companion
tho now he hears your frustrated sighs from the living room
paired with the frantic, uneven clicking of a mouse
he finds an abandoned, half-eaten cup of instant ramen next to your workstation
you... who always finishes meals
you’ve started a fifth new project file on your computer
all named “Final_Version_3_Really_Final.”
His Internal Analysis
"The system is overloading. Input exceeds processing capacity. She’s running on fumes and self-criticism. A crash is imminent."
INTERVENTION (Breaking Point - Angst)
the kitchen
1:30 AM
you’re staring into the refrigerator
not seeing anything
he stands in the doorway
having silently observed you for a full minute
hteps forward
closes the fridge door with a soft but firm click
"You're done."
you don’t argue
your shoulders slump and a single, quiet tear escapes
“I’m not… I can’t keep up. It’s never enough. I’m not enough.”
he stills
this is worse than anger
this is the core wound
he hates the person who made you feel this way
his voice is voice low and gravelly
"Look at me."
he waits until your watery eyes meet his
"The world's standards are a broken metric. You are enough. Right here, right now, in this kitchen, you are more than enough. And I will stand here all night until you believe me."
DECONSTRUCTION (Comfort - Fluff / Platonic)
Step 1: Halting the Cycle
wordlessly guides you away from the kitchen
his hand a steady, warm presence on your upper back
leads you not to your chaotic workspace
leads you to the calm, ordered silence of his studio
“The world is loud. It’s quiet in here. You don’t have to talk. Just exist.”
Step 2: Pragmatic Sanctuary
sits you on his studio couch
drapes his own personal, well-worn black blanket over your shoulders
puts a pair of noise-canceling headphones on you
plays the instrumental of “Snooze” on a loop
returns to his own work
= quiet clicks of his mouse; soft hum of his computer
= predictable, soothing white noise
his presence is an anchor
not feeling like any demand
Step 3: Action-Based Reframing
after an hour he slides a simple, neatly packed bento box onto the table next to you
= rice, kimchi, some rolled omelette
“Eat. Fuel isn’t optional.”
later slides a sticky note onto your knee
reads:
“Rest isn't a reward for finishing. It's a part of the process. Non-negotiable.”
FOUNDATION (Comfort - Fluff / Romantic)
[all of the above, but with profound intimacy]
he has you sit between his legs
pulls his favourite hoodie over your head
your back against his chest
so you can feel the steady rise and fall of his breathing
works with his chin resting on your head
his arms around you
creating a physical barrier against the world.
murmurs into your hair as you finally relax against him
“You don’t always have to be strong. My strength is yours to use. Lean on me. I won’t budge an inch.”
he sees you’re on the brink of sleep?
he saves his work
lifts you gently, and carries you to bed
stays, one arm draped over you
his fingers tracing slow, absent-minded circles on your arm
until he’s sure you’re deeply asleep
whispers into the dark
“Sleep. I’ll guard your dreams.”
JUNG HOSEOK (J-HOPE)
WAKE-UP CALL (How He Notices)
Evidence
during a casual, fun dance practice session
your movements are a half-beat behind
uncharacteristic
you miss a simple step he taught you last week
a step you’d mastered
a slight, almost imperceptible sway when you come to a halt
your hand flying out to brace against the mirror
your reflection shows glassy, unfocused eyes
not the bright concentration he’s used to
Internal Analysis
"The rhythm is off. Not just the dance rhythm... her life rhythm. Syncopated with exhaustion. The light in her eyes is flickering. Power low."
INTERVENTION (Breaking Point - Angst)
the dance studio
the music has just stopped
you're breathing heavily
it's the shaky breath of fatigue (not exertion)
he moves quickly
not panicked
puts a steadying hand on your elbow
"Whoa, easy there. You okay?"
you jerk your arm away
frustration boiling over
"I'm fine, Hobi! Just let me get it right. Stop hovering!"
he freezes
the smile he always wears vanishes
it's replaced by stark concern
the absence of his smile speaks volumes
his voice firm, layered with worry
"I am not hovering. I am catching. And you are falling. Let me."
