order 004 for anon: large coconut milk tea (In THE DaRk by BOBBy) with regular tapioca pearls and fresh taro
Warnings: food mentions
Pairing: idol!Hui x delivery worker!reader
Summary: you deliver food to cube ent. and end up becoming friends with Hui, an idol who's at the peak of his career... but he finds himself falling for you even as his songs rise on the charts :")
Word count: like maybe 3k?
[a/n]: i love this request because i love this song and writing it while listening to the song on loop in the dark of my room just made me so happy? also i put wayyyy more effort into this than necessary and it turned out super long >.< i'm so sorry anonnie i hope you like itttt ahhh
Shine, you shine on my existence
Sure, Hui was an idol with a life of his own - especially now, during Shine promotions, that his group, PENTAGON, was blowing up. Yet he never failed to make time for you, because you were the light of his life.
As a hardworking idol who was always cooped up in his studio and skipping meals, his members encouraged him to at least order food. He was reluctant but eventually agreed, not wanting to make them worry.
That's where you came in: a delivery worker at a local restaurant not too far from Cube entertainment, Hui's company. A lot of people ordered from your restaurant to Cube, so you weren't surprised when a new order flashed on the iPad screen at your workplace.
"We've got another delivery, [y/n]," the worker at the front told you with a smile, walking to the back to tell the cooks what to prepare.
You tapped your feet against the ground, awaiting the order. Once it was prepared, you carefully placed it in your delivery bag, fastened it to your bike and off you went, wearing a helmet of course.
The gentle breeze was enough to cheer you up and give you energy, despite the scene around you being full of traffic and slightly bleak.
Once you arrived, the guards let you in without even checking your workplace ID this time, recognizing you as a trusted delivery person.
You made your way up to the floor listed on the order, roaming through countless hallways until you finally found the right room. Judging by the area and the doors, it seemed to be full of studios.
The person who ordered this must be working hard, you thought to yourself.
Suddenly, you got an urge to leave a note, wishing the person well. You took out a scrap piece of paper and a pen that you always had handy, your heart racing and your hands shaking at the thought of doing this. You were excited at the idea of the person being happy to see such a cheerful note...
I hope you enjoy this meal and that it gives you enough energy to keep working hard :) Go for it!
After neatly placing the food and note at the door, you knocked and walked away, not wanting to bother the person. Even though you didn't turn your back, you heard the door open a few seconds later.
"Thank you!" a voice echoed through the hall.
You turned quickly to say ‘you’re welcome’ in response and caught a glimpse of what seemed to be a young idol hard at work. His hair was messy and he had dark circles under his eyes, but his mismatches clothes and bright smile were quite cute.
You thought that would be the last you’d see of him, but from that day onwards, he always ordered food from your restaurant at the same time: 2:09pm. Why so specific? You weren’t sure, but that’s how it was, and you being the only delivery worker at your restaurant meant that it would always be you taking the food to him.
The second time you went, you were surprised to see a note waiting on the door for you.
Thank you for your cheerful message... I’ll do my best to work harder!
It made you smile and you decided to leave another note with his order, this time just asking him what his favourite side dishes were so you could tell the cooks to put more of those in next time. Instead of him leaving a note for you with the response, though, Hui decided to text you this time so he wouldn't have to wait for you to make another delivery before you could see his response.
Unknown: This is Hui! Ah, I ordered food from you at 2:09pm? I'm not really picky on side dishes, but one of my members likes kimchi, so could you make sure to leave more of that for me?
You: sure, of course! but how did you get my number?
Hardworking Hui: Ah, sorry! It was on the app since you're the delivery worker... for me to contact you in case you get lost? I'm sorry!
You: No, that's okay! i just wanted to be sure ^^
So after that day, you made sure Hui always got extra kimchi with his order. He would always greet you at the door of his studio, quickly asking about your day and how you were doing. Truthfully, he actually wanted to ask you to come inside so he could talk with you some more, because the two of you would always get an interesting conversation going before you declared you had to leave.
Since he was too shy to ask you in person, he texted you, instead.
Hardworking Hui: could you get the rest of the day off after delivering my order today?
You: why?
Hardworking Hui: so you can eat with me? if that's okay? or just take an hour off!
You: ...
You: Only if you pay for my food :P
Hardworking Hui: deal
So that day, you asked your manager for the hour off from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. She agreed, knowing that you always work hard and deserve a break.
Showing up to Hui's studio with his usual order and some food for yourself in your hands, you knocked a little nervously this time, knowing that this wouldn't just be a delivery, but a whole... hang out? Type of thing?
Hui had made sure to clean his studio to the best of his ability, making sure that there was another comfy chair for you to sit on and that the room didn't smell bad or anything. He lit a couple of candles and vacuumed the place so there would be no dust. When you knocked on the door, he jumped out of his seat with excitement, immediately opening it.
"Hi! Come in," he said, holding the door open so you could step inside. Seeing the cosy, dimly lit space left you in awe.
"It's so cool to see where you've been working away for all this time," you said, sitting down on a chair and putting the food down.
"Yeah... sometimes I get tired of it, but it's home," Hui said, sitting on his studio chair and opening up the food.
"Ah... where's the kimchi?" Hui asked, pointing at all the dishes.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I told the cook to include my favourite side dish too, but he must have just replaced the kimchi with this instead, I'm so sorry!"
Hui laughed, shaking his head.
"It's completely fine!" he said, handing you your favourite side dish.
As the two of you began eating, you were able to get to know each other more as you spoke and asked each other questions. Even though it was a little silly asking for each other's favourite colours and seasons, it was a lot of fun, and the two of you turned out to have a lot in common.
Tears are erased by my emotions / Add, add colour to the world
After that day, you weren't just a delivery worker for Hui, and he wasn't just a customer to you. The two of you became close friends, attending the concerts of your favourite artists together. Hui would joke and say that he was attending for work reasons, trying to gain musical inspiration, while you had no real reason to be there. You'd slap his shoulder lightly, telling him to watch his words while he'd laugh at your reaction.
Even though his work was stressful at times, it was days like those that seemed to make him cry in reverse, if that was even possible? You showed up and turned his world around, adding colour onto his black and white canvas.
His members even told him that he seemed more cheerful and energetic despite still working hard in the studio, and Hui even told you that his songwriting process seemed to be running more smoothly.
"I'm so glad we became friends," he told you, leaning his head on your shoulder one day as the two of you sat on a park bench. You smiled, strongly agreeing with him in your own heart.
But do you remember when I mentioned Shine promotions at the beginning of this? Well, let's skip forward to that point.
By then, you had seen Hui and his group perform quite a few times, whether it was at concerts, music shows or even on the TV at your home. You were incredibly proud of him and wanted nothing but for him to succeed.
Every time Hui found you in the crowd at any of his live performances, he'd feel some kind of crazy adrenaline rush as all of his tiredness just seemed to magically disappear. He'd perform as if rent was due just because you gave him the energy to do so.
"Was [y/n] watching us again?" Hyunggu asked backstage after another performance for Shine ended safely.
"Yeah, I saw them there!" Hongseok confirmed.
"Plus, you can tell by the way Hui is acting," Yuto laughed, nodding towards Hui who was frantically texting you asking you if you'd left completely.
You told him you were still at the venue, and he begged you to come backstage. When you arrived, you greeted all of the Pentaboys, who adored you almost as much as Hui did, before joining Hui at his makeup table. You greeted the makeup artist too, out of respect, before asking Hui why he needed to see you so urgently.
"We might win today... I just wanted you to be by my side as good luck," he explained, a clearly worried expression on his face.
It was a shock to you that despite Shine doing so well on the charts, Pentagon still had not gotten their first win, but you knew they were an amazing group, regardless.
What you doing now? What's your plan now?
You placed your hand on top of Hui's, which rested on his own thigh.
"Hui, I know you haven't been getting all the wins you've been expecting, but we can't deny that this song is absolutely a bop and you have all been killing it!" you told him with a smile.
You couldn't tell whether or not your words had any sort of effect on him because he was looking down, but you hoped they at least didn't make him feel worse.
The rest of the Pentaboys cheered hearing your words though, feeling energized at your honest observation.
Hui was looking down because his stomach was tied in knots at the feeling of your hand on his. It was something he'd never felt before... butterflies? He tried to shrug it off but he couldn't stop wondering about your intentions... did you place your hand over his for a reason? What were you trying to tell him? What were you planning?
Inside my brain, after making a place for you / You make it impossible for me to sleep
That night, Hui still couldn't stop thinking about your simple gesture. You didn't mean anything by it, right? It was just a friend comforting a friend... the two of you had been friends for a while now, so why was he thinking into this so much?
As feelings of sleepiness took over, he drowsily wondered what it would be like to hold your hand rather than to just have his hand underneath yours. What would it be like to be held by you?
-
The next day, with more promotions ahead, you made sure to send Hui a text of good luck. You wouldn't be able to watch from the live audience that day, since you had work and deliveries to carry out, but you still wanted him to know that you were thinking of him.
Hui couldn't stop staring at your message of good luck for the whole day, pressing his finger on the heart emoji that you added at the end of your message.
"Hui hyung, are you reading something?" Wooseok asked the leader, sitting beside him on the sofa in the waiting room.
"Huh? N-no," Hui quickly said with a laugh, tucking his phone away.
"You've been staring at your phone all day... what is it, is it a fun webtoon?"
"No, no! Don't worry about it," Hui laughed, ruffling the tall boy's hair.
Wooseok whined, yelling about how the stylist just did his hair. Meanwhile, Hui's heart was racing. Why had he been staring at your text message all day?
You: I'm thinking of you today, Hui! Go get em, good luck <3
Are you thinking of me in this dawn? / I wish there was a continuous portal from my room to yours
Again, that night, Hui couldn't stop thinking about you. This time, it was about the message you'd sent him. He still had it open and was staring at it. He wondered if, when you said you were thinking of him, did that mean you were thinking of him right then and there too? At the same time when he was thinking about you?
Were your sleepless thoughts filled with him, just like his were filled with you-?
Ring ring. Ring ring.
Shit.
He'd been staring at your text and holding his phone so tightly that he accidentally pressed the call icon next to your name.
"Hello?" you answered sleepily. It was 3am and you had been asleep.
"H-hello? [y/n]?"
"Yes, Hui, what is it?"
"I uh..."
He desperately tried to think of an excuse for calling you, any reason-
"I wish there was a portal that went directly from my room to yours."
Really, Hui? Was that the best thing you could think of?
His heart raced and he smiled as he heard your laugh on the other end. He didn't realize he'd balled his other hand into a fist until your laughter made him calm down.
"What are you saying, Hui?"
"I miss you..." he mumbled.
Despite being sleepy, his words still made you nervous. Your heart raced and you wondered what he was trying to tell you.
"I m-miss you too," you croaked out.
"Really?" Hui asked you, sitting up in bed.
"Yeah, really," you said, laughing. It wasn't a lie, either. You'd been watching all of his performances on your phone that day while working, almost falling off your bike because you were that invested. In him.
"Do you wanna meet up now?"
"Now?" you spluttered.
"Yeah... by the Han River?"
You paused for a while before answering.
"Let's do it."
Even if I breathe in the cold air / It feels sweet, so sweet
"AHHH IT'S SO COOOOLD!" Hui yelled into the night air, rubbing his arms and running around in circles beside you.
"Here, take my coat," you said, but instead just wrapping your arms around him.
Hui tensed up, wondering if your arm that was wrapped around his chest could feel his heartbeat.
"W-what are you doing?" he asked.
"Providing you with warmth," you said.
You also felt butterflies stirring within you, realizing that maybe you saw Hui as more than just a friend. Yet you shrugged it off, telling yourself that Hui was an idol and you were just a delivery worker.
You can't know my pathetic feelings / Even if I've confessed a hundred times inside my brain / I'm invisible to you
Hui stayed quiet, closing his eyes tightly and enjoying the feeling of being in your arms on this cold night. He knew this embrace wouldn't last and that maybe it wouldn't happen again, because in his mind, he was invisible to you. Just a friend who you goofed around with, but all of your jokes made his heart rush.
The two of you ran around the grassy banks of Han River together, laughing into the night and chasing each other like kids. Each time Hui caught up to you, he'd wrap his small frame around you so tightly that it made you lose your breath. You told yourself it was just because you were running so hard, but it was definitely something else.
