SM’s new girl group centers around the concepts of Mythology and Astronomy. What would happen when the girls befriend half of the KPOP industry? That we will soon find out.
He didn’t like her and she couldn’t figure out why. But what she doesn’t know is that he feels something other than hate. Something she wouldn’t think of. Changes needed to be made but for two different reasons.
paring: idol!san x idol!reader
side ships: wooyoung x reader
genre: social media au, angst, fluff, maybe smut??
warning: cursing, sexual jokes, stalker activity
status: ongoing
a/n: this is my first time doing a smau so I hope everything goes well. as of now there is not an update schedule but if anything comes up I will notify. don’t pay close attention to the timestamps they aren’t important unless noted
✨Epilogue (Part One) 1.3: The real treasure is the jokes we made along the way (Friends too)
Previous Part✨ Next Part✨
Masterlist of the AU✨
Word Count: 4.1K
This Chapter Contains: Fluff and lots of laughter.
Cafe Utopia replaced their low hanging, pendant golden bulbs with muted track lights, transforming the magical essence of the cafe into a retro adobe of artworks.
The works were purchased from local artists of the campus itself.
San resigned himself from the duties of the cafe before his final year began to focus more on his studies and dance club activities, but before he left he made sure to tell you with twinkling eyes all the detailed effort the staff had put into altering the cafe’s interior.
The contemporary ebony furniture has been replaced with a vintage one, small earthen pots of succulents having taken the place of the matte black vases and instead of piano tunes, jazzy tracks set a true 1920s mood.
The renovation had intrigued the entire campus and nearby settlers resulting into the crowd increasing twofold. Even San, Jongho and you had spent a good thirty minutes stuffed in a horde, studying the creativity splashed all over the walls, thriving amongst the aroma of baked goods and warm variety of beverages.
“Excuse me, your order is ready.” The new part timer, a friendly looking freshman girl interrupts your inner monologue. “Two matcha teas, one latte and two iced americanos. One of them with six.......pumps of sugar syrup?” Her confusion drawls on as she recites the order.
You remove your studying gaze from the artworks hung behind her, “Yes, that’s right. Two iced americanos. One of them with six pumps of sugar syrup.” You confirm with a straight smile to absolve her confusion.
She’s new to the world of odd customer orders and you don’t blame her for questioning the amount of sugar syrup added to an americano that is supposed to have none.
“Alright!” She chuckles hesitantly, placing the coffee cup carrier on the counter, “Here’s your order. Have a good day!”
You smile, grabbing the carrier, “Thank you.”
She’s unable to hide her subtly judgemental eyes as you move out of the waiting queue of students to claim one of the two remaining tables by the corner.
However, a familiar tall frame stands in your way, offering you a small wave.
He is truly a sight for the sore eyes in his usual boyfriend attire along with his adorable, inviting smile.
“Hello there.” Says Seonghwa, taking the carrier from your hands that are full, relieving you of the drowning weight of your bag stuffed with notebooks, resembling the weight of stones and boulders.
“Hwa!” You inch upwards to greet him with a quick peck. He follows suit instantly, planting the softest little kiss on your lips. “You’re here early.” You state with a smile, motioning towards the now only remaining table by the corner.
He hums, walking towards the table and scooting into the corner most seat, “I knew you’d rush here after the valedictory event so I decided to be a good boyfriend and came early.” He speaks with a beam before busying himself in pulling out his treasured binder and a tablet from his backpack.
Huffing out an exhausted breath, you lazily comb your disheveled hair with your fingers, tying them into a careless ponytail, “Yes, that you are. The cashier judged me real good for ordering six pumps of syrup in an americano.”
His ears turn red, eyes down, glued on the tablet’s screen.
You suppress your laugh while scouring through your bag for all the important documents you possess of the radio show and the infamous blue pendrive of Hongjoong.
“I am getting there, alright?” He speaks with an affirmative tone. “Baby steps.”
Baby steps. They sure are baby steps.
These baby steps of Seonghwa’s journey on the road of caffeine and fatigue began when on a sweaty summer night, he texted you from Japan that his hostel mates made him drink ‘The Bitter Drink of Death’, Iced Americano. Your surprise was an understatement until he started drinking it with an unhealthy amount of sugar just to tire himself out for the night after struggling to sleep in a foreign environment.
If he ends up submitting himself to the dark lord of coffee right after you’ve escaped the very trap, God knows where it will lead him to.
Hopefully not the path of sleeplessness that you walked on.
Your fingers reach out to playfully caress his forehead, “Yeah, baby steps. They sure are baby steps. I wonder when they will evolve into toddler steps before the--------hey!”
Your teasing only lasts so long. His catches your hand, intertwining it with his, eyes boring straight into yours.
His gaze catches yours and you freeze, “What?”
“Remember when I kissed you after I drank the guava juice. Here’s a fun idea. Let’s kiss after I’m done with my oh-so-mistakenly judged americano.” He winks, fully showcasing his mischief.
“Ha-ha! very funny and original.” You shake your head, pulling out the cup of matcha tea from the carrier, sipping a mouthful to cherish the rich taste, “Your acts of revenge are weird and advantageous to me. Please, do it more often.”
He leans forwards, his palms supporting his cheek, “Don’t get cheeky with me. Our vacation is a night away, babe.” He utters those words in a soft voice contradicting it with a toying grin.
It is hard to not let the excitement take all over your face with its full glory when he does these little acts of affection and pokes at you with loving intent.
“Not much for you to worry about, you can just leave me behind or....” You pause for a good second before presenting your sardonic suggestion. “You can block me like you did yesterday night.” You shrug, feigning irritation.
He chuckles at your snarky comment.
“You know, I didn’t really block you, right?” It’s now his turn to shake his head, “I was just really…” He leaves his confession incomplete
You snicker against the straw, the drink spluttering across your lips “Drunk, I know, baby tolerance. Yunho’s snap was enough for me to tell.”
“Hm, yeah, whatever.” His tone is monotonous but the joy remains in his expression.
Jongho and Yeosang walk in through the entrance carrying their, as said by Yunho, smart boy presence. Ever since they started working together for the radio, to say their harmony has been unbeatable and unmatchable is a given.
