[rubyuji]

“shit, this is red too.” 🍷ೄྀ✶∘˙˚•𝄞

name: lei (she/her). xviii (18) - asian

about my blog: this is a blog centered around seventeen works of fiction. all my works do not represent the members in any way or who they are as people, i am simply writing for self indulgence and for entertainment.

everything that will be written is of my own original thoughts and ideas, stealing is absolutely unacceptable as plagiarism is punishable by law.

my asks are open and i would love to make friends or just talk to the carat community here on tumblr! so don’t be shy, shoot me a message wether through my ask box or dms.

seventeen masterlist. ∘․ˑ⭑🎸₊ ⊹ ⭑

most recent work: In Every Frame, You (Jeon Wonwoo)

[rubyuji]

In Every Frame, You (Jeon Wonwoo) ˙✧˖📷⋆

“You know he looks at you different, right?” 🎞˙✧˖°⋆｡˚

Genre: Slowburn, Open ending

AU: Highschool!au

Pairing: Photographer!Wonwoo x Afab!Photographer!Reader

Warnings: None

Synopsis: Some love stories don’t need big moments—just the right ones, quietly captured. Tender slow-burn buzzing beneath the surface told in glances, near touches, and moments that almost pass unnoticed. In the quiet rhythm of working behind the scenes and shared silences, two souls begin to orbit each other—capturing something real before either of them fully realize it’s happening.

Notes: This is based on a true story, probably because it reflects my current situation with my crush. It feels like standard cliché fanfic with how this connection is developing, so I thought why not write one about Wonwoo since I miss him but also because my crush had always reminded me of Wonwoo. (This fic is open ended because I will base it off what happens in my real life so there will be a follow up fic in the next few months or so, depending on my situation lmao ;;) UPDATE: he was outed as a weirdo so we have no follow up sorry guys

W.C: 7.9k

It started at a school sports event practice. Late afternoon, golden light. The kind of hour that makes the world feel softer, like everything’s been dipped in honey.

You hadn’t planned to stay long. You weren’t even taking photos—your camera was still at home, resting on your desk like it knew this wasn’t a moment to capture through a lens.

This was one of those rare afternoons where you just… observed. No role to play. No one to impress. Just you, the sun, the quiet hum of sneakers on asphalt, and a crowd that blurred at the edges.

That’s when you noticed him.

He wasn’t on the field. He wasn’t cheering. He was just… watching, the same way you were—seated a few rows down the bleachers, back straight, eyes sharp behind a pair of black-rimmed glasses. There was something still about him like he knew how to hold space without needing to fill it.

And then, he looked up. Right at you.

The moment stretched—just long enough to feel like a flicker in time, not long enough to be certain it happened.

You looked away first. Or maybe he did. You’re not sure. But what you are sure of is this: something in you clicked.

Not in a thunderbolt way. Not loud, not sudden. Just… a quiet spark. A thud in your chest that didn’t hurt. A softness that settled in your lungs.

You didn’t know his name. You’d never seen him around before, or at least, you thought you hadn’t.

But from that day on, you kept running into him.

In hallways. In the cafeteria. At the back of the media lab when you went in to borrow a mic. He never said much. Sometimes he didn’t say anything at all. But he always looked.

Not in a lingering, obvious way. In a curious, caught-off-guard kind of way. Like he was surprised to see you again, every time.

And yet, it didn’t feel new. That was the strange part.

Even on that first day, you didn’t feel like you were seeing him for the first time—you felt like you were remembering him.

You never believed in fate. Still don’t. But after a while, it started to feel like the universe had quietly decided to fold him into your day-to-day life. Like he belonged there.

Not as a plot twist, not as a lead character, but as a presence—steady, quiet, watching you the way he watched the field that day. Like he sees things other people miss.

Like he sees you.

The thing about seeing him often—but never close enough to talk—was that it created a rhythm. Like a song you couldn’t name, but kept humming anyway.

In the weeks that followed that first glance at the bleachers, it was all so unspoken.

Passing each other in the hall. Brief eye contact in the cafeteria when neither of you meant to look up. Standing near each other in the media room while someone else talked too much. You never exchanged more than a nod, a blink, a silence.

And yet—he stayed with you. Quietly. On the way, you started noticing things you wouldn’t have before.

How he stood with his hands tucked into his sleeves. How he always carried his camera in one hand, never both. How he rarely laughed, but when he did, it was the kind that lit up just his eyes.

You told your friends, of course. Or tried to.

“Wait, who?” Haein had asked, squinting at the crowd from across the lunch table.

“The one with the black hoodie?” Areum guessed. “Isn’t he in the media club or something?”

You shrugged. “Yeah. I don’t know. He’s just… he’s got this quiet thing. Like, background music energy.”

“Are you even sure you like him?”

That was the thing. You weren’t.

Some days you swore your chest fluttered when he was nearby. Other days, you forgot he existed—until you saw him again, and it hit you all at once.

It wasn’t a crush in the way you were used to. No butterflies, no burning need to impress. Just this subtle pull. A strange calm. Like he was a place your mind returned to without realizing it.

But summer came. And with it, distractions.

You threw yourself into life—loud, fast, sun-drenched life. Football games with your cousins. Late-night drives with your friends. Dancing in small towns, letting the music fill the spaces where thoughts of him might’ve lived.

You took so many photos that your gallery blurred together: neon lights, rooftops, coffee foam, beaches, and back seats of cars.

You forgot the way his eyes softened when he looked at you. Forgot the way you once held your breath near him. Forgot to even look for him in crowds.

You were over it. Or at least, you told yourself that.

And it worked. For a while.

But hearts don’t always listen to logic. And feelings—especially the quiet ones—don’t leave. They wait. They change shape, hide in small moments, then resurface when you least expect them.

When school started again, you hadn’t thought of him in weeks.

So when you saw him again—standing by the doorway of your media arts classroom, flipping through the back of a camera—something clicked in your chest.

It was back.

Maybe it never left.

The start of the semester always had a way of hitting you harder than you expected. You were still catching up from the summer’s distractions, settling back into the rhythm of early mornings, late nights, and the low hum of the school routine.

One morning, as you shuffled into class, your mind still caught up in lingering thoughts of football games and beach trips, Mrs. Lee caught your eye from across the room.

Her gaze was sharp, but there was something unusually warm in the way she looked at you. It didn’t take long for her to wave you over.

"Y/N," she called, her tone light yet purposeful.

You paused for a second, unsure if you’d missed something. You’d been in her class long enough to know her to be stern, but this felt… different. You pushed through the small crowd of students, making your way to her desk.

When you reached her side, she gave you a nod toward the back of the room, where Wonwoo was sitting, lost in his own world as he fiddled with his laptop.

He hadn’t noticed you yet.

"I’ve been discussing the media team for the school play with Mr. Kim," she began, her voice low, as though sharing a piece of news that needed careful delivery.

“And I think you’d be perfect for it. You’ve shown such a strong eye for capturing moments, Y/N. The way you approach your photos—thoughtful, intentional—it’s exactly what we need for this project.”

You blinked, surprised. A part of you had always loved capturing moments, but you didn’t think your school’s play would be the place to showcase it. The logistics of it all felt like another world entirely.

“Wait, the play? You want me to work on that?”

She smiled, the lines of her face softening.

“Yes. And I was also thinking of pairing you with someone who has a similar passion for visual storytelling. Someone who could complement your style. I’ve spoken with Wonwoo about it, and he’d be a great fit. He’s quiet, yes—but he’s incredibly detail-oriented. I think you two would work well together.”

You followed her gaze, and for the first time, you really looked at Wonwoo. He was at the back, one arm resting casually on the table, his camera in hand as he adjusted the lens, all while listening intently to whatever the class was discussing.

The way he observed things, always present but never intrusive, always focused but never rushing—it was like he was born to capture the world as it was.

“Wonwoo?” you repeated, unsure if you’d heard her right. “I mean, I guess I can see that. We both like photography, I suppose…”

“Yes,” Mrs. Lee agreed, almost like she’d been expecting this reaction.

“That’s the idea. I think you two balance each other well. You’re both meticulous in your own way but in different ways. It’ll give the media coverage a dynamic that’s just right for the play.”

The thought of working with him—a person you’d barely spoken to outside of shared class projects—made something stir in your chest. Was this a chance to finally get to know him more? Or just another task to complete?

Before you could answer, Mrs. Lee was already scribbling something down in her planner.

“I think you two will get along just fine. Work out the details later. I’ll let Mr. Kim know you’re both on board.”

You nodded, trying to hide the slight discomfort of the situation. The pressure of collaboration was one thing, but the thought of being forced into proximity with Wonwoo, of working alongside him for hours, was… another thing entirely.

It wasn’t that you didn’t want to. It was just that the idea of feeling too close made your pulse race, even if you hadn’t spoken much at all.

As you looked back toward the back of the room, your eyes briefly met his. That familiar flicker of recognition passed between you two, the same silent exchange that had been happening since that first, accidental moment on the bleachers.

His gaze lingered on you for a moment, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. There was no tension. Just something quiet—like an understanding of the moment.

You looked away first, but that didn’t make the sudden weight in your chest go away. Working with him was one thing; figuring out how you felt about him was entirely different.

“Alright,” you muttered to yourself. “I guess we’ll see how this goes.”

And just like that, everything began to shift again. The subtle pull you’d tried to ignore, the fleeting moments of connection that always seemed to happen just outside the realm of real conversation, were about to become something you couldn’t avoid anymore.

The next few weeks would make everything clearer. Or maybe they’d just complicate things more.

But you couldn’t help but wonder: Was it possible to work alongside him without letting your feelings turn this into something more?

The media team meeting for the school play was nothing like what you’d expected. It wasn’t just about setting up cameras or organizing photo ops; it was about collaboration, ideas being thrown around in every direction, each person’s voice adding something to the whole picture.

You had never been part of a team like this before, but the second you walked into the room, you felt an unexpected sense of belonging.

The group, though diverse, was passionate. They all had their own creative energy, and as soon as Mrs. Lee introduced you as the newest member, you were met with nods and genuine smiles.

"Welcome to the team," one of them, Jiwoo, said as she gave you a reassuring smile. "Excited to work with you."

Another student, Emma, asked if you had any experience with lighting setups for photos, and you nodded, eager to share some of the tricks you’d learned.

It felt good to speak with them. You’d spent most of the summer isolated with your camera, but this was different. There was a kind of warmth to the way they included you, and before long, you were chatting comfortably with everyone.

But through it all, there was Wonwoo. He was still sitting quietly at the far end of the room, absorbed in his own thoughts, taking in everything that was said, his fingers casually flipping through his notebook.

It wasn’t like he was ignoring you—far from it. His gaze would drift over every now and then, always calculating, always observing, but never saying a word.

You could feel his presence even when he wasn’t actively engaged in the conversation.

The contrast between him and the rest of the group—their loud, vibrant energy against his calm, reserved nature—was striking.

You found yourself drawn to him again, but now there was a layer of professionalism between you. You were both part of something bigger, something that didn’t leave much room for personal matters. Or did it?

As the meeting moved forward, ideas were exchanged for how to capture the essence of the play, how to set the right tone.

One person suggested a more dramatic style, using shadows to create tension in the photos. Another wanted to use a more candid approach, showcasing the natural emotions of the cast.

You sat back, quietly listening, when an idea began to form in your mind. The play wasn’t just about the performances; it was about the atmosphere—the raw, fleeting moments of connection between the actors, the way the audience could feel the emotion rather than just see it.

You raised your hand, slightly hesitating before you spoke.

“What if we captured the moments before the curtain rises? Like, the behind-the-scenes interactions, the actors getting into character, those quiet moments of focus? I think it would create a really intimate, personal narrative about the play.”

The room fell quiet for a moment as everyone considered your idea. Jiwoo’s eyebrows lifted, impressed.

“That’s actually a great idea,” she said, her voice warm.

“We’ve never really thought about showing the process behind the scenes. It could bring a new dimension to the whole production.”

The conversation began to pick up again, but then, unexpectedly, a voice broke through, low but certain.

“I agree,” Wonwoo said, his voice almost surprising even to himself. He rarely spoke in group settings, preferring to observe. But the way you spoke about the play, the way you saw it—it resonated with him.

It was the kind of idea he would’ve suggested himself if only he’d been quicker to speak up. He paused and then met your eyes for the briefest of moments, his gaze steady but not unkind.

The air between you two shifted, just a fraction. It was subtle, but you felt it—the connection that had been hovering, just out of reach, suddenly felt tangible.

The moment lasted only a few seconds, but it was enough. Enough for the weight of his words to hang in the air and for you to feel that strange pull, the magnetic force that seemed to always bring you and him together in quiet, unnoticed ways.

You quickly looked away, unsure how to process what had just happened. Everyone else continued discussing the logistics of the project, but at that moment, you couldn’t stop thinking about the way he had agreed with you, and how easily the words had come from him, as though he’d been waiting to speak all along.

It wasn’t just the idea he had agreed with—it was the subtle way he had acknowledged you. A quiet recognition, like the two of you had just bridged a gap that neither of you could fully explain. And the way he’d looked at you, just for those few seconds, was enough to set something in motion.

Your heart quickened, and you could feel the familiar nerves crawling back to the surface.

Was it possible that this collaboration would bring you closer to him in a way you hadn’t expected?

The rest of the meeting passed by in a blur. You made mental notes of everyone’s ideas, but your mind kept returning to that moment. To Wonwoo’s quiet agreement, and the way his gaze had lingered just a little longer than necessary

The sound of footsteps echoed through the rehearsal hall as you stepped in, your camera bag slung over your shoulder, the weight of it grounding you in this familiar space.

Today’s rehearsal wasn’t for the cast—it was for the media team.

The focus wasn’t on the performers; it was about capturing the essence of their work, the backstage energy, the tension, the raw moments before the spotlight hit.

The team was already gathered in the corner of the hall, talking about shot lists and the schedule for the week. But as soon as you walked in, you felt the familiar weight of eyes on her.

You didn’t even need to look to know who it was.

Wonwoo was there, as usual, positioned on the edge of the group. His posture was relaxed but attentive, his focus sharp as he listened to Jiwoo speak about the lighting setup for the scene.

But it wasn’t just that. Your heart skipped a beat as your eyes locked—just for a second, but long enough for the quiet intensity between you to resurface.

He didn’t speak, but his gaze didn’t waver.

It wasn’t the usual casual look of someone who was just glancing over at a teammate. No, this felt different.

His eyes were searching, almost as if he was taking in every detail of you. And for that moment, it was just the two of you in the room, the buzz of the team’s conversation fading into the background.

You felt the familiar flutter in your chest, a mix of warmth and anxiety. Your feelings for him had come back full force, flooding you in a rush.

You quickly glanced away, pretending to check the time on your phone to avoid his gaze. But the image of him—the way he was always so observant, so still, so effortlessly in control—lingered in your mind.

It was strange, how easily he managed to capture your attention, even when he wasn’t trying. He was quiet, not in an awkward way, but in a way that made you want to know more.

It made you curious, made you wonder what was happening behind his calm exterior. And you were starting to fall for that calmness again.

"Okay, Y/N, what do you think about the positioning for the close-up shots in the next scene?" Jiwoo’s voice snapped you back to reality.

You took a breath and stepped forward, trying to push the distracting thoughts about Wonwoo aside.

"I think the close-up should emphasize the intensity of the moment. Maybe have the light come from the side—play with the shadows, highlight the faces," You suggested, voice steady.

Jiwoo nodded, taking notes, but you could feel the weight of Wonwoo’s gaze again like it was pulling you in.

He hadn’t spoken yet, but you noticed how he had leaned slightly forward, his eyes narrowed in concentration as he watched you. It wasn’t just about the idea—it was about you.

The conversation continued around you, but all you could focus on was that quiet energy.

How easily it took over the room when he was present. How, despite his silence, his presence felt like a magnet pulling you in, bit by bit.

And then, when Jiwoo asked about something else, you caught him glancing at you again. This time, his gaze lingered even longer.

There was something in his eyes, something that made your pulse quicken. It wasn’t just the familiar intensity—it was the subtle way he looked at you, like he was waiting for you to speak, to open up.

It was a silent invitation, and for the first time, you felt the weight of it.

Your heart raced as she realized that he was still here, in your orbit, and that the feelings you thought you had left behind had only been dormant. But now, they were back—stronger than before. And what was even more confusing was that you weren’t sure if you were ready to face them, or if you even wanted to.

You had told yourself, time and time again, that you were over him. That he was just another passing moment. But the truth was, you couldn’t forget him.

The meeting ended soon after, and as the team began to pack up, you gathered your things slowly.

You didn’t know if it was because of the lingering tension or something else, but you couldn’t seem to leave without one more glance at him.

Wonwoo was still standing there, his expression unreadable, but his eyes—those eyes—followed you as you moved.

Your gazes met again. This time, it wasn’t just a fleeting moment. It was a silent acknowledgment, a quiet understanding.

You weren’t sure what it meant, but you felt like something had shifted. You had always believed that, given enough time, the feelings would fade.

But here, at this moment, in the space between you, you realize that maybe some connections weren’t meant to be forgotten. And that, maybe, this was the start of something you hadn’t planned for.

Rehearsals start to settle into a rhythm—a blur of movement, dialogue, lighting tests, and whispered cues.

You find yourself growing more comfortable around the media team, slowly blending into the background yet always present, your suggestions more frequent, and your laughter more at ease. They’ve become familiar. Safe.

But him? Wonwoo still feels like a question mark.

He’s always nearby—never quite in the center of things, but never far either. He watches, listens, says little. But when he does speak, it lands.

You notice that. And you notice how you’ve started watching for it too.

One afternoon, the team meets to finalize the mock-up of the playbill, flipping through title fonts and cast photos.

You joke offhandedly about the title—The Road Less Traveled—making a snarky comment about how dramatic it sounds.

“Sounds like one of those plays where someone stares into the void for ten minutes and calls it art,” you murmur, half-smirking.

Out of nowhere, you hear him—his voice low and quiet but clear. “A little drama never hurt anyone.”

Your gaze snaps to him. Wonwoo doesn’t look away. A flicker of amusement in his eyes, a shared grin tucked beneath the surface. You quirk an eyebrow, playing along.

“Oh, so you’re the dramatic type?”

He shrugs lightly. “I can brood if I have to.”

You laugh—surprised by how easily it bubbles out of you. That’s new.

The tension between you both shifts after that—no longer just glances and proximity. There’s something being built now, one exchange at a time.

You begin talking more during rehearsals, always about the play, the concept, and the logistics of lighting. But between the lines, there’s a softness. Teasing. Shared humor. A glance held a second too long. The way he leans in slightly when you speak like he doesn’t want to miss anything.

Then comes the teaser shoot.

You’re both involved from the start—scheduling, setting up, and talking through the concept.

The air is thick with excitement and low-key chaos, but even through the noise, you’re aware of him.

The way he listens when you pitch ideas. The way his gaze lingers when you’re focused on your camera.

You tease him about posing too stiffly. He throws a quip back about your “artistic vision.” It’s all playful. But underneath it… something warmer simmers.

You’re careful not to treat him differently, not really. You laugh just as easily with the others. But with him, the spark feels different. Sharper. Quieter.

It’s in the way your shoulders brush as you pass equipment. In how your conversations never have clean endings—they just pause, like they’ll pick back up when you least expect.

Dinner sneaks up on all of you after hours of filming, and you somehow end up next to him again. You don’t even question it this time. It just happens.

The chatter around the table is loud, but it feels like a bubble forms around just the two of you—soft laughter, quiet jokes, the kind of comfort that settles in slowly, like dusk.

“You think Jiwoo’s gonna go full-throttle drama with the trailer?” you ask, tearing into a slice of pizza.

Wonwoo grins, his usual reserved edge softened.

“She’ll probably write a voice-over about chasing destiny or something.”

You laugh, nudging his arm gently. “Over a high school play. Classic.”

There’s a stillness after that. Not awkward. Just… calm. It feels like the eye of a storm—the part where things are quiet enough to notice how close you’ve gotten.

When the night winds down and people start filtering out to cars and carpools, you gather your bag and begin heading to the exit. You're halfway down the steps when you hear his voice again.

“Y/N, wait.”

You stop and glance over your shoulder. He’s already moving toward you, hands in his pockets, that unreadable look on his face.

“We live in the same direction, right?” he asks, gaze steady. “I could drive you home.”

There’s a moment—a single heartbeat—where you feel everything sharpen. Not dramatic. Not sweeping. Just quiet and real. You offer him a smile, one that feels instinctive.

“Yeah,” you say softly. “Sure.”

The walk to his car is quiet. But not in the way silence usually is. This one hums with something new. A shared rhythm, an unspoken familiarity that has slowly crept in-between moments.

You glance over once as he drives, watching the streetlights flicker against his profile. He doesn’t say much, but you can feel him listening—feel him aware of you, the way you’ve always been of him.

And somehow, just sitting there beside him, the air between you charged but calm, it feels like the beginning of something.

Even if you don't name it yet.

Finals week is a haze of over-caffeinated nights, too-loud study sessions, and the growing ache of everything winding down. Rehearsals blur together.

Some days people show up; some days, they don’t. Everyone’s just barely hanging on. So when a last-minute promotional shoot for the play is scheduled, and only you and Wonwoo reply with a green checkmark, you already know how it’s going to go before you even show up.

You arrive at the theater first. The space is quieter than usual, sunlight bleeding through the high windows in golden streaks.

You walk the perimeter slowly, your sneakers quiet on the wooden floor, eyes adjusting to the dim warmth of late afternoon. There’s a calmness in the air, the kind that only exists when everyone else is too busy to be present.

You begin setting up—softboxes, reflectors, your camera slung over your shoulder. You hum a little under your breath, not expecting to be heard.

But then he enters.

Wonwoo.

No loud entrance, no announcement. Just the sound of the door creaking and his soft footsteps as he approaches.

“Hey,” he says, and it lands softly between you, almost like a question.

You glance over your shoulder and smile, just a little. “Hey.”

He sets his gear down beside yours like it’s second nature. Like this is something you do—work quietly, side by side, no instructions needed.

The silence is comfortable. You both know what has to get done. You both know how the other works.

For a while, it’s just technical stuff. You check the lighting. He angles the background. You test the shutter. He adjusts a reflector. You barely speak—but then, you never really had to.

It’s only when you take a moment to scroll through your camera settings that he speaks again.

“You color graded the teaser, right?”

You blink, glancing up. “Yeah. Why?”

“It looked… good. Felt intentional.”

Your mouth quirks. “It was. I was chasing that kind of nostalgic but grounded vibe. The way the story feels more in the pauses than the plot.”

He nods. “You pulled that off.”

There’s a beat.

“I picked that up from Dan Winters,” he adds. “His stuff’s all about the in-between.”

“Dan Winters?” you echo.

“Yeah. Photographer. Shoots like… the moments just before someone speaks. Or right after they stop crying. Like he’s not just capturing faces, but everything unsaid.”

You turn your body to face him, curiosity bubbling in your chest. “Is he your favorite?”

“Top three,” he admits. “Also Saul Leiter, for color and distance. And Annie Leibovitz—obviously.”

You chuckle. “Classic.”

He glances sideways at you, a small smile teasing the edge of his lips. “What about you?”

You think for a moment. “Nan Goldin. Her work feels lived in. It’s not beautiful in a posed way, but it lingers. Makes you feel like you accidentally stepped into someone else’s memory.”

He looks at you then. Not a glance—a look. Full, focused, still.

“Yeah,” he says quietly. “I can see that in your work.”

You stare at him for a second too long, and it startles you when the door opens again.

Your friend walks in—one of the actresses, always a little too observant for her own good. She greets you both casually, rummages through a drawer, but her eyes flit between you and Wonwoo more than necessary.

She doesn’t say much. But the smirk on her face speaks volumes.

Later, as the shoot wraps and you both begin packing up, she comes over under the pretense of grabbing her makeup bag from you. Her voice drops just enough to make it personal.

“You know he looks at you different, right?”

You freeze mid-zip. “What?”

“He doesn’t look at anyone else like that. Not Jiwoo, not anyone. It’s… warmer. Like, soft. Which is gross. And kind of sweet.”

You roll your eyes, but your heart skips anyway. “You’re imagining things.”

She snorts. “Sure I am.”

She walks off without waiting for a response, and you try to focus on rolling up cords, sorting lenses. You’re almost done when Wonwoo finishes tucking away the last tripod and turns to you.

“Need help?”

“I’m good,” you say, but he walks over anyway.

You hand him his camera bag, fingers brushing his as you pass it along. You both freeze for just a second. There’s nothing overt—no gasp, no intense eye contact. But it feels different.

Natural. Like a rhythm you’d slipped into without even realizing. Like you’d done this before.

He meets your eyes. “Thanks.”

You nod, throat a little dry. “Of course.”

And just when you think the moment might end there, he glances down, then back up.

“By the way, that teaser day—Jiwoo and I switched SD cards. Just for the raw footage. Nothing else.”

You blink. You hadn’t asked. But something about him offering that—like he wanted to clarify, like he needed you to know—makes your stomach turn in a way you can’t explain.

“Okay,” you say softly. “Thanks for telling me.”

There’s a pause. Then a small, knowing smile. “Just wanted it to be clear.”

You don’t respond. Just look at him. And for a moment, you wonder how many more things he’s wanted to say but hasn’t.

When you leave that day, the theater is bathed in soft gold, and your friend lingers at the edge of the hallway, waiting to walk with you.

“You looked domestic,” she says as you fall into step.

You blink. “What?”

“When you handed him the bag. It was weird. Like... lived-in. Comfortable.”

You don’t know what to say. So you just look straight ahead, hands in your jacket pockets.

But later that night, as you edit the photos and see the ones he took—photos of you adjusting lighting, half-laughing, in motion—you realize something.

He wasn’t just documenting the play.

He was documenting you.

Rehearsal starts slow, as they usually do. People trickle in late, scripts half-crumpled in their bags, exhaustion hanging in the air like mist.

You settle into your usual spot—middle of the row, just behind the front of the house—with your camera bag beside you, legs crossed under the folds of your black maxi dress. Your white polo slips slightly off one shoulder, the fabric is oversized and familiar. You don’t think much of it.

Until he walks in.

Wonwoo.

And he heads straight for the row behind you—right behind you—and sets down his gear without a word. You can feel the air shift before you even turn around.

He’s wearing a crisp white top. White sneakers and black jeans. You blink.

You look down at your own outfit—white, black. Matching.

Unintentionally. Of course. And yet...

You don’t speak. But your bodies do. In small, quiet ways.

When you reach for your camera, he’s already leaning over, eyes focused on the buttons, adjusting the dial like he knows it better than you do. “Your shutter speed’s off,” he murmurs.

You move your hand to take it from him—brush.

His fingers graze yours. Light. Deliberate. A breath between touch and hold. You freeze for half a second, and so does he, but neither of you pulls away. Not immediately.

He forgot to charge his camera, you realize. But he says it like a confession, not an excuse. And for some reason, it makes your stomach flip.

He scrolls through your photos as you lean in to look—but he never hands you the camera. Not like he does with others. With them, you’ve seen him pass the camera without a second thought.

But with you, he keeps it close.

You catch your reflection on the dark screen of the monitor—your face right next to his. Leaning in, close enough that if you turned just slightly…

You swallow the thought.

Around you, people are noticing.

You catch your friend’s raised eyebrows across the row, a small smirk forming on her lips. You pretend not to see. Pretend not to notice how everything about him feels louder today—the way your arms brush when you both shift simultaneously, the way you both turn your heads in perfect sync.

A dance you didn’t rehearse.

At one point, you both end up standing in the same pose without realizing it—arms crossed, leaning back against the wall—and when your eyes meet, it’s like the room disappears.

The conversation stays light, but your heart feels anything but.

He gives you more tips, softer this time. His voice drops when it’s just for you. And you mirror him, effortlessly. Like you’ve found the same rhythm, the same lens to see things through.

Your friend says you don’t treat him differently.

And maybe you don’t—not on purpose.

But you know you do.

In the way, you tilt your head when he speaks. The way your eyes linger longer on him than anyone else. The way you memorize the cadence of his voice. The way you laugh—just a little more softly when it’s with him.

You’ve both been walking around this invisible thread for so long now. But here, under the harsh lights of rehearsal, between lens flares and whispered notes, you realize:

He sees you too.

Not just through the camera.

But like this.

Like whatever’s building between you exists even when no one’s looking.

Even when you're pretending it doesn’t.

The day feels off.

Maybe it’s the weight of deadlines. Maybe it’s the exhaustion in your shoulders from days of late-night edits and early call times. Or maybe—if you’re being honest with yourself—it’s that he’s not around.

Wonwoo didn’t show up to rehearsals today. You heard something about him helping with a different department—lighting, maybe, or editing final cuts for the teaser. Logical. Understandable. Still… noticeable.

Because you’ve gotten used to the way his presence anchors the room.

You don’t realize how often your eyes wander to where he usually sits until there’s nothing to find. And when the meeting ends, you find yourself walking slower. Lingering. Waiting for something—someone—to appear.

But he never does.

So you stay in your lane. You smile at your friends. You take a few photos. You play your part.

Still, you carry this restlessness home with you like static in your chest.

Later, while heading to the admin building to return a lens, your footsteps echo in the empty hallway. The golden hour sun spills through the windows, pooling onto the floors like spilled light. You don’t expect to see anyone.

And then—you do.

Wonwoo.

Just ahead, turning the corner at the far end of the hallway, walking toward you with quiet purpose. He’s alone. His hands are tucked into his jacket pockets. Earbuds hanging around his neck.

Time slows.

You notice the way his eyes find yours almost immediately. No hesitation. No looking away.

You don’t speak.

You just look at each other, and the silence becomes its own language—heavy with all the unspoken things, all the almosts.

There’s an ache behind your ribs that you can’t quite name. Because in this one moment, it feels like everything is balanced on a string—tight and fragile and impossibly close to snapping.

You think about saying hi.

You think about smiling, teasing him for disappearing all day. You think about asking what he was working on or if he needs help or if he missed being around the team today.

You even open your mouth slightly.

But then…

You look down.

You walk past.

And he does too.

Your shoulders brush as you pass. Not enough to be intentional—but not completely accidental, either. He smells faintly like cedar and something warm and familiar. You wonder if he turned his head to look back.

You don’t.

Not until it’s too late.

That night, you lie in bed staring at the ceiling.

You replay the moment like it’s a scene from a film you can’t stop watching. You remember the look in his eyes. How it held you in place. How you wanted to move—say something, anything—but your body refused to betray your heart’s urgency.

You think about how close you are to something that still doesn’t have a name.

And you promise yourself—next time.

Next time, you won’t let it pass.

Even if your voice shakes. Even if it’s just a smile.

Because you can’t afford too many more missed moments with him.

Not when every one of them stays with you like this.

It’s nearly midnight when you finally call her.

The moment replays in your head like a stuck record—those few seconds in the hallway where time stretched thin between you and Wonwoo, thick with everything unsaid. You’ve tossed and turned for hours, your phone screen lighting up the darkness as you scroll through nothing. So you do what any girl in emotional chaos does: you call your best friend.

She picks up on the second ring.

“You sound dramatic already,” she teases, voice groggy but amused.

“Because I am,” you sigh, flopping deeper into your pillow. “I saw him.”

She doesn’t even ask who. She knows.

“Did you talk?”

“No,” you groan, dragging the word out. “We just—looked at each other. Like full-on eye contact. And I was gonna say something, I swear. But I choked. I completely chickened out.”

There’s a pause before she laughs softly. “You’re so unserious. You’ve literally talked to him before.”

“Yeah, but not like that. This moment was different. It was… cinematic.”

“Everything’s cinematic to you.”

“You’re not helping.”

“No, but I am entertained,” she says, and you can hear the smile in her voice. “Also, not to add fuel to your lovesick fire, but have you seen yourself lately?”

You blink, confused. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… there’s a glow. You’ve been walking around like you’re in a perfume ad. All soft and floaty. It’s like—you’ve always been pretty, but now? It’s like your confidence is blooming out of your skin.”

You scoff. “That’s dramatic.”

“Is it though? You used to dodge the camera like it was cursed, and now you’re letting people take candids of you. You used to be all sharp edges and ‘don’t look at me,’ and now your smile literally reaches your eyes. You’re glowing, babe.”

You go quiet for a beat, biting back a shy grin. “Okay, but that’s not all because of him.”

“No, it’s not,” she agrees. “But don’t lie and say he didn’t help. We all see it—how you soften when he’s around. How you carry yourself differently. How… feminine you’ve become.”

That word hangs in the air like a ribbon. Feminine.

And you feel it. Not in the way you dress or speak—but in how you feel inside your body lately. Less guarded. More open. More you.

“I think… I feel safe with him,” you admit quietly. “Even when we’re not speaking. Even in silence. It’s like he sees me. And I see him.”

She exhales like she’s been waiting for you to say that.

“Then next time,” she says gently, “don’t look away.”

You see him the very next day.

He’s already there when you walk into the rehearsal room, hunched over his camera bag in the far corner, sleeves rolled up, fingers adjusting dials like second nature.

For a second, you hesitate. Not because anything is wrong, but because everything feels heightened after the hallway moment. The weight of the silence, the brush of something unspoken still hanging between you like fog.

People are everywhere—laughing, greeting each other, shifting through costumes and scripts—but your eyes land on him instantly.

You don’t make a move right away. You float. You hover. But eventually, your steps guide you to him naturally. Like you always knew you’d end up here.

“Hey,” you say softly, eyes flicking to the camera in his hands.

He looks up, smile flickering across his face like a secret sunrise. “Hey.”

There’s a pause. A comfortable one. You point toward the lens. “Can I try it?”

Without hesitation, he nods and passes it to you. “Yeah. Just—here, let me show you.”

His hands find yours briefly, not lingering too long, but long enough for your breath to catch. His fingers brush over your knuckles as he helps guide the settings. His voice is low and steady, explaining shutter speed, aperture, ISO. But you’re not sure you’re absorbing any of it.

You take a few photos—of props, people milling about, the dim lighting of the room—and hand it back to him.

He studies the shots, then glances sideways at you. “Your shutter speed’s a little slow,” he observes quietly, tapping the preview screen. “But… it kind of works. Gives it that blurred, dreamy feeling.”

You shrug, trying to hide your smile. “Maybe I like things dreamy.”

He huffs a small laugh. “Makes sense.”

You don’t expect it, but halfway through the run-through, as the actors block their scenes and your team quietly captures the process, Wonwoo steps up to you and leans in just slightly. “Hey—I’m stepping out for a bit. Just grabbing something. I’ll be back.”

You blink. He doesn’t owe you that information. You’re not his keeper.

But he told you anyway.

You nod. “Okay.”

And just like that, he’s out the door, leaving you blinking in his absence, heart skipping a little at the odd weight of his words.

When rehearsal ends, the atmosphere shifts—lighter, more playful. You chat with some of the cast, laugh at a misplaced prop, tease the director. Wonwoo returns not long after, slipping back into the room as quietly as he left. You find yourselves near each other again, your conversations casual, threaded with inside jokes and that familiar, teasing rhythm that only the two of you seem to fall into.

He’s packing up his things when you realize someone from the media team left her camera by your feet.

“Ugh,” you groan to your actor friends nearby. “I have to go all the way to the sixth floor just to give this back.”

They offer sympathy. One jokes about charging a delivery fee. You laugh, wave them off, and start to gather your things. But before you go, your eyes instinctively find Wonwoo’s.

“Bye,” you say to everyone—and then to him.

“Bye,” he murmurs back, smile soft but unreadable.

You step out of the theater and catch the media member just outside. She thanks you for the camera, and you’re about to head down the hall when—

“Y/N!”

You freeze.

It’s his voice—clear, loud, carrying through the corridor like a thread pulling tight. You turn around and see Wonwoo jogging a few steps in your direction.

“Did you get to give it back?” he asks, slightly breathless.

You nod, confused but flustered. “Yeah, I just did.”

“Okay,” he says. That’s all. Just… okay.

You smile again, heart buzzing. “Bye again,” you say with a playful edge.

“Bye,” he echoes, but this time there’s a hint of something warmer behind it.

You turn and walk away, the sound of your name still ringing in your ears. You try to play it cool, but your chest is blooming.

There was no reason for him to call after you.

And yet—he did.

You thought the last rehearsal would be the final thread holding the two of you together—at least officially. Summer was around the corner. 

Final projects, last-minute submissions, yearbooks being signed. You were preparing yourself to let it all go. Not in a dramatic way—just in that bittersweet, slow-sinking way of something beautiful coming to an end.

And then came the announcement.

A teacher from a different department—one who always had a knack for roping in the creative kids—stopped by the theater during cleanup. Her eyes scanned the room until they landed on you and Wonwoo, both crouched near the stage packing up cables.

“Ah, perfect,” she said. “You two. I’ve been meaning to catch you.”

You both looked up at the same time.

“There’s a school-wide exhibit coming up for the art and design program. We’re collaborating with a few other departments for a showcase… installations, student projects, performances. It’s a pretty big deal. And we need solid documentation and marketing this time around.”

You didn’t even have time to ask before she continued.

“I’ve already spoken to your teacher—he told me about the work you two did for the play. Said you were a good pair. So we want you two onboard.”

Wonwoo’s brows lifted slightly. He glanced at you. You blinked back, heart thudding.

“I’d like you, Y/N, to take on the Head of Marketing position for this,” she added, tapping the clipboard in her hand.

“You’ve got the eye and the leadership. Wonwoo, you’d be working with her closely on all things media—teasers, photo documentation, day-of coverage. You two work well together.”

You swallowed. “Okay… sure. That sounds great.”

Wonwoo simply nodded beside you. “I’m in.”

“Fantastic,” the teacher beamed. “We’ll send out the formal schedule and assignments by next week. But consider yourselves part of the core team. Oh—and this runs through early July.”

July.

You barely caught the rest of her words, your thoughts already drifting. This wasn’t just a post-grad event. This meant more late nights. More creative meetings. More hallway encounters and shared glances over camera screens.

You and Wonwoo were still going to be working together.

After she left, you sat back on your heels, pretending to tie your shoe while the theater buzzed around you.

Wonwoo shifted beside you. “Didn’t expect that,” he murmured.

You looked at him. “Nope. But… I’m not complaining.”

His lips twitched, a quiet smile tugging at the corner. “Me neither.”

And just like that, the next chapter started writing itself—quietly, naturally, as if the universe had decided your story wasn’t finished yet.

Not even close.

© rubyuji 2025’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Where the Roses Bloom (Joshua Hong) ✞⋆⭒˚.⋆

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Genre: Slowburn, Angst

AU: 1950s AU

Pairing: Friar!Joshua x Afab!Reader

Warnings: Working unconventional jobs (Reader is a dancer in the red light district because she's a run away), Seungcheol is an asshole

Synopsis: A wealthy runaway seeking freedom and a devout seminarian devoted to faith find an unexpected connection in Crimson Lane, where love becomes their greatest salvation and torment. Torn between their hearts and the lives they are destined to lead, they are forced to confront sacrifice, identity, and the cost of their choices.

Note: I've been obsessed with Hilda Furacão lately and am currently watching it because the story is so intriguing, so why not publish my own take on Hilda and Malthus' story you know? Also, I'm so glad I've found the time to publish a few more works in my busy schedule because I've missed writing. I hope you guys enjoy reading! Don't forget to like + reblog as always.

W.C: 7.2k

You are the beloved daughter of a wealthy, conservative family, a fragile porcelain doll meant to adorn the halls of high society. Every word you speak is measured, every gesture rehearsed, every smile carefully crafted to maintain the illusion of perfection your family has built around you.

You have always known your place in their world—a tool to be wielded in their quest for status and legacy.

But tonight, the cracks in that porcelain threaten to shatter completely.

“You bring shame to this family!” your father’s voice thunders through the drawing room, his face flushed with fury. He paces back and forth like a predator circling its prey, while your mother sits rigidly on the velvet settee, her lips pressed into a thin line. 

“Do you even realize what you’ve done? Do you understand the humiliation you’ve caused us?”

Your fiancé stands off to the side, his arms crossed and a self-satisfied smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He says nothing, content to let your parents do the dirty work of berating you. 

You can still feel the sting of his earlier words, the way he dismissed your reluctance as childishness and called you ungrateful for even questioning the life planned for you.

“Humiliation?” you finally snap, your voice trembling but strong enough to cut through the oppressive atmosphere. “The only humiliation here is being forced into a marriage with a man who sees me as nothing more than property!”

“Watch your tone!” your father bellows, slamming his hand against the mahogany table. “You will marry him, and you will do so with dignity. That is your duty to this family.”

“And what about my duty to myself?” you demand, your voice breaking. “Don’t I deserve to choose my own life? To be something more than just a pawn in your plans?”

“Enough!” your mother interjects sharply, her icy gaze locking onto yours. 

“You are selfish, ungrateful, and disgraceful. Do you think anyone else would have you after this display? Your childish rebellion ends now. Tomorrow, you will apologize to your fiancé and prepare for the engagement ceremony.”

The room falls silent, the air thick with unspoken threats and unrelenting pressure. You look at each of them—your father, red-faced and seething; your mother, cold and unyielding; and your fiancé, smug and victorious. It feels as though the walls are closing in, the weight of their expectations suffocating you.

“I’d rather die than live like this,” you whisper, the words tumbling out before you can stop them.

Your father stiffens, his face twisting with rage, but you don’t wait for him to respond. Instead, you turn on your heel and storm out of the room, the sound of your mother’s sharp voice calling after you fading into the background.

You run to your room, grabbing a small bag and stuffing it with essentials—money, jewelry, a coat. 

The thought of staying here one more night, of bowing to their will and losing yourself completely, is unbearable. With shaking hands, you throw open the window and climb out, your heart pounding as you disappear into the cool night air.

The city is a blur as you wander, your breath visible in the chilly air. Tears sting your eyes, but you refuse to let them fall. You’ve made your choice. There’s no turning back now.

By the time you reach Crimson Lane, your feet ache, and your throat is raw from the cold. 

The district looms before you like a forbidden dream—a world of sin, danger, and freedom. Smoke rises from narrow alleyways, mingling with the faint strains of music and the chatter of strangers.

You stumble, and a hand reaches out to steady you. A woman with painted lips and tired but kind eyes looks you over, taking in your disheveled appearance and the fine fabric of your coat.

“You’re not from here, are you?” she asks, her voice gentle but wary.

You shake your head, your voice faltering as you say, “I… I have nowhere else to go.”

She studies you for a moment, then gestures for you to follow her. “Come on, then. You’ll freeze out here.”

She leads you deeper into the district, where the streets glow with lantern light and the scent of spice and smoke fills the air.

The people here are rough around the edges, their laughter loud and unapologetic, but there’s a warmth to them—a sense of camaraderie that you’ve never felt in your old life.

The woman introduces herself as Lucia and takes you to La Rosa, a club that feels like the beating heart of Crimson Lane. The velvet curtains, the glittering chandeliers, the sound of laughter and music—it’s a world so far removed from the one you left behind that it feels almost dreamlike.

“You’ll be safe here,” Lucia says. “We take care of our own.”

For the first time in your life, you feel a flicker of hope. Here, you are not a disgrace or a disappointment. Here, you are free to be whoever you want to be.

Joshua steps hesitantly onto the cobblestone streets of Crimson Lane, his polished shoes carrying him into a world that seems to pulse with temptation and sin. The air is thick and heavy with the mingling scents of smoke, cheap liquor, and perfume. 

Neon signs flicker above the doorways of clubs and gambling dens, casting the streets in a kaleidoscope of red and gold. Laughter and music spill out into the night, wild and unrestrained, unlike anything he’s ever known.

He grips the cross hanging from his neck, the smooth metal cool against his palm, as if to remind himself of who he is and why he’s here. 

This place feels godless, a maze of excess and indulgence, yet it is precisely where he believes his mission lies. Beneath the vice, he is certain there is still humanity—still souls waiting to be saved.

Joshua’s purpose tonight is clear: to bring a young man, barely more than a boy, back to the fold. The boy has been seen frequenting La Rosa, a club infamous even in this district.

Its reputation precedes it—a place of opulence and decadence where rules are rewritten nightly. Joshua’s breath quickens as the club comes into view, its crimson façade glowing like an ember in the darkness.

The doorman eyes him with suspicion as he steps inside, but no one stops him. The moment he enters, the atmosphere changes. It’s warmer, almost stifling, and alive with sound. 

The low hum of a saxophone weaves through the air, mingling with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The scent of wine and something floral—jasmine, maybe—lingers in the room, intoxicating and overwhelming.

He scans the room, searching for the boy, but his attention is drawn to the stage. The lights dim, and the murmur of the crowd fades as a figure steps into the spotlight.

And then he sees you.

You command the stage with an effortless grace, your every movement exuding confidence and allure. The dress you wear shimmers under the soft glow of the lights, its fabric hugging your figure in a way that makes the audience hold their breath. 

You are radiant, magnetic, and utterly otherworldly. But what strikes Joshua most is your voice—a sultry, melodic sound that seems to reach deep into his chest and pull something loose.

His heart stirs in a way it never has before, and for a moment, the weight of his faith feels distant. He forgets his mission, forgets the boy, forgets where he is. All he can do is watch as you weave your spell, your voice filling every corner of the room.

And then, as if sensing his gaze, you look at him.

The moment your eyes meet his, time seems to slow. You’ve seen countless faces in your time at La Rosa, most of them predictable—men with hungry eyes and insincere smiles, women with envy or admiration etched into their expressions. But he is different.

There’s something pure in the way he looks at you, something almost reverent. His gaze doesn’t linger on your body like the others; instead, it searches your face, as if he’s trying to understand you. It unnerves you, yet you can’t look away.

Joshua’s grip on his cross tightens, a silent prayer forming on his lips as his mind races.

Who are you? How can someone so captivating, so seemingly untouchable, exist in a place like this? He feels a pang of guilt for the way his heart beats faster, but there’s something deeper, something undeniable, that draws him to you.

The song ends, and the applause erupts, breaking the spell. You step back from the spotlight, but your gaze flickers toward him once more before you disappear into the wings. Joshua stands frozen, the world around him fading into a blur.

Later that night, as the crowd thins and the music softens, Joshua lingers near the edge of the stage. He tells himself it’s to wait for the boy, to fulfill the purpose that brought him here. But his eyes keep darting toward the backstage entrance, his mind replaying the moment your eyes met his.

When you finally approach, your footsteps soft against the polished floor, he feels a jolt of panic and something else—anticipation. You stop in front of him, your head tilted in curiosity. 

Up close, you’re even more stunning, but there’s something in your expression that takes him by surprise. Beneath the confidence, there’s a flicker of vulnerability, a depth that the stage lights couldn’t fully reveal.

“You don’t look like the type to spend your nights in places like this,” you say, your voice softer now, laced with intrigue.

Joshua clears his throat, his fingers brushing against the cross again. “I’m… not,” he admits, his voice steady despite the storm in his chest. “I’m here for someone. A young man from my parish.”

“Ah,” you reply with a wry smile. “A shepherd in the den of wolves.”

Your words are teasing, but your tone isn’t cruel. There’s a warmth in your gaze that disarms him, even as his instincts tell him to tread carefully. “I believe there’s good here,” he says, surprising even himself with the conviction in his voice. “Even in a place like this.”

Your smile falters, just for a moment, and Joshua catches the shadow that crosses your face. “Goodness,” you murmur, almost as if testing the word. “Not many would think so.”

He opens his mouth to respond, but you step closer, your presence enveloping him in a way that makes the world feel impossibly small.

“So, what’s your name, shepherd?” you ask, your eyes studying him with genuine curiosity.

“Joshua,” he answers, his voice barely above a whisper.

You repeat his name, letting it roll off your tongue as if savoring its simplicity. For a moment, you forget about the performance, the crowd, the life you’ve built in La Rosa. There is something about this man, something untainted and sincere, that draws you in despite yourself.

And as you stand there, the weight of your respective worlds pressing against you, neither of you realizes how deeply your lives are about to intertwine.

The first time you and Joshua meet outside of La Rosa, it’s in the quiet corner of a small café tucked away from the chaos of Crimson Lane.

You arrive first, your coat wrapped tightly around you to ward off the chill, though you know it does little to shield you from the prying eyes of those who recognize you.

When Joshua enters, his presence shifts the room. He isn’t dressed in his cassock but in simple, clean-cut clothes that make him seem less like a devout seminarian and more like a boy trying to blend into a world he doesn’t belong to.

Still, his earnest gaze gives him away, and the way he hesitates before sitting across from you tells you he’s nervous.

“You came,” you say softly, sipping your tea to mask the flicker of relief in your voice.

“I wasn’t sure if I should,” Joshua admits, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve. “But I thought… maybe you needed someone to talk to.”

The words catch you off guard. Most men come to you with expectations—of entertainment, of distraction, of something shallow and fleeting. But Joshua looks at you as if he genuinely wants to understand, to know the real you beneath the performance.

“I’m not used to people wanting to just ‘talk,’” you reply, your lips curling into a small smile.

He smiles, too, and for a moment, the tension between you eases. “I’m not like most people.”

Your meetings become a routine, a secret shared only between the two of you. Sometimes you meet in quiet cafés; other times, it’s in the park just as dawn begins to break, the city still cloaked in silence.

Joshua asks you questions no one has ever dared to ask. “Do you ever miss your old life?” he asks one morning, his voice gentle but probing.

