Skz Fluff - Blog Posts

summer strike — hwang hyunjin.

trope. strangers to lovers. found family. comfort fic. heavily inspired by the kdrama

synopsis. having had enough of your life in the big city, you head to a small town where you meet a local librarian who feels a lot like love

word count. 23k words

warnings. drinking alcohol, curse words, mentions of loneliness

note. it’s out it’s out! this kdrama might be my favorite and means a lot to me so i just had to write something inspired by it. it’s basically the written form but condensed with a few changes so credits to the kdrama. i’d rly appreciate any feedback :)

one.

It happened without warning.

As you stand behind the glass doors of the building you work at, rain splits before your eyes. Drip by drip, and then a downpour. You suppose you should’ve checked the Weathers app before deciding to work overtime tonight.

You ponder over waiting it out, but there is no place to go but the train station before it takes its last trip. It’s urgent to get back to your empty apartment where it isn’t rainy and it isn’t windy and the world isn’t ending. So, you run towards the only direction you know in this city, even as rain pours over the streets.

Your soles feel heavy by the time you arrive, but you don’t allow yourself the moment to rest as you swerve through the crowds of people to get to the train doors before it closes. You wish to see a time when silence ghosts the usually busy station, but you don’t have the time. You never do. Always rushing. Always tired.

The watch on your wrist reads 8:21, and it’ll only be a few minutes before a wave of office workers litter the narrow space of the train. When they finally do, the first thing you discern is their terrible body odor—dried up sweat with a tinge of alcohol. It no longer surprises you, so used to the fuckery that is your life.

Instead, you plug in your earphones to drown out their voices, listening to the kind of music that drags you back to a childhood memory. It sounds like popsicles, like wind blowing through your hair as you’re being pushed from the swing, like running on concrete barefooted, like the laughter of someone you love.

Now, you live in a city of strangers.

On the next stop, an old woman walks in. No one makes a move to give up their seat—too tired, too selfish, looking anywhere but the old woman. You think of how small humanity really is as you get up and gesture for her to take your seat instead. She has gone through too many years of her life to stand stuck between the terrible stench of office workers.

She holds a sweet smile as she thanks you. You don’t remember the last time someone smiled at you like that. Silver linings.

When you finally make it home, it’s nearly 9pm. This is what working 9-6 is like in the city. You live off your co-workers taking advantage of your work ethic, your boss’s bad breath yelling into your ear, and never coming home on time.

This has happened yesterday. It will happen again tomorrow.

It’s always the same. The same routine, over and over without progress. You feel like you’ve messed up somewhere. You used to have ambitions, but now you’re just a fragment of the person you used to be. The city was supposed to lead somewhere. It was supposed to be promising. But, the same tired eyes walk down the same path everyday in a dead end.

You don’t know where you went wrong.

You lay in your bed, still soaking wet, with a painful cry waiting to erupt from your throat. You hate that there’s no longer time to create happiness. It’s too late, and minutes from now, you will be asleep.

You stare at the ceiling, as you do every night before you fall asleep, and the only sounds that accompany you are the loud honks of the cars outside and your stomach grumbling. No one calls you to dinner. No one holds you to keep you warm.

It’s so lonely here.

The feeling of a hug is something you don’t see yourself remembering so you press your back further against your bed to mimic the feeling of an embrace. It doesn’t feel right, but it’s the closest thing you can get after the mistake you made of thinking you were made for the city.

Though, as you keep staring at the ceiling, you start to feel sick. You don’t think you can handle this rotting anymore. You refuse to believe this fate is by design, not when you feel like this. With tears you didn’t even notice dried up on your cheeks, you make a decision. There is nothing else you can do here, and this will be your last night in the city. So, you do something you have not done in years, you pull your backpack that’s been collecting dust and throw in as much clothes as you can.

You feel you’ve been cruel to yourself for allowing this to happen for years. The next day, you don’t wake up at the usual time. You spend the night in, and you quit your job once they call. They don’t deserve you there.

As for your belongings, you decided to only keep what could fit in your backpack. Cleaning up the house, you realized that you bought a lot of things; mugs you bought on a whim just because they were pretty, dishes that you only used once to host a house welcoming party, clothes you forgot even existed. The selection process was much more difficult than any job interview. Useless items got sold as soon as you posted them online.

You let go of your apartment and jump on the first train out, leaving behind the bustles and the buildings of the city. Seoul is too much for an unemployed person like you.

The sound of the train pollutes your ears as you step in, the voice of the intercom telling passengers to let people out first before walking into the train. And as the train moves away, you watch the city grow smaller and smaller. You don’t bother looking back.

The little town you're heading to is unfamiliar, but the path before is even more so.

There’s a heartbeat.

two.

Nobody ever visits.

In the city, you learned early on that it was a dog eat dog world. Your kindness can only go so far until it becomes the perfect tool to take advantage of you. They liked to call it survival of the fittest, the Darwinian evolutionary theory. It’s something that’s taught early in high school, often forgotten the year after, yet it’s a theory you continue to use long after everyone else has moved on to other things in life. You’d always found it interesting how it flawlessly captured Seoul’s mechanism of natural selection—the one most adaptable to change is the one that survives.

Nobody knocks on your door to greet you there. Nobody wishes you well. For as long as you can remember, you’d always had to fight, always aboard a ship on rough waters that you’d almost forgotten how a quiet shore sounds like.

You suppose this is why there was no warning when a knock sounds on your door. You hadn’t expected anyone at your door.

The morning was spent carving out a new life for yourself in Angok, running away from the sounds of the city and exploring the place you’d soon call home. There aren’t many establishments here, most of them run by families who have been here far longer than you ever have. You take note of the small convenience store just where you live in case you were feeling too lazy to run to the farmer’s market just by the town center. Small things first, afraid to hear the bustle of buildings follow their way to where you are.

By 2 in the afternoon, you had retreated back to the small apartment you’d rented out. Outside, the wind was getting stronger, making the waves collide harshly with the shore. You think you’d have stayed out longer if the gust of wind hadn’t flapped your clothes around violently. Two in the afternoon, with nothing left to do, when the door knocks.

Knock, knock.

Your heart rate speeds up at the sound. Could the city have followed you all the way here?

With heavy feet, you fight against the voice in your head to greet whoever is at your door. By best case, they’d probably mistaken your quaint apartment for someone else’s.

You twist the doorknob carefully, door creaking when it opens and you’re met with the sight of someone with the most peaceful face and the most perfect set of teeth. His eyes are welcoming as he waves at you in greeting, hair messily swept back with a few strands falling on his forehead almost as if they were designed to be.

“Hi!” You squeak out, eyes nervously wandering back and forth between the man and what you could only assume was his parked truck just by the front of your apartment. “I think you have the wrong apartment.”

“Oh! My apologies. Is this not where (Name) lives?” Your heartbeat picks up its pace again, and your hand around the doorknob starts to feel a little clammy for the fear of his intentions.

“It is actually. Um, how do you know my name?” You try to mask the fear in your tone, but the man easily picks up on it. And if it wasn’t for the situation, you think you would’ve laughed when he comically takes long strides to back up a little bit. He looks silly with his widened eyes and parted lips.

“I’m sorry, that must’ve sounded really creepy. I’m Chan! I live just around here, and my mom just rented you this house? The previous owner ran away with all the furniture, so I brought some so it doesn’t feel so empty.”

Chan flashes you a bright smile, angling himself a little so his truck is in full view.

It solicits a sigh of relief out of you, gripping hand on the doorknob dropping as you feel a little safer. You’d been ready to shut the door. Almost defensive. Almost letting his words fall into mumbles.

“I apologize again. I didn’t mean to scare you.” His tone is soft, genuine even as he scratches the back of his head and bows a little. It’s a strange sight the man with the kind smile. Strange that it only occurs to you now how long you’d gone without seeing a smile so soft in a long time. After all your years in the city, you had almost forgotten the sight of genuineness being directed at you.

“It’s alright. I’m just… a little…” The words fall on your mouth. Frankly speaking, you don’t know how to explain your own behavior. Nervous? Afraid? Defensive? You don’t really know. You feel like a stranger in your own body.

Chan is quick to dismiss it when it seems that you don’t have the intention to finish your sentence. There is no pressure to come up with an excuse here. “Come in. The wind must’ve been harsh on you.”

Pulling the door back a little wider, you invite Chan into your empty apartment, and after asking you twice if it was okay, he finally obliges. As he makes his way inside, he takes the furniture he had brought with him—back and forth, and back and forth from the truck until everything was inside.

He doesn’t even let you lift a finger.

“Sit anywhere.” You make your way to your kitchen to grab him a glass of water, emptying the bottle you had just bought down to its last few drops. You try to take as long as you can in the kitchen in nerve of the small talk that was bound to happen when meeting strangers. Though, your walls start to look at you reproachfully, and you realize you’d been gone far too long to be called disrespectful.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” You hand him the glass, sitting adjacent to him. He simply shakes his head, thanking you instead as he takes the glass from you with both his hands, careful not to touch you in case it makes you uncomfortable.

“I hope this is enough.” Chan motions over towards the pieces of furniture he had brought with him—a couch, a few chairs, and a table for now. “I have some more, but it didn’t really fit in my truck.”

You allow yourself to smile at him, though your eyes fail to meet his for more than five seconds. You don’t know what to say, and something akin to an itch starts to eat at your brain the way a caterpillar does with leaves, one bite then another, pressuring you to say something to satiate the silence.

Chan saves your brain from being chewed away.

“I hope you don’t have a hard time settling in.” He finishes the water you’d offered him before he continues, “I live just 2 apartments away if you need anything. I’ll see you around?”

You nod your head, following him out of the door, and you can only hope you hadn’t scared him away already. You manage to meet his eyes one last time as you move to shut the door, polite smile on your face as he turns back one last time.

“Ah, before I forget… I noticed you had a lot of books with you. There’s a library just a few blocks away in case you were interested.”

“Oh. Thank you. I’ll be sure to check it out.” With one last bow, you gingerly close the door behind you as he finally drives off.

Chan. He feels comfortable despite only knowing him for a few minutes, almost like a caring older brother you never had. You hope to know him more.

As you turn back around, you look at your apartment a little more closely this time, inspecting how the pieces of furniture look, decorating what once was an empty space. It looks more like a home now. You should’ve thanked the man more, you fear you didn’t say it enough.

You brush the thought off and spend the rest of the day cleaning.

three.

It takes you almost a week to go to the library Chan had suggested.

You had promised yourself to finish the book you brought with you first, before committing to new stories and new horizons. Though, it proved difficult as you have always been the type to take more than you can bargain for—purchasing books after books only to leave them behind on a dusty shelf.

But, new places call for new habits, and you vowed to leave that inclination behind.

When you step outside, a wispy curtain of clouds cover the skies. It’s a lovely weather to be outside in, with the summer breeze floating about. Not too cold. Not too sticky.

The air in the city has always been tangled with some form of pollution. Dirty and suffocating. It’s nice to have a change in pace. Being kind to nature, you find, has you reaping the benefits of basking in its beauty. They don’t litter her land with buildings here.

On the way to the public library, you pass by the market where a multitude of people line up, selling more than you can name—fruits and vegetables, homegrown plants, fish, textiles of clothing, brooms, almost everything.

The old and young gather alike, children running around to help their parents, office workers taking a break from their job to buy street food from the vendors. It’s colorful and vibrant, almost fiesta-like that only the people of Angok can radiate.

“(Name)?” A familiar voice has you ripping your eyes from an array of freshly baked cookies, turning towards the origin of the sound to find Chan waving at you.

“Chan, hi!” You reply shyly, yet a little less reserved than when you had first met him.

He looks the way he did a few days ago when he showed up on your door, though more sweaty as he puts down the final box of fruits they had loaded up on his truck. He’s dressed in a loose tank top, you assume to be more efficient in his job, and the beads of sweat glistening on his forehead are more visible the closer he gets to where you’re standing.

Chan definitely stands out with his height, and the way he smiles so easily.

“What are you doing here?” He asks, hands wiping at the side of the shorts he’s wearing.

“I’m actually going to the library… the one you talked about. Though, I’m not quite sure I’m headed the right way?” You try to mask your embarrassment with a short laugh, and his eyes brighten at the way you had taken his suggestion.

His stature lights up in the same manner, clasping both his hands together and replying, “Ah, if you can wait a minute, I can walk you there. I have to deliver a box of oranges there, anyway.”

“Really? I’d really appreciate that actually. Thank you.” You smile politely, and he gestures for you to follow him back to his truck where a man is waiting for him.

The stranger is carrying way more than he should be, about to jokingly boast about his strength to Chan when he takes an abrupt step. An earthquake rumbles in the way a box falls from his shoulders, hitting the pavement and bursting open—almost in slow motion as apples and oranges roll out.

“Shit!” He exclaims with his whole chest, and he immediately bows in apology at the elders around him who look disapprovingly at his choice of language.

“Ah, Jisung.” Chan mumbles, jogging forward to grab the fallen fruits that are still rolling on the pavement. A few onlookers help, much to the embarrassed boy’s dismay, and you quickly bend down to grab at the ones nearest to you.

“Sorry.” His tone is abashed, loading fruits back in the box and setting it aside. Chan simply pats him on the back in fondness.

“Wait, who’s this?” It’s only now he notices you, standing behind Chan with a few fruits in your arms which you hand to him. “Wait, wait, wait. I know, wait give a second.” He continues.

You can hear a faint chuckle from Chan.

“You’re (Name)! Right? You recently moved here?” The sheepish grin on his face is quickly replaced with a look of interest tangled with excitement, forgetting about his ordeal with the fruits in favor of greeting you.

You wonder if news travels as fast as his expression changes in this little town.

“Woah, easy Ji. You’re gonna scare her.” Jisung takes a step back, suddenly aware of how much personal space he’s taking away from you.

“I’m Jisung, Chan’s super handsome and cool friend.” His enthusiasm makes up for his clumsiness, waving at you before suddenly grabbing a plastic container from a big blue cellophane sitting by the side of the box he had dropped. “Here, my mom’s taking up an interest in baking lately. She’s not very good, but please have it as a welcoming gift from me.”

You take the container from his hands, bowing in thanks before meeting his crinkled eyes. Does this boy ever stop smiling?

“Thank you, really. I’d introduce myself but, it seems… you already know my name.”

His unwavering kindness takes you by surprise, just like everyone else in this village. And you’re about to thank him again when he excuses himself to help who you assume to be his mother, who is grumpily carrying a new batch of her baked concoctions.

“So, the library?” And then it’s Chan’s smile again. This time, he has with him a small box of the oranges he told you he’d deliver. You snap out of your far-away look to follow him through the streets.

It’s a short walk, brisker than you thought, and Chan sets the box down on a wooden table just outside of the public library where a young man waits for him—impatience clear on his face.

“Finally. Took you long enough, old man.” The boy opens the box, grabbing an orange from the pile and inspecting it before letting out a satisfied hum when it seems to have met his criterion.

“What do you even need all these oranges for, anyway?” Chan inquires, looking down at the crouched figure of the boy.

“Oranges have vitamin C, which plays a major role in preventing age-related mental decline.” He states matter-of-factly, standing up from his previous position. “Something you can’t relate to, obviously.”

The older boy doesn’t take anything to heart. Instead, you find the same fondness on his face, the one he wore when Jisung had dropped that box earlier.

“Well, I’ll get going then. Will you be okay here?” Chan looks back at you, a huge question mark of an expression decorating his features to ask if it was alright for him to get back now and leave you there.

The younger boy is long gone now, having retreated back into the library with his oranges.

“Oh, yes, yes, of course, sorry. Thank you again.” You smile, and he continues to wave goodbye until he’s no more than a distant figure.

The building is three stories tall, and you have to walk a flight of stairs to get to the library on the second floor. But it’s quiet, and you liked the change of pace from the vibrancy outside to the sudden tranquility inside.

It provides a safe barrier for when you want to be alone with your thoughts, something you never had in the city.

The inside of the library is cold, but the sun reflects through the panels of the windows just right so that it isn’t freezing. It’s as inviting as it is outside, and you’d go as far as saying the friendliness of the library was similar to that of Chan’s warm welcome for you. It isn’t the biggest room, and its run-down nature was particularly striking, but it isn’t something you mind. The cheap furniture and the slight discoloration of wood gave the place a character of its own—like this library has stood for generations and has protected centuries worth of knowledge from the books it holds.

It reminds you of a scene from Avatar the Last Airbender, when they find a lost library with all the knowledge in the world. And the boy with the obsession for oranges can be Wan Shi Tong, the giant owl spirit who’s tasked with collecting information and protecting the Spirit Library.

The door sounds and the floor beneath you creaks as you walk through the room. Though, it isn’t loud enough to catch the attention of the boy you had seen earlier, or as you liked to call him, Wan Shi Tong. He simply calls out an obligatory “welcome”, before going back to the book he’s reading.

The closer you got to the shelves, the more it smelt of books. It’s a nice addition to the ambiance, the scent of pages roaming around and escaping past the ventilation.

You go through the bookshelves, hand moving along their spines. So many books and every single one you wanted to read, even those in foreign languages.

You like this place, you decide. It’s filled with a quiet that allows breathing space, not simply an absence of noise, but a comforting stillness that isn’t easy to replicate. You might come here more often, make it part of a new routine you’re crafting for yourself.

Back in Seoul, you woke up at 6am like clockwork. You shower, eat when you can, go to work, overtime, and go home. Repeat. It’s to the point of exhaustion that the first time you slept in felt like your body was catching up on all the rest it’s been denied, and now it’s being given a space to breathe.

Reaching the end of the shelves, you’re subjected to the sight of broad shoulders and long black hair, standing still as the figure moves to return some books into their slots. They must work here. Should you inquire about how to make a library card? They already seem way friendlier than Wan Shi Tong.

“Excuse me miss?” They give no sign of having heard you. “Miss?”

When he turns around, you’re thinking of all possible ways to move out at this very instant. The boy, whom you had mistaken for a woman, looks at you with slightly widened eyes as if not having expected you to have spoken to him. While that isn’t reason enough to warrant your sudden thoughts of running away, his beauty surely is.

He’s hypnotizing, a beauty that Aphrodite must’ve blessed upon him, the kind that leaves a lasting impression. You’ll meet him once and never forget about him. His hair falls perfectly just above his shoulders, and a mole sits on his face like it was always designed to be there.

You’re embarrassed—if calling him miss wasn’t enough, you’re unsure if the staring did anything to help. Without another glance, you bow and mutter a quick apology before turning to walk away from where he’s stood.

“I’m sorry.” You say, for extra measure even when your back’s already turned from him.

Wan Shi Tong it is.

“Hello.” You speak quietly, and the boy once again looks up from his book. He looks like he’s studying for something.

“How can I help you?” He doesn’t have that false customer service voice, the one that’s overused and far from genuine. Instead, he speaks to you with a sort of passive tone—but it’s not too much that it sounds condescending.

“How do I make a library card here?”

He puts down his pen. “You need an address in Angok for that.”

“Ah, I do have one.” You smile, a little shy, yet relieved that your sudden intrusion of their village hasn’t spread to the entirety of the population yet.

“Did you move here?” He inquires, to which you nod your head in response. “Hm, alright. Hyunjin will help you make one. I’m Seungmin, by the way.”

“(Name).” You introduce yourself back, thanking him for his help as you turn around to only be greeted by Aphrodite’s son, though, you suppose you now know him as Hyunjin.

You can do this.

Hyunjin quickly makes his way behind the desk on the seat next to Seungmin’s so he can hand you a piece of paper you assume you have to fill out for the library card. Though, he still doesn’t say a word. He only points at the parts you need to fill in before going back to another one of his tasks behind the computer screen.

It’s hard not to look at him, and you’d lie if you said you didn’t feel anything when he looked back at you. Though, the feeling is overpowered by the embarrassment of possibly causing him any form of discomfort. You don’t want it to eat away at you until you’re avoiding the library.

You don’t want to avoid the library.

“By the way…” You start suddenly, keeping your voice down. “I’m sorry again for… earlier.”

Silence greets you, as he panics to grab the tiny camera for your library card. “And thank you for helping me right now.”

You seem to only be digging deeper and deeper into your own grave when he still doesn’t respond to you, simply stares as he bows his head slightly to acknowledge you. And it seems that awkwardness spreads like a virus when Seungmin’s head peeks from his book to witness the funny exchange before him. He looks like he’s trying his best to not laugh at whatever the hell is happening.

Then a shutter sounds as you’re filling up your paperwork, unaware he’d already taken your picture. You can only let out a nervous laugh to try and mask the silence that suddenly feels a little suffocating under the prying eyes of Seungmin.

“Here you go.” You hand over the piece of paper, and Hyunjin gives you a printed out library card in return. “Thank you.”

You suppose you can come back the next day to actually start reading. Meeting four new people and embarrassing yourself on top of everything is a little taxing, and you know the weather outside and the pretty cherry blossom trees will help put your mind away enough that you’ll feel better by tomorrow.

The bell rings as you leave, just as it did when you entered and you find yourself smiling at the breeze and the possibility of new friendships.

You told yourself to live a life you won’t regret.

You can do it.

There is excitement when you think of what will happen from now on. Time is all you have now.

As you walk outside, you map out where Chan had led you earlier to make it back to your rented home. If you were gonna come to the library on most days, you might as well have the path memorized until you can guide yourself there blindfolded.

You feel something fluffy just by your legs before you see it, eyes too focused ahead to only now realize you’re being followed by a long-haired Chihuahua. A chuckle escapes your mouth as you bend down to greet the dog. “Hello there, who are you?”

A bark follows, but not a threatening one.

“Come here.” He follows, little paws jumping up to rest on your bent knees with a wagging tail. Almost immediately, you coo at the sight, supplying him with all the head rubs he could possibly ask for.

“Where did you come from, hm? Why are you all alone?” The pitch of your voice is definitely higher, speaking to the dog with a tone similar to one you’d use when talking to a baby. “So cute.”

“I’ll get going now, okay? Go back home too!”

Four padded steps continue to follow you, and the culprit is exactly who you think it is.

“You can’t follow me around. You have to stay here!” Phony scolding, to try and get the dog to stop following you. You don’t want their owner to worry.

“Hey, stop following!” You laugh, starting to jog away from the chihuahua, but he refuses to listen. Instead, he starts running to keep up with you. “Stop it!”

Turns out, it’s hard to convince a dog to stop following you. Especially when he’s made his way into your own home, walking with you for the entirety of your path. The little dog doesn’t have a tag, no owner to contact, and it’s nearing night that you don’t feel safe letting him sleep outside in the inky dark. So, you invite the dog inside who walks around like he owns the place.

You sigh, though never one of indignation, as you sit down on the couch Chan had lended you, and the chihuahua quickly follows to lay himself on your lap. Curled up. Safe.

“What should I call you? Hm? You’re pretty stubborn.” You look down at the dog who’s looking back at you as if having understood anything that you’re saying. “Berry? No?”

It takes you a couple more tries before deciding on Kkami—when the chihuahua’s tail starts wagging aggressively and he attempts to lick your face at the mention.

“Okay, Kkami then. You like that? Hm?”

Your night routine doesn’t change much, there’s just an addition of a curled up Kkami sleeping beside you on your bed. But, you find that you don’t mind it one bit. It’s less lonely like this, and it’s nice to have some company.

four.

You return to the library’s stillness the next day after finishing up some chores—the laundry, the cleaning, everything. Washing your clothes was something unfamiliar to you, as you’d always just sent them to the laundry services near the place you stayed at. There was never time to do them yourself.

It’s a totally new experience when all you have is time now. You keep burning the food you make, but eat it the same. And hanging up your wet clothes outside took forever, but you manage. You just have to remind yourself there’s a book waiting for you in the public library.

The walk to the library is easier now, but the commotion you’d caused yesterday still echoes in your head. It engraves itself even as you make it to the door, hand hovering over the handle. But, there’s no point in delaying. You’ll be here most days so it’s best not to avoid anyone. So, without another thought, you open the door and step into the quiet of the library.

The bell rings as it always does.

“Welcome,” is what Seungmin says, just as he did yesterday. You greet him back, smiling politely as you make your way to the shelves. The room is almost empty. There’s only one other person in the library, a book with black hair on his own table, and he seems to be in his own world.

Hyunjin is also seated at a table, books and paper plastered on the wooden surface as he repairs torn pages. An uninterrupted routine he’s probably grown accustomed to.

“Hello.” You decide to greet the boy as you pass by the table he’s occupying. His hair is swept back today, and it looked like it smelt good.

His eyes light up when he sees you.

“You’re hello again.” He tilts his body so he can look at you, bowing a little. Though, his words come out croaked, and you’re unsure if you heard him right.

“Sorry?” Hyunjin doesn’t repeat himself. Instead, his face grimaces at how he had failed to utter the phrase he had practiced—hello, you’re here again.

But it isn’t his choice of words that surprises you, it’s that he spoke to you at all. His tone is soft, and completely unexpected after the silence you had received the day before. It’s the first words he ever tells you, and you find yourself smiling at the small progress.

A voice in your head tells you that you want to know him more.

So, after a few days of fleeting eye contact and small smiles from afar, you decide to come back to the library.

The afternoon air outside is beautiful, as it always has been when you walk outside, and there’s a mental checklist you go through in your head. Forgetting is so easy, so you try not to.

Buying Kkami dog food was first on the list of things you have to do on your way home from the library. The little chihuahua doesn’t seem to mind being left behind. In fact, Kkami loved his little space on the couch. Though, you still promise to be back as soon as possible, wanting to walk him outside while the sun is still up.

Hyunjin is seated at the same table as he did when he first talked to you, books and pages neatly plastered again when you walk into the library.

Today, you’ll try your second attempt at talking to him.

“Do you… repair all the books yourself?” You ask, looking down at the multitude of pages he’s tending to and the stack of books waiting to be repaired in a trolley parked at the side of his table.

“Yes.” He smiles upon answering, and it’s one that radiates pride in the work he does.

Your lips quaver slightly, trying to find words to say to him. You wonder if it’d be okay with him if you wanted to help out. The work looks interesting, and a little soothing. Would that make him uncomfortable?

Fiddling with the ends of your shirt, you stab your hesitance straight in the chest. “Can I try too?”

His mouth falls agape, and then he’s nodding his head, gesturing for you to take the seat adjacent to him. Hyunjin grabs an extra spatula, passing it to you before smiling shyly down at the books and pages.

“You take the spatula, and spread the glue evenly.” Hyunjin looks up at you before grabbing a page and his own spatula so you can mimic his gestures. “Then, you place the page at its original location.”

He closes up the book he’s working on, patting down at the spine so the glue sticks well. “That’s it.”

“Oh.” You look at his work with fascination, smiling as he sets the book aside. “You’re kind of like a doctor. It’s like you’re applying medicine to the books.”

He grins at your words, eyes averting from your eye contact as he shyly grins. You know he has pure love for what he does, and it warms your heart. It’s a sentiment you wish you had for your job back then.

“I think…” You fix your gaze to your hands that are propped on the table, intertwining your fingers together. “I’m in love.”

Hyunjin’s inability to look you in the eyes seems to falter the moment you speak. His mouth falls back into an ‘o’, and the tip of his ears are awfully red.

