a mystic mess

about me ✰ masterlist ✰ ao3 ✰ ko-fi ✰ main blog @macaronsforchat

[yoosungisbabie]

i’m mel, and i’m super glad you’re here! take a deep breath, come say hi, and stay a while! 

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writing  🖋

requests (closed) | guidelines (coming soon!)

in progress - jumin week 2024!

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living in the moment  ✰

favorite song atm - juno by sabrina carpenter (i'm so basic ik)

what I’ve been listening to while writing - the artist alina baraz

[cheritzteam]

[MM] Countless seasons we've shared together🍀, 9th Anniversary Event

Hello, this is Cheritz.

In July, when hot sunlight pours down brilliantly, ☀

Mystic Messenger's special and precious day has returned again this year without fail 😌!

July 9th!

The day when you, Coordinator, and Mystic Messenger first met,

and the special day when Mystic Messenger celebrates its 9th birthday 🎉🥳

Through countless seasons we've shared together,🍀

thanks to you, Coordinator, who has stayed by our side with an unwavering heart,

today's Mystic Messenger exists.

Once again, we express our gratitude to you, Coordinator, who has loved us for so long and celebrated the 9th anniversary with us, and present this 9th anniversary event! 💜

Please check the details in the announcement below~😉

< ① 9th Anniversary Event >

The members say they always wonder how to spend each anniversary as it approaches. 🤔

Unlike the splendid and grand n-th anniversaries of recent years, there was an opinion this year to prioritize healing and rest in a relatively comfortable atmosphere. 🤭

So this 9th anniversary will focus on comfort and relaxation 🌿.

We plan to obtain on-site photos 📸 of their 9th anniversary for you, Coordinator, so please wait a little!

Among those who repost the on-site photos that will be revealed on X on July 9th (Wednesday), we will give 50 Hourglasses ⌛ through a drawing♥ (15 people)

Additionally, a bonus event commemorating the 9th anniversary is also prepared!

If you share a message celebrating Mystic Messenger's 9th Anniversary on X or Instagram with the hashtag #Congrats_9thanniv_MM, we will give 50 Hourglasses ⌛ through a drawing (15 people)

Event Period : July 7 (Mon) ~ July 20 (Sun) KST

Winner Announcement : July 24 (Thu) KST

< ② In-game Login Event >

During the event period below, log into the game and enjoy with the July title image, and celebrate the 9th anniversary together 🎉

We've also prepared special login rewards to commemorate the 9th anniversary! 🎁✨

Log in during the event period to receive login rewards, so don't miss out and be sure to collect them all! 😊🎉

July Title Image : July 8 (Tue), 2025 ~ July 20 (Sun), 2025 KST

Login Reward Period : July 8 (Tue), 2025 ~ July 11 (Fri), 2025 KST

Finally, during the period below, there will be a 20% discount event for [RFA VIP Package] and [Special Believer Package] at Cheritz Market. If you've been hesitating to make a purchase, Coordinator, why not take this opportunity? ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌ )

Cheritz Market Discount Period : July 8 (Tue) 2 PM ~ July 14 (Mon) 2 PM KST

This is all the July news we've prepared!

As we turn the pages, our story becomes even more beautiful!

You'll continue to write special memories with Mystic Messenger, won't you, Coordinator? 🧡

Thank you!

Sincerely, Cheritz

[yoosungisbabie]

between night and morning - day three

@juminweek2019

jumin x mc

rating: T

prompt: green daylily - romantic love, "forgetting painful events from the past," "the flower that helps forget"

warnings: nightmares, slight spoilers for Jumin's route

word count: 1.4k

ao3 link

Jumin wakes from a nightmare and goes searching for comfort.

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Jumin…Jumin…

JUMIN!

Jumin snapped awake, jostling his chair and inhaling raggedly. He looked around, seeing that he was still in his living room and most importantly, still alone.

Jumin leaned forward and put his head in his hands, unable to shake himself from the nightmare he’d been awoken from quite yet. It was one in the same vein as they all were; memories he’d tried to forget even though he knew he couldn’t. Memories from his and his father’s past.

Jumin wiped the sweat from his brow and worked on slowing his breathing, keeping his eyes open and focused on the carpet beneath his chair. When he’d calmed down just slightly, he sat back up, glancing over at the paperwork he’d been working on before he unfortunately dozed off.

His eyes ached at the tiny print on the paper, and just as soon as he picked it up, Jumin put it back down and sighed slowly. He felt useless for so many reasons, and having that ridiculous nightmare made him feel less and less in control. He needed to be in control, in that moment more than ever.

An image of her flashed in his mind. His heart palpitated strangely, like it had been doing for the past few days, but it wasn’t dizzying anxiety like he’d felt just moments previous. If anything, thinking of the woman in his bed nearly made him forget why he was so on edge in the first place.

Jumin took a deep breath before he stood from his chair. After not moving for quite some time, the tension in his body was uncomfortable. He started towards his bedroom, remembering all he’d said to her last night as he felt his body untie some of its knots.

As he approached the door, he heard her light breathing and couldn’t help but smile. Peeking in, he admired the way she looked so peaceful, so carefree. He was sincerely thankful that she was able to get rest, despite all of the events that had transpired over the past week. He felt a flash of envy before it melted into gratitude for her presence.

How could he bear to let her go in the morning?

Jumin had taken a step into the room before he’d thought about it, unable to think of a reason that made sense for him not to move closer.

He stopped just next to the bed, able to hear her breathing much more clearly and realizing his own breaths had calmed back to normal.

Staring down at her, the only label for the emotion that was burning in his chest was love. He was in love with her. The feeling itself was not what frightened him, but the thought was horrifying. How could he love someone, let alone someone he’d met only days ago?

In multiple instances, his father had been beguiled by women he mistakenly put his trust in. He watched him ponder over it and inevitably give in, no matter how much Jumin urged him to see reason. Eventually, Jumin stopped trying.

But as soon as he no longer outwardly cared, that’s when those women began to focus on him too. The thought nearly brought him back into his nightmare, blinding rage flashing across his vision.

MC shifted in the bed in front of him, pulling him from his thoughts. It felt almost wrong to be upset in her presence. How could he lose himself in thought when she was right in front of him?

Jumin sat down slowly, working to clear his mind as he watched her sleeping peacefully. His eyes scanned over her face, taking a long look at her lips. Her kiss was like magic, some kind of force he’d only read about in books. Thinking of her smile made his chest feel fuzzy, and when he moved to look down at himself out of slight worry, Jumin realized he’d laid down next to her.

He paused, feeling his heart rate quicken. He had never lost control like he did when he was with her. It perplexed him, but he was equally as confused as to why he didn’t want that fact to change.

She was so close to him in that moment, so beautiful and so serene. His hand moved out towards her, lingering above her face before he brushed the back of his index finger along her cheek. Her deep breaths shallowed, prompting Jumin to wonder about how heavily she slept.

Taking his hand back, he waited as she returned to a deeper sleep, his eyelids growing heavier as he lay beside her. After a moment, he reached out again, pulling the blanket back over her shoulder. This time, he couldn’t pull away, and he rested his hand on her upper arm. She was warm, contrasting with his cool hand. He felt the hairs stand up on his arm, his fingers tightening around her minutely. She reacted with a short, low hum from the back of her throat, but she didn’t move an inch.

Despite the feeling that was burning in his throat, Jumin decided to let her rest, praying that he would have time to explore his curiosities on another calmer night.

A thought flashed in his mind for him to remove himself from the bed, from her arm, but the thought was quickly buried by fatigue. Jumin worked to keep his eyes open, to look at her for just a second longer, but his exhaustion got the better of him.

Hours later, when the sun had begun to rise, Jumin innately roused. Some days he wished that his bodily rhythm would allow for longer sleep, especially this past week.

He willed his eyes open, starting to sigh before his breath caught in his throat in panic. Her face was inches from his, and as the blood began to rush through his body, he realized that she was touching him too. She was still asleep, breathing slowly as Jumin looked down to see both her hands outstretched to him. One of them was draped over his upper arm, her hand reaching down towards his back, and the other had a small handful of his shirt. It had come slightly untucked in the night, leaving just enough fabric to be gripped by her hand just above his heart.

Jumin looked over her features, knowing that his heart should be racing with anger, resentment, or guilt. But when he searched, there was nothing but peace and eagerness to learn more about her. To hold her like she was holding him, and to love and cherish her for the amazing soul she’d offered to him in kindness. He would forever be indebted to her for the solace she’d provided him in his lowest moments.

Jumin watched her until drowsiness began to take over him once more. He was tempted to stay, to let her hold him as long as she wanted, but he knew he needed to keep himself grounded. It was important for him to let her go today or else there would be no possibility of them being together in the future. He had to regrettably detach from her, just for today, just enough to let her leave, so that he could be bound to her forever.

Jumin longed to reach forward and press a kiss to her cheek, her forehead, her nose, but he didn’t want to wake her so early. He slowly began to move backward out of her embrace, holding his breath as she twitched and took her arm back. But her hand still gripped his shirt, and even as he continued to move, that fact didn’t change.

Jumin reached down, his fingertips brushing over her wrist as a test before he gently placed his hand over hers. Hooking his pinkie finger under hers, he pulled her hand from his shirt achingly slow, nearly hearing his heart rate pick up as she latched on to his finger instead. Jumin placed their joint hands on the bed in front of him, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb until he could pull his finger free. The loss of warmth from her touch made his chest ache in a way he had become too familiar with these past few days, but he steeled himself.

Standing from the bed, he imagined himself waking up with her every day, kissing her good morning, and leaving her to sleep more. Jumin felt a small smile come to his lips, shaking his head and lightly scolding himself for daydreaming.

Taking one last look at her, he left the room, closing the door behind himself and realizing he finally felt rested.

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thank you for reading! thank for you for all the support on my first two days! I have had long nights and work, so I know I'm late, and then on top of that, I got a concussion this morning...

but! I'm still going strong, and I'll do my best to catch up! (even though I shouldn't be looking at screens ladglsjbgljgb)

mel x

[yoosungisbabie]

if i got you by my side - day two

@juminweek2019

jumin x mc

rating: G

prompt: white roses - loyalty, pure love, commitment, and innocence

warnings: joking about dying, nothing graphic!

word count: 1.9k

ao3 link

While attending Zen's wedding, MC can't help but imagine her own special day.

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Jumin’s hand slipped from her waist as she gasped in delight and stepped forward, immediately covering her mouth and glancing around apologetically.

MC hadn’t thought the venue would be so extravagant, considering Zen and his fiancé were living so frugally. Plus, they’d kept all details about the venue a secret. 

“Jumin, look at this!” she whispered excitedly, reaching out and taking his hand. His eyes widened slightly at her, and she easily pulled him closer. She’d peeked into the hall, seeing all the flowers, the lights, and the general decor. She couldn’t help but get a little teary-eyed. 

“I wonder if Zen helped at all,” Jumin commented, and she snickered, eyeing him knowingly. He’d promised to keep his teasing to a minimum, just for today. She didn’t know if Zen had promised the same. 

After looking around for a few more minutes, they were pulled back out to meet family. She felt so happy to be there, and it was all made better once the RFA slowly started showing up. 

Seven and Yoosung came together, the redhead stressing about Yoosung’s borrowed suit and tie. Jaehee showed up only a few minutes later, looking the least-stressed MC had ever seen her. She hugged each of them, unable to stop thinking about how happy she’d be when they came to her and Jumin’s wedding. The thought made her blush because of how ahead of herself she was getting. 

After all of the events at Jumin’s penthouse, they’d begun their relationship steadily and very much in love. She’d dreamed of him proposing for months, but she knew it was far too soon. It didn’t stop her from daydreaming, of course. 

“You look great, MC!” Seven grinned as the RFA all stood together and waited for the event to start. 

“Oh, thank you! Jumin helped pick out my dress,” she smiled shyly, moving slightly so her skirt would sway as she looked down at it.

“Does he get to help pick out your wedding dress when you get married too? Or is that a girl’s only thing?” Yoosung wondered, and her eyes shot to the college student as heat rose to her cheeks. 

“I mean–” She cut herself off with a laugh, avoiding Jumin’s eyes that she knew were on her. “I kind of like the American tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the ceremony, so no,” she explained, looking back at Yoosung to watch him smile.

“Oh, I’ve heard of that! I think that’s so cute,” he gushed, glancing over at Seven. As he began to talk to his friend, she breathed a quiet sigh of relief, glad that the attention was off of her for a moment so she could reign in her daydreams. 

“MC,” Jaehee spoke lightly, the drink in her hand clinking against a ring she was wearing. “When do you think you and Mr. Han will get engaged?” MC’s stomach dropped, Jumin’s hand tightening around hers as she stiffened in place. 

“Well, I–” 

“It would be very concerning if she were to know the timing of such a decision,” Jumin answered, leaning closer to her and making her turn to look at him. “If she knew, I would need to consider the possibility that she has the ability to read minds,” he said, sending her a small smile. 

“Of course, Mr. Han,” Jaehee replied, clearing her throat softly. “I was just wondering for…business purposes,” she said slowly, sending MC a look as MC held back a laugh. Jumin lingered close to her for a moment longer than she expected, but when she turned to look at him, he was taking a sip of his wine, his expression unreadable. 

Before she could dive further into her fantasies, they were all ushered into the ceremony hall. Jumin released her hand and led her by the small of her back, and she held on tightly to the handle of her purse. She hadn’t expected any questions like that, but it was almost euphoric to be given more fuel for her wild thoughts, especially in such a beautiful venue that she could only hope to replicate whenever she had the opportunity to get married herself. 

They all sat down in the same row, waiting excitedly as the room filled with loved ones and the time grew closer. 

She turned to Jumin, seeing him already looking at her with a warmth that always made her stomach fill with happy butterflies. 

“I’m glad we came,” she whispered, placing a hand on Jumin’s knee. He smiled, nodding and leaning closer to her. 

“I don’t think we would have heard the end of it if we didn’t,” he teased, kissing her cheek and making her press her lips together happily. She chuckled at his reply, glancing away for a moment. 

“I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it,” he said before she could jest along with him. She turned back to look at him, slightly surprised that he’d said so. 

“Really?” she wondered, searching his eyes for any hint of joking. He blinked at her. 

“I mean it,” he whispered, nodding. “It’s a very important event for Zen and the RFA. I would be remiss if I wasn’t here.” She admired him for a short moment, thinking about how far he’d come since she’d first met him. 

