I made this blog as a sort of diary where I write down all the dreams I can remember or the ones I recently had by turning them into stories.
Sometimes you'll find little wips of stories that didn't saw the light.
My ask box is open but I don't accept writing requests or commissions. I'm sorry about that.
However, if you would like to leave feedback or other kinds of asks, please feel free to do so.
I'll reblog some writing posts/tips sometimes that might be useful for my writing.
English is not my first language so there might be some grammatical errors. However, I'll proofread my stories whenever I can.
*I have no idea where I am now, I write and post when I can*
Disclaimer: This blog is run by an adult. If you're a minor, I will not intereact with you through the DMs.
Some stories and posts are NSFW (they'll have a rating R and proper warnings at the beginning of the post). If you're a minor, don't interact with them in any manner or I'll block you.
like he matches readers hair with his own, paints his nails to match hers and everything else cutesy
except he’s always fingering reader when he has to drink from her so it distracts her from the pain even though he’d actually very gentle when he’s feeding and ngl would rather she like gets hurt instead so it’s easier for him to drink…..
just thoughts
-😼😼😼
i’m getting into vampire junhan not gonna lieee i really see the appeal and i heavily agree that he’d be super gentle and tender even when his teeth are into your flesh 🤧
No, I didn't stop thinking about this mind you, but I need to elaborate better on Harin and Yonghoon, since they're the ones I'm struggling the most with.
Hi! Can I request a Jun Han fic where the reader has been having a bad day and they turn to him for some comfort? The details can be up to you, I’m just looking for something sweet and cute :)
Hope you’re having a great day- I absolutely love your blog! 🩷
Thank you so much! I hope you're having a great day too!
Han Hyeongjun
Summary: Hyeongjun comforting you after you’ve had a bad day.
WC:641
Warning:grammar
photo not mine credits to owner.
Today definitely was not your day. Just about anything that could go wrong did go wrong. A bunch of little small annoyances kept happening too, just to be little sprinkles on top of your bad day sundae. You just couldn’t wait for the day to finally be over.
Finally you were able to arrive home after what felt like eons. You walked right over to the couch and flopped down onto it. You laid there unmoving. You don’t even know how long you’ve stayed like that. The only thing that got you to move was Hyeongjun. He came home and saw you flopped on the couch. He knew that something must have been up. He walked over to the couch and kneeled down beside it. He placed a careful hand on your head.
“What’s wrong?” He asks very gently. You sat up, making space for Hyeongjun next to you on the couch. Once he sat down you immediately clung to his side. Arms around his waist and your face pressed slightly awkwardly onto his chest.
“Bad day,” you mumbled, trying to nuzzle closer into Hyeongjun.
“Oh you poor thing,” he states, wrapping his arms around you. He gives you a little squeeze. “Do you want to talk about it?” He questions you. You shake your head.
“Just want you to comfort me,” you tell him.
“I’m plenty capable of that,” he says, taking one of his arms up to cradle the back of your head.
The two of you sit there for a while. Hyeongjun holding you and gently rocking you both side to side in a calming manner.
“You ready to eat something?” He checks, releasing you from his hold to look at you. You nodded your head. You released your arms from around his waist and sat up straight.
“I’ll go make us something. How about you find us something to watch?” He suggested, handing you the remote to the t.v. You agreed and Hyeongjun made his way to the kitchen.
Hyeongjun returned not too long after. Returning to the living room with plates full of one of your favorite foods. He handed you your plate. The two of you watched the show that you picked while you ate. By now you were already feeling much better than when you first got home.
After the two of you finished eating, Hyeongjun took your dishes to the sink. He came back and brought you into his embrace. Cuddling you whilst you finish the episode of the show that you are watching. Your eyes were beginning to drupe. You could no longer fight the exhaustion that your stressful day brought you. Hyeongjun noticed your head lolling forward from where it rested on his shoulder.
“Let’s get ready for bed,” Hyeongjun said. He reached for the remote and turned off the t.v. The two of you then proceeded to get ready for bed. When Hyeongjun came back from the bathroom you were already snuggled up under the covers. He smiled at how cute you looked. Hyeongjun got into bed with you and directed you, so that you were laying on his chest. You could hear his heart beating a casual thump thump in his chest. Hyeongjun placed one arm leisurely around your frame. His other arm rested on your upper back, hand drawing random patterns on your nape.
“How are you feeling now?” Hyeongjun asked.
“Much better thank you,” you answered him.
“You don’t need to thank me. I’m glad that I’m able to provide comfort for you,” he says. You snuggled closer towards his chest. Hyeongjun lets out a small giggle. “Goodnight, sleep well you deserve it,” he pats your head.
“Goodnight,” you murmured to him, more than ready to finally give into sleep. You may have had a bad day, but Hyeongjun made you have a good night.
Summary: Comforting Hyeongjun after a long tiring day.
WC:328
Warning: grammar
Photo not mine credits to owner
Late one evening you were sitting on the couch, working away on your laptop to finish some things up. You heard the sound of the door to your apartment opening. Looking up you see a very tired Hyeongjun trudging his way in. When he saw you sitting on the couch a small tired smile appeared on his face as he made his way over to where you sat plopping down beside you. You save what you were working on before closing your laptop and setting it on the stand beside the couch. Turning your attention towards Hyeongjun, seeing his head resting on the back of the couch and his eyes shut. Frowning at the sight of him being so exhausted. Tentatively you reach a hand out to brush the stray hairs from his face. At this action he opens his eyes slightly, turning his head to look at you.
“Did you eat?” you ask gently. He responds with a simple nod. Wrapping your arms around and pulling him tenderly against your frame. “It looks like you could use a hug,” you said, leaning the side of your head against his, soothingly rubbing your hands up and down his back. Slowly you feel him relax in your hold, his own arms making their way to rest on your lower back and head dropping onto your shoulder. Several minutes go by, just basking in each other's presence.
“Come on, let's go to bed, it’s late,” you speak breaking the silence. Gradually you pull away from your shared embrace moving to help him stand up, guiding him to the bedroom. Once you’re both in bed, laying side by side you lift one of your hands to his head, softly stroking his hair. He gently leans into your touch, letting out a long breath. Just as he’s on the verge of sleep he murmurs out.
“You’ve always felt like home.” A smile forms on your face. He’s always felt like home too.
Author's note: here we go again, another post for my Vampire AU in the making. And of course I needed to add another fave group of mine. Writing these ones have been difficult because Deupo are still in their rookie years and...idk I feel like I don't know them enough 😅 apologies if they seem OOC
I suggest you read my previous headcanon post if you want a brief idea of how this AU is made but, just a heads up of what kind of vampires they are: they are based on the folklore and the gothic stories I read about vampires. So no "vampires can die with sunlight", the sun just reduces them to their human form or heavily weakens them but does not kill them. The moonlight heals them and makes them powerful. And they can't die unless you burn their corpses, they're basically immortal.
Before we start a little intro to the group overall
Dragon Pony is a group of four maverick vampires. They were turned into vampires by a Prince of Darkness, but they've gone missing since Dragon Pony escaped from their castle. Their body hasn't been found anywhere so it's almost sure the Prince has been killed.
Maverick vampires aren't always a big deal. They usually die at some point, whether because of hunger or because they let their body burn. But Dragon Pony has managed to survive for years, and they're starting to bring chaos. Vampires better protect their partners, they might lose them: after all, Dragon Pony is made by four charming vampires.
Taegyu
His bat form is based on the Japanese house bat
He can survive two years without drinking blood; however, once the second year hits, he becomes more feral and violent. Better let him drink than risk
He's the only member with a trained body for combat. Rumours say that he was his Prince's bodyguard, hence why his physical training
He carries a demonic blade with him. He probably stole it from his Prince. Maybe he killed them too with it, but no one was there when it happened, so...
He has different scars on his body; he's probably one of the few vampires to have those
Despite this, he's the most optimistic among the members
He's protective towards the members and he shows his protectiveness towards his partners too
He's very meticulous with his routine, hence why he gets called "hag" from the members
He gets particularly excited and happy if his partner loves his smile while in his vampire form. He thinks he found the perfect soulmate who would truly love him
Sunghyun
His bat form is based on the Greater False Vampire Bat
He can survive a year without drinking blood
He's the only member who knows how to use black magic
His tattoos are made of black magic. They strengthen and amplify it
He's so quiet he sometimes goes unnoticed by both the members and his partner to the point that, if he talks, he scares them
He loves photography since Sehyuk and Ganghun gifted him a camera
He loves taking pictures of his partner, so he can keep memories of them
He loves cats, and he's always followed by them. He wants to build a cat shelter as Deupo's "castle" because of that
Sehyuk
His bat form is based on the Serotine Bat
He can survive eight months without drinking blood
He's the one along Ganghun who keeps up with the human world and how it's advancing
By staying in the human world, he found his love for books and basket
He prefers staying in his human form
He tried to flirt with humans in different places, but he failed most of the time until he found his comfort place: the library!
