Nene

Behave and I'll give you a kiss ૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡

[veenenex]

I am WHO, I am WHAT?

𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ՞𐦯 Nene || She/Her || '01 || enfp-t || I like writing stuff about stray kids 𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ՞𐦯 What I'm working on! • Reblogs and likes earn you a big smooch 𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ՞𐦯 My most recent work 𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ՞𐦯 Askbox is always open as well as my DMs <3 𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ՞𐦯 Everyone is welcome here as long as you're not mean 𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ՞𐦯 OT8 stan, I have love for all!

[veenenex]

Fics

What if... aside of Felix's fic (which will be the seventh part of Leyboud), I may have got carried away by writing like... 40k of poly omegaverse for Sunghoon, Sunoo and reader?

[veenenex]

I heard a Rumour (That I'm too much)

Genre: Fluff, Angst, Romance, Miscommunication baby (Witch AU) Pairings: OT8 x Reader, Changbin x reader centric (with a sprinkle of the Felix-Y/n-Jisung trio) Warnings: Panic attacks, miscommunication, emotional hurt/comfort, brief description of magical outbursts (minor), self-isolation, anxiety, crying Word count: a little more than 16.4K A/N: It's 3 am, did I just finished writing this after 3 monsters, either I'm mimicking Binnies magic or I'm having an heart attack. With that being said, thank you so much for bearing with me and my horrendous writing blocks, I'm truly sorry for those. I really hope that you enjoy Changbin's part! Strap in besties, you're in for a long ride! PS: Not beta read, please don't hate me, also feedback is always appreciated! Big Smooch! Next stop: Lixie Much love - Nene Series Masterlist

˚⟡ Changbin hears something he wasn't supposed to, builds a whole narrative out of half a sentence, and convinces himself he's too much for the people who just want him back. You and Jisung definitely arenìt happy about it˚⟡

Your “return” to the land of the living was, as Hyunjin said, as if you just got back from war. 

You hadn’t truly realized how long you’d been confined to those four walls until you stepped out without any fear clinging onto you. The air in the living room seemed brighter somehow, louder, full of movement and warmth and life you had only heard through doors for weeks. 

Seungmin walks beside you, shoulder brushing every few steps, casual.

Your magic is calmer now, no longer feral, but it still flickers unpredictably when emotions spike. Yet Seungmin kept staying with you even after his “assignment” was over, becoming, in your words, your “very expensive emotional support dog.” Seungmin disapproved of that title for two whole hours.

The second you step fully into the living room, conversation drops. Jisung is the first to react, jerking upright from the couch so fast he almost trips over the blanket tangled around his legs. The snack bag in his lap crumples to the floor, completely forgotten. 

“Baby,” he breathes, like the word has been lodged in his chest for weeks. Your threads twitch faintly at the sudden movement, a ripple of glassy green light shimmering at your wrists, but they don’t lash, a courtesy of Seungmin probably. 

Jisung visibly slows himself down, palms up as he approaches you like you’re something fragile and sacred. 

“Can I?” he asks softly, hand outstretching gently towards you. 

You nod, your fingers slipping into his. Jisung guides you to sit beside him, movements careful but warm, and the second you’re settled he’s pulling a blanket over your lap. 

Hyunjin glues himself to your right as soon as you’re down. 

“Oh!” he wails, one hand pressed dramatically to his heart. “Our war hero returns, we are no longer widows!” 

You blink at him and Seungmin snorts under his breath. “You were not widowed.” 

“Emotionally widowed! Do you know how tragic I have been?” 

“Insufferable,” Jeongin calls from the kitchen.

A laugh escapes you before you can stop it, small at first, then fuller. It feels strange in your chest, like stretching a muscle you haven’t used in too long. 

Hyunjin gasps again. “She’s glowing I say! Radiant even! Slightly unstable, but radiant.” 

“Hyunjin,” Seungmin warns. 

“What? It’s true. Now if Jeongin moves his ass we can start our anime marathon in peace!” 

You let yourself melt under Jisung arm, smiling when you feel the soft press of a kiss on your head. It truly feels like home, yet someone is missing from your usual roster of anime watchers. 

“Where are Felix and Changbin?” 

Jeongin steps out from the kitchen with a glass of water for you. “Felix had a shoot today, some small new brand thing, he’ll be back later!” 

“And Changbin?” 

“Company,” Jisung replies easily, “He said he wanted to finish something.” 

“Been there a lot with Chan.” mutters Seungmin before settling on the floor in front of you, head gently resting on the side of your legs. 

You nod, of course he has, it makes sense. Things are delicate now, you know that, you feel it. Your magic has been calmer these past few days, but calm doesn’t mean stable. Sometimes your threads still stir unexpectedly, a stray thought, a spike of fear, you can’t always predict it yet. 

You look down at your hands, a quiet guilt settles in your chest. Felix had taken the brunt of your magic the day everything spiraled, not maliciously, but he’d been too close. The memory still claws at you sometimes. 

“I should’ve…” you murmur.

Jisung tightens his arm around you immediately. “Nope.” While Hyunjin flicks your forehead lightly. “Absolutely not.” 

You huff weakly. 

“Also, if Felix was actually upset, he would have dramatically FaceTimed us from the hospital.”

“Exactly! Like when he and Hyunjin called us after they waxed each other.”

“Yah! We got Minor burns! It was serious!” gasps in offense Hyunjin. “It was hot wax! HOT.”

That pulls a real laugh out of you. It bubbles up fuller this time, warmer, and your threads flicker bright for half a second before settling into a soft glow. They curl lazily around your wrists instead of lashing outward. Seungmin relaxes faintly against your legs when they do. Progress. 

Your laughter fades into something quieter. 

“...Does he seem weird to you?” you ask suddenly, the room stills slightly. 

“Who?” 

“Changbin.” 

Jisung doesn’t answer immediately, Seungmin shifts his head just enough to look up at you. “Weird how?” he asks gently. 

You hesitate, searching for the right words. “Not ignoring me. Just… distant? I know that I’ve been out for only a few days, but I feel I haven’t really seen him much. And when I do, it feels like he’s… measuring himself, not even a hug.” 

The admission feels strange leaving your mouth. You see Hyunjin’s expression softening immediately. 

Jisung exhales quietly. “You’re not wrong,” he says carefully. 

Your chest tightens. “So I’m not imagining it.” 

“No,” Seungmin replies, steady as always. “He’s been off.” 

“But not in a bad way!” Jisung adds quickly. “I think he’s just… thinking too much, you know?” 

Jeongin leans back against the couch. “He’s doing that thing where he tries to fix everything alone, a common trait of some of us if you ask me.” 

You swallow. 

“I get why,” you say softly. “I know things are still a bit unstable, and I too feel a bit odd about asking for help. I know I’ve gone haywire before…” Your threads stir faintly at the word, but you steady them. “But it feels weird. Like he’s stepping back before I even get the chance to show him I’m better.” 

No one interrupts you, no one tells you you’re overthinking. You feel Jisung’s fingers intertwine with your own. “Baby, he’s not stepping back because he doesn’t want to be here. If anything, it’s the opposite, I'm sure.” 

Hyunjin tilts his head. “And he’s terrible at half-measures. If he thinks something needs fixing, he’ll disappear into it.” 

You stare at your hands “That doesn’t make it hurt less,” you admit quietly. 

Jisung nods. “It’s allowed to.” 

Seungmin shifts upright now, no longer just grounding but fully present. “You’re allowed to miss him even if you understand his reasoning.” 

You manage a faint smile. “It feels too quiet without him.” This time, when your threads flicker, they don’t lash, they stretch gently outward toward your boys, warm and peaceful. It feels like before. 

“And when he goes back to be our Binnie,” Hyunjin adds, “we can be as loud as we can together, we’ll even do a screaming competition on the roof at 4 in the morning.” 

Jeongin groans immediately. “I am not getting arrested for public nuisance because you two need to express yourselves.” 

“You will be the judge,” Hyunjin isntins, already reaching over to squish him into an unwilling cuddle. 

“I refuse– yah! Get off!”

That pulls another small laugh from you, softer this time but real, and the room settles into something warm and easy again. Seungmin reaches for the remote and presses play without comment, the familiar opening theme filling the space as Hyunjin continues to harass a protesting Jeongin. Jisung’s arm remains loosely draped around your shoulders, grounding without trapping. 

You lean back into the couch, letting the noise and the worry wash over you for a bit. 

Across the city, in a quiet studio, Changbin sits on the sofa, laptop open but the screen is dark, he’s been staring at nothing for a while now. 

Chan is across from him, equally sprawled on the sofa, equally useless at the moment. Today they’d come here to work, yet neither has touched a single track, too busy thinking about everything except music.

“Jeongin texted,” Chan says, showing him a candid photo. It’s you, on the couch, half-smiling at something off-frame, Jisung’s arm draped around you like it belongs there. 

Changbin’s chest does something warm and complicated. 

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, Jisung’s got her wrapped up like a burrito. Hyunjin’s being Hyunjin… Sounds like she’s okay.” 

The words land soft, Chan watches him carefully as he exhales, shoulder dropping a fraction. “Good.” He means it, he really, really means it. 

Because for weeks the house has felt wrong, hollow, her laughter missing from the hallways, her warmth absent from the couch. Knowing she’s out there now, surrounded by the others, finally laughing, settles something in his chest he didn’t realize had been wound so tight. 

Chan sets his phone aside. “You could be there too, you know.” 

“Not yet,” Changbin shakes his head. “She’s doing so well, I can’t risk that.” 

“She asked about you, Jeongin said she noticed you weren’t there.” 

Something flickers across Changbin dace, longing, but it’s quick and sharp, vanishes after a moment. 

“I want to be able to control my powers first.” His voice is steadier now, more certain. “I can’t keep going like this, half waiting for the house to blow up every time I feel something too strongly. What if I get excited and her magic spikes?” He runs a hand through his hair, frustrated, feeling the desk next to him beginning to vibrate. He takes a small breath, calming himself. 

“Just two days ago I made you bind Jisung and Hyunjin hoodies by their strings. They were just standing there, and I laughed too loud at something stupid, and suddenly-” he gestures vaguely, linking his fingers together. “Jisung had to teleport out of his clothes just to get free. His clothes, Chan. He was standing in the hallway in his boxers because of me.” 

Chan’s mouth twitches, but he has the decency to look like he’s not about to laugh. 

“It’s not funny.”

“I’m not laughing.” 

“You’re thinking about it.” 

“I’m thinking about how Jisung has definitely done worse, but go on.” Chan says diplomatically. 

Changbin groans, dropping his head back. “That’s the thing. It’s not just volume, I don’t spike just sound, I spike powers too. Yours, Jisung’s, Minho’s. If I’m too loud around her and her threads go haywire again because I amplified her fear instead of calming it-” He stops, jaw tightening. “I can’t… I won’t.” 

The silence that follows is heavy with everything he’s not saying. Chan lets it sit for a moment, then leans forward, until he can press a warm hand on Chanbin’s shoulder. “Okay,” he says quietly. “So we fix it, together, all right?”

“We?” 

“Yeah, me and you.” There’s no hesitation in Chan’s voice, no doubt. 

Changbin studies him for a second, searching for something, pity maybe concern. The careful tone people use when they’re about to tell you to tone it down. He finds none of it. 

“You’re not unstable, Binnie.” Chan squeezes his shoulder once before letting go. “You’ve always been loud, it’s what we love about you.” 

The words hang there, they’re not heavy, yet they sit in Changbin’s stomach like small pebbles. “Yeah, I know.” 

And he’s always known. 

He’s loud when he laughs down the hallway. He’s loud with excitement when a track hits right. And he’s loud with his affection, always loved like that. 

But loving something and being safe with it aren’t the same thing, are they? 

“That was before I could actually shoot the mic through the wall with my voice.” Changbin mutters, a fact. 

The desk beside him hums faintly again, wood trembling at the edge of resonance. Changbin doesn’t look at it this time, he just breathes, steadies, lets the vibration fade on its own. 

“I don’t think I’m unstable,” he continues. “I just… don’t want to be the variable.” 

Chan raises an eyebrow. “The variable.” 

“The thing everyone has to account for.” Changbin shrugs, trying for casual and almost landing, almost. “Lower your voice, don’t react too big, don’t-” He cuts himself off. 

Chan watches him carefully now, “did someone say that to you?” asks genuinely confused and a bit worried now. In all these years he’d known Changbin, never once he’d heard him like this, soft, almost scared of taking too much space. 

“No.” Too fast, Changbin clears his throat. “Not like that.” It’s stupid, really, just small things over the years that Changbin never gave that much care. His sister yelling from the other room, “Stop shouting, we can hear you!” The teacher tapping the desk. “Changbin, inside voice yeah?” 

Not cruel, never that, but just a constant reminder that he took up his space. He never minded it, but now…

Chan leans back slightly, giving him space instead of pressing, knows him, if he wants to talk about it he will. 

“You saw the picture,” Chan says gently. 

Changbin nods once. “She looked okay… I kinda miss her though.” It slips out softer than he intended.

“I know Binnie, that’s why you have to stop dodging her…” Chan’s voice doesn’t tease, doesn’t push.

Changbin huffs faintly. “I’m not dodging.” 

“You are.” A beat. “But I also get wanting to get a hold of your powers first.” he adds, practical as ever. He claps his hand once, light but decisive, shifting the air. “So! First things first, let’s finish these lines, then we can think about your existential magical crisis.” 

“That’s not what this is.” 

“It absolutely is.” Chan jerks his chin toward the booth. “In you go.” 

Changbin rolls his eyes but stands anyway. The second he steps into the booth, something in his shoulder loosens. The glass, the mic, the faint buzz of equipment, it’s familiar. 

Chan’s voice filters through. “You good?” 

“Yeah.” And he is. He closes his eyes and lets himself go, no trembling desk, no vibrating walls. Just him. 

By the time Changbin and Chan get back to the house, the place has settled into its late-evening rhythm, not really asleep, just quieter. The lights are dimmer, the hallway shadows longer and the air is warmer in that lived-in way that only happens when everyone’s home. 

They step inside without much noise, shoes kicked off by the door. Chan drapes his jacket over the coat rack with the ease of routine before disappearing in his room to put down his stuff. 

Changbin lingers a second longer. He feels different than he did earlier, not really fixed, but steadier. Music always does that to him and talking to Chan, albeit brief, definitely helped. 

Voices drift from the living room, yours and Seungmin’s. 

Changbin doesn’t mean to pause, but he does. It’s not even to eavesdrop, just because his body reacts instinctively when he hears his name, and your voice, in all honesty. 

“... I just don’t want him to think that,” you’re saying, your tone soft, thoughtful in a way that makes him instinctively lean in. 

Seungmin replies, but it’s too low to catch from the hallway. 

“He’s always been loud,” you continue. There’s a faint exhale in your voice, something fond in it, something that would have made him smile any other day. “That’s just who he is.” 

Changbin’s chest tightens, not painfully but just enough to notice. 

Loud. 

The word sits differently now than it used to. Seungmin murmurs something again.

You sigh lightly. “I know. But after everything that happened, I understand why he’d feel like he has to hold back… sometimes it’s a lot,” you add quietly. 

The pebbles in his stomach become stones. The phrase lands wrong. 

He doesn’t catch the warmth underneath it, doesn’t hear the way your voice softens when you say it, like you’re talking about something bright and overwhelming in the best way. He only hears the words stripped bare.

A lot.

His mind isolates it immediately, pulling it away from context, turning it over until it sounds heavier than it probably ever was. 

He doesn’t stay long enough to hear the whole context or what follows. Doesn’t hear you continue, softer still, almost smiling through it, “But that’s why I love him, he fills the whole room, right?”

“It feels too empty without him” helps you Seungmin. 

“Exactly! I can’t wait to get better so I can help him too with his powers…” 

But that never reaches Changbin, because by then he has already stepped back. Not dramatically, just quietly. He shifts his weight and moves away from the hallway, the sound of your voice fading behind him. The kitchen light casts a soft glow across the counter as he rests his palms against it, head dipping slightly. 

Sometimes it’s a lot. 

The words clings stubbornly, because they slot too neatly into something he’s already been thinking. Changbin exhales slowly, eyes closing for a moment as if he can press the phrase flat just by breathing through it. It shouldn’t matter this much, but it does. He pushes away from the counter and makes himself walk toward the living room. 

You look up the second he appears in the doorway, face lighting up immediately, just warmth. 

“Binnie,” you say, bright and soft all at once. “You’re back.” 

He nods, offering a small smile. “Yeah.” 

Seungmin shifts slightly on the couch, making space without comment. You tilt your head at him. “Do you want to join us?” 

It’s casual, natural, the way it’s alway been, and for a split second he almost says yes. Changbin almost crosses the room and drops down beside you the way he normally would, ready to get you in his arms. 

Then he notices your threads. 

They’re faint, barely there, but they stir when he steps fully into the room. A shimmer at your wrists, a soft vibration in the air that probably no one else feels yet. You’re trying to keep them steady, he can see it in the subtle way your fingers curl inward, in the way your shoulders hold just slightly tighter than before. 

It’s not dangerous yet but it’s there. And his mind, already primed to the thought, latches onto it immediately. 

A lot. 

Changbin forces his smile to stay easy, to not raise any suspicion. Though from Seungmin’s raised eyebrows he suspects he failed. 

Your expression shifts, not quite hurt, just surprised. “Oh, okay. That’s fine.” The threads flicker again, faintly, before you rein them in. They settle back against your skin like obedient light. He pretends he doesn’t notice. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he adds, softer. 

You nod, trying to match his lightness. “Yeah, sleep well.” 

He lingers for half a second longer than necessary before turning and walking down the hallway with quiet, measured steps. 

By the time he closes his bedroom door behind him, the house has fallen into a deeper kind of silence. He leans back against the door for a moment, staring at the ceiling like it might offer him some answer. It doesn’t.

The rational part of him knows that you didn’t mean it like that. You tease, sure, you match Minho’s bite sometimes, slip into Seungmin’s deadpan when it suits you. But you’ve never once called him “too much” like it was something to fix, like he needed to take up less space. He knows it. 

And still, the words sometime it’s a lot loop in his brain like an itch that can’t be scratched.

He presses his tongue to the inside of his cheek, exhaling slowly. Maybe he didn’t hear the whole thing. Actually no, he definitely didn’t. He walked in halfway, caught fragments, he filled in the rest with thoughts that were already there. He knows that too. 

Which means the reasonable thing to do would be to talk to you. Just ask, just go to her and say, hey, didn’t mean to eavesdrop, what did you mean by that? 

He pushes off the door and crosses the room, sitting on the edge of his bed. His elbows rest on his knees, hands clasped loosely between them. 

He fell in love with you. 

The thought isn’t dramatic or even overwhelming, it's a simple, and unshakeable feeling. He loves you in the way your laugh starts small and builds when you forget to hold it. He loves the way your magic brushed against him in a gentle and soothing way. He loves the way you look at him like he's the oak that’s been standing long before you and will be standing long after. 

And that’s exactly the problem. 

Because if he asks and you confirm it, if you say “Yes, sometimes you’re a lot”, he’s not sure he’ll be able to stop hearing it everytime you flinch, everytime your threads flicker. He doesn’t want to put that on you and he’s honestly scared. 

He rubs his palms together, grounding himself. 

Tomorrow, he decides. Tomorrow he’ll ask, calmly, normally. He’ll say he walked in halfway and probably misunderstood. He’ll give you the chance to clarify, he won’t let his brain turn half a sentence into a whole narrative. That’s the mature thing to do. 

He nods to himself once, like sealing a deal. 

Tomorrow. 

Tonight, he just needs sleep. And somewhere in that quiet determination is the reason tomorrow won’t go the way he planned. 

Morning comes quietly. 

Changbin wakes before the rest of the house, the pale light of early morning barely pushing through the curtains. For a moment he just lies there, staring at the ceiling, letting the last pieces of sleep drift away. 

He exhales slowly and rubs a hand over his face. 

“Come on Binnie, be a big guy and go,” he sits up, voice rough with sleep, swinging his legs over the side of the bed, “Just talk to her.” 

It sounds simple when he says it out loud, yet he feels himself backtrack a bit when he gets to the kitchen and actually sees you. 

You’re there, leaning against the counter with a mug cradled between your hands, wrapped in one of the oversized hoodies (is it Chan’s? Oh wait it’s his) that always seem to migrate around the house. Your eyes are a little heavy, but when you notice him in the doorway your whole face brightens in that easy way that still manages to catch him off guard. 

“Morning, Binnie.” The warmth in your voice lands somewhere deep in his chest. 

“Morning,” he replies. 

He steps inside, slower than usual, reaching for a mug from the cabinet. The kitchen is quiet in that early-morning way. 

Minho is there too, perched on the stool, one leg swings lazily while he scrolls through his phone, looking far too awake for the hour. 

Changbin moves to the coffee pot, pouring himself a mug. For a few seconds, things feel almost normal. You take a sip from your mug, Minho flicks through something on his screen. Changbin leans his hip against the counter, staring down into his coffee like the answer to everything might somehow be floating there. 

Just say it. 

He can feel the words forming already. 

Last night… I think I walked in halfway through something you were saying– 

His heartbeat picks up before he even opens his mouth. A nervous, steady thud thud thud against his ribs. Changbin doesn’t notice the moment the sound of it begins to carry, but your magic does. 

Your threads appear almost instantly, thin strands of glowing energy slipping into existence around your wrists like they’ve been tugged awake. They twitch once, twice, vibrating faintly in the air. One of them flicks over the cabinet behind you, leaving a scratch. 

You notice a second later, your fingers tighten around your mug. “Sorry-” you breathe under your breath, already trying to pull them back. 

But Changbin’s heartbeat stutters again when he sees it happening, and the sound amplifies. 

The threads flare, thicker now, no longer faint wisps but fully formed strands of green light. They snap outward suddenly, sharper this time, like static cracking through the air. 

Minho moves before either of you can react. A barrier flickers into place between you and the rest of the kitchen, thin, almost invisible, just a shimmer in the air. Your threads strike it before recoiling, the magic dispersing quickly once the surge passes. 

The barrier fades just as fast, silence settles back into the room. 

You freeze for a second, staring at your hands as the last glow fades from your wrists, your shoulders draw inward slightly. 

“Sorry,” you murmur, the word quiet and a little rushed. You set your mug down, your fingers curl around your sleeves instead, hiding your wrists. “I didn’t mean to…” 

“It’s fine,” Minho cuts in easily, already leaning back against the counter like nothing happened. “Nothing broke. We’re improving.” 

You huff a weak breath that might almost be a laugh, but your gaze doesn’t really lift from the floor. Embarrassment creeps up your neck, you wanted to be better, to show that you could keep your powers at bay and help Changbin.

Changbin watches the way you try to make yourself smaller, and something twists uncomfortably in his chest. 

“It’s really okay,” he says softly.

You glance up then, uncertainty flickering across your face. 

“Yeah,” he adds quickly, offering a smile. “You handled it very fast, I’m proud of you.” 

Which is true, your control is already miles better than it was before. But even as he says it, the thought that formed a moment ago refuses to loosen its grip. 

My heartbeat did that. 

He’d been nervous, loud inside his own chest, and your magic responded immediately. Of course it did. 

You nod faintly at his reassurance, though the embarrassment hasn’t completely left your expression. “I’m still working on it,” you say quietly. 

Minho, who has been watching the two of you with quiet, feline patience, finally slides off the stool. 

“Relax,” he says lightly, thumb gently gliding over your cheek in reassurance. A soft kiss is pressed on the side of your head. “If your magic wanted to cause real problems, we’d know.” 

You let out a small breath at that, shoulders easing just a little. 

Changbin nods along, though his mind is already retreating somewhere else, distance, you need space. He clears his throat softly and reaches for his mug again, mostly just to have something to do with his hands. 

“Actually,” he says, a little too strained, “Jisung and I have to head to the company soon, I’m going to wake him up.” 

You blink, surprised. “So early?” 

“Yeah,” he replies, grabbing onto the explanation quickly. “Chan’s already here. He’s waiting for us.” 

It’s not exactly a lie, just… a convenient stretch of the truth. Minho’s eyes flick toward him briefly, one eyebrow lifting a fraction.

You nod slowly, slightly dejected. The disappointment is subtle, but it’s there. Your shoulders dip just a little as you cradle your mug again. 

“Oh, okay,” there’s a pause before you add, softer, “Good luck with the project. Try to not overwork yourself, okay, Binnie?” 

Changbin’s chest tightens at that. “I’ll try,” he says with a faint smile. 

For a moment he lingers, like he might cross the kitchen and crush you in one of those hugs that always leave you laughing and half breathless.The kind that feels easy, natural. The kind he hasn’t given you in days. 

But the moment stretches too long, and the thought of your threads flaring again flickers through his mind. 

So instead, he turns toward the hallway. 

“I’ll see you later, alright pretty girl?” 

You nod, the nickname tugging a faint smile onto your face despite everything. “Yeah.” You say softly as you watch him walk away, leaving you alone with Minho. 

The kitchen grows quiet. 

You stare down at your mug for a moment, watching the surface of the coffee ripple faintly before the movement stills. Then slowly, you look up at Minho. Your eyes are sad, not tearful but quietly hurt. 

Minho has been leaning against the counter, watching the whole exchange unfold with the same sharp attention he always carries. When he sees your expression, something in his face softens immediately. 

He pushes himself off the counter and steps closer, one hand lifts slightly. 

“Can I?” he asks gently and you nod without hesitation. 

Minho reaches out and pulls you into a loose hug, one arm wrapping around your shoulders and drawing you against his side. It’s warm but not suffocating, the kind of steady contact that he always gives. 

You lean into him, for a moment neither of you says anything, then your fingers curl slightly in the sleeve of his hoodie. 

“I want to help him…” you murmur quietly, voice barely above a whisper. 

Minho’s hand moves up to rest lightly against the back of your head. “I know, jagi. I know.” he murmurs, his eyes flickering where Changbin disappeared. 

Meanwhile, Changbin stops in front of Jisung’s door and knocks once before pushing it open. 

The room is dark except for a sliver of light slipping through the curtains. Jisung is still fully wrapped in his blanket cocoon, only a mess of hair visible above the pillow. 

“...If the house is on fire,” Jisung mumbles into the mattress, “I accept my fate, take Y/n and Seungmin first, we both know they can’t run for shit.” 

Changbin huffs out a quiet breath that might almost pass for a laugh. “Good morning to you too.”

Jisung groans, dragging the blanket higher over his head like it might shield him from reality and for one second he’s tempted to teleport in another room so he can continue to sleep. “Why are you awake.” 

“We uh, have to go,” Changbin says, not completely convinced about his own answer.

That gets a pause, one eye cracks open. 

“...Where.” 

“The company.”

“The company? Why?” Jisung slowly lifts his head from the pillow, confused “Right now?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Did Chan text you?” 

Changbin hesitates just long enough for Jisung to notice it fully. “Not yet?” 

“So you woke me up… because Chan might text you?” He squints at him, suspicion sharpening through the lingering sleep. “Are you an oracle in addition to being a human amp?” 

Changbin grimaces.

Jisung pushes himself up onto one elbow, blanket slipping down to his waist as he stares at him properly now. Jisung can be many things, dramatic, loud and occasionally insufferable before coffee. But stupid has never been one of them. 

“You’re avoiding her.”

“I’m not avoiding her,” Changbin says immediately. 

Jisung raises an eyebrow. “You woke me up at sunrise to evacuate the house.” 

“It’s nine in the- That's not what-” 

“You literally said we have to leave now,” Jisung interrupts, gesturing vaguely toward the door. “For a project that doesn’t exist yet.” 

Changbin rubs the back of his neck. “It exists.”

“Does Chan know it exists?” 

“...It will exist.” 

Jisung stares at him for another long second, then he sighs heavily and drops his head back onto the pillow. “Oh my god, you’re spiraling.” 

“I’m not spiraling.” 

“You’re literally inventing work to avoid a conversation,” Jisung mutters into the mattress. “That’s the definition of spiraling.” 

Changbin shifts his weight, jaw tightening slightly. 

“It’s not like that.” 

“Then explain it.” 

Silence stretches between them. 

Changbin opens his mouth then closes it again, because the explanation sounds ridiculous even in his own head. I’m too loud, I could put someone in danger.

