author's note: omg it's been way too long since i last made a group post T.T. i really do apologize, it's just my inspiration for them have been running really low. but it's only because i feel like i've gotten to write most of the things i wanted to for them. anyway, i really hope you guys like this one. i definitely wasn't smiling like an idiot while writing it. thanks for reading as always ^ ^
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mark
Mark is the kind of parent who would be completely obsessed with his kid. Like the moment your baby is born, he knew he was a goner. You’d watch him cradling your son or daughter in his arms with pure love overflowing from his eyes. He’d lean close to little face and whisper, “Hi there, baby. I’m your dad,” grinning as if he had just won an award.
If you had a boy, he would be super excited. The nursery would be filled with various shades of blue, and most nights would be spent with him lulling your little one to sleep by strumming his guitar. You would also hear Mark laughing as he fed him rice porridge airplane-style. He would also be very active with a boy, spending any spare time he got kicking around a ball or letting himself be tackled to the ground.
From another aspect, he would make sure that your son knew how to treat women properly and never let him disrespect you in any way. He’d praise your son for any sort of good behavior and lovingly scold him if he misbehaved. With Mark as his role model, your son would grow up surrounded by steady love and unwavering support.
On the other hand, if you had a daughter, Mark would be quite different. Oh, she would have him wrapped around her finger and spoil her endlessly. He would be raving every five seconds about how cute she is, holding her up in his arms with the brightest smile on his face. He’d constantly be speaking to her in the softest voice and practically die every time she showed him affection.
Once she got older, though, Mark might have a hard time disciplining her. So you’d probably have to end up handling that part most of the time. It’s because he would break at the slightest hint of a pout, softening his heart in an instant. He simply couldn’t bear making her cry, even if she clearly needed to learn her lesson— it would break him.
And if his little girl ever came to him sad about something, he’d hoist her up onto his lap and squeeze her into the warmest hug without a second thought. He’d whisper all the sweet words into her hair to make her feel better and give her tickles just to see her smile again. Then he’d take her to the store and buy whatever snacks she wants.
Regardless of the gender, Mark would undoubtedly be a great father. He would just fall into the role so naturally, and your love for him would deepen every day. Even with his crazy life, constantly juggling different projects at work, he’d always make time for his kids and ensure that they never questioned how important they were to him.
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renjun
Renjun wouldn’t act too differently with his kid, whether it was a boy or a girl. He’d still love them with his whole heart and be the best father he could be. He’s also the type of father who would praise his kids for small things and gush to you about how adorable they are. Oh gosh, cuteness aggression would be a recurring thing for him, too. Sometimes you’d catch him biting the air or balling his fists in pure excitement, while you held your baby up in your lap.
He would also be good when it came to disciplining your kids. If they misbehaved, he’d crouch down to their level, gently steady their shoulders, and maintain eye contact as he’d ask, “Was that okay or not?” In those moments, it was impossible for you not to be charmed by Renjun, even though you knew he was being serious.
If you guys had a daughter, you would have so much fun dressing her up in different outfits. He’d also spoil her with cute accessories, especially hairpins. One day, he’d come back home and show you these pink and yellow bows he bought just because they made him think of your little girl. He would also buy matching outfits if you had a boy. He’s the type of dad who would be walking down the street with your son hand-in-hand, and people passing by would stop to awe at how adorable they looked.
Honestly, you would have a lot of fun seeing the father side of Renjun come out. He’d come up with different crafts for your kids to do together. The table would be scattered with papers and crayons, where he’d be teaching them how to draw something. He’d also teach your kids Chinese and how to write different characters, so they end up being bilingual.
Renjun would want to do so many things with your children— whether it was teaching them something new or coming up with a fun activity to keep them entertained. With him around, your kids would grow up to be bright and creative. While he’d take pride in their growth, the fatherly love he’d have for his kids would be genuine and deeply sincere.
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jeno
Ugh, Jeno would seriously be the most gentle father. Like the second he finds out you’re having a baby, he just becomes ten times softer. During the first few months, when the baby cried endlessly, he’d insist on handling it and letting you stay in bed. Night after night, Jeno would hold your little one in his arms, soothingly patting their back and murmuring soft pleas to lull them back to sleep. His hair would be messy, and there might be a little spit-up on his shirt, but it didn’t bother him in the slightest.