He will always bring his partner to the library or a bookstore for a date. If both those places are unavailable, he will bring you to a cafe
He wants to create a band after trying to hook up with some humans in a pub. He liked the punk band performing there
Ganghun
His bat form is based on the White-lined broad-nosed bat
He can survive eight months without drinking blood
He's the most reckless in the group. And the one who flirts the most
But he's also a goofball
Just like Sehyuk, he prefers staying on his human form
He became a huge fan of movies after he went to a movie date with a human, since then he always brings his partner to a movie date at least once a week
And if you can't go to the movies, it will be Netflix and chill time
Watching horror movies with vampires in it will be a little annoying with Ganghun: he doesn't like how they're portrayed most of the time
He loved sleeping on his coffin and he kept this habit even after he escaped from the castle with the others. He loves cuddling with his partner in bed, especially after he sucked blood from them
I need to get your opinion because I see so much content about Junhan being sub or with a mommy kink and honestly I don't see it!! I get more vibes that he's just a little "lazy"/sleepy in his everyday life, but I feel like he'd be a switch leaning dom. I just think sex with him would be more of a lazy and sensual thing. Even if you're riding him, he'd still be lightly thrusting up into you from underneath because the sensation is so intense. Someone made an ask saying they see Junhan as a thigh grabber and tbh I get that. I feel like he'd be the type to be gripping onto your curves and guiding your body against him because of the stimulation and his need to chase his high, even if that means bending and guiding you until it feels right.
who are you and THANK YOU
our community of dom junhan enthusiasts is so small but i will protect it with my life mark my words 🫡 i absolutely believe and adore switch leaning dom junhan, to me that’s one of the most obvious things but that’s just my personal humble opinion! though i also have a special attraction to slightly mean, slightly condescending dom!junhan and he’s one of my favorites to write about, i do agree with you that usually he’s more laid back and casual in the bedroom. and then… depending on what you are in the mood for, he effortlessly adjusts. cause i also believe that once junhan finds his match, he naturally attunes to their likes and needs while remaining laid back and calm, radiating that welcoming quiet dominance
i 100% agree with everything you pointed out, i couldn’t have said it better myself!! we need more dom!junhan believers ugh
✎… drabbles with various romance tropes, banter, slow burn, tiny hint of angst | c.w ! light alcohol consumption, cursing
a.note ! happy 1st anniversary deupo ♡
( masterlist )
AN TAEGYU • FIRST LOVE
🎧 now playing... as long as you care - ruel
At first it’s just another band until the lead singer steps up to the mic and announces their name.
Earlier you didn’t have time to check the bands who take part in this festival, you decided to join your friends very last minute. So, here you are, seeing him for the first time after what feels like forever.
He’s older now - hair longer, jaw sharper. Gaze more confident. Body more defined under the flannel shirt. A nose piercing.
But underneath all the changes he’s still the boy who used to hold your hand in the bus, who used to kiss you in the rain after walking you home after a date.
The boy who was your first for everything - partying, french kissing, drinking, dancing at a club.
Your eyes meet and like that - time stops. The noise dissipates, causing numerous memories to flash through your mind - the rush of your messy, and often not that significant arguments, all the laughter, the tears, the joy of being utterly in love for the first time; the raw pain you thought would never end when you both agreed it would be best to break up.
With eyes on you, he keeps singing, beautifully and powerfully, holding the crowd’s attention. They’re in awe and so are you, standing there, heart drumming in sync with the rock music.
When the set ends, you wait by the side of the stage until he appears - still flushed and sweating from the performance, gaze glinting from the adrenaline rush.
“Hey,” he says in soft disbelief.
“Hey…”
For a moment you just look at each other. Not with regret or sadness… not with anger, because there never was any anger to begin with. Nothing even close to that. You watch each other with the warmth of something you both still remember and hold close to your hearts.
“You’re probably busy, but I just wanted to say hi and let you know that you did amazing.”
“Thanks,” he smiles, briefly glancing at the ground before looking at you again.
His smile hasn’t changed at all; it brings you a strange kind of peace.
“It’s… really good to see you.” His voice softens, causing your lips to lift gently.
“Yeah, you too. I wasn’t expecting to see this today,” you gesture toward the stage, him… everything around you. “But it suits you. This is what you always wanted.”
A spark lights up his eyes; a spark of pride and something close to vulnerability.
“I guess it finally… happened.” He lets out a quick laugh, glancing away again. “Is it weird… that having you here to see it… makes it feel more real?”
For the first time, you lock eyes and neither of you runs away from the contact. You swallow, lips parting to respond.
But he speaks first, taking a step forward. “You know, I’d love to…”
“Taegyu! They need us for photos, hurry up!”
An older man comes between you, pulling him away. He murmurs a quick sorry so you offer a small smile of reassurance, watching him leave with ease you did not possess a few years ago.
It feels bittersweet.
PYUN SUNGHYUN • BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER
🎧 now playing... loose - enhypen
You leave the campus building, clenching your phone in hand - the notification with his text message is still there, open and seen.
Your heartbeat quickens at the sight of his familiar car parked at the curb, wipers working overtime to keep up with the heavy rain.
He’s actually here.
By the time you slip inside the passenger seat the sleeves of your blouse are damp, your hair messy and wet, sticking to your cheeks; your chest fluttering in that reckless way it always does when you’re around him.
“You’re driving me to work because?” you ask, putting on the seatbelt while avoiding his gaze for as long as possible.
His car smells faintly of rain and his familiar cologne. The radio hums softly with a song you never heard before; a song that’s going to remind you of him if you ever hear it again in the future.
Sunghyun glances at you with one hand loosely hanging from the steering wheel. “Because apparently you’re incapable of checking the weather app before going to class like a normal person. No jacket, no umbrella… you’ll catch pneumonia in like two seconds.”
You shoot him a quick look. “Or maybe you’re finally getting bored of lazing around all day.”
This earns you one of his infuriatingly attractive smirks; the one that could make someone think there’s a secret between you. “Is that what you think I do? Laze around? Ouch.”
“I know it,” you say, sticking to the light banter although your stomach keeps curling too intensely for such a casual moment.
You shift in your seat, suddenly too aware of the lack of space between you and how it doubles the warmth in the air. Yeah, you’ve been in Sunghyun’s car plenty of times before, in the backseat with his sister, your best friend since middle school, on the way to the mall, or dozing off together after late night movies and birthday parties which he’d not so patiently picked you up from.
But it had been always the three of you. Never just you and him.
“Alright,” he nods once, the amused grin still resting on his lips. “Are you gonna make me your personal chauffeur so I don’t waste my damn potential?”
“Oh my God…” you narrow your eyes but your own creeping smile betrays you, “you really need me around to keep your life interesting, huh?”
He laughs, low and entertained - he always secretly enjoys it when you challenge him.
“Actually, I think I just like watching you run around in the rain without an umbrella.” He turns to you, letting his eyes linger for a second longer. “You look ridiculous.”
You huff, deflecting the comment before shifting your gaze toward the window, hiding the blush rising to your cheeks.
But then, after a moment of silence, Sunghyun speaks again, slow and slightly quieter.
“Seriously, though…” he says, adjusting fingers around the wheel; there’s very little of the earlier playfulness left in his tone. “I don’t mind showing up when you need me.”
KWON SEHYUK • FORCED PROXIMITY
🎧 now playing... oh shit… are we in love? - valley
The cinema lobby buzzes with excited chatter and faint noise of running movie trailers. Glancing at Sehyuk, you shuffle forward in line, silently. Your two friends dashed off to grab seats before the previews started, leaving you and him to handle the snacks.
It’s not unusual being around Sehyuk, you’ve known him for over a year, but it is somehow… different being around him without your friends. It’s like the air shifts and time starts moving slower.
“So…” you murmur, scanning the menu board. “Sweet or salty?”
“Salty.” He answers quietly, not even taking time to think. Then, almost sheepishly, he adds: “I mean, if that’s okay with you…”
“Of course,” you grin.
A soft chuckle escapes him as he rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t want to mess up your popcorn experience or something.”
The two of you step forward as the line moves. When the cashier slides the big tub of popcorn across the counter, unexpectedly you both reach for it at the same time.
Your fingers brush and Sehyuk stills for half a second. His gaze flicks to yours briefly before he pulls back, letting you take it.
“Sorry,” he murmurs, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I’ll take the drinks.”
“Thanks.” You say, cradling the warm tub against your chest.
It’s something so small… and yet, your heart is beating faster than usual.
He gives you a small nod, then shifts back to the counter.
“Large Ice Tea?”
He turns to you, brows lifting slightly in surprise. “How did you know?”
“You ordered it last time.” Your lips curl in light amusement.
His do too - a subtle and quiet smile.
“Yeah, I guess I’m predictable like that.”
You keep your eyes on him. You want to disagree, to tell him that he isn’t predictable at all. But the words get stuck somewhere in your throat, making it difficult to find them. Before you know it, the cashier is back, passing drinks, and the moment has passed.
Kwon Sehyuk isn’t predictable. In fact, he’s the opposite. Every time you find yourself alone with him, you learn something new - about him, about yourself, about… life.
Maybe next time, you’ll find the courage to tell him.
KO GANGHUN • ACCIDENTAL CONFESSION
🎧 now playing... on a night like tonight - niall horan
The party is in full swing - music thumping from the living room, overlapping chaotic chatter and laughter. You and Ganghun are out on the balcony to steal a few minutes of fresh air. Both of you hold half empty cups of beer, leaning against the railing side by side. The cool summer air feels nice on your warm skin.
Through the open door, you hear your friends howling as someone, probably Sunghyun, spills an entire bottle of beer across Taegyu’s kitchen floor. Taegyu’s voice rises through ridiculous curses, making you and Ganghun exchange a knowing look before you start laughing.
“That’s what he gets for buying the cheapest beer he could find.” He grins.
You shake your head lightly, then take a sip from your drink.
Ganghun’s chuckles, warm and negligent in the night, gradually fade. He allows his gaze to stay upon you and explore the side of your face despite already having every little detail of it memorised like the back of his hand. After a moment of silence, when you turn to face him, he still can’t look away. The way your lips curl softly makes something tug at his chest; a thrill he’s experienced plenty of times in your presence.
“What? Do I still have barbecue sauce on my face?” You ask.
Ganghun parts his lips… the combination of bottled up feelings and a slightly tipsy courage results in the words just slipping out on their own. “I really like you.” He says calm and steady. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
The rest of his words fall out almost in a whisper… a casual whisper. It takes you a full heartbeat to process this is actually a confession.
“What…” Your breath catches.
He blinks a few times, speechless as the realisation of his doing finally hits him. His eyes widen and he suddenly starts babbling. “Shit. Oh, fuck… I—” He presses a hand over his face, groaning. “I fucked up. I didn’t mean… well, I did mean what I said, of course, but not like… not… damn it. I just fucked up everything, didn’t I?”
You straighten slightly, staring at him in surprise; how he rambles, with cheeks pinker than usual, unable to face you again. For the first time you see the extroverted, confident and bright Ganghun look… uncertain.
“Hey…” you murmur quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I really like you too.”
You feel him tense under your touch. Then, he turns to you slowly, searching for your eyes as he drags a hand through his black hair. “You… what?”
You laugh, nervous and giddy at the same time. “I like you too,” you repeat, holding onto the eye contact.
His expression shifts - his panick transforms into one of his familiar grins. “You’re serious?” His tone turns almsot comedic.
