seeking for a comfort i can’t be given

22, she/her

[izzyy-stuff]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘 - 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐈 𝐒𝐎𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐍

⁀જ➣ You wouldn’t say lying comes easy to you. Especially not when you’re surrounded by people you care so deeply about. But when you’re forced into a corner, there is nothing left for you to do but to lie your way out, dragging an innocent server down with you. Luckily for you, Soobin, the ever so helpful server, is more than willing to make your time here enjoyable. So what if he has to attend a wedding for people he’s never met before? As long as he’s by your side, he doesn’t mind anything you throw his way.

pairing ↣ server!Soobin x fem!reader genre ↣ romcom, fake dating, strangers to friends to lovers featuring ↣ seventeen members, original characters, txt members

contains ↣ food mentions, alcohol consumption, mentions of being cheated on, a terrible ex boyfriend, green flag!Soobin warnings ↣ smut, dry humping, unprotected sex + pull out

word count ↣ 29.4k

↪ izzy speaks... I'm so excited to finally show this to you guys!! It's been about time I wrote a long fic for txt again and it just happened to be Soobin hehehe. Which I'm incredibly thankful about btw because the energy and love I felt while writing this is not something I can explain and I know it's all thanks to him. I really missed him. Hopefully, you'll enjoy this as much as I did <3

As always, a huge shout out to my girl liv @livmarauder for making this banner I'm in love with and look at at least once a day!! Also a big thank you to the people doing this collab with me, I've had a lot of fun <3

playlist | collab m.list | soobin m.list

The room is nice. Tones of brown welcome you everywhere you look along with red decorating the walls. It's much bigger than your room back home, but you're convinced you'd be fine with anything when you're only staying for a week.

The worst week of your life, you remind yourself.

As happy as you want to be for your friends, how much you want to cheer them on on their big day, celebration is the last thing on your mind as you sit in your room, thinking about all the other guests occupying this floor. You think about Minho the most. Sweet, loving, Minho, who stabbed you in the back just a few weeks ago.

It'd be one thing to break up with you, but it's a completely different thing to do it like he did. If he just sat you down, told you he wasn't in love with you anymore and wanted to break things off, you probably wouldn't have a single hateful bone in your body for him. But he just had to ruin the last few weeks before your friends' wedding by having you find him with another girl.

You spent the first week hating yourself instead of him, convincing yourself that if you were better to him, if you took more time off work and came out of your way to meet his needs, none of this would have happened. You even blamed yourself for leaving work early that day in hopes to have a lunch with him. If you only had stayed back, you would have never found him in your bed with someone else.

You quickly realized it wasn't your fault, though. It was never your fault an unemployed man had too much time on his hands. It wasn't on you that he always needed to have you under control, know exactly where and who you were with. And it most definitely wasn't your fault that the video game he spent his days working on wasn't working like he'd always like to blame you.

It was never your fault he cheated on you, so why does it still hurt so much to know he is just a few rooms down the hall right now when he could have been right here with you, celebrating your friends' marriage?

Still, no matter how much your heart aches even all these weeks later, you need to put a smile on your face and pretend. You have to pretend for Nari's sake. You have to make sure her big day is still hers and she won't worry with how you're feeling. She deserves the prettiest and the most exciting wedding anyone has ever had.

Checking the time on the small digital clock on your bedside table, you stand up with a heavy sigh. The restaurant you're meeting at with the other bridesmaids is right down in the lobby, so you don't need more than five minutes before leaving your room. But with how your thoughts eat you alive in here, you'd much rather go there now and be fifteen minute early than keep wondering about what Minho is doing and if he regrets what happened in the slightest.

You're not sure what the other girls are wearing, but Nari told you to dress in something pretty but comfortable, so you decided on one of the sundresses you brought. To be honest, your suitcase is mostly filled with dresses. It's hot outside at this time of the year so you didn't think you'd be needing much more. You packed your dress for the reception, you got your pajamas, swimsuits, a pair of jean shorts and two tank tops, as well as a handful of summer dresses. You might have over packed a little, but you'd rather be safe than sorry. Who cares if you go home with only wearing half of the dresses you brought? You certainly don't.

Nari and her best friend Amy are already sitting at your reserved table when you come down, smiles decorating both of them as they talk about something. You smile at them as well as you come closer, a soft "Hi," leaving your lips as you take a seat on Nari's other side.

"We were just talking about how the guys decided to go to the bar tonight," Nari explains to you after exchanging her greetings. "Do you remember Chan? He's the one who convinced them to go and he's planning on getting all of them wasted," she shakes her head at the thought, her lips curved up in a grin.

"There is never anything good coming out of Chan having an idea," Amy adds, a matching smile on her face.

"I'm glad I won't have to deal with the aftermath. Good luck to you two," you smile back, but it doesn't quite mirror theirs. If they paid a little more attention to the details, you're sure they could tell. Thankfully, two more girls come to join the table before they can notice. Jihoo and Mina greet you all as they sit down, asking when Woohee is coming.

As if she could hear them, she comes through the front door right after, waving at your table excitedly as she dodges a couple who's leaving, apologizing for being in their way before crossing the room in a few quick steps.

It's funny how you all managed to match tonight. Nari is in a small white dress with green details, and her sister Jihoo is wearing the same one in blue. Amy's dress is deep red, ending at her knees just like Mina's, who is in all pink. Woohee is wearing a sundress like you, but unlike yours, hers is a beautiful pink. It's lighter than Mina's, but they're still both equally beautiful.

Once your party is complete, you all flip through the menu list. You keep your eyes down, scanning the different food and drink options while the girls talk. Their words fly by you, at least until the topic of the conversation doesn't shift from Nari to you.

"Are you okay?" Nari's eyes are filled with worry, and it's exactly the opposite of what you wanted. You want her to enjoy this and focus on getting to marry the love of her life, not you losing who you thought was yours. "I promise I wanted to cross him off the guest list, but you know how Seungcheol is. They've been friends practically their entire lives, so he couldn't just take back his invitation."

You quickly force a smile on, shaking your head. "It's okay, Ri. Really. I knew he was going to be here and I'm okay with that." That's a lie. You hate that he gets to laugh freely like nothing happened and enjoy the free stay while you're still eating yourself alive.

"Are you sure you're fine? I saw Minho this morning when we arrived. He brought a girl, and she is gorgeous. He really stepped up his game," Jihoo comments, and despite Nari shooting her a disapproving look instantly, it doesn't help how awfully it feels to hear her say it. You know she is gorgeous. Christ, you saw her naked just a few weeks ago and there hasn't been a day when you didn't think about how pretty she is.

"It really doesn't matter to me anymore. I'm over him," you lie again. "We weren't meant to be, that happens," you brush it off.

"That's good," Jihoo nods. "That's good. It's unfortunate you couldn't bring someone as well, but you know how it is. Some people are just hard to date."

"Jihoo!" Nari's eyes widen before you can even process what was said.

You watch as she opens her mouth to continue, but you refuse to ruin her night. You refuse to ruin her wedding week. She was so happy to go out with all of you tonight, you'll do anything to make sure it stays that way—happy, and without any fights. "I am dating again," you blurt out. "I have a boyfriend."

The table falls in silence, all five girls watching you in utter shock. Their expressions are different, though. Nari's shock is a mix of excitement and confusion, wondering why she didn't know about this beforehand, you assume. The explanation to that is simple—you didn't even know about it until a few seconds ago. Amy and Woohee carry similar expressions, while Mina just looks confused. You don't blame her, you would be too.

Jihoo's face doesn't resemble and ounce of genuine confusion or excitement. Her eyes are filled with anger, almost as if the fact you managed to fight back annoys the heck out of her. You truly hope it does annoy her at least half as much as her words hurt you.

"Why didn't you say so earlier? We could have booked a ticket for him as well," Nari is the first one to speak. Jihoo hangs on her question instantly, asking further questions about why none of them knew about him before and why you didn't bring him with. What are you possibly supposed to say to that?

Relief washes over you as your server comes to your table, asking if you're ready to order. You look up at him and tell him your order before either of the girls can properly register him, glad that the topic can shift elsewhere.

Except it doesn't. "Come on, tell us more about him," Jihoo taunts. "Or is that why you didn't bring him with you? Are you embarrassed of him?" Nari and Amy tell your server their orders but you can't hear them, only catching Jihoo's words. Nari and her are similar in many ways look wise, and anyone could tell they are sisters, but as long as you've known them for, you've always known their personalities couldn't be more different. Jihoo has always been terrible to you, and even though you still don't know why, you wish for her to suddenly start liking you and leave you be more than ever.

You shake your head harshly. "He's already here. That's why," you say the first explanation that comes to mind.

"Oh? Does he work here?" Mina wonders before redirecting her attention to the server and giving him her order.

Your eyes follow her line of sight, landing on the only man near your table. Soobin, you read off his name tag. If any of them paid closer attention to you, you're sure they'd notice how panicked you are at the moment. How could you not? There is no clean coming back from this. You already lied a bunch. You can't just admit there is no boyfriend and you still think about Minho daily.

"Soobin." The name escapes your lips before you can think about it, your eyes widening in shock when you realize you've said it out loud. Your eyes bounce between the girls, all of them watching you like they're waiting for you to slip up. You know that's not the case, at least in Nari's case you are certain she doesn't pray on your downfall, but it doesn't change how their gazes feel. "My boyfriend does work here," you nod quickly. "Meet Soobin."

The look in your eyes is nothing but desperate as you glance his way, begging him to play along with you. You notice him visibly freeze as he meets your eyes. He then takes a look at all your friends, clearing his throat awkwardly. God. You're fucked. He's going to tell them that he's never met you in his life and everything will go to shit.

"I thought you didn't want to tell your friends yet?" His question catches you so off guard you almost choke on air, your eyes wide as you meet his again. "It's pleasure to finally meet you all," he offers them a smile, his dimples showing. Huh?

You blink at him and then at the girls, watching as they all carefully take the sight of him in properly. An awkward wave of "Nice to meet you," rushes through the table, Jihoo's confusion and anger only getting worse. They finish ordering their food, still seemingly shocked as they watch him leave, their eyes locked on his back.

"We haven't been together for long so I didn't want to mention anything yet," you manage to blurt out, but you're not sure if either one of them is listening to you. Seems like that worked. How? You honestly have no idea.

"I can't believe you got a boyfriend and didn't tell me about it," Nari slaps your shoulder, still in a disbelieve. You've all got your food by now, and every time Soobin walks to or around your table, you catch them all looking his way. You don't think they'll be letting it go anytime soon.

"He is handsome," Mina nods, approving.

"Definitely an upgrade," Amy snickers and Jihoo rolls her eyes.

"You are taken, Amy Cheong," Nari reminds her, shaking her head with a smile on her face.

"Does that mean I can no longer appreciate a man's good looks?"

"How long have you two been together?"

Woohee's question has you stressed again. You look over at Soobin, finding him at one of the tables with ease. Approximately thirty minutes? Give or take. "Three weeks," you mumble.

"Where did you meet?" Amy adds another question, taking a bite of her chicken.

This restaurant, you think to yourself. Where on Earth could you have possibly met him when he works so far away? You had to fly over here for god's sake. "A mutual friend," you pipe, quickly stuffing your mouth with food to prevent any more questions.

The nerves you feel as Nari stands up to tip for the service are far worse than you ever felt. She's walking right behind Soobin, her lips curved in a smile as she speaks to him about something you can't grasp despite your effort at reading her lips. There's nothing you can do now that the two of them are alone. All that's left for you is to pray Soobin has your back.

"You know, I don't blame you for keeping it a secret," Nari says casually as she hands Soobin her fiance's card. "The situation sucks, I know that, but there is not much I could do for her, which I hate."

Soobin takes the sight of her in, shaking his head slightly as he runs the card through the system. "Like you said, it was better that way. At least for a while. With everything happening," he agrees. His brows furrow in confusion, not really understanding what he's saying. He doesn't know the story. He has no idea what the situation is, or why you felt the need to drag him into it, but when he saw the silent plea in your eyes, a helpless scream for someone to pull you out of your misery, he didn't think twice about it.

"You should come to the wedding."

Oh.

"No, I shouldn't," he shakes his head. He can only assume it's her wedding she is talking about considering she is inviting him. "I wish you all the luck on your big date and a happy marriage, but I shouldn't. It wouldn't be appropriate. We've only been together shortly."

It's Nari who shakes her head this time. "It doesn't matter whether you've been together for two years or two days. I hate the thought of her being sad and alone on what's supposed to be the happiest day of my life. It's bad enough that the fucker she calls her ex will be standing on Cheol's side the entire time, but to know he'll be attending with some girl I never even met while she has to look at them without a shoulder to lean on?" A heavy sigh leaves her lips. "Please, I beg of you, take the day off and be there for her. I couldn't stand knowing she was lonely on my big night."

Soobin listens to her without interruptions, trying to put together the pieces of the story she tells him. He can't say he knows for sure what's going on in your head at the moment, but he has an idea of what the situation you're facing is. He hands her back the card, looking over her shoulder to find you standing with the rest of the girls at your table, waiting for her to come back. You're already looking at him, and with the urge in your eyes, he thinks you've had your eyes on him for a while now. Possibly the entire time he's been talking to your friend. "I'll talk to her about it and see," he promises.

You're up early.

To be honest, you didn't sleep much in the first place. You were up all night thinking about what you're going to tell the others and how you're going to get yourself out of this. You came up with nothing.

You know the only right way to go about this is to tell them the truth, admit that you lied and you don't actually know Soobin. It's the only way to get out of this hole you dug for yourself, but if you're honest, it's the last thing you want to do. You don't want to see the look on Jihoo's face when she finds out you were just full of bullshit and none of it was ever real. You don't want to give her another reason to push you to the ground. It's already enough that she seems to be on Minho's side even after everything.

You force yourself out of bed as your clock shows 08:00, knowing you have to get down for breakfast if you want to eat anything. You don't know what the plan for today is, if Nari will need help with anything or if she has any plans for you. You decide on another dress for now. If needed, you'll get back to your room and change later.

Thinking about why you brought so many of your good dresses makes your heart ache, so you decide not to. It's better that way. When you don't overthink it and just slip the fabric on, it's a lot better than wondering if you'll catch Minho's attention.

The tables moved around a bit. Unlike last night, one of the walls is lined with tables filled with food, offering all kinds of breakfast options. You catch Nari at one of the tables with her sister, smiling at them briefly before moving to grab your own food.

"Hey," the voice startles you, and you quickly glance up at your side. Eyes wide, you face the same boy you convinced the entire bridesmaids party is your boyfriend last night. He looks different this morning, though. There is no name tag on his shirt or an uniform in sight. He's in a white button up and a pair of blue shorts that end above his knees, casual but still looking as handsome as last night.

"Hi," you blink up at him. You're screwed. "I'm so so sorry for last night," you quickly add, not giving him the opportunity to speak first. You need to explain yourself and apologize for all the discomfort you caused, as well as thank him for not leaving you to fend for yourself. "We don't know each other and I shouldn't have just blurted that out—"

Your name coming from somewhere behind you makes you turn around instantly, panic rushing through you at what they just heard. By the way Woohee's eyes flicker from you to your boyfriend, you don't think she caught you. "Are you having breakfast with us? You should introduce your boyfriend to us properly." She nods her head towards the table with Nari and Jihoo that you noticed earlier.

Opening your mouth to answer, you hesitate. You can't possibly tell her that you will. What would you say? You don't have a past or present with Soobin, and you certainly won't be able to introduce him to them. There is nothing you know about this man. Glancing up at him, you catch him already watching you curiously. It seems as if he's waiting for your next move. Well, that makes two of you.

"We're sorry," he shakes his head with a gentle smile. "I'm really busy this week so we wanted to have a breakfast together. Just the two of us. I'm sure you understand." Woohee's eyes widen at his soft spoken tone, nodding with hesitation. "I'd love to meet you all a different time if you don't mind."

"Of course!" She beams. You can't explain how grateful you are that she doesn't focus on you or your body language, otherwise you'd be in huge trouble. Not that you wouldn't already be. "I'm sure we'll run into each other more this week anyway." She smiles at you, telling you with her eyes how happy she is for you before moving past you, picking her breakfast.