An ideal teamwork build on the basis of understanding. Unlike Yeri and you.
You two can literally slay dragons together but for the love of god, absolutely cannot work on an academic project to save your lives. A lesson learned during high school chemistry project that lead to you becoming frenemies and scoring Asian parents worst nightmare in the form of the grade B.
“Hey idiot.” Jongho says, pushing you and your thoughts onto the seat beside with his extraordinary strength.
You take in a moment to absorb the blow you’ve just received, “Yees, hi.”
“You’re here.” Seonghwa acknowledges their presence while preparing his tablet to connect with the missing member, the much adored and respected, Kim Hongjoong.
“You were supposed to get a headstart on the meeting, why is your romance head starting here?” Yeosang delivers a jab before pushing his enchantingly distracting, long locks under a bucket hat.
“As always.” Jongho comments before poking your side with his elbow, “Tired, drink, give.” He mutters in code words and begins setting up his laptop.
Rolling your eyes, you pass along your best friend’s drink.
“Hey Yeosang! how is your love life going with that cute girl from Art History? Emma? Ella?” Your dancing eyebrows and coy words prick on a subject matter that has him shying away quite often.
You don’t remember whether her name is Emma or Anna but it is surely somewhere in between these two.
“(Y/N)” He seethes through his teeth, ramming his knee with yours causing your legs to collide into Seonghwa’s.
Is it going to be a meeting full of shoves and pulls from your friends today?
Your hand pulls your leg away from the attacker, rubbing the abused spot. “Hey! So much for niceties.”
“You know you deserved it. Now zip.” His words and precise and clear.
Biting your tongue, you offer him a little bow, “Yes, whipped sir.”
That earns you a glare and you accept it fair and sqaure.
“Oh my god! What is this? Pancake syrup?” Jongho interrupts, his face scrunched up with disgust.
You can hear the clicking of his tongue, horrified by the overly sweet drink.
His appalled gaze travels back and forth between the drink and the original owner of the drink, “You drink this? You actually drink this and enjoy the taste? How?”
You wonder how sweet that coffee must be for Jongho to be shocked to such scale of varied disgusted expressions but the curiosity is discarded instantly. If you voice this out in front of your boyfriend, it will answered by him giving you a deep kiss instead of just you passing his drink.
Hm, that’s not such a bad thing.
Oh, snap out of it (Y/N)!
Suddenly, Mingi lands onto your and Yeosang’s back, his long arms enveloping you both into his chest, smushing himself in between.
It is going to be a meeting full of shoves and pulls from your friends.
“Who drinks what?” Amused and ignorant of the conversation, Mingi’s booming voice echoes into your ears.
You flinch while the other victim tries to regain his normal hearing. Well, he certainly smacked the daydream out of you.
“Ouch, Mingi.” Yeosang expresses his disturbed state, staring right into his friend’s sparkling eyes.
You land a few soft pats on the victimised ear and answer, “Seonghwa’s candyland americano.”
Seonghwa snatches the drink from the boy, “Yes, I do. Here’s your kale juice.” He says and pushes the cup containing authentic americano.
A defeated sigh breaks through, “Just how many conversations are taking place right now? I’m lost.” The complaint filled, distorted voice belongs to none other than a pixelated Hongjoong speaking from the screen of the tablet, supported against your boyfriend’s backpack.
“About four ongoing topics.” Seonghwa estimates amusingly, declaring his best friend’s much awaited presence.
“Hongjoong!” The rest of you chime unanimously with excitement at the sight of your friend who is far away yet made time to participate.
You grin, holding up his pendrive, “I am holding your life’s work in my hand. It surely is quite a big day for us.”
He laughs at your actions, “It sure is good to see everyone’s annoying faces.” Moving closer to the screen, he squints.
Mingi jumps in to settle beside Jongho, “Yeah, long time, missed you too buddy.”
“It’s okay. That’s how his hard ass expresses love.” Seonghwa chuckles, adjusting the device so Hongjoong can have a good view of everyone. “We should get started before his boss calls for him to grace a meeting with his godly presence.”
“He’s a big deal now. Hot and fresh in the market.” Yeosang nods, throwing in his devilishly sweet smile, clicking open his pen.
“Yeah, yeah sure. Let it all out you goofs.” States Hongjoong, already quite accustomed with this kind of scenario.
And the friendly squabble begins. It’s the genre of your life now.
Easily settling amidst the usual manner of the group, you lean into your boyfriend’s shoulder, waiting for the conversation to circle back to the point.
“Let me know when you all are done pulling his leg to your heart’s content” You mumble, day’s exhaustion and the cafe’s ambience ready to put you into sleep.
Everyone falls quiet at your announcement.
“Nope, no. You need to write the minutes. Take a nap after the meeting.” Your boyfriend diverts his entire attention to you and begins landing soft pats on your cheek like an alarm clock that has come to life after getting snoozed for unhealthy amount of times.
“Should we get started with the meeting then?” Asks Yeosang, the teasing intent wiped off clean from his features.
“Yes, let’s begin.” Mingi adds with similar seriousness while stretching his arms.
Jongho swiftly slides his finger across the tablet screen to increase the brightness, “Yes guys, about time.” He nods, legs bouncing up and down in a rhythm.
You lift your head and blink at your friends. “Okay, haters of my sleep. Thank you for your cooperation” Rubbing your cheek, you glare at Seonghwa with droopy eyes.
Seonghwa turns towards the tablet in a flash, “You should begin so that you can leave early if something calls for it.”
Hongjoong chuckles and shifts in his ridiculously comfortable chair, “Thanks (Y/N).” He sighs and continues, “Shall we then?”
You crack your fingers and fix your posture, ready to type out the detailed minutes of the meeting and hold up a thumbs up for Hongjoong to see.
Now you know what card to pull out of your sleeve every time the conversation goes astray. Not if you’re the cause of it.
The meeting begins on an advisory note. Hongjoong dictates out the changes he’d like Jongho to propose to Mr. Lee for the better of the show.
For example, replacing the existing, antique mics and if generosity decides to grace Professor Lee’s mind then replacing the noisy monitor of the computer with a more functioning one.