“I’m so happy to hear that,” she replied quietly, leaning forward and pressing a gentle kiss to his lips just as the music swelled to signal the start of the ceremony. 

MC was simply in awe as the night progressed, tearing up when Zen started on his vows. Jumin offered his pocket square to her, making her chuckle. She avoided looking at him for most of the ceremony, afraid she would get lost in thought and completely lose sight of who the night was about. 

At the reception, she finally got to talk with Zen and his lovely wife.

“Congratulations!” she exclaimed, hugging both of them and grinning from ear to ear. She watched as Jumin shook Zen’s hand, both of them seemingly unable to think of something to tease the other with. 

“Thank you both for coming, seriously,” Zen beamed, wrapping his arm around his wife and making her smile. 

“We wouldn’t miss it,” MC replied, glancing up at Jumin and taking his hand. Zen looked between them, eyeing his wife before smirking and taking a breath to speak.

“So when are you two–”

“ZEN!” She heard Seven call, watching as the redhead bounded over and nearly knocked Zen over with a hug. 

Jumin and MC stepped away, giving them space and moving on to the refreshments and the festivities. She’d never seen the RFA so happy and relaxed, and it made her all the more eager to have her own wedding and give them another night to be carefree and all together. 

After a few hours and a couple of drinks, it was warm in the banquet hall, and Jumin offered to take MC outside for some air. Happily agreeing, she followed him, his hand firmly around hers as they maneuvered through the building and out into a beautifully lit courtyard.

“How are you feeling?” Jumin wondered, leading her over to a bench and letting her sit down before he followed suit. She smiled, shaking her head.

“Not good?” he prompted, leaning closer and assessing her expression. She snickered, shaking her head again and placing a hand on his shoulder. 

“I’m over the moon,” she gushed, sighing happily as Jumin’s face softened and he smiled.

“Hearing that makes me feel the same,” he murmured gently. She felt her heart flutter, pausing briefly before leaning over to press a lingering kiss to his lips. When she pulled back, she saw his expression was now one of curiosity. 

“What was that for?” he wondered, his voice barely floating over the music that was loud enough to be heard from where they were. 

“Nothing,” she smiled. “I just love you,” she whispered, still close enough for him to be able to hear her. He searched her eyes, his lips brushing hers as he replied. 

“I love you too,” he whispered back. Her hand squeezed his shoulder slightly, her veins filling with unwavering love for him.

“No matter how long it takes for us to get married, I will be just as happy,” she spoke softly, scooting towards him and hugging him. His hands slipped around her, resting on her back. 

“Really?” he asked, the question resonating throughout his chest and against hers. 

“As long as I have you, yes,” she said, closing her eyes as she felt herself melting into his arms. “It doesn’t matter under what title.” He hummed in response, running his hands up and down her back slowly. 

“Friend,” he said, making her laugh and pull away from him. He was smiling teasingly, not usually the one to make a joke in a tender moment. 

“You know what I mean,” she joked back, shaking her head and deciding to keep it going. “We could get married right before we both die! On our deathbeds and everything,” she said, snickering as his nose wrinkled slightly. 

“How macabre,” he grunted, making her laugh loudly and lean in to hug him again. She chuckled once more in his arms before sighing out and relishing in the moment of silence and bliss. 

“I understand what you mean,” he said after a few wordless moments. “I agree. That is to say, I feel the same way,” he continued, making her pull away and look at him now that he was being serious. A thousand thoughts flooded through her mind – the vows they would exchange, the ring she’d be blessed to wear, the dress she’d toil over, and just all of the lovely moments that she would remember forever. 

Snapping herself out of it, she smiled and looked down at her hands. She could spend the rest of the night out there with him, but that night wasn’t about her. 

“Let’s go back,” she breathed out, not expecting it would be that hard for her to say. “I’m sure one of them is getting into trouble.” Jumin watched her, nodding after a moment and placing his hands on his legs to stand up. She followed suit, smoothing out her skirt and taking a step forward before she saw Jumin falter at her side. 

Turning to look, she felt time slow down as she watched him get down on one knee. Her heart felt like it was about to drop into her stomach, a lump forming in her throat. 

“Jumin, I swear on my–”

“Just a moment while I tie my shoe, my love,” he replied, her heart pounding in her ears almost making her ask what he’d said. Looking down, she saw that his shoe was indeed untied, her breathing slowing gradually. 

“You untied it with your precious feet that are probably aching in those heels,” he smiled, a look in his eyes that seemed mischievous. She wanted to ask if he’d done it on purpose, but thinking of the moment when he would actually propose would send her into a frenzy again. 

“I’m okay,” she said unconvincingly, waiting in silence as he tied his shoe and stood up once more. 

“Would you like to hold my arm as we walk, darling?” he offered, her lips parted in speechlessness. She could only nod, laughing a little and taking his arm to steady herself for many reasons as they started back towards the reception. 

Little did MC know, her engagement ring was burning a hole in the pocket of Jumin’s suit jacket. And neither of them knew how much the other daydreamed of being tied to each other forever.

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thank you all for reading! this one isn't my favorite, but I didn't wanna be behind a day again lol

please consider leaving a few tags of what you thought if you reblog! it means so much to me <3

see y'all tomorrow!

mel x

[yoosungisbabie]

no one above you - day one

@juminweek2019

jumin x mc

rating: T

prompt: Serbian bellflower - everlasting love, gratitude, constancy

warnings: mentions of housefire, slight angst♡

word count: 3.6k

ao3 link

MC trusts Jumin with her life. Right?

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MC pulled the key out of the lock finally, sighing and making a mental note to talk to her landlord about it. She’d been struggling to unlock it for a little over a week at that point.

Stepping out of her shoes, she pulled her hair from its updo and set her bag down. Another interview down, and she was really hoping that they would hire her.

Once she had changed into something more comfortable, she switched on her laptop to check her emails for the RFA party coming up. Her heart fell as she saw the subject line of her most recent email.

After much convincing, she’d convinced the owner of an up-and-coming ramen chain, Mr. Seo, to attend the party. She’d been so proud of herself, and the whole RFA had praised her when she’d bragged about it in the chatroom.

“There’s nothing more to say, see for yourself…what?” she read aloud to herself, clicking on the attachment from the owner. Inside was an email sent to Mr. Seo earlier that morning, and as she began to read, her mouth fell open in shock.

“My fiancé is too shy to admit it, but your attendance at our fundraiser would be disgraceful. Please consider this a revocation of your invitation.” Her eyes widened as she looked to see who the email was from, finding Jumin Han signed at the bottom.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion and disbelief, but there was no denying that the email address was the one he used for business purposes. Could someone have hacked his account?

She put her head in her hands, sighing out in exasperation. Why did this keep happening?

Over the last six months, MC felt as if she couldn’t escape the bad luck that was finding her. It began with little things. Her apartment window shattering at 3 in the morning, losing her favorite bracelet, or finding a nail in her tire two weeks in a row.

It soon turned into bigger things that ruined not only her day but her week or even her month. She was fired from her job of three years because someone made up a story that she had threatened them with violence. Multiple party guests all decided to pull out at the same time. The worst was when someone forged a note from Jumin to her landlord saying that he was a crook and shouldn’t manage an apartment complex. Jaehee was still having that investigated.

She had been through three cars in the last six months, having had her catalytic converter stolen, her fuel line slashed, and discovering her brakes had rusted through. If she hadn’t had Jumin to help her make ends meet when she couldn’t, she wouldn’t have known what to do.

Thinking about all these things, she closed her laptop, not even going to bother trying to convince the party guest that there had been a misunderstanding. Just like with the note to her landlord, she didn’t believe for one second that Jumin would do such a thing. But her stomach was tied in a strange knot, one she couldn’t seem to untangle even with reason. She tried to convince herself that he must have been hacked, but she still reached for her phone and dialed his number.

She heard the phone ring not even once fully before it went to voicemail, and she pulled her phone back to stare at it in disbelief. As her unease grew, she checked to see if she’d gotten any texts from him before calling Jaehee next.

MC was holding her breath, happily releasing it after Jaehee answered almost immediately.

“Thank go-”

“I’m sorry, MC, can I call you back? Mr. Han and I are about to meet with the Chairman,” Jaehee spoke quickly, and MC’s smile fell.

“Oh, yes,” she replied, about to add that it was urgent before Jaehee abruptly hung up. Despite the momentary relief, the call brought her no peace of mind. She began a text to Jumin, but after a pause, she stood from her couch and grabbed her purse.

It was a brisk 15-minute walk to Jumin’s apartment, and she couldn’t keep her mind from running. She tried to scan the previous night for anything she’d done wrong while she’d been visiting him. When she found nothing, she thought back further, coming up short again. If Jumin was upset with her, she wouldn’t have known without the email from the guest. But was he upset with her? Was she overthinking it? Her mind was in a dizzying mess by the time she walked into the lobby of his apartment.

The attendant in the elevator gave her a strange look but still managed to smile at her. She was hoping her nerves would calm if she could get up there to his penthouse and just wait for him there. Elizabeth the 3rd would help her settle down too. She considered going straight to his office, but if he was meeting with his father, it was for something important that she didn’t want to interrupt.

Stepping off the elevator at the top floor, she nearly breezed past the guards as she always did.

“Ms. MC,” the taller one called. She turned to look at him – Juwon, if she remembered right – expecting the usual smile and finding a tight-lipped expression instead. Her stomach turned, wishing she’d thought of the possibility of being stopped there.

“Yes?” she wondered, turning to face the two of them.

“I’m afraid I can’t let you through at the moment,” Juwon replied, narrowing his eyes at her.

What?

“I understand,” she said after a moment, swallowing thickly and trying to think on her toes. “I just, I–” She choked on her words, pretending to clear her throat.

“I forgot my medication here last night again, and it’s really important I take it on time,” she said gently, lying through her teeth but finding it felt necessary in that moment. The guards’ expressions flickered, and they glanced at each other in hesitation.

“You can follow me inside if you’d like. I swear I’ll be less than a minute,” she offered, smiling at the both of them. “Just close the door if you see the cat,” she teased, finally bringing a smile to Juwon’s lips.

“Alright, but less than a minute is what we’ll stick with,” he said, nodding at the other guard to remain put as he moved towards her. She smiled, relieved.

“Thank you,” she breathed, knowing that he couldn’t get into the penthouse without a special code from Jumin or his father that changed every 10 minutes. She would be safe there for the time being.

They approached the door, and she pressed her thumb to the touchpad, feeling the relief wash out of her when the panel flashed red. She tried her thumbprint again, taking a shallow breath to try and calm herself. Her access had worked just last night! What had–

“Hey,” she heard behind her, turning to see the head of security, Mr. Jung, stepping off the elevator. Following him were four more guards, ones she’d never met before. She whipped around and tried to get in one more time, gritting her teeth when NOT AUTHORIZED popped up for the third time.

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Mr. Jung said as he walked up to her, and she raised an eyebrow at him. His expression was stern, not the warm, friendly one she was used to.

“Why? What’s going on?” she wondered, feeling as if she was running out of options.

“Direct orders from Mr. Han,” he replied coldly, making her heart drop against her lungs and knock the wind out of her. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, her vision spinning for a second before she felt a hand on her wrist. She twisted out of it, glaring up at him and holding back tears.

“I know the way out,” she sneered, pushing past them and stalking over to the stairwell that led back down. She trudged down a few flights in silence before she sat down, letting a few tears fall before pulling out her phone. No notifications from Jaehee, and none from Jumin either. Ignoring the way her hands had begun to shake, she navigated to that floor’s elevator and took it down, determined to get to the bottom of whatever was going on.

Just before MC could lift her arm to hail a cab outside, her phone rang in her hand. She lifted it to her face in a panic, praying it was Jumin but frowning when it was just her landlord. She thought about declining the call, but she decided to pick up, having let the only cab in sight fly past her.

“Hello?” she answered, being met with the wail of sirens and a slew of curses.

“Get yo– Here now! Your apartment– fire!” she heard, shaking her head in disbelief.

“What?” she yelled, her eyes wide as she stared at the ground and waited for a reply.

“Get here now!” she heard, pulling the phone away from her ear. Swallowing her growing anxiety, she waved down the next cab and headed for home, hoping that today wouldn’t get any worse.

When she arrived and saw the firetruck, she felt the tears threatening to fall again, running through the lobby towards the stairs. She could smell the smoke already. Her landlord was standing in front of the elevator, and a whole new fire was set ablaze in his eyes when he caught sight of her.

“This better be a joke,” he growled, pointing a finger at her.

“What is going on?” she demanded, glancing at the people in the lobby who were coughing.

“I’d love to know! You can tell me exactly why your apartment went up in flames,” he replied icily, folding his arms over his chest and glaring at her. She felt dizzy, shaking her head.

“You’re kidding,” she said weakly, thinking of all of the damage she’d have to deal with.

“I wish I was!” he exclaimed, cursing at her before a firefighter walked up breathlessly.

“It was the stove,” he explained, looking between the both of them and making alarm bells ring in her head. The landlord shot her a deadly glare before stepping aside to speak more with the man. She took wavering steps towards the couch in the lobby, seeing her neighbor Jiuen and rushing over quickly.

“Jiuen,” she sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder. Jiuen turned and looked at her with wide eyes before hugging her from where she sat on the couch.

“MC! Thank God you’re okay,” she whimpered, shaking her head against MC’s stomach. “They didn’t know if you were in there or not when the fire started.” MC patted her head, not feeling like providing much comfort at the moment.

“Are you okay?” she wondered quietly, feeling her neighbor nod and hearing her sniffle in reply.

“I saw people at your door a little while before it all started and figured someone had come to get you, but the firefighters were scaring me because they didn’t know if they’d find a body in there–”

“What?” she interrupted, watching Jieun lift her head and pull away from the hug.

“Yeah, a ton of guys in suits,” she shrugged, wiping her eyes. “Did Jumin call and say he stopped by? I didn’t have time to go out there and say hi,” she wondered. MC balled her hands in fists, pressing her nails deep into her palms to keep her tears in.

“Thanks for worrying, Jieun,” she whispered, turning around and walking back out of the apartment building.

—

MC rolled over achily, reaching over to turn off her alarm and sigh. After getting a hotel room last night, she had crashed, exhausted and numb from all that had happened. She squinted at the light coming in through the blinds, picking up her phone and glancing at all her notifications.

