#zen angst

[love-marimo]

in this day and age i cannot forget the fic i wrote of zen dating an idol reader and going undercover at her concert and having soft late night sex praising her about how she sang and danced so well that he wishes that hes the only one who can watch her put on a show. and he feels selfish for feeling like he wants to have her all for himself but cant because of the fact that the world would turn against them the moment they let it discover the love that they harbor for each other.

[hecalledme-jagi]

The Ponderings of a Man In Love

I've had this FanLore for Zen strewing in my brain for a little over a year and finally decided to write it out into a one shot!

Enjoy!

What does it mean to experience first love? 

Zen wondered as he watched you doze off beside him to the sound of a movie you both had forgotten about halfway through. He smiled to himself softly, gently brushing away a strand of hair that had fallen over your face, planting a tender kiss on the top of your head. The comforting gesture caused you to snuggle further into his side, cozy and loved. Treasured and wanted.

Zen often thought about the meaning of first love when he was with you. He always felt a pang of guilt over dating other girls before you, even if you weren't bothered by it. He knew you were his yesterday, today, and tomorrow--his dusk and dawn. His moon and stars--leaving him with the fact that you weren't his first, which felt wrong in every way imaginable. So there he sat wondering, and really pondering, what it meant to experience first love. Had he experienced it before? If so, that idea devastated him, leaving his heart aching, poking, splintering, and desperately wanting your comforting. Hoping all his wondering meant nothing. 

He snuggled in close, soaking in your warmth, soothing his self-inflicted wounds, nuzzling your hair, blinking back the sting of tears.

Slowly he doze off to the sound of your steady breathing, calming his anxiety. Slowly learning to bask in the simple pleasures of a quiet evening. 

His breathing steadied, finding rhythm with your own, and in complete unison, your chests rose and fell. 

He found his peace in his small basement apartment.

But absolutely and entirely, he found his peace here with you.

And in his slumber, there came a dream. Or, more accurately, a nearly forgotten memory.

Zen was younger here, much younger than you knew him now. His hair barely reached past his shoulders, fashioned into something of a mullet. His leather jacket just a size too big, but in a year's time, it would fit him perfectly. And he stood in a place filled with familiarity. His secret mountain hideout. The view was the same as it had always been, and somehow, that comforted the young boy, here now, and the man he would come to be. 

The cold evening air nipped at his cheeks and nose, a gentle breeze passing through his hair with the faint smell of cigarette smoke. Following the scent with his eyes and nose, he found a scene this young boy very well knew but was far from the scene his adult counterpart adored. There stood a girl who simply wasn't you.

Ji-an, a younger, much more boyish Hyun, recognized with an air of giddiness coating his thoughts, and in like manner, she was viewed with rose-tinted glasses. 

He admired her long black hair as it gently swayed in the passing breeze, her sharp and unusually dark eyes staring down at the view he found so much comfort in, reflecting nothing of the setting sun or the city lights flickering on one at a time. And her lips turned in a slight frown with a lit cigarette in hand. Ji-an was a girl made entirely of mysterious beauty, and for a long time, Hyun might've considered her the most beautiful girl he'd ever met. She was in the same gang as Zen, that's how they had met. She was older than him, but only slightly, maybe sixteen or seventeen. She was a force to be reconned with, a calm before a storm. Freedom and rebellion. Anger and desperation. Loneliness and devastation. But other than that, she was a total mystery. Hyun never knew more about her than she let him see, and maybe that was part of why he clung to her so helplessly. Or maybe it was because he envied her and how free she seemed to be. Maybe he wanted to live reckless abandoned where he was allowed to be who he wanted to be, the way Ji-an seemed to. Or maybe it was because bad habits always seemed more attractive than good ones at the start.

Ji-an sucked on her cigarette, holding the smoke in her throat until it burned. 

“You know,” she began as she turned to look at Hyun, “I think if we had met before everything hit the fan, I would’ve fallen in love with you for real.”

Hyun watched and admired the rugged elegance she exuded. Marvalling, despite how her words cut him deeply. His heart secretly wondering--when will anyone ever truly love me?

“For one thing, you’re a real looker,” she leaned in and kissed Hyun's lips softly, leaving the faintest taste of cigarette smoke and strawberry lip balm on the tip of his tongue. 

Is that all I'll ever be? A pretty face barely worth loving? Another secret wonder he wouldn't discover until much later.

