#anton x reader

[lovelylizzy01]

Pretend like you hate me

Chapter 1 - Tomorrow at Eight

masterlist

Prologue | Next

Autor‘s note: first chapter guy‘s. I decided to do a taglist so if you are interested just say so :))🤍

For now I’m gonna tag everyone who asked to be on the taglist.

taglist: @emislove @wenoberry @oncyanii @rixieisfreaky

[milkykittyy]

hi ! I want to request how does anton view aespa members and who might be his idol / role model

🤍

Karina

(Ace of Cups Rx, Eight of Swords Rx, Seven of Wands)

I kind of feel like he sees Karina as someone who’s really confident, strong-minded, and has a bit of an untouchable aura around her.The vibe I get is respect mixed with some distance like he thinks highly of her, but she doesn’t necessarily feel like the easiest person to casually approach or understand.

Winter

(King of Swords, Two of Cups, Six of Cups)

Honestly, I think Winter’s spread feels the most comfortable and natural.I can see him viewing her as smart, professional, and just easy to get along with, with a personality that he really appreciates. Out of all four, she’s the one that gives me the strongest “I really respect this person” energy.

Ningning

(Ace of Swords Rx, Nine of Swords, Strength)

I feel like he finds Ningning impressive but also a little hard to read. There’s almost a sense of, “Wow, she’s strong and confident,” while also not fully knowing what goes on in her head. It feels like admiration for her resilience more than a close or comfortable vibe.

Giselle

(Judgement, Eight of Cups, Knight of Pentacles)

I kind of see him viewing Giselle as mature, grounded, and super dependable. She gives off the energy of someone who quietly works hard and has a good head on her shoulders, though the spread feels a bit more respectful and detached rather than deeply admiring or personally close.

As for an idol or role model, I personally don’t think these cards point to one specific member being that for him. If I had to pick who he seems to respect the most professionally, though, I’d probably say Winter her spread just has the warmest admiration and easiest sense of understanding.

[ttoribini]

anton has seen you dressed up more times than he can count. he's watched you stand in front of the mirror doing your makeup, complain that nothing in your closet looks good despite your clothes taking up almost the whole closet, change your outfit three different times, and ask him the same question every single time. "does this look okay?" you ask. every single time his answer is exactly the same. "you look beautiful," he tells you without fail. you always roll your eyes, accuse him he's not even looking, and insist he'd say that no matter what you were wearing.

tonight is different. you had pushed him out of the room before you got ready. he's already dressed, leaning against the front door while he waits for you to come out of your shared bathroom. every now and then he checks the time on his watch before glancing toward the bedroom. for a moment he straightens up, about to go upstairs until your voice carries. "ton, don't come in yet." he smiles to himself, "i wasn't going to," he calls back. "yes you were," you immediately answer, making him laugh under his breath before quietly admitting, "... maybe." your laugh filters through the bedroom door. "five more minutes." he nods to himself even though you can't see him. "okay."

he busies himself cleaning up around the living room since fishie was with your parents for the weekend. by the time he hears the bedroom door open again he's finished putting away the last toy. "okay," you call. "you can look now."he turns around without thinking. for a second he forgets how to breathe. you're standing in the hallway smoothing down your dress. "be honest," you say as you adjust one of your earrings. "is this too much? i feel like maybe i should've worn something-" you finally look up and stop talking. anton hasn't moved. he's just standing there staring at you with an expression you've seen before but never get tired of. his ears are already pink. a smile slowly spreads across your face. "ton?" you ask."

"..huh?" he replies absentmindedly. you fold your arms, trying not to laugh. "i was talking." the guilty look on his face says everything before he even speaks. "sorry." you can't help smiling. "you weren't listening." "¡ was." you raise an eyebrow. "no, you weren't." after a second he sighs in defeat and quietly admits, "i wasn't." you take a few slow steps toward him. the smile on your face grows wider with each step. "well?" you prompt, waiting for an answer. anton opens his mouth, pauses, and closes it again. he tries a second time only to fail. the longer he stands there the redder he gets, the blush spreading from the tips of his ears all the way across his cheeks until you finally lose the battle against your own laughter. "baby," you tease, "are you blushing?" he answers a little too quickly. "no." you point at his face. "you absolutely are." he shakes his head stubbornly. "i'm not." "you're red," you insist. almost on instinct he reaches up to touch his cheek. you laugh escapes immediately. "see?"

he lets out a sigh before dropping his hand again. looking down at the floor for a second, he gathers himself before meeting your eyes once more. "you look..." he begins, only to stop again. this time he forces himself to finish. "you look so pretty that i forgot what i was supposed to say." he gives you the smallest smile as you grin at him. "¡ had something in my head before i turned around." you tilt your head. "and?" he smiles sheepishly. "then i looked at you"" "and?" you press. "now i don't remember any of it." you laugh, covering your mouth. "you're joking." anton immediately shakes his head, turning redder. "i'm really not." "anton," you say, still smiling. "i'm serious," he replies. you close the rest of the distance until you're standing right in front of him. hes still looking at you like hes trying to memorize every little detail. "we've been together for how long?" you ask. a sheepish smile appears on his face. "a while." "we're married." "i know." "we have a whole child." "i know." you laugh again. "and you're still getting nervous because i'm wearing a dress?" he rubs the back of his neck with one hand. "i don't know what to tell you."

you soften a little. he just looks at you for another long moment, "i still like looking at you." your smile softens instantly. he reaches out to gently take one of your hands into his. his thumb brushes absentminded circles over your knuckles as he continues. "i still get excited when we're going somewhere together. i still think date nights are my favorite nights." he laughs quietly at himself, "and every time you come out after getting ready ... i don't know. i still get that feeling."

you tilt your head. "what feeling?" he thinks about it for a moment before answering. "like i have a crush on you." you don't answer. the longer you stare at him the warmer his cheeks become. "please don't laugh," he says quietly. you press your lips together. "i wasn't going to." he gives you a knowing look. "you're thinking about it." you grin. "i'm definitely thinking about it." he groans softly, already knowing he's walked right into it. still smiling, you reach up and cup both of his warm cheeks. "you still have a crush on your own wife?" you ask, unable to hide the amusement in your voice. anton closes his eyes for half a second before quietly admitting, "... a really bad one."

that does it for you. you laugh, "anton," you sigh affectionately, "you see me every day."

"i know."

"and you still get nervous?"

he opens his eyes again and looks at you like the answer should have been obvious all along. "¡ don't think that's ever going to stop." you lean up, kiss him softly, and smile against his lips. "good," you whisper when you pull away, your forehead still resting against his. "because i still like making you blush."

[atsukoz]

hii can you please write something romantic and soft with anton smut or not doesn't matter just anything that fits your mood really 🤭 thank youu

hello! even tho i tend to write more hardcore stuff, i always enjoy some plain ol' fluff too ^^ thank u for the req anon <3 im so sorry i got around to it so late! 😞

tags! — fluff, petplay, puppy!anton, gn!reader, dom!reader x sub!anton | not proofread

[ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ]

The TV plays a random show you've put on as background noise. You're lying down on the couch, clad in your boyfriend's shirt and a pair of sleep shorts, absentmindedly scrolling on your phone. Out of the corner of your eye, you catch sight of your boyfriend as he slowly steps down the stairway. He's been in your shared office for a while working on a project for one of his classes while you've been downstairs. The second your eyes meet, you greet him with a warm smile, "Hello, Anton."

Anton returns your smile with a shy one of his own, "Hi, Y/N." He mumbles alongside a curt wave. Your boyfriend takes a hesitant step closer before coming to a hesitant stop and fidgeting with his fingers. You raise a brow at him, a hint of concern passing over your face. Just as you're about to ask him what's wrong, Anton shyly lowers himself to his hands and knees, his big doe eyes never leaving yours the whole way down. 'Oh,' you remark internally, 'so that's what this is.' You smile at him, setting your phone aside to provide him with your full attention. Anton takes one more step closer, but stops again. His pretty brown eyes eagerly, yet obediently wait for your permission to approach.

