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itstheghostofmypast · 2 months

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Must Be Love

Corporate Worker San x (F)Reader

Summary: Love, is an emotion so deep that once earned, it could change lives. Unfortunately, neither of the two had ever had the opportunity to feel love. Well, maybe he had, but having his heart thrown back at him, made him realise that the corporate world was far too busy, far too bitter and far too cold for a hardworking boy from Namhae- it was about time he accepted the bitter taste of reality.

Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Fluff

Warnings: Languages/ Insecurities (majorly of being alone)

Word Count: 21k

Est. Read Time: 1 hr

Rating: nc-17

Networks: @cromernet @k-labels

Banner: @cafekitsune

A/N: Only God and @edenesth know how this was supposed to be a timestamp, that turned into a oneshot that is so long- that I- I swear I don't even know why San has me in a chokehold.

"All I'm saying is that speed dating does work for some people." The brunette claimed entering the elevator with the taller man who shook his head with a pout, pressing the parking button. Sure, speed dating worked for a few people, but those few people were rarely introverts, moreover, he did not have time for love. Love was a luxury he could not afford, especially after his last encounter with the villain, he believed that distancing himself from it would keep him safe, and keep him from hurting.

"Yeah...just not my thing," he mumbled, stepping out onto the concrete floor, their polished shoes scraping against the cement, echoing in the enormous parking lot. Sighing he looked over the fence, frowning at the jam below, "I hate Mondays", muttering to himself he turned to wave off Yeosang who smiled at him, before ducking down to enter his car, lowering the window once the engine was switched on, "I'm just saying San, you can't let her get to you forever."

"See you tomorrow Yeosang." with one final wave his friend drove off, as the man himself, got into his car, buckled up and decided to speed out, it didn't matter anyway, he'd be stuck in traffic but at least it'll be quick, it was already 9 pm, the sooner he could go home, the sooner he'd be in bed, ready to succumb to the solitude and silence at his apartment.

Unfortunately, by the time he arrived, it was already 11 pm. Cursing under his breath he walked out of the elevator, so exhausted, so tired, so done with everything. A constant ringing in his ears only added to the discomfort, as he squinted at the hallway lights. Making his way down his corridor he reached his door until pausing, turning his head to find someone sitting at the door next to his, hugging her knees- was she...crying? All too suddenly the ringing disappeared, the lights around him became much bearable, the dull greys around him morphing into something else- San, stop. Clearing his throat, he looked at her, trying to get her attention, which he only got once he 'fake' coughed.

His curious gaze met with glossy doe eyes, and a tear-stained face stared up at him. Unknown to him, she had just come to the realisation that God really did do people favours, and one of those favours was creating a being like the one standing above her, with a gaze so soft she could almost feel it, his features sharp as a feline and not to mention those shoulders, damn what a beauty. She watched him blink at her slowly before turning around and- oh. He went inside.... wow.

With a snort, she shook her head-that was anti-climactic. Of course, why would anyone even want to deal with her, especially someone like him?

San closed the door behind him, slowly walked over to the console table, and stopped to stare at his reflection, God he looked like a mess, no wonder she was staring at him like that. Running his fingers through his hair, he sleeked back his bangs, trying to calm down his nest of hair before fixing his tie and opening the door to find her in the same place, walking over to her as he cleared his throat.

"Excuse me Ma'am-" he began, pausing when she looked up at him with a frown, man, he wasn't good-looking, but he wasn't that ugly either.

"I lost my key."

"You- what?" quirking a brow he stared at her before looking at the numerous bags and suitcases beside her, how exactly did he not notice these before?

"I moved in today...lost my key and the landlord is out of town," mumbling she hugged her knees tighter looking away from him, frowning at the tiled floor, waiting for something, a backhanded compliment, an insult, a taunt, something to remind her of her ignorance and lack of competence.

Sighing he rubbed his face, before staring at the door, looking at the lock pad, moving closer he stood right beside her, glancing down at her, though she was still staring ahead, frowning like a child put in time out shaking his head he began pressing the numbers on the keypad, resetting the door's lock- knowing this was no longer a used apartment, it had a generic code from number one to five, he was confused why the landlord had decided to not tell her this. On the other hand, this was common knowledge, but then again, he didn't know these things when he started, a fresh graduate with the hopes of stepping into the world with a will to change stuff- that is until the corporate world put him back in his place.

The beeping caught her attention, side eying him, most of her vision just comprised of his pant leg, craning her neck upwards, she met with the gaze of an angel, giving her a small smile as the light behind him glowed in all in angelic mercy. Was he...bipolar?

"I've reset it. Please change the passcode once you settle in."

With that he walked away, leaving her sitting there, grateful yet so confused, his calm demeanour just putting her anxiousness at bay. The soft click of his door brought her back to reality, clearing her throat she stood up, dusting her clothes she made her way to his door, clearing her throat, trying to fix her hair before ringing the doorbell.

San was almost done unbuttoning his shirt when the doorbell rang, as he paused, groaning in disdain the man glanced at the clock, it was almost midnight, what on earth did the world want from him now? Messily buttoning it back up he padded to the door barefoot, his tie hanging around his neck, annoyed at the pestering dinging of the bell as he swung the door open, glaring at whoever was rude enough to ruin his few moments of silence and bliss.

"Th-oh- sorry." she stammered, averting her gaze before bowing and thanking him, mumbling her name and scurrying away through her open door, slamming it shut, her things still outside. He stared at her, what a peculiar woman, what was her problem? Glancing down he realised most of his shirt was still unbuttoned- oh…well technically he was wearing a vest- shit did she think he was weird? A pervert? Great going Choi San. Sighing for the nth time of the night he closed the door, finally deciding to go to bed and forget whatever embarrassing things he had done tonight.

Leaning her ear against the door she weighed for it to close, praying to any entity out there that he did not assume she was weird or a perv. It's not like this was the first time she'd seen a man and technically he was still fully clothed so- God, Jongho was right, she's been single for too long. A good ten minutes later she cracked open the door, leaning out to glance at her neighbour's door, apartment number 404, well then, at least he was gone, she could pull in her stuff without any interruptions.

"You traumatised- no, you harassed a woman," Yeosang mumbled, coat in hand as he entered the elevator, San following in behind, San who was also late today, San who had rushed to work today, forgetting both, his laptop at home and his coat.

"I did not." he sighed, staring at his reflection, he hadn't gotten much sleep last night - or any other of the previous nights for that matter. Usually, when he'd lay down, his body would be exhausted, but an hour in all he'd do was toss and turn restlessly, blanketed by something else, something heavy and blue, at this point he had no clue as to what to do. The room would just end up getting stuffy and within a few hours, he'd slip out of bed, have a cup of coffee, shower, change, try to eat something, anything so he could function and leave like he had a whole eight hours of sleep.

"Should've asked her how she lost the key though." the other man hummed, pressing the buttons of their floors, eying his friend who was now leaning his head against the wall, eyes closed with a pout.

"No."

"No?"

"No, she was already upset, who cares how she lost them." he sighed, straightening up once the door opened, "Didn't feel like adding salt to the wound."

"Aww...my stoic Mr.Choi is so considerate." he teased, patting the back of his friend who rolled his shoulders, before walking out, mumbling a, "I'll just take Mingi's jacket- don't bother coming by!' he turned around swiftly to point at Yeosang, who stood there behind the open doors, waving at him, "Whatever you say...." waiting for the doors too almost close for the punchline, "Perv."

"Will you be going out for lunch today, Sir?" Mingi asked, fingers frozen above the keyboard, peaking through his glasses as he stared at San who was locking the glass door to his office.

"Yeah...want something?" the man turned to look at his secretary - assistant, mind you- who shook his head, "Enjoy your lunch, Sir." with that he went back to typing up the due report - one that was due a day ago, he was just glad San hadn't realised that yet.

Shaking his head San sighed, "Mingi, my man, you gotta stop calling me Sir." stuffing his hands in his pockets he looked around the almost empty floor, "Also, I've submitted the report." his words caused the taller man to freeze, his curious eyes locking with a tired, blank pair, an apology simmering at the tip of his tongue but the man raised his hand to stop him, "Just...tell me next time."

"Yes Sir."

"Creme croissant and a latte, right?" he asked as he began to walk away, being nothing more than a hero- no, an angel, for Song Mingi, oh how he wished everyone had a boss like his. Standing up and bowing a good 90 degrees he kept thanking the man until the elevator doors closed.

Grimacing at the bitter taste of his coffee he walked down the street, frowning at almost everything. The sun was too bright, the birds were too loud, there was too much traffic and lunch hour was packed. Holding onto the paper bag of Mingi's lunch he bit the end of the straw, staring into the windows of the shops he passed by. Why did these people look so happy? Did they not have work? What did they have that he did not?

Too lost in thought he collided with someone, though little damage was done to him, other than dropping Mingi's lunch, his coffee was fine, and so was his shirt. Sighing in relief he turned to look at the person who had ended up on the floor, about to apologise he paused, "Oh...it's you."

Falling on your butt is one of the worse things known to man or woman in her case, truth be told she hadn't seen the man, especially because of the boxes that she was holding, they were heavy and if Jongho didn't think that rock-paper-scissors was not the best solution for any problem, especially when it meant carrying heavy objects, she wouldn’t be here. She was picking up the cups that fell out of the box, luckily the one with the spoons and forks was taped up, mumbling an apology to the person before spotting the soiled package- shit.

"I'm so sorry-" she was cut off by his statement, staring up at him, oh shit. Clearing her throat she nodded before standing up, patting the dust off her clothes and apologising, "I-I'm sorry I didn't see you there. " He was about to say it's okay please stop apologising but before he could she reached for his feet causing him to bounce back only to realise she was reaching for what remained of Mingi's lunch.

"I- I'm so sorry, I'll get you a new one." she said placing it on the boxes and trying to pick them up, though he reached for them before she could, picking them up, "Please stop apologising. It's alright, you don't have to," he said as he looked at her from over the boxes. Wow, he makes the boxes look small, what else can he pick up?

"No, please you don't have to help me, I can carry them." she said trying to reach for them but he shook his head, nodding in the opposite direction, "Where were headed?"

"LET ME MAKE YOU LUNCH"

The two stared at each other, her words causing the two to stare at each other before he cleared his throat, averting his gaze and she shook her head trying to explain, "I mean for the one I dropped, I have a cafe- technically it's not open yet but you-you can be the first official nonofficial customer."

"Ah...okay," whispering he turned to look at her again and nodded, following her as she began to speed walk in the direction of his office- oh it was close by? They stopped at a closed shop just a block away, the windows covered with newspapers, including the glass door. Craning his neck back he stared at the name, a giant board of the name - oh it's a cafe? 'Jiyuu'.

Freedom, huh? He followed her inside, only to abruptly stop when she turned around "I can hold it-"

"Just tell me where to keep it,” he asked before walking towards the dusty counter, placing the boxes on it and turning to her but she zoomed into the kitchen mumbling, a 'Please stay here, I'll be right back'.

He stood there, idle, hands in his pockets, staring around the semi-decorated place, wasn't shabby, and wasn't over the top modern as well. It was close to his work too, maybe he'd try the coffee here. Speaking of coffee, how did a simple cafe owner- one that was still closed- afford an apartment like his? Someone cleared their throat, earning his attention.

"Here you go," she mumbled, "Sorry again." handing him the paper bag- it was bigger than the one he had for Mingi.

"Thank you." nodding at her he pouted, "I told you, it's okay." with that the two stood there, awkwardly standing, staring at anything but each other, the hustle and bustle of outside muffled through the newspaper-covered glass windows, the golden glow just adding to the calm atmosphere. He hadn't felt like this in a while he had not been able to hear his thoughts in a good while, it bothered him, the slow atmosphere, there was no rush, and even time had a pace of its own. A melancholic serenity, he was slowly beginning to enjoy until his phone rang, causing him to jerk back to reality, only to realise she was busy unboxing, when did she move away? Did she just let him stand there, staring at the wall?

"I- thanks again." clearing his throat he nodded at her, earning a gentle smile, "Thank you too." with that he quickly made his exit.

That day, Mingi received more than just a croissant and a latte, he got a whole Danish pastry, a cold coffee and more assorted baked items- No, San did not tell him how he got them, he just told him it was his treat. That day, San had finally witnessed something, felt something so similar that he felt goosebumps, felt the hairs at the back of his neck stand, yet, other than his internal conflict, the world around him was at a pace so strange, one that was slowly pulling him in, something he was deathly afraid of, yet, he welcomed it, just a little bit. That day she finally made a friend, other than Jongho, even if it were comprised of him just being nice to her, she'd accept that, everyone was falling in love, and at least she was no longer falling behind.

A week, it had just been a week since the two had come to know about their existence and he had realised how even though he'd address her with her first name she'd use Mr.Choi. Perhaps she would do so out of respect, or perhaps she was scared of him. Either way, what he did not expect was for her to knock on his door, drenched to the bone, shivering as she tried to give him that usual smile 'Everything is A-okay!'. He could see right through it, and even though he had decided to not meddle in others' affairs, he still somehow found her sitting on his couch, clutching onto a mug of tea, one of his spare towels wrapped around her shoulders.

That is not what baffled him, what truly amazed him was how this strange woman just barged into his apartment, wet as a cat caught in the rain and had brought up a proposition, much similar to the one Yeosang would bring to the table during the yearly board meetings, making San want to strangle him most of the time.

"So, in reality, you want me to drop you off at your place of work and you'll pay me...with coffee?" He asked, watching her sit on his extremely expensive leather couch, sleek black, matching the monochromatic theme of his living room, and her damp clothes were not doing the leather any favours.

"Yes- I mean, No- I mean a coffee and something to eat, whatever you like! I read that business and corporate people love a good brew and I'll be targeting them too so-" she went on and on, playing with the hem of her damp cardigan, but he raised a hand to stop her, her eyes widening at the gesture, oh god, was he going to throw her out? Jongho did tell her that this was a bad idea.

"Why are your clothes wet?"

"O-oh." her face flushed at the question, her gaze flickering to her lap as she cleared her throat, "It started raining on my way back...and I didn't have an umbrella."

"But the forecast.... mentioned it." he sighed, rubbing his face with his hands before stopping to glare at her, "Did you not take one or did you forget it at the cafe?" his words were cold, but held some form of warmth to them, though his hard glare softened at her meek response.

"I left it at work, Mr.Choi."

"Go home." was all he said as he stood up and walked over to the main door, turning to catch her staring at him with wide glossy eyes, of course, she wouldn't get the hint, "We leave at sharp 6 am”.

"So... this is just what neighbours do?" Yeosang glanced up from the documents, of course San had blocked the funds for the marketing department, this man's sulking was affecting his work ethic too- by work ethic, he meant how he was holding Yeosang's big marketing plans.

"Hmm? Oh yeah...I guess, why?" he asked still reading through the other proposals, not really thinking about it or her. Honestly, he had assumed she would've tapped out within a week, though this past month he was impressed by her persistence. Some days he'd just step foot outside to find her standing in front of her own door, holding onto her handbag, only to smile at him. How on earth was she able to pull off the heart-stopping smile early in the morning? He still didn't know how, he'd just nod silently, sometimes mumbling a good morning, but his lips wouldn't quirk up the slightest.

She'd followed him silently, usually not speaking unless spoken to, but he could sense that she had many stories to tell, but perhaps his heart was already too full, sinking into this blue and her stories and words would just ruin any chances he'd have to stay afloat. Hence, they'd only exchange pleasantries when he'd see fit, but he'd thank her, every time he'd drop her and she'd ask him to stay for a minute, only to run inside with her things and come back running with a coffee and a paper bag. Each day it would comprise of something new, and she'd just say it's her trying new recipes, though she never made the coffee, it was made by him, someone named Jongho, he didn't know much about Jongho, only that he played a vital role in her life- so she had someone too, even if potential. And for once he was glad to have kept his walls up high as he had, though this silent pitter patter of his heart, from every time she'd smile at him annoyed him, every time she whispered before closing the door, " Have a good day, Mr.Choi", it just made the pound of flesh in him shiver with an unwanted excitement.

"San?"

"Huh?"

Clicking his tongue, Yeosang leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms as he scanned the man across the table. His shirts were pressed to the crisp, his usual four-in-hand tie knot, now a full-blown Windsor knot, he'd brought back the waistcoat as well, a choice that was long discarded and his hair, gelled back to perfection—definitely just neighbours.

"What~" he whined, slumping against the chair, almost like a child throwing a fit, a side only Yeosang would see, usually he'd mock him, but he knew San got like this when he was bound by one of his man internally conflicts, which is why he chose to keep the observation to himself and nod at the clock, "Your neighbour must be waiting, it’s almost time."

"What- oh yeah." nodding he quickly grabbed his things, slinging his bag over his shoulder, almost out the door before he stopped and turned around, "Yeo?"

"Hmmm?"

"Re-evaluate and send in the budget again."

"F*ck you, Choi."

"So..." she asked, looking around the interior of his car, "Nice car." Must've cost a lot is what she wanted to say next, but knowing him, he would've asked her to get out at that very moment- incorrect, Choi San couldn't even glare at her properly, let alone tell her to walk home.

"Thank you..." he mumbled, driving onto the main road, not really knowing how to continue the conversation, Yeosang would've made fun of him, telling him he couldn't even do 'small talk', but it's not like he had much in common with her, other than working near each other and living in the same building, on the same floor.

"I uh...thank you for dropping me home." she tried to push onto the subject, maybe he'd talk to her if she pestered him, that's how she had gotten Jongho to become her friend- not the best tactic, but it had worked once, why wouldn't it again?

"No problem." his responses were short, again, not out of malice, he just didn't know what to say to her, with his sister, it usually comprised of him being a baby to her or her bossing him around but that was different, they were siblings, they could argue about stupid things and get over it, but with her- she was...different, she was soft, she was sensitive and delicate, like a butterfly on a flower. Though she'd be one of those he'd avoid, not wanting to fall into its beauty and grace, too distracted to take note of the world around him. No longer was he willing to fall, or at least imagine to do so.

Parking the car he cleared his throat, waiting for her to move, but he was greeted by silence. What the hell- he turned to find her asleep, hugging her purse close, leaning against the door.

If this was extremely dangerous and careless of her, he might have found it cute- why on earth- HOW COULD SHE JUST FALL ASLEEP LIKE THIS? What does he do? Does he tap her shoulder? Shake her? Wouldn't that be touching her without consent? Should he call her by her name? Yes, he should, and with that intention he had turned to her once more, only to notice the small frown etched on her features, she looked.... tired.

Jerking awake she sat up properly, blowing the hair out of her face, blinking around, where- was she in the car? Whipping her head to look at the driver's seat she found him sitting there, tying away on his phone, his hair a bit dishevelled but everything else was pristine about him, as it was in the morning. His face was illuminated by the blue light, only accentuating his sharp features, to this day she wondered how someone like him would even bother talking to her.

"Good morning" he turned to look at her, catching her mid-stare, as she choked on her words, about to blurt out an apology but he cut her off, "Don't apologise, it’s something I did by choice, anyway, I got through with most of my emails for the day now so that's good. " He locked his phone before finally switching off the car- he was wasting gas for her? "Did you rest well?"

She could only nod at his question, as he got out and closed the door, she clumsily followed after clutching onto her things as he made his way to the elevator, locking the car, the beep echoing across the parking lot.

He held the doors open for her, waiting for her to run in as she placed her handbag down, turning to him with a pout, only to be met by a frown- was he angry? Of course, he was, but he did say he stated by choice so why did he-

"Do you realise how dangerous that was? Falling asleep in someone else's car?" his words were direct, cold to the brim, "It's extremely foolish. Just because we know each other doesn't mean you can do that! We're just neighbours, nothing more and even if we are carpooling this isn't safe. Would you do the same in an Uber or a bus? Do you realise this is just carelessness? It's just not how you live in the city or elsewhere for that matter-" he spat, turning to meet her with an intense glare, only to lock eyes with a misty pair, pausing when she dipped her head, "I'm sorry, I know. "

"I-I'll be careful next time. Mr.Choi." whispered, her fingers gripping the leather of her bag, he was right, they were just neighbours, nothing more, nothing less, more importantly, this formal arrangement of carpooling was only temporary, maybe she should just take the bus from now on. Jongho was wrong, she wasn't mature enough for this, and she couldn't do this on her own, her fiancé was right, she was childish and clumsy, a little girl living in a fool's paradise at best, too used to being a daddy's little princess.

San watched her walk out of the elevator, though he was too petrified to say anything, his own reaction had confused him. Why was he so upset? He was the one who let her sleep? It wasn't like him to raise his voice like this, especially at someone he would compare to a butterfly. What was wrong with him? He was never this bitter. Just like that, he watched her walk into her apartment, the soft click signalling her to lock it. No, he did not receive the usual "Goodnight Mr.Choi."

But then again, did he deserve it? With a heavy sigh, he closed the door, staring at his empty apartment, feeling...guilty? Well, he did just...it wasn't wrong but...groaning in defeat he turned around and walked out of his apartment slamming the door shut behind him.

Pushing up her glasses she frowned at the screen, what kind of schedule was this, all the buses left before sunrise, way before San would even leave, and they’d leave later as well. In addition to those issues, the bus wouldn’t drop or pick her up near the café, the bus stops were around five blocks away from the shop. Groaning she slammed the lid shut, what if she just walked every morning? Maybe she shouldn’t have moved here, leaving her comfort zone, forcing Jongho along with her- he was a fool, he’d always had too much faith in her and that had always been the problem. At this point, she had once again wasted her parents’ money and potentially risked Jongho’s life savings too.

With a heavy sigh, she picked up the laptop and placed it on her desk before coming back to bed, laying back down as she stared up at the ceiling, letting her sullen thoughts lull her to sleep. Only to sit awake when the doorbell rang, looking around her room before it rang again, groaning she laid back down and covered her ears, waiting for it to stop. And it did, much to her pleasure, only the next thing to ring was her phone, she slammed her hand around for it and picked it up without checking the ID, “Jongho I swear if you’re calling me because you have a new brew idea, I’ll stab you with a spork.”

For a second she was met with silence, causing her to pull back and squint at the caller ID, before gasping and pressing it against her ear, “Mr.Choi I’m so so-“

“Sorry? Mhmmm…I know, so am I, please open the door so I can do so formally.”

That night, was the first time she had received a formal apology from a corporate worker, one with a proper 90-degree bow, followed by a soft apology. She opened the door to find him standing there tall before doing so, standing back up and showing her a bag, “I hope you like Chinese takeout.”

“I do.” With that she moved to the side, thanking God that she had cleaned her apartment the day before, asking him to make himself comfortable as she set the table. That night Choi San finally decided to learn a bit about her, not too much, he didn’t want to get involved in anything other than carpooling, this dinner was just a mere apology for his sudden outburst anyway. He looked around the lounge, the comfortable sofa was different from his, well most of this place was, it had colour, little trinkets that represented who she was, by the window were some succulents, but there was no television to be found, weird.

Once the table was set the two began to eat quietly, that is until she began, “You didn’t have to get dinner Mr Choi, and it's too much-

“I did.” He cut her off, clearing his throat to continue, “I…my outburst was uncalled for, I know it may seem confusing, but I wasn’t upset that you fell asleep, I was …concerned for your safety, I know you just moved here…but I…” he trailed off, especially at the way she was looking at him, like a kid staring at superman, he felt small under her intense stare, no, he wasn’t who she thought he was, he was no saint, he was no saviour, he was no one special. Shaking off the feeling, he mumbled, trying to change the topic, “Why did you move here anyway?” This was a bad move, he had asked something personal, he should’ve just asked her how he liked it here or how was work going, this question just meant that the answer would get him inside for her life, insight, he perhaps could function without.

Unfortunately, after a few stories in he was hooked, the finance director was up till midnight, not because of his work, no, because one story led to another and he listened intently, letting her do all the talking, perhaps because he wanted her to feel as if she was heard, or perhaps her story sparked some form of joy.

"Lee Soohyuk?" he choked on his lettuce wrap, thanking her when she handed him a can of soda. Gulping it down before clearing his throat as he looked at her, watching her clean her side of the table with a tissue, she was done eating. Or was she not eating in front of him?

"The...the famous corporate lawyer? Damn, I've seen him...once? Twice I think." he blinked at her, noting how she had gone quiet before he gave her a small smile, "He's not that smart you know...he was also wrong."

"What?" she paused her cleaning session to look at him, "He wasn't though, he was right Mr.Choi, I'll always be my parent's little princess, I can't even function alone, I dragged Jongho in this and lord forgive how his dad invested in med school for him and he ended up becoming a barista because of me- I couldn’t even afford a place of my own- I'm still living in an apartment owned by my parents!" slamming her hands on the table she glared at the food, "He was right, I was useless and immature then, I'm equally useless now, other than Jongho now I depend on you - which I won't I promise I'm looking for a solution but the schedule and drop points are so chaotic and-" her words caught up in her throat, being pushed down by a sob as she slumped back in her chair, pressing her palms over her eyes, no crying, crying is for the weak, for those who are spoiled, for those who give up. Too busy trying to think of what breathing exercises Jongho had taught her, she didn't know when he had come to her, until he placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze causing him to peak up at him.

"Well, I don't know what you were like before...but...I won't say you're useless...Mingi was born here but he still rides his cycle here, and lives with a flatmate," pulling his hand away leaning against the table, stuffing his hands in his pockets- too much skinship is bad- "I... have you ever like managed your resources? Like do you have a plan? An agenda or something?"

Shaking her head she wiped her eyes, sniffing like a little girl who got scolded, "I- I thought of buying this apartment from them....and then...then...I don’t know."

Nodding San smiled at her, "So you do have a plan. You just need some help figuring it out." reaching over for a tissue he plucked some out of the box before handing them to her, "Let's get your priorities organised first. Make a payment plan or something like that, your business started off well, which means you know how to work that out, you just need help in the...other stuff. Take a leap of faith."

"What if I... fall?"

'Then I'll catch you'.

