a fic you read this year you would recommend everyone read
This is one of the hardest questions for me because I read tons of fanfictions daily. I’ve created this account in march 2019 and I have over 17,000 likes. I cannot even count likes on Wattpad, AsianFanfics, etc… I read so many great fics a week that I cannot even recommend all of them. But, the fanfictions that really blew me away and that I enjoy reading again are:
— by @luvknow → How To Tame A Prince⎜For Your Convenience⎜The Radio DJ and Royal AUs.
— by @changbeanie → Begin Again⎜Party Cup⎜Set On You⎜Strawberries.
— by @aestaetic-co → Halloween Series.
— by @straykidsscribbles → For Who Could Ever Learn to Love a Dragon?
Omg! I know im SUPER LATE but I just found out and finished LRRH and I LOVE IT SO FRICKIN MUCH!!! you are a great author just like Ruby uwu! Hope to see more works from you!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!! Thank you so much for the compliment ^^
As for more works, well currently college is killing me but hopefully I’ll have more time with winter break so anticipate a fic soon perhaps? No promises though
Summary: Best thief in your generation. Heiress to a powerful mafia family. And kind of, on and off best friend to one Seo Changbin, who knows you way too well.
Fairytale AU, based on Little Red Riding Hood; Mafia Au; Female reader; Fluff with the lightest hint of angst
Genre: Seo Changbin x reader
Word Count: 11,878 words
Warnings: Violence, profanity, and a bit of blood.
Happy very belated birthday to her majesty Queen Ruby @changbeanie, I adore you to the stars and back again.
“The line’s secure. You’re free to jump, Red.”
A small smirk crept over your lips as you took a few quick steps away from the edge of the open window. This would be the easiest heist you’d ever pulled. Pride always goes before a fall. If they wanted to keep such a pretty, pretty painting, they should have guarded it better.
“Thought you’d never give me the all clear Black.”
“Oh, you know me, triple checking the wire that’s holding up your whole weight. Your grandmother would murder me if I let you die Red.”
“She has faith in my skills. You’re just the worry wart.”
A deep breath.
In.
Out.
You took off, legs pumping until you hit the edge of the window and soared out into the air, nothing between you and the ground.
Nothing that is, except for the wire attached to the climbing harness you wore.
The wire jerked as it took your weight and stabilized, over five hundred feet in the air. You swung around and grabbed hold of it with your right hand. Tapping the goggles protecting your eyes, you scanned the wall in front of you.
The goggles immediately flashed, and a number popped up in the corner.
43. Perfect.
“Black, I’m good to go. You can get the engine running for me.”
“Copy Red. Driver’s seat for you?”
“Well, you do have good taste in wheels. Why not? Now shut up and let me concentrate.” A plate of inch thick glass stood between you and the security system protecting your target. It was the first obstacle in your route to the final piece of Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses left in private collections.
The other two would be easy to steal; museum security was nothing to a professional thief. This one required a little more finesse, which is why you were tasked with the job.
“I didn’t know master thieves needed to concentrate. You were born into the mafia; weren’t you stealing your dad’s gold cufflinks off his suits for fun at four?”
Who had even told him that story? You gritted your teeth as a gust of wind buffeted you. This was not the time for distractions; the glass cutter in your hand was sharp enough to cut off a finger if you weren’t careful, and you weren’t in the mood to be bleeding all over whichever fancy car your partner picked out for you.
“If I lose a finger because of you I will make you pamper me for my entire convalescence,” you hissed, the sensitive microphone on your earpiece catching your words over the rushing of the wind. He really just does not know when to shut up does he?
Your partner simply hummed in response, clearly abiding by your request for silence. You bit your lip as the glass cutter made its way back around and completed cutting out a circle from the window.
Slipping the glass cutter into a pocket on your belt, you pushed off from either side of the little circle. Your body swung out into the air, suspended only by the wire disappearing into the open window a few floors above. Like a pendulum you swung back, legs out and braced to hit the glass.
A surprisingly soft tinkle of glass shards filled your ears as you fell into the room. Taking a few steps forward to maintain your balance, you pivoted in the center of the room. No one in here with me, both sides clear. Looks like our intel was right.
“I’m in. Give me three minutes to make the switch and drop it down to you.”
“Yes Red.”
You padded over to the wall looming at your right, dim lighting making the painting hanging on it glow softly. “You are one elusive little picture aren’t you.” You whispered as you unclipped the large frame that hung from your hip.
Small metal discs imbedded in the wall where the bottom two corners of the painting were resting acted as pressure sensors. Once the painting was removed, you’d only have five seconds to press the other one in place at exactly the same pressure. Even the slightest millipascal of extra pressure and alarms would fill the entire building.
Still, you were the best thief in your generation for a reason. Some of it was genetics and family talent, yes, but the rest of it? Pure skill and practice.
Light fingers swept over the beautiful canvas, tracing the edge of the frame as you took one quick breath. Then, in the space of a heartbeat you pushed the edge of the Van Gogh away from the wall and onto the ground, cushioning its fall with your left toe. With your right hand you slipped the replacement frame, carefully measured to be the exact same weight and size, into place.
Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
Your heartbeat was racing in your ears, but you still heard the slight click of the pressure plates locking back into place, as though absolutely nothing had happened.
A slow smirk spread over your lips, one sharp canine digging into your lip as you bent down to pick up the painting and slide it into a carrying case. You’d be gone before they even realized anything was missing.
You sauntered back over to the open window, shoes making only the slightest crunch as you stepped on the shattered remains of the windowpane. Reclipping the harness, you tapped a button on the winch and let it yank you upwards.
This is the best feeling in the world. The thought came to your mind unbidden, but the more you considered it the more you realized it was true. The wind rushing through your hair, the exhilaration of a successful mission, the adrenaline of an escape waiting for you–this was the life you were meant for.
“Black, target acquired. My car better be ready.”
“I knew you’d get it. And please Red, when have I ever let you down. Your car is waiting downstairs, the valet has the key. And I’m up on the roof to get rid of anyone who might try to follow you.”
You slipped into the open window of your own suite and began untangling yourself from the harness, pushing everything back into a small black suitcase. “Thanks Black.”
“Only the best for you Red. Can’t wait for our next date.”
“Me neither. Always a pleasure working with you. Red out.”
You pulled out the earpiece and squished it between two fingers before burying it inside a tiny house plant resting on the desk. The tech would degrade and disappear within a few hours, leaving no trace of your whereabouts, and nothing the police could gain any evidence from.
Suitcase in one hand, painting in the other, you swept out of the suite and down to the bottom floor, where the car your partner had promised you was waiting. The sleek black Audi shone in the light from the lobby’s chandelier and you suppressed a little sigh.
He really does have good taste in cars.
Taking the keys from the valet, you slipped into the driver’s seat and sped off towards the airport.
Mission accomplished.
---
Four hours later, the unfortunate owner of Wheat Field with Cypresses reentered his suite only to find glass on the floor and an entirely different painting sitting in the middle of the wall.
Four stark red letters on a plain black background stood out as the man stared in horror.
L R R H
Little Red Robbing Hood.
He’d been robbed.
---
“Mother, it’s too early for this!” you grumbled as you picked up the phone lying next to your bed. “I just gave you the painting yesterday!”
“Yes, well, this can’t wait. I have another assignment for you.”
You sat up and rubbed your eyes tiredly. The planning for the painting heist had taken ages, and you were completely ready to just sleep for the whole day.
Unfortunately, your mother had other ideas.
“Lately, NCT has been gathering far too much power. They’ve set up different accounts all over the world to split up their finances and make sure that no matter what happens they have something to fall back on.”
“What does that matter to us? We’re way stronger than they are.”
“____, what have I always told you? Overconfidence is why so many mafia families fall. We know better than that–it’s why we’re so powerful years after our contemporaries died off.”
Your family had started their network almost three hundred years ago, and every other mafia family from that time had slowly lost their power or been absorbed into a new family that rose up and took them over. Yours had survived because of their adaptability and attention to minutiae–no detail was unimportant enough to overlook.
When most of the other mafia families had been patriarchal, yours had become matriarchal when your great-grandfather only had a daughter. Rather than bringing someone in from outside, he trained his daughter to keep the traditions of the family alive.
Others had scoffed, saying there was no way a woman could handle the day to day running of the mess of madness, backstabbing, and treachery that was the underground crime network. But your grandmother had thrived in it, and your mother after her.
And now here you were, best thief of your generation and heir apparent.
Adaptability and meticulousness. That was what kept your family alive and in power.
That and a few carefully placed assassinations, take overs, and thefts when necessary. All for the greater good of course.
“Alright fine Mother, what do you need me to do?”
“Well, after your little painting heist this should be easy enough for you. There’s going to be a tradeoff with information regarding the accounts and plans of NCT in Singapore. I want you to be there for that tradeoff.”
“And I take the information, which I’m assuming is on some sort of flash drive?”
“Yes. If you somehow manage to cause a little dissent within their ranks and make it seem like they betrayed each other, well, so much the better. From Singapore, you have a flight straight to Rome, and then from Rome to London where you will deliver the information to your grandmother. She’s expecting you in five days.”
“When is the tradeoff?”
“At nine pm, near the Elgin Bridge. You’ll see them.”
“Alright Mother. I’ll check in once I have the drive.”
---
The flight to Singapore had been short, and the use of your family’s private jet certainly had made things easier. You were completely prepped and ready to go; touristy outfit to blend with the crowd, tiny stun gun hidden in your pocket, and a set of earrings that could be pinched together to act as a miniature explosive.
Gadgets were a bit of a weakness for you. But they had saved your life on numerous occasions, so could you really be blamed?
You scanned the crowd, looking around for anyone who might seem out of place. No one yet, maybe I’m early.
You dug through your bag, pulling out a large camera with a zoom lens; naturally, it would look as though you were just taking pictures when in fact you were watching the area under the bridge for suspicious activity.
Ten minutes passed without anything happening, and you were beginning to feel a little nervous. Had your mother’s intel been wrong? Had someone set you up? The rushed timing had ensured you came without backup; what if this was an ambush?
And then, you saw two men standing at the edge of the bridge, hands held protectively over their waists where presumably they had guns hidden away.
You rolled your eyes. This is almost too easy.
One of the men began walking towards the middle of the bridge, where a third man in a black suit stood, a briefcase leaning against the railing of the bridge. You watched carefully through the zoom lens as the third man shook hands with the first, slipping him the small flash drive.
Target acquired. Now for a little pickpocketing.
The first man walked back towards his companion, slipping the flash drive into a pocket without pausing. You put away your camera and began walking towards them as well, hands swinging carelessly as though you were simply enjoying the fresh air and light breeze after a humid day of sightseeing.
Three.
Two.
One.
You brushed against your target, slipping your fingers gently into his pocket and slowly withdrawing them, the flash drive tucked into the palm of your hand. You kept walking naturally, hands swinging still, before you passed through a crowd of tourists which blocked you from view.
Time to disappear. You slipped the tiny yet extremely valuable piece of metal into a side pocket and twisted your jacket inside out so that the red lining was now on the outside. If anyone was looking for a thief in a black and white jacket, they’d never think it was you.
However, you didn’t see the third man watching from his side of the bridge. The flash of red from your jacket caught his eye and he stared as you made your way over to the nearest bus stop and clambered onto the first bus that passed.
He couldn’t be sure, but there was something very familiar about you.
Familiar, and suspicious.
---
“Hi mom, I picked up a nice new silver mirror for you! I’m on my way to the airport now actually, so I should be on the flight home really soon.” You started speaking before your mother could, making sure that it was obvious you were out in public.
“Alright ____, thank you. What time is your flight leaving again?” Or rather, do you know what flight you’re taking?
“No, actually, can you check? I think the flight number is CP753.”
“Oh, you’re leaving at 9:43. If you need anything just call me okay?”
“I will Mother. See you soon!” You tapped your phone and ended the call. Your mother had set up a flight whose number ended in 943. The time of departure would be easy enough to find out when you arrived at the airport. All you had to do was pick up your things from the airport storage you’d left your suitcase in.
The familiar routine of heading to the airport, getting your things, and finding your flight on the large tv screens mounted on the wall slowly lulled you into a false sense of security. Everything appeared to be completely normal. The crowded airport was no more empty than usual; there were at least two families and three business executives headed towards the same terminal as you–you couldn’t see anything wrong.
But you couldn’t ignore the chill heading up your spine as you waited for your sandwich at one of the airport bistros. Something inside you, some sixth sense, some weird feeling made you feel like there was someone watching you.
A malevolent presence, hovering at the edge of your awareness.
Maybe we shouldn’t have rushed, even if it was important. Maybe we should have waited for a better opportunity, or better backup.
Paying for your sandwich you grabbed the handle of your suitcase and pulled it after you, continuing the trek to your gate.
There was no point in worrying now. If someone was following you, they knew where you were headed by now. The only thing you could do was wait and try and lose them in Rome.
I hope I’m wrong.
---
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re going through a little bit of turbulence here. Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts.” The voice of one of the air hostesses rang out over the speakers.
You wiped your hands with a paper towel and pushed open the door to the tiny bathroom, making your way slowly down the narrow aisle back to your seat. A loud popping noise broke the silence as the little seatbelt light came on, and it woke up a small baby in the middle row.
Great. Now I have to deal with a noisy crying baby on top of everything.
As you brushed past a seat, the man sitting there looked up and his eyes met yours.
A shiver ran up your spine. The look in his eyes was malevolent, cruel, utterly heartless. The man had dead eyes, and the little smile curling the edge of his lips could only mean trouble for you.
Why else would someone like that show up on your flight? A million thoughts racing through your mind, you settled back into your seat and pulled the blanket they’d given you closer to you.
35,000 feet in the air, what else could you do besides wait. Wait and wait and wait and wait for something to happen.
Behind you, the baby hiccupped and sobbed loudly. Nausea rose in your throat as the plane rolled, sending your stomach through a whirlwind.
And now I’m ready to throw up. Wonderful. How the fuck do I live with this? You rubbed the inside of your wrist, trying to force the awful feeling to recede.
Only partially successful, you settled further into your seat. Right now, you just wanted to get off this plane before someone stuck a knife between your ribs.
---
The second you stepped off the plane in Rome you knew your earlier feeling had been right. There was someone following you, and it was the terrifying man who’s smile had so unnerved you earlier.
Oh crap why did this have to happen to me? What do I do how the fuck do I get out of this I have no back up and literally no supplies except for what’s on me. ____, good luck getting out of this you’re in really deep trouble this time.
You saw a small sign for a restroom up ahead and you immediately took a deep breath and ducked inside. Fingers slightly shaky after the long flight, you pulled out your phone and immediately dialed your mother’s number.
Four rings later, she picked up, voice clipped with irritation. “Yes ____, what’s wrong? I’m extremely busy right now, things have gotten crazy all over east Asia.”
“Some of that might be my fault. Because I didn’t have backup or more time to prepare, I wasn’t able to make sure things were secure.
The silence on the phone was deafening. You cringed a little as you waited for your mother’s response. While you were one of the most dangerous individuals in the criminal underworld, your mother was still more dangerous, and you hated disappointing her.
“Well. This can’t be helped. Are you in Rome now ____?”
“Yes.” You tapped your foot on the tiled floor, waiting for her response.
“Alright, one of our best wolves is in Athens right now. He’ll meet you at the Trevi Fountain tonight. You need to make sure you are staying in public spaces and being as unobtrusive as possible. Join a tour group and stay with them, blend in with the thousands of other tourists and appear as normal as you can.”
“Don’t worry Mother, I’m not hopeless.” Already you felt a little better now that you knew you had backup coming and no one blamed you for your little mistake. The weight on your shoulders felt a great deal lighter, less overwhelming now that you had a plan.
“I know you aren’t. But a mother worries no matter how capable and smart her daughter is.”
You weren’t sure how to respond to that. Your mother cared about you, yes, but the mafia life wasn’t really the best place for touchy-feely displays of affection. Things must be really bad; that’s why she’s being so uncharacteristically soft.
“You’ll recognize the wolf on sight, you worked with him on your last mission. He is the only one you can trust at this point alright?”
Wolves were the secondary leaders in the mafia, right underneath the hereditary leaders like you and your family. They were given the title of wolf once they had proven themselves as loyal protectors and skilled fighters, much like actual wolves. They led in every situation not important enough to require the attention of one of the family, and they were the ones responsible for making sure your family was always safe.
They were the most loyal operatives, their clan ties to yours stretching back to when your family was first making a name for themselves.
And this particular wolf was the person you trusted most outside of your immediate family. Having him as a partner again would make everything easier, and you wouldn’t even have to worry about dealing with an unknown player.
He’s trustworthy and… safe. Always safe.
“Yes Mother. It’ll be nice to see Black again.”
“At this point, no codenames as well. Use your real names; someone might have overheard your codenames and your real names are safer. You’re simply ____ to him, and he’s Changbin to you.”
Well. This would be interesting. No more Red jokes. He’s been calling me that for years, it’ll be weird not to hear it.
“Understood. I’ll check in once we meet.”
“Only by text ____. You cannot afford to call me again, even now you don’t know who could be listening. Changbin will have access to some supplies for you to restock, and you will have to make your own way to your grandmother, is that understood?”
“Yes Mother. As you wish.”
