Hello, Sunset - 11
AN: This chapter is long overdue, I'm sorry for the long wait. A lot has happened in my personal and work life and I've just not been in the head space to write. Writing is my escape and right now I need it so thank you to everyone who reads this. PAIRING: Seungcheol x fem!reader GENRE: exes to lovers, idol verse, angst WORD COUNT: 5,111 WARNINGS: reader has anxiety and depression, swearing, mentions of alcohol Text in blue is spoken/written in Korean. PREVIOUS / NEXT
The seatbelt sign glared at her as the plane began its descent. She moved her seat upright again and buckled the straps together. Eyes closed again and grasping the seat handles tightly, Y/N tried her best to ignore the nervousness that brushed over her. She waited for the touchdown, anticipating the brunt force of the aircraft’s wheels touching the tarmac and wondering why this part of the journey always felt the longest. She could forget that she was in a metal box in mid-air for hours, sleeping and eating without care, but as soon as it came to the climax of the journey, the fear returned in twofold. The aircraft shook violently for a few seconds, stuttered in its movements before it slowly began to glide to a stop. The captain’s announcement rang through the plane and Y/N took this as a sign to turn her phone back on. She noticed Emma doing the same next to her.
As the device in her hand came back to life, it began to buzz with notifications. Seeing Seungcheol’s name in the list of people who had contacted her in the four hours spent offline brought back the butterflies she thought she would never experience again. She still couldn’t decide if the events of last night were real or not. Was it a dream or would it become a nightmare? Only time would tell. It would be naive of her to not feel apprehensive about giving Seungcheol a second chance. Just because she forgave doesn’t mean that she forgot. She’d told him that last night as they hid away in her hotel room. They held hands with her head on his shoulder, admired the city view from the sofa and watched the night give way to dawn then sunrise.
It’s easier to build a new relationship than fix one that was splintered. It wasn’t to say that they would fail before they even started but to give them both a reality check. It meant learning to love each other all over again, they were different people from when they had first met after all. It meant moving slowly, taking one step at a time to grow the trust that had eroded. It meant patience, because there will be arguments, probably more than the first time around. It meant reassurance, showering each other with love to drown the doubts that were sure to crop up. Until they felt secure in themselves and in each other, until they truly could read each other’s hearts, until their love became a strength that only grew with each obstacle. Let’s work hard for it together, Y/N had said as she handed back the box with two rings, one that told of their past and one that spoke of a future. Give them back to me when we can take pride in our love, she had said.
Seungcheol
Thank you.
06:43
I love you. I’ll say it everyday. I promise.
06:44
I miss you already.
07:15
I took a nap and yup, I still miss you.
10:25
Have you landed? What time should I call you today?
11:03
Emma sighed next to her as Y/N grinned as she read the messages. She’d missed this, being adored so unapologetically by someone who knew her. Some may find the multiple messages annoying but she just found it cute.
“What time are rehearsals today?”
Emma ignored her question and got up from her seat, gesturing for her to do the same. By the time that Y/N was reminiscing about the previous night, the plane had arrived at the gate and they were now ready to offboard. Y/N and Emma were being ushered out first, before from the general public. Y/N put on her trusty prescription sunglasses and grabbed her carry on. Spring had already arrived in Hong Kong, the weather much favourable to the cold air in Seoul. The pair walked in silence, fast strides taking them through the terminal and quickly clearing immigration. They quickly greeted the fans who had chosen to welcome her arrival before jumping into an SUV that would take them to their temporary home for three days. Y/N knew that Emma was displeased with her and she knew why. This would be the first hurdle for her to overcome. And it would be an important one to overcome as she needed Emma’s support. She waited till they were in the hotel to say anything. Knowing Emma’s personality, she would probably address it even if Y/N didn’t.
As if Y/N had predicted it, as soon as the suite’s door closed behind the pair, Emma dragged Y/N to the seating area.
“Sit.” She pointed to the armchair opposite her. Y/N obeyed immediately and began to pacify her friend and manager.
“Emma, I know you’re-”
“Oh yes, this should be good. Let’s hear why you think it’s a good idea to get back into a relationship with someone who was unhealthy for you.”
