Welcome to another round of W2 Tells You What You Should See, where W2 (me) tries to sell you (you) on something you should be watching. Today's choice: 民国奇探/My Roommate is a Detective.
My Roommate is a Detective is a 2020 drama about the Jazz Age shenanigans of a terrible OT3: a useless noodle boy, a spoiled journalist girl, and a handsome thug-turned-cop, who together solve Agatha Christie mysteries in 1920s Shanghai.
I mean, seriously, have you ever wondered what Hercule Poirot would be like if he were a 6'2" Chinese rubber man? If he had a long-suffering sugar daddy from the wrong side of the tracks and a spunky sugar mommy who owned their shared apartment? The answer is, it would be a laugh-out-loud-funny series about a ridiculous and charming assortment of weirdos solving only slightly believable murder mysteries in charming period clothing.
This is another one of those shows where I'm kind of shocked at how not well-known it is, except I'm not, because I can see exactly the problems that keep fandom from descending on it like horny little vultures. Nonetheless, I think it's a good time that more people would enjoy if they gave it the chance. Here's five reasons why you should:
1. Equal parts smart as heck and dumb as butts
On the one hand, especially given its tone and tenor, this show has many surprisingly clever turns and thoughtful moments, carried along by some talented actors. On the other hand, [.gif of a guinea pig in a rollerskate being pushed merrily down a hallway]
This show is not a complicated intellectual exercise. It's an action comedy about a goofy sleuth, a rich-girl reporter, and the cop who should be the straight man in this trio, except he's as much of a goober as the other two are. If the promotional tableaus are giving you real "cover of a Clue box" vibes, you've understood the kind of pastiche it's pulling off.
The mysteries are preposterous. They're all the kind of thing that exemplify the Doyle line about how, when you've eliminated the impossible, whatever's left has got to be the answer, no matter how ding-dang improbable it may be. You know the type: tons of overly elaborate setups, unbelievably perfect timing, coincidental long-lost relatives, people hallucinating right and left. They're also very short -- most full cases take only 2-3 episodes to introduce, investigate, and resolve, even when interspersed with the larger goings-on in these weirdos' lives. The DramaWiki page for the show lists 23 separate arcs over 36 episodes, so you do the math.
And yet, it's way more thoughtful and clever than its doofy little setup would indicate. Its attention to detail surprised me on more than one occasion. Add to that a bunch of solid performances from an ensemble of real characters, and what you get is definitely more substantive than a junk-food waste of time. You can't turn your brain off while watching it, but you sure can turn it down, and that's great.
It also doesn't hurt that everyone is super attractive and wearing great outfits. The whole show's worth it for the wardrobes.
2. THE GIRL
Fuck the haters, fuck everyone, I am going to climb right up on my little soapbox and tell you all why Bai Youning is awesome.
She is insane. She's a troll. She's a clever little monster. Every other character's response to her is, oh my god, you are literally the worst. And she is! She has been spoiled beyond belief by her incredibly rich Crime Dad, and she has learned to leverage her uwu just a widdle girl status to get her whatever the hell she wants. She simply cannot hear it when someone says the word "no." She will look her future sister-in-law in the eye and point a loaded gun at her own head without blinking. Every ball she has is made of brass.
She's hardly perfect. During the course of the show, there are some times where her entitlement runs face-first into the brick wall of reality. She's not nearly as good at her chosen career path as she's been told (mostly by the people who get paid to tell her she's good). She's rarely prepared to deal with the consequences of her actions, especially when she can't just throw money at the problem.
So she learns, and grows, and changes. She's always going to be a stubborn bitch, but she can become a stubborn bitch with a more accurate conception of her relationship to the world around her.
She's actually a really good romantic foil for Lu Yao, who is equally stubborn and spoiled and obnoxious as hell. It is a pure brat4brat relationship, where each one thrives on comically enraging the other. What this means, though, is that when they actually start showing one another some vulnerability, it's really sweet.
Now: I'm pretty sure that you could not have made a female character in her position that everyone did not hate, no matter how cool you made her, because that is the fate of all girls who theoretically keep the two boys from kissing. (More on that next point.) If she were less outgoing and friendly, she would've been hated for being too cold. If she were less headstrong, she would've been hated for being a pushover. If she weren't as into the boy, she would've been hated for being frigid. I know the "god forbid a woman do anything" meme is a joke, but ... man, god forbid this girl do anything. She gets a level of hate entirely disproportionate to what she's actually like. As I said with Eom Dada, it's not always sexism, but sometimes, yeah, it's sexism.
(Real talk: Her character is also fighting both how she's definitely not written as well as the boys are and how the plot sometimes needs her to be artificially stupid and jealous for Straightness Drama Reasons, so that's a legit problem on a structural level. Also, she's dubbed by someone else and the boys aren't, which gives her voice an annoying not-quite-there quality that's hard to ignore. The deck is stacked against her real hard even before she steps onscreen.)
