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prk-gunwook · 1 year

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BOYS PLANET — how they love you

INCLUDES || sung hanbin | zhang hao | kim jiwoong | park gunwook | seok matthew | kim taerae | kum junhyeon | ricky

GENRE || tooth-rotting fluff

WORD COUNT || 2.1k

NOTES || this is my first post on tumblr ! had to create an account just for these boys i adore. requests are open, and please leave me feedback ! <3

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, SUNG HANBIN 𖥻 ❛ touch ❜

SUNG HANBIN touches you like you are his lifeline; like golden ichor flows through your veins and bubbly springs overflow in your mouth, as if your skin is made of fibers woven by Athena herself. His touches are feather-soft, lingering sweetly on your flesh and body, leaving fingerprints of moon dust. He wraps his hands around your torso under the cover of the sun, pressing sugary kisses to your temples early in the morning through silk curtains, whispered promises of love and devotion leaving his lips to caress your ears.

Hanbin laces your fingers together more often than not; soft hands tracing the lines of your palm as if he could read the future you two will build together there. Whether it’s a hand on your thigh, a finger wrapping around your pinky, or a head on your shoulder, he craves your touch like a starved man.

As you lay in bed, head resting softly on his chest, you peer up at him.

“Can you breathe fine like this?” You ask, eyebrows furrowing inward slightly in concern. Hanbin laughs— a short, sweet thing that rings like wedding bells in your mind— and nods.

He gazes down at you, eyes staring at you as if you hold the world in the palms of your hands, and you feel the cold touch of his fingers brushing circles against your hip.

“There is no other way I could wish to breathe,” He replies, words soft and laced with the admiration he feels for you.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, ZHANG HAO 𖥻 ❛ fruits ❜

ZHANG HAO loves you dearly— his love runs deeper than the ocean, glittering water that shimmers and shines with every action and word you perform. You know it, he knows it, and there is nothing else either of you need. He loves you like the sun loves the moon, like the waves love the shore, like Prometheus loves his creations. He loves you like there is no other option; and for him, there isn’t.

Often, you find yourself staying up late to finish the schoolwork you neglect until the last minute, pencil in your mouth and eyes narrowed in thought. Problems and their solutions swim in your mind, crossing over into the other and leaving you more and more confused.

“You need to sleep,” Hao’s stern voice comes from the doorway, arms crossed in discontent as he watches you study.

“I need to finish this,” You argue, even as your eyes beg for sleep and your knees ache from sitting down for hours. You can hear Hao move across the room, floorboards creaking softly underfoot as he makes his way toward you.

“At least eat something,” He says, placing a bowl of crisp apple slices in front of you. You pick one up, noticing how the skin has been cut in a specific way to resemble a bunny. Before you can thank him he’s gone, out the doorway— probably to sleep.

The next day, as you sit down to study, you notice a bowl of freshly-cut bunny apples waiting for you, and a small sticky-note with the words “try and sleep early tonight”.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, KIM JIWOONG 𖥻 ❛ long drives ❜

KIM JIWOONG was always extremely stubborn when it came to road safety— not that it was a bad thing, you could appreciate it, really. Eyes on the road, two hands on the steering wheel, music never too loud, and seatbelts are buckled before the car moves even a millimeter. But ever since meeting you, he’s taken to driving one-handed, always leaving one hand open for you to hold.

Inside his car, there is only you and him. There is only Jiwoong’s devotion to you. There is only starlight and sublime tears, moonlit kisses and beating hearts that mold into one, only his hand in yours.

No words need to be exchanged as wheels turn steadily on pavement roads, soft chirps of grasshoppers and croaks of frogs filling the empty spaces. There are no words that need to be exchanged when they’ve all already been said; “I love you” loses its meaning after a while, and now your love is found in the feeling of his hands on yours, of your eyes interlocking gazes in the rearview mirror, of hidden smiles and inside jokes. Now, your love is found in the lack of words needed when Jiwoong grabs his keys from the wall and only has to look at you to ask if you want to go on a drive with him.

No words are needed when you love as strongly as you do.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, PARK GUNWOOK 𖥻 ❛ this reminded me of you ❜

PARK GUNWOOK thinks that, if there are a million universes, he loves you in every single one. He has bared his heart for you to take like a oyster with its pearl— he would rip apart his heart and sew it back together in the shape of you, for you are in the only thing in it. He sees his entire world in you, and in the world he sees you.

He sees you in the lipstick mark of an abandoned coffee cup, he sees you in the sketchy lines of a street mural, he sees you in blossoming bouquets of spring and bicycles parked on the beach. When Gunwook enters a shop, every item relates back to you; how would you like this shirt on him? Would this look cute on you? Is this your style of decor?

He doesn’t mean to buy you so many things, really, it just happens. As you dance in your living room with him, choked laughter ringing in the air, a collection of miscellaneous items decorate your walls and shelves.

A penguin sculpture for the way you purse your lips in thought. A magazine cut-out of an ad for the same picnic blanket you had your first date on. A collection of pink stickers scattered along the walls for the color of your shirt the day he asked you out.

This room is a log of your m emories; of the love you share, of the tears and the smiles, of all the good and the bad and the in-between. It’s a dictionary of every moment the two of you have shared, fluent in the language of love. And yet there are so many empty spaces, empty pages, for the next moments to come, and you doubt this book will ever close.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, SEOK MATTHEW 𖥻 ❛ admiration in his eyes ❜

SEOK MATTHEW is like the sun. Bright, happy, a shining, glimmering light that can cast even the most gloomy of days away. His smile is like the medicine to a sickness you never knew you had, his eyes crescent rainbows that reflect every good feeling you can have, his laugh like the ripples of a fresh river swirling around your legs in summer. Seok Matthew is the sun in every meaning of the word.

And you are his moon. He would chase you to the ends of the Earth for eternity just for a glimpse of your smile, just a word from your lips, just a small glance at your eyes, and he would do it for longer than the term “forever” can communicate. He will follow wherever you go, no matter if it’s down to a fiery pit of justice or up to a symphony of angels chorusing for you.

When you speak, Matthew’s eyes are fully on you. Never will it stray (and he has suffered being the butt of many, many jokes because of this), but he can’t help it. Why would he ever want to look away from you, if you are all he ever wants to look at? Stars in his eyes, but you are his one moon.

He hardly ever dreams when he sleeps, for every moment with you is enough to last him through his years without a wink of slumber. He would never have to rest his head if only he can hear you laugh everyday— when you smile, he smiles, and it lights up the world.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, KIM TAERAE 𖥻 ❛ love songs ❜

KIM TAERAE wonders how anybody enjoyed listening to him sing before he met you, for he never knew true love before. Never has he been able to sing fully with the implication of knowing, never has he embarked on the journey of admiration the songs describe, and never has he known this warm, bubbly feeling called love. Now, every word is charged with the meaning of you; the love he holds for you, the smiles he hides for you, the guitar strings he strums for you, the songs he sings just for you.

His Spotify playlists have become perhaps seven times longer than before, filled to the brim with soft songs that he dedicates entirely to your being.

“Your lips, my lips,” Taerae sang, voice sweet but gravelly, the melody tuned to the sound of beating hearts and hushed kisses. You sit next to him, watching his lips move in a fixed fascination as his deft fingers strum the strings of his guitar like an expert. He plays the strings of your heart the same way; with a practiced ease, like it was what he was born to do.

“Go and sneak us through rivers,” He continues, eyes focused not on his guitar but on you. Taerae thanks every soul that has ever lived on Earth before this, and every soul after, that you were born in such a time and place that he could meet you and fall in love. “Flood is rising up on your knees.”

“Oh please, come out and haunt me.”

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, KUM JUNHYEON 𖥻 ❛ bad movies ❜

KUM JUNHYEON has always been a warm person; he is made of fiery spirits and nipping branches, of autumn leaves tumbling to the ground in piles, ready to be jumped in. He’s made of loud words and screaming laughs, of bad aeygo and joking whispers, and you wouldn’t have it any other way. He is entirely odd, and he’s entirely yours.

So it makes sense he shows his love for you through bad movies. You have never laughed as much as you have when you sit with him on a worn-down couch, bowls of popcorn in your hands, tall cups of soda ready to be drunk on your table. Never have you laughed so hard you snorted except for when Junhyeon made you watch The Emoji Movie with him and interrupted every other sentence to make a joke— and even after that, Junhyeon couldn’t get a joke out because he was laughing too hard at the fact you snorted.

Laughter is uncontrollable when you’re around Junhyeon— when you cuddle up next to him, and even when your eyes are begging for sleep, you can’t stop laughing. When you’re sure you’ve got abs from the hours of jokes, when you’re certain you’ll have laugh lines deeper than the grand canyon after how many years you’ve spent with Junhyeon.

It’s odd, yes, but it’s so entirely Junhyeon.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, RICKY 𖥻 ❛ gifts ❜

RICKY is young, rich, tall, and handsome, there is no denying that. One thing they never revealed is the fact he’s perceptive— frighteningly so. If you even mention liking something in passing, rest assured there will be a basket of it in your kitchen the next day. If you spend even a fraction of a second too long looking at a piece of jewelry, best believe it’s draped around your neck the next day.

It’s not that he enjoys flaunting his wealth. It’s just… what else should he use it for, if not the one he loves the most? He would buy a thousand gems of the rarest ore just for a single second of your happiness. He would sell his fortune for the feel of his hand in yours— he’d even give up hairspray just to kiss your lips once.

Ricky thinks and feels so much all the time, his heart is bruised and bleeding, but you have become a doctor just to repair him. He loves you in the way nobody can understand; and he does not need understanding when he has admiration. He thinks there is a chapel within his heart entirely dedicated to you; that if he is reincarnated, it will be as a passing breeze that thinks only of you.

“I love you,” He says more often than he thought he ever would.

“I love you, too.” He hears back more often than he thought possible.

—

#boys planet #boys planet x reader #kim jiwoong #sung hanbin #hanbin #seok matthew #kim taerae #shen ricky #park gunwook #boys planet fics #boys planet drabbles #zhang hao #kum junhyeon #boys planet scenarios

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pumpkinbxtch · 26 days

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*slides into your requests*

Hi hello I'm here to feed my Frank love 💕

I looooove how you write him because he can be so sweet and loving and MWAH

But do you think you can write a fic where it's Reader (doesn't matter the gender to me 😊) where they have the worst time trying to flirt with him so they end up flirting with him via baked goods and stuff? Just the whole "I can't voice my love without being an idiot so here's a plate of spaghetti 🍝" 👀

food is better than pickup lines ✧⁠*⁠。

— frank zhang x fem!reader

summary: you wanted to flirt with frank, The situation is that it turns out that you are not that good at it, so you think of a different way to make him understand your feelings.

warnings: none, maybe language.

a/n: omg, you guuuys *runs and rings a bell* a frank request and it's super cute and amazin ideaaa, livin the dream frfr. thank you for your sweet words and for share me this dream of yours. i hope you like it ): — kisses from mars (tee-hee), maría 🩵

You were determined, you'd make Frank understand that you were terribly in love with him… well, something like that. Actually, you were already doing it, but it wasn't until that moment that you realized you had replaced pickup lines with baked goods. Why?

Man, flirting wasn't your thing. But the terrible part was that you didn't know you were actually so bad at it. You realized it once you had already said such embarrassing, terrible things that there was no doubt you had killed one or several seduction fairies somewhere on the planet.

— Is someone waiting for you, Frank…? — you hinted that time. He looked up from his paperwork and when you saw how his eyebrows slowly came together, you knew you had done it again.

Behind him, Piper covered her mouth and stifled a laugh. Was there anything crueler than a daughter of Aphrodite laughing at your seduction maneuvers?

— Someone waiting for me? — he asked, leaning slightly over the bar that separated them. Frank thought maybe he hadn't heard you right.

Your hands continued working on his tea, but internally you were kicking yourself. To cover it up, you let out a laugh.

— Yeah…— He looked at you closely, scanning, pondering all the possibilities of that comment. Apparently reaching a conclusion, his lips curved into a smile.

— Sometimes I don't know when you're joking.— He reached out to pat your head and ruffled your hair gently. That time, you blessed Frank's innocence and swore you'd never use phrases-to-seduce-your-crush.com again.

Gods, what about that time when Piper tried to help you by pushing you towards him? You said something about him being too tall, and in an attempt to turn it into an opportunity to say something cute, you ended up calling him Giraffrank. GI-RA-FFRANK. You wished you could steal that memory and bury it in the deepest recesses of Tartarus.

No, you simply couldn't go on with that, or you'd end up confessing to him in an even more embarrassing way (if that was possible).

In your despair, you grabbed some ingredients from the cafeteria and let your woes turn into nothing less than strawberry-filled mochis. You lifted them to appreciate their fluffiness and felt a touch on your shoulder. You almost forgotten Piper was there.

—That? — She looked at the tray and raised her eyebrows playfully. — Can I try?