“Good luck ____. Stay safe.”
The phone clicked off before you had a chance to say anything else.
You shoved the phone inside your bag. As things stood now, you couldn’t afford to get rid of it; you didn’t have the resources to replace it, even if it was a security risk.
Placing your palms on the cool stone sink you stared at your reflection in the mirror. Dark circles rimmed your eyes, the result of the long sleepless flight and the constant fear that someone was watching you. Even now, inside the bathroom, your shoulders were tense with anxiety.
What if I don’t last until Black– Changbin– comes? You had to remind yourself that your old color codenames were not to be used. Years ago, you’d decided on those nicknames as a group with a few of your fellow younger agents, each of you picking a color for a heist in Switzerland. The names had stuck long after that mission, and not using them would definitely take a little effort.
Still, you liked the sound of Changbin’s real name. Using it felt somewhat more intimate than using his codename; many of your friends knew his codename but only those closest to him knew his real name.
“Come on ____, you got this. You’re the best thief of your generation you can damn well make it to a rendezvous.” Splashing some cold water on your face, you tightened your hands into fists.
Someone might be after you, but if they expected to get you easily, they were just about to be proven grievously wrong.
---
Soft sounds of someone strumming a guitar filled the night air as you sat on the cool marble of the Trevi Fountain. Despite your fears the day had passed relatively painlessly; the bus ride into the city and ambling around the cobblestone streets soaking up the history behind a tour group had been almost fun, if you let yourself forget about the reason you were there.
Unfortunately, the malevolent presence you’d sensed in Singapore was still hovering somewhere nearby, even if you couldn’t see anyone tailing you.
Where is Changbin and why isn’t he here yet? Is he planning on having me die all dramatically in his arms?
No, Mama would never forgive him, and he idolizes her too much to do that. Honestly, sometimes it’s like she’s his grandmother, not mine.
You shook the errant thoughts out of your head, choosing instead to focus on scanning the crowd for Changbin. The sun had set almost an hour previously and the fountain was glowing with lights from within, highlighting both the carved marble and the people admiring it.
Where was he even?
The pasta you’d had for lunch seemed like a meal from years ago. You’d been waiting long enough; you needed food at this point. You dug through your bag, searching for the savory pastry you’d bought earlier for a snack. The little packet of dough, herbs, and vegetables was bright on your tongue, giving you a little energy and brightening your mood.
But the fear that he’d been discovered too, and people were lying in wait to capture you and take the pretty silver drive tucked in your inner pocket kept you from enjoying your food.
If NCT didn’t capture and kill you, the anxiety would instead.
---
Changbin stared out from the shadow of a building, cap pulled low over his eyes. His gaze skimmed the crowd, looking for your familiar figure.
He’d been hiding for a while, having already taken out one of the operatives tailing you. He had spotted you earlier as you were eating, illuminated by the glow of the fountain that seemed to light you up with a glow that made Changbin’s heart stutter a little when he looked at you.
His eyes, while drawn to you like magnets, still noticed the dark figure in all black that was watching you from the gelato shop opposite.
Changbin’s wolf training kicked in almost immediately. Someone was threatening one of his teammates, his friends– he wasn’t about to let the man anywhere near you.
He crept up behind the man and tapped his shoulder to get his attention, smiling benignly before yanking him backwards into an alley and taking him out with two quick punches to the temple and jaw. Surveillance now taken care of; he could focus on making sure the area was secure before approaching you.
And now, after another half an hour of searching, Changbin was certain no one else was watching you aside from him. He pushed up his cap and let a smirk play across his lips.
Sure will be nice seeing _____ again. She always looks cute when she’s startled.
He sauntered up to you from behind, hands jammed into his pockets and headphones swinging around his neck.
“Hey Princess, made a wish yet?”
A tiny gasp escaped you as you whirled around and almost fell against Changbin. His arms came up almost reflexively and held you tightly against him, making sure you weren’t about to fall over into the fountain.
“Fucking finally Bin, you took forever. I thought you were going to stand me up.” Your words were carefree and blasé, but Changbin heard the faint quiver in your voice.
The hours of stress, of waiting for someone to come, of fear that in the next second a bullet would somehow end up in your skull, of one of the most turbulent flights you’d experienced in a while all swept over you as you stood there tucked against Changbin. His arms cradled you gently, spreading warmth throughout your body, swaying with you as he hugged you like you were the most important person in the entire universe.
“As if I’d ever stand you up. Now come on, we’re staying pretty nearby.” He lowered his head slightly so that his lips were just brushing your ear. “The man who was watching you earlier will have a pretty bad headache when he wakes up, not to mention that he’ll be getting severely punished for losing you.”
Already a grin crept across your face as you reached down to grab your suitcase, still holding Changbin’s arm with your other hand. “Thanks Bin.”
“Always ____. Always.”
---
The walk back to the little apartment was quiet; exhaustion poured over you in waves as you tried to stay upright. Changbin clutched your suitcase in one hand, the other clasped around yours to give you some sort of support as you made your way between the brightly colored houses.
He stopped soon after in front of a door with an ornate bronze knocker. Digging through his pocket, Changbin pulled out a small key and slipped it into the lock, pushing the door open.
“We’re on the top floor, with roof access in case we need to get out in a hurry. We shouldn’t need to though, this safehouse was set up by my dad.”
Grumbling under your breath, you climbed up the two narrow flights of stairs that led up to the loft apartment. Changbin pressed his thumb against the doorknob and waited for the fingerprint recognition to work. He then tapped in a quick code on the keypad revealed in a panel in the door and it finally swung open.
“There’s a shower in there, and I brought some stuff for you if you need clothes to change into.” Changbin went over to another suitcase waiting inside the little apartment and pulled out a plain black t-shirt and gray sweats.
Taking the proffered clothes, you slipped inside the bathroom. The heat and pounding of the hot water washed away some of the tension still coiled inside your muscles, leaving you limp with exhaustion. You let the water wash over you, losing all sense of time, enjoying the relief of focusing on one sensation without having to worry about who might come after you while your guard was down.
Changbin was outside, and you trusted him to keep you safe.
Finally, you turned off the water; sleeping in an actual bed would probably result in a lower risk of drowning that falling asleep in the shower, which you were certainly close to. Drying off quickly, you threw on the clothes Changbin had given you and tumbled out into the main room of the little studio apartment.
“You look slightly more human.” One corner of Changbin’s lips quirked up as he looked up from the gun in his hand. A small bottle of liquid sat on the table next to him, and a stack of cotton scraps which he was using to clean and oil the metal.
The smell was familiar in a way; Changbin always cleaned off his twin pistols before he slept, and you’d spent enough time with him to know his routine almost as well as your own.
“I feel a hell of a lot more human. So, how are we getting to London?” You set down on the bed and leaned back against the pillows behind you, taking a deep breath as you sank into the plush warmth.
Changbin tucked one gun next to his shoes and put the other on the nightstand on the other side of the bed. He sat down, the bed sinking slightly on his side as he turned to look at you.
“Well, air travel is going to be a lot harder to manage because it’s a lot more regulated, and even if we call the jet, we’ll still have to file a flight plan. Boat would work but it would also take a long time, so we’ll go by train. We shouldn’t have any reason to get our passports checked as long as we’re within the EU, and then once we get to Calais, we can easily just take a boat over to England. It’ll be a lot more subtle, and we should be able to make it within the deadline.”
“Train? Really? Will it be fast enough?”
“_____, Europe is tiny. If we take a train tomorrow morning, we’ll be in Paris by evening. From there it’s easy enough to get to Calais.”
“If you’ve put so much thought into this, then how are we supposed to make sure no one follows us onto the train.” You crossed your arms over your chest, frowning thoughtfully.
“It’s a risk we’ll have to take. The only thing is, there’ll be less regulation and so hopefully if things go sour, we’ll have an easier time escaping. That and, if we’re on a train we can get off in the middle, and that’s a hell of a lot easier than jumping out of a plane.”
You nodded slowly, considering his plan. He did have a very good point; it would be easier to escape off a train.
What choice do we have? At least this way we have a chance.
“Fine. You’re right. Now come on, if we have to take a train I’m assuming we’ll have to be out of here early in the morning.”
“Departure’s around 5 am Princess. You can finish up your beauty sleep on the train, I’ll even let you use my shoulder as a pillow.” He pulled one of the armchairs next to the bed and settled into it, eyes already beginning to close.
“Good night.”
You let the soft sound of Changbin’s steady breathing lull you to sleep.
---
Dark woods all around you.
Shadowy trees looming every direction you turned.
One path forward.
A break in the tree line, only to reveal clouds obscuring part of the glowing yellow full moon.
A howl cutting through the air, making the back of your neck prickle with fear.
A flash of mangy brown, and claws swiping through the red cloak you had wrapped around you.
The basket in your hand falling, falling, falling.
Red splattering through the air.
Blood red.
Painpainpainpainpain
Menacing shadows all around you.
Black warmth enveloping you, calling out your name.
“_____! _____! Wake up for fuck’s sake! _____!” Changbin’s voice broke through the dense fog of the nightmare that had captured every one of your senses. Heart racing, you opened your eyes only to make out his face close to yours, close enough for you to see the fear in his eyes. His hands clutched your arms, shaking you to try and rouse you from whatever horror you were seeing.
The moonlight streaming through the window calmed you as your eyes adjusted and you realized where you were. Changbin was sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard and holding you tightly against his chest. You could feel the steady beat of his heart under your ear, a little fast but still helping ground you.
Breathing fast, you simply lay there for a moment. His arms wrapped around you, his cheek resting against the crown of your head.
Every time you closed your eyes you could still feel the sharp claws of the monster that had attacked you.
Slowly, steadily, your breathing began to even out and you settled further into Changbin’s embrace. You slipped your arms around his torso, not ready to let him go just yet.
“_____?” His voice was softer now, a gentle whisper rather than the sharp order it had been. “What happened Princess?”
“Bad dream.” You mumbled, embarrassed now that you were more awake. You were a professional thief and the heir to a mafia family; you were not supposed to get so freaked out by a nightmare of all things.
“It must have been pretty bad, if you were screaming like that. Do you want to talk about it?” The gentle rasp of his voice was calming.
You sighed. He wouldn’t let this go without you telling him– Changbin was stubborn like that. “It’s probably because of the whole Little Red Robbing Hood thing people have been calling me lately. I don’t even know, it was weird. I was trapped in this forest and all the trees were like monsters. There was this mangy-looking, kind of flea-bitten brown wolf or dog or something that jumped at me and clawed me, and then a bunch more shadows were surrounding me or something and it was like this explosion of pain, I don’t even know.”
“So, a wolf attacked you? In a dark forest? ____, that does sound like a fairytale. Maybe you need a break from all this. You’ve been going on so many heists and missions lately, no wonder you’re stressed.”
“I guess.” You trailed off, not sure if you wanted to finish your tale. That somehow there had been a black wolf that had protected you, made you feel safe and warm and comforted and kept whatever pain you felt at bay.
Changbin tapped the lamp next to you and a soft yellow glow filled the room. He looked down at you, dark eyes meeting yours unflinchingly, without the slightest hesitation.
“You know, any monster, real or imaginary, would never be able to come near you if I was there. You have a wolf for protection after all.”
At any other time, you would have felt shy at his direct statement. You might have laughed at his dramatic, even slightly romantic streak. Who used their ridiculous title as an actual declaration of protection?
However, the way Changbin’s eyes were drilling into you made that all but impossible.
If anything ever happened, he means it. He really would protect me with his life.
Unable to muster up the words to respond to him, you simply nodded and curled your fingers into the fabric of his shirt. The little clock on the nightstand read 2:26 am and you could probably squeeze in another hour and a half of sleep before you had to leave.
With the solid warmth of Changbin curled around you, you actually did have a chance of getting some proper rest this time.
---
Changbin sighed as your breathing finally evened out, signaling that you were asleep. He traced a finger over your cheek, drawing a little heart on your skin as you slept.
“What am I to do with you?” He whispered into the darkness. “You’re going to be the death of me.”
He sighed softly, the puff of air escaping from his lips pushing a lock of hair away from your face. “I–”
I love you. But he didn’t have the courage to utter his thoughts aloud and make them real.
The night would keep his secret for him; never telling you how much you meant to him.
He was just a friend to you. Nothing more. He couldn’t aspire to be more with someone of your prestige and rank and skill.
And if all he could do was give you a safe space to break down in and protect you to the best of his ability? That’s what he would do.
You were too important to him; he wouldn’t risk the bond between you for anything.
---
“Rise and shine Princess, you don’t want to miss the train, do you?”
“I hate you.”
“Yeah I hate you too and look where we are now. If you don’t get up then we’re going to be stuck here for another twelve hours, and that’s twelve whole hours for NCT to get their shit together and find us.”
“Are you ready?” You mumbled from underneath one of the pillows
Changbin rolled his eyes. “For your information, I actually am. Unless you want me to show up at your grandmother’s house without you saying ‘Oh, ____ just wanted to sleep and that’s why I had to leave her behind’ I suggest you get going.”
You grumbled but pushed yourself up, sitting on the bed. “Did you already pack all of my stuff?”
“Yes, because I’m the best partner you’ll ever have.”
“Questionable. Orange did a pretty great job last time.”
“Jisung is talented but he’s got nothing on me.” Changbin threw a sleazy wink at you and laughed when you threw the pillow next to you at his head.
You splashed water on your face and huffed at Changbin’s grin in the mirror. “His ego isn’t as ginormous as yours either.”
“You love me even with my ginormous ego, so I think I win.”
He meant it as a joke. Changbin always says stupid shit like that, it’s nothing new.
“Keep telling yourself that Bin.”
Somehow though, his words kept reverberating through your head. Now that the idea had been planted your head, you couldn’t help wondering.
Would it be that hard to fall in love with him?
You weren’t sure if the answer scared or excited you.
---
The train station was crowded despite the early hour; no doubt commuters and locals and jetlagged tourists were taking advantage of the cooler weather. You and Changbin stuck close together, hands brushing as you made your way to the platform.
As you approached the train, you couldn’t help feeling like there was something watching you, something you could sense and feel but not actually see.
A malevolent presence.
You tugged on Changbin’s sleeve to get his attention. “Bin, I think our friends from last night might be somewhere around here.”
“Fuck.” The curse escaped his lips as he glanced around. “Hopefully they don’t spot us, and the train gets away alright.”
He reached over and pulled the hood of your yellow hoodie up over your head. Your heart gave a little thump as his fingers brushed the side of your cheek. “Come on, let’s go. We’re leaving in ten minutes anyways.”
Changbin quickly busied himself with putting your suitcases in the storage rack, while you got your tickets out and kept things ready for the conductor to check. The sooner you left Rome, the better.
Within a few minutes, you felt the train begin moving under you, the acceleration pushing you against the back of the seat. Changbin reached over and patted your hand, twining your fingers together and squeezing slightly.
“You okay? We seem to be alright so far.”
A sigh escaped your lips as you looked out of the window, the grand architecture of the city you’d gotten to spend far too little time in looming in the distance.
“It’s just… I kind of wanted to have more time here. Maybe see the sights, go on more than just the one short day tour while constantly stressing about someone following me. It feels like I got cheated, you know? I came to Rome, of all places, and I barely got to see any of the history and architecture and art.”
One corner of Changbin’s lips quirked up. “Well, who knew Little Red Robbing Hood had such an interest in art beyond what’s easy to steal?”
“Hey!” You hit his arm, hard. He didn’t have to tease all the time, did he? And mentioning that name in a public place was dangerous!
“How’s this Princess? If we get out of this alive, and your grandmother doesn’t kill me for displeasing her, I’ll take you to Rome for fun. No work, no missions, no targets. Just you, me, and whatever else you want.”
You gulped at the look in his eyes.
Warm. Soft. Heartfelt. A little cheeky.
Loving?
He’s serious.
A chuckle escaped him as he leaned back against the seat. “Like I said though, that depends on us getting out of this alive. And for that, you’d probably want a bit of a nap. I promised you my shoulder, didn’t I?”
He patted his right shoulder and you shook yourself out of the reverie that had overcome you. He was just messing around. I’m imagining things. It’s just being with someone who’s sort of cute and hot and knows me well. It’s the proximity is all. He doesn’t actually like me.
Does he?
You scowled even as you settled into place, head resting against Changbin’s shoulder. He was warm and smelled of pine needles and something else, something you couldn’t place.
Slowly, your eyes drooped shut and you fell asleep curled up against him, barely noticing the arm he wrapped around you as he pulled you closer to him.
---
Not even two hours later, you were jolted awake by Changbin shaking your shoulder roughly. “_____, wake up. They found us. We have to move.”
Your eyes flew open and you stifled a groan as you realized what he was talking about. Behind you, through the glass door connecting the compartments, you could make out two dark suited figures coming towards you.
One of them looked all too familiar. The man from the plane, who had a bandage on his forehead where Changbin must have knocked him out earlier. He wasn’t smiling now; rather his face was twisted in a snarl.
All too aware of the flash drive hidden inside your pocket, you reached down and grabbed Changbin’s hand, squeezing it tightly. While you had been asleep the compartment had emptied, and now its only occupants were the two of you.
And of course, the two men from NCT.
