Hiii I wanna req smth a lil more angsty if you're ok with it!
Dan heng x idol reader who grew up together, with reader always telling dh how they'll be loved and famous but they had to separate cuz one of em moved
Fastforward a few years into the future and reader did it. Dh has always been watching but only from media and news and decides to attend a concert reader has near where he lives
And reader is still having a hard time meeting certain standards and expectations set by their manager/company, takes a walk and runs into dh. To help reader destress, dh takes them around to escape the idol life for a while
Can you make this smth with a happy ending? 🥹 I'm a sucker for those THANK YOU <3
From idol life - Take a break
Dan Heng x Idol! Reader
You and Dan Heng used to be inseparable as kids. Constantly playing and laughing together like nothing could get between you. Unfortunately, you had to move, but eventually achieved your dream as a famous idol. Now, with all the stress that came with your job, you reunite with him and decide it’s high time to take a break.
Warnings: None
You and Dan Heng used to be inseparable as children. Playing around in the fields and gardens, making up stories on the playground, shouting loudly about your dreams to any child and adult that would listen
He’d always been quiet, always keeping to himself more often than not. Yet he managed to make friends with you, the most excitable and loud person ever. Well, they do say opposites attract, don’t they?
You first became friends after seeing him play alone in the sandbox. Perhaps it was out of pity you talked to him, or you just felt like it just because, and you pointed to him and said, “What are you doing?”
Dan Heng blinked, big green eyes staring at you, “Making a sandcastle.”
“It looks cool! Can I help?”
“Sure.”
Boom. Thats how you became friends, because you liked his sandcastle. Don’t question it, don’t try to think ‘oh! This is a metaphor!’ Because it’s not. It’s kids being kids.
He remembers the way you’d stand on top of the slide on the days he’d meet you on that same playground in the following weeks. You gained the attention of the other children as you danced and sang to your hearts content. You’ve always had that ability; making people focus on you and only you
The children would be delighted, shouting and screaming, jumping up and down in excitement as you announced, “I’m going to be the most famous-test person in the whole wide world!”
He believed you. Hell, he became your number one supporter. He would often bring makers and paper, writing your name on it and decorating it with messy stars, and stand behind you to hold the paper up like a banner.
You loved how much he cared about your dreams, and you did everything you could to support his too. He was more of a history buff, though, but it didn’t stop you
Sometimes, in between your “breaks” from entertaining your audience, you’d direct the attention to him and say, “History lesson! All of you shut up right now or I’ll get down there and bury you like osagees!”
“Ostriches,” Dan Heng corrected quietly, nodding in approval when you said the right word.
The non-hyperactive kids loved to listen to him too, completely entranced by his knowledge. They thought he was as smart as an adult, even saying he should be President. He said he wouldn’t, of course, but it’s the thought that counts.
(The adults were eternally grateful for the brief quiet)
He remembers you coming over his house, or him going over yours and putting on a show for either of your parents/guardians. He remembers how happy you looked as you watched the idols on the television
He remembers the stars in your eyes as you lied your head against his shoulder, holding his hand and saying, “I want to be a star. Then I can be super duper loved and famous.”
“But you’re already super duper loved and famous.”
“Then super duper-duper loved and famous!”
Unfortunately, your friendship couldn’t last as long when you had to move. One of your parents had gotten a good job and planned to move several states away.
You were sobbing as your parents told you to say goodbye, snort running down your nose and tears falling fast down your cheeks
You both had gifted each other jade bracelets, making promises that you’d never forget each other
The promise was true. Ish. You didn’t forget him, neither him you, but you just hadn’t talked to him in years. You still like his posts, comment on the goofy videos his friends post about him
“Say cheese, Dan Heng!” A pinked haired girl around your age told him, a curled mustache underneath her nose. She moved the camera towards him, letting it blur and then focus on the fact he was wearing a pink tutu, a crown, and a heart shaped wand.
Another young man, the same age, was dressed in a bright yellow ballgown, giggling uncontrollably, “I’m a pretty princess!”
“The prettiest princess!” The young woman behind the camera agreed.
Dan Heng let out a disgruntled sigh, throwing up a peace sign and saying, “Cheese.”
You laughed at the video, double tapping and scrolling through the comments. Most of them made you giggle, talking about how silly he looks or inside jokes those people in the video would get
Unfortunately, you were interrupted by a sharp knock at your door, your name being called. “Oi! Hurry up and get out here! You’ve got practice in five!”