— Sure, take them — you said listlessly, sliding the tray across the marble table to your friend. Piper ignored it upon noticing your bad mood and hugged you.

— Frank is really hard to catch, girl. He's so… clueless. — Your friend pressed her lips together and stroked your hair. At least you had her.

— You're not going to tell me it's my lack of skills in saying charming things?— Piper looked away, trying to avoid answering, and you shrugged.

Her consolation to you was interrupted by the doorbell. Both of you looked up. It was late.

— We're closing!— Piper shouted, approaching the counter while you stood at the back. Seeing her stop abruptly and shoot you a sparkling glance, you moved closer. As soon as you saw the purple shirt, you wanted to bury yourself in the pile of dishes you had to wash, but before you could do it, Frank smiled at the sight of you.

— Ladies...— The guy bowed. Despite his apparent diplomacy, your friend had a playful smile adorning his face. — I was passing by and saw the lights on. It's about time you were at the camp, and I remind you that you're only working here for your spring break, so I can't allow you to be out longer than permitted.

— Well, it's our good Frank playing preator — Piper joked while giving you a look. You forced a smile and nodded.

— While you're here, you're my responsibility. Camp Half-Blood would never forgive us if anything happened to you.

— Believe me, Frank, they don't care as long as we come back in one piece — Piper said disdainfully. She cleaned the nearest table and offered the Roman a seat, which he accepted with an excuse.

— Is something wrong? —The guy asked, giving you a concerned look.

Unconsciously, you had stayed behind the counter in complete silence. Piper gestured to you, but you were so afraid of messing things up that you didn't want to even speak. You just shook your head and forced another fake smile.

Piper made a gesture of annoyance without Frank noticing and signaled to you again, which you still didn't understand. She realized she had to act, or you would never get anywhere.

— In fact, she's tired of making the new cafeteria dessert, right? — You frowned, not understanding Piper's movement. This time, she pointed at the mochis, and you widened your eyes.

— Yeaaah, and I don't think you want to try them. It's the first time I've made them, and I don't want to poison you.

— Oh, come on, we know you're good at this! — Your friend insisted, making faces and signals for you to seize that opportunity.

— That's true — Frank said, giving you a radiant and confident smile.

Without much enthusiasm, you went to put a few on a plate and left them in front of him. Immediately, the guy examined them with surprise.

— Mochis?

Your cheeks burned. Stupid Chinese dessert.

Frank widened his smile and eagerly took one into his mouth. The sound of enjoyment he made churned your stomach nervously. Apparently, you did something good that day.

Frank's eyes locked onto yours with a sparkle, and he smiled at you again in that way only he knew and the same one that kept you awake at night. — Delicious!

“am I so in love with him?” you wondered, and with just that word, you regained your humor and motivation. Your mind thought that would be the best way to express your feelings to Frank. You walked to the counter where the others were and packed them in a bakery box with the cafeteria logo. When you returned, you gave it to him.

— For me? — He said, amazed, with a curious look.

— Yes, for you.

And you knew it was the best way to express it. "Show, don't tell," you thought.

Despite being happy with your approach, Piper lamented in the depths of the kitchen as she washed the dishes. She should have tried one of those desserts before speaking.

And that's how things went. Maybe for you, it was almost like a vacation, but Frank had to keep being a praetor, training, and attending to his responsibilities, which consumed most of his days, so you provided him with some food. From that day on, you never stopped cooking for him.

— Frank! — Seeing him covered in sweat with a spear in hand, you felt nervous, but you approached him anyway, handing him the dish.

—Spaghetti. I know you guys have your own magical kitchen, but...

You nervously smiled as he took it as something precious, and the corners of his lips lifted. Your breath seemed to catch as you admired how impressive his beauty was to you, the breadth of his shoulders and the strength he seemed to possess. It seemed counterproductive how someone with his appearance was actually such a kind, gentle, and adorable person.

— You don't have to bother — his velvety voice snapped you out of the trance. Still, he held the dish against his chest and smiled sweetly.—Thanks, do you mind if...? — A whistle interrupted him, and his expression seemed to harden, he was annoyed. Without wanting to interrupt his duties, you gestured for him to go, and he walked away from you because he had no other choice. At that moment, Frank hated being a praetor, but you felt relieved not to have to talk to him, taking risks.

The following days were like the ABCs of love... with dishes.

L - for Lasagna

O - for an Omelet

V - for Vegetable Soup

E - for Enchiladas

Each one adapted to lactose intolerance. Sometimes in the middle of the process, you felt your cheeks burning, the embarrassment overwhelming, almost stupid, but you really wanted to let Frank know that you cared about him, and it seemed like you did. It better be that way.

Piper entered through the back door, and after sniffing the aroma of tomato pasta, she groaned.

— Damn it, Frank! — She exclaimed as she put on an apron. —I'll help, but he gets the best part

You laughed as you cleaned the counter and headed to the microwave, where you took out a plate already served. You approached your friend and handed it to her. —Thanks, Pipes.

She accepted your thanks with a mouthful and praised your culinary skills.

— Frank... has he said anything to you? — Piper asked once she swallowed the bite, noticing that strange tone, you glanced at her sideways.

—About what? — Anxiety rushed through your thoughts, and you turned quickly. — He doesn't like the food? Have I already annoyed him? Gods, I knew I looked weird doing it.

Piper shook her head and took a sip of water.

— None of that. I'm just asking... — That strange look again. You noticed her eyes changed from amber to green.

—No — you murmured, running your hand along the edge of the counter, feeling a certain heaviness in your stomach as you noticed the direction the conversation was heading. You didn't want to hear it, so you changed your gaze to Piper for a more upbeat one. — But it's okay like this. It's better if things are at ease, maybe after all, we shouldn't be anything more than friends.

Piper wanted to smack you on the head, she couldn't believe how blind you were. Nevertheless, she knew she had to let things work out on their own. The brunette approached you and caressed your cheek tenderly.

—Go give this to Frank before I snatch it and devour it all.

You let out a chuckle, releasing the tension that had built up in your body.

— Stay away from my macaroni — you scolded, and grabbed the dish. At the door frame, Piper called out to you, you looked at her as she stood on tiptoe and raised her fist encouragingly.

— He's going to love it! — She shouted, and you left the cafeteria in search of Frank.

As you approached the camp area, your steps quickened along with your pulse. Every time you saw him, it felt like walking on a tightrope with lions waiting below to catch you with their sharp teeth. Being with Frank was an explosion of emotions that were held back from being too obvious, the only demonstration of those was the stupid pasta you held.

You scanned your eyes for the boy, while also wanting to close them and pretend you hadn't found him, then Piper could devour the food. Now that you thought about it, in that circumstance, everyone would win. But as soon as you turned towards the Field of Mars, you saw him, and before you could run away, he noticed you too.

You mocked yourself.

Your legs began to weaken, but it wasn't a problem because Frank was already heading towards you with that charming smile that melted you like honey. You remembered a pickup line that would have been very good if only you weren't so bad with words.

—Uber Eats? — He teased mockingly. This time, he was in armor and his cape. "What a damned gem," you thought.

— I think you know it — you tried to respond in the same tone, but a stutter escaped your lips. The faster you delivered it, the better.

Frank's face changed completely, clearly noticing something in your attitude that afternoon. You extended the food, and he received it, momentarily touching your hands. The sensation made you shiver, but you controlled that feeling.

— Good luck, I'll see you later.

He grabbed your shoulder before you could turn away. His brown eyes remained open, filled with motivation.

— You give me this, but you never stay.

You raised an eyebrow, trying to understand both the words and the change in attitude. Frank let go of you and cleared his throat.

— What I mean is that I always end up with something you've cooked for me — he reaffirmed his grip on the dish and looked at it carefully before returning his eyes to yours, his mind trying to choose the right words, hoping not to ruin everything.— But I never get to share it with you. If we could, it would make me happy.

His cheeks turned pink, and you wanted to rub your eyes to make sure of what you were experiencing, but as soon as you considered the possibility, a wave of insecurity washed over your chest.

— I have to... go back to the cafeteria — you took a step back, and he grabbed your arm again. Frank was tired of letting you go and promised himself he wouldn't let it happen this time.

— You can't. You have a matter to discuss with the praetor.

That sentence surprised you as much as it did him.

You stayed silent for a few seconds, and the way Frank held that determined appearance made it impossible for you not to draw a smile. Although you weren't sure if it was out of nerves or because of how funny the situation seemed, maybe both.

— Oh, really? — You challenged. If he didn't let go willingly, maybe throwing him a bad flirtatious line would make him give up, although you weren't sure why you would want to waste something like that.

— Yes. Let's go or the conversation will go cold — he said, taking your hand and ignoring your desire to ruin the moment.

He dragged you to the common dining hall. At that hour it would be occupied only by the two of you.

Frank was a son of Mars. He was good at conspiring strategies against the enemy, and for some time now, he had decided that you were the enemy in this story. Approaching halfway, leaving him out of the game, now he wouldn't allow it, and finally, he could make his next move to you.

#maría's shared dreams☆｡ﾟ✧#frank zhang #frank zhang x y/n #frank zhang x reader #frank zhang x you #pjo hoo toa #heroes of olympus #pjo #percy jackson

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foreverbase1 · 8 days

Text

Ƭ៩♬ƦᖱƦ០ᖰ ❣ ZEROBASEONE

❥𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: popular!bullies!ZEROBASEONE x bullied!fem!reader (not really tho)

❥𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 5.0k

❥𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: High School AU, slight Fluff, mainly Angst, Reader comes back as a bad bitch tho

❥𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Bullying, name calling (slut, whore, etc), members are complete assholes, Reader calls them names back (doggy, etc), swearing, physical bullying (hair pulling, tripping, kicking the back of Reader's knees lightly), mentions of blood

❥𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠: Teardrop by Alex Porat

❥𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: bullies!ZB1, IVE's Leeseo & ILLIT's Minju

❥𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: Reader is consistently the target of bullying by ZEROBASEONE, a group of very popular boys of her school who typically get away with anything they do to her.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬! <𝟑

Decided to try smth a little bit different, so the lyrics aren't really the focus here!

"𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙬 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨"

You sat at the front of your class, writing away into your notebook as the teacher continued the lecture. You had a determined and focused look in your eye, but a tiny smirk was placed onto your lips that were coated in a shiny pink lipgloss.

You could feel the eyes of 9 people staring at the back of your head, but they weren't hurtful or mean gazes, they were more obedient? Concerned? Maybe a little scared? Either way, you liked it. Now don't get it twisted, you aren't a nasty person in any way, every other student could agree on that, you were one of the most helpful and kind students in the entire school.

After the bell had signalled the end of the class and the teacher had packed their things up and left. You heard footsteps approach your desk as you were putting away your school supplies, your eyes looked up slowly, staring at the 9 boys that stood in front of your desk. They were the popular boys of your school. Emphasis on 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦. Who were they? They were ZEROBASEONE, a popular self-formed group of friends at your school, consisting of 9 boys; Kim Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Sung Hanbin, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, Shen Quanrui, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook and Han Yujin.

They were popular simply due to the fact every student at your school had a crush on them, mainly cause of their looks and talent, and also wealth. These 9 boys were rich and originally had the school backing them, they would perform at every dance tournament your school held and at school festivals, they were the school's pride.

Now? Now they simply obeyed you, cause you were the first of their victims to stand up against them, fight back and bite them where it hurt. And also cause you had very damning evidence that could ruin each of their futures in the music industry.

"Y/N...." Hanbin was the first of his friends to speak up, your eyes looking at him and a small smile graced your lips. "Hm?" You hummed, but before any more words could escape from his lips, two more figures joined you. It was your best friends, Minju and Leeseo.

"Y/N, hurry! The cafeteria is gonna run out of strawberry milk if we don't get going" Minju pulled on your arm. "Sure, let's get going" You smile up at them, sending a knowing smirk towards the 9 boys in front of you. Exiting the classroom with your two best friends, all 3 of you giggled to yourselves.

Now you might be very confused. So, let me explain, and get prepared, cause this is a long one!

"𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚, 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚"

Originally, your dynamic was never like this. It was the exact opposite. You used to be the least popular student in the entire school, mainly cause of ZB1's influence on the school and its students. Everyone turned a blind eye when they would call you names, teased you until you cried, hide your supplies so you'd have to run around the entire school building looking for it and they never once dared to rat them out to the faculty. But neither could you, at least, at that time.

The only two people by your side were Leeseo and Minju, they were the only reason you didn't just transfer schools and move on with your life, they were also the reason your entire dynamic changed and they were also the only two that didn't give a flying fuck about ZB1's influence. But they also listened to you, choosing to not turn to the school faculty about the bullying, even if it pained them to see you go through it.

But let's start at the beginning; Elementary school. You used to be best friends with Kim Taerae, the two of you being extremely close. This was up until high school, where you met Leeseo and Minju, and where Taerae met the other ZB1 members. You two drifted apart and lost contact, but at least you still had Minju and Leeseo.