They approached you slowly, each one making his way down one aisle towards you. You reached into your pocket and pulled out a small knife–a gun’s noise would attract far too much attention.
“Finally caught up with us hmmm? Took you long enough,” you quipped, rolling your eyes.
“Give us the drive.”
Changbin smirked at the man coming towards him. “Come and get it, if you can.”
All at once, the tension in the compartment snapped. The man coming towards you leaped over the last row of seats and bore down on you, stabbing downwards at your hips. You twisted, avoiding the small blade and scoring a long shallow cut along the man’s sleeve, which protected his arm.
He threw two quick punches at your head and you skipped out of reach, moving around him so that his back was against a window. As you slashed and feinted and blocked his blade, the wheels in your mind turned constantly.
How do I get rid of this guy?
The red latch on the window caught the edge of your vision, and a little smirk slipped over your lips. Bingo.
You swung out with your left hand, hoping to distract your opponent, and with your right hand you grabbed the red handle and pulled. The window flew open, the glass falling out exactly as expected of an emergency exit.
Hands flat against the man’s chest you shoved him once, hard, and he toppled out of the window as the idyllic countryside streaked by.
He was gone in a moment.
Panting, you turned back to Changbin, expecting to see him standing over the body of his opponent.
Instead, his opponent had him in a headlock, arm tightening around Changbin’s neck and cutting off his air supply. The man brought his other hand closer and closer to Changbin’s neck, a small knife in his hand.
He stopped with the cool metal cutting slightly into Changbin’s skin, holding him in place carefully. His eyes though, were fixed on you.
“Well well well. Little Red Robbing Hood, caught at last.”
“I wouldn’t exactly say ‘caught’, but whatever asshole.”
The man shook his head ruefully. “Tsk tsk. You should be a little more polite. After all, I do have your wolf right here with a knife to his neck. I think I hold all the cards in this situation.”
The knife in his hand cut into Changbin’s skin a little more, and a thin rivulet of red seeped out of the wound, staining the collar of Changbin’s shirt. Changbin’s eyes were panicked as he met yours, and his lips moved in the same way over and over, as though he was mouthing something to you.
Leave me ____! Run! Leave me!
“Well, I can’t have you hurting him. So how about you let him go, and then we can talk about this in a more… civilized manner.” Despite your panting, you managed to keep an even tone.
The man chuckled hollowly. “What’s there to talk about? You have three seconds to pass the drive to me, otherwise I will kill your little mangy runt. Fine job he did protecting you. You should join NCT, perhaps there we can outfit you with talent more suited to you.”
The knife moved closer and closer to the veins in Changbin’s neck, until you simply couldn’t bear it anymore.
If he got hurt because of you, you’d never forgive yourself.
“Stop! I’ll give you the drive. Just don’t hurt him.”
You dug the little metal rectangle out of your pocket and slid it across the floor. The man smiled almost to himself, and then–
Changbin collapse sideways, falling onto a row of seats with a limp thud. The man reached down and grabbed the drive, shoving it into a pocket and immediately slipping out of your compartment.
It galled you that you couldn’t chase after him.
But as you came level with Changbin’s limp figure on the seats, your heart jumped into your throat.
The seat was covered in red.
Blood red.
Your signature color.
Quick as a flash you were kneeling beside him, one hand cradling his face even as you tilted it upwards to trace over his neck. The cuts there were shallow, hesitant, only a threat.
Where’s the blood coming from?
“_____,” Changbin coughed. “My arm.”
You unbuttoned the first three buttons of his shirt and slid the soft fabric off his shoulder, only to gasp. The man had stabbed Changbin’s arm and then yanked out the knife at a different angle, leaving blood dripping.
“Fuck, this is bad.” You ran back to the seat where you’d been only a few minutes previously, digging through your suitcase and pulling out the first aid kit.
You were not going to lose Changbin. Not to something as dumb as blood loss. Not to anything ever.
“Okay, Bin, I need you to try and sit up, if you can.” You reached around him and grasped his other arm, pulling him upright even as he swung his legs off the seat. “Now hold this against the cuts on your neck, I need to work on your arm first.”
You quickly swabbed the whole wound with alcohol wipes and began wrapping it with gauze and tape, keeping it as tight as you could around Changbin’s bicep to restrict the blood flow.
Changbin winced even as you finished up, his eyes soft despite the pain no doubt filling his senses.
“You shouldn’t have done that _____. I’m not worth that drive, we all know the information on it is incredibly valuable.”
“Shut up.”
“I’m serious ______. You can’t tell me my life is worth more than that drive.”
You tightened your hands, your bloodstained, shaking hands, into fists.
“Seo Changbin how fucking DARE you. Do NOT tell me what your life is worth. You have absolutely no idea how important you are and how much you’re worth to me. So shut the fuck up you idiot.”
“I—”
“Did you not just hear me tell you to shut up.” Kneeling in front of him, you grasped his chin in one hand, fingers gentle despite the anger still coursing through your veins. You tilted his head up, wiping off the cuts on his neck and placing bandages on each of them as well.
Changbin winced as you finished, turning back to look at you.
“You know they’ll be long gone with that thing. We need to get it back.”
“I know we need to get it back. Do you really think I’m that stupid?”
Changbin chuckled, then immediately raised a hand to his neck as the movement pulled at the tape. “Well, you did just give them the drive.”
He was infuriating. You were just about to smack his arm when you caught yourself. A pout stole over your lips even as you spoke. “You’re lucky you’re injured; you get a free pass.” You changed the movement to a light brush of your fingers against his skin, tracing the line of his muscles and the edge of the gauze.
The moment hung in the air, tense and yet comfortable at the same time. The banter between you was normal, but the concern for each other that was normally buried under five layers of sarcasm and six of wit was now well out in the open.
There was no way he could mistake the look in your eyes.
There was no way you could mistake the look in his.
“Well, I guess I am lucky.” Changbin broke the silence between you. “I mean, I do have a pretty girl basically sitting in my lap, holding my arm, and stroking my neck.”
You almost choked, scrambling off his lap in an instant. “I was making sure the gauze was in place! And you still have blood on your neck you dumb-dumb. Planning on getting that off yourself?”
The moment was broken, but you still felt heat suffusing your cheeks. Only Changbin could get you so riled up with such ease.
“I did say I was lucky, didn’t I? Maybe if I’m luckier you’ll kiss them all better.”
“I hate you.”
“Clearly not, you did just save my life and trade an extremely valuable object for my safety.”
“Shut up and put this on.” You dug around in his bag and pulled out a hoodie, throwing it at his head. “You have until we arrive in Paris to start feeling better.”
“Awwww Princess, you do care. You know what would make me feel better almost instantly?”
Ignore him. You have work to do.
“A kiss. One right here—” he pointed to his arm like a petulant toddler, complete with pout and all. “—and one here, and one right here.”
“Your lips aren’t injured Bin.”
“Damn. Maybe I should have gotten that guy to punch me too.”
“You are so lucky I have to figure out this tracker and I can’t pay attention to you.”
---
Changbin lay back against the pillows in your little hotel room in Paris, finally clean and freshly bandaged after the harrowing train ride into the city. You were still seated at the desk, fingers clacking on the keyboard much as they had been for the past four hours, aside from regular breaks to check on Changbin’s injuries.
“What are you even working on?” he mumbled sleepily, eyes half closed as he cuddled into the pillows.
You waved a hand in his direction, trying to get him to shut up before he broke your concentration. A few more clicks and… perfect.
The laptop hummed as you turned back to Changbin and padded over to the bed, sitting down on a corner. “If you didn’t keep interrupting me, I’d have gotten done a hell of a lot sooner. But anyways, you don’t think I would have given them the drive without some way to get it back.”
Understanding dawned on Changbin, even in his sleepy, pain medication-induced daze. “You put a tracker on the drive.”
“Exactly. And, I was also working on this.” You reached into your bag and pulled out a small hard disk. “There’s no guarantee that they won’t have placed a tracker on the drive as well. So, what we do, once we get it back, is move the information on that drive to this one. It’s set up to be automatic. All we have to do is plug the other one in.”
“Well aren’t you clever?” The dopey smile on Changbin’s face as he looked at you made your stomach do flips.
“People have said that before.” A shy, almost coy smile worked its way across your face in response. You got up from the bed and went over to the chair, pulling it so that it sat next to the bed.
“You should sleep, we both should really. The computer will finish its search for the tracker in an hour, and we need to be at our best before we try and take on NCT again.
Changbin patted the pillows next to him. “Come here then. I’m cold.”
“You have blankets.”
“Yeah but I—”
“Fine.” You lifted a corner of the blankets and got in next to him. “I guess I owe you after my nightmare.”
“Thank you.” The soft reply in the dimly lit room made your heart skip a beat. Changbin reached out under the covers and grasped your hand, pulling you closer to him.
Five minutes later, you were out cold, one hand resting against Changbin’s chest right over his heart, the steady thumping reassuring you that he was alive and safe and here with you.
---
“How’s your arm?” You asked, searching through the items in your bag for pepper spray and throwing weights.
Changbin stretched it carefully, moving it in small circles to test its range of motion. “I think we’re good. It’s sore, but I can work with this.”
“Now remember, I’m doing most of this. The drive is being taken to a music festival in the Latin Quarter. That means they’re probably going to have a handoff there, in the crowd. I’ll be in the mess of people, and I’ll nab the drive and then come to you.”
“I’ll have the transfer disk waiting, and once we’re done, we simply toss the drive out the window and leave as fast as we can.”
“Exactly. If we have to run, you make sure they don’t catch you again.”
“Princess, you do care.”
“Well of course I care about you idiot!” The words burst out of your mouth. The constant worry about Changbin and his needling had worn you down to the point where you were ready to throw something. “You’re my closest friend. I’d trust you with my life. And I care about you more than you know, so can you please not get hurt again? I don’t think I could handle it.”
The quaver in your voice was unmistakable.
Changbin reached over and cupped your cheek, turning your face to look him directly in the eye. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat, if it meant you were safe.”
Slowly, giving you every chance to back away, Changbin leaned closer and closer and closer until his lips brushed against yours, soft and warm and just the slightest hint of teasing as he traced a heart on your back with his finger.
You melted into him, one hand curling into his hair and the other holding him against you, solid and steady and unwavering. You weren’t sure why you’d never done this before, why you’d waited so long for something that felt so right.
Beep beep beep. The computer interrupted you and you fell apart, hands still reaching for each other.
You leaned your head on his shoulder, arms going around him in a hug. “Be safe. And if you think you can kiss me and then die to get out of doing it again, I’ll drag you back to life myself.”
“_____? Wake up,” Changbin patted your cheek. Your eyes fluttered open and immediately you felt yourself deflating.
It had just been a dream.
He didn’t actually love you.
He hadn’t kissed you.
“Yeah. I’m up. We should suit up.” You stumbled out of bed with a groan and padded over to the bathroom, splashing water on your red face.
“Come on, we should be at the festival before it starts, so we can scope out our getaway.” Changbin tucked his favorite pistol into his ankle holster and slipped a knife into his sleeve.
He paused as you brushed past him, going to your suitcase. “Are you okay ____? You feel off somehow.”
“I’m fine. I’m more worried about you really, you’re the one who got hurt earlier.”
“Don’t worry, it’s healed enough that as long as I don’t do anything dumb, we’ll be fine. Thanks for patching me up so well.”
“It’s fine.”
“Are you sure you’re—”
“Changbin, we need to go before it’s too late. Come on.”
The two of you slipped out of the little hotel silently, not a word of conversation between you. Changbin seemed to sense your mood, staying quiet rather than initiating his usual banter.
But the silence only seemed to cement the fact that, while you might care about Changbin, he’d never said anything about loving you back.
Even in your dream.
---
Music filled the air, the crowd moving with energy that easily obscured you and Changbin as you made your way closer and closer to the blinking red dot on the screen. The dot had been stationary for almost five minutes, suggesting that it was about to change hands soon and you wanted to get to it before that happened.
“I think I see him.” Changbin whispered, the mic in his ear catching his every word. “Look near the stage, left side, three feet away from the big speaker.”
You followed his directions with your eyes and took in the man standing there in dark wash jeans and a black hoodie. A beanie was pulled low over his head, obscuring some of his face.
Somehow though, you could tell. He was the same man who had almost cut Changbin’s throat.
Anger rose up in you, and you fought to keep yourself calm. Losing control would do nothing, and you needed to get to him and pickpocket him without anyone realizing.
“Okay, I’m going in. Be ready to run.” You wiggled your fingers, ready and waiting for the exchange. Slowly, carefully, you neared the man, head down so that he couldn’t see your face under the cap you wore.
You brushed up against him, making it appear as though the crowd had shoved you and you had simply stumbled. “Pardon, monsieur,” you muttered, hand slipping into the man’s pocket and out again.
One glance down was all it took to check if you had the drive.
The little silvery piece of metal in your hand blinked up at you in the brightly colored lights of the festival, and you let yourself take a breath of relief. You had it back.
“I have the box. Initiating transfer now. Let’s run.” You plugged the drive into the box in your pocket and pushed your way through the crowd, finding Changbin once more. He reached down and grabbed your hand the second you were in reach, tangling your fingers together and pulling you along behind him.
“Come on Princess, let’s go.” The brisk walk through the crowd became a jog as the throng of people decreased, and before you knew it you were running, running as fast as you could, even as the mechanism in your pocket slowly transferred the files.
---
Fifty feet away, a man checked inside his pocket, only to pull out a rectangular prism made of simple red glass.
Gold letters spelled out LRRH on top.
You weren’t about to let him think just anyone had pickpocketed him. A thief of your caliber deserved recognition.
The man snarled in anger, pulling out his phone and dialing a number.
“She’s taken it again. Use the tracker.”
And sooner than you realized it, you and Changbin were being tailed once more.
---
The device had just beeped out eighty percent completion when you felt the first bullet whizz past your head, only missing you by inches. You jumped to the side, pulling Changbin with you as you entered a modern looking office building.
“They caught up to us already! I didn’t think they’d check so soon, I even switched in a weight so he wouldn’t notice the difference.”
“Nothing you can do now. Let’s get that thing loaded so we can ditch it.”
The building was a maze of corridors and cubicles, and you took as circuitous a route as you could, to make things difficult for your pursuers. Still, they kept getting nearer and nearer, closer and closer.
Your head start was dwindling.
And by now, you and Changbin were both exhausted, at the very ends of your strength. This was your last shot to get away.
“100% complete. File transfer finished.” The automated voice spoke into both of your earpieces. You exchanged a quick look with Changbin.
“We can’t get out from the bottom; they’re bound to have it sealed. The roof too probably.” Changbin considered for a moment, panting a little.
You glanced around frantically, looking for a way out.
And you saw the floor to ceiling windows opposite you, and office building next door, barely eight feet away. If you jumped, you could enter that building and get out that way.
“The windows!” Changbin immediately realized what you were planning.
“Drop the drive now, I’ll get the window open.” He reached down and pulled out the small pistol from his ankle holster. One point-blank shot to the window and it shattered, sending shards of glass flying everywhere.
You unplugged the silver drive and ran back to the elevator, throwing it inside and pressing the button for the highest floor. Hopefully NCT would think you were heading up to the roof to escape.
“Let me go first, then you,” Changbin stepped a few paces back, then with a running start he sailed into the night, crashing through the opposite window with a roll to regain his balance.
“I made it, come on _____!” He called. The wind rushed through your ears, your heart pounding like crazy.
“Come on! I’ll catch you; I promise _____!”
You took a deep breath.
In.
Out.
Now or never.
You ran as fast as you could, falling through the air until you weren’t any more.
You opened your eyes, a laugh escaping your lips as you realized that one, you weren’t dead, and two, Changbin had caught you just as he promised he would.
Hysterical giggles burst out of both of you as you looked at each other, the adrenaline rush finally bubbling over. You’d made it, you were safe, and if you got out of here fast, you could be home within the next six hours.
“Can you—”
“No way—”
“I didn’t even think we—”
“—we’d make it.”
Your laughter quieted as you calmed down, the adrenaline seeping out of you leaving you more tired than before.
Changbin grinned down at you, light and carefree. “You have glass in your hair you know Princess? They look like diamonds.” He reached over and picked a shard out of your hair, flicking it over his shoulder without taking his eyes away from yours.
“You do too Bin.” You reached up and brushed the mess from his hair, tousling it gently.
Suddenly, you realized just where you were. Standing barely a hair’s breadth away from Changbin, breath mingling as you calmed down, hand half tangled in his hair.
It was like your dream all over again.
You moved to back away, pulling your hands away from him but Changbin reached up and grabbed them both, pulling you flush against him.
He stared deep into your eyes, his gaze pinning you in place to the point where you couldn’t move, couldn’t think. Changbin filled your senses, his scent the only thing you could smell, the light sound of his breathing the only thing you could hear, the soft touch of his fingers on yours the only thing you could feel, the warmth in his eyes the only thing you could see.
And then—
The sensation of his lips, his tongue against yours the only thing you could taste.
He cradled your jaw as gently as he possibly could, holding you against him and kissing you with every ounce of his being, as though if he let you go, he would lose a part of himself.
You weren’t sure when you broke apart.
Changbin was still close, close enough that your breath was intermingled with his, your noses brushing every time you moved even the slightest millimeter.