It didn’t matter if you had a boy or a girl because your admiration for him would deepen regardless. But if you guys had a daughter, Jeno would be so whipped for her that he wouldn’t even realize it. He’d give in so easily if she wanted something and proceed to badger you with puppy eyes until you agreed. His eyes would be all smiley just from looking at her, marveling at how tiny she was. He’s also the kind of father who’d come home with candy tucked in his pockets, secretly slip a piece to your daughter before dinner, and raise a finger to her lips, whispering, “Don’t tell mommy.” Of course, there would be times you’d catch him doing this, and he’d just glance up at you with a helpless grin.
Then, if the latter were to happen, there is a high chance that your son will turn out to be a lot like Jeno. And it would be so cute catching all the similar mannerisms and expressions. His face would light up when your son would do or say something that he usually would, making him very proud.
He is also the kind of father who would like to take naps with his kid— especially when they’re younger. So it would be a normal occurrence to find them curled up on the couch with the little one resting contentedly on top of him. You would definitely snap a bunch of photos because how could you not?
Jeno is the physical embodiment of cuteness in general, even though he never tries to be. Witnessing the small moments would be so heartwarming— how he’d effortlessly scoop your kids in his arms if you had more than one, or the way he looks at them like they’re his whole world. And really, how could he not, when they’re a part of both him and you?
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haechan
Hoo boy— where do you even start with Lee Donghyuck as a dad? Among all the Dreamies, he is one who has clearly stated he wants kids someday, and it’s not that hard to envision him in the role. He would definitely want more than one child, because he loves the idea of having a warm, close-knit family that the two of you built together.
He would be such a loving parent, but also a menace at the same time. This guy is a big tease, and his kids will not be exceptions to that. Even when they’re little, you’d constantly find yourself pushing Haechan away and chastising him for antagonizing your baby. But he would also treasure those infant-stage moments, happily playing with their tiny feet and blowing raspberries just to hear that sweet little laugh.
And oh gosh, you can bet that if you end up with a girl, he’s gonna be all over her. Much like Renjun, only far more dramatic, he’d practically die every time she did something even remotely cute. He would glance at you with an utterly defeated look. “Babe, she’s too adorable— I might die.” And you would just shake your head with a smile because Haechan himself can also be very endearing.
However, the difference that would separate Haechan and Renjun as dads is that your daughter would be spoiled to no end by him. It was already game over the second she was born, and he got to hold her for the first time. From carefully choosing the best gifts, feeding her pieces of fruit, or helping her pick the perfect dress for an event, Haechan would pour his heart and soul into it.
Then, of course, he’s never going to scold his little angel. How could he? It can even get kinda frustrating at times— like when her room is still a mess— but Haechan, with all his nerve, would just pull your daughter close and make up excuses for her. “She’s just not done playing yet!” He’s the type of dad to secretly drink all her milk when she was supposed to, just when you weren’t looking. What a devil he can be— and make no mistake, he will.
Now Haechan is going to act differently with a boy for sure. He might even get jealous of his son from time to time. And since your child would be Haechan’s son, there’s a very high chance that he’d be just like him. So Haechan would definitely whine when your son hogs all your affection, giving you a look of betrayal. He’d dramatically flop beside you and cry, “Ugh, I’ve been replaced. My wife doesn’t love me anymore!” You’d have to resist rolling your eyes and generously shower him with kisses just to stop the pouting. Honestly, the line between who was actually the baby wouldn’t feel that different.
On a different note, Haechan would raise your son to be a mini-version of himself — with all the sass and cleverness. Of course, there would be times when it got thrown back at him, and watching the shock in his face would have you and his members rolling on the floor in laughter. But Haechan would also have your son running little errands for him— like fetching extra vegetables from the friendly ahjussi on a trip, or handing him a tool when he’s trying to fix something.
Nevertheless, Haechan would give his everything to your kids, just like all the other members. Even if he can be a little over the top at times, anyone could see how much he loves his kids. He would do anything to keep them safe and never let a frown linger for long. Because that’s just the kind of person he is, a big lovable sweetheart.
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jaemin
Na Jaemin is undeniably a walking green flag, and that easily applies to fatherhood as well. He’s a man constantly overflowing with love, never hesitating to pour it into the people he cares about, and it showed in your relationship. You never once had to question his devotion when he was always there to remind you in every lingering hug, every passion-filled kiss, every sweet word, and every thoughtful gesture. The idea of having children with him feels exciting and comforting, because you know in your heart he would be an incredible parent.
He’s the kind of father who would be present in your child’s life long before they were even born. The minute he found out you were pregnant, he’d make sure to take time every day to talk to your baby. In a soft, loving voice, he’d share little stories about his day and whisper how he can’t wait to meet them. And when the moment finally came and he held them for the first time, he would be glowing with pride and joy.