And then everything changed when you and the rest of ZB1 had been put into the same class, thankfully Minju and Leeseo were in it too, so you weren't completely alone. But this was where the bullying began. It was all for a dumb reason too.

By this point, ZB1 had become popular throughout your entire school. You couldn't deny, you were also a fan of them at first. But when Gunwook came up to your desk one day and asked you out on a date, you couldn't help but feel a little self conscious. After all, you could hear his friends snickers in the back of the class and with the smile he wore on his face and his status in the school, the first thought you got was that this was all a joke. A dumb prank to toy with your feelings.

"Sorry Gunwook, i don't think i can" You smiled apologetically at him, you tried to let him down easy, but when the snickers from his friends abruptly stopped and his smile had disappeared and been replaced with a glare within his eyes, you couldn't help but feel your heart drop into your stomach, he shrugged. "Whatever, it's not like you're all that anyway" He said, walking away towards his friends and leaving you stunned. From that day on it got worse.

Gyuvin, Gunwook and Yujin were the main ones from the group that teased you. They shared most of your classes and would tease you whenever they could; At your desk, at your locker, even doing it while the lecture is on going. And it would always resort with you getting into trouble.

You sat in your English class, unfortunately for you, your seat was right in front of Gyuvin, Gunwook and Yujin's seats. Allowing easy access to you. "Pst, Y/N!" Gyuvin whispered, getting light shoves and giggles from Gunwook and Yujin. "Where'd you get your hairband from? It looks cheap" He said, causing you to reach your hand up and fix your hairband. It didn't hurt much, he always targeted your accessories.

Gunwook was the next one to take his approach. "Y/N?" He whispered your name, you hated the fact that your ears tuned in whenever they talked, knowing it'd just result in you being hurt. "I heard you write notes about Hanbin in your notebook, is that true?" He smirked, and with a little maneuvering of his body, he'd peek at the front of you face. "She's blushing, it's true!" He giggled between Gyuvin and Yujin.

You weren't actually blushing because of what he said, it was mainly out of embarrassment. Because the students seated around you were giving you odd looks, as they had overheard what they were saying. You just wanted to melt away, right then and there. But it all got worse when it was finally Yujin's turn. "Y/N" He said, leaning over his desk a bit.

"I heard you still have to sleep with a night light, is it true?" He giggled, it was nothing more than immature, elementary school level teasing. But the glare you sent him was enough of a reaction to feed into them. "She totally does" Gunwook snickered, causing you to turn around. "Can you shut up?" You bit back, but unlike them, you weren't so lucky. "Miss L/N, wanna repeat what you just said?" The teacher said, overhearing what you had said.

Now everyone's eyes were on you and the three boys had gotten what they wanted. You blushed out of embarrassment, fidgeting in your chair. "No, sorry sir" You said, staring directly down, and with a scoff from your teacher, the lesson resumed. Your eyes filled with tears that threatened to fall, you didn't like this, but you had to deal with it. Once class was over, you collected your things and bolted out the door, hoping to find refuge in Minju and Leeseo.

"What assholes" Minju glared at the boys of ZB1 from across the cafeteria. "It's been like this for the past 3 months since you rejected Gunwook, why don't we just go to the principal?" Leeseo said, thinking rationally. She rubbed your back as you ate the small sandwich in your hand. You shook your head in response to her words. "It wouldn't matter, the school adores them, including the principal. They would just dismiss it and if they find out i reported them, it'll get worse" You sniffled, voice quiet.

The bell would soon ring, signalling it was time for your Math class. Probably your most dreaded class of all. Not because you sucked at Maths, it was because Zhang Hao and Shen Quanrui had that class with you. And they were by far the worst of your bullies. Unlike Gyuvin, Gunwook and Yujin with their teasing and tint jabs at you, Zhang Hao and Quanrui threw actual insults at you. They'd call you any name they could think of; Slut, Whore, Dumbass, Loser. You name it, they'd say it.

Sighing, you got up and hugged your friends goodbye. Walking out of the cafeteria with Zhang Hao and Shen Quanrui close behind you.

In your Maths class, you once again had the misfortune of having your desk be placed right in front of Zhang Hao and Quanrui's seats. Once again, allowing easy access to you. As the teacher taught the class about different equations and whatever else she needed to teach the class that day.

And this was when Zhang Hao and Shen Quanrui would start their typical antics. "Hey Y/N?" Quanrui whispered, Zhang Hao snickering beside him already. You tried to drown him out, trying to ignore him, but you also knew that'd make it worse. "Hey, slut" He said again, this time dropping his teasing tone. You breathed in, before slowly turning around. "What's the answer to this one?" He held up his notebook, pointing to one of the equations written down that he couldn't be bothered to figure out himself. "I don't know" You mumbled, and Zhang Hao scoffed. "What are you? A fucking moron?" Him and Quanrui snickering to themselves, the teacher looked over at the noise and instead of targeting the two boys who were clearly making the most noise, her eyes landed on you and your figure being turned towards them.

"Miss L/N, can you answer this one for us?" She raised her voice, causing you to turn around and face the front of the class. You looked around quickly, everyone's eyes once again on you. "Umm, is it....96?" You said, your voice was quiet. The teacher sighed, shaking her head and the class giggled. "Pay attention next time" She scolded you and you nodded, sniffling a little as tears filled your eyes again. "Great job dumbass" Hao said, him and Quanrui snickering to themselves.

Just as quickly as class started, it ended as well. And now it was time for your final class of the day, History class. With Hanbin, Jiwoong, Matthew and Taerae. This was by far your worst class of them all, cause while Gyuvin, Gunwook and Yujin teased you, Zhang Hao and Quanrui called you the meanest insults they could think of. Hanbin, Jiwoong and Matthew were much worse and would resort to physical contact with you.

Thankfully, Leeseo shared this class with you and your seat was with hers. But again, Matthew, Hanbin and Jiwoong's seats were right behind yours. And during this class, was when you finally had enough and reached your breaking point.

"See Y/N, this is where....." Leeseo's voice carried on as you listened to her help you with a certain part you were stuck on, you giggled. "Thanks SeoSeo" you thanked her, earning a smile from your best friend. As class continued, it was actually peaceful, so far the last 4 members of Zerobullyone hadn't bothered you yet. Keyword being yet.

The teacher would leave the class, another faculty member requesting their aid in something. And this was when it all went downhill. You got up to collect some paper from the back of the class, and with a few shared glances between the boys, Matthew got up and followed you.

While you were minding your business, humming to yourself as you picked up a few pieces of paper, Matthew stepped behind you, pulling your hair. Hard. You hissed, your hand quickly reaching behind you to rub over the spot he had just pulled on. "Sorry, my hand got caught" He smirked, giving you a side eye as he got some paper and returned to his seat, earning high fives from Jiwoong and Hanbin.

You breathed in, calming yourself. But next up to make your life a living hell was Hanbin. As you went to turn around and return to your seat, Hanbin walked right behind you, and raising his leg quickly, he kicked the back of your knee. Causing you to buckle and bang your knees against the wall in front of you. You bit your lip to stop yourself from letting out a cry of pain, standing up and wobbling back over to your desk without a second glance back at Hanbin.

But unfortunately for you, you still had one more demon to face. Kim Jiwoong. As you neared your desk, he stuck his leg out, causing you to trip and let out a loud yelp, followed by a loud crash. "Y/N, you okay?!" Leeseo yelled, but before she could get up the teacher walked back in. All eyes we're once again on you. "Y/N, what are you doing on the floor?" The teacher asked, watching as you sat up, letting out a small whimper before reaching up to your head.

Your fingers grazed a spot on your forehead where your head had hit the desk, and with a gasp from a student, everyone's eyes widened. "She's bleeding!" One student shouted, at their words you had pulled your hand back down in front of you, analyzing the crimson red that stained your fingers. "Y/N, are you okay?" The teacher kneeled down and helped you up, you began letting the tears fall, sobbing as you shook your head. "Miss, I'll take her to the nurse" Taerae stood up, a smile on his face.

Leeseo glared at him, her eyes turning to Matthew, Hanbin and Jiwoong behind as the three of them tried holding in their laughter. "Great idea, Taerae. Tha-" "Actually, I'll take her" She cut off the teacher, standing up and earning glares from the 4 boys, she continued. "I finished all my work and i'm sure it'd be better if someone who actually 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 went with her. I'm her friend after all and i'm sure Taerae hasn't finished all his work." She finished, a smirk on her face as she stared at Taerae.

"Well, okay. Thank you Leeseo." The teacher said, handing you off into the comfort of your best friend's arms as you left the class. "Crybaby" Taerae muttered to you as you both left. You didn't know why you had to go through his, all because you rejected their friend? It wasn't your fault, you thought it was them trying to mess with you.

"Thank you" You sniffled, thanking the nurse as she patched up your head and called your parents. "SeoSeo, i think i'm gonna move schools" Her eyes widened, and the girl shook her head. "You can't be serious, if you do that, they'll know they won". You looked down, twiddling your fingers. " I know, but, it hurts and i can't take too much more, SeoSeo." She sighs, when you got like this she knew there wasn't much she could do to change your mind.

Leeseo waited with you until your parents arrived and picked you up, before returning to class. Entering back into the classroom, she felt the glares of the 4 boys return to her. The teacher nowhere to be seen. "Just had to get in the way" Hanbin mumbled, and this was when Leeseo snapped. "What are you four, mentally deranged or something? Did your parents drop you when you were kids? You caused Y/N's head to bleed and that's all you have to say? All cause of what, cause she rejected your fragile friend and hurt his fucking feelings? Grow the fuck up." She growled at them, malice in her tone as she collected her things and left once the bell had signalled the end of the school day.

"𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙄'𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙠. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙠, 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙡𝙡, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝"

A month had passed since the incident that day and you had refused to go to school, you only let your parents know half of what was going on and it was all they needed to let you stay at home. After school finished, Leeseo and Minju would visit you and help you catch up on all the lessons you missed. Without them, you didn't know how long you could've handled the bullying when it first started.

Two weeks before summer break arrived, Leeseo and Minju had managed to convince you not to go through with the school transfer, instead offering another solution; 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚.

At first you were a bit cautious, cause you could go into big trouble and the 9 of the ZB1 members were basically untouchable. Well, not entirely. "Since you haven't been at school, they've chosen new targets each time. If me and Leeseo record every incident, they can't turn it down whatsoever." Minju sat up, showing you both two small special cameras and microphones.

"I'm.....not gonna ask where you got those from" Leeseo giggled, as she fixed your hair for you. "What do you say Y/N? I'm down for it if you are" She said, looking at you. Your eyes looked between your two friends and then back at yourself in the mirror. You didn't really want to get on their level, but when there's no one else to turn to, then you have to bite back. Right?. "Let's do it"

And just like that, your mission to ruin ZEROBASEONE's members was initiated. Just as Minju and Leeseo had said, they recorded each incident of the members bullying other students and would then send the recordings to you, where you'd then edit it together into one large video file. This would continue on until summer break rolled around, and you were sure you had everything you needed.

With the video created and ready for whenever you needed it, you decided to move onto the secret phase of your mission. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. So all of summer break you learned how to do makeup, doll yourself up. You weren't ugly by any means, and this wasn't like a Disney movie where taking your glasses off suddenly made you prettier, but your school's popularity thrived off of visuals. And if it's visuals they wanted, you'd give it to them.

Just as quickly as summer break started, it had ended. On the day of the student's return, you texted Leeseo and Minju to meet you in class and not pick you up, as you had a surprise. They agreed, trusting you. And now here you stood, in front of the school gates, earning glances and whispers from other students around you.

You walked through the halls of the school, greeting each student and teacher that passed. Your hair was nice and neat, curled well. A hairband sat prettily atop your head, your lips shining with pink lipgloss, your cheeks holding a bit of blush and a smile gracing your lips. It was like they were seeing a whole new person, and technically they were.

Standing outside your classroom door, you texted Leeseo and Minju one last time, before opening the classroom door and stepping inside, the sound of the heeled shoes you had purchased during summer clicking against the floor as you stepped inside and shut the door behind you. Everyone was quiet, all eyes on you. Including the ZB1 members. Leeseo and Minju's mouths were open in shock, but a tiny hint of a smirk was hidden within it too.

"Good morning" You said, eyes scanning the classroom. A chorus of slow and quiet good mornings were given back, everyone beginning to whisper amongst each other. This was going all according to plan, just like you hoped. Instead of taking the route to your desk in order to avoid the ZB1 members, you took the route where you had to pass by them instead.

As you walked past, the members quickly sprung into action, with Hanbin pulling on your bag and causing it to drop some of your school supplies. You stood still, everyone's eyes now on you. But you weren't scared, no, quite the opposite. As the members tried to snicker to one another, you turned towards Hanbin and stepped closer. "Pick it up" You said, causing everyone to gasp. "W-what?" Hanbin said back, staring down at you.