“Coming!” You scrambled from the bed, putting on your workout clothes and darting towards the studio you practice in. Well, you were already in the studio, just found an empty room and started doomscrolling
You set your stuff down, fixing your hair so it’d be out of the way. Your choreographer clapped his hands, “You’re late.”
“Two minutes early,” you grinned.
“You wanna do two minutes of planks or shut up and stretch.”
Quickly, you went quiet and did the proper stretches to get ready for the grueling workout you were about to go through.
Your choreographer instructed you on the steps, first walking you through them and then letting you do it on your own, making corrections when needed.
“Okay, good, you got that first part down.” He nodded, going over to the speaker, “The second part is like that show you did two weeks ago. Your star show.”
“Oh!” You nodded, “Yeah, I can do that. Same steps?”
“Exact same steps.” He snapped his fingers to the beat you needed, “One-two-three-four—“
“One-two—“ you added.
“One-two-three— arms up!” He demonstrated, throwing his arms in the air and letting them slide down his body, “and flow two-three-four. Got it?”
“Got it.” He started the music, snapping as you went through the motions, stepping and throwing your arms when you needed, spinning and ending on a point.”
“Yes! Beautiful! Okay, I need more oomph.”
You held back a snort, “more oomph?”
“More oomph. A pizzaz. I need you to rock that body like you’re going to throw someone into a wall with that ass.”
“Can do!”
He recorded the rest of your practice, letting you get the counts and points in, and for publicity’s sake. What fan isn’t interested in their celebrity’s behind-the-scene?
You were bone tired once you were done, having stayed late and even practiced some more by yourself. You groaned when your manager texted you to be up by four in the morning tomorrow, since they needed to get in your new outfits for the concert
By the time you went home, it was already late. And you’d only have four hours of sleep. You wandered like a zombie through your hotel, taking a shower and doing your nightly routine, checking your phone
You saw the millions of likes and thousands of comments on your practice video, seeing the praise and encouragement you were getting. Of course, there were some haters here and there, saying you sucked, that you were trash, even some racist comments
It made you roll your eyes, you were about to throw your phone on your bed when a knew notification caught your attention
Cold-dragonyoung-26: Always knew you could do it, keep up the good work.
You couldn’t stop yourself from smiling, feeling your stomach twist with butterflies. It’s been years since you’ve seen him, but sometimes it felt like you never separated
Underneath his messages looked like his friends who were also big fans of your, one with a raccoon profile and the other a giant pink bunny.
GalacticBasballer: WE LOVE YOU!!!1!1!2!1
IceIceBunny: YOURE SO COOL AND AMAZING CANT WAIT FOR YOUR CONCERT!!!!1!!1!1!1!1!
After reading and hearting quite a few comments, you had taken your tired self to bed, flopping down onto the pillow and falling asleep
The weeks leading up to your concert was exhausting. Your manager constantly posting you, either eating, practicing, lounging around, it didn’t matter. Your choreographer was working the dog snot out of you too. And your fans were all but demanding for you to post your own pics on your social media, even though the company has that handled more often than not
But hey, all for the concert? Right? You could survive a few sleepless nights
Dan Heng watched one of your many livestreams, putting it on while he wrote his papers to go into his hometown’s library, where he works. His friends had decided to visit, staying in their own rooms, all to wait for your concert since you were coming by
He stopped writing when he heard you squealing in joy at the food you were holding. It was your favorite, he remembered because you’d eat it so much he wondered how you never got cavities.
“Yo!” You put your finger over your mouth before continuing, “I literally love these things, guys. They’re so unbelievably delicious, right? But here’s the thing, the city I used to live in— well town-kind of— I used to have a friend I’d go with as a kid and we’d get these from the shop this old lady used to run. She was so sweet.”
He remembers too. That old lady would give you those treats for free because she liked you so much. He let out a huff of a chuckle at the memory.
“And then his dad…” you paused, pursing your lips, “I think his dad. I dunno…”
He facepalmed.
“His dad made some of these with super good tea.” You groaned and stomped your feet, “It was so good! I can’t wait to go back, I miss it so much!”
The comments were flooded from people in the same city, telling you how excited they were to finally see you and asking what part of the city you stayed in. Even though anyone could just look that information up. Kind of creepy when you think about it.