You pause, your gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun spills golden light over the rooftops. “I miss parts of it,” you admit. “The security, maybe. The certainty. But not the suffocation.”

Joshua nods, his expression thoughtful. “And now? Do you feel free?”

You turn to him, meeting his earnest gaze. “Freedom isn’t as simple as leaving behind what holds you back. It’s… complicated.”

He doesn’t push further, but the way he looks at you lingers, as if he’s trying to piece together a puzzle that’s missing too many pieces.

The conversations shift over time, becoming deeper, more intimate. Joshua talks about his faith, his calling, and the doubts that sometimes creep in despite his unwavering belief in something greater.

“I’ve always wanted to help people,” he says one evening, the two of you seated on a bench under the soft glow of a street lamp. “To give them hope, to remind them that they’re not alone. But sometimes… I wonder if I’m enough.”

“You’re more than enough,” you say, the words slipping out before you can think better of them. He looks at you, startled, and you feel a rush of heat rise to your cheeks. “I mean… you’ve already helped me, haven’t you?”

Joshua’s expression softens, and for a moment, the distance between your worlds feels smaller.

The unspoken desires between you grow harder to ignore. There are moments when your fingers brush as you walk side by side, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver through you. 

When he speaks, his voice low and full of conviction, you can’t help but imagine what it would be like to pull him closer, to feel the weight of his devotion turned entirely toward you.

For Joshua, the temptation is both exhilarating and terrifying. He tells himself that he is here to guide you, to help you see the light. But with every meeting, every shared smile, he feels the foundation of his faith tremble. 

You are not the sinner he expected to find in Crimson Lane. You are complex, brave, and endlessly captivating.

In you, Joshua sees a reflection of his own humanity—the doubts he wrestles with, the longing for something more than the rigid path he has chosen. And in him, you see the purity and sincerity you thought the world had forgotten.

One night, after hours of quiet conversation and stolen glances, the silence stretches between you. The streets are unusually still, the usual hum of Crimson Lane reduced to faint murmurs and the occasional clatter of footsteps in the distance. 

You’re seated on a weathered wooden bench beneath a streetlamp that flickers every so often, casting fleeting shadows across your faces. The glow illuminates Joshua’s profile, highlighting the soft curve of his jaw and the furrow in his brow that deepens when he’s lost in thought.

The air between you feels heavier tonight, charged with something unspoken, a tension that neither of you has dared to fully acknowledge.

You’re no stranger to silences, but this one feels different, as if the words trapped within it could change everything.

“Joshua,” you finally say, your voice barely audible against the stillness. 

His name lingers on your tongue, familiar and strange all at once. It feels too intimate, like a secret you’re not sure you should share, yet you’ve never been able to call him anything else.

He turns to you, his eyes meeting yours with that quiet intensity that has always disarmed you. His gaze is steady, but there’s a vulnerability in it tonight, a crack in the armor of his resolve.

“Do you ever wish things were different?” you ask, the words tumbling out before you can stop them. Your voice trembles slightly, betraying the depth of your hesitation. “That you could… choose a life that wasn’t already decided for you?”

Joshua doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looks away, his eyes following the faint outline of smoke curling from a nearby chimney. His fingers toy with the cross hanging around his neck, the movement absentminded yet telling.

“I think about it,” he says after a long pause, his voice thick with emotion. “Sometimes, when I’m alone, I wonder what it would be like to live without all the expectations. To… to make choices just for myself.”

His confession surprises you, and you feel a pang of something you can’t quite name—relief, perhaps, that even someone as steadfast as Joshua isn’t immune to doubt. “And what would you choose?” you ask, leaning closer without realizing it.

He hesitates, his gaze flickering back to you. For a moment, you see the walls he’s built around himself falter.

“I don’t know,” he admits, his voice barely above a whisper. “But I think about you.”

The words hit you like a storm, sudden and all-consuming. Your breath catches, and for a moment, you forget how to speak. “Me?” you manage, your voice unsteady.

Joshua nods, his eyes searching yours for something—understanding, perhaps, or courage. 

“I think about the way you talk about freedom, about wanting to find yourself. I’ve spent my whole life trying to give myself to something greater, to serve a purpose beyond myself. But when I’m with you… I don’t feel lost. I feel like I’m finally being seen.”

The honesty in his words is almost too much to bear. You feel your throat tighten, your chest aching with the weight of emotions you’ve tried to suppress.

“You see me, too,” you say, your voice trembling. 

“Not the person I pretend to be at La Rosa, or the daughter my family wanted me to be. You see the parts of me I thought were long gone.”

The silence that follows is deafening, every breath, every heartbeat magnified. You want to reach for him, to close the small distance between you, but you’re paralyzed by the fear of what it might mean.

“Do you ever wonder if we were meant to meet?” you ask quietly, your words tentative, as if afraid to give them too much power.

Joshua’s lips curve into the faintest smile, a mixture of sorrow and something almost like hope. “All the time,” he says. “But I also wonder what it means. If this—if we—are a test or a gift.”

You don’t know how to respond. You don’t know how to tell him that the mere thought of him has become both your solace and your torment, that he’s made you question everything you thought you knew about yourself.

“I don’t have the answers,” you say softly, your gaze dropping to the ground. “But I know that being with you makes the world feel less heavy. And maybe that’s enough.”

Joshua reaches out then, his hand hovering between you as if he’s fighting an internal battle. Finally, he lets it rest gently on yours, the touch warm and grounding. You look up at him, startled, but he doesn’t pull away.

“Maybe it is,” he whispers, his voice barely audible.

In that moment, the world around you seems to fade, the noise of Crimson Lane replaced by the quiet rhythm of your breathing. For the first time in what feels like forever, you allow yourself to believe in the possibility of something more.

The change in Joshua is subtle at first, almost imperceptible to those around him. He still attends his daily prayers and still preaches sermons that touch hearts and inspire hope, but there’s a new uncertainty in his eyes, a hesitance in his voice when he speaks of his calling. His mentor at the parish, Father Miguel, notices the shift and questions him one evening.

“You seem troubled, Joshua,” Father Miguel says gently, his gaze steady but not unkind. “Is there something you wish to confess?”

Joshua hesitates, the weight of his secret relationship with you pressing heavily on his chest. He shakes his head, offering a polite smile. “No, Father. I’m just… reflecting on my work here.”

Father Miguel doesn’t push, but his concern lingers. “Remember, doubt is part of faith. But so is discernment. Pray on it, Joshua, and trust that you’ll find your way.”

Joshua nods, but the advice feels hollow. He doesn’t need to pray to know what troubles him—it’s you.

For you, the change is more visceral. The armor you’ve worn for so long, the persona you’ve carefully crafted at La Rosa, begins to crack.

Joshua’s faith and kindness, so foreign in a world that has often shown you cruelty, force you to confront truths you’ve buried.

One night, after a particularly vulnerable conversation, you find yourself staring at your reflection in the mirror backstage at La Rosa. The vibrant makeup and glittering costumes no longer feel like a shield but a mask you’re desperate to shed. 

You think of Joshua’s words, his belief that goodness exists even in the darkest places, and wonder if you could ever truly believe that about yourself.

Later, as you and Joshua sit on the steps of a quiet chapel he’s introduced you to, you let the words spill out. “I’ve spent so much of my life pretending,” you admit, your voice trembling. 

“Pretending to be the perfect daughter, pretending to be strong, pretending that none of this bothers me. But with you…” You pause, struggling to find the words. “I feel like I don’t have to pretend anymore.”

Joshua reaches for your hand, his touch gentle but firm. “You don’t,” he says quietly. “You never did. You’re enough just as you are, Y/N.”

His words undo you, tears slipping down your cheeks as the weight you’ve carried for so long begins to lift.

But the fragile connection you’ve built with Joshua doesn’t go unnoticed. In a world as tightly knit as Crimson Lane, whispers spread faster than wildfire.

At La Rosa, the staff begins to exchange knowing looks, their smiles laced with curiosity and judgment. Madame Maria, always watchful, pulls you aside one evening after a particularly dazzling performance.

“You’ve been distracted lately,” she says, her voice light but with an undertone of steel. Her sharp eyes bore into you, assessing every flicker of emotion that crosses your face. “Is there something—or someone—you’d like to tell me about?”

Your heart races, but you force yourself to remain composed. “I don’t know what you mean,” you reply, carefully neutral.

Maria’s smile doesn’t waver, but there’s a knowing glint in her eyes. “Be careful, darling,” she says, her tone softening slightly. “You may think you’re invincible, but the world outside these walls has a way of tearing people like you apart. And men like him…” She trails off, shaking her head. 

“Men like him don’t belong here.” The warning lingers in the air, unspoken yet clear: your relationship with Joshua is a risk, not just for you but for him as well.

Joshua also faces his share of scrutiny. His absences and distracted demeanor don’t go unnoticed by the parish elders, who begin to question his commitment. 

One evening, as he prepares to leave for another secret meeting with you, Father Miguel intercepts him at the church doors. 

“Joshua,” the older priest says, his tone firm but kind, “it’s clear that something is weighing on you. You’ve always been a man of conviction, but conviction without clarity can lead you astray. Is there something you need to confess?”

Joshua hesitates, his hand tightening around the strap of the bag slung over his shoulder. “I’m… just trying to help someone,” he says, the words feeling both true and insufficient.

Father Miguel’s expression hardens, though his voice remains gentle. “Sometimes, the greatest tests of faith come disguised as acts of kindness. Be sure you are not mistaking temptation for charity.”

Joshua looks away, guilt and longing warring within him. 

“She’s not a temptation,” he says quietly. “She’s someone who’s lost, someone who deserves to be seen, to be valued. I can’t turn my back on her.”

Father Miguel sighs deeply, his disappointment palpable. “Then you must ask yourself, Joshua, if this is the path you truly wish to walk. Because once you choose, there may be no turning back.”

The scrutiny grows, and the walls around your relationship begin to close in. You find yourself plagued by doubts late at night, wondering if holding on to Joshua is selfish, if you are pulling him away from a life he was meant to live.

One evening, as you and Joshua sit together in the dimly lit chapel, the weight of everything finally becomes too much to bear.

“They’re watching us,” you whisper, your voice trembling. “People are talking, and I… I can’t let them ruin you, Joshua. You’ve worked so hard for this life.”

Joshua reaches for your hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “You’re not ruining me,” he says, his voice steady but thick with emotion.

“You’ve made me question things I was too afraid to question before. You’ve shown me that there’s more to faith than rules and expectations. There’s… love. Compassion. Humanity.”

“But what if I’m a mistake?” you ask, your voice breaking as tears threaten to spill. “What if loving me ruins everything you’ve built?”

Joshua’s gaze softens, his thumb brushing gently over your knuckles.

“You’re not a mistake,” he says, his voice quiet but full of conviction. “And if loving you is wrong, then maybe everything I’ve been taught about right and wrong isn’t as simple as I thought.”

His words hang in the air, a declaration that feels both like a promise and a challenge. 

As the night stretches on, the line between what is right and what is necessary blurs, leaving the two of you caught in the fragile, intoxicating space in between.

The fragile world you and Joshua have built begins to teeter as the shadows of your past and the expectations of his present loom closer.

It begins with the sudden arrival of your former fiancé, Seungcheol—a man you thought you’d left behind forever. He finds you at La Rosa one evening, standing in the crowd with a smug, self-satisfied smirk that sends a shiver down your spine. 

You’re performing when you see him, your practiced poise faltering ever so slightly as his face registers in the crowd. Panic coils in your chest, but you force yourself to finish the performance, smiling and bowing as though your world hasn’t just shifted on its axis.

Afterward, he waits for you in the dimly lit corridor outside your dressing room, leaning casually against the wall as though he belongs there.

“Y/N,” he says, his voice dripping with mockery. “Or should I say, Scarlet?”

You glare at him, your pulse racing as you step closer. 

“What do you want, Seungcheol?” You hiss, his name slipping off your tongue like venom. He chuckles, his smirk widening. 

“What I’ve always wanted. Control. You humiliated me, Y/N—running off like that, abandoning your family, your responsibilities, me. Do you have any idea what kind of scandal you caused?”

“I don’t care,” you snap, though your voice betrays the fear bubbling just beneath the surface. “You don’t own me, Seungcheol. You never did.”

His smile hardens, his tone growing cold. “Maybe not. But I do know things about you—things the world would love to hear. And I imagine your new… friend wouldn’t fare too well if they knew he was involved with someone like you.”

The threat hits its mark, your breath hitching as dread seeps into your bones. 

“Leave him out of this,” you say, your voice firm despite the tremor in your hands.

Seungcheol shrugs, his eyes glinting with malice. “That’s up to you, darling. You come with me, quietly, and I’ll forget about this sordid little chapter of your life. Stay here, and I’ll make sure everyone knows exactly who you are—and what you’ve done.”

Meanwhile, Joshua faces his own challenges. His growing absences and distracted demeanor have not gone unnoticed by his superiors at the parish. Father Miguel, once quietly concerned, now takes a firmer approach.

“You’ve been neglecting your duties, Joshua,” he says one evening, his tone sharper than usual. “The parish is a sacred commitment, one that requires your full devotion. I’ve given you time to reflect, but it’s clear your heart is no longer here.”

Joshua stiffens, guilt flickering across his face. “That’s not true, Father. I’ve been serving the people, just… in a different way.”

Father Miguel narrows his eyes, his voice dropping into a warning tone. “Serving them? Or serving yourself? I’ve heard the rumors, Joshua. About her. Is it true?”

Joshua hesitates, the weight of his connection to you pressing heavily on his chest. 

“It’s complicated,” he finally says.

“Faith is not complicated,” Father Miguel retorts sharply. “It is a path of sacrifice and conviction. If you continue down this road, you will not only jeopardize your future in the church but also your soul.”

The tension between your two worlds becomes unbearable as Seungcheol’s threats grow bolder and Joshua’s superiors demand he sever ties with Crimson Lane entirely.

One evening, you and Joshua meet in the chapel, the only place you both feel safe enough to speak freely. The dim light of the candles flickers across Joshua’s face as he sits beside you, his expression a mixture of anguish and determination.

“He’s threatening you, isn’t he?” Joshua asks, his voice tight with barely restrained anger.

You nod, your hands trembling as you grip the edge of the pew. “He wants me to go back with him, to leave this place—and you—behind. If I don’t, he’ll ruin both of us.”

Joshua’s jaw clenches, his fists curling in his lap. “You don’t have to go with him. I won’t let him hurt you.”

“But what about you?” you ask, your voice breaking. “Your superiors are already suspicious. If Seungcheol exposes the truth, they’ll force you to leave the parish. Everything you’ve worked for will be gone.”

Joshua turns to you, his eyes filled with an intensity that takes your breath away. “I don’t care about that,” he says firmly. “I care about you. I care about what’s right. If staying in the church means abandoning you, then maybe I’m not meant to stay.”

His words stun you into silence, your heart pounding as the gravity of his declaration sinks in. “Joshua,” you whisper, tears pooling in your eyes. “You can’t just give up everything for me. It’s not fair.”

“Fair or not, it’s the truth,” he says, his voice unwavering. “You’ve made me see things differently, Y/N. Maybe this is the test I’m supposed to face—not of my faith, but of my humanity.”

The decision weighs heavily on both of you. Seungcheol’s presence looms like a storm cloud, and Joshua’s faith is tested as he grapples with the idea of leaving behind a life he once thought was his calling.

In the quiet moments you share, there’s a sense of both urgency and tenderness, as though every touch, every word, could be your last.

Together, you must decide: will you stand against the forces threatening to tear you apart, or will you sacrifice your love to protect each other from a world that refuses to understand?

The days that follow Seungcheol’s threat and Father Miguel’s ultimatum feel like an unending storm, pulling you and Joshua in opposite directions. The quiet haven you had built together becomes fraught with tension, every meeting tinged with the unspoken knowledge that your time is running out.

You find yourself haunted by Seungcheol’s words. Every glance from a stranger feels like suspicion, every shadow a threat. At La Rosa, the staff are growing more curious, their whispers louder.

Even Madame Maria, who has always been fiercely protective of her own, seems hesitant now, her sharp gaze following you with a caution that wasn’t there before.

“Whatever you’re planning, darling,” she says one night after a show, her tone uncharacteristically soft, “be sure it’s worth the cost. Men like your Joshua—they don’t survive in places like this. And if you’re not careful, neither will you.”

Her words cut deep, but it’s the truth you already know.

Joshua, too, is unraveling. His prayers feel hollow, his faith no longer the comforting constant it once was. The parish feels foreign, its walls oppressive. Father Miguel’s disappointment lingers like a shadow, his words echoing in Joshua’s mind.

“This is your moment of truth, Joshua,” he had said during their last conversation. “You must choose. Your faith or this… distraction. You cannot serve both God and your desires.”

But how could he explain that you weren’t a distraction? That what he felt for you was not temptation but something more profound—something that made him question the very foundations of his beliefs?

Still, doubt claws at him. He wonders if loving you is selfish, if he is abandoning his calling for something fleeting. Yet every time he sees you, every time your eyes meet his, he feels that his path might lie not in the church but in the simple, devastating truth of his feelings for you.

One evening, as the tension reaches its breaking point, you meet in the chapel again, both of you weighed down by the decisions looming ahead. The air between you crackles with unspoken words, the silence heavy and suffocating.

“Joshua,” you finally say, your voice trembling, “we can’t keep doing this.”

He turns to you sharply, his expression a mix of desperation and sorrow. “Don’t say that. Don’t give up on us.”

“It’s not about giving up,” you reply, your voice cracking. “It’s about doing what’s right. Seungcheol’s not going to stop. Your superiors are already suspicious. If we keep this up, it’ll destroy us both.”

“Let it,” he says fiercely, his hands curling into fists. “I don’t care about the church, about their rules. None of it matters if I can’t be with you.”

“But I care,” you whisper, tears streaming down your face. “I care about what this will do to you, Joshua. You have so much good in you—so much to give. You’re meant for something greater than this. Greater than me.”

“Stop it,” he pleads, his voice breaking. “Stop saying that. You’re the one who’s shown me what faith truly means. You’ve made me see the world differently, made me feel alive in a way I never thought possible. How can you say you’re not worth it?”

“Because I love you,” you cry, your voice raw and aching. “And because I love you, I can’t let you throw your life away for me.”

The words hang between you, a devastating truth neither of you can escape.

Joshua’s shoulders slump, his resolve crumbling as he looks at you, his eyes filled with a pain that mirrors your own. “So this is it?” he whispers. “After everything, we’re just… walking away?”

You nod, though it feels like your heart is being ripped from your chest. “We have to. For both our sakes.”

He takes a shuddering breath, stepping closer to you. For a moment, you think he might argue again, but instead, he reaches for your hand, holding it tightly as though trying to memorize the feel of your touch.

“I’ll never forget you,” he says quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “No matter where I go, no matter what I do… you’ll always be with me.”

You choke back a sob, squeezing his hand one last time before pulling away. “And I’ll always carry you in my heart, Joshua. But we can’t keep holding on to something that was never ours to begin with.”

The days that follow are excruciating. Joshua resigns from his post at the parish, choosing to leave Crimson Lane entirely. He doesn’t return to the church but instead travels to another city, seeking to rebuild his faith and his purpose in the quiet solitude of helping others.

You remain at La Rosa, but everything feels different now. The lights seem dimmer, the music hollow. The mask you wear grows heavier with each passing day.

Seungcheol eventually loses interest, his threats subsiding as he realizes you’ll never return to him. But his presence leaves a scar, a reminder of the life you escaped and the one you can never fully leave behind.

Years later, you hear the whispers of Joshua. He has become a quiet figure of inspiration, dedicating his life to working with the marginalized. His name is spoken with reverence in places far from Crimson Lane, but the man who loved you remains a ghost in your memory.

For him, you remain a lingering ache, a lesson in love and loss that shaped the man he has become. And though you’ll never see him again, you carry him with you—a reminder of the man who taught you to believe in something greater, even if that belief meant letting him go.

In the end, your paths diverge, but the love you shared leaves an indelible mark—a bittersweet testament to what could have been and what was sacrificed for the sake of survival.

Epilogue:

The grand ballroom is bathed in golden light, chandeliers casting their glow over a sea of elegantly dressed guests. The hum of polite conversation mingles with the soft strains of a string quartet, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and calm.

The gala, held to raise funds for a foundation supporting marginalized communities, is a testament to second chances—a theme that seems almost poetic as you step into the room.

You’ve come far since your days at La Rosa. The years have transformed you, though the fire in your spirit remains. Now a philanthropist in your own right, you’ve built a life dedicated to helping others reclaim their dignity, much like you once reclaimed your own.

Dressed in an understated yet elegant gown, you move through the crowd with quiet confidence, exchanging pleasantries and offering kind words.

But then, as you glance across the room, you see him.

Joshua.

He stands near the edge of the ballroom, deep in conversation with an elderly patron. Time has softened his youthful features, but his presence is as commanding as ever. His tailored suit fits him impeccably, and his familiar calmness radiates outward, drawing others in with his sincerity.

Your breath catches, memories rushing back in vivid detail—the warmth of his voice, the way his hand felt in yours, the bittersweet goodbye that had shattered you both. You had imagined this moment countless times but never truly believed it would come.

Joshua turns as though sensing your gaze, his eyes scanning the room until they land on you. For a moment, the noise and motion of the gala seem to fade, leaving only the two of you in a shared silence.

His eyes widen briefly, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips before his expression softens into something more unreadable—nostalgia, perhaps, or quiet wonder.

You hesitate, unsure whether to approach or retreat. But then, he takes a step forward, and the decision is made for you.

“Y/N,” he says when he reaches you, your name falling from his lips like a prayer.

“Joshua,” you reply, your voice steadier than you feel.

The world seems to slow as you take each other in, noting the changes time has wrought and marveling at the things that remain unchanged.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” he says, his tone warm but tinged with surprise.

You smile softly, glancing around the room. “I could say the same about you. But then again, it doesn’t surprise me. This… this is exactly where you’re meant to be.”

He chuckles lightly, the sound stirring something deep within you. “And you? What brought you here?”

You shrug, your smile turning wistful. “Purpose. A second chance. I’ve learned a lot about how much people can overcome when someone believes in them.”

He studies you for a moment, his gaze filled with something like admiration. “You’ve always had that strength. Even when you didn’t see it in yourself.”

You feel your chest tighten at his words, the tenderness in his voice tugging at old wounds and forgotten hopes. “And you?” you ask quietly. “Are you happy?”

He nods, his smile reaching his eyes. “I am. Life isn’t what I thought it would be, but… it’s good. I’ve found peace in helping others. It’s fulfilling in ways I never imagined.”

You nod, feeling a bittersweet mix of pride and sadness. “I’m glad. You deserve that, Joshua.”

For a moment, silence stretches between you, filled with unspoken words. There is so much you could say, so much you could ask, but you both know the answers won’t change the past—or the choices you made.

“I’ve thought about you,” he admits suddenly, his voice quiet. “Over the years. Wondered how you were, what you were doing. If you were happy.”

Your throat tightens, but you manage a small smile.

“I’ve thought about you too. More than I should, probably.”

His expression softens, and he takes a half-step closer, his voice dropping. “Do you regret it? Walking away?”

You take a deep breath, your eyes meeting his with a mix of honesty and pain. “I don’t regret loving you, Joshua. Not for a second. But I think we both know it couldn’t have ended any other way.”

He nods slowly, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting yours again. “You were right,” he says. “About everything. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt.”

As the evening progresses, you find yourselves pulled back into the current of the gala. But even as you move among the other guests, you’re acutely aware of his presence, as though some invisible thread still connects you.

At the end of the night, you see him again, standing near the exit. He catches your eye, and this time, his smile is lighter, more peaceful. You return it, a silent acknowledgment of what you once shared—and what you’ve both become.

As you leave the gala, you carry the moment with you, a reminder that some connections endure even when paths diverge. Though you’ll never be together, the love you shared has shaped you both, leaving behind a legacy of strength, purpose, and bittersweet beauty.

© rubyuji 2025’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

She got the Ruby ๋࣭ ⭑🎸⊹ ࣪ ˖

“No way. I never knew how much I needed this kind of chaos until you showed up.” ᝰ.ᐟ

Genre: Slowburn, Fluff

AU: University AU

Pairing: Music Major!Woozi x Afab!Reader

Warnings: None

Synopsis: Jihoon had never been one for romance or dating—no one had ever truly caught his eye. But everything changed when he saw you bathed in the glow of red light at Soonyoung’s party, your ruby lips captivating him and making his heart race like never before. Why could you, a stranger, leave him so utterly spellbound?

Note: User rubyuji finally publishing a fic about her bias?! LMAO to be completely honest, this fic had been in my google docs for so long that I'm surprised it made it out despite the writer's block. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it! Don't forget to like + reblog as form of support!

W.C: 8.3k

Dating was never an option for someone in Jihoon’s league. His packed schedule aside, he barely left the house most of the time. Whenever his friends—emphasis on tried—attempted to introduce him to someone, the feedback was always the same: he was either too busy or seemed completely uninterested. 

It wasn’t entirely his fault, though. Jihoon had never quite found his footing in the dating world. Either the idea simply hadn’t appealed to him, or the person his friends introduced was too different for him to find common ground.

“Oh, come on! We’ve introduced you to, like, six people already, and you didn’t like any of them! You’re hopeless, Jihoon,” Soonyoung whined, dramatically flopping onto the couch beside his friend.

Jihoon barely spared him a glance, rolling his eyes as his fingers continued to move across the keyboard.

Soonyoung was a great friend—Jihoon couldn’t deny that. Even if he didn’t always show it, he cared about the guy a lot. But sometimes, Soonyoung could be a handful. His intentions were always good, sure, but Jihoon wasn’t ready to dive into the complicated world of relationships or love. Not now, not when all he could focus on was graduating, as if his entire life depended on it.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but being in a relationship is the least of my worries right now,” Jihoon sighed, closing his laptop with a faint click.

As if on cue, his other friend, Wonwoo, emerged from Jihoon’s room, looking like he’d just rolled out of bed after a long nap.

“You barely leave the house and hole up here like a damn hermit. You should take some time to relax once in a while, you know?” he quipped, leaning against the doorframe.

Jihoon rubbed his temples, his brows knitting together in mild frustration. He knew his friends meant well, but their constant prodding was starting to feel like a broken record.

Soonyoung suddenly gasped, drawing curious looks from the other two men. “How about this? We’re heading to my frat tonight—I’ve got a party planned. Maybe Jihoon could find someone to mingle with. It wouldn’t hurt, right? And if you end up hating it or don’t meet anyone, you can leave. No pressure.”

Jihoon’s mouth fell open like a fish out of water at Soonyoung’s suggestion.

He didn’t mind parties per se, but Soonyoung’s events were... something else. Case in point: Soonyoung had once woken up on the frat’s lawn after one of his infamous ragers and called Jihoon to help clean up the trashed house. But that was a story for another day.

Still, Jihoon found himself considering the idea. He hadn’t left his apartment in nearly a week, and after working nonstop, a change of scenery might not be the worst thing in the world.

Jihoon wasn’t a prude—far from it. He simply preferred to conserve his energy and steer clear of activities that drained him too much.

It was just part of his nature, and honestly, one of the reasons he couldn’t see himself dating someone too outgoing or high-energy. Still, this party might be an opportunity to step outside his usual bubble and meet someone new—someone who wasn’t just a direct connection to his friends.

“I’ll go this once, I guess. But if it’s a bust, I’m leaving immediately, like we agreed,” Jihoon sighed, his tone resigned.

From the kitchen, he heard the unmistakable sound of Wonwoo spitting out his water in shock, while Soonyoung erupted into cheers, dancing around the room like he’d just won the lottery.

Jihoon rolled his eyes but knew he couldn’t show up looking like a mess. If he was going to meet someone, he might as well make himself look presentable.

On the other hand, you weren’t exactly a fan of the party scene either. So why were you at Junhui’s frat, holding a red Solo cup, half-listening to Mingyu and Seokmin discuss some new workout Mingyu had discovered?

“Hey, are you even listening to me?” Mingyu huffed, snapping you out of your daze with an exasperated look.

You smirked, taking a sip from your cup. “Mingyu, you’re the biggest gym rat I know—besides Chan and Seungcheol. And Seok, don’t think you’re safe either. I’m not even surprised you found another workout to torture us with next week at the gym.”

Mingyu groaned dramatically while Seokmin burst out laughing at your comment. Shaking your head, you got up from your spot on the couch.

“Alright, I’m gonna go look for Saerom,” you announced, giving them a playful wave before weaving through the party crowd.

“If you see Minghao, let him know I’m looking for him,” Mingyu called after you. You gave a casual two-finger salute in response before heading to the kitchen, relishing the sudden drop in noise and the smaller crowd.

Saerom was leaning against the counter, deep in conversation with Jihyo. When they spotted you, both waved you over.

“Hey, have you guys seen Minghao anywhere?” you asked as you joined them.

Jihyo shrugged, and Saerom shook her head. “Mingyu’s looking for him, right? Well, no sign of him yet,” Saerom replied.

“Figures,” you chuckled. “Also, can you believe the party’s host is MIA? Imagine Soonyoung being late to one of his own ragers for once. That’s wild.”

Saerom laughed as she refilled your cup, the three of you slipping easily back into lighthearted conversation.

Before your friends can give out another remark, you guys hear Soonyoung’s boisterous laughter coming from the living room. “Looks like I spoke too soon?” You pout in faux disappointment. 

“Hey, isn’t that Lee Jihoon? Isn’t he in your class, Rom?” Jihyo pointed out, her finger directed toward the familiar face standing beside Seungcheol. Your brows raised in surprise.

As far as you know, Jihoon, along with Seungcheol, Wonwoo, and Mingyu, lived off-campus. So seeing him here was unusual—he was practically an anomaly in these parties, appearing only on rare occasions.

“That’s crazy, he’s actually at a party right now,” Saerom giggled. “We should go over to Soonyoung and see what’s up.”

You found yourself following your friends without much thought, a sudden interest in Jihoon sparking inside you.

He looks insanely good in that black button-up, and those forearms— The thought immediately made you snap back to reality, shaking your head slightly as you tried to regain focus.

“Y/N! Saerom, Jihyo! Looks like you made it too,” Soonyoung laughed, his voice bright as he spotted the three of you. Your friends rolled their eyes playfully, clearly used to Soonyoung’s usual antics.

“Yeah, we know she’s your favorite,” Jihyo teased, raising an eyebrow. “But seriously, how did you manage to convince THE Lee Jihoon to come to one of your wild frat parties?”

Soonyoung shrugged casually, glancing over at Jihoon, who was deep in conversation with Wonwoo and Junhui across the room.

“I don’t know. We talked about the party a while ago when we were at his place. I mentioned it, and he’s been holed up in his apartment all week, so I thought maybe he could use a break,” Soonyoung explained, reaching for a random Solo cup Jeonghan handed him, the latter seamlessly inserting himself into the conversation. 

“We also kinda wanted him to meet someone, but... that’s out of the question for now.” Soonyoung almost sighed as he said this, clearly not expecting much.

Your friends laughed at his comment, their attention drifting back to the conversation, leaving you free to let your gaze wander. It landed on Jihoon, just as it had moments ago.

You couldn’t deny it—Jihoon was undeniably attractive, and he was definitely your type. But you had no idea how to approach him, especially since you’d barely exchanged a word with the guy.

“Interested in Jihoon, huh? Can’t blame you. Soonyoung, Cheol, and practically everyone else has been on his case about getting a girlfriend—or at least starting to date someone,” Chan suddenly appeared beside you, causing you to jump in surprise. You hit his shoulder playfully, and he chuckled.

“I’ve barely spoken to him,” you sighed dramatically. “The only other time I’ve seen him was at Mingyu’s birthday, and the most we exchanged was him passing me a plate and me saying ‘thank you.’ I highly doubt he remembers that, considering he barely even looked at me.”

Chan laughed again, but this time he grabbed your arm and started pulling you toward the dance floor as the music grew louder and the crowd tipsier.

“Fine, take a moment to think about it. But for now, let’s dance! Give it your all—you didn’t take all of Soonyoung’s and my classes for nothing, right?” Chan yelled over the music, his grin wide.

You couldn’t help but laugh as Chan spun you into a playful dance battle, challenging you to keep up. Just then, the lights suddenly flickered off, and Junhui’s makeshift spotlights sprang to life, bathing the room in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors.

While you and Chan lost yourselves to the beat, Jihoon made his way over to where Jeonghan, Wonwoo, and Minghao were lounging, the latter two likely too lazy to join the chaos on the dance floor. He plopped down onto the beanbag next to Jeonghan, who glanced at him with mild curiosity.

“I didn’t expect to see you here. What made you change your mind?” Jeonghan asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jihoon shrugged casually, taking a sip from his Solo cup filled with Coke Zero. He wasn’t much of a drinker, so he had opted out of anything stronger.

“Soonyoung and Seungcheol insisted I needed to get out of the apartment and let loose a bit. I’d been holed up there all week, just going back and forth between home, university, and the gym, so I figured I’d give it a shot,” Jihoon explained, his gaze drifting to the dance floor.

His eyes found Mingyu in the middle of the dance circle before flitting over to you.

As you danced alongside Chan, Jihoon’s eyes lingered on you, captivated by your movements. Seokmin and Seungkwan were in the middle of their own dance battle nearby, but Jihoon couldn’t tear his focus away from you.

You looked... familiar. He was sure you had been at Mingyu’s birthday party, and he had seen you with Soonyoung around campus, but he never really paid much attention until now.

It was almost as if everything slowed down for Jihoon at that moment. He took in every detail—how you looked so effortlessly good while dancing, how the red light seemed to make you glow. Red was his favorite color, and seeing the hue reflected in the lipstick on your lips only made things worse as he tried to hide how drawn to you he felt.

“Dude, why are you so thirsty?” Soonyoung’s voice snapped Jihoon out of his daze, and he immediately felt heat rush to his face. Wonwoo laughed, clearly noticing Jihoon’s flushed ears, while Minghao tried to suppress a smile.

Jihoon was finally making progress in his love life, and his friends couldn’t be more proud of him for stepping out of his shell.

“Finally, someone’s caught your attention,” Soonyoung teased, his grin widening. “Do you want me to bring Y/N over?”

Soonyoung’s plan was falling into place perfectly. The fact that Jihoon was showing interest in you—of all people—was just ideal.

You were everything Jihoon needed. Well, almost. You weren’t big on the party scene and preferred staying in, though you did go out more often than him if invited by the right people (the ‘right people’ being Mingyu).

You had a personality that could easily draw people in, and on top of that, you were the full package: pretty, smart, and kind. But being as perfect as you were also meant that you had no shortage of admirers.

“You know, Y/N’s great. She’s practically Seungcheol’s other half,” Jeonghan said, clapping his hands enthusiastically.

Everyone around them was practically buzzing with excitement, seeing Jihoon finally step out of his comfort zone. Honestly, Jihoon felt a strange surge of courage; for once, he was ready to take a risk.

“I mean, if she’s that amazing, why not? But how do I even approach her?” Jihoon asked, glancing over again. This time, he saw you dancing with Mingyu, your smile outshining every light in the room.

“Y/N’s laid-back. She can talk to anyone if you just let her be herself,” Wonwoo chimed in. “She’s a bit of a yapper, but in the best way possible—everyone feels comfortable around her.”

Jihoon didn’t get a chance to respond because, just then, you and Mingyu started making your way toward their group, which set off an eruption of teasing from all sides.

You waved at the guys before gently ushering Mingyu off to have fun with the others, then settled on the couch beside Wonwoo. It just so happened to be the seat directly across from Jihoon.

“Y/N! You’re not really into the party scene. What made you come?” Soonyoung called out loudly. You shot him a questioning glance and laughed.

He knew you enjoyed a party every now and then, but then your eyes caught sight of Jihoon sitting next to him, and suddenly, you understood.

“You know I enjoy the occasional party, Soonyoung. Today’s no different—I just wanted to let loose a bit,” you replied, leaning forward on the couch to grab an empty red cup from the table. You filled it with whatever concoction was in the bowl nearby.

“Is this spiked, by the way? Don’t wanna end up drugged or anything,” you joked, raising an eyebrow. Wonwoo shook his head to signal that it was safe and that you trusted his judgment.

“Oh, and Y/N,” Jeonghan chimed in, “Jihoon here actually wanted to talk to you. Why don’t you two take a moment?”

A smile tugged at your lips as you realized this was your chance. Chan’s words echoed in your mind—a lot of people sought after you, but no one had ever really stood out—until now.

Jihoon caught your attention in a way that felt different, and with a little liquid courage in your system, you felt ready to take that first step. You were grateful for the alcohol, knowing that without it, you might’ve been a complete mess by now.

“Well, we’ll leave you two alone then,” Jeonghan smirked, causing you to flush. You noticed Jihoon looked just as flustered as your friends began to leave the room one by one.

An awkward silence settled between you, and you decided to make the first move, choosing to go with the flow.

After all, what did you have to lose—other than your dignity if Jihoon didn’t respond?

“I take it you’re not the most sociable type? Or a huge partygoer?” you chuckled awkwardly.

Jihoon chuckled too, nodding as he noticed your flustered demeanor. Just moments ago, you had seemed so confident, but now seeing you shy around him gave him a strange sense of comfort.

He wasn’t used to many women approaching him, especially since he had no experience in the dating scene. Soonyoung and Seungcheol had quite literally thrown him into the deep end.

Jihoon scratched the back of his neck nervously, his eyes meeting yours for the first time since the awkward silence.

"I guess you could say that," he said, his voice soft but a bit unsure.

"I’m more of a quiet type, not really into the whole party scene. But Soonyoung and Seungcheol… they’ve been pushing me to get out more. I’m not used to this kind of thing."

He gave you a small, sheepish smile, as if trying to lighten the moment. There was a warmth in his expression, a vulnerability that surprised you. It made you feel like you weren’t the only one navigating uncharted waters.

You couldn’t help but smile back, your own nervousness easing a little. "I get it. I’m not really a party person either," you replied with a chuckle.

"I like the idea of letting loose, but it always seems a bit overwhelming. I’m more of the 'quiet drink in the corner' type myself."

Jihoon laughed softly at that, the tension between you both melting away just a little bit more. It was strange, but in that moment, you both seemed to find common ground in your shared discomfort.

There was something about the way Jihoon looked at you now, something less guarded, as if he was starting to feel more comfortable.

"Yeah, I get what you mean," he said, his tone a little more relaxed.

"I’d rather be at home, with my laptop and music. At least there, I don’t have to deal with—" He paused for a moment, glancing around the chaotic party. "All this."

You laughed, nodding in agreement. "Exactly. There’s something peaceful about just being at home, away from all the noise. But hey, at least we’re both getting out, right?"

"True," Jihoon said with a smile that made your heart flutter. "I guess we’re both stepping out of our comfort zones."

You looked around for a moment, the buzz of the party now seeming a little more tolerable. "I wouldn’t say I’m exactly ‘stepping out’—more like ‘dragged out’," you teased, raising an eyebrow.

Jihoon chuckled at that, and you noticed how his eyes lingered on you for just a moment longer than usual.

The playful banter seemed to ease the nerves you were both feeling. It was refreshing to talk to someone who understood that sometimes, a quiet escape was more appealing than all the loud distractions in the world.

As if to prove his point, Jihoon glanced toward the dance floor, where his friends were causing even more chaos, and let out a long, exaggerated sigh.

"I swear, they get louder every time. I feel like I might go deaf just by being around them."

You laughed at that, and before you knew it, you were both talking more comfortably, sharing little details about yourselves. You were beginning to realize that maybe, just maybe, this night wasn’t as bad as you had originally thought.

"By the way," Jihoon said after a beat, suddenly looking a little hesitant again.

"I hope I’m not being too forward, but… if you’re not busy later, maybe we could grab a drink or something? I mean, I know this place is kind of… well, loud, but it could be nice to talk more, you know?"

Your heart skipped a beat at the offer, and you tried to hide your surprise with a smile. "Yeah," you replied, a little more confidently than you felt. "I’d like that."

The moment hung between you two, and for the first time that night, the noise of the party seemed to fade into the background, leaving just the two of you in a bubble of quiet connection.

The next day, you found yourself sitting with Mingyu and Seungkwan at a quiet café, the bright morning sun filtering through the windows.

You had been eager to tell Mingyu about your interaction with Jihoon the night before, especially after how much your friends had teased you about it.

Seungkwan, ever the curious one, was also there, sipping his coffee with a raised eyebrow, clearly interested in hearing what had happened.

"So," Mingyu started, leaning forward with a grin.

"How was last night? Did you end up talking to Jihoon like you said you would?" He shot you a knowing look, clearly trying not to make it too obvious that he was playing matchmaker in his own way.

You chuckled, feeling a bit sheepish at the memory.

"Yeah, we actually did talk. I mean, it wasn’t anything super exciting or dramatic, but we had a decent conversation. He's... surprisingly easy to talk to, you know?"

Seungkwan raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "I thought Jihoon was like the silent, brooding type. What did you guys even talk about?"

You shrugged, a smile playing at your lips as you recalled the night.

"We mostly talked about how neither of us are really into the party scene. We ended up bonding over how much we’d rather stay home than deal with all the noise. It was actually kind of nice, just... quiet, you know?" You caught Mingyu’s knowing smirk and rolled your eyes.

"Stop it. I’m just saying we connected a little more than I expected."

Mingyu and Seungkwan exchanged a glance, and Seungkwan raised his cup in a mock toast. "Well, looks like you’re in the clear then. It’s not every day someone gets Jihoon out of his shell."

"Right?" You laughed, trying not to let your excitement show too much. "I didn’t expect it either. But I guess he’s not as intimidating as I thought."

Just as Seungkwan was about to say something else, your phone buzzed on the table. You grabbed it, expecting a random message, but when you saw the name on the screen, your heart skipped a beat.

It was Jihoon.

Hey, it’s Jihoon. I got your number from Cheol. Would you be free to hang out after your classes are done today?

You couldn’t help but smile as you read the message. Your friends were watching you closely, no doubt noticing the shift in your demeanor.

"You okay there, Y/n?" Mingyu asked, a teasing grin on his face. "Something got you smiling like that?"

You bit your lip, quickly typing out a reply, trying not to let your excitement show too much. Sure, I’d like that. I finish class around 4. How about then?

As you hit send, you glanced up at your friends. Seungkwan was grinning widely, clearly having caught onto what was happening. "Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with mischief. "Looks like someone’s got a date on their hands."

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at your lips.

"We’re just hanging out," you said, trying to play it cool. "But yeah, I guess we’ll see how it goes."

Mingyu raised his cup again, his grin widening. "You know, I always knew Jihoon had it in him. I’m just glad someone finally got him to make a move. Let’s see where this goes."

You couldn’t help but feel a little giddy at the thought. Jihoon had actually asked you to hang out. After everything that had happened last night, this felt like the beginning of something new—and you were more than curious to see where it would lead.

The afternoon passed in a blur, and as soon as your last class ended, you hurriedly made your way back to your apartment to get ready for your date with Jihoon. You were a bit nervous but also excited—this was a new experience for both of you, and the idea of spending time together in a more intimate setting had you feeling hopeful.

As you walked into your apartment, you were greeted by the sound of music blaring from the living room. Yerin, your roommate, was lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone.

“Whoa, slow down there!” Yerin called out with a teasing grin as she looked up from her phone. “A date tonight? Are you rushing to see him or something?” She raised an eyebrow and put down her phone, clearly enjoying the playful jab.

You froze for a second, a flush creeping up your neck. “I’m not rushing! I just... want to look good, okay?” You quickly grabbed your clothes for the evening from your closet, trying to brush off Yerin’s teasing.

Yerin sat up on the couch and leaned forward with a sly smile.

“Uh-huh, sure. You know, I was starting to wonder if Jihoon was actually real or if he was just a figment of your imagination. But now it looks like you’re actually getting ready for him.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “Shut up, Yerin. I’m just trying to make sure everything goes well tonight.”

Yerin laughed, crossing her arms. “I’ll be here, waiting to hear all the details when you get back! I’m expecting the full scoop.”

You quickly finished getting ready, making sure to choose a stylish but comfortable outfit. You knew Jihoon wasn’t exactly the flashy type, so you opted for something that felt both casual and a little special.

Once you were done, you grabbed your bag and walked out of your room. As you stepped out into the living room, Yerin was still lounging on the couch, her eyes glinting with mischief.

“I’m serious, I want the full report later,” she called as you made your way to the door. “Have fun, and don’t forget to text me when you’re on your way back!”

You chuckled, throwing her a playful wave before stepping out the door.

When you arrived at the restaurant, Jihoon was already waiting for you outside. He looked a little nervous but also endearingly handsome, standing there in a smart button-up and dark jeans. His eyes lit up when he saw you, and his expression softened into a smile.

“Hey,” Jihoon greeted, stepping forward. “I hope this place is okay. I figured it might be more... private for our first time hanging out like this.”

You smiled back, feeling a surge of affection for how thoughtful he was. “It looks perfect. Very cozy, just what I needed after a long day.” You gently bumped your shoulder against his as you greeted him.

Jihoon seemed to hesitate for a moment, then reached into his bag and pulled out a small bouquet of red roses. Your heart skipped a beat as he offered them to you, his cheeks turning slightly pink.

“I... I thought these might brighten your day.”

You were momentarily taken aback by the gesture. Jihoon wasn’t the most outwardly romantic person, but the red roses made it clear how much he was putting himself into this. “Jihoon, these are beautiful. Thank you,” you said, your voice softer than usual.

“Of course,” Jihoon mumbled, his ears tinged with pink. “I wanted to make tonight a little special.”

You took the flowers, your heartwarming at the gesture. "You definitely did."

Jihoon led you into the restaurant, a sleek, modern spot known for its great ambiance and exquisite food. As you stepped inside, the dim lighting, soft music, and cozy atmosphere made it feel like the perfect setting for a first date. You quickly spotted the table he had reserved, a secluded spot with a view of the rest of the restaurant.

You sat down, and for a moment, there was a brief, awkward silence.

"So," you started, trying to ease the tension, "you’ve clearly got some taste. This place is nice."

Jihoon chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I actually googled a few places... and picked one that looked like it wouldn't make me look too much like a rookie. Not that I’m exactly experienced in this stuff," he admitted with a sheepish smile.

You couldn’t help but smile at his honesty. "Don’t worry, Jihoon. I’m definitely not an expert either. We’re both figuring this out, right?"

Jihoon nodded, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and nervousness.

"Yeah, we’re in this together."

The waiter approached, and after a brief moment of looking over the menu, you and Jihoon placed your orders. As the waiter left, Jihoon met your gaze again, his expression softening.

"So," he said, leaning in a little, his tone quieter now, "what’s been keeping you busy lately? Besides... school, obviously."

You laughed softly, feeling more comfortable now that the initial awkwardness had passed. "Honestly? Between classes and spending time with friends, I’ve just been trying to make some time for myself. It’s been a lot of balancing everything, you know?"

Jihoon nodded, his eyes reflecting a deeper understanding.

"Yeah, I get that. I’ve been stuck in my routine lately, just going to class, the gym, and back home. It feels like the same thing every day, so I figured... maybe it was time to break out of that a little."

You smiled, a soft laugh escaping you. "Well, you definitely made the right decision tonight. It’s nice to step out of the routine every once in a while."

Jihoon smiled back, his gaze lingering on you longer than usual. "Yeah. And I’m glad it’s with you."

The words hung in the air between you, but instead of making things feel heavy, they only added to the warmth between you both. Just then, the waiter arrived with your drinks, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics as the evening progressed.

As the weeks passed, Jihoon and you began to fall into a comfortable routine.

After each of your classes, you’d find yourself grabbing a quick bite to eat at the diner near campus, or sometimes just walking home together, talking about everything from random observations to deeper conversations about life.

 It had started off a bit awkward, but now, it felt effortless, like you had both found something meaningful in the mundane moments.

Jihoon was starting to appreciate the routine. It wasn’t something that had ever appealed to him before—he’d always been the kind to keep to himself, going through the motions of class, gym, and home without seeking much beyond that. But with you, he found himself looking forward to these little moments. 

He loved hearing about your day, even the small things you thought were unimportant. Your laughter became a highlight of his afternoon, and as silly as it might’ve sounded, he loved walking beside you, his hand brushing against yours as you talked.

One particular day, after a long class, Jihoon met you outside the building, your usual spot. His eyes softened when he saw you, and despite the crowds, he only had eyes for you. You were wearing a loose sweater and jeans, your hair tucked into a messy bun, looking effortlessly cute.

“Hey, ready to go?” Jihoon asked, offering you a small smile. You nodded, pulling your bag over your shoulder.

“Yeah, just finished my last lecture. Let’s get food, I’m starving.”

“Same here,” Jihoon replied, glancing down at his phone. “How about that diner? I’m craving their fries today.”

You laughed, nudging him with your shoulder as the two of you started walking. “You and your fries. But sure, that works for me.”

The walk to the diner was filled with comfortable conversation, the two of you easily slipping into familiar banter.

As you entered the diner, you found your usual booth by the window and sat down, already chatting about how your day had gone. Jihoon, for the first time in a while, felt completely at ease.

Then as you two dug into your food, Jihoon noticed something he hadn’t before—how he found himself looking forward to this part of his day.