You scoffed, grabbing his tie and yanking him down a bit to your eye level, everyone's eyes widened in shock including Hanbin and the rest of the ZB1 members. "I said, Pick. It. Up. Doggy." Each word that left your mouth was laced with venom, and Hanbin swallowed hard. Looking around, he quickly bent down and began picking up your supplies and handing it back to you. "Thank you" You smiled at him.

And now, you may be confused. We went through what each member did to bully you and get to you right? All except Taerae. That was cause Taerae never resorted to teasing, physical bullying or calling you the lowest of insults. Instead he held something much harmful; Your secrets from your now broken friendship.

Determined to make up for the embarrassment you caused Hanbin, Taerae chuckled. "Y/N, remember when you used to have a massive crush on me?" He said, now this was getting juicy, at least for the onlookers. Stopping in your tracks again, you turned towards Taerae and his friends. "Taerae, remember when you peed yourself in the middle of class? Cause i sure do" You bit back, and that caused a chorus of laughter to erupt in the classroom, Taerae shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

Finally reaching your friends, you greeted them with hugs and a smile. But you weren't done, not until you got back at each member.

Your next targets were Gyuvin, Gunwook and Yujin. But they were easy, after all, it wasn't hard getting them to shut up. Your first class of the day was Sports class and luckily for you, the teacher that usually taught the Male students was absent, so both groups would merge this one time.

The teacher decided to play dodgeball, thinking it'd be fun to see how it'd go. Of course, the girls were losing badly. Because most of the time, your group did everything but the actual class during Sports class. But you were determined to use this class to get back at Gyuvin, Gunwook and Yujin. And that you would.

When the teacher was distracted, you used this opportunity to exact your revenge. You threw the ball as hard as possible, hitting Gyuvin right in the genitals and causing him to collapse to the floor in pain. "What happened?" The teacher said after her attention was put back on the class at the sound of the commotion, everyone was silent staring at you.

"Sorry, i accidentally threw the ball a little too hard." You giggled, approaching Gyuvin and offering your hand. He hesitated, but took it anyway. "Don't leave yourself so open next time, duckling" You whispered to him, before returning to your side of the field with a smirk on your face.

Gyuvin had to sit out due to the pain he was feeling and this left two people left to take care of. Gunwook and Yujin. You nodded towards Leeseo, who on cue, began distracting the teacher. "Hey, miss, i was thinking...." She began the distraction as you targeted your next bully; Yujin. Picking up the ball, when Yujin was distracted with dodging two other students attempts at eliminating him, you threw the ball at him, once again with all your strength, hitting him right in the stomach and toppling him over.

The teacher paused, blowing the whistle and signalling that Yujin was out. "Sorry, i guess i don't know my own strength." You giggled as you watched Yujin glare at you, leaving the field. One more to go.

With the last signal to Minju, the girl would start her distraction on the teacher. "Hey, i think i heard......" You drowned out her voice and focused on Gunwook, you two stared at each other, you knew that he had caught onto what you were doing. He wasn't stupid after all, but the poor boy had no idea what you had coming for him.

When you managed to tag Leeseo back into the game, she threw a ball right at Gunwook, who spent his time dodging it. This allowed you to set yourself up, and before the boy could recover, you hurled the ball right at his face. Hard. Gasps erupted the entire sports hall, and the teacher had to stop the class in order to attend to the whimpering boy on the floor holding his nose.

"Gunwook, are you okay?" You said, faking innocence and pretending to actually care. The boy glared up at you, and just as you were enjoying the payback you were giving them, the class ended. But that isn't where it stops, you still had 4 boys left to get revenge on.

Your next targets were Zhang Hao and Shen Quanrui. Math class would be fun this time around. The lesson went normally for the first part, you just waited for the two boys to try and get their egos fulfilled by targeting you. "Y/N" Zhang Hao's voice filled your ears, now the fun part.

Turning towards Zhang Hao, you smiled at him. "What is it?" You said, catching him off guard a bit. But he recovered quickly, holding up his notebook. "What's the answer to this one?" He pointed to the question, you looked at it before looking back at him.

"Why? Can't figure it out yourself? Don't tell me...." You covered your mouth to stop yourself from laughing too loud. "Zhang Hao's actually an idiot" You said loudly, of course, on purpose. The teacher cleared her throat, catching your attention. "Miss, i think Zhang Hao needs help, he can't even figure out what 5 + 5 is. He's asking me for the answer" You explained to her, causing Hao to glare at you from where he sat, giggles filled the classroom as the teacher nodded her head.

"I see, Zhang Hao, i'm quite shocked cause you're usually at the top of this class." She said, and while they were distracted by the teacher, you quickly exchanged yours and Quanrui's notebooks before you spoke up again. "And miss, i think Quanrui is confused too, cause he doodled on his notebook". Quanrui looked down at his (yours) notebook, and just like you had said, the entire pages were filled with doodles.

"I'm disappointed with you two, pay attention, cause i'm only going over it once" The teacher took her place at the front of the class, determined to help Zhang Hao and Quanrui despite them not actually needing help. "Better luck next time, morons" You snickered, facing the front of the class with a smirk as you felt them stare at the back of your head.

Now it was time for your last two targets; Kim Jiwoong and Seok Matthew. But, you weren't gonna humiliate them in front of everyone else, instead you'll let them fear that you would. What better way to break the two cockiest members egos? Make them live in paranoia.

"SeoSeo, Ju, i need you to do something for me" You told the two girls as you sat in the cafeteria. It was time for the final phase of your plan. You were going to ruin ZEROBASEONE.

After lunchtime had finished, you waited in an empty classroom until Leeseo and Minju arrived. When the doors slammed open and the two girls ran in with a group of 9 boys behind them, you knew it was time. Clicking play on the laptop you had set up, the video you had put together played on the monitor. It showcased each bullying event that each member did to a poor student, making sure to blur out the students faces for their privacy.

"Checkmate" You said, smirking as you stared at the stunned expressions on each member's face. After the video ended, you, Leeseo and Minju listened contently to each member beg you not to release the video. It was cute, in a way. You had them wrapped around your finger and begging at your feet. You had ruined them in a day, how easy was that. The 9 men that made your life hell for days on end, cracked in one day.

"Okay, we won't. Under one condition." You said, stepping forward with your arms crossed over your chest. Eyes all on you. "Do as we say." You spoke each word slowly, making sure they heard you.

And that is how we come to the present day. Your revenge worked perfectly, you made all 9 members crack in the span of a day and held a video that could ruin their careers if they so much as tried to step out of line. You smiled to yourself as you stared at yourself in the school bathroom mirror. It was cruel, and sure, you felt bad about it. You had stooped to their level, but as you looked at yourself, you couldn't help but feel content.

You had gotten revenge on the 9 boys that caused you so much pain and hurt, the 9 boys that made you want to run away and hide from the world, the 9 boys who hurt the fragile girl that was still deep inside you. But you avenged her, you protected her. You protected 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. And now you no longer had to worry or live in fear of them anymore.

𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦

"𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪."

𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 <𝟑 𝐈 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈'𝐦 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝!

49 notes · View notes

asksythe · 10 months

Note

I read your tweet on how Wei Ying’s Guidao is orthodox cultivation based on real Guidao and that it’s descended from Bashu witchcraft. I’m very interested in that. Can you elaborate on it? What parts of WWX’s Guidao are based on real-life folklore? I’ve also seen people talk about how his cultivation is bad because it locks souls in their dead bodies. That doesn’t sound too credible to me, but I don’t know enough to be sure.

Hmm… I’m not sure what you want me to elaborate on exactly. It’s a lot of materials to cover. Dry materials at that.

In any case, Guidao 鬼道 (Path of the Dead, Ghost Path) is a real-life orthodox cultivation. WWX’s Ghost Path, aside from sharing the name, has two main aspects that draw directly from real-life basis: 1/ the summoning, nurturing, and utilizing of ghosts or wraiths (in the novel, those would be the ghost lady and the ghost child that killed Wang Lingjiao and Wen Zhuliu. In the Donghua, they are represented as ghost brides), and 2/ commanding fierce corpses.

These two aspects are drawn from two different sources.

I. Maoshan Sect’s Guidao:

As I mentioned in the tweet, the ghost path belongs to one of the three main fulu orthodox schools of Daoism: the Maoshan Sect (the other two being Quanzhen and Zhengyi)

The earliest mentions of Ghost Path are in Han and Jin history records as well as the Three Kingdoms: Zhang Lu biography texts. These texts talk of a Daoist named Zhang Lingzhi, whose Daoism is called Guidao 鬼道. Zhang Lingzhi taught the people the way of ghosts and dao and raised an army. His soldiers and generals were called ghost soldiers and ghost generals. Zhang Lingzhi’s Daoism was itself descended from Bashu ethnic group witchcraft. Zhang Lingzhi founded the 天师道 Tianshidao School.

(Citation: Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences - “巴蜀的“鬼道”如何变成了道教?” - How did Bashu’s ghost path become Taoism? http://www.sass.cn/912/default.aspx If you want to dig deeper, you can contact the academy directly for their research paper.)

Tianshidao School underwent several name changes over the year. To this day, they are known under the name (or descended, as some would say) Maoshan Sect in Jiangsu Province.

Maoshan sect has four major specialties: talisman, array, sorcery, and the nurturing of ghost familiars. After the cultural revolution, Maoshan sect lost a lot of its scriptures and relics. But it has been around for literally thousands of years. So there are still things there. It’s not the titan it used to be, but it’s still very much a cultural icon. There are numerous movies, books, and games that draw from Maoshan history and legends. One of them happens to be a movie cited as MXTX’s inspiration for aspects of MDZS in the recent Subaru magazine.

(Mr. Vampire, the movie cited in Subaru magazine features the adventure of a Maoshan Daoist)

II. Tujia 土家族 ethnic group’s stiff corpse driving sorcery - Hunan:

The other aspect of WWX’s ghost path: the commanding of dead corpses by a warlock. In the same Subaru interview, MXTX also talked of folk legends of Jiangshi (stiff corpse, or commonly translated as Chinese hopping vampire) serving as the basis for her fierce corpse, ranging from things like general abilities, toxicity, and tricks like using rice gruel to cure their poison.

Jiangshi has been around since the Ming dynasty, but tales of warlock with the ability to command them originate from the Tujia ethnic group in Hunan.

A jiangshi warlock process the corpses, plaster them with paper talismans to restrain their ferocity, tie them in a row, and leads them using a bell that the warlock continuously rings.

(Hoppy hoppy! It's edgiest conga train!)

Well, I don’t think I need to point out the similarity between the real-life Tujia warlock and WWX’s corpse commanding ability.

This specific sorcery was created in a time of war, when young men died in far-off lands. Their families, wanting to bury them in their home soil, would pay a warlock to go fetch their corpses and walk these corpses all the way back to their home province.

These legends might seem very fantastic but the corpse walking part is a very real job that still existed until the last 50 years. It’s featured in Liao Yiwu’s real-life journalism record “The Corpse Walker”

(It's a really thrilling read. I got the physical copy over 13 years ago while I was in my last year at university. I recommend it.)

III. How does Tujia warlock (and WWX) supposedly command corpses?

Regarding the whole, did WWX lock people’s souls inside their dead bodies. Uh…. I don’t think so.

Why?

Because Chinese beliefs about souls are different from Western beliefs. In Chinese lore, a person has three souls and seven spirits (三魂七魄). The three souls represent the positive aspects of a person, with one soul literally being a divine spark. The seven spirits represent earthly taints and degradations and are bound to the body. When a person dies, the three souls will go to the heavens, the next life, and the underworld, respectively. The seven spirits, on the other hand, dissipate after death after 49 days.

This belief is shared in other Sinosphere nations as well and is featured in other media franchises. If you read Inuyasha, you will remember the Jewel of Four Souls and the Four Souls concept being a close relative to three souls seven spirits. In Vietnam, there is folklore of Ba Hồn Bảy Vía and rituals on how to call a person's soul home.

It’s these seven spirits that create Jiangshi. If the spirits do not completely dissipate, the corpse turns into a Jiangshi, a literal life vampire that has only the worst aspect of the dead person and who is forever hungering for life energy. It is these seven spirits that a Tujia warlock (and WWX) controls.

When you have this context, you can put the creation of Wen Ning in a different perspective, and why is it that it's such a big deal he retains his consciousness as a corpse.

(Citation: https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%83%B5%E5%B0%B8/80733

#ask sythe #mdzs #mo dao zu shi #wei ying #wei wuxian #Ghost Path #Guidao

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commiepinkofag · 6 months

Text

Democrat Drops Senate Run to Challenge Cori Bush Over Her Support of Palestine

Instead of seeking to unseat far right Sen. Josh Hawley, the Democrat is zeroing in on a progressive in the House.

📷 Celal Gunes | Rep. Cori Bush, October 18, 2023 demonstration advocating for ceasefire in Gaza.