“What part of the city?” You read off one of the comments, “Ohh, it was in the eastern sector, near the docks. Yeah— yes! I did live near the Alchemy Commission. Geez— now that I think about it, that name is kind of off cause from what I remember, there’s nothing that related to alchemy. That’s just what it’s called.”
You bit off another part of your snack, “Eh? Did you visit Cloudford? Definitely! I loved playing over there, especially in the gardens. Me and my friend used to go there all the time.” You showed off the jade bracelet on your wrist, new charms dangling off of it, but the same old bracelet.
Dan Heng can’t believe you kept it after all this time. He kept his too, but still.
“Yeah, I actually got this from him when I had to move when we were kids.” You told the stream, “I’m hoping to see him again but I have no clue if he still lives there.”
He blinked. You… wow, you keep surprising him with every word. Not only did you still remember him, not only did you keep the bracelet, but you were actually hoping to see him again? Him?
“That’s so cute?” You read off, chuckling, “I mean, yeah, I guess it is. ‘Awe, he prolly had a crush on you?’ No! There’s no way he did. He was, like, stupidly smart. I think he just liked having me around because he didn’t have to talk to people. Real, honestly.”
You hummed, answering more questions when another comment popped up, “Somebody had a crush~? No! You— you know what? Chat, boo them.”
And the entire chat flooded with boos, making you laugh hysterically.
Dan Heng smiled at the sound, his head resting against his hand as he watched you wander for a little longer before having to end the stream because your manager texted you. You said goodbye, grinning and blowing kisses as the video stopped.
He sighed, leaning back against his chair. It’s been so many years since he’s seen you, and honestly, he couldn’t wait to go to that concert.
The two of you had such difference professions. You, an idol able to capture the heart of many, and he, an archivist that spends most of his time in the library. Completely different worlds. It’s a wonder that you even became friends to begin with.
But still, he was happy to see your success. He knew you could accomplish your dreams, you were just that type of person
He flinched when Caelus and March barged into his room, holding your light-sticks and wearing your merch. The two squealed and jumped all around, holding each other, spinning each other around like maniacs. “We can’t wait for their concert!” “I’m so excited I could combust!”
“Are you two excited?” He asked sarcastically, earning a loud scream that made him cover his ears. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Two weeks!” Caelus shook his shoulders, “They’re coming here in two weeks! I’m not that patient! I can’t be that patient uggghhhhhhh! Why can’t they come nooooowwwwww?”
“They need time to get ready—“
“Excuses!” March tugged at the gray haired’s shoulder, “Come on! Let’s bake a cake with their face on it!”
“Yes!”
Two weeks of what felt like agony for you. You couldn’t have a break, not even to sleep. You were woken up at horrible hours, barely slept. You had to watch what you ate, what you wore, what you said during interviews, how hard you had to dance
Sometimes you’d break out into tears when you were finally alone in your room. It was just too much. But hey, after this, you’ll go on a break! A really nice break and a really nice vacation!
You need one desperately.
“Oi!” Your choreographer banged on the door in the closet you managed to find and hide in, “Let’s go! Don’t waste my time.”
You groaned, hauling yourself up to dance. And sing, because your vocal coach was there. So you danced and sang and danced and sang and danced and sang until you never wanted to hear another song in your life ever again
You stood in the middle of the room as your coaches talked with each other, running both your hands down your face. One of them hit the music, to which you automatically started the routine until it stopped, “Sorry! Misclick.”
You wanted to hit somebody.
Your manager came in as you drank water, quickly taking the bottle and handing you some weird nutritional water that you were half sure was a scam. “Drink this,” she told you, “I thought I told you to do that after you practiced.”
“It builds up in my throat—“
“Don’t give me excuses, just drink it. We don’t need you getting bigger before the concert.
You really, really wanted to hit somebody.
But you had healthy coping methods. You just needed to get out, get some fresh air. Just breathe. In and out. In and out. In and out.