Seonghwa and Hongjoong provide tips and tricks from their experience on how to convince Lee by getting on his good side to get suggestions approved.
Hearing your boyfriend’s input, the protective girlfriend switch in you awakens but you decide to deal with Lee sometime later.
You present the most important suggestion, as hailed by Mingi, getting one more couch in that vacant studio and if it is too much to ask for in Lee’s terms then simply replacing the hard chairs with ones that offer a softer cushion to sit on.
Jongho listens attentively, jotting down the topics of importance to him. You filter the surrounding idle chatter to write down error-free, structured minutes for him to refer to.
Mingi and Yeosang recommend several people from their respective department who they think might be suitable candidates to fill up the vacant positions and Seonghwa continues crossing points from the agenda one after another.
Jongho’s pen raps against the table top as he examines the advised names with pursed lips, “Is there anyone to whom I should pay more attention?” He raises an innocent query.
Seonghwa shakes his head instantly, “Nope. That’d be showing favouritism. We give a fair chance to anyone who is willing.”
“The kind of people who you work with contribute a lot to your journey so don’t make haste and select people who are keen on trying and improving.” Yeosang expands the meaning of his friend’s words.
Mingi, truly impressed, whispers to his friend, “Such words of wisdom, why don’t you write a book?”
“Trust me, I am trying, every day.” The long haired boy responds with a deadpan look, eyebags proving the gravity of his words.
Hongjoong hums in agreement, “The kind of people you work with either make the experience or break it. Look for people who find it comfortable to cooperate with you while managing their other priorities.” He ponders for a moment before continuing with an eager smile, “Last year, I recruited you as an announcer because you displayed the willingness to work with us and promised to put effort into it and the reason I chose (Y/N) was as simple as her wanting to try something new with an honest motivation. Simple reasons but what an effective teamwork it was, wasn’t it?” He finishes, glancing at everyone to approve his words.
His words have expectedly stirred everyone’s heart with the feeling of gratitude. You can tell by the way Seonghwa's attentive expression shifts into a softer one, Mingi and Jongho’s glistening eyes and Yeosang, who is reminiscing the thoughts of the past.
“Well spoken. You have such a way with words....” Mingi admits, eyes filled with admiration for his friend that he so dearly looks up to. “And...” He continues, “I’ll be with you, through every process and these dummies, they might be our former teammates but we will definitely pester them anytime when needed.”
“Mhm, Please do.” Seonghwa says with complete assurance.
Jongho nods, “Thank you for saying that. I feel confident and trusted.”
“You are very much trusted, Jong.” Looking up from your laptop, you stick out your tongue which he giggles at.
Leadership looks good on your best friend.
The boy from the tablet screen interjects with a chuckle, “Cry away. All we do is cry since in all our last everythings. Nobody knows it better than my dear best friend, Park Seonghwa.”
The accused’s neck turns towards the accuser.
If the action of a neck turning in a strange twist to confront a friend had a particular sound, it would be the noise of a door snapping with a painful creak on a thundering night.
“Excuse me? Why are my tears important right now? I was appreciating you a minute ago but it has all disappeared now. Poof.” Seonghwa retorts, fingers spreading into tiny fireworks to emphasize his emotions.
Your boyfriend’s naively, lively tone has you awing internally. You hold yourself back from ruffling his hair.
Clearing your throat, you announce, “Nobody cries today, it’s my best friend’s day, only he can cry.”
Jongho chucks Yeosang’s eraser at you, which hits your forehead with a light pang.
“Just gang up on us, why don’t you?” He sneers, suddenly one with Seonghwa.
“Guys, guys!” Hongjoong calls out loud for everyone’s attention after checking his wrist watch, “Unfortunately, I have to go so you’ll have to continue this lovely banter without me, alright?” He declares with much disappointment.
Mingi picks up the tablet closer to his face, “You’re leaving already?”
The meeting had picked up a great professional pace, you had forgotten that this is the last meeting and when Hongjoong leaves, the team’s official work ends. Forever.
You hear Hongjoong’s rushed voice, “Yes, sadly it’s time for an end of the day meeting here but I’ll get back to you on the group chat! Wrap up this meeting well.”
The tablet returns to its previous place and everyone bids him a final goodbye.
You stretch an arm towards the screen, waving him goodbye. “Talk to you later, take care!”
“Goodbye, my favourite people. It was an honour and a wild ride working with all of you.” And there he goes, leaving on an heart warming note.
The long haired boy moves his hand dismissively, “Oh please, save it. You just get back once then I’ll get you.”
“Threat accepted, Kang Yeosang.”
“Take care, Hong.” Seonghwa says before ending the call.
After Hongjoong’s departure, the discussion narrows down to the final topic, the passing of last year’s paperwork.
You handover all the paperwork you have kept safe till now, including your notes on ‘Basics of Audio Engineering’ which might be helpful for the next assistant.
But the main highlight of the show are not your notes.
It’s Seonghwa’s binder.
Your boyfriend’s shoulders relax. He pushes the binder in front of the new leader of Dazzling Night. The much maintained and treasured binder consisting of minutes of every meeting conducted under his supervision and the final written reports that he emailed to Mr. Lee after every show.
The binder that seldom left his eyes has not a single visible tear and crease. The holy binder itself. Heavy and hefty with recorded responsibilities.
“And here you go. Every record that I have stored with me so far, minus the scripts, of course.” He taps the binder twice, glancing at the former script writer.
“I have a folder of scripts, arranged by the date and theme. I’ll email it to you right after this meeting.” Yeosang states proudly, wearing a smile of ease.
Nodding at the file you delivered, you speak, “That contains some study notes and scripts for the special segment so that you can plan your own with love.”
Jongho collects the hand overs in a neat pile, examining it with wonder, “All of our past work is in here, huh?”
“Every little detail we could note down. Use it well.” Yeosang places his hand on top of Jongho’s out of encouragement.
He takes in every member of the former crew for one last time. His idiot of a motivating, proofreader best friend, the reliable former leader, the talented scriptwriter/his co-announcer and finally, a note of remembrance, the pendrive of the composer. Of course, the positive light of Song Mingi, who will continue accompanying him for another year.