He exhales slowly. “Just get dressed,” he mutters 

Jisung lifts his head again, studying him more carefully this time. The teasing expression fades a little, replaced by something more thoughtful. 

“...Did something happen this morning?” 

Changbin looks away. 

“Bin.” 

He hesitates, then finally admits, quieter this time, “Her magic spiked again.” 

Jisung sits up a little straighter. “Okay… and?” 

“I got nervous,” Changbin says, voice lower now. “I was thinking about talking to her, my heart sped up and her threads reacted to it.” 

“That’s… how her magic works though. She’s sensitive to others' magic.” 

“Yeah.” 

“So that’s not exactly new information.” 

Changbin doesn’t respond, leaving Jisung the time to study him for another moment. Something clicks behind his eyes. “...Oh.”

He already hates that sound. 

“You think you’re the problem,” Jisung says slowly. “Bin, that’s not–” 

“Just get dressed,” Changbin interrupts again, a little more firmly this time. “Please.” 

The words hang there heavier than the rest. Jisung watches him for another long second, then he sighs, scrubbing a hand down his face. 

“You’re unbelievable,” he mutters, but the bite isn’t really there. He pushes himself off the bed, stretching stiffly before shuffling toward the dresser. “Fine, give me fifteen.” 

“I’ll wait in the car.” 

“Yeah, yeah. Go warm it up or whatever emotionally repressed people do at nine in the morning.” 

Changbin ignores that and slips out the hallway. 

The second his door closes, Jisung straightens, sleep dissolving off him almost instantly. “Of course he’s doing this,” he mutters to himself. 

He drags on a hoodie, runs a hand through his hair, then pauses. He will need help, because if Changbin is already spiraling like this, someone probably needs to stay close not only to him but to you too. 

Jisung exhales. “Alright.” 

With a quiet pop of displaced air, he disappears. 

Hyunjin’s room is warm with early morning light, the curtains barely pulled aside so soft gold spills across the bed. 

Hyunjin is half-reclined against the headboard, long limbs sprawled comfortably over the sheets while Felix is draped across him like he naturally belongs there. Which, in Hyunjin’s opinion, he absolutely does. 

They are very much in the middle of kissing. 

Not rushed, not that heated either. Just slow and warm in that lazy morning way where neither of them seems in any hurry to move. Felix’s arms are hooked loosely around Hyunjin’s neck while the latter’s fingers are busy tracing idle lines along the other’s waist. 

Felix leans in again, lips brushing the taller ones, soft and lingering. Hyunin tilts his head slightly to deepen the kiss, one hand sliding up to rest at the back of his neck. 

“Morning,” Jisung says. 

Felix jerks back with a startled inhale while Hyunjin flinches hard enough that his head bumps lightly against the headboard with a dull thunk.

For a second they just stare at Jisung standing at the foot of the bed like a sleep-deprived apparition. 

“Jesus–!” Felix gasps, hand pressed to his chest. “STOP DOING THAT–!” 

Hyunjins rubs the back of his head, wincing slightly before quinting at Jisung. “You can’t just appear in people’s bedrooms like a haunted Victorian child, you know,” he says flatly. 

“Most people knock,” Felix adds.

“Yeah well, most people don’t teleport,” Jisung replies. 

Hyunjin drags a hand through his hair, then gestures vaguely toward the door. “You know that thing? The rectangle made of wood? It opens.” 

“You’re talking as if your door in the last apartment wasn’t a literal curtain,” Jisung shoots back, making Felix snort. 

Hyunjin’s expression turns mildly offended. “That curtain had character.”

“It also had zero privacy,” Jisung says flatly.

Felix shifts slightly where he’s still perched across Hyunjin’s lap, one arm loosely draped around his shoulders. 

“Hannie, why are you here?” 

“Changbin’s spiraling because he thinks he’s the reason Y/n’s magic spikes when he’s around.” 

That gets their attention immediately. Felix straightens while Hyunjin groans and lets his head fall back against the headboard again. 

“But it’s just her magic reacting, she still has to fully adjust, that’s not his fault.” Felix frowns thoughtfully. 

“Correct,” Jisung replies. “Try explaining that to the stubborn mule currently inventing fake work emergencies so he can run away from the house.” 

Hyunjin exhales slowly, fingers still squeezing Felix’s waist. “So what’s the plan?” 

“I’m going to the company with him,” Jisung says. “If I leave him alone right now he’ll do that thing where he gets all silent and mopey with an entire existential crisis.” 

Felix nods slowly, “And us?” 

“Stay close to Y/n, just keep an eye on her, I don’t want her to feel bad for what’s happening.” 

Hyunjin tilts his head slightly, “Like an intervention?” 

“Kinda?” Jisung admits grimacing. “The main thing is just not letting either of them spiral.” 

Hyunjin sighs again, rubbing a hand over his face before looking back at Jisung.

“Alright, we’ll stick with her.” 

Felix nods beside him in quiet agreement. “Of course we will.” 

For a second the room grows still again, the weight of the situation settling properly now that the joking has worn off. Jisung exhales through his nose, some of the tension in his shoulders easing. 

“Thanks,” he says. He turns as if to leave, already half shifting his weight to teleport, when he suddenly pauses. 

“Oh- right!” 

Before either of them can react, he leans in and presses a quick kiss first on Felix’s cheek then Hyunjin’s. The latter freezes for a moment, clearly not expecting that. “...What was that for?” 

“Team morale,” Jisung replies brightly. 

“You’re weird.” 

“You love me,” comes the quick reply. 

Then, with a soft pop of displaced air, Jisung disappears.

Just stay calm, don’t be too loud. 

By the time Changbin and Jisung reach the company building, the thought has already planted itself in Changbin’s mind, repeating with the steady persistence of a metronome.

Just stay calm, don’t be too loud. 

It doesn’t have to be permanente, he tells himself. Just enough time for things to settle. A few days, maybe a couple of weeks, long enough for you to grow more comfortable with his magic and yours. 

After that, everything can go back to normal. 

For now he will simply… keep himself quieter. Nothing dramatic like going full mute, just a bit dramatic, a bit steadier. 

Working will help with that, anyway. Focusing on something else always does, and from what he heard earlier, there’s actually a client waiting for them. 

So jokes on you, Jisung. 

Maybe they’ll work on something easy, something calm, a soft track maybe. That would be incredibly nice. 

The studio floor is already awake when they arrive, Jisung pushes open the door to one of the smaller meeting studios without knocking. 

Chan is already sitting at the table with their client. He glances up when the door opens, relief flashing across his face before it settles into a small smile. 

“There you are.” 

Changbin nods politely toward both of them before taking the seat across the table. Chan and Jisung’s gaze lingers on him for a brief moment longer than usual, subtle but observant, though he doesn’t comment on it yet. 

The client straightens a little in his seat, he’s young, probably not much older than them, and the excitement is written plainly across his face. 

“So!” he says, clasping his hands together, energy practically vibrating through his voice. “I’ve been listening through your work for the past few weeks.” 

Changbin folds his hands loosely on the table. “I hope you liked it.” 

“Oh, I did,” the client answers immediately, nodding with clear enthusiasm. “There’s something about the way you build your tracks that really stands out! They don’t just sit in the background, you know? They actually fill the space.” 

Chan smiles faintly at that, clearly pleased. “That’s usually the goal.” 

The client nods again, warming up as he speaks.

And what comes next makes Changbin briefly consider abandoning modern civilization altogether and becoming a monk somewhere in the mountains for the next month.

“So for this project I was thinking of something big.” 

Changbin swallows, “Big how?”

“I want something that can shake the room, something powerful, loud. The kind of track that people feel in their chest the moment it starts playing.” 

Loud. 

Changbin’s brain helpfully repeats the rule he set for himself earlier that morning. 

Just stay calm. Don’t be too loud. 

Across the table, Chan’s eyes flick briefly toward him, subtle but attentive. 

Changbin opens his mouth, hesitating for just a fraction too long while his thoughts trip over themselves. Part of him wants to answer professionally, part of him is still stuck on the irony of the situation, and another part of him is wondering if there’s a polite way to suggest… maybe something softer. 

Something calmer so he doesn’t blast the equipment through the wall at the first loud noise he does.

He’s just about to say anything when- 

“Oh, that sounds great.” Jisung beats him to it. 

Changbin turns his head slowly, maybe he misheard. 

Jisung is already leaning forward in his chair, looking far too enthusiastic for this house of the morning. He knows that shit-eating grin of his as well. 

“We love working on stuff like that,” he continues easily. “High energy tracks are kind of our thing.” 

The client brightens immediately. “Really?” 

“Yeah,” Jisung says with an easy grin. “If you want something that shakes the room, we can definitely do that.” 

Changbin stares at him. Traitor.

Across the table, Chan presses his lips together very carefully, as if holding back a smile. 

The other guy looks delighted. “That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear,” he says, glancing between them. “I knew you guys would be the right choice for this.” 

Jisung nods, still looking perfectly calm. “We’ll take good care of it.” 

The client beams, clearly satisfied, and just like that, the meeting moves forward until the three are left alone. The door closes behind him with a quiet click, for a memento, the room is completely silent. 

Changbin stares at an invisible spot on the table, then leans back in his chair and drags both hands down his face before letting them fall limply into his lap. 

“I’m fucked,” he mutters. 

The first week is chaotic.

Even if the direction of the project worries him, Changbin throws himself into it headfirst, like he always does. Coffee cups multiply like rabbits, the whiteboard fills with scribbled ideas, half of them illegible, all of them extravagant. 

And the music, God, the music. It’s loud. Big, heavy beats that hit deep in the chest. Bass lines that hum through the floor and climb up your spine. Layers of percussion stacking on top of each other until the track feels almost alive, pulsing and breathing inside the studio walls. 

It’s exactly what the client asked for. But it’s also what Changbin is trying very hard to keep under control. Because everytime he is working on it, he can feel the rhythm trying to pull him in, tugging him to match it, to amplify it. 

Day three brings the first incident.

It happens late, sometime past midnight, when exhaustion has dulled the edges of everyone. Chan is tweaking levels at the console while Jisung is sprawled across the couch, dozing off. Changbin is in the booth.

“Again,” Chan’s voice comes through the headphones. “Can you try to give it a bit more punch this time?” 

It’s a simple ask, and Changbin nods without letting himself think about everything he’s been trying to keep in check. 

He rolls his shoulders once, adjusting the mic slightly, takes a breath and lets himself go. The first line lends clean, the second follows. The build-up rises smoothly, tension stacking layer after layer, the synth swells. Everything, Changbin’s heart included, draws inward before the release. 

The drop hits and Changbin doesn’t hear the rest, because something in his chest jumps with it. For a split second it feels like the track isn’t just around him anymore, it’s inside him, syncing too perfectly. 

The mic stand in front of him hums but it’s not what startles everyone. 

It’s the couch on the other side of the glass, lifting a solid half meter off the ground. The booth is soundproof, reinforced, built to contain exactly the loudness of the music. 

But apparently that doesn’t matter, because the bass seeps past the barrier like a pressure wave with nowhere else to go. The frequency hits something just right, just wrong. And the couch reacts. 

Jisung wakes with a startled yelp as the entire thing jerks upward beneath him, blanket tangling around his legs before it slams back down with a heavy thud. 

“What the–?!”

The music cuts abruptly, silence crashes into the room.

Changbin freezes mid-breath. On the other side of the glass, Jisung is wide awake now, staring at the couch. “Did… did the couch just–” he gestures vaguely, still half tangled in his blanked. “Why did it jump?!” 

Chan is already turning in his chair, eyes snapping toward the booth. “Bin.” 

Changbin swallows, forcing his grip on the mic to loosen while the echo of the beat is still lodged in his chest, loud. “Sorry,” he says, voice quieter than before. “I was tired… I pushed it too far.” 

There’s a beat of silence, then Jisung looks down at the couch, pats it once like he’s checking if it’s going to jump again. “Okay but next time, can you not try to launch me into orbit? I was having a great nap.” 

Chan exhales softly, some of the tension easing out of his shoulders as he leans back slightly in his chair. “You okay?” he asks, tone gentler now, eyes still fixed on Changbin. 

Changbin nods, a little too quick. “Yeah… yeah I’m fine.” 

Jisung squints toward the booth. “Define fine. Because from my side of the glass, “fine” does not usually involve me becoming an astronaut shot in space.” 

“I said I’m fine,” Changbin repeats, softer this time, there’s no bite to it, yet something lingers underneath. 

Chan studies him for a second longer, then nods once, accepting it without pushing. “Alright, let’s call it for tonight.” 

The ride back is quieter than usual. Not silent thought, Jisung still fills the space here and there, but softer. 

By the time they step into the house, exhaustion clings to them like a second skin, heavy in their limbs, settling deep in their bones. The kind that makes you want to collapse into the first warm body you can find and just… stay there. 

Shoes are kicked off near the door without much care. Chan pulls the other two into a quick, tired but loving hug before peeling away, already halfway down the hall, mumbling something about sleep as he disappears into his room. 

Other voices drift faintly from down the hall, laughter, soft and warm. Changbin pauses for half a second, he doesn’t mean to, but his body does it anyway. 

Jisung notices immediately.

“Hey,” he says lightly, budging his shoulder as they walk. “You wanna come chill for a bit? Bet there’s a full-on cuddle pile happening, judging by the laugh”

“I would like to, but I kinda want to die on my bed after working on some stuff.” It’s not a lie… but it’s not the full truth either. 

Jisung hums, hands slipping into his hoodie pockets as he follows the noise, he glances one last time at Changbin, there’s warmth in his gaze. “If you want to try getting better on your own, we won’t force you,” he says after a moment, tone still easy. “But we’re here too.” 

Changbin looks at him, grateful yet silent. 

“And I don’t think avoiding her is gonna solve anything, with your powers and hers.” he adds softer now. 

“I’m not avoiding her,” he mutters, the answer coming a little too fast. 

Jisung tilts his head, not calling him out, just letting it sit. “Okay,” he says quietly, “Goodnight Binnie, don’t stay up too late spiraling. That’s my brand.”

Changbin huffs faintly. “Shut up.”

“You can come with me and make me.” Jisung shoots back immediately, wiggling his eyebrows in a way that would be ridiculous if it wasn’t so him. 

And it almost works. Almost. 

For a second, Changbin looks like he might follow, like his body already knows the path, already expects the warmth at the end of it. 

Instead, he shakes his head, a small motion. “Go.” 

Jisung lingers, just for a bit, before smiling “Alright, alright, more cuddles for me then.” He concedes before turning and heading down the hallway, drawn toward the warmth and noise without hesitation. 

Changbin stays where he is, maybe for a moment longer than necessary. He wants to join, he really does. He knows that this project will take a toll on him, especially now, when control already feels thinner than it should. And there’s nothing that would help more than collapsing into the warmth waiting down the hall. 

He closes his eyes, thinking about it. One arm around you, the other maybe around Felix? Gosh it’s been too long since he cuddled with Lixie like that. 

So he moves. Slow steps at first, almost hesitant, like he’s testing the idea as he makes it. The sounds of laughter get clearer the closer he gets, voices overlapping in that easy heartwarming way. 

Jisung’s loud, as usual, Hyunjin complains about something dramatic. Felix laughs, bright and warm at something you said. Oh, you’re in there too. 

Changbin slows as he reaches the door, hand hovering just short of the handle. He could step in, it would be so easy, natural. His fingers twitch… and then he remembers. 

Sometimes it’s a lot. 

Your voice, quiet, a bit sad. 

That makes Changbin still, his hand lowering slowly. He takes a small step back, then another, the distance feels wrong immediately, but he doesn’t stop. He turns before he can second-guess himself, because if he hesitates now, he won’t be able to leave at all. “Not yet” he murmurs to himself, not when he still doesn’t have it under control. 

The door to his room closes behind him with a soft click, unaware of the fact that Seungmin’s gaze lingered on his retreating form. 

Felix’s room is warm. 

You’re tucked between Felix and Hyunjin, the three of you half-buried under blankets, limbs loosely tangled in that familiarity that you discovered during these months. Felix’s arm is draped around your waist, fingers tracing slow, absent patterns against your side, while Hyunjin is half sprawled across both of you, content and unmoving. 

Your magic is quiet, threads occasionally brushing against your lovers as you chat. It almost feels as if the whole post Leyfall happened. 

Jisung shuffles quietly into the room, dragging his feet just enough to sell the exhaustion. “I survived,” he announces tiredly. 

Felix snorts softly. “Barely.” 

“Excuse you, I was a victim of workplace violence, almost got launched off the couch” he slumps over Hyunjin, directly in front of you. “I demand kisses.” 

Hyunjin groans faintly under the added weight but doesn’t move. “You’re so dramatic.” 

You huff out a quiet laugh, your threads stirring a little brighten at the familiar chaos. “Come here,” you murmur, reaching out.

Jisung doesn’t need to be told twice. He leans in immediately, shameless, and you press a quick kiss to his cheek. Felix follows without thinking, pressing one to his hair, while Hyunjin, after a second of dramatic suffering, tilts his head just enough to bump his forehead lightly against Jisung shoulder. 

“Better?” you ask softly. 

“Marginally, Jisung sighs, already melting into the pile like he belongs there, because he does. 

Your threads brush over him, light and gentle, settling just as easily as they do around Felix and Hyunjin. Jisung notices it, warm fingers find yours before gently bringing them towards his lips in a gentle kiss. “How was your day, baby?”

“It was good,” you smile slowly, relaxed. “I’m getting better, I think… Spending time with everyone definitely helps”

Felix’s fingers pause briefly against your side, attention sharpening just a little. “Yeah?” 

You nod while gently scratching Hyunjin’s scalp. “I can feel my magic getting calmer, it feels like it’s finally recognizing everyone again.” 

As if to prove your point, one of the threads curls loosely around Jisung’s wrist before slipping away, light as air. It’s a stark contrast from what would have happened days ago. 

Hyunjin hums quietly, eyes still half-lidded. “They look like before.” Felix smiles faintly, pressing a gentle kiss just below your ear. “That’s good, angel.” 

For a moment, everything feels easy again, just soft laughter, quiet touches and the steady warmth of bodies pressed close. You bask in the peace, feeling that even the house is rumbling with content, something gets your attention. Your threads stir with curiosity for a second, but it’s enough to make your gaze flick toward the door. 

It’s just for a second, but it’s enough for Jisung. His eyes follow the movement in quiet understanding. “He went to his room,” he says, a little gentler now. 

There’s a pause, your threads waver, just barely. “Oh,” you murmur, not being able to mask the hurt. Felix’s arm tightens around your waist, instinctive, grounding, Hyunjin shifts slightly, attention settling on you. Jisung exhales softly, tipping his head back for a second before looking at you again. 

“He’s being stubborn,” he says, a hint of fond exasperation slipping through. “And a little stupid.” 

You huff faintly at that, even as your fingers curl into the fabric of the blanket. “It’s just… I wish he could talk to me,” you admit quietly. “Maybe I can help him now that I’m getting better… I think that being near him could actually help my magic getting used to him again.”

Jisung’s expression shifts into something more thoughtful. “Yeah, it probably would.” 

“You should talk to him.” Hyunjin hums.

You hesitate. “He won’t like that,” you say quieter now. 

“Maybe not,” Hyunjin shrugs lightly. “But avoiding each other clearly isn’t working either.” 

“Exactly,” Jisung adds. “At this point it’s just mutual suffering, and not the good slowburn kind.” 

Felix gives him a look, but there’s no real heat behind it. You let out a small laugh, your threads drifting again, soft, airy, brushing against all of them without resistance. They’re right, even if it’s messy and doesn’t go perfectly. 

“...I’ll talk to him,” you decide, voice steadier this time. “I’ll still respect his space, but I won’t just wait anymore, I have to at least say something. 

Hyunjin smiles faintly, satisfied. “Good.” he says, before getting comfortable again, his laptop already open to watch something. 

Jisung grins. “Look at that. Growth and communication, I’m so proud of us.” 

“Don’t ruin it,” Felix mutters softly. 

You roll your eyes, but there’s a small smile on your lips now, something lighter than before. The room settles again after that, calm, for real this time. Jisung and Hyunjin are murmuring about what to watch, half-arguing, half-asleep, their voices blending into a soft, familiar background noise. 

You are almost dozing off when you feel Felix shift beside you, his gaze soft as it lingers on your face. For a moment, something flickers in his expression, subtle, distant, like he’s catching onto a thought just out of reach. 

And then, just for a second, his freckles glint. A faint shimmer of gold, gone almost as soon as it appears, easy to miss if you weren’t looking directly at him. Felix blink once, slow, love in his eyes as he looks at you. “Yeah,” he murmurs quietly, almost to himself. “He will hear you.” 

You tilt your head slightly, confusion threading through the drowsiness. “Hm?” 

Felix’s hand finds yours, fingers warm as they squeezing gently. “But the dreamer has to reach him first before he comes to you.”

Your breath catches. “...Felix?” 

For a moment longer, he stays like that: still, distant, like he’s standing somewhere just out of reach. Then- he blinks again and it’s gone. The softness in his eyes shifts, grounding into something familiar and present. He frowns slightly, like he’s just remembering where he is. “Hm?” 

You study him for a moment, searching his face, “What did you say?”. Have you really imagined it? 

Felix tilts his head slightly, confused but gentle. “I asked what we’re watching,” he says, voice warm. “Don’t worry if you’re tired sunshine, you can doze off. I’d love to sleep with you tonight, at least you won’t steal all the covers.” 

“That happened twice!”

“Yeah, twice too much you mean.” 

You let out a drowsy laugh before snuggling closer to Felix’s warmth, the events of the day cottoning your senses as you let yourself slip into a peaceful sleep… tomorrow… Tomorrow you’ll talk to Changbin. 

Turns out that getting to talk with Changbin is downright impossible. Really, you tried everything, from waking up early to staying up late, no matter how hard you try, you only got glimpses of him. 

Nothing works, it’s like he’s slipping through your fingers on purpose. 

Even Chans is getting more worried than usual. “He’s been living at the studio,” he sighs one day, pacing back and forth across your room. His fingers twitch restlessly at his sides, energy bleeding into the air without him even realizing it. “The project’s going well… but he’s overworking. And that’s coming from me!”

“That’s not good,” you murmur. 

“No, it’s not,” Chan agrees immediately, dragging a hand through his hair before resuming his pacing. “He’s barely sleeping, barely eating, quiet… just- just locked in. The only reason we’re even here today is because I managed to get the key to the studio. He can’t get in.”

You head lifts. 

“That’s my chance, I’ll finally get to talk to him” you say with resolve, already shifting forward, pushing yourself off the bed. The moment your feet hit the carpet you stop, not by choice. Your body stills abruptly, like something invisible has wrapped around your ankles, your wrists, gentle but firm. Binding. 

You blink. “...Chan.” 

He freezes mid-step, for a second he doesn’t seem to realize what he’s done. Then his eyes widen slightly, gaze dropping to your stiff form. You feel your threads stir a bit.

“Oh shit- sorry-” The hold loosens, “It’s probably the worry… I’m sorry baby.”

“Don’t worry,” you smile gently, already moving, your arms circling his waist. You press a soft kiss to his lips. “I’ll go talk to him before you leave, see what I can do.” 

Chan hesitates, hands resting at your sides for a second longer than necessary. “...Yeah, okay… I’ll go wake up Jisung.” 

It doesn’t take long to find Changbin, without the studio, there are only so many places he could be. 

You find him in his room, hovering over the desk, getting ready to go to work. His movements are efficient, practiced, a bit rushed, like he’s trying to be gone before anyone can stop him. Before you can stop him. 

For a moment you just watch him. Your magic is calm, threads brushing against you without purpose, they feel a bit less airy, but still controlled. 

“Binnie.”

He freezes, just for a second, then his shoulders tense slightly before he straightens, not turning around immediately. 

“...Hey,” he says, voice even, too even. “I was just heading out,” he adds, finally turning to look at you. 

You take in his appearance, the distance, it’s not cold but it’s held back. You step closer anyway, stopping just a few feet in front of him. You feel your threads drift, cautious and curious, brushing lightly toward him. They don’t snap but they don’t fully settle either, like they are studying him, finally recognizing the missing piece. 

“I’ve been trying to talk to you,” you smile, a bit unsure, keeping your voice gentle. 

“I know.” the answer comes too quickly, too easily. 

Your brows knight slightly. “Then why-” 

“I’ve been busy with work,” he cuts in, ears tinted pink, he didn’t mean to interrupt you. 

You tilt your head, studying him. “Busy enough to not come home?” 

Silence answers you as Changbin looks away for a second, ashamed. It’s enough to make all the pieces click together, the distance, the timing, the way he never quite lets your magic get too close. 

“...You’re avoiding me,” you say quietly. “And trying to suppress your powers.” 

“I’m not.”

“You are.” Your threads stir more noticeably now, the air around you shifting just slightly. 

CHangbin notices because no matter how distance he puts he is already tuned in with your tells. “That’s not-” he starts, then stops, dragging a hand over his face. 

You take a step closer, chest tightening when you see him tense. You immediately take a step back “Did I do something? It’s because my powers lashed out?” 

“No.” The answer is immediate, firm, maybe a bit too firm. 

You swallow. “Then what is it Changbin? I want to help you but I can’t if you ignore me… I’m getting better with my magic, I just– I just needed time to get used to it.”

A beat passes, your gaze drops for a second before lifting again, softer now “I miss you…”

That does it.

Something in Changbin’s chest tightens sharply. He doesn’t answer right away, because if he does, he might say the wrong thing. Your threads waver again, uneven now, the calm from before slipping through your fingers as the silence stretches too long. 

“...Bin?” you try again, quieter. Your eyes are starting to sting, you blink quickly, but it doesn’t quite stop the way your vision blurs at the edges. 

Changbin sees it, feels it even. The way your magic reacts with you, flickering, unsteady and anxious, mixing with his own. A low, involuntary pulse ripples through the room, subtle but there, like bass vibrating under the surface. It makes him stiffen immediately, breath catching as he forces it back down. 

Not now, not here, not with you this close. 

His jaw tightens. “I swear I just need time,” he says finally, voice quieter now, but still controlled. “I’m just swamped with work.” It sounds rehearsed, like something he’s told himself too many times. Your heart sinks. 

“That’s not–” you start, but your voice breaks slightly, forcing you to stop. Your threads flicker again, sharper this time, reacting to the crack in your composure. 

Changbin takes a small step toward the door, it’s instinct. “I have to go,” he adds quickly, already reaching for his bag. “I have to finish the work.” 

The excuse is thin, you both know it, but he doesn’t give you time to argue. Changbin doesn’t allow himself to stay, because if he does he might reach for you, losing that little control he has…

The thought alone makes his chest tighten, he can’t risk it, not when your magic is already reacting like this. There’s nothing he can say that will make this better, so he doesn’t. He moves past you instead, careful not to brush against you, even though it costs him more than he let’s show. 

Your threads reach instinctively… then falter. 

Changbin pauses at the door for half a second, just enough to feel the weight of everything he’s leaving behind. “I love you… I really do Y/nnie, but I–...” The words are there, I heard you say that I’m too much. He could say it, fix it, right here and now. Ease the tight knot in his chest and stop the way yours is starting to unravel behind him. But when you’re this scared of breaking something, of it being true, the right thing doesn’t always feel like the safest one. 

Changbin doesn’t turn back. “...I’ll see you later,” he finishes instead, quieter, before he’s gone. 

You’re left alone in his room, that’s become too cold, too quiet and not like Changbin at all. Your threads waver around you, as if stirred by your distress, unraveling at the edges. They don’t lash out like before, but you begin to feel like they are about to. 

Your chest feels tight, too tight. You swallow, trying to steady your breathing, trying to pull yourself back together the way you’ve been practicing but it’s so so hard. You don’t understand. Your magic twitches again, sharper this time, slipping further out of that gentle control–

“Hey.” 

Minho’s voice is soft, grounding and familiar. You turn and see him standing in the doorway, leaning lightly against the frame, gaze focused on you, on your magic. 

You feel him step closer, his magic settling around you like something warm and solid. 

“...Hi” you manage, voice smaller than you want it to be. Minho’s eyes soften slightly as he takes you in, the tension in your shoulders , the way your hands curl, the uneven drift of your threads. 