…

Excerpt from Sharon Zhang/Truthout [cc]

Missouri Democrat [Wesley Bell] announced this week that he is giving up a months-long run to unseat outspoken far right Republican Sen. Josh Hawley — in order to stage a primary challenge to progressive Democrat Rep. Cori Bush, citing her support of Palestinians amid Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

In the Senate race, Bell had the opportunity to oust one of the most outspoken right-wing members of the chamber. Hawley is perhaps most well known for his salute to Donald Trump militants on the January 6, 2021, attempted coup, and Democrats have cited him as a key figure in inciting the militants that day.

Instead, Bell is zeroing in on primarying one of the most consistently progressive and left-wing lawmakers in Congress — one who has garnered praise for being one of only about a dozen lawmakers advocating for Palestinians in the past weeks and years.

…

Bush isn’t the only progressive critic of Israel who’s facing a primary challenge next year. Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) and Summer Lee (D-Pennsylvania) are also facing challengers who have cited their support of Israel as a reason for the challenge, while another New York Democrat is citing Israel as a reason he may run against Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D).

These primary challenges will likely have strong support from AIPAC, a pro-Israel PAC that has spent millions on opposing progressive pro-Palestine candidates…

Bush and Ocasio-Cortez have spoken out against AIPAC this week.

“AIPAC endorsed scores of Jan 6th insurrectionists. They are no friend to American democracy,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on social media on Tuesday. “They are one of the more racist and bigoted PACs in Congress as well, who disproportionately target members of color. They are an extremist organization that destabilizes U.S. democracy.”

“Speak on it, sis. AIPAC’s dark money grift & anti-democracy propping up of insurrectionists are attempts to undermine the will of the people,” Bush wrote in a response. “They spread lies, distort truth, and spend millions of dollars targeting Black and brown elected officials working to end hate & injustice.”

aka Right-wing / MAGA / AIPAC / Democrat strategy to maintain power

Biden has already lost a great deal of support in the Muslim / Arab communities for his hugging support of Israel.

#fascism #us politics #D is for dumb #democrats #right-wing #republicans #protest #activism #free palestine #palestine #2023

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cookienha · 4 months

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☆ new years with zb1

¦ ot9!zb1 x gn!reader, fluff

¦ warnings: established relationships, pet names, kisses

¦ a/n: i rlly never thought zb1 n bnd would bring me so much happiness in such a short time but here we are 🥹 wishing you all a blessed 2024 filled with happiness and great health!!! happy new years everyone!!! <3

kim jiwoong !!

The countdown neared midnight, Jiwoong and I stood on the rooftop, the chilly air wrapped around us as we exchanged a glance, smiles mirroring the promise of a new year.

When the clock struck twelve, his hand intertwined with mine. Fireworks erupted, painting the sky with bursts of color and in that fleeting moment, amidst the cheers and laughter, Jiwoong whispered, "Here's to new beginnings, Y/N."

The fireworks mirrored the explosion of emotions between us. In that stolen moment, our lips met, sealing a pact for the year ahead.

zhang hao !!

In Zhang Hao's hometown, the New Year was a tapestry woven with family traditions. His ancestral home echoed with laughter and the aroma of festive feasts. I decided to spend the start into a new year with my boyfriend's family, as he'd invited me to.

In the evenings, I joined the bustling kitchen, sharing laughs and stories while mastering the art of dumpling-making, the Zhang's family recipe. "Try the dumplings, Y/N, they're a family recipe," his mother insisted, her eyes twinkling with pride.

During the night, while awaiting the countdown, his father recounted tales of the town's history, eyes lighting up with nostalgia. "This town has seen generations of joy and resilience," he said, a deep sense of belonging in his voice. Me and Hao sat on the floor, hands intertwined, absorbed in the tales of old time. When the clock struck midnight, we gathered in the courtyard, enveloped in the warmth of family. Hao's relatives teased, "So, when are we getting wedding bells, you two?" He simply blushed, chuckling as his ears turned red but his eyes held a promise.

In his cherished hometown, amidst familial banter and shared laughter, we welcomed the New Year with love, stories, and the anticipation of future chapters.

sung hanbin !!

Soft music played in the background as we prepared a makeshift feast of comfort foods. The scent of homemade dishes filled the air of my apartment, creating a haven of shared moments. As the clock approached midnight, we stood by the window, awaiting the distant fireworks that'll soon paint the night sky. We shared stories, laughed, and embraced each other in the cozy air of the apartment.

"Here's to a year of laughter, love, and endless possibilities," Hanbin said, smiling, his eyes sparkling with warmth as we raised our glasses of champagne. The clink echoed in our quiet celebration.

"I love you," He says. "Thank you for being mine, angel." When the clock finally struck twelve, his lips met mine.

"I love you too." I smiled against the kiss, a promise sealed in the intimacy of our own space.

seok matthew !!

The New Year's Eve atmosphere was intimate and warm in his apartment. Matthew, with his charming demeanor, took charge of the playlist, curating a blend of nostalgic tunes and upbeat melodies.

As we lounged on the couch, he flashed a mischievous smile and said, "Care for a dance before the countdown, my love?" He extended his hand, and I couldn't resist the invitation. We swayed to the music, creating our own private celebration in the living room. Our laughter mixed with the melodies, turning our small space into a dance floor filled with shared moments. When the countdown neared, we stood close, his arms wrapped around me. As the clock struck midnight, our lips met in a gentle kiss, a silent promise of countless more dances and shared memories in each other's embrace.

kim taerae !!

As the final moments of the year ticked away, Taerae's fingers gracefully danced across the strings of his guitar.

In the soft glow of fairy lights, his cozy bedroom transformed into an intimate concert space, occasionally laughing when we heard his nembers' creating a scene outside the door.

The melody he crafted filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere just for the two of us to enjoy.

"Here's to new beginnings," Taerae whispered, his voice blending with the gentle strumming. I sat mesmerized, captivated by the emotion in each note. The music wrapped around us, a tender embrace that transcended words. As the clock approached midnight, he set aside the guitar, and we sat together, facing the unknown. With a subtle smile, he pressed a sweet kiss against my forehead, his way of saying, "Here's to another year of melodies and moments, just you and me."

shen ricky !!

In the setting of Ricky's lavish penthouse, New Year's Eve unfolded like a scene from a glamorous movie.

The panoramic view of the city sparkled beneath us as we stood on the private terrace, sharing stories and laughters in the comfort of each other.

The clock quickly approached midnight and his eyes met mine in a silent acknowledgment of the year's end. With a flourish, he raised his glass and declared, "To a year filled with even grander adventures, princess."

The countdown echoed through the luxurious space. As the clock struck twelve, he placed a soft kiss on my forehead, a silent promise of another year in his luxurious world of warmth.

kim gyuvin !!

The New Year's Eve countdown approached and we found ourselves in the midst of joyful chaos with his fellow members, laughter echoing through the cozy dorm as we shared stories and prepared a feast. In the living room adorned with fairy lights, Gyuvin's eyes sparkled with warmth. Amidst the lively banters and shared laughters, he subtly intertwined our fingers, a quiet reassurance in the midst of the celebration. The room buzzed louder with excitement as the clock approached midnight.

At midnight, surrounded by the people who meant the most to him, Gyuvin initiated a series of heartfelt hugs with his members, each embrace speaking volumes of the trust they shared.

As the last hug concluded, he turned to me with a smile, his arms welcoming me into the final hug, marking the beginning of a new year in the embrace of the comfort we found in each other.

park gunwook !!

New Year's Eve was a tapestry of tradition and warmth in Gunwook's familial haven. The fragrance of home-cooked delicacies wafted through the air as we gathered in the cozy living room, surrounded by the comforting laughter of his family. His parents welcomed me with open arms, sharing stories that intertwined with the crackling fireplace.

Gunwook's older brother, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, nudged him as if to say, "Finally, you brought someone home." The house echoed with the harmonious blend of familial banter. As the clock approached midnight, Gunwook's father led us in a traditional New Year's toast.

Gunwook caught my eye, his smile conveying a promise of shared moments in the year ahead.

When the clock struck twelve, we stood together as we marvelled at the fireworks display outside the window. His hand was intertwined with mine, welcoming the new year in the warm embrace of his home and the love that permeated each corner.

han yujin !!

As the New Year's Eve countdown commenced, Yujin and I found ourselves physically miles apart but emotionally connected through a video call.

Cupcakes, adorned with colorful frosting and sprinkles, were our shared virtual treat for the occasion. Our laughter echoed through the screen as we exchanged stories and reminisced about the year, smiling ear to ear.

In the backdrop of our respective spaces, we lit candles for a makeshift celebration. The digital connection bridged the gap, turning mere pixels into shared smiles. When the countdown reached it's final moments, Yujin held up his cupcake to the camera and I mirrored the gesture on my end. With a synchronized "Happy New Year!", We both blew out the candles simultaneously, the soft glow of our screens capturing the warmth of our shared moment. In the simplicity of a video call and the sweetness of virtual cupcakes, we welcomed the new year with hopes and aspirations, our shared dreams interweaving through the pixels on the screen. It was a celebration not only of the passing time but also of the growth and admiration that marked our journey together into the promising chapters of the coming year.

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a1307s · 5 months

Text

Quitting

(Roy Harper)

[Art is not mine! Credit to Denise Zhang]

Requested by: Myself

Keys:

Y/N: Your Name

Word Count: 3,439

Warnings and/or Pre-notes:

Cursing

Mentions of Oral (male receiving)

Sexual Tension

Smoking

Mentions of death

FIA: Fallen in Action

———————————————————————

"Arsenal - B4, Superboy - B5, Robin - B16, Beastboy - B12," The mountain calls out as some of the other members, and I walk through the entrance.

Laughter comes from the living room as Y/N bolts out of it and heads towards me. I'm sure she's thrilled I'm back. I'm thrilled I'm back. We haven't had any time together all week. If we aren't on missions, then I had shit to do for Oliver dealing with Queen Enterprises.

"Roy!" Y/N chirps, her body slamming into mine from the lack of a slowdown she gives herself.

My arms drop around her, worried she'll flop onto the ground from the impact. "What the fuck do you think you're doing? You need to be careful," I bark at her, straightening her up some.

Y/N's eyes flicker for a second before her normal spark is back. I'm not very good at being... publicly affectionate. Because of this, sometimes my words and actions come out harsher than I mean. As long as we get enough alone time throughout the day, she doesn't mind. Y/N says she sees it as her 'giving me slices of affection throughout the day whereas I give her the whole cake at once'. I don't fucking know what that means but hey, happy - future - wife, happy life.

"I'm sorry for yelling," I mutter, releasing my hold on her a bit, but not totally. One of my hands drops down to her wrist so I can use it to tug her into my room at the mountain.

Y/N pitter-patters behind me, rambling on about what book she ordered today. I make a mental note of the title, I need to power-read it tomorrow, so I know what she's talking about when she starts reading it herself. "And guess what?" She cheers, wiggling her wrist as we walk through the living room.

I loosen my grip on her some and make sure to be gentle as I lead her around a corner. "You're going to give me head?"

"I can if you'd like, but no that's not what you're supposed to be guessing," Y/N answers after a beat of silence.

I stop in my tracks, causing Y/N to bump into my back. My hand shifts around her wrist as I turn to face her. "I've barely seen you all week, I don't want sex," that's a lie. "Well, I do want sex," I correct myself, "but there are more important things right now. What am I supposed to be guessing?"

Her eyes lighten up as she tilts her head to look at me. "You're supposed to be guessing the ending of my last book," she spills out, pretty much jumping in place. Y/N is adorable when she talks about her books. My own personal Princess Bell.

"They all died," I answer, turning back around and continuing to lead the way to my room. The book actually ends with the art teacher finding out his student is the daughter of his dead girlfriend, and the twins start healing their relationship.

"No! Though that would be quite the twist," Y/N says before she starts another ramble, this time about the ending of her most recent book. I listen to her talk as I work on opening my bedroom door. "I loved it!" She says, as I usher her into the room and close the door behind us.

"I'm glad you did, Gorgeous" I mutter, dropping my hands down to her thighs to lift her. I place her on my torso, her hands automatically sliding into my hair. Y/N's legs are usually wrapped around my back, but my bow and quiver are taking up that space, so her legs are dangled at my sides. Y/N always teases me about placing her on my torso instead of my waist. She says I do it because I like looking up at her. She's not wrong but I'm not going to let her know that.

"How was your mission?" Y/N asks, messing with the ends of my hair.

"Tiring and straining, but nothing too difficult," I answer her, carrying her toward the bathroom. "You should take a bath with me," I half ask, half order. It's not much of a secret that I'm very much the dominating member of our relationship. Despite that, I definitely serve Y/N a hell of a lot more than she serves me. Jason always teases me about it, poking fun that I'm whipped. He's not wrong but that's another truth that doesn't need to be admitted.

"Okay," Y/N hums, rubbing her cheek against my hair.

"That's not a yes," I remark, gently placing Y/N onto her feet once we're in the bathroom.

