[ extras ] might be suggestive. wc varies 120-180 per member
ੈ✩‧₊˚ notes ! based on this teamies vid bc holy shit.
@lune-net ˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚₊ @kstrucknet
┆彡 YUDAI [ 祐大 ]
he's a messy sleeper, throwing his limbs all over the bed… including you
9 out of 10 times there's a leg or arm thrown over you, keeping you close to him
which is comforting, in a way. you're like his personal teddy bear that he can't fall asleep without
he's very hard to wake up so more often than not you end up shaking him like a crystal ball
yudai will always try and persuade you to come back to sleep, lazily wrapping an arm around your waist and just grabbing onto you, even if you're already dressed up
in those moments you caress his hair and see his eye lights fight with sleep. on weekends you join him, caving in and curling back into his sleepy figure
when he has schedules, however, you do have to pull out the big guns (tear off the comforter off of him. he's always grumpy and whiny when you do that but knows it's over for him)
┆彡 FUMA [ 風魔 ]
highkey makes you match pokémon pjs with him 🥹
he's just so big and warm… you always fall asleep (and wake up) wrapped in his arms<3
he's a light sleeper so most of the time he slurs awake every time you let out a noise or shuffle in your sleep.
given that, he always wakes up first. and no matter how many times you tried waking before him… nope. he even wakes up before your alarms
he will have all the time to take a shower, maybe work out a little, and most important: make you breakfast
especially on weekends you can bet your ass that fuma will make you a breakfast in bed<3
he'll just crawl back into the covers and gently wake you up, definitely with light kisses all over your face… and you're blessed that his face is the fist thing you see when you wake up
(and the delicious smell of food on the nightstand)
┆彡 NICHOLAS [ 奕翔 ]
HIS DEEP VOICE HELLO THATS WHAT WE WILL START WITH.
like UGHHHAIWIOWOWQQ okay im normal. but he will mumble lazily into your ear, half awake, and his deep morning voice sending shivers down your spine
he will whine into your ear to not go. one arm around you, the other pressing down on your hip… breath fanning on your cheek. in cold winter you're doomed because it's SO cozy you wish you could just sleep all day with him<3
he sleeps shirtless so also. be prepared to wake up glued to his torso,,,, esp after a warm summer night
he will not put a shirt on like he knows what effect it has on you AND hello. he's being comfy in his own house. it's a win win for him ~
he's SO stubborn like will not wake up until he decides to. otherwise he's not budging one bit
also keeps your arm glued around you at all times. when you try to escape the bed, he'll pull you back… and welp, usually pin you down without realizing
┆彡 EUIJOO [ 의주 ]
euijoo moves a lot in his sleep so most of the time you end up somewhere else you fell asleep at
him too. once or twice he woke up where your feet were which was so funny that he woke you up with his loud laugh
HAS to throw a leg around you or otherwise he will not sleep pacefully
when he wakes up, he likes to trace your face with his fingers:( the touches are so light and delicate because he doesn't want to wake you up
and if he accidentally does — or if you simply wake up on your own — you lock eyes and spend long moments just enjoying the intimacy
euijoo is a silly fella so sometimes when you refuse to get out of the bed he will… jump on it… and shake you until you beg him to stop lmao
┆彡 YUMA [ 悠真 ]
that is a cat.
will be so hissy when you wake him up LIKE sassy man apocalypse. pulling the cover over his head, grumbling to himself… yeah, good luck
and oh my god. if you try to leave the bed?
drama.
as i said, cat. will pretend not to care, turning his back to you. but underneath his breath he's murmuring about how cruel you are for leaving him… how you're making the bed cold… how dare you…
and if you cave in (and most of the time, you do) and crawl into the bedsheets again, he's locking you in. bear hugging you, your cheeks squished against his bicep ane leg thrown over.
his face is buried in your neck, inhaling your scent and lulling him back to sleep… and you always pretend not to see through his grumpy act, feeling is smile imprint on your skin<3
┆彡 JO [ 穣 ]
jo said he's a still sleeper, waking up in the same position he has fallen asleep in so usually it applies to yu as well
fell asleep hugged onto him? or back to back? you will wake up like that too
secretly he's a fan og being the small spoon:( will tug at your pj shyly to suggest that you should fall asleep holding him<3
he takes a while to shake off the sleep and often just… zones out, staring at your sleeping form<3
gets SOOO red when you catch him and tries to hide under the covers
but you just gush about how cute he his and snuggle into him, placing hisses on his blushing face
(also you bet he has a lot of sketches of you sleeping:( live laugh love artists<3)
┆彡 HARUA [ 琉愛 ]
he needs to hug something when he sleeps so… you know well it's you!!!
arms wrapped around you like you're his teddy bear. his chest glued to your back, face nuzzled in your neck and snoring softly. and you bet he will wake up the second you try to wriggle out of his hold (good luck going pee in the middle of the night btw)
you often wake up in the same position you've fallen asleep in, or just. his body plastered on you.
very very sleepy, needs a few moment to shake off the sleep:( in the meantime he often nudges his face into your neck, pretending it's totally not making him even more sleepy
and when you caress his hair? yeah no, he's snoozing again
┆彡 TAKI [ タキ ]
oh my god. a menace.
WILL launch his body onto the bed to wake you up. and tickle you. and blow raspberries into your neck. i mean hey, at least you are guaranteed to wake up properly!
(he feels bad about it later so if he has time he will make you breakfast<3)
if you wake up before him, you're gentle. and enjoy the moment, looking at him and tracing his cheeks. he often pretends to sleep so you keep touching his skin but more often than not, he breaks into a smile.
and then? attack. wrapping his arms behind your neck and pulling you close, peppering you with kisses.
won't admit it but looooves when you lay on top of him. like a weighted blanket!!! it makes him feel warm n secure and he just gets to have you close<3
┆彡 MAKI [ マキ ]
lowkey doesn't care as long as he has you near him. holding hands, cuddling, backs touching like he will be content!!
also sleeps uh. in a sleeveless tanks. so yeah, maybe… just maybe… you ask him to use his arm as a pillow<333
he occasionally startles awake and looks around, just to go back to sleep moments after. at first it scared you but you've grown used to it. however, every time he does wake up, he takes a look at you. just in case.
also his morning voice is dangerously attractive… esp when he stretches and groans, mumbling "good morning" into your ear
WILL yank you back into the bed if you try to escape >:(
a menace too btw so he will put his cold feet on you. and roll his eyes while jokingly complaining about morning breath. and i feel like sometimes he snores, like chainsaw type of snore
jo is walking beside you in the quiet night, hands shoved in his pockets, heart full to the brim. it’s late—past midnight now—and your place is in the complete opposite direction of his. but he doesn’t mention it. not when you offered to call a cab, not when you gently reminded him that his house was the other way. he just shook his head and smiled, shrugging off his jacket to wrap it around your shoulders when he saw you shiver.
now your hands are brushing every now and then as you walk side by side, your laughter still lingering in the air from something he said a few blocks ago.
you’re wearing his jacket. you’re smiling up at him.
and still, jo’s not sure.
at your doorstep, you turn to face him under the soft yellow glow of the porch light, your lips tugging into a sleepy smile as you clutch the jacket a little tighter.
“thanks for walking me,” you say. “even though your house is the other way.”
jo shrugs, a little bashful, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, not knowing what to say.
your hair looks beautiful in this lighting, he thinks. and your eyes are shining as you look up at him. and your lips—
jo immediately looks away. blood rushes to his face, and when he meets your eyes again, your eyebrows are slightly raised. you definitely noticed.
he straightens up, clearing his throat. “goodnight,” he whispers, almost apologetically. “i’ll… um… see you tomorrow.”
he turns and starts walking, fists clenched like he’s scolding himself for even thinking he had a chance.
“jo,” you call out.
he stops and looks back at you, a little confused, like he’s sure he imagined your voice.
you take a few steps forward. and before he can even turn to face you fully, your hands slip into the collar of his shirt and tug him down just slightly—just enough for your lips to meet his.
his hands hover for a moment before settling at your waist—gentle, unsure. he tilts his head, kissing you back like he’s afraid he’ll wake up. and in his mind, he swears—if this is a dream, he’s going to make the most of it.
you pull away to catch your breath, only to be met with his wide, starry eyes. completely lovestruck. you can’t help it—you kiss him again, this time slower, deeper. your fingers thread through his hair, your other hand tugging at the front of his shirt, pulling him closer. jo melts into you, lips barely parted, too caught up to remember how to breathe.
then suddenly—beep.
you both flinch at the sharp noise, instinctively pulling apart.
jo stands frozen. hair tousled. lips pink and kiss-bitten. eyes dazed like he doesn’t even know what just happened. he doesn’t realize where the sound came from until he notices you glancing down.
his smartwatch is blinking. ‘abnormal heart rate detected.’
blood rushes to his face as makes a flimsy attempt to hide his wrist behind his back.