“Very.” You say, feeling your cheeks warm up.
He breathes out a laugh of relief, but you can see it in his gleaming eyes - he’s still comprehending this turn of events.
“Best fuck up of my life.” He nods to himself.
The two of you can only grin at each other while the noise of the party hums in the background, quieter now, because the words you just exchanged keep echoing in your heads, louder than everything else.
Characters/Pairings: Vampire!JunHan X Gender Neutral Reader, other XH are mentioned and appear in the story and they're also vampires, minor original characters involved
Contents/Warnings: thoughts and flashbacks are written in italic, they/them pronouns used for Reader, lack of Y/N used for Reader, a sprinkle of hurt/comfort, mention of wounds, the plot thickens towards the end, XH might be a little OOC
Author's note: this story is a sort of study of a headcanon taken from my Xdinary Heroes as Vampires post. When I made the post I admit that I didn't have a clear idea for all the members so this is an attempt to see if this headcanon in particular makes sense or not. I had fun overall but I'm still unsure over the headcanon.
Summary: the latest Inspection broke your boyfriend and the healing process will take some time
You hate The Inspection. It's the worst week of the year. One week out of your life because you need to save your loved one's ass. He calls him "honour" but it's actually his ass. A whole week spent with girls and boys who met your same fate as yours: meeting a vampire. A week spent in a castle seeing the other five vampires looking at you with a curious or proud look, depending on who's looking at you. And a week spent by being looked at by other vampires who looked older, creepier and menacing. Their cold hands touching your neck, your body being scanned by those red eyes and the judgement spit at you or Hyeongjun, depending on who was looking weaker that day. It's a rough week, one of the worst.
You didn't want this. You just wanted a normal boyfriend. Surely not a vampire. And especially not a vampire with a certain reputation: Han Hyeongjun. The vampire who doesn't like to be touched. The most violent biter out of his "clan". A killer, so to speak. No wonder you were considered lucky among the other vampires' partners: surviving a year with Han Hyeongjun was something that happened once in a blue moon. Everyone asked you about your secret; you just pointed at your arms as an answer: those were the reason why Han Hyeongjun didn't kill you yet. He never reached the neck after the first night you had together, the night you became his forever.
Every time Hyeongjun felt hungry, you just uncovered your arms, letting him bite them and sucking the blood until he was satisfied. He used black magic to heal the wounds and made sure no scars were formed. That was the only time you had his hands touching your skin. And you didn't like that either; his hands were cold as a corpse. You kinda agreed with his not touching rule.
It was a different situation during daylight, when Hyeongjun was forced by the sun to stay as a human. His skin was still a little cold but there was some warmth this time. It was the only time he felt comfortable touching you, being open with you, vulnerable with you.
«At least I will not kill you this time...»
«Did you say something?»
«Nothing!»
But besides that, Hyeongjun was just a shy guy. An introverted, shy guy. An introverted, shy vampire. You even started to believe that his reputation was just a rumour. You couldn't believe that the same vampire who, despite his shyness, always looked at you, gave you some lovely words from time to time and gave you handcrafted gifts for your birthday or Valentine's Day was the same bloodthirsty killer with a huge track record.
Fake or not, that track record always hunts him during the Inspection. A whole week being forced in his vampire form, completely unable to turn human: pure nightmare for him.
«Please, understand. It's better if we stay separated as much as possible while we're here. It's for-»
«"it's for your safety". I know it, Hyeongjun. I'll be patient this week, you don't need to be worried. I'm your partner, remember?»
Even though you said those words, you didn't like spending the time all alone in his room, surrounded by paintings of his previous partners. According to Hyeongjun, there were still a lot of them who didn't get their own painting.
«When will you make my portrait?»
«I don't know, but I hope it will happen as late as possible.»
The painting was off limits, it seemed. But during this week, you still witnessed his ability to paint still. You let him do your make up with his "products". And not only was he good at it, his makeup was the strongest ever made: waterproof, no stains left, able to stay perfectly on your face for 24 hours. And most importantly, turning you into the most beautiful partner ever.
«You don't need to thank me. It's just my magic...»
«No, it's not just your magic, you're good with make up. Did you forget that you got my attention thanks to it?»
«No, I will never forget.»
The Inspection didn't bring only bad things to you. It was the occasion to meet the rest of Hyeongjun's clan. You weren't expecting to find other five vampires followed along by their partners and...other vampires? You were so shocked when you saw them but the shock turned into fear when Hyeongjun told you the harsh truth.
«Those vampires are our servants. They don't have any free will, unlike me and the others. Gunil fought tooth and nail for freeing us. The Council didn't want more free vampires around.»
The Council. The villain of this whole story. Although you heard that, this time, the member who called for the Inspection was "one of the good ones", you never liked them. They were the incarnation of evil to you. And the other vampires seemed to agree on that.
«I can't wait for this inspection to end! I can't look at the mirror when my hair looks like this! Ugh, I hate that we can't use our magic, this pink hair makes me into a cute little kitten or something. No one will ever take me seriously after this!»
«You complain about your as if I also don't have an extravagant hair colour. You'll be fine.»
«But your hair is purple, Seungmin! And Lord Son loves purple, it's his favourite colour. You'll probably end up in the first place in his personal list when he'll write the report.»
«Oh, please. I hope he'll not do that. I always aim to the last place.»
«You're both wrong! He noticed me! I knew I would have got his attention. Gunil should include my hair formulas in his basket gift for him.»
«Are you seriously already thinking about the basket gift?»
«Yeah, why not? This is the good one, guys, I feel we will not be bothered for a while after this Inspection.»
Lord Son. He didn't appear until the last day of the Inspection. For the whole week, you thought he was an old, bag of bones like the other vampires. Instead, there was a young, long haired vampire carrying a bunch of sheets of paper. A hooded vampire came close to him.
«We thought you would have never come, Lord Son. What stopped you from coming earlier.»
«Oh, I just spent some time in the archive, Lord Horlock. I read all the other reports you wrote for Lord Goo's clan.»
«I don't think you found something useful for your inspection, Lord Son.»
The vampire smiled. «On the contrary. I discovered you didn't bother to ask the right questions.»
He looked at the vampires standing in line near the castle's entrance. He started to walk followed by Gunil. He didn't bother too much about the vampires' partners.
«Lord Son, you don't even want to try asking something to the partners?»
«Oh no, Lord Goo, I don't need to. I know your clan's members chose the best ones. After all, they're from your clan, I know you're meticulous and you always choose the best.»
You couldn't hear all the questions he asked, only some bits here and there.
«Kim Jungsu. Doctor, blood researcher, bio engineer...you love being into the medical field, uh?»
«Yes, Lord Son.»
«Is there a particular reason why you are doing this kind of research?»
«For the humans' well being.»
«The humans?»
«I think that, if we don't take care of them, we will also pay a price. After all, we depend on their blood, taking care of them should be mandatory for any of us.»
«Oh, I see. I love your way of thinking. And your appreciation for human food, too. I think one of my clan members will have a nice time talking with you.»
«Kwak Jiseok. Nice hair, I never saw a vampire with this hair colour. I suggest you keep it.»
«Oh Seungmin. The reports call you "The Troublemaker"...you don't seem this mischievous.»
«Only because you weren't there, Lord Son.»
«Looks like we have a challenger here. But i think this is a whole facade. Your eyes tell me you aren't that evil like you want to look like.»
Finally he reached Hyeongjun but he looked at you instead.
«So, you're Han Hyeongjun's partner, am I right?»
«Yes, Lord Son.»
«Did you know about his reputation? What do you think? Be honest with me, it's better for both of you.»
You looked at Hyeongjun for a moment. He was looking down at the floor, refusing to do any eye contact with you.
«I don't believe it.» All the other vampires looked at you, even Gunil was shocked.
«Uh? You don't believe it?»
You shook your head.
«I've been Hyeongjun's partner for a year. I can testify that he's not the cold killer he has been painted over the years. He's good like the others!»
«I appreciate your honesty. But his history speaks louder than your words. He killed his partners since he turned into a vampire, the majority of them didn't last more than a year.»
«But I'm here! I'm still alive!»
Hyeongjun raised his head, looking at you.
«Isn't my presence here a solid proof that he's changing? He should have given some time!»
Lord Son doodled a smile and nodded his head.
«Looks like Han Hyeongjun didn't just find the right partner but also a strong one. Let me suggest one thing.» He came close to your ear. «Changing and healing takes a lot of time. Be patient with him.» He whispered.
He left and leaned towards Jooyeon, your mind was confused.
Does he know I'm already patient with him? Also, healing? What does it mean?
You shook your head and looked at Hyeongjun. He raised his head. He gave you a doodled smile: it was his way to say "thank you" in that moment. You noticed his hand trying to reach yours, but he immediately retreated it.
Only a matter of minutes. Only a matter of minutes and everything will be normal again.
You focused over the rest of the inspection.
«Lee Jooyeon. The reports don't say almost anything about you.»
«Really? Uhm, is it a good thing or...?»
«It looks like you end up being unnoticed? May I know why?»
«Uhm, I don't know sir-I mean, Lord Son. I've always behaved, I thought it would have been noticed.»
«Behaving isn't always noticed as you think it is. But I don't think you're just a behaved vampire. What are your qualities?»
Jooyeon stayed silent for a moment.
«Oh, yes, I have a good quality. I'm a picky eater!» he said with a proud, huge smile.
Complete silence came in the room, Gunil facepalmed. Lord Son started to chuckle and then he laughed. A loud laugh ran for the whole castle, the wall seemed to tremble because of it.
«Oh, this is not a quality. We're all picky eaters. After all we choose our partners according to our tastes. But the way you said it...I never laughed this much.»
Jooyeon looked at the vampire with a confused look.
«You seem to be a funny guy, Jooyeon. Please, never stop being like that.» Lord Son said while leaving and trying to suppress another laugh. Jooyeon looked at you.
«Do you think I'll end up in the first place in his report? Seems he loves me.» He whispered.