This is what he had wanted to say that night but chose to smile at her, telling her people learn from their mistakes, no matter how small. Fortunately, she had made a friend that day, one who would guide her through, one who also told her to forget about the bus schedule and that they'd still carpool. Unfortunately for him, he might have stepped into a boundary he was desperately trying to avoid. Either way, Friday night dinners slowly became a tradition, a place of dining alternating, a Friday at his and a Friday at hers- something that when he told Yeosang, all the prince-ly man did was stare at him before leaving the office without another word, ignoring San yelling at him,

"WE'RE ONLY NEIHBOURS! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?? YAH KANG YEOSANG!"

Cursing to himself he ran down the stairs, Yeosang's laugh echoing around the staircase, "It's not like you're late for a date!" he yelled only for San to turn and glare at him, stopping dead in his tracks, "I'm late to pick her up from work."

"Ah yes, because her being there makes traffic jams a bit more bearable!" he yelled from the end of the staircase laughing when San flipped him off while driving by.

She stood there, leaning against the ceramic pot, the guard didn't let her in, saying she had to mention who she was here to see and even though she had said Mr.Choi, she really didn't know which department he worked in, which is why she was asked to wait outside.

So, here she was, standing in the middle of the rain with her umbrella, staring at the cars zooming past her, the security guard inside the glass cabin giving her an apologetic smile once in a while.

Sighing she looked at her shoes, the pavement not doing much to stop the water from sliding onto the road. The pavement was getting busier too, most people just got free and as much as she loved the city, she wondered, at any given moment alone if this was a risk worth taking. A slight shove from a passerby had her stumble a few steps forward, stopping right at the edge of the pavement, not even a sorry was thrown in her direction.

She turned to glare at the woman running away in heels before a honk caught her attention, turning to spot the familiar car as it slowed down, the door opening for her as the driver moved back onto his seat, quickly she got in, making sure to close her umbrella and shove a plastic bag around it ungracefully, turning to smile at the driver, "hi-"

"Why are you here?" he spat, frowning at her before flicking on his blinker, "It's raining and I said I'll pick you up no? I didn't say you'd pick me up from work."

Sighing she shook her head, "Sorry Mr.Choi." She said that a lot, more often than either would like, it would make his heart clench every time and Yeosang would call him a bastard every time he'd mention this to him in his daily narratives.

"I- what I mean is...I was a bit late so I texted you, you didn't have to come all the way here and stand in the rain out on the street." his words softer than before, as he stopped at a traffic light, glancing at her from the rear-view mirror, watching her pout.

"I- my phone died...so I didn't know and, I was waiting but then when you didn't come...I was worried...about you so I came here and- "She was worried about him, something within him pulled at his heart, she was waiting for him? But before the feeling could settle in, her usual nonstop chatter began, shaking him out of his fever dream, "What's your department by the way, they wouldn't let me in! Said there were so many Chois! Did you know that!?? I mean Jongho is a Choi too, and then there Choi Minho- he's cute, I like him, I like Shinee...do you?"

"I...." unsure of which question to answer first he frowned before he began to drive shaking his head at her, "I’m the director of the finance department." he sighed earning a chuckle, side-eying her only for her to stop and clear her throat. He nodded at her, ignoring her first half of the statement, though the latter portion had the tips of his turning red.

"Sorry, that would just explain your expensive taste, Mr.Choi...would explain the Windsor knot too."

She stood in front of his door, checking the time once more, it was almost seven and his car was still in the parking lot. Yes, she had run down the flight of stairs to check if he was still there. She had called him too but his phone was switched off so she did the next best thing, called Jongho.

"JONGHO-"

"It's seven- no, wait- listen your monstrosity it’s not even seven yet, what do you WANT." He yelled, causing her to pull the phone away from her ear, whining an apology.

"Mr.Choi won’t answer my calls or open the door what do I do??"

"My poor baby." he cooed at her in a taunting manner, "maybe you finally did to him what the pressure his job couldn’t."

"What? What do you mean?" she asked before deciding to take matters into her own hands.

"Corporate pressure was nothing compared to you, I'm sure he's at peace now-"

"OH, SCREW YOU, I'M IN." with that, she hung up, entered his apartment and marched towards his room- the only place in his apartment she hadn't seen. Knocking on his bedroom door she slowly peeked in, only to be met by a room filled with clothes lying around, the curtains drawn close and the heater on full blast. Stepping in, careful not to step on the clothes she walked over to a heap of blankets on the bed, resting her hand on it as she gently shook it, "Mr.Choi."

The lack of movement just had her worrying even more, as she leaned closer pressing her ear against the cotton, hearing his laboured breathing, shaking her head she announced, "Mr.Choi, I'm gonna pull these off!" with that she ripped off the two- no three quilts he was cocooned in earning a gasp as he quickly sat up, hugging himself shivering in cold sweat.

He stared at her with surprised eyes, "W-what are you- shit, what time is it?"

"Forget what about the time, you're burning up." pressing her palm over her sweaty, warm forehead she frowned, taking in his flushed face, pushing his hair back so she could take a better look at him, then glanced down at his ...sweaters.

"How many layers...."

"I was cold." he whined, closing his eyes when she carded her fingers through his hair, trying to fix his hair, basically pushing it out of his face, "Of course you are...I'm going to get you something to drink...probably do something else about the fever. You take off your ...layers until then, okay?" she asked tugging at his sweater, earning yet another uncharacteristic whine - or maybe this is who he really was, she was just used to him acting all strong and mighty.

"Okay," he mumbled before reaching for the blanket again only to slap his hand away. Pulling his hand away with a gasp he gave her an offended, traumatised look.

"No." was all she said before going over to turn off the heater and opening the window to let out the stuffiness, "I'll be back in ten minutes and I better see those off you, understood?"

Wow, since when did she become all assertive? He thought to himself but only nodded at her instructions, it had been a while since someone had actually put in the effort to take care of him. This is what a good neighbour would do right? He'd take care of her too, right? He had already helped her make a payment plan that she was using to buy off the apartment her parents owned, he had met Jongho too, a nice but horrible fellow, but one that could push her and keep her on track, much like San he believed in her, claiming that

'If they didn't get her engaged with a man six years older than her, she would've had time to grow. Soohyuk wasn't bad but he was 26 and she was 20, he had a set plan, and she didn't even know what she wanted to major in- I don't blame either of them, marriage isn't a business transaction.

He watched her leave the room, glancing at the handbag on his side table, he'd seen her grow though, a few more months and the apartment would be hers, plus the cafe was getting good traffic so there was no real issue there. Though Jongho did threaten him, reminding him of how influential she was even if she wasn't on her parent's payroll anymore, any funny business would mean his career was over.

Slowly he began to take off the layers just doing what she had asked then falling face forward on the pillow, listening to the clinking of the pots and pans.

She arrived back to him with a tray in hand, for a busy man she always marvelled over how clean his kitchen was, but then again he did remind her now and then how cleaning was a good way to destress. Starting at the sweaters on the floor, the ones he had discarded because of her instructions- guessed the cleaning was only limited to the kitchen.

Shaking her head as she made her way through the maze of blankets and clothes, she placed the tray on his side table, slowly pushing her bag off the table. Sliced fruit and lots of water, followed by some Advil. He wasn't shivering anymore, so that was good, "Mr.Choi!" Turning to him she smiled, "Have some break...fast-" Good lord that some back, like that, was...wow.

"What?" pushing up on his hands he turned his head to look at her only for her to cover her face, with her hands squeaking, "WHY DID YOU TAKE OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHES?"

Scoffing he sat up, his headache just adding to his bratty attitude, "Because you yelled at me too and I'm still wearing my pants." Why was she being like this, she was so mean, she even left the window open, he was so cold, his neck and shoulders hurt and it was all because of that damn window, "My shoulders are killing me because of the window you left open too!"

"I-" Lowering her hands she looked at him, sitting on his knees, staring at her with a pout, what a man-child.

"First of all, sit properly, and eat, have the medicine it'll help with the pain and" Bending down she picked up a discarded shirt, handed it to him, "Window stays open or you take a cold shower."

That was all it took for the big boy to sit there, eating his sliced apples, which were never-ending, until he realised, she was slicing up even more, and an Advil later he began to come back to his senses, clearing his throat as he tried to roll his shoulders to ease the discomfort, which ended up being futile.

"I'm sorry for not informing you, I think I switched off my phone after sending in my sick leave." sighing he leaned back against the pillows, shaking his head when she was about to cut another apple, "Please. I'm full."

With a pout, followed by a suspicious glance she nodded, placing the fruit back down and taking his empty plate off his lap. Leaning closer she pressed her hand on his forehead, he was still warm but it was better than before mumbling, "It's alright, Jongho can handle stuff better than me anyway."

Letting out a soft chuckle, his fingers gripped her wrists gently, pulling her hand away from his skin, "That's funny, I remember him telling me how he desperately needs you to deal with all the customers and manage stuff," he whispered, only then realising how close the two were to each other, with her leaning on the bed, her knee pressing onto the mattress next to his leg, "I can see that you really can."

"I..." averting her gaze she mumbled a thank you before asking, "How's the pain?" slowly pulling away as she sat back down, but his fingers still held onto her, though he didn't notice, he was holding onto her, as if she was grounding him to reality, or some form of happiness that he did not want to let go, at least not now. She however noticed this new profound clinginess and she'd be lying if she were to say she didn't like it, this feeling of being wanted, of being important and valued.

"Hurts." pouting he leaned back against the pillow, closing his eyes like that would turn off the headache, his thumb mindlessly caressing her skin, "Shouldn't have picked up those stupid weights...Jongho did this on purpose."

"JONGHO?"

His grip tightened when he winced at her tone, shooting her glare for which she quickly apologised, before pestering him, glad she was wearing pants as she pulled her hand away and moved closer to him, standing on her knees on the bed beside him, gripping his shoulders, "Mr.Choi, please tell me. What has he told you?"

"N-nothing." he cleared his throat, trying to scoot away but her grip on his shoulders tightened, fingers digging into the muscle, causing him to let out an involuntary moan before she completely pulled away, "I- I’m sorry did that hurt."

Groaning he hunched over, shaking his head, "No, no, it felt good...sorry." Rubbing his neck, he looked at her, taking in her flushed features before sighing, "I uh...Jongho and I go to the gym together...he asked because he wanted to go too, I already go there with a friend from work...don't worry your secrets are safe with him."

Nodding at his statement she stood up and moved pointing at the chair she was sitting on, "Sit."

Raising an eyebrow, he looked at her, narrowing his eyes, glaring at her, almost playfully. Taking a few moments for her to get all nervous causing her to clear her throat, "I- I mean I can massage your shoulders, I- Jongho uses this oil, uses me like a free massage person too for his neck and-"

Raising his hand, he stopped her, slowly getting off the bed with a groaning sitting down as instructed before glancing at her, "Just don't strangle me, okay? He did mention how you have the death grip of a man."

If she weren't too distracted by the sight of him following her orders, she would've jumped down the window. Taking a deep breath, she pulled the oil out of her bag, yes, she carried that around in case Jongho pulled something like the old man he was.

Once she began working on his neck, fingers pressing into the knots he bit his lip, trying to hold in the sounds that were about to burst through, if this was the privilege Jongho got for being her best friend, he'd sign up too.

For about ten minutes she went on with her usual routine, only to stop when his head fell back against her belly, going limp her hold- Oh. He had fallen asleep. She stood there, holding onto his slouching form, taking in his relaxed features. She hadn't seen him this relaxed before, he almost looked...too cute. Speaking of cute, she had learned many things about him today, from how he was actually just as whiny as he pretended not to be, to how he ate almost 5 apples before stopping, she did notice how his fridge was mostly empty other than having eggs, and leftover take out. Maybe they should have more dinners together, maybe she could cook actual homemade food for him.

Slowly helping him up, he drowsily mumbled something before falling onto the bed, as she tucked him in. Glancing at the time she sighed, she'd spent most of the day here, giving him one more look she reached for his hair, brushing it out of his eyes, "Rest well Mr.Choi."

The next morning San woke up better than ever, he knew the fatigue was getting to him but he didn't stop, he probably had forgotten how to stop. That would explain why he fell sick, but who knew he lived right next door to an angel? What surprised him more was how his entire room was clean, all his clothes were neatly folded and stacked in one place, blankets folded at the edge of his bed and the water bottles no longer littered around. She really didn't have to do so much.

Picking up his phone he checked his messages, opening hers first before Yeosang's or Mingi's

'Hope you're better now Mr Choi. Advil is on the console and I restocked your apples. Don't worry, I went to work myself today, like a big girl. You get some rest.'

Smiling at her message he leaned against the pillow, yeah, this is exactly what neighbours do.

"A car?"

"Yes, a car." he sighed, turning the laptop to her, "You can get one on loan, I can fix you up with a good payment plan." he smiled at her, only to frown at the way she was frowning at her lap, "What's...wrong?"

"I- No I- thank you, it really does mean a lot." she cleared her throat, trying to control her expression, he was tired of her, he had to be, "I just...are you- I mean if you feel our routine is taxing then-"

Shaking his head he closed the laptop, turning fully to face her own couch, she was sitting on his very expensive couch, crushing the very expensive cushion in her lap, but it was okay, because it was her, and this time, the after work hours, a few hours before would fall asleep had become their time, where she would go on and on about stuff, only for him to add in a few bits- not because he wasn't interested but because he wanted her to speak, he wanted her to be heard, that and he was still too afraid that if she were to find out he was but from a simple background, from a small town like Namhae, she might never come back here. He wanted to watch her grow, he wanted to watch her business grow and bloom into what she had dreamt for it to be, he wanted to help her and this was a way of helping her.

"It's not...taxing. But...you need to" Pausing to take a moment to think, he noticed how her nails were digging into the leather, shaking that thought away he sighed, "You need to be independent, I'm not saying we change our routine, but you should lax yours, you don't have to leave at 6 am every morning and you don't need to come back home at around 8 or 9. Like you couldn't go when I was sick and then took the bus." he paused, taking in her appearance, only to find her pouting at the TV - yes, he had her buy a TV too because he refused to believe watching stuff on your laptop was better than the TV, though just like every other day she'd come over and watch his TV instead saying it's boring to watch TV alone. Reaching for the remote he paused the movie, to get her to only focus on him, having her look at him, "Like I was saying, a car can help you fix that and what if you need to collect your packaging or go buy fresh produce from the farmer's market? You can't always take a cab, it's not safe- you're earning well enough, I'm not saying buy one because of me, I'm saying buy one because it's your need, you shouldn't depend on anyone, not even me."

Clearing his throat, he met her soft, warm eyes, watching her stare at him intently, before blinking slowly at looking at the laptop, her grip on the cushion loosened,

"I like...the red one."

"A car? I- is this 4-year plan? SAN NO." Yeosang stared at the spreadsheet before turning to San who was calmly sipping on his warm cup of coffee, the logo bright enough for Yeosang to roll his eyes, "Listen, lover boy, I get your head over heels for her, but this is a stupid idea, four years with the same car, four years and she's still paying it off- what if she wants to change the car??"

"Yeosang, she's not big on change, and four years max, the payment plan is flexible in terms of quotas she can pay, knowing Jongho he’ll make her pay it all off within two years maximum." he said as he placed his cup down, leaning against his swivel chair, earning another groan from the man across the table, "Man, just buy her a car then."

"No."

"WHY NOT"

"Because she has to learn."

"And you need to grow a pair, big enough to tell her you like her."

"I don't like her." he sighed rolling closer to his desk to turn on his laptop, eying Yeosang who looked at the papers once more, "No, you do not like her...you convinced her to buy a car, made an entire payment plan for her and told her the initial deposit fee was waved off even though YOU paid it- you don't like her my friend," standing up the marketing director walked to the door of the office, turning to glance at his friend with one final smirk before leaving, "You're in love with her."

"Jongho, can you get me more napkins?" she called out to the man who was busy singing in the kitchen, at this point she could just ask him to get himself recorded, she was sure Hongjoong wouldn’t say no to either of them. Rush hour was about to start and for that, she needed to prepare, even if the business was booming, they were still short-staffed, and Jongho’s lack of people skills was dragging the interview session longer than she had anticipated. Though she was partially to blame, she was often too preoccupied with work and then well… a certain suited man, from the car ride home to the apartment, to dinner. They had begun to have dinner together more frequently, she often cooked as well, the first time she took a homecooked dish to his place he almost cried at dinner, excusing himself to go to the kitchen for more ‘napkins’, though from the faint sniffing from the kitchen and how long he took there had her believing her suspicions were right, once he looked at her with puffy eyes. Though she never said anything, smiling at him like she always did, for once feeling as if she wasn’t falling behind, cupid could walk right by her and she wouldn’t mind, her heart was already on a platter for someone else, she was just waiting for him to realise this little fact. So, she too, was too busy to even go through the files, but one of these days she’ll definitely get back to it.

The little chime of the bell had her look up from the counter, smiling at the customer only to almost drop to her knees at the man who had walked in- no, he was a fairy- could men be fairies? An angel? No, what on earth was this creature, his face holding the same innocence of an angel, but when he spoke, it was as if she heard the grumble of a dragon- damn. Shaking away her thoughts she smiled at him, greeting him as he stepped closer, oh how she loved men in suits- or rather just one man, with the cute Windsor knot, she noticed how he’d changed it from his usual ones.

“I’ll have whatever you like.” He smiled at her, before looking around, “This place new?”

“Yes, Sir, it is, may I ask if you have any allergies?” she asked before punching in a combo number, to which he shook his head.

“Cash or card?”

“What does Mr.Choi use?”

“What?” she froze, looking up from the monitor to meet his smirk, well, that was new, “I’m sorry, what was that sir?”

“I said card.”

With that she quickly swiped his card, asking him to wait for a while until she came to him with his order. Yeosang wanted to tell her who he was, but the way she stared up at him like a school girl caught slipping a note in her crush’s locker forced him to stop himself, she looked almost too innocent to bully like that- perhaps he should leave the teasing for San instead.

You should've gotten the latest model." the man stormed into his friend's room, earning a look of surprise, leaning right to spot his secretary raise his hands in defence, Mingi was always so useless at times like this. "Dude, in a meeting." he sighed gesturing at the muted call, only for Yeosang to snort, roll his eyes and sit down cross-legged across the man, sipping on a cup of coffee, "I cannot believe you let someone like that wait in the rain for you," he mumbled as soon as San joined the call once more, back to business.

"What-" he looked up from the screen to glare at the brunette pausing at the cup, oh, "Oh you went- "Of course, I WENT- I had to check her out okay and I- you really are a d*ck, she isn't slow-witted at all, she's just cute. That's how girls are, not that you'd know you simpleton." "San your mic isn't muted" They heard a chuckle only for him to panic and Yeosang to choke on his coffee, both men apologising to their boss who just laughed it off- luckily the meeting was being held during the break, which meant this conversation could happen since they were off the clock for a while.

Much like any other day off, San had decided to do his basic house chores, and since his neighbour now had her own car, he didn’t need to worry about that today which was good, because he really did need to clean up. With the trash bag in hand, he walked out of his apartment, only to stop and stare at the figure hunched over by the elevator, what the- oh wait what?

Jogging over to her he tapped her shoulder, “Are you okay?” placing the back down he crouched down to get a better look at her face, only to frown at her pained expression, “What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing, just came back from the doc’s.” she sighed before slowly straightening back up, giving him a faulty smile, “All’s good Mr.Choi….cleaning day today?” she mumbled, changing the topic as she made her way to her apartment, not really giving him any time to answer.

She was almost in bed when she heard the front door beep open, man, she shouldn't have shared the passcode. Nonetheless, she walked back out to find him standing there in her hallway, frowning at her before marching towards her, "What happened? Why were you at the doctor's?"

"I'm fine, just a bit sick I-" pausing her eyes clenched shut, whimpering as she held onto her stomach, trying to breathe out the pain.

"That's it, we're going to get you checked again." he declared, grabbing her wrist before she snatched it away, "NO! Leave me alone." He blinked at her, taking in the sudden outburst, somewhat offended, did he overstep a boundary? Scanning her pale face he noticed the way her lower lip trembled, was she...going to cry?

"Please..."

That was all it took for Choi San to leave, not forcing her for anything. If she wanted to be alone, fine, she'd be alone, but she didn't need to yell at him like that, and then cry, that just confused him. Maybe she was offended that he came in even though she clearly tried to avoid him, but...they'd usually just walk into each other's apartments like that, that wasn't new. His phone ringing was what had him stop the brooding session, picking up the call,

"Hey."

"You need to help your stupid neighbour."

"I...well she told me she wanted to be alone Jongho, I think she's sick but won't go to the doctor," San mumbled, a bit too desperately.

"That..." he could practically see Jongho roll his eyes at him, "Because it's that time of the month."

"What time of the month?"

"Choi San, do you have a sister?"

"Yeah, why?"

".... she on her period man- look, I called you because we cancelled all the interviews for a new hire today but this one moron won't listen and I know he's going to go to her place so you gotta tell her."

"WAIT WHAT- she was in so much pain though." no wonder she wanted him to leave, no wonder she yelled at him and then began crying.

"Mhmmm...kay bye".

"JONGHO WAIT-" he looked at the phone and sighed, this man just wanted him to lose his mind, nothing else. He'd do this to him often, even at the gym. Like when he'd be lifting weights, that one time when San accidentally dropped a dumbell on his foot when Jongho casually told him, "Did you know she's in guys with nice butts, and apparently when I stare at a lady with a nice butt for a while, she calls me a pervert." Or the time he almost lost his footing on the treadmill while running, Jongho who was casually standing next to him, staring at his reflection through the mirror, "Glad she hasn't seen your arms, she has a thing for being put in a WWE style headlock." yet, here he was telling her that her secrets were safe with Jongho.

She felt someone tap her shoulder, her soul almost left her body, her scream muffled by his palm as he held her down, "It's me, it's me..." he whispered, pulling away slowly as she sat up, grabbing a pillow and smacking him with it, repeatedly, "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!"

Clicking his tongue, he snatched it out of her hand and glared at her, though he wasn't angry, his annoyed expression just confused her even more when he pointed at a brown paper bag he had placed beside her. His face flushed as he averted his gaze, clearing his throat, "Jongho said...someone's coming for an interview. This has...stuff for you...I don't know what you particularly use, so I got...most of it."

"What do you mean, I cancelled the interviews and what did you bring for me-"

The doorbell cut her off, her eyes widening in disbelief, no, did Jongho really give her address? She was fighting with the blanket, trying to get it off her when he stopped her, gently pushing her back to lay down, "It's fine...I'll interview him."

He was about to leave but she gripped his wrist, "No, Mr.Choi it's fine, you've done more than enough-"

"You took care of me last time." he smiled at her before taking something out of the paper, "Now let me take care of you." placed the item in her lap he rolled his eyes when the bell rang again, leaving the room.

What in the name of everything did Jongho tell him? She looked at the chocolate bar, it was her favourite, and she had only mentioned it once, oh my god, did he know she was on her period? Snatching the bag from the edge of the bed she turned it over, its contents falling all over the place. Good grief.... this man...he had gotten her every product he could find. Napkins, tampons, he even bought her heating pads, and other pain medicine, by the time she was done counting the things he had gotten her she was already crying, ugly sobbing at best.

San went to the door, opening it to be greeted by a man with sharp eyes. Technically, his overall appearance was sharp, from his features to his suit- was he really wearing a suit? The only thing about him that seemed remotely soft was his hair, though he looked like a fresh graduate so why apply to a cafe, that too one that was a new seed in the market?

"Good afternoon. Is Ms.L/N here? My name is Jung Wooyoung, I had an interview appointment with her-"

"At the cafe but they were cancelled." San cut him off, leaning against the door as he tried to stare down the shorter man.

Wooyoung stared at the man in sleeveless sweatpants, who was he? Husband? Boyfriend? Some annoying friend? He could pick a fight with him, but then he needed this job, really did.

Clearing his throat, he nodded, before bowing, "I apologise for the intrusion but I thought my eagerness may have a positive impact."

San stared at him, the perfect 90°, he'd seen that before, many times, he'd been there before too. He knew the feeling, the anxiety and dread that accompanied it, the desperation to finally achieve something. Finally, put the years and money spent on education to use.

"It's...fine, come in."

That's how Wooyoung found himself sitting on a brightly coloured couch, looking around, though he saw no signs of masculinity anywhere, so her boyfriend didn't live with her. He knew his way around the place though. Who was going to interview him though?

San walked out of the kitchen with a tray of tea, placing it on the coffee table as Wooyoung thanked him, getting up to take his mug. No, everything was too feminine so does this mean- what if this dude was a serial killer? Oh my god!?! Did he KILL HER AND IS NOW GOING TO KILL HIM? IS THIS COFFEE POISONED?? Slowly bringing the mug to his nose, sniffing it.

San raised a brow at him, what on earth was this psycho doing? He was about to ask when they heard something crash, instantly getting up he turned to leave, pausing for a moment to loom at Wooyoung, "I'll be right back, please stay here."

Oh my gosh, he was a killer! Wait, she was still alive! He could help her? What should he do? Think Wooyoung, think! Standing up he walked down the same path he did, peaking through the door left ajar.

San frowned as he picked her up, ignoring her whines, "What exactly were you doing?" he asked walking over to the bed, holding her in his arms as she covered her flushed face with her hands mumbling "The clock stopped working."

"Seriously?" quirking a brow at her he stopped walking, looking at her then at the bed, stuff scattered across it, files, pens and her laptop, "Didn't I tell you to rest?"

"I was but then I heard Mr.Jung and I wanted to read his file," she explained, leaning against his chest, mentally noting how he was holding onto her like she weighed lighter than a feather.

He clicked his tongue in protest, about to talk about how he'd handle it but the door burst open, a Mr.Jung stomping in, holding an umbrella in hand, "UNHAND HER YOU PERVERT!"

She flinched when the door slammed open, squeaking as she hugged him close, burying her face in his shirt, arms wrapped around his neck, curling into him as if he'd protect her. On the other hand, San stood there rooted at the spot, at first he was confused as to what Wooyoung was even doing until he noticed the faux bravery morph into some form of fear, his panic setting in.