“...it—it does that sometimes,” he stammers, clearly lying. “it’s… probably broken.”
you laugh, eyes twinkling. “or maybe it works completely fine.”
you press the jacket into his arms before slipping inside, leaving him frozen on your front step, holding his own coat and a still-beeping watch.
❪ 雪明かり ❫ fluff est. rs maki x f!reader 302 cw ノ not proofread 〃 @talkingsaxy ♡ @seokminfilm ⸝⸝⸝ squeezing in another fic for the 3k event before we reach 4k 🙈 / 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄
Your nose brushes against the joint where Maki's neck meets his shoulder, and the slight fragrance of lychee reaches you. It's unexpected coming from your boyfriend because his usual cologne is a fresh woody scent. But the smell isn't unfamiliar, which causes your brain to dig a bit more. You lean into the hug more, take another sniff, and then it comes to you.
"Did you use my perfume?"
Maki looks surprised. "Yeah. I didn't think you'd notice, to be honest. You weren't using it, and I've been busy, so…"
You pull back a bit, "I don't get it."
He flushes a bit like the full reason is too embarrassing for him to say out loud, but you press, and he finally takes a breath.
"I always miss you when we travel, and this scent helps me not miss you as much. I spray it on my pillow in the hotels sometimes," he mumbles, his grip on your waist tightening a bit. "It's subtle enough that none of the members even notice, so I didn't think you would either. Is it okay with you?"
You smile, "Of course. That's actually very sweet. Why didn't you tell me before?"
He glances away, fighting the heat the crawls up his neck. It's silly to act shy in front of you like it's still your first day as a couple and not going on almost two years, but you have an affect on him that is hard to ignore.
"Thought you might have something against it, or, I don't know, not want me to use your perfume? Kinda stupid now that I think about it," he admits, shaking his head at his past thought process. You pull him back into your arms, happily nuzzling your face against his shoulder.
summary: your boyfriend nicholas comes home late and all he wants is cuddles
genre: fluff
warnings: none
pairing: &team nicholas x reader
wc: 292
a/n: happy birthday to my bby weno ♡ i love my &teamies so much but weno will always have a special place in my heart. i just love him so much and i've loved watching him grow into the idol he is now compared to when he was in i-land.
Nicholas was exhausted after his first day promoting Go in Blind. All he wanted was to cuddle with his lover, but he knew they’d already be asleep—it was past midnight. He walked through the front door and was greeted by the darkness of the living room, except for the flickering light of the television, left on and playing old episodes of Friends.
He slipped off his shoes at the apartment threshold and headed inside, only to spot your half-asleep silhouette buried beneath your beloved blanket, drowning in one of Nicholas’s sweatshirts. He couldn’t help but smile softly at your sleepy figure and quietly snapped a photo of your adorable self from behind the couch.
Nicholas moved to the front of the couch and crouched down to your eye level. He tucked your hair behind your ear and pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead before lightly shaking your shoulder and whispering your name.
Half asleep, you responded with a soft “mmm,” your arms untangling from the blanket and reaching toward him, expecting the hug you so desperately wanted. But instead, you were surprised when he picked you up, carrying you to the bed. Gently, he laid you down and told you he’d be out in a second, hurrying to the bathroom to remove his makeup.
You fought to stay awake while he was gone, but soon drifted off—only to be gently stirred by his return to the bed. Once again, he tucked your hair behind your ear and kissed your nose lightly, giggling when you responded with a quiet “mmnhmhmhmhm” before burying your head into his broad, comforting shoulders—shoulders that could protect you from anything. His undeniable presence finally allowed you to slip into the most peaceful sleep you’d had in months.
Requests: Open ♡
Taglist: @lune-net
to join the taglist drop me a message or comment guys ♡
genre: strangers to lovers, basketball player x fashion student, fluff, love triangle, angst? (if there's anything else pls lmkkk)
Y/n's classmate is mentioned as "Minseo"
i actually requested this from another author and they did a really good job and i lowkey wanted to write too but this is not the same request just the idea :)
anyways please go check @echoes-oflune's "stitch by stitch" ☺️
It was a normal day at the university, and the fashion design students were already counting minutes, waiting for their classes to end. Then the fashion collection module lecturer casually dropped the bomb: they had to find a real-life model for their assignment - an actual model, a student, or literally anyone they wanted.
The room went silent for half a second before filling with groans, dramatic sighs, and heads dropping onto desks, because deadlines were already looming and now they had to chase humans too.
And that was exactly why y/n ended up ranting about it to Minseo, her friend moment they sat down on the cold steps outside the building.
“I swear, I already have deadlines stacked on, and lec literally asked me to remake my moodboard cause she didn't like the vibe," she groaned, hugging her notebook to her chest. “and now I have to talk to people and ask them to be my model.”
Minseo snorted. “Bae, You’re literally the student council secretary. Just do it.”
“That’s different,” y/n muttered.
"Well, it's your stupid ass who thought that doing a male collection would be okay and now deal with it"
Minseo tilted her head, eyes lighting up a little too mischievously. “Wait. Why don’t you ask Jo?”
y/n froze. “Jo… as in basketball team Jo?”
“Yes, that Jo. Tall, famous, handsome Jo,” She said, grinning. “The same Jo you’ve had a crush on since first year.”
“SHUT UP-” y/n stopped, sighed, then buried her face in her hands. “I can’t just walk up to him. He doesn’t even know I exist.”
Minseo nudged her shoulder. “He will once you ask him to be your model. Two birds, one stone.”
y/n peeked through her fingers. “You’re evil.”
“Suit yourself,” her friend shrugged. “It is your call-"
y/n shot her a look. “Hey-"
“I’m just saying,” her friend continued, unfazed, “he’s got perfect model proportions. Height, shoulders, posture. Literally a model."
y/n went quiet, fingers tightening around her notebook. “I’ll think about it,” she said softly, eyes drifting away.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
y/n lasted exactly ten minutes alone with her thoughts before grabbing her phone and hitting call.
It rang twice.
“y/n?” Taki’s voice came through, rough and sleepy. “It’s midnight. Did your place catch fire or something?”
“No,” she blurted out. “Worse.”
There was a pause. “Talk to me.”
“They want us to find a real-life model for the collection,” she rushed out, words tumbling over each other. “And everyone else is doing female collections or already has someone and I- I chose a male collection and now I don’t have a model and-"
“Y/n- y/n breathe,” Taki cut in gently.
She inhaled shakily. “Minseo said I should ask Jo.”
This time, Taki went quiet. “Basketball Jo?”
“Yes,” she whimpered. “And I said no. Like, immediately. But then she said he has perfect model proportions and now I can’t stop thinking about it and I hate that my brain agrees.”
Taki let out a small laugh. “y/n, you’re telling me this like he’s a final boss.”
“He is,” she said weakly. “He’s tall and popular and you literally know that i don't even talk in the meetings.”
“Okay,” Taki said. “First of all, you’re allowed to ask someone for academic reasons. This is literally an assignment.”
“What if he says no?”
“Then he says no,” Taki replied simply. “And you will find someone else. You’ve survived worse than rejection. And he's not the only guy in the world..."
She chewed on her lip. “What if he says yes?"
Taki chuckled. “That’s the scarier option, huh?”
“Yes,” she admitted.
“Well,” he said softly, “you don’t have to decide tonight. But if you do ask him, do it as a designer, not a girl with a crush. You’re good at separating roles.”
She exhaled slowly. “You think I can do it?”
“I know you can,” Taki said without hesitation. “You run half the university from behind a desk. One basketball player won’t end you.”
She smiled despite herself. “Thanks, prez.”
“Anytime, secretary,” he replied. “Now go try to sleep."
She hung up, heart still racing - but for the first time that night, it felt a little manageable.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
The next day, Y/N walked into the student council office with a neatly clipped folder pressed to her chest, the agenda for next month’s events printed.
“Taki,” she said, peeking around the door, “I’ve got the proposal for the retro party"
"Come in" he replied, looking up from his laptop with a smile.
She stepped inside and set the folder on his desk, but instead of leaving like she usually did, she lingered. Shifted her weight. Twisted the strap of her bag around her fingers.
Taki noticed immediately.
“You’re thinking something" he said gently.
She sighed and dropped into the chair across from him. “I hate that you know that.”
He chuckled. “What happened now?”
“I’m really going to do it,” she said.
Taki looked up, already knowing exactly what she meant. “Ask Jo?"
She groaned, covering her face. “I hate myself. I hate this assignment. I hate that I chose a male collection.”
“Shhh" Taki said calmly.
She peeked at him through her fingers. “What if I mess it up?”
“You won’t,” he replied without hesitation. “He’ll say yes."
There was a pause.