The long haired vampire walked at the end of the line. His face turned serious again. He looked at the vampires behind him, then again at the line. Everyone was waiting for his judgement. He looked at Gunil. «Lord Goo, I think my judgement over your family has been right. The reports didn't seem sincere for me. They specifically lied about their way to keep their partners: all your members have managed to keep at least one partner this time, proving they're reliable and capable to satisfy their desires without bringing chaos. The Council has been wrong over your clan...although I think "family" would have been a better term.»
Gunil showed a relied look. He made it. The Council wouldn't have bothered him for a while.
«I still don't completely approve your usage of our magic but that is something we can work out later. For now, I think we can both do greater things together.»
Gunil was shocked. Things were getting better than he expected! He made a bow.
«I can't express my gratitude more than this simple bow, Lord Son.»
«Oh, you don't need to show all this humility towards me. We got our titles around the same time, am I right? We're equals. And besides, I suggest you wait for an invitation from me. I'm curious about your family.»
«I'll wait for it, Lord Son.»
The long haired vampire turned to the Council's other members. «Are there any questions left before we go?»
The other vampires seemed silence, until the hooded one raised his bandaged hand.
«You can talk, Lord Horlock.»
«It's not a question, just a way to thank you, Lord Son, for doing this Inspection. It seems like I've been wrong this whole time: now I see the new generation is capable of achieving great things if one of The Ancients dies. And since we lost a member recently, reassurance was needed.»
Lord Son smiled. «That's great to hear this, especially coming from you, Lord Horlock. I hope our policy of treating partners will be more accepted from now on.»
Lord Horlock chuckled. «That's something that will still be discussed, at least on my part. I'm sure...» He turned for a second at Hyeongjun. The vampire looked away from him. You noticed he was biting his lip. Lord Horlock turned at Lord Son again. «I'm sure your generation doesn't behave as you're claiming it, Lord Son. You said our reports were lying but they weren't. Why would we lie this blatantly over Lord Goo's clan for years? There was some truth in it! But this is something we will discuss at the next Council. For now, I think we can leave Lord Goo alone for a while.»
Lord Son bowed his head towards Lord Horlock. «Well, since everyone seems satisfied, we can all return to our homes and finally rest after this inspection. Remember to keep an eye on your letterbox these days, Lord Goo, you might receive a letter from me very soon...»
A blanket of violet fog covered the Council's vampires. The smell of sulfur filled the corridor. You covered your eyes, in fear of being hit by it. It didn't last long. Once the blanket disappeared, the corridor was empty and silent.
«Are...are they gone?» Jooyeon asked.
«Yes, they left. And I think we will not see them for a while.» Gunil said while looking at the entrance's door.
Jiseok broke the line. «YAAAAAAAAAHOOOOOOO, yes, victory! Take this stupid Council, you can never take us down! Haha, tonight I'll have the best concert in my life! You're all invited! You all need to hear the Victory Song 2.0 by Kwak Jiseok!»
«And I'll not listen to it!»
«Oh no, you'll listen to it, Jooyeon!»
«Guys, come on, don't argue. Not here at least, a proper fight should be done in the gym down here.»
«Seungmin, not you too!» Jungsu groaned.
«What? If we're going to have some fun, better I participate too.»
Their partners just gathered around, talking about what happened, giggling while looking at their beloved ones being so stupid and goofy after that week. Gunil was looking at the vampires with a huge smile filling his face. They were safe from the Council, no one would have taken from him this time.
You made a sigh of relief: finally the end has come. Soon you would have come back to your almost normal life. You turned at Hyeongjun. He was still looking down, taking long, deep breaths. His canines were showing.
«Uhm, Hyeongjun? Are you-?»
The vampire turned at you. His eyes were red, the scleras full pitch black, his mouth full open. Last time you saw him like this, you became his partner. And you almost lost your life because of it. He would have bitten you, maybe killed you if you didn't hear a scream coming from behind you, a couple of arms dragging you away from Hyeongjun and a body placing between you and Hyeongjun. You saw Hyeongjun getting blocked and laid on the floor by Seungmin, more screams coming behind you, your body feeling heavy, your eyes closing, your head buzzing. And then pure silence.
----
You woke up in you and Hyeongjun's room. You were still in the castle. Your head was pulsing. Hyeongjun groaning made you quickly sit on the bed. The vampire was near you, his shirt was off. He was pale, his long hair being more wavy than usual, black claws on his fingers and the canines still showing in his mouth. Gunil was near him, one hand pressing on his chest, the other one his face: his index and middle finger pressing on his forehead, his thumb on his chin. Judging by his sight, he was completely focused on Hyeongjun. You wanted to speak to him but a voice shushed you, making you turn around. Jungsu was near you. He placed a hand on your forehead.
«So we can talk without distracting Gunil.» He rang in your head.
«What?! Telepathy? You're also able to do this?»
«Only for a short amount of time...»
«Okay, can you tell me what's going on?»
«You fainted after Hyeongjun's attack and Gunil put him in a sleep state so he could check on him. The other partners have come back home. The others are still in the castle and they'll check on Hyeongjun for a while. And you'll be home too. I'll escort you and guard you for while. Hyeongjun might-»
«What happened to him?»
«It's not-»
«Not, cut the crap, I need to know what happened to him! I'm his partner I must know!»
Jungsu hesitated.
«I don't know what happened. Gunil has been silent since he's been checking on him. He didn't tell us anything. But-»
Hyeongjun groaned.
«But it's clear that Hyeongjun is sick. Or this is what I think.»
«Sick? No, it can't be-»
Jungsu took his hand off your forehead, breaking the contact. Your head rang for a second.
«You should learn how to hang off better with this thing.» You whispered while massaging your head.
Gunil took his hands off Hyeongjun. The vampire seemed to fall asleep. He finally looked at you.
«Looks you've woken up.»
You wanted to talk but Jungsu cut you off. «Did you find something?»
«...Lord Horlock.»
«Uh? Lord Horlock?»
«He used his magic on him. I found his Dark Thoughts infesting his mind. I've managed to exorcise the most dangerous ones but some of them are still stuck in his mind. They're attached to his insecurities and, unless Hyeongjun wants to get rid of them, i can't properly execute an exorcism.»
«Shit, I knew something was wrong with him, he was acting too nice towards us during this inspection.»
«And it turned in his favour...I let my guard down and he targeted Hyeongjun.» Gunil looked at the sleeping vampire. You noticed a tear coming on one of his eyes.
«He wanted to take him away from me. But he'll not make it, not this time. I'll make sure he'll pay for this.» He granded his teeth. «He used Lord Son's inspection as the perfect trap...that old bag of bones will pay it once Lord Son will know it. He doesn't like being used.»
He looked at you. «You better stay away from this and Hyeongjun for a while.»
«What? No! I don't want to go home as if nothing happened!»
«Jungsu will escort you at your home and check on you, so you can have a proper recovery. You will pack your things and leave as fast as possible. You can't stay near him right now.»
«And I still don't want to go!»
«It's for your safety. He can attack you again for what I know and if he kills you-»
«If he kills me then so be it! I'm his partner! He chose me for this reason too, no?»
Gunil turned away from you. Jungsu got up.
«Gunil, I think we should listen to them. Hyeongjun might think he killed them if he wakes up and doesn't see them. And if there are still some Dark Thoughts in his mind, it would be better if his mental state is kept "sane" as much as we can. I can keep an eye on them here too, if that's what is making you worried.»
Gunil stayed silent. You looked at Hyeongjun. He probably would have slept for a long time.
«Fair, you'll stay here for a few days, just to see how Hyeongjun would react with you. But if he's not getting better, you'll leave. I don't want to take the risk of witnessing a tragedy in my home.» Gunil said. He walked towards the door and disappeared in a violet cloud, leaving a scent of sulfur behind.
«Is he angry at me?» You asked to Jungsu.
«No, he's not. He rarely gets angry. He just didn't want you getting involved in something bigger than you. You're already dealing a lot by being our partners, our world would just be another big problem.»
You looked at Hyeongjun again. «He's not doing all of this only because I'm his partner, right? He would have done the same with any of you, right?»
Jungsu's eyes widened. You didn't like that. «Of course he would have done the same to any of us. I thought you would have noticed that he cares...well, you'll see these days.»
Jungsu made a little violet cloud in his hands. Once the cloud disappeared, a little drone was in his hands, which immediately started to fly around the room.
«I'll look at you with this one. The others are also around so don't be afraid to call for any help.» He leaned towards the door and opened it. «And when I say you can call from any help, I truly mean it. We're all worried for both you and Hyeongjun.» He left the room, leaving both of you alone. But you weren't really that happy about his.
I feel I've ended up into something bigger than me.
You shook your head.
Hyeongjun started to whine in his sleep. You reached him.
What am I supposed to do? Should I wake him up?
Hyeongjun agitated in his sleep then he woke up, a scream leaving his mouth. His face was drenched in sweat. His eyes looked normal. He looked around.
«Where, what...did...did I...did I really?»
He looked at you, a sign of relief appearing on his eyes. «You...you're alive! I didn't kill y-» He started to sob and tremble. One of your hands reached him. You knew it would have been dangerous to touch him but what could you do in that moment. Hyeongjun looked at your open hand, he rested his chin on it. A shiver ran down your spine. His skin was colder than before. Last time you felt this, he turned into a vampire and bitten you, turning you into his partner. He held your hand. It was trembling. The claws were stiff, as if they were made of bones.
«You're alive, you're still alive...» He sobbed, then he started crying grossly. His tears were cold as if they were made of ice. His fingers rubbed on your hand's skin. You waited for him to calm down a little before talking.
«How do you feel?»
He looked at you, his eyes still misty.
«I'm still shocked. I didn't see anything after the Council left, just hunger for blood. I remember you were near me and-» he sobbed. «I thought the Ancient vampire was right. Maybe I should have followed him...»
You looked around the room, searching for the drone Jungsu left in the room. It was near a corner, the camera focused on you.
I know he's not just looking at us right now. He's probably listening too. Should I let Hyeongjun talk?
«Following him? What do you mean?» You asked. Hyeongjun held your hand tighter.
«He's been in my head. He said that I'm not worthy to stay here, that I should kill you and leave the others.» He got interrupted by another sob. «He blasted my mind with killing thoughts towards you and the others. He said that if I killed someone, he would have chosen me as his successor.» He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. «He was in my head when I was sleeping, when I was with the others but especially when you were around me. I heard his voice ringing in my ears, telling me to kill you, to do as I did with all my other partners...»