Wooyoung stood there, umbrella in the air, taking in the sight before him, a man carrying a woman bridal style...oh shit they were together. Please did he Wooyoung himself again?

"I am so sorry Miss-"

"It's alright." she cleared her throat, never in her life did she think she'd interview someone whilst being in her pyjamas, the little hearts printed on her shirt and pants. Next to her San sat at a good distance, his face as red as the pot of a plant near the window, intently staring at the coffee table, not even listening to the two converse- he wasn't carrying her around for fun! He was just helping her! She fell off the stool because of the stupid clock and- and her back hurt so his brain just...picking her up was easier and-

"Mr.Choi?"

"Hmm?" instantly turning to her, he regretted it as quick, taking in her soft gaze, almost wanting to crumble at the feet, shit, this wasn't good.

"I said I should hire Mr.Jung, right?"

"Uh...I guess?" he mumbled, discreetly glaring at Wooyoung when she began reading his credentials too, they were good, but managing to be a distinguished student in the country's best culinary school wasn't easy.

"I- I'm sorry for intruding Sir." he cleared his throat, if he had to kiss this man's pointy polished shoes to get this job he would, "I should've known you're her boyfriend, it was a lack of better judgement on my part." He paused to look up at him, only to find the man before him malfunctioning, then glancing at the woman who looked like she was swooning, almost awake inside a dream.

"We're just neighbours!" he blurted out, not liking how Wooyoung's neutral expressions morphed into the sassiest, most judgemental look of 'Nah, I don't think so', as he hunched over the table to take a better look at the two.

"I live next doo-"

"You're hired Mr.Jung, I'll see you tomorrow at work!"

"Wow, that's...kinda regret not being there to see it." Jongho hummed, taking out an apron and tossing it to Wooyoung who cleared his throat, "I mean, I didn't intend to make things awkward."

"Sure man." was all Jongho said before patting him on the back, "But until she comes back to work, you're on counter duty, kitchen is off limits." with that he walked away, leaving the new employee to sigh in defeat, looking around at the empty cafe. Considering she was 'still sick' she'd left Jongho in charge but that man was too busy not interacting with customers and staying hidden in the kitchen, occasionally singing out loud- at least he could sing.

He stared through the glass doors, looking at the people passing by, everyone with a purpose, yet, here he was still trying to find his purpose.

The doors opened and someone walked in, phone pressed onto his ear, his coat neatly folded in half, hanging off his other forearm, the buttons of his waistcoat fighting for their lives when the man heaved out a heavy sigh, "No Mingi, the report is supposed to be sent to Mr Park from the IT department, Park Seonghwa, send it to him and get back to me." A frown was permanently etched onto his face, brows knitted together as he pulled his phone off his ear and stuffed it in his pocket, only froze when he looked at Wooyoung.

The two just stood there staring at each other for a good ten seconds before Wooyoung cleared his throat and greeted him, "We can pretend nothing happened Mr.Choi."

Scratching his neck the businessman nodded, licking his lips out of embarrassment, "Yeah...sure"

"So, what can I get you, unfortunately, the menu still comprises of the usual since I'm not allowed in the kitchen till the boss lady comes." His professionalism impressed San, honestly, he did think the guy couldn't pull it off but he was glad he wasn't mentioning yesterday at all.

"Oh umm... Jongho knows I called him-"

"Yes, yes, no need to wet your expensive pants Mr.Choi." the kitchen door opened as Jongho walked out with two giant paper bags, San's eyes scanning the change of printing, somewhat proud she took his suggestion on investing in merchandise printing.

"Here's your usual, one for Princess Mingi and the other princess who lives next door." Placing the bags on the counter he smirked at the man, who cleared his throat, trying not to look at Wooyoung whose resting b*tchface was back, comprised of the look which San easily read, 'Nice to see a clown clowning himself.'

"So, aren't corporate breaks supposed to be like...40 minutes long?" Jongho asked, leaning against the counter as he sighed, "You gonna hurry there and back or you gonna eat with her-"

"I- she has to give paperwork for you that's why she called me, I had a half day anyway." He mumbled, quickly taking out his card that Wooyoung slowly took from him, side-eying the man, who was still mumbling excuses, though all Wooyoung could hear was "We're just neighbours".

Of course, they were just neighbours.

Shit. Of all the times his car decided to throw a tantrum, it was now. Not only did he leave work late but it was raining, so now, Choi San sat in his car staring at the empty highway, the streetlights his only companion. Clicking his tongue, he tried to switch on the engine again, trying to press on the gas, only for the vehicle to whine in refusal. Sighing he gripped the wheel, resting his forehead against it, sighing at the coolness of the leather. What could he do? Get a cab? No, no cabs would be around right now. Call Yeosang? No, he lived in the opposite direction, he would come to help him, but he knew the man had a presentation due tomorrow. He could…call her. He didn’t want to though; things had become a bit…awkward.

Truth be told he didn’t really want to admit it, but after the Wooyoung incident, he tried to pretend nothing happened and to his amazement, she did too, their routine was as normal as ever, conversations would flow easily, though she’d still do most of the talking. Until one particular Friday night when they were having dinner at her place, she told him she wouldn’t be carpooling anymore because she had finally gotten used to driving and needed to go to other places. Although he was proud, his smile indicating his happiness and joy to see her bloom into a beautiful flower, a nostalgic and heavy blue began to spread in his chest, weighing down on his appetite, as he slowly put down the fork, pushing the plate ever so gently and discreetly, looking at her intently when she began to show him the route she’d take to the market, asking him if it was good or if there was another route. Unfortunately, was too busy looking at her to even care, to even give an honest opinion, she was glowing that night, and he could bask in her warmth forever, but there was no such thing as forever, he knew that happy endings were nonsense, especially when it came down to him. So, after that night, he had slowly begun to distance himself, making sure to leave before she’d wake up and come back later than usual, texting would just comprise of him sending one-liner responses, and he’d even cancelled some of their dinners together saying he had to stay in the office late. Yeosang had asked him a few times about her, but all he’d say was that she was busy and he didn’t want to interfere- that was true though, it was he who helped her out with all the planning and the financial agenda, it was him who supported her endlessly, who pulled her back up to her feet when she’d be close to giving up- but that didn’t mean he wanted to watch her fly away from the front row seats, no, he’d rather see his swan take flight with grace and elegance from the sidelines, he’d be there, he’d always be there, but like her shadow, after all, he too was afraid of being hurt, he couldn’t handle it, not again, after all, they were just neighbours.

A tap on the window had him jerking back into sitting properly, blinking away the blurriness he turned to the window, eyes widening at the figure outside before lowering the window, “What are you-

“Need a ride?” she smiled, trying to conceal any other emotion bubbling within her, her grip on the umbrella tightening when she noticed his frown, not responding to her question, though she could see the questions swirling in his eyes, possibly at the tip of his tongue, but she knew he’d never ask, just keep them in, let them simmer into something else, probably guilt…or anger.

“I had to do a complete inventory check today so I closed up late. Was driving by and I saw your car…” gesturing towards her own car that was parked in front of his, the hazards blinking in the rain.

“My car…broke down.” He mumbled, before reaching for his bag and nodding at her, letting her move back before coming out of the car, waiting for the rain to pour down on his already defeated parade, but that didn’t happen, for she had extended her arm to full height, tilting forward so he was covered by it, letting the water splash onto her head instead. There she went again, worrying about him, trying to rip open the bag he was gripping onto tight, not wanting anything to spill out.

Patting the droplets off her she pulled out a few tissues and dried her hands. He sat next to her, buckled up, laptop bag on his lap, even though she had told him to put it on the backseat but he refused, holding onto it like a child throwing a tantrum. They’d been driving silently for a while, the only sound between them was of the rain slapping against her little red card.

“Thanks.”

“For what?” she asked, trying not to speed on the slippery highway, the rain had worsened, who knew a light shower was going to turn into a full-blown storm? The problem wasn’t the rain in general but visibility was becoming an issue, well, there was this third party between them, a form of invisible wall that was keeping the two apart, or rather he was being pulled away, while she just held onto him, trying to pull him back to her, though ever so slowly she could sense that he was letting go of her hand.

He never responded to her question, just continuing with the silent treatment. Sighing out of frustration she flicked the left blinker before slowly parking across the yellow line at the side of the road, before them the road was barely visible, she thought he’d question but he didn’t he wasn’t stupid, even though he didn’t want to be here, stuck in the same space as her, too afraid he’d blurt out all he had hidden, he knew even if he took the wheel instead of her, he couldn’t see through the rain. So, the two sat in silence, as if the other wasn’t there, one of the most awkward the two had been with each other like they were strangers all over again. That is until she finally decided to take matters into her own hands,

“Are you…upset with me?”

He looked up from his lap to her, a small pout present on his lips before shaking his head and turning back to stare at his lap.

“Do you…not want to be friends with me anymore?” she knew these questions were somewhat pointless, in the time they had spent together she had learned one thing, that he was rarely bothered by her, in fact sometimes he’d go out of his way to make her feel better, make her feel safer, so what bothered her was not knowing what had he pulling away like this. She thought as she’d grown more independent, he’d be happy, proud of her progress, not this.

“No.”

Was all he said, not even bothering to look at her, instead choosing to take out his phone, maybe he could just check on work or- he couldn’t though, because she snatched it out of his hand. His head whipped in her direction, and a glare followed, “Give it back.” He spat only for her to shake her head and shove it in the pocket of her, shaking her head.

“I said give it back. I’m not joking. I’m not in the mood.” Groaning he leaned closer to her, trying to reach for her pocket but she slapped his hand off his pocket, only for him to grip her wrist, trying to hold his anger at bay.

“Not until you tell me why you hate me!” she yelled tugging her wrist out of his grasp.

“I DON’T HATE YOU!” he yelled back, turning to her completely, his laptop bag falling off his lap, God this car for so small, he barely had leg room!

“THEN WHY ARE YOU PULLING AWAY!”

“BECAUSE I CAN’T STAND AND WATCH WHILE YOU LEAVE ME BEHIND!”

“I- she froze at his words, the weight of the statement settling in around them. Letting out a sigh he turned around, rubbing his face with his hands, trying to control his breathing, trying to stop his thoughts from running around, pushing and shoving every emotion he had buried in below. For a moment he even thought of stepping out in the rain to cool down, but the gentle grip of his shoulder stopped him.

“Mr.Choi please I would never leave you behind, I-

“Oh, stop it, would you.” He scoffed, brushing her hand off his shoulder, “I’ve known you for what? Six, seven months now and you still don’t call me by my first name, I- I literally use your name and you’re so impersonal that –

“I don’t know your first name.”

Once again, they were greeted with silence, at this point the sound of the rain was the only thing keeping the two from exploding at one another, a series of bottled-up feelings, emotions that were untouched for so long, that the layer of dust on them had turned into a sheet of sand, one that had obscured rationality and logic.

“What” Taking in a deep breath he began, “What do you mean?”

Rolling her eyes at him she huffed, “Because you never told me, not once, since the day I met you the only way I found out your last name too was because the security guard greets you as Mr.Choi, and he did that the first next you dropped me home.” Taking the phone out of her pocket she placed it on the dashboard in front of him, “I don’t know why you think I’d leave you; I now own the apartment next to you thanks to you, I have dinner with you almost every other day, I let you carry me around when I’m tired, I cook meals for you not because I am obligated but because I want to, I- I ask you for help all the time with the full confidence that you’ll never say no”, pausing she looked at the road, the rain had slowed, much like the whirlpool of unkempt emotions that were stirring between them, “ and if you haven’t realised by now, I’m not very big on change. So, no, Mr.Choi, I’m not going anywhere, anytime soon.”

“San” he whispered, staring at the road ahead, much like her, too afraid to even look at her, who knew all it would take was a confession like that to calm him down, put his worries to rest, untying the bag he had knotted up so well after he had his broken heart handed back to him.

“Nice to meet you San.” Was all she said before starting the car, now driving home, after the much fearsome, prolonged storm. No other words were exchanged, but unlike before, the silence was no longer awkward or heavy, it was pleasant, a new kind of pleasant, one that oddly enough he was welcoming.

The ride up the elevator was no different, the two were walking casually like nothing had happened, though San knew something had happened, and for some reason, the bitter-sweet reality of it made him want something more to happen, he was only looking for the right moment for it to happen.

She was about to enter her apartment when he called her out, causing her to turn around and almost bump into him, when had he come so close?

“I don’t want to be just neighbours anymore.”

Facing him properly she nodded looking up at him, “I see, then what do you want?”

“I…” averting his gaze he thought for a moment, wondering if he could jump into it, or take caution and slowly see where it goes, though the little critter in his chest was begging him to let loose, his rationality projected by his fears had him second-guessing almost every micro decision he had come up with in these seconds, “I…want…more?”

“Then,” pursing her lips together she narrowed her eyes at him, moving closer to see if he’d move back, but he didn’t, he stood there, staring at her intently, shy yet so curious, she’d barely ever seen him like this before, her lips curving into a smile, “Let’s take it slow?”

He nodded a bit too eagerly at her question, earning a chuckle from her, as she turned around and pointed inside, “Dinner? Though it’s late, I can make us something light?” He had followed her inside that night, somewhat nervous about starting a new chapter in his life, yet, excited like a little boy about to win a race.

“Mr.Choi, there’s uhh…there’s someone here to meet you?” Mingi’s voice blared out of the speaker causing San to stop typing, frowning at the time, it was 11 am he had no meetings for the day, so why would someone just pop up, Yeosang was on leave today as well so- the door opened and he could hear Mingi calling someone out, “Miss! Wait Mr.Choi hasn’t allowed you to-

“It's…fine Mingi.” He nodded at his assistant, before his eyes locked with her, her smile radiant as ever, as she coly made her way to his desk, “Hi San.” ‘San’, she’d been using his name more often now, all night even at dinner, she’d somehow slip it in every sentence and he’d somehow slip into that gooey pool of mush every time his name would roll off her tongue.

“You- you had a day off today, right? Do you want to spend time together, I-“ he stood up, quickly trying to clean his desk though she placed something on the empty corner of the glass table, “I just came to drop off your lunch San, I made special cookies today, and if you like them, we’ll introduce them, Wooyoung even decided a name for them.”

“Oh?” he asked, his eyes sparkling at the sight of the lunch boxes, a well-fed boy was a happy boy and he was so glad she’d feed him well, even when they were ‘just neighbours’. So, knowing she was still doing that, only adding onto the perk by coming to him and surprising him at work had something within him strangling his heart in joy, “What’s the name?”

“Well…initially it was something I wanted to talk to you about if you’d be okay if I call you that, but then he said we could name them after that, but I feel like only I should be allowed to call you that.” She cleared her throat looking around his spacious office, she never thought his office would be this big or high up for the matter, not a day went by where this man didn’t amaze him.

He stopped opening the boxes to look up at her, “What do you want to call me?”

“Sannie.”

Things had been great, well, somewhat, although they were ‘no longer neighbours’, there was still no official label and it confused San how she was alright with that. Sure, they’d spend more time together now, she’d drop by sometimes before lunch just to drop off his lunch, but he was still San at work, and only Sannie when the two were alone. Moreover, they’d never really been…physical. Not that he didn’t want to ‘do the deed’ or something- well, technically- no he did but, this isn’t what he meant, he knew they were taking it slow, but sometimes, he’d feel the affectionate Sannie resurface and it would take everything in his power to hold him back. What if she wasn’t into that? What if she thought he was clingy overbearing or too sensitive? Would she think he’s coming on too strong if he asked ‘what they were’?

“Sannie?” she asked, poking his shoulder, “You aren’t eating, don’t like the food or the movie?” Placing her plate on the coffee table she paused the film when he didn’t look at her, “Sannie…you gotta talk to me about these things, I can’t read your mind-

“Would you like to start a business venture with me?” In front of him was not her Sannie or San, no, turning to face her with a hard face and honest eyes was a man sitting up straight, hands pressed against his knees, it was Mr.Choi.

“Umm…I…like a collaboration?”

“Yes, of sorts.”

“I…I mean I don’t really need Jongho’s permission it is just my business.”

“It is.”

“I guess…but don’t you already have a job, San?” was he planning on quitting?

“I do, but this venture is more important, I prefer it over my job.”

“Sannie, my café is doing good, but quitting your job for it, especially at the designation you’re at it’s not logical-

“Be my girlfriend”, he yelled in frustration, cutting her off before meekly averting his gaze, “Please…”

“I…” she took a minute to think before scooting closer to him, his fingers digging into the material of his pants, though when she placed her hands over his, he visibly relaxed, “I just love how you’re so uptight Mr.Choi.”

She smiled, but he only frowned at that, why would she call him by his last name? Did he do anything to upset her? Was he perhaps moving too quickly for her liking? Or should he have been more romantic- actually this wasn’t really romantic at all, he can’t believe he just did that, he should’ve thought this through, he should’ve planned properly, it had only been a month and –

His brain switched off because of the sudden pressure on his lips, hands automatically reaching to hold onto the source, she was…kissing him? His eyes closed when she slowly moved closer, helping her onto his lap as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss, taking charge, until she slowly pushed him back, his back pressing against the sofa, eyes flickering open to meet her flushed face, a small smile gracing her lips, he had smudged her lipstick- nice.

“Do I…take that as a yes?” he sighed, body completely relaxed, his hands giving her waist a gentle squeeze.

“I don’t know, maybe we should seal the deal again?”

His chuckle echoed across the room, film and food long forgotten, the only thing he could focus on was her, and slowly, he began to feel as if the gates he was trying to keep closed were merely inches away from bursting open.

“We need to talk.”

“Um…okay, why are you slowly letting go of the weights- Jongho, Jongho, buddy, stop.” He wheezed, looking up at his spotter who was glaring down at him, “How serious are you?” he asked lifting the weights ever so slightly.

“FOR STAYING ALIVE, PRETTY SERIOUS- JONGHO!” he gasped when the man almost let go of the weight.

“Should we…stop them?” Wooyoung asked, yes, he too had become their newest addition to their gym buddies’ group, Yeosang who was walking on the treadmill beside him shrugged, “I don’t think so, this is between them, plus knowing San took a year just to confess to her, even though he was treating her like he was her boyfriend, I believe Jongho has every right to harass him.”

“I’m serious.” Jongho warned, glaring at the man who was not only turning blue but was now drenched in cold sweat, shaking his head and pleading out an ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

“I mean her, I’ve had to pick up the pieces once and I let it go because the guy wasn’t directly involved, but you- you son of a- you have her sitting at the café daydreaming about what you’d like to eat at night. You have her calling me at night asking me what shirt you’d think she looks best in? Would you prefer her in pants or a skirt- you have her working her ass off to make you proud and so help me God if you ever even think of hurting her-

Before he could finish his monologue San threw the weights off him, heaving as he stood up, wiping the drool off his mouth with the back of his hand as he stood up straight, his breathing heavy as he looked directly at Jongho, “Never. Do that. Again. And I may be a slow-witted loser but I am no abuser- and her” he turned to look at the hoodie on the opposite bench, a blue hoodie, there was nothing special about the hoodie, but the fact that it was the first ever gift she had given him, telling him she had a matching one, so they could wear it together at home, “I don’t even think I spend a single moment of my pathetic life where I can’t be thinking about her.”

By now Yeosang and Wooyoung had gotten off the treadmills and were standing on standby just in case things escalated, but San’s confession had them staring at him in awe. Well, Wooyoung was just glad that the clown had stopped clowning himself, but Yeosang, no, he was thrilled if not glad that San had finally accepted to let himself be happy once more, he had allowed himself to love once more- even if this was just the first stage, even if they were still going through their awkward relationship stages, he was just glad to know that things were getting better for San.

Jongho looked at him before nodding, then turning to point at the weights, “Throwing gym equipment is stupid, no wonder people like you who make so much money are careless.” Clicking his tongue at him he picked up his duffle bag, “Anyway, Shakespeare, Imma hit the showers, don’t forget she’s making you pasta tonight, so you better hurry up.” He left San standing there, letting his own speech process, slowly the seed had begun to germinate and deep down he knew, he was counting on it to turn into a field, one she could run around in, laughing with joy.

Sighing she slowly pulled away from him, being extremely careful of two things; firstly, to not wake him up and secondly to not cause any harm to his sheets. She didn’t want to stay at his place tonight, she even told him no because he had an early meeting tomorrow, and she was on her… period, so to sleep over with her new boyfriend and possibly leak on his pristine white sheets was not on the agenda, that and the fact that the cramps were hitting hard and her back was probably broken just made it more difficult for her to find the perfect position.

So, that’s how she found herself sitting on his couch, hoping to God that the pain medicine would start working soon, or maybe it could take a few hours and San could get a good night’s rest and by the time he’s about to wake up, she’d slip right back in and-

“Are you okay?”

“SHIT” throwing a cushion at him she whined, especially when it hit him square in the face, causing him to stumble back, pouting at her, “What did I do?”

“I’m sorry, Sannie, I- I’m fine I promise, I just couldn’t sleep and your sheets are clean and-

“Yes, I am aware my sheets are clean, so you don’t have to worry-

“That’s why I am worried,” she sighed only for it to turn into a groan as she hugged herself, trying to ease the pain. Oh, he looked at her, he’d seen this before, he knew what had happened, “Do you think I’ll find it weird if you…I mean…It's normal if it happens right?”

“It's gross.” She mumbled only for him to sigh and slowly reach for her arm, “Do you want me to carry you?” he asked as if it was completely normal, umm…it wasn’t technically? He’d just carry her around when she’d refuse to do something or when he was in his playful Sannie mood- which was often only behind closed doors when the suit didn’t define him.

“nO” Quickly getting up she motioned for him to walk first, “Why-“

“JUST DO IT” she yelled only for him to quickly turn around and head towards his bedroom, no need to piss off his girlfriend during that time of the month. Huffing out in frustration she ‘readjusted’ her pants, trying to reposition the horrid excuse of a lady diaper, no, she did not want him to see this scene, it was not even remotely attractive.

Sighing she laid down next to him, what she had forgotten was how much this man loved physical affection because as soon as she turned to face him, he pulled her closer, her face pressing into his neck as he rested his chin on top of her head, an arm under her head acting as his pillow and the other one securely wrapped around her waist. Now she needed to stay still, especially when she heard him snore, he had fallen asleep so quickly, of course, he was tired, the guilt slowly settling in. She really should have gone home tonight.

Her body jerked when a sharp pain shot across her lower half, her fingers gripping his shirt as she held her breath, trying to restrict extra movements. At this point she could just wither away in pain, waiting for the meds to work before she wakes him up and he throws her out for not letting him get a decent night’s sleep.

For a few moments, her little movements continued until he abruptly pulled away and wordlessly sat up, to reach for something on his nightstand, probably his phone- man, she should really apologise and leave now, but before she could make her way off the bed he turned around and stood on his knees, slowly pushing her to lay on her front, “Umm…San?”

“Your back hurts, right?” he mumbled, gently lifting her shirt to reveal some of the skin, “I hope this helps, my sister recommended it.” With that he began to rub the ointment on her lower back, trying to mimic the similar motions she’d use while working on his neck or shoulders from time to time- yes, he had finally obtained that perk. He only stopped when she completely relaxed under his touch, smiling when he realised, she was asleep, gently pulling her shirt back down he got off the bed, tucking her in, making sure to place a glass of water and a bottle of painkillers on the bedside. Little did she know that she had been in pain all night and not just a few minutes, she dozed off sometime in between only to wake up in pain again, though he had slept through most of it peacefully, which is why when he woke up, feeling her shiver in pain, he realised getting up a few minutes before his alarm rang wouldn’t be so bad, he could use the time to help her out, so while reaching for the ointment he had also shut off his alarm, knowing he wouldn’t be going to sleep once he helped her out.

“Ignoring you?” he asked, wiping another cup and handing it to her as she stacked it on the rack with a pout, “Well, not ignoring, he’s just…gone quiet like he’s giving me the silent treatment.” She explained, looking to see if Jongho, who was brooming was listening to them, only to find him staring at her, “Oh I don’t know maybe he’s upset about the fact that your ex-fiancé came here since you invited him?”

“Wait- WAIT WHAT?” Wooyoung gasped, turning to Jongho who nodded, “Soohyuk wanted to see her, and she won’t tell me why, she called him here and ironically he and San had entered at the same time, and instead of introducing him to Soohyuk she just talked to him and ignored San.”

“Man, I’m never gonna take an off again, so much drama in one day.” Was all Wooyoung had said, yet the poor boy got smacked with a tissue, before watching her stomp out of the café, leaving the two men staring at her confused.

“Umm…do we stop her?”

“Nah…” was all Jongho said, the only reason he even knew about this issue was because the moment he had seen Soohyuk enter he knew something was up, what he didn’t expect was for her to go to him instead of San, and ironically, she didn’t even introduce San, which confused him even more. The moment he had looked at the other man, he noticed the way his eyes had gone blank, void of any emotion, yet he could see the one hiding behind his eyes, he knew what he was thinking, one of the many things San had confessed to him about- once the two had become official and Jongho would keep tabs on him- was his fear of being left behind, knowing that one day, eventually everyone would leave him, even her. So, yes, when she had walked past the finance director like he was a mere stranger, he knew this would trigger San, he just didn’t know in which direction the river would flow.

A knock on the door caused the two to look up, Yeosang just sighed, “At this point, you should just fire Mingi.” Shaking his head at his friend San called out to the person, permitting them to enter, usually with the glass walls and door he could see who was on the other side, but for the past two days the blinds were lowered, concealing whatever was happening inside his office, much like whatever was happening inside his heart. The door opened to reveal someone he had been avoiding for the past few days, though he never said anything to make her leave.

Yeosang looked at San’s expression morph into displeasure, turning in his seat to find the man’s significant other standing there, quickly standing up he smiled at her, greeting her before excusing himself.

Honestly, she was surprised by Yeosang’s reaction, she thought he’d be upset with her, Jongho was upset with her and considering Yeosang and San were good friends, she presumed that San might’ve just told him about the issue, though maybe he didn’t or maybe he did and Yeosang is just very good at pretending.