You coo at him, "Oh, puppy..." Anton whines at the sound of your voice. He's way too adorable when he's like this. You sit up straight, then pat your lap to signal him over, "Come here, baby." You can barely finish your sentence before your sweet pet is crawling towards you. He's at your feet in the blink of an eye, kneeling in front of you and staring up at you with nothing but admiration. It's moments like this where Anton manages to look so much smaller than he really is. Slowly, you spread your legs, "Come." You command with a pat of your thigh. He shuffles closer and rests his head against your leg. He hasn't taken his eyes off of you ever since he came downstairs. Your cheeks heat up—you never quite got used to how much adoration Anton holds for you.

You giggle, your hand dropping onto his head to gently run through his hair, "Puppy just wanted to be pet, hm?" He nods, his cheek rubbing into the skin of your thigh, "Now, good boys say thank you when they get pet, don't they?" Anton nods again, slightly readjusting his position. It's his turn to blush, his ears tinting red but he powers through the embarrassment to give you an obedient little '...woof' regardless. You praise him like someone would praise an actual dog, "Awe! Good boy, Anton!" You ruffle his hair and he leans into the touch with a small, satisfied grin.

In all honesty, you've never really been a dog person, but Anton has managed to change your mind about a lot of things.

[loveanton]

timber mini #3 ⇢lcy

🍃 summary: after one reckless mistake too many, your parents send you away for the summer in hopes that a few months in the countryside with your grandmother might finally straighten you out. you fully intend to count down the days until you’re free again…right up until a bug loving little boy and his father begin making the mountains feel a little more like home.

❀ pairing: single dad!anton x f!reader ❀ genre: single parent au, slow burn, rich kid au, found family ❀ word count: 1.6k

⟶ chapter warnings: none!

🌱a/n: this was inspired by me babysitting my younger cousin + this ask. it can be read as stand alone but i recommend reading the main story to understand certain dynamics. chapters are posted every friday at 12pm est.

m.list

“I’m really sorry about this.”

You only wave Anton off as he continues apologising for what must be the fourth time in the last two minutes. Apparently, one of his clients had decided they hated the latest draw-up for their new garden and now Anton has to go to the firm in person to sort the whole thing out before it turns into an even bigger headache. As someone studying architecture yourself, you understand how quickly a small issue can spiral when clients get involved.

“I asked Sohee but he and Yebin have a date and Sungchan has some family thing, so–”

“So? I really don’t mind.” You cut in.

Anton still looks guilty so you roll your eyes. “Honestly, I’m kind of offended it’s taken this long for you to trust me alone with him.”

His brows immediately pull together. “It’s not like that–”

“Dude.” You laugh. “I’m joking. Just go to work.”

The whole time this exchange is happening, Minyoung has been attached to your legs like a second shadow. He’d wrapped himself around you the second you'd opened the door and proclaimed that today is officially Minyoung and Noona day.

Anton glances down at him and softens a little. “Buddy, I won’t be long.”

Minyoung hums, not sounding particularly bothered either way. “That’s okay. Noona and I will be okay.”

You huff at his words. Anton only shakes his head, bends down to kiss the top of Minyoung’s head and heads out a second later after a final, “call me if you need anything.”

The front door shuts behind him and you look down at the little boy still clinging to your legs and raise a brow. “Well, bug what now?”

Minyoung only shrugs. You pretend to think very hard for a second. “I do need some new tops…do you want to go shopping?”

His whole face lights up. He pulls back just enough to look up at you properly, glasses slipping a little down his nose. “Really?”

You nod. “Really.”

Then, before he can explode from excitement, you hold up one finger. “But only if you promise to take your role as my stylist very seriously.”

Minyoung straightens immediately. “I will.”

“Then it’s settled.”

After making sure Anton was okay with you taking Minyoung out, your driver takes the two of you to the mall. Since you obviously don’t keep a car seat for six-year-old boys on hand, Minyoung ends up perched in your lap for most of the drive. He doesn’t seem to mind though. If anything, he appears quite content there, talking the entire way about his summer program and some project they have coming up. You listen the whole ride, humming and occasionally asking questions.

The moment the two of you arrive, you head for Aritzia first. At the beginning, Minyoung mostly trails after you quietly. He sticks close to your side while you sift through hangers and scan shelves, content to let you lead. That changes the moment you hold up two tops and ask, “left or right, bug?”

You watch as he places his pointer finger on his chin and tilts his head and studies both tops with narrowed eyes, his little brows knitting together as he thinks it through properly.

After a long second, he points. “The right one.”

You lower both hangers slightly. “Really? Why? I thought you’d like the left one more.”

Minyoung looks at the top again then back at you. “Because it’s pretty like noona.”

And just like that, you fold. From then on, you show him every item for his input: tops, skirts, shoes, bags. You hold things up and he gives his opinion.

“This one is better.”

“That one looks itchy.”

“The pink is nicer.”

“You already have shoes like that noona.”

“Daddy likes blue get that one.”

Some of his choices are genuinely thoughtful, others are clearly just based on whatever color has caught his attention. Either way, you find yourself listening to all of them.

By the time you leave the store, you have well over six bags and Minyoung is walking with a pep in his step beside you, very pleased with his new role.

A few shops later, the two of you pass a Ralph Lauren Kids and his pace slows. His eyes catch on a little button-up in the window, pale blue with the famous bear stitched onto the front.

You glance at him. “Do you want to go in?”

Minyoung shakes his head immediately. “No.”

You hum as though considering this. “That’s crazy, because I actually wanted to look at that shirt too.”

That gets his attention. “You did?”

“Yes,” you say with a straight face. “Come on.”

Inside, he tries very hard to act as though he is only there as your shopping assistant and not because he is quietly thrilled by every tiny collared shirt and little pair of shorts in the store. The act falls apart the second you hold one up against him and smile.

“Bug, this would look so cute on you.”

A faint blush dusts his cheeks. “Really?”

You nod seriously. “It would be a crime not to buy it.”

Minyoung says nothing after that but the way he clutches the shirt ti his chest tells you all you need to know. You take it to the front and have the sales associate ring it up before handijg off the bag to a waiting Minyoung.

By the time the two of you finally stop for a snack, the shopping bags have multiplied and Minyoung is sitting across from you at a little café table with a lemonade nearly as big as his face.

“You should wear the white bag with the blue shirt,” he says.

You glance up from your straw. “Should I?”

“Yes.” He takes another sip of lemonade before adding, “The other one is too shiny.”

You stare at him for a second then lean back in your chair. “You know bug, you’re actually very good at this.”

Minyoung immediately sits a little taller. “I know.”

That makes you laugh. After that, you make him put on the tiny matching sunglasses you bought him and the two of you take a picture to send to Anton. Mostly to prove that his son is still alive and has not been completely spoiled beyond repair during your supervision. Anton had been checking in periodically throughout the day and you’d already sent a few updates but this one gets a response almost immediately.

2:15 pm | plant daddy🌳: are those gucci sunglasses ?

You heart his meassge then promptly close the app before he can tell you to return them.

“Anyways,” you say, reaching for another pretzel.

Minyoung hums entirely unconcerned and the two of you go back to sharing your snack while discussing what else should be done on Minyoung and Noona day before his dad comes to collect him.

After the café, you end up just wandering for a bit. Minyoung points out things that interest him, you stop by a photobooth to take strip pictures then the two of you stumble into one of those little kid activity shops with tables of slime, diy trinkets and overpriced nonsense marketed directly at exhausted parents.

Minyoung goes running in and you don’t have the heart to deny him so you follow after him. While he occupies himself at one of the slime tables, you drift along the shelves thinking about how much money companies must make off children and their endless love for messy hobbies. You’re halfway through calculating how ridiculous the markup on scented slime probably is when you notice Minyoung bump into a display because he isn’t looking where he’s going.

You turn at once. “Bug, are you okay?”

Minyoung straightens, ears a little pink. “I’m okay.”

“Why weren’t you paying attention?”

He shifts from one foot to the other then after a second he says a little quietly, “I saw Yuna.”