“Emma, I’m not denying that things went south but you can’t call him unhealthy. I’ll admit it, the relationship was unhealthy and he was in the wrong but so was I. I have a share in why it was unhealthy, an equal share actually.”
She received no response to this. Emma was direct and could be brusque and this often led to others seeing her as rude. Y/N knew better. Emma dealt with facts, with black and white but it didn’t mean she didn’t care. In fact, she probably cared more than others once she decided to take someone under her wings. Y/N had witnessed and received Emma’s affection and care through the past three years, but especially the past 12 months.
“He knows what he did was wrong. He also knows that he needs to work on himself, just like I do. Neither of us knew what we were getting into last time but we know better now. We may have been adults but it doesn’t mean we were mature in how we handled our relationship.”
Emma nodded in acknowledgment, as this was a criticism she had previously often said to Y/N’s deaf ears.
“We won’t seclude ourselves this time. We’ll share a space together but won’t depend on each other for all our needs. We’ll have our friends who will point it out if we fall into our bad habits again. You’ll do that for me right, Emma?”
Y/N might not have Joshua’s deer eyes but hers did just fine to get her friend to a compromise.
“Just because I look out for you doesn’t mean I don’t think this is stupid. Got it?”
“I got it! Promise you won’t regret it!”
Emma threw a glare at Y/N’s smiling face. “Go and sleep! You have rehearsals in four hours and I bet you were up all night.”
Agreeing, she rolled her luggage to her room and called out good night in a cheery tone even though it was approaching midday local time.
“You better not stay awake on the phone instead of sleeping! You can call your beau when the concert is over. You need all the rest you can get.”
Y/N ducked her head in guilt as calling Seungcheol had definitely been her immediate plan. Promising her manager that she’ll behave, Y/N said goodbye to Emma before she returned to her own hotel room. The tiredness suddenly overtook Y/N once she was alone. After a quick face wash and changing into her pyjamas, Y/N dropped into bed and fell asleep promptly.
Performing in Hong Kong was a huge feat, especially for someone only in their third year of musical career and singing Western music. Y/N was grateful to Sian and Emma for all the marketing and Chinese show appearances that led to her being able to perform as she had last night. The whole experience had been special to her, but especially because Rachel and her parents had been in the audience watching her perform. Rachel’s parents had taken her under their wings and showered her with so much love during her childhood, she’d often forget the neglect and lack of love from her own parents until she’d return to her empty home. They’d seen the child for who she was: too mature for her age and settled to a lifetime of lacklustre responses from parents who measured her worth in grades and prestige.
The Lin family adopted her in all but names. Y/N became Jie Jie to Rachel’s younger siblings. She adored and cared for them, often being the preferred elder sister to approach for any help. It probably helped that Rachel called them brats who ruined her reign over the household and told her to stop spoiling the brats. Last night, her didi and meimei had also come to watch her perform and she’d promised to treat them to whatever they wanted today. Ying Yue wanted to go shopping whilst Kai simply planned to eat his way through the city. Rachel wanted to ditch her siblings and go to Disneyland because she claimed she was still a kid even though she’d celebrated her 30th birthday last month. Y/N had flown out Eun Ji and Rachel to her Paris show before they’d spent a few days enjoying a girls’ trip in the city of love and marked the milestone birthday for Rachel, not before making her cry about growing old of course.
“Y/N Jie Jie, let’s get going! I think I’m going to faint any second if you don’t feed me.”
“Ughhh, you’re such a pig. All you do is think with your stomach.”
“Ying Yue! Don’t talk to your brother like that!”
“What? I’m not wrong,” the younger girl rolled her eyes.
Y/N continued to lecture the girl on being nicer to her brother and not making comments about his eating habits whilst they put on their shoes. Kai grinned secretly, enjoying the telling off his sister was receiving. Rachel stuck her head in her parents’ hotel room doorway and shouted, “Ma, Ba, we’re taking the kids out. We’ll be back late. Let one of us know if you’re going out or want to join us.”