“You could’ve called.” Was all he had said until he found her standing right next to him, her hands gripping onto the armrests of his chair, turning his swivel chair to face her, his eyes widening at the proximity, they were still at his workplace, what if someone barged in? What if Mingi came in?

“I can’t fall behind, I’m tired of falling behind.” She said leaning closer, not to kiss him, but to make sure he was still looking at her, she needed him to understand her perspective, needed him to understand her insecurities, “He knows about you.”

Scoffing in retaliation he leaned closer and hissed, “I don’t care if he does,” eyes scanning her face for any hint or gesture of insincerity, but he couldn’t see it, or perhaps his foolish heart had convinced him once more, deceiving him into making him believe she was his.

“Then why are you upset?” her hands let go of the chair, reaching for his, but he pulled back, crossing his arms over his chest, leaning back against the chair as he stared up at her, “Falling behind? What do you mean by that, was this all a race or competition where you were trying to win him ba-

“Choose your words carefully Mr.Choi.” she cut him off, words seething with anger.

“Because they’re true?” coking his head to the side he noticed the way her hands were fisted at her sides, nails digging into her palms, “Tell me.”

“I…” letting out a shaky breath she looked at her shoes, no longer having the confidence to look at his face, “I couldn’t let him…I didn’t know what he was…going to say…I can’t lose you; I didn’t want to…he came to apologise…nothing more, nothing less. I didn’t want you to meet someone who never saw me the way you see me, what if you realised…that it wasn’t worth it anymore more…that it was a waste of time.” Walking over to the chair at the other end of the table she sat down, eyeing all his paperwork, “I…I’m sorry, I should’ve told you, I can’t hold you back just because I’m left behind all the time.”

He watched her intently, listening to each word, slowly realising what she meant, but he also came to another realisation, they were still walking on eggshells, especially around each other, choosing not to show their greys to each other, choosing to leave out the bad parts of the story, the poorly written scenes and the abrupt jump cuts, yet, this form of false perfection was what was making it worse for them, worse for him, especially when he knew that he no longer liked her. He no longer felt the same attraction- he felt more.

He was in love with her.

Turning to face her, he took a deep breath, his hands on the table, slowly reaching over to hold hers, his thumbs running soothing circles over her hands, “I…I was…I…I don’t want you to leave me too. Before you, there was someone else.” He felt her go tense under his words, his eyes flickered to hers, noticing the settling anxiety, before he gave her a gentle smile, “Was…don’t worry, she didn’t want my heart anymore and I…I guess I didn’t want to give it to anyone anymore either. Until you came along, crying outside because you lost the key to your own apartment…I swear I was going to ignore you and leave, but…” Letting out a dry chuckle he glanced at the clock, she often did come by when it was lunch, maybe he’d take her somewhere special today, far from the office and the café, “I couldn’t, and I don’t know how…maybe because you were so patient with me, maybe I saw myself in you, I wanted to make sure you had someone to help you whenever you’d fall…but I was also scared that if I gave you my heart, you’d give it back and…f*ck Yeosang was right.” He sighed, giving up on where this was going, trying to pull his hands back but her grip tightened, causing him to look at her in surprise.

“He was…but I like it…I like that you’re a romantic, Sannie.” She smiled lacing their fingers together, “I won’t force you…but I need you to understand that I…I fell in love with you the day you unlocked my door for me… I just waited for the day you’d return the feelings…so yeah, I’ll confess, that I’ve loved you from the start.”

His eyes widened at the confession, face turning pink at the realisation, this must be love. The feeling that was brewing inside of him, ready to burst, this must be love. His whole body felt warm and fuzzy, he wanted to run to her and pull her close, almost engulfing her whole being, but his legs felt like jelly, this must be love. Though he didn’t need to get up, because she had come to him, smiling down at him as she cupped his face, her thumb stroking his cheek, he looked up at her through hooded eyes, enjoying the warmth, welcoming this nostalgic sensation, this must be love.

“I love you.” He whispered, hands gripping her waist, fingers digging into her, holding onto her as if he were afraid, she’d disappear.

“It’s about time you realise.” Letting out a chuckle she leaned closer, brushing her lips over hers, about to say something when they heard a static sniff followed by a sob, both of them freezing in act.

“Mingi…how long have you been there for?”

“I forgot to tell you your mic was on…sir.”

“Couple’s activities?” he mumbled, staring up from his book, his reading glasses at the tip of his nose as his girlfriend at the edge of the bed, legs crossed with a magazine in her lap, successfully stealing yet another one of his hoodies. The glow of the lamp illuminated her innocent features, though he knew behind those sparkly eyes hid some agenda that he would soon regret, even though he loved her with all his heart, he had realised long before that being an only child meant that her parents had always kept her busy, books, movies, school, other activities, even got her a Jongho- now that Jongho had completely passed her onto him, it was his job to entertain his princess in the late hours of the night.

“So…like se-

“No, you pervert- my God, all men are the same.” She huffed picking up the magazine to show him the list on the glossy, extremely bright coloured paper, the glare of the lamp just making it more difficult for him to read, “That’s a long list- I’m not going skydiving- YOU AREN’T either.”

“Sheesh, fine, but we can try cutting your hair.”

His hand instinctively went to his luxurious onyx locks, he liked his hair the way it was, and he knew she did too, from how she’d run her fingers through it when they’d be lazing around, from how she’d play with his hair when he’d lay on her lap for a little nap, from how she’d tug and pull on it when they’d be…

“Just a trim!” she broke his chain of thoughts, crawling to him and slapping the magazine on his lap, “You said you needed a trim! And- and it’ll be free!” she smiled, giving him the cutest face she could muster, though he stared back at unamused.

“No.”

“I- but- Sannie,” whining she pointed at the small text, “It’s so intimate and it’s- it’s all about trust.” Grabbing his arm she shook him violently, he almost missed the early stages of their relationship, where she was still shy and nervous around him, now she’d gained the confidence to be bratty around him, even demanding they sleep at his place because ‘You have a bigger bathtub’, incorrect, he didn’t but maybe she just liked using his shampoo- not that he’d mind, he preferred her smelling like she belonged to him, his scent carrying around her.

“How about a free massage as well?”

"There. All done." He finally opened his eyes to stare at his reflection in the mirror, confused at first, then angered, then even a bit humoured, "Um...what do u think is different with this and my usual haircut?" It was his fault, it really was, he agreed to this nonsense and now…he even fell asleep when she was working on his shoulders, but that was before she cut- no chopped off his beautiful locks.

"I... I mean it's a bit different Sannie but I-" she tried to clarify, smoothening it down, only to flatten it and…perhaps make it a bit worse, see, the thing was, during her little barber role-play, she had realised she’d trimmed a bit too much on one side, so she had to even it out and that led to umm…well

'I look like a POTATO!" her glared at her through the mirror, face red with embarrassment.

"NOOO! U don’t" whining she leaned closer to peck his cheek but he pulled away, whipping his head in her direction to glare at her, then looked at his hair through the mirror again, hands going to pull on the short hair, it was so…short, "Please, I love you, I know you said haircutting is a couple's activity but- babe I"

Hearing a sniff, he stopped staring up at her reflection, he didn't mean for her to cry, but the way she was biting her lower lip tugged at his heart. "I-"

Before he could start a giggle escaped her and he stopped, glaring at her, his face blank like the first time they met, "Ma’am, is something funny?"

"No....Mr.Potato head"

“Good morning Mr.Choi - what's up with this cap" Mingi looked at his boss who zoomed past him into the office, tugging on his baseball cap, slamming the door behind him as he yelled.

"Nothing Mingi, whatever happens, DO NOT let Yeosang in my office today"

"He's already there, sir."

Frowning San turned to meet eyes with a familiar brunette, his chin in his palm as he sat on San’s seat, a little smirk ever so present as he eyed the taller man, all dressed up in a nice suit, the only thing odd about him was the smudged lipstick on his jaw, which he probably didn’t even know was there and the baseball cap.

"Your girlfriend dropped you off huh? Car trouble again?'" Yeosang asked, before pointing at his jaw, “You also got a little something there Mr.Choi, guess the black waistcoat is a fan favourite, huh?”

San quickly made his way to his desk, grabbing the chair the other man was on and rolling it away from his monitor, mumbling as he grabbed a few tissues to wipe off the lipstick, he couldn’t even be mad at her because it was his idea to follow couple’s activity #43 ‘Wear a lipstick shade your partner likes’, apparently, he liked it a bit too much.

After that little entrance, they’d been sitting peacefully, with San working away and Yeosang…well he was just wasting time as usual, though at least he had yet to ask the question.

“So, what’s with the cap”, Yeosang asked as he made an intricate paper plane with another one of San's documents, they were going in the shredder anyway.

The other man, pouted for a split second before clearing his throat, "My head feels cold." continuing typing like he didn't care.

"I see." Yeosang eyed him before throwing the plane at him, watching the pointy nib smack against the man's cap, earning a glare, "So, will you bring her as your plus one to this annual fundraiser? Has she cleared all your tests? Check marks all your boxes of requirements of a partner?"

Sighing he leaned back at the thought, did she? Was she the ideal partner he asked for? Sure, she was somewhat clumsy and bratty, but then again, he wasn't the best either, he was whiney and slow-witted at times but with what they two had been through, how much they had grown, how much she had grown, of course she'd been the one, he had come to this realization when he saw her waiting outside for him in the rain, 'worried about him'.

"I'll take that as a yes," he said eying the man who was too lost in thought as he got up to leave, "By the way she was wrong."

"Hmm?" he frowned at his friend who was dusting off his clothes, "You don't look cute, you do look like Mr Potato head".

“San, I swear upon your Benz, if you turn off the heater, I’ll key your car.” She shivered, pulling another blanket over them as he pushed it off, trying to reach over her for the remote of the heater only to slap his hand away, “YAH CHOI SAN”

“ITS HOT! AND STUFFY! I’M SWEATING LOOK!” he lifted his sweatshirt for- honestly, she really forgot what his point was, a bit too distracted for her own good before he huffed and took it off completely, flinging it across the room, giving her all the blankets and laying on his back, “It’s barely even winter, and look at you. I said don’t go playing in the snow, you can barely withstand a cool breeze, you thought the snow was gonna go easy on you? You’re just like Wooyoung, both of you are the same with the snow and winter.”

“Well, not everyone has the body temperature of an old, grumpy cat, Sannie.” She huffed, scooting closer to him, trying to steal his body heat, the fabric of the quilt making his skin burn.

“OLD?”

“Well, I did call you Mr.Choi out of respect too, I thought you were wayyyyyyyyyyy older than me.” Turning his head on the pillow to look at her, he made a face, rolling his eyes at the innocent smile she gave him, the tip of her nose still pink, shrugging at him. Sighing he moved closer to her, much to her pleasure.

“Take off your pants.”

“You really are an old pervert-

“Couple’s activity #136, you genius.” He huffed manoeuvring so he was under the blankets with her.

“I refuse to accept we’ve done so many.”

“We haven’t, I tore out some pages because I was not going to do couple’s yoga on the balcony.”

“Ah…I see. Anyway, still not going to take off my pants because you’re a bit needy.” She sighed, when he pulled her closer, his body heat helping her shivering body calm down.

“Well, aren’t you just an innocent peach, activity 136 says sharing body warmth is important and intimate, you can use me as a human heater and I can use you like a cooling pack.” He said tugging at the band of her pants, helping her out of them, sighing when he felt her cold legs on his warm ones, making the blanket a bit more bearable.

“Who knew Sannie was so thoughtful.” She purred, nuzzling her face in his neck, earning a huff, his arms tightening around her, squeezing her until she let out an airy laugh in protest.

“I am very thoughtful.” He sighed, feeling her relax against him.

“That you are…Mr.Potato head.”

Huffing out in both frustration and bliss she stared up at the ceiling, the warm mood lights in her room, feeling him flopping down beside her, the bed trembling at the act.

“Tub’s filling up. You’re also out of bath bombs”

“Your tub is bigger- how many did you use this time?”

“No. It is not…. around four” He sighed laying on his back to stare up at the ceiling with her, his hands reaching for hers, knuckles brushing against hers before she slowly tangled their fingers together, “Thank you for taking me to your event tonight…I really liked it.”

“Thank you for being my plus one.” He smiled, thinking back to how when anyone and everyone there would ask him who she was he’d introduce her as his girlfriend, the love of his life, someone he potentially wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

“Though I believe making sure I can’t walk tomorrow is going to be a problem for me at work.”

“Couple’s activity #159.”

“Did it specify tearing my favourite dress?”

“No, but the San in the mirror who used to have nice hair told me to.”

Two years, she had been together with this man for two very happy years, yet he still could confuse her every time he asked her something very important, such as now, right in her café, well, technically she was in the storage closet, counting and restocking when he walked in unannounced.

“Umm…is there no one there to take your order, Sannie?” she asked, looking up at him, using a carton as a makeshift seat, clipboard in her lap, she didn’t even want to do it, but once again, she had lost an epic battle of rock paper scissors from not only Jongho, but Wooyoung as well. The man above her frowned before shaking his head, ever so quiet.

“Okay…was there no one to stop you from coming back here- in an employee-only area.” She asked as he shook his head again, before sitting down beside her on the floor legs crossed, now with the different of elevation, looking up at her with a frown.

“Okay…do you…want to say something?”

“What’s your five-year plan?” he asked, rolling up his sleeves before looking at her, his hands on his knees, rubbing his sweaty palms on his pants.

“Ummm…well…what does that mean?” she asked, finally giving up on inventory to get on the floor with him, facing him, sitting in a similar position as she looked at him, noticing how he had closed the storage room door after entering, he needed privacy, so this was an important question to him.

“Where do you see yourself in Five years?”

Oh.

Her eyes widened at the question, throat drying up as she looked at anything but his face, he looked so serious, so focused, like what he had asked her was just like a business deal, well, maybe it was- but that wasn’t all it was, she knew what he meant, she knew he’d have his moments of self-doubt, he’d have moments where the crippling anxiety of having his heart smashed into pieces once more had him awake at night, he’d have his moments where he’d begin to fall, having nothing to hold onto- only this time, he had her.

“I see myself as a Mrs.Choi.”

His ears picked up the all-too-familiar name, his lips quirking up at the mention of his name, blushing like a school girl he almost squealed, leaning over to grab her hands and pull her closer, only his lack of judgement of strength had him pulling her onto his lap- or maybe that is what he wanted to do all along. All she knew was that she was merely inches away from him, his small dimpled smile gracing her with all its glory, “I think I see that too.”

“Yeah?” she giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck as she straddled his lap properly, “You see me as a Mrs.Choi?”

“No.” he smiled, locking his arms behind her waist as he noticed her small pout in confusion, pulling her even closer, until the tips of their noses bumped at the sudden jerk, “I see myself as your Mr.Choi.” His dimples deepened when she gasped, before closing the gap between them, leaving small pecks all over his face, leaving him a flustered, blushing mess as she smothered him with all the love that he had closed himself off to, all the love that was taken from him when his heart was tossed back at him, all the love she had in her that was never meant for anyone else other than him, all the love the two planned to share, for as long as they could, hoping it could bloom into something more beautiful one day.

“And I think I see you two getting out of my storage closet before I call the cops.”

Taglist : @edenesth @mlysalt @spooo00oky @cereal-simp @yessa-vie

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bigification · 2 months

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Friday,

I feel strong, but these protein shakes haven't been helping my bulk as much as I want. I'm still too skinny. Maybe I should give them more time though, I've only been taking them for a couple weeks after all. I'll try bumping it up to two a day, and I'll eat more, that should help.

I pick up my phone as I leave the gym and stare at the Grindr app. Should I? Is it fair to Dean that I keep bringing back guys to our place. This would be the fourth time this week, I think I can hold off for his sake. Anyway, I put away my phone and head back to my apartment.

"How was the workout?" Dean asked when I got home. I'm shocked, he's never really been interested in my workouts before. We used to go together before we were roommates but now that we live together, the gym is a rare activity we do apart. Besides, he hasn't really been going that much recently.

"Oh, it was good... I'm just not bulking as much as I want to." I reply.

"That must be why you got those protein shakes, huh?"

Why is he taking so much notice of this stuff now? We can share the shakes if he really wants to, he might just be trying to motivate himself to get back in the gym. But he could just ask if that's what he wants. "Ya, I'm gonna try to drink more, maybe that'll help." I say as I go to the fridge and grab one.

"That's good." Dean says in a flat tone, he usually does this when he's lost interest in a conversation.

I get distracted from the conversation anyway as I drink the shake. Something seems different about it, it's got a bit of a bitter aftertaste now. I figure it's probably just me getting tired of the taste and shrug it off.

Saturday,

I wake up in a cold sweat. This was unusual given that I get up every day at this time to go to the gym. I look to the clock and it's... 10 o'clock. Holy shit, I slept in. I'm usually at the gym by 8. I calm down a bit when I remember it's Saturday, so I have nothing to do anyway.

I roll out of bed and hobble my way to the bathroom. My head is spinning and my stomach is growling, I felt hungover. I didn't drink last night did I? I don't really remember. However, all of that leaves my mind in an instant when I look in the mirror. I rub my eyes and look again. Where do I even begin. An itchy beard now covers my face, despite the fact that I shaved yesterday morning. My sweat glistened on my distended stomach, my six pack buried under a soft bloat. My pecs are swollen and slightly rounded.

What the fuck. My mind is trying to process what's happening, but it can't. I turn to the side and see the subtle S shape in my stomach and my ass. Was it the shake? It couldn't have been, it hasn't done shit for me in weeks and now it does this! You know what, this is fine. I pinch my stomach. It's mostly bloated, just a small layer of fat, nothing I can't work off in a couple weeks. If anything this will give me a head start on my bulk.

I throw on some of my loose gym clothes that do a decent job at hiding my physique, but I still look different. I grab my gym back and try to sneak out, I don't want Dean seeing me like this. I quickly try to rush out the door, but I stop dead in my tracks when I hear Dean.

"I didn't know you were still home, you usually leave before I get up." He says nonchalantly.

"Oh ya... I just decided to sleep in today." I pull my bag to cover my stomach.

"Okay, have fun at the gym. Nice beard by the way, when did you decide to grow it out."

"I've just been a bit lazy with shaving it, that's all." I'm sweating buckets.

"Well it looks good, you should keep it." He smiles at me.

I can feel myself blush, so I smile and get out as quickly as possible. I chug a protein shake on the way to the gym, noting that bitter aftertaste again. It's probably nothing, I have bigger issues to deal with.

Once I start my workout, I feel pretty self conscious about my body. I know no one else could know that something is off, but I still feel off. But as the workout goes on, I start feeling more and more comfortable. I start hitting more reps than I ever have before, though cardio is a bit of a slog. It doesn't matter, I feel surprisingly great. I finish off the workout great, and flex in the mirror for a bit of a confidence boost.

I drink another shake on the way home. As I get home, Dean seems to be waiting for me. He asks how my workout was again. He's acting so weird again. I decide to spend the rest of the day out, drinking the night away. I am bulking after all.

Sunday,

I wake up feeling like I got hit by a truck, with no memory of how much I drank last night. I've never felt like this after a night out though. The more I think about it, the more my mind points me to the shakes. They have to have something to do with this. I don't have time for this right now though, I have to get to the gym.

I brush my teeth and shave, I'm shocked at the beard I grew in just two days. I try throwing on some clothes, but I feel some resistance. My largest gym shirt no longer fits, there's always a sliver of skin showing and it goes past my belly button when I reach up. My shorts fit a bit better, but they hug my ass very tight. I think I'll have to buy some new clothes on the way home.

The workout goes similarly to yesterday. I start self conscious of the fact that my belly is showing and my shorts look like they're about to rip. But the worry escapes my mind when I destroy my routine. I feel so strong.

I feel great by the time my workout ends. I head to the locker room and take off my shirt. Yeesh, I have a full on beer belly now. This is no longer just a bloat, my stomach is covered in a thick layer of fat. I didn't even know you could gain this much fat in only a couple of days, and I'm not even eating that much. And what's with the beard, I shaved this morning and it's already coming back in. Although my arms are looking massive, I could even feel my sleeves stretch from my biceps when I was working out. I stare at my belly a bit as I think about what to do.

I throw on my shirt again and head out. I pull up to a clothing store and pick out a few loose gym clothes that should fit me if I bulk even more.

"Hi, where are the change rooms." I ask an employee.

"Oh.." he pauses for a moment, looking at my belly. I notice that my shirt is riding up more than it was this morning. I instinctively cover my exposed belly with my arms and shrivel up in embarrassment.

"Just over there sir." He awkwardly points to the back of the store.

I grab a few larger clothes on the way out and leave the store as fast as humanly possible. I instinctively down another shake on the way home. Dean didn't say anything to me when I got home, but he glanced at me and then looked away. He is acting so strange.

I woke up in the middle of the night, there was a rattling coming from the kitchen. I walk out to investigate and see Dean doing something with the protein shakes. Is he secretly drinking them at night? He could just ask and I would give some to him. But I see him pour something into the shake and then close it back up again before putting them back in the fridge. What the hell? I try to think of what he could be doing. He stashes something away in the bottom of the cupboard and starts walking back to his bedroom. I quickly hide in my room until I hear his door close, and then I go back to the kitchen to investigate. I look at the protein shakes in the fridge and notice their seals have been broken, I can't believe I never noticed that. I move over to the cupboard and find a small bag with white powder in it. It looks like coke, but why the fuck would Dean put coke in my shakes. And besides, I don't think fat, muscle, and hair growth are symptoms of coke. Maybe I'll give him a taste of his own medicine. I go back to the fridge and pull out the jug of orange juice that Dean drinks every morning. I have no idea how much he put in my shakes, so I just pour a bunch in. I kind of feel like a secret agent, sneaking in a mysterious powder into his drink. I would feel worse, but he already did this to me so I'm fine ignoring my morals this time.

I head to bed, lying awake in my bed for a while. Thinking about what I just did, thinking about the results. It's making it hard to fall asleep, but I eventually do.

Monday,

I wake up feeling better than I had the past few days. I go through my normal routine, throw on my gym clothes, and grab a bite to eat. When I open the fridge, i see the orange juice and protein shakes and I'm reminded of my situation. Every morning I get a few moments of blissful ignorance before it's ripped away. I think for a bit, then grab a couple shakes and put in my bag. I'm kinda liking this new me, the strong me, and the belly is definitely growing on me. I catch my reflection in the mirror as I head out, I'm really committing to this aren't I? I ask myself as I look at the bushy beard that has engulfed my face and the belly and moobs that are unmistakable under my shirt. I smile and then head to the gym.

Every day that I spend at the gym, I get less self conscious. I almost forget about the fact that my hairy gut I exposed to the world whenever I reach up. I only care about the fact that I have been increasing the weight on my workouts every day and it feels amazing.

I take a shower and get dressed for work... Oh shit. I never bought work clothes that fit me, I'm reminded when I try in vain to button up my dress shirt. I stop by the store again and grab a couple shirts and pairs of pants. The thought of the protein shake in my car makes me think of the future, so I buy a few clothes in larger sizes too.

I barely make it to work on time. The day went by fast, but all I could remember were the stares and the comments from coworkers. "You forget to shave this morning Santa?" "Might want to lay off the doughnuts in the break room buddy." "We're concerned about your health." "Did you forget to stop bulking?" That was all I heard today. It was embarrassing at first, but it soon turned to encouraging. Each sly comment just makes me want to grow more. It honestly makes me realize how much I'm enjoying growing, and makes me even more excited to see what happens to Dean. It was hard to keep my dick in my pants today, I think the only reason no one noticed was because they were too busy staring at my gut.

I make it back home after work and dress down to my underwear first thing. Damn I am getting hairy, I run my hands through the forest of hair that has grown all over my body. As I'm doing so, an amazing idea runs through my mind. I'm gonna surprise Dean. There's no way I can hide the changes in my body regardless of how baggy my clothes are, so I'm just gonna show it off. I lay down on the couch by the front door, still only in my underwear, and I wait for him to show up.

"I'm hom- Oh hey..." Dean stutters as he sees me.

"Hey bud, what's up." I say nonchalantly.

"Just tired from work, where are your clothes?"

"I had a crazy workout today, just figured I'd air out a bit. Ever since I started this bulk, things have really taken off for me at the gym." I say while I rub my gut. In trying my best to make him uncomfortable and it seems to be working.

"Okay, well if you need me I'll be in my room." He quickly scurries into his room.

I just chuckle to myself and continue rubbing my belly. I wonder if there's any leftovers in the fridge?

Tuesday,

Same old same old. Get out of bed, get dressed, shave, grab a shake and head to the gym.

I feel so imposing at the gym now. I think I've gotten taller, because I look down on almost every now. I have a beard and a deeper voice than I used to, and not to mention the big gut and strong biceps. I'm like the biggest guy here, and people treat me like it. Women and men stare, and people tend to let me use the machines I want. I also notice myself grunting when I work out, I wonder if the entire gym can hear it. Anyway, the point is I feel amazing. This is the first day I dropped cardio because who fucking needs it, I sure don't. Now I focus purely on mass gain. I'm tired of holding back and I don't care what other people think, I want more.

I arrived at work, rocking far more confidence than I did yesterday, and people noticed. I don't care if they stare or comment, and I don't care that my dress shirt is already too small for me. People even asked me how I gained as much muscle as it did that fast. I just tell them to eat a shit ton and drink protein shakes, but maybe once the jig is up with Dean I'll ask him how to get the powder. I certainly wouldn't mind seeing some of the men at work blow up like I did. This is not the time to think about it though, it's getting hard to hide my boner at work. The only thing hiding it when I sit down is my gut.

I get home and notice Dean is home too. He must have stayed home, I wonder if it's because of the powder. He won't seem to leave his room though, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to see the results.

I just decide to change into some comfortable clothes and eat my heart out. Though I'm shocked at how small my once 'baggy' clothes are. They barely fit past my stomach, and they ride up past my belly button when I lift my arms.