“Wait, sorry. What I mean is… I think I’m in love with the process of fixing up old things.” With slightly widened eyes, you gesture at the book he had just fixed cartoonishly, chewing on your lips a little embarrassedly.

The boy in front of you nods, fingers pausing over his task; you turn to look at him, and you’re relieved to see his smile returning.

“I see.” He chuckles, grabbing onto the pages that still need to be glued and grouping them together, tapping them lightly on the table so they align.

“Let me help you.” You reach out to the remaining pages, and Hyunjin looks at you with an expression you don’t quite recognize, but you know has no ill-intent. He always looks this way. Always natural, never forced.

As you quietly work on the task, Hyunjin can’t stop himself from looking at you from time to time. He thinks it’s to monitor your work, but does that excuse the way he stares at the small smile tugging on your lips?

“Has anyone told you how you resemble Aphrodite?”

“Me?” He asks, eyes darting you and the book he’s working on. You grin at him, nodding your head.

“Yes. Goddess of Beauty in Greek Mythology. You know her, right?”

“I do.” He smiles back easily, willing the blush that’s obviously creeping on his cheeks away.

“When I first met you, that character came to mind.” You mumble as you stare at the page in your hands, furrowing your eyebrows as you try to match it to its proper book. You pause, catching yourself before you can misplace the page, and Hyunjin looks up at the sudden silence.

“Which one was this again?” Sheepish. You think you’ve embarrassed yourself more times than not in this library.

You don’t notice Hyunjin leaving his seat, sauntering over to where you’re seated so he can peer at the page and at the books in front of you. “May I?”

His tone is kind, and it didn’t seem as if he were upset that you didn’t know where to put the page. On the contrary, he made you feel as if it was okay that you didn’t know. Quick to reassure.

“I don’t memorize all of these either. I only remember the names and places in the books, and I like drawing to keep an image of them in my head too.” He’s arranging the pages now, putting the corresponding paper atop the book they belong to. “Why don’t you try this one?” The way he says it is so full of expectation, leaning down to hand you a page and you can only smile up at him.

“I’ll give it a try.” You sputter out for words to say, taking the page from him gratefully.

Seungmin watches from a distance, lifting an eyebrow in curiosity as he observes his usually quiet friend speak more words than usual. Though, the observation makes his heartstrings contract.

It goes on like this for a while, silence engulfing the pair of you as you work to repair the books together. Hyunjin showed no signs of you being a bother to him, even reaching out to help most of the time—appreciative of your time. No sound follows, just the beating of your hearts and the rustling of paper.

Until a loud bang rumbles in the sky, interrupting the four of you in the room (even the freckled boy at the corner table who is at the library again today).

Your reaction is instantaneous, jumping back in surprise at the sudden interruption of silence, but a smile replaces the initial shock when you see the gentle pitter patter of rain from the windows.

Hyunjin slips himself out of his seat, rushing to close them so the books don’t get wet as Seungmin goes to help, all while you stare at the drizzle.

You’re reminded of the last day you stepped foot in the city.

“Oh!” You suddenly exclaim when the sound of the rain increases in volume. The burst of rain as the sky splits open reminds you of your laundry and how the initial heat they absorbed must’ve been washed off by the rain.

“I have to go.” You quickly excuse yourself from the boy who has just returned from closing the windows, smiling for the last time before rushing down the stairs to start heading home. Though, you falter in your step. You don’t have an umbrella with you. Should you just make a run for it? You think the jacket you’re wearing can help at least a little bit.

You sigh, about to step into the rain when a hand reaches for your shoulder. Warm and gentle, almost feather-like even. You spin around, only to be met with Hyunjin’s goddess-like features.

“Hyunjin?”

He clears his throat, pulling out his umbrella before handing it to you. “Use this. You’ll get sick.”

“No, no, it’s okay. I can just use my jacket!” Hyunjin doesn’t seem to budge at your rejection, simply smiling as he places the umbrella in your grasp.

“I think an umbrella will do a better job than your jacket.” You laugh a little, not knowing he was capable of teasing. It was cute. He was cute.

“Thank you! I’ll give it back to you tomorrow.” You don’t know why your heart is thumping so fast at the small gesture, but you reason it’s because you’re worried about your laundry. Though, a voice in your head is telling you that’s not quite the answer.

He disappears back into the library, and you shield yourself with his umbrella as you sprint back home to tend to your now wet clothes. The rain smelt acidic as you put away your clothes, setting them aside as the sun seems still so far away in the distance. You’ll hang them back outside when the heat returns.

“Did the thunder scare you?” You pick up Kkami in your arms, cradling him as you try to shield him away from the sudden loudness of thunder and lightning. “I’m sorry I couldn’t walk you out in the sun today.”

The rain is louder in your house, and it’s only when your own stomach grumbles do you remember you were supposed to buy Kkami dog food on your way back home.

Forgetting is so easy.

“I’ll go buy you some food, okay? You must be starving.” You rub the back of his ears, setting him down on the couch before grabbing the umbrella Hyunjin had lent you once again. Though, thankfully, the downpour stops just as quickly as it had started. You’re already inside the family-run convenience store near you when the sky clears out and the sun starts to peek behind the clouds again.

“What can I get you?” You turn to find a shorter man emerge from the back of the store, warm smile etched on his face as he pads his way to where you’re standing.

“I hope the rain wasn’t too hard on you.” He continues. His tone is kind as he waits for you to reply.

“Ah, it was okay.” Though initially caught off guard at the sudden presence, you return the smile gently. “I was wondering if you had any dog food?”

“We do!” He heads to a corner, and the way he grabs the bag of dog food punctuates his arms that you can only now see how big they are. His jawline is sharp too, noticing it the moment he turns that his side profile is visible to you.

He leans down to scoop up the bag in his arms, before heading back to you. “You’re the one who recently moved here, right?”

“Yeah, how’d you know?” You hand him your payment before taking the bag in your arms, hugging it so the weight isn’t as heavy.

“Chan mentioned. I’m Changbin.” Changbin takes your payment, returning to you the change. “I hope we can be good friends.”

“(Name). It’s nice to meet you. I’ll… get going now!” You motion at the dog food in your hands, to tell him you still had a pup to feed at home before waving goodbye as you hurry back to your house.

There’s almost no rain now, the only sign that it had even drizzled was the acidic smell, the puddles that had formed on the concrete overtime, and the gentle trickle of water from one leaf onto the next.

Kkami is waiting for you at home. No one used to wait for you before.

five.

You come back to the library the next day, just like you said you would. This time, Kkami walks with you to make up for not being able to take him out under the sun yesterday. Though, you don’t expect the handwritten “temporarily closed” sign to be the first thing that greets you as you head for the door.

You place Hyunjin’s umbrella just by the handle, almost in an awkward manner as you continue to peer at the piece of paper taped on the door.

“They both went to Seoul for Seungmin’s test.” A voice behind you averts your attention to the same freckled boy from yesterday.

“Ohh…” You respond, nodding your head in understanding as you walk over to where he’s seated just outside the public library. “I was just gonna return Hyunjin’s umbrella.”

Felix seems surprised, but it only triggers his smile to grow wider than it already is.

“I’m Felix.” You blink slowly, shaking his hand when he stretches it out for you to take. When your hand meets his, he pulls you down to sit next to him. “And who’s this little boy?”

“This is Kkami.”

Felix is a nice guy, pulling Kkami up to cradle him in his arms. The first thing that catches your attention is his freckles—like constellations in the night, littering his face like stars do the sky. You love the stars, though, you don’t see much of them in the city because of the polluted air and the abundance of lights from the buildings that line up.

The boy resembles the very comfort you find in the cluster of stars, a calming quality in him as he smiles down at your dog.

But, just as much as he resembles the stars, he smiles like the sun. Perhaps it's the way his eyes form crescents and the way his lips curve that trigger the sight of the sun. But he’s blinding in the most calming way possible.

“Do you have somewhere else you need to be?” He asks, shots of espresso in the way he speaks. Deep and reverberating. How fitting the way his voice wakes you up like the sun.

“I think I’m just gonna walk Kkami around.”

“Do you mind if I walk with you a bit?” Felix puts your dog down, tilting his head to look at you that radiates so much friendliness. “I don’t really know what to do with the library closed.”

He offers like he’s already your friend.

You knew it was an exaggeration to call him a friend right away, but for you it was just that. Especially when he walks by your side, laughing and talking to you as if he’d known you forever.

“You know, it’s nice to hear Hyunjin talk more.” His lips curl into a lovely smile as he continues to accompany you and Kkami in your walk.

“What do you mean?” You ask, eyes trailing down to Kkami who’s padding ahead of the two of you.

“He doesn’t do too well with strangers, doesn’t even talk a lot with me. I think he’s only ever truly warmed up to Seungmin, so it’s nice to just hear him more.”

You blink in surprise at his words before lifting your hand to where it was staring at Kkami in favor of looking at Felix instead.

“Oh.” You don’t know what to say or how to respond to the sudden revelation he’s laying down on you, and he throws his head back in laughter at your speechlessness.

“Don’t worry, I just felt the need to tell you. You don’t have to say anything.”

It goes on like this more—Felix initiating conversation and talking about almost everything until he has to go home. You end your walk with an exchange of numbers and a promise of ice cream the next time you come to the library together.

When you get home, it’s already 6pm. Kkami falls asleep almost right away, and you’re left to do the little chores you have left for the day. You wonder what you’ll have for dinner.

You’re in the middle of preparing a meal when your phone buzzes where you left it.

Ring, ring.

Your brother never calls anymore. So when you receive a call, you weren’t expecting to find his caller ID on the screen. You thought it was gonna be Felix who forgot to tell you something.

“Hello?” You’re the one who speaks first.

You're a ball of nerves wondering why he’s calling you right now.

“Hey (Name). Are you doing okay?”

“Hey, is something wrong?”

“Hm? Can’t an older brother call his sister to check on her?” There’s a scuffle in the background of his end.

“You never call.” You say quietly, picking at the ends of your shirt as you stare at nothing in particular.

“Oh, hah. Well, the thing is… can you lend us some money? You can sell the ring mom gave you. Itt’s just… our son, all his friends are studying abroad every vacation, but he never went.”

Your brother sounds shameless in his request, as if your mother hadn’t given him everything when she passed. All you have left of her are pictures in your head and the ring she had gifted you. You’ve never worn it, but you kept her going-away present. It’s the only thing you have left of her, and it hurts that your brother even thought of selling it just so his son could go on a trip abroad.

This ring meant something to you. Something more than a trip to him.

“Is this your wife’s idea? Does she want me to sell the ring mom gave me?”

“That’s not it.” He sighs exasperatedly, and you know he’s running a hand down his face at how this conversation is going. “Don’t you feel bad that your nephew is losing confidence because he’s never been abroad before?”

“Hey…” A lump forms in your throat, the familiar hands of pain wrapping around your neck to strangle you into tears. “Do you even… know how I’m living right now?”

Your voice cracks, choking on your own words to know that your brother only calls when he needs something. He doesn’t care. He never has. A sob is brewing in your throat.

“I do! But…” He’s getting defensive now, voice raising so he can try to get his non-existent point across. “My family is short on money right now.”

Family. The word is unfamiliar. It left you the moment your mother passed, replacing itself with loneliness. With emptiness. The unfamiliarity makes your face scrunch in the way it does before a hideous sob leaves your mouth, but you will yourself to get yourself together. Just for another minute, while you’re still on the call with him.

“Am I not family?” You mumble almost incoherently.

You don’t think you can handle talking to him any longer, not when he treats you like a bank account he can solicit money from anytime. Not when the first call you receive from him in years is that of asking you to sell your mother’s ring, not even to ask if you were alright, how you were doing.

The strangers in Angok treat you far better than your own brother.

You hang up before he can say anything else.

He has already caused you unbearable pain, and the reminder of how alone you’ve been. You want the pain to go away, you’ve worked too hard only to let it come back in full force. And there is only one way you know that can take it all away, even just temporarily.

It’s how you find yourself at Minho’s small restaurant, two bottles of Soju empty, and a disoriented haze of the place around you.

Minho doesn’t make it a habit to stick his nose in anyone’s business, but when your wobbly legs attempt to grab a third bottle of Soju, he’s hurrying by your table to stop you. “I’ve just made up a non-existent rule that you can only have two bottles.”

He takes it away from you, and you immediately pout when he does, a whine brewing in your throat. You try to imitate the way Puss in Boots looks, when he widens his eyes to get what he wants, but to Minho—you just look absolutely ridiculous.

“I’ve never heard of that rule before.” You mumble dejectedly, staring at the Soju bottle that Minho’s whisking away and putting back.

“It exists now because you’re piss drunk, and I don’t know how you’ll be getting home.” He says, tone softer than it was when you had first walked in ordering your first bottle, as if not wanting to startle you.

“I’m not drunk!” You blink rapidly, abruptly getting up to which Minho sits you back down so you don’t topple over your own clumsy feet. He mumbles something about getting you water.

“Everything just looks funny right now.” Your words come out in a slur as you look at your surroundings with a curious eye. “But I’m not drunk.”

When he returns, you have your head rested on the table, cheek mushed against the surface as your eyes droop a little in sleepiness. Though, there’s an addition of someone new in his shop. Hyunjin looks at you confused, before he fixes his gaze on Minho as if asking him why you were moping around at one of his tables.

“Don’t look at me. I don’t even know who this is.” Minho says in mock surrender, though, it doesn’t take long before his features mimic that of a Cheshire Cat. “You’ll take her home safely, right?”

Minho quickly ushers the pair of you out, waking you up and pushing you in the direction of Hyunjin who holds out his arms in case your feet decide not to cooperate with you. He needs to close his shop.

“Are you okay?” His arms are still hovering around you, not quite touching you, but prepared to if you ever fall forward.

“Hyunjin? How did you come to find me from so far away?” Your eyebrows furrow together as you stare at the boy beside you, as if there was no way he was real and with you right now.

“I’ll walk you home, okay?”

“I’m a bit drunk. I’m a little bit drunk right now.” You mumble, head still hazy as your eyes blink blearily, feeling the need to inform him. Your legs feel extra wobbly.

“Right. Are you okay?” He pulls you back to his side when you stumble a little too far away, soft tone never changing. He looks at your puffy eyes in curiosity, frowning as he thinks of all the possibilities as to why you had been crying.

“Goodness.” You exclaim in your half-conscious state when you almost trip on something, immediately reaching to what’s nearest to you—Hyunjin’s arm.

“Hyunjinnieee…” You start to sway where you’re walking, clearing your throat as Hyunjin is left predicting what your next move is going to be (on top of wondering why your eyes are red and stingy).

Though, he most definitely doesn’t expect you to start singing.

“Why do you appear before my eyes whenever I’m drunk?” It’s loud, uncharacteristic of the you he’s met, and your arms are flailing around as if to act like a conductor in your own orchestra of sounds.

“You’re going home now, okay?” Your smile is loopy as you nod at his words, continuing to sing the same one line over and over again while skipping in your step.

Hyunjin is attentive to where you’re walking, scooping up a potted plant and setting it aside when you’re about to walk into it. “Careful.”

You tell him all sorts of stories as you head home—how you fell in love with the library, how you never thought you’d own a dog, how you’re glad you’re far away from the city.

He listens. To every single one of your stories, all while making sure you get home safely. He looks both sides before crossing the street, hand outstretched to an incoming car to slow it down as you carelessly walk across without so much as a glance.

“Hyunjin.” You suddenly stop in your tracks.

“Hm?” Hyunjin ushers you to keep moving, hand hovering on the small of your back as you start giggling in your dazed state.

“There’s something I’ve always wanted to ask you.”

“Okay.”

“Is it okay if I ask right now?”

“Sure.” He replies, arms dropping back to his sides.

“Do you think you can like me? I don’t think anyone likes me.”

A silence settles between the two of you right after you get the question out. Hyunjin pauses in his actions, staring at you as you keep marching forward to where you live.

He allows himself to ponder over your sudden question. He couldn’t quite explain how he felt about you, but he knows it’s good. He has surprised himself time and time again for willingly continuing conversation with a stranger, but Seungmin has stressed it was good for him.

You emit a type of radiance, one of comfort. Maybe it was the way you smile at him, so softly when people look at him strangely for not being able to speak to them right away. He has only spoken to you once, but he knows he wants to talk to you more.

He wants to get to know you more.

He gives you a fond smile as he catches up with you once more. Hyunjin doesn’t know the connotation behind your question, and he doesn’t know what premise his answer falls under either.

Still, he says, “I already do.”

“Oh, we’re here!” You yell out and immediately quiet down when you realize everyone around you must be asleep right now. “Sorry.” Now in a whisper as you look around sheepishly.

“Can you get in safely?” He questions, worry still eminent in the way he speaks, even as you nod your head to answer his question.

“Don’t worry about me. Bye bye!” When you slip into your home, you immediately fall face first on your mattress and fall asleep. Drinking can be so draining when the world around you spins.

You don’t think about the splitting headache waiting for you the next day.

six.

You're fucked.

This much is clear as you finally finish vomiting in your toilet, images from the night before flashing in your mind— the giggling, the stumbling, and poor Hyunjin. You can still hear his voice in your head, telling you to get in safely. You can still feel the way his hand hovered over your back to make sure you don’t fall over.

Well, shit. This is way beyond anything you’ve ever done, moving up to the number one spot of the list you liked to label ‘embarrassment’. Calling Hyunjin miss and forgetting which pages go to which book moves down a spot at the sudden entry of your drunk ass.

“Kkami, what do I do?” You groan, head falling back against the wall of your bathroom as you stare at the ceiling. Will a letter of apology suffice for the way he had to take you home last night despite his exhaustion of driving to the city?

“This is so embarrassing.” Kkami consoles you by curling up by your side, paw resting on your thigh before his whole head drops to lay atop your leg.

Hyunjin is so pretty too. He’s enchanting in the way he speaks, and the way his eyes sparkle naturally when he does the things he loves. He’s unstinting with his kindness too, never losing patience even as you took a long time to repair the books you had offered to help with. You don’t even know if you helped much, but he never made a move to stop you even as time passed and you were making little progress.

It’s easy to fall into your embarrassment, which is how you find yourself with a notebook in hand, thinking of how the hell you were going to apologize to him. You don’t think you have it in you to go up to him face-to-face and have to recall the events of the night.

You might as well write something.

“About what happened last night…” You look at your notebook with critical eyes, immediately scratching it out to think of a better way to start your note.

“I’m sorry, Hyunjin. I don’t know how to say this.”

The second candidate is just as bad as the first one.

With your chin on the palm of your hands, you rack your brain for every possible way to say sorry. It’s not like apologizing was anything new to you, it’s even become a habit in your work life for the past few years. Always doing something wrong. Always apologizing. Even if it was never your fault to begin with. Though, this time, you want it to be genuine. You don’t want to imitate the phony way you’ve said sorry before.

Your eyes are glazed as you stare at the piece of paper.

Hyunjin has a routine fixed, so you make it a point to reach the library at noon when he’s busy pushing a trolley full of books to return them to where they belong on the bookshelves. He only hears the bell ring when you walk into the library, like you always do.

Peering over the shelves, he finds himself smiling to himself when you wander inside the library. He peels his gaze away for a few seconds to return a few books to their spots, though, apparently that’s also the time it takes for him to hear the bell ringing again, to indicate that you had left just as quickly as you had walked in.

Tilting his head, Hyunjin backs away from his work to check his desk where a small note sits.

“I’m sorry…” with a small drawing underneath.

It looks like the work of a child, but Hyunjin could tell instantly that it was a portrait of you and him from the night before. It prompts a smile on his face, eyes flicking from the note to the door. He keeps the piece of paper in his drawer to think about later.

Hyunjin has never had the courage to strike while the iron was hot, but he finds himself walking out the public library in hopes of catching you before you’ve left.

He finds you seated on the bench outside, eyes trained on the screen of your phone with your legs outstretched.

“Excuse me.”

You almost drop your phone when you hear him, immediately standing up to greet him. He looks good, as he always does. His complexion shines even prettier under the sun. The natural lighting highlights his hair in that it looks more dark brown than black. And his smile. It’s a little less shy now, and more open.

“Thank you for the note… and the drawing.”

He sounds like an angel too. You’ve always found his voice pretty, in a different way from Felix’s deep ocean voice. His was gentle, soft, and way nicer than you remember it being.

You try to think of the right words to say, sputtering over whether you should bring back what had happened last night or simply accept his thanks.

Taking a deep breath, you nod your head. “You’re welcome.”

Hyunjin has his hands clasped together in front of him as you speak, rocking himself back and forth on the heel and soles of his feet.

“You must’ve come in safely, then.” You laugh a little at what he says, and it only makes his smile brighter.

“Yeah. I’m sorry again.” It makes you cringe when you think of your behavior, but Hyunjin doesn’t seem to mind at all when he puts his hand up as a motion for you to stop apologizing.

“Not at all. I’m just glad to know you’re okay.”

The statement has your cheeks warming up, staring at him and the bag of ice cream you had initially brought for you and Felix. He had texted you earlier saying he couldn’t make it, and promised that he’d be the one to buy the ice cream next time.

Ice cream can be a good peace offering.

Grabbing the bag, you lift it up and smile coyly at the boy. “Do you want some ice cream?”

Hyunjin’s eyes form into crescents at your offer, lips curling up into an easy smile as he makes his way to sit adjacent to you. It feels nice like this, sitting outside in the breeze with only the two of you as you hand him the ice cream flavor of his liking, the tree just behind you doing a great job at shielding you enough that the sun’s heat isn’t too hot, but is still there.

“You know, I prefer cone ice creams over popsicles.” You mention suddenly, looking down at your cone and peering at the popsicle he had chosen for himself. He hums at the information, eyes softening when you ask him the same thing, like his opinions matter to you. Like you want to get to know him too. “What about you?”

“I’m not a big…” He catches himself before he can continue. Hyunjin isn’t the biggest fan of ice cream, but he finds himself unable to reject your offer. It’s an opportunity to sit in this moment with you.

He’d eat ice cream over and over again if it meant being able to stay in this moment.

“Well, ice cream does taste good, but the apple flavor…” He finds that he has a hard time answering your question, pausing to ponder over his words. It has you giggling. He looks cute thinking his options over.

“You don’t have to answer me.”

“But this one is good.” He lifts the popsicle in his hand, taking a bite out of it to show that he was being truthful with his words.

You laugh this time.

“You know, I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing when I first got here. But, I found myself falling in love with the library.” Hyunjin looks at you when you speak, unlike his previous inability to maintain eye contact with you.

“You’ve actually told me that already.”

You tilt your head in confusion. “I have? When?”

“Back then.” He’s gesturing something with his hands, and you continue to stare at him to try and decipher what he was acting out. Though, it’s pretty quick to figure out once he pretends to drink out of a shot glass, and your eyes widen at the realization of when he was referring to.

“Back then?” You repeat, and he chuckles at the way you roll your head back in embarrassment.

He hums in confirmation.

“What else did I say? When I… you know…” You trail off, looking at him for answers, but not quite wanting to repeat the words. He takes the hint well.

He laughs, before shaking his head. “It wasn’t so much talking, but rather singing.”

“I sang?” You stare at him dumbfounded as you try and recall what exactly happened. “I actually sang?” You laugh out loud this time, and you fail to notice the way his entire face lights up at the sound.

“What did I sing?” You look shocked and confused, yet there’s a smile of amusement on your features when Hyunjin actually starts singing the melody you had the night before.

“Why…” He clears his throat. “Why do you appear before my eyes whenever I’m drunk?”

“Wait, stop! Oh my god. Please stop.” You reach forward, resting a hand on the table and leaning forward to get him to stop singing.

“Can you please forget about that entire night?” You bring your hands together almost begging, and he can only laugh in amusement at the way you’re reacting.

“I don’t really think about it that often—“

“You even sang the song!” You interrupt.

“That’s because you asked.” He lifts a hand to scratch at the nape of his neck, bashfully smiling.

“This is so embarrassing.” You hang your head, a wince of an apology soliciting itself from your throat as you swing your feet back and forth to physically cringe at yourself.

Seungmin arrives at that very moment, his own complaints spilling out and drowning yours out. He pauses when he finds Hyunjin outside with you, squinting his eyes suspiciously before letting it go in favor of complaining once again.

“They’re so annoying! They think they’re so high and mighty.” He drops at the seat next to Hyunjin, and you offer him the only ice cream you have left in your bag. You have no idea what he’s talking about, but it seems Hyunjin knows all about it.

“They won’t do it?” Hyunjin asks, and Seungmin all but sighs as he starts peeling the wrapper off the ice cream.

“I mean, I guess it’s not easy to come down here to listen to old people talk.” Seungmin takes an annoyed bite, throwing his head back. “They might make me write the article, too. And I have to do it tomorrow. Can’t someone else do it?”

An idea forms in his head.

Hyunjin looks at you gingerly, and Seungmin visibly perks up when he follows the boy’s line of sight. You clear your throat, suddenly breaking eye contact and looking anywhere but the two boys.

“Will you please do it?” He grins wickedly, whole body tilted to face you as he reaches out to grab your attention.

“Well, you see…” You mumble. “I only proofread when I was working at a publishing company.” You point out sheepishly between each bite at your ice cream, doing your best to not look at Seungmin.

“The fact that you proofread means you’re familiar with writing.”

"Still…” You trail off with your words, not knowing how to defend yourself any further when Seungmin is clasping his hands and begging you to help them do the work. “I’m just not very confident.”

“(Name).” Hyunjin calls, and you look at him in hopes that he has a plan in mind to save you from Seungmin’s request.

“Why do you appear before my eyes…”

Your mouth drops at his words.

“What did you say?” Seungmin questions, and you look back at the boy to subtly shake your head, as if trying to get him to stop. Instead, he smiles a little mischievously.

“Whenever I’m…” You wince, immediately putting a hand up to stop him. Fortunately for Hyunjin, you’ve been begging him to forget about the night before, so you feel as though you owe him something.

With your head hung lightly and a look of defeat on your face, you finally agree to Seungmin’s request.

seven.

When you arrive, Hyunjin is already waiting for you with a camera slung around his neck. He looks so pretty with his hair falling messily over his shoulder. He’s wearing a white shirt and some jeans, though, what catches your eye the most is the huge knitted sweater he’s wearing.

“Hello, good afternoon.”

“Good afternoon.”

You fail to notice his own reaction, too busy admiring his beauty to realize he’s doing the same. Opposite you, Hyunjin’s jaw-dropping reaction to what you’re wearing is staring at your face with a small smile playing on his lips. He’s fiddling with his camera now, eyes traveling from the clip you’re wearing on your hair to the cherry lip balm you’d applied just before leaving.

What colors was he using painting you in his head? Pastel hues with a tinge of vibrancy.

“Shall we go then?” Suddenly, he can’t look at you, eyes trained just behind you as he asks.

“Okay.”

It doesn’t feel like a far walk with Hyunjin next to you. In fact, it barely takes 15 minutes before you reach the house of the person you’re supposed to be interviewing.

The outside of her home is beautiful, and an older woman you don’t recognize greets you and helps you both inside. Her home is surrounded by a wide expanse of grass, the view of the sea beautiful from a distance. The house itself is built with wood, and the row of vegetable plants lining up behind the low-standing table outside provides a breath of fresh air.