Rachel shepherded the group out of the hotel suite, guiding them towards the lift, slinging an arm around her teenage brother’s shoulders as they walked. The pair bounced off ideas of what they could eat, refusing each other’s suggestions and putting forward their personal favourites instead. Meanwhile, Y/N was now pacifying a pouting Ying Yue, promising they’ll go shopping if she apologised to her brother and played fairly with her siblings for the rest of the day. The four siblings (because that’s what they were, Y/N included) had a blast, reminiscing over their childhood as they ate their way through a food market, modelled fancy outfits they would definitely not be buying later and teased each other as they played arcade games. Spending time with family was healing for Y/N’s soul. Being with them allowed her to take the masks off, shake off the anxiety that rested on her shoulders as an unwelcome companion most days and pretend she was the Y/N who ate her way through packets of marshmallows practising the ‘Chubby Bunny’ challenge.
Rachel’s parents joined the group for dinner after enjoying their own exploration of the city. It was a rowdy meal as Uncle David and Aunty Angela imbibed a little too much of the free flowing liquor and the kids grew more and more embarrassed by their parents' affectionate gestures, mostly directed at each other.
“Ba, Ma, I’m a kid! I shouldn’t be seeing this!” Kai whined, covering his eyes when his parents shared a quick kiss.
“How do you think you got here kid?”
“Ba!” Rachel, Ying Yue and Kai groaned in unison as Y/N tipped her head back and chuckled.
Their father gave a bellowing laugh as their mother covered her face in embarrassment whilst giggling. The joyful mood continued the rest of the evening as the servers brought more dishes to the table and removed the empty plates that had been devoured. Y/N rested her head on Rachel’s shoulder, content in life as she listened into the conversations around her. Kai and Ying Yue were making plans for the next day, agreeing that a trip to Disneyland probably shouldn’t be missed but wondering how to stop their eldest sister from gloating for them choosing her itinerary suggestion.
Y/N’s phone buzzed from where it rested on her lap. She turned the phone so the screen faced her and sat up straight when she saw that it was Seungcheol calling her. She quickly excused herself to take the call but not before Rachel read the name of the caller.
“Hey babe, are you back at the hotel? Is now a good time for our call?”
It had only been a few days since their relationship had rekindled but sometimes it felt like they had never stopped. They were texting all the time and squeezed in a call at least once a day and sometimes more often, depending on which part of the world they were living in that day.
“Hi love, we’re still out but it’s fine, I can talk now. I know you should be heading to bed soon. How was your day? Are you back in Daegu now?”
They shared the details of the day’s happenings to the littlest things so the other person could feel as if they’d been there all along. They cooed over the cute action of the day from Kkuma, complained about how tiring it was walking all day and gushed over how much they missed each other. Falling back into this rhythm, all the old feelings buried deep inside Y/N resurfaced twofold. The emotions were felt more intensely this time around, coloured by the regret of missed time and bittersweet desperation to make up for it.
“The kids are going to Disneyland tomorrow whilst I take Uncle and Aunty with me to Art Basel tomorrow,” Y/N paused as Seungcheol yawned sleepily before suggesting he should go to bed soon, "Mmm. You too. Sweet dreams. I love you. Bye, love.”
Y/N turned around to head back into the private room they were dining in and saw Rachel waiting a few feet away, arms crossed with her eyebrows raised.
The sight of her friend spurred Y/N into tears that she hadn’t realised she was holding back. Rachel rushed over and wrapped her friend in her comforting arms, rubbing her back as Y/N’s cries grew louder.
“I’ve got you. Let it out, hun. It must have been hard for you. You’re doing so well.”
The words of reassurance and love were repeated until the crying had dwindled to an occasional sniffle. Y/N tapped Rachel’s arms to let her know she wants to be released, which Rachel did after squeezing the woman in her arms in a show of love. Rachel wiped away the tear tracks from her friend’s face before guiding her to the ladies room so she could freshen up. Rachel thought her friend looked beautiful even after all that ugly crying and told Y/N so. Y/N let out watery chuckles at this as she patted her face with cold water.