Fuck I'm getting fat. There is nothing hotter to me right now than the thought of my body growing. I make my way to the kitchen and grab a few more shakes and start chugging, feeling my dick harden with each gulp. I feel like a fucking pig, what has come over me. The shake is dribbling down my beard and onto my shirt, but I can't stop. Once I've had enough protein shakes for a lifetime, I stumble to my room and promptly fall asleep.

Wednesday,

I wake up in a pool of sweat, similar to a couple days ago. My mouth tastes awful and my body feels heavy. I question what happened last night as I roll myself out of bed. I drag myself to the bathroom and freeze in shock at my image in the mirror. Holy shit. I pull up my shirt to see a massive ball belly, covered in a thick layer of hair. I pull my shirt up further and see a pair of soft man tits that now lay on my gut. Every part of my body looks swollen, my arms, my hands, even my face looks puffy.

I let out a loud burp that reeks of protein shake, and suddenly I remember last. I walk to the kitchen and see six empty protein shakes on the table. I chuckle in a surprisingly deep voice before opening the fridge and grabbing a shake. I down it before getting ready to head to the gym. I put on my largest gym shirt and it only reaches halfway around my gut, I try to put on my shorts but I can't get them to cover the top of my ass crack. That's alright, I don't particularly care if anyone sees, it's their fault for looking.

I spend the day at the gym enjoying all the attention from shocked gym goers. They watch in amazement or contempt as this fatass walks around like he owns the gym.

I go to work with a similar energy, though I do have a dress shirt that still barely fits me so at least I'm not half naked going to work. My clothes still leave little to my coworkers imaginations, as I confidently strut my fatass around the office.

I get home and stand in shock as I walk through the door. Is that Dean!? Across the living room stands a morbidly obese man wearing nothing but boots, a baseball cap, and a ripped towel around his waist.

"You did this to me!" The man yells in a gruff southern accent.

"Dean, is that you?" I respond.

"Yea, you dumbass! You gave me some of that powder didn't ya." He turns to face me and reveals the damage the powder did to his body.

"Hey you did it to me first! I was only returning the favour."

"I only put I bit into your shakes, how much did'ya give me!? Look what it's done to me!" He grabs a handful of the fat on his belly, and it jiggles like jello.

"Well I didn't know how much to give you."

"And you're only s'posed to take it when you're workin out, otherwise it only grows fat and not muscle. Beside, why d'ya keep drinking it after you knew?" He asks

"Because I like me this way, it just felt good to get revenge. Why did you even do it in the first place?" I ask in return.

"Because I thought if you got fat you'd stop hooking up with so many guys, and you'd notice me. It was only s'posed to be a bit, but then you started drinkin the shakes like crazy and now look at ya." He responds in a genuine voice. I don't know what to say, so I stand silent. He grabs his phone and approaches me. "This is what I looked like 2 days ago!" He shows me a picture of himself. "I was so happy that I could finally grow a beard. Little did I know why."

"This is what I looked like yesterday." He shows me another photo. "My hair was falling out and my hairline was receding. I woke up looking like I was pregnant, and my pants couldn't fit anymore."

"I was so scared that I ate some of that powder, but I didn't know what to do, so I stayed in my room all day and drank nothing but orange juice. Then I woke up this morning as a bald 350 pound man. That's when I knew you put that powder in my orange juice." He seems frantic.

I didn't know what to do, so I grabbed him and kissed him. "I never realized how hot your accent is until now." I say as I pull away from the kiss, he smiles in return. In the moment, another terribly amazing idea comes to my head. I grab the bag of powder he had left on the table and pour some of the powder into his mouth before snorting some myself. He looks at me in shock for a moment before swallowing it. I smile before dragging his fatass to my tiny king sized bed.

Then next Monday,

I just hit 300 today. I still go to the gym everyday, so that keeps my gut from growing out of control. Though I have had some interesting conversations with my family since. But the shocked faces of my family when they see me and their concerned comments if my weight gain only fuels the fire. Though my dad seems to be the only one who says he likes the new me, says I look manlier. It's funny coming from the next fattest man in the family, only behind me of course.

The scale stopped working on Dean after last Thursday, but he has to be pushing 500. I really gave him an insane dose of that powder, and the more fat he got the less capable he was to workout and thus reduce the fat gained. He just sits around and pigs out all day now, and I wouldn't want him any other way. I usually bring home a few meals from a couple fast food restaurants for his first dinner, and when I feel up to it, I'll add a little bit of powder to his meal.

I'm also enjoying work far more. I told all the men at my work about the powder, and within a few days I was seeing results. Some became as fat as Dean by the end of the week, clearly they neglected the part where it said to workout while consuming the powder. Some look like me, with big arms and an even bigger belly. And some have just become muscle beasts, almost like they spent hours a day at the gym. I also feel more imposing at work, people respect me more, even if half of them are bigger than me now. It even helped me get a raise, which funds all of the fast food trips for Dean and I. One day I hope to be the big boss with a silver bushy beard and hulking gut that spills out of my suit.

#male tf #fat tf #fat belly #bhm weight gain #masculine #male wg #muscle tf #ex jock #dad bod #hairy

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yesimwriting · 3 months

Note

oh my god yes i'm very much interested in a drabble about my favourite besties kissing as besties do!!!!!!!!

the one that i really can't stop thinking about is the "i trust you more than anyone else" stuff like it's me and you against the world i'm such a sucker for that!! especially since felix is surrounded by people who wanna be close to him all the time and as easy going and open as he seems with anyone, it's of course on an entirely different level with reader

ugh the intimacy of it all makes me melt i love them😭😭

you get the vision!!

also had to start off a little angstier than usual bc the bestie kiss ™️ is only justifiable if both of them are upset enough to be more focused on being close than anything else, y'know

----

The taste lingers. The bitterness infects all it touches, poisoning you from the inside out as you down the drink that some guy pushed into your hand a few minutes ago.

A familiar warning briefly flashes to the front of your mind. Don't take drinks from strangers...especially not drinks that you didn't see them make. One of a hundred safety rules that you usually adhere to.

You've never really under the self destructive urge after drinking thing. Maybe it's just being tired. Maybe it's just this.

You wipe at your eyes with your palm, only remembering the products you had so carefully applied to your skin a few hours ago after the fact.

"Are you--" A familiar voice cuts through the music. You blink once, but it's not enough to force your eyes to adjust, so you try again. After screwing your eyes shut for a second, you can finally make out the person in front of you. Annabel. "You don't look like you're doing too good."

Your irritation has nothing to do with her, and yet seeing her standing there, effortlessly flawless with a slight edge that just fits here, you feel the knot in your stomach tighten. But that's not her fault, so as stabiliy and politely as possible, you answer, "I'm...fine."

She regards you for a moment, eyebrows pinching together in uncertainty. "Why don't we find Felix, yeah?"

Why does everyone always assume that Felix is the solution to all of your problems? "I'm okay," you try again, voice a little more certain, "really."

Annabel still doesn't seem too convinced. She turns her head, scanning the crowded room. It doesn't take long for her to find Felix. It never does.

He's sitting on a loveseat that's been pushed towards the edge of the room. A few people are standing around him, a girl is sitting on the chair's arm, her legs swung over his lap.

"And he seems..." You force your face to remain neutral as your eyes finally land on him. "Busy."

Annabel looks back at you, her lips pressing together. Her expression only adds to your unease. "He wouldn't mind. It's you."

You shake your head, the motion adding to your slight nausea. Usually, you wouldn't think twice about sticking by Felix's side. Especially in this kind of setting, but after the words the two of you exchanged earlier, everything feels off its axis.

You're not used to fighting with Felix. It's such a foreign concept that the strange tension that had you walking away from him earlier probably doesn't even constitute an actual argument. But it's enough to make you feel out of place.

Swallowing once, you force yourself to focus on Annabel. "I think I just need some air." Annabel's still regarding you with uncertainty. "I'll be back in a minute, and if I feel sick or anything, I'll go get Felix." She doesn't move until someone calls her name. "Go. Have fun. I'll see you."

Annabel nods once, giving you a polite smile before leaving.

The door is near where Felix is sitting, which means there's no leaving without walking past him. There's enough of a crowd around him that him not noticing is a likely option, so you feel safe crossing the room.

You push your way through the room, eyes trained on the ground to help your balance. It's also a good excuse to not look at Felix as you reach the door.

There are stragglers--a group of girls chatting and giggling in front of the door, some guys doing shots, a girl in the middle of a phone call that looks painful.

You walk around the side of the house until you find an empty section of the sidewalk. The party feels far away here, even though the only thing dividing you is a few cars, a mailbox, and a streetlight. You sit and let yourself pretend that the bit of distance you've managed to create means something.

You could actually leave. Sure, this is a slightly off campus house party, but it's only a few blocks away from the street that'll take you to your dorm. You did walk here, but that was when you were focused, sober, and you had Felix with you.

But that's--you brought cash. You think. Maybe you should call a cab. It's not the worst idea. You drop your attention to the ground, instinctually searching for your purse.

Ugh. Your purse. Felix. You gave it to Felix.

Okay, you're still an independent person. This is probably for the best. It's never a good idea to leave a party without at least telling the person you came with, and this way it won't be a big deal. You'll ask for your purse so that you can call a cab. He probably won't even care.

You just need a minute to get it together. Then you'll be able to go back in, tap Felix on his shoulder, and get your purse. He won't even have to get that girl off his lap.

It is such a double standard. Felix completely forgetting about you is perfectly fine, but you talk to one person that isn't more Felix's friend than yours at one of these things and that must mean you're trying to replace him as a best friend.

Maybe you've been deluding yourself, convincing yourself that your friendship means more than it actually does. The thought makes it hard to breathe right.

"It's cold out."

Your palms press into asphalt as you snap your head to find the source of the sound. Felix. A lump wedges itself in your throat. "I'm fine." He takes a step forward. "I just wanted some air."

You turn your head, forcing yourself to stare ahead. Soft footsteps, the crunching of asphalt echoes, somehow sharper than the music coming from the house. Felix sits.

He's farther than he usually is.

You lift your hands, taking your time brushing your fingers against your palms to get rid of the debris that indented itself into your skin. "You um--you have my purse, right?" You fold your hands against your lap. "I need my phone. I--I need to call a taxi."

"What?" His voice doesn't come out angry, but there's a flatness there that burrows deep into the pit of your stomach. It almost feels disappointed. "Why?"

You squeeze your hands together, "I want to go home." You still can't look at him. "I want to go back to my room." Your voice starts to crack on the last word. Nails instinctually dig into your knee.

Felix sighs, angling himself towards you, "You don't have to do that." His voice is soft, cautious. "If you want to leave, I'll take you."

"No," you shake your head once, attention still focused forward to keep him from noticing the fact that your eyes are now watering. All of this feels so dumb, so small. Why are you almost crying? "It's okay, you're having fun, I can get back by myself."

He lets out another breath, moving his arm so that his hand sits between both of you. "You're drunk."

"So are you."

A beat of silence that feels like an attempt at admitting that he's more than just drunk. You saw Tyler--or Trevor, or maybe Timothy--wandering the halls. Some guy whose name you can never remember because he only shows up at the end of nights, when you're too out of it to do much more than just be happy. He's known for carrying--and sharing--harder stuff.

Not that you'd know. There's nowhere that Felix won't take you, nothing that he keeps from you. That's part of the beauty of your friendship, the lack of judgement. But Felix isn't fond of you participating in everything all the time.

If you ever show interest in anything on a night that Felix isn't feeling too sure about, he'll offer to get you whatever you want later, when it's just the two of you. Maybe you'd mind his concern if you cared about getting high more.

You can feel Felix's stare, the weight of his full attention. "You don't actually think I'm going to let you go anywhere alone, after drinking, in the middle of the night."

There's a patience there that makes it hard to sit still. You turn your head, finally looking at him, "I'm fine. I can--" You cut yourself off with a slight sniffle.

You wipe at your face with the side of your palm. Felix's eyebrows are pinched together. You don't know what to make of the way he's watching you. Felix lifts his hand, fingers finding their way against your jaw before you can move. "You're upset."

Pressing your lips together, you try to force yourself to look as neutral as possible. "I'm fine." He doesn't move. "You should go back to your party, Felix."

"The party?" His expression briefly contorts in confusion. "I don't care about the party." Your vision is starting to blur. "There are other parties. You're crying." Felix shifts his hand up your face, his thumb brushing against the apple of your cheek.

You try to take a stabilizing breath, "It's not a big deal." You will yourself to move, to rely on him less. "I don't think I'm going to be any fun tonight, you should go, and I--I'll talk you tomorrow."

He frowns. "You don't have to be any fun." Felix shouldn't have to coddle you. Embarrassment and guilt further knot your stomach. "If you want to sit here, we can sit here. If you want to go inside, we can go inside. If you want to go home, we'll go home."

"Earlier," you manage, focusing on keeping your voice as even as possible, "When we--" Tears pool in your eyes, something at the back of your throat constricts. "I didn't--I don't know--"

You're not making sense, forcing out fragments of thoughts that don't work together. Felix seems to understand anyway, his thumb grazing against your cheek. "We don't have to talk about that now." You nod slowly. "If you still want to go home, let me take you."

You attempt a full breath, "But what ab--"

He tilts his head in a way that makes it feel like he's telling you a secret, "If you ask about the party again, I'm calling you delusional."

You roll your eyes. It's a relatively lame threat, but it serves its purpose. The corner of your mouth tugs itself upwards, your lips pressed together to hold in a partial laugh. "Okay."

Felix's hand slips from the side of your face and finds a new place against your shoulder. "Yeah? Let's go then."

He stands first and then extends an arm to help you. His stability makes it easier.

There is no laughter or pausing on sidewalks to try to hold onto each other. The two of you are quiet, but Felix does keep your fingers intertwined the entire way back to his dorm.

You don't think to question where he's taking you until you're in his room. "Felix." The walk had been good for you, the fresh air and time to gather your thoughts providing enough of a reprieve for you to get it together. "I want to go to sleep."

"Yeah," he mumbles, "I know, I'll get you your favorite shirt."

Your eyes focus on the ground. "I think I should sleep in my room tonight."

Felix sighs, turning away from the door. "You're trying to leave again."

The accusation only half makes sense, but there's a quietness to his voice that gets to you. All the nervous, alcohol fueled energy is coming back with a vengeance. "When have I ever left you?"

Felix scoffs, the sound bitter. "You left me tonight." If his voice was any less raspy, any less urging, you likely would have laughed. He's the one that got mad at you. "You just--you walked away from me. Like I didn't even matter to you."

The a thinly veiled sadness there that almost feels nervous. He can't meet your gaze. The pride encouraging you to stand still bleeds from you. Without its heat, its fire, there's not much keeping you stable.

You move forward, footsteps cautious. "Felix." You stretch a hand forward, fingers brushing against his forearm. He doesn't move. "Of course you matter to me. So much." Your fingers bend around his wrist. "You're my best friend."

He turns his arm. Your body tenses, preparing for his rejection. Felix's hand squeezes yours. There's a tension in his hold, but you embrace it all the same. "You walked away from me."

You take another step towards him, freehand finding his arm. "That's why." He sets a hand against you waist. The contact is firm, unforgiving. There's still hurt, but the only thing more unthinkable than holding on is letting go. "What you say means so much to me, because you're my best friend." His fingers press into your side. "And you were upset--and there were so many people--" Tears prick the corner of your eyes. "And I couldn't do that there."

"No." He squeezes your hand. "No, don't--don't cry, we're okay." As if to prove his point, Felix pulls you closer. The movement's too sudden for you to keep your balance on your own. You tighten your hold on Felix's arm. "Still my best girl, yeah?"

This is nowhere near the closest you've ever been to him. He has a hand on your hip, but that's far from the touchiest he's ever been. It shouldn't--he shouldn't be this distracting. It takes you a second too long to remember to nod.

He angles his head downwards, his cheek finding a place against your shoulder. Felix's breath is warm against your neck. "Wouldn't leave me."

You nod, moving your hand to rest against his back. Felix relaxes against you. It's not easy to stay stable with the alcohol still in your system and Felix's weight on you, but you manage.

"No." You mean it so much it almost hurts to get out. You'd never walk away from him. There's nothing like your bond with Felix. You could talk to him, be around him forever without feeling drained. "Of course not."

Felix turns his head, brushing his lips against your neck. "Stay over, then?" The question is soft, fragile. It'd be smart to create distance. If tonight's proven anything, it's that you're too attached to him. "Please?"

You smooth your knuckles against his spine. "Okay." He presses a kiss against your shoulder. "Yeah. I'll stay."

He hugs you even tighter. "No more tears, alright?"

You squeeze him back. "Alright."

For awhile, the two of you stay like that. There's nothing left to say, and that still manages to be comfortable. Silence is never uncomfortable with Felix.

He eventually shifts to place a kiss against the side of your neck. "We should get ready for bed."

You hum once in agreement. Neither of you move. Things are simple when you factor out the rest of the world. Things are easy when it's just you and Felix.

An overwhelming wave of fondness brings you back. As gently as possible, you start the process of untangling limbs. Felix pouts at you, expression drowsier than before.

Your fingers carefully brush his hair out of his face. "I need to change."

Felix fully straightens. His hand finds the back of your head. He pulls you towards him, pressing a kiss against your forehead. "Okay."

He lets go of you before walking towards his dresser. Felix opens the top drawer and finds your usual sleep shirt. You take it before entering his bathroom.

Going out outfits are cute, but there's something about the moment you get home that immediately forces every ounce of discomfort to hit all at once. You shed the restrictive layers before pulling Felix's T-shirt over your head.

You swear there's some kind of rich guy secret to keeping clothes this soft. A combination of fabric, fancy detergent, and some third thing that's reserved for those in the know.

You turn on the sink, ready to wash what's left of the night off of your face. Felix has never gotten rid of or moved anything you've left in here. What's left of your buzz has you more emotional than usual, making the evidence of your life in his space heavier than it should be.

The feeling is good and bad all at once. Your attachment to Felix is the kind of thing that can only come from fully understanding someone. But there's an inherent danger in knowing someone like that, carrying about them like that. Especially Felix, who has everyone so he doesn't need anyone.

You splash some more water onto your face, attempting to shake off any lingering angst. You don't want to dissect your friendship until it eventually falls apart into nothingness.

When you finally step back into his room, Felix is sitting on his bed, back pressed against the wall. He's managed to change into pajama pants, but seems to be struggling with everything else. His shirt's half unbuttoned, and his fingers are actively working at undoing the rest of them. Felix's movements are slow and clumsy as he tugs on the fabric.

Wow. Maybe you were right to think he was high. "Hey." He looks up at you, hands still attempting to pull apart his shirt. There's something endearing about the clumsiness. He drops his head back down to refocus."Do you--uh--do you need help?"

He angles his head to one side, a smile playing at his lips. "Are you asking to undress me?"

Heat burns through your chest, leaving you hollow. You approach his dresser, leaving your neatly folded outfit on the wooden surface. "Figure out your own shirt."

"No," his sigh is light, almost a laugh, "'M kidding." Your glare only seems to add to his easygoing mood. He smiles, dropping a hand to pat the space next to him. "Come here."

You give in with a sigh, crossing the room and sitting at the foot of his bed. He reaches forward, briefly squeezing your shoulder before returning to work on his shirt. It's hard to watch him stumble through undoing a single button, just to have to start the process all over again.

You pull your legs onto the bed, turning to fully face him. Your knee is pressed against his thigh.

"Lovie," he hums, as if your presence is some kind of revelation.

"Felix." He grins, hands releasing his shirt in favor of trying to grasp your arm. "Wait--" His fingers wrap around your wrist. "I'm--trying--" He pulls your hand towards him, placing a kiss against your knuckles. You laugh. "I'm trying to help you."

He tugs on your arm. His pull isn't harsh, but the unexpectedness of it paired with your buzz makes it enough to throw off your balance. Your freehand presses against the mattress in an attempt to stabilize yourself. Felix laughs, tugging on you again.

Fighting your own fit of giggles, you instinctually push yourself onto your knees in an attempt to regain some control. Felix gives you a second to find your footing. You gently pull his hand off of your forearm and set it on his lap. He frowns.

You extend your arms, placing your hands on his shoulders. Part of the reason for it is to help keep you stable, the rest of it is to keep him focused. He looks up at you, eyes pools of hesitant affection. "Stay still."

He lets you reach for his shirt. "Y'don't have to, I'm okay."

Shrugging, you continue to work at unclasping his buttons. "It's okay, I like helping you."

You unbutton the few buttons that are left. "Better?" Felix nods. "I'll get you a pajama shirt."

Before you can get far, Felix grabs your hand. "We're..." He focuses on bending and straightening your fingers. "Good, right?"

There's something soft about the question, almost shy. "Yeah." He turns over your palm, tracing the lines etched into your skin. "Of course we're good." You adjust, crossing your legs beneath you to sit down.

"Honestly, I was thinking about it, and part of the reason I was upset is because..." This is harder to admit than you thought it'd be. "You seemed really okay without me, and that--I don't know. It's dumb, because I really do want you to be happy, but it made me feel a little replaceable, I guess."

"What?"

You sigh, dropping your attention to your intertwined hands. "I know, I said it was dumb." You pause, eyes darting up to look at him. His expression isn't judgmental or like he needs space. You can't fully read his expression, but nothing about the way he's looking at you feels unkind. "I only mentioned it to be honest, I don't like the idea of keeping se--"

He pulls on your arm again, this time his hold a little firmer. You're closer now. Felix's other hand finds your hip, anchoring you in place. You're too confused to do anything but blink at him.

Felix lets go of your arm, fingers finding their way beneath your chin. He angles your head so that all of your attention is on him. Your lips part, a half thought out question is on the tip of your tongue when Felix leans towards you. His lips meet yours.

You're still, shock and something a lot more electric rendering you in capable of anything else. This isn't the first time Felix has pressed his lips against yours. He's affectionate, especially when drinking is involved. He'll brush his lips against yours after taking a shot together, or just because at the end of a long night. It's not an everyday thing, but it's happened from time to time.

This--this isn't that. He's lingering, lips parting so that his teeth can graze against your bottom lip. Felix pulls away just enough to look you in the eye. His thumb brushes across your cheek.

"You're my best friend." Felix's words are so urging, so pleading you nod before you can think. "Best mate. You're the--the only one that gets me. Really gets me." His hand moves to the back of your head, pulling you back to him.

Any sense of hesitance vanishes the second time he kisses you. He's all consuming, lips dragging against yours with a desperate patience that's dizzying. It's disorientating, the desire to be that much closer to someone when there's no way to get there.

Felix's hand finds your back. He pushes you towards him. There's no good way to oblige. You try anyway, shifting your weight back onto your knees. Felix pulls you forward by your waist. You're too focused on him to realize what's happening until you're on his lap.

He takes his time letting you go, teeth tugging on your bottom lip. "I trust you more than anyone." Felix leans back in, placing a quick kiss against your lips. "You're not replaceable." He squeezes your shoulder. "You know that, right?"

Still breathless, you nod. He's watching you with so much patience, so much care it's almost hard to bare.

His thumb smooths circles against your shoulder. "Let's go to bed, yeah?"

You lift his hand off your thigh to press a kiss against the back of his palm. "Yeah, lets go to bed."

He squeezes your shoulder once before letting you go. You move off of his lap carefully.

Felix sits up enough to push his shirt off of his shoulders. Your eyes instinctually fall to his sheets. "Do you want me to get you a shirt?"

"Why? Distracted?"

You roll your eyes in an attempt to the fact that you are struggling to look at him. "Shut up."

He grins as he pulls back his sheets. "M'okay." You take the opportunity to slip beneath the layers of fabric. Felix waits until you're settled to crawl beneath the sheets. "It's warm enough, even with you stealing my blankets."

"I do not," the sentence is more of a mock gasp than anything else. Felix shifts onto his side before collapsing his weight on you. "Felix."

"What?" He rests his cheek against your chest. "This is the only way to keep you from taking my sheets."

You sigh, feigning annoyance as your fingers find his hair. "Rude. I'm a great bed sharer."

Felix lets out a partial laugh against the side of your neck. His hand finds your hip. "You are pretty great."

Your hand trails down towards his back, nails grazing against the bare skin. "You are, too."

Silence stretches between the two of you for so long you assume that he's already fallen asleep. Felix has a talent for drifting off in the blink of an eye.

"Lovie?" He whispers the term so lowly you almost convince yourself the sound is a figment of your imagination.

"Yeah?"

You can feel the shift in his breathing. "It's you and me--just you and me, when it comes down to it." His thumb brushes up and down your side. "You know that."

He relaxes as your fingers trail down the start of his spine. "Yeah. Of course I know that." A part of you feels naive for believing his words so easily. He's too adored to just be your Felix at the end of the day, and yet-- "Just you and me."

Felix leaves an open mouthed kiss against collarbone. It's the kind of warm that leaves goosebumps breaking out everywhere the contact can't be felt. "Good."

----

taglist; @vader-is-hot @spiritofbuddha @getosangie @freyafriggafrey @ilovehyperfixating @aryiannarae @willowpains @ker0senebunny

#saltburn x reader #saltburn imagine #felix catton x reader #felix catton #bestfriendfelix #jacob elordi #jacob elordi x reader

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cyjammy · 3 months

Text

Vox and Alastor’s Dynamic is so FUN

Hazbin Hotel Season 1 Episode 2 Spoilers ahead!

I have to talk about Vox and Alastor’s “rivalry”. I love how Alastor just couldn’t care less, he’s witty, he’s emotionless and that makes him all the more powerful.

Well, not emotionless since he does express outward disgust towards anything digital, but the fact he can keep himself composed because he knows he is the shit and that’s what makes him my absolute favorite.

That showed through in the pilot and the show didn’t fail to deliver. I love how he’s handled. Viv’s characterization is wonderful.

Most fics I have read with Alastor have shown him as vunerable despite the story never alluding to that and it’s such a breath of fresh air to have canon content of Alastor being his authentic self.

My god do I love a character that’s strong and not swayed by emotion, but they can be handled well too. I.E. VOX oh my god. Every fanon had him pegged down as the victim to Val’s wrath, but he’s the mastermind behind the scenes. A complete subversion of everyone’s expectations. And that’s for another post I’m about to go crazy on, but I digress.