“You’re not so bad of a guy either,” she reached out, with her free hand and gently played with the fringe that hung over his forehead. “If I wasn’t so damaged, I’d probably be able to appreciate that heart of yours,” she poked his chest playfully and with a tone of self-mockery, sucking another puff of cigarette tar into her lungs. 

“But instead, here I am, giving you cigarettes, beer, and bad memories,” she scoffed. 

Hyun took a step closer to Ji-an, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her. He peered into her face, hoping to read the meaning in her words by seeing her expression more clearly, but there was nothing he could see. Her eyes continued to stare dispassionately at the scenic view, and not for a moment did she meet his searching gaze, nor did she acknowledge his presence at her side. Instead, her brow furrowed, and irritation fizzled in her vacant eyes.

"We shouldn't have met," she said, tossing her cigarette onto the ground and stomping it out under her boots. 

Hyun felt his heart drop.

Ji-an turned on her heels and walked towards her motorcycle.

"W.. wait! Ji-an, where are you going?" He called.

There was no answer except the loud roar of a motorcycle engine starting.

"Ji-an!"

She paused, looking towards Hyun, with more emotion in her eyes than Hyun had ever seen before, "Get out of here. Become something." 

And that was it. 

She rode off, the rumbling of her motorcycle fading the farther she got. And Hyun could only watch, confused, lost, and entirely too alone for a boy his age.

Zen jolted awake, beads of cold sweat running down his back and his heart dropping into his stomach, leaving his chest feeling hollow and unbearably lonely until he heard you.

"Hyun?" you said, coming back into the living room with a glass of water, "Are you okay?"

He looked at you, and the frenzy in his eyes became calm. A deep breath entered his lungs, and it was exhaled smoothly.

And that's when his wondering all made sense. 

Zen realized it then as his hysteria calmed at the mere sight of you. He knew then that perhaps in all possibility, before you came and before he had forgotten what life was like in your absence, he would've considered Ji-an his first love experience. And in some way, maybe she was. Maybe she was his first love, but that thought didn't seem to bother him so much anymore. Because maybe love was more about changing than firsts and lasts. 

(Although, admittedly, he was perfectly enchanted by the idea that you would be his last. You would hold all his ending chapters, and perhaps, that was far more important than keeping all his opening phrases.)

Ji-an encouraged his flaws but neglected his strengths. He knew now that they were bad for each other, beasts ravenously hungry for love and acceptance. In love with their shared self-pity. Wanting each other because of the addictive nature of cigarettes, loving the nicotine clinging to their clothes and mingling in their mouths. Loving the faint taste of strawberries after every kiss that made the bitter taste of tobacco seem pleasant and sweet. But even still, she inspired his drive for freedom.

And you? You came and captivated him.

You nurtured his strengths and loved his flaws, and for that, he loved you, but as his feelings began to grow, he wanted to be better for you. He wanted to change. So maybe, just maybe, it was for the best that you came at this moment in his life. You came at the point in his life when he still had room to grow but was mature enough to treasure you wholeheartedly. Perhaps now was the best time to love you--not to say it was the only time he could love you, nor was it the perfect time, for he knew that if he had met you ten years ago or ten years from now, he'd be ready to love you precisely and honestly--so now as Zen looks at you, finally finding his moment of lost peace, he realizes that all this wondering about "first love" was for not because all that matters is that he loves you.

Zen nods, gently grabbing at your waist and pulling you in. He rests his forehead against your torso, hugging your waist tightly.

 "Never better, honey~"

˚✧₊⁎𝒥𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑎⁎⁺˳✧༚

I do not own any characters, all ownership goes to Cheritz. Thanks for reading!

[anime-in-new-albion]

12:14 AM ~ Zen Gaho

Summary: It was Iori's idea to send you on this mission. While you're more than happy to comply, you're grateful he asked Zen to go with you. It's never fun working with creepy guys alone...

Pairing: Zen Gaho X Fem!Reader

Genre: Angstyish Drabble

Word Count: 887

Warning: Creepy Guy Alert

Masterlist

It was Iori's idea. He wanted to make sure you had a bodyguard go with you when you made this sale. It was very important but it was also very dangerous. Iori didn't like the idea of sending you by yourself. So he made it very clear you were not allowed to go unaccompanied. And who better to protect you than former police officer Zen Gaho? 