Jumin had called her multiple times, Jaehee had as well, and the text notification bubble didn’t even have a number on it anymore.

She began to scroll through Jaehee’s first, sighing at all the questions and worry as she read backward to the previous night.

“The Chairman never showed up. I apologize for the wait.” She sighed, pulling up Jumin’s text and feeling her heart begin to ache at the worry. She was fuming mad, but seeing him so helpless wasn’t comforting.

A similar text to Jaehee’s caught her eye, making her tired brain finally start to wake up.

“My father missed our meeting. He’s never done that before.”

MC stared at the text, pressing her lips together.

Jumin’s father had never approved of their relationship. From the moment Jumin proposed at the party, he’d never once given her a smile that was real. She could see the hatred behind it, no matter how much he thought he was hiding it.

She pushed the thought away, reminding herself that Jumin was who she was upset with. Right?

The harder she thought about it, the more doubtful she became. Jumin had never done anything malicious to her, and she found it hard to believe that he could.

Sitting up from when she lay, she took a deep breath and steeled herself. She was going to put an end to whatever was going on.

Having been so out of it last night, she hadn’t realized she’d gotten a hotel close to Jumin’s apartment. The morning air was nice and refreshing on her skin as she stepped outside and began walking, her thoughts swirling in confusion and anger.

When she reached the lobby of his building, she noticed the security guards at the entrance. She walked back around the corner, chewing on her bottom lip as she took a deep breath and put her faith in her fiancé.

She waited through half a ring before Jumin answered her call, a deep exhale leaving him.

“My love,” he breathed in relief. She held back a larger smile, feeling the way her muscles relaxed at the sound of his voice.

“I’m here, Jumin,” she replied, looking around the corner at the door.

“My door is always open,” he said after a pause, sounding slightly confused. She leaned against the wall, shaking her head.

“Not for me,” she said quietly, waiting for him to respond but hearing silence.

“Where?” was all he asked, and she glanced upwards towards the top floor, knowing what he was asking.

“The lobby,” she answered, hearing rustling before the line went dead. She pressed her lips together, watching the guards as her heartbeat began to accelerate.

After a long minute and a half, she saw the guards turn to look further into the lobby, their shoulders tensing. She took that as her sign, and she started towards the entrance, nearly tripping over her own feet.

She could hear Jumin’s voice and many footsteps on the fancy tile as the doors slid open, their eyes meeting as she spotted him paces from the elevator.

“Mr. Han,” the head of security warned, following after him as Jumin strode towards her.

“MC,” Jumin called. She almost was able to smile in reply before two guards stepped in front of her, and she was walking so fast that she barrelled into one of them, stumbling to steady herself.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Jumin boomed, and she peeked over the shoulders of the guards to see who it was directed at. Mr. Jung came up to Jumin’s side, his eyes meeting her fiancé’s gaze apprehensively.

“Ms. MC has been trespassed from this property,” he told Jumin just loudly enough for her to hear. She wanted to panic, but the way Jumin’s expression shifted didn’t leave her with much to worry about.

“On whose authority?” Jumin asked lowly, and she lost sight of him as the guards in front of her pushed her forward a little.

“Orders from Mr. Han,” Mr. Jung replied, and she furrowed her eyebrows. Mr. Han. Jumin’s father. Of course.

She held her hands up in silent surrender, taking two steps back from the guards to be able to see Jumin, almost wishing she hadn’t. She’d never seen him so angry, but he didn’t look like he was about to explode; his eyes were on fire. She didn’t know gray could burn like that.

“That’s my fiancé,” Jumin murmured, and Mr. Jung’s mouth twitched as if he had something he wanted to say. Jumin raised an eyebrow expectantly, his jaw set and clenched.

“I won’t ask you twice to let her through,” he hissed, and Mr. Jung paused, looking towards MC.

“Mr. Han–”

“MC, come here please,” Jumin called, his voice shifting into a gentle melodic tone. She glanced at the guards in front of her, watching them make a space big enough for her to squeeze through the two of them. She walked over to Jumin, holding his left hand with both of hers and looking up at him. His expression was cold again, his eyes set on the guard in front of him.

“You’re all dismissed. You won’t enjoy yourselves if I see you again,” he spoke calmly, and the head of security took a quick breath in.

“Your father–”

“Now.” Jumin said, cutting him off. Mr. Jung glared at the both of them, growling to himself and turning away as the rest of the guards hesitantly followed after him. She pressed her forehead into Jumin’s shoulder, her deep breaths slowing as she felt Jumin squeeze her hand and raise his right to her head.

“Are you okay?” he wondered, lifting her chin to let his eyes roll over her completely.

“I’m fine,” she whispered, a lump forming in her throat. Jumin’s eyebrows pulled together in worry, and he pressed a short kiss to her forehead before starting towards the elevator.

“Let’s get inside,” he said reassuringly, holding her hand the whole ride up.

When she showed him how her fingerprint was no longer authorized at the door, she watched his eyes grow fiery again.

“I see,” was all he said, glancing at the camera pointed at his door and leading her inside.

Jumin sat her down on the couch and poured her a cup of tea, kissing her cheek and waiting until she relaxed before he started with questions.

Once MC started, it was a while until she stopped, watching Jumin grow more and more tense as her story continued. Now that she knew his father had something to do with what had happened yesterday, she wondered how much more the Chairman could be guilty of.

When she finally finished, she wiped a few stray tears from her face and looked up at him warily.

“I’m sorry I thought you were behind it all,” she said weakly, watching Jumin’s expression soften as his hand moved to cup her cheek.

“This was all a deliberate ploy to create resentment between us,” he replied, stroking the skin beneath her eye with his thumb. “Of course you came to that conclusion.” She shook her head, sighing.

“That doesn’t make it okay. I should have trusted you wholeheartedly,” she replied, pouting. He smiled, blowing an amused breath from his nose.

“What matters is you’re here now,” he whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. She knew he was right, but still felt guilty.

“What now?” she wondered, watching his face harden as he exhaled slowly.

“I’m going to speak to him.” Jumin removed his hands from her, standing and starting towards the door.

“Jumin,” she called, following after him and taking his hand to stop him. “I don’t want to come between you and your father.” Jumin stopped, his firmly-set shoulders drooping slightly. He turned to glance at her, his eyes evaluating her face as he considered what she’d said.

“MC,” he murmured softly, turning around to face her and place his hands on her upper arms. “My father has let me down countless times. I acknowledge that he is my family, but if he continues to disrespect you, I cannot tolerate that,” he continued, his eyebrows drawing downwards as he spoke. She searched his eyes as she listened.

“You are who I am choosing to love. You have never let me down. I love you, and I have no doubt that you love me,” he spoke softly, beginning to smile down at her. She couldn’t help but return the smile, feeling her anxious heart begin to warm.

“And that is why,” he whispered, stepping closer to her and wrapping his arms behind her back. “I must put a stop to this. No matter who it is that tries to come between us, I won’t let them get away with it. I’m sorry it took this long for me to realize,” Jumin sighed, pulling her in for a hug and pressing her tight to his chest. She hugged him back, having felt his love for her in both his words and the way he was holding her. She held back more tears, relieved that nothing had gone wrong between them.

Jumin ran a hand across her back soothingly, making her close her eyes and settle into that moment. She pressed a gentle kiss to his shoulder, feeling gratitude for the man who she loved so much flowing through her.

He pulled back, his eyes honeyed and straying far from that fire from before as he gazed down at her. She let out an amused sigh, pushing some hair away from his forehead.

“Weren’t we going somewhere?” she wondered quietly, seeing some of the warmth leave his expression.

“You’d like to come with me?” he wondered, his eyes scanning over her face.

“Yes, Jumin,” she replied. “We’re in this together.” He smiled at that, pulling away from her but staying close as he smoothed out his dress shirt and patted his pocket for his phone.

“Indeed we are, my love,” he agreed, holding out his hand for a mere second before she took it. Whatever was ahead for them, they would face it hand in hand.

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thank you so much for reading! I hope someone enjoyed this :) I haven't written anything since last year, so I'm rusty! also posting this late lol

stay tuned! I can't promise a full catalogue this year, but I'm going to try my best <3

mel x

[yoosungisbabie]

[juminweek2019]

💜The Official Jumin Week Schedule is Here!💜

As per usual Jumin Week is starting with Jumin's Birthday the 5 of October till the 11/10 and remember that you can participate with about anything 🙂(fanfics, fanarts, moodboards, bouquets? playlists, pancakes?) Lol the sky is the limit! (you can also combine them with other events 😉 or even choose your own flowers), as always just make the prompts your own and have fun! 😺💜

(also remember you have time to submit your work until the masterlist is published 😉)

When posting your works during this week, remember to tag your works with:

#juminweek2024 | #jujuw24

#jumin week 2024

#jujuw24d1, jujuw24d2, jujuw24d3, etc. (These are your daily tags to let us know which day prompts you're submitting)

These tags will help with finding your works to reblog (and if you don't see your post rebloged here you can always @us)

Have fun everyone! It's loving Jumin Han days! (again 💜)

For The Han!! 👑💜✨

[juminweek2019]

Jumin Week 2024 News!

Ok, so apparently this is happening! 🫨

After doing the math I think we have enough people willing to participate to make Jumin Week 2024 a reality

About the prompts, I thought we could go with the second most voted theme from last year: that's it The Language of Flowers.

Now, as maybe you know, there's a TON of flowers with meaning because the Victorians were super repressed! So, to make things simpler I thought to use the wedding bouquets from The RFA last year which are exactly 7 flowers. Fortunately someone on Instagram made a post about it, so I'm posting it now so you can start working on the prompts until we have the schedule ready and pretty 🙂:

Also, because I suppose those who voted for flowers already had an idea what they wanted to write/draw/etc, I'm open to suggestions about what flower they want to be included as a prompt, so feel free to send an ask if you want to request a specific flower, but only if you are going to participate as a writer/an artist/etc.. (btw Jumin's bouquet is the Serbian Bellflower, that would be our prompt for his birthday 👀)

Also I'm going to make a poll whether we are having a parallel theme or not, with the tarot cards Major Arcana (but on the weekend, super tired right now OTL)

Let me know what you think? Do you like this theme? Any suggestions? Doubts? Feel free to drop an ask or comments in the tags/reblogs! Remember this may be the last Jumin Week so don't keep to yourself anything!

(if you are new and have any doubt you can also check this blog for past submissions)

For The Han!!! 👑✨💜💜💜

Edit: I forgot to mention Jumin Week starts on the 5/10 with Jumin's Birthday for time reasons.

[juminweek2019]

Interest check Jumin week 2024

I know the fandom is pretty much dead and we have less than a month left but, it's going to bother me if I don't ask anyway 🤷

Would you participate if we hosted Jumin Week this year?

yes, I'll participate every day

no

yes, but just some days

I'll participate some days depending on the prompt

Nop, but I want it to happen (rebloging this so more people participate)

Long life Elizabeth the Third

Voting ended onSep 16, 2024

For time reasons it would start on Jumin's Birthday so think it toughly before voting!

[yoosungisbabie]

you fill the space - day six

@juminweek2019

jumin x mc

rating: T

prompt: physical touch

warnings: spoilers for day 9 of Jumin's route♡

word count: 2,098

ao3 link

“I don’t want to let go.” She pressed her lips together, nodding quickly. “That’s perfectly fine. Can I…suggest something?” she tried, feeling slightly apprehensive when he was quiet for a long moment. “Go ahead,” he finally said, and she smiled, looking past her hands back towards his bedroom. “If we move this to the bed, would—” She paused, feeling her skin heat up from head to toe as she heard him stop breathing.

°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。

She breathed in slowly, opening her eyes a bit and remembering where she was. She stretched, turning to look at the time on Jumin’s alarm clock. It was barely past 3 in the morning, and the rest she’d gotten so far had only left her feeling more drowsy. She pulled the covers off her lower half, stepping onto the cold floor and shivering just a little. Wrapping her arms around herself, she moved out of the room towards the light coming from the living area.

Jumin was sat on the couch, staring past the glass of wine in his hands as he swirled it. His eyebrows were set low on his forehead, his jaw stiff and clenched as he twisted himself in his own tangled thoughts. She sighed worriedly, wishing more than anything that she could make Elizabeth appear right in front of him. But even that wouldn’t alleviate his worries completely.

Jumin looked up suddenly, his face softening slightly as he quickly put his glass down.

“You’re still awake? Is something uncomfortable?” he asked, standing to meet her as she took a few steps in his direction. She shook her head, smiling lightly as she looked him up and down. “It’s not even nearly morning yet. Is the bed uncomfortable?” Shaking her head again, she chuckled tiredly.

“Not at all, Jumin. What are you doing up?” she asked in reply, watching as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“I was observing you sleep for some time. You can’t know how wonderful it is to hear you breathe when you’re sleeping,” he began, making her smile lightly. She couldn’t imagine being in his shoes, losing someone so important to you just as you find someone who becomes just as important. She wouldn’t be able to feel any less troubled about them leaving.

“When the moonlight hits your hair, all that anxiety that’s been torturing me throughout the day magically disappears. And for a while, tranquil and beautiful peace persists. But…once the sun comes up and you start your day, I’ll be anxious again. Anxious thoughts of you leaving…of someone making you leave…” She took a step closer, shaking her head.

“I told you I would stay until you figured everything out,” she said gently, watching him nod but look unconvinced as his gaze wandered to the side. “It’s only the party planning that concerns me.” He clenched his jaw, sighing out quickly.

“I know,” he breathed. She saw how tense he was, wondering how much pain it was causing him to be rigid with worry for so long. Glancing down, she saw his hands tightly gripping his arms, and she reached out instinctively, removing his left hand from his right arm. She held it in her own for a moment, and then she began to gently massage it, trying to work out some of the tension as he stared at her.

“Right now, nothing can hurt you or me,” she reminded him, seeing his eyes focused entirely on her. “You should rest. Your body and mind deserve it,” she continued, turning his hand over and continuing to rub circles into his palm gently.

“I wish I could,” he said lowly, clearing his throat afterward. “That way, my mind would have more strength to…resist,” he finished, and she met his eyes, seeing the dark grey of his irises almost burning as he looked at her. Her stomach twisted, and her mind wouldn’t produce words for a long moment.

“I’m not trying to…tempt you, Jumin,” she replied, her hands pausing against his as she held them in midair.

“You don’t have to try,” he said simply, his own words making his eyebrows twist in guilt. She let go of his hand, not anticipating or intending the situation to head in this direction.