“Good afternoon. We’re here for an interview.” You inform politely, and she nods her head as if finally remembering why she’s letting two strangers into her home.

“Sit down, sit down.” Her tone is welcoming as she urges you to sit down, allowing Hyunjin to set up the camera on the camera stand he brought with him. Never imposing as she asks if you need anything else.

“You’re dressed so nicely.” You smile, the full view of her garden behind her accentuating her features. You’re sure she was quite the heartbreaker when she was younger.

“Just relax, and imagine you’re having a chat with your daughter.”

The interview goes smoothly. You ask her of things big and small—her age, her family, her history with Angok, anything you can think of. Seungmin didn’t give you any specifics to ask, just that you would write about her life. In this way, you’d be getting to know her.

She speaks of her children and grandchildren with so much love, that it almost makes you envious that you don’t have a grandmother figure to lean on. You’re all you really have left.

When you look over at Hyunjin, he gives you a toothless grin, as if to assure you you’re doing a great job. It lasts around an hour, and you’re just about ready to go home when she stops you and Hyunjin from fixing up.

“Oh, goodness.” She doesn’t need to ask for Hyunjin to hurry his way to her, grabbing the huge platter of food she grabbed from inside her house, settling it where you had sat earlier.

“I had no idea it was time for food. You guys must be hungry. Come on, let’s eat.”

“Thank you for the food.” You both say, and she only smiles as she admires the young couple in front of her.

The food is cooked with care, having just the right amount of seasoning. There’s a variety of vegetables which you assume to have been freshly picked from the garden she has. Hyunjin seems to mirror your thoughts, immediately praising her for the food.

“The food is delicious.”

“Really?” She finds pleasure in the way you’re enjoying your food. Perhaps, she was trying to catch a glimpse of her children in the two of you.

“Are you two married?” You and Hyunjin pause from eating, staring at each other before looking back at the older woman.

“No, we’re not.” You answer for him, laughing a little at the accusation she had just made. “We’re not married.”

“Oh, too bad. You guys would make a great couple if you were to marry.” She says light-heartedly, staring directly at the boy who’s refusing to make any eye contact at the sudden topic change. Hyunjin nearly chokes on the lettuce he’s eating, coughing a little as he mutters a string of apologies. She only smiles knowingly, offering up some water to the poor boy.

He swallows down his food, putting on a cordial smile directed at the old woman.

The rest of the time plays out without any more questions as to what the relationship is between the two of you, which Hyunjin is more than grateful for. He’s afraid of tripping over his own feet when you’re mentioned as his girlfriend one more time, as if choking on his food wasn’t enough already.

At some point, while you’d been talking, the sun had started to set which prompts the older woman to send in a flurry of farewells as she ushers the pair of you to get home safely.

Looking at you now, while the orange hues of the sun falls on your face, Hyunjin concludes that he feels something for you, evident in the way his heart starts beating a little faster and his palms start to sweat when you’re around. The awkward atmosphere between the two of you is long gone, and he finds himself hearing the gentle undertone of your voice in his head before he falls asleep.

He’s even more floored after today, after having seen first hand how you treat people with so much kindness—even Seungmin, who’s the number one enemy on everyone’s list in this small village. He admires the way you smile at strangers, and your eloquence in conversations even with the little words you say.

It’s only been a while of knowing you, yet he finds himself thinking about you all the time. From the first day you met that muggy afternoon, to how you helped him with repairing the books, even that drunken night where you had sang for him, and the morning after when you shared ice cream with him. He finds himself repeating these moments with you over and over in his head, like sifted sand, until they’re properly engraved in his mind.

“You know… all I really did today was listen to her stories, but my heart feels at ease because of it.”

Hyunjin looks at you as you walk side by side each other, the sunset’s glow falling on everything around you.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

When the wind blows, leaves from the trees lined up near you float around you. From time to time, you’d hear the crunch of crushed leaves as you step on them. All the while, Hyunjin is walking close to you, watching you and listening to you.

“Thank you for working with me on this.” Hyunjin suddenly says, words softer than expected as he locks eyes with you. He wants you to know he’s genuine in his gratitude.

“I hope you’ll like my writing once you get to read it.” You smile nervously, keeping eye contact with him, and you don’t know how pivotal this moment is for the boy. How your kindness is pulling him deeper and deeper into you, everything about you—your sweet smile and your bright eyes.

“I will.”

Talking to you feels easy and natural.

“You will?” A small smile creeps onto your face at his response, and he nods his head in confirmation.

Silence passes.

“I hope we can keep working on this together.” Hyunjin surprises himself with how straightforward he can be with you, with how easy it is to tell you he wants to keep spending time with you.

“If you buy me dinner tomorrow, I’ll think about it.”

The whole world stops in this pocket of time. While everyone goes about their evening, Hyunjin is stuck on your words. Your eyes glisten with a certain type of glow no one can replicate, and he thinks he’ll always remember your face right now, smiling fondly at him, lit by the setting sun.

“Okay. Dinner tomorrow.”

Heat continuously rises to his face the more you look at him, but Hyunjin supposes he can blame it on the sun for now.

eight.

It is exactly 6:36 in the evening when you meet Hyunjin at the library to grab dinner with him.

When the bell rings, he can’t help the smile on his face when he realizes it’s you that’s walking into the library. He never used to smile this much before. But it can’t be helped, not when it’s you.

“Hello.” He’s the one who speaks first.

“Hi.” You reply, mimicking the smile on his face. His eyes are glossy when you meet them.

“Shall we go to dinner?” He lets out a small breath, hovering just in front of you.

Hyunjin looks like a bundle of nerves. You don’t know that, in his head, this feels akin to a first date. One he hasn’t gone on in a long time. So, on the outside, he’s perfectly composed, eyes dropping on the wooden ground. On the inside, however, he’s sweating and twisting and turning and screaming that he’s about to have dinner with you.

“What? Are you buying dinner?” Seungmin’s nosy ears perks up at the mention of dinner, immediately moving from his place behind the desk to join the two of you. “I was just starting to get hungry. Come on, let’s go.”

While Hyunjin wants to be upset at the sudden third wheeling of Kim Seungmin, he finds that he isn’t.

As funny as it sounds, he’s kind of grateful for the sudden interruption. He’s too afraid that if you were to have dinner together, alone, and his fried brain was convincing him it was a first date—his feelings would become too real. He knows he likes you, but he doesn’t want to act on it too soon. He doesn’t want to scare you off, doesn’t want to scare himself off.

Hyunjin has way too much of a feeble heart, that even walking beside you right now, with your hands slightly brushing against the other, he can already hear his heart beating in his ears.

He has always thought of himself as patient, so he doesn’t understand why there’s a growing irritation at the back of his head for the inability to hold your hand in his. It’s even more confusing as he knows he’s never been the type to crave for skinship, never eager for physical touch. So, what’s changed?

“Yah, Lee Minho!” Seungmin’s voice is loud as he walks into the restaurant, though, a much younger boy greets him.

“Innie, where’s Minho?” Jeongin gestures at the kitchen, immediately setting off to find the older boy at the request of Seungmin.

You hide behind Hyunjin the moment Minho appears from the kitchen. You’re sure the memories from that night are still fresh in his mind, and he’d been the first to witness your drunken, hazy state. When he sees you, his lips tug into a lazy smirk, but he chooses not to say anything.

“We went to interview that old lady yesterday.” Hyunjin feels the need to inform Seungmin who’s smiling, pleased with his ability to coerce you into helping them out.

Everyone finally settles down into their seats, Hyunjin cooking the meat silently as conversation starts. Jeongin joins you not long after, asking if it was alright. Your food sizzles behind the chatter around your table.

“What interview?” Jeongin asks.

“A writer didn’t show up, so (Name) did the interview instead.” Seungmin informs the table, and Jeongin nods in pretense of understanding the situation.

“How did you know how to do that? Where did you work in Seoul?” Minho’s the one to ask this time as he refills your meat, setting down a plate of raw pork just by Hyunjin’s arm.

“She worked at a publishing company.” Seungmin says with a mouth full of food.

“I see. Then you must’ve had a lot of boyfriends.”

You tilt your head at Jeongin’s sudden proposition, like he’s trying to fit two completely different puzzle pieces. There’s absolutely no correlation between working at a publishing company and having multiple boyfriends. It seems Seungmin is wondering the same thing, cogs turning in his brain at Jeongin’s stupid question.

“How are those two related?” He deadpans.

“I’ve always found well-read girls charming and attractive.” Jeongin simply shrugs, shoving down another piece of cut-up meat in his mouth before chewing. “So, do you have a boyfriend?”

You fail to notice the way Hyunjin suddenly leans closer to the table, suddenly finding interest in the topic when he had been absent for most of the conversation.

“Oh, I used to have one. But we broke up.” You laugh a little nervously, quietly thanking Hyunjin who sets a few cooked pieces of pork on your plate so you don’t run out while eating.

“Why? How long did it last?”

Jeongin and Seungmin seem to have a lot of questions, and you can see Hyunjin sending them a side eye from your peripheral vision at their rather invasive question.

“Quite a long—“

Hyunjin concludes he doesn’t need to know anything about your ex-boyfriend. He smoothly interrupts the conversation by stuffing food in Seungmin’s mouth. “This is about to burn, you should eat it.”

He glares at the boy viciously, but even the scowl on Seungmin’s face couldn't crack Hyunjin’s persistence in cutting the conversation short. He doesn’t know if it's jealousy, never having felt it before, but he knows he doesn’t want the image of you kissing another boy imprinted in his mind.

Thankfully, Jeongin moves on to another topic, speaking about how he’s in the last year of college and how much he hates it. All the while, you and Hyunjin share small smiles from across the table.

You both let Jeongin and Seungmin carry the conversation. You were never good at keeping the flow of one going anyways. So, instead, you play the listening role. The one you’ve always been good at.

Throughout dinner, Hyunjin does little things for you. He refills your empty glass of water, he puts meat on your plate so you don’t run out, and he constantly checks up on you—to see whether you were overwhelmed with the loudness of the two boys.

He does so by looking at you with an endearing smile, light dimples on his cheeks as he chuckles when you smile back at him. It’s a quiet conversation between the two of you, even if it’s just communication between smiles. Hyunjin is like a breath of fresh air from the crackling volume surrounding you.

He offers to walk you home after the four of you finish up with dinner, telling you that he couldn’t allow himself to simply let you walk alone in the dark. You respond with the crinkling of your eyes and a soft ‘thank you’.

Being with Hyunjin, alone, is quite possibly the purest form of comfort you will ever know. He’s tender and gentle and attentive, like he knows what it’s like to have the peace you value being breached constantly. Though, lately, you find that the quiet you crave for isn’t necessarily complete silence. It’s the comfortable and uninterrupted calm you feel when you’re with Hyunjin—whether at the library or walking home together from dinner. When he’s with you, warmth always makes an appearance.

There is no demand to make conversation.

You let your gaze veer off to the sea and how the waves crash along the shore. There's a breeze softly wafting through your hair, and you smile at just being able to view the ocean anytime you want. A pleasure you’ve always been denied off back in the city.

As your simple house comes into view, your shoulders fall at knowing he would have to leave now. You stop in your tracks, biting at your lips, and Hyunjin waits for you to say something. Never demanding. Always patient.

“Do you wanna meet my dog?”

His mouth opens in response, before a toothless smile forms in his features. “I’d like that.”

Kkami’s wiggling body with his wagging tail is the first to greet you when you open the door. You crouch down, arms open so he can jump onto you just the way he likes. “I’m back. I’m sorry to keep you waiting all this time.”

“Come in, come in.” You urge Hyunjin to get in, resuming your standing position so you can close the door behind him. “You can keep your shoes on if you’d like.”

He refuses, immediately taking them off before crouching down to greet the long-haired Chihuahua. They get along right away, Kkami constantly tapping his paw on Hyunjin’s knees to get his attention.

“I’ll get you something to drink.” You disappear into the kitchen, grabbing him a glass of water before hurriedly returning.

His hand brushes against yours when he reaches to take the glass from you, and you hate how fumbly the simple gesture gets you. It makes you feel like you’re back in high school, helplessly crushing on the boy who’s way out of your league.

“I think he likes you more than me now.” You crouch back down, looking at the way Kkami nudges his head on the side of Hyunjin’s thigh.

“I think he’s just a friendly dog.” He reassures you, though, he can’t help but feel a little pride that your dog immediately warms up to him. He’s always wanted a dog too.

When Kkami starts to give his attention back to you, Hyunjin calls him back. “Come here. There’s food here, can’t you see?”

His false bribery has you laughing.

“Now you’re just lying to my dog.”

He’s unfazed, continuing to lie to your poor dog about the invisible food he has in hand. “I have food for you, come here.”

“Wow, my dog left me and chose you because of your fake food.” You pout when Kkami successfully sits himself on Hyunjin’s lap, barking in glee when the boy rubs the back of his ears.

He sets the empty glass on a table nearby, careful not to drop it with Kkami still on him, gaze falling on the ring around your finger when you take it so it’s safe in your kitchen sink.

“Your ring is really pretty.” His compliment is genuine, and you can’t help but smile as you look down at the metal band your mother had given you, the one you started wearing since your brother called.

“My mom gave it to me. It has the number 220 engraved on it, apparently for bravery.”

“Suits you very well then.”

“I was really afraid when I first moved here, you know. I had no idea what I was doing. I thought I’d fallen into defeat.”

You recall your uncertainty when you had left everything you’d ever known in the city, following the heartbeat in the town of Angok.

“Men are not created with defeat in mind. We may fall at times, but we’re never defeated.”

“That’s a good line.”

“I stole it from a book.” He says sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. “Wanna know something cool?”

You nodded your head, sitting with your legs crossed on the floor in front of him.

“Your ring has the number 220, right? Well, back in college, I used to play sports. My jersey number was 284.” You don’t know where he’s going with this, but you listen anyway.

“They’re both amicable numbers. The sum of factors of 220 is 284, and the sum of the facts of 284 is 220.” He says with a smile, hands smoothing down your chihuahua’s fur. “These numbers are linked together by some fate, like your ring and my jersey.”

Hyunjin is a quiet surprise, sputtering about amicable numbers and mathematics to you. It’s almost endearing, how he had found something between the two of you and connected it to something he knows.

Your ring and his jersey. Amicable numbers.

There is so much to Hyunjin, so much you still don’t know and want to learn.

“That is pretty cool.” You think back about it in your head, how rare these numbers are, and how they found themselves to the both of you. Maybe knowing Hyunjin has always been written in the stars, and maybe you’ll know him in every lifetime after this one.

At the same time, Hyunjin is grinning to himself. He’d always thought love was far off, but it looks like it’s been in front of him this whole time, smiling back at him. He knows what he’s feeling, this overwhelming warmth, and he knows it’s real now more than ever.

In this moment, there is nothing else but you, him and Kkami and the knowledge that he’s falling in love with you. Right here, right now, all he sees are your eyes and your smile and the way your hands are brushing as you lean down to scratch Kkami’s ears.

Hyunjin feels like his heart is about to burst, and he has to clear his throat and put Kkami down in some poor excuse of needing to get home. He has to before he does something he might regret. The tides of the waves are pulling at him to make a move on you, and he’s afraid he might never make it to shore at the sheer overwhelmingness of his feelings for you. Could it be possible that you made a move instead?

“I think I have to get going now.” He whispers, and you nod your head, moving to stand up when he does. “Thanks for coming to meet Kkami. You should say goodbye to Hyunjin. Say thank you for visiting! Goodbye!”

You move Kkami’s paw to imitate waving.

“Goodbye!” His smile is wide as he bends down to wave back at your dog, taking small steps backwards until he’s by your door.

“I’ll write up a story about the lady we interviewed and send it to you.” You mention, fumbling with the knob to open it for him.

“Sure.” When you don’t make a move to say anything else, he turns his back to start walking away.

“By the way…” Hyunjin immediately turns back around, both hopeful and hesitant at what you have to say to him. His eyes hold yours, waiting for you to continue. “Are you free—“

“Good evening!” Chan’s booming voice interrupts what you were able to say. “Sorry it took me so long. I’m here to help you with the water leakage?”

You’d almost forgotten. You had called Chan earlier this morning to ask if he could help you fix up the issue with your sink.

“No, it’s okay. Hi, good evening.”

“Weren’t you about to say something?” He asks, and you suddenly feel too shy to ask if he wanted to hangout with you soon. The Little Mermaid live action was coming out soon, and you’d been excited to check it out. You thought, maybe it would be fun to watch it with him.

“Ah, it’s nothing.” An unidentifiable emotion flickers in Hyunjin’s features when you suddenly double back on what you were supposed to say—of dejection? You can’t say for sure, especially when a small smile returns to his face and he’s waving goodbye at you one last time.

“Chan, come in.” In your head, you’re still bruising yourself over cowardly backing down from asking Hyunjin to eat dinner with you tomorrow, hopefully with just you two this time.

Your water leakage problem doesn’t take too many steps, but it does need a few tools that only Chan has. When he finishes, you tell him to sit down a little, finding something to offer him for fixing up what had been broken under your sink.

“What’s going on between you and Hyunjin?” It catches you off guard, the unfiltered way he suddenly asks the question with obvious teasing dripping down his tone.

“Nothing.” You say too quickly, shaking your head.

“I was kidding. You don’t have to tell me.”

“Aren’t you gonna pry?” You’re not used to anyone not prying. Back in the city, you barely could keep anything a secret. Always forced. Always fidgety with the way they ask you questions, only to use that information against you later.

“No. As long as you’re happy, and both of you don’t get yourself hurt.”

His considerateness is breathtaking, and it almost has you tearing up the way he treats you better than your own brother. Chan doesn’t need to hug you for you to feel safe, he just has to smile and look at you with his eyes round of warmth.

He feels familiar, like… family. You think this is what family should feel like.

“Thank you, Chan.” You breathe, and he breathes with you. He reminds you he’s only one call away, and your heart feels like it’s being stripped until it’s bare.

This is family. Chan is family.

And Hyunjin quite possibly is love.

nine.

The epiphany you had posed to yourself the night before proved to be almost as difficult as the one you had when you had left the city. Inevitable, but that doesn’t mean it scared you less. Uncertainties often make you feel vulnerable, and what is love but a thread of uncertainties waiting to be untangled?

You can’t focus in your little rented space, the four corners tend to look smaller and smaller when you’ve trapped yourself long enough in your head. It’s terrifying, to feel the walls closing in on you. So, you might as well take Kkami out on a walk where you aren’t encased in liminal space.

The breeze outside is the kind that takes all the weight off your chest, leaving you to start anew in your train of thoughts. When you try to find the beginning of when you had started to see Hyunjin differently, you lose the thread and find yourself empty-handed. No one has told you how difficult it is to tend to the knotted spool of love.

Was it in his kindness which he showed in the smallest ways, barely noticeable but there when you look close enough? He doesn’t smile in large amplified ways, but the way he looks at you with intention leaves such an impact.

Everything he does—on purpose and by choice and intentionally. From the way he constantly checks on you, and the umbrella he had offered, and the patience that never seems to run thin. He smiles and talks to you by choice, and he gets to know your dog intentionally. You’re enamored with the entirety of Hyunjin, with the way he’s passionate about his job, and the gentle way in which he helps those around him whether that’s driving Seungmin to Seoul or treating Jeongin to dinner. He’s beautiful as he listens, as he shows that he will always listen.

It’s a lot to handle, and it’s a huge epiphany to admit to yourself, so you walk without destination. Nature and the beauties of Angok, you find, can take your mind off of anything. Just like that day you had escaped the city.

There are birds singing from the trees, accompanying the wind with their tunes as they whistle. The breeze carries it everywhere, the sound of their whistling, the crashing of the waves bathing the seashore. Had you really existed in a time before you’d known the salt of the ocean breeze and the sun shining the entire village with a glow?

Everything is beautiful here. There’s nothing that isn’t with the flurry of color bursting in the town of Angok, with the gentle chatter of generations of people who live there, with Hyunjin’s back walking a little ahead of you.

“Hyunjin?”

Maybe you don’t really care about the multitude of ways you can unravel the knotted spool. Maybe the only thing that matters is this moment with him, and every other moment with him.

He turns around immediately at the recognition of your voice, lifting a hand up to wave at you before greeting Kkami. You shoot him a smile, speeding up a little to catch up with him as he stands planted on his spot. Kkami runs faster than you do, already barking by Hyunjin’s feet and jumping up to get the boy’s attention.

There is no overthinking in the way he smiles back at you so easily. No thread to think about.

“Hi.” His gaze never falters from yours, even as noises stir around from a distance.

“Hello. I was just walking Kkami.”

“If we’re going the same way, why don’t we walk together?” He offers.

“Okay.”

A heartbeat passes.

“By the way, what are you doing out here? You know… instead of being in the library.” You ask inquisitively, not used to seeing him outside so early in the day.

“Seungmin’s been a bit anxious over the next part of his exams, so I went to buy him some food. It always calms him down.”

It’s only then you realize the bag of food he’s holding, and the sight only melts your heart further.

“You’re a really good friend.”

“I just do good upon others as I wish the same for myself.” How lovely, how he wants to make the world so painfully beautiful that people want to live in it.

“Well, the world isn't as cold and gloomy because of you.” You smile, and Hyunjin can’t help the way his words jumble up in his mouth at the kindness you utter. He’s wordless, all tangled in longing and flustered-ness.

You make him feel like he can hold sunlight in his hands.

“I’ll be going this way now.” A point in the opposite, and Hyunjin can only frown in disappointment of your time cut short.

“Take care.” He says, standing his ground as he watches you and Kkami start to walk away from him.

Static is zipping through the air, louder than ever. Hyunjin’s fiddling with the straps of his pants, contemplating and contemplating and contemplating—

“(Name)!” The sound of your name on Hyunjin’s lips makes your head instantly turn back.

“Yes?”

Hyunjin’s fumbling with everything he’s ever known, eyes falling to his own hands before back to yours.

“By any chance, are you going to have dinner—“ Hyunjin pauses. No, that doesn’t sound right. “I mean, are you busy tonight?”

“I’m not.”

A knowing smile on both your faces.

“Would you like to have dinner with me?”

“I’d like that a lot.”

The thread is long gone.

ten.

Hyunjin has a profound ability of surprising you every time. He’s almost unpredictable in his kindness—showing up when you’re drunk, refilling your plate with meat, and now handing you a bag of dog toys for Kkami.

“I thought he might like this.”

“Oh, thank you.” You take the bag gratefully, smiling at the selection of chew toys inside before looking back up at the boy. “I haven’t gotten him anything nice, so thank you, really.”

“I also have this for you.” He brings out more shyly this time—a necklace beaded in shells. You look down at it, the necklace. No one’s given you anything in a long time. “You always have this look on your face when you look at the beach. So, it just… reminded me of you.”

You lift it up carefully, almost feather-like as you stare at the simple necklace.

“Hyunjin.” The way he’s looking at you is so powerful, yet so vulnerable at the same time, eyes tinging in hope that you’d like the little present he had gotten you. It’s a look you can feel inside. “Thank you.”

He helps you wear it when you attempt to wrap it around your neck yourself. Wordless, you don’t have to say anything as he gently closes it to encase it around your neck.

“Do you like it?” There it is again. That vulnerability.

“I love it.” You smile, hand lifting to fiddle with the necklace. “I’m never taking it off.”

Hyunjin’s eyes soften, features glowing under the streetlights as you finally resume your walk to where you’ll be eating dinner together.

He had called himself out multiple times as he was pondering over whether to buy it for you or not the moment he sees it, telling himself he was too obvious with the way he feels for you, and yet the thought of the sincerity in your face when you receive it overpowers the voice in his head. He finds himself getting it for you. He was always gonna get it for you the moment he saw the necklace.

“Then, do you want some chicken and beer?” Hyunjin asks as you reach a crossroad, multiple intersections splitting the road into separate parts of the village.

“Chicken and beer?”

“Mhm. Last night, I was actually gonna ask if you wanted chicken and beef before Seungmin tagged along.”

“Oh?” You smile at the thought. “That sounds good actually. Wait, let me search a place up.”

You barely even unlock your phone when Hyunjin starts speaking again.

“Well, if we go that way,” he motions to the first intersection. “There’s a really old place that sells amazing fried chicken. And there’s a place down that way where the interior is nice and spacious, but the chicken doesn’t taste as good.”

“And down that way,” he continues, pointing towards the other intersection. “There’s a place with outdoor tables known for its refreshing beer.”

“You’ve really done your research.” You grin, fiddling with the phone in your hands as you look at Hyunjin who has his shyly behind his back after he has finished speaking.

“Yeah.” He exhales, smile still on his face. “Just in case.

Just in case he got enough courage to ask you out is the continuation of his sentence, though he chooses to omit it for now.

“I…” You ponder, recounting the options in your head before forming a number 3 with your fingers. “Choose number three. Beer tends to vary more in taste than chicken.”

“I see.” He nods his head, taking your words in as he thinks about the numerous times fried chicken had tasted the same to him. “Well then, let’s go that way?”

A silver of the moon shines on the two of you as you settle down the table, arriving 10 minutes after you had pondered over your choices at the intersection. The night breeze is pleasant, blowing in between the two of you until your stomachs are full from the food.

“This is so refreshing.” You praise after having taken a chug out of your beer, leaning your head back to savor the taste longer. “Whoever thought of eating chicken and beer together is a genius.”

He listens, hanging on to every single word you say as he takes a bite out of his own piece. The sight has him wondering if you were free tomorrow too.

Similarly, you’re thinking if you should try to invite him to watch Little Mermaid with you again.

“Are you also busy tomorrow?” His sudden question has your cheeks heating up despite the cold of the breeze and the beer.

“Why? Do you wanna see a movie?” It comes out fast, blurted, speeding from your mouth.

“A movie?”

Oh, shit. You didn’t even realize how you’d suddenly sprung up the topic on him without so much as an introduction.

“What I meant was… there’s just this movie I really wanted to see, and I think it’s out in theaters already.” You laugh a little at your own slip up, hoping to have clarified it better.

The sound makes Hyunjin’s smile widen.

“I see.” He takes a sip out of his own beer.

It’s silent for a while. A second blending into a minute, until you decide you can’t take it any longer.”

“Do you want to come with—“

“Should we watch—“

You make eye contact the moment you speak over one another, and it’s enough to trigger the laughter that’s bubbling in your throats at the sheer coincidence of asking each other out at the same time.

“Only if it’s okay with you.” He says once the pair of you stop giggling, tone significantly softer..

Always putting your comfort at the top priority.

“I’d actually really like that.”

It’s all smiles as you pay for your meal, and you don’t quite notice the slow pace in which the two of you are walking home, as if never wanting the moment to end. As if the great sense of contentment is too much to let go of right away.

Your footsteps fall in with Hyunjin’s, and your smiles never leave your faces on the rest of your way home.

eleven.

Hyunjin spends two days in Seoul to accompany Seungmin as he finishes up the final stages of his Civil Licensure exam.

