songs ; amoeba - clairo, don’t leave - giveon, attracted to you - pinkpantheress
warnings ; swearing & kms jokes
au ; barista!jake x customer!reader
genre ; smau & comedy
;; part 2 — coming soon !
𝓢. NOTE — hai guyss havent been here in a HOT minute💔 but hopefully this feeds yall i was literally struggling… anyways if u guys like this i’ll make a part 2 and continue w where yn and jake get closer🫡🫡🫡
warnings ; swearing, mentions of kissing (?), too much fluff🥹
au ; roommate!sunghoon x reader
genre ; smau
𝓢. NOTE — as you can see this was heavily inspired by toothbrush by dnce guys 🤗 i loved making this it was so fun🥹 tysm again nene for giving me motivation and convincing me to always make you something that removes your boredom 😛
songs ; attention - charlie puth, stuck on you - férina, pretty when you cry - lana del ray, lover you should come over - jeff buckley
warnings ; lots and lots of swearing, kissing (?)
au ; desperate-ex!heeseung x reader, slight jay x reader moment
wordcount ; 4.6k
Three months had passed since you’d made one of the worst decisions you could’ve ever made. But it was for the better. You had tried to reassure yourself, which always ended in yet another terrible night.
Every tear-filled night, ending with your pillow being soaked due to that singular decision. You felt miserable, pathetic even, for crying over a man who had somehow turned your life upside down ever since you became involved with him.
But you didn’t have the guts to lie to yourself. You had missed him a lot, and that’s what hurt you more than it should.
You would lie awake each night, haunted by whether he felt the same regret that twisted in your heart. The echoes of what once was lingered, leaving you to ponder the weight of unspoken words and lost chances.
Why did it even end up like this?
What happened to us?
You grabbed your phone from the other side of your bed. Your sniffles are ultimately starting to settle, with your breath also calming down. You watched the screen as it was the only source of light in your particularly dark room. Your eyes scanned the screen, slowly but surely getting used to the sudden change in brightness.
11:21 pm
A soft sigh left your lips, as you saw the multiple messages left from your dear friend you could always confide in when things got too heavy, Giselle.
You were too distracted by your thoughts for a moment, too exhausted by your last sobbing session that was quite literally two seconds ago, to answer her and apparently the door too.
Unexpectedly, you noticed a figure walking in your room, and a scream erupted from your throat.
“Holy shit!” The person had yelled back, turning on the lights in your room. The entire room was lit up, as your eyes got used to the lights you sat up quickly.
The moment you realized the person was Giselle, and not some intruder you swore you felt your soul come back in you. A long breath of relief leaves your mouth, as the hand on your chest slowly finds its way to snatch the pillow beside you and throw it to her, which she successfully caught.
“Have you been crying again?” Her expression turned soft instantly after noticing your puffy face, accompanied by your red eyes and tear-stained cheeks.
“Wow, how’d you know!” you had sarcastically replied, running a hand through your hair to settle it back into place, or at least make an attempt to.
Giselle gracefully approached your bed, which, despite its disarray, held a certain charm in its organized chaos. She settled beside you, the warmth of her presence filling the space as she leaned in and wrapped her arms around you in a tender embrace. The soft fabric of her clothing brushed against your skin, and for a moment, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of you in a cocoon of comfort.
“Aw my baby,” she cooed, “don’t cry over that asshole,” a pout was forming on your lips, reminiscing about the moments he’d made you the happiest girl.
“He was my asshole ‘selle” The tears started forming again. Today was not on your side, to say the least. You had been crying all day.
Giselle took one last look at your miserable state. Her hand, which had previously been stroking your soft hair, came to a halt as she gently pushed you away. “Okay, enough. Get up,” she said, her voice turning serious. Her brows were furrowed, and she regarded you with a look of solemnity.
You looked at her, tilting your head to the side with a dazed and disheveled expression on your face. Giselle stood up, taking your hand and dragging you up off your bed with her, your confusion never faltering.
“What..?” Before you could utter another word, Giselle shushed you to make you listen to her. Your lips almost instantly closing.
“You’re not gonna sit here and sulk for another moment, yn.” She started, taking a deep breath before staring directly back into your eyes and continuing with her sentence.
“I’m sick and tired of seeing you, and hearing about how unhappy you feel after whatever happened with Heeseung.” Her gaze turned slightly softer as she saw you wince at her mention of the only man you once thought could bring you happiness. You slowly nod, giving her a sign to continue.
“Let’s go out tonight, ‘kay? It’ll help take your mind off things.” She tilted her head slightly, her eyes searching yours for a spark of agreement. As she spoke, she reached out, her hand resting lightly on your shoulder, fingers moving in a gentle, soothing rhythm. The warmth of her touch brought a momentary sense of comfort, contrasting of your thoughts.
You didn’t say anything, you couldn’t.
You understood where she came from, since you had been acting very off ever since what happened. But could you blame yourself?
Your silence was enough to answer Giselle, but just as she was about to give up, you let a defeated breath leave your lips and shook your head as a ‘yes’.
Giselle’s eyes lit up, and she immediately went to your closet, trying to find anything that would help to show off your curves and help make you look even better.
A few minutes had passed with small talk to keep her, and you from getting bored, and she walked away from the closet with a satisfied grin. The two pieces of clothing and the pair of heels she was holding in her hands snagging away your attention.
“And what exactly is this supposed to cover?” “My hopes and dreams?” You asked, with a small grimace. A mocking scoff fleeing from her mouth as she threw the clothes at you.
“Shut up and try it on, I did my best here.” She rolled her eyes jokingly, laughing as she saw you holding up the black, cropped halter top and dark blue denim mini skirt she had found for you to look at it, before you shook your head defeatedly and headed to the bathroom to try it on.
—
You had been in the club for around 20 minutes now, the pulsing bass reverberating through your body as the strobe lights flickered wildly. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and a hint of something sweet, maybe spilled cocktails, mingling with the intoxicating energy of the crowd. As you navigated through clusters of swaying bodies, the music blaring in your ears began to feel overwhelming, a relentless cascade of sound that drowned out your thoughts and made it hard to focus. You could feel your heart racing, caught between wanting to embrace the vibrant atmosphere and the growing urge to find a quieter corner to collect your thoughts.
Giselle has long since departed, drawn away by a charming stranger who caught her eye. Though her interest in him was unexpected, she never intended to leave you behind. It was your own insistence that encouraged her to embrace the moment, to step away from the dimly lit bar where you nursed your drink, lost in a haze of sorrow.
You lingered at the bar, idly swirling the translucent liquid in your glass, a fizzy blend of vodka and Sprite catching the dim light. The bubbles danced to the surface before popping, momentarily captivating your attention. With a lackluster sigh, you lifted the glass to your lips and took a brief sip, the crispness tingling against your tongue. Just as the taste settled, a well-dressed man settled onto the stool beside you. His striking features and polished attire immediately drew your gaze.
His gaze swept over you, taking in every detail, before finally resting on your face. A gentle, charming smile spread across his lips, illuminating his warm expression. There was a kindness in his eyes that put you at ease.
You observed him as he casually requested a drink, specifically a whiskey, the warmth of his voice cutting through the ambient noise of the bar. While he awaited his order, his eyes caught sight of your gaze, and a charming smile spread across his face, inviting you into a moment of connection. He leaned slightly closer, sparking a conversation that felt effortless and intriguing.
“What’s a gorgeous girl like you doing here all alone, hm?” His voice, rich and inviting, caught your attention like a warm breeze on a chilly evening, silky smooth like honey. The dim light of the bar flickered, casting playful shadows across his chiseled features, accentuating the casual confidence radiating from him. You could feel the weight of his gaze, filled with curiosity, as he leaned slightly closer to you.
Your cheeks tinged with a delicate shade of crimson as you gently swept a loose strand of hair behind your ear. His gaze remained fixed on you, an intensity in his eyes as he patiently awaited your response. The atmosphere felt charged, the silence stretching between you, amplifying the weight of the moment.
“Oh, I um..” You began to speak, but your voice faltered in your throat, caught off guard by the intensity of his unwavering gaze stuck on you. He nodded softly, causing you to continue your sentence.
“I came here with a friend…” You gulped down, gazing back down at your drink. “She’s not here now though,” Your gaze set back onto his eyes that were filled with intrigue.
“So she left you all alone, huh?” he inquired, settling onto the barstool with a casual ease. After offering a nod of gratitude to the bartender who slid the drink his way, he lifted the glass to his lips. The whiskey glistened in the dim light, its amber hue captivating before he took a measured sip.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you company, beautiful.” The words flowed from his lips with an effortless charm, as if they were the most natural thing in the world. Each syllable wrapped around you like a warm embrace, leaving you breathless and delightfully flustered. It was a simple phrase, yet it ignited a whirlwind of emotions within you, making your heart race and your thoughts spiral as you found yourself drawn irresistibly to him.
You nodded in acknowledgment of his earlier declaration, the motion causing a few loose strands of hair to tumble slightly from their place. A flicker of nervousness washed over you as you instinctively raised a hand to smooth them back down, but before you could, he gently caught your movement. With a tender grace, he tucked the strands behind your ear, the warmth of his fingers brushing against your skin lingering in the air. Your gaze was fixated on him, shining with curiosity to get to know him better.
“What’s your name?” you asked, the words spilling out before you could catch them. To your surprise, he responded almost immediately, his voice steady and warm. The unexpected prompt made you let out a light and soft chuckle.
“Jongseong,”
“Park Jongseong, but you can call me Jay if that makes things easier for you” he replied, his voice steady and warm, his gaze still on yours with an intensity that made your heart race. The dim lighting of the bar cast a golden hue across his features, highlighting the way his dark hair fell effortlessly over his brow. He paused only to take a slow sip of his drink, the glass reflecting the muted glow of the overhead lights, before returning his focus to you, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.
You nodded thoughtfully, a soft hum escaping your lips in acknowledgment. With a warm smile, you gathered your thoughts and spoke up. “Mine’s yn.”
“No last name?” he asked, his tone laced with a playful curiosity. “I suppose you’ll just have to share mine,” he joked, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. The sound of your laughter warmed him, filling him with a quiet satisfaction that lingered in the air between you.
“Let me get you a drink. What would you like?” Jay enunciated, already calling over the bartender as he noticed your drink was already long gone.
Before you even had the chance to argue that he didn’t need to get anything for you, he had already placed an order for an ‘espresso martini’ on your behalf. The bartender, with a knowing smile, assured that it would be ready shortly.
—
You and Jay had been enjoying yourselves, maybe even a bit too much, all while getting to know each other. He was getting a bit more touchy, but you didn’t mind. His hand was now placed on your thigh, rubbing softly on your delicate skin.
What you didn’t know, though, was that a certain someone was raging as he watched the two of you.
That certain someone being Lee Heeseung.
He had tried to stay calm, but something in him had been breaking every time Jay had set his hands on you. He tried his best not to walk up to you, and not to approach you and tell you how it was hurting him. And he tried even harder, with every inch of his body not to walk up and beat up that ‘prick’ that kept touching you. He didn’t like it. Oh it was far from not liking. He absolutely hated it. Every single moment.
He didn’t know what, how, or even why, but he was coming up to the two of you at the bar. His steps were slow, yet radiating with bitterness, due to his head spinning out of control at the sight of another guy touching you the way he’s supposed to.
‘Fuck,’ he muttered under his breath, barely audible, with frustration lacing his voice as he stepped quietly up behind Jay. With a light tap on his shoulder, he watched as Jay turned, a hint of curiosity flickering in his eyes as he faced him. The ambient noise around them faded for a moment, intensifying the charged look they exchanged.
“Get your hand off of her,” Heeseung ordered as he grabbed jay’s hand that was once on your thigh. His voice stern and serious. The familiar voice had caught your attention, causing you to freeze in your position for a few moments before turning your head to look at the Heeseung you had once recalled.
“And who might you be?” Jay questioned, with an eyebrow raised as he glanced at you, then back to Heeseung who was now becoming more frustrated by the second.
“Heeseung?”
Your soothing voice broke through the haze that enveloped him, pulling him back from the depths of his trance. His eyes, once fixated on Jay with an intensity that hinted at an unspoken conflict, softened immediately as they found you. In that instant, the tension in his features melted away, replaced by a look of guilt and regret.
“Yn,” Heeseung responded, his voice laced with uncertainty as he struggled to find the right words to convey his feelings. He felt torn between the desire to plead with you for understanding and the urge to maintain his composure, despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him. Those three long months apart had been a torturous stretch of time, each day dragging on as he wrestled with the absence of your presence. You were the only one who occupied his thoughts during that bleak period, and the weight of that longing was almost unbearable. He felt utterly useless and pathetic.
He replayed the last conversation you had like a broken record, savoring every word you had uttered with each sentence etched into his memory. Every day, he felt the pangs of regret. The stark realization of how much he missed you overwhelmed him, making him feel more vulnerable than he had ever felt before.
Jay shifted his gaze towards you, noticing the tears forming in your eyes and gently prying Heeseung's hand from his own with a subtle yet decisive motion. He then rose gracefully from the wooden stool and stood tall, his posture exuding confidence. The soft glow of the overhead lights accentuated the determined look on his face, emphasizing the change in the atmosphere as he prepared to address you directly.
“Let’s go, I’ll take you home.” He spoke up gently, and before he could take your hand to help you stand up from the stool you were sitting on, someone’s voice perked up and caught your guys’ attention, yet again.
“No, you’re not.” Heeseung’s voice spilled out, hoarse, yet threatening. He had pushed Jay away from you as an attempt to get the two of you away from each other.
That was it. You had cracked.
“Oh, fuck off Heeseung!” Your voice, once soft and gentle turned raw and filled with outrage. You stood up, standing in front of him as you took a deep breath before saying everything, or almost everything, you had been holding in.
“I’m tired of you! You have no right to be like this and do whatever this is.”
“We’re not together anymore, and you need to understand that.”
His heart had shattered into a thousand pieces once more, a sensation so profound that he wondered if it was even possible to break like this repeatedly. He stood there, eyes wide with disbelief, as the weight of your words sank in, casting a shadow over his thoughts. It was as if time had frozen, each passing second stretched thin while he struggled to find what to say next.
“I can’t live without you, yn.” His voice trembled, breaking slightly with emotion, as he finally mustered the courage to express the words that had been trapped within him for so long. Each syllable came hesitantly, weighed down by the gravity of his feelings, as if the very act of speaking was a monumental effort. He was desperate, and longing for you.
“No Heeseung, you only wanted my attention. You didn’t want me.”
He fixed his gaze on you, his eyes lingering as Jay intertwined his fingers with yours and guided you toward the exit. With a resigned sigh, he finally succumbed to his weariness, collapsing onto the bar stool where you had been just moments before, the remnants of the vibrant nightlife swirling around him like a fading dream.
—
Jay had driven you back home, safely somehow, although you both had been drinking formerly. He hadn’t asked many questions on the way back to your house, except for two which were ‘who was that?’, and ‘are you okay?’. He had seemed genuine, and you appreciated that.
As you arrived at your destination, you stepped out of the car, the cool breeze brushing against your skin. With a slight crunch of gravel beneath your feet. To which he had followed your movements, and watched you walk to the entrance.
You turned around, a weak sigh escaping your lips as your gaze settled on him. The only form of light coming from the street lights, which are glowing.
“Thank you, Jay.” The words emerged from a place of genuine warmth, resonating with sincerity. He stood there, hands buried deep in the pockets of his sleek black pants, his posture relaxed yet appreciative. A soft smile danced across his lips.
“It’s not a problem,” He started, his fingers hesitantly gliding to the nape of his neck, where they rubbed the skin in a fidgety, almost nervous manner. The tension in his muscles seemed to unravel slowly under the gentle pressure, as if he were trying to soothe an unspoken anxiety that had taken root deep within him.
You leaned in without warning, pressing your lips gently against his cheek in a spontaneous gesture of gratitude. The soft warmth of your kiss lingered on his skin, leaving him momentarily stunned, his eyes widening in surprise. As he processed the unexpected affection, his fingers instinctively wandered to the spot where your lips had touched, lingering there as if trying to grasp the sweetness of the moment.
“Goodnight Jay, get home safe,” You spoke, the smile on your lips never faltering as you opened your front door.
“Goodnight, beautiful.” Jay lingered for a moment, his warm breath mingling with the cool night air as he stepped back just enough to allow you to slip into your home. The door whispered shut behind you, a soft click resonating in the stillness. Alone in the dimly lit streets, he exhaled deeply, slowly making his way back to his car.