So here's my advice: Go into this show wanting to like her. Embrace her terribleness as a positive, intentional quality. Don't be mad at her for straightening up an endgame that was never going to be gay, even without her. Welcome her contributions to the chaos. Realize that she is exactly as entertainingly irritating as her boys are.
Truly, this is a story of three terrible people in love. They're all just awful, and you wouldn't want to be in a room with any of them for longer than you had to. Left to right up there, Bai Youning is spoiled and self-absorbed, Lu Yao is arrogant and lazy, and Qiao Chusheng is suuuuuch a fucking cop. If you're into the kind of dynamic that can only be described OT3: You All Deserve One Another, then this one's perfect for you.
3. Do you really miss '00s queerbaiting?
Like, really? Are you just super-nostalgic for being able to see the showrunners go, ha ha, girls, we know you're watching and we know you want these cute boys to kiss, which they never will -- but what if we pretended for just this one scene??? Do you just carnally ache for that with every fiber of your being?
Yep.
Now, why am I calling the occasional really gay moments between these two gentlemen "queerbaiting" and not "bromance"? Because these moments are a) obviously intentional, b) completely sporadic, and c) never spoken of again.
For example: There's a scene (which you can see a gifset of here) where the two of them are at a restaurant frequented by the cop, who brings a lot of ladies there on dates. When the waiter points this out, useless noodle boy says, I'm his date. The waiter looks mildly surprised by this, the cop says not to listen to his bullshit, and that's the end of it. The scene moves on. There is no further discussion of this comment. It does not affect their relationship.
That's the essence of queerbaiting: that little on-purpose nod to the homoerotic tension between the two, in a way that isn't a joke but also isn't not a joke, and either way is never going to happen. (In fact, the show is going to go out of its way to make sure that ship gets sunk, so, uh, get your fanfiction lifeboats ready for that.)
A true queerbaiting move is something that should make a difference in a relationship, but doesn't. It should make a difference that our cop is so comfortable in the noodle boy's personal space that he invades it at will. It doesn't. It should make a difference that noodle boy keeps getting real weird every time the cop has a date with a girl. It doesn't. Those are some real romantic moves the two of them keep pulling, and then nothing comes of them.
I had this show sold to me as being incredibly shippy, to the point of being even more so than its censored-BL contemporaries. And ... well, it is and it isn't. It has textually gayer individual moments, but it is much less pervasively gay. It's clear from the start that it's going to throw all its actual relationship points into its canon het romance. When it comes to these boys, the show is toying with you. It knows you want to see those boys smooch, just as much as it knows (and it knows you know) they're never gonna.
How you feel about this is entirely up to you -- and indeed, it may be a dealbreaker on the whole drama for you. If you are inclined to pitch a fit when your ship does not become canon, you'll be happier somewhere else. If, however, you see this as a delightful opportunity to do whatever the hell you want with the situation as it is presented, all the while enjoying little moments of startlingly blatant homoeroticism between two handsome dudes, well, here you are!
(I mean, if you want my take on it, what needs to happen is that the cop and the girl need to fuck while the useless noodle boy watches with asexual bisexual interest, and then they all need to snuggle with the noodle boy in the middle so they can both annoy him appropriately, but your mileage may vary.)
4. The multicultural extravaganza!
1920s Shanghai had a lot going on in terms of cultures and languages, and this show actually does a fair job of representing that.
By now, I've seen a number of shows set during this era, and they all at least acknowledge the international nature of the city -- usually by mentioning the French Concession and having a handful of evil Japanese characters. However, this is the first time I've seen a show go to such lengths to actually show so many non-Chinese characters onscreen, even to the point of making one a recurring character supporting the main squad.
Salim is the best. Whatever he is being paid, it's not enough. He's Qiao Chusheng's right-hand man, which means he is also the dude who most often has to put up the main trio's bullshit. (The actor himself is also a dude with a pretty cool backstory, which is another great layer.) He's sharp, he's loyal, he's patient, and he looks great with his shirt off. He's got it all!
Other non-Chinese characters include a white Jewish art collector (I'd issue a warning for period-typical antisemitism, except … honestly, it's mostly just confused), a sadistic priest who maybe is supposed to be Italian, a completely different priest who [last episode spoiler], and three whole sinister white dudes behind it all.
It's not just the world coming to China, though! A large number of the Chinese characters are said to have spent significant time outside of China, whether for business or for schooling. Near the end, when some characters are discussing moving away from Shanghai, they consider a number of foreign cities as potential destinations.
Here's a delightful detail: When Lu Yao and his sister speak English, they're dubbed by actors with posh British accents who sound like native (or near-native) English-speakers. This makes perfect sense, because both of the siblings did a lot of their schooling in the UK. When Bai Youning speaks English, she's dubbed by someone who speaks English very well but also has a noticeable Chinese accent, which makes perfect sense for her character's background. And Qiao Chusheng never speaks English at all, because he's a street tough who has no reason to know more than three words.