"I'm so, so, sorry," you repeat your previous sentence, this time with much more sincerity and desperation. "I can't express how grateful—"

"We should get a table and talk about this, hm?" He interrupts you, sliding his hand to your lower back with a smile. "Bride is watching," he whispers through his teeth as soon as he feels you freeze under his touch and you naturally glance back, meeting eyes with Nari. Okay, you definitely need to talk.

Soobin finds a table on the other side of the restaurant, making sure you are out of your friends' view. It could not be more perfect. However this conversation might go, it's not something you want them to notice.

Keeping your eyes down, you take a seat awkwardly. It feels like you're coming to your senses for the first time since you arrived. Realizing the situation you put him in, how you just dragged him with you under the water without giving him an option, you feel even worse. You should really go join the girls and tell them you lied. That would be best for everyone.

Everyone except you, but you don't think you're in a position to choose right now.

"I think we should start over," he breaks the silence and your eyes shoot up to him. He doesn't seem to be in the same distress you are. To your surprise, he looks at you normally. "I'm Soobin," he extends his hand to you. "Choi Soobin." You blink at him first before shaking his hand, sharing your name in return. "Do you want to tell me what that was about?" He asks carefully.

You squeeze your eyes shut. "I'm sorry. This is all my fault and I should have never dragged you into this," you shake your head, refusing to look at him now that you started talking. "God, I don't know what went over me. I was panicking, and even though I know it doesn't excuse it, you were the first guy I saw and the only way of getting out of the grave I dug for myself was to use you."

"I, uhm, told them I have a boyfriend in panic, and well, there isn't actually one. I came here alone because that's what I am; alone," you sigh.

"Why did you lie to them?" He tilts his head, but you don't see any judgment on his face as he does.

That's a good question. Why did you? "I guess I didn't want them to know that my ex is doing so much better than me," you scoff quietly, finding it ridiculous. "It's stupid. I swear I'm not usually this stupid, but at that moment, all I wanted was for them to think I am not doing as badly as I really am."

He watches you for a beat, carefully observing as you stare into your plate, your hair falling into your face. "I'm not saying it's stupid," he shakes his head. "I can't say it was a good idea either, but I'm sure you aren't stupid."

"Thanks," you huff, meeting his eyes. "I truly am sorry."

"It's okay," he assures you. "Next time, I'll appreciate a heads up first, though."

You chuckle. "Yeah, you should make sure the next time a girl pretends you're her boyfriend, she lets you know beforehand."

He smiles when you joke with him, feeling you relax a bit again. "Can I ask what the situation is? Your friend kept mentioning that it sucks. She said that she knows it's bad and wishes she could do something to make it better." He wonders, trying to get another piece of the puzzle.

"Nari," you tell him. "My friend who spoke to you yesterday. Her name is Nari and we are here because she's getting married at the end of the week. Her soon to be husband, Seungcheol, is somehow related to the owner, which is why they could do it here."

He nods, listening carefully. "There isn't a situation happening. They're getting married, all their friends were invited, and my ex boyfriend brought his new girlfriend along. That's it. That's the story."

"That's the story?" He raises his eyebrow.

You shrug. "Yeah. He gets his happy ending or whatever and I keep drowning in agony. Simple, right?"

"Seems simply enough," he nods. A lot is happening in his head as he does. His lips curve into a smile, finding you endearing, but he also feels bad. You do make it sound simple, like it's completely normal for things to be this way and like you don't deserve your happy ending. No matter how he looks at it though, it's wrong. "What is your plan now? What do you want to do?"

"I don't know," you admit honestly. "I didn't plan to get into this situation, and I know you didn't either. We should just…" you hesitate, the words hanging at the tip of your tongue. But no matter how much you know telling them the truth is the right thing to do, you can't bring yourself to say it out loud.

It's when he realizes you aren't finishing your sentence that he decides to speak again. "Nari invited me to the wedding last night."

Your eyes widen, "She what?"

Soobin nods carefully. "She told me that she doesn't want you to be all alone on her big day when he will be there with someone else. She cares about you a lot."

"I…"

"Do you want me there with you?" He offers.

You had a lot of expectations on how this conversation might go, but neither of the scenarios included this. There's no way in hell you could have predicted for him to suggest something like this. It's bizarre and doesn't make any sense. Nari shouldn't worry about you so much and neither should he. You'll be okay. You'll put on your best smile and pretend for her. It's what you planned to do all along either way.

So why can't you just say it? Why can't you just tell him you'll be alright without his help and that you can take care of the trouble you caused for yourself?

Maybe it's the tremble of his eyes that stops you, the sign of him being nervous as he asks you. It's clearly not something he does every day, not knowing how to go about this just like you.

"As my boyfriend?" You question.

"Fake boyfriend," he suggests in return. He's not sure why, what makes him want to help you so much, but there is a pull to you he feels, a silent scream inside his head saying he needs to save you. And he'd much rather listen to it than try to see what happens if he doesn't. "I could help you keep playing into this story you built until the wedding is over and you don't have to be in that position again."

You don't ask what he means because you know. The position you're in. Once the wedding is over and you all return to your daily lives, you won't need his help anymore because no one will care. You won't need to keep pretending you're doing amazing just to assure your friends you're not falling behind. You won't need to watch Minho with his new girl anymore, and you won't have to be strong for anyone.

"Please," you nod. "I'd be forever in debt to you."

"There is no need for that," he shakes his head while waving you off. "I'll be happy to help."

"I mean it though," you insist. "I'll owe you one. Whatever it is, if you ever need help with anything, feel free to ask me."

"Okay," he nods, a soft smile tugging in the corner of his mouth.

"Okay."

Exchanging numbers with Soobin, you got as much information about him as you could. There is a lot you need to know, a lot you worry about the others asking you when you see them again, which is why you feel so unprepared even after sitting with him at the table for an hour. You would have probably stayed longer if it wasn't for Nari texting you to ask if you'll be joining them at the pool.

You asked Soobin if he wanted to come with, but he refused politely, explaining that he has a shift starting before lunch. You were about to tell him not to worry about it much and that you can find a different time when your friends can see you together, but then he suggested switching his place and serving at the bar outside. It could not be more perfect.

You wonder if you're doing too much as you look at yourself in the bathroom mirror. You can't tell if the choice of your bikini is because you want to show Minho how great you're doing with Soobin now, hoping to make him reconsider his decisions, or if you just want him to look at you.

Either way, deep down, you know you're dressing in hopes of getting a reaction out of him, and a part of you hates yourself for it.

You chose a pastel pink pair, your bottom high wasted with a little bow decor on the side. Your ass is practically fully out and your boobs are pushed up in the little triangles covering them. It's the type of swim wear Minho would hate on you. Not because he didn't like the style, but because he hated the fact you were showing your body around—as he liked to call it. You hesitated because of it at first, worried that if you do manage to get his eyes on you, it'll only be because he is disgusted with you, but the thought of Soobin being near quickly soothed you.

No matter what Minho will have to say to you when you see each other again, you feel safer knowing Soobin will be there in case you need him.

Grabbing your dress from the floor where you left it when you undressed, you put it over the bikini, fixing your hair once more before leaving the bathroom. You take a book with yourself as well as your phone, towel, and room key, heading out to meet with the rest of the party.

Amy is the first person you see. She's in a gorgeous burgundy bikini, her sunglasses resting on her head and a smile splattered on her face. Jeonghan, her boyfriend, is on a lounge chair right beside her, whispering something to her that makes her roll her eyes and her cheeks flush. They're watching their best friends—Nari and Seungcheol—in the pool, but it's not them your eyes fall to. It's Minho kissing his new girlfriend in the water, her back pressed against the edge and his hand in her wet hair.

You feel sick.

It's the same feeling you had all those weeks ago when you saw her for the first time, naked, in your bed, with Minho on top of her. You could throw up right now.

Nari calls your name as soon as she notices you. Your eyes snap to her, offering her a brief smile. "Come join us! You do have a swim suit, right? If not, I can borrow you one of mine!" Her grin is just as bright as always.

"I am wearing one. Thank you, though." You catch Minho's attention on you as you speak, both thrill and stress rushing through your body.

"I hope it's my favorite one." It's Soobin's voice catching your attention this time. He's standing right behind you, his hand wrapped around your waist casually as he smiles at your friends. He's in his work uniform, leaving you a little disappointed when you remember his earlier outfit.

"It is," you nod, playing into it right away. You turn back to your friends, watching as Minho scoffs at the interaction.

"I can't stay for long as I need to get back to the bar, but I wanted to properly introduce myself since some of you already met me," he looks around the group, noting all the girls that were with you last night and their partners. He doesn't need to search long to figure out which one of them is your ex, the guy practically staring holes into Soobin's body. There's a girl hanging on his arm, her wet hair pushed behind her ears, showing off the hoops she's wearing. Just looking at her, she couldn't be more different from you.

Not only does she look much shorter than you, but her hair is full of blond highlights and waves—that he is certain are the product of heat and not nature. He can't help but think that she looks fake, taking his eyes off before he can start judging her. That wouldn't be like him. "My name is Soobin."

Nari swims closer to the edge, pulling herself up a little so her hands can rest outside of the water. "It's unfortunate you can't join us this time."

"We are looking forward to knowing you," Seungcheol adds, joining his fiancee.

"You'll come to the wedding, right?"

All eyes are on him in an instant, but he only lets his drop to yours, giving you a reassuring smile. "If you'll have me," he nods.

"Of course we will!" Nari beams.

"Get in the water and enjoy yourself," Soobin tells you, squeezing your waist lightly to get you to focus on him instead of the man in the swimming pool. "If anything goes wrong or you need saving, I'll be at the bar," he whispers to you, making sure only you can hear. Tugging your hair behind your ear sweetly, he adds into the pretend you're playing. "I'll come rushing in if needed."

"Thank you," you mumble, your cheeks red from the closeness of him.

"I need to go, but I'll catch you guys later. If you need a drink, you know where you'll find me." His arm slips away from your waist and the feeling of something missing hits you immediately. Watching him walk away, you take your time taking all of him in. He's handsome. Huge, but that's something you're sure everyone noticed. He's much taller than the other guys in your party, definitely taller than Minho. He had glasses on last night, ones he isn't wearing now, and it makes you wonder if he's wearing contact lenses now or if the ones last night were fake.

"Come on, let's swim a little," Nari invites you into the pool again.

"Or, you can be much wiser, join us and just tan," Amy speaks up right away, patting the lounge chair between her and Woohee.

"I'll stick to the land for now," you offer Nari a smile. "You and your fiance have fun, though."

"Hold back on the fun," one of Seungcheol's friends shakes his head. Chan, you recognize him when you look closely. "Not in front of us all. It's enough I had to listen to you writing poems about your girlfriend all night long yesterday."

You don't need to look at them to know she's got the brightest smile on her face now. By the splash of water, you guess she isn't just smiling. Taking a chair between the girls, you quickly pull your dress down, staying in just your bikini as you rest under the sun. Even if this week feels terrible, a tan is the least you can get from it.

Doing your best to focus on the book you brought, you ignore the urge to check out Minho and see what he's doing, if he's back to kissing her now or if he has his eyes on you as well. Amy beside you laughs as she talks to her boyfriend, while Woohee has her eyes shut, close to drifting to sleep you'd say.

You look towards the bar, just to check where Soobin is, only to find him already looking at you. Tilting his head slightly, he mouths "Are you okay?" across the space, causing a smile to spread on your lips as you nod. It's nice to know someone has your back like this.

"How's Soobin?" Jeonghan's question makes you pull your eyes away from him. "Amy told me he works at the restaurant down in the lobby?"

"Mhm, he does," you agree. "He's been working here for the past two years. A friend of mine, uhm, introduced us a few months ago and then… we started dating three weeks back," you tell him the lie you agreed on with Soobin before. Truth is, if you were to start dating someone three weeks ago, you would have made them miserable. You broke up with Minho almost two months ago, and you still can't see yourself in a happy relationship with someone else.

Deep down, you feel like you don't deserve it.

"That's good," he nods with a smile, glancing towards the pool briefly. "You deserve this." Oh-oh. Can he read your mind? Does he posses some sort of superpower Amy never mentioned before? If so, then you're certainly fucked. You can't pretend a relationship with anyone if he can see through you so well.

"I— Uhm—"

"I'm getting a drink, anyone coming with?" Minho's voice rings in your ears as he pushes himself out of the pool, water dripping down his body. It takes you a second to remember you aren't together anymore and you have no right to watch him like this, forcing your eyes closed.

"Are you not drinking anything today?" Amy wonders, her head tilted to the side. She probably doesn't even realize she's suggesting you go with him to get a drink. Because why would that matter anyway? You're both dating again.

You really need to get that fact into your head if you want to survive this week.

"I…" You hesitate, your eyes flickering to Minho, eyeing you up and down as you lay on the lounge chair. You want to cover up all of a sudden. "Yeah, I'll get a drink," you nod, standing up. You quickly wrap your towel around your waist to cover yourself more, looking down at your feet as you walk behind him towards the bar.

"I'll take a beer," Minho calls as soon as he reaches the bar, not bothered to wait for Soobin taking care of another order. His eyes flicker to the two of you instantly, his smile dropping when he sees you standing side by side with your ex. "And then whatever sweet cocktail you can make."

"Take your time," you say quickly, frowning as you nudge Minho in his side. "You're not the only one here wanting a drink."

"And?" He scoffs. "I'm sure your new pup can make time to serve us, can't he?" He leans closer, his voice low enough for only you to hear.

A shiver runs down your skin. "Don't touch me," you push him away, quickly taking a step back.

"Do we have a problem here?" Soobin is in front of you two before you can blink, the girl that was waiting for her order now gone. "Because I'll gladly call security on you and watch you get kicked out," his gaze is anything but welcoming, completely different from the one you're used to. You did not think he had a side like this in him.

"A beer and cocktail," Minho repeats, paying no attention to the anger on his face.

"Sure," Soobin gives him a fake smile before looking at you, his eyes softening instantly. "Do you want me to make your favorite?"

You don't remember what you told him your favorite drink is earlier, but you can't seem to care either. You'll take anything he serves you. Nodding, you watch him turn his back to you again and mix you a drink. Hadn't you known he started at the bar at first before switching to working as a waiter in the restaurant, you'd be much more surprised at how skilled he is. Apparently his cooking skills are below zero, but drinks he can handle.

He slides a red cocktail you can't recognize on the bar in front of Minho along with a pint of beer. Your mojito comes next, decorated with a slice of lime on the glass. "That's supposed to be her favorite?" Minho scoffs in amusement, shaking his head as he takes his two drinks.

"It is," you argue. He doesn't know you.

"Sure it is. Advice for next time, make her a Bloody Mary," he taps grins proudly at Soobin.

"I don't like Bloody Mary anymore," you proclaim. "Mojito is my favorite. Tastes change."

"Clearly," he doesn't look at you anymore as he walks away, calling to his girlfriend that he's got her drink.

"I'm so sorry for what he's causing," you groan, hanging at the bar for a bit longer.

"I'm fine," Soobin shakes his head. "Are you, though? I meant it, if he's making you uncomfortable or causing you trouble, I will call the security on him."

"No," you refuse quickly. "It doesn't matter. I'll be okay. I can't ruin their wedding by getting him escorted because I'm being petty."

"You aren't being petty," he assures you. "But I'll follow your lead, so if you think he should stay," he nods a little.

"He should," you agree. "He has always been Seungcheol's friend before he was my boyfriend."

"Okay."

"Okay."

You turn around to leave it at that, only for Soobin to call your name again. "You weren't lying. This certainly is my favorite bikini pair," he smiles, and somehow, it makes your smile grow as well.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. You look beautiful."

You should probably be weirded out. You're practically naked after all. But with the way Soobin says it, it makes you feel like he'd look at you the exact same way if you were fully dressed. You could probably wear a padded jacket and your dirtiest sweats, and he'd still look at you the same.

Is this how one is supposed to look at you in a relationship? You're not sure. You can't tell for sure you ever saw Minho look at you like this.

Either way, you must say, Soobin is a great actor.

"I'll see you later?" You ask with a smile.

"I'm not going anywhere," he nods.

Soobin's eyes are on you whenever you look at him throughout the rest of the day. As you dip your legs in the water, as you hop in with Woohee, as you go for a refill of your drink, and especially as you talk to your friends. To your surprise, while Soobin's eyes stay on you, Minho's are on his. You wonder what goes through his head, what he thinks when he sees you.

You have to shake your head and remind yourself he doesn't care about you anymore, and you really shouldn't either. Getting back with him is the last thing you want anyway. You think.