The name clicks almost immediately. Yuna, the girl from his summer program. You glance past him and sure enough, there’s a little girl a few feet away pretending very hard not to look in your direction.

A smile tugs at your mouth. “Did you say hi?”

Minyoung shakes his head.

“Why not?”

He ducks his head. “I got shy.”

Your expression softens at once. Looking between him and the girl again, you crouch a little so you’re more level with him. “That’s okay. You can still say hi now.”

Minyoung looks unconvinced.

You smooth a hand over his hair. “Go on. She’s probably shy too.”

He glances toward Yuna again then back at you. After a second, he nods.

You don’t push. You just gesture lightly in her direction and watch as he walks back over. From where you stand, you see the two of them pause in front of each other for a moment before exchanging the tiniest little wave. Then, to your delight, Yuna steps forward first and hugs him. Minyoung freezes for exactly half a second before hugging her back.

A second later, she takes his hand and drags him toward a different table. You fold your arms and watch the two of them go, a smile tugging at your lips.

Sohee was right, Minyoung really does have game.

m.list

taglist: @oncyanii @emislove @pageaqva @yoursyuno @rixieisfreaky @rawrxnne @luvvyushii @dreamiestay @binasyong @wonbunniez @milimilumi @toroufriteh @lovialy @sugarwater-cyanide @1-itsneverthatserious-1 @yougotmeoohlala @karabear127 @ikeu05 @faitbyunx

@nekotoni @moonqtni @deighsees @kyliezone

[ttoribini]

your 3 month old had discovered that if she cries just a little appa appears. the sound of her own tiny whimpers usually ends with anton scooping her into his arms. so now, every once in a while, fishie will test it for attention.

you’re sitting on the floor while fishie lays happily on her play mat beside you. shes kicking at the little hanging toys above her head. most importantly she's perfectly content and cooing to herself until anton stands up from where he was on the couch.

“i’m gonna grab some water,” he says, pressing a quick kiss to your forehead before disappearing into the kitchen. fishie watches him leave, her little head turning as far as it possibly can until he disappears around the corner.

she waits.

one second.

two seconds.

then she lets out the tiniest little, “…eh.” it’s not a real cry. just the smallest complaint. you glance down at her and immediately catch on. “nice try,” you tell her, earning another tiny “…eh,” as if she’s simply announcing her dissatisfaction with the current situation. from the kitchen, anton’s voice calls out immediately. “is she okay?” “she’s fine,” you shout back

fishie kicks her feet once before letting out another tiny noise and only a few seconds later anton appears, his glass of water completely forgotten on the counter in the kitchen. “what happened?” he asks, already crouching beside her. you look toward your daughter, “nothing happened. she's completely fine.” he ignores you, smiling down at the little girl on the floor. “hey, my girl.” the second fishie sees his face she breaks into the biggest gummy smile, reaching both of her tiny hands toward him.

“anton.” he looks up innocently. “what?” you point dramatically at the smiling baby. “she wasn’t crying.” “she made a noise.” “she summoned you.” he glances back down at fishie who is still reaching for him with confidence that she’ll get exactly what she wants. “… well,” he says, trying not to smile, “she wants me.”

you laugh under your breath. “you’re unbelievable.” anton picks her up and fishie settles against his chest with the happiest little sigh. one tiny fist is curled into the front of his shirt as he rubs slow circles over her back. he smiles down at her. “see? she just wanted a cuddle.” you raise an eyebrow. “or,” you counter, “she’s already figured out that appa comes running every single time she squeaks.” anton opens his mouth to disagree but before he can say a word fishie lets out the tiniest yawn, nuzzles underneath his chin, and closes her eyes.

he melts instantly and every ounce of resolve disappears as he adjusts her a little closer. you shake your head, smiling to yourself. “she has you wrapped around her little finger.” anton doesn’t even try to deny it. he simply looks down at the sleeping baby in his arms and presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head, “i know.”

[loveanton]

TIMBER (lee chanyoung) ch. 4

🍃 summary: after one reckless mistake too many, your parents send you away for the summer in hopes that a few months in the countryside with your grandmother might finally straighten you out. you fully intend to count down the days until you’re free again…right up until a bug loving little boy and his father begin making the mountains feel a little more like home.

❀ pairing: single dad!anton x f!reader ❀ genre: single parent au, slow burn, rich kid au, found family ❀ word count: 6.7k

⟶ chapter warnings: mild suggestive content, nothing beyond this.

🌱a/n: saur much happened this chapter oh my days!! i wonder what happens next hehe. chapters will be posted every friday at 12pm est.

previous | m.list | next

“Noona!”

You’re halfway between the kitchen and the in-home theater with a bowl of snacks balanced in one hand when you hear the unmistakable sound of small sneakers slapping rapidly against marble flooring.

Before you can even turn fully toward the noise, Minyoung comes barreling around the corner and crashes into your legs with enough force to make the chips in your bowl shift dangerously.

“Noona!” he says, all breathless and with a crooked little grin. “Noona, noona, noona–”

You blink down at him, startled. “Bug?” Your confusion only deepens as you steady the bowl against your hip and glance toward the foyer. “What are you doing here?”

To your knowledge, Anton doesn’t have work today. Which is exactly why you had planned on spending your afternoon rotting in your grandmother’s movie room, eating your weight in snacks and pretending that the stash of chips and candy you buy for Minyoung and Anton counted as company. It was pathetic probably but less pathetic than admitting you missed them when they weren’t around.

“Buddy, you can’t just take off running like that.” Anton says from somewhere behind him, his voice arriving a second before he does.

You lift your head and see him stepping in through the archway with one hand still half extended like he’d clearly meant to catch his son before he launched himself at you and had failed by approximately three seconds. Your confusion only deepens.

You look between the two of them. “Is today library day? Did I forget?”

It wouldn’t be impossible. Library days have become common over the past few weeks. Sometimes you help Minyoung pick out books, sometimes you read while he does, other times you make yourself comfortable against Anton and nap on his shoulder or lap while he reads whatever he picked out for himself.

Minyoung shakes his head vigorously. “No! Library day is tomorrow.”

You huff. “Right. Silly me.”

Anton’s mouth twitches. “Minyoung has something he wants to give you.”

As if only just remembering why he’d tackled you in the first place, Minyoung pulls away from your legs so abruptly you almost lose your balance again. He fumbles for a second with something tucked behind his back, then thrusts it toward you with both hands.

You set your bowl down on the nearest console table before taking it from him. “What’s this?”

You examine the paper and realize it’s a card. Handmade, unmistakably so. There’s green glitter dashed unevenly across the front, glue dried in clumpy little patches beneath several dinosaur and rock stickers, and your name stretches across the front in large crooked letters.

Your eyes lift from the card to Minyoung’s face. He has gone shy all of a sudden, his little hands twisting together in front of him while he looks at you through his glasses. “My birthday is next week and I want you to come.”

Before you can answer, Anton steps in with a smile. “He made cards for all his favorite people, we’re hand-delivering them.” He explains.

You look back at Minyoung, who is watching you now with a hopeful little smile it would feel cruel to do anything but say yes. You crouch down without thinking, the card still clutched in one hand as you open your arms toward him.

“Of course I’ll be there! I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Minyoung throws himself into your arms with zero hesitation. “I knew you’d come,” he says into your shoulder. You laugh softly and hug him tighter for a second before he pulls back. The movement makes his glasses slide down his nose again and he shoves them back up with the back of his wrist before scampering over to Anton, immediately taking hold of his father’s hand.

Only then do you notice the small stack of other handmade cards tucked beneath Anton’s arm. He follows your gaze and smiles. “Sorry to interrupt your afternoon. We’ll get going now, we’ve still got a few more cards to give out.”

You straighten, brushing imaginary wrinkles from your clothes. “Yeah, of course. I won’t stop you. I’ll call you later?”

Anton hums and nods affirming your words. “Yeah, talk to you later.”

Phone calls have become a habit between the two of you. Some start with Minyoung wanting to tell you one last bug fact before bed and end with him snoring softly somewhere in the background while you and Anton keep talking anyway. Others begin after midnight because Anton apparently is a raging insomniac, and carry on until one of you drifts off mid-sentence and the other is left listening to even breathing through the speaker.