Vox is a man up in his ivory electronic tower with villainous intentions, but he falls short because of emotion!

Handling Velvet’s demands to get Val together? A quick pep talk with himself and he’s got it.

Addressing unforeseen circumstances with concerned sinners? Easy.

But Alastor?

He sees RED. He let Valentino have it when he even thought about going on a rampage over a sinner under his thumb.

When it comes to Alastor, Vox goes on a hate campaign and makes a fool of himself.

Meanwhile, Alastor was minding his business, and Vox couldn’t deal with that.

So much so he causes a blackout in the Wrath ring!

Why? Because of his rejection sensitivity.

He is this all powerful overlord with companions in his rule and when he asks someone of similar station to become his equal he gets rejected.

It’s unheard of for him. He cannot fathom it.

Because that makes Alastor a factor he cannot control.

Val says that Alastor “almost beat him”. Val may not have witnessed that fight and Vox spun it around to claim he came out on top.

But if he did, he definitely wouldn’t let Alastor get away.

Valentino and Vox have known each other for a long time, as shown in a photo in the background in the episode.

So either this spat began before they had met and Vox lied or Valentino witnessed it. I'm excited to see which way that goes.

In terms of influence, Alastor seems to win that battle. Vox is in charge of electrical currents and anything in the digital space.

Alastor is so far removed from that Vox has no influence over him. He refuses to be involved with new technology.

But with Vox having an army of sinners under his wing through subliminal messaging, he had security and power.

With Alastor’s return he brings CHARISMA and he’s doing it SO FUCKING WELL.

This is not a battle, it’s a slaughter, and Alastor is WINNING. With television there are so many ways to captivate a viewer but with radio all the host has is their voice and personality. It all has to be shown in a medium that doesn’t have many options for uniqueness.

Alastor defends himself with grace. He throws out compliments to his fellow overlords while still having it be a slight to the man who began the fight.

THE Vs ARE PREENING AT HIS PRAISE. THIS MAN IS GOATED.

It's night and day, but that's probably because Valentino and Velvet are tired of Vox's shit. I love this parallel so much!

Vox needed to be the person he was with Valentino at all times if this is a battle he wants to win, but he’s so bitter he will never see that.

He’s stubborn and that’s his main flaw.

And I fucking love it.

Alastor knows what he’s thinking and how to avoid it.

Always a step ahead. And their duet showcases that perfectly.

Alastor uses his opponent’s power against them, seeing the slanderous TV campaign and immediately going on air.

He does that in the pilot as well and seeing that this has become a habit for him is so fun to see.

Alastor is not to be messed with and I feel like people decided to gloss over that. But it’s so in your face you cannot deny it.

Alastor is TERRIFYING with a chilling deposition that will give you nightmares if you dare cross him.

Give him the respect he fucking deserves.

And the music and the visuals of the song — A whole fucking masterpiece.

I’m in love with their dynamic so far and I can’t wait to see where it goes.

So far Vox is the obsessed fanatic that couldn’t handle rejection.

There has to be more than that.

#hazbin hotel #hazbin vox #Vox #Alastor #Hazbin hotel season 1 episode 2 #i love this show #it’s so good

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astonmartinii · 11 months

Note

love love love these social media aus. i am obsessed. would love to see a soft launch with carlos maybe of him showing her spain and his home? carlos just screams old money european vibes and i love it

old money | carlos sainz social media au

pairing: carlos sainz x reader a class in soft launching 101

carlossainz55

liked by landonorris, charles_leclerc and 301,671 others

carlossainz55: some much needed time at home

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username WHOMST?

landonorris so i see my invite was lost in the mail?

carlossainz55 i thought you were tired of third-wheeling?

landonorris touche

username was deluding myself that it was maybe his sister but the third-wheeling comment just slapped me in the face

charles_leclerc ahhhh my favourite sainz

carlossainz55 thanks mate you're my favourite leclerc too charles_leclerc i meant the dog mate arthurleclerc that's not what you said to me at imola sainz

yourusername

liked by carlossainzz5, yourbff1 and 21,761 others

yourusername: let's go explorin'

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username i'd eat her last when we eat the rich

username what i'd do to be her friend? assistant at least?

username i saw her in madrid the other day and omg she's even more graceful in person

username her posture is insane i need it bad

username while she looks great and you're all right - are we ignoring that a MAN is driving the car?

username i am ignoring it because i don't want to think about it username she can't be the coolest person in the world and be in a relationship it's not fair

carlossainz55

liked by yourusername, landonorris and 359,561 others

carlossainz55: blood is thicker than water

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username my favourite pastime is watching the old money aesthetic overtake carlos' entire being as soon as he sets foot back in spain

landonorris oh he's getting braver

carlossainz55 you gonna be bitter under all my posts cabron? landonorris until i'm wifed again, yes.

username so like why is y/n here?

username is that defo her? username i was referring to her liking the post but now you say it, the girl on the horse does look suspiciously similar

charles_leclerc mommas boy

carlossainz55 didn't know it was a crime to love my mum

username so yall be yelling about y/n but not telling us who she is and why she matters

username y/n y/ln is a spanish socialite whose family own a lot of the high end restaurants in madrid but she's most known for her poetry and style username so do we hate or love her? username i like her, and a lot of people do, just usual dislike for being grossly rich but from what i've seen she's pretty down to earth

yourusername

liked by carlossainz55, charles_leclerc and 29,871 others

yourusername: keeping the operation smooth

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username THIS ISN'T FUNNY

username stop playing with us please

username i feel like this is all the confirmation we'll get

username y'all i know he's an f1 driver and everything but we all know he's PUNCHING

username i need her haircare routine STAT

f1wagsupdates

liked by username, username and 1,249 others

f1wagsupdates: it's all but confirmed!! after a pretty solid soft launch from both carlos and his new lover y/n y/ln, her latest post was captioned "keeping the operation smooth", playing on carlos' iconic theme song. our sources state that the driver and socialite poet have been together for as long as six months but after other relationships and relative platforms, both were determined to take it slow. what do you think?

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username they're very cute and i can't wait to see her paddock looks

username bestie i fear you'll be waiting a while she's notoriously private when it comes to event appearances - really only going out for her family or her own events

username they're annoyingly sexy like save some for the rest of us

username this soft launch feels like its been going for about seven years

username f1 drivers defo have a type

carlossainz55

liked by landonorris, yourusername and 720,778 others

tagged: yourusername

carlossainz55: mi hermosa

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username AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

yourusername you live in my heart

carlossainz55 and i never want to leave landonorris free real estate yourusername my favourite third-wheel carlossainz55 stay out of grown people's business landito

username they're so lana del ray coded

yourusername

liked by scuderiaferrari, carlossainz55 and 71,230 others

tagged: carlossainz55

yourusername: life with you feels like poetry in motion

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username NOOOOOOO WE LOST HER

username but does this mean new poetry ??

carlossainz55 you make me crazy baby

yourusername crazy in love

username when will it happen to me?

landonorris finally i can interact without having a year long argument with carlos

lando.jpeg

liked by carlossainz55, yourusername and 301,285 others

lando.jpeg: a study in third wheeling, a six month project by yours truly

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username i'm obsessed with this couple actually

carlossainz55 as much as you are annoying landito, thank you for these ❤️

yourusername we love you landito landonorris so i can use the boat yourusername i don't love anyone that much carlossainz55 eh? yourusername other than you obviously

username lando just starts domestics in these comments and i love that for him

note: sorry this one is a bit short, but i hope you enjoyed anyway!!

#f1 #f1 x you #f1 instagram au #f1 x reader #f1 imagine #carlos sainz x reader #carlos sainz imagine #carlos sainz f1 #carlos sainz x you #carlos sainz instagram edit

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goaways-stuff · 4 months

Text

Sunshine's Baked Goods

Tim Bradford x gn!baker!reader

Summary: Long shifts rarely end in such wonderful things

Rating: PG, but I'm an 18+ page

Warnings: none! fluff. No physical descriptions of reader, just that they like pink.

a/n: requested! To the person who requested, I'm so sorry, tumblr deleted my og post & I lost the request & user. Please comment & I'll tag you!! Briefly looked over, but not Beta'd

It was the morning after a long night shift, and all Tim wanted to do was go home and crash on the closest soft surface, but his stomach was ravenous for a bite to eat first. He tried to ignore it as he packed his stuff to go home, though he knew he would need something.

It was still pretty early, the sun had barely risen, and not many places were open yet as he drove around, looking for something to eat. His stomach rumbled as he finally saw an open sign lit up. A small bakery right outside of town. His eyes were heavy as he stepped out, his senses overwhelmed with the sweet scent of fresh baked goods and…coffee? Oh, he had hit the jackpot. Definitely not his normal post shift snack choice, with the pink decor looking like a barbie puked on it, but it was open, and it smelled good.

The store was barren as he stepped in, the only sound was the little bell attached to the door, alerting you that a customer had come in. You furrowed your brows and looked up at the clock on the wall. Just past 6 in the morning. Yeah, you were open, but you never got customers this early. You just came in early to get a headstart on baking and decorating cakes. You wiped your hands, though you were sure you still had frosting stains somewhere on your body as you went out to the front with your signature customer service smile.

“Good morning, what can I-” You were awestruck by the man standing in front of the counter. Tall, muscular, a hunk of a man. “...do for you.” You finished quickly, trying not to ogle.

Tim looked over the small menu above you, seeing the variety of baked goods available. He looked in the glass, settling on a plain donut and black coffee. As you got a second look at him, you noticed the bags under his eyes and the look of exhaustion on his face and in his body.

“Do you want me to make that an espresso for you?” You asked as you rang him up.

“Not this time, thanks. ‘Bout to head home and crash.” He chuckled, the small smile lighting up the whole room, causing your heart to speed up.

“Professionalism!” You reminded yourself as you nodded, ringing in the coffee as a water. It was your business, after all. A little discount for a nice customer every once in a while is just good customer service.

You turned around, pouring a cup of the freshly brewed coffee and making sure to grab the best-looking donut.

Tim swore to himself he saw you glancing at him. He tried to convince himself that he was just tired, and the attractive person behind the counter was just being polite. He couldn't help but glance back as he watched you make the coffee. And when he finally took the first sip, he swore you had to have put something extra in there. Perfectly brewed, smooth, not too bitter. The donut was soft and melted in his mouth. He thanked you and went on his way, sure that he was just so sleep deprived that he was imagining things. Imagining a connection.

But that didn't stop him from coming back. It became a regular thing after, especially long shifts. You always greeted him with a smile, but he swore again that there was an extra sparkle that wasn't there with other customers. The hot, grumpy man is what he became to you. All your employees made sure to get you when he came around. Though he was never rude, just quiet and to the point.

You always made sure he had the freshest brew of coffee and the best donut, even if that meant going to the back to the warmer to get one. His order was so simple, yet perfection every single time.

It was another late night, and you were getting ready to close shop when he came in. You smiled. It was easy to get annoyed when customers came in so close to closing, but you didn't care for him. He looked especially tired, so you brewed him a fresh coffee since you had already discarded the batch that had been sitting for a while. You took care to warm the donut up as something in your body pulled you to take a risk. As he sat down, you wrote your number down on the receipt, at the very bottom. You had to take a chance at some point.

You handed him his food. He always stayed to eat, though it never took him more than ten minutes. You went to the back to finish closing, not wanting to admit to yourself that you were too much of a coward to face him. He left as normal, and you were a little disheartened. Maybe he just didn't see it yet, you told yourself. Or maybe he's taken. Or maybe he just doesn't like you. You tried to calm your spiraling thoughts as you closed, turning off the pink neon open sign.

You tried not to, but you checked your phone far too often that night, hoping for a text. It wasn't until the next afternoon when you got a text from a new number. You were over the moon, clutching the phone to your chest as your life played out like a movie. The chat ended with a date at a higher end restaurant across town that weekend. It was all you could think about that week. You hummed love songs and made more couple's themed cakes than normal.

Even at the station, Tim's coworkers noticed his good mood. A little less harsh on all the “Tim Tests,” a little less snappy with his orders. It was the talk between all of his coworkers.

Date night came, and you scrambled to pit yourself together. Everything about you had to be perfect. Pink accents complimented your outfit. He was even coming to pick you up like a true gentleman, a bouquet of pink roses in hand. So he picked up on that.

You gracefully took his arm as he led you to his car, his hand right above your knee the whole way. Protective but gentle, not wanting to push any boundaries. He smiled the whole time, more than you had ever seen him before.

And, of course, the night went great, starting off with the essentials of getting to know each other, but diving a little deeper into what the both of you are looking for in a relationship. He had you giddy the whole night, drowning you in compliments, giving a pink flush to your face. You were no stranger to the flirtations either, compliments flowing about his suit, his freshly cut hair, and how it enhanced his sharp features.

Your heart fluttered from the butterflies flying in your stomach the whole night, and a longing for more had already set in before the night had ended. He drove you home, walking you to your door step.

“So, next Friday?” He smiled, wanting to hear the reassurance for the next date.

“Yep.” You responded, hearts for eyes. He looked at you, his eyes soft, flashing to your lips, plush and strawberry tinted. It aas a moment of silence, but not the awkward kind. It was filled with tension, begging for one of you to break it. Ultimately, he brought a hand to your face, rough and calloused with a gentle touch, bring you to him as he connected his lips to yours. For such a brooding guy, his lips were soft as ever, lovingly exploring yours. You hands wrapped around his neck as his other hand made it to your waist. It lasted forever but not long enough as you had to pull away for a breath of hair. He followed up with a small peck to the lips and a confident smile.

“I'll see you then,” He said, though you both knew he'd be coming to the shop before then.

#tim bradford #the rookie #eric winter #tim bradford x reader #the rookie x reader #tim bradford fic #tim bradford fanfic #the rookie fanfic #the rookie fic #gender neutral imagine #tim bradford imagine #the rookie imagine

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teaableu · 5 months

Note

Pssst...

Last one I promise I swear- *sweats*

OH my god

YES YOU GET IT this is exactly what rotates in my brain for these two AGH

I am having a hard time communicating how perfect this is but believe me this is wonderful I love it so much and their expressions are PERFECT. I hold this gently thank you so much

I made a joke a while ago that One's got the "I'm the villain and I always will be" (emo) complex while Two has the "I'm the villain and I always will be" (sparkles) complex but when it comes to the deepest most vulnerable layers of the twins as brothers in constant competition with one another and Two's role in his family it's more like a bitter reality moment with the exact tone that you portrayed here. One internalizes being a villain as a necessary fate he can't escape, so he really leans into it (you want me to be the bad guy? Fine, I'll be the bad guy), but Two just accepts it as who he is and he's fine with that (very slight distinction but one that I think of so much). Two doing exactly what he (thinks he) has to even if One resents him for it, "Guess that makes me evil"-- AGH sorry I am emotional

Two looks so tired and upset I'm holding him gently. The way One tries to hurt Two but Two just spits it back in his face.. gah, it's so them

#emd au #sorry for the rant but this is exactly why I love this song for Two specifically #even more of a disaster twins au #rottmnt separated au

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entername322 · 4 months

Text

Beautiful Symphony

Minji (New Jeans) x Male Reader

Length: 13204

Previous part

Next part

Warm, that's the first thing Minji noticed as her consciousness starts to come back. Then the smell, an addicting brew from the mixture of bodily fluid that you and her ooze last night. “Morning cutie”, Your voice, reverberating all over the empty room, kick-starts her brain. She opened your eyes to see your smiling face, not the lusty and hungry smile from last night, rather a warm and loving smile. “Morning oppa”, She smiled before crawling forward to kiss you.

“Hmmm, you need to brush your teeth”, She scoffed and retaliated by slapping you, “Are you tired?” She nods her head, although it's more like she's rubbing her head all over your chest with a motion that resembles a nod, but that's a mouthful to say. “Hey, stop that, you'll leave a burn mark”, You pulled out her head making her frown at you. “Hahahahha, oh god, you're so cute sometimes”, She knows it, but she wants you to reward her for being cute.

You gave her a kiss which is enough, for now, “Hey stop daydreaming”, You blow some air into her face making her open her eyes. “I'm hungry, so why don't you go brush your teeth and wash your face so we could go out and get breakfast”, Minji shook her head and hugged you tighter, “Babe, please?” She sighed and sat up, “Let's go then”, She grabbed your hand trying to pull you up. “Oh no, I've already brushed my teeth and washed my face when you are busy sleeping”, Minji frowned at you before leaping in to get another kiss. “Still come with me oppa”, She grabbed your hand and pulled you up.

“I have to go till night today, I might not come back here today”, Minji glared at you through the mirror as she is brushing her teeth. “I got some matters to attend to, I'll see you tomorrow”, She quickly finished brushing her teeths and cleaned her mouth. Then she turned around to look at you, anger and jealousy was written all over it.

"Night?" Minji's voice was husky, thick with sleep and something else – a shadow of suspicion that sent a shiver down your spine. You met her gaze, her eyes narrowed, searching for cracks in your façade. "Band practice, internship, the usual grind," you said, your voice lighter than air, barely a brushstroke against the taut canvas of her suspicion. "Thought I'd give you the morning to yourself”, How thoughtful of you.

The silence that followed was pregnant with unspoken accusations. You knew this game was dangerous, playing with fire you couldn't control. Minji's possessiveness, once endearing, now loomed like a storm cloud, ready to unleash its fury. "And Haewon?" she spat, the name a poisoned dart piercing the fragile bubble of your lie. "Is she part of your 'usual grind' too?” The question hung heavy, a bitter pill coated with suspicion. Haewon. Just a name, a footnote in a story already written. You hated yourself for using her, for dangling her ghost before Minji's eyes, just to see the flames of jealousy lick at the edges of her love.

"Haewon is-" you started, but Minji cut you off, her voice cracking with a raw vulnerability that twisted your insides. "Nothing? Like I'm just a distraction until your precious Haewon decides to make up with you again?" she hissed, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Thrill starts to crept up on you, this charade, this twisted puppet show you were orchestrating, it's beautiful. The urge to push, to see how far you could bend her before she snapped, remained a serpent coiled in your heart. Taking a deep breath, you reached out, a tentative touch tracing the curve of her jaw. "No, Minji," you whispered, the words choked with regret. "You're not a distraction, you're… everything. I'm just…”

With inhuman speed she jumped into you, her hand grabbing your cheeks as she crashed her lips onto yours. You had to hold her up again, the same way you did on your first kiss last night. The kiss felt raw, passionate, filled with unbridled rage that has ignited inside her. It was ecstatic, you wonder how much can you get away with? How far is too far until the relationship between you and Minji got ruined? For now, you'll carefully dance around the edge, try to find the line you can not cross, try to, ruin her.

“I'll spend time with you until lunch, but at lunch I'll have to go meet up with my friends”, Her body tensed up, the paranoia and anger has overtaken her. “You don't have to go, just stay here with me oppa”, She's right, you don't have to go, especially because you don't really have plans for the day. “I do, but come on, stop being so gloomy, I'll spend time with you till lunch. I promise I'll make it up for you”, She felt itchy all over her body, just the thought that you'll be gone, doing god knows what, it infuriates her. “You don't have to make it up to me, if you stay at home with me”, You carry her back to the bed, gently laying her down as your hand starts to undress yourself. “How about this then, I'll fuck you and emptied my balls inside you. That way I won't be able to go and have fun with Haewon even if I want to, not that I ever want to do it”

The proposal intrigues her, but she still doesn't want you to leave her. Her life has been so empty for a while that she just can't let go of the person who manages to bring some warmth into it. “Come on babe, don't you want me to fill you up again”, You pull up her hoodie and your finger starts tracing around her belly. Instantly she remembered the hot burning sensation you gave her last night. How addictive and pleasurable it was. Just like that, you managed to convince her.

“Fine”, She undressed herself as well, her eyes staring at you hungrily, wanting nothing else but to eat you whole. “I want to try something first oppa”, Her hand grabbed your cock, gently holding on to it as if it might just break if she wasn't being careful. “Oh? Here I thought you were a pure girl”, Oh she is, until two days ago. Scared of embarrassing herself Minji has done a few, research, regarding sex. She did it just for you, how romantic.

Minji slowly caressed your cock to make it erect. It was a bit of a slow process but seeing how eager she was to suck your cock made you feel a little excited. Her hand wrapped around your shaft and stroked your cock up and down as she looked up to me and smiled. She moved in closer and kissed the tip before licking it like a popsicle. Her small face made you feel like your cock has grown larger, maybe your ego needs to be kept in check soon, before it gets out of control.

She slowly moved her lips down to the head of your cock and started to suck. It goes in halfway before she starts letting out some gagging sounds. “Don't need to take it all in babe, it's your first time after all”, Your word of reassurance only made her feel insecure. “Don't give me those eyes, I mean it, it's okay, nobody can't take my full length with their mouth anyway”, Damn, calm down with the bragging dude. Minji felt content with your words, slowly she moved her head back and forth as she sucked on it, looking up to you while she did it. Her eyes are begging for your approval.

“Good girl”, She squeals, giving you some funny feeling on your cock. The compliment made Minji feel more excited as she stepped up her game. She slurped on it doing some very sloppy and messy blowjob. She looks up at you, her eyes red and tears falling down her cheek, she sucks your cock like her life depends on it. Moan after moan came out of her mouth, which made you wonder, how dirty of a girl is she? She grabbed the back of your thighs and pulled you closer to her as she sucked you harder. Her spit starts bubbling around her lips making a very thick liquid concoction as it mixes with your precum.

“Enough baby girl, let's get to the main course shall we?” She wanted to protest as you pulled her off your cock, “Did I do bad?” The cute pout seems to contrast very hard with all those saliva running down her lips and chin. “You did great, I just want to fuck you right now”, Hearing that you didn't stop her out of pity, she excitedly turns around and offer you her pussy. “Look at you, so wet already?” Your finger starts playing around with her hole, “Ahhhh, oppa, you said you want to fuck me already”, Minji doesn't like when she's being bullied like this. “I'll do what I want, babeee~” Yet she really likes it when you get so aggressive and dominant.

As you start fingering her, you wonder how on earth did you managed to fuck her last night. “Oppa, stop playing around”, Her stomach is already hungry for your cum. “Fine, take a deep breath”, She smiled full of anticipation as you slowly slid your cock into her pussy. The tightness is almost suffocating to you, yet you persist and push deeper. The moment she swallowed your whole cock her leg starts to quiver, “Oppaaaaa”, You just made her cum.

“Hehehehe, this is fun”, The sight is amusing to you, especially since Minji's face is trying to keep her cool and fails. “Haaaa, haaaa, haaaa, oppa, move”, Despite her apparent fatigue she still wants you to fuck her. “Okay babe”, You started slow, not wanting to break her. Yet with how sensitive she is, even the slow movement is enough to make her moan and shivers. “You're gonna lose your mind if I continue this”, You tried to warn her, but Minji doesn't like that you're pitying her. “Just, fuck me, oppa”, Whatever Minji wants, she'll get it. You pick up your pace and start pounding her for real this time.

Minji tried her best to keep herself in check, yet her moans can't lie to you. After a minute of pounding she already reached her second orgasm. “Oppaaaa”, She screams, her eyes rolled to the back of her head, her legs locked on to your waist, her pussy is strangling your cock as she squirts all over you. Due to the leg lock you can't really continue fucking her, although you really want to.

“Baby, look at you, you're already so defeated”, Come on now, stop bullying the poor girl, “I can still take it oppa”, Her tears are falling down her cheeks already. “Really?” She nodded furiously, “Okay, one more chance okay? If you cum again then I'll stop”, She nodded. Of course you wouldn't make this easy for her, you leaned down and started kissing her as your waist went to work. Minji tried her best to focus on your mouth, the sweet taste of your lips, the fight between your tongues, the… it's really hard to disregard the huge cock that's breaking her in two right now.

“Oppa, cum sooner please”, She said it with such adorable tone you can't help but laugh, “I'm not joking, cum in me oppa, I can't wait anymore”, Thankfully for her, those cute gestures really push you over the edge. “Fuck I'm cumming”, Minji immediately grabbed your head and pull you for another kiss. She moans and screams into your mouth as she is trying to hold her orgasm. Then the warm feeling she's been waiting for came and all her walls crumbled. Both of your bodies are intertwined, Minji is pressing on to you so hard there's probably not a single pocket of air between the two of you.

It was heavenly, for both you and her. Minji felt like she might pass out any moment, the sudden increase of dopamine in her brain caused it to short circuit. Her body is also dying from the three consecutive orgasm, yet her hand just won't let you go. “Babe, let go of me, let's cuddle for a second”, You drag her to get in position in the bed for cuddling. Her breathing starts to slow down as her eyes are struggling to stay open. “Go rest up baby, you had your breakfast already”, She smiled victoriously before dropping her head on your shoulder.

“I don't want you to go oppa”, She whimpered, “I have to baby”, One day she will learn how to read through your lies, then you will be fucked. “But what about me?” She looks at you like a lost puppy. “You’ll be fine baby, you're a strong girl. You can handle one day without me right?” Minji felt scared, just the thought of going back to her quiet lonely days is haunting. “I need you oppa”, She sobbed, “Ssshhhh, babe, I'll be gone for one day, I promise I'll make it up to you didn't I?” Always pull her harder after you pushed her away, you've mastered this scummy technique huh. “I want a date”, Yeah that was already part of your plan, “I want oppa to sing for me”, That one too, “And I want oppa to make me pregnant”, Okay not that one though.

“You're insane babe, you're not ready for a baby, neither am I”, You can't really see Minji since she's pressing her back to you, yet you can already tell she's frowning. “I don't care”, With how childish she is, getting a kid would end up with you babysitting two childs. “You’ll care when you realise getting pregnant means we won't have sex for 8 months”, She didn't think of that, “Oppa, please?” Oh right you're forgetting something, “I need to buy you some birth control pills, I'll be back”, Minji was thoroughly pissed when you let go of the cuddle, she turned around to find you already leaving the room. “OPPAAA”, You hear her screams echoing the hallway as you run off into the sun. “This will be fun”

“Alright, so you're gonna tell me everything or what?” Your dad finally got home after 3 days in vacation, yes you do realise it was a vacation as soon as you heard your mom also left. “Dad, did you and mom plan this out?” He shrugged, acting carefree despite there's some excitement and worry in his mind. “Weirdos”, Quite hypocritical of you, “Says the guy who cheated on his girlfriend for his new sister”, You know what? Your dad is weirder than you since he doesn't seem to care that much about it. “Okay, just tell me what did you and mom planned for me and Minji?” You decide that it's not the time to talk about Haewon.