As the sun was beginning to rise and the two of you were finally in your homes, trying to get some sleep, Hui imagined what it would be like to confess to you. What if he confessed right there and then when you hugged him by the Han River? What if he told you how much he likes you and... what if you felt the same? What if you cupped his cheeks in your hands and kissed him right there as the river reflected the starlight from the sky...? What if Hui would drop his phone in shock but would kiss you back more passionately?
No, Hui. No.
If I ever want you to feel the same / That must be greedy, that'd probably be a chance to peek into heaven / 'Cause you are angel
There was no way any of that would ever happen. There was no way you would ever like him back, at least for Hui. You were way too good for him, an angel on this planet full of demons and sinners.
Little did he know that you were also squinting at the sun, struggling to get some sleep as you thought of the way Hui would press his face into your chest every time he caught up to you at the Han River as you chased each other for fun. His bright smile and gentle laughter made your heart feel like the Han River itself, gently flowing along but filled with such a refreshing feeling.
After another week of intense Shine promotions, Hui feeling all sorts of emotions as Shine continued to soar while his feelings for you also grew, it became unbearable. The two of you would talk late into the night, whether it was sending texts because Hui was busy working or whether it was phone calls. Hui thought about you every second of every day and always missed you a ton.
Please know that I like you / I just want to be there for the rest of your life
Hui asked you to meet him in his studio one evening, as he knew your work schedule and knew that you were free. You agreed, slightly confused as to how he was making time to meet with you despite being so busy.
"Hui, I'm here!" you sang, opening the door to his studio and finding him sitting there in his chair, looking especially cute as his hair was slightly ruffled and he wore a big, comfy hoodie.
"[y/n], I have to tell you something," he said, with a slightly sad smile.
"Yeah, what is it?"
You grew worried, but decided not to make a fuss over anything just yet.
"So, for some time now.... well, of course we've been good friends, and I don't want this to ruin that if you don't feel the same..."
He sighed mid-sentence.
"Gosh, I don't know why I'm rambling," he said with a laugh.
You instinctively laughed along.
"Well, [y/n]. I like you... a lot. I know it's pathetic for me to feel this way when I don't even deserve you, but-"
"You like me?" you cut him off.
Hui nodded in response, looking slightly red now.
Nervous and absolutely bewildered, you starting laughing to yourself, making Hui worry if he'd said something wrong.
"Hui, I... I like you too, what the hell?! And here I was thinking I was pathetic!"
"You're not pathetic at all!" Hui said, grinning widely and bright red in the face upon hearing your answer to his confession.
Both of you nervously smiled at each other for some time before Hui broke the silence.
"I know... it may be hard to date me... well no, it will be hard to date me since I'm an idol, but I promise I'll give this my everything. It's a given, because of how much I like you and how lucky I am for you to even date me-"
"I never said I was dating you," you joked.
"What?" Hui asked in shock.
"I'm joking! Hui, it's okay. We'll get through these difficulties together, whatever they may be," you said, holding half of his face in your right hand, stroking his cheek with your thumb.
Hui leaned into your touch, closing his eyes.
"You're right," he said, before turning his face and pressing his lips to your hand.
⚠️ Warnings: Contains minor cursing and minor adult themes. Please do not read if you are triggered by any of these!
⁙ Summary: Hongseok gets locked out of his house while his family is gone, so he spends the night at Y/N’s place, trying to keep his crush on her a secret
→ Preview: "You don't have anywhere to stay, do you?" You ask, a small smile stretching across your lips. Hongseok flushed, surprised by your touch, but shook his head. Your fingers slip away from his as you turn to leave. Hongseok's shoulders slump in disappointment, watching you recede with a frown.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go, silly!" You giggle cheerfully, waving Hongseok towards you with a well-manicured hand. Hongseok stares at you in confused bewilderment, not moving an inch. You sigh, firmly placing both of your hands on your hips, delivering Hongseok an exasperated look.
"Hongseok, I'm offering to let you stay the night at my place.”
w a r n i n g s :: major character death, alcohol, syringes,
s u m m a r y :: The moon shines brightly in the night sky, all but a sliver illuminating your path as you make your way through the brush. Briars constantly poke and rip at your stockings, a chilly breeze worming its way under your sweater and behind your ears. The air is crisp, tinged with the smell of dead leaves and foliage. Normally, you would be all about this.
Normally you aren’t running for your life.
w o r d c o u n t :: 4642
a / n :: cross posted on ao3, please check it out there as well! i have the same url on both!
The moon shines brightly in the night sky, all but a sliver illuminating your path as you make your way through the brush. Briars constantly poke and rip at your stockings, a chilly breeze worming its way under your sweater and behind your ears. The air is crisp, tinged with the smell of dead leaves and foliage. Normally, you would be all about this.
Normally you aren’t running for your life.
The night didn’t start like this, in fact your friends had decided the best thing to do this Halloween would be to venture out to the abandoned mill on the outskirts of town and drink until the sun rose or you keeled over - whichever came first. You walked towards the mill, dressed head to toe in autumn colors and a themed sweater because it was cold outside and you were not about to freeze to death on Halloween. You carried a twelve pack of ale, happily moving towards your destination. You noticed that the others arrived before you, and a cheer went up as you approached.
Wooseok, already a little tipsy, shouted when he saw you approach - “YEAH! MORE BOOZE LETS GET IT!!” - and swiftly disarmed you of your goods, raising them above his head as he marched towards the stash of various beverages off to the side. Yuto and Hui looked up from where they were stationed by the fire, waving at you before returning to their conversation. Shinwon and Hongseok were watching a furious debate between Changgu and Jinho about something the younger had said about the older's “costume for the evening,” which was just Jinho in a beanie. Apparently, Changgu thought he had dressed up as a 7-year-old for the occasion. Hyunggu was passing around a bowl of candy, grinning all the while. Yanan stared into the bonfire, watching his marshmallows go up in just the right amount of flames. You grinned.
The hours flew by in a haze of smores, sweets and - of course - shots. Hongseok and Jinho told scary stories around the fire with Yuto cowering behind Wooseok and Yanan. Each story was more ridiculous than the last, but that didn’t seem to matter to Yuto - if it’s remotely scary, it’s enough to send him running. You felt a pleasant buzz settle in just under your skin, negating the chill that had crept into the air. You shifted closer to Shinwon, the pair of you content to watch the show. As it got closer to midnight, you heard the man sitting next to you pipe up,
“Why don’t we play a game of Truth or Dare?”
The group, a happy level of tipsy, agreed. Dares ranged from eating rum-soaked marshmallows and trying to jump the fire, with truths being anything from childhood memories to dirty little secrets. Wooseok turned to Hyunggu, “Alright, truth or dare?”
Hyunggu smiles, “Dare.”
Wooseok’s mouth crooked upwards, “I dare you to go into the basement.”
The color drained from Hyunggu’s face as the group egged him on.
“I’ll even go with you. Gotta make sure you don’t chicken out,” Wooseok offered.
Yuto looked frantically between Wooseok and Hyunggu before quickly interjecting - “Me too!! I’ll go with them, too..” You’re pretty sure he didn’t want to be left at the mercy of Jinho and Hongseok who would try to scare him even more than he already was.
You watched the trio disappear into the dark stairwell at the far end of the floor, shadows having long since enveloped their features. The conversation continued on. Minutes passed with no sign of the trio. Everything was fine, if not a little tense as you waited for your companions to return, until a blood curdling scream echoed through the mill. Everyone froze, looking at each other for answers. Hui was the first to stand, loudly proclaiming he was going to go down to check on them. One by one the group followed.
The stairs creaked on the way down, but you could barely hear them over sounds of bones grinding on each other, low groans and broken screams growing ever louder the further down you went. Tension settled in the air and you felt yourself unintentionally creeping closer and closer to Shinwon. You clutched at the back of his shirt, desperate to ground yourself. He turned back to face you, and a small smile crossed his face. You felt some of your unease slip away into the darkness.
You stepped into a large room at the bottom of the stairwell, eyes adjusting to the sudden brightness. Once they did, you had to physically hold back your scream. The walls were bare concrete, lined with dusty boxes and peeling labels. Most strikingly, the room had a large upright operating table in the middle, complete with lights, stainless trays lined with various medical tools and a plethora of leather restraints. Upon one of these trays was a set of three syringes, two of which were already emptied.
The third was currently being injected into a screaming and thrashing Hyunggu.
Two hooded figures stood on either side of him, one forcing him back against the table as the other plunged the needle into your friend's neck. You locked eyes with him, paralyzed by his fear. Out of the corner of your eye you saw Hongseok move towards the table with a loud shout. The hooded figures turned his way, dropping everything they held before they sprinted out of a door on the opposite side of the room. Hongseok started to chase after them, with Changgu and Hui not far behind. Shinwon rushed to Hyunggu’s side, desperately trying to keep him cognizant while Yanan worked to undo the straps holding him to the table.
A growl echoed through the space, stopping everyone in their tracks.
Out of the darkness stepped a large blond wolf with piercing amber eyes. He towered over Hongseok, staring down the man who looked poised to bolt. The wolf seemed neutral, content to stare down the man in front of it. The tense peace was shattered by Hyunggu’s groans, and the wolf turned his attention away from Hongseok to Shinwon who was cradling Hyunggu’s pale and flushed body. He moved towards them, but Hongseok quickly put himself in the wolf’s way once more.
This did not make the wolf particularly happy.
Suddenly, there was a dull thud echoing in the room as Hongseok collided with the boxes against the wall. He fell limp to the floor, and Hui rushed over to his side. You could see the faint rise and fall of his chest, which gave you a modicum of peace knowing he was still alive. During all the commotion, another wolf had stepped out of the shadows, growling lowly in his throat. This wolf was raven black, his fur taking on a navy sheen under the lights. The black wolf approached your side of the group, stalking towards you. You backed up until you hit the wall, breath shaky. Yanan stood next to you, looking frantically at the rapidly unraveling situation. Soon, a figure blocked your view.
Jinho stood in between you and the wolf, eyes hard and resolved as he turned his head just enough to speak back to you.
“Get out of here.”
You were frozen in place, eyes locked with the beast. You couldn’t seem to move no matter how much your brain screamed at you to high tail it out of there. Luckily, Yanan did not need to be told twice. He forcefully grabbed your arm before dragging you back up the stairs. You stumbled over a few of the steps, legs still stiff from fear. You weren’t sure where you were going to go, or what was going to happen to you friends but you knew you needed to leave. You emerged onto the dusty main floor of the mill, constantly checking behind you as if you could see anything in the thick darkness. Barely there streams of moonlight filtered in through the windows, casting small pockets of light onto the floor. The fire the group created earlier had died down considerably, making the room seem impossibly dark. Yanan was unbothered by the lack of visibility, as he made a beeline for the exit, your hand securely wrapped in his.
“Come on, we’re almost outside,” His words are almost lost on you.
A sickening crunch echoed through the mill, and you felt bile rise up in your throat. You knew that couldn’t be anything good. Your mind raced through all the possibilities, and you could hardly keep your feet under you. You wanted to just collapse and cry, adrenaline exhausted and the cold worming its way in under your skin. How would you even get back? And what happens when you do? The wolves could probably track you wherever you went, and it’s not like the authorities are going to believe you. Who would? What would you even say? That two of your friends are missing, one of them was injected by two complete strangers hanging out in the basement of the old mill - oh, and the perpetrators ran away but before you could pursue you were stopped by two massive wolves? Anyone would think you’d lost it.
Though something seemed…. strangely…. human about those wolves…
You wrenched yourself out of Yanan’s grip at the exit, breathing heavily. He turned around, sorbet pink hair catching the moonlight and making him look almost ethereal. His expression was a mixture of confusion and exasperation.
“What are you doing? We have to go!”
You shook your head frantically.
“We have to go back for them! Wooseok, Yuto, Kino… I think they’re-”
Before you could finish your sentence a growl sounded from behind you. You whip around, facing the decrepit building. A lithe white wolf, much smaller than the other two, padded through the doorway. His eyes are a bright blue, a complement to the deep crimson dripping from his maw. You instinctively started backing away as the wolf approached, hand outstretched behind you desperately searching for your companion. A bruised and bloodied Hui appeared in the doorway behind the wolf, making eye contact with you. His face twisted into one of surprise and then frustration.
“What are you still doing here? Get to the car!”