“Bye, Noona!” Minyoung says, waving so enthusiastically you fear for his rotator cuff.

You smile despite yourself and lift your hand in return. “Bye, bug.”

Then the pair of them are gone as quickly as they came, the front door closing behind them while you remain standing in the foyer with a bowl of snacks on the table beside you and a glitter-covered birthday invitation in your hands.

A minute ago, you had been on your way to spend the afternoon alone in a dark movie room. Now, you’re already wondering what you’re going to wear.

For the rest of your afternoon, you carry the card with you wherever you go. You leave it on the kitchen counter at first while you finally take your snacks into the movie room only to come back twenty minutes later because you couldn’t stand it not being near. Then it ends up on the arm of the couch with you while Dune plays unwatched in the background. By dinner, it’s propped against the fruit bowl on the island while you eat vodka pasta.

It’s ridiculous how much a crooked little handmade card has made your day.

You tell yourself it’s because Minyoung had looked so adorable handing it to you. It’s because the glitter is loose and you don’t want it pooling on the counter for the maids to clean. It’s because Minyoung would be sad if you lost it. None of those are technically lies, but also not hte full truth.

By the time evening settles over the mountains and your grandmother retreats to her room with a book, you’ve already picked up the invitation four separate times just to reread the date and your name in Minyoung’s uneven handwriting.

You’re busy examining the card again when your phone buzzes.

11:54 pm | wonbin: u alive?

You stare at the screen for a second before typing back.

11:55 pm | you: unfortunately 11:55 pm | wonbin: good 11:56 pm | wonbin: missed my favorite girl

That gives you pause, not because it’s particularly moving but because a month ago it probably would’ve done exactly what he intended it to do. Pulled a smirk out of you. Started something lazy and familiar and easy to slide into. Instead you find yourself thinking about the last thing you sent him and the way he vanished afterward.

11:59 pm | you: oh? 11:59 pm | you: interesting considering you ignored my boobs last time

His reply comes almost immediately.

11:59 pm | wonbin: didn’t ignore them 11:59 pm | wonbin: dw i put them to very good use

You stare at the message. Again, a month ago that probably would’ve worked. It probably would’ve made you roll onto your back and smile at the ceiling while the conversation took its usual predictable turn. Now it just leaves you oddly blank.

12:00 am | wonbin: wyd? 12:00 am | you: getting ready for bed

A few seconds later, a photo drops into the chat. Wonbin is sprawled across what looks like his bed, shirtless and very clearly aware of exactly what he’s doing. 

12:01 am | wonbin: call me?

You look at the photo for a second too long before thinking, wow. He really does only have one move.

12:03 am | you: why 12:03 am | wonbin: bc i want to see u 12:03 am | wonbin: thought maybe we could help each other out

You huff softly through your nose and shift higher against your pillows.

12:04 am | you: my grandmother’s walls are annoyingly thin 12:04 am | wonbin: since when has being quiet ever stopped you

You scoff at the audacity of this man. Maybe your father was right about him being sleazy. You’re about to tell him to fuck off when Anton’s contact flashes across the top of your screen. Your thumb hesitates for exactly half a second before you tap accept without bothering to answer Wonbin at all.

“It’s awfully late for a phone call,” you say by way of greeting, placing your phone on your pillow beside your ear  as you roll onto your back.

On the other end, Anton lets out a quiet laugh. “Says the person who answered on the first ring.”

You glance at the ceiling. “Insomnia recognizes insomnia.”

There’s a soft rustling sound on his end, like he’s shifting against his headboard. “Fair.”

For a moment neither of you says anything. The silence isn’t awkward anymore. It rarely is with him these days. You trace a finger absently over the edge of Minyoung’s glitter-covered invitation where it still rests on your nightstand. “So, what exactly is the dress code for next week?”

Anton hums. “That depends.”

“On what?”

“On how committed you are to the theme.”

You prop yourself up on one elbow. “What’s the theme?”

“It’s a Junior Nature Explorer party.”

You blink once. Then twice. “A what?”

“A Junior Nature Explorer party. He wanted dinosaurs, bugs, frogs, ocean animals…” He trails off for a second. “Very on brand if you think about it.”

You can hear the smile in his voice and it brings one to your own lips. “So what, are there going to be little explorer stations or something?” You ask, settling deeper into your pillow.

Anton hums on the other end. “Yeah, made some stations myself, forced my brother to help with the painting portion.”

You laugh outright now. “Oh my Gosh.”

Anton exhales through his nose, fond and utterly whipped for his son. “He’s very excited.”

You can imagine it too easily. Minyoung with his little glasses and gummy smile, planning the most aggressively educational birthday party known to man.

“Is there anything he already has? Gift-wise, I mean.” You ask.

Anton thinks for a moment. “You don’t have to get him anything big.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

Another pause. “He’s really into fiction books right now. And explorer stuff.”

You hum like you’re only mildly interested, even though your brain is already building the world’s most ridiculous junior entomologist gift basket.

Anton must hear something in your silence because he adds, “I’m serious.”

“Mm.”

“You’re not going to listen are you?”

“Not even a little.” You say smugly.

Before either of you can say anything else, there’s a muffled rustling sound followed by a small voice cutting through the speaker. “Daddy?”

There’s more shuffling on Anton’s end, the sound of sheets moving and then his voice drops into that gentler register he seems to save just for Minyoung. “Hey, buddy. What’s wrong?”

Drowsily, Minyoung asks, “Can I sleep with you tonight?”

“Of course you can,” Anton says without hesitation.

You hear more movement after that, the soft thump of what you assume is Minyoung climbing into bed and settling himself somewhere against Anton’s side. For a minute all you can hear is fabric shifting and the quiet static of the call. Then Minyoung’s sleepy voice comes again, more curious now.

“Who’re you talking to?”

“Noona.” he replies softly.

You hear more shuffling before Minyoung’s voice floods your speaker. “G’night, Noona.”

You smile softly. “Goodnight, bug.”

Another beat passes. You hear Anton exhale softly and then his voice returns even softer this time, trying to not wake up the small body now curled against him. “I should let you go.”

You trace one finger over the edge of the invitation mindlessly. “Probably.”

Neither of you hang up. You wait a few more minutes before saying just as softly as he had, “goodnight Anton.”

You can hear the smile in his voice when he responds. “Night.”

You’re almost certain your driver has the wrong address.

The car has barely rolled to a stop before your eyes lift to the house looming beyond the gates and all coherent thought leaves you for a second. The place is massive. Clean stone, tall glass and immaculate landscaping.

If it weren’t for the oversized birthday banner stretched across the front lawn reading Happy Birthday Minyoung! in explorer-themed lettering, you would have assumed Anton texted you the wrong address by mistake.

You step out slowly, smoothing your hands down the front of your khaki Chanel jumpsuit before adjusting the strap of Minyoung’s gift where it hangs from your wrist. You can’t help but wonder what Anton’s deal is?

He drives a brand-new Range Rover and lives in a house bigger than your grandmother’s. He spends random afternoons at her estate fixing broken things and kneeling in flower beds like he doesn’t have better places to be. None of it really adds up.

Before you can think too hard about it, you start up the front steps. The doors are wide open so you walk right in and examine the spacious home. You had braced yourself for something cold and minimalist, the kind of polished bachelor pad that looks expensive and unlived in but you’re pleasantly surprised to find a well decorated and lively home. The foyer opens into a spacious living area that feels warm in a way your own house rarely ever has. Children’s books line the lower shelves and a tiny pair of shoes sits kicked off near the stairs. Framed family photos line the walls, there are toys gathered neatly in woven baskets and one rogue dinosaur figurine lying on its side beneath a coffee table, it’s obvious a child lives here. 

You’re still taking it all in when a shriek of childish laughter tears through the house. A herd of children comes rushing through the hall in a blur of khaki, explorer hats and uncontained sugar-high energy. For one startled second all you can do is step aside as they stampede past, shrieking about frogs or fossils, you don’t really catch it. Somewhere in the middle of the chaos, you catch sight of Minyoung.