It's not that you didn't like Zen. Quite the contrary actually, you adored him. You just wanted to prove to Iori that you could handle business, and by extension yourself, on your own. You didn't need a chaperone. You could do this. But Zen was Iori's right hand man for a reason. He was going with you, whether you liked it or not. And there was no room for discussion.

The trip to the seller wasn't far, but it wasn't pleasant either. You scrunch your nose with disgust, before muttering, "Did we seriously have to do this by the docks? Don't they have a warehouse that's further inland?"

"The seller was clear it was this location or the deal was off." Zen replied. "Don't worry. This will be a piece of cake. We'll be in and out, no problem."

"I know, but I still don't like it here." You whine. "I want to be back at home in less than an hour, okay?"

"Sounds doable."

The two of you entered the warehouse, where the seller and a couple of his buddies were there. Instantly, you were sizing each of them up. While the seller himself looked a little scrawny, his friends were big and burly. If things went south, you could take out the seller, but Zen would have to go three on one. Perhaps you did need a bodyguard after all. Still, you were sure things were going to be just fine.

"Akanyatsura?" The seller looked you up and down with a look of disdain. "You don't look like much."

"Because we're not here representing Akanyatsura." You shoot back. "We're here representing Club Candy. Our boss, Iori Suiseki, says you have what he's looking for. We're here to check how legitimate it is and arrange for transportation to the club."

"Ah, of course, my mistake." His words were as slimy as his grin. It made you want to throw up a little in your mouth. He gestured to one of the many crates surrounding him. "See for yourself."

One of his friends pried open the top of one of the crates. Inside were dozens of bottles of premium wine, only sold in the United States of America. Another crate was opened, revealing bottles of high-end champagne from France. Usually this kind of liquor went through a lengthy customs process, and these bottles were new, never before tasted in Japan. Iori had to get his hands on some first to bring in more business, leading you to this shady dealing.

"Would you care for a taste, my dear?" The seller asked, holding out a wine glass to you.

You bit your lip. You didn't drink on the job, as you believed it obscured your judgment and you weren't sure if anyone tampered with it. But you told Iori you would test it to make sure it was legit. You weren't about to screw things up now.

Just as you were about to take the glass from him, Zen beat you to the punch. "Don't mind if I do."

Taking one of the bottles, he cracked it open, threw the glass and drank straight from the bottle. He swiped his hand over his mouth to catch a little dribble of wine down his chin. He sighed. "Not bad. I'm not much of a wine drinker but I'm sure our boss will appreciate it."

The seller nodded. "So, he agrees to do business with me?"

"Yeah sure. Until the novelty wears off." Zen replied. "We'll send some guys over to collect."

"And my payment?" The seller demanded, holding out his grimy fingers for his money.

Again, you shuddered before placing the roll of money that Iori had given you into his hand. He snatched it and your hand quickly. He pulled you close, causing you to gasp. "It's a shame such a pretty thing like you is dealing with such dark and nasty things. You should be treated like a queen, not a criminal."

Before you could reply, Zen grabbed his shoulder, forcing him to yelp. "Hands off. Before things get ugly."

He retracted his hand and you rubbed your wrist. Zen gave them all a curt nod before taking you out of the warehouse, an arm slung over your shoulder.

When you were outside, he placed his hands on his shoulder to stop you. "Are you okay? He didn't hurt you, did he?"

"No, he just made me uncomfortable." You sighed. "I'm never doing anything like that for Iori again."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure of it." Zen hesitated before holding out the wine bottle he had drunk out of earlier. "Hey, the job is over and this bottle is open. It shouldn't go to waste, you know? I mean, we can save it for the others, but if you want-"

You cut him off before swiping the bottle and taking a drink. You smiled at him. "I thought you'd never ask."

[omgjumin]

♡ㅤ ೀ TO LOVE AND BE LOVED! - EVENT!

as of last night, i officially reached 100 followers! although it isn't a big milestone, it is my first one! so i would like to celebrate it with a writing event!

event time period: june 23rd - july 5th!