...This is also kind of weird to say about something literally made in China, but go with me on it: Everything's kind of got that Art Deco Orientalist vibe to it. It looks like China's idea of what Britain's idea of China during that period would have looked like. The result comes across less like what 1920s Shanghai would actually have looked like, and more what an ad for 1920s Shanghai would have looked like. It's a fascinating aesthetic, and more so for how it's mostly pretty subtle. The show isn't some visual extravaganza, but it's always very nice to look at, and I appreciate that in a show.
5. A wonderful horrible protagonist
A lot of mystery-themed prestige television involves an asshole genius detective who gets away with being a dick to everyone because he's sooooo smart, while all his long-suffering friends and colleagues spend a lot of time doing damage control for him because, sigh, he's an asshole but we need him, genius excuses all dickhead behavior, we'll always make exceptions for him because he's just ever so special. (Watch histrionic sage hbomberguy's video on Sherlock if you're unfamiliar with the trope.)
Lu Yao is an asshole genius detective, but one who winds up spending most of his time being an asshole to a) people who deserve it, or b) his horrible friends who will be assholes right back at him. When he is awful to the people who don't deserve it, the show smacks him pretty hard on the nose for it and makes him apologize.
This is a show where you'll figure out pretty quckly if you'll love it or hate it, because if you love Lu Yao, you'll love it, and vice versa. He carries most of the show himself, with his goofy charm and his incredibly bendy slenderman body and his ability to make the one competent person he knows both protect him and give him money.
Like so.
For my own part, I find him intensely charming, and I think a lot of this has to do with Hu Yitian's ability to play him as an affectionately bullyable weenie who needs to get shoved in a locker for his own good. He's the worst, and it's comically endearing instead of offputting because at the end of the day, he really does have a good heart. He's just also lazy as heck and disinclined to do anything that he does not want to be doing, and really, aren't we all?
As I alluded to in point 3, he comes across as real asexual. He's just not that interested in sex, and he is in fact pretty uncomfortable in situations where he finds himself the subject of someone else's sexual desires. He's perfectly capable of romantic feelings! I mean, not only does he get Bai Youning as a love interest, we actually meet one of his ex-girlfriends. He's just not partciularly horny about them -- which is even more noticeable as a sharp contrast to how extremely horny Qiao Chusheng is for just about everyone, but this exasperating little dork in particular.
(Like seriously, 90% of the time, Chusheng is about to explode with sexual frustration at Lu Yao's skinny oblivious ass.)
This isn't to say you couldn't get Lu Yao into bed, because you absolutely could, and he'd probably have a good time. You'd just have to remove all distractions from the room, lest his ADHD ass wind up running off to solve a crime mid-coitus.
Twiggy little nightmare man. Garbage-animal boy. Love him.
sidebar: A word about the ending
I'm going to be vague and talk about general vibes instead of specific events, but you should still skip this section if you want to remain completely unspoiled. Jump to the picture of Chusheng holding the sledgehammer.
Okay, so, a lot of people do not like the ending, and I'm including myself in that number. I honestly don't know if they got rushed and had to wrap everything pretty last-minute, or if they thought they might get a second season out of it and were leaving things open-ended accordingly. Either way, it's incredibly unsatisfying.
I think there's a clue that the show didn't actually want to end this way, and it's not actually in the text of the show itself. Every episode, between the last scene and the start of the credits, you get to see a couple still frames from the episode (usually some of the queerbaity ones). After the very final shot of the series, you get two images: the boys hugging goodbye, and Chusheng's upset face. That's not a resolution! That is at best a "to be continued..." ending!
But no, that's it. That's all, folks.
It's not quite an ending so bad it ruins the rest of the show, mostly because it doesn't feel finished, so it's less like you're watching a car being deliberately driven into a wall because someone thought that was the best route to take, and more like you're watching someone leave a car on the railroad tracks because they figured they'd have time to move it later.
As far as I know, there has been no noise made about a second season. These 36 episodes are the entirety of the narrative. It had the distinct misfortune to start airing in March 2020, which wasn't exactly prime time for planning sequels, and that seems to have been that. (There is a 2022 show called Checkmate that stars the two main guys in extremely similar roles, also adapting Agatha Christie stories, but it's apparently pretty meh? Somebody else who's actually seen it, go ahead and weigh in here.)
I'll say that if you turn off the episode right after Lu Yao gets out the handcuffs, you'll save yourself the worst of it the awkward and unsatisfying moments (though I'm impressed at your willpower to stop watching something five minutes from the end). That's not all of it, though. Structurally, there are several situations rushed to a resolution and loose threads left flapping untied in the breeze. I guess stopping before the last five minutes simply saves you the hope that it'll pull a good ending out of the fire, because it won't.
And let's be real: The more you hate Bai Youning and her romance with Lu Yao, the more you'll hate the ending. (Not that liking those elements will necessarily make you like the ending, of course, because I'm a fan of hers and I still think the ending is butts.) The ending is already like a pair of uncomfortable shoes; if the het romance especially makes you grind your teeth, the ending becomes a pair of uncomfortable shoes that also have a rock in them. A lot of the comments online indicate plenty of people dropped the show when they learned the het romance would be endgame. It's a pretty common dealbreaker.