About to explain herself, she took a breath as his hands moved to her waist, and he stepped impossibly closer. He was leaning over her, his eyes taking in the features of her face before his gaze paused on her lips. She was sure her heart would beat out of her chest, but she was at a loss for words, remembering their kiss from yesterday morning and unable to forget how he’d caged her against the wall the previous night.

Just before their lips brushed, Jumin closed his eyes tightly, turning his head and pulling her into his chest instead. Her eyes were wide with surprise, her arms at her side as he wound his arms further around her in a tight hug.

Taking a shallow, shaky breath, she moved to hug him, lifting her arms over his shoulders and linking them behind his head loosely. She thought the reciprocation would have eased him even slightly, but his shoulders were still tensed, his breathing short and quick.

“Jumin, are you alright?” she whispered, closing her eyes to try and focus on helping him.

“I’m trying to control myself,” he replied, his voice strained and guttural. She took another breath, trying to relax her body as an example for him to follow.

“Is this okay?” she wondered, feeling his hands clench into fists against the fabric of her pajamas.

“I don’t want to let go.” She pressed her lips together, nodding quickly.

“That’s perfectly fine. Can I…suggest something?” she tried, feeling slightly apprehensive when he was quiet for a long moment.

“Go ahead,” he finally said, and she smiled, looking past her hands back towards his bedroom.

“If we move this to the bed, would—” She paused, feeling her skin heat up from head to toe as she heard him stop breathing.

“Um, not like that, uh,” she amended, squeezing her eyes shut as she tried to think more carefully.

“I just mean, I think it would be better if you were able to lie down and relax,” she got out, speaking slowly and softly. He resumed breathing, releasing his fists and clenching them once again.

“I trust you, but I don’t know if I can trust myself right now,” he said, just above a whisper. She nodded slightly, getting her breathing back to normal.

“I trust you, Jumin. You said yourself that you don’t want to disrupt the…order of things,” she reminded him, feeling him turn his face into her hair slightly.

“I still feel that way,” he agreed.

“Okay, let’s focus on that,” she suggested, testing how he would respond if she tried to move away. She unlinked her arms, using her feet to push herself back and meet his eyes again. He looked helpless, gazing at her for guidance as she smiled and pulled back further. His hands had unfurled, running along her waist as she stepped only a pace away from him.

“Have you ever cuddled with anyone before?” she asked quietly, seeing him want to fidget as he held and broke her gaze multiple times.

“I’ve never been in a physical relationship of that caliber,” he replied, making her smile at how eloquent he was being as if he wasn’t seconds from falling apart.

“That’s okay, I was just wondering,” she nodded, taking her hands from his shoulders and grabbing his hands that had been lingering on her waist. She held them gently before keeping just one in her own and taking a step to move past him. She led him towards his room, watching her feet so she didn’t stumble as the darkness grew.

“Because of that, I think it would help if you could…explain…what you’ll be doing,” he said hesitantly, his voice getting quieter as he spoke. She nodded, adjusting her approach to the situation as they stepped through his bedroom door.

“I can do that. Thank you for telling me,” she said as they neared the foot of the bed and her eyes adjusted to the low light.

“I’m going to have you lie down on your side, facing the window, okay?” she started, watching him nod to himself and climb onto the bed. He stiffly laid down, his arms slightly out in front of himself as he looked at her warily.

“Perfect, and now I’m–”

“Would you also be able to explain the purpose of this?” he interjected, pressing his lips together. She tilted her head, ignoring the immediate answer that was her selfish desire to be close to him and make him feel alright.

“Well, being physically close to, or cuddling, with others releases hormones that make people feel…good, and it can help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression,” she responded, gesturing nervously with her hands as he watched. Clearing his throat, he shifted on the bed slightly, raising an eyebrow.

“Since I’ve never engaged in it, I suppose I can’t say whether or not that statement is true until I have tried it,” he thought aloud, making her smile and shed some of her hesitations.

“I agree.” She placed a knee on the bed, pulling herself up onto it and making his eyes widen. Faltering, she opened her mouth quickly, laughing tensely.

“I’m sorry, um,” she breathed, shaking her head a little. “Now I’m going to lie down in front of you, facing you, and I’ll be close, okay?” she explained, waiting for him to nod before she continued, moving slowly and predictably as she lowered herself on her side in front of him. He studied her every move, making her heartbeat ring in her ears as she finally settled.

“And now, you can hug me like you were before,” she said, trying to speak at a quiet volume but falling into a whisper. He looked between both of her eyes, looking worried and almost scared.

“Don’t worry,” she smiled, ignoring the way her hands had begun to shake. “This much is okay, Jumin.” He mulled it over for a moment before he lifted an arm over her, resting his hand on the small of her back. She watched his expression quietly, lifting her head when he began to move his other arm so that he could wind it behind her. His hand gripped her shoulder, and she let him pull her close enough that she could no longer meet his eyes, her head dipping below his chin.

She took a deep breath, holding her hands to her chest as she waited for him to get comfortable. His breathing was fast, and she could feel the pulse of his heart through the hand on her shoulder.

“Jumin,” she called softly, but he must not have heard her, still as rigid as ever. “Is it okay if I touch you as well?” she asked, getting his attention as both his hands twitched.

“Yes,” he whispered in her ear, making her stomach flip as she moved a hand forward. She pressed it on his upper chest, her fingertips able to feel his clavicle beneath his shirt and the way his heart was racing. She waited just a moment before slowly moving her hand back and forth, rubbing small, soothing circles into his skin and willing him to relax underneath her.

She closed her eyes, breathing deeply in and out so that he could match it, his heart rate slowing slightly as he listened to her and focused on her touch.

“Can I touch your head?” she whispered, hearing his breath hitch briefly.

“Yes,” he replied again, his affirmation a soft breath against her ear. She blinked, biting her tongue as she used her other hand to reach up and smooth out the hair on the back of his head. His breathing accelerated again, and she hesitated, trying a hand through his hair instead. He grunted in surprise, the noise a groggy, deep sound.

She ran another hand through his hair when he didn’t say anything, unable to help the smile that stretched onto her lips when he pulled her closer. So she continued, wondering in the back of her mind what he used to make his hair so soft.

It was many minutes before his breathing began to even out, his hands slightly loosening around her as he got more comfortable.

“I’m not going anywhere, Jumin. I promise,” she whispered, barely able to hear herself say the words. He hummed lightly, almost in a sigh. She smiled to herself, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.

She lost track of time as she lay there in his arms, her eyes closing naturally as she felt him go limp against her. Wishing him a restful sleep, she stilled herself, pressing a gentle kiss to his arm that was acting as her pillow as she too, drifted off to sleep.

°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。

thank you all so much for reading!!! I hope you enjoyed even one sentence that I was able to share with you, and I can't thank you enough for all the support you've given. I haven't written like this in almost three years, and it feels so good to be back.

stay tuned for more from me! I think I'm going to participate in a few of the MysticTober prompts for this year! thanks again <3

Mel xx

[yoosungisbabie]

i'm having a lot of fun with today's prompt 👀

[yoosungisbabie]

right there - day five

@juminweek2019

jumin x mc

rating: T

prompt: words of affirmation

warnings: mentions of alcohol consumption, Jumin is drunk ♡

word count: 2,764

ao3 link

“Me? Would you like me to talk?” she guessed, blinking quickly as she waited for his answer. “No,” he replied simply, leaning down to press a short kiss to the inside of her wrist. Her whole body felt hot, a non-verbal sputter coming from her lips in shock. “I would like to talk about you."

°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。

“He’s asking for you.”

“Me?” she asked in disbelief, standing from her couch and looking around momentarily in panic. Eventually, she gathered her thoughts and rushed over to the door. 

“I was also surprised,” V laughed. She heard clattering in the background of the call, her eyebrows furrowing on her forehead as she felt her head fill with questions. 

“Is he okay?” was the first thing she asked, shoving her shoes on her feet and grabbing her coat. 

“I think he’d had about two and a half bottles of wine before he called me,” he replied, sighing quietly. She could tell how worried he was, even though they had only spoken in person a handful of times. She was just as concerned, rushing down the hallway and pressing the button to call the elevator repeatedly. 

“Jumin, she’s on her way,” V said, slightly raising his voice. She pressed her phone closer to her ear to listen, unable to make out what Jumin said in reply. 

“Yes, I’ll send someone to pick her up,” V laughed, his voice getting distant as she guessed he’d pulled his phone away to text someone. 

Stepping into the elevator, she chewed on her bottom lip anxiously. Jumin and her had only met a few times; the first time at the first RFA party she’d worked at and the second at an RFA meeting they’d held a month or so ago. Her mind felt hot as it worked into overtime, trying to think of why he would want to see her of all people. His best friend was already there, so why did he need her as well? 

It wasn’t as if she felt put out by the request; she would do anything for her friends. But that begged the question if she still considered Jumin as just a friend. It was hard to deny that she was attracted to him. How could she not be? He was the perfect gentleman, and when he smiled at her, she felt as if the world had stopped spinning altogether. These uninvited feelings are what pulled her off her couch so quickly, and they kept her pacing in the lobby as the driver V had sent made their way to her. 

On the way there, it began to snow harder, and she had started to assume the worst as to why Jumin had decided to down so much wine in one sitting. Her stomach had bottomed out with worry, and she felt another jolt of anxiety as V’s called ID popped up on her phone just as she arrived at Jumin’s apartment building. 

“Hello?” she asked, hearing a rustling followed by a deep hum. She immediately knew that Jumin was on the other end of the phone, her eyes being drawn up towards the top of the building as she entered and was greeted by security.

“MC, it’s me,” he breathed. She could immediately hear the difference in his voice, a small smile stretching on her lips as she stepped into the elevator. She wasn’t enjoying his self-destruction in the slightest, but his deep, husky voice was something she couldn’t complain about.

“Hello, Jumin. Are you alright?” she gently asked, watching the elevator ascend slower than she would have liked. 

“Not in the slightest. I would like to see you,” he said sternly, making her bite down on her tongue before almost laughing. 

“I’m in the elevator, Jumin. I’ll be there in less than two minutes,” she responded, tapping her foot in anticipation. 

“My elevator? The elevator to my penthouse?” he asked, making her smile at just how out of it he seemed even though he was still speaking so politely.

“Yes. I’m almost there,” she smiled, eyeing the security guard beside her as the elevator settled at the top floor. 

“Perfect,” Jumin said before promptly hanging up, making her do a double take at her phone before forgetting about that and stepping through the doors. 

“Mr. Han,” she heard down the hallway, seeing the grand door to his apartment open and Jumin step out. His eyes searched the hall until he saw her, his path clear before V stopped him with a hand on his arm. 

“Why are you restraining me?” he wondered, frowning at his best friend. 

“It would be better for you two to talk inside,” V explained, smiling sheepishly at the security guards as their expressions ranged from clueless to amused. 

“It hardly matters where–”

“Jumin,” she called, approaching them and seeing Jumin’s face soften. 

“There you are,” he sighed, immediately reaching for her. She offered a hand, watching as he took it with both of his and seemed to lose some of the tension in his shoulders. 

“I’m here. Should we go inside?” she asked, ignoring how her heart was barely stuttering by and focusing on escaping the eyes of the crowd of security guards. 

“Yes. Yes, that’s a wonderful idea. The best idea I’ve ever heard,” he nodded, blinking slowly at her as he shot V a look and moved to walk past him, one of his hands still tightly wrapped around hers. She gave V a weak smile, hearing him say a few things to the guards as he closed the door behind them. 

“Thank you for coming,” Jumin spoke, bringing her attention back to him as they moved further into his extravagant penthouse. She looked around, stumbling a little when they moved onto the plush carpet encompassing the living area. 

“I don’t mind,” she started, watching Jumin gesture for her to sit. She obliged, his hand still holding hers as he unsteadily lowered himself beside her. His legs were pointed towards her, a tired smile settling on his lips. She rubbed his hand a little to soothe both him and herself, drawing his eyes to where their hands had landed on the couch.

“Can I get you anything, MC?” V asked from behind her, startling her slightly and making Jumin tense. 

“Uh, tea? Tea would be nice. I think Jumin needs a minute,” she said, turning to talk to him and giving him a knowing look. V nodded, hooking a thumb towards the kitchen to let her know where he would be. 

Turning back to Jumin, who had started running the pad of his thumb along the backs of her fingers, she cleared her throat. 

“Jumin, is everything alright?” she wondered softly, watching his movements pause. 

“If you’re asking about why I have consumed so much alcohol, I would rather not talk about it,” he muttered, making her heart fall at just how disappointed he sounded. Pressing her lips together, she reconsidered her approach. 

“Is there anything you would like to talk about?” she continued, feeling goosebumps run up her arms as he turned her hand over, pulling it onto his thigh and beginning to trace the lines on her palm.

“You,” he whispered, her eyes shooting to his in surprise. 

“Me? Would you like me to talk?” she guessed, blinking quickly as she waited for his answer. 

“No,” he replied simply, leaning down to press a short kiss to the inside of her wrist. Her whole body felt hot, a non-verbal sputter coming from her lips in shock. 

“I would like to talk about you,” he clarified, her whole body rigid as he pulled back and met her eyes. 

“About me?” she repeated, her words choppy and hoarse. What was going on? Where had this come from?

“Indeed. Everything about you is so inviting,” he started, spreading her hand open so that he could press his hand against hers. He evaluated the size difference, humming thoughtfully as he released her hand. When she didn’t move it, still frozen, he placed it back in her lap, smiling warmly. 

“Unfortunately, I don’t think there is any chance I won’t become completely enamored with you. I might already be at that stage,” he continued, making her eyes widen at the gravity of his words. 

“Did I say unfortunately? If I’m honest, I feel that it’s anything but unfortunate,” he mused, looking down at his lap. She was torn between feeling over the moon and feeling guilty. She didn’t know if he truly wanted her to hear this. Should she plug her ears? Ask him to stop? 

“You do?” was all that came out, her lips pressing together again as she stared at him. He nodded once, meeting her eyes briefly before looking away again and sighing.

“A part of me wishes I didn’t feel this way, but I cannot help the fact that I do,” he began again, making her tilt her head as she quietly waited for him to continue. “Every past experience has warned me against this, but everything about you makes me want to say yes.” She swallowed thickly, watching him fiddle with his cufflinks as his mind worked on gathering his thoughts. 