Jongho wears his best competent expression and promises, “Yes, I will do my best. How can I not? I need to carry Seonghwa’s maintained legacy.”
Mingi lets out an amusing whistle at the youngest’s impressive words.
With a warm smile and blush tinted ears, Seonghwa retrieves his hand away from the binder, “Oh please. You’ll do well.” He says with gentle eyes. “It will feel tiresome at times but believe me, after every show you will see your efforts coming to life and the work will feel worth it. The listeners’ feedback will make your day, even the littlest one.”
The listeners. The wonderful and attentive listeners of Dazzling Night who made the crew’s nights special with their appreciative and supportive tweets. Every night after every show, you would discuss feedback that inspired you as a team to keep on pursuing the best with what you had.
The heartwarming, tearful and hilarious stories and the various flowers that bloomed with every dedication, posing as a life lesson on the simplest topic.
“Ah..” Jongho recalls with a fond expression, “How could I forget the tweets of excitement on my timeline.”
The cozy atmosphere that binds the group in an inspirable knot makes you feel at home.
Mingi lies back into the comfort of his chair, eyes skimming the cafe corners. “We should’ve requested them to play some sort of fanfare music or something.”
“What for?” Yeosang copies his friend, wiggling himself to occupy the optimized space of his seat.
“It’s an historical moment after all!” With animated expression, he exaggerates his words, “The passing down of the crown moment.”
Laughing at his comment, you begin packing your belongings, knowing fully well where this is going.
Seonghwa’s face slackens with boredom. “Yeah, I was wondering when and how you’d slide that into today’s discussion.”
“Thank you for granting me this wonderful opportunity.” Poking out his lower lip in false appreciation, he pulls out his phone and turns on the camera, zooming it straight into the youngest’s face. “This is your moment Jongho. Care to share a few words?”
Jongho, clearly not having it, lands tiny slaps on Mingi’s hand,trying to get rid of the phone “Oh piss off. This is not an episode of The Office.”
Seonghwa should get a break from this but how can you not take advantage of a situation served on a silver platter.
Channelling your best puzzled look, you prod in further, “It is the holy binder of Park Seonghwa, you really want to claim its ownership so casually?”
Seonghwa signals Jongho to take the binder before your shenanigans escalate any further.
“Yes, Film me instead. Let me express my Jim frustration.” He points at himself with a deadpan expression, successfully distracting Mingi.
“Yeah, okay, Dwight.” You mock.
Your boyfriend’s face displays the most offensive expression, one that you have never witnessed until this moment.
“Your wish is my command.” Liberating the youngest from his bugging, the tall one directs the camera into your boyfriend’s face, getting the right kind of funny close ups.
Instead of dealing with the camera flying in front of his face, he eyes you with grave severity in his gaze.
“I specifically exude Jim energy.” He enunciates each and every word sternly.
Yeosang peeks from behind you, disagreeing loudly. “And don’t tell me the next thing you’ll say is that you’re the Iron Man among us.”
“Wow! Okay! Wow! I see!” Seonghwa throws up his hands in exasperation.
The comment and the reaction gets the best of you as you shoot back in your seat, loud laughter disrupting the atmosphere.
Jongho sneaks from behind and snatches the phone from Mingi’s hold, turning it off before tossing it into his pockets. “And Mingi is a Michael. Good thing you guys aren’t a part of a fiction, no one would read about you.”
“Ouch.” Mingi says, clutching his heart, resigning himself from his playfulness to drink his forgotten latte.
“Excuse me? I beg to differ.” Yeosang tilts his head, having taken full offense of Jongho’s statement by attaching the words to his writer’s pride.
“Maybe I am Michael.” Mingi states after much consideration.
Your eyes wander across the table, following their conversation, shoulders slackened and mind at ease.
You find yourself recollecting the memories of your first interaction with the lot, a year ago, in this same place (with different lighting setting).
From the first nervous meeting, multiple excuses to ignore Seonghwa, being the worst beginner you could be at audio engineering to the training sessions with your teammates, late night dinners, fulfilling meetings and supporting each other throughout the year to make the most and the best out of the radio show.
From running away from a high school crush to not so surprisingly, dating the same guy in the end.
It all came into full circle. A beautiful wreath of various flowers bound together in relationships full of love, care and warmth.
A gentle bump of Seonghwa’s head against yours pulls you out of your trance.
“Your expressions tells that you’re secretly admiring your friends.” He whispers in a mellow tone.
You nod, letting out a breath of relief. “Right on.” Chuckling, you add. “I’ll miss this. When again will I wake up at 11 am and rush to the library to photocopy scripts for everyone?”
Beneath the table, he places his warm hands atop yours, caressing it in a soothing motion.
“Me too.” He responds, looking at you with a serene smile that shifts into an silly one. “Well, I’m out of this place but you can apply to work under Mingi again.”
“Yeah. I would love that if it wasn’t for my crushing debt and fear of failing classes.” You speak with a bittersweet smile but it soon turns kind as you continue, “And its not like I can go anywhere for the coming two years. Proofreading for Yeosang will remind me of it anyway.”
Visible frustration creeps onto you without knowing. College has the tendency of bringing out such reactions naturally.
Seonghwa places his other hand on your head, sympathizing with your pain as a former student. “You’ll get out of here. Soon. Can’t say the same about the proofreading one, don’t abandon Yeosang.” He blinks, resembling an innocent child.
Your dark circles fade away by the slightest by his hopeful words.
“As if. We should support the budding writer of our group.” You say, slurping in the reminder of your drink.
Seonghwa offers you a warm smile, sneaking in a gentle peck on your head.
“Hey lovebirds, tune back into the conversation please.” Jongho clicks his fingers, inviting you two back into the discussion.
“Yeah, so what are we talking about?” Your boyfriend gives your intertwined hands a little squeeze and tracks back into the conversation.
You scoot around in your seat, finding a comfortable position by Seonghwa’s side.
“Yeah, so what I was saying is...” Mingi introduces the topic of discourse.
Alternatively titled, the meeting has finished but you and your friends will never run out of things to discuss, laugh and cry about.
