Conflicting Aesthetics ~ Epel Felmier
Summary: Epel is soft and sweet, while you're hardcore and fiery. Perhaps if he changes everything about himself, you might like him more.
Pairing: Epel Felmier X Fem!Reader
Genre: Fluffy Drabble
Word Count: 964
Warning: N/A
Masterlist
“Are you sure about this?” Ace asked, skeptically.
“I’m 100% sure it won’t work.” Jack shrugged, not looking up from his phone.
Epel frowned, looking down at what he was wearing. It wasn’t what he normally wore. Usually he wore soft sweaters, cheerful colors, and oversized hoodies. With the ripped jeans, black leather vest, and fake piercings, he had more of a grunge aesthetic today. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel a little out of place in this. But he knew it was what you liked.
You loved rock bands, dark colors, and tattoos. While Epel was soft and fun, you were dark and sharp. You had sarcasm and wit to spare, enough to tear down your enemies with one clever insult. Nevertheless, it was because of your strong loyalty and secret humor that Epel fell for you. He fell in love with everything about you as soon as he first met you, which confused all of his friends when he admitted it.
“Are you sure this is the girl for you?” Sebek questioned, trying to keep his frown from showing and failing.
Despite his uncertainty, Epel nodded. “I’m sure. She’s special and I want to show just how much I really like her by taking an interest in what she likes.”
Deuce shook his head. “Look, Yunho, your heart is in the right place, but this is a bit much. You show an interest by going to concerts with her or watching the movies she likes. You don’t dye your hair black and put on some ridiculous outfit that isn’t who you are just to impress her.”
“It’s worth a shot.” Epel tried to defend himself. “She might like me a lot more if I were more like her.”
Deuce sighed. “If you think that’s what’s best, I won’t stop you.”
Before he could retort, Epel's phone went off, alerting him that you were waiting downstairs. He gave an assuring nod to his friends, as if to convince himself this was the right choice. Rushing down the stairs, he paused right before he could see you to walk down the last few steps with a cool and detached swagger.
Upon seeing you, he gave you the "S'up" head nod, and noticed how your eyes widened at his getup. He couldn't help but feel a little self conscious as your eyes dragged down from his head to his boots before returning to his face. However he tried to not let it show. He was the new and improved Epel Felmier, someone who was worthy of being yours. He needed to be confident and chill to keep the facade going. And with any luck, he’d like the look enough to keep it up all the time he was with you.
“Hi Epel.” You gave a small wave as he made his way over to you.
“Hey.” He answered, trying to sound totally cool.
Pursing your lips, you slowly asked, “Whatcha wearing?”
His confidence slightly faltered, but he had to keep up the act. “I thought you would like it. I mean, we match today.”
“I see that.” You slowly nod, before staring into his eyes. “Do you like it?”
He started to sputter. “Wha- of course I like it! Ever since I met you I knew I was going to like this hardcore, grunge aesthetic. It’s so me, don’t you think?”
Deep inside he was praying you would say yes and jump into his arms. But you sucked in your breath through your teeth. “Epel, are you doing all of this to impress me?”
Again, he sputtered, “Wha-pa-ca, no. I’m doing this for me!”
“Epel…”
He sighed. It didn't take much from you to wear him down. “Yes, I did this to impress you. But I thought if I showed an interest in what you liked, you would like me back. I really like you, and I want to be someone who is extra special to you. I thought this was a way to get closer to you.”
With a small, exasperated chuckle, you gave him a soft smile, which contrasted greatly to what you both were wearing. “Epel, it’s sweet. Really, I think it’s so sweet that you went out of your way to show interest in what I like. But this isn’t how to do it. I like you a lot, Epel, but I like Real Epel. I like the cute, soft, fluffy boy who plays with puppies and helps his grandma on the family farm. I like when you’re you and not when you’re trying to be me.
“You like me back?”
Laughing harder, you nodded. “Yes, Epel. I like you back.”
He gave a sigh of relief. “I guess I was worried for nothing then. I thought you didn’t like me for who I was.”
“Quite the contrary.” You assured him before giving him a hug. Squeezing you tight, you laughed before saying, “Now go upstairs and change into something more Epel. Especially before Vil sees you like this.”
Stepping back, he grimaced at the thought. Vil was going to kill him if he ever saw him like this. An awkward chuckle escaped him as he scratched the back of his head. “Well, I can change my clothes, but I can’t really change my hair color back. Do you think Vil will notice?”
You smiled before sweeping his bangs from his eyes. “I like the black. It’s very pretty. But I also like you when you’re lavender hair too. I'm sure we can figure out something to minimize the trouble you'll get into with your House Warden.”
"Thank you."
Giggling, you wave him off. “Now go change already, you big goof. I’m hungry and need lunch.”
He nodded. “Be back in two minutes, sweetie!”
“See you then, baby.”