. . . ૪ event details!

in this event, i have complied many prompts you can use to request for your favorite characters! you can say up to no more than 3 prompts at once for one character. for an example... "miya osamu + fluff prompts 3 + 12"

you can send in as many requests as you would like within the event time period. i will not write for specified reader (ex: short, tall, skinny, chubby reader etc...) however i can write for fem and gender neutral reader! please specify in your request if you would like fem reader, if nothing is stated, i will write gender neutral reader.

i write for . . . jujustu kaisen, haikyuu, genshin impact, and mystic messenger.

will not write for . . . under aged characters (smut), mahito, and scaramouche.

all said is done so here are the prompts!

fluff 𑁯... smut 𑁯... angst

[meow-sic]

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

𝐳𝐞𝐧

𝐲𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠

707

𝐣𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧

𝐣𝐚𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐞

[firepurplestar]

Zen MysticMessenger Angst número 8

 “ Shh, it’s okay. It was just a dream”

Zen X MC

“ I’m going for a ride, to clear my head.” _ _ _ sighed “ You know I don’t like it when you ride your motorcycle.” He gave her a beaming smile “I know, but when I lose a role it helps me refocus my energy.” She narrowed her eyes at him “ Zen, I worry the whole time you’re away.” He brushed her cheek “ I love that you love me so much, but I need this. I’ll be fine I promise.” She nodded her head reluctantly, feeling an uneasy knot forming in her stomach. He kissed her on her temple. “ I love you, I’ll see you soon.” She took his hand and held on tightly as he began to walk away. He stopped in his tracks “ It’s okay, I love you” She reluctantly let go of his soft strong hand. She watched him mount his motorcycle and hear it roar to life as he revved the engine, enjoying the familiar purr. She didn’t know why this time was so different from all the others, why she was so reluctant to let him go. She crossed her arms trying to bring warmth to her body from the cold she felt watching him as he put his helmet on. “ Oh, Zen please be careful.” She knew he wouldn’t hear him, but the unease she felt was unbearable. She watched him from the window as he peeled away with his long hair flowing behind him. She watched and watched and watched until she saw a car going at an unreasonable velocity straight for Zen.

She clutched at the front of her shirt as she watched the events unfold, and tears threatened to spill over, but she wouldn’t let them in fear she would miss some important detail. Suddenly, the sound of tires screeching was heard and Zen swerved to try to miss the unruly car. However, his efforts were in vain as the car hit Zen’s motorcycle, causing him to hit the ground and slide across the street.“NO!” The tears that were forcibly held back came rushing out. And she ran out of the building. Running towards the accident, she ran and ran until she came to the crash site and found zen laying on the pavement with his jeans ripped and bloody. “ Zen! Zen, baby are you awake?” She lifted the visor on his helmet so she could see his face. “ _ _ _? What are y..ou doing here?” She put his head in her lap “ Don’t worry about that now, just try and stay awake okay? Don’t fall asleep.” He put his scratched up hand on her cheek “ I’m so tired _ _ _, I just need to rest for a little while.” She shook her head vehemently “ No, no, no, Zen you can’t sleep! You can rest when you get on the ambulance okay? But right now you need to stay awake. Let me see those beautiful crimson eyes of yours.” She smiled sadly, but not a minute later his eyes fell closed. “NO! Wake up. Wake up. I love you so so much. Don’t leave me.” More tears ran down her face, then suddenly she realized she was in bed with Zen and he had a concerned look on his face. “ Shh, It’s okay it was just a dream.” She sobbed and he held her close to his chest she felt his chest so that she could feel his strong heartbeat. “Mind telling me what it was about?” She breathed in his scent. She nuzzled into his embrace “ You had lost a role, and like you always do you went for a ride, but I was apprehensive about you going. I didn’t want you to go riding, and I watched you leave from the window. I watched Zen and as I watched a car hit you so I ran to you, and I lost you Zen while I was holding you.” She started trembling and cried harder. He pulled away so he could wipe her tears away. He kissed each of her eyes. “ You aren’t going to lose me _ _ _. Not till we are very very old, but then we will still be together in heaven.” He kissed her lips “ Promise?” He smiled “I promise” He pulled her into his chest again and she listened to the beating of his heart as he stroked her hair and she slowly fell back into a peaceful dreamless sleep.