It’s very easy to picture Jaemin as a girl dad. He’d never want to put her back down, wanting to savor every moment while she’s still tiny and delicate because he knows that one day she’ll grow up and won’t need him in the same way. From the start, he would be fiercely protective of her. He’d jokingly— but very seriously— remind you, “She’s not dating until she’s thirty.” You would also get used to hearing your daughter’s giggles every time Jaemin peppered kisses all over her chubby cheeks— something he did at any chance he got.
On the weekends, he’d spend as much time with her as he could, making sure you got a break from the heavier tasks. He would happily indulge in all the games she invited him to play— whether it was a princess tea party or a pretend hair salon. You’d laugh when you saw his hair covered in sparkly bows and clips, while your daughter beamed proudly as she searched for yet another one to pin in place. Jaemin really sets the gold standard, and your daughter would probably struggle with future suitors because her father is impossible to top.
But Jaemin would have just as much fun if you had a son. He’d be the dad making dramatic sound effects while they played toy cars, or pretending to be a fearsome monster that needed to be defeated. He’d also be the type to whisk your son away for some ice cream after dinner, always finding little ways to squeeze in extra moments together.
Like Mark, your son would learn how to be a proper gentleman by watching how Jaemin treats you. And if he’s Jaemin’s kid, he’d grow up with a big, loving heart, he’d naturally want to share with others. And Jaemin would make sure to commend him for what a kind child he is.
To be honest, there are so many other reasons why being a dad fits Jaemin so well. But he is also someone you wouldn’t ever have to worry about when it comes to how your child will grow up. He’d also make sure you never felt alone in parenting, always stepping in to prove how strong a team you were together.
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chenle
Being a parent might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Chenle, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t excel at it. In fact, he’d be an amazing father— because once Chenle commits to something, he always gives his 100%. He’d be determined to become the best father imaginable, and he’d proudly show it every step of the way.
He is someone you could probably see having a son more, maybe because of his dynamic with Mark. But nonetheless, he would make the most out of being a dad. He would want your son to be involved in all the things he likes, such as his basketball obsession. He’d have him sitting in his lap during a game, wearing matching jerseys. Every few minutes, you could hear Chenle cheering from the living room, and would catch him raising your son’s tiny hands in enthusiasm.
You would also shake your head whenever Chenle brags about how much your little boy is so much like him. He just can’t help it because the idea of having a carbon copy of himself feeds his ego. He is also the type of father who will run a hand over his son’s head and spontaneously pull him in for affectionate hugs. Those moments would be really cute to witness.
Chenle would also be great with a daughter, too. On outings, especially family trips, he’s the kind of dad who carries her on his shoulders all day, and happily changes directions whenever she points at something that catches her eye. And obviously, she’d be given whatever she wants because that’s just the type of person Chenle is.
If he sees her eyes light up at a stuffed animal behind a window display, they’re stopping to buy it before anyone else even gets the chance. If she wants some overpriced popcorn for the movie they’re about to watch, he’s getting her the largest bucket they sell. And if her feet have grown and she needs a new pair of shoes, Chenle will purchase her a pair in every color to match her outfits.
Your home would be filled with all sorts of things he’d bought for her to the point where you’d regularly bicker with Chenle about his habit of unnecessarily overcompensating. And every time he would just give you that incorrigible little shrug. “What’s wrong with my buying her stuff? It’s not like she’s gonna stay this small forever, you know.” *sigh*
This might sound bad, but Chenle as a parent is so predictable. He’s the type to exude a smug sort of pride about how incredible his kids are, and there’s no doubt they will be. But fatherhood would also bring out a new level of maturity in him, and he’d embrace every high and low of the journey with you by his side.
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jisung
Some might think Jisung would be kinda clueless when it comes to parenting, given his maknae image and all. But he’d seriously be such a good father. He’s someone who cares deeply for his family, and his heart would grow 100 times bigger for his child. Jisung has also talked about being a dad in the past, so having a baby would genuinely bring this man so much happiness.
He would go to any length and measure to ensure you two were fully prepared to bring new life into the world. And even if he receives endless teasing (he will) from his members for taking everything so seriously, Jisung doesn’t care. He just wants the absolute best for your children. Then, when that baby comes, he’ll be the one crying his eyes out. Despite being in tears yourself, you’d find yourself patting his back in an attempt to calm him down.