DECONSTRUCTION (Comfort - Fluff / Platonic)
Step 1: Halting the Performance
clicks the music off
the sudden silence is profound
guides you to sit on the floor
back against the mirror
sits facing you, cross-legged
"The practice is over. The mission now is to just breathe. In... (demonstrates a deep inhale) ...and out. Copy me."
Step 2: Sensory Reset
"Mandatory Five-Mute Sunshine Break."
he doesn't ask
takes your hand
leads you outside the building
(even if it's just to the street)
makes you look up at the sky
"Name one cloud shape. Just one. Don't think, just see."
pulls a banana milk from his bag
he always has one for you
hands it to you
"Sugar and protein. Emergency fuel for the soul."
Step 3: Energetic Reframing
his voice is softer
losing its instructor edge
"You think I'm about 'go, go, go!' right? But real energy isn't about constant output. It's about knowing when to recharge. Your battery is in the red. My job is to be your charger."
back inside:
he doesn't turn the music back on
pulls out his "Hope Kit"
= real, physical kit he keeps for such emergencies
= an extra-soft hoodie, a sleep mask, a playlist titled "Breathe"
"Your only task for the next hour is to exist in this hoodie. No thinking. Just being."
FOUNDATION (Comfort - Fluff / Romantic)
[all of the above, but with intimate nuances]
when you sway, his hands go to your waist
holding you steady against him
until your dizziness passes
his arm stays wrapped around your shoulders outside
anchoring you
points out a silly cloud shape
"Look, it's Mang riding a turtle. That's us right now. Slow and steady."
whispers as he helps you into his hoodie
it smells unmistakably of him
"You know, my stage name is J-Hope. But you... you're my personal hope. When your light dims, my whole world gets darker. Let me help you shine again."
leads you not to the couch
leads you to his bed
drawing the blackout curtains
he doesn't leave
climbs in beside you
fully clothed
pulls you into his chest
your head under his chin
hums the melody of "Equal Sign" until the tension leaves your body
until your breathing syncs with his
until finally finding a peaceful rhythm
PARK JIMIN
WAKE-UP CALL (How He Notices)
Evidence
your "I'm fine" smile is too bright
too tight
= a performance he recognizes from his own mirror
you flinch at sudden sounds
= a reflex he’s never seen in you before
he finds you staring into the fridge
not seeing anything, for a full five minutes
you've started apologizing for mundane things
"Sorry for sighing," "Sorry I'm so tired."
His Internal Analysis
"She's retreating. Building walls not of anger, but of shame. This isn't just burnout; this is a old wound reopening."
INTERVENTION (Breaking Point - Angst)
the kitchen
11 PM
you’re mechanically washing a single cup
...over and over
he comes up behind you
rests his hands gently on your shoulders
you tense up
hard as stone
he's gentle
JM: "Hey. Talk to me. What's going on in that beautiful head?"
You: "Nothing. Just tired. Don't worry about me."
you try to pull away
he gently turns you around
his hands cupping your elbows
JM: "Look at me. Please."
You: "Just stop! Stop being so nice! I don't deserve it!"
you try to push him away
there's no force behind it
just desperation
his eyes instantly well with tears
his grip on your elbows softens to a cradle
his voice js trembling with emotion
"Don't. Don't you dare. Don't talk about the person I love most in this world like they're anything less than a miracle. Your pain is my pain. Let me carry it."
DECONSTRUCTION (Comfort - Fluff / Platonic)
Step 1: Immediate Physical Sanctuary
he doesn't let you pull away
pulls you into his chest
wrapping his arms around you so tightly you can't escape
it's not a trap; it's an anchor
one hand cradles the back of your head
his fingers threading through your hair
"Shhh. I've got you. You can fall apart. I'm right here."
Step 2: Ritual of Care
leads you to the bathroom
draws a warm bath
not with fancy bubbles
with plain Epsom salts
lights are dim
he doesn't leave
sits on the closed toilet lid
back to you to give you privacy (if you want)
just talks
talks about his day, about a funny thing Jungkook did, about a new dance move he's learning...