“You want to tell me what happened,” he says, not a question, just an offer, “Or do you want a distraction first?” 

Your lips part, “I don’t understand…” then close it. You don’t really understand why. Your threads twitch again, brushing too close, too fast. 

Minho notices because of course he does, his gaze tracks the movement for a second, assessing. Then he steps closer, slow enough to give you time to pull away if you want to. When you don’t move, his arms come up carefully, wrapping around you in a loose embrace.

Your threads react immediately, stuttering once, then easing, their frantic edge softening as they brush against the steadiness of his magic. 

Minho exhales quietly, one hand coming up to rest at the back of your head, fingers light where they press. “Hey,” he murmurs, softer now. “You’re doing good.” 

You blink, a little thrown off, because nothing feels that good at all now. “Am I?” you whisper. 

“Yeah.” His thumb shifts slightly, a small, reassuring motion. “You’re stressed, and you’re still holding it together. No lashing out jagi.” 

Your breath steadies just a little. “I don’t get it,” you admit, your forehead brushing his shoulder “He just… keeps pulling away, and I don’t know why, what did I do wrong?” 

“You don’t have to figure it all out right now,” he says after a moment, his hold tightening just slightly, brief and reassuring. “C’mon, Seungmin’s in my room, we were about to watch something, do you want to come sit with us?” 

Your threads falter once more before finally beginning to slowly settle. Minho steps back toward the door, giving you space to follow, gently guiding you toward his room. 

“What the fuck did you do?” 

The words hit sharp and sudden, cutting through the low hum of the studio. 

“Fuck! Jesus–!” Changbin startles, head snapping up from where he’s hunched over the console. For a second, his brain lags, one of the stands near him vibrates before moving a solid inch away. 

Jisung is standing a few feet away, breathing hard and absolutely pissed. 

“How did you even– where is Chan.” Changbin starts, glancing toward the door. 

“I teleported.” Jisung snaps. “Don’t change the subject.” 

The room stills, the track keeps playing in the background, low and heavy, bass vibrating faintly through the floor. It feels distant now, irrelevant. 

Changbin straightens slowly, his mood, caught up in the recent events, sours almost instantly. “What’s your problem?” 

“My problem?” Jisung lets out a disbelieving laugh, running a hand through his hair. “My problem is that since that whole magic thing during Leyfall you are not being yourself! My problem is that I have to see a Y/n that is barely holding it together, while you’re here, pretending you’re fine and working yourself into the ground.” 

Changbin’s heart stutters for a second. “I’m sorry but she will be fine, I just have to sort it out first.” 

Jisung stares at him. “Are you serious right now?” 

“I didn’t do anything,” Changbin shoots back, irritation slipping through. “I’m just–”

“Exactly!” Jisung cuts him off, stepping closer. “Look, I get that you want to solve it on your own, that’s not the problem.”

“Sounds like it is.” 

“Are you dumb– No! The problem is that you are not telling us why! I’ve known you for years Changbin and not once have you behaved like this, especially if you wanted to solve something on your own.” 

The words land like a sentence, true. Changbin’s fingers curl at his sides, tension creeping into his shoulders. “There’s nothing to tell.”

“Bullshit.” 

“I’m not disappearing.”

“Yes you are!” Jisung throws his hands up. “We’re trying to reach you, she’s trying to reach you and you keep dodging her like she’s the problem!” 

“She’s not the problem,” Changbin says immediately.

“Then why are you treating her like one?” Jisung’s voice is tight, slight desperation lacing it. Why does this stubborn Ox is not listening? “You’re hurting her, did you even see her just now?”

Changbin doesn’t answer, because he did, he was the one that made you cry…

“She’s not stable yet,” he mutters instead. “Her magic–”

“Her magic was fine, she was getting better, all she had to do is getting accustomed to us again–” 

“She said I’m a lot.” The words slip out, hanging in the air between them. 

Jisung blinks. 

“...What?” 

Changbin’s jaw tightens, like he wishes he could take it back, but now that it’s out, it doesn’t stop. “I heard her one night. ‘Sometimes it’s a lot.’ I know what that means.” 

For a second, Jisung just stares at him, confusion visible in his features as he thinks back. A short, disbelieving laugh escapes him. 

“You’ve got to be kidding me. I swear I’m going to fucking punch you Bin.” 

“I’ve heard enough.” 

“No, you didn’t!” Jisung snaps, stepping closer again. The air around him flickers, a brief distortion like space folding in on itself before snapping back. “I was there, Bin. I heard the whole conversation.” 

Changbin shakes his head immediately. “You’re just trying to make it sound better.” 

“I’m trying to tell you the truth! Listen to me–” 

“I did,” Changbin cuts in, sharper now. The bass under the track deepens, a low, steady pulse creeping into the room. “I heard what I needed to hear.” 

“That’s not how that works!” Jisung fires back, frustration cracking through. “You don’t get to take one line and what, build a whole narrative around it?” 

“I don’t need the rest, because it would only confirm what I’ve been thinking!” Changbin snaps, shutting off Jisung. The room reacts with them, another low vibration rippling through the floor, the speaker buzzing faintly like they’re picking up something they shouldn’t. 

Jisung magic answers in kind, space tightening for a split second before snapping back into place. 

A sharper pulse rolls through the room, enough to make something on the desk rattle. “She said I’m a lot,” he snaps, something raw breaking through. “So I’m fixing it.” 

“Fixing what?” Jisung asks incredulous. “Yourself? Since when are you something that needs fixing?” 

“SInce it started affecting her,” Changbin shoots back. 

“It’s not you that’s affecting her,” Jisung argues. “It’s the situation, the magic, everything that happened–” 

“And I’m part of that,” Changbin cuts in. “So I deal with it.” 

“By isolating yourself?” Jisung's voice rises again. “By pushing her away? That’s your grand plan?”

“It’s temporary.” 

“That’s what everyone says before it isn’t!” 

Silence crashes down again, the tension in the room is thick now, unstable. 

“You’re hurting her.” 

“No,” Jisung shakes his head. “You’re protecting your idea of her. Not her.” 

Changbin looks away again. “I know what I heard.”

Jisung watches him for a long moment, then scoffs under his breath, something tired slipping through the anger. 

“God, you’re stubborn… she doesn’t think you’re ‘too much,’” he says, one last time, quieter now but firm. 

Jisung exhales, long and slow, dragging a hand down his face. When he speaks again, the edge is still there, but it’s dulled, worn down by something heavier. “Bin, I love you, but you’re being unreasonable… and I can’t stand watching both of you hurt because you refuse to communicate.” 

A silent beat passes, the lump in Changbin’s throat tightens. 

“Chan should be here soon. He went to drive Innie to his internship.” 

“We have to work, where are you going?” 

Jisung lets out a short breath, shaking his head, the air around him shifts with his magic. “Back home… I’m sorry, but I can’t deal with you today. I really can’t.” 

The air flickers once more around him, sharp and then folds in on itself. He’s gone. 

“You know, I really like getting the hang of this teleportation thing! Oh hey Y/n” 

“JISUNG STOP TELEPORTING WHILE I’M IN THE SHOWER.” 

“Hi Hannie,” you greet back, completely unfazed, perched on the closed toilet lid with an open tub of ice cream balanced on your knees. 

Jisung winces, glancing briefly toward the shower before dropping his voice. “In my defense, I didn’t know you were in here, I wanted to see Y/nnie”

“You never know anything,” you shoot back mildly, scooping another bite. “What happened?” 

That sobers him immediately, the playful edge slips a bit. Jisung leans back against the door, arms crossing loosely, but there’s still some tension in his shoulders. You scoop another spoonful and hold it out to him without thinking. He accepts it automatically. 

“Went to the studio, found the fuckhead.” 

Your hand stills halfway to the tub. “Don’t call him that” 

“He kinda is, for how he is treating you, angel.” Comes from behind the shower curtain, warm but firm.

Jisung huffs, dragging a hand through his hair. “We argued, badly, so yeah, he’s earned the fuckhead title now.” 

You exhale slowly, unease curling in your chest. “What happened?” 

Jisung’s jaw tightens slightly. “He thinks… No, he’s convinced you think he’s too much.”

You blink once. “...Uh?” 

“Remember when we were doing that anime marathon? He heard part of that conversation,” Jisung explains, pushing himself off the door to sit on the ground near your legs. “From the hallway. The ‘something it’s a lot’ part” 

Your stomach drops. “Oh.” 

“Yeah, and then he left, didn’t stay for the rest, didn’t hear the thing after.” 

You stare at him, feeding him another spoon, confusion knitting your brows together. “But that’s not–” 

“I know!” Jisung cuts in, frustrated. “I told him. He doesn’t believe me.” 

“That doesn’t even make sense,” you murmur, shaking your head. “That’s not what I meant at all…”

The curtain shifts softly. You reach for a towel without looking and hold it out, Felix takes it as he steps out, fingers brushing yours for a second in silent thanks. “What can we do?” he asks, voice gentle. 

Jisung exhales sharply, running both hands through his hair. “I don’t know. He’s stuck in his head, won’t listen to me, won’t talk to her. He just… decided that’s the truth.” 

You frown, frustration and hurt twisting together. “But it’s not even close to the truth…” 

A beat passes, another scoop is eaten, before Jisung shifts. “What if I can show him? My memories through dreams, like the one with my… parents.” 

Your hand stills, considering. “If you can pull him in you can make him see the whole conversation.” 

Felix leans back against the counter, toweling his hair, “That might actually work,” 

“It’s either that or we keep arguing with a brick wall.” 

“A very stubborn, emotionally constipated brick wall.” Snorts Felix “...Tonight?” 

Jisung glances at you, watching you hesitate for just a second before nodding. “Tonight.” 

You perk up slightly, a warm smile blooming despite everything. “Sleepover? We need to make sure you can pull all of us in,”

Jisung rolls his shoulders once. “Might take a bit more focus… but yeah, I can try.” He gets up, energy snapping back into place, something brighter and more determined. 

“Then it’s settled, we’ll solve the problem tonight! As for now…” he smirks and suddenly scoops you up, throwing you cleanly over his shoulder. You yelp, grabbing onto him instinctively. “Jisung-!”

“Our baby deserves a proper date,” he says, already moving toward the door, “You’ve been so good lately.”

“Put me down!” 

“Absolutely not. Felix dress up, we’re going out.” 

Your laughter spills out anyway, bright and unrestrained as he carries you out into the hallway, your protest losing all bite. Behind you, Felix just shakes his head, before following after.

The first thing Changbin sees when he opens his eyes is that he’s not in his room. The ceiling above him isn’t his and when he shifts even slightly the mattress beneath him dips in a way that doesn’t belong to his room. 

And then there’s Jisung, laying on his side, face to face with him. “Took you long enough to wake up, huh?” The look in his eyes is soft despite he’s still sizzling with the remnant of their fight. 

Changbin blinks once, then again, pushing himself up onto his elbow a little too quickly, thoughts still catching up. “What– Why am I in your bed?” 

Jisung props his head up on his hand, studying him with quiet focus, before sighing. “Because if you won’t believe our words alone we will make you see it,” he gets up, looking at the hour, “Come on, it’s almost time.” 

Changbin frowns, the words catching somewhere between confusion and understanding. “Time for what–” 

But Jisung doesn’t answer, just jerks his head toward the door and starts walking, not really looking back because he knows that when one goes, the other follows.

Changbin’s chest tightens the closer they get to the living room, he hears the voices, knows what is about to happen. But before he could fully see the scene his eyes find yours, not the Y/n from the past, who is currently sitting on the couch with your other lovers, but the real you. 

You’re sitting on one of the other plush chairs, the one where you would sometimes snuggle together, with Felix. 

Changbin stops in the doorway, going completely still. You just… look at him, soft, careful, giving him space. You don’t say anything but Changbin can see how your hand is wrapped tightly around Lixie’s. Fingers curled just a little too firmly, like you’re grounding yourself without making a scene out of it. 

Felix’s thumb moves slightly against your hand, a quiet reassurance.

Changbin’s body goes even more rigid, before his heart begins to pick up. He has to step back, to leave before it gets worse, before he does something–

“Stay.”

Jisung's voice is quiet, yet the word is said with a firmness he only uses with annoying clients, clipped and grounded, impossible to ignore.

“Don’t worry about your powers,” he murmurs low, closer. “You can’t use them in these dreams.” 

Changbin swallows, the tension in his shoulders not easing, but shifting, uncertainty threading through it. “...What.” 

Jisung just glances at him briefly, expression steady. “Now you’ll watch,” he says simply, turning his attention fully to the rooms. “You don’t get to interrupt, you don’t get to spiral over a lie.” 

The memory unfolds. 

“It feels too quiet without him” Your voice is softer here, not sad exactly, but there’s something missing in it, something that doesn’t sit right in the space around you, like it’s lacking someone.

“Yeah, too quiet,” Hyunjin agrees easily, sprawled across the couch like he owns it, one arm thrown over his head as he stares at the ceiling. “He’s been like this since his magic awakened.” No accusation is present in his voice, only quiet care mixed with fond exasperation that has always been there when it comes to Changbin being stubborn… and dumb.

Dream Jisung leans closer to you, brushing his lips against your temple in a comforting gesture. “I hope he doesn’t think that it’s his fault or something.” 

Changbin’s breath catches.

“It’s not his fault,” you say immediately and Changbin feels his heart break a little more with how fast you are ready to defend him, even though it is a bit his fault. “I just… I don't want him to think that.” 

“His magic just awakened, depending on the person it can be a lot.” comes Seungmin’s reply, humming thoughtfully. 

Changbin’s shoulders tense, there it is again, that phrase. Same shape of words that has been rattling in his mind for weeks now. 

“Remember when Ji awakened and teleported in the shower with Felix?” 

“Can we not?”

“Don’t be mean Innie,” you chide softly even though you’re laughing a bit, “I know. But after everything that happened, I understand why he’d feel like he has to hold back…” 

Changbin braces himself. This is it, he knows this part, he’s heard it. His chest tightens preemptively, like bracing for impact, like he already knows exactly how the words are going to land, how they’re going to sound. 

Sometimes it’s a lot.

Sometimes he’s a lo–

“Someone's magic awakening… so yeah sometimes it’s a lot.” 

Sometimes he’s– wait what? 

The sentence lands… but not in the way he remembers it. Changbin whips his head towards you so fast he thinks he has pulled a muscle.

“...What.” Changbin whispers, brows furrowing. The words hang there in front of him, clear, unchanged, and suddenly the version he’s been holding onto starts to crack, the edges of it wearing away under the weight of what’s actually in front of him. 

“Now you see?” Jisung’s voice comes from right beside him, casual, but carrying that familiar edge of I told you so, softened just enough to not sting. “You were being stupid for nothing, Bin.” There’s no real bite in it, just honesty.

“I don’t– I…” 

Changbin doesn’t even react to the insult, because his eyes are still on the version of you that still had faith in him. Everything else keeps unfolding whether he’s ready for it or not, the conversation continuing, your voice softening, explaining, defending him in ways he never gave you the chance to do to his face.

“Binnie.” 

His gaze snaps to the left, where the real you is getting up from the chair, hand outstretching slowly and hesitant, still putting his comfort first. 

Changbin finally breaks, the last fragile thing he was holding onto gives way all at once, something in his chest cracking open under the weight of everything he’s just seen, everything he’s misunderstood, everything he’s avoided. 

“Fuck.” The word leaves him in a breath, shaky and uneven. And then he’s moving. His arms come around you almost immediately, pulling you against him like he’s afraid you might disappear if he doesn’t hold tight enough, like he needs to make up for every second he spent keeping his distance. He exhales against you like he’s been holding his breath for days. 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he murmurs, the words pressed somewhere between your hair and your temple, voice rough, breaking in a way he doesn’t even try to hide. “I’m so– I’m so sorry… I didn’t… I thought–” 

His thoughts tangle again, but this time he doesn't try to force them into something coherent, he just holds you tighter. His hands come up, one cradling the back of your head, the other pressing against your back like he needs to keep you there, like letting go isn’t an option anymore. 

“I should’ve listened,” he continues, the words spilling out now, messy, honest. “I heard one thing and ran with it I–” He pulls back just enough to look at you, his hands still on you, still anchoring himself. “I’m sorry.” 

“Hey,” you murmur softly, your voice calm in a way that contrasts his unraveling, your thumb brushing lightly over his cheek. “It’s okay.” 

“No, it’s not,” he whispers, shaking his head faintly. “I didn’t even give you the chance to–”

“I know,” you interrupt gently, not dismissing it, “But you’re here now.” Your fingers curl slightly against his shirt, not pulling, just holding. “You got scared and you handled it badly, yeah… But I still stand on what I said.” 

Changbin’s eyes flicker, something fragile and hopeful slipping through the cracks of his guild. “...You’re not mad?” he asks quieter now, almost afraid of the answer. 

“I was hurt,” you admit. “But I'm not pushing you away for it, that’s not how this works.” 

Something in his chest loosens at that, not completely, not enough to erase all the guilt, but enough to let something else in alongside it, relief perhaps. For a moment, the two of you just stay there, close, quiet, the rest of the room faded into something distant and unimportant. 

A very deliberate, pointed cough cuts through the moment. 

Jisung is standing a few steps away, arms crossed, “Alright, this is cute, love the emotional growth, I’m still a bit mad at you.” He points at Changbin. “But I cannot keep everyone in my dreams indefinitely, so we need to start wrapping this up.” 

Changbin blinks at him. “...You’re serious.” 

“Very,” Jisung replies immediately, “You can talk tomorrow in the land of the awake.” 

As if on cue, the air in the room shifts slightly, something subtle but noticeable, like the edges of the dream flickering just a fraction. 

Another presence shifts into the vision. You all turn your head just in time to see the Minho of that day, leaning against the doorway, completely at ease. He locks his gaze with past Jisung, taking the situation in a single glance, a smirk spreads across his face. Without a word he tilts his head towards the hallway, mischievousness glinting in his eyes. 

Changbin stares at the real Jisung “...Really?” he says, disbelief clear in his voice. 

“My dream,” he shrugs. “You don’t get to talk.” 

“That’s not–”

“I make the rules here. Now shoo, you had your emotional breakthrough, don’t ruin it now.”

Changbin huffs under his breath, but his attention shifts back to you almost immediately. “Do you want to take up?” he asks, gentler. “We can… I don’t know, actually talk. Properly. In my room.” 

Before you can even answer, Jisung cuts in, tone firmer. “You can talk to her tomorrow,” he gestures to himself and Felix for support. “We’re still mad at you.” 

“You’re kidding.” 

“Am not.” Comes without missing a beat 

“You’re about to live a wet dream,” Changbin fully whines. “and you still want to sleep with Felix and her?” 

Felix, who came up near Jisung, wraps his arms around his waist. “Hannie, this is the greed they talk about in the Bible.” 

You let out a small laugh, kissing Changbin’s cheek. “You heard the boss,” you joke. “We’ll talk tomorrow, alright?” 

Changbin stills for a second at the contact, like his body needs a moment to catch up to it, to accept that all of this happened. “Yeah… okay.” 

You linger for half a second longer, your hand brushing lightly against his before you step back, not pulling away completely.

Jisung claps his hands once, satisfied. “Great! Emotional crisis resolved, boundaries established, everyone out.” 

The room shifts, the edge of it softening, the colors dimming just slightly, as if the dream was folding in on itself. Changbin feels it immediately, he looks at you again, like he’s trying to memorize something. 

“...Tomorrow.” he repeats, softer this time. 

You nod, smiling softly. “Tomorrow.”

Jisung waves a hand dismissively. “Yes, yes, very romantic, now go before I kick you out myself.” 

Felix laughs under his breath, tightening his arms briefly around him. “Be nice,” he murmurs.

“I was being nice,” Jisung shoots back, squinting his eyes at Changbin. “I let him stay this long.” 

Changbin rolls his eyes faintly, but there’s no edge to it anymore. What remains is the lingering feel of something familiar, something easy. The pull gets stronger, the room fades further and the last thing he feels is the ghost of your touch lingering against his skin. 

Changbin is already awake when the knocks come, soft, careful, yours. 

His eyes have been open for a while, staring at the ceiling in the quiet aftermath of everything, the dream still sitting fresh in his mind. So when the knock comes, his heart stutters, then steadies. 

“Yeah,” he calls, voice a little rough from sleep, but awake enough. 

The door opens slowly, your head peeking in first, testing the space before stepping into it fully. “...Hi,” you say softly. 

Changbin pushes himself up a little, resting back against the headboard, his gaze settling on you. 

“Hi,” 

You close the door gently behind you, careful even with that, like you don’t want to disrupt the fragile calm that’s settled between you. Silence blankets you for a moment but it’s not uncomfortable. 

Changbin notices the way your fingers brush against your sleeve before stilling, the slight tension in your shoulders, the way your gaze lingers on him like you’re checking that he’s really there. 

You magic brushes against his as you step fully into the room, tentative. Changbin feels it immediately, his breath catching just slightly, yet he doesn’t pull back. Nothing spikes, no overwhelming surge, no loss of control, just a soft, steady hum between the two of you. 

Relief flickers across your face. “...We’re okay,” you murmur, almost to yourself. 

“Yeah,” he says, a little more certain this time, offering a small smile. “We are.” 

The quiet stretches again, you glance toward the door, then back at him. 

“Chan and Jisung told me they have some errands this morning,” you say, keeping your tone light, casual, but Changbin sees the way you fidget, almost shy as you continue. “So I thought… I could drive you to the studio. If you want.” There’s a question in it, careful, and something in his chest softens. 

“I’d like that. Maybe you could stay too? I would like to show you what we’ve been working on… and talk about yesterday?” 

Your gaze lifts properly at that and Changbin can feel his heart speed up a bit, the lamp on his nightstand trembling slightly. All that eases the moment he sees you smile warmly. “I’d love that, get ready.” 

When you reach the studio the shift is immediate, familiar walls, familiar sounds, something solid under his feet. 

Once you’re both inside he spins so fast it makes you dizzy, arms caging around you in a gentle hug. And then, like he doesn't quite know what else to do with everything he’s been feeling, the overwhelm of it, the guilt, he leans in. 

Changbin presses a kiss to your cheek, then another, your temple, the corner of your eye. He’s not rushed, not desperate in a frantic way, but full, overflowing with every bit of affection he’s been holding back. 

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs between them each time, as if he’s trying to press the apology into your skin one kiss at a time. 

Your hands come up slowly to hold him, one settling against his chest, feeling the way his heartbeat is uneven beneath your palm, the other resting lightly at his wrist.

“Hey,” your thumb brushing gently where you’re touching him. “It’s okay.”

He stills slightly at that, breath hitching, but he doesn’t pull away completely, just enough to look at you, his forehead almost brushing yours, his hands still anchored at your sides, not ready to let go yet. 

“No, it’s not,” he whispers, shaking his head faintly. “I saw what my powers could do. I thought… if I got quieter, if I pulled back, it would make things easier for you,” he continues, voice uneven but steadying as he goes. “Safer.” 

A small, almost bitter huff leaves him. “But I wasn’t even giving you the chance to tell me what you needed. Jisung was right, I was really being stubborn… and stupid… and an asshole.” 

“You were scared,” you say gently. “And you reacted in the best way you thought was right.” 

“Badly,” 

“...Yeah,” you admit, but there’s no cruelty to it. “But being quiet is not who you are Binnie, and if you’re not yourself your magic answers to it. Just like mine reacted when I was scared.” 

You press a kiss to his cheek, mimicking him. “You’re not dangerous because you’re loud,” you continue, threads brushing lightly over him, soft, airy, showing him that you’re okay. “You’re dangerous when you try to suppress it instead of understanding it.” 

His brows knit slightly, “So I’ve been doing it wrong from the start,” he says after a moment.

You shake your head gently. “No,” you correct. “You’ve been learning.” You make sure he hears the difference. “You saw your powers react and you tried to protect me. That part isn’t wrong.” 

Your arms wrap around his waist and you press yourself against him. “But you don’t protect me by disappearing or becoming someone you’re not.” 

His chest rises under your head, slower now, more even. “I didn’t realize how much I was doing that. I don’t want to lose that part of me,”

“I know.” And you do, there’s no hesitation in it, no doubt. “You just need to learn how to carry it, not shrink it.” 

He exhales slowly. “...And you’re okay with that? With me being like this?” 

You tilt your head toward him, a small smile tugs at your lips, something warm and fond.”

“Binnie, I chose you like this, we chose you like this.” 

That’s what unravels him. Something in his expression shifts, the words sinking in all at once. His hands tighten slightly at your waist before leaning in. 

His lips meet yours, soft at first, like he’s making sure this is real before letting himself fall into it properly. And then it deepens, still gentle, but warmer, everything he’s been holding back spilling through in the way he kisses you. His hand comes up to cup your cheek, thumb brushing over it. 

The emotions hit him all at once, the relief, the affection. His heartbeat stutters, then surges, you can feel it under your palm, the rhythm picking up. The room reacts with it, a wave ripples outward. 

Your threads move gently albeit a bit more corporeal than before, yet they don’t lash, they just wave around, curious, sensing the beats. 

The couch behind you jumps slightly, shifting an inch with a soft thud. You both freeze.

“Is that the famous couch?” 

“...Yeah.” 

You blink. 

And then you’re both laughing, light and surprised, the tension breaking clean through the moment. 

“Okay,” Changbin mutters, breathless, a grin tugging at his lips as he drops his forehead against yours. “Still working on that part.” 

“Just a little,” you tease, smiling. 

He huffs another quiet laugh, shaking his head before pulling back just enough to look at you again, something brighter in his eyes now. 

“Do you want to listen?” he asks after a second, head tilting over the console. “To what we’ve been working on.” There’s a hint of excitement there. 

“I’d love to.” 

Changbin takes your hand almost without thinking this time, fingers lacing with yours as he leads you over the console, pulling up the track again. The beat fills the room, heavy, powerful, almost alive. 

It settles into your bones, the rhythm threading through the air, through him, through you, something deeper than sound, something that resonates in a way that makes everything feel just a little sharper. For a second you feel the same thing you felt when dancing with him during Leyfall, the drums in your bones. 

Changbin inhales slowly, eyes flickering shut for a second. “...You feel that?” And you nod, your grip on his hand tightening just slightly. “Yeah.” Your magic stirs, but not violently, it moves with it, weaving alongside his, brushing against the same rhythm, same pulse. 

It all feels heightened, brighter, like the world narrows down to just this space, this shared pulse humming under your skin. Changbin opens his eyes again, turning his head slightly toward you, something soft and a little awed in his expression. 

“Thank you.” 

You blink, caught a little off guard, “For what?” 

“For forgiving me, for staying. You helped me figure this out instead of letting me push you away.”

Your expression softens immediately. “I was never going anywhere.”

He exhales, warmth settling into his features, something that finally looks like peace. 

“I love you pretty girl,” he says, certain. 

Your heart answers before your mind even catches up. “I love you too.”

“Even if I’m loud?” 

“Especially because of it.” 

Seconds pass, you stay there, hands intertwined, magic humming softly in sync before the studio door opens, making you both turn slightly. 

Chan steps in first, already smiling, something fond and knowing in his expression as his gaze flicks between the two of you. Jisung follows right behind him, equally amused, though he tries to hide it. 

“Well,” Chan says lightly, leaning against the doorframe for a second. “Looks like we missed something.” 

Jisung snorts. “You owe me one, Bin.” 

Changbin rolls his eyes, grinning faintly before he squeezes your hand. “Shut up.”

Chan’s smile softens even more as he gestures toward the console. “So? What do you think of it baby? 

Your gaze flickers back to the screen, then to Changbin, then back to them. “I love it. It feels… like all of you.” 

Jisung grins clearly pleased, Chan hums in approval. Changbin scratches the back of his neck, but the smile he’s trying to hide still slips through. 

“...Maybe we could add a tiny bit more loudness,” 

You grin back. “Just a tiny bit.” You echo back. 

“Come on Bin, just once.” 

“No.”

“He deserves it.” 

“I said no.” Changbin answers, already sounding exasperated, arms crossed like that alone might hold the line. 