The pair agreed that the public space wasn’t the place for a conversation and that they'd pick up the conversation when they were back at the hotel. They walked back to their table with their arms looped. By the time they returned, their active day out was starting to take effect on everyone as their energies had dipped and the group were ready for bed. Refreshed and dressed in their comfy PJs, an hour later, the two best friends were wrapped by duvet in Rachel’s hotel room, the TV on low volume as background noise and Eun Ji dialled in on FaceTime on Y/N’s iPad. The iPad screen was black as their friend had the camera on but hadn’t turned the light on in her bedroom in Gangnam.
“Alright, you’ve had enough time now to come up with your explanation. Spill the tea, bitch.”
Shoving the friend beside her playfully, Y/N launched into her story about the happenings of the past week. The thinking and healing she had been doing in Japan, her conversation with Joshua, meeting Seungcheol again, the diamond ring he’d left behind, deciding to give it a go again, she told them all about it over the twilight hours. Her best friends listened patiently, chiming in on their thoughts and tutting when they disagreed on something. Telling her friends helped Y/N process what had happened better and reflect on her thoughts on the whole situation. They were people who balanced her good and bad parts and getting their perspective whilst knowing they would never judge her on her actions is one of the things she treasured about their friendship.
“So, why were you crying earlier?” Eun Ji asked. “It sounds like you are happy to have him back in your life. Did something happen today?”
“No, no, nothing like that. I just, I just got overwhelmed I guess. When I saw Rachel, I felt guilty about not telling you both what happened and then I got scared that you’d be angry that I’ve gone back to this relationship. It’s easy right now but what about in a few months time when we’re both busier and things aren’t so new anymore and what if we fall into bad habits again. And then I started worrying about how quickly I’ve forgiven him and how much happier I am after a few days of him in life and what if it doesn’t work out this time around too and then how do I pick myself up a second time around. I guess I’m just worried about all the what ifs. I made a decision but I haven’t quite processed it.”
Her friends didn’t immediately respond. The silence was loud for Y/N as she chewed over what she had just poured out. Maybe she was still not finished processing.
“I am not saying you’re wrong to think about the what ifs. In fact, we are built to think about risks and be in a flight or fight mode during a new situation right. The fear brain is taking over right now and whilst you should consider all the what ifs you’ve just mentioned, you should do it when you’re calm.”
Y/N nodded in agreement. She needed to see if her therapist would be able to extend her next session because an hour was not going to be enough.
“Rachel’s right. But also, why don’t you look at the other spectrum of what ifs that you were debating just a week ago before you reconnected? What if you never met Seungcheol again, whether that was for closure or for a second chance? Wouldn’t you regret that more?”
Hearing that was like having a light switch on for Y/N. Of course, she would regret that. She would regret that much more than to have tried again.
“Don’t write the ending before anything has even happened. You know where you went wrong last time so you know what to avoid. But that’s not to say both of you won’t make mistakes, perhaps you’ll make new ones this time. You just need to work through them together.”
“Wahhh. Choi Eun Ji, who are you? You sound more and more like your Psychology PHD holding boyfriend. Maybe I should date a chef if it means he’ll influence me to cook edible food.” Rachel lightened the mood, knowing that Y/N had been given food for thought and they didn’t need to talk so seriously anymore.
“I was always this intelligent, you dumb bitch.”
Rachel swore in Mandarin in response. “I gave you a better fashion sense, became friends with you so people could be somewhat accurate when they tutted about Chinese tourists whenever you posed for a picture in Central London and shared my hangover cure with you all for what? For you to call me a dumb bitch. You raise a kid with your blood, sweat and tears and all you get is ungratefulness. Oh, my head!”
Eun Ji groaned at her friend’s monologue as Y/N laughed at their craziness and started singing BTS’ Blood, Sweat & Tears, Rachel joining in when she’d finished ranting.
“Okay, it’s past 3am in Seoul and I’m tired of you both. I’m going to bed before you losers keep me up all night.”
The trio said quick goodbyes before the iPad screen blinked and turned fully black. Y/N wrapped her arms around Rachel and swayed a few times before releasing Rachel from her capture and unravelled herself from the bedding to head to her own room.
“Y/N?” Rachel called as she was about to leave the room. She turned to look at her friend. “You’ll both work it out this time. I believe it. I’m so happy for you.”