He was actually looking forward to seeing you, to sharing these moments. And it wasn’t just about the food or the walk anymore; it was about spending time with you.

Later that week, Soonyoung, who had been hanging out with Jihoon more recently, couldn’t help but notice the subtle shift in his friend’s behavior.

Jihoon, who used to brush off talks about relationships or showing any kind of emotion, had been smiling more, his mood noticeably lighter. Soonyoung wasn’t exactly one to shy away from calling things as they were, and it didn’t take long for him to notice what was happening.

“Okay, what’s going on with you?” Soonyoung asked one day, leaning against the doorframe of Jihoon’s room, a teasing smile on his face.

Jihoon, who had been lounging on his bed with his laptop open, looked up in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“You’re different,” Soonyoung said, crossing his arms. “You’re actually smiling. You’re not as... grumpy anymore. Did you get a new pet or something?”

Jihoon chuckled, shaking his head. “No, no new pet. Just... you know. Life’s good.”

Soonyoung raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk forming. “Uh-huh. So, it’s ‘life’s good,’ huh? Is this about Y/n?”

Jihoon froze for a second, his eyes widening. He wasn’t exactly trying to keep things a secret, but Soonyoung was quick to catch on. “What?” Jihoon tried to brush it off, but it was no use.

“I knew it,” Soonyoung said, grinning. “You’ve got a thing for her, don’t you?”

Jihoon let out a frustrated sigh, but a soft smile tugged at his lips. “It’s not like that. We’ve just been hanging out a lot lately. I’m not sure what’s going on.”

“Oh, please,” Soonyoung laughed, throwing himself onto Jihoon’s bed.

“I’ve known you long enough to tell when you’re crushing on someone. You’ve been acting differently, Jihoon. You actually care about your schedule now. You used to skip meals like it was nothing, but now I see you going to class early, and I even saw you texting Y/n before your last lecture yesterday.”

Jihoon felt his cheeks heat up. “Okay, okay, you got me. But it’s not a big deal.”

Soonyoung sat up, his grin never fading. “You’re so obvious, man. You’re just making it worse by trying to act like it’s nothing. Just admit it: you like her.”

Jihoon sighed but couldn’t help the smile that broke out across his face.

“Fine, I like her. Happy now?”

Soonyoung let out a dramatic gasp. “I knew it! Jihoon’s got a crush! You two are so cute. But seriously, don’t mess it up.”

Jihoon ran a hand through his hair, the smile still on his face. “I’m trying not to. It’s just... I’ve never really done this before, you know?”

Soonyoung patted Jihoon’s back. “It’s all good. Just take it easy. You’re doing fine. Just keep being yourself.”

As the conversation ended, Jihoon found himself thinking about how much he had changed over the past few weeks.

He wasn’t just going through the motions anymore; he was actually living, enjoying these moments with you. And he couldn’t help but think that maybe—just maybe—there was something more to explore between the two of you.

It was a Friday night, and you were at your apartment with Yerin and Jennie, sprawled across your couch with snacks, blankets, and plenty of gossip.

The three of you had been best friends for what felt like forever, and sleepovers were a tradition. You’d all gathered to catch up, share some laughs, and spill some tea—this time, about your not-so-secret crush.

Yerin was curled up with her phone, scrolling through TikTok, while Jennie, ever the gossip queen, was snuggled under a blanket beside you, eagerly waiting for you to spill the details.

“So,” Jennie said, raising an eyebrow and giving you a mischievous smile. “How’s Jihoon? Been seeing each other a lot lately?”

You paused for a moment, unsure if you were ready to admit just how much you liked him yet. But you knew your best friends well, and there was no point in holding back.

They’d seen you go through a million crushes, and they weren’t about to let you keep this one under wraps for long.

“I mean…” you began, glancing at Yerin for support, “It’s been nice, really nice. We’ve been hanging out a lot lately—like, almost every day after class.”

Jennie’s eyes immediately widened. “Wait, what? Every day? Are you telling me that you two have become, like, regulars at that diner near campus?”

“Yeah, pretty much,” you chuckled. “We get dinner there after classes, talk about anything and everything. It’s kind of become our thing.”

Yerin, who had been half-paying attention, looked up from her phone at the mention of Jihoon. “Wait a second, hold on. I thought Jihoon was this… grumpy, antisocial guy. You know, the one who never really goes out?”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought, too,” you said with a small laugh. “But honestly? I think he’s just been waiting for the right person. And I guess… maybe I’m that person.”

Jennie grinned widely, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement. “Oh my god, I knew it! I saw the way you two were around each other last time, and I was like, ‘Something’s going on here.’ You two just click.”

Yerin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “So, how does he feel about you? You’ve been spending all this time with him. Have you two… talked about anything serious yet?”

You took a deep breath, feeling the fluttering in your chest as you thought about Jihoon.

“We haven’t really defined anything yet. I think we’re both just taking things slow. But honestly, I feel like there’s a connection there, something real.”

Yerin smiled knowingly, setting her phone down. “I can tell you like him, Y/n. And I’m glad he’s making you happy. Just make sure to take it slow and enjoy the ride. You don’t have to rush into anything.”

Jennie, ever the romantic, added, “Yeah, but also, when are you two going to make it official? I’m dying to hear how this all goes down.”

You laughed, brushing your hair out of your face. “I don’t know if we’re at that point yet. We’re still just figuring things out.”

“Right, right,” Jennie teased. “But I know how you are, Y/n. You’re gonna make him fall for you, and it’s going to be cute. You two are a total power couple in the making.”

You rolled your eyes, but deep down, you appreciated their support. “I’m just trying to enjoy these moments with him right now. But… I don’t know. I think I’m starting to like him more than I expected.”

Yerin leaned back, resting her head on the pillow, clearly satisfied with the conversation.

“You’re allowed to like him, Y/n. Honestly, I think Jihoon’s a good match for you. He’s different from the guys you usually go for. He seems like he genuinely cares.”

Jennie gave a dramatic sigh. “I’m already calling dibs on being your maid of honor whenever you two get married.”

Yerin snorted, throwing a pillow at Jennie. “Are you trying to jinx it already? Slow down, lovebird.”

You laughed, feeling a warmth in your chest as your best friends teased you. It felt good to talk about Jihoon, to let someone else in on what you were feeling. It was different from all the other crushes you’d had, and you knew that it was only the beginning of something special.

But for now, you were content to take it one step at a time, with your friends by your side and Jihoon slowly making his way into your heart.

After a long and stressful week of finals, you were finally free. The relief that flooded over you was immense, and the anticipation of meeting Jihoon made it even sweeter.

You had both been texting throughout the week, but with finals consuming all of your time, you hadn't been able to meet up. Tonight, though, was different.

Jihoon had messaged you earlier, asking if you wanted to meet up once you were done with everything. You could already feel the excitement building in your chest.

As you walked out of the library, the crisp night air greeted you, and your phone buzzed in your pocket. Jihoon’s message appeared on the screen:

Jihoon: "Hey, I was thinking we could grab dinner. You deserve a break after finals. I’ll meet you at that place we like near campus, yeah?"

You smiled at the message and quickly typed back:

You: "Sounds perfect. I’ll be there in 15 minutes."

You quickly made your way to the restaurant, the weight of finals lifting off your shoulders with each step.

When you arrived, you spotted Jihoon waiting for you outside, his usual shy smile lighting up his face as soon as he saw you. He looked great, as always, but there was something about him tonight—something more confident, like he had been looking forward to this just as much as you had.

“Hey,” you greeted, your voice already filled with warmth.

“Hey, Y/n. How was the last exam?” Jihoon asked, his voice a little more relaxed than usual, but still filled with genuine interest.

“It was tough, but I’m just happy it’s over. I could finally breathe,” you said with a smile.

Jihoon chuckled softly, pushing open the door to the restaurant and letting you go in first. The place was cozy, with dim lighting and soft jazz music playing in the background.

You’d been here a few times before, and it always felt like the perfect spot to relax and enjoy good food.

“So, what’s the plan now that finals are done?” Jihoon asked as you both sat down. He’d already taken the liberty of ordering a drink for you, something you’d mentioned you liked in passing weeks ago. It was a small gesture, but one that made your heart flutter.

“Honestly, I just want to take it easy and catch up with you,” you said, your voice gentle. “I’ve missed this.”

Jihoon smiled, and you could tell he felt the same. “Same here. I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”

After you both ordered your meals, the conversation flowed effortlessly. It was easy with Jihoon, like you didn’t have to worry about the awkward pauses or overthinking what you said. It just felt natural.

You talked about how your finals had gone, the stress, and everything in between. Jihoon, despite his quiet nature, opened up more than usual, and you could tell the weight of the past week had lifted from his shoulders as well.

As the evening went on, Jihoon casually leaned back in his chair and seemed to hesitate for a moment, almost as if gathering his thoughts. You didn’t mind the pause, enjoying the quiet comfort of just being in each other’s company.

“I know we’ve been through a lot recently with exams and everything, but… I’ve been thinking about something,” Jihoon began, his voice soft.

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What is it?”

Jihoon took a deep breath, and you could see the hint of nervousness in his expression. “I’ve really enjoyed these past few weeks with you, Y/n. More than I expected, honestly. I know we’re both busy, but I want to see you more. Not just as a friend… but as something more.”

Your heart skipped a beat, and you felt a blush creep up your neck. “Jihoon…”

He smiled shyly. “I’m not good with words, but… I really like you. A lot. I want to be with you. Would you be my girlfriend?”

The words hung in the air between you, and for a moment, all you could do was stare at him, the realization hitting you hard. You had felt the same way, but hearing him say it out loud made everything feel more real.

A smile spread across your face as you reached out, taking his hand across the table. “Yes, Jihoon. I’d love to.”

The relief on his face was instant, and you could see the happiness in his eyes. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear that.”

And in that moment, with the lights of the restaurant casting a soft glow around you, everything felt right. It was the perfect end to a stressful week—and the beginning of something even more beautiful.

After dinner, Jihoon suggested that you both head to his place. He had mentioned before that he had a small studio where he worked on his music, and tonight, it seemed like the perfect time to finally show you what he’d been working on.

“You know, I was thinking of taking you to my studio,” Jihoon said as you walked side by side toward his apartment building. “I’ve been working on something… and I think it’s time I share it with you.”

You raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Something? What is it?”

Jihoon just smiled, his gaze a little more secretive. “You’ll see.”

Once you arrived at his place, Jihoon led you up to the small studio in the corner of the building. The space was cozy, but you could immediately tell it was filled with character.

There were posters of old-school musicians on the walls, a few vintage records stacked neatly in one corner, and the warm light from a desk lamp illuminated a red guitar leaning against a chair.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Jihoon said, gesturing to the couch. “I’ll just grab my guitar.”

You sat down, looking around the room, the quiet hum of anticipation settling in your chest. Jihoon moved around the room, picking up the guitar and tuning it for a moment before sitting down beside you.

His fingers brushed the strings, testing them one last time, before he looked at you, his expression soft and sincere.

“I wrote this song a while ago,” Jihoon began, his voice low, almost as if he were gathering courage. “And honestly, I didn’t know if I would ever share it with anyone. But when I started to really think about it, I realized… you’re the inspiration for it. I wanted to play it for you.”

You watched him, your heart already fluttering. “Jihoon…”

With a soft breath, he started playing, the chords flowing from the guitar as if they had been meant for this moment. The melody was gentle at first, and as he sang the lyrics, his voice blended effortlessly with the soothing tune.

It was clear that every word was carefully chosen, every note filled with emotion. And as the song progressed, you could feel the weight of his words hitting deep.

The lyrics were simple but beautiful, each line a reflection of how Jihoon saw you—his "ruby"—his muse, his heart’s desire.

As the last note faded, Jihoon set the guitar down beside him and looked at you, his eyes slightly unsure. “I… I know it’s a lot, but I wanted you to hear it. Because you’re the one who inspired it.”

You were silent for a moment, taking in everything—the song, his vulnerability, and the realization that Jihoon had really opened up to you in a way he hadn’t with anyone else. It took you a second to gather your thoughts, but when you finally spoke, your voice was soft, filled with sincerity.

“That was beautiful, Jihoon,” you whispered, your heart swelling. “I can’t believe you wrote that for me.”

Jihoon’s expression softened, and for a moment, he looked a little embarrassed. “I didn’t know how to tell you. But now, I guess there’s no hiding it anymore.”

You smiled, reaching out to touch his hand. “I’m really glad you did.”

There was a brief silence, but this time it was comfortable, filled with the weight of the connection you shared. Jihoon looked at you, his eyes full of warmth and something deeper. It was clear to you now—he had fallen for you, and he had done it in the most beautiful way possible.

After a few beats, Jihoon spoke again, his voice quiet but steady.

“You know,” he began, his tone playful but filled with sincerity, “you really have a way of turning my entire routine upside down.”

You raised an eyebrow, still feeling the warmth of the music and his words. “Oh really? What do you mean by that?”

Jihoon chuckled softly, the sound low and comfortable.

“I mean, my life was pretty predictable before you came around. Gym, classes, music, rinse and repeat. But now, it’s like—” he trailed off for a second, gathering his thoughts, “—I actually look forward to getting out of bed in the morning, you know? To seeing you.”

Your heart fluttered at his words, but you couldn’t resist teasing him. “Oh, so I’m just some distraction now, huh? Are you telling me I’ve become the highlight of your boring routine?”

Jihoon’s eyes softened, a smile curling at the corners of his lips as he leaned in closer, his voice dropping just a little. “If that makes me sound like I’m complaining, then yes. You’re the perfect distraction. The best one I never knew I needed.”

You let out a small laugh, not able to hide how happy that made you feel. “I don’t know if I should feel flattered or worried.”

“You should definitely feel flattered,” Jihoon teased, tapping the back of his hand against your knee. “But seriously, I’m really glad you’re in my life now. It’s like... you’ve made everything a little more exciting.”

You met his gaze, the playful air between you both still hanging, but something deeper flickered in his eyes now—something genuine, something real.

“Well, I’m glad I’m not just some distraction then,” you said, shifting slightly to face him fully. “And here I thought you were going to tell me I was ruining your carefully planned life.”

Jihoon chuckled, shaking his head. “No way. I never knew how much I needed this kind of chaos until you showed up.”

There was a brief pause, and then Jihoon leaned in a little closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “You know, it’s nice having someone who actually doesn’t mind the mess I call my life.”

“Well, good thing I’m here then,” you replied with a wink. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

Jihoon smiled, a mix of playfulness and tenderness in his expression. “Good. Because I kind of like this version of my life now. With you in it.”

With that, he gently tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, and as he did, you both shared a quiet moment, the atmosphere charged with the kind of ease that came only with truly being yourselves around each other.

The hum of his guitar, still resting by his side, seemed to match the rhythm of the moment. And as Jihoon leaned back into his seat, he added with a cheeky grin, “Also, just so you know… if you ever need a song to get stuck in your head, you’ve got the perfect one now.”

You laughed, nudging him lightly with your shoulder. “Yeah, I think that’s gonna be stuck in my head for a while. Especially when it’s your fault.”

Jihoon’s grin widened. “You’re welcome,” he teased.

© rubyuji 2025’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Just like Magic (Yoon Jeonghan) 🪄⋆｡ °✩

“Then we stop pretending,” . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ ✶⋆.˚

Genre: Slowburn, Enemies to Lovers

AU: Hogwarts / Harry Potter AU!

Pairing: Slytherin!Jeonghan x Slytherin!Reader

Warnings: None

Synopsis: Since your first year at Hogwarts, Yoon Jeonghan has been the bane of your existence—a smug, untouchable thorn in your side. But as much as you'd like to keep hating him, somehow, he’s managed to slip into a place he was never meant to be: your heart.

Note: I’m gonna air out a few unfinished fics I started last year and complete them in 2025 because I feel like they’ve been in my docs for too long. Enjoy this Hogwarts au of Jeonghan that I conjured up in the shower LMAO. As always, don’t forget to like + reblog to support me and other writers!

W.C: 9.7k

“Can you not space out like that? You’re scaring them, Y/N. At least try not to look directly at people while doing it,” Joshua, your ever-optimistic Hufflepuff friend, sighs dramatically as if the world’s weight rests on his shoulders.

You shoot him a side-eye, rolling your own with practiced ease.

“I wasn’t trying to scare anyone. It’s called thinking, Joshua. Something I know you struggle with.”

It wasn’t entirely untrue. You had been lost in thought, though it wasn’t intentional.

Pair that with your natural resting bitch face—a look that could rival even Snape’s—and it was no wonder half the school thought you were silently plotting their demise.

Joshua, unbothered by your jab, leans in closer with a sly grin. “You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were thinking about Jeonghan again.”

His words hit like a rogue Bludger. You scoff, but the heat creeping up your neck betrays you.

“I was not,” you snap, maybe too quickly.

“Why would I waste a single thought on that stuck-up, attention-hogging show-off?”

“Because he’s your partner as Head of your house?” Joshua offers casually.

“And the third top Slytherin achiever? Oh, and let’s not forget—the best seeker Hogwarts has seen in years. Face it, Y/N, the guy’s basically perfect.”

“Perfectly insufferable,” you mutter darkly, blowing your bangs out of your face. “And for a Hufflepuff, you sure fit into Slytherin’s scheming tendencies pretty well.”

Joshua laughs, nudging your shoulder playfully.

“Only when it comes to you two. Honestly, Y/N, I don’t know how you managed to dislike someone this much for so long.”

“I have my reasons,” you reply with a scowl. Not that you could name a single one off the top of your head. 

In fact, you were someone who got along with everyone, having friends from every house and being well acquainted with a ton of students in Slytherin, all except Jeonghan.

Jeonghan’s always had an attitude towards despite your little friend group being formed, you felt hopeless making peace or even attempting to be civil with the boy after the third year and grew to despise him even more as you all grew older. 

However, you couldn’t exactly remember when you both despised each other in particular, the back and forth was just always there.

The rivalry felt like an eternal curse—something that had existed as long as Hogwarts itself. Even the professors had given up trying to mediate your feud after the second year.

To some, it was a source of entertainment, but to people like your mutual friends, it was a pain in the ass to be around you both. Even being in the same space as you two felt suffocating.

“Anyway, it’s not just me. Jeonghan’s attitude doesn’t exactly inspire warm feelings, you know,” you argue as you both head to class.

Joshua raises an eyebrow.

“Sure, he’s confident, maybe a little too proud sometimes. But he’s also loyal, gives great advice, and would probably hex anyone who messed with his friends. He’s not as bad as you think, Y/N. You just don’t know him well enough.”

“Don’t want to,” you cut him off with a huff, quickening your pace. 

The last thing you needed was a Jeonghan appreciation lecture right before Charms. Especially since the devil himself would be there too, probably smirking like he owned the place.

You could already picture it: his lazy, knowing grin as if he could see right through you. It was infuriating. And if Joshua thought one impassioned speech would make you change your mind, he was sorely mistaken.

“You and Jeonghan barely got to know each other that well, partly his fault honestly. I swear, whenever you’re both in a room together, it immediately becomes uncomfortable as shit and it doesn’t help that I have like three classes with you two, you know? You’re constantly at each other’s throats,”

Joshua started, but this only made you walk faster, which prompted your friend to match the pace.

“As I was saying, though I admit he is confident and too proud at times, it’s honestly nothing we can’t handle when it’s what makes Jeonghan, well– Jeonghan. I swear he isn’t always like that when you get to know him on a deeper level of friendship, he’s genuinely someone who deeply feels and cares a lot. He even gives reasonable advice and is a shoulder to cry on,” he finishes. 

To be fair, that was probably one of the longest lectures you’d ever had from Joshua about Jeonghan as you were walking to a class. It was a new record for him, and you couldn't help but stifle a chuckle.

“You know what, forget it Josh, you can’t change my mind.” 

You huff again, which causes the taller male to roll his eyes at your stubborn behavior, hastily following you into the classroom and ready to have yet another insufferable hour of hearing both you and Jeonghan going at it in the class. 

As expected, Jeonghan was already in the Charms classroom when you and Joshua arrived, chatting casually with a group of Slytherins like he didn’t have a care in the world. His head turned slightly as you walked in, a flicker of amusement crossing his face when he saw you.

“Y/N,” he greeted, his voice smooth, as always. “Late again, I see.”

You grit your teeth, resisting the urge to hex him on the spot. “Still finding ways to be obnoxious, I see.”

The class chuckled, and even Professor Flitwick had to clear his throat to hide a smile. Jeonghan’s smirk only deepened.

“You wound me,” he said dramatically, placing a hand over his chest as if you’d just hit him with a stunning spell. “I was just trying to be friendly.”

“Try harder,” you muttered as you slid into your seat, Joshua giving you a pointed look that screamed, Why do you make everything worse for yourself?

Later that night, sleep evaded you. Again.

Instead of tossing and turning in your dorm, you found yourself climbing the spiral staircase to the Astronomy Tower.

Joshua had suggested a late-night meetup with your group—a chance to vent, relax, and maybe, just maybe, distract yourself from the growing weight of exams and responsibilities.

You carefully climb up the tower stairs, already seeing Joshua and Seungcheol’s towering silhouettes as they engage in conversation. 

This was probably one of the perks of having other prefects as friends because you could always get out of trouble no matter what, which is an abuse of power but the teachers could honestly care less. 

When you reached the top, Seungcheol and Joshua were still deep in conversation. Wonwoo stood to the side, leaning against the railing as he fiddled with his wand absentmindedly.

“Finally!” Seungcheol called when he noticed you. “We were starting to think you got caught by Filch.”

“As if Filch could catch me,” you scoffed, grinning as you stepped closer.

The group was quick to settle into their usual dynamic, teasing and laughing as you all sprawled out on conjured cushions and blankets. For a moment, it felt like the world outside the tower didn’t exist—a rare pocket of peace in the chaos of your seventh year.

That is, until Jeonghan arrived.

“Great,” you muttered under your breath as his unmistakable silhouette emerged from the staircase. Jihoon was with him, of course, the two chatting in low tones before stepping into the moonlit space.

Jeonghan’s gaze landed on you almost instantly. “Y/N,” he said in that irritatingly smooth voice, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

“Jeonghan,” you replied, matching his tone with as much sarcasm as you could muster.

“Play nice, you two,” Seungcheol warned, though his amused expression made it clear he wasn’t expecting much.

The tension between you and Jeonghan was palpable, but you were determined not to let it ruin your night.

“Let’s just get this over with,” you grumbled, plopping down next to Wonwoo, who was trying (and failing) to stifle a laugh.

“Don’t worry, Y/N,” Jeonghan said as he sat across from you, his smirk never wavering. “I’m sure we’ll get along someday. Maybe even tonight.”

You narrowed your eyes at him. “Not likely.”

The night sky stretched wide above you, stars glimmering like scattered jewels. It was a calming backdrop to what would likely turn into a chaotic session of venting, given the group’s usual behavior out of class.

Seungcheol broke the silence first. “Alright, since none of us can sleep, let’s get this out of the way. Who’s stressed out of their mind and wants to share first?”

Jihoon sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’ll go. The N.E.W.T.s are killing me. Between studying, writing essays, and fulfilling head boy duties, I don’t even know what day it is anymore.”

“I feel you,” Wonwoo chimed in, leaning back against a cushion. “Every professor seems to think their class is the only one that matters. I’ve got three essays due next week, and I haven’t started any of them.”

“Procrastination at its finest,” Jeonghan teased, earning a glare from Wonwoo.

“Oh, like you’re any better,” Wonwoo shot back. “Don’t pretend you’re not skating by on charm and last-minute cramming.”

Jeonghan grinned lazily. “Hey, if it works, it works.”

“Not all of us can flirt our way through life,” you muttered, unable to resist taking a jab.

Jeonghan turned to you, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t flirt my way through life. I’m just efficient.”

“Efficient at being a pain in my ass,” you retorted.

Seungcheol groaned, cutting in before the bickering could escalate. “Can we not? Just for tonight?” He turned to Jihoon. “Don’t worry too much about the N.E.W.T.s. You’ve been over-prepared for everything since our first year. You’ll ace them, just like you always do.”

Jihoon gave a small, appreciative nod, though the tightness in his shoulders didn’t ease.

Joshua spoke up next. “Honestly, I’m more worried about what comes after school. We’ve spent so long here that it feels strange to think about leaving. What if I mess it all up?”

The group fell silent for a moment. The future was a looming shadow for all of you, something you tried not to think about but couldn’t entirely ignore.

“You won’t mess up,” Wonwoo said firmly. “None of us will. We’ve worked too hard to fall apart now.”

“You’re awfully optimistic for someone drowning in essays,” Jeonghan teased.

Wonwoo shrugged. “Hey, someone’s gotta balance out your cynicism.”

“I get it, though,” you admitted, fiddling with the edge of your robe. “The pressure of trying to live up to everyone’s expectations. It’s… exhausting.”

All eyes turned to you, and for once, Jeonghan didn’t have a snarky comment ready.

Seungcheol offered you a reassuring smile. “You’re one of the strongest people I know, Y/N. If anyone can handle it, it’s you.”

You nodded, though the knot in your chest didn’t loosen. It wasn’t often you opened up, and it felt strange to be so vulnerable, especially with Jeonghan sitting right there.

The late-night venting session came to an end as the clock tower chimed faintly in the distance, signaling it was far past curfew.

“Alright,” Seungcheol announced, clapping his hands and stretching his arms over his head. “We’d better head back before Filch catches us. I’d rather not spend the night scrubbing cauldrons.”

The group groaned collectively but began gathering their things. You flicked your wand, and the conjured cushions and blankets vanished with a soft pop.

As you descended the tower stairs together, the usual chatter accompanied you. 

Joshua and Seungcheol were debating the best techniques for dueling, while Jihoon muttered something about needing coffee to survive tomorrow’s classes. Wonwoo simply walked in silence, looking like he was half-asleep already.

But one person wasn’t talking.

Jeonghan, who was almost always the center of attention with his sharp quips and endless teasing, hadn’t said a word since you’d opened up earlier. Instead, he lingered at the back of the group, his expression unreadable.

You found yourself glancing over your shoulder more than once, expecting some sarcastic comment or smug grin aimed at you. But none came. Instead, his gaze seemed distant, and his usual air of smug confidence was nowhere to be found.

What’s his deal? You thought, furrowing your brows.

“Y/N, you coming?” Joshua called, pausing at the base of the stairs. The group had stopped without you noticing.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming,” you replied quickly, shaking off your thoughts as you caught up.

As Head Girl, it was your duty to make rounds in the halls before returning to the Slytherin dorms. Unfortunately, that meant being paired with Jeonghan, who shared the same role on the boys’ side.

“Alright, see you all tomorrow,” Seungcheol said, giving a lazy wave as the Gryffindor boys headed toward their common room.

“Good luck,” Joshua whispered to you with a wink, clearly enjoying the fact that you’d be stuck with Jeonghan for the remainder of the night.

You shot him a glare before turning to your unwelcome companion. Jeonghan was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his expression neutral.

“Ready to get this over with?” you asked, hoping to sound annoyed rather than apprehensive.

He nodded without his usual remark, pushing off the wall and gesturing for you to lead the way.

The silence between you was unnerving. Usually, Jeonghan would have filled the air with sly comments or jabs at your expense. But now? Nothing.

You glanced at him as you walked, his face calm but distant. It was so out of character that it made you uneasy.

“Are you sick or something?” you blurted out finally, breaking the silence.

He turned to you, one brow arching slightly. “What?”

“You’re quiet,” you said, narrowing your eyes at him. “It’s weird. What’s going on?”

He shrugged, slipping his hands into his robe pockets. “Nothing. Just tired.”

You frowned, unconvinced. “You’re never this quiet. Tired or not, you always find a way to be annoying.”

That earned you a faint smile but didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Maybe I’ve decided to give you a break. For tonight, at least.”

You stopped in your tracks, staring at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” he said, meeting your gaze, “that I can tell when you’ve had a rough day. Believe it or not, Y/N, I’m not a complete jerk.”

You blinked, thrown off by his sudden sincerity. This wasn’t the Jeonghan you were used to—the one who lived to torment you. This version of him was… almost kind.

Before you could respond, he continued walking, leaving you standing there in stunned silence.

The rest of your rounds with Jeonghan passed in relative silence, save for the occasional sound of your footsteps echoing through the empty corridors. 

Despite your best efforts to focus on the task at hand—checking for wandering students and ensuring the halls were secure—you couldn’t stop sneaking glances at him.

He wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary. In fact, that was the problem. Jeonghan’s uncharacteristic quietness gnawed at you, and every time your eyes flickered his way, his expression remained unreadable.

When you finally reached the entrance to the Slytherin dorms, you half-expected him to make one last snarky comment before disappearing into the boys’ side. Instead, he simply nodded.

“Goodnight, Y/N,” he said, his tone neutral, almost soft.

“Uh… goodnight,” you replied hesitantly, watching as he walked away without another word.

The heavy stone door slid shut behind you, leaving you standing there in silence.

What the hell was that?

You shook your head, trying to push the thought away as you made your way to your prefect room. The perks of being Head Girl included having your own space—a small but comfortable room tucked away near the dorms. 

It was a sanctuary where you could escape the chaos of Hogwarts, but tonight, it felt anything but calming.

After changing into your pajamas and climbing into bed, you stared up at the ceiling, the events of the night replaying in your mind. The laughter in the Astronomy Tower. The venting. The comforting presence of your friends.

And Jeonghan.

You frowned, pulling the blankets up to your chin. He wasn’t supposed to take up this much space in your thoughts. 

Normally, it was easy to dismiss him as an annoying, overly smug thorn in your side. But the way he’d looked at you tonight—calm, thoughtful, almost concerned—refused to leave you alone.

Maybe he was just tired, you reasoned, though the explanation felt weak. Jeonghan didn’t do quiet. He didn’t do concern, at least not for you.

“Ugh,” you groaned, turning onto your side and burying your face in the pillow. “I don’t have time for this.”

But as much as you wanted to push him out of your mind, his voice lingered, soft and unassuming: “Believe it or not, Y/N, I’m not a complete jerk.”

It was such a simple statement, yet it left you feeling more unsettled than any of his teasing ever had.

Eventually, sleep found you, but even in your dreams, Jeonghan’s quiet demeanor hovered at the edges, refusing to be ignored.

The weeks that followed were… normal. Or at least, as normal as things could be when Yoon Jeonghan was involved.

After that strangely quiet night in the Astronomy Tower, he seemed to bounce back to his usual self almost immediately. The smirks, the snarky comments, the constant need to press your buttons—it was all back in full force.

“Head Girl should know better than to be late,” Jeonghan drawled one morning as you slid into your seat in Potions class, just seconds before Professor Slughorn began his lecture.

You rolled your eyes, setting your books down with a thud. “I’m not late, Jeonghan. Unlike you, I have actual responsibilities that keep me busy.”

“Ah, yes,” he said, leaning back in his chair with that insufferable grin. “The weight of being perfect must be exhausting.”

“Not as exhausting as dealing with you,” you shot back, ignoring the snickers of your classmates.

It was easy to fall back into your usual dynamic—sniping at each other between classes, trading sharp remarks during prefect meetings, and silently competing over who could earn the most house points. 

Yet, something felt different.

At first, you chalked it up to overthinking. But as the days turned into weeks, you couldn’t help but notice the subtle shift in Jeonghan’s behavior. 

His teasing, which had always been sharp and mocking, now carried an edge of… something else.

It wasn’t just his words, either. It was the way he watched you during class, his eyes lingering a moment too long when he thought you weren’t looking. 

The way his smirk softened into something almost playful when you fired back at him. And, most confusingly, the way he seemed to delight in finding new ways to fluster you.

The turning point came during a Charms lesson.

You were paired with Jeonghan for a group exercise—a cruel twist of fate orchestrated, no doubt, by Professor Flitwick, who seemed to think forcing you two to work together would build camaraderie.

“Let’s get this over with,” you muttered, setting your wand down on the desk between you.

Jeonghan’s grin widened. “Aw, don’t sound so excited, Y/N. I promise I’ll be gentle.”

You glared at him, cheeks flushing despite yourself. “Do you ever stop talking?”

“Not when it’s this fun,” he said easily, leaning closer. “You make it so easy, you know.”

The task was straightforward: cast a sequence of spells to move objects from one side of the room to the other. But with Jeonghan beside you, it quickly devolved into chaos.

“Wingardium Leviosa,” you said, focusing on the feather in front of you. 

It floated gracefully into the air before landing perfectly in the designated spot.

“Nice,” Jeonghan said, his tone genuine enough to catch you off guard. But before you could respond, he added, “Didn’t know you could focus with me around. Impressive.”

Your grip on your wand tightened. “Unlike you, I don’t need constant attention to function.”

He chuckled, waving his wand lazily to move his own object. “Oh, but you give me so much attention anyway. It’s flattering, really.”

You turned to him, narrowing your eyes. “You’re unbearable.”

“And yet,” he said, leaning just close enough that you could feel the warmth of his presence, “you haven’t hexed me. Makes me wonder.”

You sputtered, searching for a retort, but nothing coherent came out. Jeonghan’s grin widened, clearly satisfied with himself, and he returned to the task as if nothing had happened.

By the time class ended, you were fuming, and Jeonghan looked positively delighted.

“See you around, Y/N,” he called as you packed up your things.

“Unfortunately,” you muttered under your breath, earning a laugh from him as he sauntered out of the room.

As you left the classroom, you couldn’t shake the feeling that Jeonghan was enjoying this far more than he should. And what was worse—you couldn’t figure out why it was starting to bother you so much.

Later that evening, you found yourself wandering toward the library, searching for a place to clear your head. 

The day had been long, and Jeonghan’s antics during Charms were still rattling around in your brain.

The library was quiet, the faint rustle of pages and the soft murmur of a few late-night studiers filling the space. 

You settled into a secluded corner by the enchanted windows that reflected the night sky, hoping the peace would help you organize your thoughts.

But, as luck would have it, you weren’t alone for long.

“Trouble sleeping?” a familiar voice asked, and you looked up to see Wonwoo standing a few feet away, a book tucked under his arm and a curious expression on his face.

You shrugged, gesturing for him to sit across from you. “Just needed a break. It’s been… a weird day.”

He sat down, placing his book on the table. “Weird how?”

You hesitated, fiddling with the edge of your robe. “Do you think someone cast a spell on Jeonghan?”

Wonwoo blinked, clearly caught off guard. “What?”

“I’m serious,” you said, leaning forward. “He’s been acting weird. Like, he’s still annoying and smug, but lately, it feels like he’s… trying to fluster me on purpose. Almost like he’s—”

“Flirting with you?” Wonwoo finished, raising an eyebrow.

You gaped at him. “No! That’s not—it’s not like that.”

Wonwoo leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You sure? Because from where I’m standing, it sounds a lot like flirting.”

“It’s not,” you insisted, though your voice wavered slightly. “It’s just Jeonghan being Jeonghan. He likes getting under my skin, that’s all.”

“Uh-huh,” Wonwoo said, clearly unconvinced. “And you don’t think it’s odd that he seems to focus all his energy on you? That he always finds a way to sit next to you in class or get paired with you for group work?”

You frowned, unsure how to respond. Now that he mentioned it, Jeonghan did seem to have a knack for worming his way into your personal space.

“It’s just because I’m easy to annoy,” you said weakly.

“Or,” Wonwoo countered, “he just likes being around you and doesn’t know how to express it without being insufferable.”

You stared at him, utterly scandalized. “Are you suggesting—no. Absolutely not. That’s insane.”

Wonwoo chuckled softly. “You’re awfully defensive for someone who’s so sure.”

“Because it’s ridiculous,” you shot back. “Jeonghan hates me. I hate him. That’s how it’s always been.”

“Maybe that’s how it started,” Wonwoo said, leaning forward slightly, “but have you ever considered that things might’ve… shifted? People change, Y/N. Feelings change. And sometimes, rivalry is just an excuse to avoid dealing with the truth.”

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, you couldn’t find anything to say. The idea was absurd, wasn’t it? You and Jeonghan had been at each other’s throats for years. There was no way there could be anything more to it.

“Look, I’m not saying you’re secretly in love with him or anything,” Wonwoo continued, his tone light but sincere. 

“But maybe it’s worth asking yourself why he gets under your skin so easily. And why you’re still thinking about him hours after the fact.”

“I’m not—” you started, but the look on Wonwoo’s face stopped you. He wasn’t buying it, and honestly, neither were you.

You sighed, slumping back in your chair. “This is ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” Wonwoo said, standing up and grabbing his book. “Or maybe it’s not. Just think about it, Y/N.”

As he walked away, you were left staring out the enchanted window, the stars above doing little to calm the storm in your mind.

Why was Jeonghan still on your mind?

The next few days passed in a whirlwind of classes, prefect duties, and—of course—Jeonghan’s relentless antics. If you thought his teasing was bad before, it was nothing compared to now. He seemed to have made it his mission to keep you on edge.

“Careful, Y/N,” he said one morning as you nearly spilled your pumpkin juice at breakfast. “Wouldn’t want you to embarrass yourself in front of the entire Great Hall.”

You glared at him, setting your goblet down with more force than necessary. “As if I could embarrass myself any worse than you do every time you open your mouth.”

He grinned, clearly delighted by your retort. “See? That’s why I like you—you always keep things interesting.”

Your heart stuttered at the casual admission, but you quickly buried the reaction under a scowl. “Do you ever stop talking?”

“Not when it gets reactions like this,” he said, leaning closer. “Your face says ‘annoyed,’ but I’m starting to think you secretly enjoy the attention.”

You rolled your eyes and turned back to your plate, pretending not to notice the way your cheeks felt uncomfortably warm.

The breaking point came during Herbology. Professor Sprout had assigned you both to the same group, and Jeonghan wasted no time turning the lesson into another opportunity to drive you insane.

“Y/N,” he said as you both worked to prune a particularly aggressive Venomous Tentacula, “do you think it likes you better than me? It’s barely tried to bite you.”

“Maybe because I know how to handle it properly,” you shot back, snipping off a rogue vine with precision.

Jeonghan smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Or maybe it can sense your charm. I’m starting to think I should take notes.”

You nearly dropped your shears. “Are you—” You stared at him, baffled. “What is wrong with you?”

“Nothing,” he said innocently, though the grin on his face told a different story. “Just curious, that’s all.”

You didn’t respond, focusing instead on the plant in front of you. But your heart was racing, and you hated that he had this effect on you.

That night, you sat on the edge of your bed in the prefect dormitory, staring at the wall as your thoughts spiraled.

Jeonghan’s words replayed in your mind over and over again. The teasing, the smirks, the way he always seemed to find a reason to talk to you, to fluster you, to be around you.

Why is he doing this? You thought, frustration bubbling in your chest.

More importantly, why did it bother you so much?

You shook your head, trying to push the thoughts away, but they refused to leave. Somewhere, deep down, you knew the answer. And that terrified you.

Meanwhile, in his own dormitory, Jeonghan lay awake, staring at the canopy above his bed, the faint glow of moonlight seeping in through the curtains. His mind was far from quiet, racing with thoughts he couldn’t quite suppress.

He’d been playing this game with you for years—pushing your buttons, seeing how far he could go before you snapped. It had started as something simple, a way to pass the time and entertain himself during the monotony of school life. At least, that’s the excuse he’d clung to.

But tonight, for the first time in a while, Jeonghan couldn’t convince himself that it was just a game.

He closed his eyes, but the memory of you in Herbology lingered. The way your cheeks flushed in frustration, the sharpness of your tongue as you threw his words back at him.

Most people recoiled from his teasing, but you met him head-on every time. And somewhere along the way, that fire had stopped being something to irritate him and had become something he couldn’t look away from.

With a frustrated sigh, Jeonghan sat up, running a hand through his hair. His chest felt tight, and he hated that it was because of you.

Why can’t I just let this go?

The question echoed in his mind as his thoughts drifted, unbidden, to the past. To the beginning of it all.

He remembered your first year as clearly as if it were yesterday. It had been during Flying lessons—one of the first joint classes between houses. You were paired together for the exercise, and Jeonghan had immediately bristled at your confidence on a broomstick.

You were good. Too good. While most first-years were nervous and clumsy, you soared through the air as if you’d been born for it.

Jeonghan, who prided himself on his natural talent, had felt a sharp sting of annoyance as he struggled to keep up with you.

“Keep up, Jeonghan,” you’d called out with a mischievous grin, glancing over your shoulder as you flew ahead.

He’d scowled, pushing his broom harder, but no matter how fast he flew, you stayed ahead. By the end of the lesson, you were all smiles while he was simmering with irritation.

From that day on, Jeonghan had decided you were his rival. You were too cocky, too skilled, and too quick with your clever remarks. He’d taken every opportunity to challenge you, to show you up in front of others, to remind you that you weren’t untouchable.

But as the years went on, the rivalry had shifted.

He remembered the first time he noticed something different. It was during third year, in the library.

You’d been bent over a stack of books, scribbling notes furiously, your brow furrowed in concentration. He’d walked by, intending to make some snide comment, but the sight of you so focused had stopped him in his tracks.

There was something captivating about the way your nose scrunched up when you were deep in thought, the way you absentmindedly chewed on the end of your quill.

He hadn’t said anything that day, choosing instead to sit at a nearby table and pretend to study while stealing glances at you.

Then there was the time during the fourth year when you’d defended a younger student from a group of bullies. Jeonghan had been walking past when he heard your voice, sharp and unwavering, as you stood between the student and their tormentors.

“Pick on someone your own size,” you’d said, your wand gripped tightly in your hand.

The bullies had backed off, muttering under their breath, and you’d turned to the younger student with a kind smile, helping them gather their things. Jeonghan had watched from the shadows, his chest tightening in a way he didn’t understand.

By the fifth year, it wasn’t just annoyance that drove him to tease you. It was something else—something he couldn’t quite name.

He found himself seeking you out in the hallways, deliberately sitting next to you in classes, and taking every opportunity to provoke a reaction from you.

He told himself it was just fun, that he liked seeing the fire in your eyes when you snapped back at him. But deep down, he knew it was more than that.

Now, as he sat in his dark dormitory, the truth was harder to ignore.

When did I start feeling this way? he wondered, running a hand through his hair. 

He thought back to all the times he’d found excuses to be near you, all the moments when his teasing was just a mask for something deeper.

Jeonghan sighed, leaning back against the headboard. He didn’t know what to do with these feelings—feelings he’d been denying for years.

All he knew was that somewhere along the way, the rivalry he’d clung to had stopped being about proving himself to you. And had started being about keeping you close.

Over the next several weeks, the dynamic between you and Jeonghan shifted in ways you couldn’t quite put into words.

It was subtle at first—small changes in how you interacted, little shifts in tone or expression that you tried not to overthink. But as time went on, the differences became harder to ignore.

Where his teasing once felt like a deliberate attempt to get under your skin, it now carried an edge of playfulness that left you wondering if there was something more beneath it. And where your responses used to be sharp and defensive, they now bordered on… flirtatious.

You told yourself it was nothing, that you were just tired of always rising to his bait. But the truth, as much as you hated to admit it, was far more complicated.

In Potions, he seemed to delight in finding excuses to talk to you, his remarks laced with an amusement that was impossible to miss.

“Careful, Y/N,” he said one morning as you added asphodel to your cauldron. “You wouldn’t want to ruin that perfect streak of yours.”

You didn’t even look up, your hand steady as you stirred. “Don’t worry, Jeonghan. I’ve got it under control.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, leaning just close enough that you could feel the warmth of his presence. “Because if you mess up, Slughorn might cry. You know how much he loves his star pupil.”

You finally glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. “If you’re so concerned, why don’t you focus on your own cauldron?”

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, I am. But it’s much more fun to watch you.”

Your cheeks flushed despite yourself, and you turned back to your work, determined not to let him see how much his words affected you.

In Herbology, the teasing continued, but something about it felt different now.

As you worked on pruning a particularly unruly Fanged Geranium, Jeonghan leaned over from his station, his expression one of feigned concern.

“You know,” he said, his voice low enough that only you could hear, “you should be careful with that. Wouldn’t want it to take a bite out of you.”

You rolled your eyes, though your lips twitched in a barely-contained smile. “I think I can handle a plant, Jeonghan. But thanks for your concern.”

“Just looking out for you,” he replied, his grin widening.

“Sure you are,” you muttered, but the flutter in your chest betrayed your attempt at nonchalance.

Even during your nightly prefect rounds, he found ways to keep you on edge.

“So,” he said one evening as you walked side by side through the empty corridors, “have you thought about my offer?”

“What offer?” you asked, glancing at him suspiciously.

“To make this partnership official,” he said, his tone light but his eyes watching you carefully.

You frowned, unsure if he was joking or not. “Partnership?”

He smirked, the corner of his mouth quirking upward. “You know. Y/N and Jeonghan—Hogwarts’ most iconic duo.”

You snorted, shaking your head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously charming, maybe,” he said with a wink, clearly pleased with himself.

You rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t stop the small laugh that escaped your lips.

Your friends, however, weren’t nearly as amused.

During a study session in the courtyard, Seungcheol finally decided to address the elephant in the room.

“Alright,” he said, setting down his quill and crossing his arms. “What’s going on with you two?”

“What do you mean?” Jeonghan asked, looking up from his parchment with an innocent expression that fooled no one.

“What he means,” Joshua interjected, his sharp gaze darting between the two of you, “is that you’ve both been acting… strange. Not your usual ‘I can barely stand you’ strange. More like… ‘are they flirting?’ strange.”

Your quill froze mid-stroke, and you glanced up, your cheeks burning.

“We’re not flirting.”

“Definitely not,” Jeonghan added, though his voice wavered slightly.

Seungcheol raised an eyebrow, his skepticism was obvious. “Uh-huh. Next thing we know, you’ll be sending each other love notes during class.”

“Absolutely not,” you and Jeonghan said in unison, your synchronized denial earning a snort from Joshua.

“Whatever you say,” Seungcheol said, his tone dripping with amusement. “But just so you know, no one’s buying it.”

That night, you found yourself in the library, seeking refuge from the chaos of your thoughts.

The enchanted windows cast a soft, silvery glow over the rows of shelves, and the faint hum of magic in the air provided a comforting backdrop.

You settled into a corner table, opening your Transfiguration textbook and forcing yourself to focus.

But no matter how hard you tried, your mind kept wandering back to Jeonghan. Every glance, every smirk, every teasing remark—it all replayed in your head, leaving you feeling more confused than ever.

“Y/N.”

You jumped at the sound of his voice, your head snapping up to see him standing at the end of the row. His prefect badge gleamed faintly in the lantern light, and his expression was unreadable as he stepped closer.

“What are you doing here?” you asked, your voice sharper than intended.

“Making rounds,” he said, his tone casual. “I could ask you the same thing.”

“Studying,” you replied, gesturing to your open book. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

He chuckled, leaning against the table with infuriating ease. “Studying this late? Didn’t know you were such a model student.”

“Unlike some people, I take my academics seriously,” you shot back, though the usual bite in your tone was absent.

“Touché,” he said, his smirk softening. For a moment, he just looked at you, his gaze searching.

“You know,” he said quietly, “you’ve been acting different lately.”

“Different how?” you asked, your voice betraying your sudden nervousness.

“Less…” He paused as if searching for the right word. “Combative. Almost like you’re starting to enjoy this.”

You swallowed hard, your heart pounding as his words hung in the air.

“I should go,” he said suddenly, straightening and adjusting his robes. “Rounds to finish.”

“Yeah,” you said quickly, your voice barely above a whisper. “You should.”

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes lingering on yours before he turned and walked away.

As his footsteps faded, you stared at the empty space he’d left behind, your thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and something you couldn’t quite name.

What is happening to us?

Since that night in the library, when Jeonghan had caught you off guard during his rounds, things between the two of you had been… different.

At first, you tried to brush it off, convincing yourself that his quiet comment—“You’re starting to enjoy this, aren’t you?”—meant nothing. But the truth was impossible to ignore.

His words lingered, replaying in your mind during quiet moments, and you couldn’t stop analyzing the way his gaze had softened, the way he’d hesitated before leaving.

For weeks after, Jeonghan’s presence felt heavier, like an unspoken question hanging in the air.

You tried to carry on as usual, matching his teasing with sharp retorts, but there was a new layer beneath it all. His smiles seemed more genuine, his remarks more personal, and his proximity more deliberate.

And the worst part? You didn’t mind.

The tension between you reached its peak on an unseasonably warm afternoon in early spring.

You were in the library, flipping through pages of your Herbology notes, when someone approached your table. You looked up to see Kim Taehyung, a popular Gryffindor known for his charm and easygoing personality.

“Hey, Y/N,” he said, his deep voice soft but confident.

“Taehyung,” you greeted, surprised but smiling. “What brings you here?”

“I was hoping to talk to you. Do you have a minute?” He scratched the back of his neck, looking unusually nervous.

“Sure,” you said, setting your quill down. “What’s up?”

He hesitated, his usual playful demeanor replaced by something more serious, almost vulnerable. "I’ve been meaning to say this for a while, but… I really like you, Y/N," he confessed, his voice soft yet steady. 

He took a deep breath, the uncertainty in his eyes betraying the usual confidence he wore so well. "And I was wondering if you’d like to go to Hogsmeade with me this weekend. Just the two of us."

He paused, studying your face for any sign of hesitation or discomfort, as if searching for an answer even before you spoke.