Jisung looks at him for a solid second before sighing. “Alright,” he concedes easily. Too easily, thinks Changbin, because the second Jisung’s eyes flick to your, something smug curls at the corner of his lips. 

“I didn’t really want to resort to this,” he adds, voice casual in a way that immediately sets off alarms in Binnie’s brain. “but if I’m not mistaken… you owe me one.” 

Changbin turns to him, offended on a spiritual level.

“You wouldn't.” 

“I would.” 

You snort quietly, quickly pressing your lips together to keep the sound in, glancing over at the bed where Jeongin is still sleeping peacefully, completely unaware of the danger approaching.

Changbin sighs, defeated, “Just once, and because he finished my protein shake yesterday.” 

“Justice.”

“Petty,” you whisper under your breath, smiling.

Changbin ignores both of you, already moving toward the bed, steps quiet despite everything, like some deeply ironic sense of respect kicks in at the last second. He stops at the edge, looks down at Jeongin, peaceful, unbothered, completely defenseless.

Changbin inhales slowly. You can feel it before you even see it, his magic coiling, gathering low in his chest. 

Jisung grips your arm lightly, already barely containing his laughter. “Do it,” he mouths.

Changbin takes one more breath, leans in slightly, and then–

“YAH! YANG JEONGIN IT’S TIME TO WAKE UP!” 

The sound hits, the air itself seems to ripple outward from him, voice carrying the vibrating force, explosive. 

The bed doesn’t just jump, it gets launched a solid few inches off the ground with a loud thud, the frame rattling violently as the wave of sound crashes through the room. 

Jeongin bolts upright with a strangled yell, blanket half tangled around his legs as he looks around before zeroing on Changbin.

“YOU! WHAT THE FUCK–”

You’re covering your mouth, tears already forming in your eyes as you try not to laugh too loud. Changbin, for his part, just stands there, arms crossed again like he didn’t just weaponize his voice.

“…Morning,” he says flatly.

Jeongin stares at him, still processing, heart probably somewhere in orbit.

“You!” he points, voice shaky. “You launched my bed.”

Changbin shrugs.

“You’re welcome, you owe me a new protein shake.”

“FUCK YOU!” 

Taglist: @maxineswritingcorner @sanbangchan @fanficwriter5 @celestialkitsune-x @7sunny07 @gadriezmannsgirl @justsomekpopstuff @leewayout @dreamerwasntfound @tearsofgenshin @thatgirlangelb

[veenenex]

resurrected like Jesus himself, something is coming hehe, happy Easter

[pineapple-burgah]

ɢᴀᴍᴇʀ!ʙᴏʏ ꜰᴇʟɪx

gamer!boy felix x female reader

summary: head-canons about gamer!boy felix as your boyfriend.

wc: 663 cw: suggestive/smut, strong language, fluff MDNI a/n: ok so like... i know barely any of y'all expected felix but let me try and convince you a little...

main masterlist ... stray kids fake texts masterlist ... taglist

gamer!boy felix arrived at the party late, due in part to jisung, but mostly because they both got stuck into a good game and found it hard to stop.

gamer!boy felix had spotted you across the lawn. it wasn't much, just a small gathering of mutual friends. but he had never seen you before, and he was very intrigued.

gamer!boy felix, who was very aware that he'd been cooped up from 3am on the couch with jisung and rushed to the bathroom to freshen up before approaching you. 

gamer!boy felix, whose first impression on you was wildly different than expected. you had heard about him from a few others, and expected the typical gamer boy type. shy or cocky, rude or uptight, greasy or unhygienic. 

gamer!boy felix who laughed at a joke you made, flashing his killer smile and you were hooked.

gamer!boy felix who, in true gamer fashion, gave you his discord instead of his number. and you had rushed home to download and sign up for it.

gamer!boy felix who had no idea you went home to research multiplayer games to play with him. 

gamer!boy felix, whose voice was 10x deeper than you remember through the microphone. you were glad it was just a voice call and he couldn't see the way you clenched your thighs.

gamer!boy felix, who would make you lose track of time and you would stay up late talking and gaming and losing sleep.

gamer!boy felix who found out you didn't know how to play half the things you were playing.

gamer!boy felix who insisted he needed to teach you in person. 

gamer!boy felix who found every excuse to touch you. knees brushing yours, hands resting on top of yours and guiding them, teaching you the controls.

gamer!boy felix who found out how much his voice turned you on and couldn't stop teasing you about it.

gamer!boy felix who used it to get you into his bed. LED lights lining his room and glowing purple as he slowly breaks you on his tongue.

gamer!boy felix who was far more dominant than you expected

gamer!boy felix who was also a pathetic, whiny sub.

gamer!boy felix who, when you were grinding on his lap while he sat in his gamer chair, a save screen burning into his monitor, blurted out an 'i love you' as you slammed down onto him.

gamer!boy felix did really think he was dreaming when you said it back, and had to ask you again and again for weeks before it finally clicked for him.

gamer!boy felix doesn't ask for much, but you know he forgets to eat when he's locked in, so you bring him snacks and hand feed him to be close.

gamer!boy felix who feels terrible that you have to wait on him that he always makes it up to you.

gamer!boy felix's gameplay never suffered, even when you were perched on his lap. he would insist most of the time, because he hated when you were laid on his bed without him. his compromise was curling you into his lap while he games.

gamer!boy felix never stretched his hands until they were cramping, but has since started because you always remind him.

gamer!boy felix who started streaming casually and has since blown up.

his fans were bummed when they found out that gamer!boy felix was taken. but he shut it down quickly, and they all switched gears into admiring how much he loves you

gamer!boy felix had rewired the way you think about gamerboys in general. because he was so kind and attentive. 

gamer!boy felix would never yell or get angry at games. no, instead, he always took his frustrations out on you.

gamer!boy felix who would groan apologises into your ear. "i'm so sorry baby... but i needed this... fuck i needed this... just lay there all pretty okay angel? lixie'll be done soon baby i promise."

gamer!boy felix always made sure that when he was done, you finished twice as hard.

gamer!boy felix who bought you a pc with his streaming money and set it up right next to his.

gamer!boy felix who introduced you to cozy games and insisted you play stardew valley together so you could get married on there.

gamer!boy felix who, first and foremost will always be your loverboy boyfriend.

all posts taglist:

@lizal1cious @inmyfelixera @fallicarusfall @ryvannanightshade-kpop @skteez101 @theclassbookworm @bahngarang @sleepykittycx @max-1404 @angelreblogarchive @luvvvivi @bee-gremlin @seungminimpossible @thepoeticpurplepotato @puckmaidens @brekkers-whore @stayyverse @ellelabelle @stay-tiny-things @brookesmultifandomhell @theartisticlibrarian @simpingshit24 @certainstarfishmiracle @1-aria-1 @written-by-music @astrayapple @rainierii @Kpopdiva89 @ncityswrld

skz taglist:

@kloversung @ebnabi @bekindtourself @xallyouneedislovexx @myrkhive @geni-627 @hogwartsstar @bsk-brn @hyunjinniemylove @beanisdeadman @imnotsupposedtobedoingthis

mdni banner by @cafekitsune

[papawolfchris]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY STRAY KIDS Thank you for being there for us, and for eachother. The joy you create is unmatched. We will root for you, always.

[kaminokondate]

happy 8th anniversary, my dear stray kids

[veenenex]

News!

Heeeeeey! I swear I would love to post my fics following a semi decent schedule but sadly I've been swamped with university, life aaaand a relationship! Your girl Nene found a girl eheh <3

Regarding Changbin's fic! It's actually more than halfway done, so if I power through (and drink a suspicious ammount of energy drinks at night) it should be ready quite soon!

Thank you all for your patience! Also if you haven't already heard it, but I doubt, go send our dear Innie some love on his Skz record! Loved that song ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

[veenenex]

I lied, writers block hit me like a train

[justauthoring]

Summary: They've been looking for the final member of their pack for years, a ache that never fades and always exists. Only, when they finally find you, they find a version of you that has been broken. Will they be able to make you whole again?

Pairing: Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader

A/N: I actually can't believe this is it guys... I just want to say a huge thank you for all of your support throughout this series. You all have been so sweet and supportive and more than I ever could've asked for!!! I'm so proud of this series and it was such an absolute blast to write. Thank you for joining me on this journey <333

Chapter TW. FLUFF

Word Count: 3179

Tag List: @httpsxnox - @straykidsdreamer - @0325tiny - @likeejennie - @fab-notfat - @chasinghxran - @chk-chk-b00m - @bangct - @bbokarismeow - @chimmyn0chu - @hyunniebeoms - @kio66 - @skzlover24 - @vi0let-writes - @ihrtlix - @echo-ofmemoriez - @hyunjinsruinedpainting - @fanficwriter5 - @cait-with-luv - @mel-onthemoon - @janaethedreamer - @krssliu - @vinylphwoar - @prettkitty - @motheraiya55 - @rafesbunniebby - @kristend512 - @nanycreinoza - @sunfk88 - @kristend512 - @chillllllli - @ladsipedia - @daddys-little-witch - @mbioooo0000 - @ydissac9 - @apolloshaiku - @paulina15 - @toastmenace - @jetaimz - @thatgirlangelb - @unenthusiasticmigraine - @annaiaweirdokid - @f1ln4dr3cl16mv33 - @rockrose-blossoms - @bangchris97 - @0325tiny - @cutieskz - @cliosunshine - @idkwhoisthis1971 - @nojerama-writes - @galaxy4489 - TAGLIST IS CLOSED!!

Series Masterlist - Previous

Chapter 30 - Epilogue

One Year Later.

“You’re going to be late.”

Groaning, you press your pillow tighter against your face. “I’m okay with being late,” you say, voice muffled by your pillow. “Actually, how about I just stay home today?”

There’s a faint chuckle and then hands are grabbing your wrists, careful fingers curling around the width of your arm and pulling. The pull is gentle but of course, you’re not really trying to fight them regardless, so with a single pull, the pillow is up and away from your face and replaced by Seungmin’s face.

There’s a faint smirk on his face as he stares down at you, brow quirked. “We both know you’ll regret staying home later.”

Pouting, you shake your head. “I guarantee you I won’t.”

“Hmm-mm,” Seungmin says. “Well, if you insist, I might have to take some extreme measures. Would you rather I pull in the big guns then?”

Your eyes widen. “You wouldn’t.”

The smirk deepens. “We both know I would.”

And for a moment, one long passing moment, it’s just silence. You and Seungmin stare back at one another, trying to bait the other one out. A million thoughts pass through your head in that moment and the most pressing is you should probably just get up. But, that smaller, louder voice says; don’t give in.

So you don’t.

“You’re bluffing.”

Seungmin’s smirk breaks out into a wide grin. Before you can blink, he’s leaning back, letting go of you and making his way out the door in record time. Your lips part as his body disappears around the corner, and instantly, you know you’ve made a grave mistake.

“Seungmin, wait! You don’t—”

“I heard someone doesn’t want to get up this morning!”

Horror strikes you as you meet Changbin’s waiting gaze, the man stepping into your room.

“Changbin,” you call, being particular in your use of his full name. “I’m getting up. You don’t have—”

Your words are cut off by a loud squeal. Instantly, it becomes impossible for you to form coherent words as giggles burst past your lips out of your control. Changbin, who’d crossed the distance over to you in seconds flat, mercilessly tickles your sides.

“St–Stop!” You gasp, kicking your feet out. “Stop! I-I’ll get up!”

You manage to maneuver yourself to your feet, batting Changbin’s hands away until finally, finally he stops. Breathless, you stand there, clothes dishevelled, hair a mess on your head and let your eyes drift from Changbin who stands in front of you grinning, to Seungmin who leans against the archway to the door, smirking.

“I told you I would.”

Huffing, you brush a piece of unruly hair from your face. “Getting Binnie involved, Minnie, really?” You roll your eyes but the smile on your face is telling. “Now, that’s taking it too far.”

Seungmin shrugs. “You wouldn’t get up.”

“What’s going on?” A new voice calls, and soon Jeongin’s head is popping in beside Seungmin’s. He takes one look at your dishevelled state and Changbin who stands next to you, and a knowing smile curls on his lips. “Did Y/N get the tickle attack?”

“She sure did,” Changbin snorts as you glower at him. “Someone wouldn’t get out of bed this morning.”

“I told her I would,” Seungmin teases.

You huff at all three of them. “Evil. The lot of you.”

“Just hurry and shower or else we really will be late.”

This time you do listen to Seungmin; mainly because you’re already up but also because you know that if you don’t, Seungmin will recruit Changbin once again. You can’t suffer through two tickle attacks today, that’d be too much.

An hour later and you’re showered, dressed and ready for the day. As you make your way into the kitchen, you’re instantly hit with a very pleasant smell.

“Lixie,” you call, pulling his eyes on you. “Did you wake up early and bake again?”

“I sure did,” the boy calls, turning away from the counter to make his way over to you. You grin as you meet his eyes, leaning your cheek towards him as he presses a warm, firm kiss at the corner of your mouth. “Brownies. Your favourite.”

Your tummy rumbles just at the mention, moving towards the table as Felix swiftly moves to do the finishing touches.

“And I’ve made a more nutritious, fulfilling breakfast. Which you should eat before brownies,” Minho says, setting a plate down for you with a small smile as you take a seat next to Hyunjin. His hand finds your thigh the second you sit down and you press a kiss to his forehead in response.

“Thank you, Lino,” you smile back up at the alpha, before looking down at your full plate. “It looks delicious.”

You’ve just taken your first bite when Changbin comes walking in with a pouting Han and a laughing Chan trailing behind him. 

“You’re not the only one who needed a tickle attack this morning, princess,” Changbin hums with a shit-eating grin as Han moans behind him. “Sleepy head here wouldn’t let go of Chan until I came in.”

Han just moans louder, none of what he’s saying making any coherent sense. He sends Changbin a glare before shuffling past the man, who sends him a slap on the ass on the way. Han falls into a heap on the open seat next to you, draping himself dramatically over you.

“To be fair,” Chan pipes up, pressing a kiss to Felix’s lips as he maneuvers around the boy for a cup of coffee. “I kept him up late last night.”

Han’s cheeks burn a bright red.

“Oi,” Jeongin calls, walking into the kitchen with Seungmin; the last two to join for breakfast. “No sex talk during breakfast.”

Chan just wiggles his brows at the boy. “I didn’t see you complaining the other night, Innie.”

Jeongin turns an even brighter red than Han.

Minho drops a plate in front of Han, ruffling the boy's hair, before placing the other plate in front of Chan. The grin on his face is trouble as he turns to Chan. “And who was the one making all that noise last weekend when we spent the night together, Channie?”

Like a domino effect, Chan’s face bursts into red.

“You’re evil,” he says to Minho.

You let out a snort, finishing bringing a fork-ful of food towards Han’s lips.

“I wouldn’t be so smug, Y/Nnie,” Seungmin grins from across the table, sending a sharp wink your way.

Your eyes widen, raising your finger and pointing it right at him. “You’ve done enough this morning, Minnie.”

Seungmin just laughs.

“Was everyone having fun these past few days and I just didn’t know about it?” Hyunjin frowns from beside you. “Not cool.”

Changbin snorts and leans towards Hyunjin. The look on his face is downright lecherous; “don’t worry, Jinnie. I can keep you company tonight.”

Hyunjin doesn’t waste a second. “Gross.”

“Yah!”

“You all are animals,” Jeongin deadpans, shaking his head as he shoves a handful of food in his mouth. You watch with a quirked brow, still shocked to this day that he doesn’t choke when he eats like that.

“Enough sex talk,” Felix’s voice carries in, moving towards the table with small containers in each hand. “I’ve made you all a to-go box of brownies for a treat later today. Y/N and Han got extra because they’re special.”

You and Han turn to each other, grinning ear to ear.

“What!” Hyunjin calls, voice pitching in a whine. “That’s not fair!”

Felix just shrugs his shoulders. “Omega privilege.”

“This is discrimination,” Changbin pouts.

Jeongin nods next to him. “I agree.”

Without wasting a beat, Han sticks his tongue out at them. “You snooze, you lose.”

Changbin’s hand raises to throw a piece of food at him, but Minho’s reflexes are quicker.

“You throw that food and I’ll take your whole breakfast away.”

Changbin slumps in defeat.

One by one, Felix hands out the containers to everyone. You smile at him brightly when he hands you yours, thanking him softly. This will definitely get you through your day.

“Y/N, Seungmin and Felix,” Chan calls, pulling your eyes on him. “You all have classes today, yeah?”

Seungmin nods. “Y/N’s is earlier than mine so me and Felix are gonna go early and hang out in the library. I’ll pick up Y/N after hers and she’ll sit in on my lecture just so she’s not waiting alone.”

You groan at the thought. “Your classes are always so boring.”

“Don’t be dramatic,” Seungmin rolls his eyes.

“I like sitting in on Lixie’s more,” you shrug. “I get to eat the leftover treats.”

Felix winks at you. “I like when you sit in on my lectures too, sunny.”

Seungmin just sighs and Chan lets out a soft laugh.

“Sounds good,” he nods to Seungmin. “Me, Bin and Hannie will be at work all day so I just wanted to make sure everything else was good.”

“I can also come by and pick Y/N up after lecture,” Jeongin offers, meeting your eyes then Chan’s. “I’m finally getting caught up on my pile of homework and have got nothing else to do today.”

You turn to him with sparkling eyes. “Ah, really?”

He laughs; “if that’s okay with everyone else.”

The whole table nods and shrugs in response, until Jeongin turns to Seungmin and Chan.

“Allows me to actually focus during class,” Seungmin says and you stick your tongue out at him.

Chan nods after; “works for me.”

You grin, turning to Jeongin; “yay! Thank you, Innie.”

He flushes faintly; “of course, baby.”

“Lucky,” Hyunjin pouts from next to you. “I want Innie and Y/Nie time.”

Minho just shakes his head; “you have back to back classes to teach today.”

Hyunjin drops his head on the table; “I know! I’m so busy, I hate it.”

That you can’t blame him for. School’s been crazy recently, you know you’re feeling burnt out too.

“I feel the same, baby,” Han says, nodding sympathetically at Hyunjin. “We’ve been so busy at the studio recently.”

Changbin hums; “it has been a lot.”

“This is the first day in weeks that I’m not swamped with homework,” Jeongin frowns.

“Normally I’d call you all dramatic but I’m just as swamped,” Minho sighs.

“We’ve all been feeling this way, huh?” Chan asks, letting his eyes drift across the entire pack. 

You nod. “The only thing keeping me going is the long weekend coming up.”

“Yes!” Felix practically shouts, pointing at you with excitement, “I can’t wait.”

“It will be nice,” Seungmin agrees.

Silence carries for a moment. Everyone gets carried away with the anticipation of the long weekend coming up soon. For the past few weeks, it’s been non-stop go, go, go for everyone in the pack. The house was a mess of homework, lyrics, music sheets, etc. In fact, the pack had only really been able to spend time all together during breakfast. It was your one solace for the days, knowing that at the very least, you’d be able to see your soulmates in the morning and start your day off right.

Of course, it wasn’t like you didn’t get to see them ever. You had spent the night before with Seungmin but you hadn’t seen anyone else because you two didn’t get home until late. Chan and Han, for example, had clearly spent the night together but you know Hyunjin had come home from work at seven and fell asleep instantly.

There were small, brief moments but you missed being together with everyone.

“Han-ah,” Chan calls a moment later, turning to the omega. Said boy perks up beside you at the call of his name, blinking awake given that he’d been dozing off on your shoulder two seconds ago.

“Yes, Channie-hyung?”

“The track for our client,” he starts, “is it almost done?”

Han’s brows furrow, obviously confused by the random question. Still, he nods. “I should be able to get it done today with Binnie’s help.”

Said alpha sends a thumbs up. 

“Jinnie,” Chan then calls, turning to the beta. “You don’t have any classes tomorrow, right?”

Hyunjin shakes his head. “No, I’m done today after six-ish.”

“You’ll be done by tonight, Minho?”

Moving to grab the dirty dishes, Minho hums; “probably be home around ten.”

“Channie,” you call, shaking your head. “What’s going on?”

“We’ve all been swamped with work for the past few weeks. And I know I speak for all of us when I say that I’m absolutely exhausted,” he explains, to which a chorus of agreements echo around. “I know you guys have no classes tomorrow because it’s a long weekend,” he continues, eyeing you, Jeongin, Felix and Seungmin. “Do you think your homework could wait three days?”

Turning to the other three, you all share looks of similar confusion.

“Mine can wait,” Felix nods, shrugging. “It’s usually just baking anyways.”

Jeongin stands up, moving to help Minho with the dishes. “Like I said, I’ll be done with my pile of homework by today thankfully.”

Which leaves you and Seungmin.

Turning to the boy, you both nod.

“We should be good too,” Seungmin says to Chan.

“Perfect,” Chan grins, face splitting into a wide smile. “Looks like we’ll be taking a trip to the beach house this weekend!”

There’s a split moment of silence, and then, as per usual for this pack, absolute chaos breaks out.

Hyunjin is jumping to his feet with a cry of victory like he won some sort of battle only he knew about, before reaching across the table and grabbing Jeongin around the shoulders and pulling him into a crushing hug. Jeongin looks disgruntled by it, but he doesn’t fight Hyunjin either as he’s smothered by kisses and the smile is telling on his face.

Changbin is grinning at Felix who’s beaming back at him with just as much excitement. Han has moved to practically throw himself on Chan, arms locked around the older man's shoulders and pressing kisses against his cheek.

And, in typical Minho and Seungmin fashion, they share small smiles of their own.

Laughing at the chaos, you turn to Chan, only to find his eyes already on you.

“We can finally have the vacation you’ve always deserved.”

Lips parting, Chan’s words surprise you, just briefly, touched by the sincerity and meaning behind them.

And then, a soft smile curls onto your own lips.

“I look forward to it.”

That night, you all drive over to the beach house and after resting for the night, you spend the entire next day together.

After a nice lunch spent together, you all head out to the beach. This time round, you have no reservation about thrusting yourself into the water the second you lay eyes on it. You have fun playing around and messing with the boys and even manage to drag Minho into the water for a little bit (which is something you’re secretly very proud of; knowing he can’t resist your charms).

After the beach, everyone heads in to shower and get dressed for dinner. You all decide to go out for dinner and give Minho a break from cooking, which is a special treat since it isn’t often all nine of you go out for dinner together. Then, when you get back home, you all settle into the living room and watch a movie. This time it’s Han who wins the pick, and he chooses a cute, whimsical animated movie for everyone to watch.

Everyone was now currently cuddled together in a large pile just softly chatting with one another.

You elected to remain silent, content just watching them as they laughed and chatted with one another. It had been a wonderful day, a day spent with your pack, playing, laughing and simply just being together. You loved days like these, cherished them, even more so because it was rare all of you got to be together at once in this way. No worries of work or stress of school or things to do.

Just… being together.

You watch as Hyunjin smothers Jeongin in kisses as the boy desperately tries to block them (unsuccessfully). Or how Han has curled himself around Minho, head nestled into the crook of his neck, both of them sharing content, fond smiles. Felix is laughing as Seungmin teases Changbin, trying to egg the alpha on. 

Then, you catch Chan’s gaze. He’s already looking at you, a soft smile on his lips. You were curled in his lap, his arms wrapped around your waist as you leant against his chest. 

You hadn’t known he’d been watching you.

“What?” You ask, smiling up at him.

Chan shrugs; “nothing.” He whispers. “Just admiring how beautiful you are.”

Cheeks flushing, you nudge him; “oh hush.”

Chan just laughs; “what? It’s true.”

You roll your eyes, but the warmth on your cheeks and the smile on your lips doesn’t fade.

And for a moment, you let the silence follow, letting your eyes drag across the pack once more.

Then, turning back to Chan, you reach for his hand. His eyes follow your movement, confused, but lets you thread your fingers through his own.

“I’m so happy,” you say.

Blinking, Chan’s lips part. His eyes search yours, letting your words sink in, and then, his hand is squeezing your own in return.

“You are?” He asks, as if he needs the reassurance.

“I am,” you assure, nodding. “I’ve never been this happy.”

“Neither have we.”

It isn’t Chan who responds, but Changbin. Blinking, you turn, meeting Changbin’s eyes as he smiles at you. When you look across the rest of the pack, everyone is smiling at you too.

“You make us whole, sunny,” Felix says, voice soft and gentle.

“And we’re so proud of how far you’ve come,” Minho adds.

You feel your vision blur, happy tears welling in your eyes as you stare back at them all. Chan pulls you closer, hugging you as Hyunjin leans forward to cup your cheek. 

It’s moments like these, even a whole year later, you’re reminded of how far you truly have come. You still have your bad days, of course, but its nothing like before. You’ve grown and healed and you're proud of how hard you’ve worked to do so. And most importantly, how your pack has been there for you every single step of the way.

Without them, you wouldn’t be who you are. 

You wouldn’t have found yourself.

And that meant more to you than anything.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you guys.”

It’s true. The pack always tells you how strong you are, how proud they are of you and you appreciate it. You know you are strong.

But they’re the ones who’ve made you strong.

“I mean that,” you say. “I’m strong but I’m stronger because of you guys. Being with you all, being in this pack, it’s what gave me the strength to heal.”

Brushing your hair behind your ear, Chan presses a kiss to your forehead.

“We feel the same.”

Eyes fluttering shut, you lean into his touch. “And now we can spend the rest of our lives together.”

[justauthoring]

Summary: They've been looking for the final member of their pack for years, a ache that never fades and always exists. Only, when they finally find you, they find a version of you that has been broken. Will they be able to make you whole again?

Pairing: Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader

Chapter TW. Angst, prejudice against omegas, etc. and also FLUFF

Word Count: 4396

A/N: Okay yall, here we go!

Tag List: @httpsxnox - @straykidsdreamer - @0325tiny - @likeejennie - @fab-notfat - @chasinghxran - @chk-chk-b00m - @bangct - @bbokarismeow - @chimmyn0chu - @hyunniebeoms - @kio66 - @skzlover24 - @vi0let-writes - @ihrtlix - @echo-ofmemoriez - @hyunjinsruinedpainting - @fanficwriter5 - @cait-with-luv - @mel-onthemoon - @janaethedreamer - @krssliu - @vinylphwoar - @prettkitty - @motheraiya55 - @rafesbunniebby - @kristend512 - @nanycreinoza - @sunfk88 - @kristend512 - @chillllllli - @ladsipedia - @daddys-little-witch - @mbioooo0000 - @ydissac9 - @apolloshaiku - @paulina15 - @toastmenace - @jetaimz - @thatgirlangelb - @unenthusiasticmigraine - @annaiaweirdokid - @f1ln4dr3cl16mv33 - @rockrose-blossoms - @bangchris97 - @0325tiny - @cutieskz - @cliosunshine - @idkwhoisthis1971 - @nojerama-writes - @galaxy4489 - TAGLIST IS CLOSED!!

Series Masterlist - Next - Previous

Chapter 29 - Liberating

You think your heart might beat out of your chest.

Your hands haven’t stopped trembling since you woke up this morning.

This was it. This was the day you went in front of a judge, in front of Seojun, and told your story in the hopes that it would put Seojun away for a long, long time. In the hopes that someone would listen to you, an omega, testify against an alpha and actually believe you.

There was no way this went well.

You’re pulled from your thoughts at the feeling of a hand pressing against your shoulder. It makes you jump, shock traveling from your feet all the way up your body. But then you catch sight of Chan’s familiar gaze, and instantly calm.

“Sorry,” you breathe, twisting your hands in front of you. You know you probably look like a nervous wreck, but you don’t bother to hide it — you are a nervous wreck.

And you know that neither Chan or any of the boys will judge for it. They've spent the past few days trying to assure you and tell you how proud they were of you for taking this step. If there's anybody you know will be there for you, it's any one of the boys.

“Don’t apologize, baby,” Chan assures, smiling warmly at you. “I just came to check on you. The rest of the boys are waiting for you and wanted to come but we didn’t want to overwhelm you. So, they sent me. But I can grab someone else if you need, maybe Hannie or Lix?”

You shake your head. Chan was perfect. Anyone of them would be. And even though you loved the boys and knew they meant well, you’d probably lose your mind further if you were surrounded by all of them right now. You could barely think, let alone anything else.