The white wolf whipped around to face the new arrival, suddenly able to choose between meals. This time you don’t need Yanan to take your hand in order to start running towards the street where you all had parked. The two of you took off and Hui disappeared back into the darkness of the mill. You felt a rush of relief as you saw the cars come into view. Then, you felt your heart drop as you remembered that you left your purse and keys inside by the fire. You cursed under your breath. You could only hope that Yanan had driven here and still had his.
It didn’t matter anyways as a large shadow burst out of the brush, cutting off your path. The two of you skidded to a halt as you came face to face with the large black wolf for the second time that night. The wolf paused for only a second before charging at you. You ran into the woods on instinct.
The moon sits high in the sky now, and your legs ache at the continued strain. Your outfit isn’t the best suited for running through the woods, and you weren’t exactly ready to run a marathon at the start of the night. You have no clue where you’re going or what will be around the corner, but you know you need to get back to safety somehow.
If there even was any safety to be found from three massive wolves.
You’re ready to collapse when you stumble over a large tree root, scraping yourself up even further as you hit the leaf-covered ground. A groan sounds from behind you, and you scramble to your knees in search of the source.
You strain your eyes to see a mess of wavy brown hair and broad shoulders leaning up against the side of a tree. You gasp, moving over to get a better look at Shinwon. He opens one eye, and his pain twisted face immediately softens into something more sweet. A gentle smile adorns his face as he looks so warmly at you as you panic in front of him, hands flitting around him as you check him for injuries. His previously cream sweater is torn and deep crimson marks adorn his chest and right arm, and his face is almost unrecognizable under all the dried blood. You move your gaze down further and freeze.
Your knees sit in a growing pool of blood, and it doesn’t take a genius to know that the mangled mess that was - is - his right leg is the source. Shinwon doesn’t take his gaze from you, instead opting to cup your face with his hand. You feel tears escaping from your eyes, mingling with the dirt and grime that had built up there. You let a sob escape you as you feel his thumb softly swipe across your cheek, his eyes just as gentle as they always are. You don’t need words to know what he’s feeling. You never have.
You shake your head once, maybe twice before turning into his hand, holding it in place and trying to memorize the feel. You choke out, “We - We n-need to- hic - to get out of here, I can, I can, I-”
Shinwon shakes his head and cuts you off. “They’ve already got their eyes set on me, and you’re not in any position to carry me out of here. Hongseok maybe,” His smile brightens as he forces a huff of laughter out of you. You can’t help it around him. He’s always able to lighten the mood, even in a time like this. He reaches into his pocket with his free hand and places a set of keys in your hands, carefully folding your fingers around the warm metal. You shake your head again, muttering a string of noes, as if the gravity of the situation finally hit you. Tears ran down in droves, obscuring your already limited vision. This can’t be happening. You’re going to get him out of here. You’ll find your friends and get them to come back and grab him, get him help. He’ll be fine, if maybe missing a leg. He’ll be alive. You can, you can, you can..
You can’t.
You’re not strong enough to carry Shinwon out of the woods on your own on your best day, and certainly not after all you’ve been through. Hell, you aren’t even sure where you are right now. A sob rips itself from your throat, and then another. You bring both of your hands up to wrap around the one still against your cheek. Sobs wrack through your tired frame and you can vaguely hear him gently shushing you. You stay for a moment like that, memorizing the feel of his hand, his warmth, the gentle tone of his voice. Deep down you feel something break inside you and this moment flooding in to fill the cracks. A thin line of gold to repair something incredibly broken. You shift, touching your head to his shoulder instead, hand still held between yours. You take a few deep breaths.
“Shinwon, I can’t just leave you here.” You lean back just enough to look him in the eyes and you catch a faint smile on his face.
“You have to.”
His eyes convey everything in that moment - love and acceptance and peace. That look tattoos itself onto the back of your brain, and you instinctively shake your head again. It feels hollow somehow. An empty protest.
“No, I’ll bring Hongseok back and everyone else. We’ll get you out of here, I promise. Just keep yourself safe okay?”
He relents, the odd softness in his eyes more prominent now. “Okay.” Pause. “Okay. I’ll wait here. Take my keys; you’ll need to get to town somehow and it’s not like I can use them. You know which one is my car right? The red hatchback?”
You nod, grip tightening around the keys he gifted you earlier. “Yes, it has those stupid dice hanging from the rearview mirror.”
He huffs out a laugh. You cherish every second of it. “That’s the one. And they’re not stupid - they’re cool.”
“Whatever you say.”
He closes his eyes and leans back against the tree trunk, once more absorbed by the shadows and foliage. He sighs in either relief or acceptance - you couldn’t quite tell - the smile on his face relaxing for just a moment. Shinwon rolls his head to face you as his eyes struggle to reopen.
The normal teasing quality to his voice is absent as he formulates his next words.
“Take care, Y/N. I’ll… I’ll see you soon.”
Your throat closes up and you can only nod. He removes his hand from yours, nothing more than a gentle tug that tells you to release him. He closes his eyes once more, his breaths coming slow and steady. You stand and you can feel the pins and needles coming in to make their home in your legs from kneeling for so long. The adrenaline has mostly worn off by now, and exhaustion takes its place as you try to force yourself to leave. You don’t want to. You feel every part of your soul telling you to figure something out. That this can’t be the end, that you can do it somehow. But the better part of yourself knows this is the only option.
Good night, Shinwon. I’ll be back soon. I - There will be time later, I promise. I promise.
You can’t bring yourself to say it, but you hope he knows. Knows all the words you’ve left unsaid, even now.
It takes everything you have to turn away from him.
You don’t know how long it takes you to get out of the woods, but the moon is well into its journey by the time you emerge. Somehow you’ve managed to circle back around to the road leading towards the mill, albeit quite some distance away from where you started. A howl rips through the night air and you freeze in your tracks. Two more fire off in quick succession, and you relax. They appear to be from far off, so you can continue on your way for now.
A pair of sweet brown eyes crosses your mind.
You don’t want to think about what they may be howling about.
It is not lost on you, as you traverse the dimly lit road, that you are quite literally headed into the den of the beast. You could always turn around and try your luck walking home. Though, you’re not sure that you’ll ever be safe knowing what lives in the woods just outside of town. No, the car is your best bet. At least then you’d stand a chance of outrunning the damn things or hitting them hard enough to make a getaway. You grip the keys like a lifeline - hard enough to cut into your palm. You suppose they are a lifeline in a way.
You don’t think much longer as two figures burst through the treeline into the light a distance away. One is holding the other up, an arm wrapped around the other’s midsection as they move forward in a sort of disjointed lockstep. Your body instinctively tenses, ready to bolt at the first sign of danger. One turns back to face you and you almost drop to your knees in relief. Changgu seems to be in a similar state. You pocket the keys as you hurry over to where they are, immediately placing your other arm under Changgu’s. You move Hongseok’s arm over your shoulders as gently as possible, trying to encourage him to lean into you as best he can. Sweat moistens his skin and through the rips in his shirt you see blackish purple bruises blooming across his torso.
Hongseok struggles to open his eyes, but when he catches sight of you his lips twitch in a ghost of a smile. Your eyes flit over to Changgu, searching for something you’re not quite so sure you want to see. He shakes his head. Hongseok is injured - that much is certain - but it doesn’t appear to be life threatening as of now. He should get to a hospital soon; he must be exhausted from running so long. Changgu also looks worse for wear, with a thin sheen of sweat covering his skin. You don’t know how long he’s been half-carrying the larger man, but it can’t be too long or else he would be much more winded. Or not. Changgu is a lot stronger than you give him credit for. You could call him the strongest in the group if not for the man currently hanging between you. The three of you continue on your journey - silent for the most part. Neither of you wants to be the first to speak, to break the subtle understanding hanging in the air. You’ve seen some shit, and right now you just want to get out of this mess alive.
Four or five street lights down, a small - distinctly human - figure stumbles out of the brush. Jinho notices you before you have a chance to call out to him. He runs over, taking his place next to you.
“I can take him for a bit if either of you get tired.”
All you can muster is a curt nod of acknowledgement, and even then you stumble a little. Changgu forces you to stop, waiting for you to catch your breath.
“You should take a break.” You try to protest but Jinho inserts himself in your place, shouldering the weight of Hongseok with a grunt. Hongseok winces a bit as he shifts, his body a bit more lopsided due to the change in height. Jinho locks eyes with Changgu, nodding before continuing forward. You walk behind the trio, doing your best to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. By the time you make it back to the mill, it’s nearly sunrise. The sky is darker than black, and the stars seem to taunt you with their mirthful twinkling. You’ve rotated out carrying duty for Changgu, and your pace is significantly slower without him. Hongseok didn’t notice.
As you approach the line of parked cars, you notice movement behind a black sedan. Hushed whispers float on the wind,
“We have…… “
“Can’t leave yet…… “
“ No choice… car… ”
“ … OW!”
Changgu seems to recognize the welp, and calls out,
“Yanan? Hui? Are you there?”
You watch Hui pop up from his hiding spot, eyes wide with relief as he spots the familiar faces. He rushes over to you, navy blue hair almost glimmering in the low light. Yanan approaches with him, quickly rotating out with Jinho for carrying Hongseok the rest of the way to the car, where you gently prop him against the side. Hongseok winces slightly as the cold metal hits his back, but his eyes don’t open. He needs to get to a hospital, and fast. Yanan slouches next to him, leaning his head against the door. You notice the deep crimson that stains the right side of his head and the collar of his sweatshirt. Yanan glances over at you and offers a smile.
“I’m alright, don’t worry! It’s not as bad as it looks.”
You give him a look of disbelief, but don’t press the issue further. He is well enough to help carry a man twice his size, so that has to count for something. You turn your attention to the three men huddled nearby,
“What do you think they’re talking about?”
Yanan follows your gaze to the group and shrugs. “I don’t know, probably how to get out of here.”
Your blood runs cold. “What do you mean?”
Yanan looks confused, “We have to leave? Did you forget there are three crazed wolves chasing after us?”
“But they’re---I mean we can’t---They---” You struggle to find the right words. You aren’t sure your friends have put the pieces together yet, or if they’re simply more focused on survival at the moment. You deflate, your voice barely higher than a whisper, “But what if they’re our friends?”
Yanan’s face softens and he affectionately pats your head. “They would want us to be safe.”
He’s right.
The trio come back over to the car. Hui speaks first.
“Okay, all of our stuff is still inside the mill, so if we want a chance at getting out of here we need to go back in there. But, we don’t know where Shinwon is and we don’t want to strand him here. No one’s seen him since we split up, and we don’t have time to wait -”
You vaguely hear Jinho interrupt him and the pair start to argue back and forth, but you can’t really focus on the scene at hand when another swims across your vision. The memory of a hand pressing a pair of keys into your palm hits you so hard it nearly knocks you over. It’s been a few hours at best since you left Shinwon, but it felt a lifetime away. His final words block out the world around you, begging you to leave. Pleading for you to go on without him, no matter how hard it was. Without thinking, you fish the keys out of your pocket and hold them as carefully as you can in the palm of your hand.
You don’t notice it, but suddenly everyone is quiet. Their attention is focused solely on you. You gear yourself up to speak a few times, but each time the words die on your lips as helplessness takes over. Changgu is gentle when he catches hold of your wrist and asks,
“Y/N, those are Shinwon’s keys, aren’t they?”
You snap out of your reverie just enough to look into his eyes. The softness present there makes you choke back a sob - they really look so similar to his - brokenly nodding at him. Your mouth forms around the words you fail to say once more, until your tongue catches two:
“I couldn’t..”
Suddenly the eyes focused on your shift downwards, and Changgu nods. He takes the keys from you, face set in a determined line.
“We have to leave. Now.”
No one tries to argue with him. In fact, they all exchange a glance and rise to their feet, wordlessly going about the motions. Jinho comes over to comfort your shellshocked frame. Yanan and Changgu work to lift the still breathing Hongseok to his feet. Hui takes the keys from Changgu and goes to find Shinwon’s car. You barely notice any of it. You’d been comforted by the idea that you could possibly go back, that Shinwon isn’t lost to you - not yet - and that there was still time. You deluded yourself into thinking that you weren’t the last person he would ever see, and that you would be able to get Hongseok, or Changgu, or anyone to help you bring him back. The rush of finding your friends was enough to push the thoughts of his gentle and desperate eyes to the sidelines, but not enough to completely erase them.