Y/N smiled brightly and nodded. She mouthed the words ‘thank you’ to her friend before heading to bed.
The next morning, after Lily had briefed her on what she needed to prepare for the art fair that evening and sent through the paintings that were on sale, Y/N texted Emma and Sian to see if they’d be able to squeeze in a call today. Emma had flown to Taipei immediately after the Hong Kong concert to spend a few days sightseeing with her husband. She’d warned Emma that the call was to tell Sian about Seungcheol and had asked for her backing. She sent off the three siblings to Disneyland with a hug and shoved a card to Kai to treat themselves to whatever they wanted while Rachel complained about her spoiling the brats again. The Lin family patriarch and matriarch headed off to brunch with some old friends after nursing their headovers with the hangover drink Y/N had bought them. They promised to return in plenty of time to get ready for an evening of art. Alone in a peaceful silence, Y/N had a morning of recharge. She texted good morning to Seungcheol, Eun Ji and Joshua as she waited to remove her face pack and for her room service to arrive. The timer went off not long after and Y/N peeled over the smooth mask from her face and patted the serum in her skin. The morning of R&R was going smoothly as her breakfast arrived not long after. She found herself sipping her iced coffee and watching an old episode of Doctor Who in bed in between texting back everyone.
Emma & Y/N
Y/N Telling Sian the news. 07:54
Emma I gave Sian a warning so she knows but pretend I haven’t told you. Being a double agent is so hard… 08:43
Y/N What do you want? 08:50
Emma Hmm been thinking of redecorating the house. 09:05
Y/N I’m not buying you a painting. Try again. 09:20
Eun Ji & Y/N
Y/N Good morning, bestie 😘 07:45
Eun Ji 🩰 Bad Y/N Bad morning. Ughhhh. I’m so tired. Don’t want to go to work today. Joon says hi. 07:49
Y/N Hi, Joon! How are you? 07:57
Eun Ji 🩰 Text him on his number. What am I, your messenger pigeon? 08:02
Why does a bad night’s sleep hit you harder once you’re 30? This is worse than a hangover. 08:03
Y/N Yes! I only keep you around because your boyfriend is so nice and he makes amazing pancakes. 08:05
You’re so old. 08:06
Eun Ji 🩰 We’re the same age, bitch. 08:11
Y/N Nope. You’re 30 and I’m not, so you’re old. 08:24
Eun Ji 🩰 You’re blocked for the day. 08:31
Joshua & Y/N
Y/N Top of the mornin to ya! 07:44
Joshie 🦌 My friend, my sister from another mister, is that really you texting me first? 08:03
Y/N Fuck off. 08:13
Joshie 🦌 And there’s Y/N. I guess someone stole your phone earlier. 08:27
Y/N Tried the ‘nice’ thing. Didn’t quite work for me. 08:29
Joshie 🦌 You have to be born with kindness. Like me. 08:33
Y/N Fuck off. 08:37
Seungcheol & Y/N
Y/N Love you. Hope you have a good day today. 07:16
Seungcheol ♥️ Love you more. It’s already a good day because I woke up to your text. 08:39
Y/N 😍 08:40
Seungcheol ♥️ Call you in 30 mins? Need to feed Kkuma first. 08:40
Y/N Yes! Whenever you’re ready, love. Feed the baby and make sure you eat something too! 08:42
The day passed slowly but it didn’t drag. The change of pace was much needed and it’s why she’d planned in the extra few days before the next concert, even if it wasn’t the most cost efficient thing to do. Seungcheol video called her as promised and the pair caught up on things they’d missed during their time apart. Whilst it hurt to be reminded of why they’d not been present when these things happened, they didn’t hide away from it. They spoke for hours and hours, not ending the call even as they went about their day. They were still on the line when Y/N had finished her make up and changed into her dress for the evening outing. They’d switched to a video call so Seungcheol could admire her (his words).
“I think I might go blind. You’re too beautiful.” Rachel pretended to throw up in the background, having returned from an exhausting adventure at the happiest place on Earth.
“Ignore her, she’s just jealous.”