[mysmeheadc]

Hi~ Could I request for angst fic for Zen attacked by his antifans? MC finds him while walking on the street (rides her car idk) and saves him and takes him to the hospital. Zen starts thinking again that he is ugly because of his injuries but MC there for him and comforts him?

just a little situation: MC  doesn’t end in a relationship with anyone, just planned the party and made really good friends. (kind of a more realistic plotline xdxd)

kind of angsty, a little sweary, I write like a monkey. I hope you like it~

ZEN getting attacked by anti-fans

----------------------------------------------------

Zen was just his good looks. He had an average voice, dumb dance moves, poor acting and most of all, lack of passion. Those were the statements of his unusual anti-fans. Although they were a small group, compared with his awesome fans, they were still there, stinging his pride and self stem. Some of his anti-fans, being the fans of other actor, just trying to push Zen down. There were some days when he would feel them like a larger group; usually when a show was already too much time in the theater the fans crowd would fall in number.

When Zen got finally out of the theater he would listen some mean and non-constructive criticism. That day, was one of those days. However, it felt different for several reasons. One of them being that MC was coming to watch the final presentation of the show, as she had no opportunity before. Zen was crushing so bad over MC, although she didn’t knew. This made all the negative comments and details just disappear with MC’s beautiful smile and shiny eyes.

He was so unfocused of real life that he eventually ignored a strange group of people hanging out at the back of the theater. Zen was with his cellphone, chatting with MC, making plans for dinner right then, so he didn’t notice how he was being followed.

He felt voices behind him, but he thought it was some group of friends chatting about anything. Until he felt someone knocking him to the floor. They punched him in the gut, pulled his hair and scratched his face and accessible skin. A blow on his head stunted him to the extent he saw blurry and barely heard. He though he heard a pair of scissors but it could be anything really.

Zen saw by the driveway a car-light, pulling cautiously over and fast footsteps leaving him behind. The car-light shut down, and a heel-sound echoed through his skull, then a nervous sweet shriek. He saw MC’s angelical face twisted with sorrow as she called something over the phone. It wasn’t long till Zen lost consciousness, and the ambulance came.

(continues under the cut)

“The patient has no internal bleeding, just a minor concussion. We want him to stay overnight to watch him over, but he should be fine.”

“Thank you doctor.” a gentle voice lullabied Zen’s head. Then it followed: “I hope he’ll be fine.”

“We all do MC. Assistant Kang was...really anxious, to say the least.” now a male, annoying, voice bothered Zen’s head.

“I’m anxious too. I just want to kill those people, they are so full of hate.”

“Don’t let them get you MC. We will find them; besides, it’s better if they rot in jail. I’ll make sure that happens.”

“Thank you Jumin.”

“I’ll make a few phone calls and update the members.” MC nodded and looked back to Zen. 

“I hate it you know... how he says your name.” Zen murmured without opening his eyes. MC gasped and then smiled, when she met those ruby-colored eyes.

“Hi Zen-oppa, how do you feel?”

“Every time I hear your voice I feel so much better.” he flirts with a raspy voice and a vague smug face. MC laughed but then started crying, more of relief than anything else. Zen took her hand and squeezed it slightly. “I think I’ll sleep some more, will you stay here jaggy?”

“Of course.”

“Leave MC, now.” Zen said altered.

“But-”

“Don’t even try it. I don’t want to see you around here. Leave.” MC left with tears in her eyes.

Zen looked at himself on the mirror one more time. He had several scratches on his face, along with some bruises, his hair was shorter (with an awful haircut), and his neck was a violet and red canvas. He even had a stitch in his jaw and another one in his arm. 

He was ashamed. All his long constructed self steam was torn apart. All his work to maintain pristine looks had banished in a matter of minutes and MC saw that awful face. He was afraid and depressed. He didn’t want to see her again, not with this looks, nor with the looks he could later achieve, he would never be de same again.

He could hear MC sobbing as she talked to Seven and Yoosung. He could also hear Jaehee now and then. Naturally MC felt rejected as anyone from the RFA could enter as they please except for her, and she could not understand Zen’s behavior.

Later that day, when MC returned from her apartment, after some food, barely touched, and a good shower, she overheard Zen arguing with Luciel.

“You are a goddamn fool. Can’t you see MC is worried to death about you? She barely eats, or sleeps just because you don’t want her to look at you? What kind of stupid asshole are you?”

“I can’t bare to see the look of MC’s face everytime she looks at me. I can’t let the woman I love see my face, ever again.”

“Well, you should better start saying that to her, because she thinks she did something wrong. She’s biting her nails off and beating her brain up just because you won’t see her. I’m done with you, stupid dickhead.”

Luciel opened the door to almost bump into a overwhelmed MC. She dodged the red head and ran besides Zen.