—
The shadows enveloping your room seemed to seep into your very thoughts, making it impossible to drift off into slumber. Outside, the rain battered against the window, a relentless rhythm, accompanied by the deep rumble of thunder that flickered through the silence. It had been pouring for at least thirty minutes—though time felt distorted in this restless state. You lay cocooned in your blankets, tossing and turning as you desperately searched for that elusive spot where comfort lies. Pillows shifted beneath your head, sheets tangled around your legs, but sleep remained a distant dream, teasing you as you stared at the ceiling, wide awake and frustrated. The storm outside mirrored the turmoil in your mind, the soft whir of the ceiling fan seemingly mocking your struggle for rest.
The abrupt chime of notifications from your phone sliced through the stillness of the night, jarring you from your restless thoughts. A flickering light illuminated the dark room, casting fleeting shadows on the walls. You found yourself questioning who might dare to reach out at such an hour. An air of curiosity entwined with your annoyance, compelling you to ignore the late hour and seek the source of the disturbance. Sleep was stubbornly out of reach, and your curiosity was far too much to turn off for the night. So you did the only logical thing here.
Which was to look at the phone beside you.
You reached for the phone, feeling the familiar coolness of the device against your palm. As you lifted it closer, your eyes squinted slightly, adjusting to the blaring brightness that flooded your vision. Once the initial glare faded, your gaze swept across the screen, registering the time in the middle of the screen, before your mind could process the cascade of messages that relentlessly pinged and flashed, demanding your attention.
02:47 am.
‘What psycho would be sending you messages this late?’ You pondered to yourself before your eyes landed on the name.
Lee Heeseung.
As soon as your gaze falls upon the sender's name, your heart skips a beat, surprise floods your senses, and your eyes widen in disbelief. You grip your phone tightly, barely preventing it from slipping through your fingers and crashing onto your face.
“What the hell is wrong with this guy!” With a deep sigh, you opened the chat, bracing yourself for the flood of twenty or more messages he had sent your way. Each notification beeped in your mind like a drumroll.
Your eyes landed on the most recent ones,
‘I miss you’
‘oleaseee guve me a chanec’
‘Open yhe dopr princess’
You jolted upright in your bed as the last message flashed on your phone screen, a cold wave of shock washing over you. He was outside your house. Suddenly, the rhythmic pounding you had dismissed as mere thunder or the echo of your restless thoughts took on a chilling significance.
Heeseung was the reason you couldn’t sleep.
You gently peeled back the thick, warm blanket that had cocooned you in its comforting embrace, leaving a chill to creep over your skin. As you rose to your feet, the cool air brushed against you, sending a shiver down your spine. With each step, the soft carpet muffled your footsteps as you navigated through your room to the dimly lit hallway, which led you straight to your entrance door. The only noise your mind could focus on now was the persistent sound of his knocking echoing through the door.
As soon as you swung the door open, the sight before you was startling. Heeseung stumbled into view, clearly introxicated, his clothes soaked through from the rain that poured outside. Tears streamed down his cheeks, glistening like raindrops as they mixed with the rainwater clinging to his hair. Your heart sank at the sight of him. Vulnerable and lost. Just as you processed the moment, he swayed on his feet, unable to maintain his balance, and collapsed into your arms. You instinctively wrapped him in a comforting embrace, feeling the warmth of his body against yours despite the chill in the air. His sobs echoed through you, each one weighted with despair.
You felt a heavy wave of guilt pressing down on you, knowing all too well the reason he had reached out to you. But in that moment, you found yourself at a loss for words. All you could offer was the warmth of your embrace, holding him tightly against you, with the steady rhythm of your hand gently rubbing his back.
“Please, I can’t-” His voice trembled, a fragile whisper barely escaping as he searched desperately for the right words. Inside his mind, thoughts raced, each one clamoring for attention, yet none could form into the coherent response he yearned to express. The weight of his emotions was suffocating, and as he struggled to regain his composure, the sobs that wracked his body only grew more intense. Tears streamed down his cheeks, blurring his vision, making it hard to focus on anything but the overwhelming need to express how he really felt for you, that clung to him.
“I’m suffering yn.” His tears continued as he tried standing up straight to look at you, before he proceeded with his rant.
“Every day without you has been absolute hell, and I can’t live with this pain anymore.” Heeseung gazed at you with an intensity that spoke volumes, his eyes glimmering with a deep and unspoken longing that seemed to reach into your gut.
You watched him, biting down on your lip as you could feel your tears well up in your eyes. “Hee..” A broken whisper fell from your lips, scarcely being heard.
“I’m miserable without you. I can’t do anything, I can’t even-” He paused, drawing in a shaky breath as he struggled to regain his composure, the tears still glistening on his cheeks. “I just miss you so much…” he murmured, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. Overwhelmed, he sank to the floor, collapsing as his knees drew up to his chest. He pressed his trembling lips together, fighting back the wave of tears threatening to spill over as he struggled to steady his breath.
Without hesitation, you sank to your knees, feeling the cool, damp earth beneath you as the rain poured steadily around you. Ignoring the chill that seeped through your clothes, you wrapped your arms around him in a desperate embrace, pulling him close as if he were your lifeline. The sound of your soft sobs mingled with the rhythmic patter of the rain.
“I’m stuck on you, and I don’t think I’ll ever be over you.” His voice was barely a whisper, laced with vulnerability, yet the weight of his words hung in the air between you. You caught them, each syllable resonating in your heart like a gentle echo. In that moment, as the dim light danced around you, it felt like his confession wrapped around you, and that was enough to instigate something within.
You turned to him, your heart racing as you framed his face with both hands, fingers brushing softly against his skin. In that moment, the world around you faded away. Without hesitation, you pressed your lips against his, the warmth of your connection igniting a spark that sent shivers down your spine. You cast aside any thoughts of consequences, surrendering to him. As raindrops fell steadily around you, creating a soothing rhythm against the pavement. All that mattered in this moment was the electricity of his touch and the certainty in your heart that you wanted him just as much as he wanted you.
𝓢. NOTE — meow 😛 this was posted 10 mins before nene’s bedtime btw hopefully u guys enjoy this js as much as i did (i broke down 😋)
warnings ; swearing, mentions of kissing (?), too much fluff🥹
au ; roommate!sunghoon x reader
genre ; smau
𝓢. NOTE — as you can see this was heavily inspired by toothbrush by dnce guys 🤗 i loved making this it was so fun🥹 tysm again nene for giving me motivation and convincing me to always make you something that removes your boredom 😛
songs ; attention - charlie puth, stuck on you - férina, pretty when you cry - lana del ray, lover you should come over - jeff buckley
warnings ; lots and lots of swearing, kissing (?)
au ; desperate-ex!heeseung x reader, slight jay x reader moment
wordcount ; 4.6k
Three months had passed since you’d made one of the worst decisions you could’ve ever made. But it was for the better. You had tried to reassure yourself, which always ended in yet another terrible night.
Every tear-filled night, ending with your pillow being soaked due to that singular decision. You felt miserable, pathetic even, for crying over a man who had somehow turned your life upside down ever since you became involved with him.
But you didn’t have the guts to lie to yourself. You had missed him a lot, and that’s what hurt you more than it should.
You would lie awake each night, haunted by whether he felt the same regret that twisted in your heart. The echoes of what once was lingered, leaving you to ponder the weight of unspoken words and lost chances.
Why did it even end up like this?
What happened to us?
You grabbed your phone from the other side of your bed. Your sniffles are ultimately starting to settle, with your breath also calming down. You watched the screen as it was the only source of light in your particularly dark room. Your eyes scanned the screen, slowly but surely getting used to the sudden change in brightness.
11:21 pm
A soft sigh left your lips, as you saw the multiple messages left from your dear friend you could always confide in when things got too heavy, Giselle.
You were too distracted by your thoughts for a moment, too exhausted by your last sobbing session that was quite literally two seconds ago, to answer her and apparently the door too.
Unexpectedly, you noticed a figure walking in your room, and a scream erupted from your throat.
“Holy shit!” The person had yelled back, turning on the lights in your room. The entire room was lit up, as your eyes got used to the lights you sat up quickly.
The moment you realized the person was Giselle, and not some intruder you swore you felt your soul come back in you. A long breath of relief leaves your mouth, as the hand on your chest slowly finds its way to snatch the pillow beside you and throw it to her, which she successfully caught.
“Have you been crying again?” Her expression turned soft instantly after noticing your puffy face, accompanied by your red eyes and tear-stained cheeks.
“Wow, how’d you know!” you had sarcastically replied, running a hand through your hair to settle it back into place, or at least make an attempt to.
Giselle gracefully approached your bed, which, despite its disarray, held a certain charm in its organized chaos. She settled beside you, the warmth of her presence filling the space as she leaned in and wrapped her arms around you in a tender embrace. The soft fabric of her clothing brushed against your skin, and for a moment, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of you in a cocoon of comfort.
“Aw my baby,” she cooed, “don’t cry over that asshole,” a pout was forming on your lips, reminiscing about the moments he’d made you the happiest girl.
“He was my asshole ‘selle” The tears started forming again. Today was not on your side, to say the least. You had been crying all day.
Giselle took one last look at your miserable state. Her hand, which had previously been stroking your soft hair, came to a halt as she gently pushed you away. “Okay, enough. Get up,” she said, her voice turning serious. Her brows were furrowed, and she regarded you with a look of solemnity.
You looked at her, tilting your head to the side with a dazed and disheveled expression on your face. Giselle stood up, taking your hand and dragging you up off your bed with her, your confusion never faltering.
“What..?” Before you could utter another word, Giselle shushed you to make you listen to her. Your lips almost instantly closing.
“You’re not gonna sit here and sulk for another moment, yn.” She started, taking a deep breath before staring directly back into your eyes and continuing with her sentence.
“I’m sick and tired of seeing you, and hearing about how unhappy you feel after whatever happened with Heeseung.” Her gaze turned slightly softer as she saw you wince at her mention of the only man you once thought could bring you happiness. You slowly nod, giving her a sign to continue.
“Let’s go out tonight, ‘kay? It’ll help take your mind off things.” She tilted her head slightly, her eyes searching yours for a spark of agreement. As she spoke, she reached out, her hand resting lightly on your shoulder, fingers moving in a gentle, soothing rhythm. The warmth of her touch brought a momentary sense of comfort, contrasting of your thoughts.
You didn’t say anything, you couldn’t.
You understood where she came from, since you had been acting very off ever since what happened. But could you blame yourself?
Your silence was enough to answer Giselle, but just as she was about to give up, you let a defeated breath leave your lips and shook your head as a ‘yes’.
Giselle’s eyes lit up, and she immediately went to your closet, trying to find anything that would help to show off your curves and help make you look even better.
A few minutes had passed with small talk to keep her, and you from getting bored, and she walked away from the closet with a satisfied grin. The two pieces of clothing and the pair of heels she was holding in her hands snagging away your attention.
“And what exactly is this supposed to cover?” “My hopes and dreams?” You asked, with a small grimace. A mocking scoff fleeing from her mouth as she threw the clothes at you.
“Shut up and try it on, I did my best here.” She rolled her eyes jokingly, laughing as she saw you holding up the black, cropped halter top and dark blue denim mini skirt she had found for you to look at it, before you shook your head defeatedly and headed to the bathroom to try it on.
—
You had been in the club for around 20 minutes now, the pulsing bass reverberating through your body as the strobe lights flickered wildly. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and a hint of something sweet, maybe spilled cocktails, mingling with the intoxicating energy of the crowd. As you navigated through clusters of swaying bodies, the music blaring in your ears began to feel overwhelming, a relentless cascade of sound that drowned out your thoughts and made it hard to focus. You could feel your heart racing, caught between wanting to embrace the vibrant atmosphere and the growing urge to find a quieter corner to collect your thoughts.
Giselle has long since departed, drawn away by a charming stranger who caught her eye. Though her interest in him was unexpected, she never intended to leave you behind. It was your own insistence that encouraged her to embrace the moment, to step away from the dimly lit bar where you nursed your drink, lost in a haze of sorrow.
You lingered at the bar, idly swirling the translucent liquid in your glass, a fizzy blend of vodka and Sprite catching the dim light. The bubbles danced to the surface before popping, momentarily captivating your attention. With a lackluster sigh, you lifted the glass to your lips and took a brief sip, the crispness tingling against your tongue. Just as the taste settled, a well-dressed man settled onto the stool beside you. His striking features and polished attire immediately drew your gaze.
His gaze swept over you, taking in every detail, before finally resting on your face. A gentle, charming smile spread across his lips, illuminating his warm expression. There was a kindness in his eyes that put you at ease.
You observed him as he casually requested a drink, specifically a whiskey, the warmth of his voice cutting through the ambient noise of the bar. While he awaited his order, his eyes caught sight of your gaze, and a charming smile spread across his face, inviting you into a moment of connection. He leaned slightly closer, sparking a conversation that felt effortless and intriguing.
“What’s a gorgeous girl like you doing here all alone, hm?” His voice, rich and inviting, caught your attention like a warm breeze on a chilly evening, silky smooth like honey. The dim light of the bar flickered, casting playful shadows across his chiseled features, accentuating the casual confidence radiating from him. You could feel the weight of his gaze, filled with curiosity, as he leaned slightly closer to you.
Your cheeks tinged with a delicate shade of crimson as you gently swept a loose strand of hair behind your ear. His gaze remained fixed on you, an intensity in his eyes as he patiently awaited your response. The atmosphere felt charged, the silence stretching between you, amplifying the weight of the moment.
“Oh, I um..” You began to speak, but your voice faltered in your throat, caught off guard by the intensity of his unwavering gaze stuck on you. He nodded softly, causing you to continue your sentence.
“I came here with a friend…” You gulped down, gazing back down at your drink. “She’s not here now though,” Your gaze set back onto his eyes that were filled with intrigue.
“So she left you all alone, huh?” he inquired, settling onto the barstool with a casual ease. After offering a nod of gratitude to the bartender who slid the drink his way, he lifted the glass to his lips. The whiskey glistened in the dim light, its amber hue captivating before he took a measured sip.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you company, beautiful.” The words flowed from his lips with an effortless charm, as if they were the most natural thing in the world. Each syllable wrapped around you like a warm embrace, leaving you breathless and delightfully flustered. It was a simple phrase, yet it ignited a whirlwind of emotions within you, making your heart race and your thoughts spiral as you found yourself drawn irresistibly to him.
You nodded in acknowledgment of his earlier declaration, the motion causing a few loose strands of hair to tumble slightly from their place. A flicker of nervousness washed over you as you instinctively raised a hand to smooth them back down, but before you could, he gently caught your movement. With a tender grace, he tucked the strands behind your ear, the warmth of his fingers brushing against your skin lingering in the air. Your gaze was fixated on him, shining with curiosity to get to know him better.
“What’s your name?” you asked, the words spilling out before you could catch them. To your surprise, he responded almost immediately, his voice steady and warm. The unexpected prompt made you let out a light and soft chuckle.
“Jongseong,”
“Park Jongseong, but you can call me Jay if that makes things easier for you” he replied, his voice steady and warm, his gaze still on yours with an intensity that made your heart race. The dim lighting of the bar cast a golden hue across his features, highlighting the way his dark hair fell effortlessly over his brow. He paused only to take a slow sip of his drink, the glass reflecting the muted glow of the overhead lights, before returning his focus to you, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.
You nodded thoughtfully, a soft hum escaping your lips in acknowledgment. With a warm smile, you gathered your thoughts and spoke up. “Mine’s yn.”
“No last name?” he asked, his tone laced with a playful curiosity. “I suppose you’ll just have to share mine,” he joked, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. The sound of your laughter warmed him, filling him with a quiet satisfaction that lingered in the air between you.
“Let me get you a drink. What would you like?” Jay enunciated, already calling over the bartender as he noticed your drink was already long gone.
Before you even had the chance to argue that he didn’t need to get anything for you, he had already placed an order for an ‘espresso martini’ on your behalf. The bartender, with a knowing smile, assured that it would be ready shortly.
—
You and Jay had been enjoying yourselves, maybe even a bit too much, all while getting to know each other. He was getting a bit more touchy, but you didn’t mind. His hand was now placed on your thigh, rubbing softly on your delicate skin.
What you didn’t know, though, was that a certain someone was raging as he watched the two of you.
That certain someone being Lee Heeseung.
He had tried to stay calm, but something in him had been breaking every time Jay had set his hands on you. He tried his best not to walk up to you, and not to approach you and tell you how it was hurting him. And he tried even harder, with every inch of his body not to walk up and beat up that ‘prick’ that kept touching you. He didn’t like it. Oh it was far from not liking. He absolutely hated it. Every single moment.
He didn’t know what, how, or even why, but he was coming up to the two of you at the bar. His steps were slow, yet radiating with bitterness, due to his head spinning out of control at the sight of another guy touching you the way he’s supposed to.
‘Fuck,’ he muttered under his breath, barely audible, with frustration lacing his voice as he stepped quietly up behind Jay. With a light tap on his shoulder, he watched as Jay turned, a hint of curiosity flickering in his eyes as he faced him. The ambient noise around them faded for a moment, intensifying the charged look they exchanged.