 "I know it might be sudden, but I’ve been thinking about you for a while now. It’s more than just your smile, or how you laugh when something’s really funny. It’s the way you listen, the way you understand things without needing to say much. I can’t quite explain it, but whenever I’m around you, everything else seems to fade out."

His eyes softened, and his voice became quieter.

"I guess what I’m trying to say is, I really care about you, Y/N. And I hope... I hope that means something to you."

The words hit you harder than you expected. Taehyung, kind, thoughtful, and undeniably attractive, had always been someone you enjoyed being around.

His words were sincere, and in that moment, you felt the weight of his feelings, the vulnerability he was offering. Under different circumstances, you might have said yes without hesitation.

But as his words sank in, your mind betrayed you, conjuring images of Jeonghan—his teasing smirk, his soft laughter, the way his eyes seemed to linger just a little too long whenever you were around.

“I’m flattered, Taehyung,” you said gently, offering him an apologetic smile. “But I don’t think I’m the right person for you.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed his face, and for a brief moment, the playful spark in his eyes dimmed. But he nodded, his expression still kind, if not a little more guarded. 

"I get it. I really do. But just so you know, Y/N, I wasn’t asking because I wanted something casual or because I’m looking for a way to pass the time. I meant it when I said I care about you. I hope one day you can understand that, even if it’s not now."

He stood there for a moment, a quiet sadness lingering in the air between you both. 

"Thanks for being honest with me," he added, his voice still warm, though tinged with a hint of finality.

Meanwhile, Jeonghan was dealing with a confession of his own.

During his rounds that evening, Hana, a bubbly Ravenclaw prefect, stopped him in the corridor.

“Jeonghan,” she said, her cheeks pink, but her voice laced with a hint of impatience, “can I tell you something?”

“Of course,” he replied, his curiosity piqued, but sensing something was different in her demeanor.

Hana fidgeted nervously, but her smile was tight, forced. “I like you,” she said quickly, her words almost tumbling over one another.

“And I was hoping you might feel the same.” She stared at him with an intensity that made the air between them thick.

Jeonghan blinked, caught completely off guard. The confidence in her declaration was palpable, yet there was something unsettling in the way she said it—like she had been holding onto those words for far too long.

For a moment, he didn’t know what to say.

“Hana,” he said finally, his voice calm but tinged with regret. “You’re wonderful. You really are. But… I don’t feel that way.”

Her eyes darkened, and her lips pressed into a thin line. The disappointment was there, but there was something else too—bitterness. She let out a sharp breath, trying to mask it, but it was too late.

“I see,” she said, her tone cold now, the warmth gone from her usual voice.

“So, you don’t feel the same. Fine. I just thought I’d let you know, but apparently, I was wrong.”

Jeonghan’s heart sank at the shift in her attitude, and he took a step toward her, feeling the need to soften the moment.

“Hana, I didn’t want to hurt you. It’s just—”

“No need to explain,” she cut him off, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I get it. You’ve got your own things going on. I’m not that important, right?”

Jeonghan frowned, his thoughts conflicting. He had never wanted to make her feel small, but the hurt in her voice made it hard to find the right words.

“That’s not it. It’s just that—”

She turned away sharply, not giving him the chance to finish. “Save it,” she muttered bitterly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. I’m sure you’ll find someone who’s more suited to whatever you’re looking for.”

Jeonghan stood there, frozen, watching as she walked off down the corridor with a quick, angry stride. The weight of the situation hung in the air, and for the first time, he realized how much Hana had been holding back all along.

As her footsteps faded, he found himself standing alone in the corridor, his mind unwillingly drifting back to you.

Despite the harshness of the moment, despite the bitter tone of Hana’s words, he couldn’t shake the way your presence lingered in his thoughts, overshadowing everything else.

Why can’t I get you out of my head?

Later that night, you ended up at the Owlery, seeking solace in its quiet solitude. The soft rustle of feathers and the distant hoot of owls usually brought you peace, but tonight, your thoughts were a jumbled mess. 

You had barely processed everything that had happened with Taehyung, and now, Jeonghan’s confession lingered like a storm cloud in your mind.

You stood by the window, letting the cool night air brush against your face, hoping the chill would clear your thoughts. It didn’t. If anything, it only made everything feel more intense. 

The soft sounds of the owls fluttering around seemed distant as if they were speaking a language you couldn’t understand. Your mind kept replaying the words of both Taehyung and Jeonghan, each one a puzzle you couldn’t quite put together.

Then you heard footsteps behind you. They were soft, almost hesitant, but unmistakable.

“Didn’t expect to find you here,” Jeonghan said, his voice a familiar calm, though there was something about it tonight that was different—more serious, less teasing.

You turned to face him, your heart skipping a beat at the sight of him standing there in the dim light. “What are you doing here?” you asked, trying to keep your voice steady.

“Looking for you,” he admitted, his gaze steady and intense. There was no playfulness in his tone, just the quiet sincerity you had always noticed in him, though it seemed deeper now.

Your breath caught, and you frowned. “Why?”

“Because I heard about Taehyung,” he said, stepping closer, his expression unreadable.

You stiffened, feeling heat rise to your cheeks, even though you didn’t want it to. The mention of Taehyung made your chest tighten, and you didn’t know if it was the memory of his words or the way Jeonghan was looking at you now.

“And?” you asked, not sure if you were ready to hear what he would say next.

“And I turned someone down tonight too,” he said quietly, his voice lower now. You could see the vulnerability in his eyes, and it was unsettling.

The confession hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. It was like a thread between the two of you, fragile but undeniable.

“Why are you telling me this?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper, afraid of where this conversation might lead.

“Because,” he said, his tone earnest but gentle, “I think we’ve been avoiding something for a long time.”

Your chest tightened at his words, and the defenses you had so carefully built up over the past few weeks started to crumble.

There was something in the way he said it, something in the weight of his gaze, that made it impossible to keep pretending everything was fine. It wasn’t fine. You felt it too.

“Jeonghan—” you started, but he interrupted you before you could finish.

“You feel it too, don’t you?” His voice was steady, and his eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that made your heart race.

You wanted to deny it. You wanted to push him away and pretend that it was all in your head. But the truth was undeniable. You couldn’t lie to yourself anymore.

Finally, you exhaled shakily, defeated. “What if I do? What happens then?” Your voice trembled, and you could feel the weight of the question hanging between you.

A small smile tugged at his lips, and he took another step closer, his presence overwhelming. “Then we stop pretending,” he said simply.

The words were a revelation, a quiet confession of their own. And before you could say anything more, the moment was interrupted by the faint sound of footsteps from the corridor. 

You both turned to see a figure standing at the doorway—none other than Hana, her arms crossed over her chest, an eyebrow raised as she surveyed the scene.

“Is this a private moment, or should I go ahead and make it awkward?” she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm, her lips curling into a bitter smile.

You blinked, caught off guard, and Jeonghan’s expression faltered for a split second before he chuckled.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Miss Ravenclaw Prefect herself,” he said, his voice light but with a playful edge.

“What brings you to this fine establishment?”

Hana rolled her eyes, clearly not impressed.

“Oh, I just figured I’d stop by and see the two of you making things even more uncomfortable than they already are,” she said, the bitterness in her tone evident.

“You know, Jeonghan, the rejection was bad enough, but this?” She gestured between the two of you with exaggerated frustration.

Jeonghan laughed softly, clearly trying to lighten the mood, but there was a twinkle in his eyes that suggested he was secretly enjoying the situation.

“I mean, it’s not every day I get rejected and catch someone else trying to steal the spotlight.”

He grinned at her, the teasing smile unmistakable.

You couldn’t help but chuckle at their back-and-forth, the tension in the air dissipating slightly.

“Well, I’m glad you’re both here,” you added, a smirk playing on your lips.

“Seems like I’m not the only one with a love triangle to navigate.”

Hana huffed, looking thoroughly unimpressed, but the edge of her bitterness softened just a little.

“Yeah, well, not everyone handles rejection as gracefully as you two,” she muttered, before turning on her heel. “I’m leaving before I catch whatever it is you two have.”

As she walked away, Jeonghan’s laughter echoed behind her. He shook his head, still grinning. “Ah, Hana. Always the drama queen.”

You smiled, relieved by the lightness in the air.

“You’re not wrong. But at least we have something to laugh about, right?”

Jeonghan’s smile softened as he met your gaze.

“Yeah, definitely. It’s not every day you get caught up in such... complicated situations.”

 He stepped a little closer, his presence still grounding, but the playfulness back in his tone. “I’m glad we could share this awkward moment together, though.”

You laughed, the tension finally breaking, and for the first time in a while, you felt like maybe, just maybe, things weren’t as complicated as they seemed.

Epilogue:

Days had passed since that night in the Owlery, and things between you and Jeonghan had settled into an unexpected new rhythm. 

The tension that once defined your interactions—where every exchange felt like a game of wits or a battle of stubbornness—had melted away, leaving behind something quieter, softer, and, in its own way, just as intense.

You and Jeonghan were still yourselves—still teasing, still making fun of each other, but now there was an unspoken understanding.

The playful banter you once used as armor had become a way to connect, to show affection. There was no more distance, no more walls, just the two of you figuring things out, together.

It was lunchtime in the Great Hall when the topic inevitably came up, as it always did. 

You and Jeonghan were seated at the table with your friends, surrounded by the usual chatter, but today, a different kind of curiosity was in the air.

“Hey,” Seungcheol began, leaning across the table with an exaggerated whisper, “Is it just me, or is it really weird seeing you two together and... not wanting to strangle each other?”

You froze for a second, not expecting the question. You’d gotten used to the new dynamic between you and Jeonghan, but it was clear your friends hadn’t quite adjusted yet. 

You glanced at Jeonghan, who raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. He shrugged nonchalantly, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of amusement. 

“Well, we’ve come a long way, haven’t we?” he said, glancing over at you.

Your friends were still processing the sight of you two sitting side by side, calmly talking, laughing even. It was a far cry from the days when they had to separate you during lunch just to prevent a full-on argument.

“But seriously,” Seungcheol continued, his voice tinged with disbelief, “you two used to fight about everything. What happened? Did someone hit their head or something?”

You laughed awkwardly, shooting a glance at Jeonghan, who was clearly enjoying the teasing. “I guess we just… grew up?” you suggested with a playful shrug.

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow at you. “I mean, I wouldn’t say I’ve grown up,” he said with a smirk. “But I’ve definitely stopped being as much of a pain in the ass.”

The comment drew a chuckle from you, and Seungcheol rolled his eyes, though his expression was more curious than anything.

“Okay, but seriously. You guys were obsessed with annoying each other. And now... now you're just sitting here like everything's normal. I don’t know what to do with myself.”

“I think it’s you who needs to adjust, not us,” Jeonghan replied, clearly enjoying the moment. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a grin.

“But yeah, it is kind of nice not to be at each other’s throats all the time.”

Joshua, who had been quietly watching the exchange with an amused smile, decided to chime in. 

“You know,” he said, taking a sip of his drink, “this whole thing is kind of... surprising. I thought you two would just keep bickering forever.”

“You’re not wrong,” you added, raising your eyebrows at Jeonghan. “For a while, that seemed like our only form of communication.”

Jeonghan shot you a teasing look. “I’m not that bad,” he muttered, but there was no heat in his voice. “I just... didn’t know how to handle someone as stubborn as you.”

“Someone as stubborn as me?” You raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. “You must’ve forgotten who was always calling who out for being too serious.”

“I stand by that,” Jeonghan said, a playful glint in his eyes. “But it turns out there’s more to life than just messing with you. Who knew?”

The group of friends exchanged glances, trying to process the change they were witnessing. Wonwoo, who had been watching you both with an amused expression, piped up.

“It’s weird, though. Like, I never thought I’d see the day when Jeonghan wasn’t looking for some way to mess with you, Y/N. Now you two are like... well, I don’t know what you’re like.”

“Yeah,” Jihoon added with a dry chuckle, “it’s like I’m living in an alternate universe where you two don’t constantly try to one-up each other.”

You laughed, nudging Jeonghan with your elbow. “Don’t act like you miss it,” you teased.

“I’m sure you enjoyed having the upper hand for so long.”

Jeonghan smiled softly, his eyes warm as they met yours. “Maybe I did,” he said, his voice quieter now.

“But honestly, this—being around you like this—is a lot better than I thought it would be.”

The others at the table were still processing your easygoing dynamic. It was hard for them to shake the memory of the two of you constantly sparring, always trying to get the last word.

Seeing you together now, in this calm, easy way, felt surreal.

“Okay, okay,” Seungcheol finally said, shaking his head in mock exasperation.

“I give up. I guess I’ll just accept that you two are... normal now. But I’m still going to need some time to adjust.”

You and Jeonghan exchanged a glance, both of you smiling softly. You had no idea what the future held, but for the first time, you weren’t worried about it.

Things were changing, yes—but it felt like the right kind of change.

“Well,” Joshua said, leaning back in his seat with a thoughtful look, “it’s nice to see you two getting along for once. I’m glad you’ve figured things out.”

Jeonghan raised his cup in a mock salute. “We’re still figuring it out,” he said, his tone light, “but I think we’re on the right track.”

The conversation turned back to lighter topics, but as you looked around at your friends, you couldn’t help but smile.

No one had expected this—least of all you and Jeonghan—but maybe that was what made it so much better.

You were no longer at each other’s throats. You were learning, growing, and maybe, just maybe, you were exactly where you needed to be.

© rubyuji 2025’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Full Throttle (Kim Mingyu) ϑ : 🏎️ 🏁 🛞

“Dinner? What makes you think I’m the kind of woman who falls for candlelight and compliments?” ᝰ.ᐟ

Genre: Slowburn, Fluff

AU: Formula One AU!

Pairing: Ferrari Driver!Kim Mingyu x Seungcheol’s Sister!Reader

Warnings: Cheating (not Mingyu though), nothing much honestly

Synopsis: Mingyu, Scuderia Ferrari’s rising star, has quickly captured attention both on and off the track. Fans can’t help but notice his pursuit of a familiar face in the paddock—Choi Y/N, the younger sister of veteran driver Choi Seungcheol—sparking buzz about a potential romance brewing in the F1 world.

Note: Hi everyone! It's been quite some time since I published anything here since I was so preoccupied with school and F1 (which explains why this is an F1 fic you feel me). Anyway, I'm so glad to be back on here, and I hope you enjoy my fellow F1 and Kpop nerd besties. Don't forget to like + reblog as a form of support for me and other writers!

W.C: 12.9k (Holy shit ???)

Everyone knows breaking into Formula One is no small feat. It takes years of relentless dedication, countless hours on the track, and significant financial investment to secure sponsors and world-class training.

Add to that the sheer exclusivity of the sport—only 20 seats are available globally—and the odds are anything but favorable. 

For Kim Mingyu, however, the dream became a reality. His rise through the motorsport ranks, culminating in a dominant streak in Formula 2, had not gone unnoticed. It felt surreal when Scuderia Ferrari extended an offer for him to join their team.

From karting as a wide-eyed child with ambitions of professional racing to earning a seat at one of Formula One’s most prestigious teams in just his second season, it was a story worthy of the history books.

“Kim Mingyu does it again! What an incredible performance in his second season, claiming his first win at the Italian Grand Prix in Imola!”

The commentator’s voice reverberated through the circuit, electric with excitement as Mingyu crossed the finish line in his Ferrari, trailed closely by his teammate, Jeon Jungkook, and Red Bull Racing’s Choi Seungcheol.

“P1, Kim! What an absolute day. You fought brilliantly, mate,” his race engineer, Eunwoo, radioed in, pride evident in his voice.

Behind the visor of his helmet, Mingyu grinned, his heart pounding with exhilaration. As he drove his victory lap, he raised a hand to wave at the roaring fans in the grandstand, soaking in the moment.

This wasn’t just a race—it was proof that years of sacrifice, grit, and belief in his abilities had paid off.

“Congrats, Mingyu! You crushed it!” Minghao cheered, slapping Mingyu’s helmet affectionately before pulling him into a bear hug.

Jeon Jungkook, who had finished just behind him in P2, was quick to join the celebration. As his teammate and closest friend, Jungkook beamed with pride, clapping Mingyu on the back as they made their way to the podium together.

The air was electric as champagne sprayed over the three drivers, their laughter mingling with the thunderous cheers of the crowd. For Mingyu, it felt like a dream—a surreal, euphoric moment frozen in time.

Standing on the podium, the magnitude of his achievement began to sink in. If this was what victory felt like, he was determined to make the podium his second home for the rest of the season. 

As he gazed out over the roaring fans, one thought crystallized in his mind: becoming a world champion wasn’t just a dream anymore—it was his next goal.

“Congratulations on your first podium, Mingyu!” The reporter greeted him with a warm smile as he stepped off the podium.

“That was a phenomenal performance, especially this early in the season. After qualifying P19 and missing out in Q2, how did it feel to work your way up to P1 from such a position and then maintain the lead to secure the win?”

Mingyu paused, the roar of the crowd still echoing in his ears, as he prepared to relive the race that had just changed his life forever. He smiled earnestly at the camera, still feeling as if he was on cloud nine. 

“It’s an absolute honor,” Mingyu said, the adrenaline from his victory still coursing through him.

“Honestly, I expected to stay within the top ten threshold like I did in my first season, but somehow, I managed to push through and claim P1. I gave it everything I had out there. I’m incredibly grateful to secure this win, especially with such an amazing team supporting me every step of the way, and to achieve this in just my second season—it feels surreal.”

The reporter nodded, thanking him for his time before Mingyu was ushered to another group of journalists. Question after question about the race flowed his way, from strategies to pivotal moments.

By the time the interviews concluded and Mingyu finally made it back to his hotel, he felt utterly drained.

“Good job, Mingyu! Second season and already a first-place finish—you’ve proven your potential in the best way possible,” Minghao, his manager and best friend, said with a grin as they walked into the hotel room.

Mingyu sank into the nearest chair with a deep sigh, exhaustion catching up to him. From starting P19 on the grid to crossing the finish line in P1, it had been a grueling but rewarding weekend. The memory of every overtaking move and every strategic call from the pit crew replayed in his mind.

He knew maintaining this level of performance would be crucial if he wanted to achieve the ultimate goal: becoming a world champion.

“Finally made it to the podium, but how does he still not have a girlfriend?” Seokmin’s teasing voice echoed from the other side of the room as he lounged on the couch.

“Did you see how some of those reporters kept trying to dig into his love life? They were relentless! It was hilarious watching him answer every question about qualifying or race strategy with confidence, but then totally shut down when someone asked if he had a special someone waiting to celebrate with him. Or better yet, if he’d date a fan!”

Mingyu couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head. “I just wanted to talk about racing, but they always find a way to steer it into personal territory.”

“Don’t worry, Mingyu,” Minghao chimed in with a laugh.

“You’ve got bigger things to focus on—like keeping that P1 streak alive. Love life or not, the entire grid knows you’re the one to watch this season.”

Mingyu smiled faintly, the weight of expectations pressing lightly on his shoulders. Despite the exhaustion from the weekend, the thrill of victory reignited the fire within him.

This was just the beginning, and he was determined to keep climbing.

Grabbing a pillow, Mingyu then launched it across the room with a smirk.

“Is it seriously a requirement to have a girlfriend around here?” he quipped, watching as Seokmin dodged dramatically, letting the pillow bounce harmlessly off the window.

“I know I’m hot, but my time will come sooner or later. I guess the internet just can’t handle the fact that a sexy racer is single,” he added, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

Minghao and Seokmin burst into laughter, their snorts filling the room. Mingyu rolled his eyes at their reaction, though he couldn’t help but crack a smile.

Ever since his Formula One debut, he had earned the title “King of Visuals” on the grid—a moniker bestowed by fans who were captivated by his striking looks and undeniable charm.

So when he casually admitted during an interview that he was one of the few single drivers on the grid, the revelation had spread like wildfire across social media.

Memes, hashtags, and fan cams flooded every platform, leaving fans reeling with equal parts disbelief and excitement.

Mingyu had unwittingly become the internet’s favorite enigma—a talented driver with looks that could kill and no one to call his “special someone.”

“I guess being single just adds to the mystery,” Minghao teased, nudging Seokmin.

“Or the drama,” Seokmin shot back, winking at Mingyu.

Mingyu groaned, flopping back onto the bed. “If only winning races caused this much chaos,” he muttered, though a faint smile lingered on his lips.

Fans were relentless, swarming Mingyu at every opportunity—asking him out on dates, flirting shamelessly, or even making bold moves in the paddock.

While he’d be lying if he said a few gorgeous fans hadn’t caught his eye, Mingyu remained firm in his priorities.

He wasn’t opposed to dating; he simply wanted to let things flow naturally. Right now, his focus was on himself and building a career that was still in its infancy.

Not everyone believed his resolve, though.

“I doubt Mingyu will stay single for long,” Minghao said with a sly grin. “I caught him staring at Choi Seungcheol’s sister right before qualifying on Saturday.”

Mingyu froze, his jaw tightening as the memory resurfaced. He had noticed a stunning woman at the Red Bull garage, her presence impossible to ignore.

Her confidence was magnetic, her aura so captivating that he’d found himself stealing glances in spite of himself.

“What?” Mingyu’s voice rose in disbelief. “That woman talking to Jeonghan at the Mercedes garage is Seungcheol’s sister?” His eyes widened comically.

Minghao’s smirk deepened as Seokmin stifled a laugh.

Mingyu felt a chill run down his spine as the realization hit him. This wasn’t just any woman—this was Choi Y/n, a renowned model and the younger sister of his current rival, two-time world champion Choi Seungcheol.

And if that wasn’t enough, she was also infamous for her high-profile breakup with Jeon Wonwoo, a long-standing Mercedes driver whose questionable reputation had only worsened after their split.

The weight of it all sank in, leaving Mingyu feeling lightheaded. If he so much as looked at Y/n for a second too long, let alone entertain the thought of dating her, the consequences would be catastrophic.

The media would have a field day, and Seungcheol would probably want his head.

“Relax, Mingyu,” Minseo’s voice rang out as she strolled into the room unannounced.

Mingyu groaned inwardly at the sight of his younger sister, whose knack for knowing everyone’s business on the grid was unmatched.

“If it makes you feel any better,” she continued casually, “Y/n prefers to keep her private life actually private. She’s been clearing up the mess with Wonwoo, but fans are still warring over her. Not that I blame them—imagine getting cheated on, kept in the dark, and then watching your ex parade his new girlfriend around right after the breakup. Absolute trash behavior.”

Mingyu scowled. “Great. My life was already complicated, and now you’re giving me the full exposé on Choi Y/n.”

Minseo shrugged, completely unfazed. “You brought me here, genius. If you didn’t want the gossip, you should’ve left me at home.”

Mingyu groaned dramatically, throwing his head back. “Please, tell me more, oh esteemed and most beloved F2 wag,” he quipped sarcastically, earning a snort from Seokmin.

Minseo rolled her eyes, unfazed by the title. She had gained quite the reputation for her insider knowledge, thanks to dating Lee Chan, a rising star in F2 and the McLaren driver academy.

Mingyu had no one but himself to blame—he’d introduced her to the world of other F1 and F2 wags, unknowingly giving her a front-row seat to the intricate web of grid drama.

“Don’t be mad because I know things,” Minseo teased, crossing her arms.

“Besides, you’ll thank me when you need the inside scoop on how to avoid getting on Seungcheol’s bad side.”

Mingyu groaned again, burying his face in his hands. Racing might be his job, but navigating the social minefield of the paddock was starting to feel like an entirely different sport.

Minseo plopped down beside her older brother on the bed, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “She’s a tough nut to crack, I’ll give you that,” she began, nudging him lightly.

“Jiheon told me she’s here for one reason only: to support her brother. She’s not looking for anything romantic, especially after what her ex put her through. If you’re hoping to catch her attention, Gyu, you’re going to need to be more than just a hotshot driver with a nice smile.”

As Mingyu groaned, Minseo pulled out her phone, her expression turning thoughtful.

“Honestly, I look up to her. Y/n’s the type of woman who’s got it all—well-educated, graceful, kind, and, let’s be real, totally charming. Spending the weekend with her and the other wags was eye-opening. She’s not just beautiful; she’s smart and grounded, too. You’d better bring your A-game because she’s not going to fall for someone who’s only about muscles and pole positions.”

Minseo paused dramatically before adding, “Oh, and let’s not forget—she just got out of a toxic relationship with Jeon Wonwoo, the guy everyone calls the next Lewis Hamilton. She’s not exactly eager to dive into another mess.”

Mingyu grimaced, running a hand through his hair as her words sank in. He couldn’t deny the truth in them.

The paddock had been buzzing a year ago when the news broke that Wonwoo’s ex-girlfriend—none other than Choi Y/n—had been the one he cheated on.

The revelation had sent shockwaves through both the racing world and social media, making Wonwoo public enemy number one for a while.

But time, as it always does, had softened the uproar. Wonwoo’s reputation for brilliance behind the wheel had gradually eclipsed the whispers about his personal life.

On the track, results often spoke louder than scandals, and the noise had all but faded into the background.

Still, the thought of trying to win over someone like Y/n—a woman with her own storied history and a grace that made her untouchable—felt daunting. Mingyu sighed, leaning back on the bed.

“Why do I feel like this is going to be harder than winning a championship?” he muttered under his breath.

Minseo chuckled, her teasing grin returning. “Because it is. But hey, maybe if you stop grimacing and start acting like the guy everyone thinks you are, you might have a shot.”

Seokmin, who had been quietly observing, chimed in with a laugh. “No pressure, though. You’re only competing with her brother’s protective instincts, her ex’s reputation, and, oh yeah, the rest of the paddock. Easy, right?”

Mingyu groaned again, throwing a pillow at Seokmin. “You’re not helping.”

There were undeniable pros to asking you out.

First, you were single and finally free after healing from a traumatic relationship. Second, he had an unexpected advantage—his younger sister, Minseo, who already seemed to have a friendly rapport with you.

But the cons? Oh, the cons were enough to give even someone as bold as Mingyu pause.

You were practically an untouchable goddess in the paddock, your presence commanding attention and reverence.

Mingyu wasn’t oblivious to the fact that other drivers—some of them far more experienced and decorated than him—were already vying for your attention.

To make matters worse, dating you could throw a wrench into his carefully curated reputation.

You weren’t just anyone; you were Choi Seungcheol’s sister and Jeon Wonwoo’s infamous ex.

For a rookie still carving out his place in Formula One, the optics of dating a rival’s sister, much less a former wag, were a minefield.

Mingyu could hear the whispering headlines already. "Rookie Kim Mingyu entangles himself in paddock drama!" It wasn’t the kind of attention he needed so early in his career.

Yet, there was an undeniable pull—a magnetic allure he couldn’t ignore.

He mulled over the idea, torn between his cautious side and the part of him that thrived on risks.

After all, wasn’t risk-taking how he’d clawed his way into Formula One in the first place? ‘Fuck it,’ he thought to himself, but the weight of uncertainty pressed down on him.

Even with all the confidence in the world, this wasn’t a decision he could make lightly.

“Just give it a go, man. You can prove yourself worthy and treat her better,” Seokmin said, breaking Mingyu’s spiral of thoughts. His friend’s voice was casual, but the words hit with the force of an ultimatum.

Mingyu sighed, running a hand through his hair. He’d faced impossible odds before, betting on himself when no one else did.

He wasn’t afraid of a challenge—Formula One had taught him that much. But this? This wasn’t just about proving himself on the track.

This was about putting his heart on the line, and for the first time in a long time, he wasn’t entirely sure he was ready to gamble.

Still, a spark of determination flared in his chest. If he was going to take this leap, he’d do it the only way he knew how— flat out, full throttle, no looking back.

After all, Mingyu didn’t just race to win; he raced because he thrived on the thrill of defying expectations. Maybe this was just another race he needed to run.

“You should talk to her at the after-party tomorrow. It’s your chance to ask her out once we’re back in Monaco,” Minseo teased with a mischievous glint in her eye, a snort escaping her as she nudged Mingyu’s arm.

Minghao didn’t miss the opportunity to join in, giving Mingyu a knowing look. “She’s right. You’ve got an opening—don’t waste it,” he added, smirking as Mingyu rolled his eyes in exasperation.

The thought of asking you out swirled in his mind, accompanied by flashes of possible scenarios.

You, like Mingyu, currently called Monaco home, a city tailor-made for romance and spectacle.

Mingyu’s mind toyed with ideas—maybe he’d take you out on his yacht, letting the waves of the Mediterranean set the mood, or perhaps a drive around the glittering streets of the principality, culminating in an unforgettable night of vibrant nightlife.

But before he could settle on anything, Minseo shattered his daydreams.

“If you’re genuinely thinking about bringing her out on your yacht, save yourself the trouble. Y/n’s a simple girl,” she remarked, shaking her head.

“She’d prefer a nice dinner with a stunning view and a good glass of wine.”

Mingyu let out a breath of relief he didn’t realize he was holding. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

“Well, that makes things easier. I owe you one,” he said, genuinely grateful for the insight. The last thing he wanted was to overdo it and come off as trying too hard.

On the day of the after-party, Mingyu is scrambling to look his best. He puts on a sleeveless black Vetements top and a pair of black cargo jeans, finishing the look off with tinted glasses. Mingyu hears a whistle from behind him as Minghao laughs.

As he adjusted the glasses in the mirror, he heard a low whistle from behind him.

Minghao, leaning casually against the doorway, burst into laughter. “Look at you, pulling out all the stops. You sure you’re not overthinking this?”

Mingyu smirked, glancing back at his friend. “You can laugh all you want, but first impressions matter. Besides,” he added, tugging on the hem of his top, “I’m not taking any chances.”

Minghao grinned and gave him a pat on the back. “Relax. Just be yourself, and you’ll be fine. And hey, if all else fails, at least you’ll look good while striking out.”

With a groan and a shake of his head, Mingyu grabbed his jacket and headed out.

Tonight wasn’t just another party—it was an opportunity, and he was determined not to let it slip through his fingers.

At the club, Mingyu felt a rare mix of excitement and nerves bubbling beneath his cool exterior.

The pulsing lights and bass-heavy music only amplified the electric energy of the night. He’d decided to be optimistic about his chances, reminding himself that confidence was key. After all, wasn’t that what got him into Formula One?

When he spotted you speaking to Minseo near the bar, he knew it was his moment. Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his tinted glasses and ran a hand through his hair.

This was his chance to make an impression, and he wasn’t about to waste it.

As he approached, Mingyu couldn’t help but pause for a brief second to take you in. The flashing club lights danced across your figure, highlighting every elegant detail of your appearance.

You were a vision—draped in a sleek black mini-dress that hugged you perfectly, accentuating your silhouette.

Your hair was styled in a loose bun, soft tendrils framing your face in an effortlessly alluring way. But it was your lips—a stunning shade of red—that truly stopped him in his tracks.

Mingyu felt his throat tighten for a moment as he struggled to gather himself. Keep it together, Gyu, he thought. You’ve driven at 300 kilometers per hour—this is nothing.

But somehow, approaching you felt infinitely more nerve-wracking than overtaking a rival on the track.

Minseo caught sight of him first, giving her brother a subtle but encouraging nod. You followed her gaze, and when your eyes met his, Mingyu felt the rest of the club melt away.

The noise, the crowd, the lights—all of it seemed to fade as a small, curious smile graced your lips.

With renewed determination, Mingyu straightened his posture, his confidence returning. He flashed you a smile and closed the distance between you.

“Mind if I join the conversation?” he asked, his voice smooth but slightly tinged with nervous energy.

You tilted your head slightly, amusement flickering in your eyes. “Well, if Minseo vouches for you, I suppose I can spare a few minutes,” you replied, your tone playful but inviting.

As you exchanged introductions and began chatting, Mingyu found himself relaxing. You were warm and genuine, your laughter lighting up the room in a way that made him forget the pressure of the moment.

And for the first time that night, he realized something important: this wasn’t just about taking a chance—it was about truly connecting. And so far, it seemed like he was off to a good start.

“So, Mingyu,” you began, your voice silky and low, “what makes you think you can just waltz over here and steal away all of my attention? I’m sure there are plenty of women in this club waiting for you to flash that grin their way.”

Mingyu’s lips quirked into a confident smile, but there was a softness in his gaze. “Maybe, but they’re not you. Something about you, Y/n... You make this rookie want to risk it all.”

Your eyebrow arched, your expression playful yet enigmatic. “Risk it all?” You tilted your head, letting your gaze linger on him for a moment too long, sending a shiver down his spine.

“Bold words for someone who doesn’t even know what I like to drink.”

He chuckled, leaning closer, his voice dropping to match yours. “Let me guess—red wine. Something deep, bold, and unapologetic, just like you.”

You smiled, clearly pleased but refusing to give him the satisfaction. “Not bad,” you murmured, sipping your wine, your eyes fixed on him over the rim of your glass.

“But knowing my drink won’t get you very far. Impressing me takes more than pretty words and that charming smile, Mingyu.”

He straightened, undeterred, his grin widening. “Dinner in Monaco. Just you and me. Let me show you I’m more than just words.”

Your laugh was low and sultry, sending his heart racing. “Dinner? What makes you think I’m the kind of woman who falls for candlelight and compliments?” You leaned closer, your perfume intoxicating.

“You’ll need to earn my time, Mingyu. I don’t waste it on anyone who can’t keep up with me.”

The challenge was clear, but something was inviting in your tone—a test wrapped in flirtation. “So, what do you say?” he asked, his confidence unshaken.

You tapped a finger against your glass, pretending to deliberate, though the glint in your eye gave away your amusement.

“Alright, rookie. Impress me tonight, and maybe—just maybe—I’ll consider giving you my time. But I don’t make promises.”

Before he could respond, the moment was interrupted by the presence of two figures approaching from behind him.

Wonwoo and Jeonghan stood there, their expressions unreadable but charged with unspoken warnings.

“Kim Mingyu,” Wonwoo’s voice was smooth, yet there was an edge to it. “Got a minute?”

You stepped back gracefully, your lips curving into a knowing smile. “Don’t let them scare you off, Mingyu. I’m not that easy to get rid of.”

You chuckle, turn, and disappear into the crowd, leaving him to face the two seasoned drivers.

Jeonghan was the first to speak, his usual teasing demeanor masked by a surprising edge.

“Y/n’s... a handful, you know. Complicated in the best and worst ways. You sure you want to dive into that?” His smirk was still there, but his tone hinted at something deeper.

“She’s nothing like any of those ditsy admirers you have, by the way,” Wonwoo interjected, his voice clipped and direct.

“And if you’re thinking of making a move, tread carefully. She’s been through more than you can imagine, and she doesn’t need someone messing around in her life just to back out when it gets tough.”

Mingyu shifted his weight, unfazed by their words. His voice was steady, almost challenging.

“I know about what happened between you two,” he said, looking directly at Wonwoo.

“And I know how much it hurt her. But I’m not here to bring her more pain. If anything, I want to be the one who treats her the way she deserves.”

Wonwoo’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond. The weight of Mingyu’s words seemed to hang in the air, his sincerity impossible to ignore.

Jeonghan leaned closer, his smirk deepening as he let out a low chuckle.

“Big words, rookie. Do you think just because you’re sweet-talking us here, you’ll get a free pass? Let me tell you something—Y/n’s not a charity case, and she doesn’t need saving. She’s been doing just fine without you or anyone else.”

“I’m not trying to save her,” Mingyu replied firmly.

“I just... I see her, and I know what I want. She deserves someone who sees her for who she is, not what she’s been through. And I’m willing to prove I’m that guy.”

Jeonghan’s teasing expression softened just slightly, though the glint in his eyes remained.

“You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. But this isn’t a race where all you need is speed and a good strategy. This is Y/n. You fumble, and you’re out—not just with her, but with the rest of us watching from the sidelines.”

“Noted,” Mingyu said, his confidence unwavering.

“But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in this sport, it’s that the best rewards come from the biggest risks. And Y/n? She’s worth it.”

Wonwoo’s expression remained unreadable, but a flicker of something—reluctant respect, perhaps—passed through his eyes.

“If you’re serious, you better be ready. She doesn’t give second chances, and she doesn’t forgive easily.”

“I wouldn’t expect her to,” Mingyu replied simply. Jeonghan clapped a hand on Mingyu’s shoulder, his grin widening.

“Well, rookie, if you’re that determined, good luck. You’re going to need it.” His tone was light, but the underlying warning was clear.

As they walked away, Mingyu exhaled, his resolve only growing stronger. This wasn’t about proving himself to the others—it was about proving himself to Y/n.

You were a challenge unlike any he’d faced before, but he was determined to show you that he was ready for whatever it took. For you, he was willing to take the risk—and win.

The low rumble of the Ferrari 812 Superfast filled your ears as you gazed out at the glittering Monaco skyline.

The sleek red car sliced through the winding streets, the hum of its engine almost hypnotic.

You weren’t about to admit it, but the smooth ride and his confident handling of the car were mildly impressive—though it also stirred an uncomfortable familiarity.

Your ex had loved the showy grandiosity of moments like this. The high-end cars, the breathtaking views, and the carefully curated settings screamed perfection but felt empty beneath the surface. A part of you braced for the same facade now.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Mingyu said, breaking the silence. His hand rested casually on the steering wheel, but his tone was laced with amusement.

“I’m just admiring the ride,” you replied coolly, turning to face him. “You really leaned into the whole Monaco-Ferrari cliché. Should I be flattered?”

He chuckled, casting you a glance before focusing back on the road. “It’s not a cliché if it works. But if the car isn’t enough, maybe the destination will be.”

You allowed yourself a faint smile but didn’t respond, letting the glittering city lights distract you.

As the car climbed higher, the roads became quieter and more secluded. When the car finally came to a stop, Mingyu stepped out quickly, moving around to open your door.

“Your chariot awaits,” he said, extending a hand with a boyish grin. You raised an eyebrow but accepted his hand, stepping out gracefully.

The view before you was breathtaking—a cozy, secluded restaurant perched on a cliff, its warm lights spilling out onto a terrace that overlooked the entire harbor. The sea stretched endlessly into the night, reflecting the twinkling city lights.

“Points for effort,” you said lightly, brushing off your dress, though the scene tugged at something buried deep in your chest.

Inside, the restaurant was intimate, far from the prying eyes of the world. Your table was set at the very edge of the terrace, offering an unobstructed view of Monaco’s skyline. The warm evening breeze and soft glow of the lanterns set a perfect scene.

“You like to impress, don’t you?” you asked as you settled into your seat, your fingers lightly brushing the stem of your wine glass.

He shrugged with that same confident grin. “I just wanted the setting to match the company.”

You laughed softly, swirling the dark liquid in your glass. “Flattery, Mingyu? I would’ve thought you’d try something more original.”

“I’m not flattering you,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “Just being honest.”

That made you pause. There was a sincerity in his tone that caught you off guard, and for a moment, your playful smirk faltered.

It reminded you of the early days with your ex, back when he’d been convincing enough to make you believe in his charm. But unlike before, this didn’t feel rehearsed.

“Do you always go to this much trouble for a girl you barely know?” you asked, raising an eyebrow as you set your glass down.

“Only for the ones who are worth it,” he replied smoothly, his gaze steady.

Your heart tightened, the old wounds from your past relationship threatening to surface.

Your ex had always said the right things too—until the truth unraveled, and you realized how hollow those words had been.

But as you held Mingyu’s gaze, you couldn’t find the cracks you’d learned to expect. His determination wasn’t about ego; it was quieter, steadier.

“And what exactly are you expecting in return?” you asked, your voice soft but challenging.

“Nothing,” he said simply. “Except a chance. A chance to show you I’m serious.”

You studied him carefully, searching for any sign of pretense. But all you found was earnestness, and it unnerved you.

“Maybe,” you said finally, the word slipping out before you could stop it. “Maybe I’ll consider it.”

The corner of his mouth quirked up into a satisfied smile, but he didn’t push further.

The rest of the evening passed in a comfortable rhythm, the playful edge between you softened by something deeper.

When you slid back into the car for the drive home, you caught yourself stealing glances at him.

He didn’t need to fill the silence with charm or bravado, and for the first time, you wondered if he might actually be different.

The thought scared you—but it also left you with something unfamiliar. Hope. Maybe this rookie was more than just a fleeting moment—and maybe, just maybe, you’d let yourself find out.

After dinner, the night air was cool as Mingyu opened the car door for you once again, the hum of the car coming to life beneath his touch.

Instead of heading straight back, he took a turn that led deeper into the illuminated streets of Monte Carlo.

“Where are we going?” you asked, a curious edge to your voice.

“It’s too early to end the night,” he replied, a boyish grin spreading across his face. “Trust me, you’ll like this.”

Monte Carlo at night was a masterpiece—its streets glowing with golden light, the harbor dotted with yachts shimmering like jewels, and the gentle hum of the nightlife echoing in the distance.

The Ferrari’s engine purred as Mingyu navigated the winding roads, his confidence behind the wheel evident in every turn.

The windows were slightly down, and the cool breeze swept through your hair as you leaned back in the seat, the city lights painting your features in soft hues.

From his side, Mingyu stole a glance at you, his heart skipping at how serene you looked.

For someone who carried such an untouchable aura, there was an undeniable warmth in moments like this.

“You know,” he started, his voice soft, “you’re really something.”

You turned to look at him, eyebrows raised. “Something? That’s a little vague, don’t you think?”

He chuckled. “Alright, let me be specific. You’re beautiful, but not just in the obvious way. It’s… the way you carry yourself, the way you challenge me. It’s magnetic.”

You looked away, a faint blush creeping onto your cheeks as you tried to play it off with a small laugh.

“Careful, Mingyu. Keep saying things like that, and I might start believing you.”

The car slowed as he pulled into a quiet overlook, the city sprawling out before you in a sea of light.

For a moment, the two of you just sat there, the only sound the distant hum of the nightlife below.

“I used to love nights like this,” you said suddenly, your voice softer than before. “When everything felt… simple. Before it all got so complicated.”

Mingyu turned to you, sensing the shift in your tone. “You mean before—?”

“Before everything,” you interrupted gently. “The spotlight. The rumors. People assuming they know you because of headlines. It’s exhausting.”

There was a vulnerability in your words that he hadn’t seen before, and it made his chest tighten.

“You don’t have to carry all that alone, you know.”

You met his gaze, searching for any hint of pity but finding only sincerity. It caught you off guard, and for the first time that night, you let yourself relax completely.

“Maybe,” you said softly, echoing your earlier words from dinner. “Maybe I don’t.”

The drive back to your place was quieter, but it wasn’t the kind of silence that felt heavy. Instead, it was comfortable, the two of you lost in your own thoughts as the city passed by in a blur of light and shadow.

When he finally pulled up to your building, you hesitated for a moment before unbuckling your seatbelt.

“Thanks for tonight,” you said, your voice warmer than before. “I… I had a good time.”

Mingyu smiled, leaning slightly toward you. “So, does that mean I get another chance?”

You didn’t answer right away, stepping out of the car instead and turning back to face him with a playful smirk. “We’ll see.”

With that, you disappeared inside, leaving him grinning like an idiot.

When Mingyu got home, he found Minseo lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone. She looked up when he walked in, immediately catching the glow on his face.

“So?” she asked, sitting up eagerly. “How’d it go?”

Mingyu flopped onto the couch beside her, running a hand through his hair with a dreamy smile. “It was perfect. She’s… amazing.”

Minseo smirked, nudging him playfully. “Did you tell her how much you like her?”

“Not yet,” he admitted, his smile softening. “But I think she’s starting to let me in. Slowly.”

“Well, don’t screw it up,” Minseo teased, though her tone was affectionate. “I like her already.”

Mingyu chuckled, leaning back and closing his eyes.

For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be. And as he replayed the night in his head, he couldn’t wait to see where this road would take him.

The Monaco Grand Prix weekend was in full swing, and the energy in the paddock was electric.

The iconic views of the harbor, the glamorous yachts, and the bustling atmosphere of the streets, combined with the sounds of engines revving and the anticipation of one of the most prestigious races of the season, made for a thrilling backdrop.

Inside the Ferrari hospitality suite, fans were buzzing with excitement, but it wasn’t just the drivers who caught their attention that day.

As the crowd navigated the high-end lounge, all eyes were drawn to Mingyu, who, as usual, effortlessly commanded attention with his tall, lean frame and charismatic smile.

But what had people talking was the stunning woman standing beside him.

You, dressed in an elegant white silk dress with subtle touches of gold—perfectly matching the Monaco glamour—were engaged in a conversation with Mingyu.

Your laughter blended with the excitement of the moment, and the two of you were noticeably close, almost as if the world outside didn’t exist.

There was a natural ease between you, one that made it impossible to deny the undeniable chemistry sparking between you and Mingyu.

As the two of you shared an inside joke, the fans watching couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

Who is she? Is she a lucky charm? The murmurs quickly turned into something more salacious as the gossip began to spread like wildfire.

Wait... isn’t that Y/N? Wonwoo's ex? Some fans gasped, clearly recognizing you from the rumors that had circulated about your past relationship with the Mercedes driver. I thought she was with him, but now she’s with Mingyu?

The whispers grew louder, some speculating that Mingyu had bagged Wonwoo’s ex—someone who had been publicly cheated on.

Others were wondering if it was all some sort of calculated move. She’s with Mingyu now? After everything that happened with Wonwoo?

It was impossible to ignore the buzz around you, but you and Mingyu remained blissfully unaware of the growing gossip.

You were so absorbed in each other, lost in your private world, that the fans’ prying eyes went unnoticed.

But those murmurs were starting to spread rapidly, and no one dared to ask aloud, too caught up in the electric chemistry between you two.

Still, the tension in the air was palpable, the fans too intrigued by the dynamic unfolding before them.

Unbeknownst to you, a pair of familiar eyes had been quietly watching from a distance.

Wonwoo, strolling alongside Seungcheol and his teammate Woozi, caught sight of the two of you as he passed by.

His step faltered for a brief moment, his gaze lingering longer than he intended.

His heart skipped, not out of jealousy, but something much more inexplicable.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of something—what was it? Curiosity? Longing? Before he could process the feeling, Seungcheol, ever observant, raised an eyebrow and asked with a smirk, "Who’s the lucky guy?"

"Is it Mingyu?" Woozi added, clearly noticing the dynamic between you and Mingyu.

Wonwoo didn’t answer right away. Instead, he simply shrugged it off, turning his focus back to the upcoming day’s events. But deep down, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted.

Back inside the hospitality suite, you slowly began to let your guard down, the intoxicating ambiance of Monaco, mingled with Mingyu's easy-going nature, allowing you to feel more at ease.

It wasn’t often that you felt so relaxed around someone, but Mingyu had a way of making everything feel effortless.

Your conversation flowed like a river, the outside world fading away.

However, with a glance at the clock, you quickly realized that it was time for you to head to the Red Bull Hospitality before the qualifying session.

"I’ll let you get ready for qualifying, Gyu. I’ll be in the Paddock Club cheering you on," you said with a small, warm smile.

Mingyu smiled, his eyes sparkling with appreciation.

"Good luck to me, then. I’ll see you after!" he teased, but there was an undeniable warmth in his voice.

As you made your way toward the exit, your heart fluttered a little, but you pushed the feeling down, knowing Mingyu had his focus on the track.

Meanwhile, the buzz in the hospitality had only grown, fans whispering about the connection they had witnessed between the two of you.

The moment qualifying ended, the energy in the paddock shifted. The Ferrari garage erupted in cheers as Mingyu claimed pole position in a spectacular performance.

The roar of the crowd and the camera flashes filled the air, but Mingyu’s mind was elsewhere.

He was thinking of you, and only you.

However, you had made it clear earlier that you didn’t want anyone to know about the arrangement between you and him. It was a secret that had to be kept, at least for now.

The media and fans were already speculating about the connection they’d seen in the hospitality suite, and you didn’t want to fuel the rumors just yet.

After the qualifying session, you quickly slipped away from the Paddock Club hospitality and headed to Parc Fermé.

Mingyu had specifically asked you to meet him there, away from the prying eyes of the paddock.

You approached the secured area where the cars were lined up, careful not to attract attention.

Mingyu, still in his Ferrari racing suit, was surrounded by his team, but his eyes immediately found you in the crowd. He gave you a small, knowing smile, his face lighting up at the sight of you.

You walked toward him, heart racing in anticipation. "Congrats on pole, Mingyu," you whispered, your voice soft yet full of warmth.

"Thanks," he replied quietly, glancing around to ensure no one was paying attention. "I couldn’t have done it without you."

You smiled, your heart swelling with pride for him, but you both knew that you had to keep things discreet.

His fingers brushed against yours briefly before he quickly pulled his hand back, a silent reminder of the arrangement you were trying to keep secret.

The chemistry between you two was undeniable, but in this world, it had to remain in the shadows for now.

Before you could say anything else, a familiar face appeared—your brother, Seungcheol. He was making his way toward the press conference area, and his eyes swept over the scene in front of him.

You straightened up quickly, knowing you needed to distance yourself from Mingyu before Seungcheol noticed.

Mingyu nodded subtly in understanding, backing away a few steps to give you space.

"Good luck tomorrow," you said quietly, not wanting to make a scene. "I’ll be cheering for you from the Red Bull Garage."

Mingyu’s smile was both grateful and a little teasing. "I’ll see you there."

With one last glance, you turned and left, making your way toward the crowd, careful not to look back.