Your baby would be held tightly in his arms as he gazed at them as if they were the most precious thing on Earth. And the way he leans in, speaking softly and smiling when those tiny hands reach out for him, would melt his heart entirely. Then he’d glance over to you to make sure you saw it, and you’d give him a smile of acknowledgment.
Jisung would also be really good at soothing your child during the hardest nights. Being tired the next morning doesn’t bother him because he wants to cherish every time he gets to cradle your child in his arms, and let them know that he’s never going to let anything happen to them. There would also be moments when you’d be lying in bed together with the little one, dozing off between you two. He could easily watch them sleep for hours.
He also wouldn’t act that differently depending on the baby’s gender, though he might be a bit more nervous if you had a daughter first. Having grown up around guys all the time— and still being part of a large group of them, Jisung wouldn’t be entirely sure what to do at first. But with your gentle guidance, he’d figure it out.
Jisung would love it when his daughter sat on his lap, pressing her tiny hand against his. With his own being larger than the average, the contrast would be almost comical. The first time he noticed it, he’d blink in genuine surprise and exclaim, “Wah! How could her hands be so tiny?” Ever since, he’d enjoy comparing their hands, just like he used to do when you first started dating.
But if you guys had a son first, Jisung would be much more confident, thinking, “I know how to handle this one.” And honestly, he would. Jisung is the type of dad to chase him around the couch with toy guns in their hands. He would also enjoy losing every game to his son, just to hear him laugh in victory. But if your little boy seemed a little too boastful, a tickle attack was sure to ensue.
Naturally, Jisung can be a bit emotional at times. So it wouldn’t be unusual to see tears in his eyes every time your child hit a milestone. More than anything, you’d find him to be incredibly wholesome. He would feel sad at the thought of your kids growing up, and you’d just have to remind him that was just a part of parenting. This would only motivate him further to appreciate every moment and treasure them as much as he can.
Watching him step into fatherhood would be truly beautiful.
♡ entry .. hi! this is my first post on tumblr! not new to tumblr but i definitely never uploaded my works before and suddenly i’ve gotten the confidence to do so. let me know if you all like this, my plan is to post more in the future. also i apologize in advance for the lack of dialogue in some of these, i did proofread but may still be errors!
more of nct dream
MARK LEE
it was cold in your shared apartment, not an uncomfortable cold but cold enough for you to want your boyfriend’s warmth and he was more than willing to give it to you. you’re both cuddled up against the headboard of your bed he’s flicking through channels trying to find something to watch and you’re laid against his shoulder playing with the edge of his shirt. “wait go back to that other channel, what was that?” you spoke softly the room was rather quiet except for the faint humming sounds of the air conditioner that can be heard from your bedroom, mark causally flicked back to the previous channels until you stopped him. the channel was on commercial and it was no telling how long it would be until the original show or movie that was airing would come back on. mark placed the remote on the night stand beside the bed and adjusted his position against the headboard causing you to sit up before he pulling you back towards him. this time his hand found your hip, he gave it a squeeze before rubbing his thumb gently against the skin. you both stayed like that, the silence was comfortable, the faint sound of the air conditioner, the sound of the tv and the sound of both of you breathing was all you both needed, what was on the tv no longer mattered just the quality time that was happening.
HUANG RENJUN
“junnie, did you say you wanted a fork or chopsticks?” you speak from the kitchen, you’re looking through the drawers trying to find a fork just in case that’s what he asked for. you both decided to get takeout tonight neither one of you were in a cooking mood so this was the best option if you two were gonna eat. you made your way back into the living room sitting beside renjun on the couch, “we don’t have any clean forks no one washed the dishes” you chuckled “so we both have to use chopsticks,” “and if i remember correctly it was your turn to wash the dishes? hm?” he asked before putting some of the food in his mouth, “well there’s a logical explanation for why i didn’t wash them!” you tried defending yourself, “and that is…” “i don’t know i didn’t think that far ahead,” you shrugged which caused him to laugh and he laughed so hard he started choking which caused you to laugh while patting his back telling him to stop laughing. it was moments like this, that made you whole or more so content. sharing a laugh with the person you love and sharing food with the person you love was more than enough for you.