“Get your hand off of her,” Heeseung ordered as he grabbed jay’s hand that was once on your thigh. His voice stern and serious. The familiar voice had caught your attention, causing you to freeze in your position for a few moments before turning your head to look at the Heeseung you had once recalled.
“And who might you be?” Jay questioned, with an eyebrow raised as he glanced at you, then back to Heeseung who was now becoming more frustrated by the second.
“Heeseung?”
Your soothing voice broke through the haze that enveloped him, pulling him back from the depths of his trance. His eyes, once fixated on Jay with an intensity that hinted at an unspoken conflict, softened immediately as they found you. In that instant, the tension in his features melted away, replaced by a look of guilt and regret.
“Yn,” Heeseung responded, his voice laced with uncertainty as he struggled to find the right words to convey his feelings. He felt torn between the desire to plead with you for understanding and the urge to maintain his composure, despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him. Those three long months apart had been a torturous stretch of time, each day dragging on as he wrestled with the absence of your presence. You were the only one who occupied his thoughts during that bleak period, and the weight of that longing was almost unbearable. He felt utterly useless and pathetic.
He replayed the last conversation you had like a broken record, savoring every word you had uttered with each sentence etched into his memory. Every day, he felt the pangs of regret. The stark realization of how much he missed you overwhelmed him, making him feel more vulnerable than he had ever felt before.
Jay shifted his gaze towards you, noticing the tears forming in your eyes and gently prying Heeseung's hand from his own with a subtle yet decisive motion. He then rose gracefully from the wooden stool and stood tall, his posture exuding confidence. The soft glow of the overhead lights accentuated the determined look on his face, emphasizing the change in the atmosphere as he prepared to address you directly.
“Let’s go, I’ll take you home.” He spoke up gently, and before he could take your hand to help you stand up from the stool you were sitting on, someone’s voice perked up and caught your guys’ attention, yet again.
“No, you’re not.” Heeseung’s voice spilled out, hoarse, yet threatening. He had pushed Jay away from you as an attempt to get the two of you away from each other.
That was it. You had cracked.
“Oh, fuck off Heeseung!” Your voice, once soft and gentle turned raw and filled with outrage. You stood up, standing in front of him as you took a deep breath before saying everything, or almost everything, you had been holding in.
“I’m tired of you! You have no right to be like this and do whatever this is.”
“We’re not together anymore, and you need to understand that.”
His heart had shattered into a thousand pieces once more, a sensation so profound that he wondered if it was even possible to break like this repeatedly. He stood there, eyes wide with disbelief, as the weight of your words sank in, casting a shadow over his thoughts. It was as if time had frozen, each passing second stretched thin while he struggled to find what to say next.
“I can’t live without you, yn.” His voice trembled, breaking slightly with emotion, as he finally mustered the courage to express the words that had been trapped within him for so long. Each syllable came hesitantly, weighed down by the gravity of his feelings, as if the very act of speaking was a monumental effort. He was desperate, and longing for you.
“No Heeseung, you only wanted my attention. You didn’t want me.”
He fixed his gaze on you, his eyes lingering as Jay intertwined his fingers with yours and guided you toward the exit. With a resigned sigh, he finally succumbed to his weariness, collapsing onto the bar stool where you had been just moments before, the remnants of the vibrant nightlife swirling around him like a fading dream.
—
Jay had driven you back home, safely somehow, although you both had been drinking formerly. He hadn’t asked many questions on the way back to your house, except for two which were ‘who was that?’, and ‘are you okay?’. He had seemed genuine, and you appreciated that.
As you arrived at your destination, you stepped out of the car, the cool breeze brushing against your skin. With a slight crunch of gravel beneath your feet. To which he had followed your movements, and watched you walk to the entrance.
You turned around, a weak sigh escaping your lips as your gaze settled on him. The only form of light coming from the street lights, which are glowing.
“Thank you, Jay.” The words emerged from a place of genuine warmth, resonating with sincerity. He stood there, hands buried deep in the pockets of his sleek black pants, his posture relaxed yet appreciative. A soft smile danced across his lips.
“It’s not a problem,” He started, his fingers hesitantly gliding to the nape of his neck, where they rubbed the skin in a fidgety, almost nervous manner. The tension in his muscles seemed to unravel slowly under the gentle pressure, as if he were trying to soothe an unspoken anxiety that had taken root deep within him.
You leaned in without warning, pressing your lips gently against his cheek in a spontaneous gesture of gratitude. The soft warmth of your kiss lingered on his skin, leaving him momentarily stunned, his eyes widening in surprise. As he processed the unexpected affection, his fingers instinctively wandered to the spot where your lips had touched, lingering there as if trying to grasp the sweetness of the moment.
“Goodnight Jay, get home safe,” You spoke, the smile on your lips never faltering as you opened your front door.
“Goodnight, beautiful.” Jay lingered for a moment, his warm breath mingling with the cool night air as he stepped back just enough to allow you to slip into your home. The door whispered shut behind you, a soft click resonating in the stillness. Alone in the dimly lit streets, he exhaled deeply, slowly making his way back to his car.
—
The shadows enveloping your room seemed to seep into your very thoughts, making it impossible to drift off into slumber. Outside, the rain battered against the window, a relentless rhythm, accompanied by the deep rumble of thunder that flickered through the silence. It had been pouring for at least thirty minutes—though time felt distorted in this restless state. You lay cocooned in your blankets, tossing and turning as you desperately searched for that elusive spot where comfort lies. Pillows shifted beneath your head, sheets tangled around your legs, but sleep remained a distant dream, teasing you as you stared at the ceiling, wide awake and frustrated. The storm outside mirrored the turmoil in your mind, the soft whir of the ceiling fan seemingly mocking your struggle for rest.
The abrupt chime of notifications from your phone sliced through the stillness of the night, jarring you from your restless thoughts. A flickering light illuminated the dark room, casting fleeting shadows on the walls. You found yourself questioning who might dare to reach out at such an hour. An air of curiosity entwined with your annoyance, compelling you to ignore the late hour and seek the source of the disturbance. Sleep was stubbornly out of reach, and your curiosity was far too much to turn off for the night. So you did the only logical thing here.
Which was to look at the phone beside you.
You reached for the phone, feeling the familiar coolness of the device against your palm. As you lifted it closer, your eyes squinted slightly, adjusting to the blaring brightness that flooded your vision. Once the initial glare faded, your gaze swept across the screen, registering the time in the middle of the screen, before your mind could process the cascade of messages that relentlessly pinged and flashed, demanding your attention.
02:47 am.
‘What psycho would be sending you messages this late?’ You pondered to yourself before your eyes landed on the name.
Lee Heeseung.
As soon as your gaze falls upon the sender's name, your heart skips a beat, surprise floods your senses, and your eyes widen in disbelief. You grip your phone tightly, barely preventing it from slipping through your fingers and crashing onto your face.
“What the hell is wrong with this guy!” With a deep sigh, you opened the chat, bracing yourself for the flood of twenty or more messages he had sent your way. Each notification beeped in your mind like a drumroll.
Your eyes landed on the most recent ones,
‘I miss you’
‘oleaseee guve me a chanec’
‘Open yhe dopr princess’
You jolted upright in your bed as the last message flashed on your phone screen, a cold wave of shock washing over you. He was outside your house. Suddenly, the rhythmic pounding you had dismissed as mere thunder or the echo of your restless thoughts took on a chilling significance.
Heeseung was the reason you couldn’t sleep.
You gently peeled back the thick, warm blanket that had cocooned you in its comforting embrace, leaving a chill to creep over your skin. As you rose to your feet, the cool air brushed against you, sending a shiver down your spine. With each step, the soft carpet muffled your footsteps as you navigated through your room to the dimly lit hallway, which led you straight to your entrance door. The only noise your mind could focus on now was the persistent sound of his knocking echoing through the door.
As soon as you swung the door open, the sight before you was startling. Heeseung stumbled into view, clearly introxicated, his clothes soaked through from the rain that poured outside. Tears streamed down his cheeks, glistening like raindrops as they mixed with the rainwater clinging to his hair. Your heart sank at the sight of him. Vulnerable and lost. Just as you processed the moment, he swayed on his feet, unable to maintain his balance, and collapsed into your arms. You instinctively wrapped him in a comforting embrace, feeling the warmth of his body against yours despite the chill in the air. His sobs echoed through you, each one weighted with despair.
You felt a heavy wave of guilt pressing down on you, knowing all too well the reason he had reached out to you. But in that moment, you found yourself at a loss for words. All you could offer was the warmth of your embrace, holding him tightly against you, with the steady rhythm of your hand gently rubbing his back.
“Please, I can’t-” His voice trembled, a fragile whisper barely escaping as he searched desperately for the right words. Inside his mind, thoughts raced, each one clamoring for attention, yet none could form into the coherent response he yearned to express. The weight of his emotions was suffocating, and as he struggled to regain his composure, the sobs that wracked his body only grew more intense. Tears streamed down his cheeks, blurring his vision, making it hard to focus on anything but the overwhelming need to express how he really felt for you, that clung to him.
“I’m suffering yn.” His tears continued as he tried standing up straight to look at you, before he proceeded with his rant.
“Every day without you has been absolute hell, and I can’t live with this pain anymore.” Heeseung gazed at you with an intensity that spoke volumes, his eyes glimmering with a deep and unspoken longing that seemed to reach into your gut.
You watched him, biting down on your lip as you could feel your tears well up in your eyes. “Hee..” A broken whisper fell from your lips, scarcely being heard.
“I’m miserable without you. I can’t do anything, I can’t even-” He paused, drawing in a shaky breath as he struggled to regain his composure, the tears still glistening on his cheeks. “I just miss you so much…” he murmured, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. Overwhelmed, he sank to the floor, collapsing as his knees drew up to his chest. He pressed his trembling lips together, fighting back the wave of tears threatening to spill over as he struggled to steady his breath.
Without hesitation, you sank to your knees, feeling the cool, damp earth beneath you as the rain poured steadily around you. Ignoring the chill that seeped through your clothes, you wrapped your arms around him in a desperate embrace, pulling him close as if he were your lifeline. The sound of your soft sobs mingled with the rhythmic patter of the rain.
“I’m stuck on you, and I don’t think I’ll ever be over you.” His voice was barely a whisper, laced with vulnerability, yet the weight of his words hung in the air between you. You caught them, each syllable resonating in your heart like a gentle echo. In that moment, as the dim light danced around you, it felt like his confession wrapped around you, and that was enough to instigate something within.
You turned to him, your heart racing as you framed his face with both hands, fingers brushing softly against his skin. In that moment, the world around you faded away. Without hesitation, you pressed your lips against his, the warmth of your connection igniting a spark that sent shivers down your spine. You cast aside any thoughts of consequences, surrendering to him. As raindrops fell steadily around you, creating a soothing rhythm against the pavement. All that mattered in this moment was the electricity of his touch and the certainty in your heart that you wanted him just as much as he wanted you.
𝓢. NOTE — meow 😛 this was posted 10 mins before nene’s bedtime btw hopefully u guys enjoy this js as much as i did (i broke down 😋)
OFF THE RECORD — when falling in love is the easy part — but staying is the real challenge
##SYNOPSIS — in where; a music producer gets called to produce an album for a singer, but rather falls in love instead.
or, in where; a model comes to visit her friend in another country for a short stay, only for everything to change and making the stay longer than expected.
1.6 your eyes only
PREVIOUS — NEXT
## PLAYLIST — off the record
?! TAGLIST — @hoonzsn @yunszn @sweetestjuyo
The next day, I struggle to wake up, my body resisting the harsh pull of reality. The weight of the day looms over me, heavy and pressing. When I finally arrive at work, the atmosphere feels muted, as if everyone is holding their breath. I glance around, realizing none of the Enhypen members are present today. I can’t quite decide if that’s a relief or just adds to the strange tension in the air.
Before heading to the studio, I make my way to the kitchenette to grab a much-needed cup of coffee. Sora is already there, leaning against the counter with her usual bright smile. She spots me almost instantly, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
“So, Zoie,” she begins, the anticipation palpable in her voice, “release day, huh?”
“Oh yeah,” I reply, trying to muster some enthusiasm, but in truth, I’ve been trying to push that thought to the back of my mind. I’ve heard the songs already, after all, so what’s the big deal?
“Have you listened to the album?” she asks, expertly pouring a steaming cup of coffee.
“No,” I respond, an edge of frustration creeping into my tone. “I mean, I made the songs, so why would I need to listen to them again?” I let out a long sigh, trying to shake off the uneasiness settling in my chest.
“Not all of them,” she raises an eyebrow knowingly, “You’re still mad at him, aren’t you?”
I exhale deeply, “I’m not exactly mad, just… disappointed.” The truth stings more than I’d like to admit.
Sora laughs softly, “Wow, you sound like my mom after I told her I messed up.”
“I’m just so confused about what he wants,” I say, burying my face in my hands momentarily, seeking solace in the dark.
“You.” She states matter-of-factly, her gaze unwavering. “He wants you.”
As our coffee break wraps up, I reluctantly stand to head to my studio. Just as I’m turning to leave, Sora calls out, “Go to the showcase tonight!”
I can’t help but wonder why everyone seems so obsessed with this showcase and why they’re all so eager for me to attend.
—
In the studio, the atmosphere appears routine and uneventful. I unzip my hoodie and adjust my microphone, focused on getting into a groove, until something catches my eye on my monitor—another sticky note. Before I even study its contents, I instinctively know who the author is. No one else would resort to hot pink sticky notes; it’s unmistakably his style.
“I’ll be waiting for you tonight. - J x”
I stare at the note, its bright color almost taunting me as it sits there, and after a few moments, I slip it into my pocket, the words gnawing at my thoughts as I attempt to concentrate on my work. In that quiet turmoil, a decision begins to form in my mind: I’ll give this one more shot. I’ll go to the showcase tonight.
-
The hall for the showcase buzzes with energy, packed to the brim with excited fans milling about. This is my first experience at such an event, and in my nervousness, I try to keep myself hidden in the shadows. Jay had told me about a special area where the members would be watching the performance, and he graciously invited me to join them, sparing me the hefty ticket price that I could only imagine would have been steep.
As I step into the designated space, I find the boys congregating, engaged in lively conversation. They greet me with genuine warmth, their excitement infectious, making it a little easier for my anxious heart to settle.
The flutter of nerves in my chest intensifies as the show prepares to begin. But when Jaeyun finally steps onto the stage, his familiar, radiant smile cuts through the tension like a beacon. His presence instantly calms my frayed nerves as he scans the crowd with a mixture of excitement and appreciation. When our eyes unexpectedly meet, I quickly avert my gaze, pulling my cap down lower to shield my face.
The night unfolds beautifully. Jaeyun launches into the first three tracks, and with each note, a swell of pride fills me. He effortlessly transitions from heartfelt melodies to hilarious challenges, his charisma captivating everyone around. I find myself caught off guard, emotion bubbling over when he performs the new rendition of “Half Awake.” Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I know they aren’t the last to fall tonight.
When he returns to the stage, his dark hair slicked back and wearing a sharp black shirt that compliments his every move, I can't shake the feeling that he’s looking right at me again. It's time for him to sing the last song—one that I’ve yet to hear.
As the opening notes play, my heart feels like it’s shattering into a million pieces. The lyrics, while not overly complex, carry an emotional weight that I’ve never experienced from him before. Each word pours out like honey, sweet and soothing, leaving a warm ache in my chest.
I listen intently, my mind racing as I silently mirror his lyrics. Realization washes over me: this song is undeniably about me. Although I had only caught a glimpse of the chorus before, hearing the full depth of the lyrics reveals everything—the way we fought, the silent yet charged glances we exchanged, the storms of emotions that brewed in our whirlwind month together. It’s raw, vulnerable, and I can hardly believe he would share such intimate feelings in front of an enormous crowd.
Tears overflow, blurring my vision as I struggle to contain my emotions. Once the song concludes, I hastily exit our box, retreating to the back. A few security guards steal glances at me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern, but they say nothing. Even as I distance myself from the bright lights and cheers, I can still hear Jaeyun expressing his gratitude to the audience.
I pause for a moment, taking deep breaths to compose myself, wiping the tears from my cheeks as I steady my racing heart. Just then, a voice slices through the noise, calling my name. I turn and find Jaeyun standing there, a short distance away, urgency radiating from him.
Before I can fully process the moment, he charges toward me, sweeping me up into a bone-crushing hug that leaves me breathless. My face burrows against his shoulder as he releases a long, relieved sigh.
“You came,” he says, his voice laced with disbelief, and I nod, still tucked against him, feeling the warmth of his embrace.