The first day away from the library is spent just at home, cleaning and finishing up on chores you’ve been meaning to do—putting away your clothes after doing laundry, feeding Kkami, sweeping the floors, and even dusting some shelves because of the abundance of free time. It’s therapeutic, the way you’re able to hold your own time and decide what you want to do for the day. In the afternoon, you walk your chihuahua outside, exploring more of Angok than you could’ve dreamed. It’s a beautiful village, and you find you don’t mind the lengthy walk. If it means you get to be with nature leisurely, you don’t have anything to complain about.

There’s so much time for happiness here, unlike the dark of your room in the city.

When you pass by the library the next day to continue mapping out Angok, you’re surprised to see the hunched over figure of Felix by the benches. You wonder what he’s doing here.

“Felix?” You speak cautiously, tentative even as you walk to his side.

The closer you get, the more you hear his sniffles. An alarm sounds in your head, and you immediately reach a hand over to rub his back as gently as possible. “What’s wrong?”

The words he mumbles are unclear, incoherent as they come out jumbled and stuttered. When he finally lifts his head up, the sight physically hurts you. Who could dare hurt the sun?

You move some of his hair out of his face, sitting down next to him. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

Instead of answering, he lunges forward, jumping in your arms to seek comfort in your hug. It catches you by surprise, not because you’re uncomfortable, but because it’s only now you realize how long you’ve gone without a hug. You didn’t grow up from an affectionate family, and your time in the city knew of no comfort. This feels far better than pressing your back against your bed.

Snapping from the initial shock, you wrap your arms around him and pull him closer which only seems to let him release a louder sob. It seems he really needed this.

“I just don’t want to disappoint anyone.” His words are deep and choked, head still buried on your shoulder as he soaks up the shirt you’re wearing.

“You could never disappoint anyone.” You run a hand through his hair, the other hand running smooth circles on his back.

You don’t know how long you hold him like this, but after a while, his tears finally subside and he moves to pull away from the embrace. “I’m sorry about your shirt.”

“You don’t have to apologize.” Reaching out, you swipe away the tears on his wet cheeks, smiling softly. You’re relieved when you see him return the gesture. It seems he doesn’t want to talk about what happened, but you find that it’s okay. He likes that you just listen without demanding him to tell you everything.

“Wanna go eat something at Minho’s? My treat.” You whisper, afraid to startle the poor boy, and his eyes seem to brighten at the suggestion.

“Would that really be okay?”

“Of course. Come on.” You walk with him to Minho’s little restaurant, making small conversation about anything he wants to talk about. If it means he’ll forget about whatever hurt him, you appease any topic that spills from his mouth.

“Ah, good afternoon (Name), Felix.” Minho waves when you enter his space, and you wave back at the boy.

He finally knows your name.

The ten minutes it takes to wait for the food is apparently the same time it takes for Jisung and Chan to stumble into the restaurant and greet the two of you loudly. They drop at where you’re seated, adjacent from you and Felix as they ask you questions of how you’re doing and what you two were up to.

You’re keen to stay as Felix’s emotional support, looking at him first before answering the two boys. It seems he feels way better now, in the presence of people he considers home.

“Look what I have.” Jisung brings out another tupperware from his bag, opening it up to reveal some cupcakes his mom had probably baked again. He excitedly takes one for each of you, babbling about how he can’t finish it all himself or else he’ll suffer from high blood pressure. “I’m glad I bumped into you guys. My mom’s been going crazy with the baking.”

“Felix likes baking too, right?” You turn to the boy next to you, and he nods his head as he recalls the conversation you had earlier on the way here.

“I’ve been trying to make some brownies.” He’s proud as he speaks, hands moving animatedly as he explains to them the process. The three of you listen carefully, immediately demanding him to bake some for you guys to which Felix says he will in his free time.

“Jeongin’s on his way.” Chan nudges Jisung who suddenly stands from his seat. He grabs a cupcake from the container, and you think he’s about to give it to the younger boy when suddenly, the icing crashes on the unsuspecting Jeongin’s nose.

“Are you nuts, Jisung?!” He exclaims, peeling the cupcake away from his icing-stained face.

“That’s what you get for rejecting my kisses.” Jisung smirks mischievously, though it’s quickly wiped off when Jeongin swiftly grabs a chunk of the icing and slaps it on the older boy’s cheek.

Minho’s voice is booming as he says, “Hey, don’t get the floors dirty!”, though there seems to be a hint of fondness on his features as he watches everything unfold before him.

“Oh my god.” With a hand covering your mouth, you can’t help the giggles from spewing it as Felix snorts from beside you.

“Come here, let’s wipe it off.” You get up from your seat, guiding Jeongin to the seat next to yours as you grab a pack of tissues from your bag, moving to wipe the smeared icing from his nose, cheeks, and eyes.

“What about me?” Jisung pouts, and Chan all but laughs as he pulls the boy down to start doing the same thing.

“Are you guys okay?” Felix’s voice is way steadier now, more than it was earlier, and it even holds laughter in it. Your heartbeat calms down at knowing he must feel better. At least this moment can take away what pained him, even for a few hours.

“You have a death wish, Han Jisung.”

“Not the government name.”

Though, Jisung only laughs at the threats spilling from Jeongin’s lips, proud of his work.

When Minho brings the food, Jisung successfully pulls him down to eat with all of you. It’s polarizing how you used to hate meal times, used to hate thinking about what to eat, or the fact that you’d be eating alone. Now, with laughter roaring from your table, you find yourself excited.

People are calling out for you to eat.

You spend hours there, listening to their stories. Before you know it, night dawns upon you, and Felix offers to walk you home.

“(Name)?”

“Hm?” You turn your head to look at Felix who’s already looking at you with a smile on his face.

“Thank you.”

“I didn’t do anything, though.” You laugh, and Felix shakes his head as he maintains unwavering eye contact.

“Thanks to you, I feel happier now.” There’s a toothless grin on his face, though, it’s threatening to grow even wider by the second.

He genuinely looks happy.

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Felix’s words stay stuck in your mind even as you lay down to sleep. For a brief moment, you were able to make him happier. You don’t think you’ve ever felt more accomplished than this very moment. There are no words to describe how beautiful the feeling is of being the cause of someone’s smile.

The rest of the night is spent thinking, and it’s only when your phone buzzes is it interrupted.

hyunjin (10:48pm): hi, are you asleep? i hope i’m not bothering you

yn (10:49pm): hello! not asleep yet :) you’re not bothering me at all

hyunjin (10:51pm): seungmin’s exams ran longer than i thought

yn (10:51pm): tell him i said hi !!

hyunjin (10:52pm): is texting a bother? do your wrists hurt when you type?

yn (10:52pm): just a little

He calls you suddenly, and it’s enough for your heart to jump straight out of your chest. Pressing the phone to your ear, you finally speak. “Hello?”

“I hope your wrists don’t hurt anymore.” You can hear the mumble of cars honking in the background, but his words tune them out.

“I guess this will do.”

Hyunjin pauses for a moment, allowing himself the moment to soak up the warmth of your voice and how two days is far too long to be away from your sweet voice.

“It’s nice to hear your voice.”

You swallow hard, shutting your eyes as you bring the phone away a little to let out a suppressed scream. You feel like a schoolgirl, kicking your feet and giggling over his words.

Calming yourself down, you reply, “But, don’t you have to sleep now?”

“Hmm, not yet.“

“Well, what do you wanna talk about?”

“Everything. I wanna know everything about you.” He breathes from his end of the line, running a hand through his hair.

You can hear the sincerity from his voice even if you can’t see him.

“Oh.” You murmur. There’s a blush playing on your cheeks. How is he able to make you feel everything all at once?

The conversation lasts almost 2 hours, until he has to let you go so you can sleep before the clock strikes one in the morning. He feels slightly terrible for keeping you up, but he’s selfish in that it doesn’t bother him that much. Hyunjin missed you, missed the lull of your voice, and he’s happy to have heard it before going to sleep.

“I’ll see you tomorrow? For the movie?”

“Okay. See you.”

You can almost see him, open-mouthed smiles as he speaks. It’s always so evident in his voice when he does.

“Goodnight.”

“Sleep well.”

Hyunjin drifts off to sleep, and it’s the best one he’s had since yesterday.

twelve.

You tug at the dress you’re wearing as you wait outside the theater building. It’s a simple sleeveless white dress that goes down just above your knees, yet you’re still a little nervous whether you’re underdressed or overdressed. Your hair is down as it always is, a little messed up from the wind, and you had worn lip gloss after Kkami had barked once when you’d asked him.

It’s a simple theater for a simple date. You’re not even sure if you could call it a date, yet you were both ecstatic to finally watch the movie and to watch it with Hyunjin.

Smoothening down the creases of your dress that aren’t even there, you finally catch sight of Hyunjin from afar. He looks so handsome with his white sweater and denim pants, hair tucked behind his ears as he wears a pretty-boy-but-is-unaware smile.

Aphrodite’s son.

He’s waving at you, cheeks flushed in a warmth you fail to see as you try to suppress your own grin.

His knee-jerking reaction to you is open-mouthed staring, eyes moving from your eyes to your lips to your hair to your dress all in the span of a second.

Hyunjin isn’t as relaxed as he thought he was. He had prepared himself to see you again after two days, prepared to watch a movie with you and possibly brush hands as you reach for the popcorn, though he wasn’t quite prepared for the white dress you’re wearing. His brain short circuits, and he’s malfunctioning.

“Shall we head inside?”

He’s not able to respond right away. You’re pretty, and he’s nervous, and you’re pretty, and his palms are sweating, and you’re pretty, and words are failing him, and you’re pretty, and you’re shifting your weight back and forth, and you’re so pretty.

“(Name).” Hyunjin’s finally able to say. “You look beautiful."

You look up at him and he looks away. You can only blush in response as you thank him, fiddling with the necklace you’re wearing.

“I’m wearing this by the way.” If Hyunjin thought he couldn’t smile even more, he was wrong, especially peering down at the necklace he had gifted you. The one you’re wearing.

It was nearly seven o'clock when you finished watching the movie. You’re still excited over seeing one of your favorite Disney princess’s on the big screen, but you’re starting to feel a little tired.

The crowded bus was too much for the both of you, so you decide to walk back together. Thirty minutes might sound like a long walk, but Hyunjin begs to differ if it meant being separated from you at the end of it.

Thirty minutes is way too short to walk with you.

“The movie was fun.” He breaks the silence, and you nod your head in agreement with a huge smile on your face. You can still picture Ariel in your head, yet what stuck out most to you was the panicked way Hyunjin had been when he first walked in before completely relaxing when he was seated next to you.

“Hyunjin.”

“Yes?”

“You seemed like you’ve never been to a theater before.”

“It is my first time.” He looks down at his feet, a small grin tugging on his lips at how he’ll forever be able to hold the memory of watching a movie for the first time in theaters.

Especially when it was with you.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“That’s amazing.” It comes out as a whisper, genuinely shocked that Hyunjin hadn’t bothered coming into theaters at all. There’s so much to him, and you want to learn them all.

“Why don’t we kill some time by playing 21 questions?”

“Okay.” He replies a little too quickly for his liking. He can’t hide his eagerness at getting to know you and everything about you. Like that phone call last night.

“Okay.” You repeat, smiling while nodding your head as you think of a question to ask. “Hmm, what’s your favorite fruit?”

“Apples are my favorite.”

“Wow, you answered so quickly.” A quiet chuckle escapes his lips at the realization. Though, you should’ve made the connection when he had mentioned apples back when you had offered him some ice cream.

“Mine are strawberries!” You point excitedly at the black crochet bag you always carry with you, a big strawberry in the middle.

“Strawberries.” He keeps in mind, looking back at you as you keep talking, asking him one question after the other.

You are so lovely, Hyunjin thinks. The sort of person puts a smile on everyone’s face when you walk into the room. The way you quietly speak and the humble way in which you treat everyone has Hyunjin thinking that you must be unaware of how much of an impact you actually have on the people around you.

Seungmin is thankful for you, admiring your hard work. Hyunjin has caught him rereading the article you had written multiple times, praise leaving his lips when he thinks no one can hear.

Chan sees you as a little sister, so fond of you in such a short amount of time. He thinks he’d do anything to keep that smile on your face.

Felix thinks of flowers when he sees you.

“Oh, the moon looks so pretty tonight.” You suddenly mention, staring wondrously at the bright moon and the way the stars litter the sky.

“Do you wanna sit down for a moment?”

“Can we?” The excitement in your voice is hard to miss as Hyunjin guides you over to sit on a block situated at the side of the street. It’s the perfect spot, offering you a view of the sea and the pretty night sky.

You close your eyes to listen to the waves crashing clearer, to feel the breeze better, to smell the salty scent of the sea.

Your thoughts drift everywhere; to your escape from the city to the first time you met Hyunjin and the way he hadn’t spoken a single word to you. It’s always been at the back of your head, but you never so much as spared it any time to resurface. Though, now was probably the perfect time to ask him about it.

“Can I ask one more question?”

“Of course.”

“When we first met, why did you not talk to me?”

Hyunjin thinks back at the time, almost letting out a small laugh in embarrassment when he remembers the way he had greeted you with nothing but silence. It was only a matter of time before you’d ask him.

“Actually…” He looks down at his hands, carefully folded on his lap. “I have trouble talking to strangers.”

“Does that mean you feel comfortable around me now?” Oh, his stomach doesn’t feel so great at the way you’re looking at him right now. He has never felt such violent butterflies in his stomach.

“Yeah.” Blink and you miss it, the way his eyes flicker to your lips before frisking them away to stare at the moon instead.

You stretch your legs out, swaying them back and forth as you lull your head back to stare at the vastness of the sky. The waves and your subtle breathing are the only sounds that accompany the stillness with Hyunjin.

How long had that same peace transferred from the library to the boy seated beside you?

This moment feels nice, though, it seems to only be a catalyst at making you realize how real your feelings are. Hyunjin really is starting to feel like love.

He looks at you as you’re too busy staring at the little things nature had sent to keep you two company.

“When I’m with you, it’s nice that I don’t have to talk so much.” You say suddenly.

His eyes never once leave you as you speak, and it only has his heart beating faster when he realizes that the look in your eyes is something so similar to the way he looks at you. It’s the same one he gives you when you don’t notice him looking at you. The stripped back and bare softness he shows even when he doesn’t try to.

“It’s the opposite for me.” He speaks with a smile that he doesn’t even notice has grown brighter and brighter. “When I’m with you, I tend to talk more.”

Lovestruck is the only word to describe the way his words slip out of his mouth, and no level of words can possibly describe the softness in his eyes.

“Ever since I was young, talking to someone… always felt like a burden to me. It’s never felt that way with you.”

The way you’re looking at him only encourages him to speak more—your naturally dusted cheeks, gentleness swimming in your eyes, and the wind blowing through your hair. How can you sit there and be so unaware of how beautiful you are?

“This is a little selfish of me but…” Midway through his sentence, he breathes out a little. As if to help him in saying what’s burning on the tip of his tongue. “I hope you don’t leave.”

You lean forward to hear him better.

“When you first came to the library to make a membership card, when we spent the afternoon repairing books, when I took you home when you were completely wasted… when we had ice cream together on the library bench, when we went to interview the old lady together, and when you let me meet Kkami the night we had dinner together…”

What was happiness before he knew what your smile looked like and what your voice sounds like? Hyunjin’s voice gradually softens with each memory he recounts.

“I was happy. I’m truly happy that you came to Angok.”

There's a stifling silence on the other end, as you process his words.

You never stood a chance. You were gone the moment you had set eyes on him, when you had accidentally caused a small commotion in Angok’s public library. You had signed over your heart the second he had uttered his first words to you—“you’re hello again.”

His eyes flicker from yours down to your lips, and there’s a hitch in your breath as you breathe in. It feels as though your heart could explode at any moment.

Hyunjin reaches out to brush a hand against your cheek, tentative as he draws himself closer to you. His hand is warm against the night breeze, and you find yourself leaning against him unconsciously.

“So I really hope you don’t leave.” He whispers, and you breathe at the overwhelming sincerity.

His eyes drop back down to your lips, face hovering over yours. Almost hesitant. It’s like he’s waiting for you to make a move, waiting for you to show you won’t leave. You push your lips in his, and he’s still for a second, as if unable to believe you’re kissing him at this very moment.

When he’s finally able to recover, he keeps a hand cupped on your cheek while the other travels around your waist. He holds you against him tightly, but his lips couldn’t be any more gentle as they move against yours. It’s soft, unmoving even. Your heart flutters when his lips chase after yours after you pull away for a second to catch your breath, and you’re kissing again.

Again and again and again until all you can think about is him. You had always been afraid of seeing the city in his eyes and feeling it in his lips, but you never did.

His eyes struggle to stay open when you push your foreheads together, finally breaking away from the kiss. There’s a small smile on his mouth, the one he always wears with you, and the look of fondness in his eyes.

“I’m not gonna leave.”

A shooting star spears through the dark. You both wish to stay like this forever.

thirteen.

A few days after your silent confession, Seungmin passes the Civil Licensure exam.

The boy had apparently been trying to hide his success from Hyunjin, yet was unsuccessful when he forgot he had given Hyunjin the log-in credentials to the site when he thought he’d be too nervous to view it himself.

So, you and Hyunjin plan a surprise celebration.

If Seungmin hadn’t been so caught up in trying to hide the secret you had already known about, maybe he would’ve noticed the way Hyunjin disappears from the library sometimes only to reappear, and the way you’ve been on your phone way more often than you normally are.

Getting Seungmin to the rooftop of Chan’s home was easier than you had expected. For someone who asks a lot of questions, Seungmin had simply stared at Hyunjin suspiciously when he had suddenly expressed the urge to watch the night’s constellations at Chan’s roof. Yet, feeling like he owed the boy for driving and staying with him in Seoul, he complies.

The surprise had taken a while to plan, yet everyone was willing to help after hearing the news. Everyone sits on the roof to wait, antsy when they hear Seungmin’s blabbermouth complain about accompanying Seungmin as he gets on the stairs. You all see Hyunjin first, who’s subtly pointing at his back to signal that Seungmin was coming in hot.

When he finally emerges from the steps, all of you jump in a chorus of “Surprise!”

There’s a small tarpaulin with Seungmin’s name and a congratulations tied between two makeshift posts, and the boy hides his face in embarrassment when he spots a poorly photoshopped picture of him on the side of the printed paper.

“It’s nice to celebrate this good news with everyone.” Hyunjin says, and while Seungmin’s continuing to blabber about in mock irritation, all of you know he’s grateful by the way he looks at how the rooftop is decorated in awe. Fairy lights are hung around like additional stars, and everyone has bright smiles on their faces as they all go in to wish the boy their individual congratulations.

“Congratulations on making it to Seoul!” Chan’s voice is booming as he hugs the boy. While Seungmin naturally recoils from any form of skinship, he finds himself returning most of the hugs given to him.

“Make sure you eat a lot.” Minho smiles as he looks proudly at the food he had brought, all set on the table as he prepares to cook some beef to serve as all of you eat.

“Thank you for the food!”

“Is it good?” Minho’s grilling meat on the side, continuing to prepare food as everyone around him eats satisfyingly. Sometimes, Jeongin would get up from his seat to feed Minho a piece to make sure he was eating too.

“It’s so juicy.” Changbin exclaims in pure ecstasy, and Chan can only laugh at his exaggerated response. “Your beef always tastes good, Minho.”

Jeongin’s walking around with a platter of cooked beef to serve for everyone, like he does at Minho’s restaurant. Lovely chatter echoes from the roof, laughter prominent as Jisung is on fire with his jokes. All the while, Seungmin is roasting the poor boy.

“This is the good stuff. Look at the marbling on this meat.” Minho boasts as he sets down the final platter on the table, taking a seat next to Jisung as he finally starts digging in. “Jeongin, come and eat.”

“This is so good.” Your mouth drops after you swallow the piece of beef you had grabbed. Minho just laughs fondly at the praise as he keeps eating.

As your eyes travel around everyone on the table, you can’t help but think of something your mom used to tell you — a home isn't always the house we live in. it's also in the people we choose to surround ourselves with.

Home is the gleeful playing of instruments from Jisung and Changbin, it’s baked in an oven and served fresh as brownies from Felix, it’s grateful smiles from Seungmin, it’s Chan trampled with fondness, it’s the grilled beef Minho is cooking, it’s Kkami barking in happiness as Jeongin plays with him, it’s the hand holding yours and the gentle smile on Hyunjin’s lips as he urges you to eat more.

“Oh, before I forget. I have something for you.” Said boy brings you back to reality, and he pulls out a magazine in his hand, smiling widely as he looks down at it then at you expectantly.

“What is it?” You take it from him, flipping through the pages.

“Youth of Angok. It was released yesterday.”

“No way!” You look for the article you wrote, skimming through the pages before smiling at the photo of the old lady you had taken. “Wait, hold on. Don’t tell me you read it already.”

“No, I haven’t read it yet.” Hyunjin has a fair share of tells when he lies. One of them is in the way he can’t look at you, like the way he’s avoiding your eyes right now. “It was great by the way. You write so well.”

You laugh, giggles blending with Jisung’s music. “Thank you.”

Changbin’s booming voice interrupts all the ongoing conversations, abruptly getting up as he grabs a box he had hidden to the side. “I have a surprise now that we’re all full. Sponsored by Seo’s convenience store, you’re welcome.”

He hands each one of you with sparklers, and it’s absolutely beautiful when he lights them up and pushes everyone to get up and dance to Jisung’s guitar accompaniment as the fireworks glow from everyone’s hold. Like everyone is capable of holding fire in their hands.

Music from your childhood plays in your head, the same one you never thought you’d hear again as Hyunjin tugs on your hand to pull you to where everyone is dancing, a sparkler on the hand that isn’t intertwined together.

“This is so pretty!” Felix exclaims, waving it around as the lights spring out of the stick in his hand. Jeongin’s carrying Kkami now, dancing with him in his arms.

“I’ve never done this before.” Felix looks to you with so much happiness radiating off of him, dancing around as he stares at his sparkler fireworks.

“Me neither.” You reply with the same excitement, looking to see Hyunjin already looking at you with a smile on his face. Pure, unadulterated happiness.

You thought about what happiness is.

You’ve looked it up in a dictionary once—it is a state of being pleased, fulfilled, and content in life. You think that definition is too long.

Happiness. The state of being sufficient.

Happiness. This moment right now.

Hyunjin’s arm snakes around you, pulling you closer to him as the wind flows between all of you, whisking your hair and ruffling your clothes up as happy singing falls in your ears.

“Hi.” He whispers, caressing your waist. It makes goosebumps erupt, and you know what he’s about to do as he presses a short kiss on your lips.

Sometimes, there doesn’t have to be thunderstorms. There’s no need for the sticky swarm of office workers, or the silence of dinners. You don’t have to think of the city. Sometimes, love is tucked away in a little town you least expect to find it. Sometimes, there is time to make happiness. And sometimes, family can be regained.

Your life is sufficient.

You’ll live this life.

Bang Chan x Idol!Reader Fluff Headcanons (JYP Idols Edition

How You Two Got Together:

You and Chan met as trainees, growing close over the years. Even after debuting in different groups under JYP, you remained best friends, always supporting each other.

The feelings were mutual, but you both hesitated due to your careers. Eventually, Chan, being the bold leader he is, confessed first during a late-night studio session.

Since you’re both idols, you kept the relationship private at first, but the members of Stray Kids and your group caught on quickly.

Dating as Idols Under JYP:

Chan always finds ways to see you despite busy schedules, whether it’s sneaking into your practice room with snacks or FaceTiming you when he’s composing.

He makes sure you’re taking care of yourself, often nagging you like a true leader. "Did you eat?" "Don’t overwork yourself!" You do the same for him, and the members love how you keep their leader in check.

Matching couple bracelets or rings that fans speculate about but can’t confirm. You both tease them by wearing them during interviews and pretending it’s a coincidence.

Late-night studio dates where Chan lets you sit on his lap while he produces music, occasionally pressing kisses to your temple when no one’s around.

If your groups are on the same music show lineup, he tries to act professional but can’t help sending you secret glances or smiles.

Straykids Reactions:

Lee Know: Pretends to be indifferent but actually teases Chan constantly. “Aish, our leader is so whipped,” he says before smirking when Chan blushes.

Changbin: Third-wheels a lot. "Hey, you two going on a date? Mind if I tag along?" He secretly finds your relationship adorable.

Hyunjin: Dramatically sighs about how he’s single while lowkey gushing about how cute you two are behind your backs.

Han: Constantly jokes about how Chan used to be "married to music" before you came along. Also loves making you both flustered by bringing up fan theories.

Felix: Your biggest supporter! He’s always saying how happy you make Chan and loves taking secret pictures of you two being soft together.

Seungmin: Relentlessly roasts Chan. "Wow, so you really found someone who puts up with you? Impressive."

I.N: Admires your relationship and sometimes asks for dating advice, even if he doesn’t need it.

Fans’ Reactions:

Fans start noticing the little things—Chan subtly looking for you during award shows, both of you reacting to each other’s performances, and the matching accessories.

“WHY DOES CHAN ALWAYS SMILE WHEN Y/N’S GROUP PERFORMS??”

“Not me analyzing their interactions like a detective…”

“The way Y/N and Chan interacted in the JYP family concert… THEY’RE SOULMATES.”

When you finally go public, fans freak out but mostly in a supportive way. Many admire how respectful and private your relationship was.

Bonus:

When your relationship is finally confirmed, Stray Kids post a chaotic TikTok with the caption: "Our leader finally has a life outside the studio!"

Chan, ever the sweetheart, writes a heartfelt Bubble message thanking fans for their support and promising to continue giving his best as both an idol and a boyfriend.

Your group members tease you just as much as Stray Kids tease Chan.

Felix and Hyunjin are the honorary members of your ship's fan club.

(Heyyy my lovleys,it's been a long time, but I'm back, and I do apologise for my absence, but I hope you enjoyed this post regardless. Love you bye xx)

Fallen Flower

Pairing: Jeongin x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 611}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

Going to your grandparents for Christmas break was a nice breather from the chaos of college. Thankfully, you were able to avoid your parents and older brother over the break, saying goodbye to your grandparents was kind of hard to do. 

Finally getting on the bus back to college with your bags in the seat next to you, turning to the window you wave back at your grandparents. Your bunny ear drooped down as the bus took off and your grandparents get smaller and smaller before they finally fade off into the view. 

Resting your head against the window, your mind wanders off to thinking about seeing all the boys and Iseul. But you were especially excited to finally see Jeongin after not seeing each other for the past few weeks. However, your thoughts were disrupted when someone claimed the seat next to your things. Glancing up you noticed the man was already staring at you, making you a bit uncomfortable your bunny ears pinned back against your head while you tried to bury yourself into the seat. 

“Do you have a boyfriend?” he asked with a desired look in his eyes. 

A look of puzzlement took over your face, “Yes, why do you ask? You spoke softly while the bus stopped to let more passengers on. 

As he was getting ready to speak again, you heard someone clear their throat behind the man in the aisle. Looking up, you see Iseul looking at him with narrowed eyes, her cat ears down and her tail flicking annoyed behind her. 

He had a look of annoyance on his face before he turned to Iseul and flinched a little from the look on her face. 