LEE JENO
it was a little past 8pm, and both you and jeno are in the bathroom, you’re brushing your teeth and jeno is standing there watching and waiting for you to finish. you spit into the sink turning the water on washing the sink out briefly “you ready?” jeno spoke and you shake your head “not yeah i need to add some moisturizer on my face, can you look in that bin for me please, the bottle is white with a purple lid.” he nodded and walked over to the bin which you pointed at and looked through it, you washed your face with a rag gently patting your face “this one?” he asked, holding up the exact bottle you described you remove the towel from your face and squint in his direction before nodding and he walks over to you place the items on the counter. you toss the rag into the hamper and pump a few drops of the moisturizer onto your face before rubbing it in, “baby, can you please grab my glasses out the kitchen i believe they’re still sitting on the counter.” “ugh, you’re having me do everything tonight why can’t we just lay down?” he begins walking over to you. he picks you up and places you on the counter knocking the moisturizer over in the process, he stood in between your legs his eyes scanned your face like he was looking for something, he wrapped his arms around your body burying his face in your neck “mmm, you smell good.” his voice muffled against your neck, which caused you to giggle at the feeling of his breath on your neck. you’re still wondering if he’s going to go get your glasses or not.
LEE DONG HYUCK
“do you hate me? like seriously.” haechan asks you’re both laying on the couch, his head resting in between your legs, “hmm? why would you ask that unprovoked?” “not unprovoked, you’re scrolling on tiktok when you’re loving boyfriend is right here. unless i’m invisible.” he pouts and you laugh but it’s more like a ‘you’re cute’ laugh, “okay fine hyuck, my attention is all yours,” he shakes his head still pouting, “i just want you to rub my scalp you don’t have to get off tiktok,” “so why didn’t you just say that???” you shake your head, “i have to be dramatic first… you know this.” he gives your thigh a light squeeze, you run your fingers through his hair and he let out a satisfied hum. you go back to scrolling through tiktoks still rubbing his scalp gradually stopping then continuing and haechan is watching whatever is on the tv slowly dozing off at the feeling of your hand running through his scalp. “mmm, focus baby” haechan mumbled you definitely didn’t realize that your hand was no longer rubbing his head “whoops my bad,” and you go back to rubbing his scalp again a few more minutes go by and you stop without realizing again “okay maybe you should give me your full attention, i want to fall asleep but every time i’m about to you stop rubbing my scalp.” he whines, “hyuck my attention is all yours.” you place your phone down beside so that you can give your full undivided attention to him so that he can fall asleep.
NA JAEMIN
“jaem.. are you sleep?” you whispered, you both are laying down in the bed his arm draped over your waist his body pressed against yours and you’re uncomfortable but you don’t want to tell jaemin that you want to wait until he shifts then you’ll move but he hasn’t moved in hours and you still haven’t fallen asleep, “jaem…” you say a little louder and he groans, “i’m uncomfortable,” “turn over then sweets.” he spoke in his half conscious state, and you do as he said turning over, your both face to face expect he’s sleeping. you stare at his face for a while before pressing a few kisses along his jawline and a few on his face, “what are you doing?” he mumbled “kissing you,” “well i know that… why aren't you sleeping?” he slowly blinks awake and your eyes meet “i couldn’t sleep i was uncomfortable and i didn’t want to wake you.” your hand rests against his cheek and he shakes his head, “you could’ve just turned over,” “but you’re a light sleeper i would have woken you.” you said your voice soft, “so you’ll lose sleep because i’m a light sleeper?” he chuckles then placed a kiss on your forehead, “let me be little spoon maybe that’ll help you sleep.” he turned over and you wrapped your arms around his body, your head pressed against his back and you slowly dozed off to sleep.
ZHONG CHENLE
“lele it’s cold out here,” you shivered and he looked at you and laughed, “did i not tell you to bring a jacket?” and you nodded, “here” he took off his jacket handing it to you and you quickly put it on. it was late but chenle wanted to give daegal one last chance to use the bathroom before he goes to bed, “and what if she doesn’t pee this time?” you asked, being sarcastic, “then she’ll pee on the floors and YOU will clean it.” he laughed but you didn't, which only made him laugh harder, “i’m joking” he said still laughing “that joke must’ve really tickled you huh? your ears are red and everything.” he gently grabbed your arm pulling you towards him placing his arm around your shoulders, he sighed leaning his head on top of yours. “you’re still shivering am now i’m shivering seeing you shiver,” he said “yeah i’m like 99.99% sure that’s not how that works, wanna share the jack-” and before you could finish he was already forcing himself inside the jacket with you, “daegal hurry, mom and dad are VERY cold,” he said laughing and you laughed along with him. “yes please hurry, before lele turns into a popsicle his ears are turning red again.” you spoke but your teeth were clinging together because of how cold you were, chenle blew his breath in your face jokingly attempting to warm you up. “lele you’re such a weirdo! your breath is usually hot i guess not this time,” and you fake pout causing him to laugh and eventually daegal goes to the bathroom and you two head inside for the night.