He sees you at the exact same time and his whole face lights up. “Noona!”

Before the rest of the group can sweep him away, Minyoung breaks from the pack and makes a beeline straight for you, nearly skidding on the polished floor in his rush. He crashes into your side and immediately grabs your hand with sticky little fingers.

“You came!” he says.

You open your mouth to ask if he had doubted you but he turns and calls over his shoulder to the other children, “I’ll be right back! I have to show my Noona the kitchen!”

The kids barely acknowledge him, they continue on their journey back where they came from. You laugh despite yourself as Minyoung begins tugging you deeper into the house with all the authority of a tiny, overdressed host. “The kitchen?” you repeat.

“Yeah cause the adults are there.”

You let him lead you down the hall, your heels clicking softly against the floor as you take in more of the house in passing. From somewhere ahead, the sound of adult voices drifts toward you. By the time you and Minyoung round the corner into the kitchen, several heads turn your way at once.

The room falls into a brief, natural quiet that happens when someone new enters a space. It lasts all of two seconds before Minyoung proudly announces, “My Noona is here!”

Anton is the first person you recognize, mostly because your eyes go to him automatically now. He stands near the kitchen island in a khaki button-up that matches Minyoung’s almost exactly, the sleeves rolled up to his forearms. Beside him stands another guy who looks around your age, a pretty girl in a cream top and linen skirt leans against the counter beside him, her explorer hat hanging off her wrist by the string. A taller man is posted a little farther back near the sink, next to Anton is a younger boy with the same eyes as him making you think that might be his younger brother he once mentioned.

Anton shoots you a smile. “You made it,” he says, mouth twitching when his gaze drops briefly over your jumpsuit. “You really committed.”

You glance down at yourself. “I couldn’t show up underdressed.”

That earns you a few laughs. Anton looks around the kitchen and starts making introductions. “You know Minyoung. That’s Sohee,” he says, nodding toward the one who looks delighted by your existence. “His girlfriend, Yebin. Sungchan-hyung and my brother, Junyoung.”

You bow your head politely toward all of them and mumble your greetings. “So this is the famous ____,” Sohee says immediately, grinning like he’s been waiting for this exact moment. “I was starting to think you were made up.”

Anton gives him a look. “Can you not?”

“What? I’m being welcoming,” Sohee says, offended.

Minyoung, still attached to your hand, chooses that exact moment to wrap himself tighter around your arm. Anton glances down at him. “Buddy, go play with your friends. They’re probably wondering where you went.”

Minyoung’s grip only tightens. “I don’t want to.”

“Why not?”

He leans closer into your side and mutters, “Suri keeps following me.”

You, against your better judgment, ask. “Who’s Suri?”

Minyoung pouts. “She's Yebin-Nonna’s sister. She doesn’t want to look at the bugs. She just keeps talking to me.”

Sohee loses it at that, spitting out some of his soda. “Lil bro has game and doesn’t even know it.”

Anton shoots him a glare. “Do you mind?”

Sohee only shrugs. “I’m just saying.”

Anton crouches a little so he’s more level with his son and says, gentler this time, “Minyoung, they all came to celebrate you. Go play for a bit. Noona’s still going to be here.”

Minyoung’s eyes flick up to yours immediately. You smile down at him. “I’m not going anywhere, bug.”

He studies your face for another second, clearly debating before finally letting out a long defeated sigh. He peels himself away from you inch by inch, then trudges toward the doorway. You watch him shuffle back toward the herd of children, all explorer hats and dirt-smudged knees and noisy little voices. You see two boys spot him immediately and wave him over, you recognize them from the festival. You watch them grab for his hands the second he gets close enough. More importantly, you can’t help but notice the gleeful little girl in pigtails who practically lights up when Minyoung rejoins the group.

“Oh wow,” Sungchan says from where he’s been leaning against the counter. “I can’t believe he actually listened.”

You turn back just in time to catch Anton rolling his eyes. “We’re working on it.”

Before Minyoung can be teased further, Yebin cuts in. “Moving on! Tell me about you, Anton said you were visiting?”

Every eye in the kitchen lands on you again. You immediately feel heat crawl up your neck. “Um, yeah. I’m staying with my grandmother for the summer.”

Yebin nods then says, “Well, I for one am very appreciative of the addition of another girl. Do you see how much testosterone I’m surrounded by?”

Sohee rolls his eyes. “That’s dramatic.”

You laugh, a little awkward but genuine enough and hold out Minyoung’s gift toward Anton before the attention can stay on you too long. “This is for the birthday boy.”

Anton takes it from you with a small nod. “Thanks. I’ll go leave it in his room before he sees it and tries to open it early.”

“Sounds about right,” Junyoung chirps.

Anton ignores him and disappears down the hall with the gift bag, leaving you standing in the middle of his kitchen with four people you’ve known for less than five minutes and no idea what to do with your hands. Yebin solves the problem for you by hooking her arm through yours.

“Com on, lets get you a drink.”

You let her guide you mostly because she doesn’t give you much choice. She opens the fridge and glances back at you. “Kid parties are cute until you realize the only thing anyone is offering you is juice. Orange or Apple?”

“Orange please.”

“Excellent choice.”

She hands you a little juice box before reaching into the cabinet for straws. “That’s one of the downsides about children’s parties. No alcohol, no good gossip and at least one child is always sticky.”

“Speak for yourself,” Sohee says from behind you. “I’m excellent gossip.”

Yebin doesn’t even bother turning around. “You are the gossip.”

By the time Yebin nudges you into one of the stools at the island, the worst of your nerves have started to settle. She leans against the counter across from you, straw between her fingers and studies you before asking, “so, where did you and Anton meet?”

“At work,” you answer automatically.

Yebin’s brows lift. “Oh? You’re from the firm?”

You blink. “The what?”

Now it’s her turn to look confused so you backtrack and try again. “I mean…” You clear your throat. “I met him while he was working. At my grandmother’s house.”

Yebin throws her head back. “Oh! Why didn’t you just say that? I thought you were from his landscaping firm!”

You tilt your head to the side, “landscaping firm?”

Yebin pauses halfway through pushing the straw into her juice box and looks at you properly. “His firm?” she repeats. “You know…the one he owns.”

You blink at her. Before you can ask anything else, Anton steps back into the kitchen. All of you look his way at once. He slows in the doorway, clearly catching the tail end of whatever you’d just said. For a second he only stands there with one hand still on the doorframe.

“You own a firm?” you ask.

Anton pauses then sheepishly brushes the back of his neck before nodding. “Yeah.”

Sungchan, who has been leaning against the counter, pushes off it just enough to clap Anton once on the shoulder. “He was the one in charge of the park rebuild in town. He’s really talented.”

And just like that, it all clicks.

The Range Rover, the house. The way he had looked over your sketches and understood the architectural structures. Even the questions he asked you make more sense now. It hadn’t been idle curiosity but recognition.

You furrow your brows. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

Anton shrugs and reaches without thinking for a piece of fruit from Junyoung’s plate. Junyoung doesn’ t complain. He only nudges the plate farther toward him so Anton can take more.

“You didn’t ask,” Anton says.

That shouldn’t catch your attention as much as it does. If that had been you and Maude, your hand would have gotten smacked away before you even made contact. Here, Junyoung barely looks up from his drink. It seems, you think as you glance between the brothers, that even the people around Anton seem to carry the same gentleness he does.

“Fair,” you say at last, lifting your juice box for another sip.

Just then, the sliding glass door to the backyard opens up. You glance over in time to see an older couple stepping in from the backyard, both of them looking faintly windblown from being outside with a swarm of children. Anton straightens a little. “Mom, Dad, this is ____.”

You bow your head politely, suddenly very aware of yourself all over again. His mother’s face softens at once. “So this is ____! It’s nice to finally meet you.”

His father nods in agreement. “Thank you for coming.”

You smile politely but say nothing else. Anton’s mother’s eyes drift to the far side of the kitchen and settle on Sungchan. Her brows lift just slightly. “Sungchan-ah,” she says, sounding a little surprised.