“God, I was praying so hard that you would. You're the only person I wanted to see tonight,” he admits, his sincerity washing over me like a comforting wave.
We linger in that embrace, his hand gently stroking my hair while he draws soothing circles on my back, grounding us both. After a few moments, when I feel more steady, I pull away slightly, but he keeps his hands firmly on my hips, his gaze locked onto mine. I can’t help but feel a surge of embarrassment, my cheeks flushing under his intense stare.
“You really wrote that?” I manage to ask, my voice trembling as I reference the sixth track, the tears still fresh in my eyes.
He smiles—that smile that could light up any room—and it sends my heart into a flutter. “Every word,” he replies earnestly, “Only for you.”
In that moment, I lock eyes with him, feeling as if the world around us has faded away, leaving just the two of us in this intimate bubble. I battle the urge to kiss him, but the longing overpowers my hesitation, and I crash my lips to his, surprising both of us. Initially startled, he quickly melts into the kiss, his lips soft against mine, igniting a fire within me that I didn't even know was there.
For a brief moment, he pulls back, as if he wants to say something profound, but instead, he wraps me in his arms once more, holding me tightly. His tall, muscular frame envelops me, crafting a cocoon of safety and warmth that I’ve never felt before. In this shared intimacy, everything else fades away, and I know that this moment is just the beginning of something extraordinary.
-
Jay walks in on us once again, his eyes wider than usual. He mumbles something about being happy for us but mentions that the staff is looking for Jake, an excuse that seems both rehearsed and spontaneous. We can't help but laugh at his antics as we follow him to the green room, where the atmosphere feels warmer and more intimate.
As we make our way through the softly lit corridor, I feel Jaeyun's fingertips brush lightly against my hand before he intertwines our fingers. The simple touch sends a rush of warmth through me, grounding me even amidst the chaos surrounding us.
When we finally reach the green room, we plop down onto the oversized sofa, a well-worn piece of furniture that molds to our bodies. Jaeyun takes a moment to settle in, leaning his head on my shoulder. I can feel the gentle rise and fall of his breath, and I realize he could easily drift off to sleep at any moment, his eyelids already fluttering. Meanwhile, my pulse races with an inexplicable energy, a contrast to his serene demeanor.
The room is alive with conversation, but I can sense all the eyes on us—from the Enhypen members to the staff who are attempting to steal glances without being obvious. They’re clearly intrigued by our closeness; it’s both thrilling and a little embarrassing. Yet, I find comfort in Jaeyun's nonchalance; his indifference to the curious stares reassures me. In that moment, nothing else matters to me except the gentle caress of his fingers against the back of my hand, the connection forged in those small gestures.
As I look down at Jaeyun, I notice he has drifted into a light sleep, so I turn my attention to Jay and the others. We chat about random topics—everything from upcoming performances to funny moments from our last rehearsal. The laughter fills the room, and for a short while, the world outside fades away.
Eventually, as the evening winds down and the chatter subsides, we agree to call it a night. I gently shake Jaeyun's shoulders, nudging him awake. His eyes flutter open, revealing that dreamy gaze that always makes my heart skip a beat. Our little moment of clinginess feels bittersweet as I reluctantly prepare to leave. Before I step away, Sunghoon leans in, his tone reassuring as he tells me they’ll make sure to get Jaeyun back safe. I nod, grateful for their consolation.
—
𝓩.NOTE — posted extra super duper early only for nene pookie
OFF THE RECORD — when falling in love is the easy part — but staying is the real challenge
##SYNOPSIS — in where; a music producer gets called to produce an album for a singer, but rather falls in love instead.
or, in where; a model comes to visit her friend in another country for a short stay, only for everything to change and making the stay longer than expected.
1.5 whatever that means
PREVIOUS — NEXT
## PLAYLIST — off the record
?! TAGLIST — @hoonzsn @yunszn @sweetestjuyo
—
Zoie’s point of view
Over the next few workdays, the studio feels unusually quiet, a stark contrast to its usual vibrancy and chaos. Despite it being the loudest place in the building just a week prior, I find myself barely exchanging words with Jaeyun. The awkward tension between us is palpable, hanging in the air like a thick fog, and it feels like it might choke me if it drags on much longer.
Jaeyun has probably forgotten all about the events of last week, or at least, I hope he has. To cope, I do my best to ignore everything related to him and immerse myself in the album, seeking refuge in my work. I’ve redone the same reverb settings at least twenty times, half-heartedly adjusting them just to fill the silence and pass the time.
As the days pass, I notice Jaeyun spending less time in our shared studio. Instead, he sneaks off to a different one, collaborating with Jay and Heeseung on the elusive sixth track. I had hoped that my honesty would encourage him to reach out for my help, but it seems he prefers to keep this song entirely separate from me. The thought stings, but more than that, I find myself increasingly curious about what they’re creating together.
My intrigue has only grown since he sent me that voice recording of him singing the chorus. The gentle notes of his piano were a surprise, and the emotion in his voice made me question everything. The lyrics suggest a girl—there's no doubt about that—but who could it be? The idea that it might be about me has danced in my mind, but given his current distance, it feels like a fading hope.
Today, when he finally arrives, the room is heavy with unspoken words. I sit on the couch, strumming my guitar absentmindedly, the familiar chords echoing my restless thoughts. Jaeyun stares at his computer, mindlessly clicking and dragging files, before he finally speaks up, breaking the silence.
“Do you think we’re done?” His voice is tentative, glancing over the demos displayed on the screens.
I keep my gaze on the guitar, focusing on the strumming of my fingers, trying to suppress the feelings that threaten to surface. “I am, at least if you’re satisfied,” I sigh, weariness creeping in. “I’ve done my best, really.”
He nods in acknowledgment, though I can sense the distance remains.
“What about track six?” I can’t help but ask, the curiosity bubbling to the surface despite myself. “How's it coming along?”
An uncomfortable silence stretches between us before he replies, a slight edge to his tone. “Yeah, it’s done. Jay and Hee have been a real help.”
His words sting, and I turn back to the guitar, playing at least ten different songs on both the guitar and piano while he busies himself with minor adjustments to the others, scribbling in that well-worn notebook yet again. The hours drag on in this suffocating, awkward silence, our shared space feeling more like a chasm than a collaboration.
Eventually, we gather our thoughts and inform the head manager that we’re ready for release. Almost immediately, an announcement goes out, reverberating through the building.
‘STILL BLUE’ The First Album by JAKE
Out July 13th, 2025.
As the words settle around me, I can’t shake the feeling that amidst the excitement of the announcement, there are still so many unsaid things lingering between Jaeyun and me.
-
3rd person point of view
Soon after the news of the release spreads like wildfire, a celebratory dinner is organized for the following evening. Zoie finds herself torn about whether to attend, contemplating the implications of such a gathering. Yet, Sora's persistent urging nudges her toward the decision. After all, it’s just dinner with her co-workers, right? The two friends meet at Zoie’s apartment before heading out, blending the rhythms of their preparations with the easy comfort of their conversation.
“So…” Sora stretches out the word, her tone indicating hesitation, “what’s going on between you and Jake?”
The mere mention of his name sends an involuntary chill down Zoie’s spine, catching her off guard. She fumbles for a response, her mind racing. “What do you mean?” she manages to ask, feigning innocence.
“Oh, come on! Anyone can feel the tension between you two this past week,” Sora remarks, raising an eyebrow and giving Zoie a knowing look. “You aren't even fighting like you used to. What happened?” The concern lacing her voice is hard to ignore.
Zoie pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath to collect her thoughts. “We almost happened,” she admits with a heavy sigh. “That’s the problem.”
Sora’s expression shifts from confusion to a bright realization, and she can't help but bombard Zoie with a flurry of questions. “Oh my god! Don’t tell me you slept with him!”
The accusation nearly makes Zoie laugh, a mixture of disbelief and amusement bubbling up inside her. “What! No!” she exclaims, her cheeks flushing slightly. As Sora settles down from her excitement, Zoie finds her voice again. “You remember that night during the storm, when I stayed at his dorm? Well, we kind of almost kissed…”
At this revelation, Sora erupts into a squeal, jumping around the room like a kid in a candy store. “What’s the problem then?” she questions, the glee evident in her tone. “You two obviously like each other! Just give it a chance!”
“No, I hate him,” Zoie huffs, turning back to her makeup as if the act itself offers a distraction.
Sora, undeterred, exclaims, “Oh, you don’t just like him! You love him!”
The statement catches Zoie off guard, prompting her to stand abruptly. “It’s a bit soon for that, don’t you think?!” she retorts, feeling a rush of indignation.
Sora bursts into laughter, her mirth ringing through the room. “Yeah, maybe, but you did just admit you like him!”
Zoie can only sigh and face-palm, realizing her friend might have a point. Somewhere underneath all the arguments and history, there might just be something more complicated—and far more real—between her and Jaeyun.
-
As the time for dinner finally arrives, Sora and Zoie make their way to the beautifully set table, where the rest of the crew is already seated. Among them is Seo Hyunjae, a charismatic producer and a close friend of theirs. With his striking looks, easy charm, and infectious laughter, Hyunjae has a knack for lighting up any room he enters.
As they walk towards the table, Sora leans in, her voice low and playful. “No stabbing anyone with your chopsticks tonight, okay?” she whispers, a smirk playing on her lips.
Zoie’s expression remains dead serious as she retorts, “Trust me, I’ll be too busy distracting myself with the food the entire night.”
They greet the rest of the crew warmly, which includes Jaeyun, Jay, Heeseung, and a handful of other producers and managers. Zoie makes a conscious effort to say hello to everyone, pointedly avoiding direct eye contact with Jaeyun, whose presence feels strangely heavy.
Once everyone is settled, Jay raises his glass and suggests, “Now that we’re all here, let’s do a toast.” A waiter appears, expertly placing several bottles of Soju and shot glasses in front of each person. “To the album!” they all cheer, their glasses meeting in a joyful clinking sound, a little of the clear liquid spilling over as they celebrate.
The taste of Soju burns in Zoie's mouth, but it’s a pleasurable kind of burn. “This is just what I needed,” she says to Sora, who giggles along with Hyunjae, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement.
As the grills at the table heat up, sending out sizzling sounds that make everyone's stomachs rumble, a delightful assortment of meats, vegetables, and sides is brought to the table, transforming it into a colorful feast.
Hyunjae leans in and nudges Zoie gently. “Do you want me to handle the grill? I’m pretty sure you almost started a fire last time,” he teases, a twinkle in his eye.
Zoie bursts into laughter, perhaps a bit too loudly for the restaurant's serene ambiance. “Wow, one tofu incident and I’m never trusted with fire again!” she exclaims, playfully swatting at his hand as he expertly takes charge of the grill.
As he flips the meat with precision, she takes a bite of the perfectly cooked piece and turns her attention to Sora, engaging in lively conversation. However, across the table, she can’t shake the feeling of being scrutinized. Jaeyun sits there, his jaw tightly clenched and expression shadowed by annoyance, seemingly unable to tear his gaze away from Hyunjae and Zoie's easy camaraderie.
“Is he always this helpful?” Jaeyun leans over to ask Jay, his eyes glued to the pair, betraying an undertone of jealousy that even he seems unaware of.
“Yeah, they’re pretty close, so it makes sense,” Jay replies, amusement flickering in his eyes as he observes Jaeyun’s discomfort. “Somebody’s jealous,” he adds with a teasing grin.
Jaeyun bristles at the insinuation, defensive at once. “Me? Why would I be jealous of him?” he retorts, a hint of indignation creeping into his voice.
Heeseung and Jay exchange glances, laughter escaping them as they poke fun at Jaeyun’s lack of subtlety regarding his feelings.
As the dinner progresses, the conversations flow freely, and Zoie finds herself loosening up, enjoying the buzz of alcohol and the warmth of friendship. Hyunjae supports her with a steady presence, and she feels grateful for his companionship. Eventually, the three of them excuse themselves from the table, eager to leave before Zoie’s tipsiness escalates into a potential disaster.
Jaeyun watches from afar, a mix of emotions swirling within him as he sees Hyunjae draping an arm around Zoie’s shoulders. A soft blush graces Zoie's cheeks as they bid each other goodnight, and Jaeyun cannot help but feel a pang of envy wash over him.
“Man, you really gotta do something about that,” Heeseung suggests to Jaeyun, who remains behind with him as the rest of the group disperses. “She isn’t going to wait forever.”
Suddenly struck by a wave of realization, Jaeyun feels a surge of determination. He knows he has to act before it’s too late, or he’ll be left to wallow in this unending haze of longing.
As they prepare to call it a night, Jay casually mentions to Jaeyun, “By the way, Hyunjae is gay.”
Jaeyun's eyes widen in shock, and he brightens instantly, disbelief dancing on his features. “What?! Really?” His excitement is palpable, the relief washing over him almost like a newfound hope.
“Dead serious,” Jay chuckles at the transformation in Jaeyun’s demeanor, sensing the weight that has lifted from his friend’s shoulders.
-
Zoie’s point of view
The days leading up to the release are… unusual. They wouldn’t stand out on their own, but Jaeyun’s behavior is distinctly different. He’s being… unusually nice?
Day One. I’m deeply immersed in my new project in the studio when he strolls in unexpectedly, cradling a steaming cup of coffee in his hands. He places it gently on my cluttered desk, a bright smile lighting up his face.
“I noticed you looked half asleep at dinner yesterday, so I thought you could use this,” he says cheerfully. I can’t help but smile awkwardly, taken off-guard and unsure how to respond.
“Oh, thanks,” I manage, turning the cup in my hands to peek at the contents. It’s my usual order, perfectly brewed. When did he take note of this? “How did you know what I liked?”
He winks at me, his confidence on full display. “I’m very observant,” he replies, and just like that, he exits the studio, leaving me alone with a mix of surprise and confusion.
Day Two. Before I even reach the studio, I find him waiting outside, a casual air about him as he makes some excuse about “trying out some new stuff.” He holds the door to the recording booth wide open for me, which makes me wonder how he anticipated I needed to go in. Once inside, he adjusts the height of the microphone and places the headphones carefully over my ears, studying my face intently.
He seems genuinely eager to help, so I allow him to stay. He gives me approving smiles, thumbs up, and even a few exaggerated shocked expressions when he hears me sing. I can’t quite decipher whether he’s impressed by my voice or mortified by my vocal choices.
Day Three. During a much-needed break, I return to find a sticky note attached to my guitar. One of my strings had snapped yesterday, but now it’s mysteriously replaced.
‘Saw you needed a new string; you’re welcome. -J x’
What’s going on here? I mean, it’s undeniably kind of him, and I can feel the emotional distance between us diminishing. We’re having real conversations now, but I can’t shake the lingering memories of that stormy night and everything that unfolded.
Day Four. I sit at my desk once more, staring blankly at the monitors while sorting through my thoughts. This time, Jay is keeping me company, his presence a comforting distraction. Jaeyun had just been here, but he was snatched away for some fittings with Sora, leaving us in the studio alone.
“Do you think Jaeyun’s been acting… different lately?” I ask, curiosity lacing my voice.
“Good different or bad different?” Jay replies with his typical teasing tone. “Are we talking about the ‘I’m secretly in love with you’ kind of different, or the ‘I’m going to avoid you’ type?”
“What! I mean, he’s been doing these thoughtful things like bringing me coffee and fixing my guitar strings,” I explain, now feeling a slight flush rise to my cheeks.
“Oh, that just means he’s desperate,” Jay laughs boisterously, clearly enjoying my confusion.
“What are you talking about?” I say, tucking my feet up onto the chair and leaning back, incredulous.
“You’ll figure it out,” he says with a playful grin, turning toward the door. “Tomorrow.”
As he leaves, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and dread about what the next day might bring.
—
𝓩.NOTE — call me mother the way i’m pushing these chapters out my pussy
OFF THE RECORD — when falling in love is the easy part — but staying is the real challenge
##SYNOPSIS — in where; a music producer gets called to produce an album for a singer, but rather falls in love instead.
or, in where; a model comes to visit her friend in another country for a short stay, only for everything to change and making the stay longer than expected.
1.4 after everything
PREVIOUS — NEXT
## PLAYLIST — off the record
?! TAGLIST — @hoonzsn @yunszn @sweetestjuyo
Following the storm of feelings that nearly unfolded last night, I unexpectedly fell into a deep sleep, as if wrapped in serenity despite the menacing thunder outside and my unease simmering just below the surface.
When I finally awaken, the first sensation that registers is the warmth of a heavy arm draped securely over my waist, pulling me closer into a comforting embrace. My heart races at the unexpected intimacy as I turn to find Jaeyun’s head nestled against my shoulder, his breath warm and steady against my skin. What on earth is he doing here, and why is he cuddling me?