Oh well. Bring on the fanfic, I say! Those of us who are used to taking a sledgehammer to canon are unafraid.
Smash it, baby.
Still want to see some of these mysteries?
Both iQiyi and Viki have the answer to your sleuthing!
It's not a perfect show -- as evidenced by my digression about the ending -- but it's a lot of fun. If you can handle the occasional foible and some eyebrow-raising moments, you're in for a good time with some attractive people that occasionally tastes very gay.
Every roommate crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man
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come as you are / beomgyu & heeseung
nonidol!beomgyu x reader, nonidol!heeseung x reader
bestfriend's friend, love triangle, angst, fluff, college au
wc: 4.5k
synopsis:
Lost in a maze of 'Magic,' three hearts entangle in a love triangle, where 'Drama' unfolds, and 'Given-Taken' promises lead to a 'Blue Hour' of emotional reckoning.
In the concluding semester of your fourth year, as you approached the culmination of your college journey, gratitude overflowed within you. There were many to thank – your supportive parents, dedicated professors, and even yourself – but above all, the beacon of unwavering support was your best friend, Beomgyu. He stood by you during sleepless study nights, offered solace in moments of mental breakdowns, supported you through challenging times, and even held your hair back when you indulged in a bit too much, becoming the steadfast anchor of your college memories.
In the dim glow of your desk lamp, you found yourself huddled in an uncomfortably twisted position, diligently wrapping up the thesis paper you shared with Beomgyu. Grateful that fate had paired you with someone as dedicated as him, sparing you the agony of partnering with a lackadaisical companion. As frustration reached its peak, your impulse to flip the table was palpable, a sentiment Beomgyu detected through the screen as you both connected via FaceTime. With genuine concern, he spoke up,
"Hey, are you okay? Want to take a break?"
His voice, a comforting balm to your frazzled nerves, made you pause, considering the lifeline he offered. The exhaustion etched on your face softened as you met his understanding gaze through the screen. With a grateful smile, you nodded, realizing a break was long overdue.
"Yeah, a short break sounds good," you admitted, finally allowing your tense shoulders to relax. Beomgyu, always attuned to your needs, suggested a quick virtual game to lighten the mood. As the familiar banter and shared laughter replaced the tension of academia, you couldn't help but marvel at the friendship that had sustained you through the academic whirlwind.
"Why don't I come over?" Beomgyu suggested, his voice warm and reassuring through the phone. A mischievous grin accompanied his words, "I'm sure your parents won't mind. They love me more than they love you," he joked, adding a playful touch to the conversation.
Your laughter mingled with the banter as you responded, "Never mind, your roommate might think you're going around every night." The amusement in your voice was evident as you continued, "You know, spreading the rumor that you're out there having a grand time."
Beomgyu chuckled, countering, "You think you're funny? Besides, he couldn't care less." The easy back-and-forth banter was a testament to the comfort and familiarity that defined your friendship, a dynamic that effortlessly shifted from the pressures of academia to the shared jokes and lighthearted moments that made every challenge more bearable.
As the laughter lingered from your banter, a knock on the door signaled Heeseung's arrival. Beomgyu, with a grin, opened the door, and Heeseung strolled in, a casual charm accompanying him. "Hey, what's up, Beomgyu? Planning another nocturnal escapade?" Heeseung teased, leaning against the doorway.
Beomgyu, always ready with a witty response, chuckled. "You know it, late-night adventures are my specialty." Heeseung, glancing around the room, finally acknowledged your presence with a friendly smile. "Who's the pretty girl?" he inquired, his tone light and curious.
Beomgyu's protective instincts kicked in as he shot a quick glance your way, a subtle shift in his demeanor. "Oh, this is Y/N, my partner in crime for the infamous thesis battle. We were just discussing our plans for the night. No late-night escapades for her tonight; she's knee-deep in deadlines."
--
With the revisions finally completed, you found a moment to broach a different topic. Looking at Beomgyu, you hesitated before asking, "Hey, Beomgyu, what's the deal with Heeseung? I mean, he seems nice and all. What's he like outside of the study sessions?"
Beomgyu, taking a moment before responding, looked thoughtful. "Heeseung? Yeah, he's a good guy. But you know, he's got his own thing going on, and I'm not sure he's looking for anything more than friendship right now." There was a subtle tightness in Beomgyu's expression, an unspoken layer of reluctance to delve into the topic. It was as if he was guarding not only your feelings but also his own, hinting at a complexity beneath the surface of his composed demeanor.
"Why not, I can probably change that. He's cute," you suggested with a playful grin, attempting to lighten the mood.
Beomgyu, in a mockingly confident tone, replied, "Oh, please. I'm better looking than him. I'm basically this generation's visual." His words carried a blend of self-assuredness and jest, a moment of teasing meant to deflect the conversation from a path he might not be entirely comfortable exploring.
--
As you strolled toward your class, immersed in conversation with Heeseung, a genuine smile on your face, you didn't notice Beomgyu's turbulent emotions brewing a few steps behind. With a casual yet confident demeanor, Heeseung seized the opportunity to properly introduce himself, his charm evident in the friendly exchange. "Hey, I don't think we've officially met. I'm Heeseung. What class are you heading to?"