"It's all meaningless noise, until you're ready to join the conversation again. I'll just fill the silence for you."
Step 3: Verbal Absolution
tucks you into his side on the couch
your head on his shoulder
"You think you're failing, but surviving is winning. Every breath you take when it feels this heavy is a victory. And I am so proud of you for every single one."
he doesn't ask for the story
whispers
"Whatever voice in your head is telling you that you're not enough... it's a liar. And I will spend my whole life screaming the truth over it until you believe me."
FOUNDATION (Comfort - Fluff / Romantic)
[all of the above, but with profound intimacy]
he doesn't sit with his back turned
gets in the bath with you
fully clothed
holds you against his ches
letting the water soak his clothes
"Let me get messy with you."
whispers
forehead pressed to yours
"You have spent a lifetime building fortresses around your heart. My only purpose is to be the one you never need a wall against."
when you finally whisper what happened he doesn't offer solutions
a single tear rolls down his cheek and onto yours
kisses your forehead, your eyelids, your hands...
"You're safe now, you're fine..."
his voice is fierce and certain
"I am here. And I will protect her with everything I am. You will never be made to feel that way again. Not while I'm breathing."
stays awake long after you've fallen asleep
his arms a living shield around you
KIM TAEHYUNG (V)
WAKE-UP CALL (How He Notices)
Evidence
you’ve been wearing the same soft, gray hoodie for three days
not as a fashion choice
because deciding on clothes feels impossible
he brings you a tangerine
peeled and perfectly sectioned
you leave it on the desk until it dries out
you don’t react to the new jazz album he excitedly plays for you
then a faint, dry cough that you keep dismissing
a subtle wince when you stretch your stiff shoulders after hours at the computer
His Internal Analysis
"She's not seeing. Not tasting. Not hearing. The colors are fading around her. Her body is sending signals she's ignoring."
INTERVENTION (The Breaking Point - Angst)
his vinyl room
evening
you’re shivering slightly but insist you’re fine
typing furiously on a laptop balanced on your knees
he kneels in front of you
places a warm hand on your forehead
"You're burning up."
you snap
"I'm fine! It's just a draft. I just need to finish this section, then I'll rest."
you try to shrug his hand off
his jaw tightens
the worry in his eyes hardens into firm resolve
he doesn't argue
then a quiet command
"No."
he gently but firmly closes your laptop
"Your body has called a meeting, and it has the floor. You are not fine. You are sick. And you are still working. I won't watch you hurt yourself."
DECONSTRUCTION (Comfort - Fluff / Platonic)
Step 1: Physical Shutdown
he doesn't ask
simply picks you up
laptop and all
carries you to the bedroom
"Work is fired. Effective immediately."
tucks you into bed
takes your phone and laptop
places them far out of reach
Step 2: Sensory First-Aid
returns with a tray:
a bowl of his grandmother's recipe
steaming samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)
a glass of cool barley tea
a wet cloth for your forehead
"First, taste. Then, warmth. Then, rest."
feeds you spoonfuls of soup until you have the strength to hold the spoon yourself
dims the lights
puts on a slow, instrumental jazz playlist
= no words, just a soothing soundscape
Step 3: Enforced Sanctuary
drags a large armchair next to the bed and sits
pulling out a sketchbook
"My job is to sit here and make sure you do nothing. Your job is to exist."
he doesn't hover
he just IS
=a silent, steady presence
he sketches you, the room, the window...
creating a calm bubble around your rest
"Your body isn't a machine that broke. It's a friend that finally screamed because you wouldn't listen to its whispers."