You turned again at the drone.
Is this what you wanted to hear?
Hyeongjun looked at you, his hand still holding yours. You came closer at him.
He needs to go out of this room. Maybe we can go...mmmh
«Can you get up?»
Hyeongjun nodded.
«Would you...would you go to the Lunarium with me? I think some moonlight will make you feel better.»
Hyeongjun nodded again, then he looked around the room then pointed at his shirt. It was hanged on the wall.
«Take it. The Lunarium is knocked by gusts of wind from time to time. I don't want you to get sick because of me.»
You got out of the bed and took the shirt. You noticed how little you seemed; his shirt was covering your hips, it was large around your arms...and your neck was terribly exposed. The drone seemed to have moved a little as if it was following you. Hyeongjun got out too. His hand was searching for yours.
«You don't mind if I hold your hand, right? I just want to make sure you're still alive...»
You doodled a smile. Seeing him acting so awkwardly and shy after that week was relieving. Your shy vampire was back.
«Of course! You don't need to ask, Hyeongjun. I'm your partner, no?»
He held your hand. You left the room and...you met up with Jiseok and his new, fresh hair colour.
«Oooooooh, our sleeping beauty woke u-uuuuuuuh...» His eyes focused on Hyeongjun, then on you, then on your hands. «Uhm, did I interrupt something?»
«No! Hyeongjun doesn't feel well so we decided to go to the Lunarium for some moonlight.» You said, showing the best smile you could do.
«The Lunarium, uh?» Jiseok crossed his arms and made some steps. «I don't have a clock with me but I suggest you to come quickly, there aren't a lot of night hours left.»
«Well, time to go then! See you later, Jiseok!»
Jiseok just waved your hand at you and left. But a thought was in his mind.
Oh my, the magic fucked up his mind. Shirtless! Giving his shirt to his partner! Holding hands! And he doesn't mind?! Oh no, he's not okay! He's. Not. Okay!
---
You never witnessed a vampire recovering through the moonlight but if the effect was the one happening to Hyeongjun's body then, you would have let him be exposed to the moonlight forever. His muscles were more defined, despite him being just skinny, his pale skin looked smoother, his hair's curls were more prominent, his black claws were more slim, looking more delicate than before, even his red eyes, which scared you only some hours before, looked pretty behind that black sclera. They were two shining rubies. It was worth it getting hit by gusts of wind and having your hand held by Hyeongjun's. He looked at you.
«Thank you for staying with me. I thought you would have run away after what I did.» He murmured. You held his hand tighter.
«You know I can't. I'm your partner, remember? "Now you're always tight to me", this is what you said when you bitten me here.» You pointed at your neck, a little bruise showing: the bite's scar, the sign that you were a vampire's partner. «And you know what? I'm happy you chose me that time. I couldn't find a better boyfriend than you.»
«Even if I would kill you here? Right now?»
Hyeongjun was looking away from you, his eyes looking towards the mountains in front of the castle.
«I would. And I think all the partners before me thought the same.» You blurted. Hyeongjun's fingers intertwined with yours.
«Wish they thought that, but all I remember from their last moments was the pure terror of me.» You heard a sob. «Oh, I remember how they were scared and screamed for help when I was slowly killing them. They probably regretted being chosen by me while their life was leaving their bodies.» He used his free hand to wipe a tear from his face. «I don't think there's an afterlife for me but I wish I could go wherever my partners are, telling them I still mourn and remember each one of them dearly, how my rooms in the castle are dedicated only to them. My grief for them never ended.»
You stayed silent for a moment.
«What you just said is why that "Ancient" vampire is wrong with you, Hyeongjun.» You said.
«Uh? What do you mean?»
«If really you were like him, you wouldn't remember any of your partners. If I've understood something is that these "Ancient" vampires don't consider humans as...well, humans. We're lesser beings for them. The fact you remember them through your paintings just proves you're different from him.» You wrapped your free arm around his waist, making him wince. His skin was cold like ice but you didn't care.
«What are you doing?»
«Just showing you that I'm alive. And that I love you even more now.» You rested your head on his chest. There was no sign of a beating heart from Hyeongjun. Or maybe there was, just beating slower than a normal human being. «Knowing that you'll remember makes me happy. I'm not scared of dying from you.»
A gust of wind hit you. Hyeongjun's free arm wrapped your shoulders. You felt some hesitation from Hyeongjun's hand slowly placing on your shoulder. «You think I'll stop having that thought?» He said.
«No, but I think we can overcome it.»
«We?»
«Yeah, "we"! You're not gonna do this recovery all alone, not with me around!» You smiled. Hyeongjun left your hand just to wrap you with both his arms. He was still hesitant but that first step from you gave him some courage. He laid his chin on your head. A gust of wind hit you. Hyeongjun held you tighter.
«Thank you.» He murmured. «Those thoughts are like these gusts. They hit me and left my mind scattered, my hands dirty from my partner's blood. I've been used to the cold but this time I think your warmth can heal me.»
You raised your head, looking at his face. «So, it's a promise? Can I still stay with you?»
He nodded. You didn't think twice: you gave him a peck kiss. It was one of those rare occasions to do so. You looked at his surprised face with a shocked look: the black lipstick he gently put at you stained his lips.
«Oh, your makeup...»
He looked at the stain and doodled a smile. «It lost its magic when I lost control. It's just normal makeup now.»
«Oh, bummer, I wish it stayed longer. Now your lips are stained.»
Hyeongjun chuckled, his breathy laugh gave you some relief. He cupped your face. «Besides, I think I'm the only one who can ruin it, am I right?»
You felt a knot in your stomach. Those last words, Hyeongjun's eyes looking needy...maybe...
«Are you sure you only want to ruin my make up?» You said, showing a smirk.
«No. But only if you want to.»
«I only ask for one thing: don't hesitate.»
Hyeongjun smiled, his canines showing. He gave you a kiss, which he immediately deepened. You felt his arms roaming on your back, searching for your skin. In a matter of minutes you would have been vulnerable, completely in the hands of Hyeongjun. But you weren't afraid. Hyeongjun loves you and he loves your warmth. He would have fought those Dark Thoughts.
Soon the night would have left for the day. The sun would have turned Hyeongjun into a human. You would have been a complete mess, probably you should have found an excuse why you stayed all the night in the Lunarium. But it wasn't your problem now.
---
«You've been quiet for a while, Jungsu. Aren't they talking anymore?»
Jungsu covered his face, his cheeks turning red. Gunil looked away from his grimoire.
«Jungsu?»
«They're still in the Lunarium...and they're doing stuff.» Jungsu muffled through his hands.
«What stuff?»
«I prefer to not talk about it.»
«Jungsu, this situation is serious-» Gunil couldn't finish, Jungsu placed his right palm on his eyes.
«Oh...wait, are they...oh...ah, get your hand off of me! It's embarrassing!» Jungsu took off his hand, his face still flustered.
«My, I wasn't expecting those two being that... they're brave, not gonna lie. Doing it in the Lunarium...When I did it I was only 300 years old-»
«Please spare me your stories, those two are freaky enough.»
«Why don't you turn off the drone for a while if this is what they're doing?»
«Turning it off means I should destroy it and create a new one. That's how my magic works.»
«Well, that means I have two tasks to do now: an exorcism and fixing your magic. You can't turn into a voyeurist because of this mission.»
Gunil snapped his fingers, three new grimoires flew towards him. Jungsu just took a deep breath.
My next story is taking some time in the making but the good thing is that I already have the overall structure in my mind minus the beginning. Some more stuff is getting developed too because some stuff is hitting home again and it will probably turn into another story or a blurb
Characters/pairings: Vampire!Jungsu x Female Reader, minor original character mentioned, Gaon appears in a scene
Contents/Warnings: character's thoughts and flashbacks are written in italic, partial nudity (reader is shirtless), heavily suggestive (almost NSFW), mentions of fluids (blood and saliva), minor editing
Author's note: this story is based on my Xdinary Heroes as vampires-Headcanons post I made a while ago. I suggest reading that post before reading this one so you can get a better grasp of the universe it's set in. However, the story is still comprehensible even without the post so you can read it at your discretion.
Summary: Jungsu was having the best feast in a while but something, or well, someone, had the amazing idea to interrupt him. He doesn't like it.
Seoul's neon lights were beautiful tonight. The city never looked more alive than ever. You had the occasion to look at it from the top floor of a fancy, modern building. You saw a little thing flying from the window. The darkness didn't let you recognize it but you knew what that thing was: it was one of doctor Kim Jungsu's drones. You saw them flying around his house during his charity brunch from today, they were his security surveillance. You never saw them flying at night from the window of his bedroom.
Your vision became blurry, you felt two huge needles penetrating in the crook of your neck. You let a moan out. He started again: Jungsu was sucking your blood. You felt his arm around your waist lifting you and keeping you close to him, his other hand roaming on your naked back, his fingers tracing your spine. You hugged his back, your nails trying to rip the fabric of his shirt. You tried to unbutton it the first time he bitten you, but your hands have been stopped. Bummer. You wished you could have seen his naked chest, touching and feeling the warmth of it. But Jungsu has been clear: only those who went through the first feast can see him fully; it was the reason why you accepted to partecipate.
Kim Jungsu. Doctor Kim Jungsu. The doctor who organised charity brunches once a month. The doctor who specialised on blood's illnesses. Kim Jungsu, a man so strong yet always accompanied by a body guard, who's also his assistant, who's also his maître, who's also the one in charge of the house's security, who's also...he's everywhere in general. You managed to only know his name, Andrei, and that he has a strong European accent.
You didn't like that man around Jungsu. You even said it to him during one of the small talks you had during the brunch.
«Does he know we're collegues, right? He shouldn't be this manacing towards me...»
Jungsu brushed everything off with one of his usual laughs. «Don't pay too much attention to him. He just takes his job too seriously. He's a good guy, trust me on this.»
But Andrei was nothing in the end. It was just a little obstacle to the real goal: getting to know Jungsu better...and maybe confessing to him.