🌸
A/N: Here we have the final meeting of the Dazzling Night crew. They might not work together in the future but they will continue loving and laughing with each other.
Also, did someone notice Jongho subtly breaking the fourth wall?
If you have sent an email from the wrong account to your professor yet then you have not experienced panic. Mingi may or may not be depicting a real life experience that I went through but it was alright, no scolding received.
What did you think of this chapter? Do let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
This marks the end of the first epilogue. Please look for the last epilogue plus a special bonus in the coming days.
40. B. Chapter Thirty Four: Trickster and His Lil Tease✨
Previous Part✨ Next Part✨
Masterlist of the AU✨
Pairing: College Student! Seonghwa x College Student! Female Reader
Genre: Fluff, A teeny tiny bit of smut with a pinch of angst
Synopsis: High school crushes are often silly and forgotten. However, you cannot forget the one senior, you "borrowed" once a kiss from. Years have passed and it's a memory you laugh at but what will happen if you're to encounter the same senior in a much different setting and situation? Especially during your first year of college.
🌸
A/N: Well, fellow readers, this is technically the last chapter of The Kiss Thief! Time to bid partial goodbye to the character. We still have the epilogues and special bonus left (hint: 10 bucks) so look out for that! Let's wrap this journey:)
The emptiness of not having a boyfriend this great or having a boyfriend at all (lol) hit me quite hard making this chapter but future awaits surprises!
5:00 PM. The clock was ticking a little too slow for your liking.
The second coffee cup of the day, now empty and sweating even in the air conditioned atmosphere of the cafe, accurately depicts your inner state minus the perspiration.
You continue chewing on your bottom lip, a little expectant and a little hesitant. It has been difficult to pay attention to the book in your hands, you’re rather occupied with counting the seconds on the clock for the past excruciatingly long fifteen minutes.
After testing out approximately millions of scenarios about what explanation Seonghwa is going to offer to put an end to your dilemma, the final one you kept arriving to is, ending things between you two.
An end to a relationship you've never experienced before that merely began a few weeks ago.
An end?
The assumptions were eating you from within. It’s strange how worried you have been for the last few days but it's even more queer that your feelings for him are rigid and unfazed.
Why is your heart ready to forgive him even for the worst case scenario?
All he had to say was, ‘Trust me’ and you did.
Your head falls back with a slump of exhaustion. “Oh my god, why are feelings so complicated?”
The intense war of dichotomy that's going on between your stubborn heart and persistent mind has been tiresome. It is a scenario where the brain is presenting blunt but logical ideas and the heart is deflecting those with its mellow and soothing sentiments.
The mind prepared a list of “Possible Hindrances You Will Have to Deal with When Managing a Relationship with Park Seonghwa” and your heart fired back with a counter argument of “Times When Park Seonghwa Made You Feel Extremely Happy and Appreciated”.
They are both correct in their respective standpoint. It is you who needs to settle on a conclusion which you cannot unless you learn Seonghwa’s perspective.
Okay, (Y/N) stop the train of thoughts, let’s think after we talk, let’s consider things after we talk, let’s focus on this wonderful book for now.
“Scoot over.” A heavy voice announces and you look up to register the undetected mischievous boy, standing in his tall glory, laptop held with care to his chest.
You slide along with your belongings, studying Mingi as he settles down with concern written all over his features.
“Okay.” The response comes out of you in an unexpectedly meek voice.
“I know you weren’t expecting my company but at least don’t look so disappointed.” In surprisingly quick movements he begins to work, fingers furiously drumming on the keyboard with his brows furrowed to an intense depth.
Indeed, you were not expecting his company but you didn’t want to openly broadcast the not-so-subtle disappointment. “What brings you here?” You ask, finally placing down the book whose title is already wiped clean out of your mind.
The amount of concentration currently present in your mind, almost none, made the task of reading troublesome. You did not get past the first sentence. You don’t even remember the said first sentence you read, maybe almost a thousand times for the last fifteen minutes of waiting.
The tall boy runs his fingers through his messy locks, disturbing them further. “Did you forget already?” His skeptical eyes meet your clueless ones.
“Oh.” A thoughtless answer because you truly have no idea what he is implying.
He leans lazily into the palm of his hand. “The pendrive, (Y/N)”.
The pendrive? What pendrive?
You shuffle through your rack of memories for a plausible answer. “Oh, shit. Hongjoong’s pendrive?”
He nods at your realization.
The pen drive Hongjoong entrusted with you last Friday to copy the contents for backup purposes and it was to be delivered to Mingi right after you were done.
He holds out his palm. “Give me it. I’ll be on my way, I don’t want to intrude.” A brief pause. "The talk, or whatever, um.."
An awkward smile stretches onto your lips, right hand sheepishly reaching out to the back of your neck.
The pen drive Hongjoong entrusted with you last Friday is actually not in your possession.
“What? Why are you making that weird face?” Don’t tell me--” He halts his rant, his suspicions getting confirmed as your awkward smile transforms into a rather skittish one.
You shoot up from your seat. “I remember Hongjoong telling me it's in the first drawer of the second cabinet, I will be right back!” In a hurried motion, you jump out of the broad bench, ready to sprint to and from the studio.
Mingi’s fingers catch a fistful of your coat before you can flee. “What am I supposed to tell Seonghwa when he arrives? I am not going to wait here in that kind of gloomy mood with him!”
You try to untangle his heavy hold on your coat. “I promise I will be back in no time. I came fifteen minutes early to prepare myself to talk to him! He won’t be here for another five minutes.”
He releases the hold, slightly shaking his head in disapproval. “Fine but be back as soon as possible.” His fingers shuffle inside his pants pockets to take out a small door key. “Take the key.” The studio key is tossed your way to catch.
“Thanks!” Holding up two thumbs up in the spur of the moment, you curse internally for admitting your obvious desperation out loud.
The distance between the building that houses various types of studios for the artistic students of KQU and Cafe Utopia, a space mostly occupied by the music and dance majors to relax during their breaks is only five minutes apart.
The ground is slippery and shifting under your heavy footsteps as you are trying to jump towards the studio.