“What was that?” you whispered. Somehow a normal volume was far too loud for this situation.
Changbin scrunched his nose ruefully. “Something I’ve wanted to do for a while.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I was a bit scared I’d get slapped. That and I didn’t want to fuck this up. You’re the closest friend I have _____, you’re more important to me than anyone else. I couldn’t risk losing you.”
“Why kiss me now then?”
“I couldn’t wait any longer. We could have died jumping just now and I don’t want to die without having given this a shot. Why all the questions?”
“Last one, promise.” The sparkle in your eyes made Changbin gulp. “Kiss me again?”
And you yanked him down towards you, pressing your lips to his with a sigh.
It felt… right.
He was meant to be yours. And you were meant to be his.
This time you pulled away first, resting your head on his shoulder for a moment before stepping away from him.
He smiled shyly at you, the tips of his ears turning slightly red as you blew him another kiss. “Let’s get to our hotel. Now that we don’t have a tracker on us, we can fly to your grandmother and get it to her within the next few hours.”
“Lead the way Princess.”
Hand in hand, you made your way out of the building.
---
Epilogue
The car pulled up in front of your grandmother’s manor smoothly. You hopped out of the driver’s seat and handed the keys over to her butler, who bowed respectfully.
“Welcome home Miss _____. Your grandmother is in her favorite sitting room.”
“Thank you.” You grasped Changbin’s hand in yours and began the familiar trek to the sunny room your grandmother ran her empire from.
“Well _____, Changbin, what took you both so long?”
“Sorry Mama, we had some mishaps. But here you go.” You handed her the new red disc and she immediately tucked it inside her desk.
Her eagle eyes, still sharp and perceptive as ever, landed on yours and Changbin’s hands.
“These mishaps wouldn’t have anything to do with you holding hands with a boy right in front of me, would they?”
“They helped us get to this stage?” You were a little nervous as she stood up and walked over to you both.
“It’s about time you found someone _____, you keep a good grasp on this one alright? And you, boy, you look familiar. What’s your name?”
The little twinkle in her eye suggested she knew exactly who he was. She’d met him plenty of times before, she just enjoyed playing with you both.
“Seo Changbin, ma’am.”
“You treat my granddaughter well, and don’t let her get too absorbed in her work. She needs a little teasing now and then alright?”
Of all the things you were expecting from her, that had not been one of them.
“Mama! Leave him alone, he’s been a perfect gentleman.”
“Well maybe he should be less of one, you could do with a little shaking up. You’re far too sure of yourself sometimes _____, let yourself live and enjoy your childhood a little more. There’s more to life than just our work.”
At this point, both you and Changbin resembled tomatoes.
“Now go do whatever it is young people do in their spare time, I have work to do.”
Clearly dismissed, the two of you left the room, shyly exchanging looks as you walked out into the gardens, still holding hands.
“I wasn’t expecting her to be so…” Changbin trailed off uncertainly.
“Forward? Pushy? She likes you Bin, that’s all. It’s a good thing.”
“Well, now your grandmother approved of me. You’re stuck with me _____.”
“Maybe I like having you around.” You weren’t entirely sure where this level of flirtatiousness was coming from but Changbin’s blush was far too rewarding for you to stop.
That is, until he pecked your nose and then ran off, taunting you into trying to catch him.
Hi! im looking for a chan x reader fic where stray kids are a mafia gang and y/n is an undercover cop. i think i read it sometime last year and ive been looking everywhere for it with no luck. maybe you know what i’m talking about? i can’t remember what it was called or who wrote it 😅
I know what you’re talking about, the fic was called Undercover Love by @changbeanie. However, the author has chosen to take it down due to people plagiarizing it and generally being unpleasant about her intellectual property.
She’s working on another mafia AU Chan fic right now though, and 2/3 parts have been finished! It’s called Free Fall, and here’s the first part. I hope you enjoy it, it’s definitely one of my all time favorites, as is basically everything on her masterlist!
Hi,,, I was wondering if you were the fic account that wrote the really good parent trap au with Chan and the reader? And if so where did it go if you don’t mind me asking???
I actually didn’t write it, @elizabethsproductions wrote it for me as a gift because she’s the biggest sweetheart ever, and here’s the link to the fic! It’s absolutely amazing ^^ and I love it!
Just something short and sweet inspired by a tumblr prompt I’d seen ages ago... it was cute and I thought I’d put my own spin on it! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Summary: Jeongin knew he wasn’t imagining things. His flowers were vanishing right before his eyes and he was not going to rest until he figured out who was responsible for the disappearance.
Word Count: exactly 2000 words (for funsies), Jeongin x neutral reader
Note- this is fluffy and dorky but it mentions a relative who died and if that’s a trigger please don’t read this.
Check out my masterlist (in my description) for more of my work!
Jeongin frowned thoughtfully as he counted the irises still blooming on the bush. One, two, three, four, five.
He could have sworn there had been at least seven yesterday.
“Jeongin, why are you staring at the bush? If you glare anymore, they’ll catch fire,” Chan chuckled softly from the porch of their house.
“But hyung, they’re vanishing! I’m telling you, there were seven yesterday, and now there’s only five! And the lavender bush looks more sparse too!”
Chan slid his feet into slippers and made his way over to the edge of the garden. After a few moments he let out a small thoughtful noise. “You’re right. Your flowers are vanishing. Maybe its one of the others playing a trick on you or something?”
“I’m going to keep watch until I find out. I spent hours on the flowers; whoever’s messing with them is going to get it.”
A laugh escaped Chan as he went back inside to the kitchen to check on his pasta. “Call me if there’s blood kid.”
Okay, maybe I won’t make them bleed, but I swear if it’s Minho hyung’s cats messing them up or Kkami tearing things someone is going to pay for this.
Jeongin had a plan. No one was going to mess with his flowers again.
---
Dew was twinkling lightly on the pretty green plants and grass in the front garden. The light breeze was blowing the wind chimes every so often, filling the air with pretty tinkling noises. It felt peaceful and calm, so unlike the normal hubbub that would fill the house once the rest of the boys dragged themselves out of bed.
Shifting slightly behind the stack of soil bags and various gardening implements, Jeongin shivered slightly in the crisp morning air. He’d counted the days that the flowers went missing, and it was always a Tuesday morning when he’d discover the theft.
So naturally, his Tuesday morning was now being spent crouched in the middle of a flower bed with his phone in hand, ready to snap photos of whomsoever was taking his flowers. This way he’d have proof to accuse the pets—it really was unreasonable how Hyunjin believed Kkami was a perfect angel who could do no wrong.
And that was when he heard the humming.
Someone was walking down the lane, humming quietly to themselves as they approached the fence that bordered the garden. Jeongin ducked lower behind the pile hiding him from view; being caught at this stage would probably not be very pleasant.
He peeked out from behind the edge of the shovel, to see a figure in a hoodie and sweats slide their hand through the fence and pick a few of the marigolds growing at the very edge of the garden. “Sorry about this,” the stranger murmured as they pulled their hand back through the fence and turned to go on their way.
Jeongin stared after the retreating figure in shock. He’d expected an animal of some time, but a person? Picking his flowers?
He needed a new plan to catch them in the act.
---
“Jeongin, let it go, they’re just flowers!” Seungmin rolled his eyes from his perch on the kitchen counter.
“They’re not JUST flowers! I spend time on those! I work hard to make sure they stay alive, no thanks to you people. Do you think every college house looks this nice?” Jeongin was spluttering at this point. “Whoever that jerk is taking my flowers they’re in for it.”
Felix grinned from the dining room table where he had his homework all spread out. “How are you planning on confronting them Jeonginnie?”
“I’ll think of something. But I’m not letting my poor plants be terrorized another week.”
Just at that moment, the door swung open and Changbin, Chan, and Jisung entered, dragging their feet after another long night of composing and even longer morning of classes.
“Excellent. Channie hyung help me knock some sense into this kid. He’s ready to set up this elaborate Rube Goldberg-esque trap to stop someone from stealing his flowers. I mean really?”
“Oh cool! I think I built something like that for a high school project!” Jisung bounced over to his room, energy already refueled at the mention of a new project.
“Wait Jisung! Get back here!” Changbin ran after the younger boy, trying to stop him before he tore through the old papers piled under his bed.
Jisung was something of a pack rat.
“Why don’t you just ask the thief what they need the flowers for?” came the mutter from a half-asleep Minho on the couch.
Jeongin looked taken aback for a moment.
“You mean just… wait for them and ask why they’re stealing flowers?”
“Yeah. There’s probably a reason.”
“Huh” Jeongin frowned to himself. “That would probably work.”
“Great now you can go tell Jisung to not get to crazy planning some wild complicated thing,”
“I heard that! Fuck off!”
“Language!”
The house slowly dissolved back into the chaos that had characterized it ever since the nine of them had moved in together. But Jeongin felt slightly more at ease. He had a plan now.
---
You padded down the sidewalk early Tuesday morning, hands jammed inside your pockets to keep them warm in the cold temperatures. Light frost sparkled on the lawns around you, glittering in the dawn light.
You could make out the flower house—as you’d dubbed it—twenty or so feet away from you. Muttering a small apology under your breath, you quickly covered the distance to the flower garden in a corner of the front yard and slipped your hand through the fence to pick the pretty daisies that were lining the edge of the brick retaining wall.
“So. Who are you stealing flowers for? They’d better be really cute to be worth it.”
You let out a little scream, wheeling around and almost falling over. There, in front of you, was a boy. Where did he pop out from?
He was staring at you with one eyebrow raised, amusement and disdain warring on his face. His arms were crossed over his chest and he was tapping one foot against the ground impatiently.
“I was—”
“Well? I’m assuming you’re stealing my flowers to give to someone, and I want to meet them. Might as well see who’s been getting the products of my hard work this whole time.” The boy frowned at you. “Go ahead, grab the marigolds, a couple of the stems are already broken.”
You gaped at the unknown boy. This is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened in my life. I thought some sweet old lady lived here, not a cute boy.
“Come on then!” Realizing you were still in shock, the boy reached through the fence himself and plucked five marigolds and a sprig of baby’s breath.
“I’m so sorry I just… broke student life you know? I’m really sorry about stealing your flowers…” you trailed off, realizing the boy had never introduced himself.
“Jeongin. Apologies won’t get you out of it that easily. I’m coming along on your date and telling your partner where you’ve been getting them flowers. What’s your name? Or should I just call you flower thief?”
Arguing was probably not going to get you anywhere. The only way out of this was going to be the truth… maybe Jeongin would take pity on you once he saw where you were going.
“I’m ______.”
“Cool. Now that we’re introduced, I can follow you without being a weirdo. Let’s get going, can’t keep your friend waiting for their flowers.”
You nodded slowly and began walking once more. Jeongin fell into step with you, flowers dangling from his long fingers. The two of you walked onwards in silence, turning the corner and nearing your destination.
After a couple of blocks, the graveyard came into view. And you heard Jeongin let out a tiny little gasp as the reason for the flowers dawned on him.
You pushed your way inside the wrought iron gate, taking the now familiar path towards the grave under the oak tree. You knelt next to the headstone and smiled sadly at the worn granite.
“Hi Grandmum. I guess it’s time to come clean about the flowers… Jeongin’s been the one growing them. I’m sorry I couldn’t… but then you know how bad my green thumb is. I’m more likely to bring you half dead cacti.”
Jeongin bent down next to you and placed the marigolds on the grave. He was quiet, no longer brash and belligerent.
“Anyways, I’ll come see you next week… love you.” You wiped away the tears pooling in the corners of your eyes as you stood up and turned to leave.
There was silence as you made your way out of the graveyard. Jeongin followed you quietly, not really daring to even look you in the eyes. You held the gate open for him and then closed and latched it behind him, before turning back to head to his house once more.
“So, pretty enough to warrant me stealing your flowers?” You asked, cracking a light smile at the boy.
It was almost as though a dam had just burst. “Oh my god I am so sorry I had no idea! I was so rude and harsh I—I’m so sorry!” The words flooded out of his mouth, tripping and twisting him up.
Your smile grew a little. Jeongin was pretty cute when he was all flustered like this.
“It’s okay, really. She’s been gone for a few years, but I still try and visit her once a week… thanks for the flowers by the way. I can never keep them alive myself, and when I saw yours… I didn’t think anyone would miss them.”
“About the flowers,” Jeongin scratched the back of his head nervously, before turning to face you once more. “I could maybe teach you a couple of my tricks, and you can grow some of your own? You could help regrow all the flowers you’ve picked from my garden.”
“I’d take you up on that offer, but I’d probably just kill all your flowers.”
Jeongin laughed, a sound that made your heart skip a beat. “Trust me. One of my friends almost killed a potted iris by watering it too much. I think we’ll be fine.”
You looked down at the cracks in the sidewalk, turning the offer over in your head. Maybe it was worth it? Jeongin seemed really sweet and kind.
“Alright, but you can’t blame me when all your green children die.”
“They won’t.”
You’d reached the gate of Jeongin’s house, and he paused next to it. “Are you free tomorrow around this time?”
You felt your cheeks heating up, but you nodded. A bright smile spread across his lips and you couldn’t help but return it.
“Perfect. I’ll see you then for your first lesson.”
He waved as he closed the gate behind him and latched it before running up to the door. You watched him go before turning back towards your own home.
He was really kind of cute. And sweet.
You couldn’t wait until tomorrow morning. Even if you had to wake up ridiculously early just to see Jeongin, you had a feeling it would be worth it.
Bonus:
“So, who’s your flower thief kid?” Minho asked as Jeongin entered the house.
To his surprise, Jeongin blushed heavily, turning towards the kitchen without saying another word.
“Hey! I was talking. No respect from you youngsters these days,” Minho cribbed as he followed Jeongin. “Guys! He’s hiding something.”
“Don’t bother Minho. I saw the whole thing.” Woojin smirked at Jeongin’s blushing face. “So, you’re going to teach your flower thief gardening? Careful they don’t steal your heart along with those flowers.”
“SHUT UP HYUNG!” Jeongin flounced off to his bedroom, cheeks fully aflame now.
Woojin just high fived Minho as they watched.
“You up for teasing the kid after his date tomorrow?”
My one year anniversary fic- I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve written for Minho. Thank you to all of you, for all the support, patience, and kindness. You’re amazing. I hope you enjoy this, and my other works. My masterlist is in my description.
Summary: The mountain always looked terribly mysterious, and the dragon trapped inside was cruel and lost... never to be loved by anyone again.
Word Count: 9233 words, Beauty and the Beast AU, Minho x neutral reader
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a young prince. His name was Lee Minho, and he was well known throughout the lands as one of the most talented dancers of his generation. People would travel far and wide to come and see his performances. Minho received award after award, accolades aplenty, and adoration from all around him.
Unfortunately… the praise ended up getting to his head. And so, Minho’s talent morphed into vanity and hubris. People who had longed to learn from him or just meet him even were disappointed by his cutting words and cruel language.
A year passed in this manner, and Minho only grew more and more vain. He began turning away even the students that had studied under him for years and the teammates that he had once danced with. Minho grew single minded in focus, everything centering around the mastery of his art.
That is, until that fateful day.
Minho was practicing in his main studio, mirrors all around him so that he could analyze his own movements and perfect them as best he could. He was so engrossed that he didn’t notice one of the servants knocking lightly on the doorframe.
“Your highness?” the servant asked, trying to catch Minho’s attention. “There’s someone here to see you my lord. May I show them in?”
Minho looked up and rolled his eyes, turning away from the servant. “I’m busy. You have your instructions. If someone wishes to see me during practice, they can come back when I’m free. I’m not changing my schedule to accommodate anyone. Why on earth should I? I’m a prince after all.”
“My lord, you must see them!” The servant was getting more agitated, wringing his hands worriedly.
Fire flashed through Minho’s eyes. “Did you just imply that I am required to do something? Excuse me? Leave my sight right this instant, and if I see you again, you’ll regret it for the rest of your days.”
The servant bowed and backed away, cringing under the deadly glare Minho was directing at him, Minho turned back to his dance practice, stepping quickly into rhythm and letting the music float over him, carrying him with it.
Light footsteps sounded behind him.
“So, you really are as vain and horrid as they say you are,” a quiet voice mused from behind him. Minho whirled around, furious at being interrupted again.
“How dare you interrupt me?” he snarled at the black cloaked figure standing in front of him.
The figure laughed coldly. “How dare I? How dare you, Lee Minho? How dare you behave in such a manner to a witch with my power. Either you apologize right now, or regret it for the rest of your days”
Minho let out a scornful laugh. “Why would I, a prince, apologize to a stupid, ugly, pathetic old crone like you?”
And that was the last laugh that escaped his lips. The witch let out a snarl, smashing her stave against the stone floor of the castle. Curls of bright green magic spiraled through the air, filling the hall with the smell of acrid smoke.
“Your vanity has brought about your downfall young prince. I curse you to live as a creature befitting your ridiculous vanity—I curse you to be a dragon until you can learn the humility required to be human once more. You have until this flower dies to change your very being from the inside out, else you will be forced to take this form for eternity!” She slammed her stave against the ground three times, and a cloud of white vapor swirled around her.
When the vapor vanished, so had she. Only a pretty white iris lay in her wake.