You leave the pool around five, following Nari to help her with some of the wedding stuff while Soobin stays behind, finishing the rest of his shift on the bar. He texts you whenever he can, asking what you're up to and if Minho isn't causing any trouble. You keep assuring him you're okay, eventually sending him a picture to show him it's just the girls and Seungcheol. The fact Minho isn't anywhere near seems to calm him, sending you a quick good luck text before getting back to work.

You wonder what goes in his head as well. It's one thing to help you out when put on the spot, but what was he thinking when he suggested continuing this little game? You'd really love to be able to read minds at the moment. It would solve a lot of your questions.

"Sitting Soobin and Minho together is probably not a good idea, right?" Nari looks up from her notes and you shoot her a look, saying everything with your eyes. She giggles, "Relax, I was joking. I'm going to move Chan to your place and you and your boyfriend can sit at his original table."

"That's number 3 right?" You wonder, opening your phone to check the seating chart she sent you last week.

"Yes! There was a spot left so it works out perfectly."

You nod along, bringing another cocktail to your lips. You stopped drinking Mojitos when you left the beach, Nari convincing you on a different drink. It's safe to say you're drunk, but it doesn't stop you from helping as much as you can.

"He's okay with the reception food, right? No allergies or anything like that?" Fuck, you should have asked him that before. Sitting alone with Nari here, the other girls figuring out some things with Seungcheol, you somehow feel more on an edge than if everyone was here.

Sure, slipping up in front of everyone would be much worse than just her, but she's the person you hate lying to the most.

"No allergies," you shake your head, hoping you're right. "He's fine with anything."

"Okay, that's good," she nods, tapping her pen against her notes. "I'm really glad he's joining, by the way"

You blink at her. "You are?"

"Yeah," she assures you immediately. "Soobin seems nice and I'm glad you get to be happy. I want to see you smiling and in love on my wedding day," she flashes you a smile, one you try your hardest to return. You wish you could do that for her, but being in love is the last thing you'll be. You just hope you'll have a fun time with him and won't have to worry about anything else.

"Of course," you take another sip, hiding your face behind the glass. "Your parents are arriving tomorrow, right?" You ask even though you know the answer, trying to change the topic.

She hums. "They should be here around lunch if there aren't any delays. They'll be traveling with Seungcheol's parents. You should have seen them, they are so excited to get here."

"I bet they are," you smile, this time genuinely. "Imagine how it must feel being able to see their daughter get married to the love of her life. To Choi Seungcheol on top of everything!" You exclaim. "I still can't believe how rich he is."

"Right?" Nari laughs. "To think I would ever get married in such nice place. I'll be forever grateful to him for making my dream wedding happen. On the beach, with all my close friends present and no regrets," she sighs dreamily. "I'm hoping to thank his uncle and cousin when I meet them. I heard they are extremely busy this time around, though, so we'll be lucky if his uncle manages to come to the wedding at all."

"It'll all work itself out," you assure her.

"Of course it will," she nods. "With my luck, the president will attend," she giggles. "By the way, I am taking the credit for you finding a new date and having him here."

"Feel free to," you laugh.

You lost track of the drinks you had so far. All you know is that it's ten pm, and your glass is empty again.

"Come on, let's get you back to your room," Seungcheol is at your side, trying to help you on your feet. You shake your head, staying in your seat while Nari giggles beside you. You obviously both had too much to drink. Seungcheol sighs, moving on to his soon to be wife. "Ri, my love, we should get back to the room. How much did you guys drink?"

"A little bit," she tells him, showing him with her fingers, her thumb and pointer finger practically touching. "I'm just so happy," she sings and he shakes his head. "Aren't you happy?"

"The happiest," he assures her, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. That seems to work, getting her up on her feet. Seungcheol calls out to you so you'd start paying attention but you're already doing that, your eyes locked in on the two of them and yearning for the same. You once thought you'd marry as well, imagining a small simple wedding with Minho and your closest family and friends present. You never needed anything big either. You just wanted to be with him.

It hurts. It hurts so fucking much. The only thing you ever wanted was to be happy in your tiny little bubble. You didn't care that you weren't millionaires or that you'd argue from time to time. Turns out, he did care. Turns out, you just weren't enough for him.

"I miss my boyfriend," you sigh, your vision crooked. You can't tell if it's because your head is tilted or if you're just seeing things.

"We should call him!" Nari cheers right away, seemingly happy for you. "Cheol, we need to go on a double date with them sometime!" She turns to face him, almost falling onto him if he wasn't there to catch her. "Wouldn't that be just amazing?"

He smiles at her, his eyes so in love your heart aches. "Of course, my love."

You take your eyes from them and pull out your phone, unlocking it after the third attempt at typing in your pass code. You force your eyes shut before opening them again, doing your best to focus them on the letters on your screen as you scroll through your contacts.

Finally, you find the one titled boyfriend, dialing the number.

When you glance at Nari, she's kissing her fiance, her arms wrapped around his waist. You don't care, though. All you want is to hear Minho's voice once more.

It's not him who picks up, though, the softness in his tone making you frown for a second. Your name falls off Soobin's lips in a question and you pull your phone away from your ear to check who you're calling again. Right. Soobin is your boyfriend now. "Are you okay?"

"I drank a bit," you explain.

"Ah," he nods even though you can't see him. "Are you alone right now?"

"With Nari and Seungcheol," you glance to their side. "I think they are about to fuck."

Soobin chuckles lowly, checking the time on his clock. "Where are you? I'll come get you so you don't need to watch that."

"It could be interesting," you shrug, watching as his hand grips her side, obviously not minding the alcohol on her lips a bit. "We are near the lounge bar," you tell him, closing your eyes for a second to rest them.

"Okay, I'll be there in a second," he gets up from his bed, leaving his room to get down to the lounge.

"Soobin?"

"Yeah?"

You don't respond, not sure what you wanted to say. He doesn't say anything either, letting you rest in the silence while taking the elevator.

You can't say for sure how long it takes him to get to you, but it feels like only a few seconds pass when he calls out to you and you open your eyes. Judging by the fact Seungcheol and Nari aren't where you last saw them anymore, you assume it's been longer than that. "Come here, we need to get you to bed."

You take his hand when he offers, leaning on his side to walk in a straight line. You try convincing him you've got it and can go on your own, but he doesn't let you, only humming along while guiding you towards one of the elevators.

"Did you have fun with your friends tonight?" He wonders, glancing down at you.

You hum happily. "So much fun. We'll be sitting at table three together," you tell him and he nods.

"Yeah?" He sounds as gentle as ever, making you smile. "With who?" Stepping into the elevator, he waits for you to press the floor you're staying on, still holding you steady.

"Seungcheol's friends," you say, pressing the number 4. "Joshua, Mingyu," you hiccup, your eyes widening as you close your mouth again to calm down. "And Jihoon. Not Chan, though. Chan is switching with me."

"Okay," he nods, a soft smile spread across his face as he watches you lean against the wall. "Are you excited for the wedding?" You hum but don't bring yourself to respond with words. You're sure he understands you anyway. How could you not be excited? One of your closest friends is getting married!

"Which room is it?" Soobin wonders as soon as you step outside, fighting with your pocket to get your room key out.

Handing him the card, you point down the hall. "402."

After working here for what feels like forever, he knows well where each room is, nodding as he takes you towards your room.

Just mere two days ago, the idea of him carrying a woman back to her room would be mind blowing. Him? Choi Soobin? To be honest, it still feels a little surreal. When he accepted the job out here, it was because he was reconciled with staying alone and making money so that once he got out again, he could provide for both himself and his future partner. Getting mixed up in your mess was the last thing he planned. Getting mixed up in any mess, for the fact.

But as he chuckles over you stepping on your own feet and then cursing at him because you're convinced he did it, he can't say he minds. While he could not have been more bothered focusing on anything other than work just a week ago, he is glad he gets to be here now. With you.

He must say, it's been fun so far.

Well, except for the part where your ex boyfriend is still hanging around. That bit could not sit more wrong with him.

There's just something about the guy that rubs him the wrong way. Just looking at him drives him crazy and he's never even spoken to him except for their short exchange when he came to order. But Soobin doesn't even want to talk to him. If anything, he's waiting for the moment you allow him to call security and escort him out of here.

Maybe he won't even need your permission for it. If he could find a right time to tick him off and get into a fight, he could easily call the security without any issues. Then, neither you or your friends could blame him.

You stopping in your track makes him snap out of his thoughts, glancing at you before looking at the door beside him. 402. Right, okay.

Unlocking the door for you, he opens it widely so you can step inside. He let's you walk on your own for the first time since he came down, watching you walk straight ahead towards the bed. It's not a perfect straight line, but it's a lot better than he expected. Maybe he was just underestimating you. After all, he doesn't know what you're usually like when you drink.

Judging by the way you aren't completely blacked out after everything you had tonight, he can only assume you can hold your liquor.

You turn around again when you reach your bed, facing him. He follows you inside, just to make sure you get to bed and don't accidentally hurt yourself the moment he steps out. "Can you get it off?"

He blinks at you confusedly, stopping just a feet away from you. Take what off? And no— he absolutely can not. "What do you mean?"

"My dress," you say, as if it's the most obvious answer you've ever had to give. It most certainly isn't one he's ever received, though. Your name slips past his lips, his head tilted to the side, and you're not sure if it's in disappointment or confusion. "I want to go to sleep."

Taking you in, he carefully examines all of you, debating his choices. He's sure taking off your clothes is nowhere in the mental list he's made of all the things he is probably expected to do as your boyfriend. Fake boyfriend. Holding your hand, hugging you, flirting with you—all of those he counted on. Taking off your clothes? He never thought he'd be here debating if he should.

He's gone crazy. It's the only explanation he's able to give himself as he closes the space between you and grips the fabric of your dress in his hands. You raise your hands instantly, letting him pull it over your head slowly. He turns his gaze away as soon as he does, folding the dress in his hands. Sure, he's seen the bikini you're wearing before, but that was in a completely different context.

You were at the pool then, surrounded by multiple other people dressed the same unlike now. Now, as it's just the two of you standing in your hotel room, it feels much more vulnerable.

As if your previous request wasn't enough to mess him up, you have another. "Will you stay for a while?"

Meeting your eyes again, he takes the longest second before sighing. "I should go," he shakes his head.

"Please," you whisper. "It helps."

"With what?" He asks, confused.

"Not thinking about him."

You don't need to explain who you mean. He knows too well.

"Alright," he nods, not asking further. Offering him a brief smile, you try expressing how grateful you are to him that way. "Will you be okay in the bathroom alone? I'll wait right here." You nod, assuring him you'll manage before taking your pajamas from the bed and heading to the other room.

Soobin watches you walk around, doing his best to keep his eyes at a respectful height instead of all the flesh you're showing in just your swim wear. He'll feel a lot less like a creep once you get here with your pajamas on.

Settling in one of the armchairs the room provides, he looks around as if it's the first time he's seeing the interior. He's not sure what he expected. It's the same as the room he's been provided as an employee, except for a few layout differences. It's nothing huge though, and he's certain he could find everything here as well as he does in his room.

He's not sure how much time passes before you come back, letting himself rest for a bit while waiting. There's nothing to do, anyway. It's not like he's going to snoop through your space.

The realization of how wrong he was sets in as soon as you walk back into the room, your bikini no longer on, replaced with a cute little matching yellow piece. Shorts that sit high on your hips and a short sleeved shirt that buttons in the front. Your hair is brushed, and your make up off. He was so incredibly stupid for thinking it'll all be okay once you're wearing more on. The fact you're more covered right now does nothing to make him stop feeling like he's doing something wrong.

Maybe because he is. He has no right to look at you like he does as you walk past him to get to the bed, slipping under the covers with ease. He knows he is in no place to look at you and think about how attractive you are, but he can't help it.

"I'm sorry," you mumble into the silence, making him come back to his senses. "I wasn't going to call you and make you stay with me."

"It's okay," he assures you, shaking his head. "I'm glad you called."

You scoff quietly, making yourself more comfortable as you look at him. "I managed to sober up a little in the bathroom so the embarrassement is slowly coming to me. Don't take it to heart if I avoid you tomorrow."

He laughs, a soft sound that rings in your ears. "Let's not do that, hm? Friends help each other out when needed. There's no need to be awkward about it."

"Friends," you repeat after him, unable to contain your smile. "I'm happy to be your friend, Soobin."

"I'm glad I'm yours," he agrees. "You should sleep," he encourages. "It's been a long day and you need to rest properly to get the alcohol out of your system."

"You just want to get rid off me," you roll your eyes, joking.

He doesn't say anything else and you don't either. At least not for a while. You listen to the sound of the air conditioner in the room, gazing at the boy in the dark, trying to make out his features as best as you can. You wonder what goes through his head again. If he's truly okay with staying here or if he finds you annoying.

For some reason, you believe it's the former.

You can tell he's watching you too, careful as his eyes trail down your figure under the blanket. He doesn't say anything, but you doubt he has nothing on his mind.

"We broke up almost two months ago," you whisper, not sure if he can hear you. A part of you feels like you should tell him the full story, not only in case someone talks to him about it, but because you feel like it's important he understands how this all started. "I didn't see it if I'm being honest, but I guess we were broken even before that, though."

Soobin shifts in the chair, not interrupting. "It just wasn't the same anymore, but I never would have guessed he'd…" you sigh, turning to lay on your back. "I came home early from work wanting to have lunch with him, spend more time together because I thought that would make him happy, just to find him occupied."

The memory of him in your shared bed with his new girlfriend comes back to you and you quickly shake your head. "He cheated on me. Apparently he's been with her for a few months already when I found out."

The words hit him much harder than he expected. "For fuck's sake," he runs his hand down his face, his eyes closed in regret. It's not like he could have done anything about it, he didn't even know you back then, but he still somehow feels guilty about not helping more. The urge to escort Minho out this very instant grows more and more, and he has to steady himself not to do anything stupid. "I'm so sorry."

You shake your head. "It's okay," you assure him despite knowing it's not. It hasn't been okay for a while now. "I just… I wanted you to know."

He nods, "Thank you."

"Soobin?"

"Yeah?" He looks at you through the dark, the urge to comfort you strong.

"I'm so grateful to you."

He hasn't slept much last night. Not only because of the chair he stayed in, but because he kept repeating your conversation in his head the entire time. He didn't have it in him to leave when you fell asleep, the little voice yelling at him "Wrong!" every time he'd think about your ex staying somewhere in the same hallway getting louder and louder. Despite barely sleeping, he couldn't figure out what to do to help, though.

The only good option he came up with is still starting a fight with him and getting rid of him that way, but he's rational enough not to. Who knows what would really happen if he did that.

The digital clock in your room says 07:15 when he decides to finally leave you alone. You're still sleeping, and he thinks you'll be for a while longer. Smiling at you, he takes the sight of you in one last time. Your messy hair sprawled all over the pillow, your hands hugging the blanket as if it were a real person, and one of your legs bare on top of it. Your ass is practically out of your shorts, but he swears he didn't look. He respects you too much for that.

Clearing his throat, he forces himself to snap out of his thoughts and head out. He needs to get to his room, change, and get to work. His shifts are all over the place since the two of you planned how to make him available to hang out with your friends more, but surprisingly, he doesn't mind. Knowing you're not all alone there makes it worth it.

He knows you wouldn't be alone even if he wasn't there, most of the girls seem to be close with you, but he still feels better when he can be the one keeping you company.

Closing the door behind himself quietly, he almost jumps up when he hears Nari's excited voice behind him call his name. Turning around hesitantly, he faces her and her fiance. "Sneaking out of your girlfriend's room so early in the morning? What are we, in high school?" She laughs quietly and he offers her an awkward smile.

"I have to get to work. She's still sleeping and I didn't want to wake her up. She needs that rest after everything she drank last night with you."

Nari raises her hands in surrender. "Don't blame me, blame the bartender that kept pouring our drinks."

"Yeah, I should tell Beomgyu to stop serving you for the rest of your stay," he mumbles, more to himself than to the pair, shaking his head. "What are you two doing up so early anyway? I thought you weren't doing much better last night?" He questions, louder this time.

"She's the earliest bird I've ever met," Seungcheol shakes his head in response. Nari shoots him a look, her eyebrow raised as if she was questioning if he minds. "But I love her, so there is not much I can do," he squeezes her shoulder lovingly and Soobin watches as she instantly melts into him. "I'm sure you get it."