You have seen a late, panicked Wooyoung in action, grabbing a drink priorly prepared for him (he has charmed all the part timers of the cafe) and disappearing out of the cafe within the time span of sixty seconds. It’s truly a wondrous sight to see until you’re in the similar situation, (You have not charmed all the part timers, not even San) running towards your class with not a single drop of temporary energy in your vessels.
The influence of the misunderstanding has clearly taken its toll on you. There have been a number of tasks you have forgotten or completed last minute due to your distracted mind since you learned the incomplete news. You were all over the place and you did not like it one bit.
While you’re hastily climbing up the stairs to reach the studio used by the Dazzling Night crew, you’re thankful that it resides on the first floor instead of fifth as a numbness creeps up your legs.
“Whoa! slow down.” A random boy comments as you dash by him, footsteps echoing through the corridor to reach the door at the very last.
“Sorry!” You shout, voice bouncing in the emptiness.
You halt with a screech in front of the locked door.
The door opens with a soft click and you turn on the lights, the 181024 studio illuminating with a warm glow. Your movements are quick as you navigate through the familiar surroundings, reaching out for the drawer.
A wave of relief washes over you when the blue pen drive with the owner’s initials is the first thing that comes into your vision after sliding the drawer open.
“Is it still there?” A sudden, soft comment startles you in the silence, hands flying up, increasing the pre-existing panting.
You turn around to address the unexpected guest and it is the last person you expected, quite contradictory, considering that you had been looking forward to his presence ever since today’s sun dawned in the sky.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Seonghwa’s eyes motion to the hand placed on your chest.
You let it fall, your body leaning back into the cabinet with a slight stumble. “No, it’s okay.” Retrieving the pen drive, you close the drawer. “I was just about to return. Mingi is leaving for the dance club soon.”
He studies the well accustomed surroundings, “I was thinking that maybe we can talk here instead?” You notice concealed bags underneath his weary eyes.
There is an evident urgency to the way he speaks, worried glances directed throughout the room.
For a brief moment you wish to wrap your arms around his warm and tall figure. To assure him and to be assured but you have to know what he has to say to control these storming feelings.
“Okay, yeah, sure, let’s talk here.” The temperature is too toasty to keep the coat on, you remove it and settle down on the only couch present in the studio.
Seonghwa closes the door behind him and takes a seat beside you, his fidgety fingers trying to keep themselves from reaching out to caress your face.
You gulp, pushing back your hair that is sticking to the nape of your neck, eagerly awaiting for him to speak. “Hwa?”
He looks up. “Yes?”
You let out a big exhale. “Can I say something before we talk about the Japan situation?” The fingers of your left hand begin pulling the threads of your right sleeve. “I have been thinking about certain things. Mostly about what I’ve been feeling which I often don’t think about.” Unknowingly, a nervous chuckle slips out of you.
He adjusts a little in his seat. “Yes, of course (Y/N). Tell me.” He is expecting to hear the conclusion he had been dreading.
“You know, when I heard from Mingi that you are leaving for Japan, the first thought that crossed my mind was a selfish one.” You observe his expression before you continue. He offers you every grain of his attention. “Even though both of us are busy with our own studies, you still find time for me, look out for me and I don’t know, it just feels extremely comforting in your presence. It’s almost as if I don’t have to worry about anything when you’re around."
That was not what he presumed you wanted to say to him.
His expression softens. “(Y/N), you look out for me as well, I hope you know how much I value the time we spend.”
A small sad smile appears on your lips. “It comes to naturally, I don’t know, I just feel like you’re always looking out for everyone but you’re a big baby yourself. You need someone to look out for you as well, dummy.” He opens his mouth to protest at your playful comment but you’re quick to continue. “It hasn’t been so long, maybe a few weeks but everything went so well. I looked forward to even the shortest amount of time we spent together. Even when you spontaneously appeared out of nowhere and accompanied me to the class.” You stop for a moment. “I’m not making much sense right now, am I?”
He shakes his head, an expression of awe written all over his features. “No, I understood everything, it’s okay.”
“But” You hesitate and his features shift into an anxious one. “But, I didn't consider the eventual obstacles we might face in the future, taking in account that you’re graduating next year and I am barely beginning my college life. I actually purposely didn’t think about it, I wanted to save it for later until--”
“Until you learned that I am leaving for Japan.” He concludes the sentence in your stead.
You nod. “I like you a lot, Seonghwa. My feelings are intense enough that I won’t be able to decide what I should be feeling next unless you tell me everything yourself.” You said it, you finally said it.
“What?” He questions, a little taken aback.
Oh no. Maybe, I shouldn’t have poured out everything at once. God, what have I done?
The way he appears perplexed, he definitely was not expecting you to dump out your feelings on him when you said you wanted to talk. You are pretty sure he is feeling pressured by this revelation.
“The important thing you wanted to tell me was not putting an end to us before it escalated further?” After hearing his question, it's your turn to be confused by his words.
“What?” You push back the unruly hair falling in front of your face with both of your hands, unable to decide if he’s suggesting to end things.
He moves a little closer. “You don’t want to end what we have, right?”
“No! But that depends on whether you’re going or not. Wait, do you want to end...this?”
“No!” He is extremely quick to answer. “(Y/N)?”
“Yes?” You’re eager to hear what he has to say. The puzzling thoughts are clouding your mind.
“I am not moving to Japan after graduation. I am simply accompanying Hongjoong for a month to help him settle, like a short vacation after three years of continuous college.” He finally admits the entire thing. The following sentence that truly makes or breaks the incomplete one you had heard before. The incomplete one you had heard before and especially not from him.
“You’re not moving to Japan after graduation? You’re only going away for a month? Just a month?” You repeat to make sure that you heard it right even though he stated it with proper enunciation.
In the span of twenty years of your life, you didn’t know that it was possible to feel embarrassed and relieved at the same time yet at this moment you’re experiencing both.
You’re embarrassed because of the millions of possible negative scenarios you coddled in your mind, the time you spent brooding, the time your friends had to take measures to elevate your mood and relieved that hopefully nothing would change between you and Seonghwa, at least not in the way you had feared them to and despised every second of those intrusive thoughts.
“Yes, I am only going away for a month after my graduation.” There is now a similar smile of relief on his lips.