You were grateful as Jinho helped you to your feet and ushered you into the backseat of the red hatchback - “You know which one is my car right?” Of course I do, do you know how my heart soars every time I see that rust bucket? - sandwiched between Yanan and himself. Changgu squeezes into the trunk space since Hongseok occupies the front seat. Hui climbs in last, taking a moment to situate himself before looking in the rear-view mirror at you.
i run a bunch of different blogs but since this is my multi blog, this masterlist will include all of my fics across all of my blogs! groups are listed in alphabetical order. i’ll probably add more groups at some point lol.
[15:35] • San Smut(ish) Drabble
[07:52] • Wooyoung Smut(ish) Drabble
THE SWEETEST FRUIT
Demon San AU
A mysterious boy appears to you one night, and he promises you something absolutely delicious. But will it be worth everything he asks in return? And what brought him here in the first place? Something doesn’t seem right...
Preview
The Pleasure Collection • DOPE Era Smut
1. The Art of Seduction
Navy Member Yoongi AU
You finally see Yoongi after his six years of service in the navy and he’s so much more attractive than you remember. Now that you’re grown, you’re determined to make him yours.
Read Here
2. If You Insist
Police Officer Jungkook AU
After being targeted by the criminal that has been kidnapping young women across the city, you meet a certain police officer who makes it his sole mission to protect you.
Read Here & Epilogue
3. Temptation (Jimin)
Office Worker Jimin AU
He was the love of your life, and one day he disappeared without a word. Nearly a decade later, he returns, and nothing in the world could prepare you for the whirlwind of being Park Jimin’s boss.
Read Here
THE WITCHING
Adventure AU • Series (Namjoon, Jimin, Taehyung, and Seokjin)
With the help of four boys, you fight to find a way out of the mysterious town in which you are trapped, discovering secrets that you should never learn and being haunted by an unforgiving evil.
Part 1 • More Coming Soon
TTYL
Idol/Camgirl AU • Taehyung Smut Series
An incredible amount of luck leads to an unforgettable experience on a video-chat website with a sexy stranger.
Part 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 - Completed
The Space Between
Photographer AU • Taehyung Almost Smut Oneshot
You meant for it to be a simple photoshoot. But with the unexpected language barrier, the shoot becomes more physical than anticipated. And you had no idea what kind of affect this gorgeous stranger would have on you.
Read Here
Shelter From The Storm
First Time/Stuck In A Cabin AU • Yoongi Smut Series
After intentionally isolating yourself for years, you somehow end up inviting a complete stranger into your very small, very cozy home for a long, rainy weekend. Maybe there’s a reason he got lost on your land; maybe you need him just as much as he needs you.
Part 1 • 2 • More Coming Soon
Heat Wave
Boyfriend AU • Yoongi Bondage Smut Oneshot
Your boyfriend has made a habit of tying you up, and you couldn’t possibly refuse him.
Read Here
London Fog
Secret Admirer AU • Yoongi Fluff Oneshot
He works at a coffee shop. She works at a tea shop. Maybe it’s true what they say about opposites attracting.
Read Here
Tilted
Robot AU • Yoongi Fluff Drabble
For something so mechanical, she truly was made of pure joy, an eternal beacon of hope and wishful thinking. He wanted to survive, but she wanted to live.
Read Here
If You Insist (Epilogue)
Police Officer AU • Jungkook Smut Drabble
You excitedly dash home after a long day of classes - this is the first night in weeks that your boyfriend is home and you intend to take full advantage of it.
Note: This is an EPILOGUE. Please read If You Insist first!
Read Here
Don’t You Dare Hold Back
Masseuse AU • Namjoon Smut Oneshot
Get ready. You’re about to have the best massage of your life.
Read Here
Hot for Teacher
College AU • Hongseok/Kino/Wooseok x Reader Smut Series
You never realized how much one drunken night could color the rest of your college experience until you discover that the handsome stranger from your cousin’s wedding is also the new professor at your university.
Part 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 5.5 • 6 • More Coming Soon
Ask My Muses: Hot for Teacher
Roommates
Roommates AU • Changgu Smut Oneshot
You’ve been best friends with Changgu for forever. But can you really be content with being just friends when you become roommates?
Read Here
All The Time In The World
Soulmates AU • Yanan Fluff Oneshot
Ever since you were little, you’d heard about soulmates. You’d been told that there was one person, just a single soul out of the seven billion on the planet, that was meant to join with yours. But how long would it take for you to Connect?
Well because it’s my senior year I have to study more and more bc end of this season I have an university entrance exam. I probably cannot write any fics but maybe I can post some text au’s or smth like that. Well let me know if you want
Genre: Fluff and angst and fluff and angst af and fluff (such a rollercoaster, brace yourselves)
A/N: This is sort of a bonus writing to my usual stuff but today’s Jinho’s birthday so I wanted to do this as a birthday post for him. It wasn’t supposed to be this long but oh well... the feels wouldn’t let me live. This is lowkey based in When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars bc my life ended when Jinho made a cover of that song. I hope you like it.
You were still in front of the mirror. It had been more than thirty minutes now and you hadn’t picked a dress yet. The midnight blue veil dress was beautiful, loose and comfortable, but damn… that tight black dress was the physical definition of classy and sexy. It had a choker type neck, a little lace all the way through the collarbones and super short sleeves. That should be the one. Would he like it though? You didn’t want to be too insinuating to give him a wrong idea of yourself considering this was your fifth date, if you were not wrong, and he really didn’t look like someone who was looking for something ephemeral or meaningless.
This was the very first time he had asked you out to such a formal place, you knew it was a fancy restaurant but you didn’t know it was so expensive until you googled the website. It was somewhere you could only dream with going and somehow you felt a little guilty for saying yes without knowing what it would imply.
What if he did it just to impress you and he had to make a huge effort to pay for the whole thing? You had to admit it had caught you off guard, so you had said yes almost by instinct because how much you liked him and you really didn’t care about the place as long as you could spend sometime with him. You shook your head with a frustrated smile, that sounded so desperate. But it was how you actually felt.
He was a busy guy but he kept in touch with you often, he sent you random texts or just asked about your day, sometimes he even passed by where you worked to bring you lunch or coffee, and he always made sure to go out on a date with you on the weekends. You’d never told him, but you really appreciated it.
He had let you choose whatever you want for your previous dates, so you always suggested casual plans like just going to hang out to the park or watch a movie, but this time he had asked you to have the privilege to choose the place. There was no way you would ask him for this but he did it himself, so you guessed there was no turning back now so you better look presentable for it.
You looked at both dresses once more, this time not hesitantly but nostalgically. They were still brand new after almost two years. You remembered when you bought them thinking you would go to nice parties or you would just have especial occasions to wear them.
You wondered if you had really bought them having that in mind or you had done it as a way to let him know you wanted to do those kind of things... with him. But you never did, there they were with the price tag still hanging on. It was a good thing you didn’t get rid of them though, especially after...
The sound of your vibrating phone got you out of your quick trip to the past. It was a text from the guy of your present.
“Hey! Are you ready? I’m on my way. Be there in ten ^^”
Dammit, you were going to be late. Again. You were not even close to be ready, so only a miracle would make you be on time. You got into the tight dress without thinking about it anymore. God, you didn’t remember it was that tight. You still fit in but made it a little hard for you to breathe, you had indeed gained a couple of pounds in the last months, but oh well… there was no time to think about it, so you put your high heels on and ran to the bathroom to do your makeup, if you hurried and with a little luck, maybe you would be able to do something with your hair not to look that plain.
You had just finished putting lipstick on and grabbed the hair dryer but at that exact moment you heard the doorbell.
“Shit” you muttered. Should you ask him to wait for you or just go out like this?
No. He always looked like a model, it would be such a disgrace going to a nice and elegant restaurant with him with your hair looking like a freaking bird nest. It had happened once and you were not going to let it happen again.
It was almost midnight and it was one of those nights where you felt empty inside, which could only mean one thing: you needed something to eat, but not anything, you wanted oreos. You wanted them desperately, so you ran to the kitchen and started checking every drawer just to find out you had eaten the last package a couple of weeks ago when you had another “one of those nights”.
You rolled your eyes knowing you would have to go out to get them, considering the fact that letting it go and going back to bed to keep watching movies was not an option. You put a hoodie and a pair of sweatpants on and got ready to go to the minimarket close to your place. You didn’t bother to brush your messy hair or look at least presentable, what for? You put your wallet, phone and keys in your pockets and left home on the oreo journey.
You finally got to the minimarket, it was cold outside so it felt good to be a little warmer without the icy wind. It seemed to be alone so you took the hood off your head leaving the mess you called hair exposed.
You walked straight to the aisle where they had the cookies, looking for the oreos until you finally saw them on the top of the shelf. You were not small but you were definitely not tall enough to reach your precious treasure since they had bought new shelves that were a little higher than the ones they used to have.
After letting out a sigh, you started jumping in order to reach the cookies, without succeeding. You could’ve just asked the cashier to help you out but he had fallen asleep and you felt bad to wake him up even though you would have to do it eventually when you had to pay.
You realised jumping was not going to be any helpful, so you gave up on it and decided you should push the box that contained the oreo packages with another cookie package to make it fall down on the other aisle. It sounded like a smart plan until you actually did it and the whole upper shelves boxes fell on the other side and you heard someone screaming.
You ran to see who the scream owner was and saw a guy rubbing the back of his head in pain. You were too embarrassed to say anything so you just stood there staring at his back, you couldn’t even see his face but damn this guy’s back was enough.
He looked like he came out of a fashion magazine, wearing black skinny jeans and a leather jacket. How could someone’s back could possibly be so attractive? Luckily he hadn’t seen you yet, so you could still run away from the crime scene, and you were so ready to do it but for some reason you couldn’t take your eyes off of him.
The guilt was killing you, so you swallowed the embarrassment and walked towards him.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry, are you okay?” you asked without knowing what to do. Should you check the back of his head to see if it was bleeding or something? No. No way. You didn’t even know him, that would be creepy.
He turned back at you with a shy smile and you lost it. He was definitely the most good looking guy you had ever seen in person in your whole life. He had big expressive eyes and dark shiny hair. He was wearing a black and white striped turtleneck that matched perfectly his jeans and jacket, and he was so damn perfect you felt like crying for hurting his precious self.
“So… You are the one who tried to behead me” he said still rubbing where the package had hit him.
You didn’t know what to say, the embarrassment was back.
“I’m really really sorry, I had no clue you were there… I mean, I didn’t know someone was here… I thought I was alone” you rushed to say, so fast you were pretty sure he didn’t understand a thing.
“Hey….” he tried to calm you down but that only made you more nervous.
“I swear, I just couldn’t reach it and I-” you kept talking as you always did when you got nervous. Why couldn’t you be like a normal person who just shuts up when is overwhelmed?
“Hey! It’s okay. I’m fine” he giggled placing his hand in your shoulder, and you died at his touch. He had the cutest laugh on earth. This was too much for just one night. “I would’ve helped you out with it if you had asked. You didn’t need to cut my head off” he said jokingly and started picking all the packages of the floor and putting them back where they belonged.
You were surprised he wasn’t mad at you and he was actually helping you with the mess you had made.
“Thank you, and I’m sorry. I should’ve checked first there was no one on the other side” you said and handed him some other cookies boxes.
“No problem. I’m a survivor, I’ll live. Maybe with a concussion but I’ll live” you chuckled and he walked to the other aisle to put the oreos packages back up. “Is this what you were trying to reach so badly?” he said handing you the last Oreo package left, you nodded and bowed to thank him. “Why didn’t you just get another brand of chocolate cookies you could actually grab?” he asked curious and you stopped for a second to think about his question. Your heart still ached a little.
“I like challenges” you lied. You were not going to answer with the truth to a complete stranger. “I’m really sorry about the hit, though. Are you sure you are gonna be okay?” you asked truly concerned while your cheeks were getting more and more red.
“I’m not sure… But if you really wanna make sure I’ll be alive by saturday, you could always have a cup of coffee with me then, just to check of course...” he winked and you could swear your heart imploded inside your chest.
Was he really asking you out just like that? He didn’t even know your name and you didn't know his. That couldn’t be happening, you must have been dreaming. What were the odds? What were the freaking odds? He was too beautiful to be real, and even more shocking, too beautiful to be single.
You slapped your own face to wake up from whatever this was, but you could only feel the rough hit against your skin. Well... that was going to leave a mark there, as real as everything that was happening.
You looked in front of you. The guy was still there staring at you with a look between shock and amusement.