To your surprise, you discovered that not only did you share the same class, but it was the very one you were en route to. The shared destination prompted a shared journey, and you both continued your walk together.
Unbeknownst to you, a few paces behind, Beomgyu's internal turmoil manifested into visible frustration. A red tinge of jealousy seemed to envelop him, and with a determined huff, he accelerated his steps until he reached both of you. Without a word, he squeezed himself between you and Heeseung, wrapping his arms around your shoulders possessively.
The sudden intrusion left you momentarily perplexed, glancing at Beomgyu with a bemused expression. Little did you know, beneath the facade of a teasing third wheel, there simmered a complex concoction of emotions in Beomgyu's heart.
As the classroom filled with students, you found a seat and settled in, unaware of the silent competition unfolding. Heeseung, lingering near a vacant seat next to you, was about to make his move when, with a swift determination, Beomgyu rushed into the room and claimed the seat beside you.
Breathless and wearing a triumphant grin, Beomgyu greeted you, "Hey, saved you a seat. Missed me already, didn't you?" His playful tone masked the urgency in his actions, revealing a subtle rivalry beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Heeseung, noticing the strategic move, found an alternative seat nearby, his expression betraying a hint of amusement at the unspoken competition for your attention.
--
The library hushed with the soft rustle of turning pages as Heeseung leaned over, his eyes scanning the room. Catching Beomgyu's eye, he inquired, "You like her, don't you?"
Beomgyu, his casual demeanor momentarily faltering, lightly chuckled before turning his gaze toward you sitting at the shared table. "No, what are you talking about, dude? She's my best friend," he replied, a quick, unconvincing dismissal in his tone.
A mischievous glint sparkled in Heeseung's eyes as he poked playfully, "Oh, so I can date her?" The question hung in the air, a subtle challenge wrapped in a tease, testing the boundaries of friendship and unspoken feelings. Beomgyu, caught off guard by Heeseung's playful remark, raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Hey, slow down there. She's not some item to claim. Besides, she's not looking for a relationship right now, right, Y/N?" He turned to you, seeking affirmation.
You, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, couldn't help but smile at the banter between your two friends. "Yeah, guys, calm down. I'm not planning on dating anyone in the midst of this academic chaos," you teased, attempting to diffuse the tension with a lighthearted comment.
Heeseung, still grinning, leaned back in his chair, seemingly satisfied with the response. "Fair enough," he conceded, though a lingering curiosity remained in his gaze.
--
"Why don't you want me close to Heeseung? I'm not gonna steal your friend gyu" y/n jokes as her and Beomgyu walk back to y/n's home to continue their undone assignments. Beomgyu glanced at you with a playful smirk in response to your jest. "Why would I be worried about Heeseung stealing my friend?" he chuckled, his tone light but holding a subtle seriousness.
"But seriously," he continued, a softer expression replacing the playful one, "I value our friendship a lot, and I guess… I just don't want anything to change. You know, sometimes relationships can complicate things, and I like having you as my best friend without any complications." His words carried a vulnerability.
--
Y/N stood at her front door, dressed for the night ahead, when Heeseung's unexpected arrival added a twist to her plans. "Fancy seeing you here?" he joked, a warm smile playing on his lips as he noted her confused expression.
"What are you doing here, Hee?" she inquired, genuinely puzzled by his sudden appearance. Heeseung chuckled before explaining, "Well, I happened to be in the neighborhood, and I thought, why not drop by and say hello? Coincidentally, I saw you locking up. Come on, get in; I'll drop you."
Y/N hesitated, glancing back at her plans for the night. With a shrug and a smile, she agreed, "Sure, why not? Change of plans, I guess." The unexpected turn of events added a layer of intrigue to the night, leaving her wondering what twists fate had in store.
The car ride unfolded into an unexpected adventure, the quiet hum of the engine providing a soothing backdrop to the night. As Heeseung drove, the conversation flowed effortlessly between you, delving into shared interests, childhood stories, and the dreams that painted the canvas of your lives.
Underneath the moonlit sky, Heeseung's smile carried a certain warmth, and the more you spoke, the more you discovered the layers of his personality. His laughter mingled with yours, creating an atmosphere of ease and connection.
Somewhere between shared jokes and sincere confessions, Heeseung's hand found its way to the gear shift, a subtle yet intentional move. As he seamlessly intertwined his fingers with yours, a gentle electric current passed between you. The touch, at once tender and charged, hung in the air, unspoken yet understood.
With a soft smile, Heeseung spoke, his voice a gentle melody in the quiet space, "You know, Y/N, spending this time with you feels different, in a good way. There's something about the way we click, isn't there?" Your heart skipped a beat as you met his gaze, and in that moment, his thumb began to caress the back of your hand.
Heeseung, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, continued, "You have this way of making everything feel easy, like we've known each other forever. It's refreshing." His thumb continued its rhythmic dance against the back of your hand, creating a subtle cadence that mirrored the beat of your racing hearts.