“Well, as you may have known, Minji is not exactly a very sociable person. Jinwoo is very concerned for her. So as any parents would, she tried to find someone to befriend her”, You put out your hand to stop him, “Befriend?” He laughs and nods. “That was the initial plan. However she met me, and we got in a relationship. The talk about introducing you to Minji has been around for awhile. I think it was around the time we plan to announce our relationship to the two of you that she plan to just play matchmaker and try to hook you two up”

You stay silent for a while, “You two are an idiot”, Well that's kinda rich coming from you don't you think? “I told her it might have gone wrong, but she insisted that you won't be able to handle Minji's charm. Your mom is very good at judging characters you see”, Is it judging characters or just straight up omniscience? “Okay so now me and Minji have become a thing, and you two are fine with it?” He nods, hiding his worry for now. “And if things went wrong, the two of you will take full responsibility for the family drama?” They won't, but your father nods.

“So, you two are getting married then?” You tried to change the topic, “Yes, in December”, There's this little question that hangs around in your mind, which surprises you. For now you'll just leave that question alone, after all you might still be too high with the moment to think clearly. “I think, Minji wants us to move together”, It was pretty obvious due to how vocal she is with her dislike of leaving you for the last few days. “Figured, we do plan to move in together soon, me and Jiwoo of course”, Living together like that might prove to be complicated.

“Why don't you, move with mom, Minji and I can stay here”, Very bold proposal bro, “That can be arranged”, Seeing your dad just approve it makes you anxious. “Really?” He laughs seeing your bewildered face, “Yeah boy, we can deal with that. Do you want us too or not?” Do you want to have a full empty house to yourself so you can have sex with Minji everyday? “Yes”

The next day, you came back to Minji to update her on the talk you had with your dad, also the future plans. The words, "we're moving in together," hung in the air, vibrating between you and Minji like tangible threads of your future. Her eyes, wide with a disbelief that morphed into pure, unadulterated joy, were like fireworks exploding in slow motion, each spark a reflection of the sunbeam dancing on her nose. "Really?" she breathed, her voice a delicate whisper, barely audible above the excited thump of her heart. You could see it, the question hanging in her eyes, the echo of past insecurities threatening to steal the spotlight from this moment.

"Really," you confirmed, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. Your thumb lingered on her cheek, tracing the soft curve of her smile, a silent assurance that this wasn't some fleeting dream, but a sturdy brick laid in the foundation of your love. The dam of her happiness burst then, flooding her entire being. A shriek that contained all the pent-up joy, excitement, and relief of a thousand insecure whispers, erupted from her. She jumped into your arms, her laughter a melody against your heartbeat, her tiny fists pummeling your chest playfully.

The sunbeam on her nose flickered like a dying ember, replaced by a glint of something darker, something predatory. An unnerving stillness descended, broken only by the frantic drumming of her heart against your chest.

Just you and me oppa. No distractions, no Haewon, no whispers and touch from any other girls. It will only be you and me.

You've noticed these changes, Minji's golden eyes, once pools of sunshine, shimmered with obsidian depths as she spoke of your shared home. No, it wasn't just joy radiating from her, it was the glint of a dragon guarding its hoard, the intoxicating aroma of a love so absolute it bordered on smothering. And you, my oh my, you relished every charred note. "Together," she breathed, the word a possessive caress, "just us...in our own world", You chuckled, a low, dangerous rumble that sent shivers down her spine, just to watch the fire in her eyes flicker with a touch of uncertainty. Yes, let the doubt creep in, let the fear linger, for it was in those cracks that your obsession took root.

"Always, Minji," you murmured, the word dripping with honeyed deceit. You traced the curve of her jaw, her skin like warm satin under your fingertips, a fleeting touch that promised eternity. She leaned into you, a moth drawn to a flame, unaware of the inferno she danced with. "No secrets, oppa," she purred, a silk-wrapped threat. "No more 'band practice' or 'internships' to hide behind. Just us, woven together, you know what moving in together means right?" You smiled, a predator savouring the thrill of the hunt. Yes, let her weave her web, let her trap herself in the gilded cage of her own devotion.

The possessive tremor in her voice, once a source of amusement, now sang a melody of exquisite dissonance. This love, hers, it wasn't a symphony; it was a cacophony of desperation, a twisted masterpiece you were eager to conduct. You, the orchestrator, the puppeteer, the master of this danse macabre. "A haven, oppa," she whispered, her fingers tracing invisible circles on your chest, branding you with her touch. "A haven just for us”, You let the word echo in the air, a gilded cage morphing into a labyrinth of your own design. Yes, let her believe you were the captive, the bird trapped in her song. The irony, oh, the intoxicating irony.

For as she spun her web, thread by thread, brick by brick, she was building not a prison for you, but a mausoleum for herself. Each whispered promise, each possessive gesture, etched your name deeper into her soul, leaving no room for anything but you. You, the poison in her veins, the obsession in her eyes, the only melody her heart could play. You, the wolf in sheep's clothing, the puppet master playing with strings of devotion. She, your willing prisoner, slowly, deliciously consumed by the inferno of her own making.

The lines, oh, the lines had blurred beyond recognition. Were you the hunter, or were you the hunted? The answer, a delicious enigma that danced on your lips, was both and neither. You were two sides of the same coin, bound by obsession, tethered by the twisted cord of a love that devoured and consumed. In this game of hearts, there were no winners, only survivors. And as you watched Minji's eyes, once radiant, now burning with the feverish glow of your design, you knew, with a wicked twist of your lips, that the only real prisoner here was her, her heart a gilded cage locked around your name. “Take off your clothes oppa”, Minji said, removing her sweater, “Isn't your mom right down the hall?” Look at her, such an innocent sheep, broken beyond belief after tasting the sweet fruits of sins. “She won't mind”

The two of you dived into each other, both of your hands are busy undressing the other person while your lips are interlocked together. As you take off her sweater you abandon the kiss and went to her tits. “Oh, yeah oppa, that feels good”, Your held her body close as your mouth start devouring on her tits. You bite her nipple, maybe a little too hard than you usually do, “Fuck oppa, more”, Yet she likes it. Oh yeah, she will be perfect for your sadistic tendencies. “Let me leave you a mark okay babe? So you don't miss me when I'm gone”, She nods so quickly her head might fall off.

First one, right around her nipples, a beautiful cage right around her stiff nipple. “Fuck, oppa, that's it, just like that”, Minji starts to whimper as her hand are pushing your head deeper into her. “Beautiful”, You kissed her nipple as you watch the first mark. “Ohhhhh, I love you oppa”, Minji moaned as she sees the bite mark, “Now, now, I'm not done yet”, The second one, at her cleavage, usually you left this on Haewon and let her parade it around. Of course Minji never leave her house, but the hickey will be enough for her to see everytime she glances under her shirt. “Fuck oppa, come here” as you finished your second mark Minji pulled you in for another kiss, her hips start grinding on you.

“Babe, one more?” You break off the kiss and start grinning, “One more okay? Then we fuck”, Minji's pussy is sorry itchy for you, but the whole marking things are too good to pass on. “Thanks babe”, You peck her lips before moving to the final mark, her collarbone. “Ohhhh, oppa”, She shivers as your lips touched her skin. Your tongue slowly licked around the bones, sending shivers down her spine. Then your lips created a vacuum like seal before your teeth sinks into her skin. “FUCKKK OPPA, you're gonna make me CUMMM”, Her legs wrapped around your waist as her hand locked your head in, then her orgasm came.

“OPPAAAA”, You would go deaf if she keeps screaming like that, also her mom probably has figured out what's happening in here. “Oppa, you're such a bully”, Minji panted as her exhaustion starts to show, “Am I? Don't you like being bullied babe?” You kissed her cheek before throwing her off to the bed. “No I'm not”, Yet her squirming legs tells you otherwise. “Sure babe, I trust you”, You laughed and pull down her pants and then yours.

“Fuck me oppa, and stop bullying me”, You laughed and aligned your cock with her entrance, “You're ready?” She nodded furiously. Then you shoved it in, except that it doesn't went in, your cock just slid through her pussy, grinding on the outside. “Oppa”, She let out s frustrated cries, “Oh ooppps, my bad”, Minji frowns harder trying to show she's angry, although you can see she's getting aroused by this. “Should I put it in babe?” You used your cock to rub around her pussy, making her body shakes around. “Yes, oppa please”, She moaned, “Be a good girl and beg for it”, You said.

“Oppa please fuck me, I need your cock, I need your hot load inside me, please split me in two oppa”, Well, she got you there. “Fuck you're so tight babe”, You moaned as you plunge into her. “Fuck, you're just too big oppa”, She moans, her hand grabbed on the sheets as you pound her. “Fuck oppa, harder, fuck me harder and cum inside me, please fill me up oppa”, Her small whimpers are getting more and more desperate as another orgasm is building up inside her.

Her walls are tightening around you again, milking out the warm milk she's been addicted to. Your hips keeps on crashing on to hers making her body jiggle in every touch. With every thrust your cock is fighting against her inner wall. Every day, slowly but surely you've been reshaping her pussy to be the perfect vessel for your cock. “Fuck oppa, I'm cumming”, Minji moaned, your hand pinched her nipples making her let out a scream of ecstasy, “Take my seed babe”, You groaned as you plunge yourself as deep as possible. The two of you are connected, the waves of pleasure and ecstasy are washing over each other.

As the waves subside, you collapse on to her, not our of fatigue, you just want to press her down on the bed. “Oppa, you feel so warm inside me”, Minji also like it, being pressured like this by you, it's so hot. “I know babe, we should take a shower”, She smiles and kiss you, “Let's go together, the bathroom has better sound insulation, so mom don't need to hear us longer than she needs to”, Well, one round is certainly hasn't been enough for the two of you.

Haewon's voice, normally a sweet melody, turned into a serrated knife scraping against your nerves. "Breaking up? What do you mean breaking up?!" Her anger, raw and palpable, hung heavy in the air, suffocating the sterile atmosphere of her room. You swallowed, forcing a smile filled with deceitful guilt and anxiousness. "Haewon, sweetheart”, You began, choosing your words carefully, "It's not you, it's me." The age-old cliche, twisted to serve your purpose. "These fights, they're tearing us apart. You deserve someone who makes you happy, someone who doesn't…" your voice dipped low, feigning regret, "bring out the worst in you."

Her face, a storm cloud of fury, contorted with disbelief. "The worst in me?" she spat, her voice cracking. "Is that what you're calling it? Me not wanting you to spend every night at the 'office' me questioning your sudden need for 'alone time,' me asking for some semblance of… normalcy?" You shook your head, acting as the sorrowful martyr. "See, that's what I mean. The accusations, the mistrust. It's toxic, Haewon. We're just… incompatible." The lie tasted bitter on your tongue, but you held firm. You had to. This façade, this twisted narrative, was your only escape from her, an escape, to the gilded cage you've prepared for the one true love you have.

"Incompatible?" she scoffed, a hollow laugh escaping her lips. "We were perfect, remember? You said it yourself, you and I were made for each other. Just a few weeks ago, and now… incompatible?" You sighed, feigning exasperation. "Things change, Haewon. People change. I'm evolving, moving on, and you… you need someone who can handle being left behind." The cruelty of your words, veiled in concern, struck her like a physical blow. You saw it in her eyes, the flicker of pain battling with the rising tide of rage. This, you knew, was your most dangerous gamble. Push her too far, and you risked losing control, your meticulously crafted web unravelling before your eyes.

But the alternative, it's too disastrous, she is an unpredictable variable in your game with Minji. Having her around could be, unwise. You needed to let her go, even if it meant breaking her in the process. "Left behind?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You're the one leaving, the one choosing your ‘internship’ fantasies over me, over… us."

You leaned closer, your voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Haewon, baby”, you murmured, "think of it as… a sacrifice. I'm setting you free from this unhealthy attachment, from a love that was… consuming you." The gaslight, subtle yet potent, began to take hold. You saw the doubt creep into her eyes, the flicker of self-blame replacing the fire of her anger. It was a delicate dance, this manipulation, a waltz on the edge of her emotions.

"Consuming… me?" she echoed, her voice trembling. "Is that what this was? My love for you… toxic?" The final blow. You placed a hand on her cheek, your touch a feather-light caress. "It wasn't healthy, Haewon. We both know that. And sometimes, the greatest act of love is letting go. Do you remember how you were before you met me? A model student, perfect attendance, perfect grade, perfect, everything. When was the last time you got an A in a test? How many class did you attend this last few months?" Her eyes, once pools of adoration, were now glazed with a mix of pain and confusion. You had woven your web, spun your narrative, and she, trapped in the cocoon of your lies, began to believe it.

The silence that followed was heavy, thick with the unspoken consequences of your manipulation. You had won, for now, but the victory tasted like ashes in your mouth. You have to let her go, yes, but at what cost? As you looked at Haewon, her spirit slowly withering under the weight of your deceit, you knew one thing for certain: even if the chain you formed on her neck was opened, the memory you've left in her heart will not go away. An invisible mark to the darkness that danced within you, the darkness, that had corrupted her.

I never hated you Hae, I always looks up to you. You were such a perfect girl, you just happened to catch my eyes.

You like her, it's just that, she's not Minji. It was her greatest sin, not being the girl you loved. Even the sight of her crumbling down isn't fun to watch. Those perverse thoughts can not manifest in your mind. It was as if Hyde looked at her and just snorted before looking the other way. The only things you feel for her, are compassion, and empathy. “I'm sorry Hae, I really do, but things got complicated at dad's place. I might have to drop out”, A flurry of emotions washes over Haewon, on one hand, she was panicking that the two of you might not meet again. On the other hand, she felt somewhat glad that she can go through her breakup without having to deal with meeting you everyday.

“Hae, I like you okay? I really do, which is why I wanted what's best for you. We both know that we can't deal with distances. If we continue this, things would just crumble even harder. I really hope, and I mean it when I say this, I really hope you didn't see this as me being selfish. Sometimes, people just don't work out. I was, this sounds so cringe, but I was honoured to be your first love. I just wish I would never have to be your first heartbreak”

Such a beautifully crafted poem, sounds so natural too, Haewon really finds that speech to be something you would come up with. “I really didn't expect things to go down this way”, Never in her mind she thinks that you found someone else, you've crafted a perfect image of herself in her mind. “Neither do I, but you know, life”, Her laugh was filled with pain and nostalgia. “Can we still be friends?” Yeah, that could work, a friendly ex is much more manageable than a public girlfriend. “Yeah, sure, why not?” A glimmer of hope blossoms in her heart, but this isn't hope, even though she acknowledged this friendly relationship could turn this break up to be much harder for her, she disregards it. “Then, can we do it one more time? A farewell for our love?”

After calming Haewon down, you promised her that you'll still be friends, before leaving her to own her demise. You decided to go to Minji's place, without changing your clothes. Once you got there, you saw Minji's anger simmered like a neglected pot of tea, the air thick with her unspoken accusations. You stepped through the door, weary from the emotional battlefield you'd just navigated, only to be met with her fiery gaze. "Where were you?" She spat, her voice tight with suspicion. "Hours. Gone. Alone."

You feigned a weary sigh, slumping onto the couch. "Haewon," you mumbled, the name of a bitter pill on your tongue. "She needed me, breakup, you know, messy stuff."

Minji's eyes, normally shimmering with adoration, narrowed to dangerous slits. "I know, but you said it won't take more than an hour”, Thousands of voices start painting a sickening picture in her mind. "Things changed”, You cut in, your voice clipped, playing the role of the reluctant victim. "She couldn't handle it well. She needed someone to calm her down, someone who…" you trailed off, letting the silence hang heavy, an eerie pause to fuel her insecurities.

The smell, of course, hadn't escaped her scrutiny. The faint sweetness of Haewon's perfume, the musky aroma of a hurried embrace, clung to you like an invisible accusation. Your clothes, rumpled and slightly damp, spoke volumes of the emotional storm you'd weathered. "Liar", she hissed, her voice trembling with a mix of rage and hurt. "You reek of sweat, and her”, she added, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "Whose sweat was it oppa?" She sat on your lap, pressing her body against you.

The question struck you like a drug. The haphazardly constructed lie, your bait against her possessiveness, it was a fuel to the fire. You stammered, acting weirdly, mumbling around some nonsense, letting out some choked words here and there. “It's hot, Minji”, you choked out, the words sounding pathetic even to your own ears. "We… talked, cried, you know how it is”, But Minji wasn't buying it. Her eyes, once pools of molten gold, were now icy daggers, piercing through your facade. You saw the doubt slithering in, a venomous snake coiling around her heart.

"Talked?" She scoffed, a humourless laugh escaping her lips. "For hours? In a sweaty mess, smelling like her cheap perfume? Do you think I'm a gullible idiot oppa?” The heat of her anger was both intoxicating and addicting. You felt the familiar thrill of manipulation rising, the urge to twist the narrative, to turn her insecurities into weapons against herself. A seed of doubt had been planted, a tiny crack in the dam of your lies. "Minji," you began, trying to reach for her hand, but she recoiled like a frightened animal. "It's not what you think. I swear…" Your words hung in the air, unanswered, as the silence between you grew louder than any accusation. You had pushed her, toyed with her insecurities, and now, the monster you'd created stared back at you, its eyes filled with a raw, primal rage.

Minji's touch, once a feather-light caress, became a desperate claw digging into your arm. Her scent, the sweet lavender now laced with the acrid tang of unshed tears, filled your lungs like a storm cloud. The air crackled with unspoken accusations, the silence a gaping maw waiting to swallow you whole. "Promise me," she rasped, her voice raw with a mix of fury and exhaustion. "Promise me it was nothing."

Each word was a jagged shard, slicing through the carefully constructed facade you'd built. Her eyes, once pools of molten gold, were now storm-tossed seas, threatening to drown you in their depths. You tasted the usual cocktail of amusement and control, slowly getting drunk off of her. "Of course, it was just a rough break up for her”, You stammered, showing off a made up guilt to poison her mind further. The puppeteer clinging to his strings, the predator savouring the edge of the precipice.

She leaned in, her face inches from yours, searching for the flicker of truth behind the mask of your devotion. Her breath, hot and ragged, mingled with the cloying sweetness of your lies. "Then tell me," she whispered, her voice a desperate plea. "Tell me everything. Every touch, every word, every stolen glance. Make me see her, make me understand, so I can fill the space she left in your heart"

The challenge, the raw vulnerability in her eyes, ignited a spark of something akin to… respect. This wasn't a pawn anymore, not a puppet dancing to your tune. This was a queen, battered but not broken, demanding answers, reclaiming her throne. You tried your best to hide your smile, suppressing the urge to welcome the new Minji into your world. For the first time, the thrill of manipulation exploded, enthralled by a flicker of…. The final act.

"Minji," you began, your voice rough with a truth you hadn't planned to share. "It… it wasn't much. Just a conversation, a hug, a reminder of what we almost-" But her lips, once a source of endless pleasure, cut you off. A kiss, fierce and desperate, slammed into yours, a drowning man grasping at straws. It was a plea, a demand, a desperate attempt to exorcise the ghost of Haewon from your soul. As you kiss her back the taste of sweet victory is mingling on your lips. Every day you spent with her has ruined her, soon she will be the perfect doll for your puppet show.

She pulled away, her eyes searching yours, not for confirmation, but for a flicker of understanding. A silent plea, not for forgiveness, but for a future where Haewon was a forgotten memory, a footnote in the epic novel of your love.

"Just… promise me," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Promise me she's just a whisper in the wind, a memory soon to fade. Promise me she's nothing”, The plea, so naked and desperate, ignited a strange, twisted thrill within you. A beautiful symphony ringing in your ears. “Of course baby, Haewon and me is just an old tale, something you no longer need to care about”, The moment your lips touched her cheeks she felt a suffocating hunger for control. “And the smell", she whispered, her voice barely audible, "It'll vanish, right? It will wash away, alongside all the marks she left you?” The desperate plea in her voice has changed into a stern demand for your obedience.

"My love belongs only to you, Minji”, You purred, your fingers tracing the curve of her jaw, a phantom brand claiming her as yours. "The scent, the touch, they are nothing but a vivid memory, they'll fade away soon enough”, Her thumb gently caressed your cheek as you speak, and the moment you finished your answer it moved to start tracing around your lips. “Then let's have sex”, In a split second you decided that you wanted to plant seeds of doubt in her mind, and having sex would turn that doubt into a confirmation of your affair. “We have to move out tomorrow, let's get some rest for that. Also, dealing with Haewon for the day has drained me, I need some rest”, All the bells are ringing in Minji's mind, those paranoia are tearing her mind apart.

“Okay”, Her voice sounds cold and distant, even her eyes are hollow and emotionless, “Thank you babe, let's get some rest”, Unlike usual she didn't react at all as you kissed her cheek. “Tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that, and so on until forever. You'll only have me right oppa? I'm your one and only?” Her voice almost sounds robotic, cold and stiff, jeez you don't plan to break her down this fast.

Minji's voice, once a melody that wrapped around you like silk, now scraped your nerves like a rusty blade. You leaned in to kiss her cheek, but she remained stiff, a porcelain doll devoid of warmth. "Of course, babe", You murmured, the lie tasting like ashes on your tongue. "Always just you”, Her cold, hollow eyes stared into yours, searching for something you were careful not to reveal. The thrill of manipulation, usually intoxicating, curdled in your gut, replaced by a gnawing unease. You hadn't meant to break her, not this quickly, not to turn her into this emotionless servant. You'd envisioned a slow burn, a gradual descent into obsession, not this robotic devotion devoid of even the embers of anger.

As you crawled into bed, Minji followed, her movements strangely mechanical. She nestled close, her body has become a foreign landscape you barely recognized. You craved the firecracker warmth she used to radiate, the spontaneous touch, the whispered secrets. Now, she was a chilling mirror reflecting the monster you'd created. Sleep eluded you. Minji, despite her stillness, pulsed with an unsettling energy. You felt her gaze burning into you, a dark star charting the map of your body. Was this part of the new Minji? This cold calculation, this predatory gleam in her eyes? Your twisted amusement had given way to a prickling sensation of uneasiness, a whisper of regret playing on the edge of your mind. Had you unleashed a force you could no longer control? A puppet is only fun to play with they can struggle, when they don't know the strings above them and have the illusion of control. A literal puppet, an inanimate doll that would just follow your every move isn't an enjoyable toy. You want the struggle, the possibility of losing, this Minji, isn't in the form you want her to be in.

Her hand grazed yours, sending a jolt of electricity through you. Before you could react, she sank her teeth into the soft flesh of your shoulder, a hiss escaping her lips. Pain lanced through you, but it was the raw possessiveness in her eyes that truly aroused your reaction. It was a brutal mark, a claim in crimson ink, the first brushstroke on her twisted masterpiece. You felt annoyed by the sheer audacity of it all, should you calm her down? Or just finish her transformation soon? Would finishing it cause her to be even more boring for you?

"Minji," you croaked, the word catching in your throat. "What are you doing?" Her smile, when it came, was devoid of warmth, a predator eyeing its kill. "Marking you, oppa", she whispered, her voice a silken snare. "Making you mine, forever and always. Just you and me, a world with no distractions”, You were caught in a whirlwind of your own making, the thrill of manipulation swirling dangerously close to the edge of terror. You saw the future stretching before you, a path painted in blood and obsession, a cold path with no one else but you and her.

The crimson mark on your shoulder throbbed, a pulsing reminder of the new Minji, the one you'd sculpted from the ruins of her trust. You weren't scared, not truly. The thrill, the raw audacity of it, was a potent cocktail coursing through your veins. Yet, a shadow of doubt, a flicker of something akin to….. responsibility, perhaps, gnawed at the edges of your amusement. The hunt, oh, the hunt was exquisite. The dance of manipulation, the gradual unravelling of her sanity, that was where the true pleasure lay. Watching her transform into this possessive, cold-blooded creature, a twisted reflection of your own desires, was like watching a masterpiece unfold stroke by agonising stroke.

But the kill, the final act of conquest, held no allure for you. It was the chase, the slow, agonising descent into obsession, that fueled your twisted fire. The kill, the moment of surrender, felt like the closing of a chapter, the end of the game. And you, the puppeteer, craved the endless, exhilarating performance, not the curtain call. Slowing it down, yes, that held promise. Dragging out the game, relishing each twisted step, each mark of her devotion, each whisper of her descent. The thought sent a shiver down your spine, a thrill that was both exhilarating and unsettling.

But there was a risk, a precipice you teetered on. Minji, this new Minji, was a firestorm, a force you'd unleashed and could no longer fully control. Slowing it down meant playing with fire, dancing on the edge of a volcano, and the flames, you knew, could easily consume you both.

The night stretched before you, a canvas painted in shades of crimson and gold. You held Minji close, her cold fire branding your skin, a constant reminder of the power you wielded, the chaos you'd unleashed. This wasn't the ending you'd envisioned, not the final act of your twisted play. This was a new chapter, a thrilling, terrifying improvisation, and the symphony, you knew, would be sung in blood and obsession, a symphony conducted by your own twisted desires. You would slow it down, yes, but not out of fear. You would enjoy the hunt, the exquisite dance of control, and watch, with a predator's glee, as Minji, your creation, your queen, became your most devoted follower.

The silver moon, a tarnished cymbal kissed by rust, clanged discordantly against the silence of the night. Minji, a watercolour portrait smudged by storm clouds, lay beside you, her gaze a piercing brushstroke dissecting the secrets you pretended to conceal. Sleep, a lullaby lost on deaf ears, would not grace her tonight, her heart a frantic drum solo fueled by the cacophony of lies you'd orchestrated. And thus, you played your part. A sigh, a melancholic cello serenade, escaped your lips, laced with the practised vibrato of feigned anguish. "Haewon, no", You whispered, your voice a mournful bassoon lamenting a love you never felt. "Don't take her again."