The edges of your shoulders droop. “If you can’t tell, I feel extremely stupid right now. I feel so stupid.”
Seonghwa tilts his head, his movements relaxing for the first time since you started speaking. “Will it help if I told you that I assumed the same? I feel stupid for not telling you myself before you heard it from someone else and that’s what caused the misunderstanding in the first place, (Y/N). Their is no one at fault here, trust me.”
“Are you disappointed?” The inquiry slips out of your subconscious.
His hands take yours to securely enclose them in between his palms. “Not at all. There will be small misunderstandings, bad feelings, unintentional hurtful words and external factors that will stand as an obstacle in any relationship. Do you know how happy I am that you decided to hear me out instead of arriving at a conclusion of your own? I was worried, (Y/N).” His faltered gaze lingers on the entangled fingers. “I was worried that right when I started spending time with someone who understands me, who makes me smile, who relieves me from my troubles and brings out the good sides in me might end up leaving.” He bites back the urge to say, ‘again’.
“Oh, Seonghwa.”
Without further thought, you reach out to him and pull him close into you by clasping your arms firmly around his shoulders. He responds immediately as he wraps his arms around your waist to hold you even closer. He snuggles his face into the crevice of your neck, his gentle breaths causing a little tickling sensation.
Out of all the times he has held you before, sometimes unintentionally when you’re with your friends, quite often after a long day when he falls into your embrace, and always before you leave for the night after the show, today you feel the utmost satisfaction and at ease.
His hand is caressing your back in a serene motion to cast away the doubts created by the miscommunication.
You remove your face from his homely shoulder, arms still intact around him as if he is the most precious being in this world. “Let’s talk, okay? Let’s give each other time in future so that we can solve things when we’re ready to talk. I know things will change, things are bound to change but let’s try to understand as we get through the most simplest or the most complicated situations.”
He appears displeased that you disturbed him from the snugness of your neck that he had settled in to but delivers an instant agreement to your question along with a quick peck that he places to the closest cheek. “Yes, let’s.”
Blood begins rushing to your face instantly due to his sweet gesture.
“So, can we go back to the part when you said you like me a lot?” To your disappointment, he releases the hold around your waist but the disappointment is short-lived as the free hand of his travels to your thigh in an attempt to lift you onto his lap.
The bold action of his catches you off guard, his other hand now bringing you closer to him with not even a centimeter of space left in between. The thumping of your heart is ringing in your ear as you feel his thighs you’ve been flopped onto, underneath.
You’re stunned with arms still locked around his shoulders. “Why do we have to go back to that part in particular?” The intimacy is making it difficult for you to maintain a constant eye contact with him.
His eyes that hold an amused yet admiring gleam try to find yours but you’re dealing with a current little conflict of your own. The thoughts are flashing with intense hues in your mind due the fact that his hand is resting quite dangerously on your thigh and the other arm has you locked by the waist.
You are not complaining but this outcome is not what you exactly prepared yourself for. This particular scenario did not even cross your mind for a nanosecond. How come this has never crossed your mind? He has nice thighs.
He has nice thighs? Of course he has nice thighs! You have noticed how sturdy they are, especially when he’s wearing skinny jeans. Oh my god, did I ogle at Seonghwa’s thighs in public when he was wearing skinny jeans? What if he caught me ogling at him when he was wearing skinny jeans? IN PUBLIC? Not to forget the time you kept staring at the definitions of his arms that one blessing of a day when he wore a tank top due to the sweltering weather. But how can I not look at him when he looks THIS ATTRACTIVE? WHAT EXACTLY AM I SUPPOSED TO DO IN THIS SITUATION?
As you’re contemplating and battling with quite interesting thoughts, entranced in your own bubble, Seonghwa is observing you with a smirk that you have not noticed yet.
“What are you thinking about? You’re stark red, baby.” He appears absolutely delighted, a kind of joy you’ve ever witnessed before.
“Baby? Baby?” You repeat like a lust stricken puppet.
“Yes?” His hand trails from your neck to your waist in an excruciatingly slow pace. The temperature in the studio rising enough to convince you to discard your clothes.
Why did my mind even go to the thought of removing clothes? Shut up!
His hand settles on the nape of your neck, tugging you down to his forehead. “You don’t like this?”
You part your lips to answer but your system fails to support you.
His breath fans on your lips due to the proximity of your faces. “Can I kiss you?” His voice sounds heavy when he asks. A deep tone you’ve never heard him speak with.
“What?” You’re flustered, heart thumping wildly in your ribcage, ready to burst out. Your gaze continues shifting back and forth between his beautiful, chestnut eyes and tender, pink, kissable lips.
His finger gently tucks a strand of hair behind your ear. “Can I kiss you, (Y/N)?”
You unlock the clasp of your fingers from behind his neck to carefully hold his cheeks. “Oh. I mean, yes, of course--”
Your lips collide. They meet with such haste as if he had been counting days just to have you to himself. The feeling of his plump lips against yours is unbelievable. Unbelievable enough for you to tilt your head for a deeper taste. He tastes like strawberries, extremely sweet and addicting.
Your chests are pressed together, hearts beating frantically in a mismatched rhythm but sharing the fervour. You let one hand trail down to trace the unexplored areas you couldn’t dare to before. His entire body is blazing with a familiar passion that is swirling within you as well. He lets his hand perform smooth strokes around your neck with his dainty fingers supplying a tingling sensation all the way down to your core by the delicacy of the action.
He kisses you. He drinks you in, again and again. You break apart for a mere second to take in a deep breath and connect your lips with such urgency, unable to get enough of each other.
In the moment that is burning up with each and every second ticking by, actions are getting bolder. Seonghwa’s hands move up to your chest, to explore every inch of you and your fingers are roaming through his hair, kneading through the soft black locks. The dizzying movements intoxicating him further.
He catches your lower lip in quick, needy pecks and proceeds with something you did not see coming. His teeth grasp it with a painfully long drawl, leaving you breathless. A swarm of butterflies are whirling in your stomach and your head leans back the moment he releases your lips to let the suppressed throaty moan finally escape. He takes the opportunity to pepper feathery kisses all the way around your collarbone, the plump lips connecting with warmth and leaving behind a chill that vibrates down your spine.