“You sound very sure,” she said softly.
“I am,” Taki answered, voice steady even as something tugged uncomfortably in his chest. “...he fits what you need.”
She nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll do it. After lunch.”
She smiled, grateful. “Thanks, Taki. Really.”
She left the office lighter than when she’d entered, unaware of the way Taki stared at the door after she was gone - jaw tight, expression neutral.
It stung... So bad.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
It started on orientation day. The campus was loud, crowded, overwhelming- and thats when he noticed her.
Standing near the map board, clutching her phone a little too tightly, shoulders tense, clearly unsure where she was supposed to go next.She kept taking one step forward, then stopping, like she didn't want to get in anyone's way.
Taki had smiled without realizing it.
She was awkward. Endearingly so.
Then he saw her walk toward the student council recruitment stall. He blinked, genuinely surprised.
Well...then he joined too...why? cause his one-day old crush had joined.
Over time, he watched her work- how she stayed late to organize the files, how she balanced the classes and council duties without complaining. And when roles were announced, no one was surprised she became the secretary.
He was more surprised about himself.
President?
But he just knew that suddenly, they were always together- planning events, sitting in the office...
For her it was a friendship that grew comfortably.
For him it was a love that settled in slowly and refused to leave.
Two years passed like that...
And he noticed the way her gaze lingered at Jo just a second longer. The way her voice softened when jo's name came up. The way she grew flustered in a way she never did with him.
That was what hurt the most.
And still, he stayed. As her friend.
As the boy who loved her quietly, and far too well.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
Y/n pushed open the heavy gym doors, the scent of sweat and rubber hitting her instantly. She stepped inside slowly, and the next second, a basketball came flying straight at her.
“Oh-!" she yelped, ducking just in time. The ball smacked against the door with a loud thunk.
“Oh my god! I’m so sorry! I didn’t know anyone would come in!”
She looked up and saw Woonhak, first year music major, eyes wide, panic written all over his face.
“No, no, it’s fine,” she said quickly, standing up. “Really.”
He bowed awkwardly, muttering another apology, then scurried back to the court, leaving Y/N blinking after him.
Her heart was still racing from the near-hit, but she didn’t let it shake her. She strode toward the benches along the side of the gym, pulling her bag tighter against her side.
She sat down on the edge of the bench, folding her hands in her lap, staring at the players stretching and shooting on the court, and taking a deep, steadying breath.
Jo dribbled the ball down the court, muscles warm and mind half on the next play.
Then he saw her.
His chest tightened slightly, almost like the ball in his hands got heavier. She was moving slowly, carefully, clutching her bag a little too tightly, eyes darting around as if she wasn’t sure where to sit.
For two years, he had watched her from afar. He had been too shy to approach her, too afraid to ask for something as simple as her number. And she was always with Taki - so she must be with him, right?... But that thought didn’t make it any easier to let her go. How could he? when she looked like this? Adorable yet strong, shy yet confident, so talented and… so pretty. And now, seeing her this close, this must be what heaven looks like.
“Jo, focus!”
It was Nicholas, the captain, shouting from across the court.
“Right, sorry,” Jo muttered, shaking his head and resuming the drill. But even as he passed the ball, he couldn’t stop glancing her way.
She had her hair tied up today, strands falling softly around her face. The way she fidgeted, the slight bite of her lip- it all made her look so adorable.
Jo’s throat tightened. Why does she have to look like that?
He tried to focus on the game. But every time he glanced toward the bench, she was there, quietly determined, unaware that the boy she got a crush on was now staring just a little too much.
She’s cute today. So cute.
He blinked, cursed under his breath, and forced himself to look away. But part of him knew he’d be stealing glances the entire practice.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
Practice finally ended, and the echo of bouncing balls and sneakers squeaking faded into the quiet hum of the gym.
Nicholas grabbed Jo by the arm before, dragging him toward the locker rooms.
“What is she doing here?” Nicholas whispered, a grin tugging at his lips. He already knew about Jo’s eenie-meenie crush - the one he’d been hiding for years.
Jo froze. "How am I supposed to know? I don’t even talk with her!”
“Oh yeah, I forgot, you got no balls,” Nicholas teased.
“Nicho-"
“Anyways,” Nicholas continued, completely ignoring him, “just go. Talk to her.”
Jo groaned, pressing a hand to his face. “No way! She’s already with Taki!”
Nicholas raised an eyebrow. “Do you see a ring on her finger?”
“Uh… no?”
“Then go.”
“Man, fuck you,” Jo muttered, running a hand through his hair. “I can’t!”
Nicholas laughed, shaking his head. “You’re ridiculous. Two years, Jo. TWO YEARS. And now she’s right there, and you’re still whining? Go before I push you.”
Jo slumped against the locker wall, trying to steady his racing heart. Why does this have to be so hard?
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
Jo and Nicholas left the locker room, laughing at some stupid inside joke, when they stepped outside and froze.
Y/n was standing there, clutching her bag, looking like she's gonna pass out.
Nicholas nudged Jo, smirking, and started to turn away.
“Wait,” Jo whispered, grabbing Nicholas’s wrist before he could leave, holding on just to stop him.
Nicholas froze. “What-”
Y/N took a hesitant step forward, voice quiet but steady. “Hi…Jo... Nicholas. I’m Y/n, from the fashion department. If you don’t mind… can I talk with you for a second?”
Jo felt his face heating up, red creeping across his cheeks, and he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.
Nicholas, on the other hand, was trying so hard to keep a straight face that his jaw hurt from clenching.
Sensing something was off, Y/N tilted her head, a little uncertain. “O-oh! Nicholas, you can stay too, if you want.”
Nicholas froze, caught mid-smirk, while Jo’s heart thudded painfully in his chest. She’s actually talking to me. And she’s asking Nicholas stay? Oh god, oh god, oh god…
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
The café smelled like coffee and pastries, warm and cozy, but Y/n felt anything but calm. She sat stiffly across from Jo, folder clutched to her chest, Nicholas beside him, who already looked like he might combust.
“So, um…” she began, voice shaky, twisting the strap of her bag around her fingers. “For my fashion collection we’re supposed to find a real-life model. Not, like a professional model model, but you know…someone to model for us. And, um…” she trailed off, cheeks burning, “I feel like you might be the perfect one for that?”
Nicholas nearly choked on his coffee, jaw dropping.
Jo blinked, frozen for a second, staring at her like she’d just dropped a bomb on the table.
“I-if you want, I can explain the concept and the collecti-" Y/n added quickly, words tumbling over themselves.
“I’m in,” Jo said, cutting her off so suddenly that she nearly squeaked.
“Wait. Huh?” Y/n’s pen hovered over her folder, eyes wide.
“Huh?” Nicholas echoed, slumping back in his chair, clearly in disbelief.
“Y-yeah,” Jo said, still calm, though his face had gone slightly red. “But please explain everything.”
For the next hour, Y/n talked, nervously explaining her collection, her ideas, her inspirations - gesturing at sketches and swatches, her words tripping over themselves - but somehow, despite all the awkward pauses and flushed cheeks, Jo followed along quietly, nodding, listening, and Nicholas…well, Nicholas spent the entire time silently losing his mind beside them.
By the time Y/n finished explaining everything, the café windows were dark with night spilling in from the street.
“Well,” Nicholas said, stretching and yawning exaggeratedly, “that was intense. Good work, Y/n"
“Thanks,” she said, still flustered, cheeks pink, hands gripping her folder.
“It’s late,” Nicholas added, looking between them. “We can’t let you go home alone. Jo, walk her back.”
Jo’s stomach did a full flip. "Eh?”
“Oh man, I’m so tired,” Nicholas cut in, waving his hands like he’d just solved all the world’s problems. “Bye, Y/n! Bye, Jo!” And before Jo could even protest, he was halfway out the door, grinning.
Jo stared after him, jaw tight, cursing internally. Why do I let him do this every time?
Jo blinked at her nervously. “I-I guess…we should go?”
Y/n's heart was racing, face hot, but she nodded. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
As they stepped out into the cool night air, the city lights casting soft glows around them, Jo couldn’t help but steal a glance at her. She looked nervous. And his chest tightened because she had no idea how long he’d been waiting for a moment like this.
Just don’t mess this up, Jo, he muttered internally.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
The walk home was painfully awkward.
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Just the soft sound of their footsteps on the pavement, punctuated by occasional throat clearings from both of them. Y/n clutched her folder like it was her lifeline, and Jo’s hands itched to do something to break the silence.
Finally, he cleared his throat. “So… do you live with your parents?”
Y/n blinked at him, surprised. “Ah no. They’re abroad, actually. I’m not Korean.”
“Oh” Jo tried to think of something else, then quickly added, “Uh from where, then?”
“I’m from Japan, actually,” she said, a little hesitant.