Minho couldn’t concentrate on the woman’s disappearance however. Sharp pains suddenly wracked his body; the green curls of magic that had remained even after the witch disappeared wrapped themselves around him. He felt his limbs changing, his body growing longer and more lithe.
Then, his back began to burn. It burned as though someone had poured molten lava over it, scouring and puckering his skin even as he felt his shoulder blades growing longer and longer, until they became like a second pair of arms. He writhed in pain as his body twisted and morphed, until finally, blessedly, the world went black around him.
His final thought was only asking, begging, to know what kind of monster he had just become.
---
You pulled yourself up onto the kitchen counter, biting into an apple that you’d plucked from the tree outside. Today was your least favorite day of the month—departure day.
You and your brother Felix had been living together for many years in this town, studying dancing under a celebrated dance master who had moved to the country to establish his own school. The only real difficulty was in living so far away from your parents but having your brother with you helped deal with the loneliness.
That is, only when he was there. Which, incidentally, is what made this day so miserable. Felix would be leaving to go back home, while you remained to take care of your home alone—and while you took turns going back, the separation was never easy on whoever was left behind.
“Now remember, stay on the roads, and make sure you don’t wander! There are bandits and all sort of other dangers around here.” You instructed Felix.
He rolled his eyes as he pushed the last of his provisions into his bag. “I’m going to be fine you old worrywart. I’ll be back within the week, is there anything you want me to bring back?”
You thought for a second, mentally running through the list of items that you’d left at your parents’ home. “I think I left my favorite record at home, you know the one that we still haven’t come up with a choreography for? Bring it back with you, I’m sick of not being able to come up with something for it.”
“Anything else?” He pushed open the kitchen door to the yard, where the car was waiting.
“No, just hurry home soon would you?” Felix nodded and quickly started the car and waved to you from behind the wheel.
You waved back, ignoring the strange apprehensive feeling that kept fluttering in your stomach.
---
About a week later, Felix was driving as fast as he could in the pouring rain, trying to get home as soon as he could. The car had already made a few ominous noises, and he did not want to be caught outside in the storm, and that too on top of a mountain.
All around him, the wind shrieked through the trees lining the side of the road. Felix had even heard a few wolves howling wildly almost as though they were hunting for prey under the cover of the night.
His nerves were rising at every little sound that filled the small car’s cabin. He could hear every little creak of the straining engine, every whistle of the wind outside, every hair-raising, inexplicable noise that came through the windows and dove straight into his heart. The sooner I get out of this mess, the better.
Unfortunately, right as he had that thought, the car gave off a large splutter and died, smoke rising from underneath the hood. Felix groaned to himself, getting out of the car and over to the smoking hood.
He opened it, only to find more smoke and what looked like a battery that had shorted out from all the rain.
“Wonderful. This doesn’t look like I can fix it any time soon,” Felix grumbled as he went back to his seat and pulled out his bag. “Might as well try and see if there’s any caves or something nearby that I can shelter in.”
Right at that moment, a flash of lightning lit up the dusty country road. Felix glanced up and caught sight of a door cut into the side of the mountain he’d been driving up. He rushed towards it, disregarding the brambles that cut at his clothes and hands. Reaching the door, he pounded on it wildly, screaming for someone to open it.
No one responded. Felix’s cries grew more and more desperate in sound and he pounded a little harder.
And then, his fist caught on a hidden pressure plate in the door. It swung up without a warning, leaving Felix reeling and stumbling over himself as he entered the room behind the door.
That is, room was a bit of a misnomer. The area was enormous, with ceilings easily a hundred feet high and torches lining the walls wherever Felix looked. He shrugged off his soaked cloak and left it in a heap next to the door, moving closer to what appeared to be an enormous sunken fire pit in the center of the room.
Teeth chattering, he reached out towards the lightly glowing coals, trying to leech some semblance of warmth back into his fingers. Let me rest for a few minutes, then I can go back and try and get the car started again.
Those few minutes were enough though, and Felix’s eyes slowly began to droop shut, until he was fast asleep on the floor of the enormous hall.
---
“HOW DARE YOU WALTZ INTO MY CASTLE AND TREAT IT LIKE YOUR PERSONAL DRIP CATCHER!” A thundering roar shook the walls of the hall and Felix started awake, sitting up abruptly and almost hitting his head on something that had just appeared in front of him.
He blinked a few times, trying to clear the sleep from his eyes. “Wha- where am I?” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes with one hand.
“You, pathetic little blob, are in my mountain castle. MY CASTLE!” The voice growled.
“I’m sorry, I only hid here to shelter from the rain. Please, forgive me for trespassing sir.” Felix doubted the apology would have any effect, yet he attempted it regardless.
“An apology is NOT enough. You dared enter; now you will never leave. Enjoy rotting here for the rest of your miserable life.” An enormous something came hurtling down towards Felix’s prone figure out of the middle of the air and scooped him up. Felix screamed at the sudden loss of solid ground underneath his feet. He hurtled through the air for a moment before crashing into a tiny nook about thirty feet in the air.
Felix figured he didn’t really have options aside from begging at this point. “Please, my family needs me! I can’t leave them alone! I beg of you sir, spare me and let me go.”
By now, the something that had scooped Felix up had gone back to the ground and was tapping the bag that he’d left near the fire pit. The contents of it soon spilled over the floor, and the something moved into the light.
Felix couldn’t stop the horrified gasp that escaped his lips as the light fell on his captor.
He was being held captive by a dragon.
A DRAGON. I’M DEAD. THERE IS NO WAY I’M EVER GOING TO ESCAPE. His breathing got faster, almost to the point of hyperventilation.
The dragon poked gingerly at the pile of items that Felix’s bag had contained. One in particular caught his eye- the record _____ had requested.
“You have a set of records but no instruments, only extra clothing and foot wraps. Are you a dancer?” The dragon’s voice had changed slightly in timber, an almost longing note lacing the edge of his question.
Felix gulped in a breath and replied in the affirmative. The dragon hummed thoughtfully, an utterly terrifying noise that shook the walls of the room slightly.
“I think I’ll keep this in my personal collection.” He swiped the record up and gingerly clutched it in one paw. Slowly, the dragon’s enormous wings spread, and he made to loft himself off the ground and back into whatever passages he may have been hiding in before.
Now or never Felix. You can’t let him take it. “Wait! That’s not yours! You can’t have it!”
The dragon cackled wildly. “Well, if the owner comes, we can discuss what happens with both you and your record. And you. It’s about time I had a dancer to perform my dances for me.”
And with that ominous statement the dragon lofted himself into the air, leaving gusts of wind in his wake that chilled Felix to the bone in his still damp clothing.
I hope _____ doesn’t come looking for me.
---
You frowned at the calendar. Felix was supposed to have returned two days previously, and he’d apparently left your parents’ home on time. Yet there was absolutely no sign of him anywhere, and none of the travelers from that direction recalled passing a boy around his age.
Needless to say, you were out of your mind with worry.
He was your younger brother, your responsibility, and you’d let him go off on his own. If I’d been with him, he might not have gotten lost. What if someone kidnapped him, or he got stabbed and left on the side of the road? What if he got enchanted by some witch? What if he-
You shook your head violently, trying to get the horrible thought out of your mind. Felix is fine, and I am going to go find him.
Mind made up, you quickly threw together some spare clothes, food, and money into a bag. Now that you had a plan, you felt slightly lighter, like someone had relieved the pressure weighing down on you. You quickly stuffed your feet into your boots and ran out the door, bag slung over one shoulder.
Hopefully the dance teacher will let me borrow his car if I say it’s because Felix is missing.
You stalked through the outskirts of town, walking quickly to avoid the somewhat sleazy gazes of the young men loitering in the alleys. It was the fastest route to the heart of town; a detour would only slow you down.
“Hey babe, how about you stop walking so fast? We’re just looking?” One of them called out. Another one whistled as he looked you over, eyes lingering inappropriately.
You ignored them, pulling your bag closer to yourself and walking faster, an angry glare painting your face. If those idiots even breathe on me I will scream bloody murder and claw their eyes out.
“Awww, don’t scowl like that babe, your mouth looks so pretty when you aren’t frowning.” The first one called after you as you stormed out of the alley onto the main road.
People. Finally.
You quickly knocked on the door of the studio, hoping that you wouldn’t be stuck outside for long. Within a few seconds the door swung open.
“____? Is everything alright?” your teacher asked, a worried expression clouding his face.
“I’m fine sir, I just… Felix is missing and he took our car. Is there any way I can borrow your car to go look for him?” The man’s face softened, and he nodded.
“I’d offer you tea or something but I’m guessing you want to leave immediately?” You nodded mutely. “Come inside, I’ll get you the keys and you can leave from the back entrance.”
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure. I just hope you find him safe and sound.” Me too.
Five minutes later you were cruising along the main road, eyes laser focused on the pavement in front of you.
---
Three hours later, your hands were beginning to hurt from how tightly you were clutching the steering wheel and you were almost sure that the second you took your foot off the accelerator it would cramp up. Pushing onwards with only willpower and desperation to fuel you, you began your steady descent down the mountain road.
You were on your way down the hill when you saw it. Sure enough, there was Felix’s car, parked at an angle to the road.
And it was empty.
You quickly pulled over and ran over to the car, searching wildly for any sign of Felix. Something, anything to tell you that he was still alive and not lying dead somewhere after rolling down the mountain side.
As you were examining the driver’s seat, you happened to glance up. The light was striking the side of the mountain at an odd angle, and you could almost swear there was a door cut into the rock with a path leading away from the door towards it.
“I wonder…” you grabbed your bag from the car and sling it over one shoulder, making your way up the path to the door. You scrabbled around on the smooth surface until your fingers caught on a latch and the door swung open.
A dark, empty space loomed in front of you, completely devoid of any light. You took a deep breath, and then stepped inside.
This is for Felix.
Almost immediately the door closed behind you, leaving you trapped in the darkness. The world was pitch black around you, making it seem like someone had trapped you deep underground.
The panic rose in your throat. Walls seemed to close in around you. A ringing began to sound in your ears. You’d never been stuck somewhere so dark before. Somewhere so utterly terrifying.
I’m going to die here, and no one will ever find me.
Suddenly, a crevice that spiraled all the way around the hall sparked to life, flames flickering and lighting the enormous hall in front of you. You immediately felt your breathing ease and the tension seep from your limbs.
And then, you saw the tiny, curled up figure tucked inside a niche on the other side of the hall. Bars covered the niche’s entrance, and all around you the walls loomed up in sheer black darkness.
“Felix!” you yelled, voice cracking in desperation. A narrow ledge connected the two of you and you clutched your way along the stone wall towards him, ignoring the steep drop below you. “Felix!”
He sat up, rubbing the sleep from tear encrusted eyes. “____?” You can’t be here, you have to leave!”
“I’m not leaving here without you! Do you have even the slightest idea how worried I’ve been? I was going mad waiting for you to come home. Good thing I did come, now we can get out.” You shook the bars roughly, trying to get them to swing open somehow. Come on, come on, open damn it! I can’t leave him.
Felix shook his head, pushing you away roughly. “Get out of here, before the dragon comes back. Please, I’d never forgive myself if you got stuck here with me. Tell Mom and Dad I love them, yeah? I’ll miss you.”
A sob escaped your throat as you turned to go back to the door. “I’ll get you out of this Lix, I promise.” Even as you spoke, an odd sense of foreboding filled your very soul. Why does it feel like I’ll never see him again?
“Just GO!” You shuffled along the ledge back to the door.
Your fingers scraped the smooth stone, trying to find the latch that would open the door once more from the inside. After a minute or so of frantic searching, your fingernail caught on a small latch.
And then, just as you were about to slip out the door, a thundering roar that shook you to your very bones filled the room.
“How dare you enter my home? Two intruders in three days, how lucky for me. Is this the one you begged me to spare?”
Wind rushed through the room. A sharp clicking, like metal clanking on stone floors, scraped your ears.
“Run _____!”
“Not so fast.” A paw reached out of nowhere and clamped down on your shoulder, before the paw’s owner took off. The floor dropped away beneath your feet, leaving only empty air below you.
“Shut up.” The voice said, setting you down next to the bars in front of Felix’s cage. “Now stay still. You have a decision to make.”
You couldn’t stop trembling. Every part of you shook with fear at what the unknown thing that had grabbed you would do to you.
Before you had a chance to blink and let your eyes get adjusted to the light, Felix was standing beside you. Chains were wrapped around his hands and feet, with another length holding him in place so that he couldn’t run to you no matter how hard he tried.
Taking matters into your own hands, you ran over to him, paying no heed to the rocky floor that threatened to trip you up. You pulled at the chains keeping him in place, but they wouldn’t budge.
A cold voice cut through the air, making your hair stand on end. “You have a choice now… run for your life and leave your brother behind with me…” A chuckle ensued as whoever the unknown speaker was saw your determined expression.
There is no way I’m leaving Felix here.
“Or…” the sly pauses the voice was making were just making you angry now.
“Spit it out!” you yelled into the darkness around you.
“You could take his place. I will let your brother go if you agree to stay with me for the rest of your life, in this place.”
All you could hear now was your own heartbeat rushing in your ears, faster and faster. What do I do? Take his place? Let him go.
You thought back to your home, to what awaited both of you. Felix had so much left he wanted to accomplish, so much potential that would be lost if he stayed behind.
I’m sorry Mom, Dad. This is for him.
“I’ll take his place.”
“No! _____, you can’t do this, I won’t let you! You’re insane if you think I can leave you here to pay for my curiosity.”
“Felix, this is my decision.” A small sparkling key came flying through the air and you caught it.
The voice spoke once more. “Unlock his chains and cuff yourself.”
You did as told, fingers shaking so hard you could barely hold the keys. You couldn’t meet Felix’s tear-filled eyes as you pulled the shackles off his wrists and tightened them around your own.
“I love you Felix, I love you and Mom, and Dad, and I want you to do everything you—”
The dark figure swooped down and grabbed Felix, carrying him up into the air and out of the light from the nearby torches.
The last sound you heard from your brother was his anguished scream as the little door in the side of the mountain closed, leaving you alone. The sound shattered you from within, breaking whatever reserve of strength that had held you upright while your brother was still there.
At least Felix is safe, you tried to reassure yourself. At least it’s me trapped here and not him.
It hit you then that you really were trapped.
With only the monster for company.
At long last, the figure you’d seen swooping around came into full view.
Glittering dark green scales covered a lithe, muscular body. Spines that glowed with some sort of inner fire lined his back and neck, sharp as knives. The creature’s front paws had long claws over six inches long. Along his back you could make out folds of green leather, which had to be wings. A barbed tail curled around him almost like a cat’s would, swishing back and forth as the dragon, for that was what stood before you, breathed in and out. Steam rose from his nostrils, and rich dark eyes twinkled in the light of the torches.
Those eyes looked almost human in nature. Warm and mischievous rather than cold and unyieldingly cruel the way you’d expected.
“Well? Don’t just stand there like an idiot. Do you want to stay in that cell where your brother was?” The dragon’s voice was surprisingly soft given his horrifying appearance. It was loud and deep, yes, but it had a lyrical quality to it that contradicted the sharp fangs that were just visible in the corners of his mouth.
“Answer me! Do you have a name?”
“____.” You hid the waver threatening to make itself known. “I want to leave this hellhole of a cavern and get back to daylight.”
“Daylight?” the dragon mocked. “You think you deserve to see daylight, little one? After sneaking into my castle? You’re staying right here, my preciousssss.”
The dragon’s hiss sent shivers up your spine. Even his voice is terrifying. It’s like ice and poison and corrosive acid all at once—
“Now then, _____. Do you want to stay in the cell, or are you going to cooperate and let me take you to your new room?”
“Do I even have a choice?” Doubt it. He clearly has his own ideas over what to do with me.
“Cell it is then.” You cringed away as the dragon’s cruel claws came close to your shoulder.
“Room, please!” I can’t handle being carried by those daggers one more time.
“So, you can be reasonable. What a surprise. Come.” The dragon clicked down a hallway that had yet gone unnoticed by you in the corner of the large cavern. You followed, unsure as to how to respond to the twelve-foot-long dragon. Yet another thing no one ever told me how to deal with. I just hope Felix is safe.
Three corridors, two sets of double doors, and four large halls later, the dragon pushed open a large gilt door.
“This is your room. You will be joining me for dinner in the dining room in one hour.” He spoke curtly, with a careless, disdainful glance at you.
“What if I choose not to?” Might as well test my boundaries.
“That was an order, not a request.”
And with those words, the dragon turned, tail whipping through the air behind him and almost hitting you in the face. With no other alternative, you entered the room, slamming the door shut behind you with a clang that echoed through the hollowed-out mountain castle.
With little else to do, you threw yourself onto the bed and began to sob. You were trapped, in the middle of nowhere, with only a monstrous dragon for company. And even the finery around you couldn’t disguise the fact that you were a prisoner, in a gilded cage.
Golden bars were still bars after all.
---
Minho clicked down the halls back to wing where his old rooms used to be. He’d long since outgrown the bed he’d occupied as a child; now he simply had knocked down half the walls and turned the space into a very messy nest, with bundles of items lying all over the place.
Just because his claws couldn’t wrap the fabric properly didn’t mean he couldn’t order the servants to do it for him.