Encouraged by the warmth in his words, you responded, "I feel the same way, Heeseung. It's like we're on the same wavelength." The air inside the car held a certain magic, and as the conversation shifted to more personal stories, Heeseung's hand found yours more firmly, the connection deepening.
As the night unfolded, Heeseung made a move that spoke volumes. With a gentle squeeze of your hand, he brought it to his lips, leaving a soft, lingering kiss. The city lights outside seemed to dim as the world inside the car intensified with a shared acknowledgment—a bridge between friendship and something more.
--
Closing the car door after bidding Heeseung goodbye, Y/N turned around to find Beomgyu with a thoroughly confused expression. His brows furrowed, Beomgyu seemed to be piecing together the unexpected scene he just witnessed.
"Hey, what's going on?" Beomgyu asked, his eyes flickering between Y/N and the closed door.
With a teasing smile, Y/N decided to alleviate Beomgyu's confusion. "Guess who dropped me home tonight? None other than your roommate, Heeseung."
Beomgyu's expression shifted from confusion to surprise, and then, perhaps, a flicker of something else. "Heeseung?" he repeated, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
"Yeah, we had a nice chat in the car. He's a really interesting person," Y/N shared, gauging Beomgyu's reaction.
Beomgyu, still processing the unexpected turn of events, managed a forced smile. "Interesting, huh?" he muttered, a subtle tension in his voice.
Y/N, sensing Beomgyu's unease, decided to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, Gyu, you're still my best friend. Heeseung was just being a gentleman, dropping me home and all."
Beomgyu nodded, attempting to shake off the strange mix of emotions swirling within him. "Right, of course. Just unexpected, that's all."
As Y/N and Beomgyu entered their shared apartment, the atmosphere felt different, a quiet undercurrent threading through their interactions. The unspoken tension lingered, leaving both of them with a sense of uncertainty about the shifting dynamics of their friendship.
--
As Y/N stepped into the apartment, her eyes immediately caught the array of pretty decorations that seemed to encapsulate an ambiance of romance and love. The soft glow of fairy lights draped over the furniture, coupled with delicate flower arrangements, painted a picture of a space steeped in affection.
"Wow, did you decide to redecorate or something?" Y/N asked, a playful tone in her voice as she admired the romantic touches that adorned the apartment.
Beomgyu, still stuck in his place, couldn't help but feel a knot tightening in his stomach. The decorations, usually just a backdrop to their shared living space, now seemed like a vivid manifestation of his worries. He hesitated, searching for the right words, and finally mumbled, "Yeah, thought it was time for a change."
Y/N, oblivious to the internal turmoil Beomgyu was facing, continued to explore the room. "It looks lovely, Gyu. You really have an eye for this."
As she spoke, Beomgyu's mind raced. He couldn't shake the worry that he might have missed his chance, that Heeseung had taken the initiative and confessed before he could express his feelings. The romantic ambiance, once just a backdrop, now felt like a stage that had witnessed a scene he wasn't a part of.
Beomgyu, with a forced smile, tried to push aside his apprehensions. "Yeah, just thought it was time for a change," he repeated, hoping the words sounded more convincing this time.
As Y/N admired the redecorated apartment, she couldn't help but sense a subtle shift in Beomgyu's demeanor. Turning to face him, she noticed the forced smile and the hesitancy in his eyes. Concern crept into her voice as she asked, "Hey, Gyu, is everything okay? You seem a bit… off."
Beomgyu, caught off guard, attempted to dismiss her worries with a casual shrug. "Oh, it's nothing, just had a long day. Don't worry about it."
But Y/N, attuned to the nuances of their friendship, wasn't easily convinced. "Come on, Gyu. We've been through too much together for me not to notice when something's up. Spill it."
Beomgyu hesitated for a moment, his internal struggle evident. Finally, he sighed and admitted, "It's just… things are a bit different now, and I'm trying to wrap my head around it."
Y/N, still puzzled, stepped closer. "Different how?"
Beomgyu's gaze faltered for a moment before he confessed, "I've been thinking a lot, and I don't want anything to change between us. You're my best friend, Y/N, and that means the world to me."
As the weight of Beomgyu's words hung in the air, Y/N's expression softened. The romantic decorations and the unspoken tension in the room suddenly made sense. With a gentle smile, she reassured him, "Gyu, you're my best friend too, and nothing will change that. We'll figure things out, okay?"
Taking a deep breath, Beomgyu gathered his courage. He looked directly into Y/N's eyes and began, "There's something I need to tell you, Y/N." His voice held a mixture of vulnerability and determination.
Y/N, sensing the gravity of the moment, gave him her full attention.
"Y/N, you mean a lot to me. More than just a friend. I've been trying to figure out how to say this, and… I think I might have taken too long." Beomgyu paused, his eyes reflecting a blend of regret and acceptance.
Y/N, surprised by his confession, waited for him to continue.
"I've been hesitant, thinking I had more time. But seeing you with Heeseung made me realize that maybe I waited too long, and someone else might have already said what I should have said ages ago."