"Yes, Roy, I'll take a bath with you." Once the 'yes' is out of her mouth, I start tugging her clothes off. Her shirt is up and over her head before she finishes her sentence. I wasn't lying when I said there's more important things than fucking her right now. We need some quality time, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy what's mine.

My lips attach to her shoulder as I work on pulling her pants off of her. I litter her exposed skin with soft kisses, following each one with an 'I missed you', 'I love you,' or a 'you're perfect'.

Y/N answers each one back, echoing my 'I missed you's and 'I love you's. Her own hands work on stripping me but she's a little behind from having to pull my bow off of me and from struggling to unbuckle my quiver. I find it cute how flustered she's getting with the buckle.

Once her pants are off, I pull back from her. I want - need - this to be sweet, not sexual. I've missed her too much to eat up our free time with sex right now. I help her with the buckle and let her tug my gloves and shirt off. Y/N's lips are attached to me, working their way over my collarbones and biceps as I make sure to set my weapons down somewhere safe. The last thing I need is a broken bow to add to the shit that has been eating up our time together.

"Calm down a bit," I voice once Y/N starts down my chest. "We're just taking a bath."

"Just a bath?" She echoes as I gently pull her off of me and hum in agreement. Y/N is detached long enough for me to walk towards the shower. She happily attaches to me, this time pressing soft kisses into my back with her arms wrapped around me. I let her litter me in kisses as I start filling the bathtub. I'm sure she's missed me as much as I missed her, so this attention isn't going to slow down anytime soon. Honestly, she's been a lot more clingy than usual.

When the bath is ready, I finish stripping Y/N, taking my time to look over her. She happily puts herself on display, pushing her boobs up and pouting, making me second guess whether I want to keep this sweet or not. "Little tease," I murmur, picking her up before plopping her into the bubbles. "I don't want to wash my hair so I'm going to put it up. Do you want your hair up too?"

"Yes please," Y/N utters, sinking herself into the water.

I make quick work once I step out of the bathroom, tucking my supplies away, pulling the rest of my clothes off, and tying my hair up. I stand over the bathtub, watching as Y/N licks her lips as she glances between my face and my dick. This is a sweet, gentle, loving bath. Nothing more. I collect her hair in my hands, getting a teasing mewl from her as she temps me. "You know, the more desperate you act, the longer you're going to wait," I husk out, pulling her hair through an elastic to make a cute messy bun on top of her head.

Y/N whines, slumping more in the tub. "It was worth a shot," she mumbles, blowing at some of the bubbles.

"You will get what you want later, I promise. I just want to soak the strain out of my muscles and spend some time with you," I tell her, stepping into the tub before sitting in the water with her.

Y/N hums in agreement, sliding backward so her spine is pressed against my chest. I gently wrap my arms around her stomach, sinking into the tub to soak more of my arms and back. I go back to littering her with sweet nothings and kisses, letting all the longing for her wash away as I hold her. My girlfriend's head tips back, resting it against my shoulder. I take the chance to shift my focus from her shoulders to her face. Occasionally I turn my kisses to her lips, making sure to only take quick pecks. I'd feel like an asshole if I told her 'Not right now' and then tease her with a make-out session.

Her lips are bruised under mine from her constant biting and picking at them. It's a nervous tick of hers that I'm not happy about. "You should stop picking your lips," I murmur against her cheek before dragging kisses down to her jaw.

"You should stop smoking," Y/N shoots back, turning her head so our noses bump.

I sigh gently, tilting my head some before I brush our lips together again. I try to pull away, only leaving her another short kiss, but Y/N lifts her hand to my neck, keeping me in place. A small make-out session won't hurt. I give her what she wants, letting our lips dance against each other for a while. "I'll think about it," I whisper against her skin, placing sloppy kisses along her jaw. Maybe just one more make-out session.

"Roy," Y/N says, her tone warning. "You're smoking affects your health a lot worse than my habit does."

"I'll think about it," I repeat, my kisses still clumsy as they dip down to her neck.

I tilt my head back up to her face, connecting lips for the hundredth time. Once again, our kisses get heated, and I slide my tongue out, begging for access to her mouth before I can stop myself. "Harp," she warns again, her tone firmer. "At least stop smoking menthols. They're terrible for you."

"They're all terrible for me. Menthols are just the worst of two evils." That does not help my case. Y/N's face shifts to annoyance, her lips pressed together, denying me kisses let alone access to her mouth. "I'll quit," I say, trying to slither my tongue into her mouth again. Y/N lets out a soft sigh, slightly parting her lips so I can get what I want as a reward. Her mouth is warm and wet, and this is not going to be a sweet bath for much longer if we keep at this pace. I pull back from her, relaxing into the water again as I rub Y/N's stomach. There is plenty of time for sex later.

———————————

Why did I agree to quit smoking? This fucking withdrawal is killing me and it doesn't help that after our bath earlier, Jay called to say he was crashing at the mountain for a while. Jason smokes too so we usually take our 'smoke breaks' together. I've tried distracting myself by focusing on the conversation Y/N has been having with Tim but it's just pissing me off.

"I do not!" Y/N whines, pulling my attention to her again. I don't like her whining. Not because I find it annoying; I like her whining with need when she's under me. It's hot, sexy, literally the sound I live to hear. On the other hand, I don't like her whining because she's unhappy. It irritates me. It's my job to keep her happy and cared for which is hard to do right now because the current Robin won't stop messing with her.

"You totally do!" Tim bites back. "You are so love-struck when it comes to Roy, and he couldn't care less. You follow him around like a lost puppy and act like you'd fall over without him. If-"

"Listen here you little shit," I bark at the younger boy, lounging forward and grabbing at him. "Stop fucking with Y/N." I shove the boy some to get my point across once I'm done threatening him. His mask is a bit wider in shock or fear as he stumbles back.

"Roy!" Jason's voice calls out from behind me. "Maybe let's not bruise up Mini-Bat. Someone is a little upset today, ya?"

Great, the only thing that can make my withdrawal and irritation worse is here. Jason finds it funny to gently flirt with Y/N to piss me off and make me jealous. He says it's 'good for me to show the public I care about Y/N on occasion' and 'to remind me that she's important to me'. I think he just likes finally having something to poke at me with.

"I'm not upset."

"Mmkay," Jay hums, coming up to lean on the back of the couch. His arms are propped up next to me. "Y/N," he purrs out, his attention on me as he pokes at me. "Want a smoke?" He prompts, popping his pack open and tilting it towards Y/N.

"I don't smoke, you know that Jay," Y/N answers, getting up from her spot on the floor and plopping herself next to me. Jay's hands dangle by her for a second before he pulls them away. Small things like this are why I know Jason's flirting isn't serious.

Jason rolls his eyes before turning his attention towards me. "You coming outside with me?"

"No."

"No?" He asks, stopping in his path out of the room and turning back to look at me.

"I'm quitting," I mumble, shoving my hands into my pockets. I should have just said yes and taken the lecture from Y/N.

A couple of members in the room laugh at this. "You? Quitting? You've been smoking since you were fifteen," Dick says, trying to stop himself from chuckling.

I shrug before glancing at Y/N. She's beaming in pride as she looks at me. Maybe quitting won't be that bad. "I know, but Y/N asked me to quit so I'm going too."

"More power to ya," Jay says, a smile on his face as he walks out of the room.

"Wait, wait, wait," Tim says, waving his arms around. "Oliver has been begging you for years to quit and you don't. Y/N asks once and you're done, just like that?"

"Just like that," I murmur, leaning my head back before glancing at my girlfriend again. She's pretty much bouncing in her spot. I shift a bit, opening up my lap to her. Instantly Y/N is in my lap, her legs tangled with mine and her arms around my neck as she litters my face with kisses.

"Chill," I say, gently pushing Y/N's head away from me. I don't mind her public affection - even if I don't like doing it back - but I'm pissy right now. I'm pissed at Tim, pissed at the lack of nicotine, pissed at the world, and Y/N's affection isn't counteracting that like usual.

"I'm sorry," Y/N whines, pulling a sigh out of me.

"It's fine. Just... relax." She does as told, curling up in my lap and turning her attention towards whatever conversation is going on.

———————————

I do not feel very proud of myself at the moment. If anything, I feel ashamed, which is weird since it's a feeling I don't have often. I've done plenty of shit most people would feel ashamed of. I've killed people before. I have a strained relationship with almost everyone in my life. I've been an addict. I've signed over custody of my daughter to Diana and opted for paying her child support because I can't emotionally support a kid. I don't feel shame for any one of those things.

Yet, here I am, feeling like the biggest lair in the world as I stand outside for a smoke with Jason. I feel even more ashamed as Y/N calls my name.

"The center of your life is calling," Jay says, following it with a chuckle.

"She's not the center of my life."

"Ya, okay," he says sarcastically before lighting another cigarette. I roll my eyes and take a final drag from my own before snuffing it out on the bottom of my boot.

"Harp!" Y/N calls again, stomping her way toward us. Her hands are balled up on her hips as she stands in front of us, a glare pointed at me. "You promised you were quitting."

"I am quitting," I answer back, tossing the dead butt into the bucket full of them that's kept outside the back door. Other than me no one else in the mountain is a consistent smoker.

Though Dick and Artemis smoke when they're drunk, and Barbra will buy a pack when she can't handle her stress any longer. I'm also pretty sure Bart has been stealing a few from my packs but I haven't caught him yet. If that's the case I guess we're both quitting now.

"Doesn't look like it," Y/N snaps back, anger washing off her face. "I'm disappointed in you, Roy. You were doing so good."

Well, that stings. I'd prefer her to be mad. "It's one cigarette. Usually, by this time of day, I'm on my eighth. I am quitting," I mumble, glancing away from her face. I don't like seeing her upset in general and really hate seeing her upset with me.

My gaze lands on Jason who has a smug ass look on his face. I want to beat the smug out of the little shit but when we do spar it usually ends in a tie.

"That's not quitting, that's slowing down," Y/N points out, moving closer to me. Her body is pressed against mine, arms around me and her chin resting on my chest. "I don't want to lose you."

"I know," I murmur, glancing down at her before kissing the top of her head. "I'm working on it, I swear." Y/N hums, tilting her head down to kiss the spot her chin was resting in before letting go of me.

I watch her walk back into the mountain. Once the door is shut behind her, Jason burst into laughter. "I know," he teases, pitching his voice higher as he says it. "What a fucking sapling you've turned into."

"Shut up. You're just pissed you don't have a bitch like mine," I snap back, rolling the word 'bitch' around my head. I shouldn't call Y/N a bitch. I'll have to work on that.

"A bit, ya," Jay says, his smirk still present as he looks at me. "The only couple that's even close to competing against your 'ride or die' dynamic is..." He cuts himself off, falling silent. Jay takes another long, slow drag before he continues. "Was Wally and Artemis."

Wally has been labeled FIA since a couple of weeks ago and no one is handling it very well. Of course, Artemis is handling it the worst. She watched her soulmate die; anyone would be losing their shit if that happened.

I don't know what I'd do if Y/N died. Go bat-shit crazy again. Probably just cease being a functioning person. Hundred percent relapse, that's for sure.

Watching how broken Artemis is has probably been a big part of Y/N's sudden issue with me smoking. She never cared much before. Since everything happened, she's been a lot more clingy, and more aware of my bad habits. She pretty much burst into tears the other day when I told her I felt dehydrated.

"I really need to quit," I tell Jay, leaning my head back to try and reset my thoughts.

"Ya, probably. Y/N looked like she was going to have a panic attack when she walked outside and saw you smoking," he mumbles, tossing his cigarette butt into the bucket.

"I think she's freaking out about Wally's death."

"We're all freaking out about Wally's death. Shit happens," Jay mumbles, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Y/N's just freaking out that you'll be next. She's got a point though. It's harder to run and shit if your lungs are coated in ash."

The shit I do for this girl. The shit this girl does for me. I shake my head a bit at the thought. Quitting is the least I can do if it helps rest her mind.

#roy harper #young justice #young justice oneshot #arsenal #Roy Harper one shot #arsenal one shot #roy harper x reader #arsenal x reader

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whenlovetriestoleave · 2 years

Photo

victoria by oliverjune for grazia china sep '22 styling by belle shao, hair by bon fan zhang

#victoria song #f(x)#oliverjune #belle shao #bon fan zhang #upload

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lands-of-fantasy · 2 months

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MCU Poster Ladies

2021 Edition (Phase 4 Part 1)

Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch

Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness

Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau

Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis

Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter

Florence Kasumba as Ayo

Erin Kellyman as Karli Morgenthau

Sophia Di Martino as Sylvie

Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Ravonna Renslayer

Wunmi Mosaku as Hunter B-15

Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff

Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster

Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow

Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova

Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter / Captain Carter in What If...?

Lake Bell as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow in What If…?

Cynthia McWilliams as Gamora in What If…?