"Yeah," Soobin breathes out, not paying much attention to what he's saying. It's the answer he should have said. As a boyfriend in a happy relationship, it's one of the things expected of him, to look just as in love as Seungcheol does. He can't say he thought about it too much before the words escaped him, though. No part of him wondered if that's the right thing to say as your boyfriend before he did.

He shakes his head a little, clearing his throat. "I really need to get going now, but I heard your parents are arriving today?"

"Yes!" Nari nods happily. "We're going to the beach market later after lunch. Will you join us?"

"I will," he nods. It's why he took the morning shift after all. He should really go. He still needs to shower and get ready. But one more question stops him. "Is Minho joining as well?"

Nari's smile falters a bit, her eyes dropping to the floor. So that's a yes.

"I know it's a bit weird right now…" Seungcheol starts, looking down at his fiancee. "And I honestly you don't hate me much for it." Soobin is not sure if it's directed at him or Nari, but maybe it's both. "But yeah, he's coming as well. My mom has been looking forward to seeing him again and inviting him has been the least I could do for her. He's always been her favorite friend of mine."

"I can't say I feel the same," Soobin comments. "I'm sorry, it's not my place," he quickly apologizes when he realizes he said it out loud.

Seungcheol shakes his head. "You don't have to apologize to me. I'm honestly not his greatest fan right now as well, and every part of me if disgusted with what he did, but he's been my best friend all throughout my childhood. He's been there when I first met Nari and he was there when I was planning how to propose to her. I couldn't just leave him out after everything."

Soobin hums, trying to understand. He knows he's just feeling petty and his own opinion is clouding his judgment. Seungcheol has every right to invite his friends to his wedding, even if they are are someone Soobin hates. "No, of course," he forces a smile on his lips. "I'll see you guys later. Have fun until then."

He doesn't wait for the pair to say their goodbyes as well, quickly walking away to get to his own floor.

When Soobin sees you again later that day, you're wearing a blue dress. It's a pretty one. Which he doesn't forget to tell you.

"In case no one told you yet, you look beautiful."

You turn around to look at him, smiling as soon as you meet his eyes. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself." He's in a pair of gray shorts and a light blue button up. When he first came into your room to pick you up so you could walk down together, you just stared at him in surprised upon seeing you managed to match without a previous agreement. He seemed just as shocked, taking you in before you rushed him inside so you could finish getting ready.

Throwing the hairbrush down onto your bed, you fix your hair once more before nodding to him. Soobin watches you as you pick your purse and hang it over your shoulder, following you out of your room.

He stays quiet, his eyes on you at all times. You don't mind. Locking the room after stepping out, you only focus on going over all the stuff in your purse to make sure you got everything you need. Which is also why you don't notice him extending his hand towards you at first. It's only when you've assured yourself you won't need to run back here that you look at him again and see his palm waiting for you. Blinking confusedly, you meet his eyes. "Hand?" He asks, waiting for you to take the hint.

Your eyes flicker between his eyes and his fingers before deciding to hold his hand in yours. Letting him lace your fingers together, you look down at the connection while he tugs you down the hall towards the elevator.

"I'm sorry for last night," you mumble as soon as you know for sure you're alone and no one will sneak up on you and catch you in the middle of your conversation. "I really shouldn't have made you come get me. I don't normally drink like this and—"

"It's okay," he assures you. "I didn't mind. Whenever you need something, don't hesitate to call me. I'll gladly help."

"You're already helping me so much," you shake your head slightly. "I feel terrible for using you so much."

"Don't be," it's him shaking his head this time, still holding your hand as he leans back against the elevator wall, watching you. "You can use me all you want. I promise you I don't mind when it's you."

Your cheeks flush at his words, your mind reworking them into something you're certain he didn't mean. He glances to the side before meeting your eyes again, the softness of him pulling you in. "Come here." You step forward until you're right in front of him, looking up at him as if you were in trance. It's been a while since you've felt a pull like this. His free hand brushes a few strands of hair behind your ear, a smile on his lips as he keeps you close.

The elevator door opens at the same time, the little bubble you found yourself in crashing open as you hear the sound announcing the end of your ride. You blink at him confusedly, coming back to your senses and quickly taking a step back. Too quick. Fortunately, thanks to his fingers still being laced with yours, he manages to steady you again with a simple tug forward.

"There they are!" Nari calls out and your attention snaps towards the group of people already waiting for you.

Oh god. You feel so stupid. He was just trying to play into the whole pretend relationship and here you were, thinking all kinds of things far from appropriate for the little agreement of yours. It's his fault though, he should have told you what he was planning. It would have saved you a lot of embarrassement.

Smiling at the group, you make your way out of the elevator, tugging Soobin with yourself. You go greet Nari's parents with a happy grin on your face, letting her introduce your boyfriend to them. The same follows with Seungcheol's parents, and despite Minho giving him a dirty look as he does, he welcomes them jut as warmly as you do.

You don't get to chat with them much, everyone wanting to go already to see what the beach has to offer. You and Soobin trail together at the very back, still holding hands, and still keeping quiet. You listen in on the conversation Woohee is having with Amy and Jeonghan at first, but that stops interesting you after a while as well, and you're left with nothing to do again.

"How did you know they were already going to be there when we arrived?" You wonder out loud, glancing up at Soobin.

He meets your eyes without missing a beat, "I didn't."

And just like that, with only two words, he makes you go back to the person you were in the elevator, pulled to him by some invisible force and your head spinning. You're sure it doesn't mean anything, that even if he didn't know and wasn't meaning to make your play pretend more believable, it still doesn't mean you should be thinking so much about it.

It's just a few words after all. It's just a simple brush of his hand and proximity. It's just Choi Soobin being Choi Soobin.

So why, despite deep down knowing better than to, is your heart beating faster at the memory of you standing between his legs?

"You didn't?"

He shrugs, "I mean, I thought they might be since we were a little late, but I had no way of knowing."

You clear your throat, "So that was… You wanted to have them see us together like that, right?"

Soobin doesn't answer your question, looking ahead and following the rest of the group. You watch him, partly in confusion and partly in pure hope. Still, he doesn't give you a clear answer like you'd like. Of course. Because why would anyone make anything easier for you?

You'd like to press more, ask him again and beg for an answer so you can sleep better at night, but before you can do so, you're surrounded by all kinds of stalls, catching everyone's attention. A part of you is glad. You don't think you'd be able to ask him again anyway. You'd just stare at him without a single word escaping your mouth, embarrassing yourself in front of him. As if you haven't done that enough already.

God, you seriously can't believe you called him last night. You were drunk, sure, but couldn't have your drunken self manage herself a bit more? You should have hung up on him as soon as you realized who was on the other line and get yourself back to your room alone. It's not like you blacked out, so you could have done it—even if it would have taken you much longer than it did when you were with him. You still can't figure out why you didn't.

Even back then, you knew you shouldn't have relied on him or asked him to stay with you, so why did you?

You really can't understand yourself sometimes.

You hear your name called, but before you can turn around and figure out who is calling for you, an arm wraps around yours, pulling you away from Soobin and towards one of the stalls. Your eyes widen at the sudden lost of his touch, only calming again when you notice the smile on his face as he watches you get dragged away by Nari and the rest of the girls. "We need to get these bracelets!"

You tear your eyes off him to look at the girls, your smile matching theirs now that your attention is fully on them. When the group stops and starts looking through all the goods laid out on the table, your eyes trail back again. Soobin isn't standing there anymore, and just like that, you're separated for the first time.

When you meet again, you have a cocktail in one of your hands and a new blue, beach themed, bracelet on your wrist that matches with the rest of the girls. Soobin is still empty handed, but a lot of the other guys have their hands full. "Hi," you greet him with a smile, one he returns with ease.

"What did you get?" He wonders and you extend your arm towards him, offering him a sip. He tilts his head at the action at first but then decides to take the glass from you, tasting the drink. "Mhm, kind of exactly what I assumed you'd get."

"What does that even mean?" You giggle, bringing the glass back to your lips. You're not sure if it's unconsciously or what, but after taking a sip, you realize you turned the glass so your lips would touch the same place his did, your cheeks catching a hint of red. "What stalls did you guys check?" You quickly ask before you can spiral in your own head, averting your eyes and looking at Nari already convincing her parents to buy something you can't make out from your spot.

"There was this one with different decorations from seashells so Seungcheol bought some for Nari, and there is also a fruit place," he points towards the direction they came from and you nod. "Do you want any? They have all kinds of things."

You think for a second, glancing at the rest of the group hesitantly. "They won't mind if we disappear on our own," he assures you. "Let's get some, come on." Holding your hand in his as if it was the most natural thing he's ever had to do, he tugs you towards the fruit stall.

You sip on your drink while looking down at your connected hands, the rest of the group completely vanishing from your mind when you walk side by side with him. It's been a while since you felt like this around anyone—since a simple brush of hands sent a shiver up your skin.

"You're back! I told you you wouldn't want to leave here empty handed!" The girl behind the stall grins as soon as Soobin stops in front of the shop. You don't let go off his hand even now that your friends are out of sight, wanting to keep pretending for a little longer.

He shrugs, scanning the fruit options. "My girlfriend is a huge influence on me, what can I do?" You watch as a small smile tugs at the corner of his lips, your own mirroring him.

You lean into him, sipping on your cocktail. "We should get some of those grapes. Oh! And a kiwi! It's been so long since I had one."

"Pick whatever you want," he nods to you, watching you with adoration while you keep your eyes on the food.

"You weren't lying, they have everything," you say in awe, making the seller giggle.

"It's a great season for melons, obviously, but I'd also recommend the apricots and nectarines."

"I think we'll pass on the melon," you shake your head, sure you could get one in the resort. "But pack us two of each of those, please."

She doesn't hesitate, bagging everything that fits your taste—always in pairs, for both you and Soobin. You only stop once he has his hand full, letting go of your hand only to take out his wallet and pay. You try offering paying or at least splitting it in half with him, but you're quickly dismissed by him waving his hand and handing the lady the total. He says his goodbyes before wrapping his arm around your shoulder, keeping you at his side as he takes you to see the other stalls he checked out with the guys.

"Let me at least carry something," you demand, looking at the bunch of plastic bags he holds. You want to help, even though, if you're honest, seeing him take everything in one hand with such ease is a pleasant sight.

"You're carrying your drink," he reminds you, as if you weren't aware of the glass in your hand.

"My other hand is empty, though."

"No, it's not," he shakes his hand, lacing his fingers with yours to prove a point. You scoff at his behavior, averting your eyes from him so he wouldn't see the light flush of your cheeks and the big smile you wear.

You don't see your friends anywhere, but frankly, you've completely forgotten you came here with them after a while. Walking around the beach market with Soobin at your side makes it feel a lot less like a group hangout and a lot more like a casual date couples go on on the basis. You can't say you ever had a date like this, but none of the dates you had been on felt like this either.

You buy another drink for yourself, promising you won't get drunk enough to call him for help again, which bubbles a laugh out of him and causes him to tell you how rescuing you is on the very bottom of things he has a problem with.

The sand rests between your toes as you keep walking around with him, holding hands and talking about anything that comes to mind. You learn more about his family and friends, telling him about more of your hobbies and interests in return. You do share some stories you have with your friends as well, but since he's already met them and you're finally without them now, you don't want to keep the conversation there.

You also don't talk about Minho at all. He was mentioned total of one time so far, and the annoyance in Soobin's eyes when he heard his name was enough to completely delete him from your vocabulary. Not that you would be looking forward to talking about him yourself.

"Want to dip our toes in?" You ask him, batting your eyelashes as you look up. All it takes for him to agree is for his eyes to lock on yours. He can't say no to you even if he wanted to. So, he does what he's certain anyone in his shoes would—he tugs you towards the water.

Stepping out of your sandals, you leave them on the sand along with your drink and Soobin. Despite you telling him to go with you and that he can leave the bags here alone, he refused. He stays still, the bags filled with fruits now resting beside his leg and his eyes locked on you. He watches you walk in the sea, a smile decorating his lips.

You can't take your eyes off him either, the task seemingly impossible when he looks at you like that.

"Are you really not going to join me?" You call after him.

"Who would save you from drowning if I did?"

"How about you prevent the drowning even happening by being by my side?"

He shakes his head, unable to hide his smile. Your own grin only grows. "Please! Why won't my boyfriend just put me out of my misery?" You exaggerate the words on purpose, throwing your hands around for a more dramatic effect. A few people turn to see what you are doing, but the only one you can focus on is the one standing in front of you, with his hands tugged in his shorts pockets and his messy hair falling into his eyes.

He laughs, the sound so quiet you can't hear it due to the distance. Fortunately, your mind works in your favor and adds the sound on its own. Imagination is a dangerous weapon, especially when it has your heart aching like this. "Why won't my girlfriend stop being so goddamn incredible all the time?"

This time it's you laughing. You kick the water weakly, splashing his way. He is too far for it to be even close to him, but you never wanted to get him wet either way.

Well, now that you think about it more, that is a lie.

You snap out of your thoughts when you see him unbuttoning his shirt, his eyes not on you for the first time. Your eyes trail every one of his movements, watching as he reveals more and more skin. His abs are the first thing your gaze lingers on. Of course your boyfriend—fake boyfriend—is attractive. Why wouldn't he be?

If you didn't already know otherwise, you would think he's an athlete by the way his abs are toned. But he told you that he is terrible at any and every sport you could possibly think of, so you'll have to give credits for this to the little time he spends at the gym and his natural build.

The next thing that catches your attention as he drops the piece of clothing to the ground are his biceps. A heavy sigh escapes your lips as you avert your eyes, trying to remain as respectful as he's been to you all this time. He's got a great body, one you'd love to look at more, but you know you need to give him a space to breathe. After all, he isn't your actually boyfriend for you to be ogling him like this.

He gets into the water with only his shorts on, leaving the rest of the stuff you two got on the beach beside your shoes. "What are you waiting for? Didn't you say you wanted to get in the water?" He raises an eyebrow as he closes the distance between the two of you.

Your eyes widen a little as you step back, your dress getting wet as the water reaches your knees. "I don't have my bikini on me. I didn't think I would need it."

"And?" The grin on his face makes you panic more.

"No, Soobin, wait," you shake your head, but the smile you wear is not helping you much. You step away from him again, your legs fully in the water now.

He easily wraps his arms around your waist and pulls you into him. "We are going into the water," he tells you, a huge grin plastered on his face.

"Soobin!" You want to sound mad, but the laugh that escapes you makes it hard for you. You want to warn him and tell him to let you go, but you can't bring yourself to do so. Even though you don't want to be soaking wet as you get back to your rooms, you also don't want him to leave you. His touch feels too comfortable for that. You melt into his arms instantly. You open your mouth again, but before any words can leave your lips, he is sinking you both in.

Coming back up from the water, you're quick to brush your wet hair back with both hands. You don't want to see how your makeup looks like right now. It's probably all smudged. He comes out of the water right after you, shaking his head to get the water out of his hair. He splashes you in the process, causing another laugh to bubble out of you.

"You don't listen at all!" You splash him as well, skipping away from him.

"What? You want to dive in again?" He brings his hand to his ear, pretending he can't hear you well.

"Go away!" You laugh, turning your back to him.

He doesn't answer, instead chasing after you. He's quick to catch up to you, taking your hand in his and spinning you around. Your palms rest on his wet chest as you come to a stop, your body a little too close to him for a relationship that is supposed to be fake. "I'd do anything but that," he shakes his head, his voice now much quieter than before.

You look up at him, your eyes flickering from his eyes to his lips. They are so close right now, you could simply push yourself up on your tiptoes and lean in. You can't take your eyes off him. He is so beautiful up close. His eyelashes hold a few more water drops, his pink lips looking more delicious than you remember them. Maybe you just weren't paying his face enough attention before because he truly is as handsome as they get.

"You got me all wet," you whisper, locking your eyes with his.

His smile is much gentler now compared to the teasing one he had before. "Did I?"

You nod, your eyes dropping to his lips again. You want to kiss him.

The realization should probably scare you. You should push yourself off him and remember that what the two of you are doing definitely doesn't involve kissing each other in the sea, acting like the happiest couple around here.

"Well then good thing you enjoyed that," he whispers, not wanting to break the moment.

You hum, unable to look away. Your cheeks are flushed, and even though you'd love to blame it on a sunburn, you both know that's not the case.