Jo froze mid-step. “W-wait. I’m from Japan too.”
Y/n’s head snapped up, eyes wide. “Ehh?”
The silence broke, just a little, replaced by a shared, startled laugh. And suddenly, the long, awkward walk didn’t feel quite so unbearable.
“Soo do you like coffee?” Jo asked, voice careful.
Y/n tilted her head, thinking. “Uh yeah, I guess? I usually just drink it when I need to stay awake for assignments.” She gave a small laugh. “Which is a lot.”
Jo chuckled softly. “Same. I basically survive on it.”
They walked a few more steps in silence, then Y/n asked, “Do you miss home? I mean Japan?”
Jo nodded slowly. “Yeah, sometimes. But I’ve gotten used to it here. And you?”
“Yeah." she admitted, her hands tightening around her folder. “It’s just different.”
The city lights shifted as they approached her apartment building, the familiar little door now looming in front of them.
“Right,” Jo said, exhaling. “I’ll get going then.”
Y/n nodded, fumbling with her bag. “Yeah um, thanks. For agreeing to model and for walking me back.” Her words trailed off, nervous and unsure.
Jo shook his head slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips. “It’s nothing at all.”
They stood there for a few awkward seconds, the silence stretching. Y/n shifted her weight, glancing down at the ground - then her phone buzzed in her pocket. She quickly checked it.
“Taki,” she muttered under her breath, and without thinking, she declined the call.
Jo’s chest tightened. He forced a small smile, but it stung. The thought of Taki - so close to her, part of her life in a way he wasn’t - slapped him harder than he expected.
“Bye, then,” he said softly, voice quieter than usual. “I’ll get going.”
Y/n nodded, barely meeting his eyes. As he walked away, Jo’s shoulders slumped slightly. The night air felt colder all of a sudden, and though he didn’t say it, the ache in his chest was real.
He watched her disappear behind the building door, longing and sadness tangled together, wishing things could be different - but knowing they weren’t or that's what he thought.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
The moment Jo disappeared down the street, Y/N hurried inside her apartment, heart still racing. She barely kicked off her shoes before grabbing her phone and calling back.
The line connected almost instantly.
“Y/n, why did you-"
“TAKIIIIII!” she screamed, practically bouncing on her bed. “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god- HE WALKED ME HOME AND HE AGREED AND- TAKI THANK YOU SO MUCH, OH MY GODDD!”
There was a pause. Then a soft laugh. “Oh my god, for real?”
“YES! YESSS! He said yes immediately!”
“No way,” Taki said, forcing cheer into his voice. “That’s amazing. I knew he’d agree.”
She didn’t hear it - the tiny dip in his tone, the way his words came a beat too slow.
And she just kept going. Talking about the café, about how awkward it was, about how quiet the walk home had been, about how her heart almost jumped out of her chest when she realized they were from the same place.
Taki listened. Like he always did.
“That’s really good, Y/n,” he said gently. “You did great. I’m proud of you.”
She smiled so hard her cheeks hurt.
After the call ended, Y/n curled up on her bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying everything in her head - the way Jo looked at her, the sound of his voice, the warmth of the walk home.
She fell asleep smiling, completely unaware of the quiet ache she had left behind.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
The next day, Y/n walked into the studio, hugging her sketchbook to her chest - and froze when she saw Taki already there.
“Taki?” she asked, blinking. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you a dance major?”
He smiled easily. “Yeah. I was just waiting for you.”
They ended up talking - about classes, random little things - nothing serious. And at some point, Y/n laughed, head tipping back slightly, shoulders relaxing in a way she rarely did.
That was when Jo walked in with Nicholas.
Jo slowed to a stop.
He saw her first - the way she was smiling, the sound of her laughter, the way she leaned just slightly toward Taki. Something tight curled in his chest.
“Let’s ask her later,” Jo muttered.
Nicholas frowned. “what?”
Nicholas followed his gaze.
“Oh,” Nicholas said quietly.
Jo looked away. It’s nothing, he told himself. You knew this.
Practice started, but Jo was off. Missed passes. Slower reactions. His head just wasn’t in it.
“Hey,” Nicholas said under his breath after a while. “You good?”
“Yeah,” Jo lied. “I’m just tired.”
He ended practice early.
Later, near the vending machines, Nicholas spotted Y/n standing alone, scrolling through her phone. He walked up casually.
“Hey,” he said. “How are you?”
She looked up, startled. “Oh hi. I’m good.”
They stood there for a second before Nicholas spoke again, carefully.
“I didn’t know you and Taki were in a relationship.”
Y/n froze. “What no!” she said quickly, panic flashing across her face. “We’re just friends.”
Nicholas raised an eyebrow. “Oh. It’s just with the way you two were hanging around, I thought you were..."
She shook her head immediately. “No. We’re not in a relationship. Not at all.”
Nicholas nodded slowly, something unreadable passing through his expression. “Got it.”
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
The next day, she found herself standing outside the art department, as she waited for Jo to come out. When she spotted him, she straightened up and stepped forward.
“Um- Jo?” she called softly.
He turned, immediately attentive. “Yeah?”
“I wanted to ask what time you’re free? So we can do the fitting.”
He thought for a second. “I’m free after class today.”
“Oh,” she nodded quickly. “That works for me.”
There was a brief pause before Jo spoke again, rubbing the back of his neck. “Uh can I get your number? Just so it’s easier for us to communicate.”
Her eyes widened just slightly before she nodded. “Y-yeah. Of course.”
They exchanged numbers, both pretending to be much calmer than they actually felt.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
Later that day, after his class ended, Jo headed to the studio. He pushed the door open, expecting it to be busy - but it was quiet.
Except for her.
Y/n stood near the center of the room, fabrics and sketches spread out, sunlight filtering in through the windows. She looked up when she heard the door.
“Oh,” she said softly. “You’re here.”
Jo swallowed, suddenly very aware that it was just the two of them now.
“Yeah,” he replied.
The door closed behind him with a quiet click, and the air between them shifted.
“Um you can stand here,” Y/n said, gesturing to the center of the studio.
Jo stepped forward, and only then did it hit him.
She was close. Closer than he’d ever been to her before.
Her head barely reached his shoulder.
He swallowed.
She’s small, he realized. The way she had to tilt her chin up slightly to look at him, the way her presence felt softer when she was standing this near.
Y/n reached for the measuring tape, unaware of his thoughts. “I’ll just take some measurements.”
She wrapped the tape around his shoulders, fingers brushing his collarbone. Jo stared straight ahead, trying not to react, painfully aware of how easily his arm could rest over her shoulders if he moved even an inch.
When she asked him to lift his arms, she stepped closer - too close. Her head was almost against his chest now, and he held his breath, heart pounding.
“Oh - sorry,” she whispered, stepping back.
“It’s okay,” he said quickly.
She finished the last measurement and lowered the clipboard. “That’s all I need for today.”
They stood there, neither moving.
Then-
The door creaked open.
“Y/n?"
Both of them turned.
Taki stood at the entrance, a folder tucked under his arm. “Sorry to interrupt. We need you for some council work. It’ll only take a bit.”
“Oh- yeah,” Y/n said immediately, snapping back to reality. “I’ll be there.”
Jo stepped back instinctively, hands clenching at his sides. The space between them widened too fast.
“I’ll see you later,” Y/N said softly.
He nodded. “Yeah.”
As she walked toward Taki, Jo watched quietly, the image of her standing near his shoulder still burned into his mind- small, close, and suddenly much farther away than before.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
Taki noticed it the moment he stepped into the studio.
The air felt different.
Y/n stood a little too still, clutching her clipboard closer than usual. Jo was a step away from her, shoulders tense, gaze lingering for just half a second longer than it should have.
Nothing wrong. But Taki had known her for two years.
He caught the way she avoided looking back at Jo when she walked toward him. The way her voice softened when she said, “I’ll be there,” like she needed a second to ground herself.
As they walked down the hall together, Taki didn’t ask about the fitting.
And when he glanced back once, he saw Jo still standing there, watching her leave.
Taki looked away.
He didn’t say a word - but something settled quietly in his chest.
Something had shifted and he might already be too late.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
The fitting sessions after that went smoothly.
Y/n grew more confident with each one, Jo followed her instructions without hesitation.
Then the day of the photoshoot arrived.
Y/n arrived early at the studio, nerves buzzing under her skin. She was setting up lights, laying out outfits, double-checking her camera when the door opened.
Jo walked in first.
Nicholas followed right behind him - very much there against his will.
“Why am I even here?” Nicholas muttered.
Jo shot him a look.
Nicholas sighed dramatically. “I can’t believe this"
Y/n turned around, and smiled. “Oh. You’re here.”
Jo nodded, suddenly nervous again. “Yeah.”