“And you’ve given us no reason to distrust you,” he continued, finally meeting her eyes and catching her off guard with the adoration she found there. He sighed, his eyebrows drawing together as he looked her over. 

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, and she swore that was the nail in her coffin. She was in just as deep as he seemed to be, pressing a hand over her mouth as she felt her ears begin to burn at the tips. 

“I vowed not to be swayed by looks like my father,” he murmured, a deep-set frown moving over his lips before he closed his eyes and shook his head. “But I don’t believe that was what drew me to you, even though it is a true statement. You are very pleasing to look at, which makes me appreciate you all the more.” She stared at him, seeing the drunkenness manifesting in his cheeks as a slight blush, his eyes sparkling and his jaw more slack than usual.

“Jumin,” she breathed, restraining herself from giving in and listening to anything he had to say. “I don’t know if you should be telling me this,” she said, watching his eyebrows twitch downwards. 

“I have wanted to tell you this for many months now,” he said, his response catching her off guard. 

“Really?” she said before she could stop herself, watching him break into a smile again. He held out his hand, and she hesitantly reached out, watching as he held it carefully in his own. 

“During our most recent RFA meeting, you told us about your thoughts for the next party,” he reminded her, and she nodded, happy to think about anything but the way he was looking at her. 

“Right, I, uh,” she started, clearing her throat. “I told everyone that I wanted to change a few things for our next party and see how it went.” Jumin nodded enthusiastically. 

“It was right then,” he smiled, and she stared at him. “It was at that moment that I knew I felt more for you than I had ever felt for anyone before,” he explained, making her press her lips together to stop her heart from landing in his hands. She blinked at him in shock, trying to find words but coming up short. He held her gaze for a moment, his grip on her hand tightening by a fraction.

“I am resigned to the fact that you do not feel the same, and that is not something that needs to be changed,” he went on, making her heart stick in her throat as it slightly broke. His expression was one she would never want to be responsible for putting on his face.

“It will be painful, but—”

“No, Jumin. No,” she said quickly and maybe a little too forcefully. He blinked at her, searching her eyes before continuing. 

“It’s alright, I assure you,” he reiterated, making her grip his hand tightly. 

“No, Jumin! I…well, I feel the same way. About you, I mean,” she got out, hoping she didn’t look as scared as she felt. She never thought in a million years that these words would be coming out of her mouth, especially not to him. 

Jumin’s face melted into a dark expression, one she wasn’t familiar with. 

“What?” he choked out, unwavering in the way he was keeping her gaze. She panicked, ready to take back what she’d said but stupidly running headfirst in the opposite direction.

“I really, really like you, Jumin,” she barely managed to say, feeling both of them grip each other’s hand tighter, perhaps subconsciously. He continued staring at her, and even though his expression could make someone cry, she decided to keep going, hoping it would help him feel better if she explained a little. 

“You are wonderful, Jumin,” she began, seeing the tension in his shoulders remain stiff. “Even though others have a hard time seeing it, you’re incredibly kind. You’re thoughtful and considerate, I just think that you don’t have a chance to show people very often. You’re so smart and also very funny when you want to be,” she said, unable to help the smile growing on her lips. She hadn’t noticed how his expression had dissolved, his shoulders dropping as she looked past him in deep thought. 

“You’re just such a lovely person, and I wish people were able to see that–Jumin?” She stopped, looking down as he reached forward with both hands and gently gripped her upper arms. Finally meeting his eyes, she found that he was affected by what she’d said, his eyes sparkling and his smile wide. 

“Can I hug you?” he asked, making her stomach leap in her abdomen. 

“I-yes? Of course,” she said through a nervous laugh, leaning forward as he pulled her closer. She wrapped her arms around his middle, feeling his hands slip across her back as she rested her chin on his shoulder. Jumin seemed to deflate against her, taking a broken breath before releasing it slowly and moving closer to her. 

She closed her eyes, settling into his warmth and wishing they could stay like this for a little while. 

“I hope you know how much your words mean to me.” She blinked her eyes open, glancing at the collar of his shirt as he began tracing small circles into her back. “For someone to see even a glimpse of the real me and not run…” He trailed off, his hands stopping as she sighed sadly. 

“Every part of you is beautiful, Jumin,” she whispered in reply, feeling him laugh through his nose more than she heard it. 

“I apologize. I understand that I am drunk and not myself at the moment, but I just thought about kissing you,” he said suddenly, making her eyes widen as her hands tensed into fists against his back. “But that can wait until I am of right mind and you give me your permission.” Knowing he was right, she chided herself for the disappointment that rang through her. 

“Wait,” he muttered, placing his hands on her waist and pushing back from her. He remained close, glancing down at his lap in thought as she felt her heart running marathons in her chest. 

“Am I too inebriated that I won’t recall this in the morning? I think that would be the worst possible outcome,” he said softly, his eyes widening in worry. She blinked at him and then smiled brightly, placing a hand on his cheek and feeling the warmth underneath his skin. He blinked rapidly, looking up at her in muted surprise. 

“If you forget, I’ll remind you,” she smiled, seeing him place his hand over hers. He pursed his lips in thought, his eyes not leaving hers. 

“I might not believe you,” he pointed out, making her snicker a little and consider it.

“If it takes a million retellings, I’ll make sure you believe me,” she rephrased, slowly taking her hand away as he began to unintentionally lean toward her. 

“It’s a deal,” he smiled, laughing hoarsely and placing a hand on her knee. She held back a bigger smile, seeing him look down at where he’d set his hand with tired eyes. 

“How about we get you some water?” she offered after taking a moment to admire him. She would have never thought that a late-night call would end like this, but she was hardly complaining. 

“Yes, my love,” he replied quickly, making her gape at him and watch as he stood, waiting for her to join him. She shook her head in disbelief, standing to meet him and taking the hand he was offering her as she desperately tried not to show how much those two words had completely ruined her.

°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。

thank you all so much for reading! every single reblog and comment makes my day!! i hope you know that <3

tomorrow is the last day, so stay tuned for that! thanks again!

Mel x

[xelasrecords]

Tea! Would You Like Some?

Han Jumin x Reader

Jumin Week 2023 - Day 3: Quality Time @juminweek2019

High-quality time shared between two people highly stupid about their feelings. And for each other.

My x reader comeback after so long! Had a meet cute recently so y'all get a lighthearted crushing stage fic for once :)

Masterlist Read on AO3

How soon you could come had no correlation to Jumin's expectation of seeing you materialise in his living room. At least, that was what he told himself. His traitorous fingers told a different thing. They had typed out a message asking where you were, if there was any problem with your ride, if you had input the correct address in your map, and if he needed to send out a search party if you didn't reply in the next five minutes, but that, he felt, would be too drastic.

Jumin erased the last part and sent the text. He sighed, fingers drumming on the arm of his white sofa. Contrary to Zen's belief, he was not one to blow things out of proportion. He always did just enough and everything else was simply a precaution.

Perhaps a five-minute grace was not precaution enough. Four minutes. He could wait for four.

The second his doorbell rang, Jumin leapt to his feet. He never considered the distance from the living room to the entrance too far, but now he doubted the interior design of his penthouse. Large spaces allowed him to breathe—until you took it away just by not reneging on your promise to visit. You were someone he had only met a handful of times, always with the other members and never at his own place.

Today was special. Today he decided to ignore his fear of being left behind by his loved ones and let you in.

You could be someone he loved. You could be the one who stayed.

Jumin composed himself and opened the door, and there you were, standing with your hands deep in your pockets, waiting for him.

Nothing could have prepared him for the sight of you. Despite being mussed by the wind, your hair fell beautifully around your face like a divine frame that accentuated your features. Your eyes were bright, your smile was wide, and you were wrapped in a coat that must be your favourite. He never saw you without it. He wished he knew more about your fashion sense so he could gift you clothes that you would like. He also wished he was close enough to see himself in your eyes' reflection, but that time would come later. Everything had its order, and patience was a virtue that had been drilled into him since childhood.

"I have been waiting for you," said Jumin, not bothering to hide the relief in his voice. "Did anything happen on your way here? You didn't reply to my text."

"I was rushing." Your smile turned apologetic. "Didn't check my phone, sorry."

Jumin stepped aside to let you in. The fact that your hand could have grazed his had you walked nearer to him did not escape his attention. "No matter. It's all right now that you're here."

Leading you to the white plush sofa where he had waited with perfect calmness, he felt tense and oddly exposed, like he was anticipating a foreboding that might come to pass. He did not feel like Han Jumin. This was an iteration of him that he had not been acquainted with.

"Did I make you wait too long?" you asked.

"No," Jumin said. "You didn't have to hurry. You were not yet late." He hoped the sofa would be good enough for you. He had asked his housekeeper to clean off every speck of dust he could detect, twice over.

You sat down and stared at him with a look that he couldn't discern. "I wanted to be early."

Jumin took a seat beside you, careful to maintain a respectful distance despite his heart's protest. "You possess an excellent sense of time management. We will get along well." Compliments flowed out of him easily when it came to you. If you let him, he would graciously point out your strengths one by one.

But was that disappointment on your face?—though it disappeared before he could probe further. "Yes, I love time and managing stuff." You sighed. "That's why I'm the assigned party coordinator."

Now that you were at the spot where he had cast secret spells to summon you, Jumin wasn't sure what to say. He was desperate to know if you shared his jitters. You were motionless, spine straight and hands clasped on your lap, studiously watching the black television screen. There was nothing save for the blurred reflection of both of you sitting in a similar position. He had been imagining all sorts of exciting conversations with you, but your presence had flung them out of his head. This had never happened before. An MRI scan was in order after you went home.

It was possible that you were growing bored, though your affable expression had not indicated so. But it might not mean anything, for you always seemed pleasant. You were very, very pleasant to look at. It was also possible that he was the only one with an insatiable curiosity towards you. For all he knew, you could be with a partner and merely accepted his invitation to hang out with him as a newly anointed member of the RFA. And you were a member. This was a friendly meet-up, nothing more.

"Tea," said Jumin suddenly. His voice echoed in the silence.

Startled, your head snapped to him. "What?"

"Everyone in my family learns to brew tea," Jumin explained. "The tea leaves in my pantry are directly imported from China, obtained from the only six three-hundred-year-old Wuyi trees in existence. The legend of this tea can be traced back to the age of emperors and dynasties, and it has become extraordinarily rare over time. It has the best quality in the world."

"How did you get it if it's so rare?" You were trying to hold a smile back, but it was not a mocking sneer. There was a certain fondness in it that made him want to let all his guard down and pull you into his arms.

"Auctions," Jumin simply said. "You ought to try it. It will keep you warm." Only then he noticed that you still had your coat on and was promptly filled with horror. "My apologies. I seem to have lost my manners." He outstretched his arm. "Leave your coat with me. It can't have been comfortable sitting in that."

"Shame." You handed it over. "I was planning to take a nap in this."

"Is that how people normally sleep? Or is it a tradition unique to you?" Jumin folded your coat into a perfect half over his forearm. "I'd appreciate it if you could teach me your ways."

"I was joking, Jumin. Should I teach you how to make one?" you said, in a tone so kind that he was taken aback. People tended to laugh at his face or look away politely when he failed to understand a joke.

"There is no need. I already have a handbook for it." Jumin was unable to keep smugness out of his voice. "It includes a list of one hundred jokes that you can make to both family and work colleagues alike. I have made good use of it when I need to break the ice."

"But does it include learning how to take one?"

"Unfortunately, I have yet to encounter a book for it."

You squeezed his shoulder, and the warmth of your touch penetrated all layers of his clothing that he had carefully planned. Navy blue suit, black tie, complete with a beige waistcoat and white striped shirt. Everything was new. "Don't worry," you said. "It just means the joke isn't funny to you. A good joke will make you laugh naturally."

"I see." Jumin fixed his tie. "I promise to laugh at your next joke."

"I said naturally. Honestly, Jumin. Please don't plan for it. You're going to give me performance anxiety."

"Then I look forward to your performance." He smirked, and you groaned. Something about you brought out the childlike side in him that he didn't know was still alive. "If you would wait here for a moment. I shall brew you a cup of tea. It won't be long."

Without waiting for your response, Jumin stood up, hung your coat on the silver coat rack by the hallway, and headed to the kitchen. Something was wrong with him. A smile kept threatening to break out of his face and there was a palpable beating in his throat when it should stay underneath his ribcage and he felt giddy about something. He was sure that this was abnormal. Was he finally living up to Zen's senseless claim that he was a strange creature? Jumin stowed these additional symptoms away for his next doctor's appointment. Forget MRI, he needed a full-body checkup.

Jumin heard a soft padding behind him as he turned on the kettle. Your footsteps were quiet, almost drowned by the gurgling of the boiling water and it reminded him of the elegance of Elizabeth the Third. He'd introduce you to her when she decided to make an appearance. The thought of the two of you getting along put a smile on his face.

"I thought you would've offered me wine before tea. Are you really Jumin?" you teased, peering from behind him. He was scooping oolong tea leaves into the strainer in a precise measurement when his muscles turned rigid. Your chin was nearly perched on his shoulder. He regretted that you didn't.

But Jumin dearly wished he knew either. He paused and looked over at you. Now he could see himself in your mischievous eyes. Now he saw how happy he was. The opportunity came sooner than he was prepared for. His breath hitched. "Would you like some wine instead?" he asked, keeping his gaze steady. "I have a wide variety you can choose from in the cellar."

"Tea is fine," you said. "I'll take anything you give me, really."

"Beware," Jumin said dryly. "You have not known me long. There could be poison in your drink."

It took a second for his joke to register, but when it did, you started to laugh. Jumin was stunned, then relaxed when he realised you were not under any pretences of politeness. He felt as if he got a high score for a competition he had unknowingly participated. He never used to put high importance on winning. As someone who consistently broke his own records, achievements were just another thing that his office and father would hold a customary celebration for.

But you were different. Your laughter was a prize he wanted to win all the time. He liked seeing you in joy, and liked that he was the source of it. It was a high that he never wanted to come down from.

"Did you copy that joke from your handbook?" you asked.

"I came up with it on the spot," said Jumin proudly, and your grin widened.

Your eyes flitted to the only china cup laid out on the marble countertop. "Aren't you making another for yourself?"

Jumin shook his head. "I'm not in the mood for tea."

You lifted a brow. "I am so surprised."

Jumin's forehead furrowed in genuine confusion. "Why would you be?"