Panic washes over me like a cold wave, freezing me in place as my mind spirals with a flurry of questions. He’s completely tangled up against me, sleeping soundly as if wrapped in a soft cocoon. My hands tremble slightly as I cautiously lift the sheet just enough for a glimpse, and relief floods through me to see that he’s fully dressed. Phew, that’s a small comfort.
“Jake,” I call out softly, a desperate need for clarity threaded through my voice. I repeat his name, gradually raising my volume until he finally groans in response, his voice thick with sleep and a touch of annoyance.
“What?” he mumbles, his eyes still shut, unmoving like a sloth immersed in peaceful dreams.
“Can you let go now?” I gently tap his hand under the covers, the mix of frustration and amusement swelling within me like a playful tide. With obvious reluctance, he loosens his grip, rolling slightly away but still burying his face deeper into the softness of the pillow.
“Why are you here? Didn’t you say you’d sleep on the couch?” My curiosity flares up as I search his expression.
“Oh, you know,” he replies lazily, stretching his arms above his head, the muscles in his abdomen flexing momentarily, “the living room was way too hot…” The falsehood drips thickly from his voice.
“Liar,” I call him out without hesitation, my lips curling into a teasing smile.
He seems to give in at my playful accusation, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks like the first light of dawn. “Okay, maybe I was a little scared of the thunder,” he admits sheepishly, now fully awake and gazing up at me, his expression a charming blend of bashfulness and allure as I sit against the headboard.
“You’re scared of thunder?” My laughter bursts forth, light and melodic, this unexpected revelation utterly tickling my senses. “I thought that didn’t quite fit your mysterious guy persona.
A slow, sheepish grin spreads across his face as he buries his head deep into the softness of the pillow, clearly feeling the heat of embarrassment. I carefully climb over him, navigating around his sprawled body, needing to cling to his hand for balance and slowly make my way toward the kitchen.
As I step into the living room, I catch sight of some of the members—Riki and Sunoo—already bustling about, preparing to head out into the bright morning. They shoot me glances filled with curiosity, their expressions a mix of confusion and surprise, wondering why I am in their home. I explain hastily, the two of them exchanging weird looks afterwards. Jungwon strides over, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, the rich aroma enveloping me as I graciously accept it, savoring the warmth and comfort it offers.
After chatting for a bit and thanking him with a smile, I head off in search of the bathroom, the need to change back into my own clothes urgent, the awkwardness of the moment buzzing around me like a persistent fly.
On my way out, I nearly collide with a half-asleep Jaeyun, who has finally decided to greet the morning.
“Leaving so soon?” he asks, his trademark cocky attitude emerging like the sun breaking through the clouds.
“I still have work,” I reply, striving to maintain a neutral expression despite the flurry of emotions churning within. “And so do you. Remember? Your album cover shoot is today.”
I watch as panic flickers in his eyes, realization dawning on him like an unexpected thunderclap. A laugh escapes me at the sight of his flustered expression, and I give his shoulder a reassuring pat, my heart swelling with a mix of fondness and mischief. “I’ll text Sora to let her know you’ll be late.”
He smiles genuinely then, a flicker of gratitude glinting in his gaze as I make my hasty exit, saying farewell to everyone and thanking them for their generous hospitality.
-
When I arrive at the studio after dashing home to change into some fresh clothes, an overwhelming sense of emptiness envelops me. Today, I find myself alone for a few hours as both Jaeyun and Sora are out shooting for the album cover, leaving me to the solitude of the studio's creative chaos.
With nothing but my thoughts for company, I dive into the meticulous process of editing the album's songs, occasionally jotting down lyrics that quickly fall to the floor in defeat as I dismiss them. Now and then, members of ENHYPEN drop by, including Jay, who seems to sense my boredom, offering a welcome distraction.
Out of nowhere, Jay broaches the subject of last night—something I had hoped would just fade into memory.
“Look, I really didn't see you! I was just hungry, I swear,” he insists, his voice earnest. “Trust me, it won't happen again.”
I let out a heavy sigh. Deep down, I worry that that moment may have been the one chance we had. How is it possible that I almost kissed Sim Jaeyun? Did I really want to? Do I still?
The way Jay acts now has me questioning if Jaeyun even remembers the fleeting moment we shared—or if he’s simply avoiding it.
“What was that about anyway?” Jay inquires, noticing my distant gaze lost in thought.
“I don't know,” I admit, feeling the weight of silence settle heavily upon us. Thankfully, he doesn't press further; I wouldn’t know what to say if he did.
We shift to lighter topics, laughter soon spilling from our lips, filling the once-quiet studio. The sound is still ringing in the air when Jaeyun bursts through the door, his expression a mix of concern and disapproval as he assesses our breathless state. To my surprise, I notice a flash of jealousy in his eyes. He quickly ushers Jay out, declaring we have work to do.
Once we’re alone, I'm still giggling, trying to catch my breath, but Jaeyun’s demeanor is serious as he hands me a printed piece of paper. I take a moment to focus on it and realize it’s filled with the new lyrics to “Half Awake,” the ones he sang to me just last night.
He moves to set up in the recording room, but I can’t help but study him. Though he just returned from a photoshoot, traces of makeup still cling to his skin, and his hair is styled in messy, soft curls that frame his face just right. Sora has truly outdone herself with this look. I make a mental note to ask her about the cover picture later.
Our recording session flows smoothly, with Jaeyun surprisingly receptive to my suggestions. I sense a newfound openness in him, a shift that makes me hopeful for the creative process. Yet, despite the productive atmosphere, I can feel the tension from last night still lingering like an uninvited guest.
He deliberately avoids meeting my gaze, frequently checking his notebook to scribble down new lyrics, only to rip out pages that don’t meet his satisfaction and toss them into the trash.
After a while, fatigue sets in, and I take a break on the couch, mindlessly strumming my guitar. Jaeyun is turned away from me, gazing at the computer in front of him, but I can tell he’s listening attentively. I begin to mumble the lyrics to a Gracie Abrams song I worked on last year, forgetting the correct chords, but the lyrics unexpectedly hit me harder than anticipated.
You're the risk, I'm gonna take it...
When Jaeyun steps out to attend to another album-related task, I seize the opportunity to glance at his open notebook on the table. It's not snooping if he leaves it like that, right? My heart races as I peek at the page, and I’m taken aback by what I see.
In bold uppercase letters, he has written: “TRACK 6: After everything, I still want you,” with the words “want” and “you” underlined three times, a striking emphasis on his emotions.
Oh my God. Is this a new song? Suddenly, I understand why he’s been fervently scribbling notes. My mind swirls with questions about how to approach him without revealing that I looked at his notebook, especially since he has clearly shown discomfort with my snooping.
But I need to hear it. As I hear footsteps echoing down the corridor, I quickly return to my place on the couch, pretending to be engrossed in my phone, masking the whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind.
-
Jake was feeling a weight on his chest, as if a rock had settled there, unyielding and heavy. Since the events of last night, he had been avoiding any interaction with Zoie, but he couldn’t shake her from his thoughts. She seemed to dominate his mind, like a catchy tune that played on repeat, nagging at him relentlessly.
Earlier, he had attempted to distract himself by going live for his fans, excitedly sharing the news of his upcoming solo album. The bright screen and the supportive comments helped momentarily mask the emptiness he felt. But now, as the day waned and the room dimmed, he lay flat on his back, sinking deep into the plush, familiar sheets of his bed. The lingering scent of her perfume wrapped around him like a ghost, a bittersweet reminder of moments they had shared.
The moment they shared in the kitchen had taken him completely by surprise. It was a clash of emotions he hadn’t anticipated; after all, he had spent so much time denying his growing feelings for Zoie, who was simultaneously his producer and rival. Over the past few weeks, those feelings had begun to fester, moving from the back of his mind to the forefront. Jake knew he liked her—Jay had pointed it out, and deep down, he could no longer lie to himself about it. Yet, he wasn’t ready to admit it out loud.
As he lay there, a gnawing sensation overwhelmed him, replaying fragments of yesterday in his mind. From Zoie’s unexpected outburst to the way he had slipped into bed beside her in the middle of the night, seeking comfort from the thunderstorm raging outside. Yes, he had been genuinely scared of the thunder, but perhaps there was something more profound at play. Maybe his desire to be close to her had more layers than just fear; it was about connection.
Jake found himself contemplating the nature of his feelings. Did Zoie feel the same pull towards him? When she almost kissed him, was it just a fleeting moment, an impulse? The uncertainty of it all was maddening, spiraling in his mind like a whirlwind. He needed to take action before these troubling thoughts consumed him entirely.
With a determined sigh, he pushed himself off the bed, the evening sky deepening into twilight. He settled back by his synthesizer, a sanctuary for his thoughts and emotions. His notebook lay open, filled with fragmented lyrics, raw thoughts, and snippets of melodies that had once flowed easily but had been shelved when he felt unready to confront what they meant. Now, however, he dove into his writing, pouring his heart onto the pages with a sense of urgency that brought clarity.
Three hours slipped by in a blur as he found satisfaction in the melody he crafted, the words mingling seamlessly with the notes. This song felt more than just a musical composition; it was a piece of his heart. But anxieties crept in. What would Zoie think if she heard it? Would she realize it was about her? The thought of it tainting their working relationship sent a shiver down his spine.
So instead of reaching out to her for help with production—which would be too personal—he opted for a safer route. He quickly shot a text to Jay and Heeseung, the two members he trusted implicitly with his ideas, confident they wouldn’t judge him for his vulnerabilities.
By the time Jay and Heeseung arrived, Jake was nearly dozing off at his keyboard, exhaustion setting in after a long day.
“What’s all this about a song?” Jay asked, his brows knitting together in confusion as he stepped into the dim light of Jake’s room. Heeseung stifled a yawn, fatigue evident on his face.
“I kind of need your help making it,” Jake admitted sheepishly, his gaze dropping to the pages of his notebook, feeling a mix of excitement and embarrassment.
“Don’t you have your own producer for that?” Heeseung chimed, half of his remark playful but curious. His eyes widened in surprise as he caught a glimpse of the lyrics.
Jay’s expression shifted from confusion to enlightenment, a knowing smile spreading across his face. “Oh, I get it,” he said with a teasing smirk. “You can’t ask her because the song is about her, right?” He exchanged a laugh with Heeseung, whose eyes now danced with intrigue.
Jake felt a slight warmth of embarrassment flood his cheeks, but he couldn’t help smirking back. “So, will you help me?”
“Of course,” Heeseung replied, stifling another yawn. “But not tonight; I’m totally wiped out.”
Jay, meanwhile, remained engrossed in the lyrics, his expression thoughtful. “Man, I never pegged you as such a simp,” he teased, a playful grin on his lips.
Without thinking, Jake snatched the notebook from him, laughter echoing in their small room as they prepared to call it a night. But just as Jake was about to drift off, his phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Zoie.
She revealed that she’d sneakily glanced at his notebook and was intrigued by the new track. A mix of unease and relief washed over him—she wasn’t pressing for details, which was comforting. In a moment of spontaneity, he sent her a voice memo, quietly singing the chorus he had just written.
When he saw that Zoie had hearted the message without replying, he felt a strange mix of hope and anxiety. What did it all mean? Did she understand the depth of his feelings? Would this song bring them closer, or would it complicate everything they had built together? The uncertainty lingered in the air, thick and electric, as the night wrapped around him like a warm blanket.
OFF THE RECORD — when falling in love is the easy part — but staying is the real challenge
##SYNOPSIS — in where; a music producer gets called to produce an album for a singer, but rather falls in love instead.
or, in where; a model comes to visit her friend in another country for a short stay, only for everything to change and making the stay longer than expected.
1.3 half awake
PREVIOUS — NEXT
## PLAYLIST — off the record
?! TAGLIST — @hoonzsn @yunszn @sweetestjuyo
After I stormed out of the studio, frustration bubbling within me, I sought refuge in Sora’s office. She was deep in thought, brainstorming ideas for the cover shoot of Jaeyun's album, her voice a murmur as she lamented over the plethora of blue shades. “Neither true blue nor royal blue are right,” she muttered, frowning at swatches of fabric scattered across her desk. Honestly, I couldn’t discern much of a difference between the two, but to Sora, it was as if one was an abomination while the other was a work of art.
My mind was crowded with conflicting thoughts. Had I been too harsh? I could almost hear the ominous ticking of a clock in my head—what if my outburst cost me my job? The weight of my weariness settled heavily on me, and I surrendered to the pull of Sora’s ridiculously comfortable couch, drifting off into a restless sleep.
A loud bang jolted me awake, and I squinted against the dim light to see Sora seated beside me, her eyes glued to her phone, mindlessly scrolling. The rain pounded relentlessly against the windows behind me, drowning out all other sounds. What time was it? I checked my phone: 5:45 p.m. I was supposed to have clocked out nearly two hours ago. Why were we still here?
“Oh, you’re up,” Sora said, a note of relief in her voice as she helped me sit up. “Looks like we’re stuck here for a while. Bad storm outside.”
I didn’t respond, unable to hear her fully over the thunder’s growl. Instead, I watched as she reorganized her jackets for tomorrow’s shoot, her mind still consumed by the day's challenges.
Suddenly, a sharp knock at the door shattered the tense atmosphere, causing my heart to race. Heeseung, another one of Jaeyun’s bandmates, stepped inside. The concern etched on his face quickly melted into relief upon seeing me.
“Zoie, you haven’t gone home yet?” he asked, his brow creasing in mild disapproval. “Jake’s been looking for you.” The mention of his name sent a jolt of confusion through me. Why on earth would Jaeyun be looking me? Heeseung shifted awkwardly, trading glances with Sora as if silently discussing the situation between them. It was clear he wanted me to follow him, but I hesitated, uncertainty gnawing at me.
“Why?” I asked bluntly, an edge of confusion creeping into my voice. He simply shrugged, the gesture clear yet unsatisfying, as if that could explain the bizarre situation.
-
We navigated our way toward the entrance, where we found Jaeyun wrestling with an umbrella, yanking it with all his might, his expression a mix of determination and frustration. As he struggled, Heeseung and I exchanged amused glances, unable to contain our laughter. It quickly became apparent, however, that all he needed to do was press a button to open the umbrella, a realization that sparked a collective sense of embarrassment for the three of us.
When Jaeyun spotted us, his surprise morphed into a grin that lit up his face. My gaze drifted to the bag slung over his shoulder, and a wave of recognition hit me like a tidal wave. That’s my bag. I must have left it in the studio earlier.
“Is this why you were looking for me?” I asked, gesturing to the bag. To my surprise, Jaeyun beamed at me, completely unfazed by the chaos that had unfolded between us only a few hours earlier.
“Oh yeah, that’s part of it,” he admitted, handing the bag back to me. An anxious gesture of touching his neck followed, betraying a hint of shyness. “Also, with the storm rolling in, you’re welcome to stay at our place. It’s just next door. Don’t worry, most of the members sleep early.” I couldn’t help but notice how oddly vulnerable he seemed in that moment. It felt strange, out of place even.
“Thank you, but I’ll be fine staying here,” I replied, striving to sound as polite as possible. Spending the night at his place felt like venturing into uncharted territory. I had mentioned wanting to dig deeper into my understanding of his feelings, but this seemed like a leap into a deeper end.
“No, no, I insist,” Jaeyun countered, his tone playful yet firm, with Heeseung nodding in agreement beside him. “Can’t let my dear producer lose sleep because of me.” His confidence returned, exuding an arrogance that was both captivating and intimidating.
I protested, naturally—how could I not? A good ten minutes slipped away in futile bickering, each of us stubbornly trying to win the argument. Even the security guard, Hyejo, watched our exchange with a bemused expression, clearly entertained by our back-and-forth.
I’m not typically one to back down from a challenge, yet for reasons I couldn’t quite grasp, I finally relented. Perhaps it was purely professional; I did need new material for the songs we were struggling with. Or maybe it was something else entirely.
“Alright, I’ll do it,” I announced, surrendering at last.
“Perfect,” Jaeyun replied, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I might have just made a big mistake. “Let’s go,” he said, and before I could process his intentions, he grabbed my hand and pulled me beneath the umbrella he had so vehemently struggled with earlier.
In an instant, we were thrust out into the downpour, the rain drenching us almost immediately. I instinctively clung to him, pressing myself close like a child seeking comfort. The umbrella proved far too small for the both of us; I noticed the right side of his jacket becoming saturated because of me. So, somehow, I did the unthinkable—I drew him closer, closing the distance between us.
Was I wrong to expect some kind of reaction? Absolutely. Did I do it anyway? Yes. Yet Jaeyun remained as composed as ever, seemingly unfazed by our newfound proximity.
-
The elevator ride was marked by an awkward silence, a stark contrast to the previous whirlwind of emotions. When we finally arrived at the apartment door, I noted how spacious the ENHYPEN members' dorm was on the fourth floor. The atmosphere shifted almost immediately as I was greeted by Jungwon, their cheerful leader, whose bright energy cut through the subdued tension. He informed me that the other members had already turned in for the night.