PARK JISUNG
“ji get the eggs out the refrigerator,” he nods, moving past you to get to the fridge. it’s 1am and jisung woke up hungry and so did you so what better way to fix that than some late night ramen? he passes you two eggs before rubbing his stomach “my belly is so empty,” and you giggle “you know hunger is just a mind thing? if you think you’re hungry of course you’ll be hungry.” “wait really?” you nod, “being hungry is a mental thing cause if you aren’t thinking about wanting to eat the feeling will subside.” “so basically i can have your noodles?” he says jokingly and hou both share a laugh, “you wish! especially with me being the one who’s cooking them.” he sighs, he grabs two bowls out of the cabinet “forks or chopsticks?” “uhm, i want a fork,” he nods. you yawn putting noodles into the bowls you add the eggs to the bowls then hand one over to jisung who was already seated on the bar stool, he eats some of the noodles letting out a satisfied ‘mmm’ “i don’t think i’ll be able to enjoy these noodles since i’m so sleepy,” jisung smiles at you, “come here” and you walk over to him with your bowl in your hands, “at least take a few bites then we can go back and lay down, it’s super late at least eat these so that you won’t be hungry again in a few hours.” he said then pressed a kiss on your cheek, “fine.” and you eat some of your noodles “cute, your cheeks are full of noodles” he laughs, “ready to go lay down?” and you nod, you grab his arm and follow close behind him into the bedroom.
↳ synopsis. you and your bestfriend jokingly make a bet that whoever doesn't get a valentine has to pay for dinner at you guys' favorite restaurant, which is quite expensive. as valentine's day approaches, you both realize that you don't exactly like the idea of the other person going out with someone..
↳playlist. love - keyshia cole. lucky girl - red velvet. affection - between friends. like we just met - nct dream. better than gold - nct dream. off my face - justin bieber.
it was currently february 1st, meaning all of the bright pink and red decorations were already decorated around your campus. you found yourself in the, abnormally loud and chaotic cafeteria, you were waiting at your designated seats for your best friend, jisung, and as you waited you looked around. Glancing from the pink flyers to the red heart shaped balloons, and everything else in between. jisung plopped down with a sigh in front of you.
"it looks like cupid threw up in here," you muttered, opening your pack of cookies. jisung's lips quirked up into a boyish grin as he settled in his seat. "what, jelous of all the love in the air?"
"it's not that," you said offering him a cookie, which he gladly took. "it's just...valentine's day is so overrated. why spend one single day to prove your love when you could just like─not suck the rest of the year?"
laughing, jisung spoke again. "god, you're such a romantic, no wonder you're still single," rolling your eyes you glare at him. "you're one to talk. when was the last time you tried to talk to someone you like?"
jisung's face flushed a little. "hey, i talk to people!"
"not what i asked," you say flatly, then lean across the table. "name one person you've flirted with in...the past year," you say thinking for a second.
as if really trying to think, he furrows his brows and looks at the table. "exactly," you laugh. "alright, how about you then? i don't remember hearing about you having a valentine," he raised a brow, challenging you back and sitting up in his seat.
your confidence wavered a little, but didn't let it show, "oh please, i could get asked out if i wanted to,"
"oh yeah? could you?"
you reached for a fry on your tray and threw it at him. he tried to block the fry, it falling to his lap as he laughed at you. "i'm just saying," he shrugged. "all this big talk, yet you're in the same boat as me,"
a smirk spreads across your face, as you get an idea. "fine, you know what? how about, whoever doesn't get themselves a valentine, has to buy the other dinner at our favorite restaurant. deal?"
this time it was jisung’s turn to falter a little. “are you seriously betting on this?”
you shrugged. “why not? scared of losing?” you teased.
those words were all it took for his competitive side to kick and and he straighted up once again. “fine. you’re on.” he reached out his his hand and you took it firmly. “prepare to lose park jisung,” you smiled your gaze locked on his. “i’m about to eat so much pasta,”
he smirked, his hand lingering in yours for a second longer than necessary. “we’ll see about that.”
little did the both of you know, that stupid little bet was about to change everything.
—
it’s a quiet afternoon, after school. you and jisung were hanging out at your favorite café. the place was a little busy with people, but you are just enjoying the usual, comfortable silence. that is, until a guy from one of your classes walks in. you notice him immediately. he was a generally friendly guy, always talking to everyone. he notices you and walks over to your table.