He seems to catch you, his smile growing as his eyes fall to your lips as well. They're right there, waiting for him. It would be easy to just lean down and kiss you. He wonders if you're thinking the same. If the urge to cross the invisible line is all you can see as well or if it's just him constantly struggling. Because the truth is, he's been unable to get his mind off you since the very first day you met. And each day, he feels like he is blurring the lines more and more.

Unfortunately for him, before he can erase the lines completely, the moment is interrupted, and you're stepping back from him the moment you hear Nari's voice. "There you two are! We've been wondering where you ran off to!"

Soobin's eyes linger on you for a moment more, hoping you know that has it not been for your friends finding you again, it would have been different. He needs you to know that what was happening wasn't just a figment of your imagination. He doesn't want this to turn into another elevator situation, where you convinced yourself he was close to you just because he had some sort of a master plan to manipulate your friends instead of the simple reality it is—that he just wanted to blur another line.

When you don't look at him again, he sighs and glances back over his shoulder to look at the rest of the group as well. Nari is under her fiance's arm, their parents talking about something right behind them. But they aren't who Soobin is focused on. Within a second, his eyes fall to Minho, his earlier excitement from being with you quickly replaced with resentment as he sees your ex boyfriend kiss his new girlfriend—a move he is certain he did only because he just saw you and Soobin close to each other.

He tries to catch your reaction, but you're already walking out of the water when he turns to you again. This was an amazing moment. He knows you felt it too. He saw it in your eyes. You looked at him the same way he looks at you every time he is with you. If only you had another minute alone together, maybe he'd finally learn what your lips taste like. But he isn't naive, he knows that now that you saw Minho again, your mood has shifted and he can't force the moment back. He doesn't blame you though. He can't possibly imagine how he'd feel if he was in your shoes.

"That's my fault," you laugh weakly, and even without seeing your expression, he knows the sound is not a real one. He has your laugh memorized, and this isn't even close to the soft sound you make for him every time you're genuinely happy. "I wanted to dip my feet in."

"Looks like you dipped more than that," Minho comments, eyeing you up and down in your wet dress. The fabric clings to your skin, forcing you to quickly cross your arms over your chest to hide a little. He scoffs at your attempt and you quickly avert your eyes from him, not wanting him to ruin your mood more than he already has.

Picking up your stuff from the ground, you also take some of the fruit bags to make it easier for Soobin. Having both of your hands occupied makes it impossible for you to cover up anymore, but you'll have to manage.

As if Soobin could read your mind, he quickly drapes his shirt over you, making you blink up at him. You didn't even notice him getting out of the water. "Give this to me," he shakes his head, taking everything from you, "and button up. You're going to get sick if you keep walking around all wet."

You're certain you won't. It's so hot outside that you both know your dress will dry up again in no time. Still, you do as he says and close the buttons over your chest, offering him a smile in return. "Are you sure you don't just want to walk around half naked?"

"Being naked doesn't interest me when we have company," he says, handing you back your drink while keeping all the fruit bags.

You don't argue with him, trying not to think about the meaning behind his words as you clear your throat, looking at the rest of the group. "Shall we?"

Turns out, there is more on the beach to explore than you thought. It took you guys hours to go through every stall there and then another two when the guys decided to jump into the sea, laughter echoing everywhere around you. Some of the other guests looked at you weirdly at first, but once Nari yelled at them that she was getting married and she was allowed to have fun with her friends, they didn't dare to look at your little group again.

You also visited the place where the ceremony will take place. It's close to the resort, much closer than the beach market. Some people might say it looked plain since a lot of the stuff for the wedding hasn't been moved there yet, but you find it beautiful. You couldn't imagine a better place to get married. With the sea in the background, a man who looks at her like she is the sun, and all her closest present—it's as amazing as it gets.

Your feet hurt when you make it back inside. You're carrying your sandals in your hand as you head towards the hotel barefoot, Soobin right beside you. You're the last of the group, taking your time. The gap appeared when you decided to take your shoes off, and you weren't in the mood to run to get back to everyone. Soobin doesn't seem to mind. If you had to guess, you actually think he is enjoying the fact you aren't surrounded by everyone anymore.

"Are you sure you don't want me to take them?" Soobin looks down at you and you glare at him.

"For the tenth time, no, you aren't carrying my shoes for me. You have your hands full and you've already done so much for me. I got this," you shake your head and he sighs, giving in. The entrance is only a few more feet away from you anyway.

The air inside is a lot better. Despite the sun setting down already, the heat hasn't disappeared so you appreciate the air conditioned room. Relaxing again, you take a deep breath as you head for the elevator.

"Do you want to come up with me?" You ask, peering up at your fake boyfriend. You hope he does. Even though you spent all afternoon with each other, you never get tired of him. Soobin doesn't answer, staring somewhere ahead of him. Confused, you frown as you follow his line of sight.

His zoned out expression makes sense as soon as you do, your eyes landing on Minho, his girlfriend, and Jihoo as they wait for an elevator. There really couldn't have been a worse group waiting for you.

"Oh, you two are back," Minho's girlfriend smiles at you as she leans into him. You're realizing you don't even know her name, but maybe that's for the better. You don't want to be close enough to know.

"We never went anywhere, you guys just wouldn't wait," Soobin answers before you can even open your mouth. You blink up at him but he isn't looking at you, his eyes are locked on your ex boyfriend. You're more and more curious about what goes in his head when he looks at him. "Seems to be a trait of yours."

"Do you have a problem with anything?" Minho raises an eyebrow, stepping forward without a care that his girlfriend was leaning on him.

Your eyes flicker from the two of them over to the guy sitting at the reception desk, unsure how this is going to go. Soobin is towering over him but it doesn't seem to do anything with Minho. You have no idea how good Soobin is at fights but you worry you might learn soon enough.

Wrapping your hand around his biceps, you bring his eyes to yours. Raising an eyebrow, you question what he's trying to do. His eyes soften instantly, the tension you saw in him just a second ago falling off.

"The elevator is here," Jihoo says, rolling her eyes. You're not sure if she's annoyed with you and Soobin or him and Minho. It's probably not worth figuring out.

Minho keeps his eyes on Soobin but thankfully he isn't looking at him anymore, keeping his eyes on you as he tugs you into the elevator. The rest makes their way in right after, but you don't say anything else to each other. There is nothing to talk about with them either way.

For possibly the first time since you broken up, you don't feel an ounce of regret for what happened.

As you stand in the closed space with both Soobin and Minho, you couldn't be more happy about who is by your side.

Your room is the first one, so you and Soobin quickly disappear inside before anyone can say anything else, simply waving them a quick goodbye before you close the door shut on them. You're sure Minho is scoffing on the other side, but you don't care.

Leaning back against the door, you sigh as you close your eyes.

"Sorry about before," Soobin mumbles with a heavy exhale. You peer your eyes open, shaking your head quickly. "I shouldn't have made a comment," he refuses to let it go. "It's not my place to be like this to him, I know."

"You have every right to feel however you want to feel about him," you assure him, pushing yourself off the door and crossing the space to get to him. "If I'm honest, I'm actually glad I'm not the only one that feels resentful towards him. So, please, stop apologizing."

His eyes follow you as you come up to him, wearing a sad smile. "He's a terrible person."

"I know," you assure him.

"I can't stand him."

"I know," you chuckle. "Thank you," standing on your tiptoes, you press your lips to his cheek. It's not quite what you imagined your kiss to be when you were standing in the sea, but it's the best you can offer him right now.

Soobin's breath shakes as you pull back again, his head spinning and his cheeks burning. He wants to have you back in his close proximity. He wants to wrap his hands around you and bring his lips to yours. He wants to do all the sweet things you deserve.

But he knows better than that. Letting you walk away, he follows after you once he clears his head again.

"Oh," you remember, turning to face him. "I took you in here without getting an answer, I'm sorry. I didn't even realize you might want to go back to your room instead," you shake your head at yourself. "I don't want to keep you. You should go."

Soobin tilts his head, raising his eyebrows as if to ask if you're being serious. "Do you want me to go?"

You hesitate for only a split second, shaking your head no. "Then I'm not going anywhere."

It's probably nothing. He is only answering you and there is no deeper meaning behind it. So why does your heart ache and your cheeks warm up no matter how hard you try to convince yourself of it?

He's not saying he plans on staying with you forever. He's not saying he'll stay by your side until you get sick of him. He's not saying that it will have to be you to leave him because he wouldn't do that to you. So what the hell? Why does your head convert it into that, hoping for more than there really is between you two?

Nodding, you avert your eyes from him again so he wouldn't be able to tell. "Okay. I'm going to shower and we can hang together some more."

Despite noticing you're off, he simply hums, letting you take your pajama with you to the bathroom. Unless you want to tell him what's going on in your head, he won't push for it. He sets all the things you guys bought together on your table as you close yourself in a different room, thinking back to the day. He can't get the image of you in the water out of his head. Your wet hair, your red cheeks, your lips, your eyes looking up at him as if you want him as much as he wants you. It goes on a repeat, every single expression on your face etched into his mind.

He is well aware that the moment the wedding is over and you all leave, this little arrangement you two agreed on is gone as well. He knows it. He swears he does. But it doesn't matter to him. It doesn't matter that the moment the week ends his heart will be broken more than he's ever experienced before. He can't help but think about kissing you. He can't help but wonder how things would be like if you met differently. He can't help but hope that by some sort of twist, he turns into the luckiest man alive and things turn for the better.

Because no matter how much he knows that's not in his cards, he would still do this all over again if he knew.

It's a weird feeling. He didn't even know you a few days ago and yet he feels as close to you as he does to some of the people he's known for years. Everything is so fast and it feels like his body can't quite catch up, but he still wouldn't change a thing. No matter how fast you move, how deep he falls, he still wants to keep spending time with you for as long as he can.

When you come out of the shower, he's sitting on the same chair he occupied last night. You smile at him, drying your hair as you walk in. "Do you want to shower as well? It really does feel refreshing."

He hesitates for only a second, taking in the sight of you before he nods. A shower will certainly do after the day he's had. From the almost kiss, through all the times he held you today, to this very minute where you smile at him while in your little pajamas and wet hair. Yeah, he needs the shower to calm his racing heart and mind.

"The clean towels are—"

"On the shelf?" He finishes for you, a smile tugging on his lips. You chuckle as you realize you're trying to guide someone who has lived in one of these rooms the entire time he's worked here.

"On the shelf," you agree, resting your own towel on the bed for now. "Do you want me to get you some change of clothes in the meantime? I could go to your room, or maybe I could ask Nari and Cheol if they can't land you a pair of shorts?"

Soobin let's his eyes drop down your body again, quickly shaking his head. He'd much rather put on the same shorts he's been wearing all day again than know you're walking around the place in just your little pajamas. The yellow really looks amazing on you. "It's okay. Just wait here and try some of the fruits we got," he nods towards the table where he laid them out, offering you one of his smiles with dimples before disappearing into your bathroom.

Your cheeks heat up instantly when you hear the water running, wondering if he's felt the same way while waiting for you. Your head spins at the thought of him being naked just behind the wall separating you. You're not sure if you should blame it on the fact you haven't had sex since you broke up with Minho or accept that you find Soobin attractive, but your entire body feels hot.

Reaching for one of the nectarines, you're quick to take a bite in an attempt to focus on something else. Anything is better than thinking about your fake boyfriend being naked. You moan at the sweet taste, immediately grateful Soobin convinced you to go to the stall with him. You can't wait to try them all out. As much as you'd love to say you eat fruits and vegetables often, you can't always get your hands on them, especially not on some of the things you bought. You seriously don't remember the last time you had a kiwi.

Moving the table, you bring it right beside your bed before making yourself comfortable, sitting with your back against the headboard. There's plenty of space for Soobin as well, whether he decides to sit besides you or on the other side of the bed. Even though, you do have a preference.

The water stops and your eyes lock on the hallway, waiting for him to step out of the bathroom. You're not sure why, but you're excited about spending more time with him. He's made this trip so much better for you already, every time you're supposed to be with him, your heart does this little jump that scares and excites you at the same time. His bare torso is the first thing you see, his shorts sitting low on his hips and his hair dripping water on his shoulders. You haven't seen anything this attractive in a while.

"Thank you," he breaks the silence, forcing you out of your thoughts. "For letting me use the bathroom."

Your cheeks are red as you give him a nod, reaching for another fruit. "No problem," you mumble, keeping your eyes down.

Soobin automatically sits on his chair, leaving his towel on the back of it. Disappointment rushes through you as your eyes flicker from him and the empty space on your bed. You're not going to ask him to sit with you if he doesn't want to, though.

"How is it?" He wonders quietly, pointing at the fruits you're munching on.

"Amazing," you don't hesitate with your answer at all. "Thank you for bringing me to the stall. And for buying all this."

"No problem," he assures you, repeating your earlier words.

The room falls into silence again after until you end up laughing to yourself, catching his attention. He tilts his head, humming in question. "I don't remember us this awkward together." You're well aware why that is, he is as well. Almost kissing each other and then acting like nothing happened does that to people.

"It's my fault," he apologizes.

You shake your head, refusing to hear any of that. "You weren't like this when I decided to date you," you roll your eyes playfully, taking another nectarine from the table and throwing it to him. He doesn't catch it, the fruit hitting his chest and falling to his lap instead. You laugh at the way he closes his eyes in regret.

He clears his throat as he takes a bite, his eyes locked on you. "From what I remember, I decided to date you."

"Oh my prince charming, how glad I am you decided to save me from my misery." A huge grin paints your face, and Soobin is convinced he could never get enough of it. He wants to see you like this all the time. He wants you to have a smile on your face, to genuinely be happy and excited about what's to come, and he wants to be the one to make you feel this way.

"It's my pleasure," he does a little bow with his hand on his chest, another laugh bubbling out of you. You can't help but giggle every time you're with him.

Shaking your head at him, you lean against the headboard again, this time with your front facing him. "I'm seriously more grateful to you than I think you understand," you admit quietly.

His gaze softens as he watches you, wishing for nothing more than to wrap his arms around you and tell you how it'll all be okay, that he isn't going anywhere and that he's got you. That wouldn't be fair to you, though. "I'm glad I can help you like this."

"It's not just about that," you tell him and he raises his brows slightly. "I'm grateful for you, Soobin. Not just for the game you're playing with me."

Soobin's heart aches as he looks at you, forcing himself to take his eyes off you before he makes a mistake he wouldn't be able to take back. You're being vulnerable with him and he's being selfish. This isn't the time for him to be thinking about how much he hates he didn't get to kiss you earlier or that he wishes he could show you not everyone is like your ex.

Your name slips past his lips, so quietly you almost don't catch it. "You deserve the world. I hope you know that."

You don't get to see Soobin at all on Thursday. After talking for a bit longer, the two of you ended up falling asleep in your positions—him on the chair again, and you with your body weirdly curled up on the bed. Still, you think you had a better sleep than him in the chair. If he had asked, you would have told him to join you on the bed in a heartbeat, but the question never came. And once you woke up, he was already gone. Again.

You can't believe it's the second time he's slept in your room and the second time he's run away before you could wake up. If it was anyone else, you would have told yourself that it's not worth it, that you should cut him off and protect your peace if he's someone only willing to spend the night with you, but it's Soobin we're talking about. He's spent so much time with you already, you can't find it in yourself to blame him at all for not being there in the morning.

And because he has it out for you, he's left you a message saying he needed to get ready for work on the table beside your half eaten fruits. A smile spread on your lips before you could stop it, rolling your eyes at him before you fell back into bed, staring at the ceiling with your arms crossed over your chest and your heart beating faster than it did at all during these past two months.

During the day, when you were helping Nari and the rest of the bridal party make sure everything is in place for the big event, you couldn't help but check your messages every free minute you had. Soobin was busy, you're well aware of that, which is why the fact he still managed to find time to text you during it all had you falling for him so much.

You haven't been this happy in a long time, and you're not even officially dating him.

Every inch of you wants to figure out what it'd be like if the two of you were dating for real. You want to know what kinds of dates he'd take you to, what kinds of movies he'd watch with you, how he'd talk to you, how he'd kiss you, how he'd bring you pleasure—you need to know it all.

"At this point just go see him instead," Nari laughs at you, shaking her head when she catches you on your phone again.