Beomgyu's admission hung in the air, creating a moment of profound honesty. Y/N, absorbing the weight of his words, responded with a compassionate smile. "Gyu, it's okay. I appreciate your honesty. Whatever happens, you'll always be an important part of my life."
Beomgyu, despite the pang of regret, appreciated the understanding in Y/N's response. "I just needed to say it, even if it's a little too late," he admitted.
--
A month had passed, and the atmosphere in the shared apartment between Y/N, Beomgyu, and Heeseung carried a nuanced tension. Each day brought a new layer of complexity as the two friends, Beomgyu and Heeseung, navigated the uncharted waters of their feelings for Y/N. Despite the unspoken emotions, the trio tried to maintain a semblance of normalcy.
One evening, Beomgyu took the initiative to plan a cozy movie night at home. With dimmed lights and a carefully selected film, he hoped to create an intimate atmosphere. As the movie played, Beomgyu subtly slipped in small gestures of affection, such as reaching for shared snacks or offering a comforting armrest.
Heeseung, sensing Beomgyu's move, decided to take a different approach. He invited Y/N to join him for a scenic rooftop dinner, complete with fairy lights and a breathtaking view of the city. The night unfolded with shared laughter and meaningful conversations, as Heeseung subtly expressed his admiration for Y/N through his thoughtful gestures.
As the days went by, Beomgyu and Heeseung continued to find ways to spend time with Y/N, each trying to convey their feelings through gestures, words, and shared experiences. The love triangle's intricacies became more apparent, leaving Y/N in a challenging position, torn between two friends, each vying for her heart.
One weekend, Y/N decided to take a breather from the complex dynamics. She suggested a casual outing to a local park, hoping to enjoy a simple day of relaxation. Beomgyu and Heeseung both agreed, unknowingly setting the stage for a series of playful yet subtle competitions.
Beomgyu, recognizing the opportunity, engaged in a friendly game of frisbee with Y/N, showcasing his athleticism and playfulness. Heeseung, not to be outdone, suggested a lighthearted picnic and brought along a guitar, serenading Y/N with a heartfelt song.
As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the park, Y/N found herself caught between the genuine efforts of two friends, both hoping to capture her heart. The love triangle persisted, creating a delicate dance of emotions that echoed through the shared moments of laughter, shared glances, and unspoken sentiments.
--
Amid the stress of a particularly demanding academic week, Beomgyu, recognizing the need for a break, decided to surprise Y/N with a spontaneous getaway to her dream destination. He carefully planned the surprise, knowing that a change of scenery could provide the perfect escape.
As Y/N arrived home exhausted, Beomgyu greeted her with a mysterious smile. "Pack your bags; we're going on an adventure," he announced, handing her a plane ticket to her dream destination.
Surprised and excited, Y/N packed hastily, her curiosity growing with every passing minute. The destination unfolded before her eyes as they landed, and the sheer joy on Y/N's face made every bit of Beomgyu's planning worthwhile.
The first scenario found them exploring the vibrant streets of a bustling city. Beomgyu led Y/N through hidden alleys, charming cafes, and local markets. The air was filled with laughter as they indulged in street food and stumbled upon unexpected delights, creating memories that surpassed the stress of the academic week.
In the second scenario, Beomgyu orchestrated a serene beach getaway. The sound of waves, warm sand beneath their feet, and the endless stretch of the ocean provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation. Beomgyu surprised Y/N with a beachside picnic at sunset, complete with her favorite snacks and a breathtaking view, offering a moment of tranquility in the midst of chaos.
As the getaway continued, Beomgyu ensured each day was filled with surprises, tailored to Y/N's interests and dreams. Whether it was a visit to a local landmark, a spontaneous adventure, or a quiet evening under the stars, Beomgyu's gestures aimed to create a space where Y/N could temporarily escape the complexities of academic life and find solace in the shared moments of joy.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the picturesque landscape of a quaint town Beomgyu had chosen for their escape. Beomgyu led Y/N to a charming rooftop restaurant adorned with fairy lights, where a table for two awaited them.
As they settled into their seats, the ambient sounds of the town below and the distant murmur of the sea created a romantic backdrop. The night seemed to hold a certain magic as Beomgyu caught Y/N's gaze, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"This place is incredible," Y/N marveled, taking in the breathtaking view.
Beomgyu's eyes sparkled as he responded, "I thought you might like it. It's just us, the stars, and a town full of stories."
A waiter approached, and the evening unfolded with a culinary journey that matched the enchanting setting. Beomgyu, ever attentive, shared stories and laughter, creating an atmosphere where time seemed to slow down.
Between courses, Beomgyu looked at Y/N with a warmth that went beyond friendship. "You know, Y/N, these moments with you are something I've been cherishing for a long time."
Y/N met his gaze, feeling the sincerity in his words. "Me too, Gyu. This is truly special."
As the night progressed, Beomgyu suggested a stroll through the town square, where a live band played soft melodies under the moonlit sky. They found an empty space and swayed to the music, their movements synchronized in a dance that mirrored the unspoken connection between them.