Chan was your pack alpha. Strong, reliable, warm and understanding. Him just standing next to you was enough to make you feel the slightest bit better.

Letting out a shaky exhale, you turn to Chan. “I think I’m freaking out.”

“That’s okay,” Chan says, moving to stand in front of you. He presses both of his hands to your shoulders, holding you steady, and meets your gaze head on. “It’s okay to be nervous. But remember that we’re all there for you. We’ll be in the audience the entire time.”

Inhaling sharply, you nod. 

“Jeongin and Seungmin already testified, yeah?” He reminds. It was true, just yesterday you’d been here, only in the audience, as Jeongin and Seungmin testified against Ha-joon and Jung. That had gone well and they’d been found guilty rather instantly. Still, that was with a beta and an alpha testifying, not an omega.

Not you.

Chan squeezes your shoulders, noticing you’d drifted off to your mind and pulls your attention back on him. “Remember how we sat there for them? How we were there the whole time?"

“Of course,” you agree. 

“That’s exactly how it’ll be for you." Chan smiles gently, "if you ever get nervous or lose your train of thought or panic, just look for us, yeah? If Seojun does something or his lawyer asks you a question that scares you, just find us.”

Meeting Chan’s gaze head on, you swallow thickly. “Just look for any of you?”

“Any of us,” Chan assures. “We’re with you, Y/N. Always.”

“We’ll now call witness Y/N Y/L/N to the stand.”

Everything in your body freezes the second you hear your name. Your lawyer, Eun, the one who Chan had hired and who had been helping you prep your case for the last few weeks, turns to you the second your name is called. Seeing the panic in your eyes, she smiles softly, reaching out and squeezing your hand underneath the desk. 

You nod, appreciating the gesture and take one last deep breath in. You’re not even aware that you’re standing until your feet are already carrying you towards the stand. Instinctively, your head turns towards the audience section of the courtroom. All eight of your soulmates sit there, already staring at you. Each one sends a reassuring smile your way. You see Chan mouth ‘you’ve got this’ and Jeongin nods at you encouragingly. Felix is smiling at you, and Han is giving you a warm, steady eye contact to let you know he’s there. Changbin is sending you a thumbs up and Hyunjin is beaming at you with a proud smile. Seungmin is mouthing ‘we’re right here’ and Minho is just staring at you with those calm, careful eyes.

It helps settle your racing heart just a little.

You move towards the stand, taking a seat and grasping your hands to stop the violent way they tremble.

The second you sit, however, you catch Seojun’s gaze. He’s staring at you from his place next to his lawyer. His gaze is heavy, dark, eyes narrowed in dangerous slits but that isn’t what scares you the most. It’s the smile on his face. Faint, but there. The edges of his lips curled upwards as he looks at you like he already expects to walk free after this.

He doesn’t think you can do it. The thought occurs to you then. He thinks you’ll panic, mess up your story, maybe even somehow, someway advocate for him. You’re sure the sick fuck thinks it’s possible. That he’s got you so wrapped around his power that you’d do it.

He’s confident, not an ounce of doubt or fear that this won’t end with him walking free.

And for a moment you panic, and the thought that he’s right, that he will walk free after this strikes such terror through your body you can’t breathe. You’ll mess up and if you don’t mess up, there’s no way the court will believe you because you’re just an omega. And if they do somehow believe you, Seojun will still walk free because somehow, someway, his dad will make sure he does.

You'll never be free from him. This will never end.

Then, Chan’s voice echoes in your mind:

“If you ever get nervous or lose your train of thought or panic, just look for us, yeah? If Seojun does something or his lawyer asks you a question that scares you, just find us.”

Inhaling sharply, you look past Seojun, eyes instantly moving towards where you know they all are. You’d just seen them, just looked for them, and seeing them again, seconds later, is undeniably reassuring. Every single one of them, looking at you, is there for you. Seungmin on the far left, then Changbin, Hyunjin, Felix, Han, Minho, Jeongin and lastly Chan. Chan who’s looking at you with such pride and adoration that that cruel smile from Seojun fades to the back of your mind in seconds.

Your pack was here for you. And with them you could do anything.

Everything moves fast after that. 

After swearing the oath to tell nothing but the truth and only the truth, the questions start then.

There’s a brief moment where you work to find your voice, inhaling to steady your breath and hands twisting to calm your racing heart. Then, you sit back, squaring your shoulders and tell yourself you’re more confident then you actually feel. You part your lips and start to speak, even when it feels like the scariest thing you’ve ever done.

“I started dating Seojun in my last year of highschool, but I had known him since we were in elementary school. We started dating after I’d presented as an omega. He’d convinced me that we were soulmates and because I lived alone and didn’t know any better, I believed him. It was fine at first. Seojun was… sweet, attentive and I really did like him… Everything changed after we graduated.”

They call eyewitnesses to the stand after.

The only two are Jeongin and Doctor Yoon. Jeongin because he’d been there the day Seojun took you and Doctor Yoon because no one would be able to describe the abuse you’d endured better than her.

After them, it’s Seojun’s turn.

It isn’t until you see him walk up to the stand that you realize this is far more nerve wracking than when you’d taken the stand. Because there was no way Seojun would tell the truth. There was no way the words that were about to leave his mouth wouldn’t be lies; cruel and humiliating lies at that.

They ask the same standard questions they’d asked you. When did you meet, what was the nature of your relationship, that sort of thing. 

Then, Seojun’s lawyer asks;

“Did the victim come with you on the date of the 19th voluntarily?”

And without a second of doubt, Seojun nods; “of course.”

It gives you pause, back straightening. You’d known he’d lie, but surely he didn’t think a lie like this would be believable? You’d explained explicitly that the day Seojun had taken you, they’d threatened Jeongin to force you to comply. 

Jeongin had said the same thing.

“Objection,” Eun calls, shaking her head. “My client explicitly stated that she was taken forcefully.”

“We have audio evidence,” Seojun’s lawyer cuts in immediately. 

Everyone turns to the judge. With a sigh, he nods.

The lawyer moves, putting the audio tape to the speaker. You sit forward with bated breath, brows furrowed in confusion. You had no idea what evidence they could even be talking about.

Then, your voice carries across the room. Your voice, weak and broken but clear as day;

“I’ll go with you, alpha. I’ll be your omega.”

Your eyes widen. You remember saying that, of course you did. But that was after Seojun had threatened to hurt Jeongin more, and had threatened to basically kill him. Of course, that part had been cut from the audio clip.

Eun scoffs; “that’s it? That could’ve easily taken that audio clip of Ms. Y/L/N out of context!”

“It’s her voice clearly,” Seojun’s lawyer says, shaking his head. “She’s willingly submitting herself as an omega to him in the recording.”

Panicked, you glance back at the pack. Sure enough, there are varying faces of concern and anger brewing on each of their faces. Chan looks ready to get up and kill Seojun himself and Jeongin, who’d experienced that moment with you, looks no different.

Swallowing thickly, your nails dig into your thighs.

“I feel it’s important to mention in addition to the audio the most glaring piece of evidence here,” Seojun’s lawyer continues and you feel his sharp eyes fall on you, piercing. You know that look. He looks at you like you’re nothing, like you’re below him. “Your honour, the witness is an omega. My client is an alpha. Unless we’ve all forgotten basic biology, the answer is obvious. Ms. Y/L/N would not be able to resist Mr. Kang simply because she is an omega and he is an alpha.”

“Objection!” Eun calls, slapping her hand on the desk. The action makes you flinch violently. “Your honour, it has been proven in many cases that basic biology does not account for simple submission. Ms. Y/L/N’s status as an omega has nothing to do with this and certainly doesn’t mean that it overrides her right as a human being to consent. Mr. Kang forced his power as an alpha over my client unwillingly.”

“Except Ms. Y/L/N has said herself that she did not know how to properly identify her soulmates. If he was her soulmate, then every action taken by Mr. Kang would be fully within his right as her alpha. Who is to say Mr. Kang is not her soulmate?”

“Because the pack sitting in the audience is physical proof that he is not.”

“Who’s to say Ms. Y/L/N was simply not just convinced by them once again?”

Biting your lip, you glance down at your lap, shoulders hunched in on yourself. You can feel your pack looking at you, can feel the anger radiating off of them, can feel it in the marks lining your neck. But you can’t look at them. Not now.

You knew your subgender would be brought up. You knew it would. But that didn’t mean hearing it used against you hurt any less.

“Order,” the judge's voice cuts through, silencing both yours and Seojun’s lawyer. “Let’s continue with the questioning, unless you have more evidence to provide?”

So, the questioning continues. This time, you keep your gaze lowered. You know your pack is still looking at you, but you just can’t seem to gather the courage to look back at them. As Seojun continues to spout more and more lies about you, about what your relationship was, the small bit of hope you’d started with is dwindling bit by bit.

“And really, any time I laid a hand on her was only to remind her of her place.”

“She never rejected sex with me. In fact, I think she secretly liked it rough.”

“She’s an omega after all. What does she know about what she wants?”

By the end of his testimony, it’s taking everything in you not to burst out in tears. The only reason you haven’t is because if you do, then Seojun really will have won.

Instead, you dig welts into your legs and listen to Seojun say horrible, demeaning things about you, your subgender and your value as a human being.

When he sits back by his lawyer, it occurs to you that this is it. Both lawyers will have the final chance to summarize their argument and then the judge will make his decision.

The decision that will decide the rest of your life.

Eun sets her hand on your arm, pulling your eyes on her. You expect her to look at you with sympathy, an admittance you both know is the reality; that Seojun will be decided not guilty. But instead, she’s looking at you with determination.

Leaning forward, she lowers her voice; “I promised you that I would win this case for you the day we met, do you remember that?”

Blinking, surprised, you slowly nod. “Yes, of course.”

You remembered that day perfectly. Saem, the cop that had asked you the questions that day in the hospital, had personally recommended Eun. A close friend, he'd called her, and a damn good lawyer.

When you'd met her a few days later with Chan, Jeongin and Seungmin, whilst being a nervous wreck, she'd set her hands on your shoulders in the midst of the meeting, looked you right in the eye and said;

"I'll make sure he pays for everything he ever did to you."

You believed her then. You still want to believe her now.

“I promised Chan that I wouldn’t let him walk free,” she continues. “And I meant it. I don’t lose cases. And I won’t lose this one. But in order to win, I need you to go back on the witness stand.”

Eyes widening, your lips part; “what?”

“Just… trust me,” she says, squeezing your arm. “Trust that Chan wouldn’t have gotten a lawyer that wouldn’t do everything in her power and ability to help you.”

You glance to your right, finding your pack staring at the two of you with furrowed brows, except for Chan. There isn’t confusion or shock on his face. He’s smiling at you, nodding. Like he understood the conversation without ever having heard it. 

Whatever your lawyer was talking about, he knew.

So, with that, you turn back to her.

You trusted Chan. You trusted your pack.

You trusted Eun.

“Okay.”

Eun smiles at you.

“Your honour,” she calls, standing up. “I’d like to call Ms. Y/L/N to the stand.”

“What?” Seojun’s lawyer calls, also standing. “Objection. She already stated her testimony.”

Eun simply ignores him, looking directly at the judge. “Please, your honour. There is one last statement and one last question I’d like to ask her.”

There’s a beat of silence.

“Permission granted.”

Seojun's lawyer scoffs but Eun only nods, turning to you with a soft, reassuring smile.

Five minutes later and you’re back on the witness stand, your lawyer standing right in front of you.

“Ms. Y/L/N,” she calls, “I’d like you to tell me what meeting your soulmates for the first time felt like.”

Blinking, your lips part.

“Objection,” Soejun’s lawyer calls immediately. “What is the relevance?”

Eun wastes no time. “You questioned the validity of Ms. Y/L/N’s ability to identify the difference between meeting her soulmates and being manipulated to believe she had.” She explains, before turning to the judge. “I believe letting Ms. Y/L/N explain the difference is all the proof you need.”

You turn to the judge, freezing when his eyes fall on you. He isn't smiling nor does he looked mad, the expression on his face is completely neutral. It makes your chest tighten with anxeity.

After a moment, he nods. 

“Objection ignored,” he says. “Continue.”

Eun turns to you, her eyes reassuring and with a sharp inhale, you move to speak.

“Meeting my pack felt like… finally feeling whole,” you start, thinking back to that day. The day Han, Felix and Chan had found you in that park. You’d been scared, distressed but the second Felix had touched you, you’d felt it immediately. “I was upset because I had just run away from Seojun. I… wasn’t thinking clearly, I was scared and upset. But then Felix, one of the omegas in my pack, he touched me. Set his hand on my arm and it felt like… electricity coursing through my veins."

Looking up from your hands, you let your gaze fall on Eun. "It felt like that the first time all of them touched me.”

Eun nods, smiling softly, knowingly. “And how does your pack treat you?”

“Objection!” Seojun’s lawyer calls, huffing. 

“Ignored,” the judge says instantly, waving his hand at him before turning to you once again. You turn him in surprise and that hope, just faintly, comes back.

“Like I matter,” you say after a moment, turning back to your lawyer. “They treat me like I’m… more than just my subgender. Like I’m a human being with emotions and wants and importance. Like I matter. They’ve never once made me feel less than them. I was… never treated like with Seojun.”

“And how do you know they’re your soulmates?”

You hesitate a moment, thinking — how do you know? But then you think, really think, and realize the answer is obvious.

You raise your head, looking Eun right in the eyes and smile so genuinely, so full of adoration.

“Because I loved them the moment I met them.”

Your words hang in the air for a moment. Distantly, you hear a chorus of gasps. As your eyes flicker past Eun, past Seojun, you find your pack. They’re staring at you like the words you’ve just said are everything they’ve been waiting to hear and more.

With tears welling in your eyes, you smile at them.

Nodding, Eun says she has one last question.

“And how do you know Mr. Kang is not your soulmate?”

Inhaling sharply, your gaze trails, and before you can stop yourself you find yourself meeting Seojun’s waiting gaze. There’s rage burning through his eyes, his fists clenched and his lips curled into a nasty snarl as he stares back at you.

Once that look would’ve petrified you, but in that moment, you feel a sense of empowerment.

Liberation.

“Because I never loved him,” you say finally. “Because everything he did to me he only ever did for himself. Because he hurt me, beat me, raped me… because he thought that that was his right as an alpha. Because he thought that he owned me just because I was an omega. I didn’t feel like a human with him, I felt like a possession. I felt broken.”

Turning to the judge, Eun nods, satisfied;

“That’s all, your honour.”

You sit up the second the judge steps back into the room.

“The court will now deliver its verdict.”

This was it. 

This was the moment that would decide everything.

You lean forward, breath caught in the back of your throat, as the judge sits, and turns to the rest of the court.

His lips part and you swear time slows down.

“The court finds the defendant guilty of…”

Then, time stops. That hope from before floods you with undeniable relief.

“Unlawful imprisonment, assault resulting in injury, sexual assault by means of violence or intimidation, and abuse of authority.”

Your eyes are welling with tears before you even realize it. The tears finally stream then, falling across your cheeks, beyond your control. But they’re not tears of sorrow or fear, they’re tears of happiness.

Of relief.

“The court hereby sentences the defendant to eight years of imprisonment.”

The judge says more but the words start to fade in the back of your mind as the thoughts race. You can hardly believe it. You won. You actually won.

It’s not life and it’s not forever, but it’s more than you thought you’d ever get. 

You hadn’t even thought the court would find him guilty.

The second the judge finishes speaking, you’re turning to Eun, tears streaming down your cheeks and a smile curling onto your lips. You’re pulling her into your arms before she can even say anything, practically sobbing against her.

“Thank you,” you breathe, “thank you so much.”

Squeezing you in return, Eun smiles; “I told you I don't lose cases.”

The comment makes you laugh. A wet, relieved laugh as you pull back, shaking your head.

“Eight is less than I wanted,” she admits, nodding at you. “But it’s better than nothing. And it doesn’t mean the fight is over. I'll make sure he pays for what he did to you, Y/N. But most importantly, I want you to make me a promise.”

Blinking through the tears, you nod; "anything."

"Promise me you'll start living," she smiles, soft and gentle.

Her words stun you, your lips parting. It somehow hadn't even crossed your mind that all this time, all these years, you haven't been living.

You've just been existing.

But now... now you could.

Swallowing thickly, you squeeze her hand. "I promise."

Eun smiles, bright and relieved; “I—”

“This is bullshit!”

Lips parting, your eyes widen, you and Eun both turn to Seojun who has stood up in his rage. His face is split in anger as the police step towards him, handcuffs in hand, but he’s turning to you.

You freeze the second his eyes fall on you.

“This is your fault,” he hisses, voice a growl as his eyes blaze back at you. “A fucking omega! That’s what you are! You fucking bitch! I’ll kill you! I swear I’ll kill you!”

His lawyer is pleading with him to stop and the reason is obvious enough as you see the look on the judge's face. The disgust and contempt.

The police grab him before he can do anything, forcing him to the table and handcuffing him. You watch with parted lips as his hands are forced behind his back and then he’s led across the courtroom. He continues to fight the police holding him, screaming profanities and swearing his father will make them all pay, all while you watch him.

You don’t take your eyes off of him once. Not until he’s taken out of the room and the only thing you can hear is his echoing voice carrying down the hall.

You’ve never seen Seojun lose his cool like that. Never. Not even when you did fight him, not even when you ran away.

It was… liberating somehow.

You’re smothered in kisses and hugs the second you step out of the courtroom. You barely even take the full step before it happens but the second it does, all you do is laugh because really, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Make sure she can breathe, you guys,” Chan laughs, standing a little further back as he watches his pack smother you in kisses with a bright smile.

“It’s okay,” you giggle, smiling at him. “I don’t mind.”

“Good,” Felix calls from beside you. “Because I don’t plan on stopping myself from kissing you until… maybe a week from now.”

Everyone laughs, shaking their heads at Felix as he leans close, pressing multiple kisses against your cheek.

“Might need to stop to eat,” Changbin grins. “And sleep.”

Felix just shrugs; “I’ll do without it.”

Han laughs from your other side. “Don’t forget me!” He calls, pressing kisses to your other cheek. “I want cuddles and kisses!”

Seungmin snorts. “I bet you anything they’ll be the first to fall asleep when we get home.”

“Hey!”

“Are you doing okay, Y/N?” Minho asks as the laughter from everyone slowly fades, meeting your eyes.

You just smile. “I’m better than I’ve been in a long time.”

He smiles back at you.

“We’re so proud of you, bambi,” Hyunjin coos, ruffling your hair affectionately. “So, so proud of you.”

You meet his eyes, biting your lip. “Thank you, Hyun.”

Then, letting your gaze drift across the rest of them, you nod. “It helped knowing you guys were there.”

“Of course,” Jeongin says immediately. “We’ll be there for you, always.”

And you know he means it from the bottom of his heart.

“I still can’t believe it,” you breathe, letting out a shaky breath. “I can’t believe we actually won.”

“He deserves a lifetime,” Chan says, frowning faintly. “And I’m sorry there isn’t more we can do to make that possible.”

You shake your head. “I expected him to walk free, Chan,” you admit. “Eight is more than enough for me. And you’ve all done more than enough.”

“Still,” Seungmin pipes up, turning to you. “What you said there at the end…” And his voice trails, like he can’t even find the words to explain himself.

“Seungmin's right,” Jeongin nods. “That was so brave of you.”

Changbin presses his hand against your back. “And if it wasn’t obvious, we feel the same.”

“We love you so much,” Felix says.

“More than you’ll ever know,” Han adds, nodding.

You smile at each and everyone of them.

“I love you all too.”

“You ready to head home, baby?” Chan asks, squeezing your hand.

“More than ready,” you nod. “I want to cuddle in the den nest all night.”

You’re met with warm laughter and nods.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.”

[veenenex]

News!

Heeeeeey! I swear I would love to post my fics following a semi decent schedule but sadly I've been swamped with university, life aaaand a relationship! Your girl Nene found a girl eheh <3

Regarding Changbin's fic! It's actually more than halfway done, so if I power through (and drink a suspicious ammount of energy drinks at night) it should be ready quite soon!

Thank you all for your patience! Also if you haven't already heard it, but I doubt, go send our dear Innie some love on his Skz record! Loved that song ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

[justauthoring]

Summary: They've been looking for the final member of their pack for years, a ache that never fades and always exists. Only, when they finally find you, they find a version of you that has been broken. Will they be able to make you whole again?

Pairing: Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader

Chapter TW. VERY suggestive content, there is no explicit sex but Y/N is in her heat so it's implied that stuff happens (though no actual intercourse).

Word Count: 4149

A/N: Hehe :)

Tag List: @httpsxnox - @straykidsdreamer - @0325tiny - @likeejennie - @fab-notfat - @chasinghxran - @chk-chk-b00m - @bangct - @bbokarismeow - @chimmyn0chu - @hyunniebeoms - @kio66 - @skzlover24 - @vi0let-writes - @ihrtlix - @echo-ofmemoriez - @hyunjinsruinedpainting - @fanficwriter5 - @cait-with-luv - @mel-onthemoon - @janaethedreamer - @krssliu - @vinylphwoar - @prettkitty - @motheraiya55 - @rafesbunniebby - @kristend512 - @nanycreinoza - @sunfk88 - @kristend512 - @chillllllli - @ladsipedia - @daddys-little-witch - @mbioooo0000 - @ydissac9 - @apolloshaiku - @paulina15 - @toastmenace - @jetaimz - @thatgirlangelb - @unenthusiasticmigraine - @annaiaweirdokid - @f1ln4dr3cl16mv33 - @rockrose-blossoms - @bangchris97 - @0325tiny - @cutieskz - @cliosunshine - @idkwhoisthis1971 - @nojerama-writes - @galaxy4489 - TAGLIST IS CLOSED!!

Series Masterlist - Next - Previous

Chapter 28 - For the First Time

Four days later and your heat arrived in full swing.

After days of going from extreme heat to extreme cold, of clinging to any pack member that was within a five foot radius of yourself and stealing any blankets, pillows or clothes you could find to hoard in your closet, the heat had finally broken. 

You woke up that morning with sweat clinging to your skin and the feeling of your breath caught in your throat. As if you were suffocating on your own breath. Your skin was burning hot. Hot and sweltering. 

Your body aches, you burn with the need for something more, for pressure and touch and pleasure. Distantly, in the back of your mind, you know you’re letting off strong scents of desire and need.

It’s why Seungmin, who you’d dragged into your nest the night before, wakes up feeling dizzy and like the air around him is so thick he’s choking on it. He’s gasping awake, dazed and confused, a heat surrounding him that he can’t locate until he sees you next to him, curled in on yourself, whimpering and in pain.

Instantly, Seungmin knows what it is. He’s seen Han and Felix in this state enough times to know what was wrong. There’s a brief, split moment where he isn’t sure what to do. It’s not like he hasn’t helped with heats before, but he doesn’t have as much experience with them as Minho or Chan, and it was different with you. He wanted to help but he didn’t want to cross any boundaries.

Then, he remembers Chan’s words.

“When her heat breaks, come and get me. Right away.”

Right. Chan would know what to do. You’d also asked that Chan be the first one to help you. So all Seungmin needed to do was get him. Seungmin could do that. 

Sitting up, he shifts around you, careful not to disturb you as he crawls out of your bed. The second he’s on his feet, he turns back to you, now able to see your face clearly. Your brows are furrowed and your face is pinched in discomfort. Seungmin isn’t even sure you’re aware that he’s there.

“Y/N?” He calls softly, voice a faint whisper. He doesn’t want to be too loud and disturb you. You shift at his voice, shoulders twitching, but that’s all the acknowledgement he gets that you’ve heard him. Leaning closer, Seungmin brushes a strand of hair from your face, frowning at the way it sticks to your skin.

“I’m going to get Channie, okay?” He says, trying to meet your eyes. You blink at the sound of his voice, looking at him through heavy-lidded eyes. But the sound of Chan’s name seems to get your attention and for that, Seungmin is thankful. “I’m gonna get Channie-hyung and he’ll make you feel better, yeah? I promise.”

You nod, slow and shakily, but it’s enough for Seungmin.

He’s turning with one final kiss pressed to your forehead, steps quickening the second he makes it out of your bedroom. He moves on autopilot, instinct, his feet naturally carrying him towards Chan’s room. He doesn’t know what time it is but can tell it’s early. With any luck, Chan will already be awake.

Sure enough, the second Seungmin opens the door to Chan’s room, the alpha is awake and at his desk. He turns to Seungmin in surprise, especially since Seungmin had just busted in the room without even knocking like he normally would. The second he sees the frazzled, wide eyed look on Seungmin’s face, the sweat clinging to his skin, the way his shirt hangs off one shoulder, though, panic is crawling up Chan’s throat.

“What?” He asks, standing up, “what happened?”

“Y/N,” Seungmin breathes. “It’s her heat. It’s started.”

It takes Chan a total of two minutes to reach you. The second those words leave Seungmin’s lips, he’s dropping everything, squeezing Seungmin on the shoulder in a silent thank you and making his way to your room. Seungmin watches him go, instantly eased knowing that if anyone will be able to help you, it’ll be Chan.

You’re in a heat-induced fog when Chan comes in, unaware of your surroundings until you feel the touch of cool fingertips brush gently across your cheek. It feels nice, really nice, against the heat clinging to your skin, and your eyes blink blearily open only to meet Chan’s waiting gaze. There’s a soft smile on his lips, understanding and sympathetic, as he brushes your hair from your forehead and strokes loving patterns into the skin of your cheeks.

“Hi baby,” Chan whispers.

The sound of his voice sounds like heaven to you.

“Hi,” you croak, speaking your first word since waking up in your heat. “It hurts.”

You want to say more, mean to say more. Mean to say something to him or explain how it hurts. But those are the only words you can manage at that moment. 

Which is strange, you think. Somewhere in that fog of your mind, it registers that you’ve never quite acted like this in a heat before. So… vulnerable, so pliant and weak. Your heats in the past with Seojun had been different. The heat, the pressure, the need for something more, all of that was normal. But you’d been clearer headed. You’d been aware of your surroundings and able to speak full coherent sentences.

You had to. If you hadn’t, Seojun would’ve done worse than he already did. It was a fighter instinct to not lose yourself to your heat completely—survival. Your omega hadn’t let herself fall away to the throes of a heat because if you had, there was no telling what Seojun would do to you as a result.

This, right now, with Seungmin earlier and now Chan, was different. Your omega was dazed and vulnerable, only thinking and reaching for her pack. She was letting herself feel her heat completely, because she knew no matter what, her pack would protect and help her.

And for a distant, fleeting moment, it’s scary. Terrifying. Terrifying to let yourself lose yourself so completely, to put yourself in the hands of others so completely. But the fear is passing because you’re quickly reminded that you’re not with Seojun, not anymore. You’re with your pack, you’re with your mates, and they’d never hurt you.

So as Chan brushes his hands through your hair and pulls you close, you let him. You don’t think, don’t fight him; you’re pliant in his grasp and let yourself focus on only the soothing words he whispers to you.

“I know, baby,” he coos, “I know it hurts.”

He’s pulling you into his chest and the stability of him against you is soothing in a way you hadn’t known was possible.

“I’m gonna help you, okay, babygirl?” He whispers, lips brushing against the top of your ears and sending a shiver down the back of your spine. “I’m gonna make you feel better. Just like we talked about. Is that okay?”

You shift in his grasp, nodding.

“Words, baby,” he says. “I need to hear you say it. I know it’s hard, but can you do it for me, Y/N?”

You don’t want to, your omega whines, but also recognizes the request coming from your alpha. You also recognize the rationality of Chan’s request, and he’s doing it because he doesn’t, in any way, want to overstep a boundary.

“It’s okay,” you whisper, voice cracked and faint.

But it’s enough.

“Okay, thank you. That was very good, babygirl,” he praises you and the feeling goes straight through you, electrifying your body. “You’re doing so good for me, baby. Now it’s my turn to be good to you.”

“There you go, baby.”

Hyunjin’s voice is soft as he presses the cold cloth to your forehead. Chan had just asked him to swap places with him so he could get some fresh water, and of course Hyunjin hadn’t minded. This is what they’d discussed as a pack, after all.