“hey!” he says, making his way over. “what’s up? haven’t seen you around lately.”
you stand to greet him, talking easily as you always do. you’re genuinely enjoying the conversation. he was funny, charming, and always has something interesting to say—never really an awkward pause. you laugh at a joke he tells, and just for a second, you forget jisung is even there.
jisung, however, hasn’t missed a thing.
he watches from his seat, his grip on his cup tightening just slightly. the way you and the guy are laughing, how easily you two got along. it was too comfortable. jisung tries to focus on his phone, but his eyes keep flicking back to you. there’s something in the way the guy looks at you, a little too interested, and jisung feels a pang in his chest. trying to brush it off, he settles with the fact that it’s because you might be winning the bet; for now.
jisung was trying to focus on his phone, scrolling through something meaningless, but the smile on your face. the way you leaned in a little closer to the guy as you talked. it was starting to bother him more than he’d like to admit. it’s dumb, he knows it’s dumb, but he can’t help the flicker of frustration in his stomach. you’re supposed to be just friends. but suddenly, the idea of someone else being interested in you feels… wrong.
he feels like he can ignore him and focus on his phone until the guy laughs again—louder this time, with a hand on your shoulder. he feels his blood start to simmer.
“so, uh, i was thinking about going to see a movie this weekend. wanna go?” the guy asks, his tone light, like it’s no big deal.
you smile, looking a little surprised. “oh, uh, sure! sounds fun.”
jisung’s fingers tighten around his phone, his knuckles almost turning white. the guy’s eyes flicker over to him, then back to you, and jisung doesn’t miss the way the guy raises an eyebrow, sizing him up. it’s a subtle look, but it makes jisung’s jaw clench. he new what the guy was doing, and so did he.
the guy turns to leave, his attention shifting away from you, but before he walks off, he looks back one last time. “see you later, yeah?”
“yeah, definitely!” you call after him, still smiling.
as soon as the guy walks away, jisung can’t hold it in anymore. he stands abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor louder than usual. “i’m gonna get some air,” he mutters, as he begins to step away.
you glance at him, a little startled. “wha-? jisung, what’s wrong?”
he shakes his head, brushing you off. “nothing. just need some air.”
before you can say anything else, he’s walking out of the café, leaving you behind. you stare after him, confused and a little concerned. what was that about?
you sigh and lean back in your chair, a little unsure of what just happened. you know jisung, and you know that wasn’t just about needing air. you weren’t even doing anything to provoke him. but something about the way he left makes you feel like maybe he’s… bothered.
you pull your phone out, sending him a quick message:
hey, u good?
a few moments later, he replies.
yeah, i’m fine,
but you can tell something’s off. you don’t press him right now, but the conversation with the guy you just had lingers in your mind. was it just your imagination, or did jisung seem…jealous?
—
the following day, you seem to ironically have a similar experience.
you walk into the library after second period, expecting to find jisung buried in his usual corner, headphones in and his nose buried in a textbook. but instead, you stop in your tracks when you see him sitting at a table with a girl from your class, one you’ve seen around but don’t really know. she’s leaning over his shoulder, pointing at a page in her notebook, and jisung is explaining something, his hand moving across the page to help her with the assignment.
hesitating for a moment, not wanting to interrupt, something in your chest tightens when you see how naturally they’re talking, how comfortable she looks in his presence. she was pretty close to him, her shoulder brushing his as she leans in. it feels like your heart sinks a little, and you swallow the lump in your throat.
the way jisung is smiling, the way he’s so focused on her… it’s the same way he looked when he helped you with schoolwork, but this time, it’s different. this time, there’s something more, something you hadn’t expected. the sight stings, even though you know it shouldn’t. it’s not like you have any claim over him, and he’s probably just being a good friend, but the nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach won’t go away.
you stand there for a moment, not sure what to do. a small part of you wants to walk away, pretend you didn’t see it, but another part of you, feels like you’ve been punched in the chest. you had no idea why.
just like jisung had felt the day before when you laughed with that guy at the café, you feel that same pang of jealousy now. and it’s so much more than you were expecting. maybe you understood his reaction a little more now.
after what feels like an eternity, you turn around and walk out of the library before you can let any of those feelings show. you tell yourself it’s ridiculous, that you have no reason to feel this way, but the image of jisung laughing with her sticks in your mind, making it impossible to shake the feeling.