Speaking of servants, where were they? He mused as he settled down into the nest of soft blankets. Intimidating people really was a full-time job.
His eyes began to droop slowly shut, only to slam open as a small candlestick began jumping up and down on top of his scaled back.
“Prince Minho! Wake up! Who’s the person in the guest wing? Is it the one? Will they break the curse? Are they cute?”
Minho rolled onto his other side, flicking his wing to try and get him off. “Go away Jisung. Make sure ____ is down for dinner on time and tell Chan he has to make sure dinner tastes good.”
“Ooooh, trying to impress ____? Your new consort has a pretty name. You better behave well with them. No temper tantrums, and woo them properly, that’s the best way to get them to break the curse.”
“Would you shut up? I need a nap.” Jisung had veered uncomfortably close to the truth. Minho did hope that ____ would be the one to break the curse, but he also didn’t want to hope.
If he had hope, the chances of being hurt when he was trapped as a dragon forever would only be more painful.
As it is, he only had about half a year left before the curse became permanent.
Lost in thought, he didn’t notice Jisung leaving the room and going to meet Changbin outside.
“Is he alright?” Changbin asked, hands whirring worriedly on his face.
“I don’t know Binnie-hyung. I don’t know. Let’s just get things together and try and welcome our guest. It’s all we can do it this point.
---
You looked up at the knock that reverberated throughout your new room.
“Go. Away. I don’t want to see your scaly face,” you hissed at the door.
“It’s dinner time. Your presence is required.”
“Fuck off!” Something inside you snapped. “Do you think I’m going to sit and politely eat opposite the dragon that kidnapped my brother and blackmailed me?”
A loud huff came from the other side of the door. “If you don’t come and eat with me, you won’t be eating at all.”
“Good riddance! I don’t particularly feel hungry after being manhandled anyway!” You yelled back, before picking up a large, heavy looking hair brush and flinging it at the door. “You can bother all you want, I’m not coming out.”
“Then rot!” The dragon stomped away, his heavy footsteps clanking on the ground heavily.
You let out a heavy breath, feeling the tears begin to well up once more. You hadn’t been lying when you said you weren’t hungry. Right now, the only feeling in your stomach was one of nausea and horror, horror at what you were probably going to face.
Who knows what the dragon’s going to do to me when I refuse to leave at his order?”
Exhausted, miserable, nauseous, and ready to collapse, you curled into a tiny little ball on the surprisingly soft bed. You didn’t have much else to do, might as well sleep.
You’d need all your energy to try to escape later on.
---
Your eyelids fluttered open after some time, feeling crusty and dry after your sobbing. You rubbed them carelessly, remembering the warnings your mother had always given you about your eyelashes falling out if you rubbed your eyes.
If I have a chance to listen to Mom nag me ever again, I’ll be the happiest person on earth.
You took the silence as an opportunity to explore your new room. A few shelves lined one wall, with various knick-knacks and decorations filling the space. Sheer curtains led outside to a window, surprising seeing as you had entered a mountain. Maybe it opens onto the valley inside. Like a castle courtyard, only the mountain and cliffs are the castle themselves.
A set of pretty wall hangings finished the other side of the room, along with a screen and a large wardrobe which seemed to be letting out a few large snores every now and then. At this point though, after seeing a dragon speak, not much would be startling you.
You went over to the wardrobe and poked it. It jolted awake with a shudder, blinking open carved eyes near the door.
“Oh, hello! You must be _____, the master sent me up to see to you. I’m Hyunjin, your new helper! We should get you into some night clothes so you can sleep, yes?”
You frowned. “I don’t want to go back to sleep. I’m going to explore and find the kitchen.”
The wardrobe—Hyunjin—opened his mouth to speak again, but you forestalled him by wrapping your cloak more tightly around you.
“Do me a favor and don’t tell the dragon?” You called as you slipped out the door. Hyunjin just stood there, unmoving in his shock.
Slowly, a little smile spread over his face. Maybe some challenges were just what the master needed to bring some light back into his life and spice it up a little.
Maybe Jisung and Changbin were right. Maybe you would be their salvation.
After all, you simply had to fall in love with a dragon. How hard could it really be to orchestrate that?
---
The answer, as Hyunjin, Jisung, Changbin, and the other plotters were soon to discover, was that it was really quite difficult to orchestrate two people’s falling in love with each other. Especially when one of those individuals was a cantankerous dragon who took no pleasure in anything other than brooding, and the other was an angry kidnappee who kept breaking things and sneaking around the passages to elicit a reaction from Minho.
Suffice it to say, things were not going well by any means.
And they were just about to get worse.
It was the middle of the night, and you’d dragged yourself out of bed, hoping that the late hour would ensure you wouldn’t be discovered. Lighting only a small candle, you slowly crept down the passageways back to the large cavern where you’d first met the dragon.
Tonight was the night you got out of this weird castle-cave-hollow-mountain-thing.
You tiptoed along, pausing at every slight noise you heard. Shivers ran up your spine and the little hairs on the back of your neck stood up. You had the distinct feeling that someone was following you, and yet when you turned your head, there was no one there.
Nervously toying with your fingers, you finally came up on the enormous cavern that you’d entered weeks ago. Slowly, you made your way up a narrow ledge to where the bars that had once imprisoned Felix now lay.
You tore your eyes away and forced yourself to look at the other walls, scanning for the slight crack that had unlocked the little door earlier. Fingers scrabbling against the smooth stone, you searched silently, hoping against hope that you’d find the door again.
And then, your fingernail caught on something.
Tamping down a squeal of excitement, you placed the candle on a nearby ledge, letting to soft light wash over your hands as they searched for the hidden catch within the crack. Within a few moments you’d found it and clicked it open once more. The door swung open, revealing a stormy night.
You tightened your hands into fists. I’ve come this far, no turning back now. You shoved the door open and slipped out the door, hiding your nose in your sleeve to protect it from the biting wind. You struggled down the path, steep as it was, until you came up on the road below.
Disaster struck.
Suddenly the air was filled with the sound of howling.
Only this time it wasn’t the wind.
This time, it was wolves.
Some sixth sense told you to duck, and not a second too soon. A large gray wolf sailed over your head, fangs snapping exactly where your head had been not a moment ago.
A scream tore itself from your lips. You curled tighter in on yourself, surrounded on all sides by slobbering, slavering wolves who regarded you with a cruel yellow light in their eyes.
I’m going to die here. I’m never going to see my family again, or breathe in the fresh morning air, or hear the applause after a performance. I’m never going to—
A roar split the air, and then beautiful emerald fire burned in a ring around you. The dragon swooped down from the sky and swiped angrily at the wolves, ignoring the snarling, snapping fangs and claws that slashed his scales away. He curled around your prone form, swiping away a wolf approaching from behind with one sweep of his tail.
“Get. On.” You did as told, too shocked to respond in any other way. Dying at the claws of your scaly savior would probably be less painful than being eaten by a bunch of wolves.
One of the wolves leaped into the air as the dragon took off and sank his teeth into the dragon’s left foreleg. You could feel him shudder in pain underneath you, but he shook it off, flapping his leathery wings and making his way back to the mountain-castle.
Huh. From this height you can see the towers and ramparts that the ivy grew over and hid. It’s actually a really beautiful structure. Clearly, the shock was making you a little loopy as well.
The dragon sank down in a courtyard with high walls all around it, at the very tip of the mountain. You slid off his back, preparing to complain about the cold ride and the fact that he still wasn’t planning on letting you go even though it was completely useless to keep you trapped there!
Then you saw the blood, surprisingly red and warm, welling up on his paw.
He did save my life… I guess I owe it to him.
You immediately knelt next to him and pulled the bleeding paw into your lap. Grabbing the corner of your cloak, you wiped it gently, trying to see how deeply the wolf’s teeth had pierced his skin.
Behind you, a little crowd was gathering. The servants were all staring as you tried to stem the bleeding.
“Jisung, could you get me some hot water? And maybe some towels, and some alcohol for cleaning this?” you asked, not taking your eyes off the dragon. If they’re going to stare, might as well be useful for a change.
“Of course, we’ll get them to you right away. Changbin come on!” the little candlestick hissed, yanking Changbin behind him. They soon returned with the items you had asked for and left without another word.
You finished wrapping the bandages rather haphazardly around the dragon’s paw. He was more awake now, staring at you with those rich green eyes and making you feel like you could never hide a single secret from him.
Stupid dragon. Dying might have been better anyways. It’s not like I even know his name.
“Get inside. Do you have a bedroom?” you asked, tugging the paw that had been in your lap towards the wall.
“Down the west hallway. First door,” he rumbled, rising from his prone position and entering one of the corridors. You followed, unsure as to where in the castle you actually were.
The dragon nosed open one of the numerous doors lining that hallway and slipped inside. The room was large—it had to be to hold someone so large—and it had pretty green and gold wallpaper covering the walls. A large pit lined with pillows stood in the center of the room, and the dragon fell into this now, cushioning his head on one of them.
“Thank you for saving me.” Some unknown force compelled you to speak. “I owe you my life… I know it doesn’t mean much but I am grateful Mister Dragon.”
“It’s Lee Know.” The dragon’s voice was so quiet you barely heard it.
“Lee Know? Like… the verb?”
The dragon—Lee Know—simply blinked and closed his eyes. You shrugged and turned away as well, ready to go back to your own rooms… if you could even find them.
Maybe escaping could wait until tomorrow night, when you were a little less tired.
---
“Are you absolutely sure about this? You don’t let anyone into your collection!” Changbin asked worriedly as he toddled as fast as he could to keep up with Minho.
“They’re just sitting there and gathering dust. _____ likes music and dancing, almost as much as I—well at least they’ll be used this way.”
“If you say so…” Changbin trailed off. “When she messed up anything and gets all cross don’t come crying to me.”
“Don’t you have clock-servant things to do?” Minho hissed, flicking Changbin with his tail. “Go away.”
Changbin snickered to himself as he made his way down to the kitchen. The others would want to hear this.
Meanwhile, Minho came up to the door to your bedroom and tapped lightly against it with one claw. He waited for a moment, unsure as to what your response would be.
To his surprise, you smiled happily at him and came out into the hallway as well. “It’s really lovely outside today isn’t it?” you asked, closing your door behind you. “Is your paw doing better?”
Minho was quite taken aback. “It’s—it’s doing a lot better thanks. I… I was wondering if maybe… you’d be interested in something to distract you, so you don’t have to spend all your time here bored.”
“Finally! I thought I’d go mad from just doing nothing! Where are we going?”
A small smile almost appeared on Minho’s face. “It’s a surprise. Close your eyes.”
You shrugged and did as told. If he’d wanted to kill you, he’d probably have done it by this point, you mused as you placed one hand on his neck and let him guide you through the maze of hallways.
“You can open your eyes now.” Minho’s voice broke into your thoughts.
Your eyelids fluttered open and you let out an involuntary gasp.
The room was full of shelves of records and sheet music. A large piano stood in one corner of the room, while the other side had a polished floor and long mirrors covering the walls. The room looked freshly cleaned, as though it had just been dusted the night before.
“Do you like it?” Lee Know asked, tail swishing nervously back and forth.
You threw your arms around his neck in a quick hug before turning to the shelves. “You have so much music in here, it’s ridiculous! I didn’t know so many pieces were available over here.”
“It’s yours.”
“What?” You couldn’t possibly have heard him right.
“I—I don’t have any use for them. Once, I might have, but now? It’s better that you have them.”
You stood there, gobsmacked, as he turned and left the room.
What was it about that dragon that kept surprising you?
---
A few months or so had passed since your failed escape attempt and Lee Know’s subsequent gift of the dance studio and music.
You were… strangely enough… almost happy. The only thing that kept ruining things for you was your constant worry for Felix. Already regarded as somewhat… odd… by the other villagers, you hoped he was alright.
Today however, was a special occasion. You’d spent ages coercing the dragon into trying to do a dance with you, even if it was just swaying in time to the music, and yet he had refused every time. He would spend hours watching you play or dance and never say a word, just looking mournfully at you with those sad green eyes.
Something about his eyes reminded you of royalty.
It was probably nothing.
But at any rate, today was the day you were going to manage it. You’d sent Jeongin along to convince him to come to the studio (no one could ever say no to the little teacup) and you had everything set up.
And then, the door opened, and the dragon entered.
“Excellent. You’re here! Now come on, today’s the day you get over your fears and you start dancing. It’s not hard, anyone can learn how to do it!” You pulled him over by the paw. “Now then, let’s get started. Here’s how you do a basic box step.”
“____, I’m not dancing.”
You turned to him and stared directly into his eyes. Eyes that shone like stars.
“You are. And that’s final. You spend all your time moping anyways, it’s about time you do something useful for a change.”
He rolled his eyes but followed, unable to say no.
“Hit it Jisung!” you called out, and the candlestick moved the needle of the record player into position. The soft strains of music filled the room, lifting you up a little almost involuntarily.
There was something about dancing that just felt… freeing.
“Okay, now then, one step forward, to the side…” you frowned a little. “You could look a little happier about it you know.”
“_____. I’m a dragon. We. Don’t. Dance.”
“Says who!” you placed your hands on your hips. “New thing. Let’s just put on music and you just… move in time to it.”
“____” he whined. There was absolutely nothing he could do as you switched out the records and put on one of your favorite pieces.
“Now close your eyes, let the music wash over you, and just move. Don’t think.”
Minho did as told.
And before he knew it, he could feel his limbs moving in time to the music again. The skill he’d lost as a child slowly came flooding back and even in his dragon body the rhythm and elegance were clearly noticeable.
He’s definitely trained. He has to be. Lee Know, who are you? You wondered as you watched.
A light push on the back of your knees sent you stumbling towards him.
“Join in ____!” Jeongin giggled from where he was pressed against Woojin’s side. The teapot turned to shush him, but the teacup simply giggled and turned back to watch.
You slowly stepped towards the dragon, analyzing his steps to see where you should join in. Almost involuntarily you felt yourself catching the tune and moving as well, weaving towards Lee Know and then moving with him in perfect synchronicity.
You were spinning in and out of each other’s paths, comets in orbit, never crashing. Simply spinning, spinning, falling, staring at those green eyes.
And then, the record stopped playing.
“Bravo!” Woojin let out a puff of steam. “That was amazing you two!”
You blushed heavily, but Minho’s reaction was far more telling. He simply turned and left the room, not even glancing back.
---
“I’m doing it and you can’t stop me!”
“Well we can’t but Chan and Woojin can!” Changbin yelled, jumping up and down on Minho’s back. “You can’t let your only chance at a normal life walk right out of here!”
“I also can’t keep _____ captive forever. They don’t deserve this life. I’m giving them the mirror and the ring.”
“On your own head be it!” The door slammed shut as Changbin stomped down the hallway.
Minho stroked a claw against the glass case that held the witch’s iris. The flower was dying, and he could feel his own strength deteriorating with it.
It was for the best.
---
You woke up to sunshine streaming into your window and warming your face as you lay in bed lazily. Something tells me today is a good day.
As you looked around, you noticed a small tray with two items resting on it sitting on the front of your dresser. You swung your legs out from under the covers and padded over, picking up the note that lay with it.
Put on the ring and say the name of the person you wish to be with three times, and you shall be with them. Say the name of the person you wish to see three times and blow lightly on the surface of this mirror, and you shall see them.
With these, I hope you always live happily.
Your freedom is yours, your life your own.
Thank you for giving me music again.
Prince Lee Minho, or as you better know me, the cursed dragon Lee Know
You sat down in shock, wondering if this was all simply a dream. My dragon was a prince? He gave me magical items that would get me home? What do I do?
Putting on the ring and slipping the mirror into your pocket, you whispered Felix’s name three times. A gust of wind swept around you and you closed your eyes tightly against the chill.
And when you opened them, you were home again.
And you could hear screaming in the yard outside.
“I’m not crazy! _____ has been captured by a dragon! Why won’t you people listen to me?” Felix yelled, fighting against the two men holding him steady.
I knew he needed me. I knew they would hurt him. Time to see if this mirror works.
You pulled it out and whispered “Lee Know” three times before blowing on it.
Nothing happened.
“Maybe you need to say Lee Minho,” came the piping voice of Jeongin from inside your pocket. You gasped and reached inside, pulling him out and setting him in front of you.
“How did you get here?”
“I snuck in when Prince Minho left the tray, and then I leapt into your pocket while you were reading. I wanted to see the world! Woojin never lets me do anything fun.” The little teacup pouted adorably.
“Well, first things first, let’s get my brother out of there. Show me Lee Minho!”
This time, the mirror worked as said.
Minho’s dejected face and sharp claws came slowly into focus, and you grinned to yourself. Perfect.
“Will you all shut up!” You yelled, pushing the door of your cottage open and holding up the mirror. “Felix is telling the truth! There is a dragon in the mountain, but he isn’t evil. He’s kind and sweet, and he’s the one who let me go!”
You waved the mirror around, showing everyone the image inside it.
And then, the mirror let out a howl. Minho appeared to be screaming in agony of some kind, barely able to stand as the pain wracked his body.
He sounds like he’s being tortured. What could have happened in just a few hours?
“The dragon!” “He’s evil!” “Look at him, screaming for blood!” “He must have bewitched these two!” “We have to kill him, to protect our children!” “To reclaim the mountain!” “Kill the dragon!”