Chests heaving up and down with exhilaration and shortness of breath, You grab his face and plant one long lasting peck.
“OH MY GOD, NOT AGAIN!” A deafening, exasperated exclaim pierces your ears.
The shriek frightens you as you lose your balance and your forehead bumps against Seonghwa’s head with a loud thud causing you two to hiss and yelp at the impact.
There he stands by the door, Song Mingi, the requester of the pen drive that vanished magically out of your minds. His ears are boiling red, jaw hanging a little too low and eyes stretched to their maximum possible width.
Mingi takes in every detail ruefully. Seonghwa’s hands messily entangled around your neck and waist while yours held his face. Your body cozy on his friend’s lap, hair disheveled, swollen red lips and loss of air depicts it crystal clear that PG-13 activities were surely going to lead up to Rated R. Mingi does not wish to know what happened before and he definitely does not wish to be aware of what was going to happen on the studio couch. The only couch in the studio to crash on, the couch he liked to roll on while Hongjoong worked and now it will be the couch he is never going to even lay one finger on.
“Mingi, I--” Seonghwa opens his mouth to explain, maybe even apologise for the sight the boy has walked onto.
Meanwhile, you’re occupied with examining the ceiling to its greatest details, unable to register Mingi’s presence due to the embarrassment.
The tall boy holds up his hands. “You were here for the pen drive, the pen drive!” He mutters under his breath, snatching the blue device from the half open drawer with furious eyes. “What is with you guys kissing and me walking at the exact time? It was cringy back then, now it’s just, my god” You decide to answer but he silences you and continues, “You were supposed to talk! What happened to talking? Oh my god, leave me alone, please.” He shakes his shoulders and arms with a face of disgust.
“We were talking.” You say in a timid tone.
Seonghwa nods a little too enthusiastically. “We were talking.”
Mingi rolls his eyes. “Clearly.” He stomps towards the door. “Clearly, you were talking and not sucking each other’s face in a public studio. Not in the studio, guys! God, whatever. I am leaving.”
Yeosang’s warnings about funny business in the studio pops into your mind.
“MINGI DON’T TELL YEOSANG, PLEASE!” You scream out a plea as Mingi walks out.
He answers in his low voice already out of the studio. “STOP MAKING OUT IN PUBLIC STUDIOS!”
If it wasn’t for Seonghwa’s hands resting on your hips, keeping you settled, you’d leaped out behind Mingi.
He chuckles beneath you, thumbs tracing circles on your stomach. “Don’t worry about him. He’ll complain for a week and then forget about it.”
The thought of flustered Mingi and irritated Yeosang is pushed far back into your mind the moment your eyes take in the bliss present on Seonghwa’s features. “You’ll silence them with that gentle glare of yours whereas they’ll bring it up every time I cause a minor inconvenience, we’re different, Hwa.” Even though you’re supposed to be complaining, you’re focused on fixing the strands of hair ruffling against his forehead.
“I like it when you call me ‘Hwa’. God, what are you doing to me?” He leans upwards to place a soft peck on your jaw almost pulling you back into the extraordinary emotions you experienced a few minutes ago. “I like you a lot, (Y/N).”
You release yourself from his hold and he displays extreme dismay at your actions. “You better or else the makeout session would make no sense if you didn’t.”
He too, stands up and his arm sneaks around your waist. “I am feeling too good, nothing will get me riled up today.” His lips find your cheek again. He had been waiting for a while to shower you with affection and now that he has received the golden chance, he will not waste it.
“Hongjoong and Yeosang will find out and scold you.” Your comment goes through his one ear and escapes through the other. He is elated and unbothered.
“Mmmm, okay.” He responds lightheartedly with a shrug.
The contentment he is displaying through gentle touches, adoring eyes and unfading smile, you’re capturing all those elements to cherish at present and in the uncertain but the coming future, with Seonghwa. The mere thought is giddying enough.
You’re falling for this man and you’re falling hard but you’re unaware that so is he.
Pairing: (Business Management Major) College Student! Seonghwa x (Law Major) College Student! Female Reader
Genre: Fluff, A teeny tiny bit of smut with a pinch of angst
Synopsis: High school crushes are often silly and forgotten. However, you cannot forget the one senior, you “borrowed” once a kiss from. Years have passed and it’s a memory you laugh at but what will happen if you’re to encounter the same senior in a much different setting and situation? Especially during your first year of college.
A/N: Take a shot every time Mingi says “God, My god, Oh my god.”
How are you guys doing? How did you like the chapter? do tell, do tell! Spare feedback please!
I attempted to write a steamy scene, did I do well? I am not quite experienced (nervous laughter) but I tried my best to relay what I wanted to. We’re SO close to the end. Earlier I was just thinking that my god, something I started is actually finishing, I can’t believe it.
Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!
Pairing: College Student! Seonghwa x College Student! Female Reader
Genre: Fluff, A teeny tiny bit of smut with a pinch of angst
Synopsis: High school crushes are often silly and forgotten. However, you cannot forget the one senior, you "borrowed" once a kiss from. Years have passed and it's a memory you laugh at but what will happen if you're to encounter the same senior in a much different setting and situation? Especially during your first year of college.
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A/N: I wasn't going to (because hectic online classes) but I started watching Record of Youth, it's so good. I really love the chemistry between the make and female protagonist. It's easygoing and motivating to me at the same time. I'm really looking forward to see how the story unfolds. I'd recommend watching it if you're interested in youthful romance with a little sprinkle of The Heirs vibe I guess but it's wholesome!
I was actually thinking of using the story as a plotline for an au but let me finish this au first lmao
Pairing: College Student! Seonghwa x College Student! Female Reader
Genre: Fluff, A teeny tiny bit of smut with a pinch of angst
Synopsis: High school crushes are often silly and forgotten. However, you cannot forget the one senior, you "borrowed" once a kiss from. Years have passed and it's a memory you laugh at but what will happen if you're to encounter the same senior in a much different setting and situation? Especially during your first year of college.
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A/N: I hope you all enjoy my writing because next chapter is going to be a written one. Let's get it for Woosan's garden date with (Y/N)