"Wow... If you didn't wanna go out with me you could've just say no. There was no need to slap yourself in rejection” he said rising both of his arms in front of his chest defensively.
Why are you like this? you thought to yourself, he was being too flirty for his proposal not to be real and he was very direct and obvious to think you were only misunderstanding his words. He was indeed asking you out.
“Ignore that” you laughed nervously “It was just… a mosquito” you lied, and had to make a huge effort not to slap yourself again. Did you really think he was going to buy it?
“A mosquito…” he repeated in disbelief smiling again. How many times was it possible to die and come back to life in less than an hour?
“Yeah… it was hmmm… flying around and I felt it on my face so… you know, I tried to kill it” you could see it on his face he was trying his best not to laugh. He looked so cute though and if you were him you would’ve laughed at such nonsense from the moment it left your lips. “But yes! I’m free on saturday. I would be glad to check up on your concussion” you finally admitted, it was now or never. If you kept saying anymore stupid comments he would probably get scared and leave, and this kind of chance was once in a lifetime. It was actually a miracle he was still there.
“Great! I’ll call you. Here, save your number” he handed you his cell phone. You did as he said and gave it back quick. “You have a beautiful name, it matches your looks”.
You almost choked. YOUR LOOKS! If he hadn’t mentioned it you would’ve never remembered you were looking like trash. You had no makeup, your hair was a mess and your outfit was a potatoes sack next to his Saint-Laurent like outfit.
Dammit, now you were even more embarrassed than before.
“I’m Yeo Changgu” he offered you his hand to shake it along that smile that had been on his face for way too long now and it still caused the same effect on you like the first time you saw it. You hesitated for a second but you shook his hand. “It was really nice to meet you, even though you almost killed me” he teased you again and you looked down. “I’ll try my best not to die before saturday so we can meet” he said and you couldn’t help but chuckling. “See? I told you your name matched your looks. Have a good night and have a safe trip back home, Y/N Minimarket” he made a bow to say goodbye and left the place before you could answer.
Did you really have to write Minimarket after your name on his phone? Dear God, you were helpless, but at least now you had a date with a cute and funny guy.
You better make him wait. The potatoes sack look wouldn't ever make a comeback, not in your watch. You took your phone and called him.
“Hey, Minimarket, guess who’s in front of your door~” he answered enthusiastically and your heart fluttered. He was always so sweet and in a good mood, you wish you could be like him.
“Hi, I’m afraid I’m not ready yet. Would you mind waiting for me a couple of minutes?” you suggested grabbing your hair dryer again.
“Sure, if you don’t mind finding my dead body frozen outside your place…” he joked and then you remembered you had never invited him to come into your apartment. You smiled shaking your head, this boy had no shame.
“I was going to ask you to come in, but as I couldn’t kill you back in the minimarket I guess I’ll take my chance today” you said while walking to the door and thinking what kind of magic you would have to do for him not to see you like this.
“Well, you can try. But you will have no dinner~” he sang. Wow he had some great vocals even when he wasn’t singing seriously. Was there something he couldn’t do?
“Right, I’m gonna let you in on one condition” you placed your hand on the door handle “you are coming in with your eyes closed” you said. It was the only way for him to avoid the half mess you were right now.
“You have a pretty particular way to reject people, you know? What’s the point of coming inside if I can’t see, it’s-”
“Changgu! Just do it” you scolded him.
“Okay, okay… I’ll do my best” he accepted, and you opened the door and ran back to your room without leaving the tiniest chance to expose yourself.
You did your hair as fast as you could, just drying it off and wearing a small pin for it not to fall on your face. Once you were finally done, you walked to the living room where Changgu was waiting for you. His back was facing you, so you took a moment to appreciate his look, just like the day you first met.
He was wearing a winter white coat and you could see from behind his hair was styled to the side. How could he always look so fine? It was a good call doing your hair and being late instead of leaving it like it was and being on time.
“I’m ready” you said putting your white blazer on.
He stood up and turned around to look at you, but no words came out of his mouth. He was completely in awe with his mouth wide open and his shiny eyes over you from the tip of your toes to the top of your head.
His gaze on you made you nervous and you had to do your best not to shake in front of him.
“What?” you asked looking away with shy smile.
“Your life mission is to kill me, isn’t it?” he ran his fingers through his hair, and you thought he probably had no clue that was how easily he could make you lose your shit. You started daydreaming about how good it would feel to run your fingers through that soft and perfect hair.
“I think it is…” you were still standing there unable to look at him in the eyes.
“Well let me tell you something, this time you almost make it. I got a heart attack because of you and I’m barely breathing at this point” he walked towards you and you felt your heart hammering your chest.
It had been a long time since someone made you feel this way just by being there. It wasn’t just because he was handsome, you really liked him. All of him. He was funny, talkative, kind, he was caring, and every time you were with him you felt your day became brighter because you were together, even if it was for a little while.
You were aware it was risky feeling this way and falling for someone in such a short time but you couldn’t help it. That’s how it was. Besides, how could be wrong the fact someone cared about you and gave you his time without regrets. You deserved to be loved.
“You look beautiful” he whispered. He was now in front of you with his face so close to yours, you could feel his breathing against your skin and you got chills because of the proximity. “Well… even more than usual” he kept his voice low and put a lock of your hair behind your ear smiling, which only made you die again. What was the hairpin for, God damn it. It had one job.
“You are not that bad yourself” you laughed nervously. Not that bad? What was wrong with you. He was perfect. He was always perfect. He smiled once more at your comment.
He leaned in slowly and you swore he was going to kiss you, not like you wanted to complain though, but you were sure you would probably faint if he did. That was when you felt his lips against your cheek slightly touching the corner of your mouth, and good Lord, that was enough to kill you. Of course he wasn’t going to kiss you just like that, he was such a flirt, he just wanted you to ask for more especially after what you had said to tease him. But you were not going to please him. Not yet.
“Shall we go now? My stomach is eating my guts” he asked and you laughed.
“Wow, you are so romantic” you joked and started walking next to him to the door.
“Wait” he stopped you “I brought you something” he walked to the living room and came with sort of a long box.
“You shouldn’t have…” you received the gift and opened it.
“But I wanted to” he replied immediately.
“Oh my God, Changgu, I love it, how did you know?” you said staring at the sunflower inside the box. It was your favorite flower and you didn’t remember telling him about it.
“I didn’t. I just thought it reminds me of you. They are wonderful just they way they are, but when the sun is out they show even more how great they can be until they are ready to do it by themselves. So I thought it could be a good metaphor to let you know I hope you let me be your sun” he said reaching for your hand and intertwining his fingers with yours. That gave you some strength to look at him in the eyes.
“You tried hard on this one, huh?” you smiled softly squeezing his hand.
“I did, can’t you see I’m sweating? I even searched “sunflowers” on Wikipedia and memorized my speech. Did it work?” he questioned and started walking again to the door without letting go of your hand.
“We’ll see. For now I’m gonna give you half a point for trying” you closed the door behind you and walked to his car.
Damn, what kind of car was that? You were sure it was more expensive than your apartment. He opened the door for you and you got inside. It was such a luxury car, you wondered how could he buy such a thing, for what he had told you he worked really hard but now that you thought about it he had never told you what he actually did for living.
“You are too greedy. I’m out” he said getting inside the car.
“No, you are not. You are hungry and so am I. So you can be out right after we are done eating” you teased him.
“That’s true, though. Let’s get going” he started driving.
He had been driving for a while now and, for your surprise, he had been very quiet which was really unlike him. You wondered what was bothering him but you were not sure if you should ask or not, you still had some questions about where was your relationship at the moment. You were not officially a couple yet but you were definitely not friends although nothing had really happened between the both of you besides him holding your hand earlier.
Sometimes you asked yourself why were things going so slow but, to be honest, you were not upset about it. He was the one who asked you out or visited you at work. If he was not interested he would have left so long ago.
He was always there for you when you needed him, so in the end you thought it was just right for you to try to help him if he wasn't feeling well.
"Hey... Are you okay?" you said and placed your hand over his after hesitating for a moment.
"Yeah, it's just that..." he looked back at you and smiled nervously "there's something I've wanted to tell you for a while but I didn't know how, and I think it's time"
You were scared about what he was about to say.
"Oh my God... Are you pregnant?" you tried to relieve the tension.
"Yes, that and also, my family owns a big ass company" he said so quick you could hardly understand.
You laughed until you were gasping for air. "I'm serious" he affirmed but you couldn't believe him. He was Yeo Changgu, he could barely avoid exaggerating and lying to tease you.
"Are you having twins, then?" you asked following his game.
"No... But I am inheriting Yeo Style Clothing. You know... The company you bought that stunning dress you are wearing" he assured, you looked at him and saw the honesty in his eyes. He was telling the truth. You almost choked.
"What?!" you yelled so loud, he covered his ears with his hands. "I mean... Really?" you corrected yourself with a lower tone.
Well, at least the fancy car and his model like clothes made sense now, not to mention the sudden expensive meal invitation.
He looked at you and nodded shyly. Was he blushing too? Why would he blush? Was he ashamed of it?
"Thats ummm... That's pretty cool" you managed to say and instantly felt like slapping yourself.
"Not as much as it sounds like, but yeah I guess it's cool..." he mumbled.
"Really?" you looked at him with your eyes wide open.
"Yes, but I don't want to talk about it right now. I don't want to ruin the mood" he replied with a smile you wondered if he was faking it.
You were curious about what he meant, but if he wasn't feeling like talking about it would be better to bring that back later.
"We are almost there but would you like to be delighted with my amazing music taste" he raised his eyebrows repeatedly, smirking at you.
"If I say no, I'll probably starve to death tonight, so bring it on" you rolled your eyes and he laughed turning the radio on.
You finally got to the restaurant after singing along to every song in Changgu's car. It had been so fun that you even asked the valet to wait for the last song to end before giving him the keys. He wasn't very pleased though.
You got inside the restaurant. It was a huge fancy place, with classy chandeliers hanging above your heads. You were staring in awe at the warm light that came from it and the rustic style of the tables, chairs and basically all the decoration. The place itself was beautiful.
"Do you like it?" he asked with a warm smile.
"Yes! I love it" you answered excited.
The waiter walked you to the table Changgu had booked for the both of you. It was right in front of a huge wall made of glass where you had the greatest view of the city. There were so many lights it made it look like a dream. But you were not dreaming, although nothing could be more perfect than it already was.
"Wow... If I had known the view from this spot would steal your attention from me I would've chosen the one next to the front door" his joke got you out of the spell of the city lights.
"You should've tried harder on your looks" you lied. You were pretty sure there was no way for him to look any better than it that white suit.
"You don't wanna know" he said looking to the ceiling and running his fingers trough his hair.
"Do you know what I do wanna know about?" you asked without thinking twice "earlier in your car you said being the heir of a big company wasn't as cool as it sounded. Would you like to share your thoughts?"
"Well... It's not easy, you know? Everyone's expecting so much from you all the time, it's really exhausting trying so hard all the time to keep up with everyone's high hopes" he sighed and you felt bad for him.
You could actually see he wasn't lying it was overwhelming him somehow.
"Hey, you don't have to try to be someone you're not" you held his hand and smiled.
"I can't. I'm actually tired of these outfits, of wearing these formal or fancy clothes all the time when there are days when I barely feel like dressing up. But what would you think of the son of a fashion company owner going out for groceries in a hoodie and sweatpants?" he complained ignoring your suggestion.
"Well... I would think he is a human being just like me. And that's just right" you replied trying to show your point.
"No everyone's like you. People out there are always judging, I would be a shame to my dad" he said with a resigned tone.
"Why? Don't you work hard everyday for him? At least from what I've heard from you, you do. How many times have you called me almost at midnight from the office? How many times had you visited me after meeting up with a client? Don't you think that's the kind of effort your father should really appreciate from you instead of the way you look?" he glanced at you with a shy smile.
"And the others?" he asked. It felt like he was really looking for advice. You were glad he was telling you this kind of things because that meant he trusted you and your point of view was important to him.
"What about them? Overall, you are Yeo Changgu, not your father's son. You do whatever makes you happy. Keep giving your best at work, whether you go in a suit or in your pj's. You are only human, and if they can't accept that, it's their problem. You can't keep trying to live up to everyone's expectations because if you do, you won't be yourself anymore"
He didn't say a word for a while, he was just there looking in your eyes, your heart was fluttering and it was impossible not to blush.