You flailed your arms about. "Is tea not your passion?" you said. "You were fired up when you talked about it. That's all you've talked about. If I didn't know you better, I'd think it's your favourite drink in the world."

"I merely wanted to keep you warm, and a cup of tea was the fastest way to do it." Actually, Jumin thought being embraced by him would be faster, but he doubted you would accept his advanced advances. "You're the one who has been on my mind, not tea."

"Not tea," you repeated.

"It's nothing compared to you," Jumin affirmed.

"Oh." You pressed your palm against your cheek. "That's nice. You're nice." You gave a perfunctory sweep at his polished monochromatic penthouse, sparse but efficiently filled with the essential household items. "Your place is also nice."

But you were looking at everywhere but him, and that didn't feel as nice. "You might be the first person calling me nice besides V," Jumin said, deciding to focus on the positive. "And V is exempted as he is my closest friend. I'm not sure how to feel about this, to be honest. I'll have to think about it later."

"Take your time," you said, finally looking at him. "I'm not going anywhere."

Quietly, Jumin poured hot water into the teacup and stirred sugar into the steaming amber liquid, allowing the clinking of the teaspoon to fill the space he couldn't. For all his desire to have his interest in you reciprocated, he could not picture the reality if you did. He wouldn't know what to do with himself. He wanted to invite you into his mind, yet was frightened by the thought of you being repelled after knowing him.

"Careful, it's hot," Jumin warned as you lifted the teacup to your lips. "Tell me, how do you find it? Is it to your taste?"

You took your time sipping the tea. He suspected you did it to keep him on his toes, and had to admit that it was part of your intrigue. Jumin could never guess your next move. Anything he predicted you would prove him wrong in the most delightful way possible.

You looked up from the rim of the cup. "What if I say it isn't?"

A connoisseur in understanding your jest now, Jumin replied, "I shall melt into a puddle and lie on the floor until you give me an honest review."

"I will mop your puddle and wring it out the window."

He looked at you thoughtfully. "I'd say I'm offended, but I heard that committing murder is an expressway to one's heart."

"Sometimes even literally," you agreed.

Jumin's eyes widened. "The double meaning escaped me. You are a genius."

You set your cup down on its saucer with a delicate clink. "But is murder the only way to your heart?"

Jumin forgot the mechanism of speaking. Due to his years of experience with women whom he never spared a glance for, he could detect the act of flirting when he saw one. And you were flirting. With him. He was eighty-nine per cent sure of it. You deemed him worthy to be flirted with. Jumin almost slid down to his knees.

"No." He managed to get a full sentence out. "No," he tried again, "but you don't even have to try. Whatever you're doing, you are doing it well." Two better sentences. Magnificent.

"That's too bad," you said. Jumin noticed that your hand was still wrapped around your cup, steam unfurling on the top of it. You must still be cold. "I've been waiting to hack through your chest with an axe."

Jumin walked towards the heater controller and turned it on. "Is homicide the only thing in your mind?"

"It's more of an ad break from the thoughts of you."

At that, Jumin turned around. You had been thinking about him. He knew how impossible it was to stop thinking about you, and your admission was making him lightheaded. Did you ever dream of him and then scramble for your phone the first thing in the morning just to hear his voice? Did you ever yearn to talk about him to your friends the way he did, except his only friend was doing his habitual disappearance and the loneliness was more profound now that you were his constant excitement but he had no one to tell it to? Did you have anyone you hold dear to your heart? Were you open to considering him as one someday? It was not yet appropriate to be so upfront with his questions, he knew.

But one question should be fine. "How long have you been thinking of me?" Jumin asked.

You leaned against the counter and crossed your legs. "I talk to you every day. So, every day." He wondered if your composure was a facade, the way his was.

Jumin nodded. "We share the same habit. I can't quite recall what I used to think about before you entered our lives."

"Your darling white cat, the cat projects that generate a steady loss for your company, and some new cat-friendly inventions? Jaehee's nightmares, basically."

Jumin chuckled. "You know me well. I must say I'm surprised." It wasn't so bad to be known. He could get used to the feeling. "Assistant Kang doesn't appreciate the fine things in life. It's a pity that Elizabeth the Third is hiding somewhere right now. If you see her, you'll understand why I do all those things for her."

"You love her," you said kindly. "I understand that enough."

Jumin stared at you. You kept saying the right things and he kept falling, falling, falling.

"You've finished your tea," Jumin noted, but not without regret. He dreaded having to let you go.

You studied the empty cup. "Wow, I think I inhaled it. You were right, it was the best tea I've ever tasted. Thank you."

"I hope you will stay longer. Do you have other arrangements for the evening?" Jumin, who had arranged his whole weekend around your visit, calmly inquired.

"I don't," you said, with just as much calmness.

"My collection doesn't stop at drinks," he said. "I have a brand new record player and an array of classic vinyls. You can peruse them if you'd like. A three-star Michelin chef will be flying in to prepare dinner and you can request anything you want, provided that you do it three hours prior. There's also a gym on the second floor, though exercising is probably not the best activity since you don't bring a change of clothes." He paused. "You don't happen to bring one, do you?"

"Jumin, I—no. But I could wear yours if I so desperately need to shower here."

He thought he saw your eyes suspiciously glittered, but it was gone when you blinked. "I don't have clothes that would fit you perfectly." He frowned. "They're all tailored to my body, you see. I'm afraid you wouldn't find much comfort in them. Now, would you like to sit down? I've made you stand for too long." He guided you to the kitchen island, fingers light around your wrist, and pulled out one of the brass bar stools. "Please excuse my bad manners today. Something must have come over me. I don't tend to be like this."

You settled in your seat only to swivel back to meet his towering figure. Your knees nudged his legs, and Jumin was stunned, unmoving. He thought an attraction was supposed to burn him alive, to light him up from the inside. What he felt now was akin to petrification. It crept up on him from the ground he stood and incapacitated his ability to form coherent thoughts.

"Jumin," you enunciated his name with great care. He had never thought his name was beautiful until it lulled out of your mouth. He wanted to brand it into his memory.

"Yes," he said, because it was the only thing his mouth could form.

"Your house sounds like a treat."

"That's because it is. You can entertain yourself here. Whatever you want, I will do my best to provide it for you."

"Other guys could give me those too. There have been some, you know," you confessed, and Jumin was torn between wanting to know more about your past and quelling down the illogical jealousy it spurred. "Gold-dipped bouquets with diamonds, fancy restaurants where they ordered for me without asking about my preferences, jewellery that I wouldn't pick for myself." Your voice was tinted with slight distaste, but it was gone in the next instance. "Do you think I was swayed by them?"

Now Jumin's gaze turned sharp. This was a test, he realised. Your intention was not to compare him to other men, nor was it to flaunt how desired you were. Jumin knew the latter well without needing you to prove it to him. He felt the torrent of his desire all the time. It threatened to wash him ashore and pull him back into the raging sea, never letting him be at peace until he could be certain you wanted him back. So what would you get out of your question? Whatever your goal was, he knew what he was supposed to do. You favoured honesty, just as he did. That was one of the many things he respected about you.

"I doubt you were," Jumin said. "Your affection isn't the kind that could be bought. I may not know you intimately, but I know you would not budge under insensitive bribery, and your tale reeked of one. What they did was foul and not driven by the best intentions. That's not how you, or anyone, should be treated."

Your expression softened as you reached for his hand. "I know you're not trying to impress me with your wealth. I'm sorry if I made you think so. I meant to show you that I'd be here even without you throwing those things at me. You called me just to meet up and I came right away. If I stay back, it's because I want to spend more time with you." You averted your eyes. "Did you have to make me say all that?"

Emboldened by your hold that you hadn't let go, Jumin tilted your chin and you leaned forward by a fraction. "You enjoy my company," he said, assessing your earnest face. He could hear his racing heartbeat in his ears. "But will you stay?"

"You'd really like an encore to embarrass me," you grumbled. "Didn't you hear what I just said?"

"You phrased it as a hypothesis. I cannot be sure that staying with me is what you want unless you state it clearly," Jumin pressed. Though he was always surrounded by people, no one had ever bothered to stay. Not for long. Not for the person he was.

His fear and desperation must have shown on his face, for you let out a small breath and gently squeezed his arm, before trailing your sight to the empty cup waiting on the counter. "I think you should refill my tea," you said slowly. "I need more if we'll talk into the night, won't I?"

The warmth from your hold spread throughout his body and a smile broke through Jumin's face, his uncertainty receding. Someone as beautiful and brilliant as you, a gem rarer than his tea—for those tea leaves could be reproduced but you were one of a kind—wanted him as much as he wanted you. It was the first real smile he wore in a while. "We can switch to something stronger after dinner," Jumin suggested.

"Wine," you guessed. Oh, how he loved that you could read his mind. "I knew it. You always default to wine. Farewell, tea. His affair with you has been short but memorable."

Jumin was all too eager to agree. "Farewell."

Jumin hoped it would be a long, long time before his relationship with you could end. If it would ever end.

-

The footnotes that I thought would be an occasional extra but they just won't go away:

This fic is inspired by good dates and bad dates and that early crush feeling when you don't quite know the person yet so everything feels exciting and scary.

Don't worry, Jumin's tea rambles didn't deviate from canon. On day 8 he wishes you to learn tea brewing since all his family does it. I thought it'd be fun to highlight his nervousness by making him do something unexpected, especially since he's the type who would randomly do something out of pocket while still maintaining his gravitas.

The tea's legend is based on Da Hong Pao, a very rare, government-protected Chinese tea that you can only get if the president honours you some and from auctions. I didn't think I'd research that deep for accuracy for a mere fic but what am I if not committed.

The header is made to seem like a cheeky ad in the spirit of Jumin's tea endorsement. Contemporary fun with a touch of antiquity is what I was going for to capture the fic's mood and Jumin's preference. The challenge was to make a dynamic animation without looking flat or too complicated but still fit the time, format and size constraints. People still need to be able to immediately read the text, which means no over-the-top entrances and transitions. Truthfully, I die a little bit inside whenever I have to sacrifice aesthetics for function but it is what it is!

Buy me a glass of something that's definitely not coffee because I can't stand it but it is the website's name if my story touches you in some way? No worries if you don't. I'm still grateful you've read all the way through here.

[yoosungisbabie]

all that really matters - day four

@juminweek2019

jumin x mc

rating: T

prompt: acts of service

warnings: slightly suggestive phrases/moments

word count: 2,925

ao3 link

She had forgotten about the reporters outside, flinching as a flurry of clicks and flashes started around her. Instinctively, she turned her face away, pressing her cheek into Jumin’s chest as he walked without hesitation. “Mr. Han!” “Is she injured?” “What dress is she wearing?”

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“And that concludes our event for this evening. Thank you all for coming. Please have a wonderful evening.” The moving of chairs and dishes clattering quickly replaced the announcer’s clear voice.

Jumin placed his napkin on the table, clearing his throat as she ensured she had her phone and purse. As her fiancé straightened his tie and buttoned his jacket closed, she readied herself for the next few hours of business jargon and conversations that she would have to focus on trying to keep up with.

“Mr. Han,” she heard from behind them, seeing Jumin turn his head. As he moved to stand, the conversation around them rose in volume. She stood to join them when Jumin offered both his hand and a light smile towards her.

“My love, this is Mr. Yang, our head of finances at C&R,” he explained, nodding once at her and letting go of her hand so she could shake Mr. Yang’s.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” she grinned, shaking his hand firmly but gently. The older man’s eyebrows rose, looking back and forth between the two of them.

“You’ve heard of me?” he wondered, releasing her hand.

“Of course!” she laughed lightly. “Jumin and his father would be lost without you.” Mr. Yang smiled sheepishly, swatting the air as if to push her comment away.

“Not at all,” he murmured, shaking his head. Jumin chuckled shortly, glancing down at her feet and moving his chair just a little as she stepped out from between them.

“Dearest, if you would like to make your way to the downstairs lounge, I can meet you there,” Jumin softly said as he leaned close to speak in her ear. She smiled, nodding up at him and understanding through his eyes that he didn’t want her to stand and be bored with their conversation.

“Of course,” she whispered back, bowing slightly at Mr. Yang as he did the same. “It was lovely to meet you!” she smiled, hearing him scoff in surprise as she moved away from them. She maneuvered through the banquet hall, glad to stretch her legs after spending the last two hours at their tables. However, there wasn’t much relief, as the shoes she’d bought for that evening were far more uncomfortable than she could have imagined.

She said brief hellos to a few people she vaguely recognized as she passed by, following the small crowd down the stairs to the lounge and bar beneath them. She held onto the railing for dear life, trying to walk as fast as possible even though she was one of the youngest and, therefore, fastest at the event. Her heels were both unstable and very high, and along with the fact that she could feel them digging into her ankles, she was surprised when she made it down the stairs without crying out in pain.

Despite how quickly the bar and surrounding tables were filling, light jazz played overhead, making the atmosphere feel slightly more relaxed than upstairs. She glanced around the room, finding a table near the window and heading towards it.

“Mrs. Han!” someone called out, startling her. She jumped, turning to her left as a man she hadn’t met before approached her with a friendly smile. Smiling back, she bowed to him and chuckled to herself.

“I’m not quite Mrs. Han yet, but I’m glad I can already respond to the name,” she smiled, seeing the man furrow his eyebrows.

“Forgive me! You’re only recently engaged, am I right?” he wondered, reaching out to shake her hand. She met him halfway, surprised at how strong of a grip he had.

“Right,” she nodded. He let go of her right hand, pointing at her left.

“May I?” he asked, and she lifted her hand in confusion. She understood as he gently held her hand, greatly contrasting the shake they’d just shared, and looked down through his glasses at her engagement ring.

“You can tell a lot through the ring,” he mumbled, pulling her hand closer.

“Is that so?” she laughed, watching him examine it closely. He blinked a couple of times before grunting and patting her hand in finality.

“It’ll do,” he nodded, flashing a smile at her. She laughed a little, glancing at it herself and smiling.

“I’ll let him know you approve, Mr…” she started, trailing off once she realized she didn’t know who she was speaking to.

“How rude of me not to introduce myself. I’m the head of PK Holdings, a company very involved with your fiancé’s,” he explained, clasping his hands behind his back. Her eyebrows raised in recognition even though he still hadn’t given his name, remembering that Jumin had called him out as someone who would probably approach one or both at the gala that night.