Turns out, you stormed quite a ways away from the studio, disguising yourself to make sure no fans would bombard you. You loved them to death, but even they could be too much some times
You sighed, running a tired hand down your face and walked into a nearby library. Not your usual spot, since coffee shops or cafes were more your style, but a the quietness of a library is exactly what you needed. Just some peace, that’s all you wanted. Some peace. Just… somewhere far enough
“Do you need help with anything you’re looking for?” A low, soft voice asked behind you. Which almost made you scream in shock, but you quickly covered your mouth and said, “Oh! Uh— no— no, I’m good. Yeah, I was just looking around. Uhm,” your face burned in embarrassment, and you dared to look at the person who offered help
He was a handsome man. Dark hair, green eyes, and an aura that could make you swoon. He didn’t react to your surprise, “I’m sorry if I startled you.”
“It’s fine. I’m just like that.”
He nodded as you fixed your hood, glancing at the bracelet around your wrist. Wait a minute…
“Where’d you get that?” He pointed to it, drawing your attention as the charms clinked softly, “Huh? Oh, a friend gave this to me. We were kids, so it’s been a while since I’ve seen him.”
“Did it come with a matching set?”
“Yeah…” you answered with suspicion, about to take a step back since you thought he was another one of your crazed fans when he held up a similar bracelet. “I got this for my friend and I too.”
“Wha—“ you stared at it, “When you were kids?”
“Yes. I told her it was so we could be connected,” he let out a small huff. “It was embarrassing to say, but I was young.”
You blinked, stared, and said, “… Dan Heng?”
He stared right back, confusion turning into recognition, and then surprise as he said your name. You nodded excitedly, squealing before he gently shushed you.
“Sorry!” You giggled quieter as you threw your arms around him, “I can’t believe it’s you! By Lan’s bow, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you!”
“I know.” He smiled and hugged you back, squeezing you tight before letting go, “Wow, this… this sounds creepy, but I’ve seen you on social media. I’m happy that you followed your dream.”
“No, it doesn’t, don’t worry.” You smiled back, “And thank you, a lot. Honestly, if it wasn’t for your encouragement back then I probably wouldn’t have made it.”
“Nonsense.”
“I’m serious!”
His smile grew wider, but then he stood up straighter, “Ah, I still have to finish some things, but how about we take a walk after I’m done?”
“Totally.” You nodded, “I didn’t know you worked at a library, but it definitely suits you.”
“I figured you’d say that.”
It didn’t take long for his shift to end. The two of you getting boba together and taking a walk around the city. He pointed out some landmarks and places of nostalgia, letting you add it your own memories too it
You both walked down the food market, talking together, laughing and catching up, when he said, “You looked stressed when you walked in the library.” Oh, right, you forgot how observant he was. No point in lying, especially not after seeing him after so long.
“Yeah, it’s just management and all,” you waved your hand. “It’s not easy preparing for this concert, but it can be…” you paused.
“A lot?” He finished, watching as you agreed, “A lot.”
“It’s okay to take breaks when you need to. It’s beneficial for your health.”
“I know that,” you grumbled quietly, putting up a finger for each thing you listed “I just have so much stuff to do. I have to keep practicing my dances, get into my outfits, watch my weight, exercise, get enough sleep, eat only healthy foods, prepare for livestreams.” And you ranted on and on about your life as an idol, finding it surprisingly easy to open up to him when it hadn’t happened for anyone else
Once you were finished, you felt like a huge weight was lifted off your chest. It felt good. Really good to talk to somebody like a normal person for once
It was even better because Dan Heng actually listened to you. He listened, heard your woes and worries and stress, and took your hand, “You’ve been at it nonstop for ages now. No one would blame you if you went on a hiatus, if anything, they’d be expecting it.
A hiatus? What? But that’s only for people/groups who are burnt out and haven’t been giving their best performances to their audience and—
Ohhhhhhhhh
He chuckled when he saw you understood, “Take a break. Take some time to rest and recuperate.” How did he always know what to say? Man, he was too good.
“But I still have things—“
“That will stay there. Maybe some of your things you can worry about, but concerts? Livestreams? Posts? Those can wait. Step back,” he said softly. “You need it— you deserve it— after all that work you’ve put in.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.” He took your hand, leading you all throughout the market, “Now come on. It’s time to put your mind at ease and have fun.”
“You’re starting to sound like me,” you grinned, giddy as the two of you went.