"Thank you" he said out of nowhere.
"For what?" you giggled nervously.
"For saying what I needed to hear" he answered and suddenly leaned in placing his hand in the back of your neck pulling you closer to him gently.
It caught you by surprise, you were not expecting him to kiss you just like that.
It took you a couple of seconds to process what was happening, but as soon as you did you let yourself go.
You closed your eyes and enjoyed the taste of his soft lips against yours. It felt like if you were up on the clouds, just the two of you, so light but so pleasing.
When he finally stopped, he immediately pecked your lips and you looked away with your heart about to explode.
"I thought I would be dead by the time you decided to kiss me" you joked.
"I should've waited till then, you are terrible. Is this your first time making out? Because I could clearly show you my ways..." he smirked and you couldn't help but laughing.
"Shut up" you punched his shoulder teasingly.
"But honestly, I didn't feel comfortable doing it until you knew who I really am" he was a little more serious again. How could he do that? Was he bipolar or something?
"I knew who you are. You are Yeo Changgu, and I already liked you for that. I didn't really care about what you do for living that let you afford fancy clothes, a luxury car or dates at an expensive restaurant. Unless you have a side job as a drug dealer, then I'm out" you said and he smiled.
"Are you ready to order?" the waiter interrupted your moment.
You exchanged glances. You'd both been so busy talking you hadn't even touched the menu.
Changgu grabbed it quickly and ordered the first thing that came to his mind.
"What about you, Minimarket? What do you feel like eating" he asked and you saw the confusion in the waiter's eyes when he called you that.
"I'll have the same as him" you said glaring at the man sitting in front of you. The waiter nodded and said he'd be back with your meal soon.
"When will you stop calling me that? It's embarrassing" you rolled your eyes.
"When I have a better nickname to save you in my contacts"
"Like my full name, for example..." you suggested.
"Nah... That's too simple, what about... 'girlfriend'?" he raised an eyebrow and you froze.
"I'm not even your girlfriend" you protested in case he was kidding as usual.
"Would you like to be? You know... For the sake of your contact name..." he rubbed your hand with his thumb.
"Just for the sake of the contact name, I guess I'll have to take one for the team..." you said trying to hide your excitement.
"So is that a yes~?" he sang enthusiastically.
"Yes!" you admitted, and just when you were about to kiss him, the waiter came back with your order interrupting the moment again. You both laughed in frustration, thanked the man and started eating.
The food tasted as wonderful as it looked. It was for sure one of the best meals you'd ever had, and with his company it tasted even better. You talked about lots of different things, especially now that he had told you about his job, it was easier to have more kinds of conversations.
"Oh my god!" he claimed.
"What happened?" you asked.
"It's 9:30 p. m. We are just in time"
"For what?" you were sort of confused.
"There's this new pianist who plays live every Friday. He is really good. I was expecting you to be able to listen to him, he is very talented. Do you like piano music?" he questioned so excited you were actually surprised.
What were you supposed to say? You used to like it, not anymore. But if you told him that he would probably start asking about it, and the night was going so great you didn't want to ruin it.
"It's nice" you muttered over the someone's voice introducing the pianist. You were too concentrated in sounding natural you didn't get to listen his name. Technically you were not lying, you said it was nice you just didn't mention you actually didn't like it.
The moment you heard the first notes of the piano, your heart shrinked. It wasn't the piano itself you disliked, you used to love that sound. It was the memories it brought to your mind.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Changgu said and you nodded unable to speak. "Shall we dance?"
"What? Why would we dance here?" you laughed in disbelief.
"Why not?" he tried to convince you by standing up and offering you his hand for you to take it.
He was right, there was no reason not to dance if you felt like it. Maybe it was time to make some new memories good enough to vanish the sad ones in your head.
You took his hand and he placed the one which was still free in your waist, his touch felt warm and calming. You danced for a while, he whispered in your ear most of the time stealing shy smiles from you, and you loved it. You missed being happy with someone who cared about you different than your friends and family.
"It's getting late. Should we get out of here?" he said moving his hand to the small of your back and pulling you closer to his body.
"Sounds like a plan" you managed to say despite your racing heart trying to distract you.
"Let's go, Minimarket" he whispered in your ear once more.
"I thought you'd promised you would stop calling me that if I agreed to be your girlfriend" you glared at him.
"Yeah... About that... I lied" he chuckled and stole a quick kiss from you.
"You are helpless. Come on" you said and started walking out of the place.
He ran to you and held your hand to walk beside you. This whole night had been so perfect you couldn't believe it was real.
"Hey, I want to congratulate the pianist first, then we can leave. Are you cool with it?" he said pointing at where the pianist was.
"Sure, let's go" you could only see his back. You wish it didn't take long. You were eager to know what was going to happen next.
"You were great as usual. Keep up that amazing talent you have" Changgu said.
The pianist turned around to face him and you felt your soul leaving your body. It was him. How was that even possible? From all the places in the city why did he have to be there? From all the piano players in the world why did it have to be him? Why now?
A strange coldness took over your body. You were trying hard not to shake in front of him not to show how affected you were.
"Thank you so much, I-" he looked at Changgu and then noticed you were there. He was speechless, it was like every single word he wanted to say had been taken away from his mouth. He was firmly staring at you and it was starting to feel awkward.
Changgu moved his eyes from him to you over and over again, having no clue about what was going on.
"Hummm... Do you... Do you know each other?" he asked, and this time you couldn't stop your mind from bringing the memories back.
“So… what do you think?” he asked with narrowed eyes and his fingers still slightly resting on the piano. The same fingers that few seconds ago were dancing deftly over the white and black keys of the huge instrument that adorned his living room.
That piano was his everything. It was weird but sometimes you felt jealous of it. A normal girl would be jealous of his girl friends, but not you. Here you were afraid of a piano taking your boyfriend away from you.
“It was perfect, like everything you play” you said walking towards him from the couch and hugging him from behind. “You are extremely talented, you know?” you took his head in your hands and pulled it back kindly to kiss him.
“Are you sure you are not only saying that for me to put my hands off the piano to hold yours?” he inquired smiling at you.
“You know I’m always honest when it comes to you musical skills” you pointed out. But he was right, sometimes you wished he would hold your hand instead of playing that thing for so long.
He was very hardworking, his dream was to be a great pianist. He already was though. Maybe he just wanted recognition after all. He thought he should practice day and night to get even better everyday. You supported him a hundred percent he was so good at it, it hurt you when those big music companies didn’t appreciate his worth. He was an amazing singer too, by the way, but in this world full of competition all he needed was a little luck, because he was over gifted with talent.
“I know” he admitted and now he was the one who pulled your head down for another kiss.
“It’s Friday night and it’s been a while since the last time we went out. Don’t you think it would be nice if we go dancing or just eating out somewhere?” you placed your chin on his shoulder waiting for his answer.
“Just one more song. Please?” he whined like a baby. How were you supposed to refuse? He was so cute when he did that, you lost your will.
“Okay, then. I’ll be on the couch. Just one more, alright?” you wanted to make sure about that.
“I promise. This one’s for you” he said and while you walked back to lay down on the couch again, he started moving his fingers all over the piano making your heart flutter to the rhythm of Say You Won’t Let Go.
He always sang it to you, but there was no way you could ever get tired of it. Every time he did, he gave his all, it was like his whole heart and soul were singing for him, and it made you feel as loved as when he kissed your or hugged you. You asked yourself if it was possible for you to let go of him.
It had been a long day at work though, and even against your hopes, your plans and your will, your eyes started closing like he was singing some kind of lullaby to you. His voice was all that, full of peace, serenity, and love. So much love. It resemble him. Jinho was all that.
When he was done he looked back at you and smiled bitterly when he saw you had passed out in the couch. He carried you in bridal style from there to your room.
He was shorter than you, but it had never been an issue for the both of you. He was strong enough to carry you, or let you sit on his lap. You loved the fact he was that small, it only made him look cuter than he already was. You often wondered how could a tiny body hold the greatest heart you’d ever known.
He got to his room and put you down on his side of bed gently. A black dress was on your side. That was when he noticed you were ready to go out even before you had asked him to, but you put him first. You usually did.
Jinho hung the dress back on his closet where you had some of your clothes for when you stayed over. He put a blanket over your body and laid down next to you. He loved it when you stayed the night, he wanted you to feel like home because he wished someday soon you moved in with him.
He couldn’t take his eyes off you, you were so beautiful sometimes he thought you were an angel, not only for your looks but for what you were as a person. You were kind, smart and unbelievably gentle, did he actually deserve you?
As soon as you felt his presence beside you, still asleep, you threw an arm over him and pulled him closer. A slight smile appeared on your lips what made him smile as well. He was glad he meant to you as much as you meant to him. He loved you more than he could ever explain.
He carefully put a lock of your hair behind your ear and kiss your lips softly so many times, you almost woke up.
“Please don’t go” you mumbled in a barely audible voice. “Stay with me” you pleaded holding him tight.
“I’m here” he assured you. “I’m not going anywhere” he held your hand and squeezed it for you to know he wasn’t lying. He placed a kiss on your forehead and pulled you closer to his chest. There wouldn’t be no late night piano playing tonight. You were more important.
Jinho took a deep breath and opened his mouth to answer Changgu’s question but your the sound of your voice made him stop.
“No… I don’t know him” you said trying to hide the tremor in your voice and the killer pain in your heart.
The light in Jinho's eyes slowly faded when he heard your words filled with hatred and contempt. He looked at you so hurt trying to find some kind of explanation for your attitude. You were still mad at him, that was obvious. But were you that mad to deny knowing him before? Because you didn’t just know each other, you used to love each other. He still did.
His gaze reached for your hand and then all made sense at the sight of your fingers intertwined with the guy’s.
What was he thinking? Of course you could have found someone else by now, why wouldn’t you?
“Oh… you were staring so… I thought you had met before” Changgu said naively followed by a giggle.
“I was… I was just admiring her dress. It’s beautiful. Someone I used to know had it as well. I apologise if I was rude” Jinho couldn’t think of any other thing to say. He wasn’t lying though. Even when it wasn’t the first time seeing it, he never got to see you wearing it. Something in his heart ached more than he could explain. What he didn’t know is that your heart was aching as much as his.
“I know, right? And don’t worry, it’s okay. You were not rude at all” Changgu replied.
You couldn’t believe this was happening. You needed to get out of there, if you stayed for one more minute you were probably going to faint.
“Can we leave now? I’m not feeling well” you whispered in his ear.
“Oh my God, sure” he squeezed your hand softly and then looked back at Jinho “We’ll get going. Once more, congratulations!” he shook his hand and you started walking towards the door, without bothering to say goodbye. There was no need you’d done that so long ago.
Back in Changgu's car you were trying your best to keep yourself together. The latest events were killing you from the inside but you couldn't let it show. He had no clue about you and Jinho, and even when you were feeling terribly guilty for lying to him you didn't knos how to tell him the truth without breaking down, and that wouldn't look good considering you had just started an official relationship. One you were pretty happy with, to be honest.
"Hey, are you okay? You are shaking and you look pale. I think I should take you to the hospital" he was so worried about you, you could hear it in his voice.
"No, it's okay. I think... It was maybe something I ate. I just wanna go home and get some rest" you muttered with your eyes closed. You had no energy to speak or the courage to look at him when you knew you were lying right at his face.
"Are you sure?" he asked to reaffirm your decision.
He hadn't let go off your hand for a second even when you refused to hold his.
"Yes. Please just take me home" you begged him and he nodded.
You got there pretty fast, you were glad you were as far from Jinho as possible. Now all you had to do was go to bed and wake up next morning thinking it had been a bad dream. That it wasn't real and you didn't have to bring that back ever again while being with Changgu.
He helped you walk inside your apartment. Although you were not that affected to not being able to walk by yourself, you had to pretend you were a little weak.
"Come on, try laying down for a while. Do you want me to bring you some water or get you some medicine?" he said feeling kind of useless while he walked you to your room and made sure you got in bed.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. I promise" you answered more like trying to convince yourself.
You could see the worry on his face and you thought you were the worst person on earth.
"I could use some water though" you felt a little better when he smiled.
"I'll be right back" he headed to the kitchen and you took your pajamas out of under the pillow and put them on before he got back.
"You took so long, I was starting to dehydrate here" you joked and forced a smile trying to be you again despite the pain in your heart.