Just as he was going to make a snarky remake to her, he glances over her shoulder and sees Minho glowering back at him causing him to pale, before getting up and scramming off to a different seat on the bus.  

Giving Iseul the chance to take the seat before anyone else can, after she sat down, she put her things next to yours in the middle seat in between you both.  

Getting your bags, you stepped off the bus with Iseul and Minho in toll but not before clumsily slipping on ice. Your ears drooped down as your face flustered bright red, straighten your clothes before heading to the primary office. 

A look of confusion past onto your face along with Iseul’s and Minho’s when you are met with the sight of Chris’s wolf tail wagging happily while draping himself onto the person in front of him while talking to the recipient. You tried to peek around him but could not see over his broad shoulders. 

You all watched as he walked away still draped across the person, unaware of you all watching him with curious eyes. You quickly move forward when the recipient said next with a hint of boredom in her voice. 

Getting your schedule for the semester, you headed towards the door when you were stopped in your tracks seeing a blonde-haired ferret hybrid before they turned around to reveal Hyunjin with his ears perked up when he saw you. 

A look of shock appeared on your face as you take in the sight of his buzzed cut hair, before you could react, you were lifted into the air while being hugged by Hyunjin a little too tightly causing you to let a small whine escape from your lips. Making your ears droop down before Minho lets out a low growl for him to put you down, after being gently put down by Hyunjin and him quickly apologizing for holding a little too tightly. 

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand

(A/n: Sorry for such a long wait and if this feels rushed, please let me know. Things irl got pretty busy with work, and I also wanted to get something out before 2024 ended. There is going to be a part 2 to this. Happy New Year's everyone!)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy. Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Boyfriend Han Headconnon

Pairing: Han x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 214}

Boyfriend Han who uses you as his muse for his love songs (has a secret file composed of songs for you).

Boyfriend Han who holds your hand in crowded places when he is feeling anxious so he doesn't lose you.

Boyfriend Han who loves having movie night dates with you, even though he falls asleep in the most awkward position.

Boyfriend Han, who loves getting hugs and kisses from you.

Boyfriend Han who calls you every night no matter what timezone he is in to have movie night dates with you when he is away or on tour.

Boyfriend Han who buys you souvenirs when he is away on tour.

Boyfriend Han, who loves it when you bring home-cooked meals when he is staying late at the studio, working on a new song.

Boyfriend Han who likes laying in between your legs, resting his head on your chest when you're watching a movie.

Boyfriend Han, who adores falling asleep while wrapped in your embrace; it's one of his favorite ways to drift off.

Boyfriend Han who loves getting iced americanos with you early in the mornings when you're awake before he leaves.

Boyfriend Han who plays his guitar and sings to you whenever you're feeling down or upset about something to cheer you up.

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist, or request someone from my masterlist. Thank you to @la-grenouilles-posts for requesting this, and I'm sorry that it took so long.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

Taglist: @turtledove824

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 17

Part 1

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 338}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

As you and Iseul got closer to the picnic table, you smiled when you saw Jeongin already seated across from Han and Minho with his back turned towards you.

You sat beside Jeongin, while Iseul sat beside Han. Instinctively Jeongin’s fennec tail automatically wrapped around your waist. Han had a look of confusion on his face when he saw you and Iseul walking together to the picnic table.

You let out a small gasp, when you realized Han, Minho, and Jeongin would need to leave for the afternoon classes.

“Don't you guys have to leave soon to go to class?,” you asked, questioning the boys curiously while taking a bite out of your fruit salad.

Iseul chuckles softly at your question, while Han’s eyes widen in surprise.

“I completely forgot about that,” Han stated, his cheek flustering a light tinted pink color.

When Han, Minho, and Iseul aren't looking, Jeongin quickly pecks your cheek before acting like nothing happened while your cheeks flustered a deep red when they look back at you two.

A few moments later the boys leave to go to their afternoon class, leaving you and Iseul to finish eating y'all's lunch.

After a few minutes later Iseul's phone pings notifying her of a new message, glancing down at it, a smile blooms onto her face before she speaks, “Do you want to come with me to the gathering, for my school? We are going to be getting a tour.”

You looked up at her, with a shocked face before you pointed at yourself, “Me?” You asked confused.

“Yes, now come on”, she stated before putting her things in her bag and getting up, leaving you to quickly grab your things and followed after her.

Getting to the gymnasium where the gathering was being held, your ears quickly drooped down when you realized how many people were in here.

You stay close behind Iseul as she leads you to an empty spot; you notice a faint bite mark on her neck while you followed her.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower. Sorry for such a long wait for this Chapter.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 16

Pairing: Jeongin

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 730}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

You waited for Han to speak as he anxiously fidgeted with his fingers.

After taking a few deep breaths, Han finally spoke;

“I.. didn't come for movie night yesterday because I was spending time with someone,” he mumbled before looking at you.

“So you weren't at Minho’s last night?” You asked puzzled, before Han quickly answered back.

“I was at Minho Hyung’s but me, and Minho spent time with someone there.”

“Was it the girl I saw you and Minho with yesterday after classes in the courtyard?”

Before you can register what came out of your mouth, the words just came out. Han choked some on his drink as a pink tinted shade covered his cheeks.

“Yes.. But when did you see me and Minho yesterday in the courtyard?” Han asked, his quokka ears drooped down puzzled.

“When I was leaving my last class of the day, and going to our meeting spot for movie night but I didn't see her face,” You spoke as you sipped your drink.

“Her name is Iseul Jang-mi, she's a cat hybrid,” Han stated as you both get a notification that your classes started in a hour.

You finished the last bit of your drink before giving Han a hug.

“See you later after lunch?,” you asked while Han nodded.

Before you both left the coffee shop, you gave Han your spare scarf kept in your bag, for instances like this.

“To cover your neck, so you don't get questioned by the guys and it's going to be a little bit chilly in the afternoon,” you mumble while your cheeks turn a pink tint when Han sends you a look.

Han wrapped the scarf around his neck while y'all both walked out of the coffee shop and bustling street and started your journey back to your college.

While the professor stepped out for a moment, the students started talking while you started reading. After a while, you could feel someone’s eyes on making your bunny ears and scut twitch nervously.

After releasing a few deep breaths, you finally got the courage to look behind you to see a female cat hybrid looking at you with narrowed eyes almost like she is trying to read you.

Your ears drooped down quickly as you turned back around. You got back into reading your book after a bit, you tensed up when you felt someone sit beside you.

“You smell a little like my mate but there's a strong more potent scent almost masking it” the girl stated as she looked at you. You looked puzzled before you quickly turned to her.

“Your Iseul Jang-mi?,” you look up at her, your eyes lit up with excitement.

She gave a strange look before you quickly explained.

“Han told me your name this morning when we met up at the coffee shop we normally go to.”

A look of realization crossed her before she spoke.

“Your the one Han calls Y/nie,”

Your face turned a deep red shade as you chuckled nervously, as the professor stepped back into class and started teaching again.

Once class ended, you started packing your things into your bag before your phone dinged.

Han(Sunshine twin#2✨)

{12:05} Han: Wanna meet up where the picnic tables are near the big cherry blossom tree for lunch?

{12:06} Y/n: Sure, I’ll text Jeongin to meet us there, also I'm going to bring someone with me.

{12:07} Han: I already texted Jeongin to meet us there along with Minho Hyung.

{12:08} Y/n: See you there Han!

{12:08} Han: okay y/nie.

You looked up from your phone as you put your bag’s strap over your shoulder and looked at Iseul.

“Wanna come eat lunch with me?” You asked timidly, fiddling nervously with your bag’s strap.

Iseul smiled softly and nodded, “Sure” she said while grabbing her bag and following you out of the class.

Walking alongside each other, Iseul said “I'm guessing the scent that almost makes Han’s scent is your mate's scent?”

Your cheeks turn pink as you blush before meekly nodding, “Yeah, His name is Jeongin,” you smiled brightly when you said Jeongin’s name.

While you walked a little further than Iseul, Iseul could see why Han and Minho liked you. She smiled when she noticed you stopped and waited for her to catch up with you.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand ,

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower. Thank you @turtledove824 for helping me come up with Iseul's name.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 15

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 587}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After movie night with Felix, you went back to your apartment instead of going to Jeongin's and spending the night there. Once you got to your apartment, you went ahead and did your nightly routine. As you got into bed, you tried to think of a reason why Han declined your call without checking it.

Hearing your phone ping a couple of times, you opened it up to see text messages from Han(sunshine twin #2)✨

{10:05 pm} Han(sunshine twin #2)✨: Y/nie! I didn't know it was you who was calling me.

{10:05} Han(sunshine twin #2)✨: I thought you were Chan Hyung 😭 because he said he was going to call me earlier.

After pondering what to text. You typed out:

{10:08} Y/n: That still doesn't explain why you didn't come to the movie night with me and Felix.

{10:08} Han: Oh… I forgot to text you to let you know I was going to be staying the night at Minho Hyung's place tonight. Tomorrow morning we can meet up for coffee to make up for me not being there for movie night, y/nie plz 🙏

{10:09} Y/n: Fine… We can meet at our usual coffee spot.

{10:09} Han: 👍

You chuckled when you saw the thumbs up from Han, but that still didn't ease your thoughts on trying to figure out who that girl was with Han and Minho as sleep overcame you.

You groaned, annoyed, as the blinding light from the morning sun shone through the curtains. Turning onto your side, you checked the clock on your bedside table.

Getting out of bed, you stumbled towards the bathroom, the morning sunlight peeking through the window and casting a warm glow on the tile floor. As you turned the faucet, the sound of running water filled the air, and you felt a sense of relief wash over you. Stepping under the warm showerhead, the water cascaded down your back, dissolving the residue of last night's stress and fatigue. It was as if a weight had been literally lifted off your shoulders, the warmth seeping into your pores and soothing your tired muscles. As you stood there, the water drumming against your skin, you felt your eyelids growing heavier, your breathing slowing, and your mind clearing. The warmth seemed to melt away the heavy fog of sleep, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Your mind started to wander back to the girl with Han and Minho. You wondered who she was and what her relationship was with them. After your shower, you got dressed and headed downstairs to grab a quick breakfast before meeting Han. As you ate, you couldn't help but think about the previous night again. The girl's face kept popping up in your mind. You pushed the thoughts aside and focused on your upcoming meeting with Han.

Arriving at the coffee shop, you ordered your usual and sat at the table near the window where you, Felix, and Han normally sit. A few moments later, you received a text from Han.

{8:05} Han(sunshine twin #2)✨: Hey y/nie, I'm going to be a little late.

About twenty minutes later, Han enters the coffee shop; after he gets his order, he sits down in front of you. While Han is looking out the window, fidgeting with his fingers, you take notice of his messy hair; your eyes travel a little further, catching sight of his hickey-covered neck that is poorly covered by his hoodie.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 14

Part 2

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 320}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After leaving your last class of the day, you took a little stroll through the courtyard. While you walked from afar, you noticed Han and Minho together; just as you were going to call out to them, you saw a girl kiss both of their cheeks.

Your eyes widen and your mouth is left jarred in shock. You let out a startled yelp when you miss a step, plummeting to the ground; you land behind a bush. You quickly peek through the leaves to see if they noticed you; thankfully, they didn't.

After pondering whether you should call Han, you called him from your spot behind the bush. Han took his phone out of his pocket to quickly decline the call, not even looking at the screen as he kept talking to Minho and the girl that you don't know.

When your phone makes a disconnect sound, notifying you that he declined the call. You saw them with your mouth jarred in shock. Your bunny ears stood up in belwildermemt when the girl hooked her arm with Han and Minho going in the completely opposite direction of the Sigma Kappa Zeta fraternity house.

You stay in your spot frozen in shock, as they get further into the distance before you can't see them anymore. A few moments afterward you started heading to the spot where you, Han, and Felix agreed to meet up for movie night.

While you walked, you tried to consider where you had seen that girl before, but your mind kept going blank. After walking for a few minutes, you finally got to your meeting spot; you breathed a sigh of relief when you saw Felix’s blonde hair.

You spotted Felix waiting for you, his blonde hair easy to spot. He gave you a casual smile, but your eyes kept scanning the area for Han. Your mind was preoccupied with the mysterious girl and Han's sudden dismissal.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Shopping List

Pairing: Felix x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 383}

You groaned annoyed as your sibling shouted from your phone.

"HOW COULD YOU FORGET YOUR SHOPPING LIST!?!

You huffed and rolled your eyes. "I thought I had grabbed it, but it turned out to be lix's brownie recipe." After saying all you hear from your phone is silence.

"Hello?," You say, just as you were getting ready to say your sibling's name you get interrupted.

"You got Felix's brownie recipe!?!! How!?!," Your sibling shouted.

"He made brownies last night for a movie night at my place last night.." You mumble the last part hoping they didn't catch it, but luck isn't on your side today.

"Aaaw!! Felix made you brownies last night for an mo-.... Y/N!! Really.. He stay ... The night.."

You gulped nervously as you kept walking down the sidewalk heading towards the store, you and Felix normally go and where he is meeting you today since rehearsal ended early for him.

“I have to go now, I'm almost at the store,” you say before hanging up after your sibling says bye. Walking slower than you were before, you tap on Felix’s contact, getting ready to text him when you hear him call out your name.

“Y/n!” Felix called out excitedly with a smile on his face when he saw you turn towards him. You smiled warmly at him, slipping your phone into your pocket before Felix grabbed your hand, pulling you alongside him. Entering the store, you let go of his hand and grabbed a cart, unbeknownst to you of Felix's smile faltering a little from the loss of warmth.

Steering the cart alongside him, you hummed, "Did you get the shopping list?" as you looked at the different things on the shelves.

"Yeah," he replied, taking the folding paper that was slightly rumpled from rehearsal. You let a small chuckle leave your lips as you looked at the paper when he unfolded it.

You glanced at the list in Felix's hand, skimming over the items on it. Pushing the cart towards the first aisle you're going to.

After going on your mini-adventure with Felix through the store getting all the items and ingredients, you both headed towards the checkout.

Once all the items were scanned and paid for, you thanked the cashier before heading towards the exit.

Taglist: @turtledove824

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to apart of the taglist, or request someone from my masterlist.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this. Feedback is appreciated.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 14

Part 1

Pairing: Jeongin x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 394}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

A few days passed since the announcement was made in the crowded gymnasium, and you were finally starting to shake off the uneasy feeling that had settled in. Having Jeongin and the rest of the guys by your side helped to calm your nerves.

You snuck on your shoes, trying not to make a sound, and leaned in to give Jeongin a gentle peck on the cheek. He was fast asleep on the couch, his fennec foxtail swishing lazily against the couch cushion, its big round eyes closed in a peaceful slumber. You smiled to yourself, feeling a warmth in your chest, before quietly slipping out the front door and shutting it behind you.

Once you left Jeongin's cozy apartment, you made your way towards the corner Cafe that you, Felix, and Han would often frequent during your free time. The cafe was a welcoming spot, filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of lively chatter. You pushed open the door, and the bell above it rang out, signaling your arrival. As you entered, the warm light enveloped you, and you felt a sense of comfort wash over you, like slipping into a familiar routine.

As you scanned the café, your eyes landed on Han and Felix, already settled into your usual spot by the window. But what caught your attention was Changbin sitting with them, an unexpected addition to the group. You took a deep breath, placed your order, and waited for your hot chocolate and Bungeoppang to be prepared. With your treats in hand, you navigated through the crowded café and slid into the empty chair beside Changbin. The moment you sat down, Felix's face broke into a bright, beaming smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he greeted you.

As you savored the last morsel of your bungeoppang, your gaze wandered to Han's neck, where a faint mark caught your attention. You cocked your head to the side, curiosity piqued, wondering what could have caused the bruise. Unaware that your thoughts were drifting away, you were lost in speculation, considering various possibilities - a fall, a bump, or perhaps something more serious. Meanwhile, Han's eyes met yours, and he sensed the reason behind your stare. His face flushed a deep shade of red, a sign of embarrassment or nervousness, as he turned to face you.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

Happy Birthday @turtledove824 !🎂🎉

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to apart of the taglist. This chapter isn't as long as the other ones is because there is going to be another part to it.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Birthday Surprise

Happy birthday to Binnie!💕

Pairing: Changbin x Reader, established relationship

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 660}

Afterswiftly sending a text to Chan, asking him to distract Changbin for a crucial hour, you, Felix, and Han sprang into action, busily adding the final decorations in the living room and kitchen, transforming the space into a festive haven for Changbin's surprise birthday party. The clock was ticking, and every minute counted as you worked together to create an unforgettable celebration.

After meticulously baking Changbin's cake, you elaborately decorated it with vibrant colors and ornate designs, making it a true masterpiece. You then carefully placed it on the dining room table, which was set with a beautiful tablecloth and adorned with festive candles. Next, you hung up a bright, shimmering streamer that read "Happy Birthday Binnie!!" in bold, cursive letters above the threshold of the kitchen and dining room, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. The streamer fluttered gently in the air, its vibrant colors catching the light and adding to the excitement of the special day. As you stepped back to admire your handiwork, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that you had created a truly special and memorable birthday setting for Changbin.

After receiving a text from Chan saying that they are heading up to the apartment now, you, Felix and Han turned off all the light and quickly hid in your hiding spot. Before long you heard jingling of Changbin's keys in the keyhole.

When Changbin stepped into the apartment, the stillness hit him like a punch to the gut. He scanned the dimly lit room, his eyes straining to adjust to the darkness that seemed to swallow everything in its path. The silence was oppressive, a heavy blanket that suffocated the space, making him wonder why the apartment felt like a tomb.

Just as he took a few more steps into the apartment, he jumps slight when the lights suddenly come and a bunch of voices shout "Happy Birthday Binnie!,"

He turned his head to the side, his eyes widening in surprise as he took in the festive scene before him. Han and Felix, grinning from ear to ear, wore bright birthday hats adorned with colorful streamers and glittery decorations. His gaze then shifted to you, beaming up at him with a radiant smile, proudly holding a vibrant cake that screamed "Happy Birthday Binnie" in bold, sugary letters. The cake itself was a masterpiece, with swirling patterns of blue and red frosting and a cluster of candles lit up like tiny stars. The air was electric with excitement and anticipation, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still as he took it all in.

As the night progresses further into ChangbinThe sounds of cheering and chatter filled the air as Han and Felix high-fived each other, clearly thrilled with the success of their surprise. You handed Binnie a gift wrapped in shiny paper, a small card attached to the top with a bright pink ribbon. Binnie's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he took the gift, his fingers tracing the edges of the paper. Meanwhile, Felix began snapping photos with his phone, capturing the joy and excitement of the moment. As Binnie started to unwrap the gift, the room fell silent once more, everyone waiting with bated breath to see his reaction.

Binnie's eyes widened as he tore off the wrapping paper, revealing a sleek, black guitar. He gasped, his face lighting up with pure delight. Han and Felix grinned at each other, relieved their hard work had paid off. The camera shutter clicked away as Felix captured the perfect shot. Binnie's fingers trembled with excitement as he held the guitar, his eyes fixed on the intricate design etched onto its body.

A few hours later after everyone left, Changbin held you in his arms as you both sat on the couch. Changbin thought of how lucky he is to have you do this for him even though he didn't ask as he gazed down at your sleep form.

Taglist: @turtledove824

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

Leave a comment or inbox me if you want to request someone from my masterlist.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Early Morning Stroll

Pairing: Changbin x reader, established relationship

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 448}

Going on a night stroll with Changbin isn't what you had on your bucket list to do at 3:00 in the morning, being dressed in only your boyfriend's hoodie and a pair of fuzzy pants. Glancing over to the man in question, looking rather pleased with himself, you see the crinkles in the corners of his eyes from him smiling. You started pouting a little when you noticed his smile was being concealed by his mask.

As you both continue to walk down the sidewalk towards your favorite convenience store, the one you go to with Han sometimes when it's movie night and Changbin isn't around. Stopping at a pedestrian crossing, you hear Changbin giggling to himself.

"What?" you questioned as you looked back at him. He came closer to you, leaning close to your ear so you could hear him. "You look adorable," he hummed, with his eyes shining with adoration.

You chuckled and your cheeks tinted to a rosy color at his reply. You grabbed his hand and turned back towards the pedestrian crossing when the light changed color, signaling that people could cross. As you crossed with Changbin, you noticed some of the children with their parents rambling about things they did. A small smile appeared on your lips as you noticed a little girl out with her dad, unnoticed by you of the man next to you smiling warmly at you.

Finally getting to the convenience store, Changbin held the door open as you walked through it before mumbling a quick "morning" to the store clerk who was working at the register. Going through all the different aisles and looking at some of the new things they added, you decided to get some sashimi and chicken for Changbin before getting yourself some tteokbokki and ramen. Placing your items on the counter, you watched the clerk's nimble hands glide over each barcode. The rhythmic beep of the scanner punctuated the air. Prices flashed on the digital display, a tally of your choices. Before Changbin paid for the items, the clerk made sure everything was bagged before handing it to Changbin.

Holding the door for you, Changbin let you exit first before following after you. Once he was next to you, he grabbed your hand with his free one. As you walked onto the sidewalk, you felt the bright morning light warm your skin. Changbin's hand was still wrapped around yours. He gave it a gentle squeeze as you began walking side by side. The sounds of the street filled the air: chirping birds, chattering pedestrians, and the occasional car driving by. Walking across the pedestrian crossing you and Changbin began y'all's journey back home.

Taglist: @turtledove824

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this. Leave a comment or inbox me if you want to request someone from my masterlist.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 13

Part 2

Pairing: Jeongin x Reader

Genre: angst, fluff

Warning: a little bit of angst

{Word Count: 702}

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After hastily exiting the gymnasium with Jeongin hot on your tail, you swiftly found an empty class before the tears that welled up in your eyes streamed down your face like a river dam had broken free. You leaned back against the desk at the front of the class as broken tears came from your trembling form. Sniffling as you wiped the tears off your face while you tried to calm down, you heard the door open and close before hearing footsteps heading toward you and two pairs of shoes came into view.

Letting out another quiet sniffle as your ears trembled, you looked up to see Jeongin looking down at you. Jeongin looked concerned as he pulled you into a hug, enveloping you with warmth like on a warm summer day.

"It's okay; let it all out," he murmured into your hair, rubbing soothing circles on your back. His silky fox tail wrapped around your waist, offering solace.

As you snuggled deeper into his chest, a tiny hiccup escaped your lips, a sound that was both endearing and vulnerable. Jeongin's arms wrapped tighter around you, his promise to shield you from the tormentors who had made your life miserable unspoken but palpable. He remembered the way they sneered at you as soon as they had entered the gym, and his jaw clenched in determination. In that moment, he vowed to be your sanctuary, your safe haven, the one place where you could escape the cruelty of the world.

Your muffled cries slowly faded into an eerie silence, as if the sound had been swallowed by the darkness. Within a few brief moments, you attempted to pull away, desperate to break free from the suffocating grip. But Jeongin's arms refused to relinquish their hold, instead, they tightened, pulling you even closer, defying the laws of proximity. As you felt his warm breath on your skin, he nuzzled his face deeper into your hair, his gentle motion a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside you.

After leaving the main building of the college, you stayed close to Jeongin as you both headed towards his car. Once you got to his car, Jeongin held the door open before shutting it when you got inside, before he got into the driver's seat. Getting into the safety of Jeongin's car, you breathed in his scent before buckling your seatbelt. After Jeongin pulled out of the college parking lot, you watched out the window at the different scenery of buildings and lights while Jeongin drove down the road towards your apartment. Once Jeongin parked outside of your apartment, he got out before opening the door for you. Heading up the stairs to your apartment, you unlocked the door.

You let Jeongin in before you locked the door and took off your coat, hanging it on your coat rack by your door. "I'm going to take a shower," you mumbled with your ears drooped down; you made your way towards your bedroom, grabbing some fuzzy shorts and an oversized sweater from your dresser. Turning the shower on, you got it to the right temperature before stripping off your clothes, letting each piece hit the floor. While you started taking your shower, Jeongin started on making you some Oi Muchim. After getting the ingredients from the fridge, he chopped them up before putting them in a bowl and adding the seasonings.

After placing both bowls of Oi Muchim onto the coffee table in the living room, Jeongin's ears twitched when he heard your footsteps coming into the living room. His fox tail swayed sheepishly behind him when you looked and noticed the food on the coffee table, you tilted your head and looked at him puzzled.

"Oi Muchim, I thought you might be hungry," Jeongin stated as he held out a pair of chopsticks to you; you let a little smile grace your lips before you gently took the chopsticks out of Jeongin's hand and let a quiet "Thank you" escape your lips before you sat beside him on the couch. As you got comfortable next to Jeongin, he put on a Lovely Runner while his tail wrapped securely around your waist before you both started eating.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or Reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

Requests are open.

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 13

Part 1

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None.

{Word Count: 597}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

As the day drew to a close, you made a conscious effort to steer clear of Han and Hyunjin, but fate had other plans. Just as you spotted them engaged in a conversation with Jeongin near the college entrance, your heart skipped a beat.

You instinctively slumped your shoulders, fixing your gaze on the ground, hoping to slip by unnoticed. However, your attempt at anonymity was short-lived, as Jeongin's playful idea took an unexpected turn. The delicate plume of his foxtail, adorned with soft, silky strands, ensnared your waist with unexpected force, bringing you to an abrupt halt, as if an invisible hand had yanked you back from the edge of a precipice. The sudden stop was jarring, like a rude awakening from a dream, leaving you breathless and disoriented, with the tail's softness a stark contrast to the harsh reality of being restrained.

The sudden movement caught the attention of Han and Hyunjin, and Jeongin's mischievous grin only added fuel to the fire. Han's expression transformed from curiosity to confusion, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to make sense of the scene unfolding before him. You felt your face flush a soft shade of pink, a dead giveaway of your embarrassment.

Han's gaze lingered on you, his eyes darting back and forth as the pieces clicked into place. His jaw dropped in surprise, and he looked like he was about to utter something, but the words got stuck in his throat. Moments later, Hyunjin followed suit, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he shot Jeongin a playful glance.

"We need to head to the assembly now; catch you guys later," Hyunjin announced, gesturing to Han as they both took their leave. Before they walked away, Hyunjin leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper, "We'll discuss this later with Felix and Changbin."

After stowing your belongings in Jeongin's car, the two of you made your way to the gym, where the assembly was being held. As you stepped through the gym doors, you quickly pinpointed Han and the rest of the group. You and Jeongin swiftly took your seats, surrounded by the others – Chan to your left, Jeongin to your right, Changbin behind you, and the rest of the guys forming a circle around you.

When the assembly started, the principal stated that their will be a different college coming to visit for a few weeks. After the principal's speech, the students from the visiting college filed in, their presence sending a shiver down your spine. Your ears and tail stood on end, a visceral reaction to the familiar faces that had haunted his past. Two students in particular caught your attention: the ones who had tormented you during your time at that very college. Their smirks and snickers still echoed in your mind, and the memories of their relentless bullying made your heart race with anxiety. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as your eyes locked onto your former tormentors, your mind racing with the questions: What are they doing here? And why did they have to come now, of all times?