Back in the Red Bull hospitality suite, you tried to focus on the race, but your thoughts kept drifting to Mingyu and the moment you shared a few minutes ago.

His performance, his quiet smile, the brief touch of his hand—it all felt electric.

You had just taken your seat when you saw a familiar figure outside, weaving through the crowd. It was Mingyu.

He was making his way toward the Red Bull hospitality suite, without a care and with a determined look on his face.

Fans, noticing the connection between you two, whispered to each other as he walked past, but he didn’t seem to care.

Mingyu wasn’t trying to hide the fact that he was looking for you. He was coming for you, and you admired the boldness.

Your ex usually kept you under wraps, but Mingyu was determined.

As he entered, his eyes immediately found yours. Without a word, he walked over to you, a warm smile on his lips, his presence making your heart flutter.

"Ready for tomorrow? I just finished my interviews so I could come visit before my meeting," he asked softly, his voice low enough that no one else could hear.

"I am now, you shouldn’t have gone through so much trouble, you know?" you replied, giving him a small smile, feeling the energy between the two of you intensify.

The murmurs around the room had grown louder, and the whispers that started with Mingyu and the girl from Ferrari soon shifted toward something more intriguing.

Wait a minute... Isn’t she... A fan who had been observing the two of you pointed to you and then to a familiar face in the paddock.

"Isn’t she... Wonwoo's ex-girlfriend?"

The conversation quickly spread, as fans began to piece together your past. Oh, that’s her—Seungcheol’s sister, right?

The whispers turned into speculation, with fans recalling the well-known drama surrounding your breakup with Wonwoo.

Wait... isn’t she the one he cheated on? The room buzzed with theories. So she’s with Mingyu now?

Some fans couldn’t help but wonder if Mingyu had stolen her away after the public mess with Wonwoo. What happened between them?

The gossip was relentless, with fans scrambling to connect the dots of your past relationship with Wonwoo and the secretive interaction they had just witnessed between you and Mingyu.

The more they talked, the more the pieces seemed to fall into place, and the intrigue only deepened.

But neither of you cared about the growing attention. What mattered was the moment you shared, the quiet connection that spoke louder than any rumors or expectations.

For now, it was just the two of you, and that was enough.

Mingyu’s breath was warm against your ear as he leaned in closer, his words so soft that they seemed to vibrate in the air between you two.

"No one needs to know everything, right?"

You smiled, a soft laugh escaping your lips, the playful warmth of his tone making your heart flutter. "Not yet."

But as he pulled back, your gaze lingered on him, and for the first time that weekend, a wave of realization hit you.

Being with Mingyu felt... different. It wasn’t just the chemistry or the electric pull that seemed to draw you closer every time he was near. It was more than that.

In the chaos of the Monaco Grand Prix, amidst the flashing cameras, the gossip, and the pressure of it all, you had found something in Mingyu that you hadn’t realized you’d been missing.

It wasn’t just the comfort of having someone to lean on, though he made you feel safe in ways you hadn’t expected.

It was the way he understood without needing words, how his smile made everything else seem less important, how he could make you forget the world and simply be with you in that moment.

It was as if everything else—the mess with Wonwoo, the drama, the expectations—had faded into the background.

With Mingyu, you felt seen in a way you hadn’t felt in a long time, maybe ever.

No pretense, no games—just raw, real connection. The kind of connection that made you wonder if it was time to stop hiding, to stop keeping everything a secret.

But then reality crashed in. You couldn’t just throw everything into the open, not yet.

There were too many unanswered questions, too many things that needed to be untangled.

Still, in that brief exchange, in the quiet of the moment, you allowed yourself to think that maybe this was different.

Maybe Mingyu was different.

As he gave you that knowing smile and turned to walk away, you stood frozen for a second, your mind racing.

Maybe you had been too cautious for too long, too afraid to step into something real again.

But with Mingyu, it didn’t feel like a leap—it felt like a step toward something you weren’t sure you were ready for, but something you couldn’t resist.

You glanced back at him, his tall figure moving through the crowd.

Maybe you hadn’t figured everything out yet, but with him, you felt like you were starting to.

Slowly, surely, you could see where this could lead.

As the evening settled over the Monaco paddock, the energy from qualifying slowly began to dissipate.

The buzz of celebration in the Ferrari garage was still palpable, but the crowds had thinned, leaving only a few lingering team members and the two drivers.

Mingyu, having played the role of the victorious pole-sitter all evening, decided it was time to steal a moment for himself—and for you before you both retired to your homes.

Navigating through the quieting paddock, he slipped away from his team’s hospitality, his steps purposeful as he made his way toward the secluded corner where he knew you’d be waiting.

The soft hum of the Monaco harbor filled the air as he rounded a corner, only to come face-to-face with none other than Wonwoo and Hoshi.

Wonwoo’s sharp eyes narrowed as he took in Mingyu’s casual, almost nonchalant demeanor.

"You’ve got to be kidding me," he said, his voice laced with disdain.

Hoshi, standing beside him in his McLaren race suit, crossed his arms and leaned against the wall with a slight smirk.

"Well, well, sneaking off, are we, pole-sitter?" His tone was teasing, but his gaze was scrutinizing.

Mingyu straightened, his jaw tightening as he met Wonwoo’s glare. "I don’t see how this concerns either of you," he replied evenly, though there was a sharp edge to his voice.

Wonwoo stepped forward, his expression hardening.

"It concerns me because she’s Seungcheol’s sister. And more importantly, because I know you, Mingyu. You think this is a game? You’re not fit for her."

Mingyu’s eyes darkened, his patience wearing thin. "That’s not for you to decide," he said firmly. "Especially not after what you did."

Hoshi chimed in, his voice light but his words pointed. "I think what Wonwoo’s saying is... tread carefully. She’s been through enough, don’t you think?"

The tension between the three drivers was palpable, but before it could escalate further, your voice cut through the air.

"What the hell is going on here?"

The three men turned to see you standing a few steps away, your arms crossed and your gaze fiery. Mingyu’s tense posture softened slightly, but Wonwoo’s face hardened.

You marched up to them, your eyes fixed on Wonwoo.

"Seriously? You’re trying to tell Mingyu what to do? You don’t get to have a say in my life anymore."

Wonwoo opened his mouth to speak, but you didn’t give him the chance.

"You cheated on me, Wonwoo. You made it very clear how little you cared about me back then. So don’t you dare act like you’re some protective ex now. You lost that right a long time ago."

Hoshi raised his eyebrows, clearly taken aback by your bluntness, while Mingyu’s lips quirked into a subtle smile, pride flickering in his eyes.

You turned to Hoshi, your tone still firm but less cutting.

"And you? I appreciate the concern, but I can handle myself. Mingyu has been nothing but kind to me, and honestly, I don’t need the two of you ganging up on him."

Wonwoo looked away, his jaw clenched, while Hoshi gave a small, apologetic nod. Mingyu stepped closer to you, his hand brushing yours in a silent show of support.

You sighed, your voice softening as you addressed all three of them.

"I’m not some prize to be fought over. I make my own decisions. And right now, I’m choosing to be with someone who actually respects me."

With that, you turned to Mingyu, your expression softening as you met his gaze. "Let’s go."

He nodded, his hand lightly resting on the small of your back as the two of you walked away, leaving Wonwoo and Hoshi standing in the shadowed paddock.

As you disappeared around the corner, Hoshi let out a low whistle. "Well, that was something."

Wonwoo didn’t respond, his eyes fixed on the spot where you had stood.

For the first time in a long time, he felt the sting of regret—not just for losing you, but for realizing that someone else might treat you the way he should have.

As you and Mingyu walked away from the tension-filled scene, the quiet of the dimly lit paddock enveloped you both.

The distant hum of the harbor and the faint echoes of laughter from the remaining hospitality areas faded into the background.

Mingyu’s hand lightly rested on the small of your back, his touch warm and grounding.

After a few moments of silence, he finally broke it, his voice gentle. “You didn’t have to do that, you know. Standing up for me like that.”

You glanced up at him, your expression softening as you saw the flicker of emotion in his eyes.

“Of course, I did,” you said simply. “You didn’t deserve that. None of it.” Mingyu stopped walking, turning to face you fully.

The faint glow of the overhead lights cast soft shadows on his face, making the vulnerability in his expression even more evident.

“I’m fine,” he said quietly, though the slight waver in his voice betrayed the truth. “I just... I didn’t want them dragging you into more drama because of me.”

Your heart twisted at his words. For all his confidence and charisma, Mingyu wasn’t as invincible as he seemed.

He was trying to shoulder everything on his own, and it hit you just how much he cared—not just about his image or reputation, but about protecting you from the chaos of his world.

You took a step closer, your hand reaching out to gently rest on his arm. “Mingyu,” you said softly, your voice barely above a whisper. “Are you okay? Really?”

His eyes searched yours for a moment as if debating whether to let you see the cracks beneath the surface.

Finally, he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. “I am now,” he admitted. “But I hate that this affects you, too. I never wanted that.”

You shook your head, your hand sliding down to intertwine with his.

“I knew what I was getting into, Mingyu. And I’m not running away just because it’s a little messy. You’ve been there for me, and I want to be there for you, too.”

For a moment, he didn’t say anything, his gaze locked on your joined hands.

He noticed the way your thumb absentmindedly traced circles against his skin, a small but significant gesture that spoke volumes.

“You don’t know how much that means to me,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

You smiled softly, the tension in your shoulders easing as you saw him relax slightly. “Good. Because I mean it.”

Mingyu didn’t push further. He could sense that this was a big step for you—letting your walls down, even just a little.

Instead, he gave your hand a gentle squeeze, his silent way of acknowledging the progress.

“I’m lucky, you know,” he said after a pause, his tone lighter but still sincere. “To have you. Even when things get crazy.”

You rolled your eyes playfully, though your smile betrayed your affection. “Don’t get used to it just yet,” you teased, but there was no mistaking the warmth in your voice.

As the two of you continued walking, the tension of the evening seemed to dissipate, replaced by a quiet sense of understanding.

For the first time in a long time, you felt like you were finally letting someone in, and Mingyu, ever patient, was exactly who you needed at that moment.

Later that night, the warm glow of the city lights filtered through the windows of your apartment, casting soft shadows on the walls.

You sat curled up on the couch with a blanket draped over your lap, the faint hum of the Monaco harbor in the distance.

Across from you, Seungcheol sat with his arms crossed, his jaw set as he stared at you with the intensity only an older brother could manage.

“So,” he said finally, breaking the silence.

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on with you and Mingyu, or do I have to find out from the gossip mill?”

You sighed, tucking your knees under you as you avoided his gaze. “It’s not... it’s not like that,” you started, but the way his eyebrows shot up made you correct yourself.

“Okay, maybe it is. A little.”

Seungcheol leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

“You’re seeing him,” he stated bluntly, his tone somewhere between accusation and concern.

You hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Yeah. I am.”

The silence stretched between you, and you could see the gears turning in his head. He was fuming, you could tell—his tight posture, the way his fingers tapped against his knee, and the sharp edge to his expression.

Finally, he exhaled sharply. “After everything with Wonwoo? Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“That’s not fair,” you said, your voice firmer than you expected. “Mingyu isn’t Wonwoo. He’s... he’s different.”

“Is he?” Seungcheol shot back. “Because I remember how broken you were after that mess. I had to watch you pick up the pieces, and now you’re telling me you want to jump back into something with one of his friends?”

You flinched at the mention of the past, but you refused to back down.

“It’s been years since then, Cheol. I’ve changed. I’ve grown. And Mingyu—he’s nothing like that. He treats me well. He respects me.”

Seungcheol stared at you, his expression unreadable.

You could feel the weight of his protectiveness pressing down on you, but you held your ground.

“I get it,” you said softly. “You’re just looking out for me. But I’m not the same person I was back then. I’m stronger now.”

His shoulders sagged slightly, and he ran a hand through his hair, clearly struggling with his emotions.

“I just don’t want to see you hurt again,” he admitted, his voice quieter now.

“I know,” you said, a small smile tugging at your lips.

“But Mingyu’s not going to hurt me. He’s been patient, Cheol. He’s been kind. And honestly... he makes me feel like maybe I can give love another chance.”

Seungcheol looked at you for a long moment, his gaze softening as he took in your words.

He could see the sincerity in your eyes, the way your shoulders relaxed when you talked about Mingyu.

Finally, he sighed, leaning back against the couch. “You’re a grown woman,” he said reluctantly. “I guess I don’t really have a say in what you do anymore.”

You laughed lightly, the tension in the room easing. “No, you don’t. But I still appreciate that you care.”

He shook his head, a small smile breaking through his stern exterior. “I just hope he knows how lucky he is. And if he screws up—”

“You’ll be the first to let him know,” you finished, grinning.

“Damn right,” Seungcheol muttered, though his tone was more affectionate than angry now.

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, you felt a sense of relief wash over you.

For the first time in a long time, you had opened up about your feelings, and while Seungcheol’s approval wasn’t everything, it mattered.

With his begrudging blessing, you felt like you were finally moving forward—ready to see where things with Mingyu might lead.

Seungcheol leaned back onto the couch, his expression softening as the tension eased between the two of you.

After a few moments, he raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity creeping into his tone.

“Alright, fine. But now you have to tell me how this all started. How did you even end up with Mingyu?”

You smiled, pulling the blanket tighter around yourself as you leaned into the couch cushions.

“It was here in Monaco, actually,” you began. “Right after the Imola Grand Prix.”

Seungcheol’s brow furrowed slightly. “Monaco? What happened here?”

“Well,” you said, a small smile tugging at your lips, “Remember the after-party that was hosted by Joshua Hong? You know, just to let loose a little after a hectic weekend since we all live here anyway. I wasn’t planning anything that night, but then Mingyu showed up. He was there with some of his friends as well, and... I don’t know, we just started talking.”

Seungcheol’s eyes narrowed slightly. “He asked you out at the after-party? Why didn’t I know about this?”

“Don’t make it sound like that,” you protested with a laugh.

“It wasn’t sleazy or anything. He was... charming. Polite. He didn’t push, just asked if I’d like to go out to dinner sometime. Honestly, I almost said no.”

“Why didn’t you?” Seungcheol asked, his tone skeptical but not unkind.

You shrugged, your smile softening.

“There was something about him. He wasn’t overbearing, and he didn’t act entitled like some guys do. He made me laugh. It felt easy.”

Seungcheol hummed, leaning his chin on his hand. “So you said yes?”

“Yeah,” you said, your eyes lighting up at the memory.

“A few days later, he took me out to this beautiful little restaurant overlooking the harbor. It wasn’t flashy, just... nice. Intimate. We talked for hours, about everything and nothing. And after dinner, he asked if I wanted to see more of Monte Carlo. He took me on this drive through the city, and it was... magical. The way the city lights sparkled against the sea—it felt like something out of a movie.”

Seungcheol’s expression softened further, though he still seemed hesitant. “And he’s been respectful? No games?”

You nodded firmly.

“Completely. He’s never pushed me to do anything I wasn’t comfortable with. He listens, Cheol. When I told him I needed time, he gave it to me. No questions, no complaints. He’s patient, and he’s made it clear that he’s okay with going at my pace.”

Seungcheol exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck as he processed your words.

“Alright,” he said finally, his tone begrudging but genuine. “I’ll admit, that sounds... better than I expected. He’s really been that good to you?”

“Yes,” you said earnestly, meeting his gaze.

“He’s been amazing, Cheol. He makes me feel like I can trust him, like I can actually let someone in again.”

Seungcheol studied you for a moment longer before finally nodding. “Okay,” he said, his voice low.

“If he makes you happy and treats you right, then I’ll back off. But,” he added, his tone sharpening slightly, “if he ever does anything to hurt you—”

“Again, you’ll be the first one to kick his ass,” you finished, grinning. “I know.”

Seungcheol shook his head with a reluctant smile, leaning back onto the couch. “You really like him, don’t you?”

You felt your cheeks warm, but you didn’t deny it. “Yeah,” you admitted softly. “I really do.”

For the first time that night, Seungcheol didn’t argue. Instead, he simply nodded, a quiet understanding passing between the two of you.

The final day of the Monaco Grand Prix dawned bright and clear, the Mediterranean sun casting its golden rays across the iconic harbor.

The air was filled with excitement, the buzz of anticipation almost tangible as fans packed the grandstands and the paddock brimmed with activity.

The Monaco GP wasn’t just a race—it was a spectacle, a celebration of speed, luxury, and prestige, and today promised to be unforgettable.

You stepped into the paddock alongside Mingyu’s sister, Minseo, and your friend Jiheon, a wag whose easy charm made her a favorite among the paddock regulars.

Your off-shoulder white maxi dress swayed elegantly with each step, its flowing fabric catching the light and drawing eyes wherever you went.

The dress, paired with understated gold jewelry and a pair of nude heels, was the perfect balance of sophistication and glamour, effortlessly fitting the grandeur of Monaco.

Your hair fell in soft waves, framing your face as you smiled and chatted with your companions.

The three of you moved through the paddock with ease, turning heads as the collective grace of your group drew admiration.

Photographers snapped away, and fans whispered excitedly as they recognized you.

It wasn’t just the dress or the occasion—it was the way you carried yourself, the quiet confidence and elegance that had people wondering who you were and how you fit into the thrilling world of Formula 1.

Mingyu stood near the Ferrari garage, finishing up a pre-race discussion with his engineers.

His fire suit hung slightly open at the top, the vibrant red of his team unmistakable. As the conversation wrapped up, his eyes drifted across the paddock—and then he saw you.

Time seemed to slow for him as he took in the sight of you. The white dress, the way it flowed effortlessly as you walked, the soft smile on your lips—it all made his heart skip a beat.

You were stunning, a vision of grace and beauty, and the way you lit up when you laughed at something Jiheon said only added to your charm.

Without a second thought, Mingyu excused himself from the conversation and made his way toward you.

His long strides carried him across the paddock quickly, his eyes locked on you the entire time.

You noticed him as he approached, and your face lit up in recognition, your smile widening in a way that made his chest tighten.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice casual but his eyes warm as they met yours.

“Good morning,” you replied, tilting your head slightly to look up at him. “Ready for the big day?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he said with a small grin, his hands resting on his hips. “How about you? Ready to cheer for the wrong team?”

You laughed lightly, the sound like music to his ears. “I’ll be watching from the Red Bull garage today,” you admitted, a playful glint in your eye.

“But I’ll still be cheering you on, Mingyu. Even if you’re a Ferrari driver.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Traitor,” he teased, though his tone was laced with affection. “But I’ll take whatever support I can get.”

Before either of you could say more, Jiheon nudged your arm gently, reminding you it was time to head to the hospitality area.

You gave Mingyu one last smile, your voice soft as you said, “Good luck out there. Drive safe.”

“I will,” he promised, watching as you turned to walk away.

His gaze lingered on you for a moment, the elegant sway of your dress and the way you carried yourself etching itself into his memory.

The pre-race atmosphere was electric. Mingyu stood on the grid, surrounded by his team as they made final adjustments to the car. But even with the chaos and noise, his mind wandered back to you.

As he glanced at the large screens broadcasting scenes from around the paddock, his heart skipped a beat.

There you were, standing in the Red Bull garage, chatting animatedly with Jiheon.

The camera lingered on you for a moment, capturing the way you laughed, your hands gesturing as you spoke.

You looked completely at ease, unaware of the world watching you. Mingyu’s lips curved into a grin, a soft chuckle escaping him.

The sight of you—so vibrant and natural—was all the motivation he needed.

Shaking his head slightly, he refocused on the task at hand. As he climbed into the cockpit of his Ferrari, he adjusted his gloves, his determination sharpening.

The roar of the crowd filled the air as the engines came to life, the sound reverberating through the streets of Monte Carlo.

Yet, even as the formation lap began, Mingyu couldn’t shake the thought of you.

Knowing you were there, cheering him on despite your seat in the Red Bull garage, gave him a sense of calm and drive that was hard to explain.

You weren’t just a distraction—you were his grounding force, his silent supporter in a world that rarely allowed vulnerability.

As the lights went out and the race began, Mingyu’s focus was absolute. But in the back of his mind, he carried the image of you in that white dress, cheering for him in your own quiet way.

It wasn’t just a race—it was a chance to show you that he was someone worth believing in.

The streets of Monte Carlo buzzed with electric anticipation as the Monaco Grand Prix soon reached its climax.

Mingyu was in the lead, his Ferrari weaving through the narrow streets with unmatched precision and focus.

Behind him, Seungcheol in the Red Bull was closing the gap, his aggressive driving style leaving no room for error.

Not far behind, Wonwoo in the Mercedes was biding his time, waiting for any mistake from the two drivers ahead.

The battle for victory was fierce, every lap a testament to skill and strategy.

In the Red Bull garage, you sat on the edge of your seat, your hand firmly intertwined with Jiheon’s. The tension in the air was palpable, the high-stakes nature of the race reflected on every screen in the garage.

Jiheon gave your hand a gentle squeeze, her eyes flicking to you with a supportive smile.

“Don’t worry,” she said softly. “Mingyu’s got this. He’s driving like a man possessed.”

You nodded, but your heart was hammering. Watching Mingyu fight for every inch on the track made you realize how much you cared.

It wasn’t just about the race—it was about him, about what he was proving to himself and the world.

Out on the circuit, Seungcheol made his move, diving deep into Mirabeau in an attempt to overtake Mingyu.

His Red Bull was so close to the Ferrari’s rear wing that the commentators were holding their breath. But in his eagerness, Seungcheol braked too late, his tires locking up and forcing him to take a wider line.

Mingyu seized the opportunity to pull ahead, his calm under pressure shining through.

From behind, Wonwoo saw his chance.

As Seungcheol recovered, Wonwoo’s Mercedes gained rapidly, but a momentary loss of grip through the Swimming Pool complex forced him to back off.

Frustration flickered across his face, but he knew he couldn’t risk a bigger mistake.

In the Red Bull garage, you let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding, clutching Jiheon’s hand tighter.

“Come on, Mingyu,” you whispered under your breath. Your eyes were glued to the screen, your entire body tense as the final laps unfolded.

With just two laps to go, Mingyu remained untouchable. His Ferrari danced through the streets of Monaco, every apex hit with precision, every straight taken at full speed.

The commentators marveled at his composure, declaring this race a defining moment in his career.

As the checkered flag waved, the grandstands erupted in cheers. Mingyu crossed the line first, securing a hard-fought victory.

His engineer’s voice cracked through the radio, full of emotion. “P1, Mingyu! Monaco is yours! Incredible drive!”

Mingyu let out a triumphant laugh, his voice filled with joy. “We did it! Thank you, team!”

In parc fermé, the energy was electric. Mingyu climbed out of his car, raising his fists in the air as his team swarmed him.

The weight of the victory was clear in his elated expression.

Seungcheol arrived shortly after, his Red Bull taking second place. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the win, he approached Mingyu with a sportsmanlike handshake.

“Great race, Mingyu,” he said, his voice tinged with respect. “You earned this one.”

“Thanks, Cheol,” Mingyu replied, gripping his hand firmly.

Moments later, Wonwoo pulled in. His Mercedes had claimed third, but his expression was anything but celebratory.

He exited the car with a scowl, his jaw tight as he walked past Mingyu and Seungcheol without a word.

His frustration was evident, the sting of falling short only amplified by the dynamic unfolding before him.

As they made their way to the cool-down room, the atmosphere was tense. Mingyu sat in a chair, catching his breath, while Seungcheol leaned casually against the wall.

Always the one to lighten the mood, Seungcheol joked, “I nearly had you at Mirabeau. You’re lucky I locked up.”

Mingyu grinned, his exhaustion giving way to humor. “Luck or skill? I’ll let you decide.”

Wonwoo, standing silently in the corner, crossed his arms, his gaze fixed on Mingyu. The unspoken tension between them was thick, but Seungcheol, sensing the awkwardness, kept the conversation light.

“Track conditions were brutal today,” he said. “It’s a miracle we all finished without incident.”

As they were called to the podium, Mingyu stole a glance at the crowd. His eyes found you standing near the VIP section, your radiant smile sending a surge of warmth through him.

You waved, your expression full of pride, and in that moment, Mingyu felt invincible.

The podium ceremony was a spectacle of celebration. Mingyu stood on the top step, lifting the winner’s trophy high as the crowd roared.

Seungcheol stood beside him, clapping with genuine admiration, while Wonwoo’s expression remained neutral, his disappointment evident.

From your vantage point, your heart swelled with pride. Seeing Mingyu bask in the glory of his win solidified everything you’d been feeling.

As the champagne sprayed and the drivers celebrated, you knew this wasn’t just a fleeting moment. This was the beginning of something real.

After the podium, you waited near the Ferrari garage. When Mingyu finally emerged, still in his race suit, you didn’t hesitate to approach him.

Without thinking, you threw your arms around him, whispering, “You were amazing out there. Congratulations.”

Mingyu hugged you back tightly, his voice soft in your ear. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Nearby, Seungcheol watched the exchange with a mix of protective instinct and acceptance. Walking over, he clapped Mingyu on the back.

“Good race,” he said. “Take care of her.”

Mingyu nodded, his expression serious. “Always.”

Wonwoo, watching from a distance, could only scowl as he turned and walked away, the sight of you and Mingyu together a reminder of what he’d lost.

But none of that mattered.

For you and Mingyu, this victory was more than just a race—it was a turning point, a moment that cemented your connection and opened the door to a future you were both ready to embrace.

Epilogue:

The glitz and glamour of the Formula 1 world always had its fair share of stories, but none felt quite as personal as yours and Mingyu’s.

Months after that life-changing Monaco Grand Prix weekend, your relationship had blossomed into something undeniably beautiful, and for the first time, you didn’t feel the need to hide.

The world first got confirmation when Mingyu posted a candid photo on his Instagram: you, standing on the balcony of his Monte Carlo apartment, looking out at the Mediterranean Sea.

The caption was simple yet heartfelt: “Worth every risk. ❤️”

You weren’t prepared for the wave of support that followed. Fans flooded the comments section with love:

“Finally! You two are so cute together!”

“She’s his lucky charm—look at his podium streak since Monaco!”

“From heartbreak to happily ever after. We’re here for it.”

Since then, you and Mingyu have embraced the freedom of being open about your relationship.

At races, he’d smile at you from across the paddock, his gaze filled with warmth, while you’d cheer him on from the Ferrari garage or wherever you chose to watch.

The stolen moments you used to have in secret were now shared openly—a hand on his arm after interviews, or a quick kiss on the cheek before he stepped into the car.

At the Singapore Grand Prix, you walked into the paddock hand in hand, the city’s bright lights reflecting the happiness you felt.

You could feel eyes on you, but instead of shrinking under their gaze, you smiled, more comfortable now in your place beside him.

During an interview, Mingyu was asked about the impact of your relationship on his career. He looked straight at the camera, a soft grin on his face.

“She’s my biggest supporter. Having her here makes everything better—on and off the track.”

You couldn’t help but blush, watching from the sidelines.

Later, when you teased him about making you the center of attention, he just shrugged, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“What can I say? It’s the truth.”

At home in Monte Carlo, life was a dream. Mingyu often called you his lucky charm, pointing to his string of podiums and victories since you’d been together.

You’d laugh, reminding him that his talent and dedication had gotten him where he was.

One quiet evening, as you both lounged on the couch after dinner, Mingyu turned to you, his expression soft.

“Do you ever regret letting the world in on us?”

You thought for a moment, then shook your head with a smile. “Not for a second. Hiding felt safe after the whole mess with Wonwoo, but this... this feels real. I’m glad we took the chance.”

His fingers intertwined with yours, his voice low but steady. “Me too. You were worth every risk, every whispered conversation, every secret meeting. I’d do it all over again.”

As you lay in his arms that night, you couldn’t help but marvel at how much had changed. The walls you’d built around your heart were gone, replaced by a trust and love you hadn’t thought you’d feel again.

Mingyu had been patient, kind, and understanding—everything you hadn’t known you needed.

For him, seeing you open up was the most rewarding part. He knew the risks of being with you, the doubts and fears you carried, but it was worth it.

Fans had embraced your relationship, noting how grounded and happy Mingyu seemed with you by his side.

And as the F1 season rolled on, your love story became a part of the sport’s narrative.

Whether it was the way you supported him through the highs and lows of racing, the genuine smiles you shared after a victory, or the quiet moments when the cameras weren’t watching, your relationship was a testament to the magic of taking a chance on love.

Love, it turned out, was worth every risk. And for you and Mingyu, it was only the beginning.

© rubyuji 2025’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Forever (Yoon Jeonghan) ♛ ⚜ ࿐ ࿔ ⁺₊

“What are you so worried about my lady? I feel these suitors aren’t very fit for you this season. Dare I say, and honestly, I might be the only man who would be worthy of your affections.”

Genre: Romance, BSF2L, Slight Angst

AU: Bridgerton/Regency!au

Pairing: Jeonghan x Afab!reader

Warnings: None

Synopsis: You yearned for him every moment he stepped into your drawing room, but did you stand a chance against a princess despite your status as the Diamond of the Season?

Note: This was so short and underwhelming but I liked it and didn’t want to develop a whole backstory for this (yet). I hope you guys like this update (since I haven’t in like nearly a month help). As always, don’t forget to like + reblog as a way of supporting me and other writers!

WC: 1.6k

It was that time again wherein the courtship scene in London was in a hustle and bustle. Families flaunting their daughters whom they have raised refinely until womanhood, and fortunately enough for you, you had harbored quite the suitors for your desirable beauty.

You were unmatched after being crowned ‘Diamond of the Season’ by the queen herself, but with the princess’ appearance, were you truly?

From Lord Choi Seungcheol, Earl of Greenhill to Joshua Hong the Duke of York, none of which could compare to who truly owned your heart. Your own best friend and the only heir to Lord Yoon of Burlington, Yoon Jeonghan, or Jeonghan as everyone in his circle calls him.

Jeonghan had grown up alongside you because of your family’s close friendship. You had grown accustomed to seeing his soft smile and warm eyes every summer whenever your family would go to the countryside to spend time with the Yoon family.

Though, you wish to have not known of the princess in town taking such interest in him. Who would’ve known that a member of the royal family would pin after a simple nobleman? Wasn’t she supposed to be focusing on her roster of royals?

“Jeonghan, why are you in my drawing room? The callers will be coming any second and I can’t afford a scan—“ you pause, taking in your best friend’s sly smile.

“What are you so worried about my lady? I feel these suitors aren’t very fit for you this season. Dare I say, and honestly, I might be the only man who would be worthy of your affections.” Jeonghan says softly, a chuckle following his words as he looks at you, his gaze burning hot.

“I bet Lady Whistledown would cause such a stir if this unchaperoned encounter had gotten out into the public, but let me offer you a proposal before your guests start scrambling in,” you freeze up at Jeonghan’s words.

It was unexpected, with only the two of you currently in the drawing room as your maid had gone off with your mother to check on the suitors.

“I know that gifts of plenty are not what you want, I’ve known you for years darling. I could buy out every florist in London or buy you the finest dresses and you still wouldn’t be satisfied with such material things, that’s not who you are. You want a genuine connection do you not?” Jeonghan takes your hand in his softly and brushes his lips over your knuckle, causing your breath to hitch.

“But, I too, understand why you were crowned diamond of the season. I’d give anything if it were to make you happy, just by your beauty alone. You’ve always been so captivating, my dear,” he purred.

Reading you was no problem for Jeonghan, after all, he was one of your dearest friends with whom you grew up. Though he joked around like this often and anyone would think he was serious, you’ve learned to shrug it off as time passed.

Yet, he never implied if he was joking or not, the thought simply went over your head as this was passed off light banter between you both.

Also as much as you did wish and hope to see your best friend as a possible suitor, you felt like an idiot when someone like the princess was after his affections.

You would never compare to someone of her likeliness or grace, you were only the diamond of the season who grew up in a simple noble household.

“Jeonghan, you never fail to amuse me, my dearest best friend. You aren’t even a suitor nor caller, yet you’re always in my drawing room to watch over me beforehand,” you chuckle, but he only shakes his head with a smirk gracing his features. One you had grown very fond of over the years.

“My lady, these suitors are chasing after you, but none could compare to me when I don’t need to chase…” Jeonghan trails off, wrapping an arm around your waist. Your face heats up and you tear your gaze away from the man in front of you.

“All I need is a few minutes with you, alone, in this very drawing room,” he finishes, face so close to yours that you could only hold your breath and ignore the loud beating of your heart.

Jeonghan then unravels his arm from around your waist and excuses himself whilst making his way out of the drawing room, winking as he leaves you a flustered mess.

That night, at his own mother’s ball, you started to make haste to distract yourself from your cunning and charming best friend. You felt as though Jeonghan was hardly serious, but that moment in the drawing room continued to play in your head in an endless loop.

“Lady Jeon, it’s a pleasure seeing you tonight,” Taehyung, the son of Lord Kim, approached you as you had wrapped up your conversation with another suitor. He was a polite young man, one of the first callers as well to grace his presence. He was also a close friend of Jeonghan’s.

“Pleasure is all mine my Lord,” you say politely, a curt smile etched on your face as you scan the room for Jeonghan.

“Please, call me Taehyung, my lady,” he replies smoothly. As Taehyung continued to converse with you (or chat your ear off rather), more suitors made their way in your direction. This is when your best friend finally makes his presence known to them.

“Y/n, good evening. You look very lovely tonight,” Jeonghan says, taking your hand and placing a kiss on it.

All the suitors disperse one by one upon his arrival, intimidated by his looming aura. Any of the Lords knew not to mess with Jeonghan due to his reputation of being silent but quite deadly.

“Well, you certainly do have quite the charisma, my lord. You seem to have scared away all my suitors,” you scoff jokingly and take in his appearance.

Jeonghan looked ravishing tonight and seeing all the other noblewomen’s eyes on him, you weren’t the only one who thought so either.

Jeonghan continues to keep your hand in his as he leads you towards the dance floor. “May I have this dance, my lady?” He asks with a smirk, and you nod, flustered at his calling.

You were relieved that you had been smart enough to keep your last dance with him on your dance card, hence why you had been actively avoiding any man who had been asking to dance the whole night.

Though Jeonghan was way past using formalities anymore when it came to you, with you being the same, you couldn’t help but buzz at the way the words simply slipped off his tongue whenever he called you that. It was only in the lighthearted banter that you both ever used formalities teasingly.

Dancing with Jonghan felt somewhat of a dream that night, but you were soon brought back to reality, and your senses, after seeing the princess walk in your direction.

She was so beautiful, her hair was done up in neat curls as she donned a baby blue colored dress. Her gaze was set on Jeonghan and you instantly felt yourself panic.

“Please excuse me, my lord,” you say hurriedly, rushing towards your mother in a frenzy. ‘I have to get home,’ you thought.

Jeonghan was confused at your sudden outburst but quickly realized once the princess had tapped his shoulder from behind.

“Jeonghan, I would like to—“ he interrupted the princess, and he was thankful that nobody else had heard him.

Otherwise, he’d rather die than have his name on another Lady Whistledown article for causing such a scandal. It was ungentlemanly and rude towards the princess.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I cannot marry you like you had hoped. My heart belongs to another,” Jeonghan tells her and runs off to find you in his distress. He could deal with the princess later, but right now, you were the most important thing on his mind.

You avoided Jeonghan the rest of the night, going home early and wallowing in your insecure thoughts, but you knew Jeonghan wouldn’t let you get away so easily. That’s why you weren’t surprised to see him in your drawing room once again the next day.

“Y/n, please tell me what is wrong,” he says, worry lacing his tone. You raise a brow and scoff before looking him in the eyes.

“Jeonghan, there is simply nothing wrong I assure you. After all, you are marrying the princess, aren’t you?—“ He interrupts you as he stands abruptly.

“Y/n, listen to me. I am not going to marry her, I have already confessed to her last night that my heart belongs to another,” Jeonghan says flatly as his brows knit. Your jaw drops at his revelation.

Why wouldn’t he? It was a free pass to a better life after all, and Jeonghan was already the perfect partner for the princess. But then you wondered, who does his heart belong to now? You surely had no chance then as you feel your heart start to crack.

He seems to have read your mind because Jeonghan pulls you in by the waist again and kisses you with the feeling of longing. You reciprocate, kissing him back with just as much fevior.

“My lady, if you were always so worried, you could’ve simply just told me.” Jeonghan smiles after pulling away. You avoid his eyes and look at the floor, he always makes you flustered without even trying.

“It’s always and forever will be you Y/n. My heart yearns for you and only you, now let me court you as I show you how much I care for you. Give me this chance to prove to you how much I love you. I won’t let anything get in between us, just let me show you how much I burn for you,” once the words slipped out of his mouth, you knew that no suitor in the world could ever, compare to him.

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Enough for Me (Moon Junhui) 𓏲 ๋࣭  ࣪‧₊🪼˚‧ ✧𓍢ִִ໋˚.

Genre: Angst, Comfort

Warnings: Heavy mentions of depression and being suicidal, gaslighting (not from Jun or the reader though), a death of a loved one being mentioned, A LOT of long dialogue and cursing.

Synopsis: No one could handle you and you seemed to be the problem because everyone had always walked out on you. Not in Jun’s case though.

Note: Reworked, I apologize for how this is all loosely based on a true story (not adding too many details as to how) but I swear none of the idols mentioned as mean friends supposedly act like this in person in the story. As always, happy reading and don’t forget to support me by liking + reblogging my works! If you’re ever in a bad place, don’t be afraid to reach out.

WC: 1.5k

“Listen Y/n, I think it’s seriously immature of you to constantly delete your messages after you vent about something. Do you not think we care? You’re almost guilt-tripping us in a way, and it’s not like we constantly have time to respond to you, we have important things to take care of outside of our friendship,” Your friend, Jungkook, grits his teeth.

You stood still, shell-shocked at what had just come out of his mouth. Throughout the times you needed your friends most, they were never there for you, and now that your grandmother died they decide to drop a bomb on you? It hadn’t even been a day since she had passed.

“Jungkook, I don’t want to argue with you so as an explanation, I don’t delete my messages as a form of guilt-tripping. It just hurts my head and clogs my brain to see them in our group chat. Seeing how no replies with it just being there makes me feel even worse like I’m bringing the mood down, so I delete them because I also consider how you guys would feel,” you reply quietly, completely avoiding eye contact with everyone else as you play with your hands nervously.

“Honestly Y/n, we’re not the best at comforting but we can always listen to you. You just make it seem as though we could care less,” Nana says harshly.

Why were they doing this to you? You had a lot going through your mind and things were slowly escalating into an argument, but you were cornered, it was just you against everyone else it seemed.

“Y/n, we care about you ok? I don’t want you talking about killing yourself or that suicidal shit because I care about you. God, stop acting like a depressed piece of shit,” Jungkook continued to press on.

“I always consider how you guys would feel because I get you’re always so busy with class, but do I beg for you guys to listen? No, because I always put you all before me! Just let me be selfish for once. I do not wish for you guys to experience the pain I’m feeling,” You blew up but immediately kept yourself grounded by slouching beside Eunwoo on the couch.

“Guys, can you give Y/n a break? Fucks sake, someone in her family just DIED and there is still school to think about. Do you not realize that losing a close loved one is a lot to take in? Leave Y/n alone and let things work on their own because there can only be so much on someone’s plate,” Eunwoo sighed, clearly agitated at how your friends were acting like complete idiots by arguing with you at the worst possible moment.

“Y/n, you’ve always been the same, you wanna die right now? Fine, and you can have all the space you want, I don’t fucking care. At least come back when you’re mentally stable and respond normally will you?” You remained silent as everyone stared you down. If looks could kill, you’d be shot from every direction.

You were so close to breaking down that you simply ran out of the apartment and didn’t look back once.

You were grateful that at least Eunwoo cared but right now you needed to find solace in someone else who cared about how you felt about all this rather than how they felt. That’s when your feet led you to the apartment below yours, it was Jun’s.

You bring your hand to knock on the door, but it swings open before you can even land your knuckles on the wood to make the sound. Were you that loud?

On the other side stood a worried-looking Jun, the man immediately rushing you inside and leading you to his couch where he held you in a tight embrace.

That was the last thing you needed before you cracked, and suddenly all the tears you held in are streaming down your face.

“What happened? I heard about your grandmother and went to check on you but you were with your friends so I came back, thinking they were comforting you. Yet you’re here crying?” Jun was confused.

He heard your friends through the apartment door talking to you, deciding to come back once they were gone, but you beat him to it after he heard the pattering of feet down the hall.

You wipe your tears and smile off the intense pain you were feeling, disregarding it as nothing when you were really at your full capacity with everything going on.

You had a lot to think about, your family, how you were going to cope with everything. It was all too much, everything happening in less than a day.

“Jun, they were just agitated with me because I acted immaturely. I’ll spare you the details for now, but I deleted my vent messages in our group chat, they got mad and I gave them an explanation but then they go and gaslight me, which is all too much to handle,” You blabbered while Jun listened intently.

“Y/n, why would you let this happen? I remember you mentioning their lack of response towards you and how you never complained once, but then they go and do this. You don’t deserve any of the pain they caused,” he replies in a whisper, before bringing you into another hug that you desperately needed.

“It’s a lot, Jungkook told me to stop acting like a depressed piece of shit, immediately bringing up my past of being suicidal, then Nana acts like she did so much for me when they were never there. At least Eunwoo cared,” you muttered the last part to yourself, but Jun caught it and chuckled.

“Well, of course, he’s Eunwoo. Not a man of many words but always has the right ones when needed, I’m glad he stood up for you,” Jun then got up and handed you a blanket he found on the loveseat in his living room.

He hands you the blanket and you take it with a grateful smile. You’ve been through a lot today, and having someone finally care about you made you feel comfortable to be a bit vulnerable for even just a moment. Jun just felt like home to you.

“Y/n, they were shit friends towards you ok? They’re just mad because they’ve finally realized their mistakes and now that you’re putting yourself first, they think you’re being selfish,” he poked your cheek and you almost laughed through your tears, before Jun continued to speak.

“Listen, you are the most selfless person I know, you care so much about everyone else that you’ve reached a point where you pleased them too much, that now you can’t even do the bare minimum for yourself,” You take in his words and tears stream down your face again.

Had you been too lax? You never even thought of putting yourself first in anything, always opting to make everyone happy because you thought that it was enough for you.

“Everything I do isn’t enough, there’s always a problem with me. Everyone just leaves me Jun, I’m so tired of it all,” you huff out in frustration.

Jun’s brows knit and he pulls you even closer than you thought possible, almost flustering you, but he continues to comfort you.

His heart cracked at the sight of you, you looked so tired, exhausted, and devoid of life. It hurt Jun to see you that way when you’ve been hiding it for the longest time.

“You’ve suffered enough Y/n, let everything work by itself. To me, everything you do is enough, it’s enough for me ok? You were there for me during the times I needed someone, you kept me sane and comforted me even when you weren’t doing well by yourself. Don’t beat yourself up over something that isn’t your fault,” You nod and wipe your tears.

You knew what he meant. Jun had it just as hard as you are having it now, and you made sure he knew he was heard and had a shoulder to cry on.

It wasn’t just him either, you always made way to listen to everyone and tried your best to comfort them in any way you could.

“You know, you always make everyone feel heard, you’re just an amazing person, Y/n. Don’t ever think one bit that you aren’t enough when you would do so much more for everyone, and I’m glad you come to us because we do more than what those other friends of yours could,” Jun stared at the photo of you, along with his other friends on the wall.

Since your friends were never available, you felt happy to reach out to Jun and his other friends, Wonwoo, Soonyoung, Jihoon, and Minghao, when you needed a listening ear.

They all made you feel safe and secure during the times you had to stay strong for your grandmother, and even if they weren’t the best at comforting sometimes, they still tried, way more than anyone could bring themselves to.

“Thank you Jun, I feel much better now, even for a moment. Can we watch a movie or something with the other guys? I wanna get my mind off things for a while,” You ask softly.

Your eyes were still glassed over but your tears already dried. Jun nods at your request and immediately runs to order food and call the others.

Honestly, you couldn’t ask for anything better, because even if life is shitty, you get stronger and the pain is only temporary.

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Seventeen Masterlist ∘․ˑ⭑🎸₊ ⊹ ⭑

- Masterlist of Seventeen Works: A - Angst, F - Fluff, C - Comfort, R - Romance, HC - Headcanon, SB - Slow Burn

Seungcheol

- Fragments. (feat. Mingyu) (A, F)

Synopsis: Growing up with someone you love isn’t easy, well at least for Seungcheol, he never expected to be a life-altering heartbreak for you either, and while he did wish for a second chance, that plan had only backfired on him when he received an invite to your engagement party with Mingyu.

Jeonghan

- Forever (R)

Synopsis: You yearned for him every moment he stepped into your drawing room, but did you stand a chance against a princess despite your status as the diamond of the season?

- Just Like Magic (SB, F)

Synopsis: Since your first year at Hogwarts, Yoon Jeonghan has been the bane of your existence—a smug, untouchable thorn in your side. But as much as you'd like to keep hating him, somehow, he’s managed to slip into a place he was never meant to be: your heart.

Joshua

- Go the Distance. (F, C)

Synopsis: Joshua travels long distances just to see you, no matter how far.

- Where the Roses Bloom (SB, A)

Synopsis: A wealthy runaway seeking freedom and a devout seminarian devoted to faith find an unexpected connection in Crimson Lane, where love becomes their greatest salvation and torment. Torn between their hearts and the lives they are destined to lead, they are forced to confront sacrifice, identity, and the cost of their choices.

Jun

- Enough for Me. (A, C)

Synopsis: No one could handle you and you seemed to be the problem because everyone had always walked out on you. Not in Jun’s case though.

Hoshi

- none.

Wonwoo

- The Chase. (A, F)

Synopsis: After going through the most traumatizing relationship ever with your ex, you vowed never to open your heart to just anyone and simply accepted the fact that maybe you truly were just unlucky in love. That was until Jeon Wonwoo made it his life’s mission to prove to you that you weren’t unlucky, you just ended up with the wrong people.

- In Every Frame, You. (SB, F) (1)

Synopsis: Some love stories don’t need big moments—just the right ones, quietly captured. Tender slow-burn buzzing beneath the surface told in glances, near touches, and moments that almost pass unnoticed. In the quiet rhythm of working behind the scenes and shared silences, two souls begin to orbit each other—capturing something real before either of them fully realize it’s happening.

Woozi

- She got the Ruby. (F, R)

Synopsis: Jihoon had never been one for romance or dating—no one had ever truly caught his eye. But everything changed when he saw you bathed in the glow of red light at Soonyoung’s party, your ruby lips captivating him and making his heart race like never before. Why could you, a stranger, leave him so utterly spellbound?

Minghao

- none.

Mingyu

- The Reason for My Smile. (A, F)

Synopsis: Diving into a long-term relationship is scary for anyone for that matter, except the breakup from yours had left you traumatized because it happened over text. From then on you vowed to never wear your heart on your sleeve ever again, but your brother’s own best friend promised to change your perspective.

- Treat. (F)

Synopsis: An average medical student getting by who meets the cute baker from the small bakery across the street in front of her university.

- Happy Pawlidays. (F)

Synopsis: It was the holidays, so what better way to spend it with your sweet boyfriend than to give him his present?

- Fragments. (feat. Seungcheol) (A, F)

Synopsis: Growing up with someone you love isn’t easy, well at least for Seungcheol, he never expected to be a life-altering heartbreak for you either, and while he did wish for a second chance, that plan had only backfired on him when he received an invite to your engagement party with Mingyu.

- Full Throttle (F, SB)

Synopsis: Mingyu, Scuderia Ferrari’s rising star, has quickly captured attention both on and off the track. Fans can’t help but notice his pursuit of a familiar face in the paddock—Choi Y/N, the younger sister of veteran driver Choi Seungcheol—sparking buzz about a potential romance brewing in the F1 world.

DK

- none.

Seungkwan

- none.

Vernon

- none.

Dino

- Restless. (F)

Synopsis: After a week of traveling for school, Chan was ready to get home and crash onto his bed for the weekend. The problem? He was locked out for the night as his parents and younger brother had gone to visit their relatives on short notice, so he turned to his only option, you.

- Bounce Back. (A)

Synopsis: Seeing you with his best friend suddenly made him want to bounce back to the night you confessed your love.

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Fragments (Mingyu, Seungcheol) ˙ ✩°˖🫐 ⋆｡˚

“You know since we are just a few minutes away from landing, did I ever get the chance to thank you for being a huge blessing in my life?” 𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖🎐

Genre: Slight angst, fluff, romance

AU: University!au, Coming of Age!au

Pairing(s): (Short) Wonwoo x Afab!reader, Seungcheol x Afab!reader, Mingyu x Afab!reader (Reader is Jeonghan’s little sister)

Warnings: Cheol is toxic, nonchalant and doesn’t care for their relationship, a kiss scene (how shocking)

Synopsis: Growing up with someone you love isn’t easy, well at least for Seungcheol, he never expected to be a life-altering heartbreak for you either, and while he did wish for a second chance, that plan had only backfired on him when he received an invite to your engagement party with Mingyu.

Note: I’m finally done with the long awaited fic! I kept pausing and got busy in between, but overall I’d say that I’m satisfied with it. Thank you all for waiting and I hope you like it! Don’t forget to like + reblog as always to help support me and other writers, happy reading!