Meng'er Zhang as Xu Xialing

Awkwafina as Katy

Fala Chen as Ying Li

Michelle Yeoh as Ying Nan

Gemma Chan as Sersi

Salma Hayek as Ajak

Lauren Ridloff as Makkari

Angelina Jolie as Thena

Lia McHugh as Sprite

Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop

Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez

Vera Farmiga as Eleanor Bishop

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paradise-world · 3 months

Text

Fictional Ties | Zhang Hao ZB1

Summary : In a web of familial expectations, pretense, and unexpected feelings, Y/N and Zhanghao navigate the complexities of a fake relationship, only to discover the genuine connection that has been there all along.

Genre : Fake Dating, Romantic Comedy, Drama, Contemporary Romance, Coming-of-Age, Slice of Life, Family Drama, Fem Reader

Warnings : N/A

Word Count : 4.8k

Notes : I KNOWWW I'm not finished the RIcky fic yet but if I'm being honest it's kinda feeling like a chore & I wrote a whole plan & story structure like last night so I couldn't help myself

In the wake of Y/N's triumphant completion of her bachelor's degree in dentistry, a sense of anticipation and familial expectations cast shadows upon her future. Hailing from a family of affluence and prestige, Y/N found herself standing at the threshold of a two-year clinical practice, the final leg of her journey to becoming an orthodontist. The air was thick with the weight of expectations, as her family, rooted in tradition, pressed for Y/N to settle down before immersing herself in the demanding world of orthodontics.

Amidst the quiet turmoil of Y/N's familial crossroads, a figure from her university days, Zhanghao, emerged as a steadfast companion. Having earned his legal degree and aspiring to carve a path in corporate law, Zhanghao found himself in the anticipation-laden limbo before embarking on his practical legal training. As life beckoned them towards uncharted territories, the bond between Y/N and Zhanghao would face new trials, testing the delicate balance between personal aspirations and societal expectations.

The agreement to catch up had been long overdue, the culmination of their individual journeys post-graduation. Y/N, having successfully completed her dentistry degree and venturing into the realm of clinical practice, agreed to meet Zhanghao, her close friend since their university days. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they found themselves at the familiar entrance of the local coffee shop, a nostalgic spot that bore witness to countless conversations during their academic years.

The bell above the door chimed softly as Y/N and Zhanghao stepped into the warmth of the coffee shop. The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air, triggering memories of late-night study sessions and laughter echoing within these walls. It was a place that held the essence of their shared past. The barista greeted them with a knowing smile, acknowledging the familiarity that exuded from the duo. They chose a corner table, the same one they occupied during countless university meet-ups, and settled into the plush chairs.

As Y/N ordered her favorite latte, the ambiance of the coffee shop transformed into a sanctuary for catching up. The whir of the espresso machine and the murmur of conversations formed a backdrop as the two friends began to unravel the threads of their daily lives. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, enhancing the atmosphere of nostalgia that enveloped them.

"How's your family been?" Zhanghao inquired, his eyes reflecting genuine interest. Y/N, sipping her latte, felt a nervous flutter in her chest. She paused for a moment before responding, "Well, they're pressuring me to settle down, but you know me—I'm not really ready for a serious relationship." The vulnerability in her voice resonated in the air, setting the tone for a candid conversation. "It's my Dad's birthday soon, though, so he'll be expecting a lot since it's been a while since I've seen them," Y/N added, the weight of familial expectations evident in her words.

There was a momentary silence, a shared understanding lingering between them. Zhanghao, sensing Y/N's unease, broke the quietude with an unexpected proposal. "I can be your fake boyfriend if you want," he suggested, a genuine smile playing on his lips. Y/N, surprised by the offer, looked at him questioningly. "Really? You would do that for me?" she asked, the sincerity of her inquiry hanging in the air. "If it appeases your family, then sure," Zhanghao replied, his smile unwavering. The exchange concluded with a handshake, sealing a pact that would weave their lives into a fabricated dance of companionship for the sake of familial expectations.

After the candid catch-up at the coffee shop the previous day, Y/N and Zhanghao wasted no time. They both hurriedly retreated to their homes, filled with a sense of anticipation and the practicality of packing for the imminent trip. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the echo of shared laughter lingered in their minds, blending seamlessly with the tasks at hand.

The next morning, a gentle knock on Y/N's door heralded the beginning of a new chapter. Zhanghao, punctual and ready for the journey, stood at her doorstep just as the first rays of sunrise painted the sky in hues of pink and gold. Y/N greeted him with a smile, her large black duffel bag slung casually around her arm. Zhanghao's eyes met hers, and with a gesture of chivalry, he offered, "Let me take that for you." Y/N willingly surrendered the weight of her bag, and Zhanghao effortlessly carried it to the trunk of his car. With her front door securely locked, Y/N joined Zhanghao in the passenger seat, marking the beginning of a road trip that held the promise of familial expectations and uncharted territories.

As the engine hummed to life, Zhanghao typed the address of the hotel into the GPS, a beacon guiding them towards their destination. The quiet hum of the highway accompanied Y/N as she began to unravel the details of the trip. "So my Dad's a CEO of this technology company," she explained, her words weaving a narrative of corporate grandeur. "Once we arrive at the hotel, we have to explore the city with my family." Zhanghao chuckled, the familiarity of their conversation putting them at ease. "What does that have to do with your Dad being a CEO?" he teased as the scenery unfurled beyond the car windows. "Tonight, we're having a big dinner at this fancy restaurant with his associates, four of his close friends, and more people from my family," Y/N continued, painting a picture of an opulent evening. "Doesn't sound too complex," Zhanghao remarked, steering the conversation into the realm of simplicity. "Well, they're gonna be asking a lot of questions," she added, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "Fine by me," Zhanghao shrugged, the easygoing nature of their banter settling any lingering apprehensions.

And so, they continued to drive down the open road, a journey that held not only the promise of a familial charade but also the unspoken nuances of companionship and discovery. The hum of the highway became a backdrop for the unfolding chapters of their shared adventure.

After three hours of traversing scenic landscapes and winding roads, Y/N and Zhanghao finally arrived at the lavish hotel that would serve as their home during this unexpected escapade. The grand edifice stood before them, radiating opulence under the golden hues of the setting sun.

The exterior of the hotel was a testament to luxury, its facades gleaming in the sunlight. "This is not what I expected at all," Zhanghao commented, his eyes scanning the architectural elegance of the building as he unloaded their luggage. "I told you, CEO Father," Y/N chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes, setting the tone for the indulgent experience awaiting them inside. The two embarked on their journey through the polished entrance, stepping into a world where every surface seemed to shimmer with affluence.

Once inside, they found themselves immersed in an ambiance of pure luxury. The intricately designed interior boasted ornate furnishings, gleaming marble floors, and an aura of extravagance. Y/N and Zhanghao approached the reception desk, where the attentive staff ensured their seamless check-in process. After securing a room on the sixth floor, they stepped into the elevator, a cocoon of silence enveloping them.

"Is this overwhelming for you?" Y/N inquired, her eyes reflecting concern as the elevator ascended. "Nope, not really," Zhanghao nonchalantly shrugged, a calm demeanor masking any potential apprehension. The silence lingered briefly before Y/N broke it with a genuine expression of gratitude. "I'm grateful that you came with me," she confessed, a smile gracing her lips. "It's no worries at all," Zhanghao grinned, offering comfort through a reassuring rub on her shoulder.

Upon reaching their designated floor, they traversed wide, fancy hallways adorned with artistic touches, eventually arriving at their room. As the door swung open, natural light poured in, casting a warm glow on every inch of the meticulously arranged space. "I'd love to stay in here for an hour at least," Y/N remarked, appreciating the serenity of their temporary haven. Zhanghao, with a gentle smile, reminded her of their impending plans. "Well, we have to get ready to go to the city," he said, marking the beginning of the next chapter in their venture. With that, they both immersed themselves in the task of transforming their appearances to meet the standards set by Y/N's esteemed family.

To create a lasting impression right from the start, Y/N and Zhanghao meticulously coordinated their attire, both opting for a timeless theme of black and white. Just a couple of steps away from the designated meet-up point, they paused, a shared anticipation hanging in the air. Not yet approaching, they deliberated on the perfect entrance. "What shall we do?" Zhanghao asked, seeking guidance for their grand debut. "What are your boundaries?" Y/N questioned in return. "Nothing really," he shrugged. With an unspoken agreement, she began to wrap her hands around his arm, a gesture of unity as they approached her family, adorned with smiles that concealed any underlying nerves.

As they neared the family, the Ahns greeted them with pleased looks on their faces, the synchronized elegance of Y/N and Zhanghao not going unnoticed. A series of prim and proper greetings ensued as the family exchanged pleasantries. Y/N's mother, after releasing a warm hug, addressed Y/N, "You've never told me about your boyfriend, Y/N." Y/N turned to Zhanghao, already looking at her. With a small hand gesture, she beckoned him closer. "Zhanghao, meet my mother," Y/N introduced, initiating a handshake. "Hello Mrs. Ahn, my name is Zhanghao," he grinned politely. "It's really great to meet you," she smiled back, the warmth of acceptance evident in her gaze.

The entire family embarked on a journey through the city, exploring different landmarks and important buildings. "This city is so beautiful," Y/N commented, her eyes sparkling with amazement. "I know," Zhanghao replied shortly, the unspoken connection between them apparent. They exchanged smiles, a silent understanding that spoke volumes in the midst of the bustling cityscape.

After a leisurely stroll, they decided to venture into a small, albeit pricey, restaurant. "They sell the best Kobe Beef here!" Y/N's brother exclaimed with enthusiasm. "Your family seems very fond of this place," Zhanghao whispered to Y/N. "Mainly my brother, but my sister never really cared," she shrugged. Seated at the restaurant, they indulged in high-quality meals featuring juicy beef. Amidst the flavorful bites, the family continued to socialize, sharing laughter, stories, and creating an atmosphere of warmth that transcended the boundaries of familial expectations.

As they returned to the sanctuary of their hotel room, the air was filled with a comfortable fullness from the delightful dinner. "You did very well to impress them," Y/N complimented, her voice carrying a note of approval. "I hope we were believable at least," Zhanghao smiled, a sense of satisfaction evident in his expression. "I'm sure we were," she reassured, confidence radiating from her. The successful charade had set a positive tone for the evening.

Transitioning from their casual attire, they delved into the realm of elegance. Y/N, with practiced grace, began to curl her hair, while Zhanghao, ever the debonair companion, parted his hair near the middle, revealing a sophisticated look. "You suit this hairstyle a lot," Y/N complimented his appearance, her eyes appreciating the transformation. "I'll keep that in mind when seeing your family," Zhanghao smiled, returning the favor. "But I'm the one that complimented you…?" Y/N looked confused. "Well then, this is the only time you'll see it," he teased before receiving a playful slap on the shoulder. "You're so mean to me!" she complained, the banter echoing through the room.

With their attire carefully selected, they adorned themselves with accessories that added a glimmer to their appearance. "Y/N!" Zhanghao called. "What's up!" she asked. "Can you help me put on my tie?" Y/N left the bathroom and approached Zhanghao. As she fixed his tie with little distance between them, she asked, "Do you not know how to put on a tie?" "This is the first time I'm wearing one," he commented. Looking up at him, Y/N met his piercing gaze. With one final knot, she finished, saying, "There you go." Zhanghao checked himself out in the mirror, teasingly asking, "Would you say I look handsome enough for your family?" "Whatever, let's go!" Y/N jokingly rolled her eyes, and together, they stepped foot outside of their hotel room.

Once again, they walked down the halls, the click of Y/N's heels resonating one step at a time as she walked beside Zhanghao, their coordinated elegance setting the stage for the next act in their charade.

The restaurant exuded an air of exclusivity, its highly polished interior complemented by black-tinted windows that added a touch of mystery. The group was sizable, comprising nine members of the Ahn family, including Y/N's dad, ten of his associates, four close friends from high school, and the three partners of his children, among whom Zhanghao found his place. The entourage of 26 individuals made a grand entrance, the prestigious family name uttered by Y/N's dad opening the doors to the large and luxurious restaurant.

Arriving at a private room with a grand table, the middle seat reserved for Y/N's father, Y/N and Zhanghao found themselves seated next to each other, not too far away from her father. Warm welcomes were extended by Y/N's grandparents, aunt, and uncle, enveloping Zhanghao in a generous embrace. "How did you two meet?" Y/N's grandmother sweetly asked, her eyes filled with curiosity. "We met the moment we entered the same university together," Y/N replied, narrating their genuine story. "How did you two get together?" Her grandfather inquired. "I took her to a local coffee shop nearby, ordered her the same latte she always orders, and asked the big question." Zhanghao answered, and a shared smile passed between them as their eyes met.

As the evening progressed, orders were placed, with Y/N opting for pasta and Zhanghao choosing risotto, both adorned with white truffles. The table was set for a feast of flavors.