Sungchan bows his head slightly, “auntie.” he says softly.

“How are you?” She asks so gently you almost miss it. Anton really takes after his mother you think to yourself.

“I’m well, auntie. And you?” He replies.

Anton’s mother smiles at him. “I’m good.” She takes a minute then adds, “it was kind of you to come, given your sister and all.”

Sungchan’s ears go a little pink. He shrugs, glancing down at the counter for a moment before looking back up. “Anything for Minyoung.”

Anton’s father nods once, his expression warm. “That’s appreciated.”

No one elaborates. No one needs to, apparently. It seems you are the odd one out. You make a mental note but say nothing. You don’t even let your face change but your eyes flick to Sungchan once more then to Anton, then away again before anyone can catch the direction of your thoughts.

You hear Sohee clap his hands together before taking Yebin’s drink from her mid-sip. “Come on, it’s our turn to go watch the kids.”

“Hey–” Yebin starts, reaching for it but he’s already halfway to the door.

Anton’s mother only shakes her head, wishing them good luck on their way out and soon enough the kitchen begins to empty around you. Junyoung trails after them with his plate of cut fruit in one hand and his drink in the other. Sungchan follows, pausing to grab the tray of frog cupcakes before disappearing through the sliding doors as well. Anton’s father lingers to ask if you’ve had anything to eat yet and when you assure him you’re not hungry, he nods and heads back outside too.

That leaves you with Anton and his mother. She turns to you then, her expression softening. “You don’t need to sit there looking so nervous, sweetheart. No one’s going to bite.”

Heat creeps up your neck at being read so easily. “I’m not nervous.”

Anton, standing beside the counter, snorts softly. You shoot him a glare. His mother only smiles wider. “Well,” she says, glancing toward the backyard, “come on then. If you’re here, you may as well be useful.”

You appreciate that more than being fussed over so you follow them outside. You have to actively try to keep your jaw from dropping once you’re on the patio. The lawn has been transformed into some miniature explorer’s paradise, each little section built around one of Minyoung’s obsessions. In one corner, there’s a dinosaur dig where children crouch in the sand with tiny brushes and plastic tools, screaming every time someone uncovers what is very obviously a fake fossil. Next to that is a bug discovery table lined with butterfly nets and magnifying glasses. Off to the side sits the amphibian corner with live tree frogs and careful adult supervision and a tray of the frog cupcakes Sungchan had brought out. Farther back, an ocean-themed section has somehow been assembled too, complete with shark cutouts and toy sea creatures.

It should feel excessive, instead it feels intentional. Built by people who know this child well enough to take every strange little interest rattling around in his head and make a whole afternoon out of it.

Anton’s mother wastes no time handing you a basket of little explorer-themed goodie bags and pointing you toward the bug table where a cluster of children has started arguing over who gets the green butterfly net. You sort that crisis out first. Then a little boy starts crying because someone stole his fossil brush and you fix that too. At some point, you find yourself crouched beside a plastic tub explaining to three deeply sticky children why rhinoceros beetles are so cool.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, Minyoung finds you. He appears at your side flushed with heat and excitement, explorer hat hanging down his back by its string and glasses missing. “Noona!” he says, already grabbing your hand. “Come look, come look, come look!”

You let him drag you away and show you each and every one of his favorite items. Before you know it, one station has turned into all of them. The kids have all gotten louder and you’ve gotten more comfortable. By the time the cake comes out you feel well in your element and almost at home. When Anton’s mother presses her phone into your hands and asks if you mind recording, you find yourself accepting without a second thought.

The crowd gathers around the table in a loose half-circle. Minyoung stands at the center of it all in his little khaki button-up, cheeks pink and his grin so wide. The cake in front of him is decorated with little explorer details and plastic dinosaurs.

You lift the phone as everyone begins to sing. Minyoung glows through the whole thing. There is no other word for it. He bounces slightly in place while the song carries around him, hands clasped in front of himself like he might explode if he moves too much. Behind him, Anton stands close enough to catch him if he falls backward from all his excitement. His matching shirt is slightly wrinkled now, his hair no longer sitting neatly from the beginning of the day and yet he looks even more handsome than he had when you first arrived.

The party carries on for a while after that. Children swarm the gift table as soon as the cake is cut. Minyoung, sugared up and flushed with excitement, tears through wrapping paper. Every now and then he stops to hold something up for the nearest adult to see before moving on to the next.

The rest of the gifts blur after that. He's gifted tons of books, a microscope from his grandparents, a few science kits and a remote controlled car. After gifts the kids run around a bit more, high off of sugar from the cake before one by one parents begin collecting their sweat covered kids. By the time the last family leaves, Minyoung is running almost entirely on fumes.

You notice it when he walks over to Anton rubbing one eye with his fist, his little explorer hat missing now. “Can I open Noona’s gift tomorrow?”

Anton glances down at him and nods, affectionately rubbing his head. “Tomorrow,” he agrees.

Minyoung nods then promptly leans into his father’s leg and nearly falls asleep standing up. That gets a small laugh out of you. “Okayyy, birthday boy is done.”

Anton huffs a quiet laugh and bends to lift him. Minyoung goes willingly, all limp limbs and sleepy sighs, his head dropping onto Anton’s shoulder without protest. Within seconds, his little fingers have curled into the back of Anton’s shirt.

You gather a stack of paper plates from the table and glance over at them. “Go put him down, I’ll start cleaning up.”

Anton shifts Minyoung higher against his chest and looks at you like you’ve said something slightly outrageous. “You don’t have to do that.”

You shrug and begin stacking abandoned cups inside the empty cake box. “I know but you’re going to have to clean all this eventually anyway, sooo.”

“That doesn’t mean you have to help.”

You look over your shoulder at him. “Anton, go.”

For a second he just stands there as if weighing out his options before finally relenting. “Okay,”

You wave him away with one hand. Anton lets out a laugh as he heads inside, carrying Minyoung up the stairs while you turn back to the yard and begin the slow work of picking out the streamers from Anton’s perfectly mowed lawn.

You’re halfway through gathering juice boxes into a recycling bag when you hear footsteps on the patio behind you. Anton returns a minute later, sleeves from his jumpsuit wrapped around his waist. “He’s out,” he says.

You toss an empty solo cup into the trash bag. “I’m shocked.”

Anton laughs quietly and reaches for the stack of plates in your hands, taking half without asking. The two of you fall into step beside one another with surprising ease, moving around the backyard in tandem.

After a while, he says, “Thank you.”

You glance over. “What for?”

“For today.” He lowers the plates onto the table before gathering up a fistful of napkins. “For showing up for him.”

You toss another cup into the bag and shake your head. “You don’t have to thank me. Minyoung promoted me to best friend. It probably would’ve been a deal breaker if I didn’t come.”

He snorts at your words before tying off the trash bag. You watch him carry the bag toward the side gate, following with the last stack of plates and toss it into his recycling bin before you both head back inside to tackle the dishes.

The kitchen is quieter now than it had been all day. The two of you move around each other with an ease that feels far too natural for people who, not all that long ago, could barely get through dinner without silently judging one another.

You rinse frosting off a cake knife before washing it and setting it aside to dry. Anton is at the counter behind you organizing utensils. You keep washing dishes and say, “you did good.”

He looks up at your words. He doesn’t reply right away, just stares at the back of your head. “The party. It was really nice.” You turn to clarify at his silence.

Anton’s mouth twitches. “Yeah? Thank you.”

You smile and turn back toward the sink. For a moment, the only sounds in the kitchen are running water and the soft clink of silverware. Then you remember the glass Junyoung had abandoned near the fruit tray earlier and glance over your shoulder. “Can you pass me Junyoung’s glass?”

You hear Anton reach for it and dry your hands quickly on the dish towel so you don’t soak his hand and reach out behind you, expecting him to simply place it there. Instead, when the glass touches your palm, so do his fingers. It’s the smallest touch but it gives both of you pause.

You turn so you’re facing him, still holding on to the glass and his hand. You gulp as you assess just how close the two of you have gotten, he stands directly in front of you, close enough that the smallest inch froward from either of you would completely eliminate any remaining space.