WC: 12k (exceeded my estimate omg)

Taglist: @nerdycheol @notevenheretbh1 (Thank you guys so much!)

Seungcheol remembered the first time he saw you. It was at his friend Jeonghan’s house, your nose crinkled adorably as you read some cheesy romance novel at sixteen on the cream sofa in the living room.

He had wanted to say something, but all he could do was smile as Jeonghan introduced him to your parents. Since then, he has been practically your family’s newest son besides Joshua, their other best friend.

When Seungcheol had received his fair share of confessions from girls all over the school in his senior year, he had always declined them politely because he was just never interested in any of them, except this time, it was different ever since the day Jeonghan had introduced you to him.

In moments wherein he would receive a confession from someone, he would see you walk by and forget the girl even existed, opting to call out your name instead and jog after you.

He would even walk you to your class or visit you in your classroom, using the ‘protective brother’s friend’ excuse, when in reality, he was only scoping out the potential guys who were interested in you in your class.

“Dude, do you like my sister? You look like a lost puppy following her around,” Jeonghan chuckles. Seungcheol raises his brow at his friend and turns to Joshua, who just shrugs as he agrees with Jeonghan.

“You hang around Y/n so much that there’s already rumors being spread of her being your crush or girlfriend,” Joshua says flatly.

“Guys, I’m just looking out for her, you know we all care about her like a little sister. Come on, I’m just a lot more proactive than Jeonghan” Seungcheol whined.

It was half true, he did want to look out for you because he cared, but also because he wanted to ward off any of the guys who were admiring you.

“You act like I leave her for dead, people probably think she’s your little sister instead of mine,” Jeonghan says, bored.

“Oh by the way, I honestly can’t believe she’s seeing this guy in the other class, his name was Jeon Wonwoo or something? He asked her out on Valentine’s Day,” Seungcheol whipped his head around and stared at Jeonghan, who was way too engrossed in his laptop even to notice the way Seungcheol’s brows furrowed.

Seungcheol felt his heart clench, no wonder you were starting to decline his invitation to walk home with him, Joshua, and your brother.

You had even started distancing yourself from them. It wasn’t that noticeable at first, but you were definitely around them less, opting to spend more time with a certain boy that he had seen with you way too often.

“So he’s buying her snacks and getting her flowers every morning? That’s crazy to me. I mean, Y/n is still so young, how are you letting this slide?” Seungcheol whined.

Looking back, he remembers you walking around hand in hand with a tall guy who had glasses on, and you were always smiling at whatever the guy said to you.

As Joshua was about to get another word out about how Seungcheol was probably going to cry about you growing up and becoming your own person with an identity, you suddenly walked into the living room and plopped onto the seat beside Jeonghan. Your brother scoffed and rolled his eyes as you accidentally knocked the laptop from his lap.

“I heard my name? Are you guys gossiping about me?” You say playfully.

Seungcheol felt his ears warm up at the sound of your voice, despite you being a mini version of Jeonghan, he still couldn’t help but fall for you as a person because of how charming you were.

“Yeah, I told them about the boy you’re seeing in the year above yours. Is he your boyfriend or is he just a crush?” Jeonghan runs a hand through your hair and you hum with a smile on your face.

“He’s my boyfriend, a super sweet guy. I never expected him to ask me out or even feel the same way, but I like him,” Seungcheol could hear the love practically dripping from your voice, and he wanted the green-eyed monster to simply swallow him whole.

“You’re so gross if he hurts you, we’ll be after his head. Please tell him as a reminder,” Jeonghan then flicks your forehead and you whine.

Seungcheol could never get tired of seeing the way you and Jeonghan interacted, the way you reacted cutely, and how your nose scrunched in the most adorable way possible.

Turns out, Jeonghan’s promise was going to come around way sooner than any of you would’ve thought.

As Seungcheol was there for your first boyfriend, he also ended up being there during your first heartbreak.

He clearly remembers the day you shuffled over to your older brother quietly and held onto his arm for support, Jeonghan opting to pull you close to his side instead. Your eyes were soaked with tears, the guys looking at you worriedly on the way home.

“We’ll head in, I gotta take care of the little one first. You guys go ahead,” Seungcheol and Joshua nodded, still worried about your current state, but decided to leave your actual older brother to it because he knew what to do.

That night, Jeonghan texted their group chat about how Wonwoo had broken up with you that day.

Some bullshit excuse like you guys weren’t meant to be, when in reality, Wonwoo had been seeing a different girl behind your back and didn’t know how to tell you that he fell out of love, something Seungcheol couldn’t fathom.

How could someone fall out of love with you? You had so much to offer and you had so much love to give.

Seungcheol cursed the kid out in his head and texted that he would deal with him, but before he could do anything stupid, Joshua had to talk him out of it.

He knew it was a bad idea to even confront Wonwoo for breaking your heart, but he couldn’t help it, not when he couldn’t stand the look of hurt that graced your pretty face, the way tears welled up in your big doe eyes.

But, Seungcheol also considered the fact that you wouldn't like it if he got into a fight either.

Your first heartbreak felt like a blur after a few years, and Seungcheol had found himself watching from the sidelines again as you grew up to be such an independent and self-assured young woman. However, he could’ve never expected to become the face of your second biggest heartbreak.

Seungcheol, Jeonghan, and Joshua were now in their third year of college, and you had just entered as a freshman.

With him and Jeonghan studying business management and Joshua taking the psychology route, you were now added to their little family as well, this time majoring in fashion design.

“Are you guys proud of me? I’m finally an adult! Can’t wait to rot away for the next three to four years while you guys only have a year left again,” You joked as you settled on the seat beside Joshua.

Jeonghan had offered you a place to live that was in the same building, and it was pretty affordable, while still being near campus. Seungcheol thanked whatever deity was up there for giving you the opportunity.

Though you guys weren’t apart for that long, albeit the guys visiting you during every break since they started living away from your hometown, it still felt like something was missing during their time in college.

You felt the same admittedly enough, and even though you enjoyed the solace that came with the silence of not having to have the guys around with their constant bickering and yelling, you couldn’t help but miss them dearly.

So, when your brother offered up an apartment in the same building as theirs, once you got accepted into the same school, you took it immediately.

“Hey, we’ll still live here until we get stable jobs after graduating, baby. You don’t have to sulk, you won’t be lonely and we’ll make sure of it,” Seungcheol chuckled.

You felt your heart beat faster at the sound of his voice, you’ve seen Seungcheol ever since you guys were teenagers, but you had to admit, college and becoming an adult was catching up to him.

Seungcheol looked broad, and it was the result of continuously working out and his efforts to maintain his body and health, but he also carried a different air around him, one that made you feel choked up and so small around him.

You held back from developing feelings for Seungcheol though, as he was your brother’s best friend. It was strictly sibling code, but Jeonghan didn’t seem to care if you dated any of his friends for that matter.

“I’ll take it,” You smile at Seungcheol.

You couldn’t help the fluttering you felt in your chest, but you also weighed your feelings for the man.

Seungcheol was handsome, and he had a charming personality to match, but would he date you? He most likely saw you as a little sister above all else, and he was Jeonghan’s best friend, your brother would never let you live it down.

You were so wrong though because not even a month after you had moved in, Seungcheol had asked you out on a date.

You were pleasantly surprised, not expecting him to ever look your way at all, but here you were as the man handed you a small bouquet, pink dusting his cheeks as he waited for your answer.

“Yes Cheol, I’ll go out with you,” Seungcheol’s eyes lit up as he picked you up and spun you around out of excitement.

You laughed once he put you down, and on the way home, he couldn’t help but announce it to both of his roommates. Jeonghan raised a brow at you, and you shrugged shyly under your brother’s gaze.

One date with Seungcheol turned into two, then three, until you finally agreed to be his girlfriend. Things got serious quickly between the two of you, given how long you’ve known each other, and Jeonghan and Joshua couldn’t help but laugh at their friend who was finally experiencing a relationship for the first time.

You were both acting like lovesick fools whenever you visited the apartment and within a year, your relationship had progressed into something deeper.

Seungcheol opted to move over into your apartment on the floor above, and you both even decided to adopt a puppy and name her Kkuma.

Life couldn’t have been better, especially when Seunghcheol took great care of you in all ways.

“Hi baby, I picked up some things at the store that we were running out of. How was your day?” Seungcheol kissed your cheek as he placed the groceries on the kitchen island.

You were currently cooking dinner for the two of you, and you turned gratefully toward your boyfriend. He is the most perfect partner you could ever ask for.

Communication with Seungcheol was easy, loving him was easy, and being with him was easy, but it was as if he had become an entirely different person once you were about to reach the two-year mark of your relationship.

Seungcheol started becoming more closed off, he spent more time at his new job, and he started lashing out at you, causing huge blowup fights between you both, resulting in you having to sleep at Jeonghan and Joshua’s place more often than not.

“I don’t understand what’s gotten into him, you know he seems fine at work, but now he’s raising his voice at you? Y/n, we know Seungcheol is our best friend, but his actions are already harming you, don’t you think it’s better to break up?” Jeonghan looked like he was pleading with you.

Your older brother knew better than anyone, and you bit your lip softly. Even Joshua and Jeonghan had started to notice the change, it was how Seungcheol even refused to spare you a glance at parties, or how he had started to leave you alone more often, even during his day off.

What ticked Jeonghan off though, was the fact that Seungcheol had already raised his voice at you in front of them multiple times.

He couldn’t stand to see his baby sister being taken for granted by someone who once cared about her so much, he wondered what on earth happened to the Seungcheol who vowed to take care of you.

The one who always doted on you and scolded Jeonghan for leaving you alone when you needed him.

“Hey, take it easy on her. Two years is a long time Han, so it’s not like Y/n can walk out on him instantly just like that. I have to agree with your brother though, Y/n. This isn’t healthy for you, and we’re willing to help you with whatever just to make things easier,” Joshua pulls you into his side on the sofa and you huff.

The Seungcheol you were with felt unrecognizable, and you just wished you could run away from him for once, so you decided to confide in the two about how your best friend, Mingyu, had offered to take you to Italy with him because he was going to model for a brand there, and how they loved your portfolio and wanted to take you under their wing as a senior fashion designer.

“Don’t you think it’s wiser to take the opportunity? I know you love Cheol, but Y/n, you can’t keep putting up with this. He’s only hurting you,” Joshua says softly.

You shake your head and let out a deep sigh. What would it take for you to walk away from it all? Leaving sounded tempting, yet all you could think about was how Seungcheol would feel if you left.

He could still change, but how much longer could you endure the pain he’s been putting you through?

“Look, we understand that it’s easier said than done, but you’re still so young and have the whole world to explore. Don’t chain yourself down to this relationship, Y/n. We promise to deal with Seungcheol if it makes you feel better, but for now, we think you should take the opportunity to go to Italy,” Jeonghan looks at you painfully, and the last thing you wanted to do was to hurt your brother, seeing as you being in pain was already doing just that.

“I—'ll go to Italy, but promise me that you both will take care of Cheol? I know he hasn't been the best lately, but he’ll need as much support as I do. It's been difficult, but you guys are right, I still have the world out there for me, and whatever happens with Cheol will happen. Find our way back to each other or not, I think I’m ready for a fresh start,” You declare.

Jeonghan and Joshua look at you fondly, as Seungkwan, their new roommate and one of your closest friends, walks into the room, eyes as wide as saucers.

“Wait, you’re taking Mingyu up on that offer in Italy? That’s amazing, Y/n! I’ve been waiting for Seungcheol to finally get his grip off of you so you can flourish!” You laugh awkwardly as Seungkwan crushes you in his embrace.

“Ugh, Kwannie! Mingyu said he’s supposed to leave next week, I think it’s finally time I give him the answer he’s been waiting for. Are you coming with?” You pout at Seungkwan. Your friend nods and gives you a wide grin.

“I’m coming along so I can get used to the environment, I can’t leave these two just yet you know? Besides, I’ll go tell my sister once I’m ready and I’ll be there with you both ok? Now come on, let’s head upstairs, I’ll help you pack!” Seungkwan pushes you out the door and you bid your brother and Joshua goodbye, promising to call them later.

You were happy you had Seungkwan to keep you company while packing your things, he kept your mind at bay knowing you still had to talk to Seungcheol about everything that was happening.

You couldn't just get up and leave without an explanation, it just wasn't who you were, and you felt like it would’ve been unfair for your boyfriend.

Once you finally zipped up your last suitcase of personal belongings, you didn't have much, to begin with, and Seungkwan lugged the rest of your bags down to their apartment, you heard the door open. ‘He’s home,’ you thought to yourself.

You walk out of your room and see Seungcheol walk into the apartment, his body language seeming a bit more apprehensive than usual, but you know you have to say something.

You were already leaving for Italy the next week, and this was probably going to be the last time you’d be seeing Seungcheol in a while.

“Cheol? Can we talk, please?” Your voice was timid, almost coming out as a squeak if Seungcheol didn’t listen hard enough. He turns to look at you, his gaze suddenly soft but still somehow holding anger.

“Can you make it quick? I still have something to do so I won’t be in the house for long, you don’t have to wait for me,” Seungcheol huffed.

Your heart broke at how you could barely even recognize the person in front of you.

This wasn't the same Seungcheol who constantly doted on you while growing up. The Seungcheol who was too scared to even raise his voice at you, knowing you hated it when people yelled at you.

How did his, “Hey angel, don’t wait up for me and get some rest, you had a long day,” turn into cold scoffs and constant eye rolls? Was he tired of you?

You finally gather enough courage to speak up about everything you’ve held back from him the past few weeks.

This wasn’t your Seungcheol anymore, this man was a stranger in your apartment, he was a stranger you once knew, a stranger whom you’ve loved with your whole heart, only for him to throw it all away. You finally had enough, it was time for you to choose yourself for once.

“You know what? Fine, I will. To sum it all up, I’m leaving you Seungcheol, this isn’t gonna be the same as some silly little sleepover at Joshua and Jeonghan’s. I’m leaving, I’ve had enough of dealing with your outbursts and I barely recognize you anymore. I’m sorry I had to end it like this, but I’m choosing myself this time,” a stray tear makes its way down your face and you hold in the urge to sob.

This was for your own good, and if leaving Seungcheol and bearing the pain was what it took, so be it.

You knew it would be hard to move on, but you also knew that making a choice for yourself and choosing yourself for your peace was what you needed right now.

“I’m letting go, maybe we aren’t meant to be, or we’ll find our way back, but I can’t promise anything. I’m sorry, you don’t have to tell me anything else because I leave next week. I have everything packed, and you can talk to my brother and Joshua about living arrangements, I’ll still pay the lease until the end of the month,” You choke out.

Your nose was starting to get stuffy and your vision started to blur, you couldn’t even look at Seungcheol as you told him everything.

“Y/n, please, don’t leave. I’m sorry, just give me time to fix everything, I know I fucked up. Why did you decide to drop all of this on me now? I– I can’t, Y/n, please,” Seungcheol was pleading with you.

You knew it was unfair, but after countless months of giving in to Seungcheol and settling with being the same understanding girlfriend you are, you couldn’t help it.

“I’m sorry, I can’t let you fix everything when you’re too late. I’ve given you countless chances to finally pull yourself together, even going as far as to leave you alone because I know how much you hate being bothered when you’re stressed, and this is what I get in return. I’ve been too understanding towards you that it’s starting to affect me, please, just let me have it this once Seungcheol,” You were now the one pleading as tears cascaded down your face like a waterfall.

Seungcheol’s heart ached as he looked at you. You were such a self-assured, independent, and strong young woman, he knew that since the moment he met you.

Jeonghan made sure you grew up not needing a man to take care of you but also made sure you still left a part of yourself where you allowed someone to take care of you once you felt vulnerable enough.

This wasn’t the same woman he had fallen in love with, instead, what Seungcheol saw in front of him was the same girl who had her heart crushed by a stupid teenage boy back in high school.

You looked so broken, so frail, as you tried to shield yourself away from him. Seungcheol couldn’t help but feel as if the world was closing in on him, had he been too neglectful the past few months?

Did he let his emotions get the best of him when he had promised you that he would keep a level head around you? Hell, he even promised your brother he would never hurt you, and look where it got him.

Seungcheol couldn’t even get another word out before you left the apartment, leaving him in the silence of a home that was once filled with the warmth of the love you had once before.

Ten minutes had passed and Seungcheol still couldn't believe that you had walked out on him, had he been too lax of a boyfriend already?

He knew he fucked up and he had been wanting to fix things between you both, but it ultimately ended in failure the moment you walked out of that apartment.

You hold the handle of your carry-on bag as Mingyu checks you both in while you are still taking in the atmosphere of the entire airport.

It felt surreal, a week ago you were in the apartment you once shared with Seungcheol, everything you withheld from him boiling over, and now you’re at the airport with one of your best friends in the entire world, ready to go to Italy and start life over.

“Hey, I got our boarding passes, let's head in and get past security so we don't have to deal with the hassle later. Also, you look tense, lighten up a bit, you need this reset,” Mingyu smiles at you gently while handing you your passport.

You nod and let out a breath, Mingyu was right, your life had been stagnant for too long, and this was something you deserved.

“Thanks, Gyu, for everything. You’ve been nothing but kind to me, I seriously feel like I’m indebted to you,” You joke, and Mingyu lets out a scoff.

“No need to thank me, you’re the most amazing fashion designer I know, and with the company liking your portfolio and telling me that they would like to take you under their wing immediately, you should give yourself more credit where it’s due. This was all from your hard work, Y/n,” Mingyu shakes his head and you both go through security while lugging your bags through the scanners.

After going through security, you and Mingyu bought food and chatted at the boarding gate happily while waiting for your flight to board.

“I’m glad you took the opportunity, I was starting to think you’d be stuck here forever, forced to live a boring life with Seungcheol. No offense, of course, it's just that you’re way too talented to not show your colors to the entire world,” Mingyu flushes and you grin at him sheepishly.

You met Mingyu through Minghao, who introduced you to the man because he knew you needed a male model because you ran out of options for your menswear class.

“Look, I know you love your brother and all, but this is our last final for the year, Y/n! Think about it, you already had Joshua model for the midterm, and Jeonghan modeled for us during the first semester’s finals, and our second-semester midterms.” Minghao gave you a pointed look knowing you had to do this for your sake.

You were too familiar with your brother and Joshua’s builds, and despite getting near-perfect scores on your projects, you still wanted to try something that was out of your comfort zone. Minghao then snaps his fingers and you look at him in confusion.

“I have this friend, you remember Mingyu right? He was my model during the first round of midterms last semester. I think it would be great if you practiced with him since you aren't used to taller and broader builds,” You raise your brows at Minghao’s proposition.

“I mean, you’re right about that. Give me his contact, and I’ll shoot him a message,” You smiled softly. Minghao handed you his phone with Mingyu’s contact as you input it into your phone.

You met Mingyu once for his measurements, saw his sweet smile once, heard him speak in his soft voice, and the rest was history.

Mingyu had turned into your rock, your other cheerleader who was there whenever your boyfriend wasn't. Now, you’re traveling the world with your best friend who is everything you could ever ask for.

“I appreciate the sentiment Gyu, I couldn't have gotten here without you being by my side. I guess I thought I was destined to just, you know, wait until I get offered a boring job at some corporate office that has nothing to do with my degree, then live with Seungcheol until God knows how long,” You laugh softly, looking back at what you had thought would be the rest of your life, but change is inevitable and it was time you accept it.

“Of course, you know I’ll always be by your side. It's my job to take care of you as your best friend, even if you insist that you’re completely fine on your own.” Mingyu pouts.

You laugh at Mingyu and heave a sigh of relief. You finally felt free after all these months.

From being too depressed to get out of the apartment, declining every invitation from your friends, to moving to Italy with both of your best friends and starting life over from scratch.

Your brother and your friends were right, even if you did love Seungcheol, some people just aren't meant to be in our lives for so long once they impact you negatively.

“Oh, by the way, did Seungkwan send you his flight details? I swear, he has do-not-disturb mode on more, these days,” You laugh as you come across a picture of you, Seungkwan, and Mingyu on your last trip to Jeju during Seungkwan’s birthday.

Mingyu hummed and nodded, showing you a screenshot that Seungkwan had sent to him.

“His flight is still later tonight, so he’ll probably arrive the day after us or like at night? I don’t know, time zones are weird,” Mingyu gave up trying to understand time zones and you laughed again at how cute your best friend was.

“I’m sure Seungkwan will call us once he’s there, so we don’t need to worry much. What we need to worry about though, is where we’re going to be staying once we get there first,” You laugh.

Mingyu shows you an email on his phone from the company, it said you were going to be provided with housing since Mingyu was a model, and you were a senior fashion designer.

“What? They’re going to provide us with housing? That’s crazy,” Your mouth gaped like a fish and Mingyu laughed at you.

“I know, that’s why I chose this company over every other one. The others only ever put your portfolio and resume aside, while the one we’re being hired to right now provided us both with opportunities. I thought it was only fair to bring you along since I did get scouted by big shots after uploading myself modeling in your pieces,” Mingyu smiled softly, his tone laced with gratitude towards you.

You wave off Mingyu’s remark dismissively. “You worked hard you know? I think my clothes were only a little bit of help when it came to your actual scouting, I think you should give yourself more credit,” You reply.

After an hour of talking, you and Mingyu were finally headed into your seats on the plane. Suddenly, everything felt so surreal as Mingyu lugged your carry-ons into the overhead bins.

“I can’t believe we’re moving to Italy, never in my life would I ever imagine hopping on a plane headed to work in Europe of all places,” You say to Mingyu, who is settled on the seat beside you.

“I think you should finally start believing it because you still might feel as though you’re dreaming the moment we land,” Mingyu chuckles and leans his head on yours, an action that makes you feel warm inside.

It felt nice having Mingyu around, he was healing a part of you that wished it was Cheol doing all this, but you knew better than to think of your ex right now because you were on the path of moving on from everything he put you through.

The flight was a breeze, and thankfully nobody was in the seat beside Mingyu, because he could easily slip into the restroom at any time, a luxury he didn’t usually have if he was placed in a window or middle seat on the plane.

“You know since we are just a few minutes away from landing, did I ever get the chance to thank you for being a huge blessing in my life?” You laugh as the plane is making its final descent.

“I knew you needed this opportunity because I saw how badly he was treating you, I had to give you this much because you deserve way better,” Mingyu replies gently.

Your heart blooms and you grip his hand, you are ready to move forward, and you know you have the right people by your side.

“Seungkwan, can you go pick up groceries at the Korean supermarket across the street? It’s your turn since you are mooching off me and Mingyu until you move in with Vernon,” You jokingly call out to your friend.

Seungkwan grumbles and you laugh before turning to him from the kitchen. “Yeah, don’t worry, I already know whatever is on the list before you need to tell me, I’ll be back in like twenty minutes,” he tells you on his way out the door.

It had been a few months since you had arrived in Italy with Mingyu and Seungkwan, and you all had settled into the country quite easily.

Starting work was a breeze because the company was very accommodating and everyone was friendly, and you found yourself moving on faster than you expected.

“Seungkwan’s finally moving in with Vernon huh? I can’t believe it’s already been a while since we got here. Now tell me, when are you going to give in to me?” Mingyu jokes as he wraps his strong arms around your waist.

You were no stranger to skinship with your best friend, but the veil between friendship and romance was starting to wear thin after moving in together after a few months.

Mingyu was just a stark contrast from who Seungcheol was, and you were starting to give in to him despite your fears of commitment.

It didn’t help that your best friend was just as hopeless a romantic as you are, so Mingyu naturally took his time with you. It was something you were immensely grateful for because he fully understood that you probably weren’t even ready to pursue another relationship.

See, Mingyu was naturally a soft-spoken man. During the entirety of friendship not once had he raised his voice at you, or anyone for that matter, even when he was angry or agitated.

Mingyu rarely blew up on people. You used to fear being yelled at because with Seungcheol, it was inevitable, and it only planted a fear of everyone raising their voice at you the moment Seungcheol had let go of all his reserve during a fight.

Even if Mingyu did raise his voice from across the apartment, he made sure it was at a reasonable volume that didn’t scare you, and on the rare occasion that you both would get into a fight, Mingyu would only communicate his feelings towards you in a calm tone.

Mingyu was also just full of love, he was always so considerate towards everyone around him. He made sure you and Seungkwan knew how grateful he was to have you both by his side because this was a big step for all of you.

The nights when the three of you would drink together, and Mingyu would pour out his gratitude towards you both, about how he felt so happy that the universe had given him some of the most amazing best friends in the entire world (also yapping about how much he missed Wonwoo, his old roommate, but that was for another time).

It was just a huge plus that Mingyu also willingly helped around the house, naturally because you knew it was in your best friend’s upbringing to keep the house in proper shape.

Even cooking with Mingyu was an experience because you both enjoy sharing recipes and want to try them out together, which meant Seungkwan was treated to a delicious meal every time you and Mingyu would find a new dish to try out.

Mingyu made you experience new things that you couldn’t when it came to your ex, and slowly, the feelings between you both unfolded.

Seungkwan couldn’t deny it to you either that you and Mingyu would make a great married couple, you both were pretty tame and low maintenance, something that was rare to find these days.

“I know you’re not ready to start a relationship or deal with feelings right now after everything you’ve been through with your ex, but trust me when I say this, Mingyu is the one you should marry. You both look so perfect together, and it’s a plus that he already likes you,” Seungkwan whined, and you laughed as he threw your other best friend under the bus.

Mingyu was out for an event with Minghao that night, and he wanted to bring you along but he also knew you hated huge events or loud places, so he opted to leave you at home with Seungkwan, promising to come back at a reasonable hour and to not drink so much.

It was a small action but it was something you felt grateful for, it showed that Mingyu still thought of you while having fun and living his life.

“I’ve never thought about dating Mingyu, let alone marrying him but, I mean, he’s not that bad. I’m already way past my ex anyway, so you’re right on that. Don’t throw Mingyu under the bus like that ever again though,” You giggle. Seungkwan clicks his tongue and sips from his wine.

“I wish you met Mingyu before Seungcheol or something, you two make each other so happy and you guys don’t leave me out at all. I love you and Mingyu so much despite everything we’ve been through,” Seungkwan smiles softly and holds your hand.

Moving to Europe definitely wasn’t an easy decision for the three of you, but you all found comfort in each other and got through hurdles together.

There were fights, and misunderstandings, one time you even walked out on them, but you all knew that at the end of the day, you all had each other no matter what.

Seungkwan’s words from that night echoed in your head as you snapped back to reality, Mingyu’s arms still wrapped around you with a soft grin on his face.

You wish you had met Mingyu before it all, maybe then you would’ve narrowly avoided one of your most life-altering heartaches, but now you were ready to move forward with Mingyu.

“What if I told you that you already had all of me?” You didn’t stop for a second and kissed Mingyu, who froze for a second, but immediately melted into the kiss.

You weren’t afraid to love anymore. Mingyu was all the proof you needed, knowing you deserve a second chance after everything.

When you both pulled away, Mingyu’s cheeks were dusted pink, his signature smile with his canines tugging at his lips.

“You don’t understand how long I’ve been waiting for you to do that,” he breathed out cheekily, chasing your lips for more.

“You’re so annoying, you know that right?” You laugh and pull Mingyu in for another kiss, this time with your arms around his neck.

Suddenly, you both hear a crash by the doorway and hear plastic bags falling, only to find Seungkwan with his mouth agape and eyes as wide as saucers.

“I was out for twenty minutes, what the hell happened,” Seungkwan choked out.

It’s been years since Seungcheol had heard from you, and he was still a mess, except he was finally starting to get back up on his feet to help himself.

About a month after you had left, he had moved back in with Joshua and Jeonghan, and he didn’t understand why they still welcomed him with open arms, let alone Jeonghan of all people.

You were his younger sister, and he hurt you, shouldn’t he be cursing him out and telling him to go to hell?

“If you’re wondering why you seem like in our good graces, Y/n told us to take care of you until you’re back on your feet. You’re still our childhood friend Cheol, and even if we don’t tolerate what you did to Y/n, she told us to make sure that you weren’t going to do anything stupid. You need as much support as her, and who are we to deny when we care about you both?” Jeonghan says firmly.

Seungcheol felt his heart clench, even after he hurt you, you still cared enough to tell his two best friends to care for him.

You were an angel, and he took you for granted. You even went as far as to tell them that it was okay for him to move back in with them (granted Seungcheol also did twice as much housework compared to Jeonghan and Joshua because of how guilty he felt).

Now, three years had passed since you had moved to Italy, and you usually visited during the holidays, but Seungcheol was never around because it pained him too much to see you.

He had eventually gathered up the courage to try to move on, and while he is stable in his career as a form of distraction, he still had feelings for you deep in his heart.

You were his first love, and it wasn’t going to change any time soon because he wanted you forever.

Every day he wished he wasn’t immature enough to push you away, he silently prayed to every God above for him to give your relationship another shot.

Seungcheol was a changed man now, and he was willing to do everything in his power to be with you.

Seungcheol was hopeful, until he wasn’t, especially when Jeonghan had dropped the bomb that you had invited them to your engagement party in Jeju island.

“This has to be a joke, right?” Seungcheol could only laugh at how ridiculous it all seemed.

Were you engaged? It had only been a few years since you moved to Italy, he was sure you wouldn’t have found a boyfriend in that period, let alone a fiancée.

“Nope, you’re hearing it correctly. Y/n’s been bringing home her boyfriend, well I guess fiancée now, for three years already. I understand that it’s been rough ever since we started living separately, you wouldn’t visit as much as Josh whenever she was around, understandably so, but she’s moved on and he makes her happy,” Jeonghan sipped from his mug, and shrugged, making Seungcheol’s brows knit.

“I know exposure therapy isn’t the way to go, but Y/n means a lot to us despite everything, you know that. You can get the closure you need and you can finally move on, Cheol,” Jeonghan continued before putting his cup down on the desk, this was his second cup of coffee, he had to stop at some point.

Seungcheol was in an internal debate with himself, he realized that while he did need closure, was it worth all the pain of seeing you again?

He knew he had to, it was what he needed before he could fully move on, but something in him was still hanging on to what could’ve been between you both.

“I’ll go, maybe it is time. I’ll consider it,” Seungcheol slumps in his chair and stares outside the window of his office.

All the time he had spent building his company from the ground up so he could prove himself worthy once you came back, only for you to be engaged with someone else.

“You don’t have to force yourself though, just take it easy. Y/n will understand, you know she always does,” Jeonghan walks up to Seungcheol and leans by his desk, staring at the same city skyline in front of them.

Seungcheol’s hard work was undeniable, and it was all because of the effort he put in to forget you, but he just couldn’t, Seungcheol knew he needed proper closure instead to fully move on from your past.

“I’ll be fine Han, I can handle myself now,” Seungcheol says as his brows knit once more, looking back at the events of the past year.

He had started his own tech company and now he’s the CEO of a huge corporation, his career is now a reflection of all his hard work and dedication, but what was the use of all that money when he couldn’t share it with someone else? That someone who he desperately wished was you.

“I know you can handle yourself Cheol, but you were a wreck when you first moved in. Me and Josh had to pester you for you to get back on your feet for fucks sake, I wouldn’t hold it against you if had second thoughts about going,” Jeonghan says softly. As much as he knew that his friend could handle himself, he couldn’t help but worry.

Since then, two weeks had passed since that conversation and your initial invitation to your brother and his best friends to your engagement party.

Jeonghan calls you excitedly as they settle on the plane to Jeju, Seungcheol lugging the bags into the overhead bins, and Joshua already taking a nap as other passengers continue to board.

“Are you certain that we already have assigned rooms? Ok, I understand. Take care Y/n! We’ll see you at the airport,” Jeonghan hangs up before turning over to Joshua and Seungcheol beside him.

“You guys are sharing a room at the resort, and I’m going to room with Seungkwan. Y/n and her fianceé will be picking us up, so no funny business,” he continued.

Seungcheol clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes. He's a jealous guy and he can’t help it, but you’re no longer his girlfriend and he knew he had to behave himself.

He couldn’t wait to see who your fiancée was, and he tried to make the most of it at least because you were still someone who’s considered family to him.

The flight was short-lived and they landed in Jeju in no time. Joshua stretched as they carried their bags from the conveyor belt onto the cart, and Jeonghan had received a call from you saying you were outside waiting.

Traveling with three bachelors felt like a nightmare for Seungcheol, it wasn’t like they weren’t capable of getting girlfriends, but rather, they were too busy for the dating lifestyle.

Seungcheol wouldn’t wish for it to be anyone else though, he was just happy to have Joshua and Jeonghan around as his support systems.

“Last bag, let’s head out so we have enough time to rest before the party tomorrow. Don’t wanna go on the plane with a hangover and a fuck ton of regrets once we’re headed home, just so we can mentally prepare ourselves,” Joshua breathes out. Though this wasn’t a wedding, it sure did feel like one.

The only reason you and Mingyu had even decided to have an engagement party was because you two were going to have your main wedding in Italy with your close family members.

The party served as a gathering for distant friends and relatives to congratulate you both since you couldn’t bring everyone to Europe with you.

As they headed out of the airport, Jeonghan could spot your figure and hear you calling out to them by your rental car.

Seungcheol had also caught sight of you and felt his heart skip, you looked more radiant since the last time he had seen you, granted it was probably because three years had passed, and he just couldn’t believe it.

You looked healthier now, you were no longer frail, and your smile had reached your eyes again, the same glint of happiness in them.

Seungcheol had forgotten why they were here the second he saw you, but it was only for a moment until he saw your fiancée standing right beside you, his form towering over yours.

Seungcheol recognized who this man was, it was Kim Mingyu, your best friend since college.

“Hi, guys! It’s been so long, I missed you all so much!” You say with a smile and hug Jeonghan.

Your brother grips you tightly while laughing, he missed you just as much, if not more.

Seungcheol smiles at the scene in front of him, he had always adored your interactions with Jeonghan.

Joshua then walked over to Mingyu as the taller man helped him with the bags. So this is who you were marrying, your best friend who Seungcheol had always worried about deep down.

“Hi Cheol, how was the flight? You must be tired, Jeonghan told me you guys were up early,” You greeted him softly, a smile still gracing your features.

Seungcheol blinked in disbelief, he never expected you to be so welcoming towards him, but years have passed and he understands that you’re over it by now.

“It was alright at most, I’m honestly just excited to relax at the hotel. How’ve you been?” Seungcheol smiled.

He looks over and sees Mingyu talking to Joshua about something while helping him with their bags, still weary about him.

“I’ve been great, Italy with Seungkwan and Mingyu was one of the best decisions I could’ve ever made. I know there were some things we avoided because of our past, but I hope you know that I’ve done some reflection since then, so no hard feelings on this trip ok? I want you guys to relax,” You lead Seungcheol over to the car and he sits in the back with your brother and Joshua.

The ride to the resort was comfortable, courtesy of you and Mingyu being easy going as conversations flowed naturally.

Seungcheol gauged that you were in good hands, but his heart was still calling out for you, something he wanted to keep at a minimum. You were going to marry someone else, there was no chance left for him.

“You have always had a good eye Y/n, this resort is beautiful,” Joshua compliments.

You laugh and brush off Joshua’s comment sweetly, but it was true, you always had a good eye for things in general (except boyfriends apparently, but Mingyu be damned because he did everything in his power to win your heart).

“I’ll bring you over to Seungkwan’s room since he’s staying across from me and Mingyu. Baby, can you lead Joshua and Seungcheol over to their rooms?” You turn to Mingyu, and Seungcheol catches the way your fiancée’s gaze is full of love for you.

His heart could only clench, was it genuinely worth the pain to support you? Seungcheol secretly wished for the ground to swallow him up whole.

“Of course, remember we still have dinner with everyone later, don’t forget to tell Jeonghan the details,” Mingyu reminds you.

You nod and wave them off, dragging your brother over to a happy Seungkwan, who stands by the elevator waiting for you both.

Joshua and Mingyu had been in their own world, talking amongst themselves while Seungcheol’s focus had been on his phone the entire time.

“Hey man, how are you? Jeonghan told us you were working hard to build your company up after we left for Italy,” Mingyu says in a friendly tone.

“It’s been great, it gets pretty lonely here at the top since the breakup, but it’s nothing I can’t handle,” Seungcheol says with a smirk, finding the entire situation so ridiculous.

Joshua eyes him and chuckles to alleviate the jab that Seungcheol had taken at Mingyu, but your fiancée takes it just fine and continues the conversation calmly.

“I hope you find someone to share your success with in the near future. I understand that we all deserve to be loved by someone. It’s just that some people we hoped to end up with aren’t meant to be, and it’s not our fault,” Mingyu replies, tone still friendly and calm.

Seungcheol felt ticked off but decided to behave himself as the elevator arrived at their floor.

“Here’s the key card, as I mentioned earlier, there is a dinner we’ll be having with the rest of the guests tonight, it will be at the restaurant by the beach. You can just give mine or Y/n’s name for the reservation if they ask, I’ll see you guys later! Rest up since you guys must’ve had a long flight,” Mingyu makes his leave.

Joshua turns to Seungcheol and raises his brow while unlocking the room.

“Behave a bit, I know it’s been a while but we’re here for Y/n and it’s about her, you don’t have to like Mingyu, but let’s not cause any fights. Mingyu’s good to Y/n, and you can talk to Y/n about everything tonight after dinner if you need to,” Joshua says firmly.

Seungcheol hangs his head low, Joshua is right, he promised to behave himself because he understands that he needs to move on.

You had every right to leave him back then, and he should accept it, he just needs his final bit of closure, even if it hurts.

“I’m sorry, I’ll be more friendly toward Mingyu. I’ll keep myself in line, let’s rest so we can get ready later,” Joshua nods and smiles at Seungcheol, he was finally getting somewhere and it made him feel like a proud mom.

On the other hand, you were already being interrogated in your room by Jeonghan, Seungkwan, and your beloved fianceé because of Seungcheol’s appearance.

“You guys said it would be fine! Besides, I don’t have any hard feelings! He’s still like family Han,” You whine to your brother as you bury yourself in Mingyu’s embrace.

“He was already taking jabs at Mingyu when I told him to keep himself in line. Y/n, I need you to talk to him and give him the closure he needs tonight so that he doesn’t go mad tomorrow,” Jeonghan sighs.

You pout and Mingyu pecks your lips before taking your hand in his and rubbing it with his thumb as a sign of reassurance.

“I’m willing to do that, as long as we’ll be ok by the party. I’m sorry for causing problems,” You say sadly, now feeling guilt eat at you.

Inviting your ex was such a last-minute decision, but Seungcheol had been in your life for so long even before the breakup that you still felt the need to have him at such an important event in your life.

“Look what you’ve done, Jeonghan. Y/n, it’s ok to make these decisions, all he needs is to talk to you and you’ll be fine, we know you and Mingyu trust each other enough for you to make this decision,” Seungkwan tells you.

It was your brother’s turn to pout as Seungkwan jokingly slapped his shoulder. Seungkwan’s words instantly made your shoulders feel lighter and you looked up at Mingyu.

“I trust you. Look, you can talk to Seungcheol tonight after dinner and we’ll make sure that nothing will happen, alright? Don’t worry,” Mingyu says softly. You nod and look over at your brother, who gives you a smile and a thumbs-up.

Dinner rolls around and you’ve finished your makeup, along with your hair, all that’s left is your dress for tonight.

“Mingyu? Babe, can you come help me with the dress?” Your fiancée peeks from the bathroom and you giggle at his appearance.

“I told you to make the design simpler so you can put it on more easily, but then again, you’re Y/n. My favorite fashion designer,” Mingyu jokes while he zips up the garment and ties the corset in the back.

The two of you look in the mirror, and you take in your form. The dress was designed by yourself and it looked stunning in every way possible.

The sleeves were flowy and the skirt ended right above your ankles, the bodice had a built-in corset and the neckline was a deep v, along with a slit ran down the side until your upper thigh.

“I may not be the luckiest man in the entire world, but my god does the knowledge of me marrying you cancel all that out,” Mingyu says, his jaw slack.

You blush and cover your face with your hands, despite dating for two years and now being engaged, you could never get used to Mingyu complimenting and affirming you constantly.

“I love you, so much,” You kiss Mingyu and wrap your arms around his neck.

The two of you had also had it hard during your dating journey together, but it was nothing a bit of communication couldn’t fix, especially when you both put in the work to get to where you are today.

“I love you more than you could ever imagine, vita mia (my life)” Mingyu says in between your kisses and wraps his arms around your waist.

Before things could progress even more, Seungkwan slams the room door open and clicks his tongue.

“Nice to see you’re brushing up on your Italian guys, now if you don’t mind, we have some guests to get to. You guys have five minutes to go to the lobby,” Seungkwan huffs and shuts the door again.

It’s silent, until you and Mingyu start laughing.

“Shall we?” Mingyu smiles at you after a laughing fit and you take his hand in yours. It was going to be a long night, but you’re with the people you love and that’s all that matters.

At the restaurant, you were elated to see your family members and friends all gathered to celebrate your engagement.

“Mom! Dad!” You grin wildly and greet your parents, seeing Jeonghan following right behind you to greet them as well.

“Y/n, you look so beautiful tonight. I guess being with Mingyu is rubbing off on you,” Your mother jokes softly.

She had always been a fan of Mingyu ever since you brought him home, he was the epitome of any mother’s dream son-in-law.

“She’s always been so beautiful, mom, even more so since the Italian sun hit her skin. It’s lovely to see you tonight, have you seen my mother by any chance?” Mingyu wraps an arm around your waist securely, whilst smiling at your mother.

You were surprised at the display of affection since you two had been holding hands prior, but your eyes caught wind of Seungcheol and it clicked.

“I was just with her, she’s always running off to greet the rest of the family and guests. I’ll go look for her so we can settle at the table together,” Your mother giggles while dragging your brother away, who waves at you sheepishly.

It seemed like he had a few words of his own for you two, but it could wait apparently.

Mingyu led you over to the reserved area by the waist as you greeted guests who had also arrived. “Congratulations on your engagement you two, I wouldn’t have expected it from a mile away,” Minghao jokes.

“Wouldn’t be here without you, so we have to give you most of the credit,” You reply softly.

Minghao takes his hand in yours and looks at Mingyu with care in his eyes, he admires how well you both complement each other as a couple.

“I never expected anything further, but you two surprised me by a ton. Give yourself some credit for the connection you developed with one another, and Mingyu, if you hurt her, I won’t be as pliant,” Minghao continues, this time letting go of your hand and giving way for you and Mingyu to walk through.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Mingyu gives you his signature smile, canines looking as sharp as ever, before finally letting you sit at the table that was reserved for the two of you.

The beachside hall was starting to fill up with the rest of the guests, and you kept your grip on your fiancée’s hand.

“Hey, you seem tense. Breathe a bit, we’ll just say a few words and mingle with our friends, but if you do end up feeling a bit sick just tell me and we can go back to our room,” Mingyu caresses your hand with his thumb, and you feel more at ease with his assurance.

“Sorry, it’s been a while, I still haven’t gotten used to the fact that I’m your fiancée now and not just your girlfriend. I promise to ease up a bit, and I’ll let you know if I do end up feeling a bit under the weather. Now, don’t worry about me, and let us enjoy the dinner,” You squeeze Mingyu’s hand and kiss his cheek in the process, wondering what you did to deserve him.

What you failed to realize was that Seungcheol was watching the entire interaction happen right in front of him, jealousy boiling in his veins.

Seungkwan clears his throat awkwardly, which catches the attention of Seokmin, who is sitting beside him. Seungcheol gives Seungkwan an awkward smile, realizing that he was being way too obvious with his distaste.

Joshua chuckles and taps Seungcheol’s shoulder as a sign of reassurance. “Take it slow, you still have to talk to Y/n to get all that awkwardness out the door. You’re still just as important to her you know? Again, we won’t hold it against you if you can’t take how uncomfortable it feels being here Cheol,” Joshua uttered.

“I’m fine Josh, I did choose to come here. Once this dinner is over and we can have the conversation, I can finally move on with my life,” Seungcheol sighs, noticing you and Mingyu standing up all of a sudden.

“Hi everyone, a pleasant evening to all of you! First, me and Y/n would like to extend our warmest welcome and gratitude to everyone who has made it, we cannot thank you enough for your presence.” Mingyu’s voice boomed through the hall as everyone cheered.

“Also, thank you all for coming to celebrate our engagement with us. We sadly can’t bring everyone to Italy for the wedding, so we’re here in Jeju to see you all,” You were speaking with so much happiness in your voice, Seungcheol knew right then and there that he had lost. You were happy, he couldn’t do much anymore.

Throughout the dinner, different people dedicated a toast to your engagement. Seungcheol had fun listening to both of your families and their anecdotes, along with a few friends making heartfelt speeches.

You were extremely loved, it was undeniable with the amount of praises and stories being said about you.

“I’d like to dedicate the last toast, this is for both Y/n and Mingyu, because I wouldn’t be living my best life right now without their endless support.” Seungkwan stood up and held out his wine glass, catching everyone’s attention.

“As we all know, the three of us decided to move to Italy together for a fresh start, a new change of scenery. I went with the sole intention of a vacation, though, after a month of being there, I was hooked. There was only one problem, I hadn’t found a job just yet, but Y/n and Mingyu stayed by my side. They helped me get up on my feet, they offered me a place to stay, made sure I was fed, and helped me settle in, which is something I am extremely grateful for,” Seungkwan turns over to you and Mingyu, his eyes now glossing over with tears at you stared at him worriedly, but you knew he was in good hands with Vernon beside him.

“Sorry for becoming emotional, anyways, throughout the time I lived with them, I also watched their feelings for each other unfold. Mingyu was the first one to fall, he was head over heels the moment he saw Y/n cooking in the kitchen, it was so funny because I witnessed it all. He had to debrief how he felt, and I could feel Mingyu’s sincerity, it was sweet,” Seungkwan continued, this time Vernon holding his hand for emotional support.

Everyone swooned at the revelation of Mingyu’s feelings and how they had come to be, it felt different hearing it from someone who was there every step of the way.

“Y/n fell right after, and usually this girl isn’t someone who jumps to conclusions, so she was in denial, but we both knew Mingyu’s treatment towards her changed drastically,” the audience burst out laughing, Seungkwan was on point that was for sure.

“To cut this story short, they were two idiots mindlessly pining after one another, but they finally got together after I left to grab groceries on a random afternoon. I came home and Mingyu was eating Y/n’s face off,” it was Seungkwan’s turn to laugh as he recalled that fateful day.

It was sweet coming home to see the two of you together, but he was not a huge fan of the PDA that was displayed in front of him like a platter.

“I was not!” Mingyu whined. You giggle at your fiancée, squeezing his hand and landing a sweet kiss on his cheek.

“As I was saying, I’m still so grateful to you both to this day, and I feel lucky to have been the one to help you navigate your feelings for one another. A toast to the beautiful couple and a marriage of a lifetime!” Cheers erupted once again and everyone applauded Seungkwan for his speech.

Dinner felt lighter once a few sips of alcohol were shared, and Seungcheol found himself mingling with old friends from high school that you had invited.

“I genuinely thought you would be the one over there with Y/n, but life works in mysterious ways,” a drunken Soonyoung slurred to Seungcheol.

Seokmin cringed from beside him and hit his shoulder to shut him up, but everyone knew that once Soonyoung was drunk, his mouth was relentless.

Seungcheol could only offer an awkward laugh, Soonyoung didn’t know the details of your breakup three years ago, so he couldn’t exactly blame the younger man.

“Yeah, I’m just glad he’s taking care of her. I can’t offer much now, but she’s still our friend. I have no hard feelings knowing Y/n and I are better off as friends,” he replied to Soonyoung’s drunken ramble.

“I hope you find someone soon man, you also deserve to be happy. I think Seok and I are gonna head first since we’re both starting to feel the alcohol kick in, we’ll see you tomorrow,” Seungcheol offered a smile and nodded in acknowledgment.

Everyone knew of Soonyoung’s low tolerance for alcohol, it was understandable that he decided to retire himself before any chaos ensued.

Seungcheol was left at the table with Joshua, Jihoon, and Jeonghan until Minghao approached. He settled himself into the seat beside Seungcheol, smiling and greeting everyone.

“How’s the evening? Everyone’s been leaving slowly, but you stayed. I expected you to be one of the first people to leave, no offense,” Minghao started.

“I can’t blame you, having to sit through your ex’s engagement dinner sounds rough, but it’s been three years and we grew up together. Bonds like that aren’t easily dissolved, if you get what I mean,” Seungcheol chuckled while shaking his head, taking another shot of soju that he poured for himself.

“We can all sympathize, you are a kind man Cheol. I’ve seen you as Y/n’s boyfriend before Mingyu, and you treated her well. What I want to know is, why you started pushing her away last minute. Y/n had always confided in us with your problems,” Minghao’s curiosity had gotten the best of him, but it was in your inner circle’s best interest to find out what Seungcheol’s true intentions were.

“I mean, I was insecure, scared. Y/n has a good heart, she’s the best and if I could turn back time, I would, but I ran away because she deserved better than me. I couldn’t give her the love she desperately craved, we all know about her and those rom-com books,” Seungcheol looked down at his hands.

He felt stupid, and he was stupid, but maybe it happened for a reason.

Minghao felt sympathetic, Seungcheol was afraid to tell you because you were one of the most understanding people anyone could have ever met.