“KILL THE DRAGON!” The crowd’s chant rose into a roar, and the mob shoved you and Felix inside your cottage before barring the door.
“We’ll deal with you later,” one of the younger men hissed, picking up a pitchfork.
Felix whirled to face you. “What do you mean, he’s kind and sweet? He was ready to imprison us!”
“Felix, you don’t understand!”
“Well, make me understand!”
You began relating the whole sorry tale. Your attempted escape, his gifts, the way he’d simply let you go at the end. As you spoke, Felix’s eyes softened.
“Maybe he isn’t so bad. But why is he screaming all of a sudden?”
Jeongin piped up from your pocket. “Woojin said Prince Minho was cursed. And that he had to get someone to fall in love with him, or else he’d DIE. Do you think he’s dying ____?”
You exchanged a look with Felix. He knew you better than anyone; he could tell what you weren’t saying.
“Fine. I’m coming with you though.” He reached out and took your hand, and you whispered Minho’s name to the ring.
A gust of wind later, and you were standing in your bedroom again.
“Wow, this is fancy!” Felix exclaimed, moving over to the window. “How come you got a cool room and I got a cell?”
“You were the one who got captured, dork.”
“Carry on.”
“We need to find him, the ring only brought me back here. I don’t know where he could be!” You slumped into your chair, head in your hands.
“I’ll go tell the others to prepare for an invasion!” Jeongin jumped down from your pocket and toddled outside. “Maybe Jisung or Changbin knows what to do!”
You turned to Felix. “Let’s start looking then.”
The castle was unreasonably enormous. Every other corridor seemed to branch off and leave more doors to be searched. Jeongin found you again with the others in tow, and upon further questioning it turned out that they too didn’t know where Minho was.
Hours had passed in vain, searching for the dragon of the castle, when a large thump sounded against the walls, shaking them.
“They’re breaking down the door!” Jisung yelled. “Come on, we’re going to hold them off. ____, it’s up to you to find the prince.”
You nodded and went the opposite direction. The flower… the image in the mirror… maybe he’s in the west wing? Or the tower? We hadn’t gotten there yet.
Taking the stairs two at a time, you clambered up towards the tower. Your breathing came heavily, forcing you to slow down if only to be able to breathe.
Outside the highest window, you could just make out the prone figure of the dragon lying curled up on the balcony. His head and arm lolled off one end, limp and lifeless.
“Minho! NO!” The scream was torn from your lips as you sank down next to him, pulling his head into your lap. “Please, wake up! You have to wake up!”
Minho’s eyes fluttered open, the emerald flames that had always sparkled within them almost dead.
“I’m done for _____. I love you you know. And if you love someone, let them go.”
Tears you hadn’t even noticed dripped onto his face.
“So I let you go.”
And then, the spear came sailing out of nowhere, and lodged itself in his heart, slipping underneath his arm. Even the balcony hadn’t protected him against the force of the blow.
A little puff of steam rose from his nostrils, and then you could feel Minho’s steady heartbeat fade away.
Sobs spilled out of you uncontrollably. “I can’t do this Minho. I love you too! Only I’m not going to let you go.”
And then, green curls of magic seemed to float up around him.
The swirls of smoke curled around the dragon, pulling his head off your lap and into the air above the tower. Below you the mob of villagers seemed to suddenly calm themselves, no longer in a murderous frenzy.
The air exploded with bright green light, and you flinched away involuntarily. What is going on?
And when you opened your eyes, a dragon no longer lay in your lap.
No.
The figure in your lap was a prince, wearing a simple green tunic and black pants. An emerald and silver crown adorned his head; thin green leather boots graced his feet.
And then, he met your eyes.
A tiny gasp escaped your lips. His eyes weren’t the emerald of the dragon you’d grown so used to seeing. They were warm brown, the color of chocolate, but the stars that had lain dormant in them before now sparkled in full glory.
“Well, ____, you can’t take it back now. You love me hmmm?” A lilting laugh escaped the prince as he sat up. “You broke the curse.”
“I might have done it sooner if you hadn’t been so rude!” You quipped, the reaction almost a reflex now from the hours spent bantering with him.
“You cured me of that too I guess.” He lowered his face a little closer to yours, and your eyes fluttered shut as he pressed his lips to your cheek gently. “I owe you my life, my love.”
You sat there, dumbfounded as Minho laughed a little at you again. He pressed another little kiss to your nose. “You fell in love with dragon me… I wonder how you’ll handle the craziness that is human me?”
Something inside you told you that it would be just fine.
Absolutely perfect in fact.
Anyone who could learn to love a dragon would probably have no issues dealing with a human. Even if he was a prince.
And so, our little ensemble lived happily ever after.
“You know what Jisung? Your cheesecake privileges and your Jeongin privileges are gone. You aren’t allowed to talk to my son anymore.” I. Can't. Stop. Laughing. This is perfect!!!!
Awww I figured those would be the two most painful things to take away from Jisung, and I mean no one can control Minho so I couldn’t say no more Minho time...
Happiest of Birthdays to my beloved little sister Dawn- @kim-squishmin here is part one of two of your little gift. I hope you like it... the rest is yet to come.
Summary: Kim Seungmin was your roommate. And, coincidentally, he was also your crush. See the problem? And the fact that all your friends think you’re basically married really doesn’t help much.
Featuring 6184 words of pure fluff... Seungmin x female reader
See my masterlist for more!
You slipped your key inside the lock, turning it a few times before it finally unlocked. Stupid lock. It had to pick today to give me trouble. This day sucks. You shoved the door open and toed off your shoes next to the door, not bothering to put them up on the rack.
You just did not have the energy.
Dumping your bag next to the table, you took three steps towards the couch and threw yourself on it, face down.
“Bad day?” came the soft voice of your roommate, amusement clearly lacing his words. “You look absolutely dead.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” you mumbled, face still buried in the squishy cushions. Stupid school. “It was a no good, very bad, absolutely horrible, completely infuriating day. And we’re going to have tests all of next week in math.”
Seungmin came over to you, kneeling on the floor beside the couch. “You need to destress. Come on, we’ll get the Chinese takeout you love, from the little shop down the street, and I’ll let you pick what we watch tonight!” He stroked your head softly, knowing that you probably had a headache.
After living together for almost six months, you knew each other’s little habits very well.
You wanted to, desperately. Stay at home nights on Fridays with Seungmin were the highlight of your week. Still, the math test was looming over your head and you had to study for it or risk your grade tanking again.
Against your will, you felt a small smile begin to play over your lips. “Can we watch Go Back Couple? We haven’t seen it in two months.”
“That’s two months too short a time.” Seungmin deadpanned. “Why don’t we watch something like… Mission Impossible or something.”
“You said I could pick! You can’t take it back now!” You sat up, flipping your hair out of your face and giving Seungmin the biggest puppy eyes you could muster. “You can’t break a promise to your best friend.” Come on, the puppy dog eyes always work. Give in, you know you want to.
“I have the worst taste in best friends. You like that thing. It’s depressing.” He gave an exaggerated shudder.
“Shut up Seungmin, you love me.”
“Do I really though?”
“Yes. You do. I still have the recording from when you forgot your final report at home and I brought it for you.” He scowled at you jokingly.
“Go shower, and then we can start it from the first episode. I won’t even beg you to skip parts, just for today.” Seungmin helped you up from the sofa and pushed you gently in the direction of your bathroom.
“Thanks Minnie,” you mumble as you closed the door behind you.
Somehow, he always knew how to make you feel better.
Half an hour later you were tucked up in warm fleece pants and one of Seungmin’s old hoodies that you’d stolen in the wash. Takeout containers and chopsticks were already set up on the coffee table in front of you and a blanket was tucked around you. The perfect night in. And all the better for the company.
Seungmin pressed play on the first episode, and as the soft strains of the opening scenes rang through the darkened room, you snuggled closer to your roommate’s shoulder. “You’re the best, you know that?”
“Only for you milady. Only for you.” He wrapped an arm around you and pulled you closer to him, so you were tucked flush against his side. Somehow you juggled the food so that you were able to eat while curled into a tiny little ball and cuddling your roommate.
The world felt a little less overwhelming with his comforting presence by your side.
---
Friday evenings were generally reserved for sleeping early and getting over the completely exhausting week behind you.
They were not reserved for Skype meetings with the professor who you were helping with a research project. Who even has meetings on a Friday evening? This is when people go home and REST, not keep working! You thought to yourself as you pretended to listen to the professor compare different aspects of the two case studies.
Just as you were about to chime in (and hopefully get the older man to stop droning so that you could end the call and sleep) you heard a scrabbling at the lock. Seungmin was home.
The second he entered you caught his eye and you immediately gestured to your headphones and the laptop balanced in front of you. He nodded, clearly understanding that you were in the middle of a call.
You turned back to your discussion, trying to focus once more. Half an hour more, and then you’d be free for the weekend.
You unmuted your mic to add to the discussion, bringing up one of the errors you’d noticed when you were looking over the paper’s previous draft. “One point we may have to consider,” you began, “is that the argument presented by the second advocate group would conflict with their earlier ideas. We’d have to figure out a way to explain why their opinions changed and which one we agree with.”
Right as you were about to mute yourself again, Seungmin let out a very loud yell.
“What was that?” your professor asked, squinting suspiciously at the camera. “____, was that you?”
“Sorry sir, my roommate just got startled I think.”
“Well go check on him! I suppose we can end the meeting early, it is Friday after all. Have a good weekend.” And with that he abruptly hung up.
You slammed the lid of your laptop shut and yanked off your headphones. “Seungmin! I’m going to strangle you!”
Said boy was lounging lazily on his bed in his favorite pajamas, looking all ready to relax. “Why? I got your meeting to end early.”
“That was so embarrassing! And besides, why were you even screaming?” you asked, sitting down on his swivel chair. Annoyed with him or not, you weren’t about to risk the wrath of an angry Seungmin after you sat on his bed.
“Oh. I just was bored. That’s all.”
“Kim Seungmin you have three seconds to run.” He laughed but didn’t move.
“Just admit you’re happy that it’s over early and go nap. You look exhausted love.” Seungmin gave you a lazy smirk.
You huffed but left the room, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of admitting he was right to his face. Still, why waste the extra time he’d gotten for you?
Seungmin may or may not have poked his head inside your room about twenty minutes later, only to find you fast asleep, mask over your eyes, and blanket half covering you. He pushed to door open quietly and entered, tucking you in properly so that the evening chill wouldn’t disturb you.
He smoothed your hair away from your face gently, then tiptoed out the door, closing it softly behind him. He’d wake you up for dinner in an hour or so; for now, it was best to just let you sleep.
---
“Seungmin, wake up, you’re going to be late!” You shook him gently, trying to wake the sleeping boy up. Normally, Seungmin was the morning person and he’d be the one waking you up because you slept through your alarms.
Unfortunately, the night before, Seungmin had been up until almost three working on projects—hence his dead-to-the-world state. He was fast asleep, sleep mask on, ear plugs in place, and ignoring your every effort to wake him.
You pushed him again and poked his cheek. “Kim Seungmin if you don’t get out of bed in the next thirty seconds, I’m throwing away your journal. And then sitting on your bed every single day.”
“‘M up, you can stop,” he mumbled, rolling over and shoving the sleep mask off his eyes. He blinked sleepily at you, dark eyes warm and soft in the dim light from the window.
Your heart stuttered at the look in his eyes. Warm, kind, loving, a little tired but also exasperated rather than annoyed at being woken up. I never realized how beautiful his eyes are.
You shook your head. Pay attention and stop mooning over his eyes you idiot.
“Come on, we need to get ready!” You padded over to the bathroom between your bedrooms, getting your toothbrush out of the cup holder and squeezing toothpaste onto it. Seungmin came up behind you and held out his own brush for you to squeeze some onto his as well.
You brushed in silence, this part of your routine normal no matter who woke up first. By now you had your routine almost set in stone. You’d brush together, then you’d wash your face while Seungmin got changed in his room, then you’d switch spots. The routine was like clockwork, allowing you as much time as possible to sleep in and still get ready on time.
With the late nights studying, you needed as much sleep as you could possibly get.
Seungmin nudged you out of the way so that he could gargle with mouthwash, then slipped out of the room. You quickly finished up and left for the kitchen, throwing bread into the toaster so that you could grab it and rush out the door.
“Remember, you have the debate meeting this afternoon!” Seungmin called from his room. “You don’t want to accidentally skip it!”
“I won’t, just don’t forget to eat lunch today okay? You keep forgetting,” you replied, pulling on your shoes and grabbing your toast and backpack. “I’ll see you later, I’m leaving the door unlocked okay?”
“Bye.” And with that you shut the door behind you, balancing your breakfast and your bag.
Seungmin stared after you, not having to worry about running late as he still had about an hour before classes began for him. A small smile spread over his face almost involuntarily.
You were kind of adorable when you were frazzled, rushing, and just a little stressed.
Seungmin turned back to his eggs on the stove… but his smile didn’t vanish all day.
---
“Glad you guys could make it!” Woojin greeted you and Seungmin at the door. He was hosting a small house warming party now that he’d gotten settled in his new job and moved out of the apartment he’d shared with Minho and Hyunjin.
“We couldn’t pass up a chance to snoop around your new house Woojin. Have to make sure we know where all the candy stashes are, for science you know,” you quipped as you entered.
Seungmin toed off his shoes behind you. “Here, this is for you. A nice succulent to keep on your windowsill, and a set of mixing bowls for your kitchen.” He handed Woojin the two items and you placed your card on top of the pile in Woojin’s arms.
“Come on, everyone’s already waiting here,” Woojin pointed you towards his living room. The room was already quite loud, with Minho playing Uno with Jisung and Chan. Jeongin seemed to be trying to give advice to Chan and avoiding the blame every time Chan made a mistake. Felix was in the little kitchenette, filling up his glass of fruit punch. Hyunjin and Changbin were sitting on a sofa, looking through Woojin’s music collection for something to play.
Minho glanced up from his card game. “Nice of you two to show up, it only took about five years! I guess it’s true, the married couples are never on time for anything.”
Seungmin made as if to push him off the couch. “Don’t be stupid Minho-hyung. I know you’re an expert at it and it happens involuntarily, but you could try.”
You just rolled your eyes. “The married jokes were funny the first two or three times, now they’re just annoying. Don’t you have anything better to joke about?” They think they’re funny… they so aren’t.
Jisung cackled as he threw down another draw four onto the pile of Uno cards in the middle of the little circle. “We could joke about how these three can’t seem to break my winning streak no matter how hard they try—guess I’m the Uno king now!”
Seungmin sat down inside the little circle as well, waiting for the final few cards to be played before dealing himself in for the next game. “I’ll break your lucky streak, trust me. After all, I have _____ to be my lucky charm.”
“It that a threat?” Jisung asked, grinning so widely his eyes crinkled at the corners. “What do you think _____?”
You backed away slowly, heading for Changbin and Hyunjin. “I think that I’m staying out of this… and maybe going to pick the music instead.” You hurried off, missing the somewhat longing stare Seungmin gave your retreating figure. If I get involved in more of their pointless arguments… this better not end like the cherry cola incident.
“So. You planning on telling her that you like her?” Chan asked Seungmin. Minho waggled his eyebrows at the younger boy, smirking at the light flush spreading over his cheeks.
“Don’t—it’s not like that! We’re really good friends and I would do nothing to jeopardize that. Ever.” Seungmin brushed off the teasing as best he could. “Come on, play, otherwise I’ll take it as an automatic view for me.”
The air surrounding the little table got much more serious suddenly, and the boys’ competitive spirits got the better of them. Shouts and accusatory yells filled the room as all of you congregated around the room, turning the game into a veritable free for all.
In the chaos, you never noticed Seungmin’s somewhat longing looks at you, despite the vehement denials he had made previously.
And he never noticed your eyes being drawn to him either.
---
It was about one in the morning, and the Uber had just dropped you and Seungmin back at your apartment from Woojin’s place. You’d spent the ten-minute drive curled up next to your roommate, barely able to keep your eyes open.
Seungmin shook you slightly, trying to wake you up. “Come on, we still have to climb up to our floor.”
You blinked sleepily, too tired walk, let alone climb stairs. “Carry me? Pleaseeee Seungminnie?”
“Seriously?” He blinked incredulously at you. Is she actually being serious right now? She normally stays up so late… the one day she can’t is when she has to climb stairs.
“Please?” You leaned against him, eyes closed still.
Seungmin turned so that his back was to you. “Fine, hop on.” You happily, albeit sleepily, clambered onto his back. He shifted around slightly, settling you into place before slowly trudging up the stairs.
He deposited you gently on your own bed after unlocking the door with one hand. “Sleep well love,” he whispered as he pulled the covers over you and turned off the lights.
You simply snuggled deeper into your blankets, enjoying the warmth and softness that was enveloping you.
---
A shrill shriek split the air, shaking Seungmin out of his half-asleep state. He jumped out of bed, flicking on the lights as he ran over to your room.
“___? What happened? Are you okay?” The words tripped out of his mouth as he threw the door open and entered, almost bumping right into you. You stumbled forward, landing right in his arms, and buried your face in his chest.