You look down at the hand holding onto the glass before looking back at Anton only to find him staring at your lips. You lick them instinctively, your own eyes drifting down to his. You part your lips slightly in anticipation.

“Tell me to stop,” he says quietly. That should probably be your cue to laugh or say something smart or even remind him that his son is asleep upstairs. Instead, you hear yourself ask, “Are you going to?”

Then, before he can control himself, he’s bending down and kissing you. 

Anton’s lips, all of a sudden on yours, cause your eyes to widen for a fraction of a second before you slip them shut. His hand not holding yours moves to loosely grip your neck, lifting your chin higher as your other hand fists his shirt, pulling him closer. 

Anton’s tongue swipes along your bottom lip and you automatically respond by parting your lips as his tongue slips into your mouth, curling around yours. You moan and the glass slips from both your hands at once, it hits the hardwood floor but it doesn’t stop either of you. His hand at your neck slides down to your waist and he uses it to guide you back until the edge of the sink presses into your lower back, caging you in.

The hand that was just holding yours pins you against the counter keeping you there with him. Your fingers tighten in his shirt, wrinkling the fabric beneath your fist and when you push up against him for more, Anton exhales sharply through his nose. Your other hand slips into his hair and you tug, trying to elicit a reaction.

Anton reacts instantly, his mouth parting against yours to moan your name against your lips. He kisses you harder after that and slips one thigh between yours, he then takes the hand that was resting beside your waist to slide it down and catch the back of your leg to hitch it up and pull you in.

You gasp involuntarily at the feeling of him rock hard against your core. You tilt your head back to catch your breath but Anton seems unsatisfied by that and leans in to pepper kisses down your neck while you catch your breath. He kisses along your sensitive skin. He presses another kiss just beneath your jaw then another right on your collarbone.

You give his hair one hard tug when you feel him starting to suck on the area, no doubt leaving behind his mark. Anton squeezes your hip in apology before lifting you fully, setting you onto the counter with an ease that sends another startled breath out of you. He steps between your knees immediately, crowding your personal space.

His hands settle against your waist and you rest your hands over his shoulders before kissing him again, slower this time. You place gentl pecks against his lips before going back in, your tongues brushing against each other. You’re about to slide your hands down the front of his shirt to remove it when a sharp knock comes from the front door.

Anton stills as if he’s trying very hard to decide whether he cares. You reach up, cupping his face between your hands before he can pull back too far and kiss him again. “Ignore it,” you mutter against his mouth.

That almost does it. You feel the way he leans back into you, genuinely considering it. Then the knock comes again, louder this time. Anton pulls away with a sigh, “Sorry.” He mutters.

You want to groan at being interrupted but you let him pull away and take in how disheveled he looks. His hair is sticking up in different directions and his lips are red and swollen, shining with a mix of your saliva.

He takes a few steps back and you can’t help but let your eyes trail down his body, taking in the way his body betrays him. You clear your throat, trying and failing to sound normal. “Do you want me to get it?”

Anton glances down and immediately flushes. His hands move in front of himself with almost comical speed and he gives the smallest nod. “Just need a minute." he says, voice still a little wrecked.

You bite back a smile and hop down from the counter, legs feeling unhelpfully unsteady beneath you. In a mild daze, you smooth down the front of your jumpsuit and head toward the door. When you pull the front door open, you’re met with a woman standing on the other side clutching a large gift bag in both hands.

Both of you pause. She looks just as confused to see you as you are to see her. You tilt your head slightly, already opening your mouth to ask who she is and what exactly she’s doing at Anton’s house this late but before you can get a word out, Anton appears behind you. “Who’s–”

He cuts himself off the second he rounds the corner and stands behind you. You feel his body go rigid and turn your head to look at him cautiously.

His face seems to have lost all color and his lips are drawn downward in a frown. Your brows furrow, wondering who she is and why her presence is enough to cause such a reaction.

Anton steps closer and clenches his jaw. “Jia?”

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@nekotoni @moonqtni @deighsees @kyliezone

[agapesx]

THAT’S MY WHY || ANTON LEE

pairing : idol!anton x f!idol!reader

content : vulgar language, mentions of passing out, unconsciousness, hospital visit, endearments/petnames (baby, love), arguing

word count : 2.6k

notes : im using meovv as her group (i live for riize and meovv!), also english isn’t my first language (spare me), light mode is reader, dark mode is anton, also ignore the timestamps,

Having just finished a heavy rehearsal for your upcoming tour, you’re exhausted and your legs felt like they might give out beneath you. The moment you sat on the car you fell a sleep and after getting back to your dorm you laid on the couch looking at the message you sent your boyfriend six hours ago, a simple "how are you, baby?" and to your disappointment, you have been on delivered for hours. Not even read. You groaned, rolling your eyes at how annoying this situation is.

Finding time for each other has become nearly impossible lately. Being an idol has taken up both your lives, especially now with tour rehearsals, performances and endless promotion shoots. Everyday is another day of filled schedules and little to no time to talk to the only one who can actually calm you down.

You stare at the screen for a minute longer, knowing you’re being unreasonable and yet unable to stop yourself from getting irritated. A small update would be nice. Even a quick photo or a simple “I’m okay”. Anything would make you less worried about him because right now, all you're thinking of is if he’s okay, if he’s eaten yet, or how his back and feet feel from all the dancing he’s doing.

Pouting, you texted him.

It’s been weeks since you and Anton have had a proper conversation. Your free time won't match up. When he finally gets a moment to breathe, you’re the one stuck in a dance studio or in front of a camera. When you get your break, he’s back on stage or getting whatever scraps of sleep he can.

You try not to complain. This is the career you both dreamed of, the one you worked tirelessly for. You knew there would be sacrifices. You knew there would be days where work came first but some days are harder than others and today happens to be one of those days.

After hours of dance practice, vocal training, and a lot of scolding from your choreographer and manager. All you wanted was him. To see his face, hear his voice, know about his day. You just want to be back in each other’s loop again. To be reminded that he was there too, missing you just as much as you missed him.

While waiting for his reply, exhaustion took over pulling you into sleep. Your phone forgotten as you curled up on the couch.

Not even thirty minutes in your sleep you get a series of notification, jolting you awake. Looking at the notifications, hoping that one of them was from your boyfriend but to your dismay, still no reply. You plan to go back to sleep until you see the notification: RIIZE posted a tiktok.

You opened it, only to see the face of your boyfriend, doing some tiktok trend. Normally, you would be happy to get an update from him but now you’re angry. Left on delivered for six hours only to see him post a tiktok? oh your blood is boiling.

You texted him and was soon met with his irritating reply.

That reply made you call him and he answered immediately. You stood up and speed-walked to your room, not wanting your members to hear your fight.

“I would have told you, if you actually replied to my messages” That was the first thing that you said to Anton when the call connected, to which he scoffed. You could practically imagine the way he just rolled his eyes.

“Oh, so now you can’t just type that you’re going on a show with your ex?” He fired back. He saw the clips of the show on his socials and he got jealous, fast. The way fans started shipping you with your ex made him sick. “Why would you even go in the first place?”

“You do know that I’m not the one who pick and choose the cast, right?” You said, anger hinted in your voice. You didn’t like where this conversation is going. “I found out—”

“Im just saying, you could’ve declined the offer.” Anton interrupted with that tone you didn’t quite liked. He said that like the show wasn’t big and that the show wouldn’t help with your group’s promotion.

“Wait, why are we even talking about this? We should talk about you leaving me on delivered for six hours!?” You tried to put the conversation to the main reason why you were angry.

“Yes, because every time I talk about something that’s bothering me, you make it about you.” His voice was laced with sarcasm. The sentence made you pause, was he being for real? Did he actually feel like that? But you were too frustrated to actually think before the next words left your mouth.

“You know what? Maybe I make things about me because lately it feels like I’m the only one still fighting for this relationship.” You started, all the frustration you’re feeling suddenly attaches to words you didn’t know you were saying until they had already left your mouth. “Maybe if you actually acted like my boyfriend once in a while, you would tell me things so I don’t have to find out from strangers on the internet.”