FOUNDATION (Comfort - Fluff / Romantic)
[all of the above, but with profound intimacy]
when he carries you, it's not a simple lift
it's a cradle
his face nuzzled into your hair
whispering
"I've got you. Let go."
tests the soup temperature against his own lips before feeding you
speaking softly
swaps the warm cloth on your forehead
"Seeing you push yourself like this... it doesn't make me think you're strong. It makes my heart ache. The strongest thing you could do for me right now is to be weak. Let me be strong for us both."
once you're asleep, he doesn't leave to sketch
kicks off his shoes and slides into bed beside you
wrapping himself around you
his steady breathing your lullaby
a physical anchor pulling you down into a deep, healing sleep
he stays there all night
JEON JEONGGUK (JUNGKOOK)
WAKE-UP CALL (How He Notices)
Evidence
during your shared workout
your reps are sloppy
your grip is weak
you're using 50% of your usual weight
you're zoning out between sets
staring blankly at the weight rack instead of recovering
there's a fine tremor in your hands when you reach for your water bottle
he notices you've been skipping your post-workout protein shake
claiming you're "not hungry"
His Internal Analysis
"Their form is breaking. Focus is gone. This isn't fatigue; this is depletion. Why didn't they just tell me they were too tired?"
INTERVENTION (Breaking Point - Angst)
his home gym
late evening
he's spotting you on the bench press with a very light weight
"Hey, let's call it. We can just go watch a movie instead."
you refuse
"No! I'm fine. I want to do this with you. It's our time."
you push through
arms shaking violently.
on the next rep, your arms give way
the bar doesn't fall
he catches it instantly
but you slump off the bench
collapsing onto the gym mat
not from injury
from sheer exhausted defeat
you curl into a ball
hiding your face
he drops the bar with a loud clang
he's on his knees beside you in a flash
his voice is a panicked, raw whisper
"Hey. Hey! Look at me. Are you hurt?"
you don't answer, just shake your head
his fear turns to frustrated concern
"Why would you push like that? You could have gotten hurt! Why didn't you just stop?"
you bring up a muffled, tearful admission
"Because it's the only time I get with you... and I didn't want to be a failure here too."
DECONSTRUCTION (Comfort - Fluff / Platonic)
Step 1: Immediate Care
he doesn't ask
simply scoops you up into his arms
carries you out of the gym
directly to the living room couch
tucks a blanket around you
"Gym time is officially over. Mandatory couch protocol is now in effect."
brings you a cold electrolyte drink
holding it to your lips
"Small sips. Your body is in shock."
Step 2: Ritual Reset
puts on a soft, lo-fi playlist
dims the lights (as if he'd had too xD)
sits on the floor next to the couch
his back against it
his presence solid and grounding
"Our time together isn't about keeping up with me. It's about being with me. Even if we're just... breathing."
Step 3: Redefining "Strength"
after a long silence, he speaks
his voice softer now
"You think strength is pushing until you break. Real strength is knowing when to rest. The strongest warriors have the best recovery protocols."
takes your hand
his own calloused fingers gently tracing yours
"From now on, you're the coach of your own body. You say 'stop', we stop. No questions. That's the new rule."
FOUNDATION (Comfort - Fluff / Romantic)
[all of the above, but with intimate nuances]
when he carries you, it's not just functional
it's possessive and protective
his face nuzzled against your hair
on the couch, he doesn't sit on the floor
climbs on
pulling you into his lap
wrapping the blanket around both of you
your head rests on his chest
right over his pounding heart
murmurs into your hair
"You trying to break yourself to spend time with me... it breaks me. My love, you are not another set I need to complete. You are my rest between sets. You are my cool down. You are the reason I train so hard—to have a long, healthy life with you."
orders your favorite comfort food
feeds you bites between soft kisses
wiping away any stray tears with his thumb
"Tomorrow, our quality time is a lazy breakfast and cuddles. No gym. Just us. Your workout is to let me take care of you. Understood?"
"Rather than just some stranger telling them to cheer up, I think it’s better to say something like, “You seem depressed lately,” or, “Seems like these days it’s tough for you to perk up.” “Blue & Grey” is the same: “You’re depressed lately? Me too. We’re in the same boat. Wanna talk about how you’re feeling? You wanna feel better, right? I know, but sometimes it feels like you’re being washed away by a whirlpool of stress.” I want the listeners to hear me saying that to them."
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vaporwave
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turnnoffyourmind