That brunch was the perfect occasion to get closer. You developed a crush on Jungsu since he got in charge for the bank blood you were working in. He was a nice boss overall: always making sure the shifts weren't too hard to handle, checking on the doctors and the nurses every day, being the last one to leave the bank. The perfect boss really. He only had that strange habit of spending too much time looking for the blood bags.
However the first thing who caught your attention was him promoting you as his "second in command". He told you that work has become a burden these months and he needed someone to handle the paperwork, but you weren't expecting being chosen by him.
«I've looked at you for a while, you seem the perfect one to work side by side with me.»
Jungsu was gentle with you during work, caring even. What you weren't expecting was developing a crush on him. Maybe it was because you shared the same age or because of your chemistry at work but something was there. Jungsu wasn't just your coworker or your boss to you.
Everything would have been stalled if Jungsu didn't ask you to help him for his new charity brunch.
«I usually prepare everything by myself, but this year my disorganisation won over me. Would you like to help?»
You didn't hesitate. You immediately said yes. And the next weeks became pure hell for you: organising the brunch, finding the location, sending the invitations, creating entertainment for the brunch, preparing the food, welcoming the guests, talking with them, dealing with some of them, especially the old, perverted millionaires, making sure the donations where actually sent to the clinic Jungsu wanted to help. It was a huge, messy hell. But it gave you a little satisfaction. Every guest who spent ten minutes talking with you said the same thing over and over: you were looking like a good couple.
It was a good satisfaction after a tiring day like that. But Jungsu had the amazing idea to give you another gift.
«Would you like to stay with me this evening? You look too tired to be at home.»
You immediately said "yes". Andrei escorted you to the car. You could have taken that opportunity to confess to him. You were both in the backseats, Andrei wasn't paying attention, Jungsu was distracted, looking at the street. But you were too tired and fell asleep. You got a huge dose of embarrassment when you woke up and discovered you were sleeping on his shoulders. Jungsu brushed everything off with a loud laugh.
Bummer, a huge occasion lost.
Jungsu, as you were expecting from a famous doctor like him, was living in a penthouse. What you weren't expecting is that the penthouse was only a part of his property. He had a whole building, surrounded by drones, full of staff members. It was too much for a simple doctor. Unless Jungsu wasn't rich too. Which could have been an option.
When you entered the penthouse, you noticed how it was reduced to just the living room and the bedroom. The kitchen was on the floor below. It was absurd to you.
«Jungsu, there's something I wanted to say to you for a while.»
«I love eating with my staff members. Unless there's a special occasion, I prefer spending time with them when I can. They're a family, kind of.»
«Even Andrei?»
«Yes, even Andrei.»
«Uff, I don't like that man.»
«You just don't know him, he's just grumpy and too serious sometimes. But he's nice, I can assure you that.»
You spent the rest of the afternoon in the living room, talking about the brunch, the guests, who was the most annoying, who gave the best donations, how the clinic Jungsu was patronising would have advanced thanks to those. You even rested a little on the couch. You were having a nice time, perfect to make your first move.
«Uh? What is it? You're not gonna resign, aren't you?»
Jungsu looked at you with a shocked sight. That was unexpected for him too, it seemed. You covered your face in shame.
«No, I love working with you. You're probably the best boss a worker can have...» You shook your head and looked at him, determination filling your eyes.«I like you, Jungsu.» you blurted.
«I'm sorry, maybe you aren't-»
You were interrupted by Jungsu's laugh. «Oh, that was unexpected, I must say.»
You looked away from him.
«But honestly...Me or you, one of us should have confessed at some point, uh?»
You looked at him, the shocked one being you this time.
«You...You also had a crush on me? All this time?»
Jungsu chuckled. «Yeah, but I didn't know how to tell you. Not at work for sure, and we never exchange our addresses so... maybe this brunch and this dinner were the perfect occasion, don't you think?»
You didn't know what to answer, the guy who was starting to act awkward with you, your boss, your coworker, your second in command...was also in love?
«And since when you had this crush on me?!»
«Uuuuh, for a while?» He laughed again.
«Are you-Are you serious now?»
«It's still so early for dinner time, thought, don't you think we can talk about it already here? Now?»
Jungsu kept laughing. «Well, we can talk about it better during dinner now, don't you think?»
«What questions should I answer?»
«I don't know, like, when did you exactly got this crush on me? You didn't show it!»
«I couldn't act lovey dovey at work, Y/N, I'm your boss! I need to keep a serious image.»
«Does that mean you had a crush on me since the beginning?»
Jungsu made a huge smile. «Yeah.»
You hid your flustered face with your hands. «Oh my!»
Jungsu chuckled. «Come on, don't hide. That means that my eyes immediately caught the perfect woman for me.»
You showed your face and puffed. That happy face staring at you was annoying. But also so attractive.
«Okay, my turn now.» Jungsu said while coming closer to you.
«Your crush...is it just a crush or there's something more in it?»
«Say what?»
You didn't hesitate. All or nothing. He should have known everything. «Jungsu, I want to stay with you. We're both adults, not dumb teenagers. I think we can just start as a couple, no? We already are one at work if you think about it. No one will notice it, at least for a while. What do you think?»
«Woah, so quick...» He crossed his arms, looking around the house. He looked at you with a serious sight «Since you're so fast, then it's better to say it now.»
Jungsu looked away from you. He played with his fingers in complete silence. He sighed before talking.
«If you want to stay with me, you must know that it will not be easy. My life...» he hesitated a little. «My life is harder than you can expect. If anything, my work at the blood bank is just a way to let some steam off. You must consider this too. I make different trips around the world, dealing with stressful colleagues, with investors. This brunch was just a taste of what I do for my researches. I travelled to different hospitals and I saw stuff that makes our blood bank a paradise compared to what I saw. Are you sure you want to accompany me through all of this?» He took a deep breath. «I can't tell you everything right now, especially if you'll leave, but think about your choice. I can give you some time.»
You stayed silent. You looked at the window. Seoul's lights were starting to light up. A few inches of light were leaving the sky. Soon it would have been night.
«I don't care» You said, breaking that oppressive silence.
«What?» Jungsu looked at you with a shocked look.
«You heard it perfectly. I don't care. You just said nonsense to me. Hard life? You think all the pressure we endure every day at the blood bank isn't already hard? How bad can your actual life possibly be? We can work it out if that's the problem.»
You held his hand.
«Remember, we're adults, not dumb teenagers. We can, no, we should try to be a couple. If it will not work, we will part ways, it's simple, no?»
«I don't know how these words will age but you showed a lot of courage.» He held your hand tighter. «When I chose you, I felt that you've been a brave woman. Someone who would have jumped to the most risky tasks and finished them despite that. These words just confirmed that I was right choosing you as my second in command...and as my new girlfriend.»
You both became silent again. You couldn't believe it. It looked like you were in a romance novel now. It was all perfect. Whatever step you would have taken now, it would have been an extra step, a new achievement for this journey.
«I was thinking... why don't we have some fun before-»
«And now?» You asked, breaking that oppressive silence.
Jungsu looked at the bedroom nearby.
«A stand before dinner?»
Jungsu nodded. «Why not? Aren't we adults? Then should we have some "Adult Fun" before dinner is ready?» He smirked. You gave a smirk too in response.
«Oh, Kim Jungsu, you're truly a risky guy.»
«I just like challenges.» He wrapped his arms around your waist.
Jungsu's kisses seemed gentle, but the way his tongue moved...fast, violent, there was something inhuman in him. He never left your lips, except for some seconds and let you breathe. But you started immediately after. His hands, although they were just rubbing your back, seemed hesitant. You were feeling that he would have ripped your dress' fabric if he wanted to.
«I think we can start then.» You said with a soothing voice. You started kissing. You let him guide to the bedroom. In a matter of minutes, you both were near the bed. You felt a new sensation while looking at it. You wanted to lay there, naked, letting Jungsu do whatever he wanted. There were some strange objects on the night table, like a towel and a little box but you didn't mind much: you just wanted to lay on that bed.
«Why don't you undress me, if you want me so bad.» You panted during one of your breaks.
«I would never ruin someone else's clothes.»
«Oh, what a gentleman. Better if I come naked next time.»
Jungsu chuckled. «Why don't you take it off, then? So we can have more fun.» He whispered in your ears.
You didn't ask twice. You parted from him, sat on the bed, and took off the top of your dress and your bra. Jungsu's eyes stared at your chest, the desire filling his eyes. You thought that this would have been the moment you would have fallen into complete lust. But something was still off. Jungsu was still dressed. Not a sign of change. Beside his eyes, he was still calm. He came close to you.
«You look so pretty, so incredibly pretty.» His voice was soothing, making your body melt. You felt that your dress would have got ruined soon. You wanted to get rid of its lower part but Jungsu stopped you by wrapping his arms around your waist.
«I don't need that. Not now.» He whispered in your ear.
He started to kiss the skin on your shoulders, taking his time between a kiss and another. His hands caressed your back, his fingers tracing your spine. You trembled while your chest touched his shirt's fabric. Even if he was covered, you could have feel every inch of his muscles and his skin. Your back fell on the bed. Jungsu placed himself over you, one of his hands roaming on your chest.
«What a beautiful, perfect body.» He said while gently squeezing both your boobs. You let a moan coming out of your mouth, which made Jungsu smirked.
«Should I play a little-uh?» He looked at one of your hands: they were grabbing his belt, trying to loose it. Jungsu took your wrist, taking them out of the belt. He shook his head.
«No, no, it's not the right time. You must endure a little more.»
You looked at him with an annoyed look.
«This is a pressure test, am I right? You're taking all this time to piss me off and let me go away, uh?» You said. Jungsu made a dumb smile.
«Maybe, I love making you needy.» He buried his face in your chest and started kissing it. You let a moan out. It would have been the first one of a lot of moans. Jungsu kissed, squeezed, sucked both your boobs, making you call his name. The knot in your stomach was growing, you felt you would have been soaked wet between your legs. You wished the mouth that was kissing and sucking on your chest would have eaten you, you wish the fingers that were playing with your nipples would have been inside or massaged your clit. But there was something strange in Jungsu's actions. You felt sole violence in those kisses, sucking, licking. Like an animal licking his prey's flesh to soften it before ripping it. There was an instinct Jungsu was repressing, an instinct that would have been unleashed at some point.