“Look at me.” she said softly. Zen looked the opposite side.”I said look at me” MC ordered displeased. She grabbed him by the chin and turned his head to confront him.

“You are still a goddamn good looking piece of shit, there is no cell in my body that can resist your charms. So quit fucking around and kiss me sometime would ya?”

Everybody in the room, and the ones in the hallway too, were stunned by MC’s bold declaration.

“And you beaten up makes you even hotter, if that’s even possible.” she said sitting in a chair besides him.

Zen could not talk, he was amazed. And really happy. He looked over to MC, who was now all flattered and as red as an apple for all her previous words. Seven closed the door and Zen finally spoke.

“MC, would you sit here please?” he said patting a small spot in his bed. MC gathered courage and sat looking at her hands, one of the ruby-eyed man hands’ reached her’s. ”Thank you babe. You are an angel, a filthy mouth angel.” he lead MC’s hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly.

MC smiled and looked at his eyes, then caressed his face a little, getting some hair behind his ears. “Would you help me get my hair even?” he asked sweetly. MC giggled a little and nodded, then leaned and gave him a chaste kiss on his lips. It felt like a feather, she didn’t want him to feel any pain; but Zen was all about kissing her and not feeling the pain so he just pulled her down and kissed her for some solid few minutes.

“Now, tell me all about how I’m still a handsome piece of shit.”

I finished! Jesus Christ that was kind of long~ lololol just kidding, have a great night.

[mysme-messu]

You Are the One That I Love

My first time into fanfic part of the MM fandom, I’m new to this so please be nice to me :)

Synopsis: She thought they were getting closer.

She thought he returned the feelings she had when he shared about his past, when he confided to her about his negative thoughts, when he talked about his weaknesses.

All those endearments, those shared moments, those touches.

Maybe she was the only one who thought that way.

He makes that pretty clear when he offers to set her up with his co-star.

Genres: Angst, Fluff, Hurt & Comfort

Pairings: Zen x MC | Saeran x MC

You can also read it here

Chapter 1:

It’d been a year since she’d joined the RFA, with 5 successful parties behind her.

Saeran was in a good place with everyone’s help, Jaehee opened her own coffee shop, Yoosung finally began to work hard for his dream as a vet, Jumin and his father had talked things through, getting to a point where both men understood each other’s point of view. And Zen. He was becoming a well sought out actor, known for his acting, not just because of his pretty face.

Everyone was happy and she was.

Seven had become her best friend, with Jaehee coming a close second, after the long period of time they had spent together helping Saeran transition back into somewhat normality. She began working as one of Jumin’s secretaries now that Jaehee had quit, only focusing on the cat projects Jumin was intent on doing.

She was too, but she wanted more. She wanted romance, a man to love her the way her parents loved each other.

She pushes that away and bangs at Seven’s door, trying to get one of the Choi brother’s attention, at least enough for them to open up the door or tell her the Arabic translation for Honey Buddah Chips.

Seven laughs at the exasperation on her face once she drops groceries on the kitchen counter. “You never learn.”

“I’d prefer not to carry around a Arabic dictionary with me, thank you very much,” she quips back.

“MC, how could you say that! What if an Arabic man suddenly approaches you and offers to give you 10 million dollars if you could translate a word for him?” Seven prods. “Imagine all  Honey Buddah Chips you could buy!”

Saeran rolls his eyes from his spot on the sofa. “I’ll take the chance of that never happening.”

She leans forward and grins at Saeran. “Agreed.”

Seven puts a hand to his chest in a dramatic fashion. “You two wound me! How will I ever survive the bullying?”

She giggles while Saeran picks up a cushion and flings it at his brother.

Seven dodges and leaps towards Saeran, probably for a hug or revenge. One could never really predict Seven’s actions.

Saeran gets up from his seat calmly and easily sidestepping Seven and heads towards her. He settles himself on the kitchen stools across the kitchen counter.  “I want to have curry for dinner.”

She peeks through the ingredients in the fridge and nods. “I think we have enough ingredients for that.”

Saeran flashes her a small grin and they all slip into an easy routine.

She yells for Saeyoung to finish his work or suffer the wrath of Vanderwood. She cooks while Saeran watches her cook, occasionally bantering with his brother.

It’s comfortable, but in the end, it still feels like she’s missing something.

She knows what it is but she doesn’t want to admit it outloud because if she did, everything she loved would fall apart at the seams.