When Jeongin's piercing gaze fell upon you, his entire demeanor transformed, as if a sudden jolt of electricity had run through his body. Every hair on his ears and tail stood upright, quivering with tension, like the fine hairs on the back of a threatened cat. The air seemed to vibrate with an unspoken warning, as if he was poised to unleash a fierce growl or swift lunge at any moment if someone hostile or he didn't know came towards you.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

Requests are open.

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Changbin x Reader

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 675}

After walking through your front door, shrugging off your jacket, and hanging it on the coat rack by your door. You noticed it was much quieter, a contrast to Changbin's typical liveliness he brings when he is home before you. While you tug off your shoes, trying to notice or pick up on any sounds until you hear the faintest sound of water splashing coming from the direction of your and Changbin's room. You slowly started heading towards the bedroom as quietly as possible when you heard Changbin humming a song.

“Changbin?” you spoke softly as you peeked into your bathroom to find Changbin in your bathtub that looked a little small for him, with his damp purple locks clinging to his forehead when he looked up at you like you had caught him red-handed doing something he wasn’t supposed to. You let out a small chuckle as his cheeks started to flush a pink color while he glanced at you before looking back at the tub.

“What?” Changbin mumbled, a small smile spreading across your lips before stepping back into your room. Slipping out of your clothes, you reached for Changbin's oversized shirt. The soft fabric enveloped you as you pulled it on, drowning in its comforting size. Changbin had finished dressing for bed, towel in hand, as you completed your task. His damp hair ruffled under the cloth. Changbin reclined, his arms outstretched beneath the covers. He waited, expectant, for your familiar embrace as sleep beckoned. The bed welcomed your nightly ritual, a dance of comfort and closeness you both cherished. You nuzzled further into his embrace as you breathed in his body wash while sleep took hold of you.

As morning sunlight seeped through the curtains, you tilted your head, digging deeper into the pillow. Before the sweet aroma of pancakes and eggs filled your nose. You huffed and got out of bed, letting out a small wince when your bare feet hit the cold floor. You stumbled towards the kitchen and found Changbin putting pancakes onto a plate, topping them with strawberries, and serving them with eggs. He placed the two plates of food onto the table along with the two cups filled with orange juice.

You cleaned up after breakfast, washing dishes as Changbin embraced you from behind. His lips traced a tender path along your neck and shoulders, leaving a trail of gentle kisses. The morning routine blended seamlessly with affectionate moments, creating a cozy atmosphere in the kitchen.

You felt his warm hands slide into your back pockets as you stood at the sink. Changbin pulled you close, his chest pressing against your back. His gentle humming harmonized with the sound of running water. You rinsed the last dish and turned off the faucet, letting him guide you toward the living room.

Changbin slipped his hand into yours as you walked into the living room. He led you to the couch, where a blanket was already spread out, and you both sat down together. You snuggled into his side, feeling his warmth and comfort. The morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on the room. Changbin selected Han's movie recommendation. As he settled back beside you, your head found its familiar resting place on his shoulder.

While the movie started, you asked, "Isn't this the movie Han suggested last time?" as Changbin pulled you closer, wrapping you up in the throw blanket that was on the back of the couch. "Yeah," Changbin nodded as he rubbed soothing circles on your side under your shirt (his shirt you stole). The opening scenes of the movie played on, and you felt your eyelids growing heavy. Changbin's gentle rubbing on your side made you relax even more. You yawned, and he whispered, "Tired?" in your ear. You nodded, and he adjusted the blanket to keep you cozy. As the movie continued, your eyes drooped, and you drifted off to sleep, lulled by Changbin's soothing touch and the warm morning light.

Taglist: @turtledove824

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything.)

Leave a comment or inbox me if you want to request someone from my masterlist. Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 12

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 647}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

As you stood in Jeongin's room, wrapping your scarf around your neck to ward off the crisp morning chill, his tail instinctively wrapped around your waist. You felt a shiver run down your spine, partly due to the sudden intimacy and partly because of the faint mark on your neck, a subtle reminder of the fox's attention the night before.

Jeongin's eyes narrowed, his ears drooping in a sulk as he watched you slip on your shoes. "Can't you just miss your morning class?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of disappointment.

You flashed him a reassuring smile, knowing you couldn't afford to skip classes, unlike Jeongin. "No, I have a packed schedule this week," you explained, lightly pecking his cheek before making a swift exit. As you shut the door behind you, you caught Jeongin's low growl, a sound that sent a thrill through your veins.

With a deep breath, you made your way to college, hoping to avoid running into any of the guys. As you walked into your first class, you felt a temporary reprieve from the drama that had unfolded over the weekend.

Later that morning, you headed to the library to gather some materials for an assignment. Unbeknownst to you, three male hybrids – Felix, Han, and Hyunjin – trailed behind, their eyes fixed on you from a distance.

As you turned a corner, you collided with someone, letting out a startled yelp. Your eyes widened in alarm as you took in the sight of Han, his face etched with concern, flanked by Felix and Hyunjin. The sudden jolt sent your ears drooping in embarrassment.

"Ynnie! Where have you been?" Han demanded, his voice tinged with sadness. But before you could respond, Hyunjin and Han's faces contorted in confusion as they caught the scent of a male on you. Hyunjin's eyes went wide, and he let out a thunderous gasp.

"Jeongin!" he exclaimed, the pieces falling into place. You glanced up at Han, whose expression had darkened into betrayal, and your ears drooped further in shame.

Han's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "Y/nnie, why didn't you tell us you were going to be at Jeongin's all weekend?" His face scrunched up adorably, making him look like a mischievous kid trying to solve a puzzle. As he studied your reaction, his gaze intensified, and he couldn't help but notice the deep red flush spreading across your cheeks.

Suddenly, Hyunjin's presence beside Han seemed to amplify the tension, making you feel like you were under a microscope. Han's eyes locked onto yours, his eyebrows quirking upwards in anticipation. "Soo, how was it?" he probed, his ears perked up like a rabbit's, as if he was about to devour every juicy detail you were willing to share about your weekend escapades with Jeongin.

The bell's sudden ring pierced the air, signaling the end of the library session, and you felt a rush of relief wash over you. As you began to pack up your belongings, Han and Hyunjin's faces fell, their curiosity about your weekend getaway with Jeongin left unfulfilled. They reluctantly stood up, their eyes fixed on you with a hint of disappointment, and started heading towards the exit. That's when Felix caught your attention, sending you a sly wink that seemed to say, "I know your secret, and it's safe with me." His lips curled up into a knowing smile as he turned to leave the library with you, his pace casual, but his gesture speaking volumes about the unspoken bond between you two. Before falling into step beside you, and together you made your way out of the library, leaving Han and Hyunjin to wonder what they had missed. The sound of their disappointed sighs and murmurs followed you out into the bustling hallway, where the smell of freshly waxed floors and the chatter of students filled the air.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower.)

All rights go to © Lelestarmy don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 11

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 745}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

As the morning sun peeks through the open window, its gentle breeze whispers through the curtains, rustling them softly. You shiver, the sudden rush of cool air jolting you awake. Groggily, you open your eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep. The ceiling above comes into focus, a dull white that seems to swirl as your eyes adjust.

As the haze of sleepiness clears, you become aware of your surroundings. The first thing that catches your attention is the overwhelming scent of Jeongin's cologne. It's a smell that's both familiar and strange, triggering a memory that makes your heart skip a beat. You let out a nervous squeak as the events of the previous night come flooding back.

Sitting up, you wince slightly, the dull soreness in your lower region a gentle reminder of the night's activities. Your eyes drop, and you let out a high-pitched scream as you take in the sight of your body. Hickeys and bite marks cover your skin, a roadmap of passion and desire. The memories of the night before come rushing back, and your face flushes with a mix of embarrassment and excitement.

You stretched out your hand to grab your phone from Jeongin's nightstand, where it was charging. A faint smile crossed your face as you noticed it was plugged in, likely courtesy of Jeongin's thoughtful nature. However, your gentle expression quickly turned into a wince as you turned on the screen, blinded by the harsh brightness. Squinting, you checked the time and were taken aback to see it was already 2 pm in the afternoon. Your heart began to race as you scrolled through the plethora of missed calls. Han and Felix had called you a staggering 40 times, and Changbin had tried to reach out to you as well, leaving a few missed calls. The fact that you weren't at your apartment, where you were supposed to be, only added to the anxiety brewing inside you.

As you deliberated whether to respond to the text message, your stomach suddenly growled in protest, begging for attention. The sweet aroma of sizzling food wafted into your nostrils, making your mouth water in anticipation. But before you could focus on satisfying your hunger, you were jolted back to reality by the shocking sight of your torn clothes scattered across the floor. Your jaw dropped in disbelief as you took in the mess. Yet, your gaze was drawn to Jeongin's sweater, carelessly draped over the back of his chair at his desk. You clutched the sheet tightly around your body, feeling a surge of modesty as you waddled over to the chair. You hesitated for a moment, wincing as the cool air hit your skin, causing goosebumps to form. But you quickly shrugged on the sweater, savoring the comforting warmth and familiar scent of Jeongin that lingered on the fabric. With a sigh of relief, you made your way out of Jeongin's room, and shuffled towards the kitchen. There, you found Jeongin busy cooking up a storm, dressed in a laid-back outfit of black sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

Jeongin's oversized fennec ears, a distinguishing feature that accentuated his playful nature, twitched with excitement as he caught sight of you clad only in his sweater. The intimate atmosphere was palpable as he moved with purpose, his eyes locked on yours, and retrieved two bowls from the top cabinet. With a fluid motion, he expertly filled both bowls before holding one out to you, the steaming contents emitting a savory aroma that wafted up, tantalizing your senses. The way he paused, bowl extended, seemed to hold a silent invitation, as if asking you to share in a moment of warmth and closeness.

You accepted the bowl with a timid "thank you" before following him to the dining table, where you both sat down in a comfortable silence. As you began to eat, you couldn't help but smile slightly when you felt Jeongin's fennec tail wrap gently around your ankle. The soft, fluffy fur was a comforting sensation, and you felt a sense of relief wash over you as you realized Jeongin was making an effort to make you feel at ease. The silence between you wasn't awkward, but rather a calm, peaceful atmosphere that allowed you to enjoy your meal without distraction. As you took a bite of the food, the flavors danced on your tongue, and you savored the moment, feeling grateful for this small act of kindness from Jeongin.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower. Don't forget to like, comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.)

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 10

Part 2

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: Minors do not interact.

{Word Count: 1.2k}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After the week-long break, the time had finally come to return to college. You slipped into your worn, faded blue jeans and a midriff-baring shirt, before layering one of Jeongin's oversized hoodies over it - a comfortable routine you'd grown accustomed to. Next, you headed to Changbin and Jeongin's room to collect the sundress and hot-pink bikini you'd left behind a few nights prior.

You methodically packed your belongings into your bag, double-checking to ensure everything was accounted for. With your bag securely stowed in the storage space above your seat at the back of the bus, courtesy of Changbin's help, you felt a sense of relief as you set off towards college.

As the months rolled by, March arrived, and Jeongin's behavior began to shift. At the start of the month, he was inseparable from you, tagging along everywhere. However, by mid-March, a noticeable distance had developed between you two. Unbeknownst to you, Jeongin had fallen into a rut, which explained his sudden absence. A week went by with no response to your texts or calls, or those of the other boys, leaving you increasingly worried that something was amiss.

After discussing the mysterious situation with Chan, you both attempted to piece together the reasons behind Jeongin's sudden radio silence. For days, Jeongin had been ignoring calls and texts from everyone, and the distance they had created between you was palpable. Determined to get to the bottom of things, you made your way to Jeongin's apartment, your heart racing with anticipation. You knocked on the door several times, but the silence that greeted you was deafening. Undeterred, you used your spare key to unlock the door, and as you pushed it open, you were immediately enveloped in Jeongin's unmistakable scent. But something was off - the aroma was intense, almost overpowering, like a strong perfume that hung heavy in the air, making your senses reel.

Your bunny ears perked up alertly, twitching with every faint sound, when you heard whimpering and whining coming from the direction of Jeongin's room. The melancholy cries pierced the silence, evoking a sense of concern and curiosity within you. You couldn't help but wonder what was troubling Jeongin, who always wore a bright smile on his face. Suddenly, your imagination ran wild with possibilities - was he having a nightmare, or was something more serious amiss? Your ears remained glued to the subtle sounds, as if trying to tune in to a distant frequency, eager to uncover the source of the distress.

You took a few cautious steps forward, your heart pounding in your chest. The air was thick with tension, and you felt like you were navigating a minefield. Your eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of Jeongin, but he was nowhere to be seen. The whimpering grew louder, and you knew you had to act fast. You took a deep breath and pushed open the door to Jeongin's room, bracing yourself for what you might find.

When you gaze upon Jeongin's bed, you're met with a sight that's both captivating and intimidating. He's submerged under the very blankets you had left behind during your last visit, as if he's been waiting for your return. As he slowly emerges from his cozy cocoon, his fennec fox ears, typically perked up and alert, are now pinned against his head, giving him a peculiar, almost vulnerable appearance. But don't be fooled – his eyes, like two bright yellow lanterns, gleam with an inner intensity, locking onto you with an unnerving gaze that makes you feel like his next meal, ready to be devoured at a moment's notice. The air seems to vibrate with an unspoken connection, as if he's been lying in wait, patiently anticipating your return, and now that you're here, he's ready to pounce.

You ventured a hesitant "J-Jeongin? You okay?" as your body screamed at you to flee, every fiber of your being sensing danger. Yet, you remained frozen in place at the edge of his bed, despite the primal urge to escape. You stayed put because you knew Jeongin wouldn't intentionally cause you harm; he wasn't one to lash out without a reason.

You felt a sudden jolt of surprise when the soft, fluffy fur of his fennec foxtail snaked its way around your waist, coming to rest at the delicate hem of your dress. As the foxtail's silky strands brushed against your bunny snut, it twitched with a mix of excitement and nervousness, the tactile sensation sending a shiver down your spine. The gentle pressure of the foxtail's wrap was like a soothing caress, yet it also left you feeling slightly vulnerable, as if you were being drawn into his orbit. The subtle rustle of the fur as it settled into place only added to the sense of intimacy, making you acutely aware of the proximity of his body to yours.

As the night wore on, the atmosphere in the room began to intensify, much like a simmering pot about to boil over. The moment of truth arrived when you were pulled onto Jeongin's bed, slipping under the covers as if being enveloped by an unseen force. It was as if Jeongin's fennec foxtail, with its soft, fluffy texture, had become an extension of his own gentle yet insistent touch, drawing you in. The air was electric, and the tension was palpable as the encounter became increasingly steamy, like a thick mist that refused to lift.

Jeongin's eyes locked onto yours, their piercing gaze sending a shiver down your spine. His hand brushed against yours, the touch sparking a flurry of emotions. The foxtail's soft fur tickled your palm, as if seeking permission to proceed. His gentle grasp tightened ever so slightly, pulling you deeper into the encounter.

Jeongin's face drew near, his eyes burning with intensity. The air was thick with expectation, heavy with the promise of what was to come. His hand wrapped around yours, the gentle pressure sending ripples of excitement through your body. The foxtail's softness brushed against your skin, a subtle reminder of the bond growing between you.

As the kiss intensified, the passion burning between you was palpable. His claws, a subtle reminder of his true nature, sunk gently into your sides, sending shivers down your spine. With a gentle yet firm pressure, he guided you against the soft mattress, the sensation of his tail wrapping tightly around one of your thighs electrifying. The coils of his tail seemed to hold you in place, as if ensuring you wouldn't escape the fervor of the moment. The mattress creaked softly beneath you, a subtle witness to the unfolding intimacy. Every fiber of your being was attuned to his, the connection between you crackling with energy.

When his hands stopped at the hem of your dress, causing to let out a meek let little whine when he pulled away from the kiss and looked at you again for permission because he didn't want to make you uncomfortable even if he's in his rut and the only thing he can think about right now is mating with you.

Jeongin saw you nod your head timidly before he slip his hands further up your dress causing it to bundle up around your waist as he trailed kisses down your neck and collarbone stopping just above the valley of your breasts.

As the morning sun's warm rays gently push past the curtains, the night's fiery spirit slowly yields, surrendering to the gentle calm of a new day. The morning light, soft and serene, brings a sense of peace, extinguishing the embers of passion that once burned so brightly.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be a part of the taglist for Fallen Flower. Sorry if any of this doesn't make any sense, i haven't write anything like this before so sorry in advanced.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower: Chapter 10

Part 1

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None.

{Word Count: 1.0k}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

When you and Jeongin began your journey back to the hotel, the clock had already struck well past the student curfew, casting a shadow of secrecy over your return. The wind was picking up, whipping your hair into a frenzy, like a rebellious spirit unleashed. Jeongin gallantly wrapped his jacket around your shoulders, shielding you from the chill, his action a gentle reminder of his thoughtful nature.

As you strolled down the deserted road, the hotel's lights twinkling in the distance like a beacon calling you back to safety, Jeongin led the way, his pace steady and reassuring, much like a trusted guide navigating through treacherous terrain. The crunch of gravel beneath your feet was the only sound that broke the silence, a reminder that you were both sneaking back into the hotel, trying to evade the watchful eyes of the teachers.

Evading the watchful teacher's gaze, you felt your pulse quicken. Jeongin's eyes gleamed with excitement as he led you through the quiet halls. His hidden room beckoned, a secret sanctuary away from prying eyes. He handed you one of his shirts, its softness enveloping you like a warm hug, the fabric a gentle caress against your skin. The shirt was a comforting reminder of his kindness, and you felt a sense of gratitude toward him. Jeongin gestured to the bathroom door. You mustered the courage to ask, "C-Can you g-get my beach bag? I forgot it at the beach." Your ears drooped in embarrassment, like a flower wilting under shame.

Without hesitation, Jeongin nodded and exited the room, leaving you to prepare for a warm shower, a moment of solace after a long day. As the water heated up, you shed your bikini, the cool air raising goosebumps on your skin, like a gentle awakening from a deep slumber. Stepping into the shower, you let out a contented sigh as the warm water enveloped you, washing away the lingering saltiness of the ocean, much like the ebb and flow of the tides cleansing the shore. You hoped Jeongin wouldn't mind your using his body wash and shampoo, and you took extra care when cleaning your bunny ears and scut, treating them with gentle reverence, as if handling precious artifacts.

When you finished, you turned off the shower and heard a knock on the door; Jeongin's voice drifted through, "Your bag is going to be at the door," a reassuring message that he was still out there, watching over you. You wrapped a towel around your body, feeling the soft terrycloth against your skin, like being swaddled in a cocoon of comfort. You opened the door a crack to retrieve your bag, the bright lights of the room a stark contrast to the dimly lit bathroom.

After quickly dressing in your underwear and Jeongin's oversized shirt, you felt a sense of relief wash over you, much like the warm water had earlier, soothing away the anxiety and uncertainty of the night. The oversized shirt hung loosely on your frame, like a protective cloak, and you felt safe, sheltered from the world outside.

When you finally emerged from the bathroom, having spent what felt like an eternity getting dressed, you nervously made your way into the room to find Jeongin already comfortably seated on his bed. He had already switched into his worn-in sweatpants and a faded college t-shirt, the familiar feel of the well-loved fabric a soothing balm after a chaotic day. The moment his gaze fell upon you, his ears and tail sprang to life, twitching excitedly as he drank in the sight of you. His intense focus made you feel like a specimen under a microscope, and you couldn't help but grow flustered as his piercing eyes locked onto yours, refusing to let go.

As you hesitated, your feet seemingly rooted to the spot, you mustered the courage to circle around his bed, deliberately avoiding eye contact. The weight of his gaze bore down on you like a physical presence, sending shivers down your spine. His desert fox tail, a whimsical touch that belied the intensity of his stare, lounged languidly across his bedcover, its gentle swish a stark contrast to the taut anticipation that radiated from him. The air seemed to vibrate with an unspoken challenge, as if he was waiting to pounce, his eyes fixed on you like a hunter zeroing in on its quarry.

As you snuggled into Jeongin's bed, the softness enveloping you like a warm hug, he lay down beside you, his gentle breathing a soothing lullaby. But as the minutes ticked by, Jeongin's eyelids grew heavy, and he drifted off to sleep, leaving you wide awake. It wasn't the silence of the room or the darkness outside that kept you alert - it was the Desert Foxtail's soft, lazy dance against your thigh and under your shirt, sending shivers down your spine and raising goosebumps on your skin. Your bunny ears, a sensitive trait, twitched with every gentle touch, making it impossible for you to relax.

As you inched closer to Jeongin, seeking comfort and trying to drift off to sleep, you snuggled into his embrace. However, your plan backfired when his foxtail instinctively wrapped around your waist, its soft fur tickling your skin. The tip of the foxtail slipped underneath your shirt, its gentle touch sending shivers down your spine as it rested against the hem of your underwear, a sensation that was both calming and unsettling at the same time. This sudden invasion of personal space made you acutely aware of Jeongin's proximity, and you couldn't help but feel a flutter in your chest as you struggled to relax amidst the sudden intimacy.

As morning dawned, the sudden sound of Han's high-pitched shriek and Hyunjin's ear-piercing scream shattered the silence. You opened your eyes to find the boys standing in Jeongin's room, their faces etched with shock and disbelief. Their gazes were fixed on you, lying beside Jeongin in his bed. Chan's piercing stare seemed to bore into Jeongin, his eyes blazing with intensity. Without a word, Han, Felix, Hyunjin, and Changbin gently but firmly grasped your arm, coaxing you out of the room as Chan began to deliver a stern lecture to Jeongin. Back in the safety of your own room, the group collapsed onto your bed, still reeling from the morning's surprise. Han and Hyunjin bombarded you with questions, demanding to know what had happened the night before and how you ended up in Jeongin's bed.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if y'all want to be added to the taglist for Fallen Flower. Don't forget to like, comment, or reblog if you enjoy reading this.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All right, go to © Lelestarmy. Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower: Chapter 9

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: A little bit of spiciness is in it.

{Word Count: 829}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After receiving a text from Jeongin, asking to meet at the beach in the afternoon, you spent hours preparing for the perfect casual-chic look. You braided your hair and slipped into a sundress, carefully selecting a hot pink bikini to wear underneath. Adding a pair of black flats to complete the outfit, you felt confident and excited for the afternoon ahead.

As you walked towards the beach, your anxiety grew. You fidgeted with your rose-gold bracelet, a nervous habit you'd developed over time. The creaky stairs of the pier seemed to echo your footsteps, making you feel like everyone was watching you. Finally, you arrived at the designated meeting spot, scanning the area for Jeongin's familiar face. When you heard your name being called, you looked up to see him standing before you, wearing a sleek black tank top and matching swim trunks.

Your face flushed a deep red as you stared at him, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. You shifted your gaze, struggling to regain control. Jeongin's gentle chuckle only added to your embarrassment. "You're cute when you're flustered like that," he teased as he led you to a nearby ice cream stall.

You chose a refreshing mint chocolate ice cream, while Jeongin opted for strawberry. As you strolled along the shoreline, the foxtail attached to Jeongin's backpack fluttered anxiously, its usually lively motion now conveying distress. He steered you to a hidden beach alcove, sheltered from observers. The alcove, sheltered by towering palm trees and weathered rocks, created a sense of intimacy, as if the outside world had melted away. You felt a sense of curiosity wash over you, wondering what had prompted Jeongin to seek out this hidden refuge.

His normally bold movements faltered with a subtle nervous tremble. His glances darted sideways, evoking a wary animal's cautious vigilance.

The surprise waiting for you was breathtaking—a beautiful candlelit picnic, adorned with rose petals. You were awestruck, yet confused, wondering why Jeongin would go to such great lengths.

As you tried to process the romantic gesture, you realized that the nervous desert fox was watching your every reaction. When you finally looked up at him, you saw the words "Will you be my one?" formed from white rose petals, framed by warm, steady candlelight. Your heart skipped a beat as you struggled to find the right words to respond.

You bumped into Jeongin's chest, releasing a high-pitched gasp. His sudden proximity left you flustered, your face burning with embarrassment. You hadn't expected him to be standing so close.

With a nervous smile, you consented to be Jeongin's partner, trying to hide your anxiety as you sat beside him on the picnic blanket. Jeongin produced a concealed basket, retrieving food and arranging it before you with a gentle touch.

After finishing the meal, you couldn't resist the urge to slip off your sundress, revealing your hot-pink bikini underneath. You made a break for the ocean, laughing as Jeongin's eyes snapped toward the water, his face frozen in surprise. Before he could react, you started running into the waves, feeling the cool water envelop you.

Jeongin soon followed, and you let out a playful squeal as he chased you into the ocean. As you turned to face him, you sent a mock glare his way before dunking his head into the water. His resurfacing laughter was music to your ears. But before you could react, he wrapped his strong arms around your waist, dunking you underwater once again. The cold enveloped you, and you surfaced with a startled squeak, only to find Jeongin's beaming smile greeting you.

As you gazed up at Jeongin, a radiant smile spread across your face, reflecting the joy that filled your heart. The warm moonlight danced across his features, highlighting the gentle curve of his lips, which were now descending towards yours. The anticipation was palpable, and you could almost taste the salty tang of the ocean water that lingered on his skin. Then, his soft lips made contact with yours, sending shivers down your spine as the sweetness of the moment mingled with the hint of saltiness from their adventure in the waves.

As the darkness of night enveloped the beach, you and Jeongin strolled back onto the shore, the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks a gentle accompaniment to your footsteps. You both settled down on the picnic blanket, the soft fabric rustling beneath you as you got comfortable. The sweet scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the only light came from the twinkling stars above. It was as if the world had slowed down, and all that mattered was the two of you, lost in the magic of the moment. As you gazed up at the starry sky, Jeongin's eyes locked onto yours, and the atmosphere began to simmer with a palpable tension. It was clear that the night was about to take a romantic turn, and you could hardly contain your nervous excitement.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything and leave a comment if you want to be a part of the taglist.) Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 8

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 479}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After you had woken up in your hotel room, not knowing or remembering how you got there because the last thing you remembered was falling asleep on Jeongin.

You started turning beet red when you realized you had fallen asleep on Jeongin.

“That's so embarrassing” you mumble to yourself as you hide your face behind your bunny ears.

When you received a text from Hyunjin, asking if you wanted to join him and Changbin out to go to a clothing shop that caught his eye. After you had put on a pink-colored sundress with a floral print on it and a pair of black sandals, you started heading towards the clothing shop not knowing that Jeongin was also going to be there.

As you got closer to the shop, you could see three silhouettes in the distance. You nervously send Hyunjin a quick text.

{10:56}Y/n - Hyunjin, who is coming to the clothing with us again?

A few seconds later your phone pings notifying you that you have a new message. You opened your phone and checked it.

[10:57] Hyunjin- It's just going to me, you, Changbin, and Jeongin.

As you finished reading the text message you had already gotten you the shop, as you glanced up you caught Jeongin already staring at you not noticing the look Hyunjin and Changbin were giving each other.

You looked at Hyunjin you asked “Where are we going to first?,” as you walked with them.

“To that shop there,” Hyunjin stated as he pointed at a cute beach clothing shop.

As y'all walked into to clothing shop you had already saw some shirts and pants you like, without realizing it you started looking at all the different articles of clothes that you liked, with your bunny scut twitching curiously.