You truly were swamped with attention by your peers, but Seungcheol could’ve handled his insecurity better because you were happy to offer any semblance of assurance.

“I didn’t want Y/n to bend over backward to constantly adjust to my needs because she doesn’t ask for much in return, but I ended up hurting her instead. I’m just content with the fact that Mingyu can give her the love I couldn’t,” Seungcheol’s eyes trailed over once again to yours and Mingyu’s table, only to see you whispering to each other.

You looked tired, but it seemed that Seungkwan had overheard from beside you and gestured over to where Seungcheol was seated.

You bit your lip in hesitation, and Seungcheol instantly knew what was about to take place. Minghao seems to have caught the small interaction as well, and he pats Seungcheol on the shoulder to comfort him.

You squeeze Mingyu’s hand for assurance and your fiancée smiles at you.

“You can do this Y/n, trust that it will be over before you know it. Seungkwan and I will be right here, we can go straight to our room after if you’re too overwhelmed,” Mingyu says gently, holding your hand as if it were as delicate as glass.

“I’ll be back, I love you so much, thank you for trusting me enough to do this,” You mutter just enough for Mingyu to hear.

“I trust you, vita mia,” Mingyu kisses your hand once again and you’re off to the beach outside the hall. Seungcheol didn’t even need to get confirmation as he excused himself and followed you outside.

The cold air surrounds you, along with the sound of crashing waves, feet buried in the sand as you take in the salty scent.

You hear another pair of feet shuffle behind you, and you let out a breath. “Seungcheol,” You turn around and sure enough, you see the man behind you.

“You can go ahead, I understand you’re engaged and you look happy with him. I’m here to finally close the chapter that we never ended properly, and I assure you, I have no other ulterior motives,” Seungcheol is looking at you, his eyes only holding sincerity in them.

“I’m sorry I left, I poured it all out on you right after work because of my anger, I just need to know why,” You were avoiding his gaze and playing with your engagement ring instead.

It felt stuffy, and you were opening a dam that was locked up for three years, but you prevailed for the sake of your marriage with Mingyu.

“I was dumb, I was insecure and pushed you away because I was jealous. We were both so young yet successful, but you were surrounded by so much attention, specifically by men who I couldn’t even compare a fraction to, so I started pushing you away because of the nature of the industry you were going to work in,” Seungcheol poured out his feelings, his heart aching as he recounts the number of times he constantly brought himself down whenever he saw you with men who were models or in the same industry as you.

“I know you would’ve done everything in your power to reassure me, and I also know you would never ask for much in return, but I didn’t want you to suffer because of issues I had with myself. I’m sorry for hurting you, Y/n,” tears were streaming down your face.

All this time, you thought you were the problem, that you no longer made Seungcheol happy, but in reality, he pushed you away because he felt undeserving of you.

“I thought you no longer loved me Cheol, and I am apologetic you feel that way, but that was a thing of the past. We were stupid, and I hope you know that I loved you, yet I chose to leave because I allowed myself to choose my well-being. I wish you communicated to me that you felt that way,” You were open to communication, it was normal, and if Seungcheol wasn’t such a coward back then, the two of you would’ve been fine.

“Things happen for a reason, and I still love you Y/n, but I was a coward. I knew the love I gave you wasn’t even a quarter of what you deserved, you love reading romcoms, and you’re a hopeless romantic. I wanted to give you that love and I held myself to such a high standard, but that was until I noticed that the people that surrounded you did that effortlessly, and I felt angry,” You felt your heart crack, all this time he had left you clueless, and you were now forced to take in all the pain.

“That’s all I needed to hear, I can’t believe you’d do this to me, Cheol. You left me wondering like an idiot, and what you did for me at the time was enough, but I was left a fool. Things do happen for a reason, and I’d like to leave it here. Thank you for the closure we both needed, no hard feelings at the party ok? We throw all the negative feelings away, because we grew up together, and I don’t want to lose you as a friend,” Seungcheol agreed to your arrangement.

He couldn’t afford to lose you either, and after having the conversation with you, his heart felt lighter. The confession was long overdue, but getting it out is what matters.

“No hard feelings, thank you, Y/n. I only wish for the best between you and Mingyu, I also don’t want to lose you. This is overwhelming for us both, so I’ll head first with Joshua. Congratulations once again,” You and Seungcheol smiled at each other, and you turned on your heel to run over to Mingyu, who had been waiting for you the entire time.

Seungcheol’s heart felt lighter, and even if it did hurt, he was content with even being a fragment in each other’s lives. You were in good hands now, and he could see it in the way Mingyu held you close.

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Happy Pawlidays (Kim Mingyu) 🐾 ೀ⋆🍓｡˚

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

Synopsis: It was the holidays, so what better way to spend it with your sweet boyfriend than to give him his present?

Note: Another reworked fic, I’m in the process of completing “Fragments” soon, so enjoy this cute fluffy Mingyu drabble. Always remember to like + reblog as a form of support!

WC: 620

“Gyu?” You called for your boyfriend sweetly, eagerly waiting with his surprise.

Mingyu peeked from the living room as you giggled softly, your boyfriend may be tall but his behavior was similar to that of a puppy’s, which was an adorable contrast.

“Yes, my love?” He replied, trudging over to the kitchen. Mingyu’s hair looked like a bird’s nest, and he looked slightly puffy after waking up. The urge to kiss him was overwhelming, but you knew you had to surprise him first.

It was currently the holiday season, and with only five more days away from Christmas, you decided to surprise your beloved boyfriend with an early present for being so wonderful.

Mingyu sits over at the kitchen island and slightly pouts, watching your every move. Both of you decided to stay in for the day since the party with the members from the night before had been wild, ultimately ending up with you having to aid to a hungover Mingyu and his pounding headache.

“You know how we’ve already been living together for the past year or so? Well I’ve been thinking of something and I kind of wanted to give you a early present for christmas” you smiled, giving Mingyu a peck on the corner of his lips.

Mingyu’s eyes light up, as he watches you walk over to the christmas tree set up in the living room.

“Close your eyes and sit here,” You couldn’t wait to give Mingyu his christmas present, it was something you both had brought up quite frequently ever since you moved in together.

Your boyfriend walks over, a look of anticipation glossing over his features as he sits down in front of you. He was practically bursting with anticipation.

“No peeking ok? Hold your arms out for me,” Mingyu nods with his eyes closed and you place a small golden retriever puppy in his arms.

“Y/n, no. You’re kidding right?” Mingyu’s eyes shoot open and honey immediately drips from his eyes as he stares at the little puppy.

“Well, we’ve always talked about owning a dog and I wanted to see if you would make a good father in the near future, so I got this little guy,” you boop the retriever’s small heart shaped nose as he squirms in Mingyu’s arms.

Your poor boyfriend was appalled after what you had just said, but that was the least of his worries right now.

“Hey little guy, what should we name him?” He chuckles, but that wasn’t the only surprise you had in store. You hand Mingyu a collar with a name plate, and he stares at you in confusion.

“His name is Gamja, I named him that way because his color reminds me of a potato,” you laugh. The puppy suddenly jumps out of Mingyu’s arms and runs over to you, wriggling around in your lap.

“You named him without me? Y/n~” Mingyu whined, but you could only laugh and focus on the dog in your arms before handing him over to Mingyu.

“Baby, Seokmin and Soonyoung were supposed to take care of him for the past two days while I prepared all his things, and apparently they were so impatient that they ended up giving him a name. Besides, Gamja is cute. Now you two, smile for the camera!” You grin, holding up a polaroid camera.

Mingyu flashes a smile as you take the picture, staring fondly at your little family. “Merry Christmas, Gyu,” you say softly, when all of a sudden, you were tackled in kisses and hugs.

“Thank you Y/n, really. I love you and our little family so much. I would never leave your side, ever,” Mingyu pecks your lips, while you returned the action.

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Go the Distance (Joshua Hong) ♫₊˚.🎧 ✩｡

Genre: Fluff, Comfort

Warnings: Nothing really except that this is like so sweet it makes me bitter at how adorable they are.

Synopsis: Joshua travels long distances just to see you, no matter how far.

Note: Another reworked fic from my pandora’s box of drafts / unfinished works, I wrote this while traveling so there might be typos or grammatical errors. Anyways, always remember to like + reblog as a way of showing support not only to me but also to other writers! Happy reading!

WC: 746

“Y/n? Can you open the door?” Joshua said from the phone. You were so close to dozing off when Joshua called, but you were jolted awake by what he had said.

“Joshua, what the fuck? This isn’t funny, you’re all the way in Seoul and I’m in Japan, there’s no way you came all the way here,” You huffed and went back to working on your essay, which was due the next day.

“Y/n, your mom called me. She told me about how you’ve been stressed over exams and school lately. I came to visit so you could maybe relax a bit,” Joshua said as you heard bags dragging from the other line. ‘He really is here,’ your eyes widened at the realization.

“Joshua, did you really fly all the way to Japan just to see me? You’re a week early for fucks sake! Isn’t the tour next week?” You were practically bolting down the stairs in your cinnamoroll slippers, almost slipping during the pursuit, which Joshua could hear.

“Maybe open the door so we can have a proper conversation?” Joshua had ended the call and you had opened the front door just in time, immediately engulfing your boyfriend in a hug as he spun you around.

The essay could wait, what mattered right now was that your boyfriend, who you hadn’t seen in almost half a year, was here to see you. Long distance was hard, especially with Joshua constantly on the move and his every schedule packed with work, but you were grateful that you and your boyfriend were able to make it work.

“Josh, I can’t believe you actually came!” You giggle, and Joshua buries his face into your hair. “Of course, I missed you so much. Now get off your laptop so we can spend time together,” Joshua says while walking into the cozy town house.

He’s been at your house a whenever he visited Japan, and it just gets more comforting as time goes on, especially the person living in it.

If Joshua wasn’t an idol, he would be fully content with just being your boyfriend and being a college student with you in the cozy town house you currently resided in.

“You really didn’t have to, I could’ve managed and been on my merry way to Seoul during the break you know,” You say softly and snuggle into Joshua’s arms as you watched a movie together.

“It was the least I can do, and besides, it’s been months since we last saw each other. I decided to get a headstart,” Joshua replied and snuggled his nose into the crook of your neck, a habit of his that you had missed so dearly.

“What did you end up bringing me by the way?” You asked, and opened the duty free bag curiously.

“I got you your favorite snacks that you always tell me to get whenever I fly over,” Joshua smiled gently, to which you responded with a squeal. Your boyfriend is the best person you could’ve ever asked for.

A few hours had gone by in a flash and after finishing some left over pizza from the day before and two tubs of ice cream, you and Joshua were beat.

“Are you tired? It’s getting late already, and you came here right after landing,” You say, concerned for your boyfriend, who had just come from a long flight.

“A bit, but I don’t mind because at least I finally get to see you after months,” Joshua whispers and gives you a gentle kiss.

You smile into it as Joshua leads you both into your bedroom, the two of you falling into your usual night routine as if time hadn’t passed.

When you were done, you laid in bed with Joshua, drawing circles into his firm chest as he ran his hands through your hair while slipping in a few pecks on your face.

“You seem so sleepy already,” Joshua chuckled, noticing your eyes slowly starting to droop. You did almost fall asleep at your desk before Joshua had called.

“I might be, I’m just scared that this is all a dream and you might disappear when I open my eyes tomorrow” You replied, already dozing off but still feeling Joshua’s gaze on you.

Joshua chuckles again and shakes his head at you. “Rest up darling, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right here when you wake up,” he says, and turns off the lamp on the bedside table.

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Fragments (Seungcheol, Mingyu) TEASER

“You know since we are just a few minutes away from landing, did I ever get the chance to thank you for being a huge blessing in my life?” 𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖🎐

Genre: Slight angst, fluff, romance

AU: University!au, Coming of Age!au

Pairing(s): (Short) Wonwoo x Afab!reader, Seungcheol x Afab!reader, Mingyu x Afab!reader (Reader is Jeonghan’s little sister)

Warnings: Cheol is lowkey toxic, kinda nonchalant and doesn’t care for their relationship, a kiss scene (how shocking)

Synopsis: Growing up with someone you love isn’t easy, well at least for Seungcheol, he never expected to be a life-altering heartbreak for you either, and while he did wish for a second chance, that plan had only backfired on him when he received an invite to your engagement party with Mingyu.

Note: Not the official fic but it is almost done and in the works, I just have to write a bit more, proofread, and make a few more final edits. If you guys wanna be tagged just let me know, just send me an ask and I’ll add you to the taglist.

WC: estimated 7.5k ish to 8k words

Seungcheol remembered the first time he saw you. It was at his friend Jeonghan’s house, your nose crinkled adorably as you read some cheesy romance novel at sixteen on the cream sofa in the living room.

He had wanted to say something, but all he could do was smile as Jeonghan introduced him to your parents. Since then, he has been practically your family’s newest son besides Joshua, their other best friend.

When Seungcheol had received his fair share of confessions from girls all over the school in his senior year, he had always declined them politely because he was just never interested in any of them, except this time, it was different ever since the day Jeonghan had introduced you to him.

Whenever he would receive a confession from someone, he would see you walk by and forget the girl ever even existed, opting to call out your name instead and jog after you.

He would even walk you to your class or visit you in your classroom, using the ‘protective brother’s friend’ excuse, when in reality, he was only scoping out the potential guys who seemed interested in you in your class.

“Dude, do you like my sister? You look like a lost puppy following her around,” Jeonghan chuckles. Seungcheol raises his brow at his friend and turns to Joshua, who just shrugs as he agrees with Jeonghan.

“You hang around Y/n so much that there’s already rumors being spread of her being your crush or girlfriend,” Joshua says.

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Bounce Back (Lee Chan) ₊˚ʚ 🌱 ₊˚✧ ﾟ.

Genre: Angst (full on because I’m depressed as shit)

Warnings: None

Synopsis: Seeing you with his best friend suddenly made him want to bounce back to the night you confessed your love.

Note: Trying out a new layout for blurbs / drabbles because these are shorter and lazier works I guess? Anyways, I’m working on a lot but I’m trying to find things to fill up the gaps between long ass works of mine. Don’t forget to like + reblog as a way of showing my work support! Happy reading!

WC: 477

His heart ached for you endlessly. He’s witnessed you being turned down by everyone you liked more than once, and Chan felt the guilt eating up at him, knowing he was now part of the lineup of people who hurt you.

Only now he could only watch as someone else sweeps you off your feet, knowing he’ll treat you better than he ever will.

“Will I ever be worthy of love Chan?” You cried softly. The night he turned you down was one he would never forget, your tear-stained face leaving a permanent scar in his heart and the back of his mind.

“I don’t understand what the problem is, I’m just so tired of being rejected all the damn time. Is there something wrong with me? What can I do to be better? I feel like I’m lacking in every way,” The words you uttered haunt him every day, knowing he had grown feelings for you too late now.

Chan watches as you laugh along with his best friend, Seokmin. The man had pursued you not too long after Chan had rejected you and he tried his very best to win your heart over, which he managed to do successfully.

“Chan, listen, I like Y/n and I heard that she’s always been turned down by the ones she liked. Do you think she’d still let me in her heart?” Seokmin frantically asked Chan.

The younger could only nod while watching him Facetime you in the kitchen and hearing you say yes to him asking if he could take you out. At least someone was willing to put in the effort to win you over before jumping into a relationship, and you both knew Seokmin well enough, so it was a lot on his part.

The first few days were bittersweet, he would see Seokmin on the phone with you and see how he dressed up for a date. It got to the point where Mingyu, Minghao, and Seungkwan would constantly ask why he was in and out of the dorms so often with a happy grin on his face while his eyes sparkled.

Chan gradually noticed that despite you still staying friends with him and not letting anything awkward get in between you, you were also starting to become more distant after his best friend had slowly but surely started to win your heart over.

He would see your stories on social media being filled with flowers, dates, or small gifts, all from Seokmin whom you’ve tagged in every single one. Chan was happy for you, and he knew you deserved to be happy, but a part of him had also wished that he wasn’t an idiot that night and tried to work things out between you two.

Now he’s watching Seokmin getting down on one knee and proposing to you whilst tears stream down your face. You deserved all the love his friend gave you, but to him, he turned you down at what cost?

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Treat (Kim Mingyu) ୧ ‧₊˚ 🍰 ⋅ ☆

“So Y/n, I see you noticed the cute baker in the kitchen. Any plans on getting to know him?” °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Genre: Fluff

AU: University!au

Pairing: Culinary Student!Baker!Mingyu x Medical Student!reader

Warnings: None just tooth-rotting fluff

Synopsis: An average medical student getting by who meets the cute baker from the small bakery across the street in front of her university.

Note: This used to be a TXT fic but I edited it and now it’s a Mingyu fic because I have a bunch of wips that I’m dying to finish. Here’s something for me to post at least, happy reading! As always, don’t forget to like + reblog as a way to support.

WC: 5.4k

Being a medical student was a pain in the ass and was way worse than how people would describe it, it cost money, time as well as your mental and emotional stability. It’s not like anyone would want to study the anatomy of a human in a dull lecture hall with like forty other people, or know how a whiff of a cigarette could even kill you.

Yet here you were, already going the works of med school, and there was no turning back from it all, because although you were passionate, you still had a limit to how much you could take, even if you had always dreamed of becoming a pediatrician to keep you motivated.

“Oh my God Jihyo, I don’t think I’m ready to take this exam. I’m probably going to flunk this semester and I’ll be stuck as a receptionist in scrubs at a local clinic if I don’t get my head straight” you say tearfully.

Your friend Jihyo chuckled as she patted your back comfortingly, assuring you that you would do just fine and that you had already done enough studying the past few days. You weren’t stupid, just dramatic.

“You’ll be fine Y/n, don’t worry about it otherwise you will start to feel even worse. You’ve studied like crazy so it would be insane if you didn’t do so well, like you always do” she smiled softly in reply.

You shoot Jihyo a weak smile back and sigh once again, at least one of your best friends kept you somewhat sane, you couldn’t say the same for your appearance though. With heavy eyebags and eyes that looked as hollow as your soul, anyone would probably mistake you for a psych ward patient if you were caught walking around by yourself.

“Thanks, and good luck to us once we step into the exam hall. We’re gonna need it, me especially” you sigh after gathering the rest of the materials you’ll need for the exam itself.

When an hour passed, the exam completely drained you of all the life you had left. You stepped out of the exam hall with Jihyo groggily. You just wanted to go home and sleep all your problems away, but if you were already struggling as a freshman, how much more would you be in the future knowing you still had thirteen more years to go?

“Is it too late to change careers and become a full-time sugar baby or stripper?” You ask your friend and roommate, Rosé, who was just as drained as you were.

“I don’t think so. Let’s go on that sugar baby website” she chimed back in exhaustion. Chungha laughed at you both on the couch before setting down a pizza on the coffee table in front of you, along with a few drinks and a huge bottle of coke.

“Cheer up ladies, we’ll get through all of this before you know it. Now eat up, the food’s getting cold” Chungha hissed.

You and Rosé helped yourselves without another word, the three of you scarfing down all the food and complaining about midterms just to get your system going.

In the middle of the conversation, Rosé had suddenly brought up the bakery that just opened across the university.

“By the way, a new bakery opened up across the street from our school, do you guys wanna try and visit tomorrow?” She chirped.

You guys didn’t have anything to lose, so you and Chungha agreed before setting a certain time to meet after your last exam. That was when you realized it was getting late so you all cleaned up and started to get ready for bed.

“Goodnight you two! Good luck as well, we’ll need it for our last set of exams” You bid your roommates goodnight as you retreat into your room.

“Whew! That was exhausting, I’m glad everything is over with because chemistry should be the least of my problems for now” you cheered.

Rosé groans and runs a hand through her hair in frustration. Chungha was late, and it was because her boyfriend Jungkook wanted some alone time with her.

“God if Chungha doesn’t come in like five minutes I’m gonna assume they need their ‘THEM’ time” she huffs. You laugh and just grab Rosé while giving Jihyo a call. If Chungha getting it, at least someone else can take her place, for now, her boyfriend probably needs a lot of relief.

“Jihyo can come, she’ll be there in like ten. For now, we should order in advance” you say, as you both enter the bakery.

The interior was very cute and minimal, everything was white marble, be it the racks and tables with checkered flooring. On the ceiling hung two crystal chandeliers that reflected light causing a blur of rainbows to scatter across the room.

“Wow you were right, this place is adorable Rosie! Let’s go order drinks and pick our bread” you squeal and drag her over.

Behind the register, you see a guy with black hair and another guy with light brown hair bickering about something.

“Jeonghan, I swear to fucking God if you—“ the black-haired male was cut off after seeing you and Rosé walking over.

“Go serve the customers first, I’ll be waiting in the back” The brunette smirked, and retreated into the kitchen behind the counter.

At the counter, the guy greets you with a charming smile, just about charming enough to get you flustered, but you didn’t want to look like a mess right now so you browsed the menu behind him.

“Hi! Welcome to Carat Cravings! What can I get you two today?” You read his nametag and saw that he was named Seungcheol. ‘Cute’ you say to yourself and smile back at him.

“Can we get one fruit and egg tart with a margarita pizza for here, please? And for the drinks one caramel macchiato and one americano, both iced with a fruit ade please” Seungcheol punches your orders into the register and looks up at you both again.

“Will that be all?” He asks, and you nod as you hand him your card. Rosé looked at you almost frazzled and was about to refuse your offer to pay, but then noticed that you had caught wind of another guy from behind in the kitchen.

As Seungcheol hands you your card back, you and Rosé make your way to a table near the window. “So Y/n, I see you noticed the cute baker in the kitchen. Any plans on getting to know him?” She giggled softly.

You looked at her with a glare and shook your head furiously. No, you weren’t the kind of person to date because you always prioritized your studies more than anything, but you had to admit, the baker was just so cute.

He was tall and had beautiful sunkissed skin with jet black hair and had a face that almost resembled a puppy, and maybe you also couldn’t help but notice that he had nice hands that kneaded the dough so well. You’d imagine what his hands would do if they were—

“Y/n! Hi Rosie!” Your thoughts were cut short as Jihyo entered the bakery and called over to you both excitedly. She was beaming as you made space for her to sit beside you.

“Hi Jihyo, you look happy for someone who came out of our hour-long exam” Rosé eyed her suspiciously. Jihyo only laughed and waved off what she said while staring both of you down.

“My sister called right after and said the hospital she’s working at is accepting part-timers! I just came here feeling happy about it” she says excitedly.

You and Rosé were shocked but also happy for her knowing that having a sister who worked at a hospital had its perks too. Jihyo was just one of the lucky ones, but everyone starts somewhere.

“Sorry to interrupt ladies but here are your orders! If you need anything else you can just call for me or the other guy behind the counter, the one with light brown hair” Seungcheol placed your orders on the table and the three of you thanked him politely.

When Seungcheol had finally walked out of earshot, Jihyo had lowered her voice into a whisper. “This bakery is cute but oh my god, I never expected the workers to be cute as well,” she says in a giddy tone.

You laugh at her and take a piece of the pizza while sipping on your caramel macchiato, Jihyo still ogling at Seungcheol as Rosé gives her a disgusted look.

“Come on you two, what happened to putting our studies first? If you date during your freshman year you are going to end up as a receptionist in scrubs you hear me” Rosé says sarcastically, but you were too busy staring at the baker who just came out of the kitchen.

He was talking to the two other males behind the counter and sighed. That was when you noticed that he had eyed you up and down too before looking away.

“Y/n? Hello? What the fuck, oh wait it’s that baker” Rosé says with a huff. Jihyo giggles and shushes her, noticing how flustered you became all of a sudden.

The two knew you were never one to talk about guys or wanted to date since high school, so seeing you all worked up over someone you didn’t know would only make teasing you even worse.

“New motivation to go to class every day? I know you have evening classes, so maybe I could ask them what time they close” Jihyo says with a smirk.

“Oh shut up, the baker is just some stupid eye candy you know. I can’t let that go to waste” you try to brush it off, but in reality, you two were practically checking each other out without your friends noticing.

On the other hand, Mingyu also seems to have noticed you and how you stared at him from across the room. Opting to check you out too because you didn’t look that bad either, and because he needed a break from being in the kitchen since the morning.

“Mingyu? Are you alright? Don’t tell me you’re checking out that girl over there with her friends, I was planning to get first dibs because she looked the most interesting” Jeonghan whined.

Seungcheol smacked him on the back of his head and went to tidy whatever was on the counter until a few more customers came in, but then he turned towards the two.

“I mean, you’re not wrong. She looks really pretty, but Mingyu seems to put her on edge. They barely even know each other, but you can feel the tension between them, just go talk to her Gyu” the older male grins.

Mingyu rolls his eyes at the two and notices that Jun has also come out from the back to get a breather. Business was a bit slow today, but they did just open so there was no harm in being a bit laid back.

“Are you guys talking about the group of girls over there? We just opened and you’re already ogling at our customers, be more professional” Jun says nonchalantly.

“Well I need a girlfriend, the girls in my major aren’t all that so ogling at the bakery respectfully would seem better than asking out a girl who wouldn’t know how to interact with me” Jeonghan rolls his eyes and drags Jun back to the kitchen where he’ll be taking over for Mingyu, whilst Wonwoo takes his place at the front.

In the midst of this all happening, you notice the other boys by the counter and rip your eyes off Mingyu to focus on what Jihyo and Rosé are talking about.

“The food is so good here! I can’t believe they just opened, I want to gatekeep this place forever” Jihyo gushed. Rosé nodded in agreement and turned to you, to which you replied with a confused expression.

“Well, we are done. How about we head home so we have more time to relax? I’m sorry if I’m rushing, but I have a show to catch up on” Rosé blabbered. You laugh at her and nod as you all collect your things.

“See you tomorrow Jihyo! I’ll call you” You smile and wave as the three of you part ways, you and Rosé going home together since you were both roommates.

“Alright! Stay safe you two!” Jihyo then turned and walked towards her apartment, which was about two blocks from the bakery itself.

At home, as you’re studying on the living room floor, you notice Chungha sitting on the couch behind you. “I heard from Rosie that the pastry maker from the new bakery caught your eye” she joked.

You roll your eyes and shake your head at the accusation, is it not normal to ogle at people once in a while? And how did word travel so fast?

“Trust me, he’s just eye candy. It’s nothing personal” you sigh, whilst highlighting a sentence in your book. Chungha huffs and takes a sip from her mug, smirking at you.

“I doubt it, you’re such a nerd Y/n. You already work your ass off at school so why not live a little and date? Come on, this guy is probably just as studious as you are, considering he works at a bakery with his friends” she says matter-of-factly.

“So working at a bakery that he started with his friends makes him a nerd like me? I’m so impressed Chungha, you should’ve taken criminology, to be completely honest,” you reply sarcastically, which earned you a slap on the back of the head.

“Come on, if you’re going by tomorrow at least talk to him. I mean, what do you have to lose? You’re smart, pretty and you’re kind. Not to mention, wasn’t he also checking you out?” You felt your face grow hot, guess you weren’t that slick after all if Rosé noticed it too.

Before you could retaliate, the two of you heard the soft pattering of feet and a laugh coming from the hallway. It was Rosé, and it seemed like she’d overheard your conversation through the paper-thin walls of the apartment.

“Y/n! You should go see him! It’ll do you good I promise” she squealed. Chungha laughed and nodded along with her, it seemed like your roommates were some of the most insufferable people in the entire world.

“If I do it will you guys finally leave me alone?” You say weakly. The other two nodded eagerly with wide eyes and you mentally facepalm.

If a simple conversation was gonna get them off your tail, then so be it. It’ll be quick and it’s not like it’ll be a routine part of your day.

The next morning, you couldn’t be any more wrong. You woke up earlier than you should’ve for your first class of the day, and as you fixed yourself in the mirror, you thought about the baker and why you ended up just mentally thanking your friends for the challenge.

“Good morning Y/n, you seem chipper this morning” Rosé greets you from the kitchen. You smile shyly at her and look away, which gives off the impression that you maybe were anticipating the morning more than you thought, compared to the night before.

“Looking forward to talking to him now? Seems like a culinary major so maybe you’ll find him easier than you’d think” she continues.

“Yeah, yeah maybe I am a bit excited since he is cute. I bet he has a girlfriend though and I’ll prove you guys wrong, maybe his eyes just wandered” you laugh while Rosé only gives you a smirk and a scoff.

“When you start dating this guy, I bet you’ll thank us for setting you up like this. Studies can always come second, and who said you can’t multitask?” you bid your goodbye and race to the elevator of your apartment building, sighing from the intense teasing, but before the elevator doors could close, a voice had called over from the end of the hallway.

“Hey! Wait up!” You quickly press the open door button and lo and behold, there stood the exact baker you and Rosé were just talking about this morning, except he was in a chef outfit. ‘Maybe she was right’ you chuckle.

“Thanks for that— Wait, you were with your friends at the bakery yesterday” The tall male recognized you as you nodded back and gave him a friendly smile.

“I’m surprised you even remember me, but I’m even more shocked that you live in the same apartment building” you reply with a laugh. Mingyu scratches the back of his neck awkwardly and nods.

“You guys were one of our first customers, so it’s honestly hard to forget since it’s kind of special in a way” The elevator doors open and the two of you walk out, still engaged in a conversation.

“Oh before we do part ways, I’m Y/n! I had plans to head to the bakery later but it seems like your shift won’t start ‘till the afternoon it seems” you say cheekily.

“I’m Mingyu, it’s nice to meet you. Don’t worry, I only have one morning class before the others take over for the night, so you will be seeing me right after” Mingyu chuckles. Your face heats up so you immediately bid the male goodbye and walk over to your bus.

Microbiology was probably one of the worst classes to ever have in the morning, so a coffee fix for the rest of the day was just what you needed. You offer to buy your other friend Nayeon one too since you needed someone to go with you, just to lessen the effects of being around Mingyu at least.

“I’m starting to get sick of studying fungi and bacteria all day, can you believe every fucking surface we wipe a swab on has some form of disease” you grimace.

The bell of the bakery chimes and you already see a familiar head of brown hair behind the register. “Hi welcome to Carat Cravings! What can I get you guys today?” It was still fairly early in the morning, so you guessed that the ones working the morning hours mostly had evening classes just like you.

“One americano and one caramel machiatto, both iced. While we’ll get a breakfast platter please” Jeonghan punches in the order and you hand him your card, once again, to pay. At that exact moment, Mingyu had come out of the kitchen to greet you.

“Wait you know her?” Jeonghan suddenly asks. Mingyu nods and you greet him back shyly, you two had only just met by chance at the elevator of your apartment building.

“She lives in the same building, anyways Y/n this is Jeonghan. Since you’ll be coming here more often, I assume, then you should get to know us” he grins back at you. Jeonghan gave you both puzzled looks but you nodded in reply, a grin also plastered onto your face.

“Go ahead and find a seat then, your orders will be out in a few” You and Nayeon make your way to a window seat in the corner and take out a few of your notebooks just to go over what was discussed in your lecture.

You are writing down another important note on your iPad when you hear the clinking of glasses and see another blonde beside your table, you guessed this was the other guy named Jun.

“Here you are, let us know how you feel about the food before you go by the way! Also here’s something from Mingyu that he wanted me to give you” he handed you a note and you looked at him confused, then looked over at the counter where you noticed the man as he ran back into the kitchen.

Jun walks away as you open the note, your friend Nayeon is confused as as you are. “Oh—? It’s his uh number?” You say in a flustered manner. ‘Let’s get closer! Here’s my number since I’m too shy to give it to you :)’ it said.

“Aww! Y/n that’s so cute!” Nayeon squeals as you look away shyly to bring out your phone to type in his number. “Hey, he’s just being friendly don’t be like that!” You deny it, but Nayeon wouldn’t let up.

After that day, Mingyu had pretty much become a routine part of your life, except that one phone call after a few weeks of talking to each other.

“Y/n? I didn’t expect you today since you seemed so busy, how was class?” Mingyu chuckles from the other line. You smile at his words before replying, no matter how busy, Mingyu always manages to ask you about your day.

“Well it was pretty ok I guess, I’m just sad I couldn’t stop by the bakery today because it rained too” you reply sadly. You hear the line go silent and hear a few muffled jeers and laughs in the background. ‘Cute’ you thought.

“Don’t mind the guys. Since you called, I wanted to know if you were free this weekend? Jun’s taking over for me” Mingyu asks.

“I am actually! I don’t have anything planned right now. What do you have in mind?” You reply a little too enthusiastically. You hear another chuckle on the other line and cover your mouth in embarrassment.

“You’re so cute, let’s go to a café! I don’t want us to feel so lost since it’s our first time hanging out personally” Mingyu smiled on the other line before hearing Wonwoo gag from behind him. You blush at Mingyu’s comment and try to contain the urge to scream.

“Alright then, text me the time and I’ll put it into my schedule for the week. Bye, Mingyu! Good luck at work!” The other members all smirked at Mingyu and he bid you goodbye as well, this time with reddened ears.

The taller male then turns to his friends who go back to cleaning up before they close the bakery soon. “Yeah, it’s nothing. I just made a friend I swear, besides, she lives in our apartment building so it’ll be weird if I didn’t at least make acquaintances with her” he tries to convince them.

“Yeah right, I’d ask my cute neighbor out on a date if I were you too. Cut the bullshit Gyu, we know you like her” Wonwoo says while laughing.

Mingyu looks away, they definitely weren’t wrong and even though he did have dreams of becoming a top pastry chef one day, he also couldn’t risk not seeing you again.

“It’s always studies first, but I overheard she’s also one of the top students in her major. You bagged the beauty and brains Gyu!” Seungcheol exclaims.

Jeonghan looks at his friend in confusion as to how he even knew this information, but the older only chuckles in response.

“I got this information from Jihoon just so you know, he’s pretty close to her other friend Jihyo I think” Seungcheol concludes. Mingyu sighed and went to fix the pastry display, he was in for a rough week he supposed.

On your end, your two roommates had also overheard the conversation and squealed just as you ended the call. “He asked you out on a date?! Y/n that’s wonderful!” Rosé screams, immediately engulfing you in a bear hug.

“Guys it’s just a regular hang out between friends! He’s just our, cute, neighbor and baker you know” you stifle out. Chungha gives you a look of disapproval and flicks your forehead.

“Yeah, yeah. We all know you two are whipped for each other and it’s been two weeks since they opened up, you two will probably make it official before you even start the second date!” She huffs out. You frown, were you really in denial? You wouldn’t know for sure.

The date (if you could even call it that), came by faster than you could blink and now here you were, standing in front of the mirror, with your makeup done and in a pretty white dress with matching white ballet flats.

“Why do you look so dolled up? It’s a friendly date isn’t it” Rosé teases. You turn to her and see her leaning against the doorframe, a soft smile on her face.

“I just wanted to look presentable you know” you squeak out, knowing you were caught red-handed. It was autumn so you had to take your last chance to at least wear something pretty before layering everything.

“Anyways, tell me the details once you’re back! And take A LOT, and I mean a lot, of pictures with him ok? You two look cute together” Rosé runs away before you can reprimand her, and you suddenly hear your phone ping.

“Y/n! Someone’s at the door for you!” Chungha calls out lovingly. You stiffen, was it necessary for your roommate to act embarrassing at the most inconvenient time? You walk out of your room and make eye contact with Mingyu from the hallway.

Mingyu’s eyes widen at your form, the two of you were wearing matching outfits, both white and looking like you had dressed for the spring instead of the cold autumn weather.

“So?—“ Chungha was cut short as you sprinted and grabbed Mingyu’s hand, leading him down the hallway hurriedly with a laugh.

“I’m sorry, my roommates can be a handful sometimes. Now, where are we going?” You grin. Mingyu’s ears redden after realizing your hands were still intertwined, but you didn’t seem that bothered so he led you to his car that was parked in the basement.

“Are you planning to kill me?” You joke. Mingyu shakes his head and you laugh. “No, no! Just taking you to my car since the café is in the uptown part of the city. It’s a bit far but I guarantee you’ll like it” he replies in a flustered voice.

“Are you sure you’re not some murderer plotting my demise and you’re secretly taking me to your getaway house with your actual girlfriend” you blurt out. He looks at you in confusion and now it was his turn to laugh.

“I don’t think I’d be here then if I had a girlfriend, trust me, I’m more into my studies and passion than you think. So, consider yourself a special girl” Mingyu unintentionally flirts. You hit his shoulder out of habit, but he didn’t seem to mind either as he continued to laugh at you.

“Why’d you ask me out anyway? My other friends are way prettier and way more interesting than me, and don’t think I’m saying that out of pity, I’m just confused since I’ve always had my head buried in books as well” you admit shamefully.

“In all honesty, I just felt an instant connection with you, call it whatever but I’ve never felt like this with someone before” The street lights illuminate his face and you thank the gods above that he can’t see your flushed face in the dimness of the light.

“Oh, we’re here by the way. Let me park and don’t get out until I open the door for you” Mingyu parks the car at a spot in front of a very comfy but also expensive-looking café, before getting out of the driver’s seat to open your end.

You get out and thank him bashfully, the two of you heading inside. It didn’t seem too crowded for a weekend, which relieved you a bit since the ambiance was much more peaceful this way.

“Good afternoon! Welcome to Nabi’s, what can I get you two today?” The cashier smiles. You turn to Mingyu, and he looks at you with another grin, immediately ordering since you aren’t all that familiar with the place.

The cashier punches it in and Mingyu pays for everything, leaving you flustered for the umpteenth time that day. ‘What a gentleman, and he doesn’t have a girlfriend?’ You tell yourself.

“Your orders will be out shortly, you can take a seat and we’ll bring it right over. Have a good one, and here’s your change sir” Mingyu gladly takes his card and leads you to the second floor of the café.

Upon stepping into the seating area, you were immediately greeted with a beautiful view of the city. “Mingyu this is amazing!” You run over to the seat next to the window, and this causes Mingyu’s heart to race. How could you be so endearing even in the smallest aspect?

“It’s nothing, it’s a place I like to go to when I want to be alone, but I brought you here because it’s special to me” he admits while sitting down in front of you.

“Thank you honestly, I feel very special now that I’ve earned enough trust from Kim Mingyu to be able to go to one of his favorite places” You giggle, your stomach full of butterflies from how he treated you.

“Well, I did want to say this and I’m afraid it might be too early, but here it goes” You look at him curiously and stay quiet so you can listen to him better. You were always one to make anyone feel heard and comfortable.

“I like you Y/n, as if it isn’t obvious enough. The day I saw you with your friends at the bakery, something just stood out to me about you, and after getting to know you, it made you a hundred times more attractive to me. It might be a bit early but I wanted to let you know that I’d be willing to wait for you as long as you let me” Mingyu says wholeheartedly.

You were shocked, you liked Mingyu just as much as he did you, but his confession and sincerity were so out of the blue. Was this guy sure about not having a girlfriend?

“Mingyu, I don’t know what to say. I like you too! At first, I was pretty in denial about my feelings since I didn’t want to end up as a receptionist in scrubs and only really stuck to my studies, but you opened up my heart in a way. No need to wait, I’m willing to be your girlfriend” you confess as well.

You stare at Mingyu and notice his ears turn red while a huge smile starts to make its way onto his face. “You don’t understand how happy you make me Y/n, I won’t disappoint you” he holds your hand from across the table.

The rest of the day went by in a blur, Mingyu and you talking for hours on end about everything you missed out on during the first few weeks of getting to know each other, what you guys had in common, and even planning out the second date.

Mingyu and you walk through the basement of your apartment together as he takes you home for the night, dreamy smiles on both your faces and hands intertwined with each other’s. It felt magical almost that you’d even met this guy, he came straight out of a storybook.

“I had so much fun today, thank you Mingyu. I’m so happy,” you say in the elevator. Mingyu engulfs you in a hug and nuzzles his face against the crown of your head, you two did seem like a lovesick couple already.

“Thank you for today as well Y/n, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Now let’s take you home so you can rest well, even if I don’t want to let you go just yet” he says cheekily.

The elevator dings and you realize that you are already on your floor. You start to feel sad but Mingyu still walks you over to your apartment down the hall, the two of you constantly exchanging glances as you get to your door slowly.

“Goodnight Mingyu! Thank you again, boyfriend, I’ll see you tomorrow at the bakery after class?” You quip. Mingyu nods and you kiss him on the cheek before typing in your door combination.

“Boyfriend huh? Goodnight then Y/n, sleep tight love. I don’t want to let you go just yet” he pouts. You laugh again and give him one last peck, this time on his lips, which causes his eyes to widen again.

“You’ll see me tomorrow! Now go rest up sleepyhead, you always work so hard” After you finish that sentence, you open the door and bid him one last goodbye before he walks away, and you walk into your apartment.

Once the door is closed, you hear the shrieks of your roommates and massage your temples. You were going to be in for it tonight, but at least you finally had the man of your dreams.

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

The Chase (Jeon Wonwoo) ˚˖𓍢ִ໋🦢˚

“I won’t get tired of the chase when it comes to you because I know that once I win your heart, I will give you more than the world has to offer” ᯓ ᡣ𐭩

Genre: Angst (Not much), Fluff, Romance

AU: Chaebol!au

Pairing(s): CEO!Wonwoo x Afab Fashion Designer!Reader

Warnings: None except the shitty ex-boyfriend

Synopsis: After going through the most traumatizing relationship ever with your ex, you vowed never to open your heart to just anyone and simply accepted the fact that maybe you truly were just unlucky in love. That was until Jeon Wonwoo made it his life’s mission to prove to you that you weren’t unlucky, you just ended up with the wrong people.

Note: I don’t know why this took me so long finish, I started writing it during new year’s and still ended up finishing it in April ;; This is based off a true story (The shitty ex) and I wrote it to make myself feel better. Remember, never settle for less because you’re always deserving of more. Happy reading! And as always, don’t forget to like + reblog.

WC: 10.4k (and it took me 4 months)

Sighing for the umpteenth time that day, you had finally had enough. It had been a week since your ‘boyfriend’ decided just to get up and ghost you, and now here he was when you finally thought he’d completely leave your life? Not only that but breaking up with you over text for that matter.

He couldn’t even call you to tell you shit, and he came back just to end things between you both.

“He’s so full of shit like I’m gonna take his fucking excuse of being busy like I always do. I’m tired of waiting for this guy, all talk that’s what he is. He wanted me first and now he’s the one initiating the breakup? The audacity he has to do all this when I put in all the work to make this relationship work.” You run a hand through your hair in exasperation as your friend Jennie eyes you worriedly.

“I told you, you deserve better Y/n. Never trust a guy who has to make up for his face with his ‘personality’, What’s the point? You gave him a chance because you pitied him. This guy should be embarrassed for even breaking up with someone in your league, you can do way better,” Rosé says.

Your ex wasn’t the most favorable person among your girlfriends, or your circle of friends in general, but love truly is blind.

You land on the couch beside Jennie, the movie on the big screen in your theater long forgotten as it was paused momentarily because your ex had decided to return at the worst possible time.

“He’s an ass, end of story. He never deserved you to begin with and I could see it coming ever since we met him, what guy uses him being busy as an excuse? If you truly loved your girlfriend, you’d spend every waking minute with her and spoil her with attention. You don’t even ask for much!” Jisoo shouts.

Lisa slaps your friend’s leg in an attempt to calm her down as you all laugh.

The girls knew that you were well aware of your worth, but this guy was persistent so you gave him a chance, but he ended up hurting you either way.

It was such nonsense for him to break up with you when you were nothing but good to him, hell, you were the whole package and he still couldn’t see where he wasted such an opportunity.

“Y/n, he never deserved you at all. You’re the full package when it comes to a partner. Like, you don’t even ask for that much assurance and give him all his freedom, and not only that, you’re so patient and understanding. You have your way with words, as well as a personality as pretty as your face for fucks sake. He wasted such a creative and unique person, he’ll get his karma soon enough,” Jennie says softly from beside you.

You were fully aware of the treatment you give your friends and can vouch for how much of a good person you are, but this guy broke up with you because one of your friends had decided to call him out on his shit treatment towards you? If he had worries about that he could’ve talked to you about it.

“Your ex is full of shit just saying, so how about we forget about it and get ready to go to Mingyu’s housewarming party tonight? I’m sure there will be guys flocking toward you from every direction, so stop crying over a guy who never deserved you.” Lisa dragged you and the girls into your walk-in to get ready.

Who did your ex think he was, anyway? He was probably some shitty lesson for you to vow to be more picky now with whom you let into your heart.

Since you were the one who was heartbroken in the midst of all this, your friends had taken extra time to help you look your best.

Jennie had grabbed a long black strapless dress that had a slit that ran until your mid-thigh, and Rosé helped with your makeup, opting for a subtle smokey eye and a deep red lip.

You decided to let the girls get ready and offered to do your hair with Jisoo in the bathroom, the two of you breaking into a friendly chat.

“I will never understand what you saw in that guy Y/n, you have so many guys chasing after you and yet you decided to give Junseo a chance. He wasn’t exactly the best-looking and even had a shitty personality. He only seemed good at first when he was pursuing you but he got shittier, anyone could see that only you were putting the effort in for the relationship to work,” Jisoo sighed.

You finished curling your hair and laughed at your friend’s words. Even you, yourself, couldn’t understand why you gave him that chance when he treated you like absolute garbage, he kept leaving you and coming back at his convenience, using the excuse of being busy as always.

He started becoming inconsistent, he couldn’t even give you the bare minimum and broke up with you just because he couldn’t handle communicating with you.

Because he couldn’t admit his mistakes? It wasn’t worth it in your opinion, and you had already detached like it was nothing. The relationship itself was comical.

“Well, he doesn’t count as a boyfriend to be completely honest. I don’t see him as one, like even as a person he isn’t all that, he is a good friend to everyone else but this guy isn’t all that in reality no matter how hard you look. He talks about me as if I’m just a random girl to his friends, Mingyu can vouch for me on that because he overheard him at the bar. Honestly never again,” you grimace at the memory.

Mingyu had called you up at two in the morning, and you wondered why on earth he’d be calling you at that hour.

Sure, your best friend was a bit of a party animal, so you weren’t exactly a stranger to a few drunk speed dials from him, but Mingyu sounded quite frustrated over the phone.

“Your asshole of a boyfriend, if you can even call him that, is at the bar we’re at right now. This dude talked about you as if you were some random chick. Honestly, if Hao hadn’t held me back, I would’ve punched the shithead square in the fucking face. Y/n, you should break up with him, you don’t deserve this disrespect at all.” You could hear Dokyeom telling Mingyu to let it go because they’d just go and find another bar.

Frankly, your boyfriend was pissing them off at that exact moment because they had all overheard his conversation from the table beside theirs.

“Gyu, I can’t believe he left after an argument we had, and this is what I come back to? You know what, never mind, I’ll deal with it myself. Don’t worry ok? You guys enjoy your night, I’ll talk to him as soon as possible” You reply quietly.

Mingyu starts to worry and asks if you need him to come over, but you assure him that you’ll be fine and that you’ll call Jeonghan to come over instead.

“I’m sure Jeonghan hyung will understand, so you rest up there. I’m sorry he’s a shitty person Y/n, you need someone who will take care of you just as well as we do, someone who’s just as good as you even. I’ll come over tomorrow to check up on you, ok? I’ll try not to drink as much knowing you’ll be worried about me driving with a hangover,” Mingyu tells you.

You tell him to take care and enjoy his night once again, and not to worry about you before you hang up. You debated texting Jeonghan, who was probably on his way to your penthouse already, so you decided to leave it to Mingyu.

You needed more time to do something about the current situation. It was all so confusing and you didn’t know how to feel, but thankfully you had friends who were practically angels on this godforsaken planet.

What you couldn’t fathom was that you gave this guy all the freedom he needed, hell, you stretched your patience and your ability to understand to its limit because of him, and yet he throws your name around as if you’re just some random girl he decided to hook up with? You don’t deserve that kind of disrespect, especially when you were a woman of class, and the person supporting him and his family without asking for anything in return.

When Jeonghan arrived at your place, you were ready to bawl and cry over how rocky your relationship had been since the beginning. The man had entered your home with a tub of ice cream and a bottle of your favorite aged wine that he always kept for you in case of emergencies.

Mingyu had described your dilemma enough for you, saving Jeonghan the explanation and the confusion as to why you needed him in the dead of night, but you knew well enough that if they also needed you, you’d be there in a heartbeat.

Jeonghan had sat you down in your living room, the lights in the penthouse out completely as you both bask in the darkness and the dim city lights that seep through the window. He takes a sip from his glass and eyes you with worry, before pulling you closer to his side.

“Your boyfriend is an asshole and you deserve better, and I know you’re tired of people telling you that, but this guy has completely proved time and time again that he is undeserving of your love. I know it will be easier said than done but you need to break up with this guy, he’s been hurting you Y/n and he’s acting like it’s completely ok just because you make excuses for him? God, I hate seeing you in this position as one of your best friends” Jeonghan mutters from beside you.

You take a sip of your wine and nod. This guy wasn’t the most well-liked individual in your circle, and you were starting to see the reality of things.

He’s been neglecting your needs and you as a whole, only using his having a girlfriend as something to brag about. Not only that, but he also had the privilege to date you, and he’s suddenly acting as if you’re some lowly girl chasing after his tail.

A highly respected chaebol and someone whose family and community as a whole consist of only the most elite, Yoon Jeonghan, son of Yoon Holdings. and Kim Mingyu, son of Kim Legal Group are some important names to note.