“Yoosung would not be happy to hear you call him a little birdy.” She tries to move the subject away from what she knew was Seven’s endless ribbing.

Seven chuckles. “You aren’t getting out of this, missy.”

She shrugs. “He invited me, like he invited all of you, but I’m the only one who was free, so at least someone from the RFA should go support him.”

“God knows Jaehee does that enough for all of us.” Saeran mutters.

She hides a giggle behind a spoonful of rice.

Just as Seven opens his mouth to say something, her phone begins to ring. Without a doubt it’s it’s Zen, she knows from the special ringtone she’d set for him since ages ago.

She gives both brothers a smile and heads towards the further corner of the house.

“Hello, lovely Zen.” She chirps into the phone.

“Hello MC, have you eaten?” It was just like him to worry about her like this.

“I have.”

“Good girl, I’m glad you did.” His voice is gentle and she wishes she could see him, just a little. “I just wanted to hear your voice before I get back to practice. I can’t disappoint my honey when she comes to watch my show.”

She giggles. “I would never be disappointed. I know how hard you worked and how much effort you put into properly portraying your character.”

“Thank you for saying this. You always say the right words and make me feel so good.” She hears something akin to a smooching sound against her ear. “A kiss for you, babe.”

She mimics the sound of a kiss. “One for you too, Zenny.”

“I think I just got shot!” Zen’s voice rings out dramatically. “I’m in critical condition. I need more of MC’s kisses!”

She let’s out another giggle. “Zenny, you should take a rest and take care of your own body.”

“I will, sweetie.” In a more rushed tone, Zen continues to speak. “I have to go know, practice is starting again. I’ll talk to you later, MC.”

She hangs up and heads back towards the dinner table, where Seven is smirking at her while Saeran looks mildly curious.

“Want to go to the aquarium this week?” she asks quickly before either of them could ask about her call.

Seven quickly latches onto the idea and Saeran reluctantly agrees to go, only if they could have ice cream afterwards.

They spend the rest of the evening discussing about their trip to the aquarium, but Zen lingers at the back of her mind for the rest of the night.

Zen’s attention snaps to her and he quickly rushes towards her with a big smile on his face. “MC! Did you come see me?”

She nods and hands him the boxed lunch. “I made lunch for you. You mentioned barely having time for lunch since the opening is coming up, so I thought it would be a good idea to bring you lunch again. I hope it’s no bother to you.”

“Dang Zen!” A man with messy brown hair comes to a stand beside them. “You sure are lucky to have your beautiful girlfriend come and bring you homemade food while the rest of us survive on take out.”

“Hands off, Jung Wook.” Zen pushes at the other man’s hand that had snaked onto her shoulder sometime as they talked. “She’s my friend, not my girlfriend.”

That stung a little, to hear it so straight forward. It wasn’t Zen’s fault but she wanted to blame him for her heart constricting painfully at the rejection.

Jung Wook thrusted a hand towards her. “I’m Han Jung Wook.”

“I’m MC.” She takes Jung Wook’s hand in her own.

“Oh! MC? Zen talks about you all the time, you can practically see the silly grin he has on his face every time he finishes talking to you on the phone.”

Someone calls out to Zen before she can say anything further.

Zen groans but gives the woman a nod. “Wook, mind taking care of her for me for a while?”

Jung Wook nods and Zen turns to her with concern in his eyes. “I’m sorry, I’ll be back as soon as I can so I can have the delicious lunch my honey made.”

Zen hurries towards the woman with a stern face as she turns back to Jung Wook. “If you would like, I made some extra food, so please feel free to have some if you’d like.”

Jung Wook grins at her. “I would love to.”

He leads her over to a table at the side of the room.

“Are you allergic to anything?” she asks carefully. Imagine the catastrophe if she accidentally poisoned one of Zen’s co-workers, especially so close to opening night.

Jung Wook shakes his head. “Nope, unlike Zen I’m not allergic to anything, not even cats.”

They both laugh as Jung Wook tells her about the time Zen had spent half the interview holding back sneezes because the interviewer had cat fur stuck to his suit.

She giggles a little harder when he shows him the photo he’d taken of Zen, mid-sneeze.

“What did you say to make my honey laugh so hard?” Zen asks when he takes a seat beside her.

“It’s a secret.” Jung Wook winks at her and maybe she just imagined it, but she sees Zen stiffen from the corner of her eye.