“Mr. Park! It’s so lovely to finally meet you,” she grinned, watching the older man blink at her in surprise. “Jumin has told me how easy it is to work with you.” The corner of his mouth twitched up into a smile briefly before he let out a bellowing laugh, making her laugh a little in both surprise and amusement.

“That boy,” he chuckled, smoothing his tie and shaking his head with a fond smile. “Ah! I believe he’s waiting for you, so I won’t keep you any longer. I’m looking forward to your wedding,” he said, drawing her eyes to the bar behind them, where Jumin was picking up two drinks.

“Thank you, Mr. Park. I’ll see you again soon,” she smiled, throwing him a small wave as she started over to Jumin. Their eyes met as he turned around, his expression briefly softening before he seemed to notice something.

“Jumin,” she sighed happily, receiving her glass of champagne from him. He leaned down to kiss her cheek, giving her goosebumps.

“How did you fare with Mr. Park?” he wondered, finding her hand at her side and placing it on his arm as they walked towards the windows.

“He examined my ring for a good 30 seconds,” she snickered, gladly hanging on his arm as she tried to steady herself and avoid any pain points with her heels. Jumin hummed thoughtfully, taking her hand and holding it as she sat down at the table they’d chosen so she could steady herself.

“That indeed sounds like him,” he mused, sitting across from her and undoing his jacket button. They both took a sip of their drinks, him of his wine and her of her bubbles.

“He said “It’ll do,” she relayed, watching as Jumin looked the slightest bit offended.

“It’ll do,” he repeated lowly, leaning back in his chair and looking out at the view. “I would be interested to see his opinion change when he sees your wedding band.” She pressed her lips together, her tongue tingling from the champagne, and butterflies began to swirl in her stomach. She couldn’t help the rampant excitement whenever they mentioned the big day.

“He seemed very nice,” she continued, beginning to cross one leg over the other to get comfortable but deciding against it. Putting too much weight on one foot hurt too much at that point, and when she instinctively reached down to rub her ankles, she played it off as fixing the skirt of her dress. They only had a few more hours here, and she didn’t want Jumin to leave the event early for something so trivial.

“Judging our relationship based on the choice of ring is very nice, yes,” Jumin teased, making her roll her eyes and smirk.

“Either way, I’m glad I was prepared for tonight,” she noted, seeing him tilt his head.

“Our preparations helped?” She nodded and took another sip, thinking about all the slideshows that Jaehee and Jumin had prepared to help her begin to memorize all of the most important people who would be there that night.

“If I’m going to be a regular guest at your company’s events, it would be good to know as much as I can,” she replied, seeing Jumin nod thoughtfully.

“Do let me know if it overwhelms you,” he murmured, meeting her eyes again. She smiled, shaking her head.

“I’ll be fine. Besides, how can the future wife of the future chairman be clueless?” she teased, watching a small smirk grace his lips.

“I like that title for you—future wife of the future chairman. Rolls off the tongue,” he said, jesting back at her. She chuckled, rolling her eyes again and looking out at the crowds that began to gather at the larger tables.

“Where to next?” she wondered. “I’m sure you have a list of people you need to speak with tonight.” Jumin slowly turned the wine glass as it sat on the table, not meeting her eyes.

“My list was short, and therefore I have already completed it,” he said, looking up at her. She furrowed her eyebrows, waiting for the punchline. “Besides, this wine tastes horrible. How could I stay any longer?” There it was. She scoffed, standing up and avoiding scrunching her face up in pain. Her calves were becoming sore, and her toes felt like they would be pressed together for the rest of time.

“Come on,” she laughed, holding a hand out for him and grabbing her glass. “I’ll come with you.” Jumin stood to meet her, buttoning his jacket again and keeping her gaze.

“I wasn’t joking, my love. I’ve talked to everyone I needed to already,” he reiterated, pulling her hand to his and intertwining their fingers. She searched his eyes, wondering if maybe he just didn’t want to admit he was tired. He returned her stare, looking lovingly back at her. She couldn’t help but give in, raising her eyebrows in mild surprise.

“In that case, I suppose we could meander our way to the exit,” she shrugged, placing her glass back down and squeezing his hand.

“Perfect,” he smiled, holding her hand at his side and walking a pace in front of her to lead the way.

Multiple people greeted them as they walked past, but no one tried to stop them for a conversation. She could have sworn that there were far more people that Jumin should have talked to, but those thoughts quickly shifted back to focusing on walking as painlessly as possible. After a few moments, she linked her arm with Jumin’s again, using him for support while being as subtle as possible about it.

A moment of relief came in the elevator, and she leaned against his shoulder to look up at him.

“Would you like to pop open a bottle of something you’ll actually enjoy once we’re home?” she wondered, seeing him smile and glance down at her.

“Among other things,” he nodded, making her bite the tip of her tongue and watch the elevator descend through the floors instead.

Once they arrived on the ground floor, she steeled herself for only a few more minutes of the horrible heels she’d chosen. It was like the universe knew that she was almost done, making the walk through the lobby the most painful part of the night thus far.

“Darling,” he called, making her tense and wonder if he had noticed her struggling after all. “There is a professional photographer near the door. Would you like to take a picture? You are absolutely stunning tonight,” he wondered, slowing to a halt as he gauged her reaction. She glanced over, seeing two chairs in front of a camera on a tripod.

“I’d love to,” she smiled, looking down at her dress and smoothing it out. “I would hate to forget my first corporate gala.” Jumin let out a short laugh through his nose, leading her over to the photographer.

“Good evening, Mr. Han,” the young man greeted them, readying his camera quickly. “It would be my pleasure to photograph you two. May I suggest some poses?”

“I would like most of them with my fianceé in the chair. Her dress and posture will make for a gorgeous picture, don’t you think?” Jumin gushed, making her hands tremble slightly as she sat down. The photographer instructed Jumin where to stand and how to place his hands, one of them draped over the back of the chair so that his fingertips brushed her shoulder.

“And now, miss, if you would move your hand over your lap– perfect! Let’s take a few shots with this pose,” he said excitedly, the shutter clicking as he took multiple pictures quickly.

After a few more poses, Jumin deemed that enough and handed the man a small stack of cash.

“Thank you,” she smiled at the photographer, moving to stand before Jumin placed a hand over hers on the arm of the chair. She blinked up at him, resting her weight back down on the cushion as he moved to kneel in front of her.

“What is it?” she wondered, seeing him adjusting the skirt of her dress.

“Uncross your legs for me,” he spoke softly, making heat flush under her skin as his fingers slipped around her ankle. She did as he said, her heart racing as he carefully slipped her heels off. Her anticipation boiled down to confusion as he dusted them off and handed them to her. She took them hesitantly, looking to Jumin for an explanation.

“Would it be alright if I carried you?” he asked, looking up at her from where he kneeled. She blinked at him, opening her mouth for a moment before speaking.

“Sure, Jumin, but–” She stopped as he wrapped a hand around her waist to pull her towards the front of her chair, looping his other arm beneath her knees. He picked her up and pulled her to his chest with ease, making sure her skirt was appropriately draped as she made multiple noises of confusion and surprise. Someone opened the door to the venue for them to exit, but she could barely hear it over the sound of her heart racing at the unexpected situation.

She had forgotten about the reporters outside, flinching as a flurry of clicks and flashes started around her. Instinctively, she turned her face away, pressing her cheek into Jumin’s chest as he walked without hesitation.

“Mr. Han!”

“Is she injured?”

“What dress is she wearing?”

She squeezed her eyes shut, feeling embarrassment flood her body as she imagined all the articles already being written. Jumin remained quiet, walking a few more paces until she heard a car door open. He lowered her down, helping her into the car while serving as a barrier between her and the cameras. She threw the heels on the floor, covering her face and folding over on herself. She groaned, feeling Jumin settle in beside her and close the car door.

“Jumin, what was that?” she asked through her hands, wanting to flop onto his lap but also wanting to hear his explanation before she showed him affection of any kind.

“I could tell as soon as you stood up from our dinner table that your heels were causing you tremendous pain. Why didn’t you say anything, my love?” he wondered, making her squint up at him through her hands.

“I didn’t want to make a big deal out of nothing,” she responded, grateful when Driver Kim pulled away from the curb. She sat up straight, kicking at one of the heels absentmindedly.

“Your health and comfort are anything but nothing,” he replied, reaching over to take her hand and lift it to his lips for a gentle string of kisses.

“The universe will punish you somehow for this,” she grumbled with a small smile she was trying to restrain.

“For taking care of my fianceé? I hardly think so,” he disagreed, putting their intertwined hands in his lap and looking at her.

“I appreciate what you did, Jumin, but I really would have been okay for a few more steps,” she explained, watching him rub her fingers thoughtfully.

“I was just practicing for when I carry you over the threshold,” he said quietly, making her chuckle.

“I should have guessed you would want to. You’re so superstitious,” she scoffed teasingly as he looked up with a slight pout that always managed to get him out of trouble.

“I can’t take any chances,” he replied, making her laugh and give up on making him regret what he’d done.

“You’re unbearable,” she lied, watching his face relax at the sound of her laugh. He leaned over to kiss her cheek tenderly, making her stomach flip.

“Now, which sales associate helped you with these Louboutins?” he wondered quietly, his face still close to hers. She met his eyes, her stare narrowing at him.

“Leave Jinsoo alone, please,” she sighed, knowing he could find out what he wanted to know within minutes, even if she wouldn’t tell him.

“Ah, Jinsoo. My next target,” he said menacingly, making her stare at him before bursting into laughter again. He watched her with a growing smile, stroking his chin like he was a villain deep in thought.

“Jumin, please. She’s only doing her job,” she said through her laughter, knowing he was completely joking.

“I will have my revenge,” he muttered, pushing her to laugh again and lean into his side. He gave in and laughed with her, pulling her closer as she continued to fight for the saleslady until Jumin gave up his playful charade.

Their ride home was full of laughter, and he promised to help her soothe her feet at home, utterly content that he had made her smile again.

°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。

hello!! thank you so much for reading this! and thank you all so much for all the support I've received already this week <3 it means so so much to me!

stay tuned for the last two days! thank you again!

Mel x

[brighteststar707]

Acts of Service

✦ Written for Jumin Week 2023

✦ Jumin x Reader

✦ Words: 799

The soft sound of water against the sides of the tub, your quiet voices as you tell each other about your day, the glass of wine in his hand. This might be the closest thing to heaven Jumin can imagine after a long day at work.

You sit at the edge of the tub, working shampoo into the roots of Jumin’s hair. He tips his head back a little, happy to be spoiled.

You often like to come sit with him, share a glass of wine and catch up on what you missed that day while he's having a bath. Washing his hair for him has become an occasional addition to this tradition of yours. A treat. 

And by the look of his expression as you massage his scalp with your fingertips, you can tell he's enjoying it. You could watch him for ever when he’s like this, a part of you delighted that you’re the only one who gets to see him this way, completely vulnerable and at ease. It is in moments like this that you can see the full extent of how much he trusts you.

He isn't used to being cared for. He learned to become self-sufficient quickly in life, to care for himself and not search for affection or approval elsewhere in his life. He had spent so long without seeking or receiving physical affection of any kind, he hadn't realised how much he was missing it in his life, couldn't imagine sharing a love like the one he shares with you.

The first time you offered to wash his hair for him, he was surprised. It was a day like today, where you just wanted to be near him after work. You had brought it up casually, gave him plenty of space to back out if it wasn’t something he wasn’t comfortable with. In reality, it had never occurred to him before, even though he had helped you with your hair from time to time. He had ended up saying yes mostly out of curiosity.  

But he has come to greatly enjoy the feeling of being cared for by you. Putting his head in your hands feels safe, reassuring. He knows that you will take care of him. As long as you are here, his worries remain at bay. You gently massage his temples, where you know pressure can build after a tiring day, and he melts.

He had been telling you about the foreign business partner he had met today, but he has stopped talking now. He focuses on the sensations, the water you're gently pouring over his head (with one hand shielding his eyes) as you rinse out the shampoo.

Next comes the conditioner, and you take your time working it into the ends of his hair. He hums softly. When he opens his eyes, he can look straight into yours. You look at him fondly, brush back the hairs that are stuck to his forehead.

“Join me,” he says, not for the first time.

You don't reply immediately, apparently absorbed in combing through his hair properly with your fingers. There is a comb somewhere, but you don't feel like leaving his side to find it.

It's a little game, as much a part of this tradition of yours as anything else. He will try and convince you to join him, and you will take your time with his hair before you eventually do. By the time you're done, he will have made good work of wetting your sleeves. He'll say, as if he is casually making an observation, that it looks like you're already half-in anyway, and you might as well join him now.

After a few minutes, you look pleased with your work and rinse out the conditioner from his hair. He wraps one wet hand around your wrist, calling your attention back to what he was saying.

“How does that feel?” You ask.

“Wonderful, Darling, thank you. There’s just one thing missing.”

You smile. You already know what’s coming.

“And what would that be?”

He snakes one arm out of the tub and wraps it around your waist, over your clothes.

“Join me,” he says, more determined this time.

You tip your head to the side a little, in a show of thinking it over.

“I don’t know…”

His hand finds its way under the hem of your shirt and makes contact with the soft skin underneath. You shiver involuntarily from the temperature difference.

“Let me take care of you now.”

It doesn’t take much more convincing for you to drop your charade and join him.

[yoosungisbabie]

Jumin Week 2023 Masterlist

thank you all for supporting me! this event always has a chokehold on me TT

(ao3 series link)

day one - free day

title▹on call

summary▹ “I just got out of the shower,” she finally said, making Jumin falter even further. His mind stuttered, multiple questions surfacing as he blinked quickly.

“What does that have to do with this?” he wondered aloud, unable to stop himself before he could even think through his own question.

She sputtered out a tense laugh, the noise tickling his senses even though he was on high alert.

“Jumin, I’m na— I’m not…clothed? Gosh,” she sighed, and Jumin blinked quickly, shaking his head to clear his mind. Of course that was what she meant.

day two - receiving gifts

title▹you're my gift

summary▹ “You are adorable, Jumin,” she said, watching his jaw muscles tighten and his eyes flicker to hers. She was savoring the way he began to blush when he pulled her into another hug, leaning down to embrace her completely.

“That title is reserved for you,” he mumbled, almost in a pout, making her heart flip at the uncharacteristic way he’d spoken.