“Like I didn’t find out about you and him on the internet” Anton said, his voice felt like he would puke at any given moment just at the mention of your ex. Jealousy clearly in his tone. “Those edits of you and him all happy? huh?”

“Oh please, Chanyoung. As if you don’t do fan service.”

“That’s different.” He argued, his blood boiling every minute the conversation continued. This whole thing shouldn’t have happened but like you, his mouth moves before his brain does. “Actually, you’re here acting like I’m such a bad boyfriend while you go and hangout with your ex.”

“Stop bringing him into this, Anton!” Your voice slightly increases. You were too upset with him. How can he focus on that when he hasn’t spoken to you properly in days— almost a week now. “Is that why you aren’t speaking to me? Because you’re jealous? How mature, Chanyoung.”

“WHAT!?” Anton exclaimed, his voice startling you. The two of you were now both angry at each other. His voice also raised with frustration. “I’m busy, Y/N!”

“Aren’t we all?” You fired back. You hated the way that he wasn't listening to what you were saying, too angry that you didn’t even try to understand what he was saying. “I’m tired of this“

“And why are you acting like you’re the only one tired?” Anton was fuming, his words making your groan in annoyance, “I can’t do this anymore, you and I—“

You were about to fire back but the line ends. The call disconnects which made you scoff in disbelief. What the actual fuck? How low can he be? You have never experienced this with Anton before. The two of you would always talk it out, little fights here and there but never to this point.

This whole situation is starting to make you cry, this isn’t how you wanted your day to end. You didn’t want to be in this fight with Anton while he was in— hell you didn’t even know which country his tour is currently in. While on the verge of crying, you tried to call him back. Only to be met with the computer generated tone, “The number you have dialed is currently unavailable.”

That made you irritated, so you put your phone on Do Not Disturb. If he wanted space then he can fucking have all the space in the world. But before you could even relax, the door to your room suddenly opened. Revealing one of your members, Sooin, who looked like she might pass out with how pale she looks.

“What happened?” You immediately went to her, trying to calm her down. Her breathing is uneven. You tried your best to comfort her before she finally spoke. “It’s Narin, she won’t wake up.”

That made you panic, you quickly let her go, telling her to get your keys as you go and check on Narin who is being held by Gawon. The poor girl looked pale and wouldn’t even respond to anything.

Everything felt like a blur from that point. All the anger you felt earlier was replaced with worry for your younger member. You didn’t even notice how fast you were driving, the voices of your other members trying to wake up Narin sounded like distant buzz in your ears. The moment you got to the hospital, you and the girls only let out a breath when you heard the doctors say that she had a pulse and her breathing was stable, the five of you sat at the waiting area.

Anton on the other hand groaned when his phone suddenly died. His phone just had the greatest timing in the world, peep the sarcasm. He didn’t even finish what he was going to say, sighing in annoyance he stood up to look for a charger.

While his phone charged, he decided to take a shower. Using the time to cool down and actually rethink about the fight you just had. Understanding the situation and what you were upset about. Now with a clearer mind and away from the heat of the moment, the whole situation started to make him feel guilty. He shouldn’t have gotten mad at something that wasn’t your control.

By the time Anton finished, he opened his phone and started to call you but you weren’t answering. Pouting, he thought you had fallen asleep which made his heart clench. You had been just as exhausted and overwhelmed as he was.

You definitely shouldn’t have fallen asleep with a heavy heart.

Anton let out a sigh of relief after sending his texts. He knows that It wasn’t enough to fix what had happened but at least he had finally said what he should have said from the start. He just hoped that you would call him when you wake up.

Locking his phone, he prepared to go to sleep too but there was this faint feeling that something was wrong. He tried to ignore it but the feeling kept growing so he tried to call you again. By the third unconnected call, he began to panic. Anton knew his girlfriend wasn’t a heavy sleeper so he knew you would surely wake up from the phone ringing. He tried one last time before he looked at your location.

“What the—” He murmured to himself. Your location at the hospital. Anton tried to reload the app, hoping that it was just a bug but still the location didn’t change. His heart pounding, his breathing uneven as he tried to call you again. “Please answer the phone.”

Anton stood up, shaking as he started to look through his bag, checking for his wallet and passport. He kept trying to call and text you. His worry increased every second and then he scrolled through his notifications and saw a notification from 10 minutes ago. My Love in risky drive, 142 km/h. The man felt his heart drop, his mind suddenly going to the worst possible scenario.

The words on his phone blurred as he started to tear up. He looked for his shoes and grabbed his bag, ready to go. In the lobby of the hotel, Anton passed his manager who looked puzzled seeing him with tears rolling down his face.

“Chanyoung, where are you going?” His manager questioned him but Anton didn’t answer, walking even faster and was soon stopped by the manager. “What happened?”

“I uh I need to go” Anton choked out, his vision still blurry. He didn’t know what to do other than to go to you. He needed to see you, right now but his manager won’t let go of him. “Stay here and tell me what’s going on.”

The younger man still couldn’t process what was going on, tears still spilling down his face.

“You know what, sit down for a bit, I’ll call the others.” The manager said, taking the distraught boy to one of the chairs near the lobby. With his manager gone, Anton took the opportunity to leave and hail a taxi to go to the airport, which was hard considering that it was in the middle of the night but a few agonizing minutes passed and he successfully managed to get a taxi.

Once he arrived at the airport, he quickly looked for the next flight to Korea. Ignoring the calls and text from his managers and members.

The wait was excruciating, Anton couldn’t stand the fact that he was far away from you while you were hurt. He couldn’t help but overthink, his heart racing. Every minute passed without knowing if you were okay was torture for him.

The fight didn’t matter to him anymore, not when the possibility of losing you is presented in front of him.

You had woken up from the sound of the people walking by the room your in, looking around and seeing the other girls curled up on the couch and their own makeshift bed. None of you were willing to go back to the dorms without seeing Narin wake up so you all decided to sleep there.

It was probably five in the morning. You were still a bit sleepy but started to look for your phone when you suddenly remembered Anton. “Shit” You whispered to yourself, not knowing where you placed your phone.

You quietly left the hospital room and made your way to the parking lot, still searching for your phone. Fortunately for you, your phone was there. Letting out a sigh of relief, you quickly grabbed it and went back to Narin’s room. While walking there, you turn off the DND and the next second notification after notification pops up.

Looking through his messages, your heart aches, each text becomes more desperate than the last.

| baby brachio: baby answer the phone please

| baby brachio: why are you at the hospital?

| baby brachio: please tell me your okay

| baby brachio: im begging you, my love

| baby brachio: just please answer the phone

You were so immersed in the messages Anton sent you that you didn’t notice someone running towards you until you felt arms wrapping around you. Startled you started to pull away but you felt your shoulder getting wet at the same time you started hearing sobs.

Inhaling his scent you knew who it was, you tried to move to face him but his grip on you tightened like you would disappear if he let go. The sobs he let out only made your heart ache more.

“Hey, I'm right here.” You try to comfort him, rubbing soft circles on his arms, waiting for him to calm down. He turned you around and brought you into another hug. “Ton, I’m okay.”

“I was so scared.” Anton admitted, his face buried into your neck. You hug him tighter while placing a kiss on his shoulder. The moment felt so soothing for him as he finally have you safe in his arms. “I thought you were hurt.”

“I couldn’t live with the fact that our last conversation would be a fight” Anton said as you slowly pulled away, getting a good look at his face. His eyes were red and swollen, his lips trembling. He looked so pitiful. You cup his face, thumbs wiping his tears away. Anton placed his hand on top of your right hand and kissed your palm.

“I love you so much and I can’t lose you” The confession makes you emotional. Smiling at him, you pull him to sit on the nearby chairs. You pressed a quick kiss on his cheek.

“I love you more, baby and you won't lose me, I’m right here” You said as you took his hand and placed it on top of your heart. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“You better not.” Anton said, making you chuckle. He moved to give you a forehead kiss and finally a kiss on your lips.