Dan Heng certainly knew how to have fun, that was for sure. He took you all through the stalls, letting you try foods you’ve been curious about, having different drinks, even doing those mini games they helped set up
Your cheeks were hurting so much from smiling and laughing at his poor attempts at jokes. They were the comedy of the century if you were to be honest
You didn’t even notice the time passing until you checked your phone, grimacing at how much your manager blew it up with calls and texts. You silenced it the entire time you were with Dan Heng, so they must be freaking out about now
“I have to go.” You sighed, pocketing the device and giving him a sad smile, “I’m sorry. There’s—“
He cut you off, “I understand, don’t worry. I just hope I put your mind at ease tonight.”
Oh, he most certainly did, and you weren’t complaining in the slightest. “You helped a lot, Dan Heng. Thank you, truly.”
“Of course.” You were about to say goodbye when you tensed, quickly grabbing his phone before you could forget. Only to grimace at the passcode, looking at him with puppy eyes.
He chuckled, telling you the password as you opened it and put in one of your private numbers, “There.” You handed it back, “Now we can talk.”
“I won’t bother you often—“
“You’re hardly the bothersome person,” you grinned. “Really, I don’t mind at all if you text me.”
His lips parted, but he eventually gave you a thankful smile. Augh, he was so cute. “I’ll take your words to mind, too.”
“About breaks?”
“Yeah. I… I’ve been thinking about it for a while now, but I’m glad you were pushing me there.”
“I simply gave you a nudge,” he patted your shoulder. “Do take care of yourself. I’d hate to see you burnt out.”
“I will, don’t worry.” You waved, starting to depart before telling him, “I’ll be in the city for a while! So don’t you dare leave!”
“Didn’t plan to.” He waved back
Yes, your manager was furious that you had disappeared for an entire night; but how could you focus on that when you had several photos saved of you and Dan Heng in the food market or playing games? You were absolutely entranced by him
Thankfully, you had gotten through your grueling practices and overwhelming management. All of it lead up to that concert and you were confident you were going to rock it before taking Dan Heng’s words to heart
All of the staff helped you get ready, your choreographer nodding when you remembered what to do. Your manager checked with the rest of the team for the stadium you were using, making sure it was all set up properly and everything was in working order
You nodded at the instructions, checking your mics, your dress, and doing a few vocal-stims before going up on your platform, waiting for it to rise
The crowd cheered loudly as the lights dimmed, waving their light sticks around in a frenzy.
March and Caelus shook Dan Heng’s arms, “It’s starting! It’s starting!”
The lights flashes all around, circling across the stadium as smoke fogged the stage. Eventually, the music started, and two headlights focused on you as you gave the crowd your signature pose
They. Went. Wild. They screamed and cheered as you sang and danced on the stage. They yelled along to the lyrics, adding the ad-libs and your spin on a few words after posting about it on social media
You grinned, giving them the show of a lifetime, waving to every single one of them. Sometimes you’d kneel on the edge of the stage, giving high-fives and throwing confetti at their faces. They loved it, of course.
After the first song was finished, you pointed to the crowd, “What’s up, Lufou?!” Cue more screaming, making you laugh, “Hey! Hi! It’s so good to see everyone again!”
“We love you!”
“I love you too!” You were so sure some people fainted in the crowd. “You know, I was thinking about giving some of you guys a special performance. I can’t help it, I love my home city. So how about it, huh?”
And you went off during the entire concert, giving your audience your absolute best. You were so happy at how much they loved it, even more so when they threw gifts on stage. You had told them about your hiatus, since this was your last show on the tour, and many of them had the saddest faces ever, which made your heart clench tightly in your chest
“It’s okay!” “Take care of yourself!” “We love you!” “Don’t push yourself!” “Get some rest!”
You wanted to cry at their encouragement, telling them that you’d step back from the idol life for a little bit until you felt refreshed. And even outside the stadium, when you were signing autographs, many fans had told you how great you were and that it was fine to put your mental and physical health first
And finally, you got back to your hotel, exhausted, tired, but relieved. So relieved that you could finally take that break that you so desperately needed
You did your nightly routine, as usual, clicking on Dan Heng’s contact and typing: “Thank you so much.”
His response was immediate, “No need to thank me. I’m just glad you put yourself first.”
You couldn’t stop smiling around this man. “Are you free for another date later this week?”
“I’m always free for you.”
Ah! This man. You screamed into your pillow and promptly passed out from sleep deprivation.
A/N: holy crap this was long. No wonder it took me so many days lol. We love caring Dan Heng right guys? Yes. Yes we do. Will this be a series? Idk. We’ll figure it out ig. I tired