Your inner circle was full of powerful people, and they would hire a hitman on your behalf if you weren’t so patient, so this guy should be afraid to hurt you.

“Look, he doesn’t know the full extent of how much he hurt you and he’s acting like everything is ok just because you’re understanding and kind. He lost a very special and unique individual, hell, he lost the heir to one of the biggest fashion companies in the world. You shouldn’t have settled for someone who’s not even close to your league, like, you have models pining after you for fucks sake Y/n. I have a whole line of friends ready to treat you right,” your friend laughs.

“He’s not the most ideal guy, and I get it now. I guess I only liked how he treated me and made me feel special in a way, especially when he’s known me for so long, but you’re right Han. I need to gather the courage to break up with him because I can’t wallow in self-pity any longer, I own one of the biggest fashion companies in the world and I let this guy deter me from my goals. I need to start focusing on myself now,” you say with newfound confidence before laying your head on Jeonghan’s shoulder.

You were worth so much more, and you deserved to be valued as much as your friends valued you.

A week of healing and detachment led you to your current position now, a freshly single woman who was ready to start focusing on herself and herself only.

If a man wanted a place in your life, he was going to have to earn it and he should prove himself worthy of your attention. You are no longer going to settle when your ex practically gave you less than the bare minimum.

“You know what, you have the right to find someone else who’s in your league. I know you’re not in the mind to be in a relationship right now, but I hope at least one of the guys you meet tonight will try to pursue you with genuine intentions. You deserve someone willing to show you how much you mean to them, someone who’s not afraid to show and express their love for you.” Jisoo fixes your hair and you nod in agreement.

You were in no rush to find something new after being in such a draining position, but you also wouldn’t mind entertaining more notable suitors that had actual potential in your future because your boyfriend had always been in a questionable position, to begin with.

You didn’t mean to judge him, but you were a notable figure and he was quite unsure of his career path, which isn’t a bad thing, but your ex was careless and didn’t seem to care which way he was heading.

On your end, you had started to learn the ropes of fashion at a young age, and now you were ready to take over your family legacy. You should at least give him something as a reminder of the kind of woman he lost.

“Are you guys ready? Because it’s our turn to do our hair,” Jennie peeks into the bathroom. You and Jisoo chuckle in unison and nod as you head to your shoes and bags closet.

Jisoo picks a small all-black YSL clutch and a pair of classic black Louboutin heels before handing the items in your direction. You take the shoes and give your friend a knowing look as she winks at you.

“I think a pair of Vivienne Westwood earrings would look gorgeous with the outfit, pair that with the matching necklace and you’re all set. God Y/n, you’re such a stunner and your ex wanted to break up? That’s his biggest loss ever,” your friend helps you put the necklace on as you finish up your earrings.

You were much more excited about Mingyu’s housewarming party, especially because it was at the house that you had helped him pick while he was house hunting.

Being a fashion designer and someone who works in such a creative industry, your friends always ask for your input knowing you have an eye for things that they would like.

It was a no-brainer decision for one of your best friends to take you house hunting with him because whatever you liked, Mingyu also had a knack for. Your ex didn’t count though, but when it came to everything else, your best friend was your other half.

“I’m just excited to see Mingyu and everyone else, it’s been way too long since we all had a proper hangout. Everyone’s been so busy ever since we started uni, and some of the others graduating ahead even, so thank God for him moving homes, because we probably wouldn’t have any other chance to reunite” you laugh softly.

The girls had already finished dolling themselves up and you all headed to the parking garage. You had a hard time picking between which cars to choose from, but you decided on your black Ferrari convertible as a reward for yourself.

Slipping into the driver’s seat, you motioned for them to get in, Jennie immediately calling shotgun and causing the other three to groan in unison.

Driving to Mingyu’s place was a breeze because he lived right in Hannam-Dong, your favorite area, and one of the reasons why you convinced your best friend to get his current home.

There was no way Mingyu was gonna say no to you anyway, you both always just looked out for each other like that because he was like a brother to you and you were like a sister to him.

You even contributed to at least half of Mingyu’s choices when he was choosing and decorating his current living space. Yes, your friend had taken you to every furniture shopping trip and had even called you over during renovations he was making.

Pulling into the gate, security stops you and asks who you’re there for and what house number. “House nine, Kim Mingyu,” you smile softly. The guard lets you in and tells you and the girls to have a good night as you drive toward Mingyu’s place.

“You’re already so familiar with the area, Mingyu did bring you around the whole time so it makes sense. God, if I didn’t know any better I’d think you two were dating,” Lisa joked.

You roll your eyes and let out a snort. Never in a million years would you ever think of dating Mingyu, he was your best friend and that’s all you two ever will be.

Besides, you found his other friends more appealing, but you were also too shy to approach them knowing Mingyu would never let you live it down. It was just the dynamic you both settled on because you both had gone through more than enough together.

“I would never date Mingyu, we’re too close to date and we grew up together. If you were to ask me, I’d have my bets on any of his other friends,” you parked in Mingyu’s designated parking spot that he had put especially for you (he had insisted since you would be coming over quite often anyway).

“Should’ve gone for them instead of your ex then,” Lisa laughed and you all got out of the car, ready to head inside.

Jisoo’s mouth had dropped as she stared in awe at Mingyu’s estate. “Mingyu chose the right person for advice, Y/n this place is beautiful. You do have an eye for amazing things,” your friend says. You shook your head and thanked her with a bashful smile.

The estate was beautiful, it was modern with wide windows and a black and white exterior. The gate was wide open and you could see people inside the house mingling as you all made your way in.

You then see the homeowner himself at the door, seemingly waiting for your arrival. Mingyu had a goofy smile on his face as Jungkook waved at you from beside him, he was practically Mingyu’s twin because he was around Mingyu just as much as you were.

“You’re finally here, he wouldn’t stop whining about you and honestly thank God. Mingyu finally shut up and insisted we come down to greet you once he saw your car pull up into the driveway,” Jungkook hugs you as he says that and you turn to Mingyu himself who looks just as happy to see you.

“He’s joking, now you guys come in. You’re looking quite better Y/n, did something happen?” Mingyu quips. You shrug your shoulders and casually mention that your ex had broken up with you through text after ghosting you for a week.

Jungkook turns to you as if you had dropped a bomb on them and Mingyu’s jaw falls slack at your revelation. You laughed awkwardly and tried to slip away after seeing Jeonghan out of the corner of your eye, but you were immediately stopped by the two of them.

“OK first, I’m proud of you that you finally broke up with his ass, he’s honestly one of the worst creatures to ever walk this earth, but second, how are you coping? You came all the way here, I’m worried about you. Aren’t you supposed to be crying and sobbing?” Mingyu mutters.

He was genuinely so concerned at how you were able to get to his party as if nothing was completely wrong.

“Not worth crying and moping over, and besides, I’m completely ok, I promise. Still open to love and finding someone eventually though,” You held Mingyu’s hand and squeezed it as a sign of assurance, but your tall friend still looked concerned.

“Gyu, don’t worry. I had the girls with me and I have you guys, you still have guests to entertain, now go. I’ll let you know if I need anything, I promise” You ushered him to the entrance of his house as he threw you one last worried glance, before tending to his other guests that had arrived.

As you and the girls head towards the living room, where most of the guests mingled, you are completely unaware of the man who had been eyeing you ever since you had stepped foot into the home.

He stares at you full of wonder, in awe at how you glowed around your friends. Was it the lighting or were you just an angel in disguise?

“Hey Won, if you’re that into her, you should just go talk to her you know? Take the opportunity while it lasts, seeing as almost every guy here has their eye on her” Soonyoung, more known as Hoshi by his friends, chuckled from beside him, as he nudged his shoulder.

“Yeah no, I’ll stick to just admiring Y/n from afar. She has a boyfriend after all” Wonwoo says, but his face forms into a soft smile after seeing you interact with Dokyeom from across the room.

He wasn’t looking for anyone to be with before he met you, truthfully speaking, given how busy he is now that he runs his family’s business but you were just naturally radiant, it was hard not to notice your beauty and overwhelming presence whenever you were around. Wonwoo did want to approach you, but he didn’t know how when so many people would be around you at once.

The two of you had met on several different occasions, but you were always around Mingyu when it came to these things.

Wonwoo only really knew you as Mingyu’s childhood best friend, but seeing how you both interacted and based on how the media portrayed you, you seemed like quite the catch and Wonwoo couldn’t deny the small crush he had started to develop towards you, but you also had a boyfriend.

“You’re going to regret that you know, he just broke up with her today so you’re free to pursue her as you like. Just take your time with her, because I know she’ll open her heart eventually…” Mingyu appeared behind them and Wonwoo raised an eyebrow at him. Your boyfriend? How could he ever break up with someone like you?

“He had a shitty ass reason from what Jennie told me, basically he broke up with her because he said he was too busy or something. I think we’re all aware that this guy is just full of shit, after all, Y/n was the serious one and she put her utmost effort into the relationship, it’s unfair on her when there are way better people out there. People like you,” Mingyu continued while nudging Wonwoo’s shoulder.

“Yikes? Won, you should pursue her and treat her the way she deserves. Take your time with Y/n, we all know she’ll open up either way when you show her that she’s truly deserving of only the best.” Jihoon grins widely.

Wonwoo was starting to deliberate within himself, he had a huge opportunity right in front of him to pursue you, and either way, it was a way to get to know you better and to see if you would give him the chance.

Jeon Wonwoo wasn’t the type to chase someone but for you? You had him wrapped around your pretty little fingers and he wouldn’t mind following you through the ends of the earth if he had to. If you gave him a chance, he’d prove to you that you only deserve to be treated with only the best and nothing less.

“Y/n was such a trooper for settling for the barest of the minimum, she’s the biggest green flag through and through, and this guy chose to abuse it. I think you’re the person for her Won, you’re willing to go after her, aren’t you? Now go and ask her out, Dokyeom’s telling her to walk over.” Mingyu looked like a madman because his smile was so wide, but he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to set the two of his closest friends up with each other.

You both deserved only the best, and Mingyu must admit that you were a perfect match. He’d always wanted Wonwoo for you, but your ex had to ruin it all by stealing you away.

Wonwoo turned to the side and sure enough, you were making your way toward Mingyu and the others. Wonwoo’s breath was caught in his throat as he saw you coming closer. God, you looked so beautiful, it was hard not to stare.

Once you were in front of them, you greeted them kindly, your tone soft and sweet, but still with a hint of elegance. The guys only shared knowing glances and they urged Wonwoo to talk to you teasingly.

“Y/n, is it ok if we have a moment alone? I need to ask you something and I’d feel like it would be too much pressure to put you on the spot in front of everyone,” You looked at Wonwoo and nodded, surprised at his demeanor.

You were so used to the serious side of the man that seeing him all shy and flustered only made you smile at him.

Wonwoo led you to the second floor, and you immediately knew where he was taking you. You know Mingyu’s house like the back of your hand, so it was no surprise when Wonwoo opened up the garden on the second floor.

It was perfectly private since the second floor was off-limits for other guests, and everyone was led straight to the rooftop or was on the ground floor.

“Now that we have a bit more privacy, I heard from Mingyu and his big mouth that your ex had broken up with you. How are you coping?” Wonwoo motioned for you to sit next to him on the bench.

You took a seat next to him and let out a soft chuckle, this was the first time you were ever alone with Wonwoo, outside of a formal setting and without the company of others.

“Doing fine, I mean, I detached from the whole situation emotionally so it’s nothing. Left me quite drained, but I won’t let a hiccup like this stop me from finding someone else, I’m just not in the state to be in another relationship right now…” You reply and stare at the city from below.

The view was gorgeous, but you couldn’t deny that the man next to you was just as good-looking.

“I know you’re not in the state to commit to something else as you’re healing right now, but I’d like to ask you if you’re willing to let me court you. I don’t want to pressure you, and it’s completely up to you, but I wanted to open up the possibility because I’ve been admiring you for a while Y/n. I only want to show you that you deserve only the best,” Wonwoo proposes.

Your mouth is slightly agape at his proposal, you are just in complete shock at how someone like Wonwoo had openly confessed that he’d be willing to pursue you because he admired you.

It was a bold move and it was a risk knowing you’d just been broken up with, but he was willing to take it either way.

“Courting huh? You surprise me Jeon Wonwoo. I’ll accept your proposal, but I have to let you know that it won’t be as easy because of the trauma from my last relationship,” you look down and fidget with your hands.

You were okay with being pursued and courted, but you’re still shaken up from the events of your last relationship, so you’re taking it easy.

“I won’t get tired of the chase when it comes to you because I know that once I win your heart, I will give you more than the world has to offer,” Wonwoo chuckles before wrapping his jacket around you.

He was truly a gentleman, and what did you have to lose? The man was trusted by your friends and most especially Mingyu, your friend who was like a brother to you.

“I admire your courage and patience, but going after me won’t be so easy now…” You chuckle lightly.

You thought Wonwoo would laugh along but the man truly was serious about you, which was a surprise. People these days were only up for casual dating, but you were someone who preferred something long-term and serious, especially when work and business took up most of your life.

“Believe me, I know how you feel because I’m equally as busy, but I’m willing to work around that. You’re an amazing woman, seeing how secure you are in yourself only makes you all the more attractive. I want someone who shares my work ethic and dreams. Seeing your character, and hearing all the good things about you. I can truly say you are everything I could ever ask for,” Wonwoo continued.

You never got flustered or embarrassed, but hearing someone acknowledge your hard work, especially from a person like Wonwoo, you couldn’t help but blush at his confession.

The media has always highlighted your endless milestones, but no one ever brought up the grueling hours you’ve spent working towards a goal. Wonwoo truly was one of a kind, which only made you want to give him a chance even more.

The two of you hear a glass door slide and hear a familiar voice let out a hearty laugh. “There you two are, come down because I’m going to say a few words before the house gets trashed,” Mingyu stood by the door and smiled at the two of you.

Since that night, Jeon Wonwoo proved that he was serious about his word, because the morning after Mingyu’s party, you had received a bouquet arrangement of baby’s breaths and camellias, along with a note.

It read, ‘Just because. Have a good day, I’ll visit your place later since your secretary told me you had a full schedule today. See you later beautiful :)’.

“Is that from Wonwoo? Look at him already treating you better than your shitty ex-boyfriend,” Jennie laughs after walking into the kitchen.

You chuckle and place the flowers in a vase that you filled with water. It was unique, usually, people would send roses since it was romantic, but this was sweet of Wonwoo because he isn’t like everyone else.

“By the way, baby’s breath flowers mean ‘everlasting love’, and camellias mean ‘you’re a flame in my heart’. This man is already gaining my approval because he knows the flower language and put in the effort to arrange that, and have it delivered, between his busy schedule. I can’t wait to see what else he has in mind,” you hand Jennie a mug of coffee you were making and roll your eyes playfully.

It was cheesy, but you had to admit that it was also admirable. This was your first time receiving flowers from someone from a romantic perspective.

You had received flowers from Mingyu, Seungcheol, and even Jihoon, in the past, but they were all friendly gestures or formalities at one of Mingyu’s events. This time, it felt different as you feel a sense of giddiness bloom in your chest.

“He’s coming over tonight, I wonder what else he has planned,” you wonder aloud. Just as you said that sentence, the other girls had walked into the kitchen, and Jisoo immediately asked who you were referring to.

“Wonwoo sent her flowers and said he’d come over to see her, crazy right? This guy just started courting Y/n and is already proving himself worthy,” Jennie replies.

Rosé raises a brow and Lisa’s brows knit. This was a first from any of the guys you’ve ever been with, and Wonwoo hadn’t even taken you out on a proper date yet, but it was a lot coming from someone who was now taking over one of the biggest companies in the country. The man was bound to be busy almost every minute of his entire life right now.

It was a no-brainer that Wonwoo had a lot of responsibilities but given his dating history, or lack thereof, this was a whole new thing for him.

A man who is serious about what he wants is one of the hottest things ever to you, so he was gaining your favor faster than you thought.

“Stop being a bare minimum enjoyer, I can’t wait to see what he’s going to bring to the table for you though. I need this guy to treat you the way you deserve to be treated because you settled for shit men and that isn’t who you are, you need someone serious and emotionally intelligent,” Rosé huffs.

Your friends continue to talk amongst themselves as you get started on your breakfast, your mind still on Wonwoo.

You never paid much mind to Mingyu’s friends, but you slowly warmed up to the twelve men, getting particularly close to Jeonghan, Jihoon, and Seungcheol, specifically, but Wonwoo? You could barely remember your last exchange with the man except for the one from the night before.

They all had their charm and you wouldn’t mind hanging out with any of them at all, but Wonwoo was one of the busier members of the group so you never got the chance to see him as much due to schedules clashing.

You couldn’t lie though, you thought the man was attractive for being so hardworking but still finding the time to go to every dinner or event he was invited to, especially when it came to their friend group in particular.

You had missed a few here and there because you were either too burned out from working, or had too much on your schedule that day, but you always managed to hear that Wonwoo had made it.

“Hey Y/n, we’ll be leaving in an hour or two so you can mentally prepare yourself for your night with Wonwoo. No weird shit ok? I know he’s hot and all but have some self-control and save it for when you’re officially together,” Jennie jokes from behind you as she gives you a back hug.

You let out a giggle and nod softly, immediately catching your friend’s drift.

“Yeah don’t worry, I promise I have it all under control ok Jen? Now let me finish cooking our food so I can at least send you guys off with a thank you for being the best,” you say softly.

The girls smile at you, their expressions teasing in a way. You could only roll your eyes at them. For the first time, your friends supported a guy. It was new and completely unexpected, especially when your close-knit group of friends consisted of maneaters.

After breakfast, your friends had finally left you alone in your penthouse with nothing to do until Wonwoo came over that evening, so you decided to tend to some important emails and other matters.

Hence, you no longer had anything else to think about. You couldn’t help but think though, how could someone like Wonwoo ask you out? Let alone court you. Jeon Wonwoo was someone you least expected to have the time for something like courtship.

It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out that you both were some of the busiest people in the industry, especially with your family brand making a name overseas and his company taking the whole country by storm.

You both always had packed schedules, but Wonwoo was willing to fit you into his somehow, which you admired. Your friends always say that a man is never too busy for someone he truly loves.

“He’s already so sweet, I’m already getting sick just thinking about him,” you say to yourself.

You couldn’t help but feel all giddy, even after the traumatic experience with your ex, you felt happy to give someone a chance because they promised to make up for what you had gone through.

Despite your giddy feelings, the emotional trauma had started to creep up on you. Jumping into something new almost immediately wasn’t the wisest idea on your part, but Wonwoo was one of Mingyu’s closest friends as well, so Mingyu wouldn’t push the idea if it wasn’t good for you.

“I shouldn’t put too much effort into how I look tonight, after all, we are just having dinner here, but I wonder what he’s got planned,” you get up from the couch and make your way into your room. Even if you were just going to meet at your own home, you still had to look presentable at least.

Walking into your closet, you decide to pull out another one of your favorite black dresses. It wasn’t too out there, but it was pretty enough to wear for dinner at home. The dress ended at the knees and had puffy sleeves, with the waist having a corset-like design.

This dress was your pride and joy because you had designed this when you were still in your first year of high school, with only one piece existing in the entire world.

“You know what, maybe I should call Mingyu. He could calm my nerves and tell me what Wonwoo is like…” you sigh softly.

Whenever you did feel your nerves catching up to you, you always turned to call your puppy of a best friend to help you get over your thoughts, and since the guy was also one of his closest friends, Mingyu could help alleviate any worries you have.

You opted to call him because he would probably take forever to lecture you either way. You grab your phone and dial Mingyu’s number, the man probably had nothing better to do right now because his family was going to be over that night as well and he talked to you yesterday about wanting to cook for them in his new home.

“Hey, you’re calling me. Don’t tell me you’re nervous about your date with Wonwoo tonight?” You can hear the smirk in Mingyu’s tone.

If he was here, you’d already land him a smack on his shoulder and a good eye roll, but you were in your penthouse across the city.

“I’m not stupid, I just need to hear more about what he’s like. Besides, I also maybe do want to get intel on his side because you’re his other best friend you know,” you chuckle playfully. Mingyu wasn’t a snitch obviously, but he could at least tell you what he gathered from the guy.

“Yeah I know, look, Wonwoo’s just as nervous as you are. It’s his first time being with a woman who wasn’t exactly chosen by his parents if you catch my drift. Just relax, he’s harmless and is pretty good at conversations, he’s not that awkward once he opens up a bit,” you hear shuffling on Mingyu’s end.

“Are you seriously preparing meals right now?” You laugh. You hear Mingyu laugh as he switches over to Facetime before he sets his phone somewhere on the counter.

“You already know, it’s their first time here so I want to make it special and meaningful,” Mingyu smiles.

Your best friend was the biggest green flag you have ever met. Ever since you were kids, you could already tell that his parents had raised him to be the gentleman he is today, and if you weren’t best friends, you would be dating him at this point. But you were already beyond that point because he just really felt like the brother you never had.

“Anyways, as I’m preparing meals, I’m also here to yap about how Wonwoo also knows how to treat someone right. I wouldn’t want anyone else for either of you, so this is all part of my plan,” Mingyu starts gathering plates as you set your phone on the vanity.

“You think you’re some kind of mastermind aren’t you?” You giggle. You would never doubt Mingyu, and if he was desperate enough to get you and Wonwoo together, it just means he’s giving you the treatment you truly deserve.

“You only deserve the best, besides, you’re a woman of class Y/n, don’t get it twisted now. Let me remind you that your family owns one of the biggest fashion companies in all of Korea right now, and your circle only consists of some of the most powerful people in the country.” Mingyu points out.

You hum at his words, had you forgotten who you were because of a guy who was never truly worth your time?

“Thanks for the reminder as always Gyu. I think we could call up Cheol to do a background check on him, and we can get Soonyoung to hire a hitman if possible. I’ll also make sure to call you if I need to sue someone,” you close the lid of your eyeliner and hear Mingyu huff as he holds back another laugh.

The guys were overprotective of you, and you couldn’t blame them for their dislike towards your ex, it was justified now that you truly think about it.

Your ex couldn’t even walk into a gathering with your friends without Dino and Seungkwan giving him side eyes and the dirtiest looks known to man.

“Anyways, Wonwoo doesn’t exactly know how to cook, so he asked me to make your favorite. I made your pasta the way you liked it, just so you know,” Mingyu picks up his phone again and you shake your head as he shows you the various food laid out on the counter.

“I wish I was there, tell Auntie and Uncle that I said hi, and tell your sister that I miss her,” Mingyu pouts. “What about me?” You hold back a smile, ever so clingy.

“We saw each other yesterday, you’ll live. I practically see you almost every day you goof,” you reply.

“Kay whatever, anyways, I’m guessing Wonwoo is on his way so I’ll leave you to it. You look great, don’t give him a heart attack,” you laugh as Mingyu hangs up the call. Your best friend always knew what to say, and you were always grateful to him in every way possible.

You spray on a bit of your favorite perfume and head out into the living room, seeing that the sun is already setting and casting a soft glow into the room.

You smile to yourself, you loved the view from your penthouse, but your sorry excuse of an ex was also a reminder that you chose the place while thinking of him and the life you could’ve had together.

“Stop thinking about him, he’s not worth your fucking time anymore. You have to focus on yourself now, and you’re gonna make it right,” you mutter to yourself softly.

After thirty minutes of pacing around your living room, you hear the buzzer of your doorbell and flinch at the sound. ‘Wonwoo’s here,’ you think, as you make your way to the door to greet your guest, or date, for that matter.

You see Wonwoo through the camera and immediately let out a breath, accompanied by a smile, upon seeing his appearance, as you unlock the door to your home. He looked a bit tired when you went to get him at the door but in a split second, he looked like he was hit with adrenaline upon seeing you.

“Hey, gorgeous, sorry if our first date isn’t exactly the most ideal right now. I’ll take you out somewhere better next time,” Wonwoo says softly before throwing you a smile.

God, he was so damn charming and this was only the first date? And he promised to do even better for the next date?

Wonwoo was already exceeding your expectations by planning another date, making it to your house on time for dinner, and even going out of his way to ask Mingyu to cook your favorite food.

You felt like you could finally depend on someone and moments like that aren’t exactly something you had the luxury of enjoying.

“I’m fine with whatever really, but if you insist, I’ll have to take you up on it,” you say and lead Wonwoo over to the kitchen.

You notice how he takes in the interior carefully, studying every detail of your place of residence. You smile at his action, his observant behavior is endearing to you.

“Your penthouse is beautiful by the way,” You turn to Wonwoo as he places the food on the island in the kitchen. “Thank you, I kind of want to make a few renovations though.” You reply in a gentle voice.

Almost every corner had reminded you of your ex, and you hated how your living space didn’t correspond to your taste anymore.

“Seeing Mingyu’s place, I’d like to be around when you do your renovations. I figured the penthouse was lacking in your personality, but still beautiful like the owner,” Wonwoo keeps his gaze trained on you. You burn under it and start helping him plate the food.

The action of plating the food together and chatting about each other’s lives felt so domestic and natural to you. If you were honest, you wish you were dating Wonwoo and never even met your ex.

You hated comparing your ex to Wonwoo, but the treatment was vastly different, even from the first time he had asked you out. Your ex had asked you out quite casually since he was a friend of a friend, whilst Wonwoo had really taken the time to consider your feelings and had given you time to think.

After dinner, you decided to take Wonwoo on a tour around your penthouse, the two of you easily conversing and feeling more comfortable with each other.

“You still manage to game in between your busy schedule? That’s so crazy,” you smile.

Wonwoo shrugs as the two of you make your way back to the living room, he finds your demeanor cute, and his heart continues to beat even harder for you.

“OK then, what do you do in your downtime little Ms. fashion designer?” He jokes. Wonwoo loved hearing about you or anything to do with you, he adored you that much, and he treasured every moment with you.

“I like niche hobbies, you know? I’ve always loved making handmade things, so beaded jewelry, crocheting, painting, and doing art. I also dabble in writing, reading, photography, and I dance,” you list all your hobbies down, not thinking much of it since no one had ever really asked about them besides your friends.

“Your hobbies are just as gorgeous as you are,” Wonwoo looks at you with a lovesick smile. He felt himself fall for you even harder, he was in too deep and he wouldn’t mind waiting years for you if he had to.

You felt your cheeks heat up and reply with a chuckle. It was only the first date and this man had already managed to make you blush, smile, and make you feel taken care of in just a matter of a few hours. You appreciated the way he treated you so carefully, and you were willing to give him a chance to be a part of your life now.

A few months had gone by in a blur with Wonwoo, and there was never a dull moment with him. From his daily words of affirmation, endless compliments, and a lot more dates he managed to fit into his schedule.

He never forced anything on you, and he was patient with you through and through. You couldn’t have been any more grateful for him for waiting on you for so long.

“Are you attending fashion week next week? I heard from Mingyu that you were offered a spot for your collection debut, that’s amazing Y/n,” Wonwoo smiles from the kitchen island.

You wave your hand dismissively, you felt shy whenever it came to these things, but seeing as Wonwoo was constantly up to date on your endeavors, much like you were with his, you couldn’t avoid it and decided to enjoy the thoughtfulness. He was just perfect, and with each passing day, you admittedly started falling for him just as hard.

“I am, do you want to go with me?” You replied. Wonwoo hums, eyes still on you and with a loving expression on his face.

“I’d be honored to go with you gorgeous, but I wouldn’t want to be crossing any lines with you. You do know that right?” Wonwoo replies.

He had always been so thoughtful, you wondered if the Gods above had finally decided to end your streak of failed relationships.

“Yes, Won. I hope you also know that in no way are you crossing lines by being with me, I mean, you’ve been nothing but amazing to me. Having you by my side is a breath of fresh air, I am always grateful to have you around,” You walk over and give Wonwoo a soft peck on the cheek.

“Great, I’ll ask my secretary to clear my schedule for next week then. Just so I can spend as much time with you as I can, you need all the support you can get since it is your official debut at such a huge event,” Wonwoo circles his arms around your waist and you rest your arms around his neck.

Though you were in a courting stage and weren’t exactly official, you and Wonwoo never shied away from small acts of affection, which slowly uncovered the reciprocated feelings that were starting to bloom on your end.

It was like Wonwoo fit into your life so effortlessly, he was the most supportive, loving, and soft-spoken person in the entire world. He was everything you could’ve ever wanted and he never got mad or raised his voice at you. He truly was perfect, perfect to the point that everyone had been itching for you to finally give him an answer, and you were going to eventually.

Soon enough, a week after that conversation had taken place, you were in Paris with Wonwoo, Mingyu, and a few of your other friends from your close inner circle for fashion week.

You all had arrived in France at around ten in the evening, deciding to go for a small dinner before you all became too swamped with work for the next few days.

“You two have been so cozy lately, it’s so adorable,” Mingyu comments during the dinner. Jennie hums from beside him, and Seungkwan chuckles as he notices you freeze up.

You regain your composure and throw Mingyu a stiff smile, seeing the mischievous glint in your best friend’s eyes.

“I’m just doing my best to treat her the best I can, she deserves the world, and I would give her more if I could. I don’t mind waiting an eternity if I have to, because I know it will be worth the wait to finally have her in my arms and to be able to call her mine,” Wonwoo suddenly spoke up.

You choke on your wine as the rest of your friends either have their jaws dropped or squealed with a newfound giddiness.

You look over at Wonwoo, and the man is staring at you, sincerity sparkling in your eyes. Wonwoo didn’t care about anyone else at that moment, you were the only woman he wanted, and he would do everything in his power to call you his.

He’s been made aware of your continuous strain of failed relationships, and he was determined to break that pattern because you were a woman of value who deserved every good thing the world had to offer.

Back at your hotel, you were suddenly restless after the dinner. A feeling of unease had crept up on you, and you couldn’t tell if it was because of your official debut at fashion week, or the fact that you were going to be facing hundreds of people tomorrow. You were always good at handling crowds, but with an event like Fashion Week, you had no idea what to expect.

“Hey, you’re pacing. What’s going on? Is something on your mind?” Wonwoo had walked out of the bedroom and noticed you pacing around nonstop in the living room. You shake your head at him, brushing off your anxiety, and telling him you were fine when you weren’t.

“You’re not ok, I can tell. Sit down and let’s unpack if you’re up for it, or we can just cuddle. The choice is yours,” Wonwoo brings you into his arms, and you bask in his warmth and comfort.

You felt so vulnerable and wanted to just rest in someone’s arms, so when Wonwoo picked you up and brought you over to the couch, you welcomed the gesture.

“You never fail to make me feel better Won, thank you for always being the best. I feel so bad for being vulnerable right now, but you constantly take care of me so well. I swear it’s just nothing and it’s just my nerves getting the best of me because of tomorrow,” Wonwoo held you tighter, and you never felt so safe in someone’s arms before.

“They’re going to love you out there, you’ve already gotten this far on your own, building your company up higher and higher. You deserve everything Y/n, and we’ll be by your side the entire time to support you. Breathe in and breathe out, the crowds won’t be a bother since we’ll make sure you get there in one piece, ok?” You nod into Wonwoo’s chest and feel his steady breathing.

It felt so nice being so close to him, and you finally decided that it was time to give him an answer and make things official between you both. “Won, could I tell you something?” You look up at him. Wonwoo nods and smiles softly as he runs a hand through your hair.

“Anything you need pretty girl, I’m all ears,” You swore you felt your heart melt. He just looked at you with so much adoration and love in his eyes, you didn’t understand what you did to deserve someone like him.

“I think I’m ready to make things official between us, I had a whole other thing planned out in how I would give you my answer, but that backfired and I couldn’t hold it in any longer,” You were yapping at this point, but Wonwoo let you go on your tangent like usual with a huge grin on his face.

“You don’t understand how happy I am to hear those words coming from you, thank you for giving me the chance to treat you right, gorgeous. Any answer from you would make me happy either way and now I get to officially call you my girlfriend,” Wonwoo plants a chaste kiss on your lips and pulls away to see you looking like a blushing mess.

Loving Wonwoo was so easy, being with him was easy, and you both effortlessly fit into each other’s lives. Maybe you weren’t the problem, but the people you had been with were just the wrong ones.

When the next day rolled around, you were already awake in bed, wrapped in not only the comforter but also in Wonwoo’s arms.

You turned to face him and watched his sleeping form, you couldn’t comprehend that he was finally yours, and suddenly every moment spent with him over the past few months had started coming back to you.

The flowers were always the most memorable. Wonwoo would constantly buy you flowers, whether they meant something or not, he would always have them on hand during a date or when he simply visited you throughout the week.

“You don’t have to get me flowers all the time you know? I love and appreciate the gesture but I hate to see you spend so much,” You giggle. Wonwoo shakes his head dismissively and pretends to shush you, causing you to laugh at his actions.

“I want to, and besides, why make money when I can’t spend it on you? You deserve it. You work so hard every day and it’s my token of appreciation for the most outstanding woman I could ever be with,” Wonwoo replies proudly. Always the charmer, Jeon Wonwoo.

The next most memorable thing was just Wonwoo’s endless effort to take care of you and make you feel loved in every way possible.

Since Wonwoo is the caretaker type, he would meticulously plan out dates, ask your secretary for your schedule ahead of time, and even ask you what you felt like doing that day just so you could be happy. It was something you never thought would ever be possible in your years of dating.

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” You hear Wonwoo’s morning voice and it snaps you out of your daze.

Wonwoo was there, arms around your waist, and looking soft as ever. You run a hand through his hair and hold him close to you.

“I was just thinking about how amazing the past few months with you had been, you always do so much for me, and I always appreciate the effort. Thank you Wonwoo,” You kiss him and Wonwoo responds with just as much need. He cups your face and you instantly melt into the touch of his hand.

“I will continue to treat you as such, and I hope you do not expect any less. You’re the reason I keep going these days, and being with you is something I will forever thank the stars for doing. I can’t wait to spend all these years with you, Y/n,” Wonwoo pulls away and takes in your features.

You chuckle and sit up in bed before taking your phone from the nightstand. You check the time and in moments, you realize you still need to get ready.

“Won, I’m gonna go get ready. We leave for the venue in an hour or two for final adjustments, and I still need my hair and wardrobe done before we leave,” You practically jump out of bed and Wonwoo laughs at how frantic you are. Always the perfectionist, but he found you endearing in every way possible.

Wonwoo watches as you get your hair and makeup done, his own not taking as much time, so he decided to watch you get yours done.

“You’re staring, Mr. Jeon,” You notice him from behind you. Wonwoo shakes his head and continues to watch you. You are the most beautiful woman in his eyes without a single doubt.

At the venue, there were already a lot of people lined up and getting ready for the fashion show. The press was there taking pictures of the celebrities, and you noticed Mingyu, Jeonghan, and Minghao eating up the attention.

Crowds were going wild at how gorgeous your friends looked, but you and Wonwoo decided to catch up with them after the show since you still had to go backstage.

“Will you be fine with Yerin, love? I don’t wanna disturb your work so I’ll be heading out to join the others. If you need me, just ask her to call me and I’ll be here for you,” Wonwoo smiles. He knows how much focus you’ll be putting on the show, so he decided not to delay you any longer.

“I’ll be ok, love. Thank you, again. You guys just sit back and enjoy the show, and I’ll be right with you guys,” You smile warmly.

Wonwoo nods and makes his way out to find Mingyu, Jeonghan, Seungcheol, Minghao, and Seungkwan, who are already seated near each other.

“Wonwoo! Over here! Can you believe it? Y/n’s finally officially debuting overseas, she deserves it so much,” Wonwoo slips into the seat beside Mingyu, and takes notice of your friends Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé sitting behind them.

“She’s been working so hard lately, she really does deserve it,” Wonwoo replies proudly. Soonyoung and Vernon joined them shortly after, along with Joshua and Seokmin, and the show was finally about to begin.

The models walked down, all in pieces Wonwoo had seen in your sketchbook, and now they were finally coming to life. From the shoes to the bags, all the way down to the accessories, he could recognize your designs from anywhere because it was just so you. He took videos because he proudly wanted to show you that he is always going to be your number one supporter.

The show had gone by in a breeze, and you came out from behind the models, looking like one of them even, before bowing as the audience clapped for you. Wonwoo could see the sparkle in your eyes, and the way you were glowing with happiness. You look like an angel.

All your close circle of friends had then gathered, and you walked towards them. They showered you with words of congratulations, how proud they were of you, and you thanked your friends for their endless support. Out of nowhere though, as Lisa was hugging you to congratulate you, your eyes fell on Wonwoo, who was holding a beautiful bouquet of roses.

Mingyu laughed as he pushed the man toward you, and you felt shy upon seeing his appearance. Wonwoo looked so dashing while wearing a full collection of your clothes, and he was handing you your favorite flowers like a prince. You wish you were dreaming because everything felt so surreal at that moment.

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.

[rubyuji]

Restless (Lee Chan) ౨ৎ⋆˚｡⋆ ☕️

“OK enough, as far as I know, you know way more about me than I do about you. So, tell me about yourself?” 𓂃 ࣪˖

Genre: Fluff (this is just the sweetest thing ever, I can’t)

AU: Nonidol!au, College!au

Pairing: Dino x afab!reader

Warnings: none

Synopsis: After a week of traveling for school, Chan was ready to get home and crash onto his bed for the weekend. The problem? He was locked out for the night as his parents and younger brother had gone to visit their relatives on short notice, so he turned to his only option, you.

Note: Another recycled fic from my drafts that I never really finished ;; I’m popping out fics left and right atp but this one has a lack of proofreading and editing. Happy reading again guys, don’t forget to like + reblog!

Word Count: 2.8k

“Bye Ms Kim! Bye, everyone! It was so nice to be with you all in Japan, until our next competition. You all did well” Chan bowed toward his teachers and fellow students as he left the bus, bag slung over his shoulder.

Once he was on the pavement, Chan sighed and hastily walked into his building, ready to pass out on his bed. He clicks the elevator button to the floor he lives on while fidgeting with the new keychain he had bought as a souvenir. The ride was taking longer than usual for some reason.

When the elevator dinged, indicating that he had arrived, Chan eagerly stepped out and headed for the door of his family’s apartment. Instead of him being able to open it easily with the password, the lock buzzes and the sound causes Chan to frown in confusion. Did his family decide to change the house code while he was away?

As Chan was about to try one more time, his brother had texted him about how they had gone to see family and forgot he would arrive that day, adding that wouldn’t be back until the next morning.

Seeing this, Chan runs a hand through his hair and huffs. He was so ready to get the rest he badly needed until an idea came to mind.

Chan turns towards the apartment next to his family’s and grins, you were probably home, right? A girl who was his age, living independently next to his family, probably wouldn’t have many places to be, so he tried the last bit of his luck.

You hear your doorbell ring and wonder who would be at your door late into the evening. As per your paranoid self, you bring a knife to the door, being a girl and living alone with her cat wasn’t exactly the ideal situation to be in, especially at this hour.

You hesitantly peek into your peephole and your jaw falls slack as you struggle to open the door. What the hell was Chan doing at your doorstep? You thought his family would be at home like usual, the Lee family never really went anywhere and would often invite you over so this came as a surprise.

“Chan? That’s new, what brings you here?” You squint at the boy and he chuckles awkwardly, a hand scratching his cheek.

He had his backpack still on his back and a small stroller next to him, he looked like he had just come back from the airport. ‘Oh, I forgot he flew to Japan last week for a dance competition,’ you thought to yourself.

“My family forgot about me arriving today and left to go see my relatives without me, so uh, I had no other option? Unless you’re uncomfortable with me staying for a night, I can just call up one of my friends to let me crash at theirs” Chan cringed at his own words.

Seungkwan lived an hour outside the main city and Vernon lived in a one-bedroom apartment that barely had anything but a bed and a place for his pet iguana. Mingyu was at his sister’s place, and Soonyoung had gone with his family, the house already cramped enough with two grown kids and their parents. He genuinely had no other option.

“What? No, it’s fine. I’ve known you and your family since the day I moved in, it’s the least I can do since you guys have been nice to me. Now come in,” You moved aside so Chan could shuffle in, and in his head, he made a mental note to thank you later when he wasn’t as tired from the jet lag.

You helped him move his things into the guest room before getting him settled. He looked exhausted, and as much as your crush on the boy had started to take in how adorable he was, you couldn’t afford to scare him off when he seemed like he had no other place to go.

“You can use the shower, I have extra products for guests in the second drawer so you’re free to use that as you like. I was making dinner so you’re also welcome to join me in case you haven’t eaten yet. Make yourself at home,” You offered Chan a shy smile and the boy felt his heart skip a beat. Have you always been that pretty?

Chan snapped himself out of his daze and nodded before smiling back at you. “Thanks, I seriously owe you a lot for letting me stay the night. I’m sorry for coming up on short notice,” he says bashfully. You were very kind and the fact that you even offered him dinner was crazy enough as it is.

“Hey, it’s no biggie. I don’t have guests over that often so it’s nice to have someone around now and then. Call this our first unofficial sleepover if you will,” You laugh and Chan can’t help but feel flustered around you. You were so calm despite everything, it was almost impressive to him.

You put your hands together and excuse yourself, making Chan stand up and smile at you once more before you leave the room.

“Towels are in that cabinet under the desk, I think you already have the password here since it’s just my cat’s name in lowercase letters,” Chan once again nods as he watches your figure disappear into the rest of the apartment.

The silence welcomes Chan as he turns to observe every inch of the room. It was very minimal with a simple white desk, a few pictures on display, and two candles off to the side. A white double-door closet stood at the opposite end of the bed, a plant in a gray pot right next to it.

A part of the wall had postcards from places he assumed you had gone to, as well as some awards from your school. It was nice how the room still had a few elements of you in it despite it being a guest room, he would’ve never known that you had topped your class or that you had been to France.

Grabbing a towel from the cabinet and some clothes from his bag, Chan then made his way over to your bathroom. As he was passing the kitchen, he saw your back and got a whiff of whatever you were making for dinner. It smelled like meat and ramyeon, something he had missed dearly during his entire trip to Japan.

Chan enters the bathroom quietly to avoid distracting you and looks at how organized everything is, noting that the room itself is also well-lit.

‘Maybe I should take a selfie in here later,’ he thought while checking himself in the mirror, only to grimace at his appearance shortly after. He looked beat despite the flight only being three hours.

You hear the shower turn on from the outside and continue to finish up plating the food, your cat rubbing herself against you as you bend down to pet her.

“It’s a bit weird, but you don’t mind having him around right?” Luna meows as if saying ‘Not at all’ and you chuckle.

“Well Luna, you already know how much I talk about him and it’s no surprise,” you tell your cat in a whisper. The shower halts and you bring the food to the coffee table in front of your TV, turning Netflix on while waiting for Chan.

“Oh, no way! Ramyeon and meat? You made this for me?” You hear Chan say dramatically as he clutches his chest. The reaction causes you to laugh as the boy plops himself on the couch beside you.

Seeing Chan in your peripheral almost made you choke on your bowl because of how good he looked. He was wearing a white shirt and grey sweats, so simple yet he looked godly.

“Not for you but I made extra ok! Wash the dishes with me at least since you still are technically a guest,” you joke.

Chan hums without another word and that was when you choked on your food. Wow, it was that easy? You thought you were going crazy. He looks at you oddly and raises an eyebrow at you.

“Sorry, I was shocked at how you agreed so quickly,” Chan laughed at your words before taking in the last bit of food on his plate, collecting all the dishes once you leaned back on the couch and sighed in contentment.

“Y/n, you said you’d do the dishes with me!” Chan whined from the kitchen. After opening your eyes and huffing, you then make your way into the kitchen and see Chan’s back in front of the sink.

“I have a dishwasher by the way, we can just rinse these off and put them in,” you say as a matter of fact.

Chan turns toward you with a huff and watches you open the space beside him, seeing you put in the rest of the dishes and turning them on.

“Remind me never to do dishes over here ever again” Chan frowns, a pout set on his lips as you wipe your hands dry.

“I’m honestly way too bored to watch something right now, do you mind just chatting for a bit? I’m too full,” the two of you walk into the living room once again before the boy hums with a smile. You sit on the couch and throw a blanket over the two of you.

Chan shifts to make himself more comfortable, suddenly noticing a very obvious lump under the blanket that slowly starts making its way toward you. “Luna, what did I say about hiding under the blanket? You’re so naughty.”

Grabbing your cat from under the covers, you then put her on top of your lap, her blue eyes staring straight into Chan’s soul. “Does she always stare? Her eyes are very, blue. It’s like she’s staring straight through me” he says, and takes a closer look at your cat.

“Sorry about her, I haven’t had anyone over in weeks so Luna’s fascinated by a new presence at the house” You giggle while petting her. Chan feels his heart do flips, seeing you in your most natural state made him fall for you just a tad bit more if that was even possible.

“Anyway, where have you been? Your parents told me you were in Japan or something. How was it there?” You grin.

You had been to Japan quite a few times, from what Chan could tell. If he could vaguely remember, one of the postcards in your room said Osaka and Kyoto, even Kobe.

“Ah yeah, we had our most recent competition there, it was great. A lot of sightseeing and whatnot for the most, I wish I went outside of Tokyo but we couldn’t leave so I had to settle with just exploring the city,” Chan breathes out, recalling the memories he made with his friends Yeonjun and Changbin.

“That sounds so cool! I’ve been to Tokyo loads of times and honestly, city life is way too busy for me. I think visiting the more provincial areas is great if you want the feeling of peace.” Chan noticed a bit of a distant look in your eyes and wondered if you were thinking about your memories in Japan as well.

Luna suddenly meows and jumps onto Chan’s lap, causing the two of you to jolt up out of surprise. “Huh, she’s usually weary of everyone. This is a first for her,” you say with a soft smile.

Chan pets Luna with a soft smile on his face, the image making your heart flutter. It was impossible to contain your crush on the male any longer after everything that happened, hell, even your cat liked him as much as you did.

“Well, hi there Luna. You’re adorable and look just like your owner. Y/n, you legitimately like your cat, she’s like a mini clone of yours.” Your cheeks heat up at Chan’s stare, the male looking between you and the cat as his eyes linger a bit too long on you.

“OK enough, as far as I know, you know way more about me than I do about you. So, tell me about yourself?” Chan says after a minute of silence.

You jolt at his voice and look at him with an awkward smile. There wasn’t much to say about yourself if you were being honest, you couldn’t gauge anything interesting enough to tell the boy.

“I can’t think of anything, I’m a pretty boring person,” Chan frowns at your words. Boring? That didn’t seem right to him, there was probably more to you than you think, he just had to get it out of you somehow.

“Are you sure? Y/n, you’ve gone to Japan and a lot of other countries, judging from your guest bedroom alone, and I think that’s interesting enough as it is.” You blush at Chan’s words, this was the first time someone had ever asked about you, and you felt grateful towards him.

“Thank you, Chan, that’s honestly super sweet of you to say. I just traveled a lot from a young age since I was offered the opportunity to, but for now, I’m just taking a break from it all. Moving to different places in such a fast-paced environment becomes exhausting once you get older,” You play with your hands and recall every single place you’ve been to.

Traveling and moving was all you had ever known since early childhood, due to your parents moving around a lot because of their jobs and because they were always just super busy people in general. One day, you just got so used to all of it that settling down for the first time in college felt foreign to you.

“That’s honestly really cool, I’ve only ever known the practice room and the music so dancing is like my version of that. Now that I was offered the opportunity to travel, I didn’t realize it would be so overwhelming, especially as a first-timer.” Chan smiles comfortingly.

He truly admired you a lot. After getting a feel of what your life was like, before settling down into one place, he was intrigued by your way of life. How things worked after you had gotten used to it all, and how you coped with the amount of change you were faced with.

“I guess we still do have quite a lot to learn from each other then. You have a lot to tell me, and I think that’s very clear based on our current ordeal.” Chan laughs.

You shrug your shoulders and throw him a sheepish smile. No one had ever been curious about you, or how you lived your life, unlike how Chan did. It felt refreshing to be able to share your life experiences and what you had gone through with someone who listened.

Sure, you did have your friends who were also curious about you, and that's how your friendships even came to be, but Chan was different.

You always thought you’d only have a few chance encounters with the boy next door, but you never thought you’d have him sitting beside you on your couch as you go over your life with him.

“I never really got the chance to talk about my life as much, but you were willing to listen to me like it was nothing. If I continue yapping though, we’d take forever and I don’t want to keep you up any longer since you are still tired from your flight,” You say, and look at Chan beside you.

A pout stays on his face, but he had totally forgotten about the jet lag and how badly he wanted to just pass out after spending time with you.

Chan truly couldn’t get enough of you, and he starts to feel a crush blooming in his chest, not like he had one already, he just never acted on his feelings towards you.

“Don’t be like that, I live next door so you’re technically welcome to come over anytime. Now go on, I’ll let you rest up. I’ll be in my room if you need me ok? Goodnight Chan,” You tilt your head a bit as you greet him goodnight, and Chan swears he felt his heart melt right at that very moment. It didn't help that your adorable cat was rubbed up against your leg too.

“I will, thanks again for letting me stay Y/n. Goodnight, sleep well,” Chan breathes out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. You grin and turn in the direction of your room, Luna following closely behind you.

Chan was restless when he came but with your presence alone, it seems like he could stay up for a whole week if he could.

© rubyuji 2024’ -. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner without the permission from the publisher.