You lift your eyes to meet hers, holding back a smile. "You didn't need to come if you weren't planning to help," Jihoo adds, her tone much less teasing than her sister's. Your smile falls off instantly.

"I want to help," you disagree, hiding your phone in your purse again. "I've been helping this entire time."

"As if," she scoffs, fixing the last row of chairs.

"Relax," Amy rolls her eyes at her, coming to join your side. "We've been preparing the tent this entire time while you kept asking Nari about what the guys are doing. If you want to blame anyone for not working, I'd look your way first."

"Girls, there is no need to fight," Nari shakes her head. "We are almost done. As soon as the guys bring in the rest of the flowers, we'll be all good to go."

"Are you excited?" Woohee grins as she wraps her arm around Nari's, leaning into her side.

Nari giggles, "More than ever. I don't think I've fully grasped it's really happening yet, though. It'll probably all come crashing down on me tomorrow."

"Do you think he'll cry when he sees you tomorrow?" Mina joins her other side, causing you all to giggle. Only Jihoo stays quiet, seemingly still annoyed Amy took your side.

"He better," Amy says. "Or I'll push him out and just take his place instead."

Nari shakes her head, grinning ear to ear. "What would Jeonghan say to that?"

"He doesn't have a say since he still hasn't proposed to me," Amy rolls her eyes. "He needs to put a ring on my finger soon or he won't have anyone!"

"We all know he loves you more than anything," Nari reminds her. "Just wait a bit more for him." You can't help but think Nari knows something by the way she says those words, wondering if Jeonghan already has a plan she's been made aware of. It wouldn't surprise you since before Seungcheol proposed, he came out of his way to talk to Amy and not only made sure everything would be perfect for Nari but also asked her for permission.

You truly believe Seungcheol is the best thing that could have happened to her.

And your brain is starting to see Soobin that way for you as well.

"My love, where do you want these?" Seungcheol's voice rings in your ears, interrupting the conversation as you all turn to face him. Along with the rest of his wedding party, he's carrying a box full of flowers.

You hear Amy whisper something about her boyfriend's arms behind her, and you're sure the rest of the girls feel the same way about getting to watch them like this. If it happened a few months ago, you would have been the same. You wouldn't be able to take your eyes off Minho's biceps and the way he looks, but right now, as you stand here, watching everyone, you couldn't care less.

Soobin must have really changed something, because no part of you finds him attractive anymore. You don't feel anything for him if you're honest. Even Mingyu who you have always viewed as nothing other than a friend does more for you than your ex boyfriend.

"Bring them all under the tent, please," she says as she watches them pass by, Seungcheol stopping when he reaches her to plant a kiss to her cheek. "Hi, love," she whispers, the prettiest smile decorating her lips.

"Do you want us to arrange the rest so you guys can go back to your rooms? You've been working all day."

Nari hesitates, glancing between her fiance and her bridal party. "You guys should go," she says to you. "I'll stay and finish it up with the guys. The flowers would be all over the place if I didn't," she teasingly shakes her head to which Seungcheol scoffs as he heads into the tent with the box in his hands.

"Are you sure?" Amy raises her brows, questioning her best friend.

"I'm sure," Nari assures her. "Go back, have a drink or something. I'll see you all tomorrow."

"Love you," Amy hugs her, the rest of you following right after. She laughs in your hold, sending you off. She's quick to tell Minho and Mingyu they are arranging the flowers completely wrong as you walk away, all five of you giggling at the interaction.

"Are you already texting Soobin?" Mina nudges you, trying to see your screen over your shoulder. You laugh, hiding your phone again.

"Maybe," you admit.

"You're so in love," Woohee sings. "Maybe I should hook up with someone after the wedding as well. Love seems to be in the cards here."

"The hot receptionist," Mina agrees with her immediately.

"I wouldn't bother," Jihoo interrupts.

"Hey! No need to ruin my dreams."

She shrugs, not carrying. "I saw him running around after this chef, that's all I'm saying."

"Oh," Mina breathes out, clearly disappointed.

"Mingyu has been looking at you all week if you want to know," Amy tells her, catching her attention immediately.

"What?"

"Yeah, he's been weird," Jihoo brushes her off, taking out her phone, seemingly done with this conversation.

"Don't tell me I'll be the only single one!" Woohee complains. "If anything, I need to be invited to everyone's weddings, I can't do this otherwise."

You laugh, shaking your head at her. "Whenever I get married, I'll invite you, Woo," you assure her.

"I love you!" She wraps her arms around you instantly, everyone except Jihoo laughing again. You hug her back, happy that you're here with them able to have fun.

Your room feels empty when you sit here alone. You've showered and changed into your pajamas already, sitting in bed and scrolling through social media while munching on more fruits. As much as you know you shouldn't, you miss Soobin. You don't even need him to talk to you about anything, you'll be perfectly happy if he can just keep you company.

Your cheeks flush as you scroll through your contacts to find the one titled boyfriend, dialing his number without thinking too much about it. And this time, when the call goes through, it's exactly who you wanted to call.

"Hi," Soobin greets you, a smile on his face as he holds his phone in one hand and wipes the last table with the other. "Are you back in your room already?"

You hum in response, "Got here a bit ago."

"Did everything go well?" He asks despite already knowing everything from your earlier messages. Still, he encourages you to tell him all over again, wanting to hear your voice. At one point, he ends up leaning against the nearest wall, cleaning long forgotten as he talks to you.

"Are you going to be done anytime soon?" You wonder as the call falls into a silence for the first time.

Soobin clears his throat, remembering that he was in the middle of closing when you called him. "Yeah, I just need to finish up a few more things and I'm done."

"So the kitchen isn't working anymore?"

He narrows his eyes, a chuckle hanging on his lips, "Are you hungry by any chance?"

"I've got plenty of fruits left, thank you for asking."

He shakes his head at you, "Do you want me to bring you something? I can't really cook you up a full dinner but I could bring up one of the desserts."

Your ears perk up immediately. Who are you to say no to a free dessert? Especially if it's delivered by your favorite server. "I'd love that."

"Okay," Soobin chuckles. "I'll finish cleaning and come by after." Before he gets a chance to hang up, you make sure to thank him, not only for the dessert but also everything else he's done for you.

He's never put the chairs up as fast as he's doing now, needing to be over with it already. Once that's done, he stops mid step, looking around and going over everything that needs to be done. He closed the register already, he cleaned everything and the kitchen should be all done as well. Finally. Taking off his name tag, he heads towards one of the drawers bellow the cash register, leaving it there before moving into the kitchen.

The freezer is stocked, so he just hopes tomorrows chef won't be too pissed at him. Fortunately, since the wedding is tomorrow, he doesn't work so he can't get yelled at either way. He scans all the options before settling on a strawberry one, packing it into a small box along with a fork so he can carry it up easier.

But because apparently he isn't just lucky, as he turns around, ready to go, he is greeted by another figure. "Yeonjun— Sir— Mr. Choi," he stumbles over his words, instantly closing his eyes in regret. Of course he has to run into a person in charge. He's seen him around in the past few days, getting the hang of stuff and checking the staff, but it's the first time he is alone with him like this. Great. He just has to be stealing desserts from the kitchen during the first meeting.

Yeonjun takes the sight of him in, looking for a name tag anywhere. When he doesn't find one, his eyes narrow. "What are you doing here?"

"I was closing," Soobin says quickly. "The rest of the servers left already to get in some sleep for tomorrow so I stayed behind. I swear this isn't what it looks like."

"And what does it look like?" He raises an eyebrow and Soobin looks down at the box in his hands.

"It's for my girlfriend. I know the kitchen is closed already and I shouldn't be taking stuff from the freezer but I promise you this is the first and last time it happened." He can see Yeonjun hesitating for a moment, trying to figure out what he should do in a situation like this. Eventually, he ends up sighing, motioning with his hand towards the exit. Relief washes over Soobin as he quickly steps towards the door, glancing over his shoulder to look at his future boss once more. His eyes land on a bottle in his hands, only now noticing that he's carrying wine. Maybe he isn't the only one stealing from the kitchen at this hour. "Got any plans tonight?"

Yeonjun looks down at the bottle in his hands then back at the server. "Go already before I change my mind."

"Yes, sir," Soobin nods instantly, not needing to be told twice before disappearing from the kitchen.

You jump out of the bed as soon as you hear knocking on your door, stopping in time to remind yourself to calm down. You haven't been like this about a man in a long time. Had it been anyone else, you might question what you're doing, but it's Choi Soobin at the other side of the door. Your (fake) boyfriend who has managed to make you feel more loved in the past week than your ex has in the entirety of your relationship.

"Hey," he is smiling as soon as you meet eyes, leaning against the door frame with one of his hands holding a small dessert box.

"Hi," you smile back at him, opening the door wider and stepping aside so he can join you. You're quick to close it behind him again, shutting out the rest of the world so you can be alone.

It feels amazing to watch him move around like it's his own room, immediately heading for the table to place the box down. You'd like to think he could be comfortable like this in your apartment back home as well. That by some sort of luck, you could continue this game even after the wedding and get to know each other outside of this resort.

"This cake better be worth losing my job," he sighs as he plops down on your bed, your smile only widening when you realize he didn't take a seat on the chair in the corner this time.

You narrow your eyes as you cross the room and sit down beside him, "You didn't do anything stupid to get this for me, did you?" Soobin hesitates for a moment and you already know the answer to your question. "You can't lose your job over me!" You nudge his shoulder, chuckling at how stupid he is.

He glances at you, a smile still hanging on his lips despite everything. "It would be worth it if I get to see you laugh like this."

You don't need a mirror to know your cheeks are bright red. You avert your eyes from him, staring at the dessert he brought and falling a bit more. You don't even need to know what other options there were to know he picked the best one. You're going to devour this.

"What did you do?" You ask quietly, bringing the box to yourself to try it.

Soobin shakes his head, leaning back on his arms as he watches you. "My boss— Well, future boss, caught me in the kitchen when I was taking it. I can't tell what he is thinking."

"Your future boss?" You glance at him, curious.

"He is the next in line. And with how he's been spending time here, trying to get the hang of it, I'm pretty sure he'll be taking over soon. So, we'll see if I'll still have a job then," he laughs quietly and you roll your eyes.

"You'll have a job. He'd be a fool to let you go."

Soobin keeps his eyes on you as he speaks again, "Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't working here anymore." You don't want to get your hopes up, you really don't, but you can't help but think that maybe, he is talking like this because of you. "Jeju is nice and all but… I could go back to Seoul."

"You wouldn't try to find another job here?"

"Seoul interests me more right now," he answers, his eyes locked with yours. A beat passes between you, no one saying anything. You're not sure what to answer. A part of you feels like he is asking to hear your opinion on the idea, but the other worries it's not your place to comment. As much as you'd love to have him with you in Seoul, you can't be the one to decide that for him. "But then again, that decision also isn't completely up to me, hm?"

You stay quiet, taking a bite of the cake he brought you.

"You never told me how you started here," your curiosity gets the better of you despite your attempt to stay silent.

"Oh," he breathes out, shifting on the bed to be more comfortable. "I don't wanna say I was running away from home but no matter how I look at it, that's how it started." You blink, confused. Every time he told you about his family or friends until now, he hasn't mentioned anything that would lead you to believe he doesn't enjoy spending every free minute he has with them. "It was weird back then, I don't know," he shrugs.

"What happened?" You ask, concern written all over your face. You put the dessert back down and lay on the bed beside him so you're face to face again. He's only a few inches from you, but you care a lot more about understanding him than the close proximity.

A heavy sigh leaves his lips as he rests his head in your sheets. "Both my brother and sister were already moved out, as you know, and so I was alone. At first, I liked that I could just spend all day playing games without worrying about anyone else. But eventually, it felt weird being at home and doing nothing. I didn't really have anyone I could go out with either, so I was just stuck there."

"So you decided to run away from the suffocating feeling the house gave you," you finish for him, understanding him too well. After you broke up with Minho, you only managed to stay in your apartment for three days before you had to move, the image of him with his new girlfriend in your bed haunting you every second of the day. But running away doesn't get rid of the feeling entirely, and you're sure he knows that too.

Soobin nods, "I looked for jobs and packed my bags as soon as I heard back from the restaurant. Working keeps me busy enough not to go crazy."

"And you'd go back to Seoul despite that?"

Tugging your hair behind your ear, his eyes gaze into yours. "I have a feeling I wouldn't be so alone this time."

He's so close. He is so pretty and so close. His words do nothing to help you stay away. In fact, you want to press your lips to his and promise him you'd stay by his side no matter what. You almost do, but then he pulls his hand away again, and you close your mouth before you can say something the two of you aren't ready for. You can't want for him to change his whole life for you.

So instead, you ask him something else, "Will you stay with me tonight again?"

"Of course," he nods without hesitation, offering you one of his smiles. His dimples are so adorable, you want to look at them for as long as he'll allow you.

"Sleep on the bed then?" You suggest carefully, keeping your eye on him. You can clearly see the hesitation on his face as he thinks about what you just asked of him, worries that you've read everything wrong rushing through you. "Tomorrow will be my last night here," you remind him, turning to lay on your back. You rest your hands on your stomach, staring at the ceiling. "So I just thought…. forget it."

Soobin's eyes flicker all over you, trying to read you as best as he can. Of course he wants to sleep with you on the bed. There is nothing more that he wants. Not only because sleeping on the chair for the third night in a row might seriously ruin his back, but because he wants to be close to you. He wants to hold you close in his sleep and nuzzle into your neck. He wants to have his legs tangled with yours and wake up beside you. "If you don't mind me there," he nods, reaching for your hand.

You glance at him again, hopeful. "More than anything," you admit, and he almost kisses you right then and there.

Nodding, he bites back a smile as he sits up again. "I'm going to go for a change of clothes and shower while you finish your dessert?" He offers and you nod, your smile stretching from ear to ear. He chuckles at your reaction, his chest warming at how adorable you look.

"Will you also be here when I wake up?" You wonder, wishing to break the streak of him sneaking out of your room before you get a chance to wake up.

He smiles, standing up from your bed and heading for the door. Just before he slips out, he glances over his shoulder and answers, "I'll be wherever you want me for as long as you'll have me."

Just as promised, the next day you wake up cuddled up to Soobin. One of his arms is resting on the pillows, working as your own pillow, while the other is loosely draped around your waist, keeping you close. When your eyes flutter open, he is still sleeping, his peaceful face putting a smile on your lips. You do your best not to wake him up as you move up, wanting to give him more space. As soon as you shift, his grip on your waist tightens, and he is pulling you right back.

You can't hide your smile as you rest your head against his chest, loving waking up like this. You could get used to it. "Good morning," he rasps, his morning voice making your head spin. As if you weren't already attracted enough to him.

"Good morning," you whisper back, leaning your head back to catch his eyes.

His smile grows as he looks at you. "Your hair is a mess in the morning."

With your cheeks flushed, you struggle to quickly run your fingers through it and make it a little more bearable. "Thanks a lot," you mumble, only making him laugh.

He catches your hands in his, bringing them back down. "You're beautiful."

"Even with my hair all over the place?"

"Even with your hair all over the place," he nods. "I could kiss you right now." The words slip past his lips before he can stop them, the morning haze making him more honest than he is normally. Otherwise, he wouldn't have admitted it so easily.

Your eyes widen as soon as you register his words, your eyes flickering from his eyes to his lips. He clears his throat quickly, looking away. "I meant— If I were your boyfriend, right, if it was real I could probably—"

"Just kiss me and shut up," you laugh, bringing your hands to his face and pulling him to yourself. You press your lips to his before he can stop you, melting into him instantly as he grips your waist and kisses you back. Your head spins, overwhelmed with thoughts of him. It feels like ages that you've been wishing for this, to know exactly how his lips taste. You must say—they taste fucking incredible. A soft moan leaves your lips as he deepens the connection, your body pressed into his.

He can't get enough of you, wishing there was a way he could be even closer to you. Well, there is one, but he isn't going to fuck you right now. That wouldn't be fair to either of you. For now, he will just have to do with being able to finally kiss you. "Tell me I'm not the only one going crazy," he begs, his lips on you again right after.

"You're not," you assure him, letting him turn you so you're on your back and he's hovering over you. He rests between your legs, but not close enough that he would press against you. You desperately want to pull him closer and feel him, but you're not going to do something he doesn't want to. "This is pretty much blowing my mind."