As us three—Jaeyun, Heeseung, and I—stood there, water dripping from our clothes and pooling on the floor, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being caught in a surreal moment, especially with the thunderstorm still raging outside.
I was so engaged in conversation with Jungwon that I didn’t even notice both Jaeyun and Heeseung slip away until Jaeyun returned. He was freshly showered, his damp hair falling charmingly over his forehead, and I couldn’t help but find myself entranced by the casual yet striking way he carried himself.
“Jungwon, could I please have my guest back?” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips and his voice dripping with playful sarcasm. Jungwon’s laughter rang out, and he bid us goodnight before making his exit.
Now I found myself pulled into Jaeyun’s room. To my surprise, it was nothing out of the ordinary—after all, he is just a guy. My gaze roamed the room, landing on several LEGO sets meticulously built, a selection of movie posters plastered on the walls, and, most unexpectedly, a gleaming synthesizer that hinted at his musical aspirations beyond what I had witnessed so far.
“Do you play?” I ask, settling onto the worn leather stool that creaks under my weight and aimlessly pressing some keys.
He’s rummaging through his cluttered closet drawers, the sound of fabric rustling and metal clinking filling the air. For a moment, he pauses, lifting his gaze to meet mine, “Yeah,” he responds, returning his attention to the chaos in front of him. "Why do you ask?"
“I want to hear something,” It's only after I say this that I realize how bold and demanding I must sound.
He chuckles, a playful glimmer in his eyes, as he spins around and hands me a neatly folded stack of clothes. “Alright, but first you need to go take a shower, stinky,” he teases, a broad grin stretching across his face.
I stand there momentarily taken aback by his unexpected lightheartedness. Normally, I could count on him to shoot down my antics with a sharp retort, but today he seems different. He gestures toward the bathroom with an inviting smile, closing the door behind me.
After a brisk and refreshing shower that revitalized my senses, I find myself standing once again in front of his bedroom door. I'm wrapped in one of his soccer jerseys, its fabric soft against my skin, yet it hangs loosely on me, the hem nearly brushing my thighs. Below, I have a pair of his sweatpants, which sag embarrassingly low, pooling around my ankles and nearly causing me to trip with every tentative step I take.
I don’t knock. As I step into the room, I find Jaeyun seated on the stool in front of the synthesizer, his fingers poised above the keys as if he’s been waiting for me. His expression is a blend of confidence and anticipation, prompting a confused look to pass over my face.
“You said you wanted to hear me play something, right?” he asks, his voice dripping with that signature cocky undertone. Normally, I might retort, but today I just nod, inching closer out of curiosity. My eyes catch sight of his notebook laid out before him, the very one that I’ve seen him scribbling in countless times before.
He begins to pluck the black and white tiles of the keyboard, and soon the familiar melody fills the space between us. It hits me like a wave—this is the alternate version of “Half Awake.”
I can hardly believe I’m experiencing this moment. Sim Jaeyun, usually so guarded and enigmatic, is unraveling his emotions in front of me. The chorus remains untouched, echoing those familiar sentiments, but the verses unfold with a raw, unfiltered honesty that captures a deeper level of complexity. Each note resonates within me, the beauty of his artistry slicing through the air with a palpable intensity.
If someone had told me before today that he had crafted something so profound, I would have struggled to accept it. But now, having witnessed the depth of his expression, I find myself speechless. When he finally fades into silence, he avoids my gaze, almost as if he’s retreating from the vulnerability he just exposed. He gently retrieves his notebook and carefully locks it away in a drawer, safeguarding his thoughts once more.
“That was… wow,” I manage to stammer, the weight of the performance still heavy on my heart. I want to articulate my admiration, to offer my thoughts on the profoundness of what I just heard, but words elude me. I fear that any attempt at analysis might tarnish the beauty of what he has just shared.
In a sudden shift, he grabs a pillow from his bed and strides toward the door. “I’ll be on the couch. You make yourself comfortable here.”
Before I can voice my objections or even process his departure, he slips out of the room, closing the door behind him with a gentle click. I’m left alone in the quiet aftermath, my mind swirling with questions. What does this all mean? What are the implications of his openness? I sit in the stillness, wondering if this moment is a mere fluke or a turning point in our journey.
-
It's the middle of the night, and the air is thick with an eerie stillness. My throat feels like sandpaper, parched and longing for a sip of water. I’m cocooned in the warmth of the soft, inviting sheets of Jaeyun's bed, the faint scent of his cologne lingering, offering a strange sense of comfort.
Outside, the moon casts a silvery glow through the curtains, illuminating the room in a dreamy haze. I glance at the clock on the bedside table, its numbers glowing softly in the darkness, reminding me how late it is. Unsettled and restless, I toss and turn, unable to find a position that eases the discomfort in my throat.
Quietly, I slip out of bed and tiptoe into the dimly lit kitchen, the coolness of the laminate flooring sending a chill through my bare feet. I tread carefully, each step eliciting faint creaks that seem to echo in the stillness of the night.
As I rummage through the cabinets, hoping to find a glass with minimal noise, I take a moment to appreciate the familiar surroundings—the faint smell of last night's dinner lingering in the air, the soft glow of the refrigerator light casting gentle shadows on the walls. Just as I grasp a glass, my heart jolts at the sound of a familiar voice from the couch.
“Can’t sleep?”
Damn it. I woke him up. A wave of embarrassment washes over me, and I internally kick myself for being so careless. This might just top my list of most embarrassing moments.
“Yeah,” I reply softly, bringing the glass of water to my lips, trying to drown out the awkwardness. I expect him to settle back into his blanket, perhaps sighing in annoyance, but to my surprise, he rises and walks over to the kitchen, his bare chest illuminated in the faint light. I can’t help but steal a glance, my cheeks flushing as I distract myself, focusing on the glass in my hands instead of the way his presence brings warmth to the chilly night air.
“Are you still mad I yelled at you?” I ask, my voice surprisingly bold as he turns toward the fridge, pulling out a granola bar. The slight rustle of the packaging breaks the stillness of the room.
He chuckles, but there’s a puzzled smirk playing on his lips. “Are you still mad I won’t let you read my notebook?”
I laugh, a soft sound that fills the space between us, but I don’t respond. Outside, the storm rumbles ominously, casting a gloomy shadow through the kitchen window.
“I wasn’t trying to shut you out, I promise,” he says, his tone shifting as guilt washes over his features. He leans against the edge of the kitchen island, and I take the opportunity to sit beside him, feeling the cool marble surface beneath me.
“Could have fooled me,” I reply, trying to keep the mood light despite the lingering tension. “It’s like talking to a brick wall sometimes.”
His eyes flicker to mine, and he retorts, “You’re not exactly easy to talk to either.” There’s a playful glint there, but I can sense the seriousness behind his words. “You throw punches like compliments.”
I can’t help but grin, letting my gaze drop to my swinging feet as I tease, “Only when provoked.”
He raises an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “...You provoke easily.”
We fall into a comfortable silence for a moment, the only sounds being the soft sip of water from my glass and the rhythmic crunch of his granola bar, creating an oddly soothing backdrop amidst the brewing storm outside.
Suddenly, an insatiable urge to dig deeper into the conversation washes over me. “I just don’t get it,” I say, my voice tinged with frustration. “Why do a solo if you’re not gonna say anything real?”
He hesitates, his expression softening as he fidgets with his hands, a nervous habit I’ve noticed before. “I want to,” he finally replies, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just… don’t know how to say it. Not the way you do.”
I let out a dry laugh, a sound filled with more pain than humor. “You think it’s easy for me? That I just walk into a studio and spill everything?”
“…Don’t you?” His gaze locks onto mine, and in that moment, his brown eyes remind me of a lost puppy, wide and searching, full of unspoken hope.
I shake my head, breaking away from his intense stare. “Not really. But I’ve never figured out how to make something mean anything without putting myself into it.” The admission feels like a weight lifted, yet it hangs heavy in the air between us.
He sighs, the tension palpable as he breaks the silence. “…I didn’t mean to make this harder for you.”
A wave of guilt washes over me, and I quickly respond, “And I didn’t mean to make you feel like you weren’t enough.”
“You didn’t.” His voice is steady and sincere, grounding me somehow. His fingers graze the back of my hand resting on the counter, sending a spark of electricity coursing through me. I look up at him, feeling a magnetic pull that’s hard to resist.
“Then why won’t you let me in?” I ask, my voice softer now, laden with urgency.
He pauses, his expression contemplative, as if grappling with something stuck in his throat—a truth he’s afraid to reveal. Yet, he doesn't look away, his gaze steady and earnest. “…Because once you’re in, you’ll see it’s a mess.”
Our faces are mere inches apart, and I feel an overwhelming desire to close the distance. So far apart, yet I’ve never felt closer to anyone in my life. He reaches up, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face, his fingers lingering just long enough to send my heart racing. “What if I want the mess?” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.
Just then, a loud creak from the floorboards jolts us apart like a shockwave. I hear Jay’s voice drifting in from the living room, casual and cheerful. “Are there any granola bars left, Jake?”
Instinctively, I spring to my feet, turning around to meet Jay’s oblivious gaze. My heart pounds in my chest, and I struggle to regain composure. “Um, good night,” I mumble hastily, my voice strained as I rush back to Jaeyun’s bedroom, my mind racing with what just transpired and what it could mean for us.
—
𝓩.NOTE — this is so late sorry i am a mess (get it?) anyways love u bye chapter 4 soon trust
songs ; if - im’in , favour - avenoir, jasmine - dpr live, dandelion - ariana grande
warnings ; lots and lots of swearing, kissing (?), kms jokes
au ; gamer!jungwon & his crash-out gf (reader)
wordcount ; 705
Honestly, you were starting to get frustrated. Not because of Jungwon’s constant laughter at you, but rather because of this random kid on Fortnite that keeps killing you, which is causing you to lose multiple times.
“He’s fucking spawn killing me!” You yell, raging, as Jungwon's laughter just keeps getting louder.
“Babe you’re supposed to protect me,” You puff out, flicking his forehead lightly with your fingers whilst rolling your eyes as you move your hand away from the mouse.
“Okay, but it’s not my fault you suck at this game.”
“Just accept it, my love.” His laughter had subsided slightly, putting his arms behind his head. The smile on his face just getting bigger at your reaction, resulting in his dimples to show.
“Jungwon, I will hit you if you keep babbling these lies straight to my face.” You scoffed, looking at him through the side of your eye with your arms crossed.
Jungwon's eyes scanned the stream comments, adjusting his glasses as a chuckle escaped his lips due to one of the comments, which he read out aloud.
“That’s quite an abusive claim, Jungwon's girlfriend”
He looked at you, pushing your chair closer to him as he laid his arms around the headrest.
“I agree chat, don’t you?” His gaze went to you, a smile still tainted on his delicate lips. You just looked at him and shook your head before letting your eyes look through the comments.
‘I support her fully, and so should you Jungwon’ one of the comments read, catching your attention as you giggled and read it out loud for him to hear.
“Jungwon I personally think you should support my behavior, just like them, and not be a hater” You turned your attention from the screen to him, quite literally staring at you like you were dessert. The game being completely forgotten.
“Hm, Me? A hater?” Jungwon hummed, removing one of his arms to rest his cheek on it. His gaze never leaving yours, whilst slowly leaning in closer to you.
“Holy shit the chat is going insane” You cracked up, your attention immediately going back to the screen as you got shy by your boyfriend.
He giggles at your antics, knowing you get shy around affection when you’re on camera.
You looked at him, and immediately felt butterflies in your stomach due to how much closer he was now. And that caused you to stand up and pretend as if you were about to go and grab something.
“I’m just going to go get water real quick,” you had mumbled, already walking off camera, but before you could walk away completely he had grabbed your wrist, causing you to stop in your tracks.
“No kiss?” He tilted his head, a small pout forming on his lips before you caught him quite off-guard.
You leaned in and covered both of your guys’ faces with the sleeve of your hoodie (that was obviously his), and gave him a short kiss.
“Can I leave now?” You asked, fixing your posture as you stood up straight. Your vision was still glued to him, resulting in you to notice the tip of his ears getting red.
Once you had left the room, Jungwon had absolutely lost it and abandoned anything he knew about shame and embarrassment.
“Guys did you see that she literally kissed me!” He squealed, trying to keep his cool, which was getting pretty hard for him. His eyes scrolled across the chat of his stream as he continued on his rant
‘Jungwon i never knew you could bag’
‘I want her so bad, she's so fyne shyt’
The comments had been rolling in, and to be honest, it was getting to an overwhelming point. He spoke up.
“Guys, calm down. First of all she's my girl, let's get that straight”
“And second of all who said I couldn’t bag?” His eyebrows furrowed jokingly, scoffing as he crossed his arms.
‘Sorry that we thought a guy who only ever plays games and streams couldn’t bag a baddie like her💔 is that a crime’
He had laughed, about to come up with an argument before you came back into the room. Immediately folding as his voice became soft again.
“You back already baby?”
—
𝓢. NOTE — i am quite literally keeping it comin’ with these smau’s 💀 dont get tired of it guys i have nothing better to do… also pls pls plssss dont be afraid to tell me if you have any requests! i’ll gladly do them🤍 (this was also made bc of sine bc she wanted a jungwon fic so i js made smth keep her from not going insane)
inspired by; better - khalid, IFHY - Tyler, the creator
warnings; suggestive, making out (sunghoons part), swearing, asshole jake
LEE HEESEUNG;
"I don’t get why you keep telling everyone we’re just friends." You had started your little rant, mindlessly caressing your hair by running a hand through it as an exhausted sigh left your nose.
“Heeseung, are you embarrassed by me?”
His gaze immediately lifts from the TV screen behind you, his lips parting as he tries to find the right words to tell you. Anything, even an excuse.
His mind goes blank, and you stand there and scoff, shaking your head in surprise and dissatisfaction.
“I genuinely thought I could trust you,” you spoke, the tears in your eyes slowly forming, your gaze never leaving him.
“Don’t ever contact me again.”
You grabbed your phone and keys from the couch, close to where he was sitting. He stared at you, guiltily, knowing he had messed up badly this time, and watched you leave his apartment.
—
PARK JONGSEONG ;
The atmosphere was light and playful. Everyone at the table being able to have a heartfelt conversation, keeping the ambiance lively.
You had been invited by Jay to this dinner with his friends, finally thinking that this’d be the moment where he officiates your ‘relationship’, or whatever this was. Because after all, it’s not every day a guy would willingly invite you to a dinner with his friends, right?
Apparently, you were wrong.
So wrong.
This entire moment felt ironic. You’ve been waiting excitedly and patiently for Jay to finally tell you what you two were, only to be hit with a question from someone, deep in your gut. The answer from another certain someone hitting you even deeper.
“So what are you two?” A light voice had peeked through with curiosity, catching both yours and Jay’s attention.
“Oh, we’re just friends.” He had said coldly, chuckling it off casually, as if he didn’t just shatter your heart into a million different pieces with those few words.
Your eyes set on his face, almost immediately watering up as you tried to hold it in.
Which didn’t work that well.
You quickly grabbed your bag from the chair, and quietly excused yourself before hurriedly rushing out of the restaurant.
You couldn't be in the same room as him after that. After everything you’d done. You felt defeated, and heartbroken.
—
SIM JAEYUN ;
You did it again,
Gosh, you promised yourself you wouldn’t.
After all, you knew he was just using you for his own pleasure.
But somehow, you enjoyed it. You enjoyed knowing he at least had some use of you, and that made you feel a little better.
You glanced to your right, your eyes already adjusted to the dimly lit room, as they set on the man next to you, deep in thought as you quietly watched his eyes flutter open and shut. You had let out a content hum.
“Can I stay over tonight?” Your voice had barely caught his attention. His gaze switching from his phone to your blanket-covered self.
“What?” He had asked. His eyebrows furrowing in response as he waited for you to repeat yourself.
“I asked if i could sleep over,” You repeated, your voice clearer than before, as you gazed at him, your eyes glowing with hope.
Jake had looked at you with an eyebrow raised in disbelief. A small smile crossed his face as he chuckled. “Oh,”
“I don’t do sleepovers, sorry” His voice ran through your head like an echo. But you continued.
“Jake, it’s late, and I feel uncomfortable going home this late..” You tried to argue back, a small pout forming on your lips.
“Okay? That's not my fault now is it?” He scoffed, putting his phone down on his bedside table, as he sat down and put his shirt back on, completely disregarding you.
“Come on,” You started, sitting back up and copying his previous motions.
“Just get out yn, I don’t need you here anymore.” He rolled his eyes, starting to get quite irritated by your persistence.
“Fuck you.” You angrily got out of his bed, putting your pants back on, quickly snatching your stuff from the bedside table.