You’d asked to have all of them, in some way or another, and so when one member needed a break, another came in, no questions.

Hyunjin was prepared for anything, he’d be there for you in whatever way you asked. So when he came into the room and you told him you were too hot, Hyunjin didn’t hesitate. It was a trick he often did with Felix who also tended to burn really hot during his heat. He’d grabbed a bowl of water with some ice and a cloth and, after making sure the cloth wasn’t too cold, gently pressed it against your sweltering skin.

“How does that feel, bambi?”

Hyunjin watches as your lips instinctively curl upwards into a tired smile. It makes him smile too, knowing you like when he calls you that.

“Good,” you whisper.

You were a bit more awake after Chan had helped you. The pressure and need had faded a little, allowing you to think more clearly, and the cold Hyunjin was pressing into your sweltering skin was also making it easier to breathe.

“I’m glad,” Hyunjin smiles, big and wide. He lets his eyes drag across your figure, making sure you are still comfortable. You were still curled up in your nest, though Hyunjin noticed that you were now wearing Chan’s hoodie that he could’ve sworn he saw him go to bed last night. It was draped over your otherwise naked body, and the sight brought joy to Hyunjin.

“Did Chan help take care of you, bambi?” Hyunjin hums softly. “Or do you need more?”

You shake your head, shifting so your head is pressed against Hyunjin’s lap. “I just want to sleep.”

Hyunjin nods; “sleep then, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”

“You’ll stay?” You ask, glancing up at him through your lashes. 

“Of course,” he assures, knowing that right now what you need most is to feel your pack around you, with you. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Jeongin came in with a handful of blankets, clothes and pillows. 

He knew you’d been going around the past few days before your heat already grabbing quite a few, but when he woke up yesterday and heard from Chan that your heat had started, it was the first thing he could think of that would help.

He’s in the middle of grabbing one of Felix’s shirts when Minho comes over asking him to step in for Hyunjin. It was the second day of your heat and Hyunjin had spent the entire evening and night with you, tending to you in different ways. When Jeongin steps into your room to swap, it’s clear Hyunjin needs some sleep and he’s more than happy to help.

Hyunjin presses a tired kiss to his cheek as he slips out of your room and Jeongin lets him do so with a gentle smile.

Then, he turns to you.

“Innie,” you smile at the sight of him. You’re more awake than Jeongin expected you to be. You’re not sweating as much as he remembered Chan saying you had been and instantly, Jeongin knows that Hyunjin had spent the night keeping you as cool as possible.

In the back of his mind, he hopes Hyunjin is getting the rest he deserves.

“Hi Y/N/N,” Jeongin grins.

You sit up slowly, making grabby hands at the young alpha. Jeongin thinks it’s absolutely adorable and has to resist the urge to drop everything and smother you in kisses.

“I brought you some nesting stuff,” he says, listening to your beckoning and making his way over to you. “I grabbed something from everyone because I knew the smells would help you.”

He sets the handful on the bed and you look at it like a child looks at wrapped presents on Christmas morning. Your reaction is immediate, acting on instinct as you grab item after item. Jeongin is happy to sit back at watch, wanting to make sure you do whatever helps you best, watching as you bring every item up to your face, breathe it in and then place it somewhere in your nest.

It makes no reasonable sense to Jeongin as an alpha but he can tell your actions are methodical. Every placement is done with thought, with care, but really, all Jeongin cares about is the beaming smile on your face once you’re done.

“Did that help, Y/Nnie?”

You nod, eager, and then before Jeongin can say anything more, you’re reaching for him. You pull close, eliciting a soft gasp from Jeongin’s lips as you all but nestle your head into the crook of his neck, almost… purring.

You’re wrapped around him like a koala, clinging onto him like the second you let go he might disappear.

The thought makes Jeongin hold onto you just as tight.

“Y/N?”

“You smell so good,” you breathe, voice a low hum. Jeongin’s never heard your voice sound that way before. “Please, Innie.”

He presses his hand into your pack, firm and steadying.

“You want me to help, Y/N?”

You nod against his neck, mouth latching around the bite you’d left there just a few days ago.

“Okay, Y/N,” Jeongin whispers, “let me make you feel better.”

“Did that make you feel good, baby?”

Head leaning against Han’s chest, you nod, eyes lidded and body exhausted as you meet Minho’s eyes from between your legs.

“Did Minho-ah make you feel good?” Han asks again, voice lower as his hands trail across your body. You’re still sensitive so you jump faintly at the touch. You don’t pull away though, mainly because Han’s hands on you feel so good. “Hmm?”

“Yes,” you whisper, voice cracked and throat soar.

“Here, Jagi,” Minho whispers, speaking for the first time in a while. He’d been… preoccupied before. But it’s okay, because even when he hadn’t been able to, Han had talked you through it, holding you and supporting you. “Let me clean you up.”

He’s slow and careful. He doesn’t move in recklessly so as not to overstimulate you further, but he’s also tedious, making sure you’re clean. Heat’s lasted a while and Minho knows from experience with Han and Felix that by the end of it, you’d want a deep shower to clean all the sweat and grime off of your skin. For now, though, he could at least make it a bit better.

The second he’s done, he’s shifting, taking your legs and draping them over his lap to cuddle you as well. The three of you turn into one large cuddle pile, Han’s chest still pressed into your back with his arms around you and Minho on your other side, pressing gentle kisses against your forehead.

“Thank you,” you whisper, eyes closed and breath evening out as sleep overcomes you. “Both of you…”

Minho and Han watch you fall asleep with soft smiles on their lips. It takes you no more than a few minutes to fall asleep completely, which isn’t surprising given that it was the early morning of your third day and your body needed rest more than anything right now.

“We’ll grab Felix next,” Minho says a moment later, meeting Han’s eyes on the other side of you. “He’s good at aftercare. He can help her body get the rest she needs before her next wave comes through.”

Han hums softly; “you’re good at aftercare too, hyung.”

A soft blush dances across Minho’s cheeks and he’s lowering his gaze to you to avoid Han’s knowing one.

“Shut it.”

Han lets out a soft laugh, careful not to disturb you.

“Can we stay with her for a while longer, though?” Han asks a moment later, looking at Minho pleadingly. “I’m not ready to leave her yet.”

Minho hums; “sure. But rest if you need it, Jisung-ah.”

“I could say the same for you.”

Minho snorts, rolling his eyes but the smile is fond on his face. “I’d rather be awake in case she needs anything from us.”

“Looks like we’re both staying awake then,” Han smiles.

They spend the next two hours softly chatting with one another, whilst you peacefully sleep in between them.

“Here, sunny. Drink some water.”

Felix is careful, tipping the glass of water towards your lips slowly. You follow, taking slow steps and swallowing as much as you can, before Felix feels your hand gently press against his wrist. He pulls the glass away, smiling warmly when he finds your eyes already on him.

“Good girl,” Felix praises. “Now, some food.”

You groan faintly at that and Felix knows from experience that food is probably the last thing on your mind during a heat. You’d just woken up after being nestled between Han and Minho and Felix knew that your heat would probably be coming back soon rather than later. Given that it was your third day already, Felix figured you were probably nearing the end of your heat. Which meant this last wave would probably be the strongest yet.

It was important that Felix took this time to make sure you drank water and at the very least ate something.

He knows something nutritious would probably be better, but Felix had spent all of yesterday baking in a worried frenzy. And really, the baking had been for you, so why not let you indulge a little?

“Look, sunshine,” Felix coos, moving towards your night table where he’d set the plate of treats down. “I spent all day yesterday baking some treats for you. I made your favourite too. My brownies.”

Your eyes light up faintly at that, eyes trailing the plate of treats with a little more hunger in your eyes. The sight makes Felix beam.

He insists on feeding you and is pleased when you don’t fight him on it, letting him lift the brownie to your lips and watches closely as you take small bites. It takes a while for you to eat your way through the full brownie, but you do and Felix can’t help the flood of pride he feels as you do.

“There you go, Y/N!” Felix praises, reaching forward to wipe the crumbs off your face. “That was so good. I’m so proud of you!”

You smile softly at that, eyes fluttering at his praise.

Felix has you drink a little bit more water before finally crawling into your nest completely. By now, the nest is thick with the scents of the pack and you and sex. It’s a lot for Felix, overriding his senses somewhat, but he pushes it aside for the sake of you. 

He’d do anything for you.

He pulls you so you’re leaning against his chest, head turned towards him so you’re nosing his neck. It seems to soothe you to be able to press your nose into his claiming bite and Felix remembers Jeongin saying something about it too. About how you’d basically purred when you had.

“Just lean on me, sunny,” Felix whispers, pressing a kiss to the tip of your ear. “I’ll take care of you.”

You hum, the feeling rumbling against Felix’s neck in a pleasant way. “You’re warm, Lixie.”

“Yeah?” He smiles, glancing down at the top of your head. “Is it too much?”

He knows you’d broken out into an intense sweat since the beginning of your heat. Felix doesn’t want to overwhelm you.

You shake your head. “It’s perfect.”

Felix will never forget the way those words make him feel.

Changbin eyes burn with exhaustion. 

A single glance at Seungmin tells him that the beta is just as exhausted.

They’d been at it since midday when Felix had said that your last wave had started and what you needed was more than he, another omega, could give. Given that Seungmin and Changbin were the only two who hadn’t been with you yet, the two had dropped everything to help you. 

It was now early morning of the fourth day and finally, finally it seemed like your heat was lifting.

Him and Seungmin had been taking turns physically helping, with the both of them whispering reassurances and praising your way to help you through it. Changbin always struggled with the end of his omegas heats, knowing that it was usually the worst time. That last wave always took everything from Han and Felix, and you were no different. After days of endless heat and need and aching and want, that last wave was just a cruel reminder that it wasn’t over just yet.

Changbin was determined to make it as painless as possible for you. You were in a fog for most of it, which made talking to you difficult, but Changbin was determined to never overstep your boundaries in any way. Just because your body was screaming for pleasure, didn’t mean you were okay with it.

Changbin didn’t need to ask to know that Seungmin shares the same sentiment.

As an alpha, the physical part relied more on Changbin than Seungmin. It was basic biology that your omega yearned for an alpha. Changbin hated that that was how it was, not because he didn’t want the responsibility, but because he knew that it sometimes made Hyunjin and Seungmin feel less valuable.

But as your heat broke and the hours of constant need finally ended, Changbin knows he wouldn’t have been able to do it without Seungmin. He’d been initially surprised that you’d requested to have both of them together, but he loved Seungmin and he loved you so he was more than happy to oblige.

Changbin couldn’t be more thankful now, though. Seungmin’s presence was more than enough of a reassurance, and the care Seungmin took into tending to both you and Changbin was something the alpha would never forget.

And as he watches you now, sleeping, chest rising and falling with soft breaths, Changbin turns to the beta.

Seungmin isn’t looking at him, he’s looking at you. Still, Changbin makes his way over to the beta even as his muscles ache and burn with exhaustion, only one thought on his mind. 

The beta jumps as Changbin pulls him into his arms, obviously not having expected Changbin to grab him. He doesn’t fight his grip, but he tenses, eyes narrowing in confusion; “Bin, what’s—”

His words fall silent the second Changbin presses a kiss against his lips. Changbin feels Seungmin tense in his grasp before easing, relaxing into the alpha’s grip and returning the kiss with tired adoration.

And when Changbin pulls away, Seungmin stares at him with furrowed brows.

“What was that for?” Seungmin asks, quiet in the silence of your room.

Changbin just smiles.

“I love you.”

Hyunjin and Han are twisting braids into your hair while Felix is massaging your shoulders. Changbin and Seungmin are pressed to your left side, wrapped up in each other's arms and you, whilst Chan, Minho and Jeongin are on your right, hugging you and one another.

It’s one big cuddle pile in the den’s nest, a place the nine of you have spent a lot of time in the last few days. A place you’d all collectively decided to spend the day in when your heat had finally broken. Showered, cleaned and dressed in new clothes, you were feeling refreshed and awake for the first time in four days.

There’s soft chatter amongst you; laughter and soft teasing and an easy air that surrounds you all. You sit there, silent, taking it all in.

“Y/N?” Felix’s voice calls out, soft and concerned. “You’re crying.”

You turn to him in surprise, your hand raising to press against your cheek. Sure enough, it’s wet. You hadn’t even known you’d started crying.

The pack around you stirs, all of them turning to you in concern.

"What's wrong?”

“What happened? Are you okay?”

“Y/N, baby? Talk to us.”

And you smile, smile so bright and genuine, even as you continue to cry.

“I love you all so much,” you finally say.

Silence follows, just for a moment, then, you catch Chan’s gaze and he’s smiling back at you.

“We love you too, Y/N.”

He means it wholeheartedly. Voice gentle and genuine. His smile mimics the smiles that curl on everyone else's faces.

The next words that leave your lips are a result of their love.

“I want to testify.”

There’s a soft gasp behind you, you think from Han. Felix’s hands still on you, and Changbin sits up straighter. One by one, your words sink in for everyone as they all stare at you in shocked surprise.

You just smile. “I want to testify,” you repeat, “so that I can finally heal.”

Meeting each of their eyes, you swallow thickly.

“So I can finally move on with you all.”

It’s Minho who speaks up this time, face calm and proud.

“Okay.” He says, as simple as that. Because it is. Nothing else matters other than; “we’ll help you every step of the way.”

[veenenex]

Oh god hold me back eh! Almost fell for it

[justauthoring]

Summary: They've been looking for the final member of their pack for years, a ache that never fades and always exists. Only, when they finally find you, they find a version of you that has been broken. Will they be able to make you whole again?

Pairing: Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader

Chapter TW. Angst, some violence (deserved tho lets be so real) and fluff!

Word Count: 4807

A/N: Listen, I know we all wanted Seojun to die... but keep in my mind my choice for this direction is on purpose.

Tag List: @httpsxnox - @straykidsdreamer - @0325tiny - @likeejennie - @fab-notfat - @chasinghxran - @chk-chk-b00m - @bangct - @bbokarismeow - @chimmyn0chu - @hyunniebeoms - @kio66 - @skzlover24 - @vi0let-writes - @ihrtlix - @echo-ofmemoriez - @hyunjinsruinedpainting - @fanficwriter5 - @cait-with-luv - @mel-onthemoon - @janaethedreamer - @krssliu - @vinylphwoar - @prettkitty - @motheraiya55 - @rafesbunniebby - @kristend512 - @nanycreinoza - @sunfk88 - @kristend512 - @chillllllli - @ladsipedia - @daddys-little-witch - @mbioooo0000 - @ydissac9 - @apolloshaiku - @paulina15 - @toastmenace - @jetaimz - @thatgirlangelb - @unenthusiasticmigraine - @annaiaweirdokid - @f1ln4dr3cl16mv33 - @rockrose-blossoms - @bangchris97 - @0325tiny - @cutieskz - @cliosunshine - @idkwhoisthis1971 - @nojerama-writes - @galaxy4489 - TAGLIST IS CLOSED!!

Series Masterlist - Next - Previous

Chapter 26 - Finally

"How will I know?"

Your mothers smile is soft as it curls on her lips. It's weak too. She barely has the strength to hold yourself up anymore, slumped back against the hospital bed. Still, you know she's trying.

Trying for you.

"You just will," she says, voice cracking at the edges but strong with convinction. Your hands hold her own, her hand limp in your grasp, but the tips of her fingers dance across your skin like little whisps of her love. "You'll see them and it'll just click."

Face twisting, you pout. "That doesn't make any sense, eomma."

She chuckles, light and airy and then it causes a force of coughs to wrack through her body. It's heartbreaking to witness, makes your chest feel tight and your lips to curve down into a deep frown. You lean forward, pressing a hand to her back and try to steady her.

She sends you a grateful look.

"Sorry," she rasps and you shake your head. "I know it doesn't make sense, baby. But it's how it is."

You inhale sharply. "So when I see them, I'll just... know? Like some feeling that'll wash over me?"

"Yeah," she breathes. "Like a feeling. I can't wait for you to experience that feeling, Y/N."

But you won't be here to see it.

You hate that you think it. Hate that it comes before you can stop it and then pings in your head like an irritating annoyance you can't get rid of. It's loud, pressing and makes you feel bitter, angry. But there's no one to be angry at.

"Did you feel that way with dad?"

You don't often ask about him. When you were younger, you used to ask all the time and your mother did her best. As you got older though, you registered the pained look that would pass over her face; the twist of her lips, the wince, the heartbreak that flooded her eyes. So, you stopped asking.

You didn't want her to hurt anymore.

You want to know, now, though. Because you don't think you'll get another chance.

"Yeah," she whispers, and it's the saddest you've heard her sound. "I did."

You squeeze her hand. "So, somewhere out there is someone meant for me?"

She nods. "Someone or someone's."

Your brows furrow, head tilting. "Someone's?"

"Some have more than one," she smiles, nodding at you. "A friend from highschool had four."

"Oh," you say because it sounds odd. You thought having just one, one person who was made for you, who would love you no matter what, was lucky enough.

Your mother shifts then and your lips part, calling for her in concern. She shakes her head, determined, and then her hand is squeezing over your own in a way you haven't felt in months. Her face is right in front of you own, and she's smiling in that way that makes you miss her even though she's not yet gone.

"One or four or eight," she says. "Doesn't matter. All that matters is they'll love and protect you, Y/N."

Lips parting, you stare back at her, into her eyes and feel like you could cry.

"They'll love and protect you for me."

You hear the sound of Seojun’s nose breaking before you see it; the sickening crunch that echoes through the room.

He cries out in pain, falling to the ground pitifully as his hands come to cup his bleeding nose. You sit there, shaking, heart racing, as Chan stands over Seojun, towering over him, looking the angriest you’ve ever seen him.

He takes a step towards Seojun, fist raised, but then suddenly there’s another body in front of you.

It’s Hyunjin.

“Baby,” Hyunjin breathes, eyes trailing across your face. His expression twists when he sees your scraped and bleeding chin and the bright red bruise across your cheek. His hands are trembling in front of him, as if he’s not sure if he’s allowed to touch you or not.

You just sink into his touch, desperate to feel his warmth, falling against him.

His arms wrap around you in seconds, pulling you close. You sob into his neck, relief flooding you as the pain finally catches back up to you. You’re exhausted, more than exhausted, and you’re so happy to see Hyunjin.

You never thought you'd see any of them again.

“It’s okay, baby. You’re okay. We’ve got you,” Hyunjin whispers to you, running his hands through your hair. “We got you.”

He holds you for a moment, rocking you. He pulls you close, trying to cover you, and then just as his lips part to say something, the sound of Chan’s voice interrupts him.

“You sick son of a bitch,” Chan hisses, voice low and threatening. You’ve never heard him sound so angry. Slowly, through teary eyes, you glance up from Hyunjin’s shoulder. He attempts to pull you back, obviously not wanting you to see it, but you shake your head.

You need to see this.

Chan is tall and intimidating in front of you. Broad shoulders, back turned to you, fists clenched by his sides and dripping with blood. He should be terrifying—the you from just a few weeks ago would've been petrified. Would've cowered and cried and Chan's face wouldn't have been his own but rather Seojun's because he was the reason alphas were terrifying to you.

He is terrifying. Unhinged and filled with fury. But you're not scared, not even a little.

You feel loved and protected.

You feel safe.

“I could kill you.”

Seojun laughs. Laughs. It feels like poison to you. You grip Hyunjin tighter.

“Then kill me,” Seojun huffs, blood spilling down his face. “If not, then that means you just don’t have the guts to.”

And it’s silent for one long moment. Thick and stifling where no one says anything. Then, Chan shifts on his feet, the fist he’d sent flying into Seojun’s face trembles by his side, bloodied and bruised. It trembles with the strain of holding himself back.

You know then Chan could. He could kill Seojun. A part of him probably wants to and you think, realistically, a small part of you wouldn't be upset if he did. Not for Seojun, at least.

You would be for Chan though. Because that's not who he is. Chan isn't capable of such cruelty—the type of cruelty Seojun was capable of.

No, Chan is different. Softer, kinder. Protective in a warm way, not oppressive. All of the boys were different.

Where Seojun was dismissive, Chan was uplifting. Where Seojun was controlling, Minho was guiding. Where Seojun was oppressive, Changbin was comfortable. Where Seojun was cruel, Hyunjin was kind. Where Seojun was violent, Han was loving. Where Seojun was cold, Felix was warm. Where Seojun was insulting, Seungmin was uplifting. Where Seojun was demanding, Jeongin was understanding.

Where Seojun was a prison, the pack was your home.

And so, curled in Hyunjin's arms, you wait with bated breath as the next words leave Chan's lips.

“Death would be too easy,” Chan growls. “We’re gonna make sure you spend the rest of your life in jail. I’ll make sure you pay for hurting my soulmates, for touching my pack.”

Almost instantly, relief floods you, crashes over you like a warm blanket. His words, simple adn true, mean the absolute world to you.

Seojun just shakes his head. “I’d kill me while you still have the chance,” he says, “because the police won’t be able to keep me in a cell for long. Not when my dad can just pay them off. And when he does, you’ll wish you'd have killed me.” He shifts his gaze and you freeze when his eyes land on you. “You’ll never escape me, Y/N.”

You let out a whimper, knuckles turning white from how tightly you’re gripping onto Hyunjin. He pulls you closer as a response, a low growl leaving his lips. Then, another shadow falls in front of you both.

It’s Changbin.

“The police are here,” Changbin says, glaring down at Seojun. “I’ll bring him up.”

Changbin steps forward, grabbing Seojun by the back of his neck and all but hauling him up. Seojun fights his grasp but Chan has done a number on him and Changbin’s strong that it doesn’t really make a difference.

There's a moment where Changbin just stands there, staring at him. Then, his fist is reeling back and smacking Seojun across the face. Changbin holds him in place, not letting him fall, and stares him down as his knuckles send his face flying to the side. His face is a mixture of blood, snot and tears, mangled and bruised.

You can tell, can see it on Changbin's face, he wants to do more. But, his other hand just tightens around Seojun's neck and he turns, moving to drag him up the steps.

Changbin is purposefully not gentle, smacking the man around more as he drags him.

You watch him be led up the stairs. His eyes never leave you once.

“Y/N…”

It’s Chan.

Blinking, you turn to him. He’s crouched in front of you, not a trace of that rage left on his face as he stares down at you in concern. His eyes trace across your injuries and then, down, frowning.

“Here, baby,” he says, leaning back to pull his jacket off. Hyunjin lets go of you just enough for Chan to pull the jacket around you. His smell envelopes you, instantly easing you. Once it’s properly wrapped around you, your hands instinctively reach out for Chan. He pulls you into his arms, Hyunjin’s hand falling to your back so you know he’s still there.

“Is Innie okay?” You whisper, meeting Chan’s eyes. You need to know, he hasn't left your mind since Seojun had taken you. Left there, all alone, hurt and bleeding because of you. You wouldn't be able to take it if he wasn't. “He’s okay, right?”

“He’s okay, baby girl,” Chan whispers, brushing your hair from your face. “I promise. The rest of the pack is at the hospital with him.”

You let out a breath of relief. “I was so worried,” you cry, glancing at Chan and then Hyunjin. “They… I tried to get them to stop. They–They wouldn’t stop.”

“Shh,” Hyunjin coos, “it’s okay. It’s not your fault, baby.”

“No, it isn’t,” Chan affirms. “None of this is your fault.”

You just shakily look up at him.

Then, Chan’s face twists. “Baby, Y/N, listen to me,” he starts, briefly glancing at Hyunjin. “The police… they’ll want to talk to you. They’ll have questions.”

You freeze in his touch.

“They’ll also need to check you for injuries.” Chan says, “I’m sorry. I know you want to go home. But it has to happen, okay?”

You want to argue, want to beg for him to make it so you don’t have to. All you want to do is go home. All you want is to be with your pack.

But you know Chan is right.

“O-Okay,” you nod.

“We’ll be there the whole time, okay?” Hyunjin reassures you, rubbing your back. “We won’t leave you for one second.”

You swallow thickly.

“Binnie’s up there,” Chan says softly. “Do you want to see Binnie?”

You do. You want to see everyone.

“Yeah,” you breathe.

“Okay,” Chan nods. He shifts backwards. “I’ll carry you, okay? We’ll take you out of here and you’ll never have to come back.”

Letting out a shaky breath, your grip on him tightens the second he pulls away. Glancing at both of them with wide eyes, there’s something you need to tell them. Your omega is begging you to.

“He… He tried to bu-burn the marks,” you whisper, voice cracking. “He… He wanted to take them away from me. I-I didn’t let him.” Suddenly turning frantic, your voice pitches. “I promise, alpha! I didn’t let them!”

“I know, baby. I know.” Chan calls, nodding at you as he wipes your tears from your face. Hyunjin’s hand on your back stills. “It’s okay. It’s okay, Y/N.”

Inhaling shakily, your grip on him never eases. “I didn’t let him.”

“Hey, hey,” Hyunjin calls, voice soft, softer than Chan’s. A whisper as he leans in behind you, pressing his chest into your back, and holds you tight. “We know, you did so well. You were so strong. We’re so proud of you, baby.”

Chan nods; “you don’t have to be strong anymore, okay? We’re here.”

Their words feel like a warm blanket; like everything you’ve been desperate to hear.

Your omega is yearning for their touch, for their comfort. You’re yearning for their comfort. You just want to let everything go. They came for you, they did—they rescued you. 

Your pack saved you.

You turn limp in Chan's grasp, knowing he'll hold you. Knowing he'll keep you safe. And then he's standing, you cradled in his arms, pressed against his chest. Hyunjin stays close, hand presed against your back, lettign you know he's there and he's not going anywhere.

And then, they head for the stairs. It's simple, walking up a set of stairs, but it's liberating. It's freeing. This time, it really feels like this'll be the last time you ever have to see this place.

That basement. This house. And as Chan makes his way through the front door, Hyunjin behind you, you believe them when they promise you you're safe now.

It's a blur for a few minutes. There are police, Chan never lets go of you, not until you're set down in the back of an ambulance. Still, Chan and Hyunjin stay close. You've been given a blanket, that you wrap tightly around yourself and some spare clothes.

Then, you see him.

"Changbin!"

His name leaves your lips in a desperate call. The alpha catches it, Hyunjin and Chan turning to you in response to your call. Hyunjin moves to make room for Changbin who's started to race over to the three of you, all while Chan watches with a fond smile.

You fall into his arms the second he's close enough. The police had told you to stay off your feet, until they could do a proper check for injuries, but at the sight of one of your soulmates, you don't care. You'd seen Changbin for just a moment before and you wanted to be in his arms too.

He catches you with ease, a light huff leaving his lips from the way you'd thrown yourself at him. Hyunjin calls your name in concern and Chan's hands steady you by your hips, but you're smiling with tears in your eyes as you wrap your arms around Changbin's shoulders.

With one hand on your back and the other cradling your head, Changbin leans back to meet your eyes.

"Careful, princess," he whispers, soft and concerned. "Are you okay?"

You just pull him closer. "I am now."

Changbin, Hyunjin and Chan glance at each other. It's obvious you're not okay, not really.

"Here, baby," Hyunjin says then. "You should sit—"

You shake your head, shifting in Changbin's arms to meet his eyes and then Chan's. Your eyes are still watery, you look exhausted and all three men want nothing more than to make all the pain go away.

"Thank you," you say then, soft and sincere.

Chan blinks; "Y/N?"

"Thank you for saving me."

“That’s all the questions we have for now. Thank you.”

The cop in front of you closes his notebook with a small, reassuring smile your way. His eyes drift from you, to the three men standing around your hospital bed. After the doctor had assessed your injuries and patched you up, the police had stepped in to ask their questions. They’d requested to speak to you alone at first, but you assured them you didn’t want Chan, Hyunjin or Changbin to leave.

You never wanted them or any of your pack to leave again.

The questions were exactly what you expected; your history with Seojun, your relationship with him, the abuse he’s inflicted upon you. Some of the questions were hard to answer and you could tell they were just as hard for the cop to ask, but it had been emphasized to you that your witness statement was critical. So, despite your own discomfort and the pressing want for them to just go away and leave you alone, you’d complied.