He chuckles at the awe in your eyes, kissing you once more. One of his hands rests on your cheek, tilting your face for better access, while the other holds your waist, feeling any flesh he can. He can't believe that he is finally touching you. Sure, he had his arm around you before to convince your friends of this little act, but this is completely different.

Your hand slides to the back of his neck as you kiss him back. Deep down you know you need to get up and start getting ready, check if Nari didn't text you anything or see if they don't need any more help, but every inch of you wants to stay in this moment with him for as long as possible. Just two more minutes. If you can kiss him for just two more minutes you'll be happier than ever.

"We should go," he whispers, voicing your thoughts. You hum back, your eyes still closed as your hands move lower to wander across his back—an amazing back if you have to say so yourself. Despite his reminder of how busy you both are today, the kiss doesn't stop. You can't pull away. Your body doesn't want to. He says your name as a warning but doesn't do anything himself to pull back, creating a smile on your lips.

"Continue, it's hot."

Rolling his eyes, smile lines his lips as he finally pushes himself off you, taking in the sight of you once again. Your lips are swollen, eyes blown away and your hair as messy as it was when he woke up. You're so incredibly beautiful, he doesn't think you understand. He's never seen himself as a stupid man, but you have him acting up. If you wanted to, he would blow away everything he's build here and just run away with you. He would do anything you want him to, no matter how irrational it seems.

You smile at him sheepishly as he watches you, pushing yourself up as well. You lean your back against the headboard, looking around in an attempt to find your phone. You have no idea where you left it last night. "What time is it?"

Soobin looks around for his own phone, finding it on the table. The screen flashes and he turns it so you can see, showcasing the 9:37. "Fuck," you curse quietly. "I need to find my phone, I'm not sure when Nari wanted us to meet for hair and makeup but I'm pretty damn sure I'm late."

He is quick to brush off the morning haze and focus properly, getting up to see where you could have left it. You search the bed in the meantime, relief washing over you when you find it under your pillow. As expected, there are messages waiting for you from the bride. You feel terrible, in a completely different way than you did when you first arrived.

"Is there anything I can do?" He wonders, watching you run your fingers through your hair as you try to calm down.

"No, I— I don't want to ruin this for her," you shake your head, getting up from the bed.

"You're not ruining anything," Soobin assures you, watching you type to who he assumes to be Nari.

"I've been ruining it for her all week."

He calls your name, making you look up at him. Crossing the room in two swift steps, he cups your cheeks and gives you another kiss. "You're not ruining anything. We just slept in a little, it's okay. There is still time."

It takes you a moment before you nod, the look in his eyes helping you relax again. "Can you bring me my dress in like an hour? I'm going to go down to meet with them and get ready. We can probably grab something to eat then I think? I think Nari mentioned having some food ready for us."

"Okay," he nods, dropping his hands. "Which dress is it?"

"The only purple one, you'll know," you assure him, collecting yourself again. "I'm going to shower as quickly as I possibly can and go. I'll see you later."

Soobin nods again, not holding you back any longer and watching as you rush to the bathroom.

Soobin only gets to see you for a minute when he brings you your dress before you're rushed away, needing to get your hair done. Everyone seems so busy, he just feels out of place. Amy and Jeonghan are moving from place to place, checking in with the kitchen staff as well as the makeup artists. Seungcheol is talking to his parents on the side and Nari is nowhere to be seen. He can only assume she is with her family somewhere, getting ready as well.

"Soobin! Hi!" Woohee greets him with a smile, bringing his eyes to her. Her makeup and hair is done already and she's in her dress—in the same shade of deep purple as yours is, but a different style. She looks nice, he has to give her that, but is still doesn't compare to you. He can't wait to see you all dolled up. If you were already so incredibly beautiful after waking up, he is sure he will die as soon as he sees you all ready.

"Hey," he smiles back at her. "I was just dropping in to deliver a dress, I should probably go."

"Don't say nonsense!" She shakes her head quickly, wrapping her arm around his and tugging him away. "We can use all the help. Let me see what Amy is doing."

He opens his mouth to argue but closes it again quickly, simply following her. He can help out. That's the least he can do.

You haven't seen Soobin since he handed you your dress. You tried to look for him, but whenever you thought you caught a glimpse of him, he was pulled away before you could do anything. You're glad your friends are liking him so much and are comfortable having him help out with everything he can, but you also wish you could just sit down together. You noticed immediately when he came around, but he looks incredible in his suit. It feels unfair that you can't find a time to meet when he is looking that fine.

You don't get to meet with him even after everything is ready and the rest of the guests start coming in. Seungcheol's friends have him under their arms, refusing to let go. You laugh at little at the sight, shaking a head at his confused expression as Chan tugs him towards the tent for drinks. He didn't see you yet, you think. If he has, it had to have been when you weren't looking.

You hear your name behind yourself, snapping out of your thoughts and turning around. Seungcheol is standing there, encouraging you to come with him. "Let me introduce you to the rest of my family before we start." You open your mouth but then close it again, simply nodding. You put on a smile, saying your hello to not only his parents but other relatives as well. You meet his brothers, aunt, as well as cousins. "This is Yeonjun, it's all thanks to him that we can have the wedding here."

"It was more my father than anything," he shakes his head, offering you a smile.

"Don't listen to him," Cheol refuses to even hear it. "He likes to give others credits for his work. It was all him who made this happen. He is going to take over the resort soon and this is one of the first events he planned."

"It wasn't all just me," Yeonjun admits, his eyes trailing somewhere behind the two of you. You don't turn around to see what or who he is looking at, too focused on what he just said. Yeonjun must be the guy Soobin met in the kitchen yesterday. Oh god.

"Cheol! Come take pictures with us!" Minho pulls him away from you and for the first time since you got here, you are grateful to him. It means you can talk to Yeonjun alone.

"I'm sorry if this is too much to ask of you," you start, getting his attention back to you. He tilts his head, questioning what it is you need. "But please don't fire Soobin because he wanted to bring me a dessert."

A chuckle leaves Yeonjun's lips as he realizes who you're talking about. He shakes his head, "I'm not firing anyone unless stealing from the kitchen is on the daily for him." You're quick to shake your head, promising he isn't like that. "But I'm surprised you want him to stay here," he comments. "I thought all of Nari's friends were from Seoul."

"We are," you nod, feeling a little nervous as you speak to him. "And I get that I should probably want for him to work somewhere near instead, but I don't want for anyone else to make the decision for him. Unless he decides to go back himself….I'd like for no one to stand in his way of what he build here."

Yeonjun gives you a smile, "I wish you two the best. I'm sure you'll figure it out together."

With your cheeks flushed, you mutter out your thank you, unable to say anything else because Yeonjun is pulled away by his family, laughing as they congratulate him on stepping up to take this job.

The next half an hour consists of you meeting everyone, chatting up with some of Nari's friends and telling them the news of your and Minho's breakup. Turns out, there are a lot more people surprised by the fact than you thought. Some of them you've barely ever spoken to before and they still care more than you do anymore. It's weird.

"It's time," Cheol taps your shoulder, the nervousness in his eyes clear.

"Right," you nod, turning back to face Nari's friend again. "I'll see you later. You need to tell me more about that job of yours." She nods, and you're quick to head for the tent while Seungcheol goes away. The rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen are already waiting there, forming a little circle around Nari as they congratulate her once more. She looks incredible. You've seen her with her makeup done before already but it doesn't compare to how she looks right now. Standing in her white gown, her hair styled up into a low bun, her eyes shining as she gets ready to walk down the aisle.

"Okay, let's pair up. Everyone knows who they're with?" Amy claps her hands, waiting for everyone to nod before she starts the line, her boyfriend right beside her. "Mr. Kang," she calls to the singer preparing his piano. "Let's start once everyone is ready?" He gives her a nod in response, waiting for them to line up.

You watch pairs form in front of your eyes, frowning when you see Chan standing beside Jihoo. Wasn't he supposed to walk with you? You're pretty sure he was.

"Put on a smile, it's Nari's time to shine," Minho stands beside you, a smirk on his face. You blink at him, your confusion growing. "Don't look at me like that, we were always supposed to walk down together."

No, no, no. This is wrong. You aren't supposed to walk down with him. "But Chan—"

"Chan is with Jihoo," he interrupts you, not giving you any space for arguments. Leaning down, he stops once he reaches your ear. "Admit it, it was always meant to be us two."

Shiver runs down your spine, your skin spiking up with nerves as he rests his palm on the small of your back just like he used to all these months ago, acting as if nothing has changed. But so much has, and just the touch of his hand makes you feel uncomfortable. It's the same hand that's touched another woman, that has been touching another women all week. You feel disgusted, wanting nothing more than to slip away. But the music starts, and the line begins moving. You don't have a choice. You need to walk down with him.

Knowing you once thought it'd be him waiting for you at the altar, watching you walk down with love in his eyes, you feel incredibly stupid. You can't believe how naive you were. He offers you his arm so the two of you can look more put together and you simply stare at it for a long minute. But the reminder that this is your friend's big day sits in the back of your mind loud and clear, making you wrap your arm around his. "See, you can be a good girl when you try," he whispers. Without having to look up at him, you know he is smirking.

"Stop talking," you hiss, putting on a smile as you come into view for the rest of the guests. Soobin is the first person you see, but that's probably also because he is the one you're so desperately searching for. He is sitting in one of the back rows, his eyes meeting yours in an instant. The smile on his face is genuine as he takes in the sight of you, your cheeks heating up under his gaze. But then his eyes dip to the man beside you and his previous excitement is gone.

Minho seems to notice him as well. "Look at him over there. I bet he is thinking about how he wants to be in my place," he laughs. "But you've been mine all along, haven't you, baby?" It takes everything in you not to push him off you and run away. You hate him. You hate him with your whole heart.

"I haven't been yours for a while," you argue, keeping your eyes in the front, watching the back of Woohee's head. You can't look at him.

"Please," he scoffs, unhooking his arms from yours to wrap it around your waist instead. He grips you tight, pulling you into his side as he keeps smiling at everyone watching. "You can't do anything without me no matter how much you want to. You're not as strong."

"Get your hands off me."

"I know he's just a passing replacement before you come running back," he says, sounding way too confident for your liking. "As soon as that passes, you'll run back to me without a care that I had something with someone else. You know I'm right." His hand slides down from your waist to your ass and you finally snap, pushing him off you.

The music stops in an instant, but it's not because of what you did. It's because of the hand that managed to fly to Minho's face while you blinked. A gasp escapes your lips, followed by multiple more from the other guests. "What the fuck?" Minho curses, holding his hand in front of his nose. You watch the red drip between his fingers, knowing it's bleeding.

You quickly snap your head towards the person who punched him—something you would have done yourself soon—your eyes widening when you see angry Soobin standing by your side. "It's time you learn where your hands belong."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Minho doesn't waste any time, crossing the space and charing right back at him. You're not sure how he manages but Soobin avoids it, getting punched in the shoulder instead of his face.

"Boys!" Amy is the first one to interrupt, but it's like they can't hear, already holding each other's shirt. The scene is a lot different from the Soobin you know and yet completely on brand. Because if he'd fight anyone, it would be your ex over how uncomfortable he's been making you feel. "Stop it!"

You watch as Jeonghan tries to come between them, Seungcheol right behind him. You telling them to break apart doesn't do anything, the two of them too focused on each other to hear anyone else. Soobin is taller and easily towers over Minho, but he doesn't have as much strength so Minho is still able to push him back. It's a mess, a mess you desperately wanted to avoid today. You spent all week doing everything so you wouldn't ruin Nari's big day and here you are, witnessing your ex and fake boyfriend fight in the middle of the aisle when she is supposed to walk to the altar.

"Are you mad?" Seungcheol finally tears Minho away, pushing him to the side. "Why are you like this?"

"Why am I like this? He punched me first!" He argues.

"Deservingly so!" Mina joins in. She was walking behind you with Mingyu so you have no doubt she saw and probably heard everything. "You are being a piece of shit!"

"Can't disagree," Mingyu shakes his head. "Almost punched him myself."

Seungcheol's eyes are like daggers pointing at who is supposed to be one of his closest friends. Minho raises his hands in surrender but before he can say anything to defend himself, they are joined by another man. "I got it from here," Yeonjun says, grasping Minho's collar and dragging him with himself away.

"Well, now that the biggest error is gone," Nari clears her throat, all eyes immediately snapping to her. "Shall we?"

You want to drop to your knees and apologize for everything, beg for her forgiveness until she decides she has enough of you and kicks you out as well, but Soobin manages to speak before you can. "I'm so sorry." You can tell by the tone of his voice he regrets it, desperately wanting to fix things. "I should have stayed put and let the ceremony play out—"

"Don't say nonsense," Seungcheol shakes his head, averting his eyes from the bride for the first time. "And go take your place, someone has to walk the rest of the way with your girlfriend." Much to your surprise, there is a smile on his face as he nudges Soobin towards you. "If everyone could pretend like nothing happened and look at how incredibly beautiful my wife is, I will be the happiest man alive," he claps his hands, acting like everything is completely normal as he goes back to his place in front of the altar.

You watch him with wide eyes, trying to compose yourself again. Nari slips from her father's hold and makes her way to your side, squeezing your shoulder before leaning down and whispering into your ear. "Do not blame yourself for anything. I'm happy he is gone." She gives you one of her warm smiles, waiting for the music to start again and for the wedding party to make their way down the aisle so she can get to her soon to be husband.

Everything else following is perfect. You watch as Nari and Seungcheol exchange their vows, the biggest smile on your face as you glance over at Soobin standing on Seungcheol's side. His eyes are already on you, watching you the entire time. You do your best focusing on the bride and groom, cheering for them as they kiss and seal their marriage.

Minho doesn't come back which you're incredibly thankful for. You're lucky Nari has the same relieved expression on her face when she realizes he isn't coming back, seemingly much more comfortable now. Still, you apologize to her the entire afternoon, promising you never wanted for any of this to happen.

"I'm the one who is sorry. To all three of you," Soobin says, his eyes falling to the ground.

"How about you stop apologizing and have a drink with us, hm?" Seungcheol shakes his head, already catching Chan on his way somewhere and asking if he can get them all a drink. He doesn't hesitate, latching onto the chance to have another shot himself.

"I should have just kept down," Soobin continues. "I ruined your big day."

"You would have ruined my day if you didn't jump in to help your girlfriend," Nari says. "The last thing I ever wanted was for him to make any of you uncomfortable. He was out of line. He has been for a while."

You lean into Soobin's side, your hand wrapped around his waist. "I'm glad you were there," you tell him, looking up to meet his eyes. "I really hated how he…behaved."

The grip he has on your waist tightens, the anger he felt earlier flashing in front of his eyes when he thinks about the way Minho touched you. It was clear you felt uncomfortable. He couldn't just stand by and watch that. "He better not try to text me after today," Seungcheol states, "I'm going to beat him up myself if he does."

"As hot as that would be," Nari chuckles, shaking her head as she looks up at her husband. "Let's just avoid him and not get into any more fights, yeah?"

As if on cue, Chan comes back with a tray filled with shot glasses and a bottle of soju, grinning ear to ear. "Don't tell that Chef lady I stole her tray, I feel like she wouldn't be happy with me if she knew." Laughing, you watch him pour you all the drink. It's the first time you pull away from Soobin's side, holding your shot in your hand as you turn to face him. He looks down at you, smile lining his lips as he takes all of you in. "To the husband and wife!"

"To the Chois!" You add, clinking your glass with your boyfriend before doing the same with the rest of the group.

Shots go down quickly after that, always with a different group of people. At one point, you switch to a cocktail instead, drowning the alcohol you had by stuffing yourself with all the amazing food they prepared for today. Soobin stays by your side the entire time, going to the bathroom with you, dancing with you, meeting people with you, and your favorite part—kissing you every chance he gets.

"Maybe we could go back," you mumble as you pull from yet another kiss, your cheeks flushed and your hands desperately gripping his forearms. Soobin smiles at you, glancing around the people.

"Don't you want to celebrate with everyone?"

"I want to celebrate with you."

He takes his time gazing into your eyes, seemingly thinking about everything. But you've already done that. You went over everything that's happened in the past week and how you feel when you are around him so if he lets you, you know exactly what you want. "You're leaving tomorrow," he reminds you as if you weren't already aware of that, as if you could possibly forget.

"I am," you nod. "But it doesn't have to be forever."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive," you assure him, winning a nod in response.