“You already did that, though” He chuckled cheekily, watching as you walked out of his room, slamming it shut. A quiet ‘geez’ leaving his lips through a mumble.
—
PARK SUNGHOON ;
You both had agreed to keep this a secret. And you both knew what you were getting yourselves into.
But it didn’t stop you both, did it?
Sunghoon had quietly signaled you by tilting his head toward the bathroom to follow him. The butterflies immediately fluttered in your stomach, as you made sure none of your friends were looking at you two.
“I need to go to the bathroom” you had quietly announced, all of them too engaged with the movie playing as you slowly and carefully slipped off from the couch. Following Sunghoon after a few moments had passed, to not make it all seem suspicious.
He was waiting patiently for you, hearing your feet silently tap across the floor as you walked through the hallway to the bathroom. You spotted him leaning his body sideways on the door frame, waiting for you.
Once his eyes laid on you, a smile had plastered it’s way onto his face. Immediately grabbing you gently, as if it were a natural instinct.
“Hi hoon,” You whispered, the distance between your bodies being closed off by him holding you closer by your waist. The sheepish smile on your face never faltering.
“Hey baby,” Sunghoon spoke, his words spilling from his lips like they were honey. Sticky and sweet. He had started tracing kisses from your neck to your jawline, a slow and content hum leaving his mouth yet again.
“I missed you a lot, you know?” He mumbled, keeping his focus on giving you soft and gentle kisses, as his ears rang due to your chuckle. The blush immediately starting to peak through from his ears.
“Hoon, we were literally in the same room for two hours,” You laughed, your smile growing even bigger.
“Okay, but could I do this?” He had spoken in a questioning tone. His lips crashed onto yours before you could say anything else.
You instinctively put your arms around his neck, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss. A quiet hum leaving his lips as he let his lips roam around yours even deeper than before.
Sunghoon had changed your positions, making you the one who's leaning on the doorframe now, one arm still holding you closer by your waist, and the other being placed on your jaw.
And just before it could’ve gotten better, a loud voice had caught both of your guys’ attention.
“Holy shit, I knew it!”
“I knew there was something between you two!” Jungwon had gasped, his hand covering his mouth.
That had snapped both of you back into reality. You immediately pushed yourself away from Sunghoon. Your focus now redirected to Jungwon.
𝓢. NOTE — hey guys!!! i just made my first smau here… hopefully you guys enjoy😭😭😭😭 and im rlly sorry i made jake such an asshole i js had this song playing and i got rlly inspired 😅 also thank u so so much my twin sine for helping me get inspiration to make this
inspired by; better - khalid, IFHY - Tyler, the creator
warnings; suggestive, making out (sunghoons part), swearing, asshole jake
LEE HEESEUNG;
"I don’t get why you keep telling everyone we’re just friends." You had started your little rant, mindlessly caressing your hair by running a hand through it as an exhausted sigh left your nose.
“Heeseung, are you embarrassed by me?”
His gaze immediately lifts from the TV screen behind you, his lips parting as he tries to find the right words to tell you. Anything, even an excuse.
His mind goes blank, and you stand there and scoff, shaking your head in surprise and dissatisfaction.
“I genuinely thought I could trust you,” you spoke, the tears in your eyes slowly forming, your gaze never leaving him.
“Don’t ever contact me again.”
You grabbed your phone and keys from the couch, close to where he was sitting. He stared at you, guiltily, knowing he had messed up badly this time, and watched you leave his apartment.
—
PARK JONGSEONG ;
The atmosphere was light and playful. Everyone at the table being able to have a heartfelt conversation, keeping the ambiance lively.
You had been invited by Jay to this dinner with his friends, finally thinking that this’d be the moment where he officiates your ‘relationship’, or whatever this was. Because after all, it’s not every day a guy would willingly invite you to a dinner with his friends, right?
Apparently, you were wrong.
So wrong.
This entire moment felt ironic. You’ve been waiting excitedly and patiently for Jay to finally tell you what you two were, only to be hit with a question from someone, deep in your gut. The answer from another certain someone hitting you even deeper.
“So what are you two?” A light voice had peeked through with curiosity, catching both yours and Jay’s attention.
“Oh, we’re just friends.” He had said coldly, chuckling it off casually, as if he didn’t just shatter your heart into a million different pieces with those few words.
Your eyes set on his face, almost immediately watering up as you tried to hold it in.
Which didn’t work that well.
You quickly grabbed your bag from the chair, and quietly excused yourself before hurriedly rushing out of the restaurant.
You couldn't be in the same room as him after that. After everything you’d done. You felt defeated, and heartbroken.
—
SIM JAEYUN ;
You did it again,
Gosh, you promised yourself you wouldn’t.
After all, you knew he was just using you for his own pleasure.
But somehow, you enjoyed it. You enjoyed knowing he at least had some use of you, and that made you feel a little better.
You glanced to your right, your eyes already adjusted to the dimly lit room, as they set on the man next to you, deep in thought as you quietly watched his eyes flutter open and shut. You had let out a content hum.
“Can I stay over tonight?” Your voice had barely caught his attention. His gaze switching from his phone to your blanket-covered self.
“What?” He had asked. His eyebrows furrowing in response as he waited for you to repeat yourself.
“I asked if i could sleep over,” You repeated, your voice clearer than before, as you gazed at him, your eyes glowing with hope.
Jake had looked at you with an eyebrow raised in disbelief. A small smile crossed his face as he chuckled. “Oh,”
“I don’t do sleepovers, sorry” His voice ran through your head like an echo. But you continued.
“Jake, it’s late, and I feel uncomfortable going home this late..” You tried to argue back, a small pout forming on your lips.
“Okay? That's not my fault now is it?” He scoffed, putting his phone down on his bedside table, as he sat down and put his shirt back on, completely disregarding you.
“Come on,” You started, sitting back up and copying his previous motions.
“Just get out yn, I don’t need you here anymore.” He rolled his eyes, starting to get quite irritated by your persistence.
“Fuck you.” You angrily got out of his bed, putting your pants back on, quickly snatching your stuff from the bedside table.
“You already did that, though” He chuckled cheekily, watching as you walked out of his room, slamming it shut. A quiet ‘geez’ leaving his lips through a mumble.
—
PARK SUNGHOON ;
You both had agreed to keep this a secret. And you both knew what you were getting yourselves into.
But it didn’t stop you both, did it?
Sunghoon had quietly signaled you by tilting his head toward the bathroom to follow him. The butterflies immediately fluttered in your stomach, as you made sure none of your friends were looking at you two.
“I need to go to the bathroom” you had quietly announced, all of them too engaged with the movie playing as you slowly and carefully slipped off from the couch. Following Sunghoon after a few moments had passed, to not make it all seem suspicious.
He was waiting patiently for you, hearing your feet silently tap across the floor as you walked through the hallway to the bathroom. You spotted him leaning his body sideways on the door frame, waiting for you.
Once his eyes laid on you, a smile had plastered it’s way onto his face. Immediately grabbing you gently, as if it were a natural instinct.
“Hi hoon,” You whispered, the distance between your bodies being closed off by him holding you closer by your waist. The sheepish smile on your face never faltering.
“Hey baby,” Sunghoon spoke, his words spilling from his lips like they were honey. Sticky and sweet. He had started tracing kisses from your neck to your jawline, a slow and content hum leaving his mouth yet again.
“I missed you a lot, you know?” He mumbled, keeping his focus on giving you soft and gentle kisses, as his ears rang due to your chuckle. The blush immediately starting to peak through from his ears.
“Hoon, we were literally in the same room for two hours,” You laughed, your smile growing even bigger.
“Okay, but could I do this?” He had spoken in a questioning tone. His lips crashed onto yours before you could say anything else.
You instinctively put your arms around his neck, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss. A quiet hum leaving his lips as he let his lips roam around yours even deeper than before.
Sunghoon had changed your positions, making you the one who's leaning on the doorframe now, one arm still holding you closer by your waist, and the other being placed on your jaw.
And just before it could’ve gotten better, a loud voice had caught both of your guys’ attention.
“Holy shit, I knew it!”
“I knew there was something between you two!” Jungwon had gasped, his hand covering his mouth.
That had snapped both of you back into reality. You immediately pushed yourself away from Sunghoon. Your focus now redirected to Jungwon.
𝓢. NOTE — hey guys!!! i just made my first smau here… hopefully you guys enjoy😭😭😭😭 and im rlly sorry i made jake such an asshole i js had this song playing and i got rlly inspired 😅 also thank u so so much my twin sine for helping me get inspiration to make this
OFF THE RECORD — when falling in love is the easy part — but staying is the real challenge
##SYNOPSIS — in where; a music producer gets called to produce a song for an ''unknown singer'', and rather falls in love instead.
or, in where; a model comes to visit her friend in another country for a short stay, only for everything to change and making the stay longer than expected.
1.2 studio days
PREVIOUS — NEXT
## PLAYLIST — off the record
?! TAGLIST — @hoonzsn @yunszn @sweetestjuyo
Days in the studio flow by quickly, but not without their challenges. I’ve gotten into somewhat of a routine; wake up, go to work, say hi to Sora, argue with Jaeyun for a few hours, grab a coffee, argue some more, and then go home.
Some improvements have been made, though. With the album, not our relationship. He’s still condescending, I’m still conceited. I don’t think anything in the world could make us get along.
I won’t deny his musical talent, but when it comes to writing lyrics, I can tell he’s just barely scratching his surface. Why? Don’t know. Maybe I’m wrong and there really isn’t anything viable under that smug attitude.
-
“Did you change my beat pattern again?” I attack Jaeyun as soon as he enters the room. He’s amused again and I’m disgusted. “You know I spent like 2 hours on that yesterday.”
“It’s my song, I should have some input in it right?” he replies, getting geared up to go record in the adjourning room. I’m left with no opportunity to bite back, which might be better considering what i’d like to say.
One thing I do like about Sim Jaeyun. His voice. But only when he’s singing, not when he’s spitting backhanded compliments every two seconds.
He knows how to sing very well, and is surprisingly cooperative with my suggestions and instructions when we record. It might be the only time we don’t fight about something.
His accent makes every word a little sweeter, if that makes sense, especially when he speaks in Korean.
“Are we going to start today, Rae?” his voice pulls me out of my daze. He’s staring intently at me through the window between the rooms and I can't help feeling a little shy.
“Yeah, let’s go verse one,” I say through the intercom.
-
Jay is nice. Over these long work hours, I’ve had many instances where the members of ENHYPEN, Jake’s group, pop in for a bit to look at our progress. They’re not like him, stuck up and closed off, instead, they all greet me with a smile and even bring snacks to cheer me up. Still, I can tell they’re all quite close to Jaeyun and supportive of their bandmate’s solo debut.
Jay is a more frequent visitor, an American-Korean from Seattle who is surprisingly good at playing guitar. He’s got a real knack for production, which is big coming from me, and sometimes he even plays us something during our break. Honestly, I’m not sure how much Jaeyun likes him, since he always has this particular grimace on his face when we talk.
This time, when Jay comes in our break, Jaeyun storms off somewhere. I could pretend I care, but Jay already knows I don't.
“Hey, Zoie, I wanted your opinion on this song I’ve been writing, do you mind?” Jay asks, guitar already in hand.
“No problem! Not like I have anything else to do, since he decided to take off,” I sigh internally.
Jay plays me a song so good it makes me wish I wrote it. Guess production isn't his only strength.
“Wow, I'm really at a loss for words,” I say sincerely, “this is great Jay, I’d love to work on producing this when you have the time,”
He smiles “Thanks, it means a lot, it took a while to get it to feel right.”
“See this is what I want from him,” I allude to Jaeyun “something raw. Unfiltered.”
“Trust me, I really believe he has it in him,” Jay says gently, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “He’s just worried that if you hear it, you might truly understand him, and that scares him.”
“What are you guys on about?” Jaeyun barges in, a half-eaten box of cookies in hand.
“Nothing.” Jay and I say in union, Jaeyun raises an eyebrow before lying down on the couch.
-
The lunchroom is an odd place. There isn’t much conversation in there apart from the occasional hello and goodbye. I’m getting a snack, or rather trying to escape Jaeyun for a while. It doesn’t work. Like a puppy, he follows me outside of the studio without a word.
He starts making that one pink instant ramen he’s lowkey addicted to (but don’t tell him I said that) in the kitchenette. I scroll through my phone, that’s somehow less interesting than my social life, and notice him sitting down to eat directly in front of me. I think if that ramen was a person it would file a case for assault.
“You eat like you haven’t seen food in months,” I comment, his loud slurping intensifying.
“That's because working with you is emotionally and nutritionally draining,” he replies in a muffled tone because his mouth is full.
“Big talk for someone who writes like he’s scared of verbs,” I say, he laughs.
“You done?” he raises his face to look at me now, smirking widely.
“Only if you’re done pretending ramen will solve all your problems,” This time I cut a little deeper, but he doesn’t react.
Instead, he holds up his chopsticks, slightly orange covered curly noodles dripping from them, “Just say you want some” he says before shoving it all in his mouth hastily.
-
Sora is telling me about some fashion designer she doesn't like because of their unethical sources. I’m not paying much attention, except for the slight nod and “I agree” now and then. I’m thinking too hard, about the album, the deadline, the artist. We have about a month to finish all the tracks, but I worry it won’t be enough, especially with our differing interests and Jaeyun's lack of cooperation.
I hate him, really. It’s not just that he’s an overconfident jerk who critiques everything I do; he’s making my job harder than it needs to be. I’ve been making music for years and writing even longer, and I’ve rarely faced issues helping artists express their feelings through words. I just can’t get in his head.
-
The title track is almost done. It’s taken some trial and error, or a lot of it, but I think we’re finally down to a consensus on this song. Most of it is my work, with some of Jaeyun's suggestions making it in as well. He seems satisfied, showing it off to all members and colleagues who come into the studio.
The other tracks, however, have me stuck. They’ve all got a promising structure, but something is missing. I can feel it. I’ve been trying to work it out, lyrics are my strong suit after all, yet it feels wrong putting my emotions into a song that isn’t mine.
There are four more tracks in total besides the title track.
“How long?”, which I assume is about a past relationship that was on and off, there’s some good lyrics, but again way too vague and repetitive.
“Replay”, the one that is the closest to being finished there, because of its lighthearted nature that doesn’t require much effort on Jaeyun’s side.
“Lowkey” is a song that I can’t really figure out, it seems that it’s about some kind of relationship, but it kind of swings back and forth, like the meaning is changing every time i listen to it.
“Half Awake” is by far the trickiest one, and also the one i feel has the most of Jaeyun in it. From the minimal snippets and lyrics he’s showed me, I’ve deducted it’s about juggling a personal and professional life and the struggle’s that come with it. This song is one he doesn’t want on the album, mostly because he feels he can’t finish it.
-
Jaeyun is annoying. No matter how many times I try to push him to be a little more honest in his songs, he brushes me off, making yet another snarky comment about how I’m “too emotional”.
It’s been two weeks of working together on the album. Today, he seems on edge. He isn’t protesting when I change out the filter on his voice recording. He isn’t judging the number of times I’ve taken a sip of my coffee in between editing. He isn't him.
“What’s up with you today?” I say, my voice as blunt as possible. He’s scribbling something in that notebook I’m not allowed to look at. I know there’s some good material in there, if only he’d let me look.
He doesn’t react, just sighs “Nothing, I wouldn't say the same for your face though.”
Wow, even his comebacks are bad today, something’s up. He’s not showing off his objectively beautiful face, but instead is covered up with the hood of his hoodie to the point where I can barely see his nose. Not to say i mind him being quiet for a little while, but it’s out of the norm.
“Will you ever let me see that notebook?” I ask, this time I'm sincere.
“Why would I?” his voice doesn't falter even a bit, but he keeps readjusting himself in his seat.
Now I'm furious, “I don't know! Maybe so I can actually help you make this album and not sit around here for hours waiting for you to open up!” I’m out the door in a matter of seconds.
Hopefully this provokes him, at least a little. It's not my job to deal with his attitude and a lot less to try and be his therapist.
OFF THE RECORD — when falling in love is the easy part — but staying is the real challenge
##SYNOPSIS — in where; a music producer gets called to produce an album for a singer, but rather falls in love instead.
or, in where; a model comes to visit her friend in another country for a short stay, only for everything to change and making the stay longer than expected.
1.2 studio days
PREVIOUS — NEXT
## PLAYLIST — off the record
?! TAGLIST — @hoonzsn @yunszn @sweetestjuyo
Days in the studio flow by quickly, but not without their challenges. I’ve gotten into somewhat of a routine; wake up, go to work, say hi to Sora, argue with Jaeyun for a few hours, grab a coffee, argue some more, and then go home.