“We can share,” she responded, hearing him laugh through his nose quietly.

day three - quality time

title▹gimme the wheel

summary▹ “For our next date, I think that Fiji would be a wonderful destination at this time of year,” he added, making her hand tense briefly before relaxing.

“Jumin,” she sighed, unable to help herself from chiding him a little. He looked over at her, hearing the shift in her tone.

“It doesn’t have to be Fiji."

day four - acts of service

title▹all that really matters

summary▹ She had forgotten about the reporters outside, flinching as a flurry of clicks and flashes started around her. Instinctively, she turned her face away, pressing her cheek into Jumin’s chest as he walked without hesitation.

“Mr. Han!”

“Is she injured?”

“What dress is she wearing?”

day five - words of affirmation

title▹right there

summary▹ “Me? Would you like me to talk?” she guessed, blinking quickly as she waited for his answer.

“No,” he replied simply, leaning down to press a short kiss to the inside of her wrist. Her whole body felt hot, a non-verbal sputter coming from her lips in shock.

“I would like to talk about you."

day six - physical touch

title▹you fill the space

summary▹ “I don’t want to let go.” She pressed her lips together, nodding quickly.

“That’s perfectly fine. Can I…suggest something?” she tried, feeling slightly apprehensive when he was quiet for a long moment.

“Go ahead,” he finally said, and she smiled, looking past her hands back towards his bedroom.

“If we move this to the bed, would—” She paused, feeling her skin heat up from head to toe as she heard him stop breathing.

[yoosungisbabie]

gimme the wheel - day three

@juminweek2019

jumin x mc

rating: G

prompt: quality time

warnings: none♡

word count: 2,712

ao3 link

“For our next date, I think that Fiji would be a wonderful destination at this time of year,” he added, making her hand tense briefly before relaxing. “Jumin,” she sighed, unable to help herself from chiding him a little. He looked over at her, hearing the shift in her tone. “It doesn’t have to be Fiji."

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“I think that is enough wine for tonight,” Jumin said slowly, placing his empty glass down as the gentle breeze blew past them. 

“I never thought I would hear you say that,” she chuckled, finishing the last of her own glass as he eyed her. 

“Have you enjoyed yourself?” he wondered, tilting his head slightly. She smiled, glancing down at her lap for a moment before taking another look at the gorgeous vineyard spread out in front of them. 

“This has been incredible, Jumin,” she replied, reaching over to place her hand over his as it rested on the arm of his chair. He looked proud of himself, smiling back at her and turning his hand over so their fingers could intertwine. 

“I agree. There is something different about this vineyard compared to the farm back home,” he thought aloud, looking down at their hands as he ran his thumb over hers. She nodded, glancing back at the sun setting on the horizon. She had noticed that all the wine sampling they’d done today had aided in relaxing her fiancé. 

“For our next date, I think that Fiji would be a wonderful destination at this time of year,” he added, making her hand tense briefly before relaxing. 

“Jumin,” she sighed, unable to help herself from chiding him a little. He looked over at her, hearing the shift in her tone. 

“It doesn’t have to be Fiji,” he revised, and she immediately shook her head. 

“No, that’s not it,” she almost laughed, taking her hand from his and standing from her seat. She stepped over, placing herself down on his lap and setting a hand on his shoulder. He stared at her with wide eyes, wrapping an arm around her waist to secure her where she was. 

“Dates don’t always have to be trips to foreign countries or expensive outings,” she spoke softly, watching him relax just a little. “It can be as simple as spending time together,” she continued, smoothing the fabric of his shirt across his shoulder. He blinked at her in obvious confusion.

“We have spent the whole day together. Would you like the dates to last longer?” he wondered softly. She couldn’t help but laugh a little, shaking her head and leaning in to kiss him gently. 

“I am more than thrilled to be here with you, Jumin,” she clarified, watching his eyes open slowly to focus back on her. “Will you let me plan our next date?” she asked, placing her free hand on his other shoulder. 

“Of course, my love,” he agreed, pressing his forehead against hers. She observed him for just a moment, wondering what he could be thinking. 

“Do you trust me?” she asked, seeing his eyes open fully as he pulled away from her slightly. 

“Without a doubt,” he answered quickly, and she smiled, nodding. Leaning forward, she put her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes and already running through a list of ways they could simply spend time together. 

—

“Thank you, Driver Kim!” she grinned, offering a wave as Jumin closed the car door and stepped up onto the sidewalk with her. As the car pulled away, she turned to her fiancé, watching him look around in curiosity. 

“I’ve never been in this part of the city before,” he said, turning his attention back to her expectantly. She smiled, taking his hand excitedly. 

“I’m your personal tour guide,” she teased, admiring the way she’d had him dress down just a little so that they wouldn’t get as many stares. 

“Lead the way,” he smiled, tightening his grip on her hand as she turned to start walking with him. 

After getting off work that day, she’d surprised him at his apartment and let him know that she had finished planning their date. After helping him pick out a different outfit, they set out, their destination a complete mystery to Jumin.

They passed a few storefronts, soon arriving at a small, secondhand bookstore. Jumin would have walked past it if not for her anchoring hand pulling him back, making her giggle a little. 

“Here we are,” she said, seeing his eyes take in every detail. 

“Are you in need of a book?” he wondered, making her chuckle a little to herself.

“I like to come here to look every so often. There are a lot of books that I can’t find anywhere else that end up here,” she explained, opening the door for both of them. He stepped in after her, his eyes taking in all that they could. When he didn’t say anything, she led him into the first aisle, watching him from the corner of her eye. The set of his shoulders and jaw began to relax once they were surrounded by books. Once she’d let go of his hand to investigate a certain book, he leaned forward to look closer, becoming interested in a dark-brown bound book. 

“These books were previously owned?” he asked quietly, his deep voice sounding like part of the magic of the building they’d stepped into. 

“Yes. Once someone no longer needs them, this store will sell them for a discounted price,” she explained, setting her book down and continuing to look. Jumin hummed thoughtfully, flipping the book open in his hands and becoming quiet once more. She lingered nearby, finally giving in to her curiosity after a few minutes. 

“What did you find?” she wondered, leaning close to him to see the contents of the book. He turned it towards her, her eyes taking a moment to focus on the small text. 

“I’ve never seen a book on witchcraft from this year,” he commented, making her lips twitch up into a smile. 

“I love when I find treasures here,” she said, watching him nod and turn the page. She moved through more of the aisles, chuckling as he followed, still buried in the book. 

When they passed by a table and chairs near the back of the store, a sudden meow startled the both of them. A thin, tabby cat was curled up on the table next to a pile of books, yawning at them and wriggling as it showed its belly in anticipation.

She cooed, reaching out slowly so that it could sniff her hand. Immediately, it rubbed its nose against her fingers, and when she began to pet it, the rumbles of purring resonated through the air. 

“Is this a marketing tactic as well?” Jumin wondered, watching the small cat nearly fall asleep again as she petted it. That made her giggle, her hands pulling away once the cat had curled into a ball again. 

“I think this one is a guest like us,” she smiled, saying goodbye as they continued. Jumin still had a strong grip on the book he’d picked up, his eyes searching for anything similar on the shelves as they passed. 

“Would you like to get that one?” she wondered, seeing him look at the book and then her. 

“I suppose I should. I’m not sure I would be able to find this version again,” he responded, running his hand over the front cover. 

She led him to the checkout counter, both of them respectfully greeting the older man who helped them. 

Once the book had been carefully wrapped in paper and placed in a bag for their convenience, they stepped back outside, seeing the beginnings of the sunset starting overhead.

“Where is our next destination, my love?” he asked, intertwining their hands once more and making her raise an eyebrow at him. 

“What makes you think there’s more to this date?” she wondered teasingly in reply, seeing him think for a moment. 

“I wouldn’t think that you would plan a date that would end so quickly,” he answered simply, making her heart beat twice in a row unexpectedly. 

“You’re right,” she smiled to herself, turning her head away slightly. “The next stop is only a few blocks away.” He nodded, letting her lead the way as they walked side by side. 

She thanked him as he held the door to one of her favorite cafes open, stepping in and taking a deep breath. Turning to watch her fiancé, she smiled as he looked around briefly. 

“Are you hungry?” he asked, knowing her all too well. 

“Their strawberry cake is something that I’ve never been able to find a better recreation of,” she nodded, pulling him over towards the counter. 

“How are you, Mrs. Park?” she asked, watching the older woman behind the counter soften.

“I haven’t seen you in some time! How are you?” she wondered, immediately reaching over to their glass display of treats to grab a slice of cake topped with fresh strawberries. 

“I’m doing very well. How is your husband?” she asked in reply, seeing Jumin examine the other treats they had on display. 

“He’s doing much better. Is this your fiancé?” Mrs. Park asked, eyeing Jumin knowingly. She couldn’t help but feel a little shy, nodding and looking up at him as he bowed slightly. 

“I’ve heard so much about you,” Mrs. Park grinned, tapping a few things on her register as she looked eagerly at Jumin. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he replied, immediately taking his card from his wallet. “Please add another slice.” Mrs. Park nodded happily as MC looked up at him, quickly paying for their treats before she could even reach for her purse. 

They chose a table by the windows, watching as the streets became more and more crowded as the night began. She happily dug into her cake as Jumin examined his slice carefully.

“It looks simple enough,” he said mostly to himself. She smiled as he took the tip off the end, placing it in his mouth with practiced poise. She took another bite, seeing him place his fork down and glance out the window. 

“I thought it would be much too sweet,” he commented, looking down at his plate before meeting her eyes.

“That’s why I like it so much. It’s not too sweet, and the strawberry flavor is very fresh,” she nodded, seeing him nod along with her thoughtfully. 

Suddenly, he got up from his seat, walking back over to the counter as she stared after him in surprise. After a moment, Mrs. Park handed him a cake box, grinning widely and blushing as he handed her a tip.

She watched him in adoration, smiling as he walked back over and placed the box on the end of the table so it was out of their way. 

“You like it that much?” she chuckled as he sat back down and smoothed out his pants. 

“I would like for my chef to recreate it, and I would like to keep some at my apartment so you don’t have to travel so far to enjoy it,” he explained, pulling out his phone to text his personal chef. She giggled, her heart warming at his thoughtfulness. 

“You could have asked her for the recipe, Jumin,” she commented, seeing him raise an eyebrow and look up from his phone. 

“An even better idea,” he murmured, getting out of his seat once more to walk over to the counter. 

Once they’d received a handwritten recipe from Mrs. Park, who’d teasingly told them that if they leaked it she would take legal action, they stepped back outside. The sun had just set, the city lighting up and becoming more and more lively. Jumin held her hand protectively, using his other hand to balance the cake box and his wrapped book. 

“Where to next, darling?” he wondered, raising his voice slightly to be heard over the bustling noise of the crowds flooding past them.

“I texted Driver Kim, and he should be here any moment,” she told him, leaning closer to speak into his ear. Jumin turned to look at her, nearly frowning. 

“Is the date over?” he wondered, making her smile and melt a little at how disappointed he sounded. 

“No! No, I just would rather spend more time somewhere quiet,” she explained, watching his shoulders lose their tension as he took a breath and nodded. 

“It will be good to get this cake into the refrigerator,” he added, stepping forward as he was able to spot Driver Kim pulling up from over the crowd. He pulled her along, maneuvering through the throngs of people and opening the car door for her when they arrived. 

On the ride home, Jumin opened his book once more and read her some excerpts that he found interesting. She listened intently, always content to watch him talk about something he was interested in. 

“Are there more places that you have had positive experiences at around the city?” he wondered as the elevator doors closed slowly. They began their ascent up to his penthouse as she chuckled, nodding immediately. 

“There are so many places that I would like to take you to, Jumin,” she replied, looking up at him just in time to see a hint of excitement flash across his face. 

“If you’re interested, I think it would be reasonable for us to alternate. One date can be your planning, and the next can be mine,” he proposed, glancing down at her for approval. She couldn’t hold back her smile, taking his hand again excitedly. 

“That sounds perfect. I can’t wait,” she gushed, reaching up to place a quick kiss on his cheek. 

“I’m glad you like the idea,” he said through a growing smile, holding her hand a little tighter as the doors opened on the top floor. 

“Love it,” she corrected, stepping out first and pulling him along. 

Once the cake was in the fridge and they finished discussing dinner plans, she invited him over to the couch where Elizabeth the 3rd was eagerly waiting for them. 

“She is so cute,” MC cooed, sitting down to pet her as Jumin came to sit in the spot just beside his fianceé. He ran a hand up and down her thigh absentmindedly, bringing her attention back to him as she turned to face him.

“Is there anything you would like to watch?” she wondered, seeing him move his gaze to the television on the wall in front of them. 

“Is watching television another part of spending time together?” he wondered, and she nodded, reaching for the remote. 

“It can be. No thoughts? A movie, a drama, anything,” she prompted. He reached his hand out to ask for the remote, and she placed it in his palm as he sat back against the couch. 

“Since we’ve spent such quality time together, it would only be fair to end the night with a quality classic,” he said softly, quickly pulling up a drama that immediately recognized.

“Stairway to Heaven?” she asked, glancing over at him to gauge if he had already watched it.

“A classic, like I said. Do you disagree?” he asked teasingly, placing an arm across her shoulders as she smiled and shook her head. 

“Not at all. I’m just surprised,” she admitted, leaning against him as he pulled her closer. The opening scenes began, and she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by how happy she was. 

“Thank you for coming out with me tonight,” she smiled, sitting up to look directly at him. He searched her eyes, blinking slowly. 

“Thank you for planning this. My eyes have been opened,” he murmured softly, gladly leaning forward as she moved to kiss him. She hummed against his lips, sitting up just a little more as his hand pressed into her cheek gently. 

When she pulled away, he quickly kissed her cheek, making her heart skip as she blinked at him. He smiled, kissing her briefly before pulling away. 

“You’re very distracting,” he whispered, making her grin as she curled back into his side. 

“I’ll let you watch your drama for now,” she teased, feeling him tug her closer as she curled her legs up onto the couch. His hand moved further down until he poked her side, tickling her before she tried to push away. He pulled her back, chuckling deeply and kissing the top of her head as they finally settled. 

As the first episode started, they both relaxed into each other, completely forgetting their dinner plans as they dozed off in each other's arms.

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thank you so much for reading! i wrote this one quickly today, and I'm not super satisfied with it, but I hope there was something enjoyable about it! I'm going to continue working on tomorrow's entry tonight, so hopefully it will be a little more polished!

again, thank you so much, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!

Mel x