—
it was now valentine’s day, and when you got the text from jisung asking to come over and talk, you assume it’s about the bet. about how he didn’t find the valentine he kept claiming he find. and you would tell him the same, that you were both valentine-less. you figured you’d laugh about it and go about your days. everything would go back to normal and you wouldn’t have to see him around talking to other girls and feeling that awful sting in the pit of your stomach.
but as he arrives to your place, the look on his face making you nervous. he sits on your couch and you follow him, cradling your legs to yourself as you sat.
the soft hum of the city outside the window barely audible as you sit together in the living room. despite the seemingly comfortable silence between you two, there’s something else in the air—a tension neither of you has been able to shake for days.
jisung’s, hands fidget in his lap, his eyes darting around the room like he’s searching for something, trying to find the right words. you could tell he’s been holding something back, and it’s becoming harder and harder to ignore the way he keeps glancing at you, like he’s trying to figure out how to speak what’s been on his mind for so long.
“hey,” you say softly, breaking the silence, “is everything okay?”
he glances at you, but his gaze is distant—like he’s caught between saying something and not saying anything at all. you wait for him to respond, the anticipation weighing heavily in the room.
“i’ve been thinking a lot,” he begins, his voice quieter than usual, which spikes your curiosity. he exhales slowly. “about everything… with the bet, with us. and i’ve realized something. something i think i’ve been running from for a really long time.”
you sit up a little, your heart beating faster as you focus entirely on him. his tone was serious, the vulnerability in his voice making your chest tighten with both concern and curiosity.
“i’ve been… avoiding it,” jisung continues, his words coming out in a rush. “for years. i kept telling myself it wasn’t anything. that we were just friends. that it didn’t mean anything. but the truth is, i’ve been denying it for so long because I was scared... of what would happen if i admitted it. if i admitted that i’ve felt something more for you than just… friendship.”
your breath nearly catches in your throat. the words are unexpected, and yet, they make your heart race. you swallow, unsure of what to say, but jisung keeps going.
“i thought if i ignored it long enough, it would go away,” he admits, his eyes locked on yours now, raw and open. “but it never did. and i realized that i couldn’t keep pretending. i couldn’t keep pretending that i didn’t feel something for you. i don’t want to see you with anyone else. i don’t want to watch you go out with someone and not be the one standing next to you.” his lock onto yours.
you can feel your heart pounding in your chest, and you’re not sure whether to be shocked or relieved that he’s finally saying this. all the years of hints, all the quiet moments between you two, all of it makes sense now.
“i’ve wanted to tell you for so long, but i was too afraid,” he confesses, his voice breaking slightly. “i that it would ruin everything. that maybe you wouldn’t feel the same way, or worse—that it would destroy our friendship. but i can’t keep denying it. i’m… in love with you, y/n. and have been for so long, and i can’t pretend i’m okay with the idea of you being with anyone else.”
for a moment, you’re speechless, processing the weight of his words. years of feelings, years of quiet longing—suddenly all of it is out in the open, and it feels both overwhelming and relieving at the same time.
you swallow, your voice barely above a whisper as you look at him. “jisung… i never wanted anyone else. i don’t think i ever did. i’ve been scared too. scared of ruining what we had, scared that you wouldn’t feel the same. but… i feel the same way.”
his eyes widen at your confession, and something in him shifts. like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. his shoulders slump, a sense of relief settling over him.
“really?” he asks, as if he can’t believe you’re saying it too.
you nod, voice steadier now. “i never wanted to go out with anyone else. but i was too scared to risk what we had. i didn’t know how to tell you i… felt the same. i wanted to be with you, but i couldn’t say it.”
jisung ran a hand through his hair, letting out a breath he’s held too long. his expression softens, and he moves closer, hand gently touching yours, hesitant but tender.
“so… we’re both idiots then, huh?” he says with a nervous laugh, the humor light but relieved. “all this time… and we were both too scared to admit it.”
you laugh, the tension breaking. “yeah. but i think we’re finally getting it right.”
his smile is genuine, the softest you’ve ever seen. “so…will you be my valentine?”
you squeeze his hand, a smile tugging at your lips. “well… only because i don’t have anyone else that asked,” and maybe, just maybe, i’ll let you take me out on a real date. not because of a stupid bet, but because i want to be with you.”
his eyes light up and he chuckles at your words. he smiles softly, cheeks a little rosy. “that sounds perfect.”
and just like that, all the hesitation, all the silent feelings, fade away. you’re both free from the weight of denial, starting something new. together.
and in your book, you still won’t the bet. you knew you weren’t gonna pay for the dinner from the start, and you were right. you also got the best valentine, and soon boyfriend, anyone scouts ever ask for.