Chan had held your hand the entire time, whilst Hyunjin and Changbin stayed close on your other side. You could tell all three of them, especially the alphas, were being particularly careful of keeping their emotions in check so as not to upset you further. You appreciated it more than they’d ever know.

You were, however, thankful the questions were done. You just wanted to forget everything. You didn’t want to think about any of it anymore.

“You have everything you need?” Chan asks from beside you, his hand still tightly held in your own as he turns to the cop. “And Seojun? Where is he?”

“In custody,” the cop assures. “He’s been questioned right now. I can assure you that he’ll end up behind bars by the end of the day.” The cop nods, turning back to you. If you were in a better state of mind, you would find the cop’s behaviour… kind. As an omega, it wasn’t often that matters of concern regarding you were ever treated as your own to deal with.

He’d been specific in asking every question to you, including making sure you were comfortable with the three of them staying in your room. He wasn’t viewing you as Chan’s omega, but as a person.

A person with your own identity.

Besides your pack, no one had ever treated you like that since you presented.

Sighing, the cop steps forward, lowering his voice. “I have to say, however,” he starts, face twisting. “That I doubt he’ll stay in there long. If it was up to me, I’d lock him up and throw the key away. But this bastard, he’s… he’s well connected.”

You inhale sharply, shoulders tense.

“Is there anything we can do?” Hyunjin asks, shaking his head. “I mean, anything at all?”

The cop huffs; “your best bet is giving the judges evidence they can’t deny. Hard proof and evidence that money can’t sweep away.”

Changbin sighs. “That’s if a judge will even listen to us.”

The cop shakes his head sympathetically. “I’ll try to help in any way I can. Here,” he opens his notebook again, writing something on it before ripping the page out. He steps directly towards you, hand stretched out with the piece of paper in your direction, a soft, reassuring smile on his face. “That’s my personal number. Just… call if you ever need anything.”

Wide eyed, you slowly reach forward, taking the piece of paper from him.

“Thank you,” you whisper. And you mean it, from the bottom of your heart. 

“Of course,” he smiles at you. Then, shuffling, he steps back. He turns to leave, but hesitates, almost looking regretful as he turns back to you. “Lastly, I’d find yourselves a damn good lawyer.”

Chan sighs, but nods; “thanks, officer.”

“No problem,” he says, meeting your eyes one last time. “You get some rest.”

Biting your lip, you smile faintly at him.

He steps out, leaving the four of you alone in the room. It wasn’t like you weren’t expecting it, but the cops words were definitely not reassuring. You knew Seojun’s dad was rich, you knew he’d spent his life being spoiled and living above law because of it. You’d told Chan and the pack so yourself.

But it hurt knowing that a man who could do so much evil, could get away with it every time.

Chan crouches down next to you; “you okay, baby girl?”

“Yeah,” you nod, meeting his eyes. “As okay as I can be.”

“Are you still in a lot of pain?” Changbin frowns, standing on the other side of your bed. Hyunjin stands next to him, the two of them looking at you with similarly worried looks. “We can get the doctor to give you something for it.”

You shake your head; “they already gave me some pain medication.” You assure, “I’m okay. Just… Just tired.”

“Do you want to sleep?” Chan asks.

“No,” you whisper. “I don’t think I could even if I tried.”

Changbin’s lips part to say something, but then his phone rings, cutting him off. He hesitates, lips parting, before he’s sending you an apologetic smile, grabbing his phone. Something in his face shifts when he reaches the contact photo, and he’s sending you a brighter smile this time before moving to step out of the room.

You want to call him back, not wanting to be apart from him. In fact, it was killing you that only Chan, Changbin and Hyunjin were there. Your omega was screaming for your whole pack.

But you were trying not to be overtly needy.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours, baby?” Chan says.

You turn to him, then Hyunjin, and let out a shaky breath. “I… I worry what will happen when Seojun inevitably gets out.”

“That won’t happen,” Hyunjin says instantly.

“But it will,” you mumble. “It will. And when he does, I… I’m afraid of what will happen. I can’t watch another one of you get hurt, not for me. I… I can’t lose any of you.”

“Y/N,” Hyunjin whispers, face pinching. “What are you saying?”

“That…” And you hesitate, the words caught in the back of your throat. They feel wrong, but they also won’t leave your mind. “That maybe you never should’ve saved me.”

At first, you'd been relieved they'd found you. Ecstatic, even. You were so happy Chan, Changbin and Hyunjin had found you, had saved you. You'd believed you were safe.

But as you sat there in that hospital bed, checked for injuries and then asked questions about every evil thing Seojun had ever done to you, you'd remembered.

Remembered Seungmin getting hurt. Beat in front of you while you'd done nothing. Remembered Jeongin getting stabbed. Fighting and fighting to help you and then left to bleed out.

Sure, they were okay. But what would happen next time? Seojun would get out, and when he did...

"Maybe it would've been better if you never found me in the first place."

Hyunjin’s lips part and he looks like he might cry. It breaks your heart.

But then Chan’s hand is squeezing your own, urgent and firm. You turn to him, and are surprised at the look you’re met with.

“Don’t say that,” he says, shaking his head. He… He sounds angry, disappointed. “That will never be true. We promised you that we’d keep you safe. We broke that promise and for that, I’ll never forgive myself. But, please know when I say this, I say it knowing that I will never break another promise I make to you ever again.

“I will make sure that man spends the rest of his life rotting in a cell for what he’s done to you.”

There isn’t a single ounce of doubt in Chan’s voice as he says those words. He wholeheartedly believes them.

“But… the cop said—” You sigh, gaze lowering to your lap. “Seojun can just pay his way out, Chan—”

“That won’t happen,” Chan cuts in, voice firm. Your lips are left parted as you stare back at him surprise. There’s such conviction in his voice, such determination. “Doesn’t matter what it takes. The best lawyer, money, anything. We’ll do anything to ensure he never gets free and you never have to live another day in fear.”

Chan’s words hang in the air for a moment. You stare back at him, then let your gaze trail back to Hyunjin. The determination rests in his eyes too.

Chan really believes the words he says, Hyunjin does as well.

And then you do something you never thought you would; you believe them too.

“You promise?”

“I promise,” Chan nods. Then, he turns, meeting Hyunjin’s gaze. “We promise.”

“That’s right, Y/N,” Hyunjin says then, reaching for you. He brushes the tips of his fingers across your cheek, tucking hair behind your ear. “And we won’t break it.”

You feel your eyes well with tears, overwhelmed and endeared by the sincerity in their voices. In the way they’re looking at you.

“Look who I brought!”

The moment is cut by Changbin’s loud voice, startling you briefly as he comes walking back into your hospital room. Yours, Chan’s and Hyunjin’s eyes fall on him in surprise, the latter two looking ready to tell him off for being so loud. But then, there’s more voices and footsteps and a series of smells suddenly surrounding you.

It’s the pack. It’s… It’s your soulmates.

You inhale sharply, leaning forward as you let your eyes drift across them all. Changbin who’d been standing in the front steps to the side, grinning, and you see Han and Felix first whose faces break out into wide smiles at the sight of you. They’re making their way over to you, calling your name, and reaching for you as they hug you and press kisses to your face. 

“Sunny,” Felix says, voice a faint whisper. 

“We missed you,” Han adds, “I’m so happy you’re back with us.”

You sniffle at their words, leaning into their touches, grabbing onto them desperately. You nod, desperate for them to know you feel the same even though the words won’t leave your lips.

And then Seungmin is stepping forward, a soft, smaller but just as loving smile on his face. He reaches for your hand and you let him take it, threading your fingers through his own.

“Hi there, beautiful,” he whispers and you laugh, tears streaming down your cheeks.

Minho’s head pops up next, stepping beside Seungmin as he smiles softly at you. He doesn’t say anything, but it’s okay because his eyes say it all for him; I’m sorry, I love you, I’m so relieved you’re okay.

“Y/N,” Changbin calls, pulling your eyes away from the crowd surrounding your bed and on to where he’s standing by the door to the room. “Look.”

Your eyes trail, following the direction he’s pointing at, and then, you meet his eyes.

Jeongin’s eyes.

“Oh my god,” you breathe, the words slipping past your lips in a wet laugh as he smiles back at you. There’s a brace around his wrist and he’s got one crunch, but he looks genuinely so relieved and happy to see you that the guilt you’ve been feeling doesn’t even matter in that moment. It doesn’t matter because he’s there, right in front of you, and he’s okay.

He’s okay.

“Innie,” you call. You grab your blanket, throwing it off of you and moving to stand. Everyone around you reacts, panicking, but you’re a woman with a mission. And that mission is reaching Jeongin.

He starts to walk over to you the second he realizes you’re getting up, but you reach him first. In nothing but your hospital gown and bare feet, you stop right in front of Jeongin. You want to jump into his arms but you don’t want to hurt him more.

There’s a split second where you hover, unsure, and then Jeongin is reaching for you, pulling you into his arms. His crutch is grabbed by Changbin who sets it aside, eyeing the two of you with a warm smile.

“I’m sorry,” you cry, your tears falling once again as you hold him tight. You’d missed everyone, thought you’d never see them again – but being pulled away from Jeongin, watching him get hurt and knocked out, that had been different. “I’m so sorry.”

Jeongin presses his hand into the back of your head. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for,” Jeongin whispers. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.”

Your lips part and you pull back, shocked that he could ever think that. His face floods with regret and guilt. 

“Neither of you have anything to be sorry for,” Chan steps forward, shaking his head at the two of you. “It’s no one’s fault.”

There’s a certain finality to his tone. Neither you or Jeongin argue.

“I vote on a pack hug,” Han speaks up then, smiling bright and warmly as he steps towards the two of you. He doesn’t let anyone argue, though something tells you no one would, and simply just wraps his arms around both you and Jeongin. Jeongin laughs as he does, shaking his head, but he leans into Han’s touch all the same.

Felix is the next to join in. He practically runs over, coming on the other side so his head meets Han’s in the middle.

Changbin and Hyunjin step forward next, both grinning as they join the hug. Minho is the next to join, positioning himself behind Han. You catch Seungmin moving, as if to step away, but then Chan is grabbing him and pulling him into the hug.

It makes you laugh, a soft giggle bubbling up from your lips. You let your eyes flicker across the group, your pack, the way they surround you now, holding you close and keeping you safe. 

It’s everything you’ve wanted and more.

So, with a soft, wistful sigh, you let your head fall into the crook of Jeongin’s neck, and let yourself relish in the feeling of your soulmates around you.

[justauthoring]

Summary: They've been looking for the final member of their pack for years, a ache that never fades and always exists. Only, when they finally find you, they find a version of you that has been broken. Will they be able to make you whole again?

Pairing: Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader

Chapter TW. Violence, mention/allusion of non-con (though no graphic description), abuse and angst

Word Count: 4734

A/N: I hope you enjoy this early chapter <333 You all deserve it for being so amazing!!

Tag List: @httpsxnox - @straykidsdreamer - @0325tiny - @likeejennie - @fab-notfat - @chasinghxran - @chk-chk-b00m - @bangct - @bbokarismeow - @chimmyn0chu - @hyunniebeoms - @kio66 - @skzlover24 - @vi0let-writes - @ihrtlix - @echo-ofmemoriez - @hyunjinsruinedpainting - @fanficwriter5 - @cait-with-luv - @mel-onthemoon - @janaethedreamer - @krssliu - @vinylphwoar - @prettkitty - @motheraiya55 - @rafesbunniebby - @kristend512 - @nanycreinoza - @sunfk88 - @kristend512 - @chillllllli - @ladsipedia - @daddys-little-witch - @mbioooo0000 - @ydissac9 - @apolloshaiku - @paulina15 - @toastmenace - @jetaimz - @thatgirlangelb - @unenthusiasticmigraine - @annaiaweirdokid - @f1ln4dr3cl16mv33 - @rockrose-blossoms - @bangchris97 - @0325tiny - @cutieskz - @cliosunshine - @idkwhoisthis1971 - @nojerama-writes - @galaxy4489 - TAGLIST IS CLOSED!!

Series Masterlist - Next - Previous

Chapter 25 - A Promise Was Made

"Here."

Jeongin's voice is soft as he speaks. Quiet, so as not to spook you. Your body, beyond your control, still jumps a little, but when your eyes meet his, you feel a calm wash over you.

His hand tightens over your own, threading his fingers through yours and holds tight enough you feel like he'll never let you go.

"That was scary, huh?"

Swallowing thickly, you nod. A short glance back tells you the boys that'd bumped into you are still laughing, unaware and uncaring of the way they'd frightened you. You guess you can't really blame them, they were kids after all.

Still.

"Yeah," you breathe, voice soft and choked. "Sorry."

Jeongin shakes his head. "You don't have to apologize," he assures. "Never for something like that."

Your heart flutters, your body flooded with such an inexplicable warmth. It occurs to you that you feel protected.

You can't remember the last time you felt like that.

"Thank you, Jeongin," you whisper.

And he just smiles, bright and warm, squeezing your hand. You decide then, you never want to let go of his hand again.

So, you squeeze his hand in return and Jeongin's smile brightens. He nods, silent but telling and then the two of you are walking again, traversing through the thick crowd. Only, this time, you feel like nothing can hurt you because you have Jeongin.

"Can't sleep again?"

Turning, your eyes widen in surprise at the sight of Seungmin. The moment almost perfectly replicates that very first night you'd ever spent here, when he'd found you outside your bedroom door, unable to sleep and plagued by memories you didn't even know where to begin healing.

It, for some reason, makes your lips curl into a soft smile. "What about you?"

Seungmin seems briefly confused by your question before he shrugs. "I heard footsteps. Wanted to see what was wrong."

The smile fades then, guilt flooding you. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't," Seungmin shakes his head in that simple, blunt way of his. You've learned that's the way Seungmin was. His words came across blunt but they were never cruel and beneath the lines, he was trying his best to show you he cared.

In his own way.

"Here," he continues, stepping towards you, reaching for your hand. "I think Felix is with Changbin but I'm sure they wouldn't mind—"

He moves to walk, hand in yours now, but you tug him back. Seungmin turns to you in response with wide, surprised eyes.

"Can I stay with you instead?"

His lips part, blinking in bewilderment.

"I want you."

And Seungmin stares for one long, silent moment, almost as if he can't believe the words himself. Then, his shoulders ease and that smile of his you love curls on his lips.

"Oh," he breathes, blinking. "Yeah."

You hesitate; "yeah?"

"Yeah," he nods. "Of course."

"This is too much."

"It's exactly what you deserve."

Frowning, you stare back at Felix. He continues to smile at you, simple and warm, holding the plate of baked treats towards you. "I thought you'd like something different other than brownies," he continues, shrugging. "Though those are my specialty."

"Felix," you say again because you don't know what else to say.

His shoulders drop, just faintly and you feel guilty disappointing him but really, it is too much.

"What's wrong?" He frowns, "you don't like them?"

Your eyes widen; "I love them!" You say, shaking your head desperately. "It's just...—"

"Just?"

Your shoulders fall in defeat. "I shouldn't eat more."

You avoid his eyes as you say the words, something akin to shame crawling down your spine. The treats do look really good and you want more, but...

Felix crouches, meeting your eyes. "Whatever Seojun said, doesn't matter, okay?" And your eyes widen, shocked that he just seemed to...—know. "I'm sure he said awful, awful things. But none of them were true or right. It's not about what you should or shouldn't do or what you deserve either. If you want them, you can have them."

You stare back at him for a moment, taking in the sincerity behind his gaze. Felix smiles warmly at you once more and although his words are so simple, it's the first time you've heard something like them in years.

"I can?"

Big and wide, Felix grins and pushes the plate closer. "You can."

"I get anxious too."

Han's voice is soft as he speaks, a low whisper in the quiet of the night. You're sure the rest are sleeping, and you know you and Han should both be sleeping.

But you don't want to. Not yet. Not when you're with Han like this.

With his arms wrapped around you, Han holds you close, head tucked over your own as you play with his hands.

"How so?" You ask, curious, spreading his fingers with your own.

"Different ways," he shrugs. "For different reasons. It's why I see Doctor Yoon. I get meds from her that help me balance it."

Shifting, you glance up at him. "It's normal?" You ask, because you really don't know. You think once you might've, but after Seojun, everything about you feels abnormal. He made you believe that. "The panic, feeling like I can't breathe... It's like everything shuts down and just... eats me alive. I can't control it. I hate it."

Han hums, light and gentle. "I understand. I used to have it really bad too. But... it is normal," he assures. "And there are ways to make it feel better."

"Being with you guys makes it feel better," you say. And it's true. It was worse before with Seojun. It felt like it never went away then. Now, there are times where you don't notice it at all.

Han smiles; "I'm glad," he nods. "We can work on finding other ways to help too."

You nod, humming lightly. Then, as you fall back against his chest, you pause. "Jisung?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

He shifts, hands pausing in your grasp. You smile up at him.

"Knowing I'm not alone helps me too."

"The bruises are looking better."

Meeting Hyunjin's eyes as he leans back in the chair, your body eases when you register the warm, reassuring smile on his face. It was just the two of you home and he'd asked if he could take a look at your bruises just to make sure everything was healing properly.

"We'll go in for a check up soon," he says, and then rushes to continue when he notices the way you tense. "Just to make sure. You've been healing great, I promise."

Letting out a soft breath, you nod. "They don't hurt as much, too."

"That's good," Hyunjin smiles. "Are you still taking the pain medication?"

"Sometimes," you shrug. "It flares up ocassionally, but nothing like before."

Hyunjin hums softly to himself, nodding. He turns, moving to put away his first aid kit and you watch him as he does.

Then, "I was so scared that day."

Hyunjin pauses, left bent over, before his gaze slowly shifts upwards to meet your own, brow raised in confusion.

"I knew you guys were my soulmates," you clarify, referencing that day. The first day you'd met all of them. "But I was overwhelmed and scared. It had just been Seojun for so long, I forgot others could be kind."

Frowning, Hyunjin shifts, moving to take your hand into his.

"Jisung and Felix, I felt safe around them, but at first it was just because they were omegas too. Like some innate natural instinct. And I was terrified of Chan. It's different now, of course, but still. And then, when you were checking my body, in this exact same spot, Hyunjin... you were the first person who reminded me people could be kind."

Lips parting, Hyunjin blinks at you.

"You were upset, I could tell," you say. "But I also could tell you were holding back. For me."

Squeezing his hand, you smile, soft and sincere.

"I've never forgotten how kind you were that day."

"You have the prettiest smile, Y/N."

Cheeks warming, you blink over at Changbin. Your body had been wracked with laughter not two seconds ago, thanks to the same alpha, but his words then catch you off guard.

His smile is sincere and bright as he stares back at you, unphased and proud of his compliment.

"I'm always happiest when I get to see you smile," he continues, as if flustering you the first time wasn't enough. Your cheeks burn then, eyes widening as you shake your head at him.

"Bin," you breathe, holding your hands in front of you as if that'll somehow protect you. "Don't just say things like that."

"Why?" He laughs, loud and boisterous. "It's true!"

And you blink at him once more, bewildered by how he can be so... openly affectionate like that. So loud with his affection. But really, Changbin may be loud but it was never in an intimidating way. Sure, at first it had spooked you, but it didn't anymore.

No, the opposite really. His loud, happy behaviour was freeing to you.

The way he could show and give his love and affection so openly was something you love and envied at the same time.

"Thank you," you say, quiet and shy. "I like your smile too."

Changbin yells in excitement, jumping in his seat, causing your face to twist slightly in response. He catches it instantly, shifting back as he rushes out soft apologies.

"Sorry," he breathes, guilty. "I didn't mean to—"

You shake your head.

"It's okay," you assure. "I don't mind it. I promise."

His smile returns, bright and beaming. You cherish it.

"Eat."

Minho is quiet with his care. He's not as loud as Changbin or as expressive with it as Jeongin. He doesn't cuddle you like Han or Felix and he doesn't shower you in compliments like Hyunjin. He's not as confident with it as Chan or as gentle with it like Seungmin.

At first, you thought Seungmin and Minho were similar in the way they were more reserved. But then you learned Seungmin was quite open about it too, just in his own way.

Minho is different. Softer, quieter, sometimes blending in with the background, but always there. Always ready, just in case.

Like right now. You think you might've looked off, because now there's a plate of food in front of you.

Blinking, you glance up at him.

Minho catches your question without you having to say anything.

"Food helps me feel better," he says, simple and plain. "It might help you too."

And then he sets beside you, there but not pressing. He turns so you don't feel like he's watching you, but he's deliberate in not leaving you alone either.

The food smells good. Really good. You take a bite.

"This is great," you say, because it is. Really great.

The edges of Minho's lips curve ever so slightly.

Thirty minutes later and your plate is scraped clean. You're deliberate in the way you meet Minho's gaze.

"That did help," you whisper, smiling at him.

The tips of his ears glow a bright red, and he's ducking his head away before you can get a good look. Still, you saw the smile on his lips.

"I'm glad."

"Please tell me."

Chan's voice is despairing as he speaks. You turn to him, surprised, seeing the way his shoulders have hunched in on themselves in his chair and he's avoiding your gaze.

The two of you were still in his room and he was showing you more of his music, with both your necks pulsing a pleasant ache.

"Chan...?" You echo, confused.

"Please," he says again, pleading. He turns, finally, and meets your gaze head on. "Please tell me if I ever make you feel like—"

You know instantly what he's going to say and you can't let him. Both for yours and his sake.

"Stop," you cut in, so unlike yourself. You were usually timid, quiet, never cutting people off. Never so forceful. But you just can't. Can't let him even utter those words — you wish he never thought them.

"Don't," you say, breathless and rushed. His eyes widen as he stares back at you and you just shake your head. "You could never... never be like him."

"Y/N—"

"No," you say, firm and leaving no room for arguing. "I know that I was... scared of you before. But it wasn't because of you, it was just because you were an alpha like him. I know now that you are nothing like him. None of you are. You all have shown me more love than he'd ever given me in the years I knew him."

Wide eyed and breathless, Chan blinks at you.

"I..." And you hesitate, as if struggling to find your words. "I don't have to tell you anything because it'll never happen."

He's reaching for you then, fast and desperate. You let him, let him pull you towards him and wrap his arms around you in a tight embrace.

"I promise you," he whispers then, his voice ricocheting through your entire body. "I promise you I'll never let him hurt you again."

Jeongin’s head is pounding when he opens his eyes.

For a brief, fleeting moment, he wonders why. He doesn’t remember drinking the night before nor does he remember hitting his head on anything. But it hurts. It throbs. And he thinks back on what could’ve happened for it to hurt so bad when you come to mind.

Then, it all comes back to him.

He sits up with a gasp, too panicked to even register where he is or the way his body screams at him in response to the sudden movement. His mind is only thinking of one thing and that’s you—how he needs to get to you. Save you. Help you.

Seojun… Seojun had taken you.

And then there’s hands pressing on his shoulders, pushing, and his panic increases tenfold.

“Innie. Innie! Stop! Jeongin, stop! It’s me! It’s me!”

He recognizes that voice though. Through the fog of his racing and terrified mind. He does. He’d recognize that voice anywhere.

His eyes find Minho’s.

Minho who’s staring back at him with unshed tears in his eyes and bags under his eyes and pale skin. He looks sick, tired, and there’s so much concern in his eyes.

It’s then Jeongin realizes he’s in a hospital.

“Y/N,” he finds himself gasping because it’s the only coherent thought he can truly make sense of. It’s the only thing that matters. “Y/N! Seojun took her, hyung. He took her and—”

“I know, I know, okay? I know, jagi,” Minho cuts in, voice firm but not unkind. His hands don’t leave Jeongin’s shoulders, and he uses his strength to push Jeongin back against the bed even though that’s the last thing Jeongin wants. “Listen to me. You have a concussion. Your ribs are bruised and your wrist is sprained. You were also stabbed. Among other injuries. You need rest.”

And Jeongin thinks that’s the craziest thing Minho has ever said. 

“How can I rest?” Jeongin cries. “We have to find Y/N—”

“Chan, Changbin and Hyunjin are looking for her as we speak, okay? They’re following her scent. It’s strengthened by the mark, remember?”

That’s right. Jeongin does remember that. And then Jeongin also remembers how he’s the only one you don’t have a mark from. How he doesn't have yours either. Because he never got the chance to. Because he’s the one who let Seojun take you.

He’s crying before he even realizes it. The tears well in his eyes and fall down his cheeks beyond his control. Sobs wrack through his body, making his breath choke and his body curl even though it hurts so much to do so.

“Shh, shh,” Minho soothes, hands moving from his shoulders to pull the younger boy into his embrace. He tucks him under his head, one arm around the waist and the other rubbing the back of his head, threading through his hair, to try and soothe him.  “Come here, jagi. It’s okay. It’s okay.”

Jeongin shakes his head. “It isn’t,” he cries, “I let him take her. I… I didn’t protect her.”

“Yes, you did, Innie. You did.” Minho assures, pressing a hand to the back of Innie’s hand, pressing him closer. “It’s not your fault.”

Sobbing against Minho’s shoulder, Innie can’t help but think it is.

It’s all his fault.

The walls of the basement mock you.

Walls of your cage.

Sniffling, you hug your knees closer to yourself both for comfort and warmth. The second you returned back to his home, because it wasn't yours, after a long and uncomfortable drive spent in the trunk of his car, Seojun had forced you to strip out of your clothes. When you’d tried to fight him, he’d given you a black eye.

Once your clothes were off, he'd forced you to the basement, saying that he’d be back soon and locked you there. Alone and naked, you’d spent the last however long simply crying to yourself. You didn’t know how long had passed.

The basement was exactly how you remembered it being. The way it was in your nightmares. That only made you cry harder.

And as you sit there, left with nothing but your thoughts, all you can think about is Jeongin. If he was okay. He’d been so badly hurt, been stabbed and then they’d knocked him out cold. If Seojun had kept his promise, then that meant he’d been left on the ground, unconscious and hurt.

But also bleeding out.

You could only pray that someone had found him.

Got him help.

That couple too. You hoped they were okay. That Seojun and his friends hadn’t hurt them too badly.

You couldn’t stomach the thought of someone else, innocent bystanders no less, getting hurt because of you.

Pressing your face into your knees, you hug yourself tighter.

It’s as you said to Changbin. A part of you always knew you’d end up back here. You knew you’d never truly escape Seojun. But you had thought you’d have longer. Enough that even if only for a moment, you’d have been claimed and loved by all of them. Pressing your hands to your neck, you feel the seven bite marks, mourning both the seven people who’d given them to you and the fact that you’d never gotten the chance to have Jeongin’s.

You’d never truly belonged to the pack. Not completely, at least.

The thought makes the tears come stronger, sobbing into your knees, until you hear the door to the basement open. Your reaction is immediate. Sitting up straight, every muscle in your body tenses with fear, holding yourself tighter as Seojun comes down the stairs.

He looks agitated, running his hand through his hair and huffing. You swallow thickly, trying to make yourself as small as possible, as he rips his jacket off and throws it to the side.

Then, his eyes lock onto you.

“You’re so pathetic,” he sneers at you. “Laying there, crying. Are you missing your precious soulmates, baby?”

Swallowing thickly, your nails dig welts into the skin of your arm.

“Because of you, things are all fucked,” he spits the words out, stepping towards you. “You just had to run away, find yourself a pack of people pathetic enough to want to save you. The trouble I’ve gone through to find you.”

He stops right in front of you, crouching. You stare back at him with terror.

“Then those fuckers Jung and Ha-joon just had to find you,” he continues. “Now they think I owe them. Now they want a taste of you.”

You tense. Did he mean…?

“Not to mention, you went and got yourself claimed. By seven others no less,” Seojun scoffs. “We can’t stay here for much because they’ll find you. So now we have to find somewhere else to go.”

Trembling, you shake your head. “Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

“Why?” Seojun laughs, “why?”

You meet his eyes.

“Because you’re mine,” he hisses. “Regardless of whether we’re soulmates or not. I found you first, so therefore, I own you.”

“God damnit!”

“Chan—”

“Fuck!”

Hyunjin flinches, the loud thud of Chan’s fists hitting the steering wheel coursing through his body.

Not a part of Hyunjin blames Chan. Still, this wasn’t helping anybody.

“You need to calm down,” Hyunjin says from the backseat of the car. “This isn’t helping.”