Everything happens so fast. One second you're giggling as you unlock your room and the next you're making out with your fake boyfriend with your back pressed against the door. Your head is tilted back, his large hand holding your cheek. He's so incredibly attractive. It doesn't feel like you're drunk on the alcohol anymore, every last drop you had replaced with the thoughts of him. His scent is everyone, you feel his touch in every inch of your body, and the taste of his lips leaves you lingering for more.

"I really like you, Binnie," you whisper, a low moan leaving your lips as you pull him closer. Your hands rest on his sides, gripping onto his suit jacket.

He rests his forehead against yours, catching his breath. "I like you more than I thought was possible in such short amount of time." Gazing up into his eyes, you do your best biting back a smile. "I'm going to miss you."

"We can figure this out," you tell him, completely serious about wanting to keep seeing him.

He smiles back at you, using his hand to brush your hair away before cupping your face. "Yeah," he breathes, pressing his lips to yours again. "We'll figure it out."

Pushing yourself off the wall, you blindly head towards the bed. He willingly walks backwards, knowing exactly where you want to go. As soon as the back of his legs hits the mattress, he sits down, pulling you onto his lap. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you straddle his lap, your bodies pressed together.

You feel so comfortable compared to when Minho touched you as you walked down the aisle, Soobin's touches leaving a pleasing burn. "Have I told you how incredible you look today?" He whispers as his kisses move down to your neck.

"I don't think so," you shake your head, grinning. "You should tell me."

He raises his head to meet your eyes, "You are so incredibly gorgeous." His hands wander to your exposed back. "Don't tell anyone, but I think you out-shined the bride."

You laugh as his words reach your ears, your head falling forward to his shoulder. "You don't need to praise me so much."

"Why not? It seems to work," he hums into your ear, buckling your dress up so it pools at your hips. Resting his hands at your exposed cheeks, he helps you rock your body forward, your core pressed against his clothed bulge. "And I mean every word."

Biting back a moan, you move your hips on top of him. His name leaves your lips in a desperate plea that has his dick growing even more. "Take what you need, baby."

You do. You rock your hips in a speed that works for you, focusing on your own pleasure as he kisses every inch of your skin he can get to. You want to feel him so badly, you want to have his bare skin press against yours, for his hands to feel all of you, and for him so sink inside, but the need to bring yourself the much wanted pleasure is too strong, and you can't seem to stop moving. You get closer to your orgasm every time his cock rubs on your clit, the feeling making you moan out loud.

It's like a song in his ears. Every little sound you make settles in the back of his head, echoing loud and clear. He can't get enough. It makes him greedier, wanting to hear more of you, learn what else makes you let out these pretty sounds, and which one makes you feel the best.

He desperately wants to learn every inch of you and your body, be the one that knows you the best and can tell what you're thinking just based on the way you breathe. Not just in moments like these but outside of the bedroom as well. He wants it more than anything else.

It might be the alcohol he had tonight, making his head clearer, but he is even more certain about coming back to Seoul than he was last night. No matter what, he wants to figure this out with you together and be with you. It's a lot to ask of you, but he hopes you want him at least half as much as he wants you.

If he has anything to prove him that you do, it's the way you chase your release with him, using him for your own pleasure just like he asked you to. It's so hot, you only keep getting more and more attractive each day. Leaving wet kisses all across your neck and collarbone, he whines against your skin as you ride his clothed dick. He is going to come soon as well if you don't stop.

"Please," you beg despite not being sure what for. Still, Soobin nods, holding you close as he slowly thrusts his hips into yours on top of your rocks. A loud moan slips from your lips as your orgasm crashes down on you, your already wet panties only getting more ruined. He groans along with you, his eyes closed as he chases after your lips.

Pressing your chest against his, you force him to lay down on his back, letting your hand wander across his chest, down to his abs and then crotch. His hips jerk up beneath your touch, your name leaving his lips like a weak warning. Peering up at him, you tilt your head with a pout on your lips. "Can I take this off for you?"

He groans at the sight of you, nodding eagerly. A part of him is telling him not to fuck you tonight when you're leaving the next day, but he's too weak to be able to tell you no. He wants you too much for that.

You've left a wet spot behind yourself but he doesn't seem to mind at all. Smiling again, you pull back as you unbutton his dress pants, pushing them as far down as you possibly can from your seat on his thighs. Your eyes are glued to his hard length instantly. He felt big when you were humping him but look at him now? God. He wasn't only gifted in his height.

Your gaze flickers up to his face again, noticing the sheepish smile on his lips as he watches you. "We don't have to keep going," he reminds you despite his cock begging to continue. "I don't have a condom."

Biting your bottom lip, you hesitate for only a brief second. "I want to," you tell him. "If you do as well?"

"Of course I do," he says as if it wasn't even a question in the first place.

"Can you pull out?" You feel his cock twitch in his pants under your palm at your words, chuckling. "I think you like the idea of fucking me bare, baby."

"God," he groans, throwing his head back and closing his eyes.

Pushing yourself back, you get off him to stand in front of the bed, slowly pulling your dress over your head. His eyes find you in an instant, taking in all the newly exposed skin. Your breasts are on full display for him now, the only remaining clothing being your soaked panties.

"Fuck me," he breathes out, unable to keep his eyes to himself. It's insane how attracted he feels to you after such short amount of time. He doesn't think anyone else ever managed to make his head spin like this before.

You giggle, "I'm trying." Stepping out of your panties as well, you let them rest on the floor beside your dress. "Aren't you going to take it off?"

Rushing to sit up, you watch as he struggles to undo the buttons of his shirt. It's a funny sight, one that makes you fall for him even more. He's adorable—incredibly sexy with that boner in his boxers but also adorable.

You're quick to join him on the bed again when all his clothes are on the ground, unable to take your eyes off his bare skin. You can tell he feels the same, his eyes constantly flickering all over you. Putting your lips to his, you both moan into the kiss as he settles between your legs, pressing you into the mattress. His hands wander from your waist to your breast, cupping them gently.

You're aching, your skin is burning, and your mouth is calling for him. What more could he possibly need to finally sink into you? He takes his time despite all that, rolling your nipples between his fingers, planting kisses to your chest and then stomach, stroking your cheek and simply gazing into your eyes for a moment.

"Soobin, please," you whine, wrapping your legs around his waist and pulling him closer. His tip nudges against your clit, causing another moan.

Nodding, he bites back his own sounds as he grips his length, aligning himself. "Tell me if you want me to stop, okay? At any point. For whatever reason."

"I won't," you shake your head. You want him in you more than anything, there is no way you'll be telling him to stop.

He says your name, completely serious. "Please."

"Okay," you agree, pushing yourself up to press your lips to his. "I'll tell you if anything."

"Thank—" his tip slides in, your mouth immediately falling open, "you," he groans as your walls wrap around him, holding you close. You're not sure if it's to assure himself you're real or to bring you comfort but it works both ways. You wrap your hands around his forearms, your nails digging into his skin as he stretches you. Despite coming just a while ago, you can already tell you're not going to last long.

Soobin starts moving slowly at first, letting you get used to his size. But the moment you start clenching around him it's hard to keep his composure, his hips jerking forward on their own. Still, he waits for you to give him a nod before he picks up his speed properly, squeezing your waist as he presses himself into you.

You're the first to reach your orgasm, your moans filling the room and his ears. Your walls fluttering around him make him break his pace, a desperate whimper that has you rolling your eyes slipping past his lips. He forces himself to pull away from you, jerking himself over your stomach. You wrap your hand around his, moving along with him, your eyes glued to his.

He comes as soon as you give him a few pumps, covering your stomach white. "Fuck," he curses, leaning down to kiss you again. You do so eagerly, loving to feeling of his lips on yours. "You're so amazing."

Smile spreads across your lips with such ease you surprise yourself. "I should be the one saying that," you whisper, unable to hold back. "I like you so much."

He smiles as well, resting his forehead against yours. "Be my girlfriend for real. We can work it out. We can pull through the distance for a while and then I'll move back. I'll find a job in Seoul and we can be together."

God. The way your stomach does flip flops and your heart blushes is no joke. Soobin makes you feel so good, you can't imagine your days without his presence anymore. You've gotten so used to him, it'd feel wrong to not have him there.

But you can do it for a few days, weeks, even months if it means he'll come to you. If it means you'll get to have him after that, you can go long distance for however long he needs you to.

"Please," you nod, sealing the promise with yet another kiss.

The last morning feels bittersweet.

You're packing your stuff with Soobin beside you, helping you with anything you might need. After taking a shower together last night, you talked into the night together, discussing all your future plans and how you could make this work. He's made it clear to you that he doesn't want to stay here after summer ends, that he will inform his boss and move to Seoul the moment August is over. You offered traveling back and forth, showing him a future in which he doesn't have to quit his job for you, but nothing would change his mind.

And because he is so amazing, he offered to pack with you when he woke up, claiming he wants to spend as much time as he can with you before you have to leave.

As happy as you are to be with him, how incredibly excited you are about what's waiting for you in the future, you're also going to miss him, and you're reminded of that with every kiss he gives you. It feels good when you're with him. Maybe too good. You're not used to this. You had a rocky start with Minho and an even worse end, so this feels like a full 360.

"Is that everything?" Soobin wonders as he zips up your suitcase. You take a look around the room, checking it again.

"Seems like so," you hum, crossing the space between you. Soobin gives you one of his smiles as he towers over you, tugging your hair behind your ear. "I'd love to delay this longer but they will be waiting for me in the lobby." He nods, lacing his fingers with yours and taking your suitcase in the other hand. You take your backpack before you leave as well, heading out with him.

Just like you thought they would be, most of them are already in the lobby, talking among themselves. Minho and his girlfriend are nowhere to be seen, and as you learn from Amy when you join them, their room has been already cleared out so they probably left during the ceremony last night. She doesn't know if they moved their flight or what happened to them after, but you don't care about that.

"Alright, we should start moving if we wanna be on time," Nari claps her hands, getting everyone's attention.

"You've heard what Mrs. Choi said, let's go," Seungcheol tells his friends, making you laugh. You're sure he loves the fact he can now officially call her that.

"He's been insufferable all night," Nari rolls her eyes but you can see the smile on her face. "I'm never hearing the end of it."

"Get used to it, you are now Mrs. Choi," Amy nudges her shoulder. "Oh how I'd love to be Mrs. Yoon," she sighs and Nari shakes her head at her.

"He'll get there as well, don't worry," you assure her, glancing at the men in question as he laughs at his best friend. Turning around to face Soobin again, your smile falls just a tiny bit. "We need to go."

"I know," he nods, his smile gentle. "Have a safe flight and call me when you land."

"I will," you assure him, wrapping your arms around his shoulders and pulling him into a warm embrace. His hands wrap around your waist, holding you so tightly you know he doesn't want to let you go. "I'll be texting you every minute of the day until you're sick of me."

"Never going to happen," he says, kissing your lips one last time until he can see you again.

"Don't be a stranger," Nari is the next to say her goodbyes to your boyfriend, smiling at him. "You're in my wedding photos so I better see you around."

He laughs, assuring her she will. "I'll be in Seoul soon. You know my girlfriend, she can't stay away from me for too long."

You scoff at his comment even though you know that he is right. "Please, you're the one who can't go a day without me."

"You're right. I can't."

Your cheeks flush at his immediate agreement, his words so sure it makes your head spin. You haven't been this excited for what's to come in a while. A part of you still can't believe how what you thought was going to be the worst week of your life somehow blurred into the best one, everything turning around.

You certainly can't complain. There is nothing more you could want at the moment.

perm taglist: @beomiracles @seoulzie @adel222 @inkigayocamman @flowzel @love-be0m @hwanghyunjinismybae @liaatiny @minaateez @bamgeutsz @lovingbeomgyudayone @definitelynotherr @hyunj00 @dawngyu @xylatox @heesmiles @biteyoubiteme @t-102 @jellyyjn @1-800-jewon @heejamas @yeonmuse @bamgeutori @i-am-not-dal @starstrucktae @nanilis @cen116 @vanillakirstein @tyunningism @swangyu @poptambxm @strawberrydan1 @gyuzies @yvampyr @yunverie @flytomyro0m @l-lailaa @yjnwonstars @missingsarinha

collab taglist: @gomdoleemyson @kkyubear @pageraf @soohashits @caritaee @jinkoh @sfystb @swangyu @kvinksyy @junnielvr @nanni197 @jjunniecoree @icouldbelove @bamgeutori @littlemoasoobin @tomochey

[baekphia]

ppl who got kpop idol photocards on the back of their phones dont give a fuck about ANYTHING

[peri]

digital selfharm is real. do NOT check up on that ex-partner/ex-friend. do NOT reread those old messages/conversations that you know will hurt your feelings all over again or that will otherwise make you feel like shit. do NOT block evade to see if you’re being talked about. inhale. exhale. let it pass and you’ll be better for it.

[jakeperalta]

not using AI genuinely feels like the rest of the world is experiencing some kind of mass amnesia. if someone says they never use it, the immediate response is that can't be true because "everyone" uses it to write their emails or answer their questions. saw a comment suggesting that not using chatgpt to write an essay is "like the 90s". girl I graduated in 2021 and we weren't doing that! how is it that everyone has suddenly forgotten that they were entirely capable of doing these things all by themselves for their entire lives up until the past few years!! am I going crazy!!!

[apollos-boyfriend]

having such an obvious favorite character trope is life ruining bro

[apollos-boyfriend]

i can’t say shit about liking a character that acts slightly in a very specific way without being hit with a tidal wave of “of course you would” to live is to suffer

[trangoldin]

[cannibalings]

why are all the actual real human jobs like baker and florist and childcare worker barely paying livable wages but the fake jobs like ai specialist boot licker or marketing campaign dick sucker making six figures

[grrlterrier]

One of my favourite customer interactions

[as-if-and-only-if]

you serve the drink, they take a sip. it ticks down to 98% and they whisper “oh thank god”

[orcboxer]

autism tests are so funny. I'm extremely literal most of the time, but people don't tell me that generally, so I'm inclined to answer disagree. because I'm taking the statement too literally

[humorholics-deactivated20200126]

Whoever thinks money doesn’t bring happiness, transfer it to my account

[feefal]

Gold, Silver, and Bronze!🥇🥈🥉

Now as sisters and with a complex sibling dynamic.

[feefal]

did you know 24k gold is so soft you can scratch it with a fingernail? Because bronze knows

[artistformerlyknownasbutttrumpet]

i was training a young person at work, and she referred to sexual assault as "SA" out loud, and i immediately was like, "no, it's sexual assault, call it what it is," bc idgaf if the algorithm overlords have taught y'all that you should fear direct language, how tf do any of you expect to ever address real issues with any amount of seriousness if you can't even say the words? imagine an advocate looking a sexual assault survivor in the eyes and asking "did he grape you?" it's absolutely fucking absurd, but these young interns and new hires are coming into an environment where we deal with survivors of all different kinds of abuse, and they're coming with the mindset that the words are as bad as the actions, and that makes them shitty at the job and look juvenile af

i HATE self-censorship for a lot of reasons, but being in crisis work makes it even more frustrating. who are you censoring for? like i am being so fr, WHO are you censoring for? have you even thought it through? people who have been raped know that they have been raped. if someone attempts suicide or is grieving someone who did, saying "sewer slide" isn't going to protect them from any of the feelings. a murder victim's family isn't going to feel better bc you said "unalived" instead of murdered. if anything, it's just extremely invalidating and othering. it's saying "what happened to you is so bad that i won't even say the word," which is NOT trauma-informed care. you are not protecting survivors/victims when you self-censor. the ONLY things you protect when you self-censor are the puritanical ideologies that are being encouraged by rich fascists who want your money and obedience

say the fucking words, guys. just say the goddamn words before i go insane!!!

[random-brushstrokes]

Otto Bache - A centaur playing with his son (1867)

[glixbitch]

Facebook: we analysed your entire internet history, tracked your location and took a deep dive into your personal relationships, and we’ve decided to recommend you this specific conditioner that you also saw in your local Tesco two days ago, aint that neat!

Tumblr: HEY sHITHEAD *slurring words* how would you like to buy  *throws dart* a gym membership for your *spins wheel* pARROT

[jinkieswouldyoulookatthis]

Supernatural - The French Mistake (6x15)

[mingisnova]

guys....

[headspace-hotel]

"subtext" and "buttsex" being anagrams of each other is an example of order and harmony in the universe