In a moment of shared vulnerability, Beomgyu spoke, "Y/N, there's something I've been wanting to say." He paused, the town square fading into the background. "Being here with you, it feels like I've found a piece of myself I didn't know was missing."
Y/N, captivated by his honesty, smiled, "Gyu, I feel the same way. This is more than I could have imagined."
As the night wove its magic, Beomgyu took Y/N's hand, leading her to a quiet spot overlooking the town. With the stars as witnesses, he confessed, "Y/N, I've cherished our friendship, but being here, I can't help but wonder if there's something more. I care about you deeply, and I can't ignore these feelings any longer."
Y/N, touched by his sincerity, replied, "Gyu, you mean so much to me too. I never want to lose what we have."
The night held a delicate balance, caught between the beauty of the moment and the unspoken complexities of their evolving relationship. As they stood overlooking the town, bathed in moonlight, Beomgyu and Y/N found themselves on the precipice of something new, the gentle breeze carrying with it the promise of possibilities.
--
Y/N awoke to the soft rays of morning sunlight filtering through her curtains, the remnants of the dream still lingering in her mind. As reality set in, she found herself grappling with a mix of emotions.
The enchanting rooftop dinner, the shared laughter, and Beomgyu's heartfelt confession—it all felt so vivid, yet it dissolved into the intangible haze of a dream. Y/N lay there, contemplating the fragments of the imagined getaway, and her thoughts gravitated toward the unspoken feelings that had surfaced during the dream.
Questions danced in her mind as she pondered whether the emotions conjured in the dream reflected her true feelings for Beomgyu. Was it a subconscious revelation of something she had been suppressing?
Unable to shake the dream's impact, Y/N decided to confront her feelings head-on. She reached for her phone, sending a text to Beomgyu, suggesting they meet up for coffee later in the day.
The coffee shop, a familiar setting for their shared moments, felt different this time. Y/N observed Beomgyu's casual smile, the same smile that had felt so sincere in her dream. As they settled into conversation, Y/N couldn't help but feel a subtle undercurrent of tension.
"You seem a bit distant today. Everything okay?" Beomgyu asked, concern lining his features.
Y/N hesitated, then decided to share her thoughts. "I had this dream last night, Gyu. About us."
Beomgyu's eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "A dream?"
"Yeah, it was like we were on this incredible getaway, and there was this moment…" Y/N trailed off, searching for the right words.
Beomgyu leaned in, his eyes fixed on hers. "What moment?"
"In the dream, you… you confessed, and it felt so real. But now, I'm not sure if it was just a dream or something more," Y/N admitted, vulnerability lacing her words.
--
As months passed, the graduation day arrived, marking the end of a significant chapter in their lives. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia, but for Y/N, it also brought a heightened sense of internal conflict. The love triangle had persisted, and as she donned her cap and gown, memories of shared moments with Beomgyu and Heeseung flooded her mind.
In the ceremony, Y/N's gaze wandered between Beomgyu and Heeseung, each representing a different facet of her journey through college. She couldn't help but reminisce about the late-night study sessions with Beomgyu, the laughter they shared, and the unspoken moments that hinted at something more. On the other hand, Heeseung's support during challenging times and the romantic gestures he had sprinkled into their friendship left a different yet equally impactful imprint on her heart.
Amidst the sea of emotions, Y/N found herself on the graduation stage, her parents snapping pictures to immortalize the milestone. However, her mind was elsewhere, torn between the memories and the unspoken question of where her heart truly belonged.
As the ceremony concluded, Y/N's internal struggle persisted. She decided to spend some time with Beomgyu, hoping that revisiting the familiar moments they shared would bring clarity. They strolled through the campus, pausing at spots that held significance for them. The library, where they had conquered countless assignments together; the coffee shop, their refuge during stressful days; and the park, where conversations flowed effortlessly.
Despite the comfort of these shared memories, Y/N couldn't shake the nagging uncertainty about her feelings. Beomgyu, sensing her inner turmoil, tried to lighten the mood with his usual playful banter, but a subtle tension lingered beneath the surface.
Later in the day, Y/N found herself alone with Heeseung. They revisited the places that had become a backdrop to their friendship, creating a montage of moments that spoke of shared laughter, understanding glances, and the quiet comfort of each other's presence. Heeseung, ever perceptive, noticed the turmoil in Y/N's eyes.
"Something on your mind?" he inquired gently.
Y/N hesitated, then confessed, "I can't shake this feeling of being torn, Hee. I value both of you so much, but I can't figure out who… who I should choose."
Heeseung, his gaze softening, took a moment before responding, "Y/N, relationships aren't about choosing one person over another. They're about connection, understanding, and growth. Take your time, and don't force yourself to decide. The right path will reveal itself."
As they returned to the graduation festivities, Y/N couldn't shake the weight of her indecision. The day, meant to be a celebration, felt like a crossroads, and the love triangle persisted, leaving her standing at the intersection of two distinct paths, each laden with memories and unspoken possibilities.
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