—
Jo stood in the middle of the studio, outfit adjusted perfectly, posture correct - but his hands twitched nervously at his sides. Y/n glanced at him, but words caught in her throat. She was too shy, too awkward.
Nicholas noticed immediately.
“Hey,” he said softly, stepping closer, a small, reassuring smile on his face. “So first pose. What do you want to do?”
Y/n opened her sketchbook, flipping to the first page. “Um here,” she murmured, pointing to a subtle stance with one arm bent. “I-I’m not great at explaining. I just-"
"No no no. I got you. You show me the drawing, I’ll help Jo get it right.”
Y/n blinked, a tiny smile tugging at her lips. “thank you.”
He leaned closer, not too much, just enough to share her space without crowding it.
Her fingers traced the page. “Um I want the light to hit like gentle. Not harsh.”
“Got it,” Nicholas said quietly.
Jo adjusted his shoulders, following Nicholas’s guidance, while Y/n watched, nodding nervously.
They worked together quietly. Nicholas adjusted Jo’s posture, whispered soft tips, and occasionally joked lightly when Y/n fumbled a word.
“like this,” he murmured, "DO IT" slapping Jo’s arm gently.
Y/n exhaled softly, a little laugh escaping her lips. "Dont hit me~" Jo whined.
Y/n felt a warmth in her chest, a sense of ease she hadn’t had before. Nicholas’s calm, friendly presence made her feel safer, stronger, like she could actually do this.
“Thank you for helping me like this,” she said softly, eyes downcast.
Nicholas shook his head, smiling. “No thanks needed. I like helping. You’re doing great really. And it’s kind of fun."
Jo glanced at them from the center of the studio, chest quietly warming at how comfortable she looked with Nicholas guiding her. He wasn’t jealous. He was happy. Happy she had someone to lean on, happy she was finally enjoying this, happy to see her laughing softly - even if Nicholas got to be the one helping her put it into words.
And for the first time, Y/n felt like maybe she could actually pull this off. And Nicholas- he felt a small, quiet joy too, happy just to be part of it.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
The photoshoot wrapped up quietly. Y/n carefully folded her sketches, straightened the fabrics, and finally let herself breathe. Nicholas grabbed his bag.
“Hey I’ve got to head to the sports office,” he said with a small sigh. “Cons of being the captain, I guess.”
Y/n nodded, smiling softly. “Thanks again for all your help today Nicholas. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course,” he said, grinning. “You’ve got a real eye for this stuff. And well, I’m a little jealous I didn’t get to wear that jacket myself.”
Y/n laughed softly, cheeks warm. “Really?”
“Yeah,” he said, shrugging. “He looked good in it. I would’ve ruined it anyway, but still.”
Jo chuckled quietly from the side, shaking his head. Nicholas waved him off. “Don’t look so smug, man.”
Y/n blushed, smiling shyly. “I’m glad you liked it. And thank you, Jo, for wearing it so well.”
Jo’s chest warmed at her words. He shifted the strap of his bag nervously. “Ah thanks. I’m happy you let me. It was really fun.”
They walked out of the studio together, sunlight fading gently over the city streets.
“So the garment,” Jo said after a pause, glancing at her. “It was really good. Like amazing. You did an incredible job.”
Y/n’s chest tightened slightly, a happy flutter. “Thank you- really. I’m glad you liked wearing it.”
Jo smiled softly, eyes warm. “I did. I really did.”
They walked quietly for a while, the soft rhythm of their steps filling the space between them. Jo kept glancing at her, a quiet, careful admiration in his eyes. Y/n’s heart felt light, full of gratitude and something else she couldn’t quite name yet.
When they reached her apartment, she paused at the door. “Thanks for walking me back, Jo.”
He nodded, smiling faintly. “Yeah anytime. I had a good time today.”
As she stepped inside, Nicholas’s words from earlier echoed softly in her mind how he had teased about being jealous. She laughed quietly to herself, a little warmth spreading through her chest. She was tired, happy, and, for the first time in a long while, she felt like maybe everything was starting to fall into place.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
After a quick shower, Y/n padded into the kitchen. She set the kettle on, the warm steam filling the small apartment, and poured herself a cup of coffee. The rich, comforting aroma made her shoulders relax.
Sitting at the table, she picked up her phone, scrolling absentmindedly. Her assignment was nearly finished, and for the first time in days, she felt a strange sense of relief.
Then her phone rang. The screen flashed Minseo's name.
“Hey,” Y/n answered, curling up on the couch.
“So?” Minseo immediately asked. “It's been so long we've met. Spill me everything.”
Y/n laughed softly, then sighed. “God where do I even start?”
And then she talked.
About Jo - how he made her feel strangely calm yet painfully nervous at the same time. How he listened. How he looked at her.. How she caught herself wishing, just a little, that they could be something more.
“And Nicholas,” she added quietly. “He’s been really kind. Like genuinely. I didn’t expect us to get close, but it just happened. He makes things easier.”
Her friend hummed on the other end, listening.
“I don’t know,” Y/n murmured. “Everything feels confusing lately. But in a good way. I just - I wish Jo and I could be together.”
There was a pause.
Then her friend said slowly, “Okay. I’m going to say something, but please don’t freak out.”
Y/n frowned. “What?”
“Taki likes you.”
Silence.
“What?” Y/n sat up straighter. “No - what are you talking about?”
“I’ve seen the way he looks at you,” her friend said gently. “It’s not just friendship. He stares at you like you’re the only person in the room.”
Y/n shook her head, even though her friend couldn’t see it. “No, that’s not- he’s just- Taki. He’s always been like that.”
“That’s what I thought too,” her friend replied. “But when I asked him - like, really asked - he didn’t deny it.”
Y/n' s breath caught. “He said it?”
“He didn’t say it directly,” her friend admitted. “But he went quiet. And then he said, ‘I know I shouldn’t feel this way but I do.’”
Y/n’s chest tightened, something heavy settling in her stomach.
“I-” Her voice wavered. “I didn’t know.”
“I know,” her friend said softly. “That’s why I told you. You deserved to know.”
Y/n stared at her coffee, now cold in her hands. Taki’s smiles. His encouragement. The way he was always there, steady and supportive.
She had never seen it that way.
And somehow, that made it hurt more.
“I don’t know what to do,” she whispered.
Her friend sighed gently. “You don’t have to do anything right now. Just be honest with yourself first.”
There was a small pause, then her friend spoke again, voice quieter this time.
“Y/n... we’ve been on this call for almost an hour now,” she said softly. “And you didn’t even say Taki’s name. Not once. You’ve never talked about him like this,” her friend continued.
"Not the way you talked about Jo. You don’t light up when you say his name. And that’s okay - but it means something.”
“I’m not saying you owe him anything,” her friend said quickly, gently. “All I’m asking is talk to him. Please. Just talk.”
“You treasure his friendship,” her friend went on. “That’s exactly why I told you the truth. Because you care. And because you know how Taki is.”
She did.
Taki, who never said things outright.
Taki, who hid his feelings behind encouragement and smiles.
Taki, who would never make things awkward - no matter how much it hurt him.
“If you don’t talk to him,” her friend said softly, “he’ll just keep pretending he’s fine.”
The silence on Y/n’s end stretched, heavy but calm.
“Okay,” she whispered at last. “I’ll talk to him.”
Minseo said, relief clear in her voice. “That’s all I wanted.”
The call ended not long after, leaving Y/n alone with her thoughts once more. She stared at her phone, heart aching in a quiet, unfamiliar way.
She hadn’t realized how much words left unsaid could weigh.
And somehow, she knew-
the next conversation wouldn’t be easy.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
The next day, Y/n found herself standing in front of Taki’s apartment door.
Her heart wouldn’t stop racing.
Because this was her first time here.
Because talking felt heavier now that she knew.
She knocked 3 times.
Nothing.
She hesitated, biting her lip.
Did I get it wrong? He doesn’t have classes today right?
She knocked again, softer this time.
A few seconds passed.
Then the door creaked open.
Taki stood there, clearly just woken up - sleepy eyes half-lidded, messy hair sticking out in every direction. He wore an oversized T-shirt and loose sweatpants hanging low on his hips.
“Oh,” he said, blinking. “Y/n?”
Her throat went dry. “H-hi.”
“What are you doing here?” he asked, voice still groggy- then, almost immediately, he stepped aside. “Come in.”
She hesitated for half a second before nodding and stepping inside, shoes neatly aligned by the door. The apartment quiet and warm.
Taki rubbed his eyes, then glanced at her again, a small, sleepy smile tugging at his lips. “You could’ve texted,” he said gently. “I was knocked out.”
“Sorry,” she mumbled, fingers twisting together. “I didn’t want to wake you.”
“It’s okay,” he replied softly. “I’m glad it’s you.”
her heart thudded.
She followed him inside, nerves buzzing under her skin.