Once the meals were served, Y/N's father took the floor. "I'd just like to welcome today, my youngest daughter's boyfriend, who I had just met today." Applause followed as Zhanghao graciously bowed. "So, child, tell me, what are your plans for the future?" Y/N's father inquired, bringing a moment of thoughtful silence before Y/N responded. "Since I'm starting my clinical practice for 2 years and studying orthodontics after that, while Zhanghao is soon to start his practical legal training to begin his journey to become a corporate lawyer, I'd say we're both focusing on ourselves, our stability, and security with our careers and finance." Y/N smiled, but her father's reaction was less enthusiastic. "That's alright, just expected a bit more from you, though, Y/N," he commented, casting a shadow of disappointment over her. She stared at the ground, feeling displeased.

"We would like to get married, though, find a home to permanently stay at, and build a family," Zhanghao spoke up, breaking the silence. Y/N looked up, and her father's grin widened. "After everything else, though, of course," Zhanghao added. Y/N's dad, now pleased, announced to everyone, "That's more like it, everyone!" The room filled with applause, smiles, and nods, celebrating the future plans of Y/N and Zhanghao's relationship.

After indulging in flavorful food and high-quality drinks, Y/N and Zhanghao returned to their hotel room, the echoes of the celebratory dinner still lingering in the air.

In the hushed ambiance of their private space, a storm brewed within Y/N. Panic consumed her as she grappled with the weight of the plans laid out at the dinner table. "It's just so much! Imagine all those hopes and expectations for us." Y/N's voice trembled, her chest constricting, breathing becoming a struggle. The room seemed to spin as she paced hurriedly, a cascade of worries and fears pouring out in a torrent. Her eyes welled with tears, and her mouth felt dry as she verbalized the overwhelming thoughts racing through her mind.

Witnessing Y/N's distress, Zhanghao approached her, gently holding her by her exposed shoulders. "Y/N, it's okay," he reassured, his voice a soothing balm. Drawing her into a soft hug, he whispered, "I'm sorry," as Y/N quietly began to sob. "I only said that because I saw how sad you were at your Dad's disapproval," he explained, tears mirroring Y/N's falling from his eyes. "We can always fake break up, okay? You can make it completely my fault and make me seem horrible so it doesn't have a bad image on you." As he let go of her and looked into her eyes, he added, "You don't have anything to worry about, okay? I'm always here for you anyway." A warm smile accompanied his reassurance as he gently wiped away her tears with his thumb. "Thank you, Zhanghao, for everything," Y/N grinned, small tears still escaping from her eyes.

"This is gonna sound really weird," Zhanghao began, his voice carrying a gentleness. "But do you want me to hold you tonight, maybe? I just don't want you to sleep in this state." He asked gently. "No, it's fine. Thank you for making me feel better, though," she smiled. As they began to get ready for bed, going through their night routines, they eventually found themselves in the same bed, a pillow placed between them.

As the sun dawned on the next day, signaling the conclusion of their trip, the Ahn family decided to spend their remaining moments at a popular amusement park before heading home.

"I'm scared," Y/N whispered to Zhanghao as they stood in line for the roller coaster. "It's okay, it's just a roller coaster," Zhanghao reassured. Once on the ride, Y/N's screams echoed louder than Zhanghao's laughter, the twists, turns, and drops inducing a mix of fear and exhilaration.

The roller coaster adventure behind them, the family moved on to the towering and colorful Ferris ring car. Anticipation mingled with trepidation as Y/N, feeling uneasy, looked at Zhanghao. "Hold onto my hand if you get scared," he offered with a comforting smile. As they took their seats and the ride began, Y/N gripped Zhanghao's hand tightly. Their eyes met, and in that moment, a strange warmth enveloped Y/N, her heart racing uncontrollably as reality blurred with the spinning motion of the ride.

After trying out various rides, the family decided it was time to refuel. The image of Y/N and Zhanghao holding hands lingered in her mind as they sat down to eat. Zhanghao noticed her distant gaze, and he inquired, "What are you ordering?" "Just a corndog and coke, please," she replied. The shared ferris ring car moment played on repeat in her thoughts, leaving her questioning if Zhanghao was more than just a friend.

A face painting booth caught their attention, and everyone in the family wanted to get their faces painted. Y/N opted for a simple rose on her cheek, and the artist took extra care with the details. Zhanghao approached with a raccoon on his cheek, admiring Y/N's choice. The artist finished the rose, and Y/N marveled at the mirror, finding herself adorned with a beautifully shaded flower. The family then ventured to find accessories, with Zhanghao selecting a rose headband for Y/N. "To match with your cheek," he smiled as they admired her reflection. Y/N, determined to reciprocate, browsed through the limited selection for Zhanghao. Unable to find a raccoon headband, she suggested, "Do you just wanna match?" Zhanghao nodded, and they both snapped mirror selfies with their matching rose headbands before embarking on more rides at the park. The day at the amusement park became a vibrant chapter in their shared adventure, filled with laughter, shared moments, and the blossoming of something more than friendship.

After a day filled with laughter and shared moments at the amusement park, the time came for Y/N and Zhanghao to pack up their bags and return to the realities awaiting them.

"Do you think we were successful?" Zhanghao questioned as they began their journey back. "Definitely," Y/N chuckled, her heart fluttering at the thought. "My dad loves you, and my mum made very nice comments about you, so we were definitely successful." Their smiles mirrored the contentment they felt, the shared success of their faux relationship adding an unexpected layer to their friendship.

As they drove, Y/N found herself admiring the tall trees and the vibrant hues of the sky as the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

After another three hours on the road, they arrived at Y/N's house. "I'll help you with your things," Zhanghao offered. The two walked up to her door, and as Y/N opened it, Zhanghao placed her belongings on the ground. Gratitude filled Y/N's expression as she said, "I can't thank you enough for this." "Well, I care for you a lot, so of course, I'd help," Zhanghao giggled before pulling her into a warm hug. "I'll see you, Zhanghao!" she grinned. "On our next adventure!" he replied, returning her smile before hopping into his car and driving off. The echoes of their shared escapade lingered in Y/N's mind as she entered her home, grateful for the unexpected turns their journey had taken.

Chapter 10: Practices

In the unfolding chapters of their individual journeys, Y/N and Zhanghao delved into the intricate realms of their chosen careers. Y/N, now immersed in the bustling atmosphere of her dental clinical practice, found herself navigating through the daily tapestry of oral healthcare.

The scent of antiseptic lingered in the air as Y/N moved seamlessly through her responsibilities. Engaging in the artistry of dental procedures, she meticulously performed cleanings, her nimble fingers expertly navigating the contours of each tooth. With precision and care, she executed fillings, infusing renewed vitality into deteriorating enamel. Extractions, while a somber task, became a necessary skill in her repertoire, handled with both gentleness and efficiency.

Dental examinations became a routine, a meticulous inspection of oral landscapes. Y/N's keen eyes scanned for signs of decay, misalignment, or potential issues, each diagnosis a puzzle to solve. As she interacted with patients, she honed her ability to communicate complex dental findings in a way that was both understandable and comforting.

One day, curiosity led Y/N to the orthodontic realm, an area she aspired to explore further. Standing beside one of her seasoned colleagues, she observed the delicate artistry of creating and fitting dental appliances. The metallic gleam of braces adorned the workspace, and Y/N absorbed every nuance, expressing her desire to specialize in orthodontics.

Beyond the technical skills, Y/N embraced her role as an educator. Patient interaction extended beyond the chair, as she imparted valuable knowledge about oral hygiene practices. Her counseling extended beyond the clinical setting, empowering individuals to cultivate habits that would contribute to a lifetime of dental wellness.

In the symphony of dental care, Y/N found her rhythm. Each day brought new challenges and triumphs, as she honed her craft within the clinical confines. As Zhanghao embarked on his own journey in practice legal training, their parallel pursuits carved distinct paths toward professional fulfillment. The separate beats of their careers played on, harmonizing the melody of their individual growth.

Nearly two weeks had passed since Y/N and Zhanghao delved into their respective careers. While occasional texts maintained a connection between them, their focus was primarily on navigating the challenges of their professional lives.

On a Friday evening, the familiar knock echoed through Y/N's doorway. Zhanghao stood on the other side, and Y/N welcomed him into her home with a warm smile.

Seated comfortably on her couch, the atmosphere shifted as Zhanghao began to open up. "I might need your help," he confessed, revealing the source of his stress – the upcoming Legal Awards Gala. "I'm expected to attend, since my mentor who is an experienced lawyer invited me," he explained.

Curiosity piqued, Y/N inquired, "What's wrong with that?" Zhanghao looked up, gauging her reaction. "He said that I should bring a date," he emphasized, and Y/N's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Of course!" she exclaimed, wrapping him in a hug. "Are you sure? I don't want to make you feel forced," Zhanghao questioned, concerned. Y/N assured him with a smile, "No, of course not. When is it?"

"Tomorrow night," Zhanghao replied. The room filled with laughter as they both shared a moment of light-heartedness. "As long as you pick me up, we'll be all good," Y/N playfully added, sealing the deal with a shared sense of excitement.

The night of the Legal Awards Gala had arrived, and Y/N meticulously styled herself in a sophisticated black dress paired with a chic blazer. As she stepped outside, she found Zhanghao waiting for her, looking dapper in a well-fitted suit and tie.

"You learned how to do it yourself, I see?" Y/N teased, observing his refined appearance. "I had to learn for the whole legal training thing," he chuckled, revealing the practical side of his attire.

They entered the car, and as they began to drive, the night sky welcomed them with a breathtaking display of stars. Y/N, feeling the festive spirit, suggested, "What should our entrance be?"

Zhanghao pondered for a moment before proposing, "Our famous arm hold?"

"Let's go with that," Y/N agreed, anticipating the subtle theatrical touch they would bring to the event.

Upon their arrival, the venue unfolded before them – another grand hotel setting the stage for the Legal Awards Gala.

Y/N elegantly wrapped her hands around Zhanghao's arm as the two made their entrance into the hotel. Escorted to the venue, they found themselves in a breathtakingly luxurious ballroom adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air was filled with an air of sophistication, and the attendees, donned in opulent attire, hinted at the grandeur of the Legal Awards Gala.

A distinguished man approached them and warmly shook Zhanghao's hand. "Y/N, meet my mentor Ryu Chanwoo," Zhanghao introduced. As Ryu Chanwoo extended his hand to Y/N, she greeted him with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, I'm Ahn Y/N." Ryu Chanwoo chuckled, "I've heard your family name many times thanks to your father. I'm proud of you for bringing a very prestigious date, Zhanghao; this will definitely help with your professional image."

After Zhanghao expressed gratitude to his mentor, Ryu Chanwoo mingled with others. Y/N, amused by the revelation about her father's reputation, chuckled, "I didn't know people knew my Dad that much." Zhanghao replied, "Well, you're helping me a lot right now." The two shared a laugh before engaging in conversations with senior partners from renowned law firms. Topics ranged from industry trends to legal strategies and potential collaborations.

As the night progressed, they took their seats at a table, joining the company of others. Socializing continued over the elegant dinner, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie among legal professionals. In the latter part of the gala, Y/N and Zhanghao witnessed numerous individuals receiving awards for their outstanding achievements in the field of law. Although Y/N had limited knowledge of the legal intricacies, she graciously smiled and clapped throughout the evening.

The night air was filled with a sense of accomplishment as Zhanghao drove Y/N home after the Legal Awards Gala. However, as Y/N prepared to exit the car, Zhanghao's sudden request halted her movements. "Wait," he said, his gaze piercing hers, prompting her to sit back down.

With a look of genuine confusion, Y/N awaited his words. "Why are we just faking all the time?" he asked, causing her to furrow her brows. As he continued, Zhanghao revealed, "Y/N, we've been friends throughout all of uni." A sense of realization flickered across her face. "Are you saying what I think you're trying to say?" she questioned, searching his eyes for confirmation. "Yes, I am, Y/N," he replied.

A silent pause lingered before he opened up about the feelings he had harbored. "I felt something on your father's birthday trip, or maybe even during uni," he confessed. "I know we've only been fake dating twice, and it's been nearly two weeks. But throughout our adventures, we said we only needed each other for different things. What if we just needed each other, in general?" he asked, a genuine look in his eyes.

Y/N's heart raced as she contemplated his words. "What if I want you to want me instead of being something you need?" she questioned. Zhanghao's response was clear, "I think it's very obvious from what I'm saying right now that I want you." With that, they leaned in for a kiss, a culmination of unspoken emotions. Zhanghao gently held her face, and Y/N placed her hands behind his head. Their hearts raced, and the kiss was now a testament to their newfound connection.

As they reluctantly let go, Zhanghao bid her goodnight, "Goodnight, Y/N," he said, a smile playing on his lips. "Goodnight, Zhanghao," she grinned, stepping into her house with the certainty that she was now more than just a fake girlfriend. New beginnings awaited them both.

notes : i hope you enjoyed!! i know this is pretty short but i hope you enjoyed reading it as much as i enjoyed writing it! this was supposed to be after the ricky fic & another project but i genuinely just couldn't help myself.

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