Some improvements have been made, though. With the album, not our relationship. He’s still condescending, I’m still conceited. I don’t think anything in the world could make us get along.
I won’t deny his musical talent, but when it comes to writing lyrics, I can tell he’s just barely scratching his surface. Why? Don’t know. Maybe I’m wrong and there really isn’t anything viable under that smug attitude.
-
“Did you change my beat pattern again?” I attack Jaeyun as soon as he enters the room. He’s amused again and I’m disgusted. “You know I spent like 2 hours on that yesterday.”
“It’s my song, I should have some input in it right?” he replies, getting geared up to go record in the adjourning room. I’m left with no opportunity to bite back, which might be better considering what i’d like to say.
One thing I do like about Sim Jaeyun. His voice. But only when he’s singing, not when he’s spitting backhanded compliments every two seconds.
He knows how to sing very well, and is surprisingly cooperative with my suggestions and instructions when we record. It might be the only time we don’t fight about something.
His accent makes every word a little sweeter, if that makes sense, especially when he speaks in Korean.
“Are we going to start today, Rae?” his voice pulls me out of my daze. He’s staring intently at me through the window between the rooms and I can't help feeling a little shy.
“Yeah, let’s go verse one,” I say through the intercom.
-
Jay is nice. Over these long work hours, I’ve had many instances where the members of ENHYPEN, Jake’s group, pop in for a bit to look at our progress. They’re not like him, stuck up and closed off, instead, they all greet me with a smile and even bring snacks to cheer me up. Still, I can tell they’re all quite close to Jaeyun and supportive of their bandmate’s solo debut.
Jay is a more frequent visitor, an American-Korean from Seattle who is surprisingly good at playing guitar. He’s got a real knack for production, which is big coming from me, and sometimes he even plays us something during our break. Honestly, I’m not sure how much Jaeyun likes him, since he always has this particular grimace on his face when we talk.
This time, when Jay comes in our break, Jaeyun storms off somewhere. I could pretend I care, but Jay already knows I don't.
“Hey, Zoie, I wanted your opinion on this song I’ve been writing, do you mind?” Jay asks, guitar already in hand.
“No problem! Not like I have anything else to do, since he decided to take off,” I sigh internally.
Jay plays me a song so good it makes me wish I wrote it. Guess production isn't his only strength.
“Wow, I'm really at a loss for words,” I say sincerely, “this is great Jay, I’d love to work on producing this when you have the time,”
He smiles “Thanks, it means a lot, it took a while to get it to feel right.”
“See this is what I want from him,” I allude to Jaeyun “something raw. Unfiltered.”
“Trust me, I really believe he has it in him,” Jay says gently, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “He’s just worried that if you hear it, you might truly understand him, and that scares him.”
“What are you guys on about?” Jaeyun barges in, a half-eaten box of cookies in hand.
“Nothing.” Jay and I say in union, Jaeyun raises an eyebrow before lying down on the couch.
-
The lunchroom is an odd place. There isn’t much conversation in there apart from the occasional hello and goodbye. I’m getting a snack, or rather trying to escape Jaeyun for a while. It doesn’t work. Like a puppy, he follows me outside of the studio without a word.
He starts making that one pink instant ramen he’s lowkey addicted to (but don’t tell him I said that) in the kitchenette. I scroll through my phone, that’s somehow less interesting than my social life, and notice him sitting down to eat directly in front of me. I think if that ramen was a person it would file a case for assault.
“You eat like you haven’t seen food in months,” I comment, his loud slurping intensifying.
“That's because working with you is emotionally and nutritionally draining,” he replies in a muffled tone because his mouth is full.
“Big talk for someone who writes like he’s scared of verbs,” I say, he laughs.
“You done?” he raises his face to look at me now, smirking widely.
“Only if you’re done pretending ramen will solve all your problems,” This time I cut a little deeper, but he doesn’t react.
Instead, he holds up his chopsticks, slightly orange covered curly noodles dripping from them, “Just say you want some” he says before shoving it all in his mouth hastily.
-
Sora is telling me about some fashion designer she doesn't like because of their unethical sources. I’m not paying much attention, except for the slight nod and “I agree” now and then. I’m thinking too hard, about the album, the deadline, the artist. We have about a month to finish all the tracks, but I worry it won’t be enough, especially with our differing interests and Jaeyun's lack of cooperation.
I hate him, really. It’s not just that he’s an overconfident jerk who critiques everything I do; he’s making my job harder than it needs to be. I’ve been making music for years and writing even longer, and I’ve rarely faced issues helping artists express their feelings through words. I just can’t get in his head.
-
The title track is almost done. It’s taken some trial and error, or a lot of it, but I think we’re finally down to a consensus on this song. Most of it is my work, with some of Jaeyun's suggestions making it in as well. He seems satisfied, showing it off to all members and colleagues who come into the studio.
The other tracks, however, have me stuck. They’ve all got a promising structure, but something is missing. I can feel it. I’ve been trying to work it out, lyrics are my strong suit after all, yet it feels wrong putting my emotions into a song that isn’t mine.
There are four more tracks in total besides the title track.
“How long?”, which I assume is about a past relationship that was on and off, there’s some good lyrics, but again way too vague and repetitive.
“Replay”, the one that is the closest to being finished there, because of its lighthearted nature that doesn’t require much effort on Jaeyun’s side.
“Lowkey” is a song that I can’t really figure out, it seems that it’s about some kind of relationship, but it kind of swings back and forth, like the meaning is changing every time i listen to it.
“Half Awake” is by far the trickiest one, and also the one i feel has the most of Jaeyun in it. From the minimal snippets and lyrics he’s showed me, I’ve deducted it’s about juggling a personal and professional life and the struggle’s that come with it. This song is one he doesn’t want on the album, mostly because he feels he can’t finish it.
-
Jaeyun is annoying. No matter how many times I try to push him to be a little more honest in his songs, he brushes me off, making yet another snarky comment about how I’m “too emotional”.
It’s been two weeks of working together on the album. Today, he seems on edge. He isn’t protesting when I change out the filter on his voice recording. He isn’t judging the number of times I’ve taken a sip of my coffee in between editing. He isn't him.
“What’s up with you today?” I say, my voice as blunt as possible. He’s scribbling something in that notebook I’m not allowed to look at. I know there’s some good material in there, if only he’d let me look.
He doesn’t react, just sighs “Nothing, I wouldn't say the same for your face though.”
Wow, even his comebacks are bad today, something’s up. He’s not showing off his objectively beautiful face, but instead is covered up with the hood of his hoodie to the point where I can barely see his nose. Not to say i mind him being quiet for a little while, but it’s out of the norm.
“Will you ever let me see that notebook?” I ask, this time I'm sincere.
“Why would I?” his voice doesn't falter even a bit, but he keeps readjusting himself in his seat.
Now I'm furious, “I don't know! Maybe so I can actually help you make this album and not sit around here for hours waiting for you to open up!” I’m out the door in a matter of seconds.
Hopefully this provokes him, at least a little. It's not my job to deal with his attitude and a lot less to try and be his therapist.
OFF THE RECORD — when falling in love is the easy part — but staying is the real challenge
##SYNOPSIS — in where; a music producer gets called to produce an album for a singer, but rather falls in love instead.
or, in where; a model comes to visit her friend in another country for a short stay, only for everything to change and making the stay longer than expected.
## PLAYLIST — off the record
?! TAGLIST — @hoonzsn @yunszn @sweetestjuyo
PREVIOUS — NEXT
1.1 new beginnings
Zoie hadn't slept an ounce. The flight from Los Angeles to Seoul was an excruciating 13 and a half hours long, which for Zoie meant 13 and a half hours of trying to find the right snare to fit her latest demo song. When the plane finally landed it was already past 1 p.m., and despite being thoroughly jet lagged, she had to attend her first meeting at HYBE Entertainment.
She hauled her luggage to the small studio apartment she’ll be renting in the city's heart. By the time she reached the 5th floor, she was completely out of breath, even though she took the elevator. She sprawls onto the beige sofa, sinking in completely and pulling out her phone. Shit.
Now she's practically bolting out the door, but not before grabbing the extremely overpriced iced latte she got at the airport. She won't let that go to waste. She passed by some other tenants who gave her some quite discerning looks. Her meeting was scheduled at 3 p.m, and the bright numbers on her phone read 2:41. She's going to be so late.
Fortunately, the entertainment building is hard to miss. Zoie comes to a stop in front of the large revolving doors. Wow, is this where she’ll be working from now on? Another look at her phone, 2:52, looks like she will make it after all.
After a very interesting and Google translate-powered conversation with the security guard in front, a woman, Seo Yoonchae, let her come inside.
“Hi, you must be Zoie, I've been waiting for you.” she says with a smile.
“Really? Oh, I’m so sorry I’m late I just got off my flight-” Zoie scrambles, trying to seem less of a hot mess in front of this sophisticated woman.
Yoonchae laughs and Zoie is trying to figure out if it's out of sympathy or mockery. “Don’t worry about it. Here, take this.” A laminated card is placed in Zoie's hands, with her name, occupation, and picture of her on it. So that's why they wanted a headshot. Now she wishes she had chosen one where she had more makeup on.
“You use this to check in every morning and throughout the building; vending machines, practice rooms, you name it. So no more language barrier issues with security guard Hyejo.” she offers a sympathetic smile.
“Thank you, could you just let me know where I need to be for this first meeting?” Zoie asks, anxiously looking at her phone again.
“Of course,” Yoonchae pulls out a tablet to check the schedule, “You’ll be in studio 3-1, on the third floor. Also here’s my number, don't hesitate to call me if you need help with anything.” She hands her a business card before being pulled aside by a girl named Minju, whom Zoie thinks must be an idol based on her enthralling looks and aura.
After rushing up 2 flights of escalators (and almost falling once), Zoie is almost at her meeting room. She frantically scans the hallway, attempting to find the right room, not noticing a person heading directly towards her. Her body crashes directly into a tall man, her $15 iced latte spilling all over him, her, and the floor.
“Fuck, I’m sorry, let me get you-“ she searches through her bag, face burning red from embarrassment. The man, however, doesn’t seem so startled. Zoie can’t see much of his face, because he has a cap and glasses on. Seriously, who wears a cap inside?
“If you wanted my number that bad, you could’ve just asked, you know?” he says, and Zoie can sense his cocky attitude through his thick austrailian accent. He let’s out a rough laugh, taking off his zip-up hoodie, which was now drenched in coffee and oat milk.
In this moment of frustration, she almost forgot she was running late, but she couldn’t go in with a shirt looking like she had walked through a car wash before this. So, Zoie sprints to the bathroom, leaving the mystery man and her mess in the hall. Luckily, the bathroom was only a few doors away. She’s dabbing her shirt harshly, hoping at least some of the stain will come out, when a woman walks in.
Her hair is short, a dark wood brown color with messy bangs sprawled across her forehead. She has the look of an artist, Zoie thinks, which she soon finds out is the truth.
“Oh girl, what happened to you?” the woman comes closer, inspecting Zoie's button-down with a worried expression.
“I spilled coffee on myself. Not to mention I’m running late to my first meeting.” Zoie sighs, accepting her fate that she might lose her job on her first day.
“Don’t worry! Sora to the rescue!” the woman, Sora, exclaims before running out of the bathroom. She’s back in a matter of seconds, a black t-shirt in hand. “Put this on, hurry!”
Zoie, still in a confused state, rushes to one of the open stalls and changes her shirt hastily. When she comes out, Sora is gone, but she doesn’t have much time to dwell on that since she still needs to make it to the meeting.
Finally, she finds Studio 3-1 tucked away in a corner. A lady is in front of the door, speaking to someone on the phone. When she sees Zoie, she motions for her to come over.
“Ms. Rae! I was wondering if you would make it, Jaeyun is waiting inside already.” She practically shoves her inside the room. Jaeyun? The guy she was producing for was called Jake, so who is this? Maybe a fellow producer? Who knows?
When she walks in, she’s stunned. To say it’s everything Zoie's ever dreamed of for a studio is an understatement. There are about 4 monitors, a synthesizer, two guitars, and so many speakers she can't even count them all. In the adjourning room, covered with sound isolation shields, she can see a few mic sets and headphones. It’s all set up in the sleek style as the rest of the building and she couldn’t wait to spend every day here.
But, there’s also a person inside, sitting with his back turned to Zoie. When the chair spins around on its wheels, her smile falls almost immediately. Him again. The guy she spilled her precious oat milk latte on a few minutes ago.
“You must be Jaeyun…” she starts, a slight snarl in her voice. He’s amused, she can tell. It seems he enjoys watching others in misery.
“How’d you guess?” Jaeyun says with a sarcastic tone, “And you must be the girl who spilled an entire coffee on me in the hallway and walked away like I was some unpaid intern.” This guy has some nerve, trying to mess with her.
“Well, to be fair, you looked like one. Who even wears a cap indoors?” Zoie replies, her voice firm. Whoever this guy was, she didn’t have to put up with his bullshit.
“People with faces worth protecting,” he smirks proudly, making Zoie cringe.
“Or personalities worth hiding.”
“Ouch, I can tell we're going to be great friends,” Jaeyun said, placing a hand over his heart in a mock-pain gesture.
“Let’s just cut to the chase, I was told I needed to show the demo I have for the title track today and that’s it.” she says, placing her things on an empty chair and plugging her USB stick into the closest monitor. She plays the song she was working on, on the flight, “Blue”.
Jaeyun doesn’t protest, seemingly very interested in the track, even if it’s unfinished.
“It’s alright,” he comments, earning himself an eye roll from Zoie, “now can I show you my work?”
She doesn’t have another choice, so she listens to the demos and analyses the lyrics in them. She doesn’t say it, but the mix is pretty good, the lyrics are another story though.
“I’ll be completely honest, because this is my job, but these lyrics are very… shallow.” Zoie explains, “I think the artist would appreciate something with a little more depth.”
“Exactly, it’s called vague depth. Saying a lot of words, but not actually saying anything,” he says in his matter-of-fact tone again.
“You’re like a walking antidrop.” she retorts, sighing and leaning back in her chair.
Before Jaeyun can think of another witty comeback, a man opens the door. He’s got a head of messy blue-black hair, and he’s dressed in some outfit you’d only see in a music video.
“Sorry for interrupting,” he says with an American accent that Zoie recognises immediately, “Jake, the stylist needs you for a fitting real quick.”
“Wait, Jake?” Zoie is confused, her eyes flicking between the two guys.
The guy from the door points at Jaeyun, “Yeah him.”
Then she realises what a big mistake she’s made. She turns to face him slowly, a wave of embarrassment on her face “You’re Jake?”
“Gonna be a lot harder to avoid me now, huh?” he stands and heads towards the door, but not before throwing a wink her way. “You’ll get used to being wrong about me, Rae.”
Zoie is left alone to suffer with the consequences of her actions. How did she not see this coming? Of course, she’s so proud that she insulted an idol right to his face! And with no shame too! How is she supposed to work with him for the next few months?
A few minutes pass before another person breaks Zoie out of her spiral. It’s the girl from the bathroom, Sora.
“Jake will be back in a bit, sorry for taking him on such short notice. This photoshoot was supposed to be yesterday but we’re running late because of some wardrobe mishaps.” Sora explains with a sympathetic look on her face, sensing Zoie's despair.
“It’s okay, you don’t need to bring him back. I think I’ll head out now, enough embarrassment for today.” She barely laughs, “Thanks for saving me with the shirt, I owe you one.”
“Don’t worry about it, you’re Zoie Rae, right?” Sora questions and Zoie nods, “Jake’s been rambling about you coming here for weeks throughout our fittings. I’m Sora, by the way, their stylist, but I think you caught on to that part.” She laughs before slipping out of the room again.
Zoie is fed up, she decides it’s best to call it a day, even though she’s barely been in the studio for an hour.
OFF THE RECORD — when falling in love is the easy part — but staying is the real challenge
##SYNOPSIS — in where; a music producer gets called to produce a song for an ''unknown singer'', and rather falls in love instead.
or, in where; a model comes to visit her friend in another country for a short stay, only for everything to change and making the stay longer than expected.
0.0 SOCIALS !!
PREVIOUS — NEXT
## PLAYLIST — off the record
?! TAGLIST — @hoonzsn @yunszn @sweetestjuyo
ZOIE RAE — what happened to music cuz why yall talking ab how u eat ass for breakfast lunch and dinner 😔
SIM JAEYUN — just got asked if i would kiss a horse for 100 dollars… 🤨 anyways haul coming soon !!! 🥰
PARK SUNGHOON — bromance is undercover gay shit🙏🏼🥀
SOLEA HALE — i fart glitter and rainbows 🌈 (im not gay plz don’t misinterpret this im a loyal man lover)
jacobvanloon
vaporwave
turnnoffyourmind
romaincrisis
andulkaphoto
dailybridgerton