Taki moved around the kitchen quietly. Y/n sat at the small table, hands folded in her lap, watching him scoop coffee into the machine, the familiar clink of ceramic filling the room.
He placed a mug in front of her first.
“Careful,” he said gently. “It’s hot.”
“Thank you,” she replied, wrapping her hands around it like it might steady her nerves.
He sat across from her with his own cup, steam curling between them. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Y/n took a breath.
She started softly. “I wanted to ask you something.”
He looked up at her, attentive as always. “Yeah?”
She swallowed. “How do you feel about me?”
The words landed quietly between them.
Taki didn’t look surprised.
Instead, a small knowing smile curved on his lips.
“She told you, didnt she?" he asked gently.
Y/n's grip tightened around her mug. “Taki-"
“It’s okay,” he interrupted softly. “Really.”
He leaned back slightly, eyes dropping to the coffee for a second before returning to her. There was no anger there. Just honesty.
“I figured this day would come,” he admitted. “I just didn’t know when.”
The room felt still.
Y/n's chest ached - not because of fear, but because she finally saw it. All the things he’d never said. All the feelings he’d kept carefully folded away.
Taki let out a slow breath, fingers loosely wrapped around his mug.
“I like you,” he said simply.
“I’ve liked you for a long time,” he continued, voice steady even though his eyes softened. “I didn’t plan to. It just happened.”
He smiled faintly. “You’ve always been like that. Quiet, but strong. You don’t realize how much space you take up in a room.”
“I never told you because I didn’t want to make things complicated,” he said. “You were my friend first. And I knew… if I said something, I might lose that.”
He looked down at his coffee. “So I decided to just stay. Support you. Be someone you could rely on.”
A pause.
“And maybe,” he admitted softly, “I hoped that one day, you’d look at me differently.”
His smile didn’t reach his eyes this time.
“But I also knew,” he added, quietly, “that you already had someone else in your heart.”
She felt her eyes sting.
“Taki…” she whispered.
She set her mug down carefully, afraid her hands would shake too much.
“I care about you,” she said, choosing her words slowly. “So much. You mean the world to me. You’ve always been there when I needed someone, and I don’t take that lightly. Ever.”
He looked up at her, listening.
“But I don’t think I feel the same way you do,” she said softly. “And I’m so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.”
She shook her head, voice trembling. “If I had known earlier, I would’ve-"
“No,” Taki interrupted gently. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Feelings aren’t something we can control,” he said. “And I never expected anything from you. Loving someone quietly was my choice.”
That was what hurt the most.
The room fell silent again, the coffee long forgotten.
“I don’t regret it,” he added after a moment. “Liking you made me softer. Happier. Even if it was one-sided.”
Y/n’s eyes brimmed over, but she didn’t cry.
“I don’t want to lose you,” she said honestly. “If you need space, I’ll understand. But if you can - I want you in my life.”
Taki smiled - small, bittersweet, real.
“I know,” he said. “And I’ll be okay. Just… give me a little time, yeah?”
She nodded.
The quiet between them was suddenly broken by the sound of a door opening.
“TAKIIII-" a cheerful voice rang out.
Footsteps followed, light and energetic, and then a guy appeared in the doorway - hair still damp, hoodie half-zipped, clearly in a good mood.
“Oh,” he said, freezing mid-step.
Y/n looked up, startled.
He blinked once. Then twice. His eyes darted between the two coffee mugs on the table, the atmosphere in the room, the silence that felt too full to ignore.
“Uh - hi,” he said awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “Sorry, I didn’t know you had company.”
Taki cleared his throat. “Fuma. This is Y/n."
“Oh,” Fuma said quickly, bowing a little too fast. “Hi. I’m - uh - Fuma. Nice to meet you.”
“Hi,” Y/n replied softly, offering a polite smile.
Y/n glanced at Taki, then back at her cup. She stood slowly, fingers curling around the strap of her bag.
“I should go,” she said gently. “I didn’t mean to take up your morning.”
Taki looked up immediately. “You don’t have to-"
“It’s okay,” she said, smiling again, softer this time. “Really.”
She turned to Fuma. “Sorry for the surprise.”
“No, no,” he waved his hands quickly. “You’re totally fine - I just… bad timing.”
Y/n let out a small, nervous laugh, then slipped on her shoes by the door. Before leaving, she looked back at Taki one last time.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. “For being honest.”
He nodded, returning her smile - gentle, understanding, a little sad.
“Take care,” he said.
The door closed softly behind her.
Fuma stood there for a second, then slowly turned to Taki.
“So,” he said carefully. “Coffee morning, huh?”
Taki didn’t answer right away. He just stared at the door, the warmth in the room fading into something quieter.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
She went straight home.
The moment she closed the door behind her, the weight finally settled.
It sat in her chest, heavy and unfamiliar, pressing down until it was hard to breathe. She dropped her bag by the door and sank onto the couch, staring at nothing.
Did I just lose him?
Is it going to be awkward now?
Did I ruin everything?
Her eyes stung.
She hugged her knees to her chest, fingers digging into the fabric of her sleeves.
“This is why I should’ve just stayed the way I was,” she whispered to the empty room.
Her voice cracked.
“This is why he’s sad,” she went on, tears slipping free now. “I’m the reason. I’m the reason he’s hurting. I’m the reason this friendship is going to fall apart.”
She pressed her forehead against her knees, breathing unevenly.
Why do I always do this?
The guilt wrapped around her tightly - too tight. And without realizing it, without making a conscious choice, she did what she had always done when things felt too big.
She pulled away.
From everything, everyone.
It wasn’t intentional. It never was.
But it was familiar.
Distance felt safer than staying. Silence felt easier than explaining. And somewhere deep inside, she convinced herself that if she stepped back quietly enough, maybe she wouldn’t hurt anyone else.
She lay there for a long time, eyes closed, letting the tears dry on their own.
୨୧ ◠ ⸝⸝˙˳⑅˙⋆˙⑅˙˳⸜⸜ ◠ ୨୧
The submission dates came and went.
Y/n handed in her portfolio- every deliverable she had worked herself to exhaustion for.
Everything was done.
And yet, something felt unfinished.
Later that evening, Minseo came over like she’d promised - a hangout, she had said, trying to sound casual. They sat on the floor with half-finished snacks, a movie playing softly in the background that neither of them was really watching.
Minseo laughed, talked, tried to keep things light.
But every now and then, her gaze lingered on Y/n a second too long.
She missed how things used to be. How easy it was. How Y/n would ramble without overthinking. And somewhere deep inside, she regretted telling her the truth about Taki - regretted setting something in motion that couldn’t be undone.
The knock came suddenly.
Three sharp taps against the door.
Both of them froze.
“I’ll get it,” her friend said quickly, standing up before Y/n could even react.
Silence...
Her friend’s voice came next - uncertain.
“Oh.”
It was Jo.
And Nicholas - standing just behind him.
Jo blinked, clearly surprised when he didn’t see Y/n at the door. “Oh - um,” he said, shifting his weight. “Is Y/n here?”
Minseo hesitated for half a second, then nodded. “Yeah. She’s inside. Come in.”
Nicholas lifted a hand immediately. “I’ll stay out,” he said lightly, already stepping back. “You go.”
She glanced between them, understanding passing silently. She stepped aside to let Jo in, then turned back toward Nicholas. “I’ll - uh - join you,” she said, grabbing her jacket.
The door closed behind them with a soft click.
Y/n was still sitting on the couch when she looked up.
And froze.
Jo stood there, hands tucked awkwardly into his pockets, hair slightly longer than she remembered, eyes searching for hers like he wasn’t sure she was real.
It had been almost two weeks.
Two weeks of silence. Of unanswered messages. Of distance she hadn’t meant to make so wide.
"Oh,” she breathed.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
The room felt smaller. Quieter.
“I-" Jo started, then stopped, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to just show up.”
“No,” she said quickly, standing up. “It’s okay. I just- I didn’t know you were coming.”
“I know,” he replied softly. “You’ve been… busy.”
The pause that followed was heavy.
Jo looked at her carefully, like he was afraid she might disappear again if he spoke too loudly. “Nicholas wanted to check in,” he said. “And I wanted to see you.”
Her heart clenched.
Y/n stood there, fingers curling into her sleeves, wondering how two weeks could make someone feel both unfamiliar and painfully missed at the same time.
And Jo-
he just watched her, quietly relieved she was really there.
"Hey,” he said softly, almost afraid to break the fragile silence. “How are you?”
Y/n looked up for the briefest second, then let her gaze drop again. Her voice was small, barely more than a whisper. “I’m okay.”
“And the assignment?” he asked gently, trying to sound casual, but his chest ached.
“Done,” she replied shortly, voice clipped, words carefully neutral.