Chan turns to him, gaze piercing and wild. “We told her we’d protect her.”

“I know—”

“I promised her he’d never hurt her again.”

“Chan.” Changbin cuts in from the passenger's seat, eyeing Hyunjin briefly before turning to the alpha. “We all made promises. What’s important now is finding her.”

Chest heaving, Chan shakes his head. “It’s been hours. He could have already left—”

“You still smell her scent, right?” Hyunjin asks, shaking his head. “I do. As long as we can track her, we can find her.”

Changbin nods. “The more time we waste here, the further he gets.”

Chan hesitates, before slowly he nods. “You’re both right.” Sighing, he turns back to the steering wheel. “I’m sorry. It’s just—”

Changbin sets his hand on his shoulder. “We know, hyung. It’s okay.”

Leaning forward, Hyunjin nods; “let’s just get our girl back, okay?”

Han hasn’t been able to breathe since they found out.

“It’s okay, Hannie,” Felix says softly from beside him. Han isn’t really sure whether he’s trying to assure him or himself more. The hand Felix wraps around his own though is more than appreciated. “They’ll find her. Chan will find her.”

Swallowing thickly, Han turns to look at the other omega. “I wish we could do more.”

“Me too,” Felix nods, frowning. “But it’s not like we’re useless.”

Han shakes his head, laughing dryly. “How are we not useless? We’re stuck waiting.”

Felix just squeezes his hand. “Our time will come,” Felix assures softly. “When she’s back.”

And Han turns to Felix, amazed that even in a situation like this, he’s able to look at the positive side of things. Though, when Han meets his eyes, he sees the fear he’s so desperately trying to be strong through.

And somehow, that helps Han feel better too.

“Come on, you guys,” Seungmin calls, stepping into the room. Both omegas turn to him at the sound of his voice. “We’re gonna head back home. So we can be there when they find Y/N.”

Felix sits up at that; “see? Seungmin knows they’ll find her too, Hannie.”

Taking a deep breath, Han turns to Seungmin; “you really do?”

Seungmin pauses, eyes trailing between Felix to Han. Once he meets the latters, he nods, small but sure.

“I do,” he says, short and simple like Seungmin always is. But that’s enough. 

“We should check on Innie too,” Han says, standing up. “Has Minho sent an update on how he’s doing?”

Seungmin nods. “He’s awake. We can visit.”

Felix hums sympathetically: “I’m sure he’s feeling the worst out of all of us. We should be there for him.”

No one objects. It was better than staying at home anyways.

“Please!”

“Shut. Up.”

His words pierce you, but you ignore the ache of them; you ignore everything. The exhaustion coursing through your body, the burn of where he’d touched you, forced himself on you. Everything hurts, but you… you can’t let him do this.

Fighting his hands, you kick your feet wildly. He’s pressing on you, pushing you down, but you won’t let him, no matter what.

“No!” You scream, voice pitching loud enough it cracks. Your throat hurts, burns from screaming and begging him not to rape you. It hadn’t worked, just like he never had before either. And when it didn’t work, your fight had given up.

Your strength had left you.

He’d shoved you onto that dirty, thin mattress like he had hundreds of times before. His hands had wrapped around your wrists, grip bruising, pressing them into the floor as he spread your legs. He’d done it all with no prep, no warning, not a single care for your own pain. Punishment, he’d called it.

As if it had ever been anything else. 

As if you’d ever enjoyed it.

And you’d cried and cried and begged and screamed for him to stop all whilst he ignored every single one. At one point, he’d shoved his fingers in your mouth to shut you up; I’m tired of hearing you cry, he’d said. 

You hadn’t wanted it. You never wanted it. But you didn’t have the strength to fight back. It had disappeared the minute you laid eyes on Seojun at the mini golf course. The minute you realized you’d never escaped him and you never would.

Eventually, you’d just laid there, letting him do whatever while you pretended it wasn’t him over you. That it wasn’t his cruel smile staring down at you, but instead, Chan’s kind smile staring back at you. It wasn’t his lust-filled eyes looking at you like a prize to be won, but Minho’s cat-like eyes that always said everything he struggled to say. It wasn’t Seojun laughing at your suffering, but Changbin’s laugh that you loved. It wasn’t Seojun’s lips sucking marks onto your skin but Hyunjin’s lips kissing you like he had that day he painted that portrait of you. It wasn’t Seojun’s hands holding you down, but Han’s hands holding you safely against himsef. It wasn’t Seojun’s hands digging bruises into your wrists, but Felix’s hands brushing your tears away. It wasn’t Seojun’s low voice saying horrible things, but Seungmin calling you beautiful that first time. It wasn’t Seojun on top of you, but Jeongin and he was marking you like you wish he’d gotten the chance to.

And it wasn’t the basement you were in, but home.

Your home. With your pack.

It helped, even a little. Just thinking about them helped. 

Then he was done and you thought he’d leave. You hoped he’d leave.

Instead, he told you that he was going to burn your claiming marks off of your neck.

Suddenly, you had the strength to fight. Suddenly, you didn’t feel so… useless. Your body had never been your own, not since that day Seojun introduced himself to you. You’d been raped by him more times than you could remember.

But those marks? Those were yours. 

You… you wouldn’t let him take that from you too.

Kicking your foot out, you use every last bit of strength in it. It clearly catches Seojun by surprise, being knocked back on his ass. You don’t react, knowing that every second wasted is a second closer to him taking the last thing you have left. Instead, you turn, pushing yourself to your feet even though your legs feel like jello beneath you.

The second you take a step though, Seojun’s hand latches around your ankle. You fall back to the ground with a harsh thud, smacking your chin.

“Ah!”

“Stop fighting you dumb bitch!” Seojun hisses, pulling you close. “I’m burning those marks off of you whether you like it or not! Then–Then we’re going to a place that fucking pack of yours will never be able to find you!”

“No!” You bellow, kicking the foot he’s holding on to. It does nothing and instead, Seojun swings his fist across your face. It’s hard enough to make your head spin, vision blurring.

He grabs your wrists, pressing them to the ground.

“Stop!” You cry, fighting his grip. “NO! No, I won’t let you!”

“Just—Just fucking stay still! I—”

It hits you then. It hits him too.

A multitude of smells bleeds in. Three smells to be exact. Cedarwood, amber and sandalwood and more all filter through the house, strong and sour. There’s anger thick in the midst of it all—rage.

And suddenly, hope floods you. Hope that you never thought you’d experience again.

You know those scents. 

Seojun freezes over you, glancing back towards the stairs before turning back to you.

“Fuck,” he breathes, breathing heavy. “How’d they find us so quickly?”

You can see the thoughts swirling in his mind. The scents get stronger and stronger and then, there’s a loud bang. It comes from the front door.

You look at Seojun for exactly one second, a million thoughts running through your mind but there's one pushing, present thought; trust. That's all it takes before you're screaming at the top of your lungs, through the burn and the tears;

“I’m down here!”

[justauthoring]

Summary: They've been looking for the final member of their pack for years, a ache that never fades and always exists. Only, when they finally find you, they find a version of you that has been broken. Will they be able to make you whole again?

Pairing: Stray Kids OT8 x F!Reader

Chapter TW. Violence, stabbing, and angst.

Word Count: 4045

A/N: Just a reminder that this fic WILL have a HAPPY ending :)

Tag List: @httpsxnox - @straykidsdreamer - @0325tiny - @likeejennie - @fab-notfat - @chasinghxran - @chk-chk-b00m - @bangct - @bbokarismeow - @chimmyn0chu - @hyunniebeoms - @kio66 - @skzlover24 - @vi0let-writes - @ihrtlix - @echo-ofmemoriez - @hyunjinsruinedpainting - @fanficwriter5 - @cait-with-luv - @mel-onthemoon - @janaethedreamer - @krssliu - @vinylphwoar - @prettkitty - @motheraiya55 - @rafesbunniebby - @kristend512 - @nanycreinoza - @sunfk88 - @kristend512 - @chillllllli - @ladsipedia - @daddys-little-witch - @mbioooo0000 - @ydissac9 - @apolloshaiku - @paulina15 - @toastmenace - @jetaimz - @thatgirlangelb - @unenthusiasticmigraine - @annaiaweirdokid - @f1ln4dr3cl16mv33 - @rockrose-blossoms - @bangchris97 - @0325tiny - @cutieskz - @cliosunshine - @idkwhoisthis1971 - @nojerama-writes - @galaxy4489 - TAGLIST IS CLOSED!!

Series Masterlist - Next - Previous

Chapter 24 - I've Been Waiting

You were awful at mini golf. Absolutely and wholeheartedly, terrible.

The good thing is, so was Jeongin.

Biting your lip, you desperately try to hold back the laugh that bubbles at the back of your throat. It felt wrong laughing, especially when you weren’t fairing much better, but the sight of Jeongin sending his golf ball straight into the little pond had already been funny enough. However, Jeongin tripping and then falling into the water was almost too much for you to bare.

“Are you alright?” You ask, concerned even though you were very much still laughing at the poor boy. You extend a hand out towards him, to which he takes with an embarrassed flush and a pout. Luckily it was only really his pants that were wet, but as you pull him back onto the main part of the golf course, you can’t help but think he looks a little pitiful.

“I'm alright,” he sighs, running a hand through his hair to brush it back behind his face. “Embarrased? Yes. My ego is also a little bruised. But overall, fine.”

You let out a giggle, hiding it behind your hand. “Don’t be embarrassed.”

Jeongin just looks at you, deadpanned. “You’re laughing.”

Pressing a hand to your face, you continue to attempt to hide your smile. It fails. “I’m not.”

“You are,” Jeongin snorts, any seriousness fading from his face as he shakes his head with a fond chuckle. “It’s okay. You can laugh. I like your laugh.”

That catches your attention, cheeks warming. He'd said the words with such sincerity, his gaze heavy on your own, that you couldn't help but blush. “Don’t embarrass me," you pout.

Jeongin laughs, raising a brow as he steps towards you. “Oh, so I’m the only one allowed to be embarrassed?”

Meeting his eyes, you smile lightly; “exactly.”

Jeongin’s eyes widen, obviously not expecting the cheeky response. But the surprise fades as another laugh leaves his lips, the smile on his face is fond and warm as he shakes his head at you.

You’re not sure what it is about Jeongin. At this point, you feel comfortable around all the boys. You trust them, and they’ve done more than enough to prove to you that trust was justified and they’d never break it. Still, there was something about Jeongin that had always eased you. From the first time you really talked to him, eating Felix’s brownies and laughing at the way he shoved them in his mouth at once, he just made things… easier.

Natural. 

The thought occurs to you, distracting you, so you don’t notice Jeongin step closer to you once again. The second he’s right in front of you, you notice, blinking at him with confusion. He’s reaching for you, grabbing your hand in his and pulling you towards him, all with a shit-eating grin on his face.

“Maybe I should give you a taste of my suffering, huh?” He teases, inching closer to… the pond.

Your eyes widen in realization, lips parting as you pull back. You know, though, that if you really wanted, he'd let you go in a second. “No,” you laugh, shaking your head. “No, no! Innie! Don’t!”

He pulls for a moment more before stopping, chuckling as he does. “As if,” he shakes his head. “I wouldn’t want to ruin how pretty you look today.”

You’re positive you’re even more flushed now.

“Stop flirting!”

Jeongin smirks; "I can't help it!”

You roll your eyes. “Regardless of anything, you’ve lost your golf ball.” You gesture towards the pond, where the ball has continued to drift further away after Jeongin’s unsuccessful rescue attempt. “And I don’t think another attempt will be any more successful.”

Jeongin turns to the pond before glancing behind you. “We’re quite a few holes away from the front desk. I’m not sure there’s much of a point in going back to get a new one.”

You hum. “It’s quite a big course too. Long walk back.” 

It’s true. When Jeongin had told you you were going mini golfing, you were expecting a cute little course. Like the ones you’d seen in movies. You’d never gone but you remember classmates from school talking about going once. From what you gathered, the courses were usually smaller and done more for fun than actual golf playing. 

The one Jeongin had found, however, was massive. It stretched a wide radius, had a lot of trees surrounding it and cute details to really give into the whimsy feeling. Jeongin and you had been in the car for a total of forty minutes to reach your destination and you’re still not even sure how he found the place. 

The only other couple that you had seen was enough holes ahead that you couldn’t see them at all anymore.

Which was reassuring to say the least. After your date with Changbin where you’d really thought you’d seen Seojun, being practically alone with Jeongin was reassuring. You were also glad that despite how shaken up you were yesterday, you’d still gone on your date with Jeongin. The boys had done a good job of reassuring you yesterday and trying to cheer you up this morning.

Besides, you know Jeongin had been patiently waiting his turn. You didn’t want to take that away from him.

“We could just team up,” Jeongin smiles at you, the corner of his eyes crinkling at the edges. “Maybe that way we’ll not suck as much.”

You snort; “I don’t think that’s how golf works but sure. It’ll be fun.”

Jeongin nods and moves to retrieve your golf ball, the one you’d already gotten in the hole. It had taken you five hits, but you hadn’t lost yours in the water; so you counted that as a win. 

With that, the two of you start to make your way to the next hole.

“Have you ever gone mini golfing before?” Jeongin asks you.

You shake your head; “nope. Hence why I’m so awful.” You laugh lightly. “What about you?”

“I have,” Jeongin nods. “Clearly it did nothing to advance my skills.”

You smile; “from what I’ve gathered from the rest of the pack, you’re particularly clumsy.”

Jeongin ears turn red. “They told you?”

“They did,” you can’t help but giggle. “It seems you have a reputation, Innie.”

Pressing a hand to his face, Jeongin turns to you as you both reach the next hole. “I was hoping to pretend otherwise for at least a while,” he admits. “Though, I guess it would’ve been obvious today regardless of anything.”

“You did literally fall into a pond,” you shrug, grinning at him. Though, as your eyes lower and you take in just how wet the bottom of his pants are, your face twists into an expression of concern. “Are you sure you’re okay, by the way? I’m sure your feet are soaked.”

Jeongin chuckles. “My socks are uncomfortably sticking to my feet.”

You frown; “we could go back if you—”

“No!”

Blinking, you pause, turning to Jeongin.

He hesitates, realizing he’d all but just yelled, gaze falling to his feet as he coughs lightly. “I mean, no, it’s okay,” he repeats, this time calmer. “I… I don’t want our date to end so soon.”

That makes you smile. “I’m sorry you had to wait so long.”

“Don’t be,” he shakes his head, finally moving to hit the golf ball with his putter. “I’m the one who pulled the short straw.”

He manages to make it somewhat close to the hole and turns to you, gesturing for you to step up. Ah, so that’s what he meant — you’d be taking turns. You smile at him as you step forward.

“I still can’t believe that’s how you all decided,” you say, hitting the ball. It goes past the hole. “Your turn.”

Jeongin steps up. “It would’ve been an argument otherwise,” he snorts, shaking his head. “We were all too excited—yes!”

You smile as he gets the ball in the hole, clapping as he grins back at you.

“Good job!” You say, “clearly we do make a better team than going solo.”

He nods, laughing in agreement as he moves to grab the ball and head on to the next hole.

“Did you guys do something similar every time someone joined the pack?” You ask. You’re genuinely curious. It’s been on your mind since they’d brought up the idea of the dates in the first place.

Jeongin nods. “I don’t know about before but they did it with Seungmin and I when we joined. I’m especially thankful they did it with me because it helped me feel more comfortable being in the pack.”

That gives you pause. You do remember Chan saying that there was trouble with the pack when Seungmin and Jeongin joined but you never asked what had happened. You hadn’t wanted to seem like you were prying and you figured they’d tell you when they felt the moment was right..

Jeongin must be able to see the confusion on your face because he moves to explain.

“I came from a really strict pack,” Jeongin explains, finishing lining up the ball before turning to face you. “My parents believed in old traditional values. When I presented as an alpha, just shortly before finding Channie-hyung and them, they were thrilled. But because I presented as an alpha, they wanted me to find an omega, settle down.

“Needless to say, they weren’t thrilled when my soulmate turned out to be soulmates and that some of them were betas and alphas. It was a huge mess. I wanted to be with my pack but I felt torn because of my parents and every ideal they’d ever instilled in me.”

You frown. You had no idea… “Innie, I’m so sorry. That’s awful.”

He shakes his head. “I’m better now.” He assures with a warm, genuine smile. “I’m just thankful they all still took me in. I was… unfair to them at first.”

“Of course they did,” you say, stepping towards him. “They love you. I know for one, the pack wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Thank you, Y/N. That means a lot.”

You nod, reaching for him. You cup his cheek, touch gentle, and Jeongin leans into the touch. “Thank you for telling me,” you whisper. “I know it must be hard to talk about.”

You would know. It had taken so much courage from you to talk about your past with the pack. 

“You confided in us. Trusted us,” Jeongin smiles. “Besides, I knew you would understand. And I’m so thankful that you—”

He’s cut off by a loud thud. It gives the both of you pause, especially because it sounds loud and distinct. Jeongin’s brows furrow and he glances at you, stepping closer, protectively, before glancing around the both of you. There’s trees surrounding you both, a bridge behind you, and the pond that Jeongin fell into a bit further back. But other than that, nothing.

It definitely wasn’t just the wind or anything like that. But then, what…?

“Do you think it was the other couple?” You ask, frowning. “Maybe they—”

You don’t finish your sentence either, though. However, this time it isn’t because of a thud.

It’s because Seojun is standing right in front of you.

Everything in you freezes. A cold, heavy weight settles over you. 

He's right there, right in front of you. No more than a few feet away from you. It's the first time you've seen him since you ran away from him that day, since he tried to force a claim bite on you, and that stare is exactly as you remember.

Cold, cruel, smug.

It isn’t just Seojun. Ha-joon and Jung are there too, standing behind him, grinning.

Then, Seojun raises his hand and waves at you. Waves. “Hi Y/N.” Seojun says, smirking.

Your scent sours, your entire body tense. You can’t move. Can’t think. Can’t breathe. 

Seojun is standing right in front of you.

Jeongin who, on high-alert nonetheless, looked confused just a moment ago, now has a look of pure rage on his face. Your reaction and the fact that this man knows your name are clues enough to him as to who he exactly is. Jeongin, through process of elimination and assumption, figures the two standing with him are the ones that attacked Seungmin that night.

Instantly, Jeongin is stepping in front of you, one hand pressed against your side. He tucks you behind him, trying to make you feel better. Trying to tell you he’s there and he won’t let anything happen to you.

You barely feel it.

You're shutting down, you can tell even if you can't do anything to stop it. The second you'd laid eyes on Seojun, your omega had retreated into herself; like she used. Left you to protect herself. Your hands have startled to tremble, your heart racing and it feels like you can't breathe.

It feels like his hands are already on you, pinning you to the spot, squeezing around your neck, choking you.

“Oh, so protective,” Seojun laughs, turning to Jeongin with a grin. “How sweet.” His tone says otherwise, bleeding with barely concealed disgust and disdain.

“You’re Seojun, then?” Jeongin asks, voice low and thick with anger. 

“Smart too,” Seojun snorts, clearly finding the whole situation funny. “Yes. I’m Seojun. You know my buddies too, right? Or at least, your beta does. After they gave him a bruise or two.”

Jeongin growls. You hear that, snapping out of your revere, mostly because you’ve never heard such a sound come from the young alpha. You finally register him in front of you, arm held out to protect you, chest puffed out and eyes sending daggers at Seojun. There’s pure wrath pouring out of him in waves, making his scent sour and strong.

Heart racing madly against your chest, you stare at the back of Jeongin’s head. He’s standing in front of you just like Seungmin had that night, the night he'd gotten hurt because of you. Shoulders tense, body on alert for any sudden movements.

You know just from that that there’s no way this ends well.

“Last I checked he left a few bruises on them too,” Jeongin snarls. “Looks like one of them is still reeling from it.” He nods his head towards Ha-joon who has a brace around his wrist.

Ha-joon scoffs., rolling his shoulders back.

“Ah, I fear this won’t end the same though. You’re out numbered three to one,” Seojun says and everything about his tone bleeds confidence. It makes you feel sick. You hadn’t forgotten how his voice sounded, given that it still haunted you in your dreams. But it was different hearing it in person.

You barely notice the way your legs have started to shake beneath you.

“Now,” Seojun continues. “We can do this one of two ways. The first, you simply let us take Y/N. As easy as that. We leave, with her, and no one has to get hurt. Second, and this one won’t end well for you, we take Y/N by force.”

Eyes flashing, Jeongin growls; “you aren’t touching Y/N.”

“Well,” Seojun laughs, “looks like it’s the second option then.”

It’s instant. Ha-joon and Jung race forward without another word, flanking Jeongin. Jeongin pushes you away from him, harder than he means to but he’s desperate for you to get out of the crossfire. You stumble over your own feet, breath leaving you in panicked heaves, and fall to the ground.

“Run!” Jeongin yells at you, chancing a quick, panicked look back at you. “Get away!”

When you look up, however, all you see is Jung swinging his fist directly into Jeongin’s face.

It’s like that night with Seungmin all over again. Everything you’ve been afraid of is happening right in front of you again. Jeongin’s strong, probably stronger than Seungmin, but the other two are just as strong. You know this. And Seojun hasn’t even stepped in to help yet.

Because every time Jeongin gets a hit on one of them, he gets two in response.

For a moment, you stand there, not running like Jeongin had begged you to; simply just staring. You watch as Jeongin punches Ha-joon across the face, grabbing him by the shoulders and driving him right into his knee. But, the second he steps back, Jung is rushing forward, sending Jeongin stumbling back a few steps with a particularly hard kick.

Somewhere along the way, you start to cry. Full on sobs. Your body is wracked with them, your chest heaving. You’re panicking, not breathing properly, feeling utterly and completely useless as you watch Jeongin, another one of your soulmates, get hurt. Get hurt because of you.

It’s always because of you.

You don’t notice Seojun watching you. Not at first, not until he steps up to you. Not until he’s standing directly in front of you.

You cower at the sight of him, letting out a startled cry. It catches Jeongin’s attention, head swiveling around towards you, distracted, only for him to get knocked straight in the face by a laughing Jung.

Seojun doesn’t even glance back at them. He's completely and wholly focused on you. “You know how to make this stop.”

Breathing hitching, you swallow thickly.

“You know what you have to do.”

With watery eyes you stare up at him, before your gaze drifts back to Jeongin. Ha-joon swings his fist back, hitting Jeongin directly in the stomach. He doubles over, groaning in pain, and then Jung is grabbing him by his hair. You meet Jeongin’s eyes then, his head forced towards you. His mouth is split, he’s bleeding from his nose and yet, he looks terrified—just not for himself..

He looks terrified for you.

He growls, fighting the hands that hold him when he sees Seojun standing right in front of you.

"Get the fuck away from her!" Jeongin roars, soured scent pouring out of him in waves. It's the most upset you've ever smelt him to be, the most enraged you've ever seen him look. Your Jeongin was always smiling, eyes curled at the edges.

He wasn't angry. He wasn't scared. He wasn't bleeding from his lip with bruised knuckles as he tried to fight the two holding him back to get to you.

It breaks your heart.

However, it seems seeing Seojun in front of you gives Jeongin a rush of new energy. He's able to pull himself out of Jung's grip, driving his elbow back in the man's face. Jung stumbles back in response, yelping in pain and Ha-joon looks momentarily stunned, staring at this alpha that's quickly and rapidly losing control.

For the briefest of seconds, there's hope. Hope that maybe this won't end the way you think it will.

And then, there's a fist being slammed right into your stomach. It catches you by surprise. You'd been so focused on Jeongin, you hadn't even noticed Seojun move.

A cry leaves your lips, falling to your knees as you curl into yourself. But before you can recover, Seojun is kicking you right in the side, slamming his foot into your ribs.

"You piece of shit!" Jeongin bellows, "get away—"

You glance up, weakly, when Jeongin's voice gets abruptly cut off. Only, the second your eyes turn to him, he's being stabbed directly in the stomach.

Everything stops.

Jung lets out a sharp, loud laugh. It'll haunt your dreams for the rest of your life. He smirks, beaming and proud, before yanking the knife right back out.

"No!" You cry, voice cracked and broken, your mind turning numb at the sight. Jeongin doubles over on himself, hands moving to press against his stomach where the knife's been left. You see it on his face, immediately. The pain, the terror.

When he pulls back his hands, there's blood. A lot of it. Your heart falls ot the pit of your stomach, wide eyes unable to look away.

He turns to you, then, and for the briefest of seconds, your eyes meet. His lips part, as if to say something, but he's cut off by Jung grabbing him and yanking him back.

You lurch forward. "No, Innie—"

Seojun grabs a fistful of your hair, twisting your head so you're forced to look up at him. The movement strains your neck, neck bent unnaturally, ribs and stomach still aching from where he'd hit you.

He glowers down at you. "I'll kill him," he threatens, voice low and sharp. "I'll make sure he never gets to see that worthless pack of yours ever again."

That's all it takes.

“Please,” you whisper, voice broken, cracked, defeated. You submit instantly. “Please stop. I’ll… I’ll go with you. I-I won’t fight.”

“No!” Jeongin cries, voice cracking as he kicks weakly at Jung, trying to get to you. “No, Y/N! Don’t! Run! I’ve got this! Get back to the car! Find help and—”

“Shut up!” Jung hisses, driving his knee right into Jeongin’s gut, right where he'd been stabbed.

You let out a cry; “please! Stop! Stop!”

Seojun crouches in front of you, meeting you eye-level. “Say it, Y/N.”

You turn to him, sobbing.

“Say it and I’ll make them stop.”

You choke on your breath, and turn to Jeongin one last time. He’s looking back at you, everything stilling for one long moment. The look in his eyes is obvious; don’t. He’s begging you not to. Even as he gets beat within an inch of his life.

If you don’t, you have no doubt they’ll kill him. That they'll finish the job.

“You won’t hurt him anymore?” You ask, turning back to meet Seojun’s eyes.

“I won’t,” Seojun smiles.

Inhaling sharply, you grip the ground beneath you, fingers digging into the dirt. 

“I’ll go with you, alpha.” You whisper, ignoring the bile that threatens to rise at the words. “I’ll be your omega.”

You know why Seojun has you say it. Realistically, he could just take you and leave it at that. But it's the principle of it—the need to make you submit.

The need to make you feel less than human, because in his eyes, that's what you are.

Jeongin hisses. “No!”

“That’s a good girl,” Seojun coos, reaching for you. You want to pull away, want to fight him, but you can’t risk Jeongin getting hurt anymore. So, you simply let him grab you, desperately trying to ignore the feeling of his hands back on you.

“My perfect little omega, huh?” Seojun says, pulling you up to your feet. He’s harsh, grip biting around your wrist, and when you stumble onto your feet, legs still shaky, he just yanks you back up. “Let’s get you home.”

“Don’t touch her!” Jeongin cries, fighting Jung’s grip on him. “Don’t fucking touch her! Hey!”

Seojun glances back, unbothered. “Knock him out.”

Your eyes widen; “you said you wouldn’t—”

You’re cut off by a stinging slap across your cheek. It stuns you, knocks you off your feet, but before you can hit the ground, Seojun is pulling you back up and grabbing you by the chin and yanking your eyes back on him.

“You fucking asshole!” Jeongin rages, “I’ll fucking kill you!”

Seojun just sighs, keeping his eyes on you. “If you don’t want me to go over there and kill him myself, then you’ll shut up and obey,” he hisses, fingers digging into your skin. 

Terrified for Jeongin, you nod.

He continues to pull you, so fast that you barely avoid stumbling over your own feet.

“What about that couple?” Ha-joon calls out to him.

“Leave them,” Seojun calls back. “My dad will deal with the police.”

You glance back, for the last time, tears streaming down your cheeks, as Jeongin continues to call out for you. He’s looking right at you, desperately trying to fight his way to you. His eyes are wild, panicked, and his scent is the most sour you’ve ever smelt it. He’s ignoring his own pain, his own injuries, the only thing on his mind is getting to you.

A sob breaks past your lips.

He never once stops until Jung smacks him on the back of the head with the golf club and knocks him out.

You watch his body hit the ground with a thud. The image will never leave your mind.

[ibajo256]

[veenenex]

me during my first draft of my witch series