Almost without thought, his arms tucked themselves around you, resting at the curve of your waist and pulling you closer to him. You could smell the soft piney body wash and minty toothpaste still lingering on his breath from where it brushed against your cheek.
You shook your head, trying to clear your thoughts. The spider landed on my face. I have never been so disgusted in my life. Oh, crap I’m never going to wash the icky spider leggy feeling off my cheek.
“There was a spider on my face Seungmin. My face! I don’t know where it went. I slapped my face, and something felt like it went flying but I don’t know for sure.” You were shaking by now, voice wavering. Why does this stuff always happen to me? Why a spider and on my freaking face too? Does the world just hate me?
Seungmin padded forward sleepily, bare feet making almost no noise on your rug/ “Come on ____, go wait in my room. You can close the door if you want, I promise there are no spiders in there. I’ll give your room a quick sweep.”
He bustled you out the door and into his own bedroom and turned back to look around your room. Thankfully I cleaned yesterday morning, you thought to yourself, pulling your knees up to your chest as you leaned against the headboard. I hope that thing is gone… I can’t believe it landed on my face!
Seungmin took his time in your room, looking carefully underneath the plain white bed in the corner of the room and around the nooks and crannies of your wardrobe and squishy chair. He wasn’t particularly terrified of spiders himself, he just didn’t like them. But having one land on your face while you were almost about to sleep probably would be terrifying, he mused to himself as he finished checking under the bed.
He had just shifted your nightstand out of the way when he found the half-squished corpse of the arachnid. In your hasty sweeps to get it off you, you’d probably hit it hard enough to kill it almost instantly when you smacked it. Seungmin quickly gathered it up in a piece of scrap paper and threw the paper and spider into the garbage on the landing outside.
He trudged back inside, yawning widely as he approached his room. “____? I found it, it’s dead and inside the garbage can on the landing. You can go back to bed now.”
He slowly pushed the door to his room open, only to find you curled up underneath his blankets, fast asleep, breathing soft and steady. He rolled his eyes and went over to his closet, grabbing his extra blankets and making his way to the sofa outside.
It wasn’t that uncomfortable to sleep out there, even with his tall frame. He’d be fine for a night.
---
Seungmin woke up to the sound of eggs frying and you bustling about the kitchen, preparing breakfast. He sat up, rubbing his hair and pushing the soft brown strands out of his face.
You had to swallow a laugh as you spotted the cowlick on one side of his head, where his cheek had been pressed against the side of the sofa.
“Thanks for letting me take your bed Seungminnie. I made you eggs, with a little cheese and milk mixed in,” you chirped from your spot next to the stove. “I’m going out today with a couple of my friends, we’re going to go shopping and then get boba and lunch. I’ll see you later, yeah?” You went over to the little table next to the door, tucking your keys, phone charger, and wallet inside your bag. “Bye.”
You swept out the door, leaving Seungmin a little winded and disoriented. He shook his head, trying to clear it, and stared at the closed door.
Sometimes he wondered if you had any idea the effect you had on him. The way you made him feel like he was floating on a cloud, as though nothing could possibly bring him down. He always felt like he was the most wonderful person in the world—after all, who else would be able to elicit those smiles from your pretty lips.
Smiles that resulted in one corner of her mouth going higher than the other. Or that one where the corners of her eyes crinkle up and she just looks like she’s sparkling. Or the one where she—
Seungmin’s rather rambly and somewhat lovesick train of thought was cut off by the doorbell ringing loudly. He ambled lazily over to the door, checking the little peephole to see who was waiting outside.
Felix stood there, beret hiding his pink hair. “Open up Seungmin!” He yelled. “We have that English midterm to study for remember.”
Seungmin did remember—now. He’d forgotten all about it in the morning confusion. He opened the door, letting Felix in and shutting it quickly behind him to avoid letting the cold inside. Seungmin wandered back over to the kitchen counter and spooned his breakfast onto a plate.
“Hey, do you want any eggs? _____ made some before she left,” Seungmin asked, already reaching for another plate.
Felix’s smirk was astonishingly evil for someone who normally looked like an innocent little peach. “She made you breakfast hmmm? You’re really going for the whole married couple aesthetic, aren’t you?”
Seungmin threw the dish towel at him, fighting to keep the light blush from filling his cheeks. “Felix. Shut. Up,” he mumbled, turning back to the plates of food. “____ was just being nice since she woke me up last night. Apparently, a spider landed on her face.”
“So, you kill the bugs in the relationship, and she makes breakfast as a thank you? Sounds pretty married to me.” Felix settled onto the sofa, pulling out his notes and laptop from his bag.
“Look. We either have a proper study session or you leave and let me study on my own. Either way I get work done. It’s just a question of how much work you do.” Seungmin was, as usual, much snappier when he was being teased. And when he was being teased about you? The fluster factor increased by powers of ten.
Felix rolled his eyes but nodded, going back to his own work. He wasn’t going to let this go, but he’d wait until they were done studying before bringing it up again.
---
You waved across the wide expanse of mall floor to Jisung and Jeongin, both of whom were looking around aimlessly, searching for you in the crowd. Jeongin caught your eye and tugged on Jisung’s sleeve, pulling him over to you.
“Hey ____, you look dead.” Jeongin, as usual, was never one to mince words. “Any reason why?”
“A spider landed on my face last night and I had to get Seungmin to kill it. And then I—” you cut yourself off, not wanting to admit to sleeping in his bed for the night or making him food as a thank you.
Your friends already were so sure you were married; anything you said would just be adding fire to flames.
“Yessssssss? You what? Cuddled Seungminnie all night as a thank you? Snogged him? ‘Oh, Seungmin you’re soooo handsome,’” Jisung’s voice rose at the end, to an almost unbearable pitch.
You took one look at him, huffed, and then turned and began walking away. Both boys ran to catch up with you, laughing all the while. It might be funny to them but it’s really not. Seungmin doesn’t think of me like that and he never will. All I am to him is just his stupid roommate.
“We’re just teasing, _____, don’t get too worked up,” Jeongin muttered, panting a little from running to catch up with you.
You sighed. They were both idiots, but they meant well. It wasn’t their fault you were too much of a coward to confess your newly burgeoning feelings. They were your friends— a bit of teasing was probably inevitable with them.
“Come on, let’s get going. I wanted to get boba after lunch anyways.” Jisung let out a loud cheer at your words and draped an arm around your shoulders and Jeongin’s.
---
Four hours later you had two bags in hand, one with some sweaters and another with some takeout for the night. Jisung drove the three of you home, dropping you off at your apartment.
You looked at your phone, only to realize that it was almost an hour and a half after the time you had told Seungmin you’d be back by. Somehow the time had gotten away from you while shopping, and then the traffic coming home had been absolutely miserable as well.
Seungmin hates it when people are late… I hope he isn’t angry that I took so long. Especially since I was supposed to bring back dinner.
You edged your key into the lock, trying to make as little noise as possible. Twisting your key, you slipped inside, opening the door carefully. You toed off your shoes next to the door and slowly shut the door, not letting it slam shut.
“You’re late.” Seungmin stated from his perch on the sofa.
You jumped about a foot in the air, whirling around to face him. “Seungmin! I didn’t see you there.” The sheepish tone in your voice was obvious to anyone listening.
“You know, there’s this really cool invention. It’s called a CELL PHONE. We use them to tell people that we’re running late with dinner, or that we’re stuck in traffic,” Seungmin had his arms crossed in front of him.
You looked down, unable to meet his eyes. “I’m so sorry. I really had no idea we’d be stuck so long, and I dozed off in the car on our way back. I brought your favorite drunken noodles though?”
Seungmin sighed, walking over to you and taking the bag from your hands. “Go get changed, I’ll warm this up. I was worried okay ____, you can’t just vanish on me like that. You’re important to me.”
Cheeks feeling warm, you disappeared into your room, hiding your face in your hands as you leaned on the closed door.
How on earth were you supposed to get over your crush if Seungmin kept behaving like this? If he went around giving you that soft look, with his warm chocolate eyes and the light smile that always seemed to play on his lips? If he kept being his typical caring self?
There really is no hope for me. I guess I just have to live with my crush on my roommate.
As crushes go, not the worst one to have. I just have to avoid looking like an idiot around him. Which will be next to impossible seeing as we live together.
“____? Should I warm up your food too?” Seungmin called from outside.
“Yeah, just leave it on the counter.” Quickly, you pulled on sweats and a hoodie along with fuzzy socks. You trudged out of your room and into the kitchen, too lazy to really lift your feet and walk properly. After all, you’d been on your feet all day.
You were just about to reach for your plate of noodles when your right foot slipped on the tile. You scrunched your eyes shut, already bracing yourself for the impact on hard, cold tile.
Only to feel no such impact.
Warm hands held your shoulders, keeping you upright. “Are you okay milady? That was a pretty big stumble.”
Against your will, you could feel heat rushing to your cheeks. Seungmin smiled down at you, letting go only when he was sure you were safely back on your feet. “No more tripping, okay? What if I’m not there to catch you?” His eyes sparkled with mirth, making the flutters in your stomach grow exponentially.
The moment was broken by a loud alarm noise from Seungmin’s laptop, where he was watching something. Almost as though he was snapping out of a daze, Seungmin let go of your shoulders and scratched the back of his neck, padding back over to the sofa.
You followed, plate in hand. Yup. No way of getting over that crush anytime soon.
---
You rolled over in bed, trying to get comfortable. The lights had been off for almost an hour and yet here you were, still unable to fall asleep.
And suffering from a very annoying craving for brownies.
You know what? There is no point to living by yourself if you can’t do stuff like baking brownies in the middle of the night because you have a craving.
You threw off the covers, shivering as the icy air hit your t-shirt clad frame. Pulling on the first hoodie you grabbed in the dark you stumbled outside and into the kitchen, turning on the lights only once you were sure that Seungmin’s door was tightly shut. You set your phone down on the counter after putting on a soft playlist at low volume, just loud enough for you to hear without waking Seungmin.
Eggs went into dry ingredients, followed quickly by melted butter and vanilla. You stirred the mixture with a spatula, making sure there were no lumps of cocoa or flour sticking to the sides of the bowl. Music washed over you, lulling you along with the soft melody. You were just about to spread the batter into the pan when you heard a soft cough behind you.
“Are you baking brownies at three in the morning?”
The spatula almost fell out of your hands. “Maybe…”
Seungmin rolled his eyes as he came up behind you, leaning his head on your shoulder and wrapping his arms around your waist. “Why are you like this? And then you try and drink four shots of espresso in the morning… what do I do with you?”
You turned to give him a cheeky grin. “You give me affection and chocolate. Now scooch, this needs to get in the oven.” He let go as you slid the pan into the oven and closed the door. “Forty-five minutes and we shall have delicious chocolatey goodness.
“And how are you going to spend that time, O wise one?” Seungmin raised an eyebrow at you, clearly skeptical.
Should I? Why not? “Dance with me?” You held out a hand for Seungmin to take, but he surprised you, tucking his arms back around your waist and letting you entwine your arms around his neck. The music changed, and a new song started playing.
A small smile worked its way onto Seungmin’s tired face, as he closed his eyes and swayed with you in his arms. The rich smell of brownies filled the air, making it smell like home and warmth and all things good. You found yourself moving closer and closer to Seungmin until you were resting your head on his chest, ear right over his heart so you could hear his heartbeat.
The two of you needed no words. Simply being close to each other, holding each other and letting the warmth from the oven wash over you was enough.
“I hope I can be a little helpful at least / I hope I can be your resting place / I’ll try to make you feel at peace / Whenever you think of me during your busy days.” The lyrics of “When You Love Someone” filled you with a strange sense of resolve. If I can be Seungmin’s resting place… I only wish… what if we were actually together?
Seungmin’s soft voice tuned into the last few lines of the song. “When you love someone / So much that it overflows / It’s so amazing / Because this is how it is.” His voice was still slightly husky from sleep.
You stopped swaying, simply taking in the feeling of being safe and secure. Maybe nothing ever changes. But if I could say thank you for anything? I would say thank you to the world for giving me Seungmin.
He really is the best friend I could ever have.
The timer buzzed, interrupting the music and the soft mood that enveloped you both. Moment broken, you reached over to check the brownies before pulling them out and setting them on the counter.
Seungmin ruffled his hair nervously. “I… I think I’ll try going back to sleep ____. Good night… or good morning I guess.”
You nodded, turning back to your brownies and cutting yourself a piece from the edge. It only figured… that moment had to be too good to be true.
He was just dancing with you because you were there.
It didn’t really mean anything.
Still, it didn’t stop you from wrapping up a brownie and slipping it inside Seungmin’s backpack along with a little note. He’d waited with you while they baked; he deserved some of the rewards.
---
Around a week later, a cold spell settled into the air. It rained almost every single day, and while you had remembered your umbrella, Seungmin had not.
Which led to your current predicament. Kim Seungmin, passed out on the sofa with a slight fever, runny nose, hacking cough, and four blankets. And you were doing what any good roommate would do—taking care of him.
You used the tongs to quickly transfer the spaghetti into the pot of chicken broth, letting it boil for a few minutes before spooning out a bowl for Seungmin. Carrying it over to the sofa, you knelt next to his prone figure, brushing the hair away from his forehead and caressing his cheek.
“Seungminnie, wake up? You need to eat something, then I can give you medicine. It’s just chicken noodle soup, so you should be able to get it down fine.”
Seungmin stirred under your gentle touch, eyes fluttering open. “Just want to sleep,” he mumbled, trying to burrow further into his blankets.
“Eat something, then you can sleep more. Come on, sit up a little.” You moved a couple of throw pillows behind him, propping him up so that he was comfortably seated. “Here. Finish this and I’ll get the medicine.”
“Thanks ____.” Seungmin’s voice was hoarse and raspy but it still sent a warm tingle up your spine. Those tingles seemed to be far too common as of late, making you feel warm and fuzzy every time you saw your roommate.
“Anytime Seungmin. You’d do the same for me.”
And he did exactly that when, three days later, you were the one curled up and veritably dying on the sofa.
---
“_____! Have you seen my red hoodie? I can’t find it anywhere,” Seungmin seemed to be turning the contents of his closet inside out.
You looked down at your own clothes. Gray fleece pants, neon green fuzzy socks… and a bright red hoodie.
Oh. Right. I was cold last night, and this was lying on the sofa, so I just took it.
Seungmin threw open the door to your room, taking in your curled-up figure.
He didn’t miss the bright red hoodie you wore either.
“_____. You have three seconds to run.” He reached over, fingers wiggling madly in an attempt to tickle you.
You shrieked and jumped up, running to hide behind the door to your closet. Seungmin ran after you, his longer legs easily covering the ground between you. He grabbed you in a bear hug just as you were about to reach the safety of the door.
“You stole my gray hoodie two days ago! And then I found my scarf and it smelled like your perfume, so I know you took it! I’m calling an intervention ___, this has to stop!” Seungmin’s long fingers found their way to your side and began tickling you thoroughly. You squirmed, unable to control the reflex reaction.
You’d always been ticklish.
“I’m sorry Seungmin! You keep stealing my beanie and my fuzzy socks, this is only fair! Besides,” you choked out, “it was just lying there on the sofa yesterday!”
“Excuses shmexcuses. Give it back ____!” He tugged one of your sleeves expecting some resistance, but instead yanked too hard. You toppled over onto the rug, Seungmin landing half on top of you.
Your eyes met his, and you stared transfixed, unable to move even if you wanted to. Your heart felt like it would beat out of your chest, going thunk thunk thunk at ridiculous speeds.
“Hi. I love you.” Seungmin immediately clapped a hand over his mouth, seemingly surprised the words fell out of his mouth.
“I love you too,” you replied. It was almost a reflex, even if you meant it in a more serious manner than he did.
“No, you idiot. I love you love you, romantically, in a nonplatonic sense.” Seungmin shook his head, a little surprised you seemed so… blasé about it.
The gears turned in your head… Loading, loading…
“You do?”
“Yeah.” He smiled sheepishly at you, and you couldn’t stop the little thump-flip of your heart.
“I love you love you too. Have for a while actually.” You looked down, too afraid to face him with the blush that stained your cheeks.
“Come on love, I don’t slowdance in the middle of the night with someone I don’t care about. Couldn’t you tell?”
“You couldn’t tell eith—” you were cut off by Seungmin’s warm lips landing gently on your forehead, staying there only for a second.
“We’re oblivious idiots.” He grinned over at you, eyes crinkling up in a way that had to be the absolute worst for your health.
You mustered up your courage and then interlaced your fingers with his. “Maybe so, but we figured it out, didn’t we?”
You said snags in "asking skz to brush your hair" and I'm dying cause it reminds me of a Bunning's snag. (If you don't know it's a sausage sold at s hardware store lmao) ❤️
Interesting... I actually did not know that. Cool!
this is a network dedicated to stray kids’ han & felix. we hope to support and give all stays the jilix content they want/need!
we track #forjilixnet. only members are allowed to use that tag. if accepted into the net, please do not put other member content into this tag. if you do, you receive a warning/strike for doing so.
I loved your cinderfella!! It was so amazing and well written. Please continue your work and pleaseeee make more Chan stories. Love you❣️❣️
Thank you ^^ I’m so glad you liked it… I have ideas for more Chan fics but I don’t know when I’ll get to them, but please enjoy the stuff I have already posted!