“I’m the one who’s jealous. Can’t believe I’m not there with you. If I was there right now...” Seungcheol cut off his sentence but the message was clear to Y/N as she grew warm from his attention and desire.
Rachel retched loudly, “I can’t listen to any more of this. Choi Seungcheol-ssi, this hasn’t been fun. I have not missed being the third-wheel. Don’t hog my friend, I’m flying back tomorrow.”
Seungcheol laughed and agreed to give back Y/N and end the call if it meant that he’s got the best friend's approval again. Rachel waved him off saying he’d have to try harder and ended the call first.
“Ya!”
“You had enough time on the phone. You spoke to each other for-”, Rachel picked up Y/N’s phone to check, “- nearly, what the hell Y/N, SEVEN HOURS?! The two of you are disgustingly cute.”
Y/N giggled at Rachel’s alarm and took her phone back, shooting off a quick text of “Love you” to Seungcheol. She packed her clutch bag with the essentials Rachel handed over and gave herself a quick glance over in the middle.
“This purple looks so good on you. I chose well.” Y/N agreed. Rachel was her go to when she was stuck on what to wear. She was definitely the fashionable and stylish friend in their trio.
“She got it from me,” chimed Aunty Angela as she fixed her earrings.
Y/N whistled in appreciation as she admired the older woman in a midi form-fitting black dress.
“Yan Ya dear, please tell your Ba to hurry up. He’s probably still watching TV.” Rachel obeyed and left to check up on her father.
“Now, let me look at you.” Y/N stood still in front of her. She held Y/N’s face in hands and kissed the younger woman’s cheek with affection.”You look happy, child, and it makes you even more radiant.”
Y/N teared up at the compliment and hugged the woman who had shown her what maternal love should be like.
“Sian will come around. Don’t worry too much, okay?” She referred to the call Y/N had earlier that afternoon with Sian and Emma. Seungcheol had asked to join so he’d stayed on the line as she had the call with the Head of Talent at W Music. Rachel and her mother had been present, getting Rachel’s mother ready for the night and so had overheard snippets of the call. Y/N, too, knew that Sian would come around. She was a great businesswoman and that was the front she presented in today’s call but she cared about Y/N and would accept the relationship. Seungcheol had apologised and had let Sian know that he’ll be informing PLEDIS and HYBE today, that he would be setting his boundaries and promised they wouldn’t try to meddle. Sian had scoffed at that. Y/N had too, in her head. There’s no way the Korean entertainment conglomerate would accept its artist dating so easily, particularly after the ‘scandal’ this year. But she needed to believe in Seungcheol and that he would manage his agency and stand up for their relationship.
“Thanks, Aunty.” The pair smiled at each other before gathering the rest of their belongings. Ying Yue and Kai knocked on the door before walking in. They complimented the pair on their looks and updated them that their father was on his way.
“Ma, Y/N Jie Jie, stand over there. Let me take a picture of you both!” Ying Yue directed the pair to pose and clicked away on her phone.
“I am so lucky to be taking two beautiful women out tonight.” Uncle David commented on arrival.
“Ba, go and join them!” The middle child took more pictures to remember the night. They ended the mini photo shoot with a selfie Kai took of the whole group, extending his arm to capture all the members of the family of 6.
“Let’s go and pretend I understand art,” Uncle David joked as he offered his arms for both ladies he’d be accompanying.
“Speak for yourself, dear. I am an art magazine editor, remember?”
“Yes, Uncle. I’ve not just been invited as a celebrity, I’m actually going there to buy art, remember?”
“Ooh, do you think you’ll be able to secure the piece from Kim Soo Ja, Y/N?”
The ladies walked off, ignoring the arms offered to them and bounced off each other’s enthusiasm about the artists being displayed at the exhibition.
“Good luck, Ba.” Kai patted his father on his shoulder. His father patted his son’s hand in return, commiserating with each other over their fortune of being the only males in the family. Ying Yue and Rachel rolled their eyes at the dramatic duo and returned to looking through the pictures they just took.
“Thanks son, I need it.” With a sigh, their father followed after his wife and Y/N whilst Kai watched over him with pride.