Not noticing the guys smiling at you as you looked. When Hyunjin glanced at Jeongin because he saw his desert fox tail wagging happily as you looked at you with a big smile on his face.

Hyunjin gasped quietly as you not catch your attention as he and Changbin at Jeongin teasingly, before they got closer to him.

“So, you like y/n,” Changbin hummed with alittle smile on his face.

Jeongin’s fox ears twitch and as a bright pink tint started to cover his face and some of his neck.

“Aaaw, our baby fox has a crush,” Hyunjin chuckled as he starts teasing him more.

Going unnoticed by you the conversation going on between Jeongin, Changbin, and Hyunjin while you looked at some cute bikini tops and bottoms.

After picking out a few of the cute bikini tops and matching bottoms including a hot pink matching. You and the rest of the guys start heading back to the hotel with your bags in hand. As you walked you didn't notice the desert fox’s tail staying closely behind.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of my taglist for Fallen Flower. You can become a SKZ Extra to see sneak peeks on my ko-fi.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 6

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 940}

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After you had finished your breakfast, y'all went to the lobby to meet up with the teachers to get into your groups of two for going out. You got paired up with Jeongin for the rest of the week, you all will be at the beach. When you walked down the corridor of the hotel to your room you grabbed a beach towel, one of your gray jackets, and your two-piece bathing suit with the top being like a tank top with netting mesh under the bust and bottoms before putting them in your beach bag, before heading out of your room where Jeongin was waiting.

Once you left your hotel room, you texted the Three Besties GC to let Han and Felix know where you were going with Jeongin since you didn't want them to worry about where you were like they did this morning while you were with Hyunjin getting breakfast. You and Jeongin walked the short stroll to the beach from the hotel.

Jeongin picked a spot that wasn't too crowded before putting our beach towels and things down with you before you headed to the restroom to change into your bathing suit in one of the changing stalls. Once you are finished putting your two piece bathing suit on, you glance at the mirror in the changing stall with your bunny ears down timidly to make sure everything is on correctly and in the right place before grabbing your gray jacket and putting it on over your bathing suit but you didn't zip it up.

As you head out of the restroom towards where you and Jeongin’s is on the beach, you start to overthink a little bit as people stare at you. When you finally got to the spot you noticed that Jeongin had also changed into his swimwear that was a white shirt and swimming truck. You timidly sat next to Jeongin, looking out at the waves as the crashed into shore not noticing Jeongin staring lovingly and admiring you with his desert fox ears and tail twitching for the last few minutes before he nervously suggests going into the water after you both had put your sunscreen on.

You took off your jacket before you tread towards the ocean timidly with Jeongin accompanying you. When you were partially immersed into the water, while still close to the shore you felt water splash onto your back hitting you ear, you let out a high pitched squeal before you quickly turned around only to see Jeongin with a little smile on his face and his tail flickering excitedly causing the water to ripple around you.

After the next few hours of just splashing and playing in the water, you both head back to the shore, you shiver slightly when the cold breeze hits your wet skin. Jeongin stayed close enough to you where you could feel his body heat, without touching you. When you got back to your spot, you had put your jacket back on to try and block out the cool breeze blowing by.

As you grabbed your water bottle out of your you could feel someone staring, you turned to see Jeongin looking at you before he quickly looked away with his ears down and a light pink tint to his cheeks while you let out a little chuckle. After a while of you reading and not noticing the desert fox hybrid staring at you for the past 30 minutes, you put your bookmark into your book before glancing up at Jeongin and blushing a little when you finally noticed him already staring at you, you softly asked “Do you want to go to the ice cream shack that we pasted when we were heading here?,” as you glance up at him.

“Yea, sure,” Jeongin nodded as y'all dust your feet off of sand and put your shoes on,and head to the ice cream shack down the road from the beach with Jeongin closely behind you. When you got to the ice cream shack, Jeongin placed his order and your order of strawberry and mint chocolate chip ice cream, while you waited at one of the tables. After your ice cream was done being made Jeongin handed it to you but just as y'all were leaving you paled and froze when you looked out the window to see the group of people that used to bully you at your old college heading toward the ice cream shack.

You only snapped out of the little trans when Jeongin called out your name, making you jump slightly causing your bunny ears to droop down. You move to the other side of Jeongin as y'all headed out, hoping they didn't notice you. Just as y'all were almost completely out the door you hear someone shout “Y/n?,” making you tense up and causing Jeongin’s ears to go back against his head as you both turned towards the voice, only to see Layla one of the girls of the group in a T-shirt and short jean shorts, scoff lightly when she sees your swimsuit making you feel like you want to cover up completely and not be there before she turned her gaze to Jeongin looking him up and down, check him out since y'all were still a bit wet and him wearing a white shirt didn't help. When you saw her checking Jeongin out it made you feel a bit angry, and when you glanced up at Jeongin he had stepped closer to you slightly behind you as he looked at Layla and the rest of her group with disgust.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything. And thank you @turtledove824 for helping me with some things in this chapter. I also got a little carried away writing this chapter😅.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to © Lelestarmy don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites or apps.

Fallen Flower Chapter 5

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 367}

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

When you woke up, you got ready and grabbed your bag with your wallet and other essentials and locked your door before leaving your room, almost running into Hyunjin when you got out of the door.

“Wow! Y/n watch out there,” Hyunjin said as his ferret tail swayed nervously behind him as y'all began to head to the breakfast lounge walking past the group of boys Hyunjin gave them the stink eye the whole way to the breakfast lounge.

After you and Hyunjin got y'all breakfast you both sat at one of the tables in the corner near the window. “Hyunjin, do you who is all paired up for the hotel room?”, you ask softly as you take a sip of your drink.

After Hyunjin finished taking a bite of his waffles he spoke “Changbin and Jeongin, Me and Felix, Chris and Seungmin, and Han and Lee Know”.

“Oh, so Rabbit and Desert Fox, Ferret and Cat, Grey Wolf and Dog, and Quokka and Tiger.” You stated as you took a sip of your orange juice before glancing towards the TV, “Yep,” Hyunjin said before a worried Han came running into the breakfast lounge, scanning the area franticly before he looked at you and Hyunjin before he sighed in relief and sat with y'all.

“You had us all worried Y/nnie!,” Han said worriedly before you looked at him puzzled “What do you mean?,” you questioned as you looked at him with his ears down, “ We all went to your room so we could all have breakfast together but when me, Lee Know, Chris, Seungmin, Felix, Changbin, and Jeongin went to your room and knock you didn't reply, and when I and Felix tried and called you, you didn't answer,” Han stated as he sulked a little before he sent a quick text to the rest of the boys saying where you are.

A couple of minutes later the rest of the boys came into the breakfast lounge and sat with y'all. “You had us worried Y/n,” Felix signed in relief, “Sorry, I didn't mean to make y’all worried,” mumbles as you look at the table, feeling bad that you make them worry over you.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything.)

If you liked this consider becoming an SKZ Extra on my ko-fi for sneak peeks or reblogging.

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All right go to © lelestarmy don't copy, repost, or translate my work onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 4

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 471}

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

Once the weekend was over, you headed out of your apartment with your bag filled with clothes and a bathing suit for the week since the college is going to the beach out of town for the week.

After getting to the bus you were assigned to get on, you sighed in relief when you got onto the bus and saw Changbin lol bunny ears down and Jeongin looking out the window in the very back of the bus.

After timidly walking down the bus aisle between the other students seated and you sat on the left of Changbin, next to Jeongin.

After awhile Han stepped on the bus and came to the back where y'all are and sat next to Changbin. You peeked past Changbin and asked Han, “Are the rest of the boys on one of the other buses?”.

Han nodded as other students began to pile up onto the bus, including the group of boys from last friday.

Jeongin scoffs lightly when he sees them get into y’all's bus. Once Jeongin had seen that they sat down at the front of the bus, he looked back out of the window while you and Changbin talked.

After a few hours the bus parked with the other buses lined up in the hotel's parking lot.

Once the students got paired up and given their hotel room keys, you started heading to your hotel room with Jeongin and Changbin behind you. Thankfully they had the room next to yours, When you got to your room you unlocked the door and went in before you started setting your stuff down.

After settling into your hotel room and taking a shower, you changed into your pajamas. You plugged in your charger before getting onto the bed and texting Han and Felix in the Three Besties GC.

After a while Han started a video call, you quickly answered it.

“Y/nine!,” Han calls out with a smile before you see Lee Know peek into Han’s camera frame.

You let out a little chuckle when you saw that before you heard a ping sound letting you know that Felix also joined the video call.

Before Felix could say his greetings, you hear Hyunjin dramatically say “Y/n, we haven't seen you all day,” while he flops down onto Felix’s bed. You let out a small chuckle before you said “I had my classes to attend before I got onto the bus, and Jeongin and Changbin were up there with me.”

You grab your charger and plug it into your phone when it gives you the notification for low battery.

After talking with Han and Felix a few more hours with the occasional input from Lee Know and Hyunjin, you told them good night before ending the call and going to bed.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything.)

If you liked this consider becoming an SKZ Extra on my ko-fi for sneak peeks or reblogging.

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All right go to © lelestarmy don't copy, repost, or translate my work onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 2

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 444}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

Taglist: @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

After slowly getting to know Felix over the next few weeks, you slowly got into a routine of going to a lovely downtown cafe with Felix and Han.

Like today you were heading to the cafe with Felix and Han behind. “How have you been liking it here so far?,” Felix asked with his accent coming out slightly more, while his blonde cat ears twitched curiously as he waited for you to answer “It’s been nice so far, I also met Hyunjin in my art class,” you skittishly admitted with your bunny ears down timidly.

“Yeah, he told us about it when he got back later that day, Hyunjin wouldn’t stop talking about how he saw you in his art class,” Han stated as you all sat down at your usual table and Han ordered an iced Americano and a cheesecake while Felix ordered a rice cake and coffee.

After talking for a while and eating, you all headed back to campus to finish the rest of your classes. After saying bye to Felix and Han, you started heading towards your mathematics class, while heading to mathematics you ran into Chan almost bumping into him.

After mumbling out a quick “ Sorry ” you headed the rest of the way to your mathematics class. After finishing class a few hours later you get a text from Han and Felix in y’all group chat.

The Three Besties GC

{5:17} Han- Hey Y/nie, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out at the house and have a movie night?

{5:17} Felix- I have a new brownie recipe I wanted us to try out as well.

{5:18} Y/n- Sure, But I don’t know if the rest of the boys will like me being there though.

After sending that text, you started to feel a little uneasy. Because what if the guys didn’t want you there, what if they were just letting you hangout there because your Han and Felix’s friend and they felt bad and petty you, all those thoughts started running through your head.

You kept your head down low as you headed towards Sigma Kappa Zeta fraternity house. After quietly knocking on the dorr a few times, the door opened revealing Jeongin, his desert fox ears flicking curiously as he looked down at you puzzled. “You are?,”. Before you could reply, you hear Han shout “Y/nie!,” from behind Jeongin, pushing the younger male out of the way to get to you, before pulling you into the house to the living room where you see Felix enter with a plate of freshly baked brownies from the kitchen.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All right go are to © lelestarmy don't copy, repost, or translate my work onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 332}

[Masterlist] [Next]

Taglist: @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

author note: Thank you, @turtledove824 for helping me deciding on making y/n a bunny hybrid since it was a tie between a cat or bunny hybrid.

It felt weird having to go to a new college in a completely different city than the town you lived in. But it will be worth it when you finally get away from your violent past and meet your pen pal who you’ve been talking to for the past six months and finally meet face-to-face instead of video calls.

After your flight had landed you'd sent a quick text to Han saying your flight landed at the airport. Before looking for a sign that said “Welcome Y/n” being held by Han, “Hannie!” you yell excitedly, the brown-haired boy’s quokka ears perked up imminently when he heard your voice, he looked in your direction and smiled.

“Y/nnie!” he shouted, his quokka tail swaying happily behind him while he went over to you. “You’re adorable” he added making your bunny ears go down in flustered as you both walked to his car to go to the college y'all are both attending.

After getting your schedule and keys to your apartment, Han leads you back to the quartyard. “There's not many students here right now because of the game going on,” Han said, as we walked down the corridor to the main entrance of the college.

After getting your apartment and moving your stuff in, it was already nightfall. After doing your skincare routine and changing into your pajamas, you head to bed and go to sleep.

After the next few weeks of getting settled in and finding all your classes, Han introduces you to some of his friends from the fraternity “ Sigma Kappa Zeta” that he's in.

When Monday came around, you dressed in a black pair of jeans and a plain white sweater with your winter coat. After making sure you locked your front door, you left and started heading towards the college cafeteria.

You met Han and his friend Felix halfway to the cafeteria, you'd smile and mumble a quiet “hello” to him while heading to get breakfast from the cafeteria.

[Next]

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Dating Bangchan Headcannon

Could you consider donating to the Husky Pup fundraiser. If you enjoyed this, and if you are unable to donate, please consider reblogging

{Word Count: 108}

• Dating Bangchan would include being a passenger princess/prince whenever he is around.

• The members call you when they think he is overworking himself.

• Chris always has a hand on your lower back or around your waist when y'all are in a crowded area.

• Getting along with Hannah.

• Getting random pictures of him and Berry from his mom and Hannah when he is visiting Australia.

• Having studio dates in the studio.

• Being able to watch him practice new dances with the members.

• Being on the inside when y'all go on midnight walks.

• Having him saved as father kangaroo🦘 in your phone.

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OT8

Things Skz like to do for you in their free time

{WordCount: 418}

Bang Chan:

~ Driving you to wherever you need to go. ~ It doesn't matter to him even if you're going to a store a few blocks away from the dorm, he will be driving you there.

~ You're always his passenger princess/ prince (doesn't care if you got your driver's license or not). Lee Know:

~ Cooks your favorite meals (even if he doesn't know how to make it). ~ Complains about you not helping in the kitchen while he cooks, but each time you go to help him in the kitchen he always shoos you out or threatens to stuff your mouth full of tissues.

~ Always has a container filled with your favorite dish when you get home from a stressful day at work. Changbin:

~ Going to the gym with you. ~ Helps you if you're having trouble with one of the exercise machines. ~ He is your personal bodyguard when you both are at the gym. ~ Keeps at close eye on the guys at the gym whenever they come towards you (cant have anyone messing with his baby). Han:

~Movie dates ~Loves having movie dates with you at night when all the members are asleep. ~ Loves eating all the different types of junk food with you while yall watch different k- dramas. ~ Loves eating chocolate cheesecake with you. (you always get the first and last bite of it). Hyunjin:

~ Loves painting you. ~ Always takes pictures of you expressly if you are asleep. ~ Surprises you in the morning with the painting he did you you while you were asleep (he took a picture while you were asleep to use because he didn't want to accidentally startle you awake while he paints you). Felix:

~ Loves making homemade brownies and cookies for you. ~ Loves when you offer to help him bake but always ends up with the kitchen a mess and flour all in both yalls hair. ~ Let you count all his freckles when you're stressed out or upset. Seungmin:

~ Loves teasing and taunting you (in a playful way). ~ Loves to give you hugs 24/7. ~ Secretly leaves his favorite hoodies and shirts at your place because he knows you will wear them and after awhile they will have your scent. Jeongin:

~ Loves helping you pick out your outfits for the day. ~ Being physically affectionate with you while the other members playfully complain about it because he isn't like that with them. ~ Pouts when he doesn't get your attention for a certain amount of time. ( Baby bread needs his daily affection and attention from you).

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Angst - (a), Fluff - (f)

OT8

Headcanons/Imagines:

Things skz like to do for you in their free time {f}

Bang Chan

Headcannon/Imagines:

Dating Bangchan Headcannon {f}

Lee Know

Changbin

Headcannon/Imagines:

Boyfriend Changbin {f}

Changbin x Reader {f}

A Morning Stroll {f}

Hyunjin

Han

Headconnon:

Boyfriend Han Headconnon

Felix

Seungmin

Headcanons:

Dating Seungmin Headcannon {f}

Jeongin

Series:

Fallen Flower - Desert fox Hybrid Jeongin x Reader miniseries

Author Note: Leave a comment or suggestion on who y'all want me to write from my masterlist. If you like my work, don't forget to reblog, like, or comment.

────* ˚ ✦ CAUGHT IN THE ACT ( stray kids )

❛ The reactions of each member of Stray Kids' Maknae line when they're caught kissing you by another member.

𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬 + gender neutral reader ೯ ( 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 )

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 7.6k 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 32 mins

꒰ 💌 ꒱ ミ This was honestly so much fun to write! My personal favorite has got to be Felix's piece :) Reblogs and feedbacks are always appreciated! Requests are currently open! ── ( 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 )

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Getting caught kissing, established relationship for every member except for Felix, Reader is a brat in Seungmin's piece, Seungmin's part is also kinda suggestive but nothing too serious, let me know if I missed anything!

( 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 ) ( 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 & 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ) ( 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ) ( 𝐭𝐢𝐩 𝐣𝐚𝐫 )

HYUNG LINE | MAKNAE LINE

한지성 ── HAN JISUNG.

The elevator chimed softly, announcing its arrival at the well-worn floor of your boyfriend’s apartment building. The sound, almost like an old friend’s greeting, blended with the soft rustle of takeout bags in your hands. Each step you took down the hallway was instinctive, as if your feet had memorized the path from countless visits. You mused that, at this point, you might as well be contributing to the rent, considering how often you wandered through these doors.

As you reached Jisung’s door, a sense of familiarity washed over you. The door, just as he’d assured you, was slightly ajar—a silent invitation into the cozy haven within. You gently nudged it open and slipped inside, the comfort of the space wrapping around you like an old, cherished blanket. 

With a practiced ease, you kicked off your shoes, the soft thud of their landing on the floor barely registering amidst the quiet. The scent of warm, delicious takeout, mingled with the faint aroma of Jisung’s cologne, filled the air as you made your way to the kitchen. You placed the bags atop the counter with a satisfied sigh, the familiar clink of containers and the gentle crinkle of paper marking the end of your journey and the beginning of another evening spent together.

“Honey, is that you?” Jisung’s voice, warm and familiar, drifted from the depths of his bedroom. The sound, gentle and inviting, coaxed a smile from your lips. You responded with a soft, affirming call, and set about unpacking the array of takeout food onto the kitchen counter, carefully sorting out the dinner you’d planned for Minho to enjoy later. The task, once mundane, felt infused with a sense of anticipation.

Yet, a curious feeling nudged at you. The curiosity won over practicality, and you decided to investigate the source of Jisung’s call. Leaving the neatly arranged containers behind, you approached his bedroom with soft footsteps, the hallway dimly illuminated by the subtle glow from the adjoining rooms. As you pushed open the door, a veil of darkness initially concealed the room’s contents.

You peered inside, eyes straining to adjust to the shadows. Slowly, shapes began to emerge from the obscurity. Jisung’s figure, snug and enveloped in the cocoon of his bed, came into view. His gaze, tender and filled with warmth, met yours through the gloom. The softness of his smile mirrored the affection in your own, as if sharing a silent, intimate conversation in the quiet of the room.

“Why aren’t you coming to eat?” you asked, your voice carrying a blend of playful curiosity and genuine concern, as you took in the serene sight of him waiting for you.

Jisung remained silent, his only response a slow, deliberate lift of his arm—a silent, yet eloquent invitation for you to join him. With a tender smile curling your lips, you moved toward him, feeling the comforting warmth of his presence. You sank into the plush embrace of his bed, a sigh escaping your lips as you settled beside him. He promptly draped the soft sheets over your body, their gentle weight providing a cocoon of warmth as he drew you closer, his arms encircling you with a sense of tender possessiveness.

In the dim, intimate glow of the room, you felt his breath, warm and soothing, as he nestled his face into the curve of your neck, a contented sigh escaping him. His closeness enveloped you in a cocoon of serene affection. You reached up, your fingers gently threading through his tousled hair, your touch both soothing and affectionate.

“Are you okay, my love?” you murmured, your voice a blend of concern and tenderness. Jisung’s response was a subtle nod, his eyes closing briefly as he savored the moment. 

“I’m just very tired,” he mumbled, his voice muffled and soft. “Spent the entire day with Chan and Changbin, working on some songs, and then we had dance rehearsal.” His words were nearly lost in the gentle hum of exhaustion that colored his tone. “Honestly, I feel like I could sleep for a hundred years.”

You chuckled softly, the sound a gentle ripple of warmth against the quiet of the room. Leaning in, you pressed a tender kiss to his temple, the gesture imbued with both affection and understanding.

“Since we’re not eating just yet, how about I put away the food first before we settle in for a nap together?” you suggest softly, the words slipping gently into the quiet space between you. As you attempt to wriggle free from his tender embrace, Jisung responds with a playful squeeze, a muffled whine of disapproval escaping his lips. His arms tighten around you, cocooning you in warmth and affection, unwilling to let go.

You can’t help but giggle at his stubbornness, your fingers tapping lightly on his biceps in a playful plea for release. Despite your gentle insistence, he remains resolute, his embrace as comforting as it is firm. “Please, just a moment,” you implore, your voice a soothing blend of amusement and persistence. “I promise it’ll only take a second.”

The room seems to hold its breath as you wait for his response, the soft rustle of the sheets and the rhythmic beat of your hearts creating a quiet symphony of intimacy and warmth.

He groans dramatically, his head falling back with a sleepily exaggerated pout that tugs at your heartstrings. Unable to resist, you lean in, capturing his lips in a tender kiss. The moment is soft and fleeting, a quiet affirmation of your affection. However, before the kiss can deepen, an unexpected yelp of surprise pierces the tranquility.

Startled, you both turn to see Chan standing in the doorway, his cheeks flushed a vivid shade of crimson. He stands there, momentarily frozen, as he fumbles with the light switch, the room flooding with sudden brightness. “Sorry,” Chan mumbles, his voice a hesitant whisper. His eyes dart away from the two of you, clearly embarrassed as he steps further inside. “Hannie said I could come in here to grab the cable I need. I didn’t realize you’d be here—I thought he would be at your place.”

With a sheepish nod, Chan dives into the drawers of Jisung’s desk, his movements quick and purposeful as he searches for the elusive cable. Within moments, he triumphantly retrieves it, his gaze flickering back to you and Jisung in an apologetic glance. Bowing awkwardly, Chan’s cheeks remain flushed as he hurries to exit. Jisung, watching the whole scene unfold, can’t suppress a chuckle, the sound rich with amusement. Chan, now thoroughly embarrassed, flicks the lights off with a swift motion before making a hasty exit, his footsteps echoing as he bolts out of the apartment.

“He’s so ridiculous,” Jisung mutters, his voice laced with a blend of amusement and exasperation. He finally loosens his embrace, allowing you to slip away as he sinks back into the plush depths of the bed. His eyes drift shut, heavy with fatigue, leaving the space beside him achingly vacant.

You rise, your movements gentle as you tread softly across the room, the dim light casting a warm glow over the scene. Jisung’s words hang in the air, a tender plea that tugs at your heart. “Hurry up,” he murmurs, his tone a soft blend of longing and affection. “I miss you already.”

The quiet intimacy of his request fills the room, a promise of the warmth and closeness awaiting you as you return to his side.

이용복 ── LEE YONGBOK.

The melody had woven itself into a relentless loop, its notes echoing and intertwining with the fabric of time for the past two hours. Despite the growing monotony of its repetition, your admiration for Yongbok’s unwavering commitment remains undiminished. Each echo of the song was met with his tireless pursuit of perfection, his every move an intricate dance of effort and grace.

As you watched him, your gaze was drawn to the artistry of his movements, which seemed to inch closer to flawless execution with every cycle of the song. Yet, your focus wavered slightly, ensnared by the sight before you. The relentless dance had left Yongbok drenched in perspiration, his thin white tank top clinging to his toned frame as though it were a second skin. His long hair, once neatly styled, now adhered to his neck and forehead in damp tendrils, framing his face with an unrestrained charm.

Under the harsh, bright glare of the overhead lights, Yongbok's sweat caught the illumination, casting a mesmerizing shimmer that made him appear almost ethereal, as if he were a creature of light and shadow dancing beneath a celestial spotlight. The sight of him, glowing with an otherworldly radiance, was enough to pull your thoughts away from the task at hand.

Suddenly, you jolted back to the present, your mind snapping into focus just in time to catch a subtle misstep in Yongbok's otherwise flawless routine. The small error, though minor, stood out against the backdrop of his otherwise meticulous performance, a testament to both his dedication and the endless pursuit of perfection.

With a practiced flick of your thumb, you paused the relentless song. Yongbok, spent and breathless, trudged over to you, each step heavy with fatigue. His once sharp movements were now slower, his chest rising and falling in labored breaths. He reached for his water bottle with a grateful, weary groan, tilting it back to quench his thirst before collapsing onto the floor beside you in a defeated slump.

A sympathetic chuckle escaped your lips as you rose from your spot, now relinquished to the worn patch of ground Yongbok had recently vacated. You adjusted your position, preparing to offer guidance. "Yongbokie," you began, your voice soothing and encouraging, "you’re slowing down the transition between these two moves, which disrupts the rhythm. It’s causing you to fall out of sync with the tempo."

With a patient, guiding touch, you demonstrated the movements, your body moving with the precision you hoped to convey. The graceful flow of your actions contrasted with the slower, labored efforts of Yongbok’s earlier attempts. "If you can manage to execute the transitions a bit faster," you said, illustrating the corrected pace with fluidity, "you’ll stay in perfect harmony with the beats. Let’s try it one more time. You’re so close to getting it just right, I promise."

Though Yongbok huffed in exhaustion, his resolve remained steadfast. He nodded, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes as he pulled himself off the ground to face the challenge once more. You patted his backside affectionately, your smile radiating warmth and encouragement. With a final, reassuring glance, you settled back into your own spot, your hand poised to restart the song and guide him through one more round of practice.

As the challenging segment of the choreography approached once again, a wave of anticipation rippled through the room. This time, as Yongbok executed the intricate moves with newfound precision, a burst of joy erupted from you. The moment he flawlessly completed the sequence, a triumphant cheer escaped your lips, filling the air with infectious excitement.

Yongbok’s face lit up with a radiant grin, his pride palpable as he executed the final steps with flawless grace. The relief was evident in his posture as the last notes of the song drifted into silence. Breathless and spent, he leaned heavily against the choreography’s completion, his body glistening with the sheen of hard-earned sweat.

Without hesitation, you sprang into action, wrapping your arms around him in a jubilant embrace. Despite the stickiness of his sweat-soaked form, your excitement and affection overshadowed any discomfort. Yongbok’s chuckle, light and appreciative, resonated in the space between you. His weight shifted onto you, causing a delighted giggle to bubble from your lips as you wobbled slightly, struggling to maintain your balance.

With a joyful determination, you steadied yourself, ensuring you could support both of you. “That was exactly what I was hoping for, Yongbok! You nailed it perfectly!” you exclaimed, your voice brimming with admiration. The connection between you two, now solidified by the shared triumph, felt both exhilarating and endearing, marking the culmination of a well-deserved moment of celebration.