Each word, a barbed arrow stab in the canvas of Minji’s insecurities, sank deep into her heart, cultivating poisonous vines of doubt. You watched, through narrowed eyes, as the melody of suspicion rose in her, crescendoing into a possessive symphony that almost drowned out the echo of your fabricated despair. It fucking work, Minji was a whirlwind of abstract expressionism, her emotions shifting between obsessive brushstrokes and jealous splatters. Haewon, the spectre you'd conjured in your sleep, became her thematic nemesis, a distorted oil painting dripping with paranoia and misplaced passion. She dissected your every phrase, your every touch, searching for the phantom brushstrokes of this imaginary rival. When she found nothing, the relief in her eyes was a fleeting sunbeam on a rain-slicked canvas, swallowed by the ominous charcoal clouds of disdain that pulsed beneath.

Her charcoal sketches morphed into a nightmarish collage. Haewon, inside Minji's mind, became a grotesque cubist portrait, her features fractured and reassembled into a discordant jumble of envy and rage. You watched, a silent maestro conducting the chaotic orchestra of her descent, as Minji poured her insecurities, her growing madness, onto the canvas, each stroke a dissonant testament to your manipulation. This isn't just control anymore; this is a twisted opera for a broken soul, a crescendo of obsession where Minji, blind to your cruel scherzo, worshipped your fabricated villain. You revelled in the spectacle, the way she clung to your lies, turning Haewon into a monster so she could feel safer, more secure in your fabricated devotion.

Midnight, a velvet curtain, draped the room in hushed expectation. Minji, a tigress coiled and simmering, lay beside you. Her breathing, a low growl, vibrated against your arm, a promise of the storm brewing within. You felt her gaze, a laser beam drilling through the veil of your feigned slumber. She let out a vow to your ‘sleeping’ body a thunderous oath echoing in the darkness, "No one will bother you again," she'd hissed, her devotion, a tangible entity coiled around you. A perverse smile played on your lips, hidden in the shadows. You craved the storm, the tempest of her jealousy fueled devotion. And so, you played your part. A sigh, a whispered secret meant for no ears but hers, drifted from your lips. "Only you, Minji," you murmured, your voice a silken snare laced with feigned passion. "Forever."

The words, a barbed arrow dipped in the twisted concoctions of love, struck their mark. Her breathing hitched, the tigress recoiling in surprise, then settling with a low purr that reverberated through your bones. You felt the anger drain from her, replaced by a fiery possessiveness that licked at your soul. She shifted closer, her body a furnace branding yours. Her touch, once delicate, was now an insistent claim, a possessive map drawn on your skin. You revelled in it, the power she unwittingly surrendered feeding your twisted amusement.

In the ensuing silence, you spun another lie, a cruel melody whispered into the night. "Haewon… no….. more”,you breathed, your voice a mournful cello lamenting a fabricated sorrow. "Only you…… Babe”, The lie, a venomous kiss, landed on the raw wound of her insecurity. You saw the flicker of doubt, the spark of jealousy reignited in her eyes. But this time, it was different. The doubt was a flickering torch, drawing her closer to your darkness, not away. Minji, your tigress, rose from the bed, a predator prowling the room. Her movements were predatory, fueled by the twisted cocktail of love. Her limbs coiled around you, trapping you inside her embrace. “I love you oppa”, The final movement has been averted, replaced by an interlude.

Sunlight crept through the curtains, chasing away the shadows of the night. “Morning oppa”, Minji hasn't slept for a moment, yet her body feels rejuvenated. “Morning babe”, Your hand caressed her back making her purr. “I love you”, Under her bubbly and innocent smile, you can hear her demand for your answer. “I love you too babe, let's get ready for the day”, The answer is correct. Minji, a butterfly reborn, fluttered around the room, her laughter like wind chimes tinkling in the breeze. The storm of the night seemed a distant memory, replaced by a sunny facade that clung to her like a second skin. But you saw it, the glint of the monster you'd sculpted, lurking beneath the bubbly surface. A flicker of a possessive glint in her eyes when she caught you glancing at the phone, a subtle tightening of her grip when you spoke about another woman. The tigress slept, but it dreamt of fire, its claws honed and waiting.

The day stretched before you, a journey marked by boxes and goodbyes. Your parents, a melancholic cello duet, stood in the doorway, their faces etched with bittersweet smiles. “Take care of each other now”, your mother whispered, her voice filled with joy and excitement with her successful plan. You watched Minji's hand steal into yours, a vine coiling around your fingers. A smile, practised and perfect, bloomed on her face. "Don't worry, mom", she chirped, her voice a bright soprano masking the darkness beneath. "Oppa and I will be just fine", Of course, it was also an ultimatum for you, she won't let you mess anything up from now on. "Of course, we will be just fine”, Well, fine is a pretty wide term, but in some way and form, the two of you will be fine. “Don't get pregnant while-”, You dragged Minji out before your dad could finish his sentence. “Oppa, I want to get pregnant”, Minji whispered in your ears, a clear test for your own devotion for her. “I'll get you pregnant, after we got married”, The little monster consumed her eyes, emitting ecstasy and anticipations, “We'll get married soon right?” Her voice was laced with poison. “Soon enough”, And so does yours it seems.

The drive to your new home was a silent opera. Minji, a capricious soprano, chirped about decorating and future plans, her voice a sugary veneer over the churning turmoil within. You watched the scenery blur past, a discordant landscape mirroring the dissonance in your heart. The house, when you finally arrived, stood cold and empty. A blank canvas waiting for the splatters of your twisted masterpiece. Minji, with a childish glee you knew was feigned, skipped through the rooms, claiming them as her own.

“This bed is kinda big oppa, there's plenty of space for us”, Minji really wants to take the main bedroom for the two of you. “Listen, I'm not fucking you on my dad's bed okay?” Just, no, you hate the possibility of imagining your dad while you're rawdogging your girlfriend. “Come on, pleaseeeeee?” However Minji really wants to claim it as a way to show this house belongs to the two of you. “No, I'll ask for a new bed soon, come on let's move to my bedroom”, For now she'll be content with filling your bedroom with new memories of her.

The moment she got to your bedroom she dived into your bed. Smelling to find any scent of a bitch on it. “Oppa….” She does not like what she finds, “Yeah, I haven't changed my sheet in a while”, You did two-time Haewon and Minji for a week or two after you took Minji's virginity. “You've been sleeping here? With that whore’s cheap perfume staining this place?” You shrugged, letting her let out her anger. “I hate this place”, The walls, the bed, the floor, the sheets, it's all tainted by the touch of a whore. “Ssshhhhh, we can drown out her smell, just you and me. Wouldn't that be fine babe? Erasing her trace with your own?” It is so easy to poke at her weak spot.

“Fine, come here oppa”, Slowly you take off your clothes, making sure to let her suffer through the wait. Minji has already turned fully naked when you only opened your top, which frustrated her. “Oppa, come on, stop teasing me. Don't you want to fill me up again?” She spread her legs as her fingers started playing around with her pussy. The desperate looks she gave you push you to move faster. You get on your knees, enjoying the food that has been presented for you. “You, are so fucking perverted babe”, You kissed her inner thighs making her body shivers, “Oppa, I need you, please”, She let out a desperate plea. “Well, thank you for the food”, Your tongue slowly rubbed her pussy, giving her some surge of arousal.

“Yeah oppa, just like that, do that again”, Minji has slowly become more and more vocal with her moans ever since you told her how much you like hearing her scream. Of course you can't really hear much since your hearing is being hindered by the thighs ear muff wrapping your head. “Fuck oppa, you're gonna make me cum”, Her body jolt out, raising her waist while her leg is cutting the blood circulation to your ear. Grabbing her waist you keep her in place before your tongue starts going ham inside her pussy. “Fuck oppa, that's not fair”, She moans as her hand grabbed your hair. “Fuck, oppa, I'm cumming”, It was a split second after that did you feel the sudden sprays of her juice on your face.

Your head is being squeezed by her thighs, your hair is being torn off by her hand, your face being soaked by her juice. What more could a man ask for? “Oppa, that was incredible”, Finally she let you go, you just let out a sigh before taking her t-shirt and wiped your face with it. “I'm not eating you out ever again”, It's okay, she'll find a way to talk you into it. Oh my, she is growing, into something as scummy as you are.

“Well come on, fuck me oppa”, Despite the state she's in, Minji still fingers herself to prepare her hole for you. “So fucking eager aren't you?” She nodded before turning her back to you, without hesitation you plunged into her making her let out a scream. “So fucking tight too”, Your hand moves by itself and slaps her ass, “Ahhhhhh, oppa”, Her cries of pains made you feel even hornier. “Shut up you”, You slaps her again making her shriek, “You like this don't you slut?” Another slap, this time you felt her walls tightening around you. “No”, Yet the moan doesn't lie to you, “Liar, tell me how much you like it”, Minji is loving it, but she doesn't want to show it to you.

“I'm not a slut”, You spank her again, “Lies, tell me how much you like this babe”, You leaned down and kissed her back making the playing field less even for her. “No, I hate it”, She moans again, completely failing in convincing you. “Babyyyy”, Your hand reached to her neck, gently wrapping around it. “I don't like liars”, With one rough pull you dragged her up. Now she's standing alongside you, although her leg doesn't really reach the ground. “I'm not lying”, Being grabbed like a useless doll makes Minji feel so aroused. “Is that so?” You bite her ears, you use one hand to hold her by the waist, you open your legs wider so that she can stand on her own two feets.

“I know you're lying, sluts”, You tightened your hand on her neck as you pound her harder. “Aggg, not… lying…” The ecstasy, the feelings of being absolutely used as nothing but a tool for your pleasure, it overwhelmed her. “Say it slut”, Your hand slapped her tits this time making her let out a choked cry. “I’m cumming”, She managed to let out a squeal as her body started to spasm out of control. Yet you didn't stop, you continued strangling her while your waist continued pounding her. The absolute thrill of being degraded like this makes Minji's orgasm last a long time. Long enough by the time she finishes you actually feels yours getting closer.

“Fucking slut”, You throw her to the bed letting her fall limply to it as you grabbed her waist and fuck her harder. “I'm cumming bitch”, Minji was out of it, the oxygen deprivation had sent her mind wandering off somewhere. Of course, the moment your hot load fills her up she immediately gets another orgasm.

Did I pass out? Have oppa been fucking my unconscious body this whole time? That's so hot.

Yeah she's definitely broken, you did this by the way. Soon she will be nothing but a sentient sexbot who only has one variable in her mind, you. “Fuck, Minji are you okay?” Your hand reached out to grab her head, “Hold me oppa”, She whimpered. You jumped on the bed and cuddled her closer to you, “I'm sorry babe”, You laughed as she started crying on your shoulder. “I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you” that's all you hear from her for an hour or so.

As the time passes, you get bored, thinking about what's the next plan, how do you slowly turn Minji into much, well, degenerate. “Oppa, let's go again”, Minji already starts stroking your cock, “Do you want to have a house tour with sex baby?” Why bother asking, just go and spread your mark all over the place.

"Promise me you'll be back by ten”, she rasped, her voice strained with a tremor that tugged at your heartstrings. "Ten, oppa. No later”, You stare at her through the reflection of the mirror as you put on your tie, “Ten? Baby the shows end by 11, and as the leader I need to stay around for some after-party for the band chemistry”, The last month of living together has calm her down a lot, no longer is she a dragon anxious for her treasure trove being stolen, you are the treasure by the way, now more like a needy cat that doesn't want its owner to leave for work.

The knot in her chest tightened. Minji's pleading eyes, reflected in the mirror like twin pools of worry, chipped away at the carefully constructed nonchalance you wore like a shield. "But it's just a formality, baby” You soothed, forcing a smile to calm her down. "A quick toast, maybe some pictures, and then I'm out of there. Back before you can finish that book you've been reading", The book is about a guide on how to navigate through marriage for a newly wed wife. Your words seemed to hang in the air, caught in the web of her suspicion. Haewon, the phantom you'd conjured, loomed large in the unspoken spaces between you.

Minji hovered by the window, sunlight glinting off the nervous tears clinging to her eyelashes. You finished tying your boots, the leather laces a stark contrast to the fragile tendrils of doubt she was weaving around you.

"Haewon won't be there", You assured her, your voice firm yet it has no effect on her. "I told you, it's just the band and those basketball kids. Trust me, my spotlight tonight only shines on you”, But her smile, usually as bright as a sunflower, remained wan, painted with the worry of shadows not yet cast. "You promise?" she whispered, her voice a trembling melody in the morning air.

You crossed your heart, the gesture feeling almost sacrilegious in the face of your web of lies. "Promise," you lied, the taste of ash settling on your tongue. "No Haewon, just me and the boys”, Of course Haewon will be there, it will be fun. Unfortunately for you Minji starts to notice the signs of your lies, which means she's still hesitant about your departure. A playful sigh escaped your lips, laced with a touch of deceptions. "Look," you pleaded, turning towards her, "how about a compromise? I'll sneak out as soon as the formalities are done, okay? I'll text you the second I'm in the car, even give you live updates through if you want."

Her expression wavered, a fragile pendulum swinging between doubt and reluctant trust. You knew the fear still lurked beneath the surface, a predator coiled and ready to pounce at the slightest hint of your betrayal. But amidst the tension, you saw a glimmer of the Minji you'd grown to cherish, the girl who believed in your promises, the girl who craved your return, not your confinement. "Fine," she whispered, the word falling from her lips like a reluctant concession. "But no later than half-past eleven. And text me every step of the way, even if it's just a boring picture of your shoes under the table."

A wave of relief washed over you, warm and cleansing. You pulled her into a tight embrace, inhaling the scent of her lavender perfume, letting her imprint her scent on you. "Deal," you murmured, your lips brushing against her temple. "I'll be back soon babe”, You won't.

The ride was quiet for you, yet your phone is bombarded with Minji's text, since she knows the address to the venue you decided to answer her just in case she would come and wreak havoc. “Baby I'm driving right now”, A glint of worry attacked her, “Why did you call me then?” Minji hurriedly closes the call and sends a long text telling you why texting while driving is dangerous and other stuff. You only read her text once you arrived at the venue, “Why does her book have a chapter about drunk driving?” The book was supposed to be for a newlywed wife right?

“Well, well, well, look who decides to show up”, Bae said, drilling her gaze into your eyes, “Bae”, Haewon grabbed her hand trying to calm her down. “Evening Bae, as pleasant as always”, You ignored the two of them and went to find Jin. “You can't just keep running to me to escape Haewon”, You can and you will continue doing this, “I'm running for her own sake”, How noble of you. “Yeah whatever, what's up?” You look around to see that everyone is fully ready for the performance, “Is there any plans for after the performance?” It would be nice if there is, after all things has been going too well for you and Minji. “Drinks? Karaoke? Dinner? Whatever you want dude”, Come on now you're the shot caller for your band of misfits. “Karaoke fuck it?” Doing karaoke after a straining performance will be very tiring even for you, of course it was the best option to wreck Minji's heart.

“You're the boss”, It's nice that Jin reminds you of that from time to time, or was it a complaint for your lack of responsibility? “Alright boys, gather up, briefing time”, Ah, you get his hint. A quick briefing for the performance, rundown on the songs you've prepared and of course a little soundcheck. Throughout all this you managed to sent some text to Minji just to update her. These text is the only thing that's keeping her sane throughout the hours. She can't even focus on anything else but your text, trying to analyse every pixel for any detail you might try to hide.

Who is that girl oppa?

You?

What? The girl in the room with you. That's a girl's leg on the top left corner.

That's Bae, one of the boy's girlfriends. You want to meet her?

Why is she there?

To meet her boyfriend?

Stop answering with questions. You said there will only be your ‘boys’, or is she on of the ‘boys’ as well?

It's 2023 babe, we need to be inclusive, boys, bros, it's all universal term.

Your text certainly doesn't help, Minji's hand was gripping the phone so hard it could've broken. “Who is that bitch”, A low whisper more akin to a growl came out of her.

STOP EVADING THE QUESTIONS

Yeah okay, there's a few girls here, they're my boys’ girlfriends.

YOU SAID THERE WILL ONLY BE THE BOYS

IT'S ZE BOYS, but yeah they are bringing their girlfriend. It's okay babe, they won't even bat an eye on me.

If you come back.

With their scent on you.

I won't let you leave the house again.

Okay, I need to do some soundcheck, I'll text you before the performance.

Minji gnawed on her thumbnail, the bitter taste of nail polish mingling with the sour cocktail of worry churning in her stomach. Your band's music pulsed through the apartment walls, a distant but tantalising echo of the world you were currently inhabiting. She tried to focus on the self-help book titled "Newlywed Wife's Guide for Marriage," the words blurring before her eyes. Each sentence about "trusting your spouse" and "maintaining healthy communication" felt like a hollow balm on her burning anxieties.

The image, the one you'd sent from the venue, had burrowed into her mind like a malevolent worm. It wasn't even the girl's face, just a glimpse of legs beneath a short skirt, a flash of tanned skin that, to Minji's twisted perspective, screamed calculated seduction. While you basked in the spotlight, she wrestled with the phantom threat of another woman stealing your gaze, your touch, your entire universe.

The book, supposed armour against these insecurities, offered nothing but platitudes. "Accept your husband will be flirted with," it droned, "but trust his commitment." Trust? How could she, when every laugh shared on stage, every casual brush with a friend, felt like a tiny betrayal chipping away at their fledgling relationship? Frustration, acrid and bitter, welled up inside her. She slammed the book shut, its pronouncements useless in the face of her torment. Outside, city lights winked like mocking eyes, each twinkle a stark reminder of the gulf between her and you.

The stage pulsed with energy, sweat and amplified riffs painting a portrait of your adrenaline-fueled world. Your voice soared, carrying the melody of the band's hard work for the last few months. Amidst the cheers and ambiance lights, a phantom audience of one haunted your every note. Minji. Back in your apartment, she continues biting on her nails, a habit she has developed from dealing with you. Each text message, a bland chronicle of "soundcheck done”, "opening act killed it”, felt like a brushstroke obscuring a hidden canvas. No mention of the ‘girlfriend’ , no picture of the whore’s leg. The silence, louder than any roar, amplified her anxieties.

You'd promised the picture wouldn't come, and yet, the absence felt like a deliberate omission, a carefully crafted lie. The silence between your texts, once filled with the comforting buzz of the concert, became an abyss of doubt. Minji slammed the phone on the bed, the screen's blue light leaving ghostly afterimages on her tear-filled eyes.

She tried to focus on the book, the "Newlywed Wife's Guide," but its platitudes about communication and trust felt like hollow echoes in the face of her mounting suspicions. You, her rockstar, her sunshine, were now a phantom figure dancing in the shadows, your every move shrouded in a veil of deceit. The book is mocking her with its empty promises of trust and communication. Trust? How could she, when every update felt sanitised, every emoji a carefully chosen mask? Finally, unable to bear the torment any longer, she typed out a message, her fingers trembling making her have to retype the whole message a couple of time. "When are you coming home?" the words screamed, a desperate plea for a shred of truth in the labyrinth of your lies.

I'm chilling until the closing for now.

The response was read almost immediately.

Karaoke????

You said it will be dinner

It came back, the question mark a venomous punctuation mark. You smiled, picturing her curled up on the couch, the book abandoned on the floor, her mind spinning with suspicion. You knew the image too well, the monster you'd created reflected in her haunted eyes.

There was a change of plans

I'll just drink a little and sing a song or two and I'll be right with you.

She read it, but she didn't respond at all. This radio silence caused some uneasy feeling inside you, so you left the bathroom and called her up. The call was answered instantly.

“Hey babe”

“Why are you going to a karaoke oppa? Please just come back home”

She's crying.

“Baby don't cry, it's just an hour at most”

“Oppa, please, I need you”

She's crying, hysterically.

“Baby, I promise, after this I won't leave your side for a week”

“You're not leaving my side for a week regardless”

Good point, how do you counter this.

“A month, I'll take you out to my internship”

“Baby, please, just come home. I miss you already”

Her heart wrenching wails can be heard echoing around your bedroom.

“Baby, why are you like this? Please it's just a karaoke, nothing is gonna happen”

“Babe, I miss you”

The pain whimpering she let out made you realise, if you push it harder she will do something stupid.

“Okay, I'll see what I can do okay?”

Have you gone too soft?

“Hey, are you still busy with your ‘internship’?” Haewon’s voice can be heard followed by the knocking on the door. “Who's that?” Minji roared, “I'll be back soon, and stop following me weirdo”, Right, let's feed Minji's insecurities of finding you getting flirted on. “I can't believe I dated you”, This time Haewon's voice is lower and you're not really sure that it can be heard through the phone. “Oppa, please, come home now”, Minji pleaded, it's all just too much for her. “Baby, once the performance end I'll come home okay? There's only half an hour left”, That's like 30 minutes too long for Minji. “Oppa, please, come home”, She sounds so pathetic already, “I'll be back soon babe, I love you”, She didn't answer with words as the only thing you can hear is her sobbing. You stay in line for a minute or so, then you hang up, making her cries even harder.

As you get out of the bedroom you find Haewon just standing there in the hallway. “Evening, Hae, anything I can help you with?” Her eyes narrowed, then she strides over to you and grabs your collar before pulling you down. “I know that internship is just a fucking lie”, Well, it seems things are getting annoying now. You frown and tilted your head as if you're not getting what she means by that. Haewon's eyes, once smouldering embers of adoration, now crackled with the fierce heat of suspicion. Her accusation hung in the air, a tangible thing you could almost hear "Don't play dumb with me, Oppa", coming out of her mouth. Yet her lips stay still, she knows that you're getting her message.

The urge to scoff, to dismiss her claims with a smirk and a well-placed lie, warred with a prickling sensation at the back of your neck. Her sudden awareness, like a rogue vine twisting towards your carefully cultivated garden of deception, was starting to annoy you more than frighten you. "Hae," you began, playing the clueless card like a well-worn suit, "you're scaring me. Really. What on earth are you talking about?" Your voice, a touch too high, a shade too rehearsed, was met with a sardonic smile that sliced through your feigned innocence. "Oh, spare me the ignorant act”, she spat, her voice laced with the bitterness of betrayal. "The internship, the space – everyone knows it's a charade. And I know more than just that."

Her words, each one a subtle jab, prodded at the carefully constructed walls you'd erected around your secret life. Haewon, once a pliable puppet in your game, was now a tigress clawing her way out of the cage. Your puppets, it seemed, were becoming a touch too sentient for your liking. "Hae, come on," you sighed, spreading your hands in a gesture of mock bewilderment. "Fantasies? Look, if you think there's someone else… well, that's your prerogative. But don't drag me into your suspicions."

Haewon's eyes narrowed, scepticism dancing in their depths. Her hand reached behind your head and pulled it into her neck, you can feel her breath tickling your ears, just like old times. "Fantasies, you say? I know your secrets better than you think, Oppa. And let me tell you, I'm not going down like this. Whoever that bitch is, I'll find her. Also, you might be a father soon, so don't run too far, daddy~”, Then she let go, and before you can get a glimpse of her face she already turned around.

Haewon's footsteps, once sharp staccato, faded into the distant hum of the city like a final, angry cymbal crash. You didn't chase her, nor did fear twist your gut. This, you realized with a chilling thrill, was the finale, the crescendo of your intricately orchestrated chaos. Silence, filled with anticipation, settled on the stage. The piano, normally your bandmate's playful confidante, now hummed a melancholic blues, each note heavy with the weight of revelation. The drums, a once-joyful pulse, echoed like distant thunder, a rumbling premonition of the storm you'd unleashed.

And then, Minji's imagined cries, not screams of accusation, but soft, wounded whimpers, joined the symphony. They twined around the piano's melody, a mournful oboe solo weaving through the discordant tapestry of your unraveling masterpiece. This wasn't fear, this morbidly exhilarating waltz of consequences. No, this was the conductor relishing the final flourish, the maestro gazing upon the wreckage of his deliberate chaos with a cold, artistic detachment. Haewon, the scorned tigress, had merely been the catalyst, the final push needed to send your marionette strings flying, the puppets tumbling into their inevitable fall. Her sudden sentience and defiant is only a step back to your plans for Minji's transformation.

You pictured Minji, eyes red-rimmed, tears tracing silent melodies down her cheeks. The sight, far from being a gut punch, fueled the perverse fire within you. Her pain, you imagined, was another instrument in your twisted orchestra, a mournful cello adding depth and despair to the symphony of your destruction. The crowd, their chatter a distant, muffled chorus, became the audience to your private tragedy. Their oblivious enjoyment of the band's now-sombre performance merely emphasized the irony, the cruel disconnect between the staged entertainment and the real-life drama unfolding in the wings.

You closed your eyes, the music swirling within you, a dark, intoxicating vortex. And in that swirling chaos, you saw not the wreckage, but the possibilities. This wasn't a failed performance, it was a liberation, a shedding of the puppeteer's mask, a descent into the raw, unchained melody of your true self. A sick and twisted smile starts to form on your face, filled with anticipation, ecstasy and most importantly, sadistic perversion.

No longer would you play by society's rules, dance to the rhythms of expected outcomes. This was your symphony, discordant and raw, yours to conduct until the final note, the bitter aftertaste of chaos clinging to your lips like a final, triumphant encore. As the jazz band, oblivious to the storm they'd unwittingly orchestrated, ended their set with a soft, resigned coda, you stepped back into the shadows. The curtain hadn't fallen, not yet. This was merely the intermission, the pause before the final movement of the song, the grand finale where the puppeteer became the protagonist, the villain, the tragic hero of his own twisted, beautiful symphony.

AN: I really wanted to wrap things out in this chapter but my hand just start writing and I lost control. Anyway, second chapter out of three, the third one might take a while since i have some plans for new years. Till then, cheers

#kpop fanfic #kpop gg #kpop smut #newjeans minji #kim minji #minji smut #male reader

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