"This is my first time here, how was I supposed to know where the glasses were. That's on you for being a bad host" he handed you the glass full of water. "May I?" he asked pointing at the empty space of the bed beside you. You nodded after hesitating for a bit. He sat next to you and placed the glass on the nightstand once you had finished drinking it.
"You can't stay alone here if you are sick, you know? What if you need something in the middle of the night?" he said running running his fingers through your hair carefully to take it off your face.
You felt butterflies in your stomach, his touch was so gentle and calming you thought you could get used to it easier than you once expected.
"I'm telling you. It's nothing, I just need some rest. That's all" you insisted.
"I don't buy it" he frowned.
"Of course you don't, you are only looking for a way to get my consent to get under these blankets with me" you chuckled and he looked away trying to hide his embarrassment.
"You wish" he rolled his eyes "I barely kissed you and look how you got. I don't you can handle anything else tonight" He said holding your hand and your heart fluttered like the very first time. "But for real, I can't leave you here by yourself. I want to make sure you'll be alive by tomorrow. I can sleep on the couch if that's okay with you" he pouted and he looked so cute you couldn't say no. Besides, he was genuinely concerned about you and letting him stay was the least you could do considering his worry was based in a lie you'd told him.
"Okay... You can stay. God, you are so persistent"
"Thank you" he said and pecked your lips. Boy... He could do this all day and you would never get tired.
"It wasn't a compliment" you teased him.
"Wow, you are a full savage again. I think that means you are feeling better already. I'm going home, then" he stood up pretending he was leaving.
You knew he was just kidding but you instantly grabbed his wrist by instinct.
"Please stay" you begged looking at him like a lost puppy.
You didn't want him to go. You were indeed feeling off and kind of devastated inside, but somehow he made you feel better. It was like when he was with you, you didn't need to think about anything else. He always managed to steal a smile from you even by being a sarcastic tease.
He made you happy. And that was something you didn't want to let go.
He looked back at you and gave you a smile so warm your heart melted. He was glad you’d asked because he really wanted to take care of you. It didn’t feel like a burden to him at all.
He wouldn’t tell you, but since the day you met something had been telling him deep inside that you were the one, he didn’t even know how could he feel like that about someone so fast, but he couldn’t help it. There was something about you, everything to be exact, it was everything that kept pulling him to you. It was like you belonged together, and he was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen as long as you wanted to be with him.
“Okay. But please try to get some sleep” he said sitting next to you at the edge of the bed.
“I will, but I’m cold” you whined.
“If I lay beside you and hug you, do you think you would feel any warmer?” you smiled and shook your head pretending disbelief.
“I was thinking more of getting another blanket, but oh well… that must work too” you made some space for him to lie down in the same spot where he was seated. “You made it, huh?” you muttered once his face was right in front of yours.
“Seems like I did” he hugged you and started drawing figures with his fingers all over your back. The butterflies were back again and now you were getting chills because of the pleasant sensation. “Honestly, Minimarket, close your eyes and try to sleep” he said softly without stopping his hand caressing your back.
You did as he said and the memories of the day started slowing fading away. It was just the two of you right now. The rest of the world seemed irrelevant. You didn’t notice when it happened, but the feels of meeting Jinho earlier disappeared, and everything felt just right. This is what you wanted, you wanted Yeo Changgu in your life.
You opened your eyes slowly, trying to adjust them to the spur of light gushing through the window. You didn't move a finger, you were still on that state where you don't know where you are or who you are.
One by one, all your senses started coming back to life along with your brain which had been on a break for the past hours. You smelled something nice. Was it a Cologne? You noticed your head was resting in something soft and comfortable but firm at the same time. It couldn't be a pillow. You look at it and saw a chest covered by a black shirt. That should explain the cologne.
You looked up carefully trying not to move a lot and saw Changgu's angelical face sleeping peacefully, his arm still your waist trying to keep you close to his body.
Of course he was there. He had stayed the night after you begged him to. You stared at him for a long time, he seemed so sweet and relaxed when he slept. A slight smile drawn on his lips.
You wondered if he was dreaming about something or if he was just glad to be there with you. You hope it was the second option because you were definitely happy to wake up next to him.
Suddenly, the guilt came back. He was there thanks to a lie you'd told him, he would've probably stayed too even if you were not sick, which only confirmed that lie of yours was completely unnecessary.
You were scared to tell him the truth, but you were just starting your relationship, and lying wasn't the best way to do so. You would have to come clean soon before he found out himself and thought you were hiding it for the wrong reason.
"Are you awake already?" you heard him mumble with a husky voice you found incredibly attractive.
"Mhum" you hummed looking at him, his smile was even wider now.
"Are you feeling any better" he asked caressing your cheek with his thumb. You nooded.
"I am now" you placed your hand on his chest.
"I'm glad to hear that" he kissed the top of your head and you thought it was now or never.
"Chang... I need to tell you something" you said letting go a deep sigh.
"I'm listening"
You sat in bed and he did the same.
"I... I haven't been completely honest with you" you confessed.
"What do you mean?" he asked confused.
You didn't know where to start, you were scared he would get mad at you for hiding this kind of things from him.
"Remember when we first met?" you questioned him and he opened his eyes widely in surprise.
"Wow, it goes that back?" he giggled. "Of course I remember, how could I forget that? You almost killed me" he joked.
"You asked me why I didn't just grabbed a different brand of cookies I could actually reach" you ignored his joke, this was no time to laugh and he would understand that soon.
"You said you liked challenges"
"I lied..." you looked away ashamed.
"Come on, jagi, just give it to me" Jinho pouted while you couldn't stop laughing.
"Just try once more and if you don't make it, I'll help you out. I promise" you said gasping for air.
He jumped for the millionth time trying to reach the highest part of the shelf where the Oreo package was. You were tall enough to reach it yourself if you stood on the tip of your toes, but you always had a good time teasing your boyfriend for being shorter than you.
As expected he couldn't make it so you did it for him.
"You love this, don't you?" Jinho said shaking his head I'm disapproval.
"You know me too well" you answered chuckling and he stopped you from walking to the cashier to put his hands on the small of your back and pulling you closer to kiss your lips while you kept smiling in between.
"I still love you" he whispered and you felt like dying.
Everytime Jinho kissed you, felt as good and passionate as the first time. Although it had been more than two years since then, everyday, you seemed to love each other even more. He was your everything and you were his.
You went back to your place. Today was one of those days. You loved it when he stood over at your place because there were no distractions, no piano, no guitar, no impulse of him practicing anything. It was just the two of you enjoying each other’s company.
“Okay, go to your room I’ll warm up some milk” he kissed your forehead and handed you the Oreo package.
You did as he said and got under the blankets waiting for him to comeback. He was taking long so you opened the package and started eating a couple of the chocolate cookies. Suddenly, you saw him walking into the room with a little tray with two glasses full of warm milk.
“Hey! Why didn’t you wait for me?” he whined and sat next to you placing his arm on your shoulder and you rested your head on his.
“I was hungry and I thought you had fallen asleep on the kitchen” you said with your mouth full still chewing the Oreos.
“What if you had eaten them all by the time I got here, huh?” he smiled with his eyes filled with love.
“Well… Then you could’ve just eat some crackers I have in the cupboard” you chuckled, you knew he hated crackers almost as much as you did, and maybe that was why those crackers were still there.
“How dare you? You know Oreos are the official cookies of our relationship. Eating crackers or any other brand instead would be such a downgrade” he said.
“True that” you said, and he started eating along with you. “Can I have some milk?” you asked stretching your arm to reach the glass.
“No!” he said all of sudden and you startled.
“What? Why not?!” you asked in shock because of his reaction.
“Mmmmm… Because… because you are laying down, you might choke” he said hesitatingly trying to stop you from taking it.
“I’m not a baby, Jinho. I’m not choking, what even?” you tried to escape from his embrace but he was still stronger than you.
“You are my baby” he giggled and started tickling you.
“If there’s a baby on this relationship that’s you, you are like 1.30m” you replied laughing so hard it was starting to hurt. “Please stop” you begged.
“I’m 1.68m, now don’t you think I’m gonna stop after that comment, that was mean” he whined and tickled you even more.
“I’m sorry… I tak-... I take it back!” you kept laughing your lungs out. He didn’t seem ready to stop anytime soon so you made a huge effort to jump out at him and crushed his lips with yours. Then he did stop tickling you and concentrated in kissing you back.
“Wow, I wasn’t expecting that, but don’t misunderstand me, I’m not complaining” he muttered after you stopped.
“I know, that’s why I did it” you replied and hurried to get the glass of milk. You were surprised when you felt the cold sensation against your skin. “What the hell, Jo Jinho?! This is cold like the freaking North Pole” you laughed and he scratched his head nervously. “Then what on Earth took you so long? Did you really fall asleep there?” you questioned him.
“I was… thinking” he said looking down shyly.
“Thinking about what?” you said scared to see that look on his face.
“Well… I’ve been thinking for so long about this but everytime I think I have the right words, they just fade away and I-” you couldn’t let him finish.
“Are you going to break up with me?” you gasped and your eyes started itching, you were going to cry. Was it possible? Everything seemed perfect between the two of you. Why would he want to break up with you.
“God, no! Don’t you dare to say that!” he scolded you and you felt so relieved you couldn’t even explain. “Y/N, why would I take you out of my life? The best part of me is you, you know? Every single part of me is in love with every single part of you. I love everything about you, even the things I don’t” he giggled and kept talking “I’ve been thinking that no matter what I picture in the future, you are always there next to me. Everything’s better when you are with me, even those tasteless crackers on your cupboard” he stopped to look at you, you were indeed crying but it wasn’t for the reason you had first thought. He dried your tears with his thumb. “I want to spend my life with you, Y/N. But I can’t put into words how much I love you. No matter how I try to say it, it’s never enough” he said and you put your finger on his lips.
“That was more than enough” you smiled between your tears.
“So… would you marry me? I wanted to wait and tell you at the right time or the right place, but I just couldn’t wait any longer” he asked offering you an Oreo instead of a ring.
“I’m glad you didn’t” you took the Oreo and gave it a bite. “And yes, I do wanna marry you” you answered and even though you were still crying he kissed you, and you had never felt your lips fit that perfectly before.
“I used to only buy Oreos because they remind me of someone I loved” you finally let out. He opened his mouth to say something, but no sound came out of his mouth.
“Well… It’s okay” he said after a while “We had just met by then, you didn’t need to tell me that. I was a total stranger. That’s not the kind of things you tell someone you barely know just like that, I guess” he smiled at you and pecked your lips.
You felt even more guilty because he didn’t know what the real big lie was yet.
“That’s not it…” you said “That guy who plays the piano at the restaurant… We do know each other” you said, still not ready to say the rest of it.
“Oh, where do you know him from?” he asked curious.
“He was my boyfriend… We… we were engaged” it felt so much better telling him the truth but the feeling vanished when you saw his face pale.
“Engaged?” he repeated “Wow… I… I didn’t see that coming” he managed to say still in shock, his whole body tense.
“I’m really sorry” you mumbled too ashamed to say it any louder.
“So… that someone he was talking about when he mentioned the dress was you?”he deduced and you nodded. “And he is the same guy of the Oreos, right?” you nodded once more.
“Changgu, for real I’m so sorry. I should’ve told you back then but I panicked. I really like you and I didn’t want it to get in our way, I don’t want you to-”
“Do you still love him?” he asked before you could even explain yourself.
“What?” you said surprised for his sudden question.
“I just want you to be pretty honest on this one. Do you still love him?” he inquired again, he didn’t sound upset or jealous, he was asking like it was something as normal as asking about the weather.
“I… I used to. Not anymore. I mean… not in the same way I did before” you answered. It was true, you didn’t feel about him the same way now. You were pretty committed with this new relationship with Changgu, you were willing to give him your all, but there were just some things that couldn’t be forgotten.
“Do you think he would make things different between us?” he questioned you again.
“No, not at all. I already told you, I really like you, and no matter how much I loved him, that’s in the past. I’m moving on already and I have no intentions to go back. I wasn’t kidding when I told you I do wanted to be your girlfriend” you assured him. Something still hurt you deep inside when you thought about Jinho, but you were not going to let that get in the way of your new relationship.
"Okay, then. If you say he's in the past and so are your feelings for him, I think we don't have to worry about him, right?" he said pulling you closer.
"Right" you answered.