"Does this mean we’re finished for today?" Yongbok’s voice was laced with a mixture of hope and weariness as he slowly lifted himself off you, his gaze searching for confirmation. His eyes, wide and gleaming with anticipation, met yours with a fervent intensity that made your heart skip a beat. 

You laughed softly, a warm sound that mingled with the dim glow of satisfaction in the room. Nodding, you placed a gentle hand on his damp abdomen, the contact reassuring and tender. Yongbok’s tired cheer was a muted echo of his earlier exuberance, a blend of relief and lingering fatigue.

However, the moment was charged with a different kind of energy as Yongbok’s eyes fixed on you with an almost palpable intensity. The depth of his gaze was impossible to ignore, and it made you shift uneasily, feeling a pang of discomfort mixed with longing. You were acutely aware of the electric chemistry between you two, the unspoken tension that lingered just beneath the surface. Though the desire to explore something beyond your professional boundaries was strong, the reality of your roles—idol and choreographer—kept you tethered to the confines of your current relationship.

With a heavy heart, you took a step back, the space between you now marked by a careful, deliberate distance. The flicker of disappointment in Yongbok’s eyes was quick and fleeting, though it did not escape your notice. In an instant, his expression softened, and a shy smile crept onto his lips, a tender acknowledgment of the boundaries you both knew you had to maintain.

"Do you happen to know where the other members should be right now?" Yongbok asked, his voice carrying a note of curiosity as he ambled back towards his water bottle. With a swift motion, he downed the remaining liquid in a single, satisfying gulp, the action accompanied by a soft, relieved sigh.

As Yongbok wiped away the sweat from his brow with the hem of his drenched tank top, the fabric clinging to his form, you couldn't help but be drawn to the sight of his toned, glistening abs. The subtle sheen of perspiration against his skin created an almost mesmerizing glimmer. You inhaled sharply, your breath catching in your throat at the unexpected display.

Embarrassment quickly flush your cheeks and ears with a deep, vibrant crimson. You cleared your throat, the sound a weak attempt to regain composure, and shifted your gaze to the opposite side of the dance room. There, your belongings were scattered haphazardly across the familiar leather couch. You made a beeline for it, desperately seeking refuge from the heat rising in your face.

"I think Chan is in his studio with Changbin and Han, as usual," you managed, your voice wavering slightly as you unplugged your charger and hastily stuffed it into your bag. "But I'm not entirely sure about the rest of the members." As you fumbled with your bag, you recalled a recent conversation. "Wait, Minho mentioned something about going out to eat with I.N, if I remember correctly."

The words stumbled out with an air of nervous distraction, as you tried to steady yourself amidst the lingering flush of embarrassment.

When you turned around, a jolt of surprise raced through you. Yongbok stood so close behind you that you could almost feel the warmth of his breath. His eyes, shimmering with a daring glint, set your heart racing uncontrollably. The intensity of his gaze made your breath hitch and your body tense, an intoxicating wave of anticipation washing over you.

His presence, almost overwhelming in its proximity, brought an unexpected silence between you. Yongbok’s smirk, laden with a hint of arrogance, conveyed a quiet confidence that seemed to pierce right through your defenses. The way he loomed over you, casting a shadow of both authority and allure, was a detail that had always stirred something deep within you. You realized with a start that you were holding your breath, caught in a moment where your unspoken dreams felt tantalizingly close to reality.

As his gaze slid deliberately to your lips, the unspoken possibility of what could happen next seemed to hang in the air. The thrill of breaking boundaries and rules danced at the edge of your consciousness, but the electric current of desire was stronger. Your knuckles turned white as you gripped the strap of your bag tightly, a physical manifestation of the mixture of anxiety and adrenaline coursing through you.

In that charged moment, the consequences of your actions felt distant and inconsequential. The possibility of Yongbok leaning in and shattering the boundaries of professionalism made your thoughts swirl in a haze of longing and exhilaration. You allowed yourself to be consumed by this desire, choosing to embrace the intensity of the moment and deal with any repercussions later. For now, logic faded into the background as you surrendered to the intoxicating allure of what might unfold.

"I, um," Yongbok began, his voice dropping to a hushed murmur that barely cut through the silence of the dance room, which was usually a whirlwind of sound and energy. The room's rare quietude made his words stand out, their subtle weight heavy in the calm.

"I always enjoy these private sessions with you. Even if it’s just for a short while, having you to myself truly becomes one of the highlights of my day." The sincerity in his voice was unexpected, and it struck you with a force that made your heart flutter. As you absorbed the depth of his words, your cheeks warmed, turning a deeper shade of red. The weight of his intention was clear, and it sparked a genuine smile that spread across your face, unable to be contained.

Seeing your reaction, Yongbok’s smirk softened into a tender, almost shy grin. His eyes, previously sharp and intense, now crinkled into crescent moons, their corners adorned with the sparkling constellation of his freckles. The sight was endearing, a stark contrast to the intensity of moments before.

"I also really enjoy these sessions with you," you whispered back, your voice barely more than a breath. You noticed his gaze linger on your lips once more, an unspoken conversation passing between your glances. "You make a pretty good student." The compliment was light but sincere, a playful acknowledgment of the bond you shared in these intimate moments of practice.

The low, rumbling chuckle that emerged from Yongbok's chest had a mesmerizing effect on you, leaving you momentarily dazed. Your gaze drifted slowly to his exquisitely plump lips, each curve and line illuminated by the soft light that bathed the room. 

"Yeah?" he teased, his voice carrying a playful challenge. The sound elicited a soft, involuntary giggle from you, a delightful echo of your shared tension. You watched as he inched closer, his presence growing more intoxicating with each passing second. His warm breath, gentle and inviting, fanned across your face in a way that was almost addictive. The sensation sent a shiver racing down your spine, a physical reminder of how close you now were. 

In this moment, you were acutely aware that this was the closest you had ever been to him. A silent prayer formed in your mind, hoping that this proximity wouldn’t be a fleeting encounter but the beginning of something more. The air between you crackled with anticipation, making you feel almost intoxicated by the intensity of the moment. 

Yongbok paused just before your lips could meet, his gaze locking onto yours with an unexpected intensity. The question that followed was softly spoken, almost reverent in its delivery. "Could I... may I kiss you?" His eyes searched yours for any sign of hesitation or discomfort, but all he found was a mixture of eagerness and affection. 

You nodded, your movements almost frantic in their urgency, as if you were desperate to reassure him. "Yes," you whispered, your voice trembling with the whirlwind of emotions that enveloped you. His gaze softened, and with your consent granted, he closed the distance between you. 

His lips met yours in a kiss that was both tender and passionately charged, a culmination of all the unspoken desires and longings that had simmered between you. The sensation was electrifying, and you felt your bag slip from your shoulder, landing softly on the floor with a muted thud. Wrapping your arms around his shoulders, you pulled him closer, savoring the intimate connection you had yearned for so long.

You barely registered the low, appreciative groan that escaped Yongbok as his arms encircled your waist, pulling you irresistibly closer against him. The sweat and stickiness from hours of rigorous rehearsal faded into insignificance, overshadowed by the profound intimacy of the kiss. 

As your lips melded together, the kiss deepened, a powerful exchange that spoke volumes of the years of unspoken longing and desire. Each movement was desperate, as if trying to communicate all the feelings that had been kept hidden for so long. The connection was so intense that you found yourself almost panting with the fervor of it, each breath a testament to the depth of your emotions.

In this sacred moment, you felt as though you were observing yourself from a distance, as if through a veil or a screen. Standing on the tips of your toes, you sought to bridge the remaining space between you, craving more of the warmth and closeness that he offered. The kiss seemed to transcend the physical act itself; it was a vessel for the profound yearning you had harbored throughout your time working together. Every touch, every brush of his lips, was a way to convey just how deeply you had longed for this connection.

To your utter dismay, the cherished moment you had longed for was abruptly shattered by the sharp sound of a scandalized gasp from across the room. The noise jolted you from your reverie, and you instinctively pushed Yongbok away, stumbling backward in a daze. Your eyes widened in shock as you turned to see Hyunjin standing at the entrance of the dance room, his jaw hanging open in astonishment and his eyes wide with disbelief.

Hyunjin’s gaze darted rapidly between you and Yongbok, his expression a mix of confusion and surprise. The air seemed to thicken with tension, each second stretching into what felt like an eternity. You floundered, desperately trying to summon a coherent excuse, but the words seemed to elude you in your state of panic. Yongbok, for his part, wore a deep crimson blush and offered a sheepish smile, clearly as taken aback as you were.

The silence between you was heavy, suffused with the weight of unspoken words and mounting anxiety. Hyunjin, despite his apparent shock, didn’t seem like the type to make a fuss, but the thought of potential consequences gnawed at your gut. The fear of losing the job you had come to cherish so deeply loomed large. Dancing had always been your sole passion, and the opportunity to choreograph for such an incredible group had been a dream come true. The confidence you had felt moments ago evaporated, leaving you trembling and vulnerable, a far cry from the composed professional you had aspired to be.

To your astonishment, a broad, teasing grin spread across Hyunjin’s face, his eyes glinting with mischief as he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. His gaze shifted from you to Yongbok with an air of playful challenge. “Lixie, when did you get so daring?” he drawled, his voice laced with amusement. “I never thought you’d actually go for it.”

The shock of his words made you whirl your head to face Yongbok, who was now blushing deeply, his cheeks a vivid shade of red. He shot Hyunjin a half-hearted glare, his embarrassment palpable. “How long have you two been seeing each other?” Hyunjin continued, his voice rising with mock indignation. “And why haven’t I heard anything about it?”

Leaning casually against the doorframe, Hyunjin crossed his arms over his chest, adopting a playful pout that made the whole situation feel oddly lighthearted despite the tension. His demeanor was almost too casual for the gravity of the moment.

Yongbok, still flushed and clearly flustered, waved his hands in front of him in a frantic gesture. “You haven’t heard anything because you just interrupted our first kiss, you idiot!” The exasperation in his voice was evident, mingled with the lingering blush of his cheeks.

As Hyunjin’s realization dawned upon him, his entire demeanor shifted from playful mischief to genuine remorse. His face flushed with sudden guilt, and he bowed repeatedly, his hurried apologies tumbling out in a rush. With a final, sheepish glance, he bolted from the room with surprising speed, leaving behind a palpable silence.

You stood there, momentarily stunned, your eyes fixed on the spot where Hyunjin had just been. The shock of the interruption lingered, making the stillness around you seem almost tangible. After a few moments, Yongbok cautiously stepped back into your line of sight. He resumed his previous position but with a respectful distance, his gaze searching for any sign of your reaction.

"I'm sorry about that," Yongbok mumbled, his voice tinged with a shy, almost bashful quality. "I may or may not have been crushing on you for quite a while." His confession hung in the air, and you felt a flutter of amusement at his honest admission.

Shaking yourself out of the daze, a soft giggle escaped your lips, breaking the lingering tension. You bent to retrieve the bag you had dropped in the frenzy of the moment, your cheeks still flushed with a persistent blush. "I think it's actually quite cute," you said sincerely, meeting his gaze with warmth. "If it helps, I’ve also had feelings for you for a while. I guess that makes us even."

The smile that bloomed on Yongbok’s face was radiant, transforming his earlier embarrassment into an endearing display of joy. Seeing his expression light up made your heart swell with affection, and your own smile widened in response. The shared understanding between you felt like a promise of something beautiful beginning to unfold.

Finally, as the realization of your earlier intention to leave washed over him, Yongbok reached out with a gentle, reassuring gesture. His hand, warm and steady, closed around the handle of your bag, taking it from your grasp despite the evident confusion that flickered across your face.

With a soft, earnest smile, he met your gaze. "I'd like to walk you home, if you'll allow me," he offered, his voice carrying a tender note of sincerity. The invitation hung in the air, a promise of continued closeness and shared moments, as he stood there, waiting for your response with a hopeful glint in his eyes.

김승민 ── KIM SEUNGMIN.

The heavy, cumbersome bags dug relentlessly into your forearms as you and Seungmin trudged through the labyrinthine corridors leading to his apartment. Each step you took felt like a battle against the relentless weight, the rough straps cutting into your skin. Despite your intimate familiarity with this maze of hallways—so well-known that you could navigate it even with your eyes closed—Seungmin led the way with a quiet confidence. 

The silence between you was filled with a subtle, unspoken ease. The only sounds punctuating the stillness were the occasional rustle of plastic and the soft, steady rhythm of your breath. Your panting was light, a testament to the slight strain you felt as you wrestled with the bags' burdens. Seungmin had insisted on carrying every single bag in one go, a decision born from a practical desire to avoid the inconvenience of multiple trips. You could grudgingly acknowledge the wisdom in his suggestion, even as you shot occasional glares at the back of his head, cursing the added effort required.

Despite your murmured complaints, the truth was that Seungmin had taken on the lion's share of the load. His gentlemanly nature had ensured that the majority of the burden fell upon him, leaving you with only a few bags to manage. His consideration was evident, and though you resented the extra strain, you couldn't deny the relief it brought you.

With a deep, grateful sigh, you finally spotted the familiar door that marked the threshold of your boyfriend’s apartment, where he shared his space with his friend Yongbok. The door stood at the end of the hallway, a beacon of familiarity in the dimly lit corridor. As you and Seungmin rounded the final corner, a cacophony of sounds spilled out from within, a vivid reminder of the lively chaos unfolding just beyond the threshold.

Even from this distance, the din was unmistakable. The clamor of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional burst of playful shouts drifted through the walls, painting a vivid picture of the evening’s revelry. It was a weekly ritual, a cherished tradition among the group: a night dedicated to drinks, games, and movies. The venue for these gatherings rotated among the four apartments, and tonight was Seungmin and Yongbok’s turn to play host.

This familiar routine was the reason for your last-minute excursion, a hurried shopping trip undertaken with Seungmin. The promise of good company and the comforting familiarity of these gatherings made every effort worthwhile, even if it meant bearing the burden of heavy bags and enduring the bustle of a lively home.

As the two of you finally approached your destination, the hallway seemed to stretch out in slow motion. You observed Seungmin with a mixture of anticipation and amusement as he fumbled with his keys, his fingers deftly searching for the right one to unlock the door and liberate you both from the burdensome weight of the grocery bags. Each moment seemed to elongate as he concentrated intently on the task at hand, his brow furrowed in concentration.

A spark of mischief flickered within you, and a playful smirk curved your lips as an impish idea took shape. Seizing the opportunity, you inched closer to him despite the heavy bags you still carried. With a mischievous glint in your eye, you leaned in and gently nipped at his earlobe—an area you knew to be particularly sensitive, a delightful secret you alone had the privilege of knowing.

The effect was immediate and electrifying. Seungmin's task came to an abrupt halt as he shot you a look of mock indignation, though the glint in his eyes betrayed his amusement. You could almost feel the jolt of pleasure radiating through him, and the sight of his reaction filled you with giddy satisfaction. Your smirk widened, thoroughly pleased with the ripple of surprise and delight you'd managed to provoke.

“You’re a brat, you know that, right?” Seungmin’s voice was laced with playful reprimand, but the intense glimmer of desire in his eyes was unmistakable—a fiery spark that you could discern from miles away. An exhilarating surge of adrenaline coursed through your veins, yet you maintained an innocent facade, one you knew perfectly well would drive him to distraction. Teasing him was a delight, particularly because he was so wonderfully easy to provoke.

With a resigned shake of his head, Seungmin decided to forgo engaging further in your tantalizing game. He returned to his task, wrestling with the tangled keys and the cumbersome grocery bags. Despite his frustration, he eventually managed to grasp the elusive key he’d been searching for, his movements a blend of determination and exasperation.

You pouted slightly, trying to ignore the discomfort of the heavy bags digging into your arms as you once again leaned in, eager to continue your playful assault. But before you could take another nip at his ear, you were met with an unexpected turn of events. A startled gasp escaped your lips as Seungmin swiftly maneuvered you against the wall beside the entrance door. The thud of the grocery bags hitting the floor was a distant sound, overshadowed by the deliciously stern gaze Seungmin now directed at you. His eyes, fierce and intense, held you captive in a moment of electrifying silence, leaving you utterly captivated and breathless.

You were unrepentantly shameless in your brattiness whenever Seungmin was near; it was a facet of yourself that you relished, an irresistible indulgence that compelled him to respond with a roughness that only fueled your excitement further. The thrill of this dynamic was too captivating to forgo, and the sight of him now made your knees quiver slightly, though his firm grip on your waist steadied you, his hands pressing down with a force that bordered on painful.

"You're going to need to be on your best behavior once we go inside, pup," he murmured, his voice low and commanding. The warm breath against your ear sent thrilling shivers cascading down your spine, a tangible reminder of his proximity and the intensity of his focus. The sternness of his tone only added to the charged atmosphere between you.

In response to the overwhelming sensation, you let the bags you’d been clutching fall to the floor with a grateful thud, the weight lifting from your arms like a welcome reprieve. You eagerly wrapped your arms around his shoulders, pulling him closer, the warmth of his body merging with yours. A startled gasp escaped you when Seungmin’s teeth suddenly grazed the nape of your neck, his bite both sharp and exhilarating. His gaze, a blend of silent challenge and teasing, held you captive as he pulled back slightly, his eyes gleaming with unspoken promises and the lingering thrill of the moment.

Without a second thought, you leaned in with fervor, capturing his irresistibly warm lips in a heated kiss. Your body pressed eagerly against his, a blend of warmth and excitement fueling your playful exchange. The kiss was both urgent and tender, a passionate dance that seemed to defy time itself.

Yet, just as suddenly as you had initiated the kiss, you broke away, a mischievous glint in your eyes. You pushed him gently, feigning a lighthearted annoyance. "Come on, Min, we have to get inside quickly—I don't want my ice cream to melt," you said, your voice adopting an innocent tone that belied the intense arousal you felt. You moved to retrieve the fallen grocery bags, determined to restore some semblance of normalcy.

However, your attempt to distance yourself was swiftly thwarted. Before you could get very far, Seungmin's hands were firmly on your shoulders, and you found yourself pressed against the wall once more. His eyes, ablaze with a mix of irritation and desire, locked onto yours with an intensity that you found intoxicating. 

"No, pup, you started this," he murmured with a gruff edge to his voice. His lips then descended upon your neck, expertly finding that sensitive spot you so loved. His tongue traced and teased with a skill that made you sigh in deep satisfaction. As he lavished attention on your neck, you instinctively wrapped your arms around him again, savoring the thrilling intimacy of the moment.

As you began to rock your hips in a desperate bid for more friction, a sudden distraction interrupted your moment. The front door creaked open, its sound briefly pulling your focus away. Yet, Seungmin remained undeterred, his determination to stir your passions evident in the way he continued to work you up with unrelenting intensity.

You craned your neck, your gaze settling on Minho, who stood at the threshold with an amused snort. His eyes danced with barely concealed laughter as he took in the scene before him. His gaze dropped to the grocery bags strewn haphazardly on the floor, abandoned in the midst of your playful struggle. 

"They're back!" Minho's voice rang out, cheerful and slightly teasing. "Our Seungminnie is a bit preoccupied at the moment—busy being his usual doggy self. So if someone could lend me a hand with these bags, I'd appreciate it. I need to get dinner started," he added, his laughter causing his voice to break with a playful edge. With a few deft motions, he gathered several bags and turned to head back inside, leaving you and Seungmin in a bubble of intimate chaos.

Moments later, Chan emerged, his expression one of affectionate amusement as he playfully cooed at Seungmin. With a grin, he took hold of the remaining bags, his presence adding a warm, reassuring energy to the scene. As he followed Minho inside, he closed the door gently behind him, leaving you and Seungmin to resume your private interlude amidst the soft echo of the apartment’s lively ambiance.

A startled moan escaped your lips as Seungmin’s teeth sank into the tender flesh of your neck once more, his bite more forceful and insistent than before. The sensation sent shivers coursing down your spine, a raw mixture of pleasure and surprise. 

Seungmin’s voice, though laced with a sarcastic edge, only served to heighten the intensity of the moment. “Thanks for that,” he murmured, his words dripping with mock irritation. Yet, his actions betrayed the playful harshness of his tone. He pulled you impossibly closer, his grip tightening around you with a fervent, possessive energy. The closeness only served to underscore his own arousal, an unspoken testament to the charged atmosphere between you. His body pressed firmly against yours, each movement conveying a depth of desire that matched your own heightened sensations.

양정인 ── YANG JEONGIN.

In the gentle hum of late afternoon, the table in front of you became a tapestry of neatly folded garments, each piece meticulously arranged. The clothes, a delicate mix of your own and Jeongin's, formed soft, colorful mounds, their textures inviting a closer look. You worked silently, your fingers deftly handling the final batch of freshly dried laundry that Jeongin had just brought in. The room was filled with a tranquil rhythm, punctuated only by the soft rustling of fabric and the occasional sigh of contentment.

Jeongin's presence was like a warm breeze, a comforting whisper against the backdrop of domesticity. He slipped into the space beside you with effortless grace, his lips pressing a gentle, affectionate kiss to your cheek. It was a sweet, fleeting gesture that spoke of deep affection, a moment of intimacy amidst the mundane task of folding clothes. 

This was the first time you had woven your lives together in such a simple, yet profoundly meaningful way. The day had unfolded with a natural ease, as though you both were actors playing out a scene from a well-loved script. The apartment, once a chaotic landscape of disarray, now felt like a canvas being painted with the colors of shared domesticity. 

Jeongin had seized the opportunity of his day off to tackle the untidy corners of his home, a task he had long postponed. Yet, in his desire to make the most of the day, he found himself yearning for your company. You had offered to assist with the chores, with the playful condition that you would also tend to your own laundry in his space. The agreement was made with a lighthearted chuckle, an unspoken promise of more moments like this—simple, joyful, and richly woven with the threads of companionship.

From the edges of your vision, you caught the sight of his dimples making a gentle appearance, etched into his cheeks like sweet indentations. They were the result of the tender smile that danced upon his lips, a subtle curve that spoke of warmth and quiet joy. Drawn to the softness of his expression, you turned to face him fully, your own smile beginning to bloom, pulling at the corners of your mouth with a playful grace.

“What has you so delightfully smiley?” you inquired, your voice tinged with a teasing lilt that fluttered through the air. His response came as a light-hearted chuckle, a sound as soft as a whispering breeze, accompanied by a modest shrug that seemed to carry the weight of his contentment. Seeking to coax more from him, you nudged his arm gently with your elbow, a tender gesture meant to elicit a deeper revelation.

“I don’t know,” he replied, his voice a soft murmur, the smile remaining steadfast and sincere. “I usually find chores like this a bit of a drudge, but today has been different. It’s been so lovely to do this with you.” His heartfelt confession unfurled in the quiet space between you, causing your heart to swell with a warm, affectionate glow. The earnestness in his eyes and the simplicity of his words stirred something deep within you, and a soft, melodic giggle escaped your lips, blending with the gentle rhythm of your shared moment.

In truth, the tapestry of your relationship was still being woven, with threads of time only recently beginning to intertwine. The two of you had yet to travel far from the fresh, unblemished shores of early romance. The incessant fluttering of your hearts, a constant and delicate dance, was a telltale sign that you were still immersed in the radiant bubble of your honeymoon phase. Each shared glance, every fleeting touch, seemed imbued with an ineffable sweetness that colored the world with a softer hue.

In these tender moments, such as folding each other’s clothes, the act felt imbued with a quiet sanctity. What might seem like mundane tasks in the eyes of the world were transformed into sacred rituals between you. Each folded garment was more than just fabric; it was a silent promise, a whispered vow of a future enriched with even more tenderness and intimacy. The simplicity of these acts became a testament to the budding depth of your connection, a gentle assurance that these early days were but the beginning of a beautifully unfolding story.

As you folded the final pair of Jeongin's socks, the rhythmic motion of your hands was accompanied by a contented sigh. Leaning against the table, you turned to face him, your gaze meeting his with an unspoken connection. Moments later, he completed the task of hanging the last of your tops onto a hanger—a humble relic from your own home—his movements graceful and deliberate.

He turned to you, his face illuminated by the same dimpled smile that had captured your heart so effortlessly. “I think this means we’re done cleaning,” you said, a note of cheerful satisfaction in your voice. Jeongin's nod of agreement mirrored your own contentment, his eyes twinkling with shared joy. “How about we watch a movie now? I could make us some popcorn,” you suggested, your voice carrying a hopeful lilt.

As you spoke, you couldn’t help but notice the dreamy expression on his face. It was as though he were enchanted by the sight of you, his gaze filled with a deep, almost reverent adoration. Despite his usual aversion to physical contact, Jeongin’s arms, strong and reassuring, encircled you with a surprising tenderness. The embrace was warm and enveloping, your arms gently pinned between your bodies. Laughter bubbled up, filling the cozy confines of the laundry room with a light, melodious sound.

He looked down at you, his eyes shimmering with an affectionate gleam, his smile broad and adorably sincere. In that moment, you felt yourself melting into the safety of his embrace, a profound sense of belonging washing over you. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of you, wrapped in a cocoon of warmth and joy.

The world around you seemed to dissolve into a serene stillness, each moment stretching languorously as you lost yourself in the profound warmth of his eyes. Their depths seemed to draw you in, a captivating ocean of affection and sincerity. Your fingers, almost unconsciously, traced the delicate chain resting against his chest, their movements a gentle counterpoint to the intensity of his gaze.

In the midst of this tranquil exchange, you were not the least bit surprised when his soft, tender lips met yours in a kiss that was both gentle and deeply heartfelt. The touch was a whisper of warmth and intimacy, a silent promise that spoke volumes. You returned his kiss with equal fervor, your lips melding with his in a dance of shared emotion.

Despite the familiarity of the gesture, the effect on you was anything but ordinary. Your heart, ever so responsive, performed an elegant pirouette within your chest, fluttering with a rhythm that felt both exhilarating and soothing. It was as though each kiss with Jeongin carried a unique magic, a spellbinding effect that rendered each encounter as thrilling as the first. His presence seemed to ignite a vibrant, ineffable energy within you, making even the simplest of moments feel profoundly significant.

As the kiss deepened, its tender embrace seemed to hold time in suspension. Yet, the tranquility of the moment was abruptly interrupted by a voice that sliced through the intimacy like a sudden breeze. "Oh, well I guess not," Seungmin mumbled to himself, his voice laced with bemused resignation as he turned to make his exit.

Before Seungmin could disappear from view, Jeongin’s voice rang out, a note of curiosity threading through his words. “Hey! You guess not what?” Seungmin’s head poked back into the laundry room, his face a mask of nonchalance. He offered a brief, impassive nod in your direction as a greeting, his eyes flickering between you and Jeongin. 

"I just wanted to see if you wanted to go out to eat," Seungmin explained, his tone casual yet inviting. "Channie told me you'd be here. If Y/N wants to join, it’s on me." The offer was accompanied by a small, friendly smile, a gesture of genuine camaraderie.

You returned his smile, your eyes drifting up to meet Jeongin’s as you awaited his response. The two of you exchanged a glance, a silent dialogue unfolding in the brief, wordless moments. Jeongin’s eyes held a spark of consideration, his gaze reflecting the warmth of shared understanding. After a heartbeat of contemplation, he turned back to Seungmin with a decisive nod. "Yeah, we’ll go."

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