It’s gone the moment she blinks and Zen is back to his charming persona. “Thanks for taking care of MC for me Wook, the director was looking for you.”  

“It was nice meeting you MC, I hope I’ll see you again soon.” Jung Wook says with another smile.

“It was nice to meet you too, Jung Wook, maybe we will see each other on opening night.” She returns the smile easily.

Jung Wook looks like he has something else to say but he changes his mind and gives them both a smile before he heads off.

“You even made my favourite!” He oohs and ahhs over the food she’d prepared for him. He picks up his chopsticks and takes a bite. “I missed the food you made, babe.”

She grins back at him. “I’m glad you like it.”

He picks up a mouthful of salad and holds it towards her. “Open up.”

She obediently does as she’s told, hoping that it’s dim enough that he doesn’t notice the blush on her face.

She chews as he continues to shovel food, gracefully, into his mouth.

He continues to feed her from time to time as she tells him about her week and one of the pickier guests.

Soon, the food is gone and it’s time for her to leave and him to continue practice.

She doesn’t want to leave, she wants to stay and watch him practice but she knows she ought to go. She stays till the last possible moment, until she feels her phone vibrating in her pocket, probably driver Kim wondering why she wasn’t there where he was supposed to pick her up.

With a hurried goodbye, she makes her way back to the office.

Opening day approaches in a flash.

“Zen,” she says softly to get his attention. His ruby red eyes snap towards her, all it’s intensity and focus singularly on her. She grips his hands in hers. “You’ll be amazing up on stage. I’ll be watching you. I, who spent days and days rehearsing this script with you. I, who know how hard you’ve worked for today. No matter what anyone says, you’re amazing. You’re the man who caused thousands of fans to end up wearing glasses because they were so caught up watching your DVDs.”  

“That’s right.” Zen gives her hand a squeeze. “You really know how to make people happy MC. I’m really glad that you came to support me, babe.”

She let’s out a little squeak when Zen pulls her into a hug. She returns the gesture and wraps her arms around him, revelling in his strong arms and tall frame, feeling a sense of security rush through her.

“Break a leg, Zenny. I’ll be out in the audience supporting you.” She breaks from the hug, albeit unwillingly, and heads towards her seat.

She heads towards Zen’s waiting room to see him with a goofy smile on his face.

After everyone congratulates him for a successful opening night, they finally get a minute alone.

He wraps her in another hug and all she can do is pray that he can’t hear the rapid thumps of her heart.

He takes the bouquet of flowers from her hands gratefully. “I’m really grateful to have you here, supporting me, MC.”

“Of course I’d be here,” she says so matter of factly. “Where else would I be?”

“Let’s take a selfie.” Zen suddenly suggests. “I want to show the rest of the RFA what they missed out on, especially that jerk.”

She giggles and oblige until Zen gets a ‘perfect’ photo of the two of them.

They head towards dinner with some of the cast.

Jung Wook waves them over as soon as they enter the restaurant. “Over here!”

Zen guides her towards the table, a hand on the small of her back. She recognizes a few actors and actresses she’s seen in Zen’s previous plays at the table. They give her smiles or nods of acknowledgment.

Always the gentleman, Zen pulls back her chair and gestures for her to take a seat.

Once again, she hopes no one notices the blush on her cheeks.

Zen slip into conversation about the play with the others at the table, always making sure she’s involved and comfortable.

She likes seeing this part of Zen, it’s something she doesn’t get to see on a daily basis.

Maybe it was because she was so enthralled, she doesn’t realize Jung Wook trying to get her attention.

When he touches her shoulder, it jerks her back to attention.

“Sorry.” There’s a somewhat sheepish look on Jung Wook’s face. “Did I scare you, MC?”

She shakes her head. “No, please don’t apologize, Jung Wook. I was the one who zoned out.”

“If you feel comfortable, feel free to call me Wook.” The brown haired man offers easily. “Everyone does.”

She nods. “Thank you, Wook.”

“MC,” Jung Wook begins. “Can I ask you-”

“MC! Look, they have the red velvet cake with the cream cheese icing you like.” Zen’s voice pulls her attention away and she turns back towards him, forgetting about Jung Wook.

It’s only later, when Zen is taking her home, she remembers her conversation with Jung Wook before Zen cut in.

Did Zen do that on purpose?