You were surprised with his mature and comprehensive reaction, he was definitely a keeper.
"We can still try other kind of cookies though" he smirked bringing his tease self back.
"We sure can" you giggled and hugged him tight.
"What about pop tarts?" he said analyzing that option like it was some kind of do or die issue.
"Sounds like a plan" you said and came closer to him to plant a kiss on his lips.
"What was that for?" he smiled in satisfaction.
"That was a 'thank you for understanding', I mean it" you said.
"It's okay, really. It's not a sin to have been in a relationship before, I have too..." he smirked.
"Of course you have. I mean, look at you" you pinched his cheek.
"I know right? All a girl could ask for" he said pretending superiority.
"Sure... All that plus a high extra dose of sarcasm and no chill, who could say no?" you teased him.
"What can I say? I'm a hit"
“Probably, but… have you been engaged?” the words slipped out of your mouth and it was too late to take them back.
“That was crossing the line” he said standing up ready to leave the bed.
“Hey, I’m sorry, I was just-” you tried to make things right until you heard him burst in laughter. Now you were confused.
“Come on, Minimarket, do you really think I would get mad because of that. I just wanted to see your face once more. You look lovely when you pout” he ruffled your hair with his hand still laughing and you looked at him with narrowed eyes.
“I hate you” you complained.
“I can bet you don’t. Come on, I’ll make you breakfast but I need to know where everything is, so I don’t make a mess in your kitchen” he held your hand and got you out of bed.
When you were at the bedroom door you heard your phone ringing.
“You go, I’ll be there in a minute” you said walking back to the nightstand, but your phone stopped ringing right when you had it in your hands.
You checked the missed calls and almost choke when you saw Jinho’s phone number. You didn’t have him in your contacts anymore, but after all those times you dialed his number you already knew it by heart.
You deleted the call of your records and left your phone there, ready to meet your boyfriend in the kitchen with no distractions, especially not Jinho.
It had been four months since Changgu and you became an official couple, and so far so great. He was literally everything you could ask for. Now that you knew what he did for living and where he worked you escaped a couple of minutes from work to surprise him at lunch or just to see him for a while, even when he scolded you for doing it.
He always tried to make your life easier. He woke up in the mornings way earlier than he should to drive you to work and he would pick you up when you were done.
You usually went on casual dates because even when he had the money for something more fancy, you two really enjoyed doing stuff where the most important thing was just being with each other. Besides, he was always so loud it was like a punishment for him to be at fancy and quiet places. He liked to be Yeo Changgu, not some CEO's son who had to dress formally all the time and do his best to be perfect for the others, and that was something he could do when he was with you, be his true self.
Even then, he did love giving you gifts with no specific reason, just because. Every month he gave you a sunflower, it was your thing. But he could easily just pass by your work and leave you a tiny box with nice earrings, or a new cd of your favorite group, or pick you up to go shopping.
You'd stayed at his place a couple of times. It was a huge penthouse near to the building where he worked, but he usually rathered staying at your place because he found it more private and intimate, not to mention it was closer to the minimarket when you first met, and he loved going there to buy pop tarts for a movie night full of laughter and cuddles with you.
Today was one of those days.
"Minimarket! You can't leave me here. I wanna go with you" he whined after coughing his lungs out.
You walked to your bed and held his hand.
"It's raining outside, you'll get even worse than you already are. And I'm not in for cleaning dead bodies out of my bed in my day off" you teased him as usual.
"But who is gonna drive you, I don't want my car to get damaged with your lame driving skills" he pulled you closer to him when you tried to leave.
"If they are as lame as my kissing skills I think your car is more than safe" you leaned in to kiss him and he finally let go of your hand to place his on your cheeks and the back of your neck.
"Please don't take long, then" he smiled right after you stopped the kiss. You nodded and took his car keys to go to for those pop tarts and be back as soon as possible to take care of your boyfriend.
Once at the minimarket, you looked for the famous cookies you went to get, and noticed that they coincidentally right next to the Oreo ones. You shook your head to block the memories to attack you and took the package as soon as you could.
"No more Oreos, I see" a familiar voice made your heart ache. You couldn't even look at him, or move, you were frozen even when all you wanted to do was going back home with Changgu.
"So..." Jinho cleared his throat "You've been ignoring my calls" he said with a bitter expression on his face.
It took you a while to get the strength to answer him.
"I... I don't think there's anything we have to talk about" your voice was shaking but there was nothing you could do to make it stop.
"I think there is, Y/N" hearing him saying your name after so long really got to you. "You told the guy you didn't know me" he muttered hurt. Your heart was racing and your eyes were itching with tears that wanted to come out.
"Jinho..." you started, you didn't know how to ask him to leave you alone so you could live your life. "That's in the past. Us, we are in the past. I'm moving on now" you managed to say.
"You won't ever be able to move on like this, Y/N" he kept distant, he didn't reach for your hand or place his on your shoulder like he used to when you were together.
"Jinho, if you want us to get back tog-"
"That's not it" he interrupted . "I'm still in love with you, Y/N, as much as before, maybe even more. And there's nothing I would like more than having you back in my life, but I would never ask you such a thing. I can't. Not after what I did to you"
“Jagi, I’m home” Jinho said as soon as he walked through the door.
By home he meant his apartment, of course. After all these years you hadn’t moved in together. He’d asked you to lots of times but you always came up with any stupid excuse not to do it.
It wasn’t that you didn’t really want to. There was nothing in this world you’d like more than waking up next to him everyday, but moving in with him meant moving in with his god damn piano which meant less time for the both of you. You were in some kind of weird threesome with it, and as much as you loved his talent to play that thing and those nights he’d stayed up playing and singing you felt something was off.
You tried to convince yourself it was normal, the fact he worked so hard on it, even when you were with him. He was passionate, and that was one of the million things you loved the most about him, but you couldn’t help but have the feeling that he was more engaged to music than he was to you.
That was probably why you’d been crying non-stop when you got a letter for him from The Juilliard School in New York. You didn’t need to open it to know he had been accepted, he had a gift for music you were sure they wouldn’t let go just like that. You knew what was about to happen. You dried your tears with the back of your hand before he could see you like this.
“How was your day?” you asked when he hugged you, and you felt as comfortable as ever in his arms.
“Same as usual. ‘You are really good, but we have no vacancies’. I missed you a lot” he pecked you.
You hesitated for a second about if you should give him the letter or not, and almost killed yourself for even thinking of hiding it from him. “He loves me, this won’t change anything”, you repeated in your head over and over again to get the strength to do what you had to do.
“Um… Jinho?” you said with no clue about how to say it, even when it seemed so simple. He hummed to let you know he was listening. “This came a couple of hours ago…” you took the letter out of your pocket and handed it to him. His eyes widened when he saw the Juilliard stamp on the envelope, and you felt such a bittersweet sensation in your heart. “Come on, open it!” you hurried him up ignoring the lump in your throat.
He did as you said and started reading the letter. You saw his eyes moving in excitement from one side of the paper to the other as fast as if it was some kind of reading race.
“I passed? I passed!” he said not able to believe it yet.
“Of course you did, silly! I told you you would. They would be incredibly dumb if they threw all your talent to waste. Congratulations, love” you put your arms around his neck and kissed him.
“Are you crying?” he let go of you and removed your tears with his thumbs. You didn’t know how it happened. You were trying to stay strong. Apparently you didn’t try hard enough.
“I’m just really happy for you. You deserve this more than anyone” you held him tight.
“Thank you. I wouldn’t have done it without you” he replied holding you even tighter than before. “But I’m afraid that’s not the only reason why you’re crying, am I wrong?” he asked. You sighed before answering, you didn’t want to sound selfish.
“Please don’t get me wrong. I couldn’t be more proud of you, I know how hard you’ve worked for this. It’s just that… it’s on the other side of the world and…” you started but you burst into tears again.
“Come with me” he said without a second thought and you smiled bitterly.
“You know I can’t do that” you replied immediately shaking your head.
“You can try” he pleaded.
“I can’t, Jinho. You know I love you more than anything, but I don’t even have my citizenship here yet. I can’t leave the country, and I can’t give up the life I’ve built here just like that” you explained and his whole expression changed he looked hurt and angry.
“You truly can. You are just not committed enough to this relationship” his words pierced your heart like a dagger.
“How dare you?!” you said trying to overcome the huge pressure in your chest “How dare you to talk about commitment to me, Jo Jinho?! How do you call all the sleepless nights I stood awake with you when you were composing stuff, or all the birthdays and anniversaries that we stood over because you wanted to play the piano instead of going out or having a nice meal as any normal couple? How do you call all those times I escaped from work to support you at every single audition you had, despite I knew if I got caught I would probably lose my job? How do you call the fact I have to share you with a freaking musical instrument because it looks like you love it more than you love me? If that ain’t commitment I don’t know what kind of definition you have for that word” your face was now wet but you wouldn’t bother to dry it off. It would make no difference.
He was shocked. Of course he had only said those harsh words to you because he wanted you to go with him more than anything, but the damage was already done. He had never thought about it until now. You were right about everything, he had made of his passion for music his first priority even when he had your right beside him always loving and supporting him.
“Y/N, I…” he started, but you cut him off.
“I don’t wanna hear it. I heard enough. Good luck in Juilliard, Jinho. I still wish you the best” you said with the saddest look in your eyes, not to mention anger. You walked out of the door with deepest pain you’d ever felt in your life, and you were pretty sure it would probably take too long to go away.
"I saw the way you looked at me back in the restaurant, and the way you're looking at me now. It’s the same look you gave me back then when you left me, full of anger and pain. And I know it's gonna be so hard for you to move on if you keep carrying that weight on your shoulders" he said firmly.
He was right, though. You hadn't really been free from your past with him because it still hurt anytime you thought about it, no matter how happy you were now. You weren't over it despite how much you kept saying to yourself you were.
"I swear I'm not trying to get back with you, although that's all I dream about every night. I'm just here to ask for forgiveness, and I don't even want it for myself. I want it so you can finally let all this go and be happy, because you deserve it" this time you couldn't help but crying, tears were streaming down your face against your will.
"I'm sorry about everything, Y/N. I really am. You have no idea. I'm sorry for not putting you first, I'm sorry for not realizing that with you I had all I needed and more. I'm sorry for not showing you enough how much I loved you, because I did love you a lot, more than words can explain. I'm sorry for letting you go, I shouldn't have. But if there's someone who should be suffering for all this, that's me, not you" he finally said and covered his face with his hands in shame.
You felt like that weight you'd been carrying all this time started vanishing away slowly with every single apology Jinho said. That was all you'd been needing to hear to end with the pain.
You uncovered his face and dared to hug him, you were still crying but you didn't care at all. He startled when he felt your arms around him, something he thought he would never experience again.
"Thank you" that's all you said while hugging him.
"Does he take good care of you? Does he do everything I should've done when I was with you?" he asked out of nowhere without letting go of your embrace.
You simply nodded, any other details would probably hurt him, and you didn't want that.
"Does he make you happy?" he finally questioned you.
"Very happy" you answered.
"Then I wish you both the best" he said kissing your cheek and walking away, with a heartbreaking pain on his chest but the relief to know you were with someone who cared about you as much as he did.
You came back home feeling you had really healed yourself, feeling this way you hadn't felt before. You lay next to Changgu and without saying a word you pressed your lips against his. It was like you could fully feel him now. There was no guilt anymore, it was only him. He deepened the kiss and you let yourself drawn in the moment and detail every part of him. It was like if a door that had been closed had finally opened and you were discovering a whole new world of feelings and sensations now.
When you finally let go gasping for air, you looked at him. He was staring at you with the sweetest look and the nicest smile.
"What took you so long" he inquired caressing your cheek with his thumb.
"I was burying a little part of my past" you said holding his hand.
"How did it go?" he asked.
"Great. I discovered something in the process" you admitted.
"Really? What is it?" he looked into your eyes, and you were glad he did because that way he'd know it was true.
"I love you" you confessed to him and his smile became even wider.
"It seems like we have something in common, then" he smirked and pulled you closer to kiss you again, but this time he was on the top of you.
Holy shit this was long af. I hope you liked it, this is my first Pentagon thing ever so I cried a lot while writing it bc I love Jinho! But anyways... that’s life. Thanks to @withnosuchgrace for reading this in the middle of the process, giving me feedback and suffering with me through it.
Ps. I DO NOT own any of the gifs or pics used on this post, credit to the rightful owners.