«Whatever will happen from now on, I love you.» He whispered.
When Jungsu parted from you, your body was full of sweat, you have been called his name multiple times and rolled your hips around his. You were soaked wet between your legs. Your dress was probably ruined by now: Jungsu should have better paid the laundry for this. He hugged you again, making you sit on the bed again. His grip on you was stronger than the previous one. Your hips were trapped between his legs. He moved you hair, uncovering one of your shoulders.
You couldn't elaborate why he said those words. There was no time. Two "pins" penetrated in your skin. You felt blood dripping from the wound formed by the bite. It was painful. But also incredibly sexy. You let a moan coming from your mouth, which made Jungsu hugging you tightly.
You heard some stories about vampires but you thought it was just a legend. Turns out, the legends were true. What they didn't say to you was that getting bitten by a vampire would have been the sexiest thing ever, even better than sex. You felt the knot in your stomach not leaving you. The warmth in your body was increasing. You wanted more of Jungsu. The desire for lust was still there. Whatever was doing, Jungsu shouldn't have stopped.
And now you were getting the third bite of the night. You were feeling every inch of energy leaving your body, you thought you were reaching death. And yet, the knot on your stomach wasn't leaving you. You moved your hips, trying to get rid of the dress completely: you wanted Jungsu, you desired Jungsu. You wanted your legs, whomwere probably sticky at this point, around his hips, trapping him in the same way he was trapping you with his arms. You were just moaning and making deep breaths at this point. This night should have never finished.
But then the "pins" who've been in your flesh for so long left you out of the sudden. You felt like Jungsu teared you into pieces. You screamed out of pain. Some blood mixed with saliva dripped on your chest. You heard the sound of an alarm ringing in your ears.
What's happening? An alarm? Did a thief break into the house?
«Fuck!» Jungsu screamed. He reached the bedroom's wall and clicked on a red button. The alarm sound stopped. A voice started to speak. A familiar one.
«Sir, I've received an emergency call from The Castle.»
It was Andrei's voice. You lifted your head despite the pain, trying to understand from where it was coming. You saw a little dispatch on top of the bed.
«Accept the call! They must have been attacked to call me right now!» Jungsu said.
A click sound came from the dispatch. A new voice came.
«Ah, finally! I knew you would have answered! Where have you been, man? I've tried to call you all day but your phone seemed dead.»
«Jiseok?» Jungsu said. You noticed his voice turning deeper.
«Yeah, it's me, did you-»
«You better tell me that this is an actual emergency and not another stupid idea of yours. You should know at this point that I don't like being interrupted when I'm feasting.»
His voice turned deep, you noticed claws appearing on his hands, his skin becoming paler, his body getting buffed to the point of almost ripping his shirt. His hair was getting longer too, but not too much. You felt the smell of suflur filling the room: something was going downwill.
«You were feasting? Why didn't you tell us?»
«It was written on the calendar but apparently you're too dumb to pay attention to what is written in it.»
«Woah, you truly were feasting, I never heard you being this angry.»
Jungsu growled. «If you don't want me to kick your ass, you better tell me what's happening. Move! My new partner can't wait!»
«Geez, calm down, I would have been quick anyway. You need to come back to the castle tomorrow. And bring your new partner with you, the Council called for another inspection.»
«Another one! What do they want from us?!»
«Wish I knew it. Guess they don't trust us enough or because we are isolated, so to speak. Gunil seemed desperate after the last reunion.»
«Fuck, so this is it, uh?»
«I think it's better if we talk about it once you'll be at the castle. Don't be late.»
Jungsu chuckled. «Did you forget who you're talking to? Have I ever be late?»
«Better leaving a reminder just in case. After all, you didn't answer at the phone...see you tomorrow.»
The voice shut down the call. The sulfur's scent started to fade away. Jungsu took a deep breath and then looked at you. You finally managed to whine from the pain, the tension from those moments leaving your body.
«The Council... always coming at the worst time. Always ruining everything.» Jungsu whispered.
He looked at you, your blood dripping from your wound, tainting the pillow and your skin. Jungsu took a towel from the night table. He noticed
«I'm sorry, love. I shouldn't have turned you into a mess like this. I'll be more careful next time.»
He pressed the towel on the wound. You thanked your body for being weak in that moment.
He called me "love"?!
The towel was cold, as if it was full of ice. Your wound was burning. You bit your lip, trying to not scream from the pain. Jungsu massaged the wound, making slow, little circles with the towel.
«It will not last long, love. The wound is healing fast. You're doing well. I knew you would have been perfect for me. Good, good...» He whispered in your ear.
You closed your eyes, trying to rest despite the burning. You felt the towel running on your chest, cleaning you from the blood and saliva dripped from Jungsu's mouth. You heard him sighting. He took the towel off of you, making you open your eyes. He searched a little, still clean part of the towel to clean his face and mouth from the blood. He then put the towel on the night table and took a little box. He opened it. You got filled by a scent you didn't hear for a while. It was, actually, a rare scent, a scent it got lost over the time, the scent of chrysanthemum. Jungsu took something from the box. It looked like a crumb of cream. He immediately spread it on your wound. It was cold but not as much as the towel was.
«This one should make you heal faster. I would have used it anyway but it's the first time I'm using it on a almost fresh bite. I'm sorry. I wouldn't have used it this early if it wasn't for this circumstance.»
The cream made your skin warm, the muscles on the crook of your neck relaxed. You wished Jungsu's hand kept massaging the skin: his soft touch was what you were craving right now. Jungsu kept massaging you while he reached the bedroom's wall and clicked on the red button. The dispatch activated again.
«Sir?»
«Andrei, go to the kitchen and tell the cooks to prepare a Special Dinner Cart. My new partner needs some recovery.»
You tried to hid your face in the pillow. Partner. Jungsu was indeed serious when he told you that you've been his forever.
«Did she take it well, sir?»
Jungsu looked at you for a brief moment before talking to the dispatch again. You noticed he was searching for your eyes. «Absolutely.»
«The Dinner Cart will be ready in a hour, I'll tell the cook to be meticulous. Should I prepare the bath-tub too?»
«Yes, prepare a bubbly bath, like you usually do. And tell anyone that neither me or her want to be disturbed.»
«You have my word, sir.»
Andrei shutted down the dispatch. Jungsu turned at you. You were feeling dizzy, the tiredness filling your body. His hand massaging your skin made you on the verge to fall asleep.
«Ach, I can't see if it's healing or not.» Jungsu groaned.
He lighted up a soft lamp. It was in this moment you noticed you've been in the dark until now, with only Seoul's night lights being your only source of light. Jungsu stared at your neck then he made a sigh of relief.
«It's healing... finally.»
He gave a soft caress on the wound, then he cupped your face with both of his hands and gave you soft forehead kisses. You noticed his body: it turned to normal except for the incredibly pale skin. When he looked at you, his eyes were different: the sclera was pitch black, the pupils completely red. You flinched seeing them.
«Jungsu, what happened to your-»
«Nothing, it was just my rage turning them like that. They'll be normal soon. I just need to get used to the light and...» He gave you a peck kiss. «And I just need to calm down while looking at you.»
You blushed. Jungsu kept filling your face with soft kisses, his hands still cupping your face.
«I'm sorry.» He muttered on your lips after another kiss. «That dumbass forgot what day was today. I wouldn't have hurt you like that.»
«Jungsu...» You said with a tired voice «Who is this "Jiseok" you were talking to? Where will you go tomorrow?»
Jungsu hugged you tight, trying to cover your bare naked chest with his body. You felt his skin turning cold: his vampire transformation was completing. He gave you another kiss.
«Don't think about it now. Just rest. There's a warm, bubbly bath waiting for you. And then we will have a nice dinner. Only you and me.» He muttered on your lips.
You were falling asleep, a "venom" started to flow in your veins.
The next morning your skin would have been pale, the wound would have almost disappeared and you would have felt something new towards "doctor" Kim Jungsu.
Warning: these headcanons are based on my (old) Oneus as Vampires post (basically it's set in the same universe) so I suggest looking through it just to have an idea. However, I'll repeat this information: these headcanons are mostly based over the folklore and the gothic stories I read about vampires. So no "vampires can die with sunlight", the sun just reduces them to their human form or heavily weakens them but does not kill them. The moonlight heals them and makes them powerful. And they can't die unless you burn their corpses, they're basically immortal, yeah.
These headcanons are mostly SFW
Gunil
His bat form is based on the ghost bat
He can survive for decades without drinking blood
He's the vampire with the Prince of Darkness Title
He turned the members into vampires by biting them but, once he noticed their lack of free will, he used black magic on them to free them. He later taught them how to use it, especially on crafting objects and weapons for self defense
His crafted weapons are cyclone glaives
He managed to trick black magic and making it useful for selfless acts. Before meeting the other members, he used it to save a dog's life. That dog is now his beloved pet Pooh
He's well known for his gentle manners towards his partners. He's always referred to as an "old gentleman"
Unlike other Princes, he doesn't kill his partners
He believes in some "vampires superstitions" such as "a vampire can't enter in a stranger's house unless he's invited", which makes his hunting for a partner very hard
Jungsu
His bat form is based on the Asian particolored bat
He can survive a year without drinking blood
His crafted weapons are drones
His hair turns into a grey/ash colour when he turns into his vampire form
He loves human food and loves organising brunches in the human world. Of course those are just honeypots for finding new partners
He's heavily selective towards his partners. He searches and wants only the best ones
He's considered the most caring in the group regarding his partners. He'll take care of the bite wound, he'll clean you, will give you food and drinks and let you rest until you'll be better
His bite is the softest in the group
He has the strongest grip. Once you end up in his arms, you can't escape him. And he will not let you go until he doesn't finish sucking your blood
Gaon
His bat form is based on the northern bat
He can survive 15 days without drinking blood
His crafted weapon is a bow
His hair turns pink when he's in his vampire form. While he can change colour thanks to black magic, he finds it annoying. Pink hair doesn't make him menacing, according to him
He prefers staying in his human form
He hypnotizes his partner with music. He crafted a little guitar with black magic, which he uses while roaming on the streets in search of potential victims
O.de
His bat form is based on the flying fox bat
He can survive five months without drinking blood, he can substitute it with fruits
His crafted weapon is an axe
He created his tattoo with black magic
He loves changing haircuts while he's in his human form. After all, his hair will regrow fast thanks to black magic. He loves shaving his head mostly.