He studied her. She wasn’t meeting his eyes. Once, her eyes had shimmered at him - bright, alive, full of trust and warmth. Now they were dull, heavy with something he couldn’t name. And she wouldn’t look at him.
The sight cut him deep. He felt helpless, desperate. So desperate for her love, for the reassurance he used to feel just from her glance. He swallowed hard, trying to hold it in, but it was too much.
“I- I missed you,” he said, voice cracking before he could stop it. “I’ve missed you so much.”
The words spilled out uncontrollably. His chest shook, his throat burned, and all the careful control he had clung to for weeks shattered.
“ I don’t know how to I can’t pretend anymore,” he admitted, tears welling in his eyes. “ I don’t want to lose you.”
Y/n froze, her own chest tightening at the raw, unfiltered emotion in his voice.
He finally sank to his knees, shoulders slumping, head bowed - in the sheer weight of what he had been holding in.
"JO-"
“I missed you so much it scared me,” he whispered, trembling. “Every day I wondered if you were okay, if you were thinking of me, if I’d already lost you.”
Tears slid down his cheeks silently, unchecked. His hands rested on his knees, shaking slightly as if his body couldn’t contain the longing any longer.
Y/n’s heart ached, torn between guilt and relief. Slowly, carefully, she stepped closer, unsure if she could bridge the distance her own silence had caused.
Jo lifted his eyes just enough to meet hers - broken, raw, and honest. “I don’t know how to pretend I’m fine without you,” he said quietly. “Even for one day, it hurts. And I don’t want to lose you.”
For a long moment, Y/n froze, caught in the weight of his confession and the depth of his feelings.
Finally, with a trembling breath, Y/n lowered herself to her knees beside him, her hands hovering just inches from his trembling ones. She could feel the heat of his body, the small shivers running through him, the way his shoulders shook under the weight of everything he’d been holding in.
“Jo" she whispered, her voice small but steady, reaching across the space between them.
Her hands trembled as they rested over his. She swallowed hard, voice barely above a whisper.
"I’m sorry" she murmured, tears brimming in her own eyes. “I shouldn’t have pulled away. I shouldn’t have let things get so distant. I made you feel-"
Her voice cracked, and she couldn’t finish the sentence.
Jo shook his head gently, reaching up to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. His fingers lingered, warm against her cheek. “Shh,” he whispered softly. “It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. None of it is your fault.”
“But I hurt you,” she said, choking back a sob. “I didn’t mean to. I just- I didn’t know how to deal with my own feelings. And now-"
“Y/n" he cut in gently, voice breaking slightly but steady with emotion, “look at me.”
She lifted her gaze, meeting his tearful, shimmering eyes. There was no anger there. Only love. Quiet, unwavering, patient love.
“I was scared too,” he admitted, voice low, trembling. “Scared of losing you. Scared of saying too much, scared you’d leave. But I never stopped caring. I never stopped wanting you close.”
Her heart ached, a beautiful, painful ache, as the words settled around her.
“I-” she started, then paused, letting her forehead rest gently against his shoulder. “I just- I didn’t know you felt that way. I was so worried about myself that I forgot you were hurting too.”
Jo wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as if letting her go could shatter them both. His chest pressed to hers, warmth seeping through, steady and grounding.
“It’s okay,” he whispered again, his lips brushing the top of her head. “You’re not going anywhere, right?”
She shook her head, muffled against him. “No. I’m not going anywhere.”
And in that moment, kneeling on the floor together, hearts beating against hearts, tears mingling, the distance of the past weeks dissolved.
their reunion was more than forgiveness - it was the beginning of something deeper, something they both had been silently yearning for.
The quiet between them finally settled, their hearts still thudding from the weight of the moment. Jo squeezed her hand gently, letting the silence linger a little longer - just a few seconds more - before they remembered the world outside the apartment.
Together, they moved toward the door, ready to step back into reality.
Y/n turned the knob and pushed it open.
She froze.
Her eyes widened.
Nicholas and Minseo were full-on making out like the world had disappeared for them, completely unaware of the universe outside that doorway.
“Oh. My. GOD,” Y/n squealed, hands flying to her face. “WHAT IS HAPPENING- WHAT IS GOING ON-"
Jo just blinked. Slowly. “Uh wow,” he said, deadpan, like he was watching a live comedy show he hadn’t bought tickets for. "Woah is this our welcome gift?"
Nicholas froze mid-lean, hands awkwardly dangling in the air. “Uh we can explain-"
Minseo yanked back with wide eyes, hair falling in front of her flushed face. “Y/n! Jo! I-I… it’s not what it looks like!”
Y/n groaned loudly, throwing herself dramatically onto the wall. “Not what it looks like?! OH MY GOD, IT LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE THAT. I need therapy."
Jo crossed his arms, suppressing a chuckle. “eyy nicho~~"
Nicholas waved his arms helplessly. “No! "
“I just went through a literal break down and the universe hits me with this?! WHAT KIND OF CRUEL JOKE IS THIS?!”
the sequel of this story "again"
FINALLY
well the story might look too rushed... this was supposed to be much longer than this but tmublr said its too long so i just had to shorten a lil bit
Anyways, thank you so much for reading this. I hope you enjoy ☺️🎀
tags; smut, fluff, established relationship, praise (from him), sick!yudai, reader taking care of him
warnings; oral f receiving, penetration, no protection (!), dirty talk (mixed in with talk about christmas, in case that's an ick)
word count; ~2.1k words
note; it felt criminal not to write anything for @/sinvanish ( @/lune-net admin) after she put this entire event together for us so... luv u lots mani! happy holidays!
> soro@lacedwithmsg:~$ run "relief"
> file loaded, enjoy!
"yudai, you're burning."
"it's okay I'm alright."
"no, you're not. come on, you need to change."
his shirt is drenched in sweat, sticking to his skin like a cold, wet second layer that he needs to shed soon if he doesn't want to get even more unwell.
his face is buried in his pillow, the florescent overhead lights so unbearably bright he swears that his retinas are burning.
"I brought you some tea, your favorite."
he groans but turns to look at you, despite the blinding lights carving his head open from the inside.
"can we keep the lights off? they hurt my head."
-
after taking a sip of the tea he looks at you. "I'm sorry, for getting sick."
you caress his cheek, the heat coming off it almost palpable. "you don't have to be sorry for anything, yudai."
his eyes flutter close and you feel the delicate weight of his head settle in your palms.
"before you pass out again sleepyhead, you need to change. not sure how I feel about sleeping in a puddle of yudai sweat tonight."
he slowly lifts his shirt up, arms heavy as if the forces of gravity were pulling them down twice as hard. you help him pull it over his head and toss it on the floor behind you before unfolding a clean shirt you already had prepared.
but before you could help him get it on, he puts his hand on your wrist, his grip so light you barely felt any pressure.
"can you help me get to the shower?"
"yudai I don't think you should take a shower right now. your temperature's going to be thrown way off."
he looks down at his lap, like a puppy who's been told no. "it's so hot, I think my eyeballs are melting."
"you're quite amusing when you're sick, y'know?"
but before he can ask what you meant, you stand up with purpose. "I'll cool you down, I promise. Give me five." And with that, yudai's puzzled eyes follow you out of the room.
-
maybe it was five minutes, or two, or ten, yudai couldn't keep count, but you're back. now standing next to the bed with a bucket and a couple white hand towels.
setting the bucket down carefully, you dunk one of the towel and twist out any excess water. folding it into three, you lay the wet towel over yudai's forehead.
the instant relief yudai feels finally let's him relax his shoulders and into the pillow under him.
you proceed to place more towels all over him, across his neck, shoulders, arms, and bare chest.
for once in the past two grueling days yudai's had to endure alone, he felt okay. the ringing pain in his temples calmed to a dull pressure, his skin that was constantly hot cooled to a comfortable temperature, and most of all his mind finally stopped its endless running.
"thank you."
you kiss his, now slightly less warm, forehead in response.
"I'm sorry you have to spend christmas like this," he continues, his voice small out of fatigue but also guilt.
you sigh, "as long as I'm with you, it's a well spent christmas."
and with that, you wrap the night up, occasionally changing the towels on his body and him slowly drifting off to sleep. after you deem he has sufficiently cooled off, you crawl into bed next to him.
-
the next morning you wake to see your boyfriend sound asleep, crawled up into your side. the blanket is still pulled up over his shoulders, a decision you made last night since it proved quite difficult to put a shirt on a sleeping yudai.
he shuffles under the sheets, somehow getting even closer to you. to your surprise, his body was not radiating nearly as much heat as it was the previous night. you let out a deep breath you didn't even realize you kept.
"how are you feeling, love?"
he mumbles indiscernibly into your shoulder.
you place a soft kiss on his forehead, light enough to ensure you don't disturb his peaceful slumber. rays of light peeking through the curtains painted him in a soft, delicate glow, resembling an angel sleeping in your arms.
you carefully run your fingers through his soft locks, the tips of his brown hair glowing in the morning light.