His hair is purple in his vampire form
He hypnotizes his partner with...his fashion choices. His clothes are all full of black magic. The best outfit he creates, the better his magic will work.
JunHan
His bat form is based on the Plecotus ognevi
He can survive a few weeks without drinking blood
His crafted weapon is a sword
His hand tattoo is just a normal tattoo but he makes it glow with black magic just for the sake of pranking
He's the member who wakes up late from his coffin...and he keeps being sleepy after
He prefers staying in his bat form, so he can find a place where he can sleep in peace
And speaking of his bat form, he hides on his partner's bag so he can sleep-keep an eye on them
He hypnotizes his partner with his makeup
He doesn't like physical contact, not even from his partner. He ended up killing a lot of them because of this
Jooyeon
His bat form is based on the heart-nosed bat
He can survive a few days without drinking blood
His crafted weapon is a rifle
He hypnotizes his partner with his hair. Yeah, you heard it. He curates his hair with black magic and that made it his most strong feature
Since he loves to curate his hair, he created different potions and "shampoos" for it. He loves to use them on the other members' hair if they want to. In general he loves to help them take care of their hair
This affects his way to approach and love his partner before he bites them: playing with their hair, sniffing it, caressing it, doing a braid. Everything just to relax his partner and making them vulnerable to his bite
He has a habit of licking his partner's skin before biting it
He leaves multiple bites on his partner's body, it's his sign of affection (and possession)
He howls at night sometimes. The members wonder if he should have turned into a werewolf instead
pairing: xdinary heroes x reader || maknae line x reader
genre: slice of life » 1.5k words
✎… drabbles with various romance tropes, banter, slow burn
a.note ! apologies for the delay huhu | soccer player!jooyeon’s debut on joocomics hurray!!!
( hyung line ver. )
OH SEUNGMIN • CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO LOVERS
🎧 now playing... electric love - børns
Last Saturday of July. Or, as it is written in your calendar - the annual neighborhood block party and the traditional game of tag.
You sprint as fast as you can, your sneakers skidding on the grass; behind you, the chaotic shouts of the people you had grown up with since first grade echo through the dark, a mix of excitement and determination.
Needing a quick hiding spot, you finally decide to duck behind the thick overgrown hydrangea bushes. You plunge into the dark shadows only to collide directly with a solid wall of chest and heat. First, you gasp. Then, a warm, calloused hand clamps gently over your mouth.
“Shh,” the familiar voice whispers right against your ear. “You're going to give us away.”
You relax and pull Seungmin's hand away from your face. “You scared the shit out of me, dummy.” You hiss under your breath.
For so many years now... you’ve been hiding together during neighborhood games, sharing sleeping bags at camp and scraping your knees on the same hot asphalt.
But tonight, something feels different. His touch carries a sharp, strong pull that brings a foreign sort of friction.
The hydrangeas force you inches apart; the space is barely enough for one person. You lean back against the fence, but your foot catches on a root. Instinctively, Seungmin grabs you securely by the waist, steadying you. And he doesn't let go.
Up close, you see how much his jawline has sharpened, it's no longer soft and boyish; the well fitted white tee shows how much his shoulders have broadened over the last two years as his chest rises and falls against yours. It's not just from running - the game just started.
He murmurs your name, his voice making your skin tingle like never before.
“Yeah?” you whisper, your heart suddenly hammering so loud you're terrified he can hear it through your ribs, or... feel it, through his hand pressed against your waist.
“Your...” his eyes drop to your mouth before drtifting back to your eyes. He swallows and then: “I think my bracelet got tangled in the ribbon on your collar.”
He doesn’t move; his hand remains suspended right at the dip of your collarbone, his knuckles hovering just milimeters from your bare skin. Like that, the familiar, comfortable warmth that defines your friendship turns into live electricity. A dizzying wave of whiplash hits you the moment his gaze lowers to your lips one more time, dark and intense.
Is this right... wanting your best friend to lean down, and erase those last few inches and kiss you?
“Found you!” A blinding beam of a flashlight cuts through the leaves, shattering the silence between you and Seungmin. The spell breaks as a triumphant shout erupts from outside the bushes. “You're out! Both of you! Come out, come out.”
HAN HYEONGJUN • THE DARE
🎧 now playing... eyes off you - prettymuch
“Are you insane?” Hyeongjun whispers, his face burning red. “Absolutely not, I'm not doing that. I'll look like a creep.”
“Come on, man,” Jiseok chimes in, “let us help you for once.”
“Just say the words, coward,” Jooyeon tosses a peanut at Hyeongjun's shoulder. “Tell her she's the hottest girl you've ever seen. Easiest fifty bucks you'll ever make.”
“Maybe don't...” Gunil tries to speak up, but Seungmin suddenly starts chanting, lifting his beer bottle in the air:
“This is the summer of Han Hyeongjun, everyone!”
Hyeongjun stands up on shaky legs. He wipes his sweaty palms on his jeans, already regretting every life choice that had led him to this moment. Fifty bucks cash! Jooyeon calls out behind him. You have to say the words!
As he walks across the lawn, the space between his friends and the oak tree feels miles long. He stops just at the edge of the picnic blanket where you and your friend are sat.
You, the prettiest girl he has ever seen, in the prettiest green dress he has ever seen, stop talking mid-sentence to look up, eyes narrowing slightly as you take in his tall, panicked frame.
“Hi,” he breathes, then clears his throat quickly, forcing himself to look down at you. “I'm... I'm really sorry to interrupt your evening, but I just... I had to come over here and tell you that...”
The words come out heavy, entirely ridiculous hanging in the cool evening air. Hyeongjun just wants to sprint back to his apartment and lock the door for a week.
Fuck those fifty bucks.
“I draw sometimes too,” he blurts out.
You blink, your defensive expression shifting into confusion. You glance down at the open sketchbook in your lap where a half-finished sketch of the park's fountain sits.
“What?” you ask quietly, watching him just hover there, his shoulders hitching up to his ears.
“Your... your sketchbook. I just noticed that you're drawing, and not reading, or... scrolling on your phone like everyone else. I'm sorry, that was incredibly awkward. I'll just... go.”
He can see the collective disappointment on his friends' faces once he turns around, but he doesn't care anymore. He’s relieved that he at least chose a normal, human sentence.
And then, just as he's about to take his second step, he hears your melodic voice, the tilt making his heart race faster.
“Wait!”
Not wasting a second, he turns, noticing your friend lean back with an intrigued smile. You shift on the plaid blanket, the sketchbook tilting onto your bare legs as your hair catches the last rays of golden hour light.
“Did you just use that as a pick up line because your friends dared you to get my number, or do you really draw?” you ask, observing his coy face with a newfound curiosity.
“A bit of both,” he answers, letting out a self-depricating laugh. “I'm Hyeongjun.” Though his neck feels hot like he has a fever, his posture visibly relaxes a bit.
“Nice to meet you, Hyeongjun.” You beam with the prettiest smile Han Hyeongjun has ever seen.
LEE JOOYEON • FISH OUT OF WATER
🎧 now playing... nothing really matters - madonna
You press your forehead against the cool glass of the charter bus window, watching the highway blur past. Two rows ahead of you, the starting defensive line is currently screaming at a nintendo switch screen, while across the aisle, the backup goalkeeper is meticulously wrapping his lucky athletic tape around his left shin for the third time this hour, whispering what sounds like a prayer to the gods.
Jesus, you hate soccer.
Footsteps echo down the aisle, cutting through the bass of a Kendrick Lamar track blasting from someone's portable speaker. You look up as Jooyeon slides into the empty seat beside you, a massive grin stretching across his face; he’s dressed in his usual varsity track jacket.
“Comfortable?” he asks, handing you a coffee, then slinging an arm over the top of the headrest.
You slowly close the laptop, giving him a flat, unamused look. “I have never felt more out of my depth in my entire life. Your teammate over there is literally kissing his… shin pads.”
“Hey, don't knock the rituals.” Jooyeon laughs, nudging your shoulder with his. “You look like you're about to write a psychological horror piece instead of a sports article.”
“I really don't know how me getting dragged to this is going to be useful,” you say, gesturing vaguely to the chaotic bus around you. You take a sip, then continue: “People want to know why you crashed a golf cart into the university fountain, Jooyeon, not which Mario Kart character your teammates identify with.”
“But they already know about all of that. That's why I'm in the doghouse,” he points out, a ring of annoyance briefly tilting his voice. “If you just write a boring apology piece, nobody's going to buy it. Nobody’s going to forgive me. But if you show what happens here... how much pressure is not only on me, but all these guys, how hard we work and how we actually function when we aren't being idiots at frat parties... that's a real story.”
Your eyes narrow as you study the relaxed, confident tilt of his head a little more. “You know, I'm aware why you're doing this. You don't care about journalism, and you certainly don't care about the university’s newspaper. You just want me to write a stunning piece so you can get back on the field. And to make the campus girls forget you are a menace.”
Jooyeon's grin falters just for a second, a sudden serious flash crossing his eyes before he masks it. “Is that what you really think of me?”
“I've spent three years watching soccer players on this campus," you stand your ground despite the slight flutter in your chest; all because of the way he holds his gaze on you - like there’s absolutely nothing more important or interesting that could steal his attention right now. “Give me one good reason to think you're any different.”
Jooyeon continues looking at you for a long moment, the rowdy noise of the bus fading into the background between you. Then, a soft, breathy laugh escapes him as he shakes his head, reaching into his duffel bag. “Fair enough,” he murmurs, giving an ending to this conversation. He pulls out a slightly crushed paper bag, holding it out to you. “Blueberry muffin. To prove my dedication to the cause, you know.”
You stare down at the little bag, then up at his ridiculously charming face - at his glinting eyes which you see almost every day now. You let out a defeated sigh and accept the sweet treat, realising with a jolt just how easily he has woven himself into your life.