"do you wanna get breakfast?" your voice low in his ears.
"not yet." the vibrations in his chest feel louder than his actual voice. "it's too nice right now."
despite him still recovering from his fever, he musters up enough energy and initiative to slide his hand under your shirt. his fingertips start by grazing your skin, sending chills up your spine.
"yudai…," you chuckle into his hair, "…what are you doing?"
"nothing…"
his hand crawls up your back, warm but a different kind of warm than last night. rather than being concerned, you let his warmth spread all over you.
"is this really how you want to spend christmas morning, baby?" you nuzzle into his soft locks, breathing in his scent.
"wouldn't want it any other way."
yudai's lips feel like heaven on your skin. he sleepily traces his kisses up your neck, starting from your collarbone and ending under your ear,
"so gorgeous…," he shifts his weight onto you before looking into your eyes, his broad shoulders hovering over you. "thank you for taking care of me."
you wrap your arms around his neck and pull him into a kiss. "of course baby," you mutter against his lips, "can't have you getting sick now." you nibble on his lower lip. "who am I gonna kiss if you're gone?"
"you make it sound like I was dying last night." he dives back into your neck, leaving soft red marks anywhere he could.
"you might as well were on the brink of death with how much you were sweating and panting." you pull on his hair a little.
"I thought you were used to me being sweaty and panting?"
you ponder in pretend thought for a moment, "I don't quite remember, care to remind me?"
"say no more."
he skillfully slides your shirt over your head and removes his own. "so beautiful…," he mutters before continuing his previous trail down your neck, across your chest, and down your stomach.
"open up, love," he whispers before kissing the supple skin of your inner thigh. his grip on your thighs tighten as he presses them open.
slowly, too slowly, he pulls your shorts down.
"yudai, get on with it," you whine, your mind already far from tame. you dig your fingers into his scalp, trying to pull him closer to your core.
"patience, love. what happened to being worried about my well being?" he blows on your exposed cunt, "looks like that sentiment's completely gone down here."
your pussy is already wet, slicked up from yudai's touch alone.
"try not to pass out while you're at it," you snap back, "or I don't know, overheat and die."
"sure, love," without warning, yudai latches onto your clit.
your body moves before your mind can and your arch off the bed, fingers tugging even harder on his hair.
he takes his time, the pain on his scalp only fueling his desire to draw out every single moan, whine, and whimper from you.
his tongue explores your folds, up and down it traveled. into your hole, twisting and flicking as if he were enjoying an ice cream cone. sucking on your clit over and over again, the sensitive bundle of nerves swollen and in need of release. every time you moaned his name, he'd groan in response, the vibrations sending jolts of electricity through your entire being.
he holds you down, your thighs nearly flat on the bed, leaving you wide open for him to devour.
his tongue works faster into your hole, his plump lips wrap around your clit and every time he sucked, you'd pull him closer. every now and then, his teeth would graze the sensitive flesh, making you arch even further into him.
you needed all of him, and he wouldn't stop until he had swallowed all of you.
when he pulls away, your hips chase after him, the loss of contact making you whimper. he pulls down his sweats just enough for his dick to slip out.
"you look so perfect like this." he runs his hand up your thigh, stopping at the curve of your waist.
you feel his warm tip, poking and prodding at your entrance. yudai drags his members up and down your soaked folds, gathering your slick and his spit. a couple slaps to your clit and you're already whining.
he prolongs it. goes back and forth between your aching hole and your swollen bundle of nerves. he smirks when you claw at his abs.
"patience, love. let me look at you like this a bit longer."
"yudai, I swear if you don't put it in right now-"
the stretch is jarring. he pushes in to the hilt, his entire dick snugly stuffed inside you.
"oh fuck- yudai," your hands haphazardly reach out for him. he takes one of your hands in his and presses and kiss to your fingers.
"yes, love?" he starts grinding into you, pushing his tip against your cervix over and over again.
he chuckles against your hand when your eyebrows furrow and your eyes roll back. his other hand grips your waist tight, pulling out further every thrust, pushing back in even harder than the last. the bed squeaks beneath you, yudai's hand the only thing grounding you while his hips work harder and harder at your core.
the sounds get wetter as his pace quickens, your entire body moving with the strength in his thrusts. he throws his head back, the way your pussy hugged him made his knees weak. your pussy suck him in deeper and deeper and yudai doesn't complain, he just ruts in your faster and harder. he stares at the way your tits bounce with each and every one of his thrusts, the way your thighs are open so deliciously wide for him.
"look at me." his voice half groan half growl. "look at me when I fuck you, love."
you peel your eyes open to see your boyfriend, hair stuck to his forehead, chest shiny from sweat, skin flushed. his glazed eyes scanning your body up and down sends you over the edge. his thrusts feel even deeper, stronger, faster than before. your thighs threaten to clench around him. his continued assault on your pussy doesn't stop, he drops your hand and starts rubbing circles on your clit.
"that's it, cum for me." his thrusts don't stop, his fingers still working tirelessly at your bundle of nerves, "cum all over my dick."
your vision goes white. your hands pull and tug at the bedsheets. your high washes over you like a wave, the heat in your stomach seeming to never end. your thighs are shaking, legs struggling to stay up and around yudai's waist.
does yudai stop? no, he chases after his own high now. pulling your legs over his shoulders, he presses all of his weight onto you, relentlessly fucking you into the mattress. your cum seeps out and only makes the sounds wetter, louder.
"you're so fucking perfect, love."
his thrusts grow stagnant, thighs shaking, before he pushes into you one last time, releasing his load into you. you feel his cum shoot into you, warm against your walls.
"fuck, yudai," you can barely speak, his every movement sending you into a spiral.
"you still there?" he chuckles when you keep your eyes closed, your chest still heaving.
"yes, just, give me a moment," you reassure him, when you finally open your eyes, he's looking at you, holding your palm against his sweaty, clammy cheek. a small smile on his lips as he looks over you like you were a goddess. he squeezes your hand, waking you up from your daze.
"are you sure you're not sick?" you ask him, eyebrow raised.
"no I think I just sweated it all out," he presses a kiss to your forehead, "thanks to you."
chills run up your spine when he slowly pulls out.
"wait here." yudai steps out of the room, leaving you sprawled out on the bed, sufficiently fucked out.
a couple moments later he comes back with a warm washcloth. he wipes away the sweat, cum, and other bodily fluids covering your inner thighs. when he falls into the sheets next to you, he throws one arm over you, pulling you close.
"merry christmas," he whispers into your ears, you could hear the small smile on his lips.
tags: loser!jo, fluff heavy, green flag jo, he’s still an idol here, idk just couple activities
a/n: requested!!! i need jo to be my bf so bad guys i think im actually in love
bf!jo is the best ever, he always makes you feel so safe and comfortable in whatever situation.
you’re the more talkative one in the relationship but he’s so giggly whenever you’re with him
jo doesn’t get jealous much, he’s a total green flag but when he does, he usually stays quiet, rethinking your whole relationship it only takes a second when you reassure him for him to return to his usual self
loves to hold your hand 24/7 though is too shy to ask… the biggest smile plays on his lips when you do, his heart fluttering at your touch.
kisses with him are slow and passionate. 
your first kiss with him was one day in his room, when you slightly backed him against a wall and his gaze couldn’t help but flicker down to your lips, causing you to close the gap.
at first, he wasn’t sure where his hands were supposed to go; wrists awkwardly hovering near your waist until you pulled away, letting out a chuckle before guiding them to your hips.
the only thought running through his mind was how attractive you looked that jo only kissed you once more.
practically melts when the name ‘jojo’ leaves your lips, despite most of his friends/members calling him that, it’s endearing coming from you.
you could get him to do anything just by added that nickname at the end
another one of his favourite pet names is ‘baby’!
loves your dates, you prefer scenes like picnics or taking a stroll in the park, hand in hand, while your boyfriend prefers going out to restaurants or movie nights.
he thinks you’re a very warm person, clinging to you every second which you of course love because who wouldn’t ??
cuddle sessions are a must, just staying an extra five minutes in bed every morning.
jo also likes seeing you wear his clothes but won’t admit it to your face, he thinks its the cutest thing ever, always offering his closet when you stay over.
sleeping on facetime…… you do it every night, his members are so sick of the way this man gushes about his ‘beautiful and smart girlfriend’ and how he misses you.
your boyfriend, asakura jo is the biggest loser, so you make sure to flirt with him all the time, just to watch him take a pause or get flustered.
but the rare occasions he reciprocates are the best only because the words barely leave jo’s lips before he turns red. (it doesn’t help that you tease him about it)
even if you’re not a rice enthusiast, he’ll make an exception for you just cause he’s head over heels in love with you
